6931To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 1 March 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Mrs. Franklin’s Desire, I now send by this Opportunity, two small Kegs of Keskatomas Nuts, one is a Firkin the other a small Quarter Cask: They contain very near a Bushel and a half. I hope they may come safe and sound to your Hands: As I have been now a great while confined by the Gout, I could not go out about them; but as the Second Mate, is a near...
6932To Thomas Jefferson from David Ramsay, 16 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Charleston, S.C., 16 Apr. 1787. Encloses a letter from A. E. Van Braam Houckgeest, formerly of the United Netherlands and now a citizen and “respectable Gentleman of this state.” Urges TJ’s assistance in his behalf, since he is a “Gentleman of reputation much esteemd by his lately adopted country.” RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 6 July 1787. Enclosure: Houckgeest to...
6933The Federalist No. 56, [16 February 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THE second charge against the House of Representatives is, that it will be too small to possess a due knowledge of the interests of its constituents. As this objection evidently proceeds from a comparison of the proposed number of representatives, with the great extent of the United States, the number of their inhabitants, and the diversity of their...
6934From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to repair to our lines and investigate the causes of the late misfortune & disgrace at Elizabeth Town &ca —& report your opinion there upon as soon as enquiry is made. You will also examine into the state of our Guards—their situation &ca & see if any change can be made in their position for the bettr havg respect as far as present circumstances will allow to the objects in...
6935[Diary entry: 3 February 1798] (Washington Papers)
3. Wind brisk from No. Wt. & Mer. 42 in the Morning—clear and but little of it afterwards. Mer. 44 at highest & 38 at Night. A Mr. Adamson from Hamburgh & Doctr. Stuart came to Dinner. William Adamson wrote GW a letter on 5 Feb. 1798 thanking him for “the polite & kind reception” that he had received at Mount Vernon ( DLC:GW ). Dr. David Stuart was at Mount Vernon to discuss with GW what was...
6936To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, Junior, 14 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 14, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 207). On the same day...
69371765. Jany. 24th. Thurdsday. (Adams Papers)
Soon after I got to Boston, at Jany. Court Mr. Fitch came to me upon Change, and told me, that Mr. Gridley and he had something to communicate to me, that I should like, in Sacred Confidence however. I waited on Mr. Gridley, at his office, (after many Conjectures what the secret might be) and he told me, That He and Mr. Fitch had proposed a Law Clubb—a private Association, for the study of Law...
6938To George Washington from Col. Charles Lewis, 20 March 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. Charles Lewis, 20 Mar. 1778. On 21 Mar., GW wrote Lewis , “Your favor of yesterday was duly received.”
6939To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 21 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I was going to send you the enclosed when I received your valuable present of the Camera obscura, accompanied by a note still more valuable. You have conferred upon me nothing but benefits. This additional kindness renders me at a loss how to express what I feel towards you. I cannot do it in words; but the opinion and the regard that prompted this new proof of your sentiments towards me are...
6940From George Washington to Brigadier General Mordecai Gist, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The State of Maryland apprehending an attack from the enemy now in Chesapeak bay have requested that you might be sent there to take the command. You will therefore proceed forthwith to Baltimore apply to the Governor and concert with him the measures necessary to be taken on the occasion. Your present command is only temporary. So soon as the enemy have left Chesapeak bay and the danger which...
6941General Orders, 11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
That few Complaints were made for damage done to fences and other property while the troops lay at or near German Town has given much satisfaction to the well disposed Inhabitant of that neighbourhood and such peculiar pleasure to the Genl that he thinks it an act of Justice to express his approbation of their conduct in G.O. some instances however were not wanting of a contrary behaviour but...
6942Memorandum from George Turner, 20 December 1791 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. 20 December 1791. “Account of Indians inhabiting the North-Eastern parts of the Territory N. W. of the Ohio—Collected from good information.” Lists the locations, nations, tribes, and numbers of families of Indians. Ms ( DLC ). Two pages, in Turner’s hand, with three dockets by JM; one docket dates this document 10 Dec, another reads: “Indians, accounts of them from Judge Geo: Turner...
6943To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 10 November 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. inclosing manifests for 21 Hhds. Tobacco is duly received. As the Inspectors at Milton are not over-correct I think it necessary to inform you that the manifests for that Tobo. have never been forwarded to us. Although I suppose there would not be the smallest difficulty in obtaining the price you mention for the Tobacco, yet as information was received here last night...
6944Thomas Mann Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 26 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
The House of delegates by resolution of January 19 th called for information concerning “the title by which the commonwealth holds the land included within the limits of the Capitol Square ”. As yet I have been able to procure none worth communicating, and take it for granted that the papers, of whatever kind they were, must have been destroyed when Arnold ravaged the town. I find that six...
6945From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Childs, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives I received your Letter of Nov. 13. with the preceding one therein mentioned. I had some Discourse with Mr Jay respecting you, and I express’d a Willingness to assist you in Setting up your Business, on the same Terms as I had formerly done other young Printers of good Character, viz. Whitemash & Timothy in Carolina, Smith and afterwards Mecom at Antigua, Parker at New...
6946[Diary entry: 21 July 1768] (Washington Papers)
21. Clear & Exceeding hot till abt. 10 Oclock—then a little cooler by the Wind Rising from the Southward. Note—last Night & the Night before makes but the 4 or 5th. warm Night we have had this year.
6947To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 27 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 153–54. An extract, also taken from the missing original, is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 90. Your favr of the 14th conveyed a very unexpected piece of Intelligence in the entire revolution of the British Ministry, an event which I once thought...
6948From John Adams to John Adams, 31 July 1816 (Adams Papers)
I find upon my table this morning your favour of the 7. March; and I know not whether I have ever answered it. I approve of your “eating and Sleeping and living together; of your playing Football, Crickett; running, climbinge, leaping Swimming, Skateing; and have no great Objection to your play at Marbles. These are good for your Health: but what do you do for your Mind? The Mind is of more...
6949To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 14 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose and forward you by the way of England a copy of the King’s letter sent yesterday to the national assembly announcing his acceptance of the constitution, and his intention of going to day to solemnize that acceptation in the assembly. He accordingly went today and took the oath required. The Queen also was present in a lodge adjoining the assembly room. This...
6950John B. Colvin to Thomas Jefferson, 21 December 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
In compiling a new edition of the laws of the United States , on which work I am now employed, by appointment from the Secretary of State , I have been at some loss concerning the orthography of names in the Indian treaties. Those state papers, however well framed as to the objects for which they were intended, have, in many cases, evidently been written by illiterate persons, and the spelling...
6951From Benjamin Franklin to [Vergennes], 26 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress N’ayant aucun moyen de Satisfaire aux payemens de Sommes aussi considerables & ne pouvant Supporter l’Idée de perdre le reste de Confiance que nous avons acquis en Europe par un retour à protest qui apprêteroit à rire aux Anglois à nos dépens en leur fournissant les moyens d’ajouter des realites aux fictions qu’ils...
6952To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 1 Aug. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Samuel Holden Parsons, 1 Aug. 1779. On 1 Aug., GW wrote Parsons: “I return you my thanks for the intelligence contained in your letter of this date.”
6953To Alexander Hamilton from Jedediah Huntington, 30 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New London, Connecticut ] April 30, 1790 . “I am favd. with your Letter of the 21st. respecting Light Houses &c and am much obliged to the president for the Appointment therein announced to me. I do not know of any Beacons Buoys or piers in this state that come within the Description of the Act of Congress but will make Enquiry. The Legislature of this state in May last ordered the buoys...
6954To John Jay from Jedidiah Morse, 28 February 1815 (Jay Papers)
I thank you for your acceptable favor of the 14 th . inst. which was rec d . in due course of mail. I regret that your health is declining & hope that you may yet be better, & be continued many years to your family & country. I shall make a vigorous effort to pay you a visit with M r s Morse, in the course of the next six or eight months—but we have learned not to be sanguine in our...
6955To Thomas Jefferson from Malesherbes, 15 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je ne suis, Monsieur, presque Jamais à Paris. J’ai profité d’un seul Jour où J’y ai été pour aller vous faire mes remercimens de la prodigieuse quantité de Graines de Cedre rouge que vous m’avez envoyés, et Je n’ai pas été assez heureux pour vous trouver. J’espere être plus heureux la premiere fois que J’irai, mais Je ne veux pas attendre Jusques là à vous exprimer ma reconnoissance. Ces...
6956Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society That you may be able to judge of the Quality of the arms when remounted I have ordered one of each to be sent by the messagerie which will come directed to Mr. Carmichael in the same manner as the samples of those sent by the Mercury did. The workmen are constantly at Work upon the Ship, and Shipackers are also at Work on the Bales, all is going on as fast...
6957Gibson & Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, [before 12 April 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
We did not write to you by last mail, in consequence of our not having been able to get a purchaser for your Tobacco We have since then disposed of it viz the four worst Hhd s to O Philpotts on 60 d /. at 2$ and the two best to J: G: Gamble at 6½$, as we could not obtain what we consider’d the value of the remaining Hhd N o 2031, we have requested M
6958To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 13 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The paper referred to by Abishai Thomas Esq. in his Letter dated the 12th instant, is merely a Rect. signed “ James Green Jr. Treas. Loan Office ” for a number of indented Certificates supposed to be then issued in pursuance of the resolutions of Congress of the 2d. of January & 2nd. of July 1779 in favour of a Chairman of a Committee of Accounts in North Carolina. The Rect. was given by Mr....
6959From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 23d Ulto; but not at so early a period as might have been expected from the date of it. My mind has always been more disposed to apply the shares in the inland navigations of Potomac & James River (which were left to my disposal by the legislature of Virginia) towards the endowment of a University in the U. States, than to any other object it had contemplated. In...
6960To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 3 May 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Always attentive to your commands, I have obtained here, and now inclose you the song and the receipt you desired. I once had both of them at home, but they are mislaid among a mass of papers, so that I could find neither previous to my leaving Chantilly, or your request would then have been complied with. I hope you have received the pamphlet I sent you some weeks ago entitled “Observations...
6961To John Adams from William Moulton, 11 June 1798 (Adams Papers)
At this important crisis, while the sensibility of our good citizens through the union is awakened by the indignities the United States have suffered from the French government, and while they are signifying their confidence in and approbation of the measures adopted by their own Government, I hope it will not be deemed impertinent or improper in me to testify my sensibility at the nefarious...
6962George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 25 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 25, 1778 . Orders Forman to leave salt works and join Colonel Israel Shreve’s regiment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6963To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The fort & Garrison with Colo. Johnston are ours—Our Officers & men behaved like men who are determined to be free. Yours Most Sincerely ALS , DLC:GW ; copy, enclosed in GW to George Clinton, this date, sold by Christie’s, Sale No. 1770, 5 Dec. 2006, no. 324. A letter from GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison to an unknown recipient, written on this date, reads: “His Excellency requests you...
6964To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 3 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Majr Boyce who has reconnoitered the enemy now in Billingsport and reports their strength to be 1500 men at least 1300 of whom went from Phila. he will inform you of particulars. This evening the enemy have been reconnoitering us from the Meadows, what they intend I know not. Certainly their force scatterd in this manner must weaken them much. Their Shiping have...
6965From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 8 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your Letter of the 1st Instt, and am sorry to find that you meet with so many difficulties in raising your Regiment. I cannot request Governor Trumbull to advance the Extra bounty; That would be approving a measure which I have always condemned as impolitick and injurious to the General interest, and would be promoting a proceeding, so far from being authorized by the...
6966To James Madison from Edward Hempstead, 31 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
A deep sense of duty, alone, impels me to intrude a few remarks upon you, on a subject of vital importance to the future prosperity, if not, to the future existence of the Missouri Territory. These are occasiond by an address subscribed by the Delegation in Congress from the State of Ohio, (with an Individual exception) and by the Delegate from the Indiana Territory. This proposes among other...
6967To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1804, Le Havre. “Since mine of the 5h. I have received the Returns from Dieppe of the Vessells enterd at that port [not found] & forward it ⅌ this Occasion. This Day the Embargo is raised and I hope the Vessells detaind at fecamp & Dieppe will be able to sail. I forward the last News papers from Paris.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havre, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received in October.
6968From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Tierlin, 9 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with great satisfaction the letter of the Viscount de Vergennes and take a sincere interest in whatever had relation to my former venerable acquaintance the Count de Vergennes. on his account therefore, as well as your own, I shall be happy in occasions of being useful to you. on the subject of your letter I have the pleasure to inform you that General Turreau, minister of France is...
6969From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 20 August 1774 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George William Fairfax, 20 Aug. 1774. On 30 June 1786 GW wrote Fairfax : “With respect to your Book Debts, my letters of the 10th of June, 20th of Augt [1774] . . . will have informed you of the difficulties which then occurred.”
6970To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The enclosed letters I brought with me from London—several circumstances concurred to detain me in England longer than I wished or expected, or there would not have been so long a space between the date of these letters and their delivery— Dr. Fothergill would have written to you long before, but deferred it, for obvious reasons, untill some safe...
6971James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you by this days mail, the documents of greatest interest , which have been presented to Congress during the present Session. on our concerns with Spain we have nothing new, & little reason to expect a minister here from that country, during the Session, m r Vivas , said to have been appointed some months ago, being under quarantine, within a few leagues of Madrid , in consequence of...
6972From John Adams to John Taylor, 21 January 1815 (Adams Papers)
You remember I have reserved a right of employing twenty years to answer your Book, because you consumed that number in writing it. I have now written you thirty Letters and have not advanced beyond a dozen pages of your Work. At this rate I must ask indulgence for forty or fifty years more. You know that your Amusement and my own are the principal Objects that I have in View. In the fine...
6973[Diary entry: 11 March 1769] (Washington Papers)
11. Ground excessive hard froze & Morning very cold—wind being fresh from the No. Wt. but the Afternoon more moderate wind falling.
6974Thomas Jefferson to Philip P. Barbour, 12 October 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I should at all times be happy to see you here, but at this moment have a particular occasion to ask that favor of you. the Rivanna company , engaged in clearing the river from Moore’s ford to Milton , have called a meeting with a view to petition the next legislature to enlarge their powers; that is to say their powers over my property, for it is over that of no other human being. the laws...
6975To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 25 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Yesterday Recd. a letter from Mr. Gregoire informing me that your Excellency has no objection to giveing me my liberty provided you were assured that I was raly an American. Inclosed I send you three Letters I have receivd. from Mr Frazier which is all I can do to convince you Mr. Frazier has likewise informed me that he has acquainted your Excellency...
6976From Alexander Hamilton to William Skinner, 8 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 29th. of August is just come to hand. My circular of the first of November which you had received required that you should not admit on loan the Certificates of the State of North Carolina upon its own account. The reason of this would operate in regard to the Comptroller or any other Officer of the State, or any individual who might be the acknowledged or secret Agent of...
6977From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 15th and 16th instants. When the 1st and 5th New York Regiments were ordered up to Albany, I directed Genl Clinton, if he should receive advice that the enemy had retired, to send them down again. Under this order he accordingly directed their return: I had not then fixed, in my mind, the line of Cantonment of which I afterwards informed you. Upon the whole,...
6978To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being desirous of forwarding the Clothing, Stores &c., belonging to the Troops of the Convention, and also a Cargo of Wine and other Refreshments for their Comfort, to Charlotteville in Virginia, I am to request you will be so obliging to send me the necessary Passports for the Ships mentioned in the Margin to proceed to Richmond on James River, for that purpose. And as I wish at the same time...
6979From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
As Mr Fornandez an Officer just released from Captivity by an exchange, informs me, that large and weekly supplies of fresh provision are brought into York, which, he was informed by a Friend of ours, came from Connecticut, but whether by Water or by Land he does not know—This information I have thought proper to transmit to your Honor by the earliest opportunity, that you may adopt such...
6980From George Washington to James Gildart, 12 October 1773 (Washington Papers)
Upon a Review of my Books, there appears to be a Balle due from you, to me, on my own private Acct. of £34.6.9½. Please to examine how this matter stands on your Books, and if found right remit the money to Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. Merchants in London whose discharge will be good against Sir Yr most Hble Servt ALB , DLC:GW . After his marriage in 1759 and until 1766, GW continued the Custis...