79061[Diary entry: 10 March 1774] (Washington Papers)
10. Wind abt. So. West & tolerably fresh, but pleasant notwithstanding being also clear.
79062To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Bréhan, 1 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have suffered, Sir, a great contrariety not to be able to keep the engagement which I had taken with you, to give you, at our arrival, an account of our passage, which has been long and tedious. I have had at every moment the painful thought that my Brother could not support the end of the voyage. He is arrived in a pitiful state, and nevertheless has been recover’d. As to me I was tolerably...
79063From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 3 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Cassady (who will have the honour of delivering this Letter to you) being a Gentleman of respectable Character, and having been long resident at Detroit, is dispatched by me to that place, in order to find out the dispositions of the Inhabitants and to make any inquiries which may be useful to you on your arrival. I am the rather induced to adopt this measure for fear you should be delayed...
79064Nicolas G. Dufief to Thomas Jefferson, 22 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai bien des remerciemens à vous faire pour la bonté que vous avez eu de parcourir le manuscrit que je vous adressai envoyai le mois passé. Je m’empresse, maintenant, de vous adresser le Prospectus de l’ouvrage. La méthode, comme vous y verrez, est applicable à l’enseignement même d’un seul individu; Sans cela, elle eût été défectueuse, et ne pouvait convenir comme vous l’avez, Justement,...
79065From John Adams to Thomas Perkins, 14 September 1804 (Adams Papers)
I am quite ashamed to have neglected to this time any acknowledgement of the various civilities I have received from your friendly hand. I very heartily thank you for the fromage de Rocford, which was a high regale to me and Some of my friends, who had learned in france to estimate the value of it. The Segars are excellent, as well as those heretofore received. I Shall never be able to make...
79066To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Major who was on Duty on the Lines last Night, this moment informs me, that the Enemy are in Motion—marching off—my Picket at the Mill drove the Enemy of[f] last Eveng & kept the Ground. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St I am moving down two or three hundred Men to amuse & detain them—& have parties out to gain Intelligence—shall take down the whole of my troops, as soon,...
79067To Thomas Jefferson from Bishop James Madison, 15 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am greatly obliged to you for your Favour , by the last Post. From the Examination, which I have been able, as yet, to give the Work, it appears to contain much valuable Information; & to do real Honour to the mathematical Talents of it’s Author. But for your Goodness, it is probable, I should have remained a Stranger to so interesting a Work; especially as the Americans have not been,...
79068George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 28 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1779 . Explains why Arnold’s trial has been postponed. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
79069To John Adams from Francis Dana, 23 March 1783 (Adams Papers)
In the Gazette of Amsterdam of the 4 th: of March which has this day come to hand, we read, On débite que les Etats-Unis de l’Amerique nommeront un nouveau Ministre auprès de cette République, à la place de M r: Jean Adams, qui se trouve actuellement à Paris, et qui aussitot après avoir reçu la ratification du Congrès, reviendra ici pour prendre congé, et partira ensuite avec M r: Van Berkel à...
79070To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
I find in my minutes the following story to have been reported, the truth or error of which I wish to have ascertained, & therefore make my application to You as the proper person to establish or contradict it, viz., “When Genl Washington was at Morris Town in 1777 with the fewest men, a British officer was taken in a skirmish, who was permitted to go about upon his parole; within a few days...
79071To George Washington from David Forman, 2 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Exclys Letter dated Head Quarters Williamsburgh Sepr the 24th was handed to me Yesterday, And so most heartily congratulate Your Excly on the so happy According of the greate variety of circumstances toward the deduction of Lord Cornwallace’ forces in that Country and ardently wish every prospect may continue to brighten untill that extensive plan so happily laid by you may be terminated...
79072To Benjamin Franklin from Abel James, [before 8 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress This letter—or at least the first part of it—is well known to readers of Franklin’s autobiography. James announced that he had found a manuscript in Franklin’s hand that appeared to be an unfinished account of his life, as well as a set of “notes” for that account. He enclosed a copy of those notes and urged Franklin to complete the project. When Franklin did resume...
79073To Thomas Jefferson from James Woodhouse, 27 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In the month of June 1799, my brother Samuel Woodhouse, a well educated lad, about seventeen years of age, sailed as Midshipman, on board of the Constillation, and was present during the ever memorable action between that frigate and the Vengeance, and has since continued in the service of the United States. Owing to some cause, of which I am ignorant, he never recieved his warrant, from the...
79074José Antonio Miralla to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here last noon & I have seen a part of your Capital ; I like it very much: the situation is truly beautiful.—I regret that I will not be able to spend here the time necessary to enjoy of its genteel society, as, according to my letters just now received from home, I must go immediatly to New York , and most probably—in succesion to Havana .— At present there is no idea in that Island...
79075To James Madison from Thomas Newton, 31 January 1807 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Thomas Newton. 31 January 1807 , “ Custom house .” “I received the inclosed last night. A Brittish line of battle ship commanded by Sir Thomas Hardy & Frigate Mermaid have arived in Hampton road.” Adds in a postscript: “Triumph—74—Sir Thos Hardy “Mermaid frigate—Captn. Hollis.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, Correspondence with Collectors of Customs regarding Impressed Seamen, box 12). 1 p.
79076From John Adams to Thomas Mifflin, 15 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
I received yours of the 5th. instant by Tuesdays Post, and laid it before the Board of War, who recommended Monsr. Weibert to Congress for the Rank and pay of a Lieutenant Coll., and the Office of an assistant Engineer, to which he was appointed, without opposition and the President I suppose will transmit his Commission by the first opportunity. I am happy to learn that his Conduct, Skill,...
79077To James Madison from the Selectmen of Camden, District of Maine, 3 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your Petitioners would represent, That Moses Thorndike of Camden in the County of Lincoln & District of Maine, was at the last May Term of the District Court for this District, sentenced upon a conviction on an Indictment found against him in Sept. AD 1814, for a misdemeanour, To pay a fine of $75:— to the use of the United States & costs of prosecution & to stand committed until sentence...
79078Council of War, 3–4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held at Head Quarters Cambridge Octr 3. 1775 Present His Excelly General Washington Majors Generals Ward Brigads. Spencer
79079To James Madison from John E. Caldwell, 2 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
A few days after I had received from Mr. Lear a commission of the President of the US. dated the 26th. January 1802—appointing me Commercial Agent of the US. for the city of Sto. Domingo &c., General Kerversau, who commands the Spanish part of this Island, returned from an expedition against the blacks; he having been absent from here for several weeks past. I lost no time in waiting on him,...
79080To James Madison from William Prentiss, 7 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty of enclosing you a prospectus of a Reading Room for the Metropolis of the Union upon an improved plan, and respectfully to solicit your patronage for the Institution. From the countenace at present shewn to the undertaking, the establishment promises soon to be in a prosperous condition. In retirement from public life—I pray you may enjoy health, with the pleasing...
79081To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 17 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 April 1809, Paris. The acting American consul in Paris congratulates JM on his election as president. Encloses file on the Argus and mentions troop strength of French and their disposition in Spain. Reports figures for various commands and gives separate totals of troops furnished by the “confederation of the Rhine.” This information is reliable as it comes from “an officer who … has pretty...
79082[Diary entry: 27 August 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 27th. In Convention. Dined at Mr. Morris’s and drank Tea at Mr. Powells.
79083John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 19 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
I am glad to learn, by your Favour of the 12th, that you have begun to translate Suetonius. This is a very proper book to teach you to love your Country and her Laws. Do you translate it into French or English? You Should always have a Book of Amusement, to read, along with your Severe Studies and laborious Exercises. I should not advise you to take these Books always from the shelf of Plays...
79084From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 30 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mine of the 1st. inst. acknoleged your several favors down to the 14th. of Aug. I have now to add those of Aug. 28. Sep. 11. 12. 16. and 26. The dispatches they inclosed for Mr. Jay have been duly forwarded, except the last which shall go in a few days. Notwithstanding the orders you were so kind as to undertake to give in your’s of the 11th. inst. and which I am sure you have given, the...
7908521st. (Adams Papers)
I read through Wright’s short treatise upon the feudal tenures. I found nothing in it, but what I had before read upon the subject in other writers. In the beginning of the next week, I shall take up Coke upon Littleton, Which seems to be the great magazine for law knowledge but it is one of those unlucky folio’s, which appear so formidable to many students in the profession. I set myself...
79086[From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 12? June 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 12? June 1780 . JHD Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) , May 1780, 1827 edn., p 44 (12 June): “The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Governor, enclosing several others from the President of Congress, with sundry acts and resolutions of that body.” Not located. Enclosures not clearly identifiable.]
79087From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Every one of your letters has given me great pleasure, and none more than No. 6. Aug. 15 just received. I am much pleased with the progress of your studies especially in the language of the Muses. When you are Master of the Greek all other Tongues Arts and Sciences you may want, will be easily in your power. You ought also to bestow Some of your attention upon Numbers and Figures as well as...
79088George Washington to the Board of Admiralty, 6 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Peekskill, New York ] August 6, 1780 . Inquires about putting the “Continental Frigates” under his orders. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
79089III. Humphrey Ploughjogger to the Boston Evening-Post, 20 June 1763 (Adams Papers)
I Arnt book larnt enuff, to rite so polytly, as the great gentlefolks, that rite in the News-Papers, about Pollyticks. I think it is pitty, they should know how to rite so well, saving they made a better use ont. And that they might do, if they would rite about something else. They do say we are a matter a million of muney in det. If so be the matter be so, I dont see but the Cunstibles must...
79090From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Hezekiah Wetmore, 24 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
On Representation to the Genl, of the Conduct of Capt. Riley of the Invalid Corps—& complaint from the Regt of a Stoppage of their pay from you on that acco. His Excellency has given instructions to Colo. Nicola, to have Capt. Riley arrested, & brot to Trial for the Impropriety of his Conduct—And in the Mean Time it is his Excellen c ys pleasure that you proceed in grantg pay to the Regiment,...
79091To John Adams from United States Senate, 9 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Senate proceeded to consider the Message of the President of the United States of the 7th. instant and the nomination contained therein, of The Honorable John Marshall, Esqr. of Virginia, to be Secretary of the department of War, in the place of the Honorable James McHenry, Esqr. who has requested that he may be permitted to resign, and that his resignation be accepted, to take place on...
79092To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Williamson, 6 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The antients, as I conceive, had more reasons than one for painting Justice blind. In all countries the chief magistrate has much occasion to use the Eyes of other People and many of those people have an inclination to falsify or interest in concealing the Truth. In my endeavours to discover the most prevailing argument by which the strength of the republican Party has been constantly...
79093To George Washington from John Blair, 2 May 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Blair, 2 May 1758. On 4–10 May GW wrote to Blair : “After due deliberation on your Honors letter of the 2d.”
79094To Benjamin Franklin from John Temple, 29 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having this moment heard of the Opportunity that now offers of writing a few lines to France I embrace it with unspeakable pleasure to congratulate you upon the Great & Important News we have just received of the Glorious Victory Obtained by the Allied Army in Virginia! an Event which I think cannot fail of producing an almost immediate Peace. I Arrived...
79095To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1805 (Madison Papers)
How will it do to amend the passage respecting England to read as follows? ‘New principles too have been interpolated into the Law of Nations, founded neither in justice, nor the usage or acknolegement of nations. According to these a belligerent takes to itself a commerce with it’s own enemy, which it denies to a Neutral on the ground of it’s aiding that enemy. But reason revolts at such an...
79096To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
the frequent use of Division and Brigade Courts Martial is distressing to the officers of the army. in our present Scituation we may have nine of those Courts at the same time, employing at least 126 Officers. I am Convinced the whole busyness might at present be done by two Generals Courts Martial at which the Judge advocate and his Deputy may attend. the busyness would be more regularly...
79097From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Lewis, 10 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sensible of the kindness of the Common-hall and citizens of Fredericksburg in the invitation which you are so good as to communicate to partake of a dinner which will be given to Gen l La Fayette in that place. my affection for him and my respect for the Common hall and citizens of Fredericksburg would render a compliance equally a duty and gratification. but age & debility put this...
79098To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Fitzhugh, 15 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you by my Servant one barrel of Apples which you will please to accept of as coming from a Sincere Friend MHi : Coolidge Collection.
79099Abigail Adams to John Adams, 25 October 1777 (Adams Papers)
The joyfull News of the Surrender of General Burgoin and all his Army to our Victorious Troops prompted me to take a ride this afternoon with my daughter to Town to join to morrow with my Friends in thanksgiving and praise to the Supreem Being who hath so remarkably deliverd our Enimies into our Hands. And hearing that an express is to go of tomorrow morning, I have retired to write you a few...
79100To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 23 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your orders of the 21st. relative to the funeral Ceremony, which is to take place at this Camp on Thursday next, agreeably to your orders I immediately dispatched an officer to The Ajutant Genl. who I doubt not arrived at new york before 10. oClock the last night—of course, I have reasons to expect, the necessary supply of field artillery, blank...
79101To John Adams from William Cranch, 3 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
I beg you to be assured, my ever honourd & venerated Uncle, that we sympathize most sincerely with you in your late affliction. But while one friend after another drops around you, I know you have all the consolations which Philosophy and Religion can afford; and how inexhaustible are they !— My dear Aunt, I know, will rouse all the energies of her great and noble mind to sustain the shock....
79102To John Adams from Thomas Brand Hollis, [ca. 2 January 1788] (Adams Papers)
I had hopes given me that I should have had the pleasure of seeing you here & I did not despair till the Snow came now it will not be long before I shall wait on you in town when I hope to find you well & in good Spirits. The late behaivour of the Judge in the case of Spotwood the attorney, by whose direction he was brought in guilty of perjury the merits of case know not but that he has moved...
79103To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 10 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to your dircetions I have concluded a Convention with the Chiefs and Head Men of the Cherokee Nation of Indians, which I have the Honor of enclosing.— With sentiments of respect I am, Sir, Your Ob. Servt. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
79104To John Adams from Joshua Johnson, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am duly honord with your very polite and Freindly favour of the 25th. Ultimo for which I pray your acceptance of my best thanks. I hasten to inform you the Dove will be ready to depart the latter end of next Week and any Commands that you have to convey by her shall be taken particular care of and delivered safe in America if she is fortunate enough to arrive safe, if not I can rely on the...
79105To George Washington from William Heth, 30 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your very kind and obliging favor of the 18th Inst. found me here a few days ago. Your answer to my wishes, is precisely what I expected: because, ’tis Just. I had no Idea, my dear Sir, of obtaining a promise from you. This, would indeed, have been more presuming, than I trust, I shall ever be found, on any occasion. The following were the considerations, which induced me to make to you, a...
79106[Diary entry: 17 July 1768] (Washington Papers)
17. At home all day.
79107From Thomas Jefferson to Sampson Crosby, 29 February 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not answer your favor of Jan. 18. immediately on the reciept of it because I had written just before it came, to inform you of the reciept of your former letter. I have kept back the present one to be able to acknolege to you the reciept of the blinds themselves which have come safely to hand, and claim a repetition of those thanks which I have so often cause to render you. Wishing you...
79108To James Madison from Stephen Kingston, 9 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
In renewing the subject of my sufferings by the Spaniards I beg leave to refer to the letters I had the honor of addressing you the 5 Septr. 1802, 12 feby. & 5 June 1803, allow me now to hand copies of Capt. Ansleys protests in England and in this city, by which it clearly appears the Ship three sisters was regularly admitted to enter the river plate as ⅌ Charter on the terms of the...
79109To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Williamson, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days ago a gentleman from Rhode Island Mr Forster who was making some enquiries concerning Florida told me that he had heard you speaking to a gentleman from New Orleans concerning the prospects of making the Iberville navigable. As the navigation of our western waters is become an object of great concern to every man who has the entiriety & prosperity of the United States at heart I deem...
79110William Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 12 December 1798 (Adams Papers)
The president received two letters the latest dated 3 d of Dec from you last Evening with a letter inclosed for your son at Berlin which, I shall superscribe and deliver to Mr Pickering with your respects with a great deal of pleasure. I am very sorry to see that you were not so well as you were when you wrote the 25 th of Nov. You do not write in half so good spirits. I find Mr. Otiss family...