68701Philip Freneau to Thomas Jefferson, 8 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to enclose to You a copy of Proposals for the publication of a couple of volumes of Poems shortly to be put to press in this City. Perhaps some of your particular friends in Virginia may be induced from a view of the proposals in your hands to subscribe their names. If so, please to have them forwar d ed to this place by Post, addressed to the Publisher at N o 10,...
68702From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Elias Dayton, [24 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
I am sorry that we have not yet been able to get a return for the papers I last sent you, as the Minister makes it an object to have them in regular sucession. I send you some late Philadelphia papers, which I entreat you to get exchanged and if possible to get all the papers since the last exchange. Your’s with great resp ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Dayton was at Springfield,...
68703To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
I submit to your consideration the inclosed draught of instructions for Messrs Ellicott & Freeman, for running the boundary line between the U. States and the Spanish colonies of East & West Florida; and am, most repectfully, your obedt servant I have just heard that Capt. German is arrived, & consequently Mr Pinckney, from Charleston. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG...
68704To Thomas Jefferson from George E. Clymer, 18 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Just after I wrote what you will have perused before this reaches you your favour of the 13th to Mr. Evans was Shewn to me— I conceive the most effectual method of preventing an enemy from boarding our Vessels would be by throwing boiling water on them when nearly at close quarters which may be done with the same Engines with which the cold water was thrown at a distance by stopping the supply...
68705To George Washington from Wilhelm von Knyphausen, 21 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing myself to Your Excellency in the Month of November, respecting the Hessian Prisoners of War in Philadelphia: having never been favored with an Answer, I embrace this oppertunity of transmitting a Copy of my former letter, flattering myself that the Passport which I again solicit will be granted, unless motives to which I am a stranger outweigh every consideration...
68706From George Washington to Officers of the Army, 15 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
By an anonymous summons, an attempt has been made to convene you together—how inconsistent with the rules of propriety! how unmilitary! and how subversive of all order and discipline—let the good sense of the Army decide. In the moment of this summons, another anonymous production was sent into circulation; addressed more to the feelings & passions, than to the reason & judgment of the Army....
68707From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on the 1st instt Your letters of the 28th & 31st of July have come to hand. The latter, containing an acct of the fate of Majr Trueman, fills me with deep concern. The circumstances with which it is related (unless fabricated to answer some purpose to us unknown) will not allow one to doubt the fact. Nor do the Accounts from the Southward wear a much more agreeable aspect...
68708[Diary entry: 23 November 1772] (Washington Papers)
23. At Fredericksburg—attending the Intended meeting of Officers at Captn. Weedens. Besides GW, six officers were present or represented at this meeting. Learning of GW’s recent actions on behalf of the veterans, they warmly thanked him for his efforts and approved his distribution of the surveyed lands as an equitable one. He should, they recommended, be excused from his offer to sacrifice...
68709Enclosure: Moses Brown to John Dexter, 22 July[–15 October] 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Esteemed Friend I duly recd, thy Lre, of the 7th Inst with a Copy of a Lr, from the Secy of the Treasury of the 22d Ulo inclosed, and as a subject of promoting Manufactures in this country has been adviseable Object in my view for years past, I shall chearfully give every information in my power which may contribute to further the views of the National Legislature or Assist the Secy. in...
68710To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
I recd. notice of my recall in Novr., Mr. Pinckney arrived here in decr. & I took my leave of this govt. on the first of Jany. so that you will perceive it was impossible unless I exposed myself & family to the danger & inconvenience of a winters voyage, to depart hence before the begining of April next, wh. we propose to do, in case a suitable passage can be obtained from any of the ports of...
68711[Diary entry: 9 May 1769] (Washington Papers)
9. Lowering in the Morning but clear afterwards & somewhat cooler than yesterday.
68712Editorial Note (Washington Papers)
Fig. 2. Engraving of Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold by H. B. Hall from a portrait by John Trumbull. Benedict Arnold’s treacherous design to allow the British to capture West Point and even GW has elicited commentary since its discovery in late September 1780. In presenting documents from GW’s involvement with this notorious incident, the editors have attempted to array all primary sources pertinent...
68713[Diary entry: 8 April 1762] (Washington Papers)
8. to the 10th. Getting Swamp Mud, & laying it in heaps—also got a little of the Creek Mud—Both for tryal as Manures.
68714To George Washington from William Henry Fairfax, 9 November 1757 (Washington Papers)
As you shewed your Desire for my Welfare by your kind Recommendation to Capt. Cunningham; I think it necessary to apologize for not acquainting you sooner with my Reception and Situation here. I was very kindly received by Lord Loudoun, but as I was in daily Expectations of joining some Regiment either as a Volunteer or commissioned Officer, I was willing to acquaint you with my being well...
68715To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 8 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 November 1802, Treasury Department. Encloses a copy of a letter from the collector at Boston with John Marston’s and Isaiah Doane’s declarations concerning the Windsor . RC and enclosures ( DLC : Gallatin Papers). RC 1 p. Docketed by Wagner. The enclosed copy of Benjamin Lincoln to Gallatin, 27 Oct. 1802 (3 pp.), stated that U.S. laws gave Lincoln no power to expel the Windsor except by...
68716To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library This will be presented to you by Mr Foster March Penny the son of one of my Friends in Boston. His Fathers Estate lies in the Island of Jamaica and He desires me to send this young Gentleman to London whence he is to embark for that Island. I take the Liberty of reccommending Mr Penny to your friendly notice while in Paris, and I request you to assist...
68717To James Madison from John Thompson, 28 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
In the first commencment of the revolusion I was amongst the first that took up arms in the defence of this countrey and continued untill the cloase of the ware. I expendid considerable sums of money for the united states which has not been remburst to me, and from sircomstancis not within my controle I am redused to low scircomstances I am indused from my faithfull performing the offices I...
68718From James Madison to Dolley Madison, [ca. 6 November] 1805 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 1st. instant, my dearest gives me much happiness, but it can not be compleat till I have you again secure with me. Let me know the moment you can of the time you will set out that I may make arrangements for paying th⟨e⟩; Dr. &c. My Tobo. has been sold in Richd, but unfortunately th⟨e⟩; bills are not yet come on, and are on N. York at 60 days, so that some negociation will be...
68719To Benjamin Franklin from Van den Yver & Cie., 26 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, January 26, 1778, in French: Although you doubtless have good correspondents in this country, we offer our services in carrying out commissions to purchase or sell, hiring ships and arranging insurance, and handling bills of exchange; if you want to know about prices of goods, we should be glad to oblige. Parisian firms with which we are in...
68720To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 20 November 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 20, 1798. “… the Barracks at West point are in such order that with a few repairs they will afford comfortable winter quarters for at least three hundred men—and that a report was made not long since to the Secretary of war on the subject of repairs specifying such as were wanted. The new Barrack on Governors Island is nearly finished.… There are at West point about two...
68721From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, August 7, 1792. “I have directed a Thermometer to be sent to You, which I request You will please to forward to the Collector of Machias.…” L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury, 1789–1807, Vol. 4, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to the Collector at Boston, National Archives; copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set...
68722To George Washington from Alexander White, 8 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday evening I received from the Department of State the Commission with which you have been pleased to honor me as a Commissioner of the Federal City, accompanied by a letter from yourself expressed in terms so friendly and confidential as to induce me to explain fully to you Sir, my sentiments respecting this Appointment —When I received your letter of 28th April I was on the point of...
68723From Julia Stockton Rush to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I want words to express the grateful feelings of my heart for your kind sympathy on our late heavy affliction, we have indeed suffered a bereavement that can never be repaired to us as individuals or as a family.—A husband, a father, a protector, snatched from us with but little time to prepare our minds for such a stroke, twenty hours before his pure spirit fled from us forever, we had no...
68724From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As it is probable, that the new minister from France Monsieur De Luzerne, is on his way from Boston to Philadelphia it will be necessary to have him provided with an escort—you will therefore be so good as to give orders for a captain (a geinteel sensible officer) with his proper command of cavalry (not less than 30) to proceed immediately to Fish-kill. The officer will acquaint me with the...
68725From George Washington to the Georgia Society of the Cincinnati, 13 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your congratulations on my arrival in this State are received with grateful sensibility—your esteem and attachment are replied to with truth and affection. Could the praise of an individual confer distinction on men whose merits are recorded in the independence and sovereignty of their country, I would add, with grateful pride, the tribute of my testimony to the public acknowledgement—I would...
68726To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 14 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this day rece’d the enclosed letter from Come. Chauncey, declining the offer of a seat at the Navy Board, this I regret, as a better man could not be procured from among the officers of the navy, who shall now have the offer? shall it be Sinclair, or Angus? your opinion was, if my memory serves right, for reasons you then gave, that Come Sinclair was to be preffered, especially as he...
68727From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 35, 4 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, 4 April 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 409–410). printed : various American newspapers, including the Pennsylvania Gazette of 12 July and the Boston Independent Chronicle of 3 Aug. 1780. In this letter, which was read in Congress on 10 July, John Adams provided the text of a resolution adopted by the City of London on 22 March concerning the maintenance of a...
68728To George Washington from Robert Morris, 17 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have just now sent on the Counterparts of the Contract entered into with Messrs Duer and Parker. By the next Post I will transmit your Excellency a Copy of it, and make some Observations in Answer to your Letter on the Subject. In the Interim I pray you to believe me With sincere Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
68729[Diary entry: 17 January 1771] (Washington Papers)
17. Clear & pleasant, the Wind what little there was of it being still Southwardly.
68730General Orders, 6 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The independent Company commanded by Capt. Joshua Williams is to be annexed to, and do duty with the 4th Pennsylvania regiment, ’till further orders. All prisoners (not being Continental soldiers) and suspected persons are to be carried to the Major General of the day, to be examined and dealt with, as he shall see fit. The Colonels or officers commanding regiments are to appoint one officer...
68731To James Madison from Peter S. Du Ponceau, 17 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have received the Letter you have done me the honor to write to me, with the pamphlet containing your Report of 1798 for Genl. Lafayette, which I shall not fail to transmit to him by the first opportunity, & for which I know he will be very thankful; for he has made repeated applications to me to procure it for him, until, at last, in despair of otherwise Succeeding, I took the liberty of...
68732To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Clay, 29 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been informed that Mr. John Harrison of this City has been named to you as a person proper to fill the vacancy in the Commission of Bankrupts, occasioned by the death of Mr. Vancleve. I know of no gentleman in Philadelphia whose appointment would in my opinion give more satisfaction, not only to the Republicans generally, but also to the present Commissioners . Mr. Harrison’s character...
68733Rebecca Leppington Hurd to Abigail Adams, 26 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
If, Madam, I still retain a Place in your esteem, (and I am not conscious that I have ever forfeited it) let me Solicit your kind interposition in behalf of an Application made by M r Hurd in a letter to the President for the loan Office now Vacant by the decease of M r Appleton. Shoud M r H be thought properly qualified, by the President, for this Office, he wou’d endeavor to merit it by a...
68734From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 6 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you Yesterday of which the inclosed is a Copy. Since which I have been informed that your Illness has obliged you to quit the Army, and General Wooster as the Elder Brigadier, will take Rank and Command of Mr Montgomery—General Wooster I am informed is not of such Activity as to press thro’ Difficulties, with which that Service is particularly environ’d. I am therefore much alarmed for...
68735From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 28 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
Captn John Mercer only returnd last night from Williamsburg and brings no satisfactory answers to any thing I questiond the Governor upon. The express that was sent to Genl Shirley is returnd, without seeing him: however the Governor writes that he expects answers to his Letters by Colo. Hunter, who is now at New York and waits the arrival of the Genl at that place. The Governor is very...
68736From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 26 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 20th. enclosing one from Paris of March 23d. The Cession of Louisiana by Spain to the French Republic, referred to in the latter, had been previously signified to this Department from several sources, as an event believed to have taken place. Supposing you might wish to repossess the letter from Mr. C I herein return it. I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your...
68737Notes on a Conversation with John Adams, 15 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 15. 98. I dined this day with mr Adams (the Presidt.) the company was large. after dinner I was sitting next to him, & our conversn was first on the enormous price of labour, house rent, & other things. we both concurred in ascribing it chiefly to the floods of bank paper now afloat, and in condemning those institns. we then got on the constitn & in the course of our conversn he said,...
68738Thomas Jefferson to Rufus Woodward, 7 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June 20. is just now recieved. it havin g been deemed expedient to employ our whole funds, in the erecting the necessary buildings for our university , all determination s respecting professors are postponed until that object is accomplished. nor can the term of the opening of the University be at all ascertained at this time. accept the tender of my gre at respect. PoC ( MoSHi:...
68739John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
In my letter of the 11th. inst. I mentioned the arrival of the French Ambassador at Chester. I am now to inform you that on the 12th. a Committee of Congress, escorted by a party of light dragoons, waited on him at that place to accompany him to this City. About two o Clock the same day he entered the City. The usual military salutes were paid him by two detached parties that were previously...
68740[Diary entry: 6 August 1769] (Washington Papers)
6. Arrivd at the Springs about One Oclock & dind w. Colo. F[airfa]x.
68741Private Agreement for Lease of the Hôtel de Langeac, [5 September 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Entre les soussignés Haut et Puissant Seigneur Auguste-Louis-Joseph-Fidel-Amand De Lespinasse Langeac, Chevalier Comte de Langeac, Colonel d’Infanterie, Chevalier de l’Ordre royal et Militaire de St. Louis, Gouverneur pour le Roi des Villes de Guerande, Le Croisic et St. Nazaire en Bretagne, de celle de Ruë en Picardie, et en Survivance de celle du Puy en Vélay, et ancien Capitaine des Gardes...
68742To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 19 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia ], 19 Apr. 1791 . He called at TJ’s house on Thursday, but TJ “had just moved from the door on horseback.” He is “distressed beyond measure” to inform him of circumstances which he fears will postpone or prevent his embarking for Morocco as agreed. Messrs. Willing, Morris & Swanwick some time back began two actions against him for balances due to French & Co. of Bordeaux and to...
68743Thomas Jefferson to Louis Philippe Gallot de Lormerie, 3 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 26 th has been recieved, as had been that of the 5 th . the preceding ones had been complied with by applications verbal and written to the members of the government, to which I could expect no specific answers, their whole time being due to the public, & employed on their concerns. had it been my good fortune to preserve at the age of seventy all the activity of body & mind...
68744To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [25 December 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Bancroft presents his most respectful Compliments to Dr. Franklin. He called to Communicate a Letter which he has just recd. from Mr. Ridley (in Maryland) mentioning that Mr. Jno. Adams is appointed to return to Europe to assist in any future Treaty of Peace, and that Mr. Lawrence (son I believe of the Late President) is appointed Secretary of Embassy at...
68745To James Madison from Joseph Forman, 20 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
The situation of my Family which is in this Country added to the great derangements made in Commercial Matters by the Peace—renders my Return to Europe very injurious to them & my own affairs. I am therefore oblidged to yield to the imperious necessaty which forbids my return & longer to enjoy the satisfaction of serving the Goverment at Rotterdam to which Place I was appointed Consul some...
68746To Thomas Jefferson from John Francis Vacher, 19 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I was this day favor’d with the Honble the Secretary at war’s letter, with the afflicting news of my Sons’ Inconduct; and the forfeiture of his office. with the package I have answer’d Genl Dearborn’s. and Submit to the will of God, to what respects my Son’s Shame-full practice. and to your Excellency’s duty as the watchfull guardian of all executive officers; no man in the U.S. will consent...
68747To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 20 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I this day send you, by S. Gilleats Boat, seven bundles Nail rods, in place of those formerly sent, & returned, which I hope will prove of the sizes wanted, they are furnished by your memorandum, by an Iron monger—I am not a judge of their sizes myself—. Those returned are so extremely injured & defaced, that some loss will be encountered, in the exchange, tho’ not yet ascertained. You have...
68748From John Jay to William Cushing, 13 September 1790 (Jay Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith inclosed, the Draft I have prepared of the proposed Letter from us to the President. Be pleased to return it with such Alterations & Corrections as You may think it requires. I shall send Copies of it to the other Judges, with the like Request; and on recieving them again, will incorporate such additions and make such other alterations as ^we^...
68749American Commissioners to John Lamb, 29 June–7 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The Importance of Peace with the Algerines, and the other Inhabitants of the Coast of Barbary, to the United States, renders it necessary that every information which can be obtained, should be laid before Congress. And as the demands for the Redemption of Captives, as well as the amount of Customary Presents, are so much more considerable, than seem to have been expected in America, it...
68750From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 28 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Indiana University Library Cousin Jonathan show’d me last night the Letters he had just receiv’d from you and his Mother. The Firmness they express, under your present Difficulties, gave me great Pleasure. The Unanimity and Resolution of the Colonies, astonishes their Enemies here, being totally unexpected. By its Continuance, you will undoubtedly carry all your Points: by giving way you...