77901From George Washington to John Lewis, 7 December 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Lewis, 7 Dec. 1787. Lewis wrote GW on 15 Dec. that he did not receive his “favor of the 7th Inst. till yesterday.”
77902From George Washington to James Madison, 7 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, I have been favored with your letters of the 28th of Octr & 18th of Novr—With the last came 7 numbers of the Fœderalist under the signature of Publius. For these I thank you. They are forwarded to a Gentleman in Richmond for re-publication. The doing of which, in this State, will, I am persuaded, have a good effect; as there are certainly characters in it who are no...
77903To George Washington from James Madison, 7 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14 inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
77904From James Madison to George Washington, 7 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last inclosed a continuation of the Fœderalist to number 14. inclusive. I now add the numbers which have succeeded. No authentic information has yet arrived concerning the posture of Europe. Reports, with some less doubtful symtoms, countenance the suspicions of war. I understand that the Constitution will certainly be adopted in Connecticut; the returns of the deputies being now known, and...
77905To James Madison from Henry Lee, 7 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Having a few moments only to devote, you must be satisfied with a very laconic letr. Such is my distance from the line of posts, that to use it, I must avail myself of accidental conveyances, which are often like the present, sudden. It is with real Grief I inform you that by a late vote of the assembly of Virga. on a collateral question, they have manifested hostility to the new constitution....
77906To James Madison from George Washington, 7 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Since my last to you, I have been favored with your letters of the 28th. of Octr: & 18th. of Novr. With the last came 7 numbers of the Fœderalist under the signature of Publius. For these I thank you. They are forwarded to a Gentleman in Richmond for re-publication. The doing of which, in this State, will, I am persuaded, have a good effect; as there are certainly characters in it who are no...
77907The Federalist Number 18, [7 December] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Among the confederacies of antiquity, the most considerable was that of the Grecian republics associated under the Amphyctionic council. From the best accounts transmitted of this celebrated institution, it bore a very instructive analogy to the present confederation of the American states. The members retained the character of independent and sovereign states, and had equal votes in the...
77908To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Barrett, 7 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The Cargo of Oil referd to in Messrs. Le Couteulx Letter has been deliverd By those Gentlemen to Mr. Sangrain’s Agents at Rouen for the Illumination of Paris. The only Duties which ought to be demanded are 7.₶ 10s ⅌ 520₶ and 10s. ⅌ Livre, and on producing Certificates (which I have by me) of Exportation or purchase of Goods, this Duty to be returnd, or the Bonds discharged, this being the...
77909To Thomas Jefferson from Berenger de Beaufain, 7 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Erlangen, 7 Dec. 1787 . Is a descendant of a French family exiled to Germany because of religion. His uncle, Hector de Berenger de Beaufain, went to America with General Oglethorpe in 1733, settled in South Carolina, became British collector of customs in 1747, received two grants of land from George II, and died in 1766, leaving all his property to the writer, his nephew, by will dated 1762....
77910To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Cosway, [7 December 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot breakfast with you to morrow; to bid you adieu once is sufficiently painful, for I leave you with very melancholy ideas. You have given my dear Sir all your commissions to Mr. Trumbull, and I have the reflection that I cannot be useful to you; who have rendered me so many civilities. RC ( DLC ); unsigned, unaddressed, undated, and unrecorded in SJL ; dated from internal evidence and...
77911From Thomas Jefferson to Lambert, 7 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis que j’eus l’honneur de parler à Votre Excellence au sujet des huiles de baleines, j’ai examiné le livre des impots Anglois, et je trouve effectivement que l’impot ancien sur ces huiles y etoit de £17.-6sh.-6d. sterling le tonneau; et je crois etre sur qu’on y a mis dernierement un impot additionel qui fait y monter le tout à environ 18. livres sterling le tonneau. L’huile de baleine...
77912To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 7 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have your letter of Novr. 13th. by which I am happy to learn that your Harpsichord is safe. It must be long since in your possession and I hope answers in every respect your wishes. I fear Mr. Brown will not have compleated your commission in time for me to bring: one of the Polyplasiosmos pictures I will bring you (’tis such a ridiculous long word , that I don’t believe I have spelt it...
779138th. (Adams Papers)
Amory went to Ipswich this afternoon. He cannot yet get entirely over his old habits. He intends however to come back this evening. I went with Townsend to see Mr. Atkins, but did not find him at home. His Mother and Sister have both been ill of the putrid throat distemper, and are not yet wholly recovered. Townsend came home, and sat an hour with me. We conversed upon several topics, but...
77914The Federalist No. 19, [8 December 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THE examples of ancient confederacies, cited in my last paper, have not exhausted the source of experimental instruction on this subject. There are existing institutions, founded on a similar principle, which merit particular consideration. The first which presents itself is the Germanic Body. In the early ages of Christianity Germany was occupied by...
77915[Diary entry: 8 December 1787] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 8th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—44 at Noon and 42 at Night. Clear Morning and a large white frost. The forenoon was calm but in the afternoon the wind coming briskly from the Southward it clouded & felt raw. Went a hunting after breakfast; about Noon found a fox between Muddy hole & Pincushion, which the Dogs run for some time in woods thro which there was no following them so...
77916The Federalist Number 19, [8 December] 1787 (Madison Papers)
The examples of antient confederacies, cited in my last paper, have not exhausted the source of experimental instruction on this subject. There are existing institutions, founded on a similar principle, which merit particular consideration. The first which presents itself is the Germanic body. In the early ages of Christianity Germany was occupied by seven distinct nations, who had no common...
77917From James Madison to André Limozin, 8 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 December 1787. Acknowledged in Limozin to JM, 26 Jan. 1788 . Forwarded by Jefferson to Limozin on 22 Jan. 1788 ( Boyd, Papers of Jefferson Julian P. Boyd et al., eds., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson (19 vols. to date; Princeton, 1950——). , XII, 528). Encloses bill of lading for the box of fruit trees, two barrels of apples, and two barrels of cranberries sent to Jefferson.
77918From James Madison to Philip Mazzei, 8 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 December 1787. Acknowledged in Mazzei to JM, 4 Feb. 1788 . Encourages Mazzei’s hopes for some immediate remittance in his complicated financial dealings with Dohrman.
77919To Thomas Jefferson from Carra, 8 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 8 Dec. 1787 . Has been charged with a memorial concerning Cazeau, a Canadian, in relation to a debt which Congress acknowledged by resolutions of 6 Feb. 1783 and 18 Mch. 1784; asks for an appointment to present them to TJ. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in French; signed: “Carra de la Bibliotheque du Roi, rue de la michodiere, à coté de la rue projettée.” Recorded in SJL as received 9 Dec. 1787. For...
779209th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Dr. Tucker’s meeting in the forenoon. He gave us an excellent sermon upon the story of Haman, from which he drew a number of very rational reflections upon the evils of pride, haughtiness and a revengefull disposition. In the afternoon I went and heard Mr. Carey. Townsend called upon me in the evening, and I went with him to Mr. Atkins’s where we stay’d about an hour; after which we...
77921Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1787 (Adams Papers)
Mrs Adams presents her respectfull compliments to Mr Jefferson and asks the favour of him to permit petit to purchase for her ten Ells of double Florence of any fashionable coulour, orange excepted which is in high vogue here. Mrs A excepts green also of which she has enough. Mr Rucker if in Paris will be so kind as to take Charge of it, & mrs Adams will send the money by mr Trumble who will...
77922John Quincy Adams to Cotton Tufts, 9 December 1787 (Adams Papers)
If it should be convenient to you, I would be obliged to you for a supply of money. I endeavour to avoid all expences, but such as are really necessary; yet I am not only exhausted, but somewhat in debt.— I can scarcely tell how the money goes, but I have an account of all my expences, which assures me that none has been lost. Your brother informs me that it will be more convenient for him to...
77923[Diary entry: 9 December 1787] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 9th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning—38 at Noon And 36 at Night. The Wind having shifted to the No. Wt. in the Night it cleared and grew cold. In the Morning the ground was hard froze & the Weather very clear as it continued to be all day—the wind tho’ not hard remaining at No. Wt. Colos. Fitzgerald & Gilpin, Captn. Conway & Mr. Herbert, Mr. Hartshorne & Doctr. Craik Junr. came here to...
77924From George Washington to Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 9 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Presuming that Colo. Fitzgerald according to his promise has communicated to you the vote of the Potomack Co. passed at the last general Meeting, held at George Town, and the measures consequent of it, taken by the directors, I shall trouble you with no more than the result which you will find in the enclosed authenticated Act of the Assembly of this State. It is scarcely necessary to observe...
77925From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 17th. of Sepr. with sundry other letters and Packets, came duly by the last packet. Such of them as were addressed to others, were duly forwarded. The three Boxes, marked IM, G.W. and AD, it appears were never shipped from Havre. Whenever they arrive your commands with regard to the two last shall be attended to, as well as those relating to some of the contents of the...
77926From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 9 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Nov. 27. shewing that mine of Nov. 14. had not then got to hand, had given me alarm for it’s fate, and I had sat down to write you a second acknolegement of the receipt of your two favors of Octob. 23. and 26. and to add the receipt also of those of Nov. 14. 22. and 27. A copy of my answer of Nov. 14. was prepared to be inclosed to you, but in that moment came your favors of...
77927To Thomas Jefferson from John Lowell, 9 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Boston, 9 Dec. 1787 . Introduces Thomas Russell Greaves, son of Thomas Russell, a well-to-do merchant of Boston, who is interrupting his studies in law to go to France to seek relief from “some alarming pulmonary Complaints” and to “acquire a competent Knowledge of the french Language”; asks TJ to befriend him, advise him “how to avoid the Inconveniences and Dangers to which his Youth may...
77928To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 17th. of Sepr. with sundry other letters and packets, came duly by the last packet. Such of them as were addressed to others, were duly forwarded. The three Boxes, marked I M, G.W. and A D, it appears were never shipped from Havre. Whenever they arrive your commands with regard to the two last shall be attended to, as well as those relating to some of the contents of the...
7792910th. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon Townsend, sat off for Boston. Mr. Parsons intended to have gone likewise, as the supreme Court, sits by adjournment, there this week. But he was so much troubled with an ague in his face, and the tooth ach, that he could not go. I pass’d the evening with Little at Dr. Swett’s. Mrs. Swett is a pretty woman; and agreeable: not endow’d I believe with great strength of mind; not much...
77930From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1787 (Adams Papers)
I last night received, the Ratification of my last Loan and the inclosed Resolution of Congress of 18 July last, for the Redemption of Prisoners at Algiers.— It is probable you have received it before, but as it is, in your Department to execute it, and possible that you may, not have received it, I thought it Safest to transmit it to you, as I have now the honour to do, here inclosed. M r...
77931[Diary entry: 10 December 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 10th. Thermometer at 31 in the Morning—36 at Noon and 34 at Night. Morning & day clear. Wind varying from West to No. Wt. and very cold all day. Ground hard froze—plows stopped till it softened—Ice ¾ of an Inch thick in places. Rid to all the Plantations. In the Neck, gathering and husking Corn with all the hands till the plows could work. At Muddy hole began to put up the Fence between...
77932To George Washington from Frederick Weissenfels, 10 December 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Frederick Weissenfels, 10 Dec. 1787. GW wrote Weissenfels on 10 Jan. 1788 : “I have received your letter of the 10th of December.”
77933To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 10 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night received, the Ratification of my last Loan and the inclosed Resolution of Congress of 18 July last, for the Redemption of Prisoners of Algiers. It is probable You have received it before, but as it is, in your Department to execute it, and possible that you may not have received it, I thought it Safest to transmit it to you, as I have now the honour to do, here inclosed. Mr....
77934To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Carr, 10 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
When I last had the pleasure of writeing to you, I was at Wm. & Mary attending the different masters of that university; I remained there untill the first of August; since which time I have been here, waiting for money to enable me to return; but have never yet been able to procure it. So soon as I do I shall go down. I mentioned to you in my last, that the want of a Spanish dictionary had...
77935To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Cosway, 10 December [1787] (Jefferson Papers)
You promised to come to breakfast with Me the Morning of My departure, and to Accompany me part of the way, did you go? I left Paris with Much regret indeed, I could not bear to take leave any More. I was Confus’d and distracted, you Must have thought me so when you saw me in the Evening; why is it My fortune to find Amiable people where I go, and why am I to be obliged to part with them! T’is...
77936To Thomas Jefferson from James Jarvis, 10 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 10 Dec. 1787. On 10 Nov. he received from Jay, the Commissioners of the Treasury, and others, sundry dispatches and letters for TJ; sailed the following day on a vessel bound for Amsterdam; landed at Dover on 9 Dec.; his business will detain him in London for a few days and he is therefore turning the dispatches over to Trumbull; hopes TJ approves; asks him to acknowledge the receipt...
7793711th. (Adams Papers)
Reading Blackstone all day; and I pass’d the evening, at the office till eight: after which I went and past an hour with Putnam. F. Bradbury was with him. We had some conversation upon the stale topic of self love and disinterested benevolence. A subject, upon which I have very frequently conversed, with many different persons: and notwithstanding every thing that I have heard said upon the...
77938The Federalist No. 20, [11 December 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
To the People of the State of New-York. THE United Netherlands are a confederacy of republics, or rather of aristocracies, of a very remarkable texture; yet confirming all the lessons derived from those which we have already reviewed. The Union is composed of seven co-equal and sovereign States, and each State or province is a composition of equal and independent cities. In all important cases...
77939[Diary entry: 11 December 1787] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 11th. Thermometer at 27 in the Morning—37 at Noon And 35 at Night. Wind at West varying some times to the No. ward & sometimes to the Southward. Cold & raw with appearances of Snow towards evening. Rid to Muddy hole, D. Run Frenchs and the Ferry Plantns. Too hard frozen the ground to Plow any where. At Muddy hole Fencing. At Dogue run cutting Rail stuff with the Men—women husking Corn....
77940To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 11 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 9th directed to Mr Lee and myself and it’s Inclosure came to Hand today very opportunely—The Gentlemen of the Assembly purpose to rise next Saturday and preparatory to it resolved in the Morning to receive no new Business after this day this Circumstance precluded all Formality and Mr Lee being absent I moved for Leave to bring in a Bill under the same Title as the Act passed...
77941To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your kind favor of the 15th October which was duly received. Notwithstanding the opposition and writings of the enemies of the new constitution it is now pretty apparent that it will be received by considerable majorities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts Connecticut New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The information from Maryland is defective, but Virginia it is said will...
77942From George Washington to Peterson & Taylor, 11 December 1787 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Peterson & Taylor, 11 Dec. 1787. Peterson & Taylor wrote GW on this date : “yours ⅌ the boy came safe to hand.”
77943To George Washington from Peterson & Taylor, 11 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
yours ⅌ the boy came safe to hand and observe its contents, we can in answer, deliver at the Genl Landing pine Scantling of any dimentions that may be wanting, but no Oak. the Price of Scantling 6/ reduced to plank Measure, the Common Kind of 18 Inch Shingles Called ½ Inch d[itt]o 13/6 M. Bald Cyprus—3 feet B. Cypress do, 54/ ⅌ th[ousan]d these are the Common prices we Sell at daily, your fish...
77944From George Washington to David Stuart, 11 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
Not recollecting till this moment, the Winter regulation of the Post; & being desirous of getting the Loan Office certificates (herewith enclosed) to you before you shall have left richmond; I have scarcely time to acknowledge the receipt of your favor dated the 4th Instt, much less to write more fully on the subject of my Back Lands. I now pray, if it is in your power, to obtain the Interest...
77945From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 11 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 26 Ult: was duly handed to me by Majr. Drumgole. However important the object of his errand may have been, it has not been possible to take any step with regard to it. No authority equal to the business exists in the recess of Congress; and the Authority of Congress has been out of existence for some time, and if we are to judge from the present aspect of things, will...
77946To James Madison from George Lee Turberville, 11 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Will you excuse an abrupt tresspass upon your leizure which has its rise from a desire to promote the welfare of Virginia & the Union a cause that has so long been the object of your pursuits—& that has already received so many beneficial supports from your attention—& still expects to receive so much future aid from your Counsel, Assiduity & patriotism? Tis not sir to draw from you—your...
77947Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 11 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
We have been honoured with your Excellencies favor of the 24th. Ult. together with its enclosures. Congress have not yet Assembled nor have we an early prospect of a sufficient number of States upon the floor for business. In the recess of that body, there is no authority in existence for making the appointment you request with respect to the Cherokee and other tribes of Indians in the Western...
77948The Federalist Number 20, [11 December] 1787 (Madison Papers)
The United Netherlands are a confederacy of republics, or rather of aristocracies, of a very remarkable texture; yet confirming all the lessons derived from those which we have already reviewed. The union is composed of seven co-equal and sovereign states, and each state or province is a composition of equal and independent cities. In all important cases not only the provinces, but the cities...
77949To Thomas Jefferson from Uriah Forrest, 11 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
For some time passed it was my intention to pay my respects to your Excellency in Paris, that pleasure I can no longer promise myself, having fixed the 10th. of next month for my departure to America; and not having yet quite adjusted my arrangements for future business. I go direct to Patowmack and hope to be honor’d by your commands; any thing you may wish forwarded either South or North of...
7795012th. (Adams Papers)
This day I finished reading the fourth and last volume of Blackstone’s Commentaries. This is one of the most important books in the profession, and I have comparatively speaking taken more time in reading it, than I probably shall, for any other book: yet I am very far, from being master of it. And I intend before the end of my three years, if I should live and have my health, to go through...