68751To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ponçins, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 12 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lannée derniere il vous fût adréssé par le chevalier De montorcier De Sugny, ancien Capitaine au régiment de flandre, de la ville de montbrison, un projet pour lever un Corps de militaires et douvriers, pour lutilité des états unis de lamerique. Ce cher. de Sugny montorcier, est mon Cousin germain; son age de Séxagenaire, et la goutte dont il est possedé,...
68752[Diary entry: 12 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 12th. Mercury at 44 this Morning, 44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Planted Eight young Pair Trees sent me by Doctr. Craik in the following places—viz. 2 Orange Burgamots in the No. Garden, under the back wall—3d. tree from the Green House at each end of it. 1 Burgamot at the Corner of the border in the South Garden just below the necessary. 2 St. Germains, one in each border (middle...
68753To John Jay from William Bingham, 12 February 1785 (Jay Papers)
I Send you the Copy of a Letter of antient Date, as I have some Reason to believe that the Original miscarried— Accounts have recently been received of the capture of another American Vessel, by a piratical Cruizer from the Coast of Barbary; this has occasioned Such an Alarm, that the Premium of Insurance, even from the Ports of Britain, is advanced 100 p% on American Vessels—& from the Ports...
68754To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1785 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters were forwarded by the president to my care. Learning from him, that a package, in which they were covered, contained some fresh literary information, I took the liberty of opening it; especially as it was suggested, and the event shewed, that it contained two other letters, one for Mr. Page, the other for Mr. Madison himself. The executive are at last persuaded of their...
68755VII. To the Baron von Thulemeier, 13 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 24 th: of Jan y. did not reach me, untill two Days ago. I communicated the Observations, inclosed in it, immediately to my Colleagues, who will transmit you our Answers, as soon as Health, and other Circumstances will admit. I have communicated to them also, your personal and confidential observations to me. They will have great Weight as they ought to have. I am weary of...
68756To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Laumoy, 13 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messieurs du Portail Gouvion et moi avons regu dernierement des lettres de Mr. de Marbois Consul Genal. de france à Philadelphie, par lesquelles il nous mande que Mr. Millegan lui a dit vous avoir envoyé les nouveaux certificats des Sommes qui nous Sont dues par le Congrès, et dont l’Interest doit être d’orênavant payé à paris par Mr. Grand.— Oserois-je...
68757[Diary entry: 13 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 13th. Mercury at 34 this Morning, 38 at Noon, & the same at Night. Wind at No. West all day but not fresh—clear & not unpleasant—ground hard froze.
6875814th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Dr. Franklin’s with a great deal of Company, among the rest Dr. Jeffries who lately cross’d with Mr. Blanchard, from Dover to Calais. He is a small man: has not an agreeable address, but seems to be very sensible: he related his voyage: in which his intrepidity had well nigh been fatal to him: the balloon descended he says, ¾ of a mile in 2. minutes: he and Mr. Blanchard were both of...
68759Elbridge Gerry to John Adams, 14 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
This will be delivered by Mr Jarvis lately of Boston, but formerly of this City, Son in Law to Mr Broom, whom You probably know. I have but two of your Letters unanswered; one of the 27 th of June last, the Objects of which have I think been fully complied with, & the other of Nov r 4, in which I find no Mention of a Letter I wrote You from philadelphia in July last. Congress met in November...
68760To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Delacolonge, 14 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme plusieurs personnes m’ont proposé de n’achetter de ma fonderie que certains articles, laquelle fonderie j’ai eu l’honneur de vous offrir dans le temps, je me suis decidé de la vendre par parties détachées; cette vente Se fera chés moi, et commencera le 20 ou le 25 avril prochain au plus tard; jj’ai l’honneur de vous en prévenir pour que Si vous êtes...
68761[Diary entry: 14 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 14th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning—34 at Noon and 33 at Night. Morning clear and calm—Ground hard froze. Wind afterwards, fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds which gave a rawness & chill to the air. In company with Mrs. Washington made a visit to Colo. McCarty & family. Dined there and returned home afterwds.
68762To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 14 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your favor of december the 14th I had the honor to write to you from Trenton, and I mentioned an enclosed letter from you for the Marquis Fayette, which coming to hand after the Marquis had sailed, I wished to know your pleasure, whether I should forward it to France or return it to you—I have not been honored with your commands upon that point. Soon after my arrival in this city,...
68763To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 14 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Mis. De la Fayette a l’honneur de faire ses compliments à Monsieur Jefferson et lui envoye la lettre de Mr. Le Cte. De Florida Blanca. Il verra que dans ce tems l’article des Limites avoit été différemment reglé que les prétensions Espagnoles ne semblent l’annoncer. L’original de cette lettre fut envoye dans le tems au Congres. Une Copie remise à Mr. Jay mais il n’y eut rien de plus de fait...
6876415th. (Adams Papers)
Paris, afternoon. Carried Mr. A’s Letter to the Abbé de Mably, requesting him to write a moral, and political Catechism. The Abbés de Chalût and Arnoux read it. Went to Messieurs le Couteulx, for money, and was bad to come tomorrow. Bought the abridgement of Wolff’s course of Mathématics in french. Letter not found, but see Mably’s reply, 25 Feb. ( Adams Papers ). Le Couteulx & Cie., Paris...
68765Bidé de Chavagnes to John Adams, 15 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
Depuis bien du temps jay fait des recherches inutiles sur la partie de la terre que vous habitiez, on m’avoit même dit que vous etiez retourné a boston, mais mon beaufrere qui est a paris depuis un mois et que javois chargé de prendre des informations en consequence vient de me mander que nous avions le bonheur de vous posseder encor en france et que vous habitiez auteuil, je mempresse D’avoir...
68766To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis and Marquise de Lafayette, 15 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society M et Mde. La Mise. De la Fayette prient Monsieur Franklin de leur faire lhonneur de Venir diner chez eux Lundy prochain. Feb. 21. There are five additional invitations for Monday dinners during the remaining months of BF ’s stay in France. All are engraved forms with MS insertions, issued in the name of the marquis only and written in English, with dates of...
68767[Diary entry: 15 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 15. Mercury at 28 this morning—at noon not observed, but at Night 36. Morning fine, wind Southwardly, which shifted to the Eastward & grew colder. Abt. Noon it began to Snow, & continued to do so until past 3 oclock. Went this day to ascertain the quantity of Land given to, and received from Mr. Willm. Triplett by way of exchange & to run a dividing line betwn. him & the Land I let Mr....
68768From George Washington to Lafayette, 15 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your affectionate letter of the 21st of December—dated on board the Nymph Frigate in the harbour of New York; & felt all that man could feel from the flattering expression of it. My last to you, if I recollect right, was dispatched from Annapolis; whither I went at the request of this State to settle a plan (to be mutually adopted by the Legislatures of both...
68769To 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...
68770To George Washington from Samuel Love, 15 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
My Brother Colo. Philip Love of botitourt Coty (formerly a Subaltern officer in the Maryland Troops in the time of the Last French and Indian war) on his way down this winter to visit us, Lodged with Colo. Thomas Lewis of Augusta County—who inform’d him you was anxious to See or hear from Some person that Could give any acct of the distance navigation, and Situation of the Several water...
68771Report on Negotiations with Spain, 15 February 1785 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom on the 14 th . of February 1785 were referred a Letter of the 12 th . October last from W m . Carmichael, Esquire and two Papers that were enclosed in it, Reports thereupon as his Opinion That as it appears to be the Intention of the Court of Spain to open Negociations here with Congress, for the Discussion and...
6877216th. (Adams Papers)
Paris, afternoon. Returned to Messrs: le Couteulx, for Mr. Gs business and finished it. Mr. Jefferson’s. A man of universal learning and very pleasing manners. Memorandum: borrowed 2 vols. of the Tableau de Paris. Either Ferdinand or Georges Grand, Paris bankers. [Louis Sebastien Mercier], Tableau de Paris. Nouvelle édition corrigée & augmentée. Jefferson had only the first six of twelve...
68773John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 16 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 6 th: of January and that of the second of February and am much obliged to you for the particular Account of the State of the Cash and Obligations in your Hands. By all that I have learnt from your Letters, as well as by Enquiry in Conversation it seems to be so possible and indeed so probable, that the United States might be exposed to a loss of several...
68774From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Brillon de Jouy, 16 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society Mr. Franklin fait mille Compliments à Monsieur Brillon. Il lui envoie selon sa Promesse l’Extrait de la Lettre que M. Bache lui a écrite, au quel il a joint une Traduction, et le prie de vouloir bien les remettre à M. Thomas. Who served as an intermediary between the abbe Thomas (who had grievances against JW and the firm of Bache & Shee) and...
68775To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Michel, 16 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre Excellence est peut être informée que Le Capne Buttler Commandant L’Aréthuse arrivé en ce port e Vingt huit du Mois dernier & Venant de Baltimore auroit amené avec lui dudit Lieu Une jeune fille agée d’environ dix Sept ans qui Se Seroit engagée Sous l’habit D’homme en qualité de Novice. Le Navire étoit bien amaré Dans notre port depuis deux jours...
68776[Diary entry: 16 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 16th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning—45 at Noon & 49 at Night. Wind Southwardly & pretty fresh in the forenoon—calm afterwards and somewhat lowering. Transplanted along the So. side of the Wall of the No. Garden, the Ivy; which I had taken up with as much dirt about the roots of it as I could obtain. Weather soft and thawing—the Southwardly having dissolved all the Snow that fell...
68777Report on the Longchamps Affair, 16 February 1785 (Jay Papers)
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs, to whom on the 14 th . Instant was referred the Requisition of the Chargé des Affaires of France, that a certain Charles Julian De Longchamps, now in Custody at Philadelphia, in Pursuance of the Judgement of a Court of Law against him, be delivered up to his most Christian Majesty—Reports thereupon as his Opinion.— That...
68778John Adams to Charles Sigourney, 17 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of 21 Dec r. and congratulate you on your arrival, My health which you are so obliging as to inquire after is so much better than it has generally been for the four last years, that I begin to hope I Shall get the better of those obstinate Disorders with which you saw me tormented in Holland. My family, is I thank God in perfect Health we have no commercial Treaty...
68779To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 17 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is some time since I did myself the honor to Address you, & in the present instance I importune you with this only that my situation in Life demands it,—sensible that your time must be engrossed by your attention to matters of more importance.— I have experienced considerable loss by being as yet disappointed in not receiving the Types which so long has...
68780[Diary entry: 17 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 17th. Mercury at 39 in the Morng.—46 at Noon and 49, at Night. Wind at No. West all day but not hard. Clear and cold in the Morning. More moderate about Noon & very pleasant in the Afternoon being calm. In the morning early I went to Mr. L. Washingtons (to Breakfast) in order to finish the Work I had began on Tuesday last but after having plotted & measured the slipes which were to be...
68781[Diary entry: 18 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Friday 18th. Mercury at 36 this Morning, 40 at Noon and 44 at Night. Not much Wind. In the forenoon, the little that blew was Northwardly—in the afternoon Eastwardly. The two Doctr. Jenifers went to Alexandria after breakfast. Planted border of Ivy under the No. side of the So. Garden wall. Also four Lime or Linden Trees, sent me by Govr. Clinton of New York which must have been out of the...
6878219th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at the Swedish Ambassadors: the Company was not very numerous: a number of Sweeds, one, who lately came from America: the Ambassador said to me: mon dieu que Mlle. vôtre soeur est jolie! j’ai vu peu d’aussi jolies femmes qu’elle: he thought doubtless, that I should tell her what he said: he is a very agreeable man. The Gentleman lately from America, professes to be charmed with the...
68783From Benjamin Franklin to Michel, 19 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress The Humanity you have shown to that miserable young Female, Elizabeth Tingis, is very laudable, notwithstanding the Depravity of her Character. If it be true that she is of a respectable Family in America, there can be no doubt but they will repay the Expence with Thanks; but I never knew there any Family of that Name, and I question her being an American; I...
68784From Benjamin Franklin to Vernier, 19 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 10 de ce Mois, relativement à 3 Contrats du Bureau d’Emprunt des Etats Unis dont vous étez Porteur [ Text deleted by Franklin: Le Congrès s’occupe maintenant des moyens de rembourser ces Effets, et a pris de mésures éfficaces pour assurer le Payement des Interéts, qui a...
68785[Diary entry: 19 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 43 at Noon, and 48 at Night. Morning lowering, but the Clouds dispelling about Noon, it became warm & pleasant afterwards. The Sun set in a bank. Little or no wind at any time of the day. Went to Mr. Tripletts and rectified the mistakes in running the Lines and finished the business respecting the quantities of Land given in Excha. and the partition...
68786To George Washington from Charles Washington, 19 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Robt Carter (Overseer & Maneger for the two little Boys George & Laurence) is sent to you with £55.12.0 which you will please to Recieve and apply it to there use, and if this shou’d not be Sufficient a further supply shall be sent as soon as Possable. I have never had an Oppertunity of seeing Mr Booth since I wrote you last and therefore am not Certain how it may sute him to take...
68787To George Washington from Hugh Williamson, 19 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
Application has been made to Congress lately by James McMechen who is connected with James Rumsey of Virga in the newly invented Machinery for pressing Boats through the Water. Mr McMechen has laid before the Committee, to whom his Memorial was refer’d, a Certificate that you was pleas’d to give him respecting the Invention. We observe your Opinion that “He has discovered the Art of working...
68788Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 20 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your last favour which was dated in December came to hand in Febry. If Capt. Young has arrived safe, my Friends will find a sufficent number of Letters there, to convince them that I have been mindfull of them. It was no fault of mine that Capt. Young was detaind Months after I hoped that he was in America. Concequently my Letters must lose a large part of their value by being of an old date,...
68789[Diary entry: 20 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 20th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 47 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Morning lowering. About Noon great appearances of rain—but towards sunsetting the clouds dispersed and the Sun came out. A large, but not a very distinct circle about the moon.
68790From George Washington to Charles Lee, 20 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
My Servant did not return with your letter, and the Papers therewith, until Nine o’clock last Night; so that I have scarcely had time to read the several Conveyances—In that from Mr & Mrs Dulany to me there is a capitol error. the Land held by the deceased Mr French, under the Proprietors Deed to Stephens and Violet, is no part of the Land exchanged. The original grant to Spencer & Washington,...
68791[From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Martin, 20 February 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 20 Feb. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Henry Martin—Acknolege receipt of Nov. 15. Dec. 7. and Feb. 4. Subjects such as could not hazard explanation thro the post office, particularly as to Medit. passes—remedy in unfair insurance must be in American and other insurance offices. Expect instructions from Congr.” Not found.]
6879221st. (Adams Papers)
All dined at the Marquis de la Fayette. There was a considerable company, mostly composed of Americans. We saw two of the Marquis’s children; he has three; but the other is out at nurse at Versailles. His son is called George Washington: about 4 years old, a very pretty child: the Legislature of the State of Connecticut have lately made his father and him, citizens of that State. The Marquis’s...
68793From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Stewart, 21 February 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, February 21, 1785. “I have delayed answering the letter you lately wrote me in expectation of Mr. Templetons making some proposals, which it appeared to me he had some thoughts of doing, but as he has not come to any explanation, it is unnecessary to wait any longer for it. All that I can recommend to you to do, is to procure and send out all original letters or orders from Templeton...
68794To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 21 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’aviez fait l’amitié de me promettre que vous m’avertiriez quand le petit modele de presse que vous attendiez d’Angleterre vous seroit parvenu. Je vous serai infiniment obligé de vouloir bien me le faire savoir, parce que j’irai la visiter jeudi prochain si vous voulez me donner à dîner. Je serai bien enchanté d’avoir le plaisir de passer quelques...
68795[Diary entry: 21 February 1785] (Washington Papers)
Monday 21st. Mercury at 42 in the Morning at Noon, and 46 at Night. Wind at No. West, and pretty fresh all day—weather clear and very pleasant. Went to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington. Dined at Mr. Dulany’s and exchanged Deeds for conveyance of Land with him & Mrs. Dulany—giving mine, which I bought of Messrs. Robt. Adam, Dow & McIvor for the reversion of what Mrs. Dulany is entitled to at the...
68796To George Washington from Frederick Weissenfels, 21 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor to be under your Comand, my Sufferings, were alleviated in your presence, I underwent the Fatigues of the different Campaingns with Pleasure, and when finished I returned with my Numerous Family to the Cottage, not without Some hopes, of being rewarded by my Country but my reward proved paper Notes Which from necessity of my Family I am obliged to Sell at 2/6 for Every...
68797From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 21 February 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Hartshorne, 21 Feb. 1785. On 25 Mar. Hartshorne wrote GW : “Your favor of the 21st inst. came.”
68798To John Jay from Philip Schuyler, 21 February 1785 (Jay Papers)
I had the pleasure of your favor of the 28 th January by the post who arrived here on tuesday last. The attention to be paid M rs . Schuyler who has been confined to her bed since the 10 th Instant has prevented a more early answer. In the inclosed plans I have not marked the windows or chimneys as they come Of Course, you will percieve that I have supposed your lott descends so much towards...
6879922d. (Adams Papers)
My father went to Versailles. Mr. Short went with him to be presented at Court. Variable Weather: much Snow in the morning, fair weather at noon, and Stormy again, in the Evening. The Duke of Dorset said to my father, while they were passing from one chamber to another “what nonsensical business all this noisy parade is!” My father said it was curious that a person like him, who had from his...
68800From Benjamin Franklin to Windisch-Grätz, 22 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Státní oblastní archiv v Plzni, pracoviště Klášter; L (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre infiniment honnête dont vous m’avez honoré le 9 de ce Mois, et Je ne puis qu’approuver l’Ecrit qui y etoit joint: il ne pourra manquer d’être utile. Je m’empresserai de faire passer en Amérique suivant votre Desir les Exemplaires que vous m’annoncez dès qu’ils me...