59501To Thomas Jefferson from D. L. Morel, 29 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
however impeded in some fiew cases, by our political institutions, should be the display of philosophy, there are neverthless many where a true philosopher is gratified by any afforded opportunity of unfolding his love to mankind. this so eminently exhibited love by your excellency is for me an incitment of offering him with the homage of a project to apply oars perhaps, to our vessels of the...
59502From Thomas Jefferson to William Frederick Ast, [17] September 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I will now state to you the reasons which have induced me to decline engaging finally in the mutual insurance against fire. when I had the pleasure of meeting you at Dumfries in Jany. 1798. you were so good as to sit with me the evening & to go into considerable details on the subject of your plan of insurance . the calculations were of some length & difficulty, I was...
59503Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, 20 April 1821 (SJL description) (Jefferson Papers)
[ Ed. Note : A missing letter to Niles of 20 Apr. 1821 is recorded in SJL with the bracketed notation: “5.D.” In his financial records for that date TJ noted sending Hezekiah Niles “5.D. for a year’s Register” ( MB James A. Bear Jr. and Lucia C. Stanton, eds., Jefferson’s Memorandum Books: Accounts, with Legal Records and Miscellany, 1767–1826 , 1997, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson , Second...
59504John Boylston to John Adams, 31 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
You may possibly wonder at my Silence in not writing you during so long a period and which might yet have continu’d from the danger which attends it did not the cruelty and injustice of this Govt. impel me to sollicit you and Doctor F ran k li n to use your utmost interest with the Court of V e rs ail les to take the American Prisoners under its immediate Protection by insisting on a Cartel...
59505Salaries for Congress and Eligibility for Federal Offices, [14 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Henry complained that Article I, Section 6, was dangerous in allowing members of Congress to fix their own salaries and to be appointed to federal offices. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—I most sincerely wish to give a proper explanation on this subject, in such a manner as may be to the satisfaction of every one. I shall suggest such considerations as led the convention to approve of this clause....
59506To George Washington from Henry Lee, c.3 Nov. 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, c.3 Nov. 1794. On 3 Nov., Alexander Hamilton wrote GW, “A letter from Governor Lee which goes with this probably informs you of the plan of future operations.”
59507To John Adams from Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 22 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
When I arrived here to Look for a Shelter against the dreadful Evils which threatened us in the most unfortunate Colony of St. Domingo, I Sollicited from President Washington a friend to my father the means of Subsisting of which an atrocious revolution had deprived me. Warmly Suported by General Knox, I was happy enough as to obtain to be employed as a Sub-Engineer under Mr. Serrant in the...
59508To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, [ca. 22 May 1786?] (Jefferson Papers)
I long to see you, and hope that you and sister Patsy are well; give my love to her and tell her that I long to see her, and hope that you and she will come very soon to see us. I hope you will send me a doll. I am very sorry that you have sent for me. I don’t want to go to France, I had rather stay with Aunt Eppes. Aunt Carr, Aunt Nancy and Cousin Polly Carr are here. Your most happy and...
59509[Diary entry: 1 May 1767] (Washington Papers)
1. Cloudy & cool in the Morning. Wind Eastwardly. Clear & warm afterwards till 5. Wind Southwardly—then Eastwardly again.
59510Session of Virginia Council of State, 14 January 1778 (Madison Papers)
The eleventh article of Virginia’s Form of Government ( Hening, Statutes William Waller Hening, ed., The Statutes at Large; being a Collection of all the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619 (13 vols.; Richmond and Philadelphia, 1819–23). , IX, 116) provided for a Privy Council, or Council of State, of eight members to be chosen by the legislature....
59511[Diary entry: 30 November 1770] (Washington Papers)
Friday 30th. According to Appointment the Doctr. and I met & after Breakfasting at Snickers proceeded on to Wests where we arrivd at or about Sunset. West’s ordinary was located at the junction of the Colchester and Carolina roads in Loudoun County near present-day Aldie. By 1765 Charles West had taken over management of the inn from his father, William West (see harrison [1] Fairfax Harrison....
59512From John Jay to George Washington, 27 June 1786 (Jay Papers)
Being deputed by the Church Convention of New York, to attend a general one convened here, I brought with me your obliging Letter of the 18 Ult. that I might devote the first Leisure Hour to the Pleasure of answering it. Congress having freed the Papers of which the enclosed are Copies from Injunctions of Secrecy, and permitted the Delegates to make and send Extracts from them to their...
59513To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Jackson, 4 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Wednesday, August 4, 1773: An invitation, with apologies for the short notice, to breakfast and dinner tomorrow at Hampstead.> The comptroller of the Foreign Office in the General Post Office; see above, XIV , 301 n.
59514To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my last the half Indian Bawbee, by the concurrence of a Sergeant belonging to, late Captain Heth’s Company, made his escape; and persuaded a Fifer of the 9th Virga Regt to desert to the Enemy. The Delaware chiefs at Cooshocking seized the Deserter, and sent him back, and he is confined in Irons; But he cannot be tried untill your Excellency is pleased to order a Genl Court Martial. I...
59515To George Washington from James Ross, 3 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
At the time I had the honour of receiving your letter of the 16th June, I also learned from the public papers that you had set out on a visit to Virginia I therefore deferred an Answer, untill your return to Philadelphia should be Announced—before this happened the present tumults arose here which together with the interruption of the public Mail, and the general refusal of every one leaving...
59516To George Washington from William Heath, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence from the water guard, which I believe may be fully depended on, That the fleet of transports having the troops on board, sailed from New York on wednesday morning last, the 21st instant—the same number that had put to sea before, and returned, having been chased in by the French fleet—Sir Harry Clinton is gone in the fleet—report says, to the southward....
59517To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 15 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation the following promotions and appointments in the Militia of the District of Columbia, viz. First Legion. Lieut Michael Nourse to be promoted to the rank of Captain vice Capt Queen resigned. Richard D. Briscoe to be appointed Lieut of Infantry. William Worthington to be appointed Ensign of Infantry. Second Legion. Lieut John Jameson to be...
59518From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Jackson, 8 August 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Being here on the Business of the Post-Office, I have received your obliging Favour of May 19. which I shall answer by the next Pacquet. At present I have only time to introduce to you Col. Dyer, the Bearer of this Letter, a Gentleman of Character and Reputation in your Colony of Connecticut. He goes to England to lay the Affair of their Purchase on...
59519To George Washington from Colonel Oliver Spencer, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
agreable to the orders of General Hand I Send Serjt DeLong Who has been into the Indian Country, for your Excellency’s to Examine. we are now entered on the repairs of the road, to Wyoming but are exceedingly put to it, for tools, as axes are almost the only tools we are posses’d of; I Expect to meet Col. Courtlandt tomorrow at Pokono, and am in hopes to make good head way through, nothing...
59520From George Washington to Mason Locke Weems, 29 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 20th instant—accompanying “The Philanthropist.” For your politeness in sending the latter, I pray you to receive my best thanks. Much indeed is it to be wished that the sentiments contained in the Pamphlet, and the doctrine it endeavours to inculcate, were more prevalent. Happy would it be for this country at least, if they were so. But while...
59521From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 20 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Mr. Butler, a Senator of the US. from South Carolina having a desire to get some White Hermitage wine, I take the liberty of addressing him to you and of mentioning at the same time that I recieved from your friend at Cette what you were so kind as to order for me. there were two qualities, the one of the crop of de Loche which made up nearly the whole of what was sent, which is not...
5952231st. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Allen, and Mr. Quarles, two clergymen, dined here to day. In the afternoon Charles went over to Bradford, to visit Walker, his Chum: We spent the Evening, and supp’d at Mr. White’s; there were several ladies and gentlemen from Boston there: Charles made it so late before he came from Bradford that he did not go with us. It was about 10. when we return’d home. The Company at Mr. White’s...
59523From Alexander Hamilton to Samuel Hodgdon, 17 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will — send to Harper’s ferry, subject to the orders of General Pinckney, a supply quantity of fixed ammunition equal to a supply field supply of four four pounders, and a regiment of Infantry. You will also send to the Union — Brigade, subject to the order of Col. Smith a quantity of fixed ammunition equal to a field supply of two six pounders and a battallion of Infantry. The same...
59524To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 22 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am still without a Line from you in ansr to several of my Letters:— I have I hope sufficiently cleared up my apparent Neglect:— You must I think have recd four of my Letters since yours by the Abbé Morellet:— In my last I believe I mentioned that Mrs. Hewson had at length determined to accept yr. Invitation,— She had really told me so, and I had begun to...
59525To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 27 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Coxe has the honor to inclose to Mr. Jefferson the paper under this cover with a request that it may be returned when he shall have read or caused it to be transcribed. The Name of the writer Mr. C. will have the honor to communicate orally . RC ( DLC ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; endorsed by TJ: “Florida West.” Recorded in SJPL .
59526To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. several letters of late from some of our friends, who complain of the arrangment or rather provision made in the treaties with France for American creditors, to whom they intimate an attention was paid wh. may embarrass our treasury. It is presumeable that we might have plac’d them on any reasonably satisfactory ground that we wod. have proposed; but as the payment of no part of...
59527From John Adams to James Monroe, 4 February 1818 (Adams Papers)
I should ask leave without scruple to transmit the enclosed letter to you were it not for the foolish compliment in it to my pretended influence, which you know to be unfounded & therefore may pass over with a smile. I do not hesitate to comply with his request, by enclosing a copy of a letter, I wrote to Mr Madison, on the 2nd. February 1813 nor scruple to say that no opinion or sentiment in...
59528To James Madison from George Logan, 31 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Altho not in public life, I feel with the deepest anguish the progress of events passing before my eyes, and in an alarming degree threatening the peace of my country. We appear to be approaching a crisis in our affairs, which calls for the whole wisdom of our councils. I allude to the contemplated invasion of Canada. A subject every rational citizen regards with horror. Perhaps you may ask,...
59529To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 1 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Je crois devoir vous prevenir, Monsieur, que M. Boucault Commissaire à Morlaix me marque que le Corsaire la Princesse Noire lui a remis 26. otages et 16. prisonniers Anglois. Je vous prie de ne pas differer de me faire connoitre si ce Commissaire peut remettre ces Prisonniers, a titre d’Echange pour le Compte des Americains, au Capitaine du Parlementaire Anglois la...
59530Lydia Broadnax to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
It has been some considerable time since I last took the liberty of addressing you and should not now trouble you was it not through necessity— You no doubt recollect that my late master ( Judge Wythe ) on his death left me a house and lot to support me & gave me money to build a house to reside in.— M r Duval was left executor and instructed by my master to see that justice was done me—he has...
59531To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 7 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
What is the matter with my dear Hamilton and by what chance do I live in fruitless expectation of some lines from him? Does it begin to be the play in your, or rather in our Country, to take European airs, and forget friends as soon as they have turned their heels—Indeed my good friend I cannot help being somewhat angry against you, which makes into my heart a ridiculous fighting between love...
59532From George Washington to John Hanson, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having found a moment’s leisure to examine myself into the situation of affairs on the frontiers of this State, I have lately made a journey, up the Hudson & Mowhawk Rivers as far as Saratoga & Schenactady—Just before my arrival there a party of three or four hundred of the Enemy, consisting of British, Refugees, & Savages had made an incursion down the Mowhawk, attacked, and captured (after a...
59533Samuel J. Harrison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Griffen tells me that you have directed your Overseer , to Send your present Crop of Tob o to Richmond ; which I am Sorry to hear; as I had intended to make you a Liberal offer for it: and as it is not yet too late, I hope you will say by Return of M
59534General Orders, 27 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
59535From George Washington to Countess of Tankerville, 30 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
About ten days ago I had the honor to receive your Ladyships favor of the 21st of June from London. It is painful to me to be under the necessity of declining the trust which the Earl of Tankerville & your other Son the Honble Mr Bennett have invested me with—To discharge the duties of which, your Ladyships state of matters & request, would be strong excitements, if My situation was not such...
59536To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 15 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, January 15, 1790. On February 18, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “Your Letter of the 15th of January last duly came to hand.” Letter not found. ]
59537To John Adams from Lloyd Beall, 21 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
At a numerous and respectable meeting of the citizens of George Town, held this twenty first day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, agreeably to a previous notice—Colonel Lloyd Beall, Mayor, was appointed chairman—When the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the Executive of the United States, in their instructions...
59538To John Adams from Richard O’Bryen, 25 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
your letter by M r. Lamb I received and wrote you shortly Afterwards Informing you of the Unfortunate event of M r. Lambs Voyage to Algiers. the particulars long Ere to this you have known. M r. Lamb Signified to the Dey that he would try & Get the Money for our Redemption in four Months. but three is past and we have heared nothing particular Since But hopes that our Country will Shortly...
59539To George Washington from William Livingston, 16 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honour this morning to acquaint your Excellency that I had been yesterday to the Southward to forward pilots to the hook to conduct the fleet under the Command of his Excellency Count d’Estaing to New York —As each ship ought at least to have one, I am persuaded that it will conduce to the Service to secure some to the Northward least we should be disappointed in the requisite...
59540To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I had fully determined, upon my arrival in the U.S. , to have made a journey to the City of Washington, for the express & sole purpose of paying my respects to the President. But the fatigue & inconvenience which my wife suffered in our voyage from Europe prevented me from carrying that determination into effect; especially as She was unable to accompany me & unwilling to be left alone among...
59541To John Adams from Jonathan Williams, 1 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I heartily congratulate you on your safe Return to Europe and thank you for your obliging Care of my Letters from my Friends, which I received last Post from Bilboa. I shall be greatly obliged to you if you will employ a leisure half Hour in giving me a little Sketch of our public Affairs in America, so far only as is prudent for you to communicate, and proper for me to know. Please to let me...
59542From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 20 September 1765 (Washington Papers)
It cannot reasonably be imagined that I felt any pleasing Sensations upon the receipt of your Letter of the 13th of February covering accts of Sales for 153 Hhds of Master Custis’s Tobo and 115 of mine. That the Sales are pitifully low, needs no words to demonstrate—and that they are worse than many of my Acquaintance upon this River—Potomack—have got in the Out Posts, & from Mr Russel and...
59543To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 21–23 November 1770 (Washington Papers)
I this day set off Mr Guys Vessell with your negros she did not get hear So soon ass I Expected them by their Letter by ten days they tel me they ware drove to Norfolk a Coming over the Bay they Bring you 500 Bushels of oats the freight 3d. pr Bushel £ 6. 5.0 and 16 negros @ 15/ pr head 12. 0.0 ⟨ mutilated ⟩ 1 ⟨39⟩ lb. of Cotten
59544To George Washington from John Nicholas, 18 November 1797 (Washington Papers)
A few weeks ago a letter came to the Warren Post-Office in this County (Albemarle) from you, directed to “ Mr Langhorne ”; where it lay some days, unclaimed and unsaught for. Hearing it mentioned, I concluded it was intended for an old Gentn of that name in an adjoining County, who, I believe had been ingaged, in some capa[ci]ty or another, in what was called Braddock’s war; and had it taken...
59545To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 19 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Substance of the examination of the woman which your excellency directed me to take, is as Follows vizt That her name is Mary Debeau; that She lived with Mr John Livingston about 18 months ago; and resided two weeks in Newyork, before She went to Staten Island, the day the man of warr passed up the River. That She embarked with 7 men good livers in appearance, & 8 or 9 women, & ten...
59546From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Carter Waller, 21 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of Dec. 10. as I had done in due time that of Mr. Welsh , tho’ I did not know that it had come from you. At that time it was my intention to have retired from office at the end of September, and meant to have taken the first opportunity of seeing Mr. Eppes the acting executor of Mr. Wayles, and to have acquired from him the information necessary to enable me to...
59547To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
You will receive with this a duplicate of a private letter sent some few days past by Liverpool. It is private from the reference it has to Mr. Livingston, of whom it may [be] better that any remarks however impartial which I make, shod. be thus convey’d. I hope you will receive that, as this being a bad copy from the press may not be easily read. I lately requested that you wod. be so good as...
59548From James Madison to James Dinsmore, 17 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1812. Acknowledges receipt of Dinsmore’s letter of 5 Aug. [not found]. Has remitted $407 to Mr. Warnock and has received a receipt. Hopes to be at Montpelier soon. RC (owned by Robert G. Kaufmann, Wayne Township, N.J., 1985). 1 p.
59549From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written to mr Smith proposing to order a couple of gunboats from New York into the Delaware, and 2. from Norfolk to the head of the bay. I hope the passage of naval stores into Canada will be prevented. I inclose for your information the account of a silver mine to fill your treasury. Affectte. salutns. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
59550Abigail Adams to Abigail Adams Smith, 21–28 November 1790 (Adams Papers)
I suppose you wish to hear from me and from your little boy. He is very well, and very amusing, as usual; talks of William, and of the other papa; is as fond as ever of the “fosses,” and has a great edition to his amusement and pleasures from a flock of sheep, which are daily pastured by a shepherd and his dog upon the lawn in front of our house. Bush Hill, as it is called, though by the way...