77641From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I received Your favor of the 10th Instant. It gives me much concern that there have been so many difficulties, respecting the Cloathing of the Connecticut Troops—and that they still exist in some degree. I heartily wish they had obtained their supplies through the ordinary channel, which would have been the case, if there had not been the most pressing applications to prevent...
77642From George Washington to Daniel Carroll, 7 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
You will consider this Letter as coming from me in my private capacity; at the same time I do not object to the communication of the sentiments to your colleagues in Office. You will recollect no doubt that I yielded my assent to Mr Greenleaf’s first proposition to purchase a number of Lots in the Fedl City (altho’ I thought the price he offered for them was too low) because matters at that...
77643To John Adams from Isaac Stephens, 23 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
please to Excuse my impirtunence in So oftin Reminding you of My Situation and misfortune Now one year Since my Ruturn hom and No Employ. or Business of any Kind I must Still implor your goodness for Som imploy a Number of Vesells is about to be imployd in the State Servis and Gallies General Lincoln Says have patience and all the petty places that I apply for Som great Man Says that he has a...
77644To John Adams from David Griffith, 26 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
The General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church acknowledge themselves greatly obliged to your Excellency, for your kind attention to their religious concerns, in forwarding their endeavours to obtain Consecration for Bishops, and such a succession in the Orders of her Ministry as is most conformable to their Principles, and agreeable to their wishes. Having instructions, from the...
77645To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 30 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Late last night the Inclosed from General poor, was brought me Express from Ticonderoga. I also inclose Your Excellency a General Return of the Garrison at that post dated the 24th Instant, by which You will perceive the shameful deficiency in the Numbers proper for it’s defence. Artillerists are likewise much Wanted; I always expected Six Companies: Two, is as many as can be said to be there....
77646March, 1787 (Washington Papers)
Thursday First. Mercury at 40 in the Morning—56 at Noon and 46 at Night. Morning very pleasant with little or no wind—but it soon Sprung up at No. West and blew fresh and though it grew cooler was not cold. Rid to all the Plantations. The operation of harrowing which was begun yesterday in the Neck was going on; but as it did not appear to me that it would prepare the ground sufficiently for...
77647To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to Transmit Intelligence received about Ten oClock the last night from Brigr Genl Parsons. I have the honor to be very respectfully your Excellencys Most Obedient Servt W. Heath P.S. No report this morning. ADfS , MHi : Heath Papers. The enclosure has not been identified.
77648To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 30 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed pamphlet on Orcharding, addressed to you by the author, I received this evening under cover from Mr King. Another copy is also addressed to you, & has the following addition on the cover—“for the philosophical society of Philadelphia, with the author’s compts.” If you think proper to introduce it to the Society, & favour me with your letter for the purpose, I will put that under...
77649Circular to the Governors, 17 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Circular to the Governors. 17 October 1805, Department of State. “Agreeably to an act of Congress, entitled ‘an act for the more general promulgation of the Laws of the United States, passed 3d. March 1795,[’] and the acts in addition thereto passed on the 2d.: March 1799, and on the 27th. March 1804, I have transmitted to the Collector of the Customs copies of the Laws of the United States,...
77650To James Madison from William Willis, 5 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1804, Boston. “Since mine of yesterday I have thought best to enclose you my accounts with the United States and a Bill of Exchange for the ballance which you will Oblige me by accepting and inclosing to me at this place, I trust my accounts are so small that they will meet with no objection I have been as frugall as Possible and this account includes all my charges in supporting my...
77651Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 3 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
I received Yours of Octob r. 14 h. and have attended to the several Matters mentiond therein. The Wall at the Foot of Pens Hill is nearly compleated, one or two Days Work will finish it as far as you directed the Workmen to proceed— there will then be Stones sufficient to rebuild the Wall between you & Hardwick and a large Number besides for any other Purpose it therefore appears to me, that...
77652From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It would certainly be very desirable that our citizens should be able to draw home their property from beyond sea, and it is possible that mr Parish’s proposition might be instrumental to that. but it would be too bold an extension of the views of the legislature in the portion of discretion they have given us. they could not mean to give us so extensive a power of dispensation as would result...
77653From Thomas Jefferson to David Higginbotham, 10 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I desired your serv t to inform you that he met me on horseback on my way to Charlottesville which prevented my sending an answer by him. I now return the note inclosed and executed. my only wish is for time until a more favorable state of things may render it possible to sell lands for something like their settled value. to sell for one third of that is trebling the debt. accept the assurance...
77654C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 12 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I will not refer to my dealings here with respect to your orders of 30 April until I am in a position to give you something more than a mere embryo. I keep a little record of my operations that you shall receive in due time. I will limit myself, therefore, to saying that I made a successful use of your ostensible letter of 10 April addressed to me. I have not yet been able to present the...
77655Thomas Jefferson to James Ewell, 7 November 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, dear Sir, for the new edition of you r Medical companion, rendered certainly more valuable by the ne w additions, and especially that of our domestic medicinal plants. when I was a boy there was in every house a small pamphlet written by old D r Byrd of Westover , called ‘the poor planter’s physician , or every man his own doctor.’ this gave the list of our medicinal plants, and...
77656John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 30 March 1777 (Adams Papers)
Two ingenious Artificers, a Mr. Wheeler and a Mr. Wiley, under the Direction of a Committee, have been lately employed in making a Field Piece, a three Pounder, of bar iron. They have succeeded beyond Expectation. They have finished off a beautifull Piece of ordnance, which from all the Experiments hitherto made, promises great Things. The Weight of it, is two hundred and twenty six Pounds...
77657To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it...
77658From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, [6 February 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
You were informed by my letters of Nov. 11 and Jan. 14. that the cypher established between us would not explain a syllable of your letters. Those of Nov. 1. and Dec. 14. having rendered me extremely desirous of decyphering them, I sat to work with a resolution to effect it if possible. I soon found that they were written by your first cypher . To this therefore I applied myself and after...
77659Abraham Howard Quincy to Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I intended as a letter, but from its crouded State I am compelled to trouble you With an enclosure. With the Articles mentioned I will Send on for your examination & the inspection of your friends Several of my Models. I beg the liberty to express the Sensibillity I feel for your kindly proffered Services in the introduction of My Fire improvements to your patreatick State . PS...
77660[1780 January 30.] (Adams Papers)
1780 January 30. We dined at the Hotel D’Angleterre, at the Invitation of Mr. Bondfield, in Company with Sir Robert Finlay, Mr. Le Texier and others. In the Evening We went to the Comedy where We saw Amphitrion and Cartouche.
77661From B. Bezerra to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 1812 (Adams Papers)
I send you my dear Madam—the two Books you were curious to see—I was sorry the other evening we did not find you—but hope you received the Books—I claim yr kind promise of the journey in Silesia—or the said letters so frisky on This country, I set out this morning with the intention of paying my affectionate respects to you and the little Beauty—but the snow drove me home what weather one...
77662William Stephens Smith’s Commission for His Mission to Portugal, 11 April 1787 (Adams Papers)
To William Stephens Smith Esquire Secretary of the Legation of the United States of America to the Court of Great Britain— The Secretary of the United States of America for the department of foreign affaires, His Excellency John Jay to whom was referred a letter to him from the Honourable John Adams of the 27 th. of June last, informing that the Queen of Portugal had ordered her squadron in...
77663To Thomas Jefferson from John Callender, 20 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Previous to the amendment of the bankrupt act, I held an appointment under the judge of this District as a commissioner of bankrupts—by which I was enabled to support myself & family—the loss of this office in consequence of the new arrangement has been a serious misfortune to me—as it was the principle source of my subsistence—I observe that one or two of the gentlemen appointed here do not...
77664From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 13, 4 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
Paris, March 4. 1780.. RC in John Thaxter’s hand ( PCC , No. 84, I, f. 303–306). printed : Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev. Francis Wharton, ed., The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States , Washington, 1889; 6 vols. , 3:532–534; various American newspapers, including the Pennsylvania Gazette of 17 May and the Boston Independent Chronicle of 1 June. With this letter,...
77665Invoice from Robert Cary & Company, 29 September 1772 (Washington Papers)
Invoice of Cost & Charges of Goods Shipd on Board the Trimley James Page Commander for Virginia upon the Acct and risque of Colo: Geo. Washington & Consignd to himself. John Walker Sugar 12 dble loas. 0. 3. 5 92/ [£] 3.13. 1 14 Single Do 1. 3. 4 72/ 6. 8. 7 A Cask . 3. 6 Benja. Kenton Porter 24 doz. fine old Porter Bottled packd & wird 7.16. 0 2 Casks .11. Cartage Shipping &ca . 5. Thos...
77666To George Washington from Rawleigh Colston, 1 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure of conversing with you the last summer on the subject of the land purchased by William Hickman from the estate of the late Col. George Mercer, you seemed to be of Opinion, that under the decree of the high Court of Chancery Col. J. F. Mercer was impowered to pass conveyances to such of the purchasers as had not received them from you. In consequence of which I applied...
77667Notes for Account with John Barnes, [after 12 August 1795] (Jefferson Papers)
Note of Mr. Barnes’s Dr. & Cr. Dr. Cr. 1795 Apr. 14. Nett proceeds of 2800 } 6. pr. Cents 1093.89 int. to Apr. 1. 390.62 4132.22 By Pollard’s draughts 3600. Nett proceeds 2356.01 three pr. Cents } 2854.30
77668To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
The vessel has been longer preparing than I expected, tho’ I expect to sail to morrow, as she cleard out yesterday. I have my passport and every thing ready. I enclose you a letter from Mr. Livingston which seems to intimate that we are to hope little aid from France or rather indeed the contrary. It is to be regretted that he ever said one word to that government on the subject, since having...
77669To James Madison from John H. I. Browere, 12 September 1825 (Madison Papers)
Desirous that the Fine Arts may flourish in this may [ sic ] native country I made bold in requesting our venerated Friend & Benefactor, to submit to the Ordeal of my new and perfect mode of taking the human features and form. Ever anxious to please the American People, he condescended on the Eleventh, and nineteenth day of July last; the issue has been to us most favorable; a perfect...
77670From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 6 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Could you do me the favor to come a quarter or half an hour before the company, say at three a clock & bring with you the plans of the Capitol , on which & the avenue I wish to consult you? RC ( DLC : William Thornton Papers); partially dated; addressed: “Doctr. Thornton.” Although William Thornton’s original plans of the capitol had been modified, he continued to discuss the construction of...
77671Abigail Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 1 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I promised My dear Thomas to write to him by the May packet. on Fryday Evening at the drawing Room the British Minister informed me that he would take charge of any Letters I might have to Send. I wrote to your Brother by the April Packet, since which there has been a continuation, and increase of that American Spirit which I informd him was rising into activity. I have sent to your Brother,...
77672To James Madison from Robert Wright, 20 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
We have the Honor to transmit to you herewith enclosed a Certificate of the Election of Representatives of the State of Maryland in the Congress of the United States We are with high Consideration & Respt. Your Most Obedient Servant DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
77673From Benjamin Franklin to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 26 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, South Carolina Historical Society; transcript: National Archives The Marquis de La Fayette, who arrived here the 11th of Feby. brought me yours of Oct. 28. and the new Commission, Credentials and Instructions the Congress have honoured me with. I have not since had an Opportunity of Writing that I could...
77674To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 4 January 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Boyce somewhat contrary to my expectation this day took up Mr. Barnes’s draft—I have paid Mr. Walker $103.92. & to an order of Mr. Millers, a part of the sum which you direct to be paid him. I am Very respectfully Dear Sir Your Mt. Obt. servt. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson esqr. Philada.”; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Jan. 1798 and so recorded in SJL . On 21 Dec. 1797 TJ...
77675To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Mather, 13 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I am far advanced in Life, You know, being now in my 78th. Year, I was thinking some Time ago, what I could do, before I quitted the World, for the Benefit and Comfort of my Countrey and People: And it came into my Head and Heart to write the dying Legacy, which I now send You, as a small Token of my Regard and Esteem for You. It has met with a better...
77676To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 14 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1803, Washington. Responds to questions contained in a letter from Governor Harrison to JM which he received from the president. Finds it difficult to understand why Harrison doubts that Detroit was considered outside the limits of the Northwest Territory while it was in British possession. The resolve of 20 June 1788 confirms titles and possession of the described lands to...
77677To James Madison from John H. Wood, 5 January 1821 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to thank you for your polite and friendly Answer to my letter. My application was certainly predicated on the presupposition that whatever relief you cou’d grant me consistently with engagements & obligations (of which we all are surrounded) wou’d have been done with willingness. On addresses for pecuniary aid I shou’d always be entirely indisposed to afford any, cou’d I suppose the...
77678[Diary entry: 28 July 1771] (Washington Papers)
28. Ditto. Ditto.
77679I. From Antoine Marie Cerisier, 9 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
Actuellement vous êtes entierement livré au grand interêt des nations. Vous travaillez à rendre à l’univers le-repos que vous n’avez pas pu contribué à lui ôter; les avantages que la liberté Américaine va rendre désormais & pour tous les siecles à l’humanité, compenseront Sans doute les maux éphemeres qu’elle a causés: un philosophe plus subtil que moi vous prouverait peut-être que ces maux...
77680To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 15 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive yours by Mr. Adams with the cypher accompanying it and am happy to hear of the recovery of your health. I have only fail’d writing you by two of the packets the first of which sail’d before I had been advis’d she would, and the 2d. while I was ill of a pleurisy which I caught by walking in the rain to Congress and had like to have given me my final repose....
77681To Benjamin Franklin from Penet, D’Acosta frères & Cie., 2 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In great haste a few minutes before the Post sets off we have the Honor to transmit to you a letter brought this day by our vessel the Committee together with one for Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont of which we beg your kind Care. Our vessel left Philadelphia the 26th Octr. last in Company with the frigate Confederacy of 40 Guns: from which she was separated the same...
77682Thomas Jefferson to Levi Hollingsworth, 12 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Jan. 31. did not come to hand till yesterday evening. I think it was in 1799. or 1800. that the government ordered enquiries after the Copper mines of Lake Superior , with a view to the working them themselves, and particularly for guns for the Navy . I came to the administration the year following, and the order not having been proceeded on I suppressed it , from a confidence...
77683To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 26 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Petition of lessees of Salines requesting leave to sell salt in Kentucky Submitted to the President by his obt. Sert The difficulty is to fix the price at wh. they should sell in Kentucky, the fear of this being a speculation & it being questionable whether, so long as the whole quantity made is purchased on the spot, it be not better to trust individuals for distribution of the salt than to...
77684To James Madison from David Lenox, 27 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
My last Letter of the 13th. ins tant was addressed to Mr. Brent, acknowledging the rec eipt of Three thousand Dollars remitted to me by your Order, on Account of my late Agency in Great Britain for the relief & protection of our Seamen. I have now the honor to ad vise you that I have caused to be Shipped on board the Sloop Olive Branch Ephraim Pearson Master bound for George Town, a Trunk...
77685From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Appleton, 9 October 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
My letter of yesterday was public. this is to cover one to M. and M e Pini, which, as you are acquainted with the subject I leave open for your perusal, and will pray you to seal it before delivery. I formerly asked of you what would be the price of plain marble slabs, which would be generally from 4. to 5. feet long and from 6. to 8 inches wide and 1. I. thick. they are intended for the plain...
77686[To Thomas Jefferson from George Muter, 6 February 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 6 Feb. 1781. War Office Journal (Vi) has the following entry under this date: “Letter, to the Governor informing of Major Magill’s intention of setting off in a few days for the Southern Army.” Not found.]
77687General Orders, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
77688From Alexander Hamilton to John Allen, 31 July 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 22d. inst, requesting that I would exert my influence in favour of Mr. Stone, candidate for an appointment in the Army, I must advise you to suggest the character to Col. Taylor, in order that he may express his opinion. The opinion of the Colo. of the Regiment in those respects is thought desirable With respect &c— (Copy, in the handwriting of Ethan Brown,...
77689To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 26 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desirous of speaking with you yesterday to request you to releive me from an embarrassment arrising from a bad calculation I made respecting the expences of my journey to Philaa. I left Albemarle with 130 dollars and the enormous expences of coach hire, with the stoppages occasioned by the necessities of the little children have nearly exhausted my fund. I will esteem it a great...
77690Constitutional Convention. Notes Taken in the Federal Convention, [1–26 June 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Notes for June 1, 1787] [Madison] 1— The way to prevent a majority from having an interest to oppress the minority is to enlarge the sphere. Madison 2— Elective Monarchies turbulent and unhappy— Men unwilling to admit so decided a superiority of merit in an individual as to accede to his appointment to so preeminent a station. If several are admitted as there will be many competitors of...