601To Thomas Jefferson from Baron von Geismar, 27 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Je fais mon Compliment aux Americains du Choix de President qu’ils ont fait, aiant eté temoin, plus d’une fois du tendre Interes que Vous prennes au bien etre de Votre patrie, puissies Vous vivre long Tems; et reusir en Tout, pour rendre heureux et etablir un bien etre parfait à Vos Concitoyens—Mais malheureusement pour moi Votre nouveau Poste me laisse esperes encore moins d’avoir quelque...
602To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, [18 June] 1792 (Madison Papers)
Nothing new. P. S. Opening Freneau’s p⟨aper⟩ this moment I see a peice against the […] impost duties & it mentions the insufficiency of the revenue cutters for their object. This suggests a Quere. How comes an armed force to be in existence, & under the revenue department, & not the department of war? Would it not be well to call for a separate statement of the expence of these cutters, and...
603To John Adams from Samuel Purviance Jr., 18 September 1776 (Adams Papers)
I hope youle excuse the Liberty of this Adress from a Stranger, which I presume to take on the Strength of my Brothers Acquaintance with you, And he at present is from home. The Bearer John Sterrit Esqr. my good Freind and Neighbor is Jointly with myself and some other Freinds Interested in the Privateer Enterprize of this Port, Capt. Campbel, who has sent in a Valuable Prize to Dartmouth in...
604From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 11 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors referring to me the size and execution of the seal for your court, and as I can best decide on this after a consultation with the artist and due enquiry from him, I refer it till my return to Philadelphia which will now be within about ten days.—As I propose to return home to reside at the close of the next session of Congress I hope I shall then have...
605[Diary entry: 22 October 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 22d. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning 60 at Noon and 60 at Night. Clear all day with the Wind (especially in the Night) fresh from So. Wt. Sent Mrs. O’Conner to Alexa. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, French’s & Dogue run. At the latter, the hands from the two first except the Ferry men & Carts, together with their plows as were the Plows of Muddy were all at work digging...
606To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Nesbitt, 18 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that after a good deal of trouble, I obtain’d a sauf Conduit yesterday evening about nine or ten oClock. Mr. de Villedeuil behaved on this occasion with the greatest Politeness. His situation I believe was a little embarrassing as the arrest preceded the Sauf Conduit , and was not therefore easily laid aside. However I insisted on my Character as a Publick...
607To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Appleton, 12 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I should not so often intrude, Sir, on your time, if the circuitous route I am compell’d to adopt, render’d less uncertain the conveyance of letters to the U’States, for all direct communication, has long since been suspended.—On intimation being given me that exequaturs under the new government would be requir’d from the foreign Consuls here, I applied to mr Armstrong, to know what steps I...
608Enclosure: Draft of an Article, 23 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
It is often Said in this Country, “We have nothing to gain by this War.” But who is to gain? If Holland has nothing to gain, it has much to loose, and the Question now is not what is to be gained, but was it to be Saved and defended. This Republick, may loose all her Possessions in the East and West Indies: she may loose her Navigation and Commerce: she may loose her Baltick Trade: her...
609John Vaughan to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a list of queries which Judge Tilghman has handed to me—Many of these are local—but if to any of them you can give a reply which may assist him in the Task he has undertaken & enable him to do the Justice he wishes to our Deceased friend ( whose loss we every day feel more & more) it is very desireable—
610[Diary entry: 15 May 1770] (Washington Papers)
15. A Lowery cloudy Morning but clear afternoon & tolerably warm.
611To Alexander Hamilton from James Bruff, 27 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Before your communication containing recruiting instructions came to hand, I had—on my way—inlisted 4, with 1 inlisted since & 3 brought on, wou’d have made my total 8, had not the time of 1 expired the 18 instant & reduced it to 7. Enclosed is a Return prescribed by the Secretary of War, accompanied by the inlistments of 6 recruits with receipts—on them—for bounty, as far as I am authorized...
612To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, Jr., 20 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have desired Mr Patrick Byrne bookseller of Pa. to send you a copy of my father’s last work; entitled The Doctrines of Heathen Philosophy compared with Revelation of which I beg your acceptance The wish you expressed in your letter to Mr Cooper has been complied with, but in Philadelphia, two or three persons asked me whether my father had not left behind him a work undertaken at your...
613From John Adams to Joseph Delafield, 13 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
In reply to your question, upon what map did the Commissioners trace the boundary line described in the Treaty of 1783—I answer that it was Mitchells map. And to your question, whether by the Long Lake intended by the treaty was meant the Long Lake laid down in Mitchells Map,—I answer, that it was, & that we used no other authority for places named in the description of the boundary line than...
614From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 August 1822 (Adams Papers)
I enclose the Letter just received I cannot guess why it was written to me— MHi : Adams Papers.
615From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph T. Scott, 11 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor dated June 13. came to me at this place only one week ago. it is probable that mr Cummings has deposited for me at Washington the copy of your geographical dictionary which you have been so kind as to send me, for which I pray you to accept my thanks. I anticipate with pleasure the satisfaction I shall recieve from it, and am happy that we are to see at length contradicted the...
616To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 25 January 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have yours inclosing a paper of the 20th. inst. which rather weakens than strengthens the report of the good fortune of the French in vanquishing and capturing the D. York & his army, and of the retaking Toulon—events if they shall be verified that cannot fail to make a deep impression on the British nation and increase the number of opponents to the prosecution of the War. The vote agt....
617To Benjamin Franklin from Louis d’Ussieux, [before 22 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation: American Philosophical Society La R∴ L∴ des Neuf-Sœurs fera sa rentrée, d’après les Vacances, le Lundi 22 du onzième mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5781. Elle commencera ses travaux à onze heures précises, par la Réception du Candidat Ginguené & l’Affiliation du F( Gireau . A midi on fera la distribution des Jettons; ensuite les FF( Comte de Milly, de la Dixmerie, Changeux,...
618To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 8 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Addressed by him to “The honble. James Madison jr. esq of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Novr 8. 1782.” The house of delegates was within two members to day of a sufficient number to proceed to business. Among the reformations, suggested in my last letter but one, the foremost will probably be some attack on those debtors to...
619Enclosure: Resolutions of the Creditors of Smith & Riddle, 6 July 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Creditors of the late firm of Smith & Riddle , Richmond , July 6, 1819. Joseph Marx , Esquire , in the Chair. After examining the papers laid before them, containing a statement of the situation of their affairs, it was resolved unanimously, That while we regret the unfortunate issue of their business, arising chiefly from misplaced and much abused confidence in a...
620Elizabeth Page to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I shoud be very much obliged to you to give me all the information you can recollect respecting the Money expended in the Revolutionary War, by my Father General Thomas Nelson . I make no doubt Sir you recollect the Sacrifice my Father made of his Property to Raise Money to carry on the Proceedings of the War at that time. The Widow and Heirs of General Thomas Nelson are in want, and mean to...
621From James Madison to Thomas Farmar, 31 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have received the letter which you wrote me on the 11th. inst. by direction of the Committee appointed by a general meeting of the Merchants of New York. The solicitude of those engaged in foreign commerce at the present crisis which led to the application, could not fail to awaken the regret that the course of mercantile operations could not in all cases be regulated by a more precise...
622I. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 3 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In asking your aid in the following case permit me at the same time to ask the most perfect secrecy. The federal territory being located, the competition for the location of the town now rests between the mouth of the Eastern branch, and the lands on the river, below and adjacent to Georgetown.—In favour of the former, Nature has furnished powerful advantages.—In favour of the latter is it’s...
623To John Adams from Benjamin Stoddert, 25 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I am this Day honored with your two letters of the 19th. Inst. the contents of which shall be strictly attended to. I have the honor to be / with the highest respect / & esteem sir Yr most / Obed Servt. MHi : Adams Papers.
624To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, [18 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791, as follows. 1st. The Commissioners, appointed in pursuance of the act, incorporating the bank of the United States, have no power, as such, to superintend the election of directors, or to...
625From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 21 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of May 9. just as I was stepping into the barge on my departure from Cette: which prevented my answering it from that place. On my arrival here, I thought I would avail myself of the opportunity of paying your balance to make a little acquaintance with Sr. John Lambert. One or two unsuccessful attempts to find him at home, with the intermediate procrastinations well known...
626[Diary entry: 26 April 1780] (Washington Papers)
26th. Lowering & cloudy all day the forepart of it without much wind but fresh afterwards, with a little rain from the Northward and, for the season, very cold and disagreeable.
627From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s and the Chevalier des Touche’s joint letter of the 25th and your own of the 26th. The absence of your light Frigates renders the plan which Major Tallmadge proposed impracticable for the present. We will, however, keep the enterprise in view, and may, perhaps, at some future time, find an opportunity of carrying it into execution with...
628[Diary entry: 23 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
23. Went up to George Town to convey Deeds to Messrs. Montgomerie Stewart & Wilson for the Marryland Tract of Land wch. was accordingly done Mrs. Colvil being carried up in my Chariot returnd to Mr. Jno. Wests at Night. As arranged at previous meetings, the three merchants today gave the Colvill executors £816 13s. 7d. in bills of exchange drawn on Glasgow firms (see “Remarks” entry for 1 and...
629From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 22 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You are not unapprised that in order to check the evasions of the embargo laws effected under colour of the coasting trade, we found it necessary to prevent the transportation of flour coastwise, except to the states not making enough for their own consumption, and that to place the supplies of those states under some check, a discretionary power was given to the governors to give licenses to...
630To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 1 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I ought not to have neglected so long to write you an account of the delightful visit I received from M r and M rs Cooledge, M rs C— deserves all the high praises I have constantly heard concerning her, She entertained me with accounts of your sentiments of human life, which accorded so perfectly with mine that it gave me great delight—In one point however I could not agree—she said, she had...
631To George Washington from John Mercereau, 28 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your request have proceeded—at Coryell; the river is C15 L75 wide and five and a half feet Deep—at Smiths where they attempted crossing last winter—is C7 L25 wide—at Samuel Pettets 2 mils below; the water is five and a half foot Deep—and at Pool’s Cove is the narrowes place only C6 L75 —this and Smiths are the most Likely to cross if they pass on brid⟨ge⟩s—the fording places below...
632To Thomas Jefferson from George Wolcott, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the Commissions your Excellency has been pleased to honor me with—appointing me Surveyor of the Customs—and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Saybrook—I accept them with gratitude and to the best of my ability shall faithfully discharge the Trust reposed in me I am Excellent Sir most respectfully your Obedient Servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “His Excellency...
633To James Madison from John Adams, 28 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
When my Son departed for Russia, I enjoined upon him to write nothing to me, which he was not willing Should be published in French and English Newspapers. He has very Scrupulously observed the rule. I have been equally reserved in my letters to him: but the Principle on both Sides has been to me a cruel privation, for his correspondence when Absent, and his Conversation when present has been...
634To James Madison from David Montagu Erskine, 22 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your letter on the subject of some seamen Citizens of the U. S. stated to have been impressed by some of the ships of his Britannic Majesty’s Squadron at Halifax. I beg leave to inform you that I will immediately forward the Depositions concerning them to the Admiral of that station who I have no doubt will pay the proper attention to their Cases. With the Highest...
635From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Stoddert, 4 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed are proceedings of Courts Martial which have been acted upon. The Proceedings in the case of Morris Gerry have been acted upon in General orders. I have caused search to be made for them in the Office of the A General—They are not there, nor are they in my office—I conclude therefore that they have been forwarded to you ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
636[Thursday October 26. 1775.] (Adams Papers)
On Thursday October 26. 1775. The Subject again brought on the Carpet, and the same discussions repeated, for very little new was produced. After a long discussion in which Mr. John Rutledge, Mr. Ward, Mr. Lee, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Gadsden, Mr. Dyer, and some others had spoken on the same Side with me, Congress resolved that a Committee of five members be appointed to take into Consideration, the...
637To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour of Kentucky, 9 February [1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I heartily & Sincearly Congratulate on the triumph of Republicanism over the Administration party it gives Pleasure to nearly all the people of this Country (those holding offices under the General Government & a few others excepted) it is said that many complaints will be made against the Marshall of this State , should he be removed as it is a pecuniary office no doubt many applications will...
638[Diary entry: 12 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
12. Rid to Belvoir after Dinner to see Sir Thos. Adams who was sick there. Adams’s frigate, the Boston , returned to Hampton Roads without him, while he tried to recover his health at Belvoir. He rejoined the vessel in early September and sailed her soon afterwards to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he died in October ( Va. Gaz. , P&D, 6 Sept. and 18 Oct. 1770, and R, 1 Nov. 1770).
639To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 17 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
From my own knowledge of Majr. Harris’s charactor and services, and from information received from many officers of distinction, I have no doubt of the correctness of the accompanying narative, and I think his claim to rank, as stated by Genl. Ripley, no more than he is clearly entitled to. His highly respectable standing in society, added to his faithfull and distinguished services, form such...
640From James Madison to James Breckinridge, 27 November 1827 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr. Jesse B. Harison of Lynchburg. He offers himself as Successor to Mr Long, in the Professorship of Ancient Languages: & if satisfied by the concurring opinions of the Visitors separately expressed, that his appointment will take place, intends to embark immediately at his own expence for Germany, in order to avail himself of the peculiar opportunities there found...
641To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters from Cathcart & Mellimelli explain the unexpected & perplexing determination of the latter with respect to the Franklin. The least evil left to our choice has been thought to be that of chartering a vessel at Boston. Cathcart has accordingly been instructed to do so. It has been thought proper also to take advantage of a vessel going from Alexa. to Boston, for sending the...
642To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 25 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
As you mentioned your intention of reinvesting the proceeds of the late Sale in lands, I have thought the following Ideas might be worthy of Consideration. Mr. Church will have, as soon as the papers are completed, in my hands engagements equal in ready money to near 19000 Drs. if the Sale when adjusted includes all his share of the lands under Patterson’s & Stroud of which I have no...
643List of Books Sold to James Monroe, [10 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Books sold to Colo. Monroe s Chastellux Felicité publique. 2.v. 13. 6 Helvetius de l’homme. 3.v. 13. 6. Gravina l’esprit des loix Romaines 3.v. 19. Barbeyrac discours. 2.v. 10. Vicat Droit naturel. 2.v. 15. Felice. droit de la nature 18. Certitude de Mahometisme 13. 6 Oeuvres de Mably. 4.v.
644To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Smith, 30 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, August 30, 1790. On September 23, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “I duly received your letter of the 30th Ultimo.” Letter not found. ]
645To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the death of Colo. Innes it is probable that a variety of characters will receive recommendations to you to obtain an appointment so respectable & important as that which is now vacant by his decease. I have seen the name of Colo. William Davies mentioned with particular respect as being every way qualified to fill that office with advantage to his country; &, indeed, as...
646Section of a Bill for Settling Disputed Presidential Elections, [1800] [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Title—a bill supplementary to the act &c strike out the first 11. sections. leave Sect. 12. 13. 14. properly amended add And be it &c that whensoever the two houses of Congress shall be assembled for the purpose of having the certificates of the electors of the several states opened & counted, the names of the several states shall be written on different & similar tickets of paper & put into a...
647To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 20 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honour to receive your Letter dated the 14th instant and have lost no time in obtaining the best information in my power, on the several questions therein stated. The malady with which the City is afflicted, has been progressive, from the time of your departure, untill Monday the 14th instant, at which time it had nearly extended through the City—Several small remissions have...
64816th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D. went to the court Comedy to see a Russian play. Stormy windy weather.
649To John Adams from Jonathan Jackson, 10 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter from Paris of the 18 th. March just before I embarked from Ireland for America— but had not the pleasure till my Arrival here of being informed that you were appointed Minister to the Court of London where we are told that you are removed with your Family & where I expect this to meet you Since my Arrival which was in May I have postponed writing to...
650To George Washington from John Jay, 17 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
Since my arrival here I have written you two or three hasty letters—being constantly involved in Business or Company from wh. it would not be here very practicable or perhaps prudent to retreat, I have been able to write but very little—The Convention this moment adjourned and I am writing in their Chamber—a Question being about to be put on the mode of adoption which you have seen, we moved...