78801From John Adams to William Vans Murray, 3 February 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have now before me your several favours of 18th July, 4, 11 & 17th of August, and 31st October.—I am very much obliged by your kind attention to me, in all these instances, and for the News papers you have Sent me from time to time— I have attended with some care and with great pleasure to your correspondense with the Secretary of State, which will do you much honor—I wish it could be more...
78802From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 30th ulto by Captain Master, who waits in this Neighbourhood until he can hear from New York, having written to Sir Henry Clinton in order to effect his exchange. a Resolve of Congress lately passed put it out of my power to indulge his wish of going in himself. From part of Genl Phillips’s letter I am led to believe, that he had not received orders from you to prepare...
78803To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Leib, 1 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The name of the gentleman about whom I convers’d with you is John Harrison —Permit me to suggest, that in addition to his fitness for the office of a commissioner of Bankruptcy, he has an additional recommendation in having been an uniform whig, and having sustained persecution on account of his unshaken adherence to our cause—As he is of a respectable quaker family and extensively connected...
78804[Diary entry: 19 December 1797] (Washington Papers)
19. Wind got to the Southward again but was very cold not with standing. Mer. 26 to 34. Genl. Huntingdon went away after breakfast.
78805Commissions to the Colonels of the Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments, 11 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Whereas the honorable Continental Congress by a resolve of the 27th Ulto have appointed Sixteen Battalions more to be raised in addition to eighty eight voted in september last and have authorized me to nominate & Commission the Officers for the same—Know You that I reposing the utmost confidence in your Abilities and Attachments to The United States of America, by virtue of the Power...
78806From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 3 October 1769 (Washington Papers)
On the 26th Instt I expect to be at Fredericksburg on my way to Williamsburg—Mrs Washington and Patcy accompanies me down—the former of whom being desirous that Jacky should embrace the oppertunity of seeing his Relations for a short space, I shoud be glad if you woud permit him to attend us down, & to meet at Fredericksburg for that purpose on the day abovementioned. We shoud be obliged to...
78807From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 19 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your Letters of the 4th and 11th Inst. were laid before the President on his Arrival at the Seat of Government, and I have now the Honour to assure you, in Pursuance of his Direction, that the Interest which the United States have in common with other Nations, in the Immunities attached to public Ministers, is seconded by his Disposition to maintain them in all their legal Extent. The...
78808To Thomas Jefferson from War Department, 31 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Estimate of the Number of Gun Boats For New Orleans 16 “ Georgia, South and North Carolina 31 “ Chesapeake and its waters 65 “ Delaware Bay and River } 71 New jersey and New york “ Connecticut and Rhode Island 25 “ Old Massachusetts, New Hampshire
78809Robert Fulton to Thomas Jefferson, 2 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day sent the dynamomatre in a vessel ※ The Virginia planter Capt Hayden Sails tomorrow to Richmond to the care of M r Jefferson ; it is in good order but all its hooks, links and fastenings with its leather packing case were lost in the shipwreck; I have therefore packed it in a deal box fitted to it so that it cannot move, thus I hope it will arrive safe, the necessary links or...
78810To Benjamin Franklin from Henri-François-de-Paule Lefèvre d’Ormesson, 26 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Votre Excellence a bien voulu me destiner un Exemplaire des Constitutions des Etats unis de l’Amerique. Je mets un grand prix à cet Ouvrage et a ce témoignage de l’attention de Votre Excellence; je la prie d’en agréer tous mes remercimens. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très sincere attachement, Monsieur, De Votre Excellence, Le très humble et très obéissant...
78811To James Madison from Samuel Hanson of Samuel, 20 July 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1811. Submits to JM “the enclosed literal copy of the original” on the assumption that “it is impossible that the President could have sanctioned, by his approbation, any official communication so palpably defective in form , so, it is possible that he may not have been apprised of the substance .” Appeals to JM’s sense of justice to say whether it is his impression that Hanson is...
78812To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1802, Tunis. Encloses copies of letters from chargé d’affaires at Tripoli and Captain Morris. These letters “serve to corroborate an opinion I have steadily entertained, and repeatedly stated to our commanders, of the necessity of having small vessels of war off and on this coast.” Points out that “there is no article in our treaty with this Bey which prohibits the sale of enemy...
78813From James Madison to George Bomford, 6 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
I inclose two receipts entitling me to $ for Gunstocks delivered at Fredg. The no. is considerably short of what was contracted for but I understood, the Dept. did not require the full number. A good many of them were delivered a long time ago, but I waited till I could draw for the whole at once, & lessen your trouble as well as mine. I wish now to receive the money as soon as may be, and I...
78814To John Adams from N. G. Dufret, 30 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer par le Courrier d’Aujourd’hui & d’après les ordres de Mr. Jefferson un Ouvrage du Dr Priestly, intitulé: “Doctrines of heathen Philosophy compared with those of revelation” c’est le seul exemplaire que j’ai pu trouver à Philadelphie. Vous l’auriez reçu relié , si Mr. Jefferson n’eût pas souhaité qu’il vous parvînt, without delay . Je profite avec empressement de...
78815The Examination Number X, [19 January 1802] (Hamilton Papers)
The same Subject continued. As to Holland being the second power which acknowledged our Independence, and made a treaty with us, a step which involved her in war with Great Britain, it was deemed proper to treat her with a marked respect. Besides this, from the time of our revolution to the present, we have had large money concerns with her people. A trusty and skilful public agent was for a...
78816[Diary entry: 9 May 1773] (Washington Papers)
9. Warm, & Clear, all day. Calm in the forenoon. Wind fresh from the So. East afterwards.
78817To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette: Two Letters, 29 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives; transcript: National Archives; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Whatever Expectations Might have been Rais’d from the Sense of past favors, the Goodness of the United States for me has ever been such, that on every occasion it far surpasses any idea I could have conceiv’d— A new proof of that...
78818Jeremiah A. Goodman to Thomas Jefferson, 19 July 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
on mature reflecttion I wish to seel the negro girl I bought of you, and feelling anxiousley for you to have her so as for the Child & her mother not to be parted I will Let you have her very reasonable indeed, if you will give me as she stands $180 for the girl you shall have her and this to be paid the first day of August Eightteen hundread & Eightteen be so good as to Let me know by the boy...
78819John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, [16 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society When I took Lieutenant Simpsons Parole I did not expect to have been long absent from America: but as circumstances have now rendred the time of my return less certain, I am willing to let the dispute between us drop for ever by giving up that parole which will...
78820From Alexander Hamilton to Abraham Yates, Junior, 26 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
General Schuyler shewed me yesterday a letter which he had received from you. It was then for the first time, I understood, that I had come to this place upon conditions; which General Schuylers paternal anxiety led him to submit to, but which are of a nature too derogatory to my rights, as a citizen of this State, to be permitted by me to continue in force. I feel that by doing it I should...
78821Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 2 May 1831 (Madison Papers)
I have, for some time, been intending to send you the enclosed; but, agreeably to my second nature—which has abundant opportunity to manifest itself—I have put off doing so, from day to day, and week to week. It is on a subject which early attracted your own attention, although you probably did not then foresee that it would ever be presented to the world in the naked-- purity , I think, in...
78822To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am at length able to give you some answer on the subject of the map in the hands of Dr. Smith . As the Doctor lived out of Town and it was difficult to know when he was to be found in it, and as I supposed the request would go with greater weight through Mr. Rittenhouse, I asked the favor of him to speak to the Doctor on the subject. Through forgetfulness or want of opportunity he failed to...
78823Dudley Richardson to Thomas Jefferson, 22 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken a Liberty to Rite to you hopeing you will Pardon me it Proseeds from A Desire of Hearing from my son Richard Richardson it appears to me that from your kindness to him while he was Living under your Direction that Perhaps he has made known to you his Place of Resedence and my Not Hearing from him since he was with me in the Ear 1804 and we Conditioned Conditionially Agreed that I...
78824[Diary entry: 2 August 1771] (Washington Papers)
2. At home all day a writing Letters & Advertisements of Harry who run away the 29th. Ulto. GW spent £1 16s. to recover this slave, who apparently was soon returned to Mount Vernon ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. , folio 340; list of GW’s tithables, 10 June 1772, DLC : Toner Collection).
78825To Alexander Hamilton from John Barney, [21 October 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, October 21, 1789. ] On October 29, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Barney : “I have duly received your letter of the 21 instant.” Letter not found. ] Presumably John Holland Barney, brother of Commodore Joshua Barney of the Revolutionary Navy.
78826From George Washington to Jedediah Huntington, 17 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having perused, with attention, your Letter of yesterday, and the Papers enclosed in it respecting the Court of enquiry, appointed in the Orders of the 3rd of April 1783; upon mature consideration, I am of opinion, that the Court ought to proceed without delay, to the investigation directed therein, notifying Major Reid, and taking all such measures, as may seem proper to them for ascertaining...
78827To George Washington from William Brown, 15 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a general return of the hospitals and Sick of the Army from the first of March to the first of April past; and now beg leave to inform your Excellency, that, with great reluctance on one consideration, but from absolute necessity on others, I am about to avail myself of the discretionary leave I obtained from your Excellency to visit my family for a few weeks—I have...
78828Cash Accounts, February 1772 (Washington Papers)
Cash Feby 22— To Ditto [cash] recd of Colo. [George William] Fairfax £14.0.0 & £2.8.10 £16. 8.10 28— To Ditto Receivd from Captn [George] Weedon Weavg 2.10. 0 Contra 10— By Mrs Washington 5. 0. 0 13— By William Carlin—Taylor 5. 7. 4 By Ditto for Mr Custis 1. 7. 3 18— By Mrs Washington 0.18. 9 21—
78829From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I send you herewith a memorial from Lt Col: Regnier of the 4th New York regiment, explaining the principles on which his claim of rank in the army is founded, which you will be pleased carefully to examine into and report your opinion concerning—as directed in the general orders of yesterday. I send you also a resolve of Congress of the 30th of last month determining the nature and operation...
78830To James Madison from Louis-Marie Turreau de Garambouville, 11 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
J’eus l’honneur de vous addresser au mois de Juillet de l’année dernière une dépèche relative à la prise d’un Corsaire français La Félicité, Cape. Marc Moussan, par deux Goelettes américaines Armées, l’Eclipse et le Non Pareil, Capitaines Frazer & Bishop, appartenant aux nommés Wilson et Tenant, Négociants domiciliés à Baltimore J’avais lieu de croire, à la manière dont le Gouvernement...
788311766. Novr. 9. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Fine Weather Yet. Heard Mr. Penniman all Day. Spent Evening with Dr. Savil.
78832To George Washington from Daniel Tillinghast, 15 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to a resolve of Congress 6th Inst: I yesterday forwarded your Excellency 3 Cases Fire Arms as Pr Invoice Inclosed to the Care of Nathl Shaw Esqr: of New London, who I requested Immediately on rect of the Same to send you without Delay & which I wish safe to your hands. I expect in a few Days to be able to forward you a parcell more of the above Arms which I am to have from Newport &...
78833From George Washington to William Goddard, 11 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
On the 8th inst: I received the favor of your letter of the 30th of May: In answer to it I can only say, that your own good judgement must direct you in the publication of the manuscript papers of Genl Lee—I can have no request to make concerning the work. I never had a difference with that Gentleman but on public ground, & my conduct towards him upon this occasion, was such only, as I...
78834To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 2 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
I have long intended to write to you but somehow or other have neglected it—it is a long while since we have seen each other—within a few days it will be 33 Years the day we dined together on signing the Constitution —what changes have taken place since & in my opinion, one of the worst to us is that we are so much older than we were then—for in spite of all that the divines & philosophers may...
78835Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 28 December 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 19 th was recieved some days ago, those of the 23 d the day before yesterday. at the same time with the former I recieved one of the same date from mr Rives , proposing a question to me, which, as he is absent, I will answer to you. it was, Wheth If the remission of the principal debt, and an accomodation of the cost of the library cannot both be obtained, which would be most...
78836From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 4 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
There is a vessel fitting out at N. York formerly called the Emperor now the James, or the Brutus (accounts differ) to carry 22. guns & 150. men and to be commanded by Blakely who went out Lieutt. of the Leander. she is confidently believed to be destined for Burr at N. Orleans. the Collector should be put on his guard; he can get much information from the Mayor of N. York on the subject. if...
78837To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
This is principally to acknowledge the Receipt of your favour of the 1st Instant.—Previous to the Receipt of it I had Recd. a line from Doctr. Stuart informing Me that He Shou’d See me on the 11th. Inst. We shall then take measures to have a communication with Mr. Johnson according to circumstances. I have written to that Gentn. inclosing a Copy of yours.— It gives Me much pleasure to find we...
78838Thomas Jefferson to Horatio G. Spafford, 22 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Of the last 5. months I have past 4 at a possession 90. or 100 miles S.W. from hence. this must apologise for my answering and acting at this late date on your letters of Nov. 18. & 23. I have written by this mail to the President on the subject of your request, altho more as evidence of my wish to be useful to you than with the hope of it’s effect, as the occasion I fear has past away while...
78839To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 8 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Late last night I received your favour of the 5th. with the enclosure for Mr. Verplanck, which I have sent him. You may rest assured the most immediate attention shall be paid to what you wish, and the Statements forwarded to you as soon as possible, tho it will take some time as we have to go thro’ so many Ledgers, however not a moment shall be lost, and the Interrogetarys can & will be...
78840From Thomas Jefferson to William Frederick Ast, with Enclosure, 19 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 1st. instant , and in answer can only observe that I am not authorized to settle your account, to decide on the balance due to you nor to order paiment in consequence. Mr. Barclay desired me to pay you specific sums, which you will see detailed on the back of the inclosed order which is for two thousand nine hundred and fifty three livres. I state them on...
78841[Ferdinand Grand]: Draft Contract for the American Commissioners, 1 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Nous soussignés en vertu de nos pouvoirs donnons ordre et pouvoir á Mr. [ blank in MS ] de nous procurer au mioeux possible et le plus promptement que faire se pourra quatre flutes de Guerre Comme Celle qui se construit en hollande. Nous nous engageons en Consequence de fournir les fonds et les avances necessaires à sa requisition; nous en rapportant á tout...
78842To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis de la fyette, and Monsieur de Cornie, have made several propositions to me, for furnishing for the use of the French Army expected, a certain number of Waggons, draft, and saddle Horses; and they wish me to employ the Continental Agents, and such others in the business as I may think necessary. I wish to know whether your Excellency will approve of my undertaking the business, as I...
78843From John Adams to Elihu Phinney, 7 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received two days ago your favour of July 24th inclosing a of the Otsego Herald and several other printed papers in Prose and verse. I thank you Sir for the amusement you have given me in these Compositions. There is a good deal of Wit and diverting humour in those in Verse. A great mathematical Controversy that once in a Century invariably puzzles Mankind like a Riddle is completely decided...
78844From George Washington to George Lewis, 28 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
General Lee (who went from hence on wednesday last) informed me that you intended being here, so soon as you should hear of my return from Philadelphia: of this event, he, probably, may have informed you; but not that I shall set out for the latter place (with my family) towards the latter end of next week. If you mean therefore to favor us with a visit, it must be before that time as my...
78845Bill for Establishing a Manufactory of Arms and Extending Navigation through the Falls of James River, [30 October 1779] (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas in consequence of certain resolutions of General assembly the Governor with the advice of the council of state on behalf of this commonwealth hath entered into articles of agreement with Messrs. Peter Penet Windel and company of the kingdom of France, which articles are in these words following to wit. Articles of agreement entered into and concluded on the twenty second day of July in...
78846From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, 12 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
En effet ce servit les priver du Secours de leurs vaisseaux ou provisions au Continent et nous mettre à même de seconder efficacement vos opérations dans ces Parages en vous fournissant des provisions qui sont, je crois, l’Article le plus essential dont vous pouvez avoir besoin. L’éloignement de la Guerre de ce Païs est un objet très important pour les opérations générales de la Guerre. Il...
78847To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the opportunity of Mr Commissary Mersereau’s Express to inform you, Sir, that Major General De Riedesel and myself with our respective families are arrived at this place. To my great surprise I have received notice that we are to be detained and not suffered to go into New York agreeable to the tenour of the agreement settled, as I suppose, between Your Excellency and Sir Henry Clinton...
78848From George Washington to William Pearce, 29 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
No Mail beyond Baltimore (Southerly) was received at the Post Office in this City yesterday; consequently, I got no letter from you; what may have been the cause I know not, unless the considerable falls of rain which happened here during last week, may have rendered the waters between Alexandria and Baltimore (if they extended so far) impassible. You have never mentioned in any of your late...
78849George Long to James Madison, 1 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
I lately heard from Mr Barbour that it is the wish of the Visitors of the Univ. of Va. to procure from England a Professor of the antient Languages, if a competent person could not be found in America. That such a situation may possibly be vacant is now known, and several applications have been made to me. Two of these were from persons of good character & respectable attainments, but not such...
78850To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 13 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The writer of the enclosed Letter delivered it to me in person, and requested it might be laid before you; and as the style is not indecent or disrespectful I do not percieve any sufficient objection to complying with the request and therefore do myself the honor of enclosing it—. I Have the Honor to be with the utmost respect Sir Yr mo Ob Hum Servt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President”;...