6301To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 17 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Secretary of State will write to the Governor of New York, by the post of tomorrow, for authenticated Copies, under Seal, of the several treaties between the Six nations and the Governors of New York from the Year 1683; and especially those with Colo. Dongan. They were preserved under the old Government of New York, in the Office of the...
6302From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 28 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
The best reply that I can make to your letter on the subject of the Eliza’s Cargo is, to furnish you with an Abstract of Mr. Elders statement to the Judge and a copy of your certificate subjoined thereto. These documents will go to shew, that the opinion expressed in my letter to you of the 22d. instant was not loosely founded. I am with consideration Sir Your Most Obedt. Servt. Copy,...
6303From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 15 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to inform you, that Sir Guy Carleton has announced to me his intention, to relinquish the Posts he holds on York Island, as far as McGowens pass inclusive, on the 21st inst., Herricks and Hampstead with all to the Eastward on Long Island on the same day, and if possible to give up the City, with Brooklyn on the day following; and Palus Hook,...
6304[Diary entry: 9 January 1798] (Washington Papers)
9. Very foggy with little or no Wind in the morning. Mer. at 32—at the highest 42 and at Night 30 the Wind having got to No. Wt. abt. Noon.
6305To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 29 June 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
[ U.S. Frigate General Greene, June 29, 1800 . In a letter to Wilkinson dated July, 1800, Hamilton wrote: “I have this morning the pl⟨easure⟩ of your public and private letter of the 29 of June.” Public letter not found. ]
630621st. (Adams Papers)
I began upon the third book of the first part of the Institutes and read a few pages as usual. In the evening I again look’d into Gibbon, and made some progress in his second volume. I have also been reading for these two or three days past, the letters from a Chinese philosopher; which are a number of essays upon various subjects, wrought into a kind of a novel: they are entertaining, and...
6307To Thomas Jefferson from James Rumsey, 6 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have letters from america as late as the 24th of april, and as the Ship Came from philadelphia, I thought it posable that you might have had none of so late a date; I therefore Concluded that the little news that they broght me might be (under such circumstances) acceptable to you. The amount of it is; “That his Excellency General Washington arived at philadelphia on the 20th of april,...
6308To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 12 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Last Night I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Favor of Yesterday inclosing a Copy of a Council of War held the 6th. I will endeavour agreeable to Your Excellency’s request, to transmit my Opinion, on the Matters submitted by the Time required: I sincerely wish the Situation of our Affairs would admit my giving it with more Decission, than I am able to do at present. The Order...
6309To James Madison from Donald Fraser, 11 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of recieving a letter from You, some weeks since, And embrace the earliest opportunity of return ing the favour you have done me, in adding the great weight of your name to the list of my subscribers, to "The history of all Nations". You will herewith receive a copy of the first edition of the work. The Second will Shortly be sent to Press, wherein the history of the United...
6310To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, enclosing a Letter from Steuben, 11 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to your Excellency a copy of a letter which I have Just received from Baron Steuben. I beg for an answer as Speedily as the importance of the matter requires; immediately upon the receipt of which, I shall Issue my orders in consequence, and repair to Williamsburg without a moments loss of time. Your Excellency cannot be a stranger to the dispatch, which is...
6311From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I received a Letter from the Honble Mr Lee & Mr Lovell, of the Committee for foreign affairs, inclosing a plan and sundry Resolutions of Congress for attacking Canada the next Campaign, in conjunction with the forces of his most Christian Majesty; and requesting my observations upon the same, to be transmitted to Congress—and a Copy to be delivered to the Marquiss De la...
6312From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 27 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The letter you inclosed me in yours of this date contains some matters of information from a Mr Mercereau of Deane’s character, the person whom you sent up some time since —As I have nothing particular for your attention I have ordered the horsemans return—and am Dr Sir &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See St. Clair to GW, 22 February .
6313[Diary entry: 13 December 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 13th. Thermometer at in the Morng. 47 at Noon and at Night. Wind Westerly, fresh, & air turning cold. Flying Clouds all day, but clear at Night, and still. Finished killing my Hogs—The Number & weight of which are as follow. No. Wt. River Plantn. 44 6814 Dogue run Do. 28 4003 Muddy hole Do. 30 3638 Ferry—Do. 26 2930
6314From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday I have been conversing with the Commy General of purchases who informs me that there are considerable quantities of provision at the Head of Elk and Charles town which will lay very much exposed if you are suddenly withdrawn from Wilmington. I would therefore only have you send off what Baggage and Stores you conveniently can, and wait my farther orders for...
6315To George Washington from Benjamin Hawkins, 20 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
There being a proba[bi]lity that an accommodation of our differences with the Northwestern Indians is to be effected by treaty in the course of the expected negotiations with them: Or their enmity placed in so strong a point of view, as to endure a general acquiescence in the measures, which must of necessity be persued, by the government, to compell them to embrace such equitable terms, as...
6316From Thomas Jefferson to Walter Key, 11 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson of Albemarle am held and bound unto Walter Key of the same county in the sum of three hundred pounds current money of Virginia, to the paiment whereof I bind myself, my heirs executors & administrators firmly by these presents, Witness my hand this 11th. day of May 1807. The Condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound...
6317To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [10 December 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
J. M. havg received notice this afternoon of the oppy. by a packet, has hastily written to Mr. King. The President will please to read it & return it as soon as possible, that if approved, it may be got into the mail tonight, witht. which the opportunity will be lost. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received from the State Department on 10 Dec. and so recorded in SJL with...
6318To Alexander Hamilton from Abraham Du Buc de Marentille, 23 May 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Si, comme je l’espère, vous avez trouvé mon manuscrit, Je vous Serai obligé de vouloir bien le remettre à la personne qui vous délivrera cette lettre Sous mon couvert. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec les Sentimens les plus distingués, Monsieur, Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Du Buc de Marentille had served in the French army during the...
6319To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 27 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have an ambition to take a share in Your Excellency’s administration, and know of no line in which I can render so good service as in the judicial department. Having expressed this, it will, I trust, not be deemed indelicate in me to give a short account of myself & my studies. I was born in Chester county in this State, and having been instructed for seven years in the latin and greek...
6320To George Washington from La Luzerne, 15 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis de la Fayette has delivered to me the letters of your Excellency and I am extreemely flattered by this mark of your attention and of your remembrance. I have executed your commissions near his Majesty and the Royal family, and the King is concerned that your domestic affairs deprive him of the satisfaction to see a man, whose talents and virtues have procured the hapiness of his...
6321Bill for Regulating the Appointment of Delegates to Congress, 22 May 1784 (Madison Papers)
Whereas Congress by their Act of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty three have recommended to the Respective States in the Union to pass Laws for the purpose of keeping up a full Representation in Congress from each State, and it is expedient to reduce the several Acts of Assembly now in force in this CommonWealth respecting the appointment of Delegates to...
6322From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I ascribe to the heat of the weather my not having yet had the pleasure of your promised visit. We hope when the obstacle is removed that we shall have the gratification increased by the company of Mrs. Monroe. Among the papers now forwarded is another note from Mr. F. His late ones breathe a spirit which it is difficult to account for without the painful supposition that he believes it not...
6323From Thomas Jefferson to George Hammond, 15 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several Memorials of the 8th. instant, have been laid before the President, as had been that of the 2d. as soon as received. They have been considered with all the attention and the impartiality which a firm determination could inspire to do what is equal and right between all the belligerent powers. In one of these, you communicate on the information of the british Consul at Charleston,...
6324From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 27 January 1793 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 January 1793. Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 11 Feb. 1793 . Comments on congressional proceedings and European events.
6325To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 28 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your friendly remmbrences of me by the bearer of this is so flattering, I could not permit his return to you without making my Acknowlegments by letter for so pleasing a marke of your esteem, It allways gave me and Mrs. West the greatest satisfaction to hear of your health—a confirmation of which I have not only recived by our friend, but have now before in...
6326From John Adams to Josiah Quincy, 29 July 1775 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the honour of your letter of July the eleventh, and I feel myself much obliged, by your kind attention to me and my family, but much more by your care of the public safety, and the judicious and important observations you have made. Your letters Sir, so far from being “a burden,” I consider as an honour to me, besides the pleasure and instruction they afford me. Believe me,...
6327From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Carter, 12 December 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding that Mr. Eppes has made no purchase of horses for me, the bearer comes for those you were so kind as to offer me. Thinking it almost certain that they will suit me from what I hear of them, I send you enclosed an order on Mr. Donald for £60. which will be paid at sight: only be so good as to keep it up till Tuesday evening, because if, contrary to my expectations, the horses should not...
6328Exchanges with Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy: Six Letters circa July 27, 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL : American Philosophical Society; (II) AL : American Philosophical Society; (III) AL : American Philosophical Society; (IV) AL (draft) and autograph copy or press copy: American Philosophical Society; (V) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (VI) ALS : American Philosophical Society As is often the case with the Doctor’s much-admired neighbor in Passy, chronology hangs on tenuous...
6329To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 19 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre, 19 Dec. 1791 . He last wrote to TJ on 27 Nov. and enclosed four letters from Short in Holland.—France was gratified by recent reports that the U.S. had sent 1,800 men to Saint-Domingue. Even after Frenchmen realized that these reports could not be true because the U.S. lacked a sufficiently large standing army, they continue to take pleasure in the news of shipments of American arms,...
6330Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 11 May 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
After expressing my satisfaction that the restoration of the Capitol is confided to you, which ensures it’s being properly done, I have to offer you two house joiners of the very first order both in their knolege in Architecture, and their practical abilities. James Dinsmore , one of them, I brought from Philada in 1798. and he lived with me 10. years. a more faithful, sober, discreet, honest...
6331To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 20 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 September 1801, Marseilles. Transmits via Bordeaux a packet of dispatches from Cathcart, now at Leghorn, who reports the action of U.S. schooner Enterprize in taking a Tripolitan polacre. Believes this has caused the pasha to doubt wisdom of declaring war on U.S. and hopes squadron under Commodore Dale’s command will soon give him “other Instances of Mortification to the great honour of the...
6332From Alexander Hamilton to Rufus King, [11 November 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed in a letter which I have just received from poor Fenno. It speaks for itself. If you can without delay raise 1000 Dollars in New York, I will endeavor to raise another Thousand at Philadelphia. If this cannot be done we must lose his services & he will be the victim of his honest public spirit. Yrs. truly If may either be in the form of gift or loan. ALS , New-York Historical Society,...
6333To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Alexander, 3 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my return to Scotland, I have been some days in the Country by which means I did not receive your Letter before yesterday. I return you a Thousand Thanks for the Trouble you have taken about the Harpsichord, the one you describe at 33 Guineas is precisely what is wanted and therefore you will please give orders to have it immediately packt up and Sent...
6334General Orders, 20 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The regimental pay masters are to apply to the Assistant Clothier Genl for such a number of shoes as are actually wanting in the several regiments the Strictest Oeconomy must be made use of in this necessary Article. The Armourers and men who have been employed in making Cartridges under the direction of the Commandant of Artillery are to be still continued in that service—No artificer from...
6335From Thomas Jefferson to Lauzier, 22 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je ne connois pas, Monsieur, le nommé Joseph Harrison dont vous me faites l’honneur de m’ecrire. Mais je crois etre un peu sur qu’il ne peut pas etre le beaufrere de Monsr. Robert Morris. Monsr. Morris n’a point de parens en Amerique; et si Monsr. Harrison fut son beaufrere du coté de Madame Morris il auroit porté le nom de White, et non pas de Harrison. Je vous aurois repondu plutot, mais je...
6336To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 27 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to your Excellency a note which I have received from the paymaster general with respect to a permission for Captains Ogden & Dayton to be absent for the purpose of procuring their vouchers & Accounts for settlement. I would wish to know whether it is your Excellency’s pleasure that they be permitted to go to Jersey for this purpose. I can assure your Excellency that I am fully...
6337Thomas Jefferson to Peter Minor, 22 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you do us the favor to take peas & punch with us to-day? we did not know till last night that we should have either. RC (photocopy in ViU: TJP ); dateline at foot of text. Not recorded in SJL .
6338To George Washington from Lieutenant Robertson Duncanson, 21 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg your Excellency will be pleased to excuse the liberty I take in addressing you, but particular bussiness of a private nature which I had not an opportunity of negotiateing at New York before I was made Prisoner, and that now requires my personal attendance there, induces me most earnestly to request your Excellencys permission to go in upon Parole of honor for any space of time your...
6339[Diary entry: 24 July 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday—24th. Dined at Mr. Morris’s and drank Tea at Doctr. Rush’s.
6340From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 July 1757 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract reprinted from WTF, Memoirs , I , 133 n. The bell ringing for church, we went thither immediately, and with hearts full of gratitude, returned sincere thanks to God for the mercies we had received: were I a Roman Catholic, perhaps I should on this occasion vow to build a chapel to some saint; but as I am not, if I were to vow at all, it should be to build a lighthouse ....
6341From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 23d and 29th ulto. The person who delivered me your letter of the 17th was one of our hired Expresses. He is now out upon duty, but when he returns I will enquire how he came by the letter. The Christian Name of Bankson, who I begged the favor of you to keep an Eye upon, is Jacob, but as I am now satisfied concerning him, you need not trouble yourself further in...
6342George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 20–21 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 20–21, 1778 . Discusses details of proposed Canadian expedition. Asks for information about geography of area involved. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Although the letter is dated November 20, 1778, there is a postscript dated November 21, 1778.
6343From Daniel Roberdeau to Benjamin Franklin or John Fothergill, 27 February 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been for weeks past meditating a Voyage to London, which would be attended with very great inconvenience, to sell my Estate in St. Christophers, as a long lease thereon is now almost expired, when a presumptious thought occurred, that if you would condescend to look down from Affairs of the highest publick concern, to an Affair of the highest private...
6344From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
a free use of their harbors & waters, the means of refitting & refreshment, of succour to their sick & suffering have at all times and on equal principles, been extended to all; and this too while the officers of one of the belligerents recd. among us were in a continued course of insubordination to the laws, of violence to the persons of our Citizens, and of trespasses on their property....
6345[Diary entry: 17 March 1769] (Washington Papers)
17. Executing Leases to those who had taken Lotts—being at Captn. Ashbys. GW had cut up his purchase of Carter’s land into lots of about 100 acres each and was leasing them on a long-term basis to local farmers for about £4 Virginia currency per lot. On this day GW made at least 11 leases, some of which were for more than one lot. In GW’s lease to George Russell, a fairly typical one, Russell...
6346Protection of the Frontier, [16 May] 1794 (Madison Papers)
The Committee of the Whole took up the report of a select committee to which had been referred a memorial from the House of Representatives of the Territory South of the River Ohio (which later became Tennessee), requesting a more effective defense against the Indians. Mr. Madison objected to some part of the report. It had been stated by the committee, that the governor of that country should...
6347To Thomas Jefferson from Littleton Waller Tazewell, 31 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 13 th Inst, I cannot fail to offer you my very cordial gratulations, on the final accomplishment of your excellent plan, for the establishment of our University; and on the very favourable auspices under which its operations will commence—The circumstances to which you refer, together with others, necessarily incidents to the incipient stage of...
6348Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1782 (Franklin Papers)
One new account begins during the period covered by this volume. XXXI. Jacques Finck’s Accounts of Household Expenditures, January 15, 1783–February 1, 1784: University of Pennsylvania Library, 81 pages. Jacques Finck, the new maître d’hôtel, remained in the Passy household until Franklin left France. He submitted two statements each month: an itemized list of groceries and household supplies,...
6349Robert Mayo and William A. Bartow to Thomas Jefferson, 27 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
We would be exceedingly sorry to intrude upon you with unbecoming importunities even on the subject of education, (which all the world knows enjoys your best wishes) though it were your written approbation were an indispensible key to the hearts of the Community, ’ere they could be prevailed on to patronise any scheme intended to promote that important object. But viewing your deep concern for...
6350From James Madison to Hugh Lennox, 12 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your several letters of the 15 & 28 May—17 June—10 July—9 August and 13 September. In the latter was enclosed your account, in which the charges for expenses in going to Spanish Town, require an explanation of the nature of the business: All the rest except the charge for postage are inadmissible. It is probable that the principle on which the Schooner Eclipse has been...