75851James Madison to John Sergeant, 30 November 1833 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison, with his best respects to Mr. Sergeant, thanks him for the Copy of his able and instructive Address, to the Alumni Association of Nassau Hall, in Sepr. last. FC (DLC) .
75852From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, [November? 1761] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragments only): American Philosophical Society [ First part missing ] Billy is now down at Bath. Inclos’d is a Letter I have just receiv’d from him inviting me there. But I must not at present leave London, as I daily expect Bills drawn on me by the Trustees. I shall be glad to receive from you, and hope it is on the Way, an Account of what is due on Mr. Spoffords Mortgage, as I have...
75853Thomas Jefferson to William A. Burwell, 7 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of Dec. 29. was recieved on the 3 d inst . I shall state what I know respecting the medals for the information of the government in the cases generally, & your own in the special one of Gen l Lee . when the old Congress prepared for having their votes of Medals & swords executed, they did it by directing their Financier, Robert Morris , to have it done. Col o Humphreys being appointed...
75854Henry Knox to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 8 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Please to submit, the enclosed letters from Governor Blount, to the President. I am Dear Sir Yours &c. LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The letters to Knox of 4, 9, 13, and 17 Dec. 1793 from William Blount, the governor of the Southwest Territory, have not been identified. GW returned these letters to Knox later this same date ( JPP Dorothy Twohig, ed. The Journal of the Proceedings of the...
75855To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 9 January 1786 (Adams Papers)
I present You with my New Year Good Wishes so far as to conform ourselves to the European Calendar; for altho’ my Sentiments for You are the same Every Day. Yet dont I think it right in us to mention any Day as the beginning of the Year but the blessed 4 th. of July. M r. Barret’s Business is coming on pretty well; he has made a Six Years Contract with M r. Sangraine for the Sum of four...
75856The Case of Peter Van Schaack Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
John Jay was one of the four members present on 21 December 1776 when the Committee for Detecting Conspiracies ordered the local authorities in Albany to examine four men presumed to be disloyal. Participating in this first action taken against Peter Van Schaack because of his political beliefs was an unhappy duty for Jay, for the two had been close friends since they studied together at...
75857To George Washington from John David Woelpper, 21 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
To his Excellency the President of the United States of America The Petition of John David Wœlpper of the City of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania Most humbly sheweth. That Your Petitioner in the late War with Great Britain took an early and Active part on behalf of the United States, and was on the 17th Day of July 1776 honoured with a Captains Commission in the German Battalion...
75858Account of Elias Backman, 26 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1801, Gothenburg. Lists disbursements made by Backman between 30 Sept. 1797 and 21 May 1801 for the care of distressed seamen, amounting to £34. Ms ( DNA : RG 217, First Auditor’s Accounts, no. 13, 102). 1 p. Probably enclosed in William Neilson and Company to JM, 18 Nov. 1801 ( PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (7 vols. to...
75859To Thomas Jefferson from Caesar A. Rodney, 16 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It is of considerable importance to the cause of Republicanism, that we should be in the possession of the journals of Congress since Mr. Bayards first entrance into the house of Representatives . They will furnish a faithful record of his political transactions & exhibit a true picture of his public conduct. As the election approaches his acts will be blazoned forth in this State, with all...
75860From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 13 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
I had Yesterday the Honour of yours of the third of this Month. C. Landais had So much diffidence in some of his Crew, that he could not think of carrying home any of the most culpable of the Conspirators, especially as he was so weak handed. The naval Code of the united States, has great Occasion for Amendments in many Particulars, without which there will be little Discipline subordination,...
75861To George Washington from Ludwell Lee, 7 August 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this, is the Cook you wrote concerning —You are welcome to make such trial of him, as may be satisfactory to Mrs Washington & yourself—it will give me pleasure should he answer your wishes. I have spoken to Mr George Lee to mention your want of Rye to the farmers in our neighborhood tho I fear it will be hard to procure as the number of distilleries in the upper Country, give Rye...
75862From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, [16 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President has the honor to inclose for his information the following letters written in consequence of the two last consultations preceding his departure. There being quadruplicates of most of them, the trouble of looking over them will be proportionably diminished to the President. Nov. 8. four letters to the foreign ministers on the extent of our...
75863Abigail Adams Smith to John Adams, 14 March 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received some time since your letter of the 21 st of Febuary—and am very happy to find that you suppose my apprehensions respecting any embarrassments which may be thrown in your way are premature— I have heard from all quarters that the Choice of President has been highly approved of and is perfectly Sattisfactory to all parties even the most violent Democrats in New York have expressed...
75864General Orders, 6 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Boss of the corps of Invalids tried by the general courtmartial of which Colonel Putnam is president; " for behaving disrespectfully to Colonel Nicola and on many occasions unbecoming a gentleman and for disposing of public flour for his private use" is acquitted and released from his arrest. A return of the number of men now serving in the different state regiments who are engaged...
758651779 December 24. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Dined on Board the Bellepoule, with the Officers of the Galatea and the Bellepoule.
75866[Diary entry: 28 December 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 28th. Thermometer at 37 in the Morning—42 at Noon and 44 at Night—Wind still at No. Et. with fine rain, & Sleet in the Morning but thawing afterwards—by Night little or no Snow appeared.
75867From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 13 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you the copy of a letter which I have written to Colonel Smith. You will make it the basis of your conduct untill that officer shall Arrive— With great consideration I am ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
75868[Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress] 1775. Octr. 27. (Adams Papers)
R. R. Livingston. Cloathing will rise tho Provisions will fall. Labourers will be discharged. One Quarter Part of R. Island, N. York, and Pensylvania depend upon Trade, as Merchants, Shopkeepers, Shipwrights, Blockmakers, Riggers, Smiths, &c. &c. &c. The 6 Northern Colonies must raise 9 millions of Dollars to support the Poor. This Vote will stop our Trade for 14 months, altho it professes to...
75869To John Jay from Timothy Matlack, 21 April 1780 (Jay Papers)
The American Philosophical Society for promoting useful knowledge &c has the honor to enroll your name in the list of its Members, of which you will receive official information thro’ another channel; but the Situation of the Society will not admit of your having a Diploma until a new one is framed agreable to the late change of circumstances. The Society applied to the late sitting of Gen l ....
75870From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed, I have the honor to transmit Congress a copy of the report of a Board of Officers, who were appointed by me to consider what would be the most eligible plan for invading Canada; in case our future prospects and circumstances should justify the entreprise. The pains which General Gates has, for some time past, taken to inform himself on the subject, and the knowlege, which General...
75871December 31. 1782. (Adams Papers)
This morning I left Stockholm at about 9 o’clock A M. in company with the Count Greco and Mr. Fyrbergs a Swedish gentleman who intends to go as far as Norrkiöping. We arrived at Nykiöping at about 12. o’clock at Night, we stay’d there a couple of hours and then set out and arrived at Norrkiöping at about 2. o’clock P.M. First entry of D/JQA/6, which has no titlepage and consists of two 4¾″ ×...
75872To Thomas Jefferson from Augustus B. Woodward and Others, [ca. 16 August 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
The undersigned , compassionating the unhappy situation of James Mac Gurk, now confined in the jail of the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, and sentenced to be executed on the twenty eighth day of August, 1802, and conceiving that his severe and rigid confinement for one year in the said jail, loaded with irons, a confinement protracted on account of the legal embarrassments...
75873To George Washington from Lachlan McIntosh, 29 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
Some time since, I had the honor to receive your letter of the 31st of October last, which I took the earliest opportunity to communicate to the Society of Cincinnati in this State. It is with great, and sincere regret, they received the information you were pleased to communicate, that you should be obliged to decline the acceptance of the Presidency of the Society at the ensuing triennial...
75874To George Washington from Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., 15 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have made several attempts to address you, and as often drop’d my pen almost in Dispair, my Situation almost distracts and destroys me, I was my Dear General born to fair prospects, and under those prospects enterd the Service of my Country where I served untill my health became the Sacrifice. I was obligated to leave the Service tho happily to my feelings, it was on the day that the...
75875From John Adams to John Marshall, 7 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favor of July 29th. The merit of Judge Chase of which I have been a witness at times for six & twenty years are very great in my estimation & if his sons are as well qualified as others, it is quite consistent with my principles to consider the sacrifices & services of a father, on weighing the pretensions of a son. The old gentleman will not last very long, & it can...
75876From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson, 26 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received in its time your kind Letter of Feb. 22. I am sensible of the Prudence of your Advice, respecting my coming to England, and shall follow it.— Accept my Thanks for that, and for your kind Invitation to Cheam when I do come; but the little left of Life at my Age, will perhaps hurry me home as soon as I can be quit of my Employment here. I should indeed...
75877From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
My last was dated in Philada. Octr. 17. I reached this place the 14th. day after that fixed for the meeting of the Assembly and was in time for the commencement of business. Yesterday put an end to the tedious Session. According to my promise I subjoin a brief review of its most material proceedings. An act for the establisht of Courts of Assize. This act was carried through the House of...
75878To John Adams from Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 5 February 1794 (Adams Papers)
The paper you was pleased to communicate to the American Academy, from Mr. Taylor, describing a new species of wheat, was received with much pleasure. From his account of its ripening so much earlier than the common wheat, it appears highly probable it might be raised in this part of the country, where, at present, we raise no wheat at all. If it would succeed, it must, undoubtedly, prove a...
75879From John Adams to Archibald Campbell, 25 December 1777 (Adams Papers)
Three Days ago, I had the Honour of receiving your Letter of the 18th. of December, inclosing Copy of a Letter from Mr. Heman Allen and another from Mr. Boudinot. I was not present in Congress, when the Resolution passed, for your being taken into close Custody But I believe You may assure Yourself, sir, that no suggestion of improper Conduct on your Part as a Prisoner of War, gave Birth to...
75880From Benjamin Franklin to Landais, 24 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, American Philosophical Society, Harvard University Library I received your Favour of the 6th Inst from Brest, and the 19th from Nantes. I am glad to learn that you are safely arrived with the Prisoners. You will receive some of the exchanged Americans whom Mr Schweighauser has engaged for you: and I have applied to the Minister of the Marine for as many good French...
75881To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is Copy of intelligence brought me in the Evening of the 16th instant, On which I immediately convened my Council of Safety—On consideration of the necessity of a reinforcement in that quarter—have agreed to raise a Regiment of 750 men, Officers included—with all possible Expedition by voluntary inlistments, On the same encouragements given by the Continent, to serve until the 1st...
75882From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 7 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 15th. of Oct. since which I have recieved your Nos. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. Tho’ mine went by a conveyance directly to Bordeaux, and may therefore probably get safe to you yet I think it proper, lest it should miscarry, to repeat to you the following paragraph from it. ‘We are informed by the public papers that the late constitution of France, formally notified to us, is...
75883To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, 15 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 December 1809. Encloses a letter from James P. Preston of Virginia and recommends him for the position of Indian agent in the Louisiana Territory. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Preston”). RC 1 p. Enclosure is Preston to Eppes, 29 Nov. 1809 (2 pp.). St. George Tucker also wrote to JM on Preston’s behalf on 20 Dec. 1809 (ibid.).
75884From Thomas Jefferson to Cherokee Deputation, 9 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My Children Depities of the Cherokees of the Upper & lower Towns I understand, by the speeches which you have delivered Me, that there is a difference of disposition among the people of both parts of your Nation. Some of them desiring to remain on their lands, to betake themselves to Agriculture, and the industrious occupations of civilised life, while others, retaining their attachment to the...
75885To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, with Reply, 20 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ] 20 Jan. 1781. Encloses list of supplies for Capt. Read’s troop which cannot be furnished by the quartermaster. Read “thinks he can procure the necessarys more readily and on cheaper terms in Maryland … clear of the expence of transportation.” Suggests giving Read permission to purchase there and furnishing him with money. Countersigned: “In Council Jan. 20. 1781. An estimate being...
75886To James Madison from William Jarvis, 20 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
As Colo: Sparhawk with his daughter, Miss Sparhawk, will probably pass through Washing on thier journey to Alexandria, to embark for this port, and will doubtless be highly flattered by being made known to yourself & Lady, I pray you Sir to allow me the honor of introducing them, and to excuse the liberty I have taken on so small an acquaintance, which nothing but your great goodness would...
75887From Alexander Hamilton to Josias Carvel Hall, 2 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just received through the Secy. of War returns from Majors Beall & Hopkins to the 12th. & 15th. of June. This channel of conveyance is doubly irregular, as the Secy. of War is made the Organ, & as you are not . You will inform the Gentlemen that their Returns are to be made to you—and of Course you will make your returns to me With great consideration &c (Copy, in the handwriting of...
75888To Thomas Jefferson from Abiel Holmes, 30 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel greatly obliged by the attention you were pleased to bestow on the subject, on which I used the freedom to address you. In the republic of Letters mere hints of information or advice are often of inestimable value. All the books, mentioned in your Letter , I have access to, excepting Memoires de l’Amerique, and The American and British Chronicle. For the former of these I have made much...
75889From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Mary Catherine Hellen Adams, 26 October 1823 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you a few lines to tell you that I have no particular choice in point of colour for a bonnet but want something stylish and fashionable—Your Aunt Caroline says she has no choice but hers must be such an one as she can wear at Church— We are all well and expect to see you very soon—Abigail is on her way and will be here soon—I send the Engraving to Mr. Hopkinson with this Letter—As I...
75890From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 25 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I promised you one of the inclosed volumes, and one also for mr Peter Johnston for whom you requested the perusal of my Parliamentary Commonplace. the inclosed contains every thing useful from that, debarrassed of it’s rubbish.—we have recieved the first Consul’s ratification of our Convention. it is with a ‘ bien entendu toujours that the objects of the article suppressed are abandoned by...
75891To Thomas Jefferson from Jones & Howell, 10 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
We have your favor of 7th Inclosing Check for $220 15/100 two Hundred & Six 90/100 are to your credit in our Books, and is in full, and the 13 25/100 we have paid to Benjn. Johnson, and have his receipt. We are respectfully yours MHi : Coolidge Collection.
75892To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 4 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
JM’s friend of long standing, the Reverend Samuel Stanhope Smith, was serving as vice-president of the College of New Jersey. On 5 May 1795 he succeeded his father-in-law and JM’s former tutor, John Witherspoon, as president of the college. He had corresponded sporadically with JM since the Virginian’s college days. Two sermons that Smith preached early in 1795 were not, however, calculated to...
75893From Alexander Hamilton to James Monroe, 5 July 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
In a pamphlet lately published entitled “No V of the History of the United States for 1796 &c” are sundry papers respecting the affair of Reynolds , in which you once had an agency, accompanied with these among other comments—“They (certain attacks on Mr Monroe) are ungrateful, because he displayed on an occasion that will be mentioned immediately, the greatest lenity to Mr. Alexander...
75894To James Madison from William Lyman, 22 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lyman. 22 May 1806, London. “I herewith enclose my Account Current with the United States for the Quarter ending the 31st. March last, also a return up to the same time of the American Seamen and Citizens who have been Impressed and held in the Service of His Britannic Majesty with the transactions of this Office consequent therein together with an Abstract of the same which I...
75895From John Adams to Peter St. Medard, 14 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I request you to act as surgeon on board the constitution as you have done from the 17th of December last. I shall write this day to the Secretary of the Navy to send you a commission in form to meet you at Norfolk I am Sir with great esteem your humble servt. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
75896To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 2 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the Bearer Mr. Pringle I have sent you the News Papers, Parliamentary Register &c., and I beg leave to trouble you with Copys of Letters, which have passed between Mr. Williams and myself on the Subject of an aspersion of my Character. I am just informed, That above a Month ago Mr. Williams unkindly communicated this Calumny to Dr. Smith, and That it has...
75897To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 15 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
From a conversation which I had two days since with one of the French Ministers, I understand that they are deliberating upon the choice of one of the two following modes of ratification: To ratify on condition of reciprocal abandonment of pretentions under the 2d. article; or, To ratify on our terms, but with a declaration incorporated in the language that they consider the Suppression of...
75898To Alexander Hamilton from William Duer, [11 December 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
I was in hopes not to have troubled you again on any Subject of a Pecuniary, but my Necessities constrain me to sollicit the Loan of Fifteen Dollars. In the Course of three or four Months I shall have it in my Power to reimburse this, and the former Advances you was so obliging to make me. I know you have use for all your Profession brings in, but Necessity constrains me to borrow out of your...
75899Report on the Petition of William Smith, [28 March 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred the petition of William Smith of Baltimore Town in the State of Maryland, respectfully submits the following Report: The resolutions of the United States in Congress assembled, which respect the issuing of the Certificates commonly called Loan Office Certificates, make it necessary, that they should be previously countersigned by certain...
75900To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 12 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the Schooner Porga Captn Coffin who sails to morrow for Philadelphia I do myself the pleasure to ship you two packages of the very best of Isle of shoal dumb fish, which I beg your acceptance of. Knowing your fondness for those kind of fish (and being in possession of some of them) Induced me to forward a small quantity to you by this conveyance. Hopeing they may get safe to hand and in...