7001[Diary entry: 14 October 1771] (Washington Papers)
14th. Clear in the forenoon with the Wind Southerly but Cloudy afterwards & Rain.
7002Thomas Jefferson to William McCandless, 29 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved on the evening of the 1 st of March the resolutions inclosed in your letter of Feb. 20. for the purpose of being laid before both houses of Congress . usage & perhaps sound principle not permitting the President to place himself between the representatives & their constituents, who have a right to address their legislature directly, I delivered, the next day a copy of your...
7003General Orders, 18 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
A board of General Officers to consist of Majr General McDougall, Brigadiers General Parsons and Knox to sit tomorrow morning at ten ôClock at Genl Smallwood’s large Marquee to hear the Claims of the Officers in the Maryland Line respecting their Rank and to make such Arrangement of the same as they shall think right which they are to report to the Commander in Chief—In order to facilitate the...
7004From George Washington to John Eccleston, 6 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the post of Wednesday last, I enclosed you an answer to an address of the Landholders & other citizens of the county of Dorchester. An answer to this address had been before transmitted to you; and the address having, without my knowledge, been put into the hands of Mr Murray, on it’s being returned, received a second answer, without my adverting to the circumstance of it’s being already...
7005Outline on the Federal Constitution, 1 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
The compound Govt. of U. S is without a model, and to be explained by itself; not by similitudes or analogies. The terms, union Federal, national not to be applied to it without the qualifications peculiar to the System: The English Govt. in a great measure sui generis and the terms monarchy used by those who look at the Executive head only, and Commonwealth, by those looking only at the...
7006From George Washington to John Hanson, 14 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received information that a lurking party of the Enemy is sent out to intercept the mail between Philadelphia & the North River, the place they are to lay in wait for the Post is said to be between Pluckimen & Morristown. I thought it proper to give your Excellency this notice of it (altho I cannot positively be answerable for the veracity of the intelligence) that measures might be...
7007To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter Just received from Colo. Harrison, I am Informed that it is your Excellency’s Pleasure, That Such of the militia belonging to General Saltonstalls Brigade as have not been ordered to move Forward, should now march and take Post opposite to Head Quarters on the Morrisania Side of Harlem River & c. I beg leave Just to represent to your Excellency, That this Brigade Consists of nine...
7008To George Washington from George Cornell, 10 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial of George Cornell of Portsmouth On Rhode Island—Your Excellency Humble Memorialist is the first of all this State that yet appears To Congratulate your Excellency Too the Appointment of Their President—and he Thinks Himself forever Happy Now under Your Excellencys Reign and Good Government, and To whome with a faithfull heart he wishes Long life and all Happiness—and your...
7009To George Washington from Timothy Dwight, 5 July 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have delayed an answer to your Excellency’s letter, which I duly received, from an expectation of having a conveyance by Col. Humphry’s, of whose design to visit Mount Vernon I was early informed after the receipt. Had the Conquest of Cannan been published, on the plan of a subscription, I should have taken the earliest opportunity to forward a paper of proposals to your Excellency. But that...
7010To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 21 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that we arrived here yesterday, and had the pleasure to find all our friends in good health. Our passage from New York to Providence was a very pleasant one, and performed in about 36 hours. We met with no accident during the journey, and were highly favored in the weather. Agreeably to your directions I called upon Mr Morris before I left Philadelphia, and...
7011Remission for the Mercurius, Christian Bodom, 3 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, held in the year 1816, the Swedish Ship Mercurius and Cargo were condemned for a violation of the Law of the United States interdicting Commercial Intercourse between the United States and Great Britain & France and their dependencies, and whereas it has been made to appear to...
7012To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer is the Honble. John Wheelock President of Dartmouth College, who has come to Europe with a Deputation from the Trustees, supported by strong Recommendations from the first Characters in America, in order to obtain Donations for an Institution for the propagation of Knowledge & Virtue. The respectable Recommendations Mr. Wheelock has with him make...
7013To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 April 1791 (Adams Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the Vice-president of the U. S. and has the honor to inclose him the copy of a letter from the President, just now received. MHi : Adams Papers.
7014To James Madison from DeWitt Clinton, 21 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of enclosing documents to establish the Citizenship of a son of Mr Bloodgood (a respectable citizen of this place) impressed or imprisoned by the British and in his behalf I solicit your good offices with the American Minister at London to obtain his release I enclose you two setts of documents in order that they may, if you think proper, be sent by different conveyances....
7015Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Feby. 20th. there have issued from my office, the following Loan Office Bills of Exchange To the State of New Hampshire 25 Setts 12 Dollars each No. 1045— 1069 25 18 1045 — 1069 25 24 1045 — 1069 13 30
7016To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 15 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you lately, kind sir, begging the favour of you to direct in every thing about the seal, and undertaking to add twenty pounds to the money allowed for it by the general assembly. The smallest size will be most convenient; and perhaps the figures may be represented on a small as well as on a large one. I pray you to remember me affectionately to all your family, and that you will...
7017To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 1 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 26th. has found me here, on my way to Washington. I shall spend but a few days before I proceed thither, in the hope that I may be enabled to render such further services in my former station, as may be acceptable to you. With sentiments of the highest respect and attachment, I remain, Dr. sir, Your most humble servt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Letter not found. Wagner had...
7018To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 18 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, September 18, 1794. “I have to request that a warrant may Issue in my favor for one Thousd. Dollars to make a payment to Samuel Wheeler the maker of the two Lanterns for Baldhead & Tybee Light houses. As Mr. Wheeler is under marching orders in the 1st City Troop tomorrow morning all possible dispatch is requested.” DfS , RG 26, Lighthouse Letters, Vol. I,...
7019Thurdsday June 19. (Adams Papers)
I have been the longer in the Arg umen t of this Cause not for the Importance of the Cause itself, for in itself it is infinitely little and contemptible, but for the Importance of its Consequences. These dirty and ridiculous Litigations have been multiplied in this Town, till the very Earth groans and the stones cry out. The Town is become infamous for them throughout the County. I have...
7020From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of Sept. [ blank ] and Nov. 4. It gave me great Pleasure to hear of your safe Arrival and Entring on Business with such Appearance of Success. I wish you every kind of Prosperity. Agreable to your Request after making a rough Sketch of the Account which I now send to your Father, I paid the Ballance appearing in my Hands £83 3 s. 9½ d. to...
7021From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Delaire, 25 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sensible of the humanity and generosity which the merchants of Rochelle were so good as to interpose in behalf of the crew of the Clementina, and am very grateful for the aids they afforded. Congress have not been able as yet to make a regular appointment of Agents in the several ports of France because it is not till very lately that a Convention has been arranged for that purpose...
7022To Benjamin Franklin from John Emery, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Michael Dupee in a Small Schooner I dispatchd from this place for Newbury Port the 26th. Octr. with Salt and Cloathing has made his Voyage and returnd here the 17th. Instant which gives me an opportunity to Inclose you the Two latest News papers he brought; my letters from my friends there Contain Nothing Material. If these papers give you aney...
7023From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received My Dear Marquis Your letter of the 20th inclosing me those you had received from Count De Rochambeau and The Chevalier De Ternay. As I speak to you in confidence I am sorry to find that the objections made by Mr De Ternay are of a nature to prevent his entering the harbour, notwithstanding any superiority he will probably have. I certainly would not wish him to endanger his...
7024To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 21 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 18th. came to hand this morning, & I feel exceedingly obliged by your early attention to mine of the 13th. I should have been the happiest Man in the United States had you adopted my first instead of my second proposition. But you have not, & I must now pluck up the courage of a Man who marches to meet certain death at the breach, & do my duty without inquiring the result of...
7025To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of War, 12 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Philadelphia ] , 12 Dec. 1780. Case of 1st Lt. Thomas Warner, formerly of the 7th Va. Continental Line, for whom no vacancy is now available in the Virginia Line, though it has been recommended and agreed that “in all Cases where the Places of Prisoners were filled by junior Officers they should retire on the Officers Exchange whose places they filled.” This information is...
7026From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 4 August 1786 (Hamilton Papers)
The only letter I have received from you in a considerable time is one introducing Lt Col Hastings to whom I have paid the attention which your recommendation will always give title to. The following remittances made by me remain unacknowleged by you. A bill of Exchange drawn by Constable & Rucker for £400 Sterling Currency Specie ⅌ the Tankerville Packet £1057.17.8 Ditto per the Carteret...
7027From George Washington to Colonel Armand, 28 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hamilton delivered me your letter of [ ]. It is with pleasure I declare to you that I have the most favourable opinion of your conduct and services, particularly in the course of the last campaign in which circumstances enabled you to be more active and useful —But notwithstanding this, so far from recommending the promotion you desire I confess to you with frankness, I should be...
7028To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 May 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from his Excellency Governor Jay, dated Albany 7th May ’99, respecting the appointment of John T. Bentley in the army. This letter is accompanied by one from Mr Bentley himself and a recommendation signed by Hosea Moffitt, Eleazer Grant and John W Schermerhorn. When you have considered these letters with a view to the vacancies to be filled up in the regiment commanded...
7029To George Washington from Thomas Farrington, 23 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased, to accept the inclosed, as a real Testimony, of a sincere, & candid Respect, & Esteem from your very Obedient Humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Thomas Farrington (c.1751–1807) graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Harvard College (now Harvard University) in 1773, and was a teacher in Medford, Mass., from October to December of that year. Soon thereafter, he opened a store....
7030To John Jay from Peter Jay, 16 January 1764 (Jay Papers)
Your letter and the Boy were immediately sent to M r . Punderson, who I’ve not seen since but am informed that he is well pleased with him. Seal the inclosed before you deliv r : it to M r . Kissam and you may conclude an agreem nt with him, viz t : To pay him £200 when the time of y r . being with him Commences, that is, immediately after the passing of y r Degrees at College in May next, tho...
7031From John Adams to Jan Willink, 9 October 1801 (Adams Papers)
It is a long time, since I had the pleasure to write to you: but this omission has arisen from engagements in public Business, which left me no time for any Attention to my private Affairs. It is now time for me to think of my own little concerns, and this Letter is to inform you, that I have engaged my worthy Son John Quincy Adams, late Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the...
7032From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 23 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 17th inst: The Militia from the Westward, who had been detained by the badness of the weather, have arrived at Genl Laceys Camp, and those from Northampton have, I hope, come in by this time. Their presence had become exceedingly necessary, as the insolence of the disaffected in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties had arisen to a very alarming Height. They have...
7033To George Washington from the Quakers, 17 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
It was the exhortation of the Apostle Paul that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for Kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. Conformable whereto our minds have been brought into a religious concern that the...
7034Virginia Resolutions, 21 December 1798 (Madison Papers)
JM’s writing of the Virginia Resolutions should be seen in the light of a long series of actions JM undertook to stop the progress of what he considered to be the wrongful interpretation of the Constitution he had done so much to create and have adopted. In JM’s mind, the abuse of the “necessary and proper” clause in the Constitution had led to the expansion of federal government power well...
7035From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 21 June 1822 (Adams Papers)
We have accomplished our journey thus far as well as I anticipated but my brother was so ill this morning I was fearful we should be obliged to remain at Baltimore for some days. As however he is better this Eveng he has determined to go on in the Stage and reach Philadelphia tomorrow morning—I shall therefore send the Carriage round to join us there— Our Stage party consists of Mr Pratt of P....
7036To Thomas Jefferson from John Davis, 31 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having lately visited that Scene which you have pronounced one of the most stupendous in Nature, & purposing to return to Philadelphia in a Month, where I shall publish my Travels under the title of A Journey from New York to the Passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge Mountains,—I take the liberty to entreat permission to dedicate my Work to you. If Gadienus travelled from the remote...
7037To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I can gather no news from the Officers of the Neptune worth communicating. Mr. Crawford has told you all that is important of our own affairs, and of the affairs of Europe when he left it. The newspapers will tell you, as soon as this letter can reach you, of the dreadful battle of the 15, 16, 17. & 18: of June. The carnage must have exceeded anything in the history of battles. The Duke of...
7038To George Washington from John Polson, 4 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging favor of the 28th of Septr last came to my hands the 21st Ulto under cover from Captain Milford of Date the 22d of Novr. He also sent me the letter you were so good as [to] write to him on the Subject of my Lands in Virginia. I want words to express my gratitude to you for the uncommon pains you have taken to put him in the way of geting the necessary information, for which I...
7039To George Washington from James Madison, 2 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
The sanction given by your favor of the 12th inst. to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced Common Sense, led to a trial for the purpose. The gift first proposed was a moiety of the tract on the Eastern Shore, known by the name of “the Secretary’s land.” The easy reception it found induced the friends of the measure to add the other moity to the proposition, which would have...
7040Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Demobilization of Troops, 26–27 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Docketed: “Resolution For advancing three Months pay to the Soldiers of the Virginia line, from the Southern Army 26th June 1783 Copied for Govr.” Whereas a body of troops of this States line in the continental service has lately arrived in the town of Richmond from the southward under the command of Captain Parker and other troops of the same line are daily...
7041To Thomas Jefferson from James Cole Mountflorence, 1 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you herewith the Manuscript relative to the Events of the French Revolution of last year. You will find, Sir, that I have been pretty circumstancial respecting what regards the unhappy Marquis De la Fayette: It was the Opinion of a Number of his friends in Paris that the United States of America would probably interfere in his Behalf, and that the Supreme...
7042To Benjamin Franklin from Charles B. Cochran, 3 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Serai venu vous rendre plutot mes devoirs mais jen ai été empeché par une grosse maladie Causée par le trop grand chagrin que jai eu ces jours passés: jai été saigné trois fois, et je prendrai ma troisieme medecine demain; aussitot que je pourrais sortir comptez, Monsieur, que je ne manquerai pas de venir deposer à vos pieds mes humbles hommages;...
7043Nathaniel Macon to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 19–ultimo , untill yesterday, it had no doubt been at Warrenton some time; but I live twelve miles from it & seldom go there The letter with the copy of one enclosed, will not be seen by any person during my life, without your direction, though I incline to the opinion, that much good might be done, by a few well tried friends reading th them ; If I should...
7044From James Madison to John Armstrong, 14 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
The rein given by Great Britain thro’ the arbitrary decisions of her Admiralty Courts to the Cruizers against our commerce, has produced already heavy losses to our merchants, and a very general indignation throughout the nation. You will have observed the notice taken of the British conduct in the Message of the President to Congress at the opening of the Session. I now transmit a copy of a...
7045To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 22nd ult. arrived on the 5th instant, whereupon my Council being convened amidst various Accounts of the Movements and Designs of the Enemy, in New Yorke & some Apprehensions of their hostile Attack upon, or Invasion of this State, every Exertion was made & making for its Defence by ordering the Militia to be reviewed and Detachments to be sent to the Sea Coasts and valuable...
7046From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
my last to you was of May 2. since which I have recieved yours of May 25. June 1. July 23. 24. & Sep. 5. and distributed the two pamplets according to your desire. they are read with the delight which every thing from your pen gives. After using every effort which could prevent or delay our being entangled in the war of Europe, that seems now our only recourse. the edicts of the two...
7047From Thomas Jefferson to James Swan, 6 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The whale oil which is the subject of the inclosed letter having been once delivered into the kingdom, the business of importation was completed, and what followed was merely a matter of internal regulation. Upon what conditions the government may allow a communication between it’s different ports, is for them alone to say. Foreigners seem to have no right to meddle as long as these conditions...
7048From John Adams to Benjamin Stoddert, 8 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
The combination of a very few ideas has been sufficient to excite apprehensions that the West India islands would soon become a scene of pyracy. The dissolution of all principles, of morals, government & religion the formed repeal of the ten commandments by which it is become as lawful by which it is become as lawful to covet, steal, kill as it is to profane the sabbath or commit adultery—the...
7049The American Commissioners to Samuel Tucker, 15 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society We this Moment had the Pleasure of your Letter from Bourdeaux of Ap. 11. and approve of your Activity in getting your Ship ready for Sea. We have this Day dispatched to Captain Palmes your Orders for your future Government, and shall write this Day to Mr. Bondfield to supply you with all necessary Provisions, and are your...
7050James W. Wallace to Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
8 miles below Dumfries A stage passenger this (11 oclock AM) moment from Baltimore , says the Enemy has landed 12 miles below Baltimore ; and that our army ( 17,000 strong) has gone to meet him. If Winder has the command of the Militia Baltimore will share the fate Washington . NB. I shall See you in a few days RC ( DLC