71011Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 17 September 1780 (Adams Papers)
I was much gratified at again receiving a few lines from you, tho very Laconick. I wrote you about ten days since by a Mr. Brown, who came in the Alliance and brought Letters from my Friend to congress and to some of his Friends which he put into the post office, but they must be of an old date, as he was waiting near four months for the Sailing of the Alliance. Such conduct with regard to one...
71012The Federalist Number 44, [25 January] 1788 (Madison Papers)
A Fifth class of provisions in favor of the federal authority, consists of the following restrictions on the authority of the several states. 1. “No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confederation, grant letters of marque and reprisal, coin money, emit bills of credit, make any thing but gold and silver a legal tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto...
71013To James Madison from Benjamin Joy, 27 August 1822 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yesterday your favor of the 12th Inst inclosing a letter for my brother George Joy. I have inclosed it agreeably to your request, and it will be sent him by the first vessel from this port for England. Permit me to express the high respect & esteem with which I am your very obedient & hble Servant RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). The letter has not...
71014VIII. To the Boston Gazette, 22 February 1773 (Adams Papers)
In all General Brattle’s researches hitherto, aided and assisted as he has been by mine, we have not been able to discover, either that the judges at common law had their commissions quam diu se bene gesserint, or for life, or that the crown had authority to grant them in that manner. Let us now examine and see, whether estates for life, determinable only on misbehaviour or the demise of the...
71015To Alexander Hamilton from John Hobby, 21 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
Portland [ District of Maine ] January 21, 1795 . Requests the “Ballance of my account rendered against the United States as Marshall for the district of Maine for the year 1794.” ALS , RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, 1790–1894, Account No. 6423, National Archives. On February 10, 1795, Warrant No. 4522 for $137.99 was issued to Hobby ( D , RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts,...
71016From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 21 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of July 10. and 13. have been duly recieved and I now return the pamphlet inclosed in the latter, with thanks for the perusal. The author has the appearance of knowing better what has past in England than in America. As to the latter to be sure he has been ignorant enough. I am sincerely sorry that Freneau has declined coming here. Tho’ the printing business be sufficiently full...
71017To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Moss, 11 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that the Office of Marshal of this District wold become vacant in a short time, I have taken the liberty of becoming An Applicant to Supply the Vacancy, And have forwarded to the Secretary of State A veriety of documents, stating My Capacity to fill that Office, which I have no doubt has Allready been laid before you—In Addition to those, I will only beg leave to refer you to...
71018To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last communications Nos. 9 & 10, I intimated to you that I should be necessitated to draw upon the department of State for $20,000 in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli as it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit. The Bashaw as in a former instance would increase...
71019To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 21 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Goldsmiths who made the Assays have furnished the enclosed Account, which they submit to be paid upon the same footing as the others you may have had done at Philadelphia. I have the honor to be. LC , Bank of New York, New York City. Assays of coins for H’s “Report on the Establishment of a Mint,” January 28, 1791 .
71020From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday Evening I received your Excellency’s favors of the 30th ulto & 1st Inst. with their several inclosures. I will direct the best & cheapest disposition, I can, to be made of the cavalry for their accommodation in Quarters—and will instruct the Forage Master on the occasion. The remittance to the Pay Master which you mention, I presume has come to hand, having been applied to by him,...
71021From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph H. Nicholson, 1 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
You recommended to me some time ago mr Thos. Rodney of Delaware for an appointment. nothing has yet turned up. in your letter you do not say whether he is a lawyer or not. if he is, it is possible he may suit as a Commissioner for the Missisipi land titles , and we might give him the most favorable berth which will be in the Eastern district, where the business will be short, & probably...
7102225th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Williams gave us a lecture this forenoon, to explain several astronomical instruments. Nothing new however. There are many flying reports concerning the coming of the insurgents next week. They have even been expected to arrive this evening, but none as yet have appeared.
71023[Diary entry: 21 December 1797] (Washington Papers)
21. Very cold—Wind at No. W. Mer. 9 a 28. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast.
71024From George Washington to Colonel John Patton, 11 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Consequent of the good opini⟨on⟩ I entertain of you as an Officer, I present you with an Appointment to the Command of a Regiment. Parke will be your Lieutt Colo.; and Scull (late Brigade Majr to Genl Thompson) your Major. I have also to desire that Lieutt Jno. Dennis (recomd by Genl Cadwallader) may be one of your Captains. The rest of the Officers you, and your Field Officers will, I hope,...
71025From George Washington to the United States Senate, 13 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you for your consideration and advice, a treaty of peace and friendship, made and concluded on the 27th day of September 1792, by Brigadier General Rufus Putnam, in behalf of the United States with the Wabash and Illinois tribes of Indians. And also the proceedings attending the said treaty, the explanation of the Fourth Article thereof—and a Map, explanatory of the reservation to...
71026From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 7 May 1810 (Adams Papers)
Captain Smith, a Brother of Mrs Charles Millars call’d here to let us know that he should sail for Gottenburgh in a day or two, and would take Letters from us to you. I am desirious of writing to you as frequently as I can, tho no doubt many vessels sail without my knowing it. My last Letter to you was by Captain Harrod, who was charged with the articles which mrs Adams wrote me to procure...
71027From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 15 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. has been duly recieved. I am really mortified at the base ingratitude of Callender. it presents human nature in a hideous form: it gives me concern because I percieve that relief, which was afforded him on mere motives of charity, may be viewed under the aspect of employing him as a writer. When the Political progress of Britain first appeared in this country, it was in...
71028To Thomas Jefferson from John O’Neill, 30 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not the honor to be personally known to your Excellency therefore you will no doubt think it strange to receive this letter from a person of whom you have not the smallest knowledge But in order to state to your Excellency in as few words as possible the purport of this address I am a young man a Roman Catholic who had been born and partly educated in Ireland but finding like many...
71029From John Adams to Robert R. Livingston, 13 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday at Versailles the Baron de Waltersdorff came to me and told me, he had delivered to M r: Franklin, a Project of a Treaty between the Court of Denmark, and the United States, and asked me, if M r: Franklin had shewn it to me? I answered him, that I knew nothing of it.— He said he wondered at that, he presumed it was because of my Absence at the Hague, for that it had been shewn to M...
71030To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 17 October 1786 (Washington Papers)
In my last letter I detailed the eastern commotions and communicated my apprehensions of their objects & issue. G. Knox has just returned from thence and his report grounded on his own knowledge is replete with melancholy information—a majority of the people of Massachusetts are in opposition to the government, some of their leaders avow the subversion of it to be their object together with...
71031General Orders, 28 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Lt. Col. C. Huntington Major Graham Brigade Major Cushing Qr. Master Morrill For duty tomorrow 1st New York & 2d Massa. Regiments. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
71032From George Washington to the Delaware Society for Promoting Domestic Manufacturers, 19–20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks for your congratulations and good wishes on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. Convinced that the happy effects which may be derived from our government, must depend, in a considerable degree, on the determinations of the people to support the person entrusted with the administration; I shall rejoice to find that my acceptance has met with...
71033To James Madison from Mathew Carey, 5 June 1824 (Madison Papers)
You will, I doubt not, have the goodness to pardon the liberty I take, in the present letter, from the motives which lead to it, to serve a valuable citizen, & to promote the utility of some one of the great public institutions in your state, devoted to education on a large scale. Mr. John Saunderson, of this city, whom I regard as eminently qualified for a professorship of the learned...
71034To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 July 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 July 1811, Madeira. Acknowledges receipt of the duplicate of JM’s letter of 28 May . “I feel great satisfaction that the wines I sent to your address are approved & will endeavor to execute your present commission similar to the last by the first good conveyance.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
71035To John Adams from James Warren, 3 April 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure Yesterday of receiving your favours of the 15th. and 18th. of March. There are few things I wish for more than A War between Britain, and France &c. I am therefore greatly pleased with the Accounts you have of the probability of it. Such has been the situation, of matters for some time that I could not see how it could be Avoided, and yet my Impatience makes me Uneasy at the...
71036To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 31 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
Although I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, yet as an Author, I claim the privilege of one, & address to thee a copy of my Gazetterr of the State of New York. Be pleased to accept, with it, assurances of my high veneration & esteem. Few, very few of the Fathers of our Republic remain to this day, a trying & eventful one to our Country.—That thou, with all these, may survive...
71037Simeon DeWitt to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the temerity to advance a novel project for the consideration of our Legislature , now in session, and as it is of general concern I am induced to take the liberty of presenting you with the pamphlet which contains it. The pamphlet has only this moment come from the press and I have as Yet had no opportunity of learning opinions about it, except from a few friends of high standing...
71038[Diary entry: 11 May 1773] (Washington Papers)
11. Clear & Warm again. Wind continuing in the same place.
71039To Alexander Hamilton from William Munson, 28 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Haven, Connecticut, September 28, 1793. On November 11, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Munson : “Your letters of the 23d, 28th, 30th of September … have been duly received.” Letter of September 28 not found. ]
71040From Alexander Hamilton to Colonel Timothy Pickering, [24 July 1781] (Hamilton Papers)
My servant informs me, that the saddle he rides has met with an accident that renders it unfit for use. As there are none here to be purchased, I should be glad it could be exchanged. I suppose it may be repaired and made serviceable again; however if like indulgencies are not allowed to other officers, I do not wish it for me. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obed ALS , RG 93, Miscellaneous...
71041From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 31 May 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress I receiv’d your Letter early this Morning, and as I am so engag’d that I cannot see you when you come to-day, I write this Line just to say, That I am sure you are a much better Judge in this Affair of your own than I can possibly be; in that Confidence it was that I forbore giving my Advice when you mention’d it to me, and not from any Disapprobation. My...
71042To George Washington from William Heath, 15 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
There are reports from below that a general embargo was laid the last week on all shipping at New York—that several merchants who had shipped their effects for England were obliged to land them again, and are murmuring much—that the hands employed on private buildings in the city are stopped working—that general Kniphausen is to embark soon for Europe—that Arnold’s corps is ordered down to...
71043To Alexander Hamilton from John Rice, 22 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, October 22, 1789. Discusses the acquisition of two small boats for the revenue service. Believes that reducing the number of entry ports would increase rather than prevent smuggling. ADfS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury and Others, 1789–1818, Vol. 11, National Archives.
71044To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you further the Leyden Gazette to this date. I shall now wait anxiously to know what will be the fate of my official situation as that of my family will thereon essentially depend. I have the honor to be in sentiments of the highest Respect—Yr. Ob Sert. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison ,...
71045Philadelphia Post Office Accounts, 1757–1764 (Franklin Papers)
MS account papers: American Philosophical Society In addition to the Philadelphia Post Office Record Book described immediately above, there survives among Franklin’s papers a series of loose sheets, mostly but not all in his hand, relating to William Dunlap’s financial accounts, March 30, 1757, to July 11, 1764, and the operations of the Philadelphia Post Office during his tenure. The most...
71046To Alexander Hamilton from Adam Hoops, 7 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Mary McGregor represents. That her husband (a Soldier in Capt Freemans company) was wounded during the revolutionary war—That he is now over fifty years of age. That she has a son of ten years old an incurable cripple — that separated from her husband she would find it extremely difficult to maintain herself & son—she requests That in consideration of these circumstances her husband may be...
71047To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Wingate, Jr., 1 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Being about to leave the District of Columbia, I This day forwarded to Genl. John Mason the resignation of my appointment as Brigade Major and Inspector of the Militia of this District, he being considered the proper person through whom my resignation should be communicated to the President of the United States— The high respect I entertain for your personal and political Character and my...
71048From George Washington to John Lawson, 26 March 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Lawson, 26 Mar. 1787. On 2 April Lawson wrote GW : “I am this day favor’d with yours of the 26th Ulto.”
71049To George Washington from Officers of the Westchester County Militia, 15 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
May it please Yr Excellency to take into Consideration our humble petition. Whereas two of the Enemies’ ships of War with their Barges and their tenders are arrived up the North River as far as Tarry town, we suppose with a hostile design to distress us—With the concurrence of the Congress and assistance of the Committee and by the forwardness of a number of volunteers a considerable number of...
71050Circular to American Merchants, 27 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Complaint having been made to the Government of the United States of some instances of unjustifiable vexation and spoliation committed on our merchant vessels by the privateers of the Powers at War, and it being possible that other instances may have happened of which no information has been given to the Government, I have it in charge from the President to assure the merchants of the United...
71051From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Berndt Robert Gustav, Baron von Stackelberg, 19 October 1822 (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Adams requests the favour of Baron Stackelberg’s company at Tea on Wednesday 1/2 past seven MHi : Charles Edward French Autograph Collection.
71052To Thomas Jefferson from Connecticut Officers and Soldiers of the 12th Regiment, 23 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
While the Friends of Civil & Religious Liberty in the Old & new world, are rejoicing at the elavation of their ablest Advocate to the summit of human Glory—the first Magistrate of a Free & enlightened people—Permit the Officers & Soldiers of the 12th Regiment of Militia of Connecticut to present a respectfull testimonial of Attachment to the Constitution of our Country “the worlds best hope”...
71053Martha Washington to Abigail Adams, 8 December 1789 (Adams Papers)
M rs. Washington presents her best compliments to M rs. Adams, and will thank her to say at what hour it will be agreeable to visit M rs. Graham’s School tomorrow morning.— M rs. Washington encloses M rs. Graham’s note, by which M rs. Adams may see the time that will be most convenient for M rs. Graham.— M rs. Washington will be happy to hear that M rs.
71054To James Madison from Alexander White, 30 March 1794 (Madison Papers)
Your favors of 2d. & 17th. instant came to hand together on the 22d. the mail carrying the former not having reached Alexandria when the Winchester Post in course left it. I have had little time to consider the questions you propose, but will hazard an opinion. The laying Embargos is connected with War as well as with commerce, and indeed is more frequently an instrument of the former than the...
71055Editorial Note: The Northwest Territory (Jefferson Papers)
If a poor man … should ask of me, where shall I go in order to live more at my ease, without the aid of oxen and horses? I would say to him, go upon the banks of some rivulet on the Plains of Scioto; there you will obtain permission of the savages of the neighbouring villages to scratch the surface of the earth, and deposit your rye, your corn, your potatoes, your tobacco, &c. leave the rest...
71056To John Adams from Thomas Digges, 23 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
Since the sailing of Adml Barrington there has been much surprise and speculation as to His destination, and an express just arrivd from Plymouth announces that a few days ago and not many leagues off Brest one of His look out frigates the Artois Cap McBride fell in with an outward Bound India Fleet of 4 line of Battle ships (two armed en flute) and about 20 sail of Transports, four of which...
71057To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 26 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to send to the Secretary of State a Copy of the proceedings of the Executive Department of the Government of the North Western Territory—and a copy the laws passed there from the 1st. day of July to the 31st. of december 1792, which the President requests the Secretary to look over, and to report to him any thing that may therein appear to...
71058Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Confiscated Property, 17 [and 23] December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( NA : PCC , No. 69, II, 429–32). Docketed, “Resolutions of the Genl. Assembly of Virginia Read March 20. 1783. Referred to Mr. Osgood Mr. Mercer Mr. Fitzsimmons.” Whereas Resolutions in States which end in a dissolution of their former Government or constitution, bear no similarity to contests between independant Nations in which the object is the defence & support of their...
71059To James Madison from Levett Harris, 26 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
As no opportunity for conveying You the inclosed, since it was written, has offered which promised its safely reaching a port of departure I have determined to send it by a special messenger to England, & for this purpose have given a Couriers pass to a young Gentleman in my confidence. Since my last I have received a Copy of the Presidents Message to Congress of the 27 Oct. but as it was...
71060[Diary entry: 15 January 1760] (Washington Papers)
15. Do. pretty fresh & very cold & frosty.