79101[Diary entry: 12 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 12th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning—54 at Noon And 54 at Night. Wind at So. Et. in the Morning, and pretty fresh. Weather lowering. A red Sky in the East horizon at sun rising, & a bur round the Moon last Night. Before 8 Oclock it began to sprinkle a little, which it continued to do by intervals till about 10 oclk. when it set into a constant, but not a hard rain till past 12 &...
79102An Address to the People of the State of New-York on the Subject of the Constitution, Agreed Upon at Philadelphia, the … (Jay Papers)
THERE are times and seasons when general evils spread general alarm and uneasiness, and yet arise from causes too complicated, and too little understood by many, to produce a unanimity of opinions respecting their remedies. Hence it is, that on such occasions, the conflict of arguments too often excites a conflict of passions, and introduces a degree of discord and animosity, which, by...
7910313th. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting all day. Dined at Mr. Thaxter’s with Mr. J. Duncan. And in the afternoon, after service: we took a long walk. When we return’d to Mr. Thaxter’s we found Mr. Bartlett and his wife and Leonard White there. Mr. Parsons came in soon after. He is going to attend the Supreme Court, who will sit this week at Concord. The conversation soon turned upon political subjects; I knew we...
79104[Diary entry: 13 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 13th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning—74 at Noon and 68 at Night. Very little wind and that Southerly. Clear and warm. Went to Church at Alexandria accompanied by Colo. Humphreys Mr. Lear, & Washington Custis. Brought Hariot Washington home with us who had been left at Abingdon & came to Church with Mrs. Stuart.
7910514th. (Adams Papers)
I met with several impediments in the morning so that it was eleven o’clock before I cross’d the river: the weather was very good, but growing Cloudy. I got to Doctor Kitteridge’s house at Andover, before one. I stop’d to see my Class-mate W. Abbot and dined there. Bowman and Wyeth were likewise there. I would say something of Mrs. Kitteridge, but it would be now a very improper time to give...
79106[Diary entry: 14 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 14th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning—64 at Noon And 60 at Night. Grey, or rather a heavy morning with a red Sun & the Wind tho’ not much of it at So. Et. Bur round the Moon last Night—also a dim circle. About 10 Oclock there came on a heavy mist which soon end in a moderate rain for 2 hours or more when it ceased and towards evening became clear. Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole,...
79107From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 14 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d inst. and the news-papers accompanying it came to hand by the last mail. In my letter to you of the 11th inst. I requested you to procure a wheat fan for me, but since that time I have found one more than I then knew of[,] which compleated the number of my several farms and supersedes the necessity of your sending the one which I wrote for, provided this letter reaches you...
79108To George Washington from Benjamin Rush, 14 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Dr Rush presents his most respectful compliments to General Washington, and has the pleasure of sending him herewith a print of the celebrated Mr Napier, which was committed to the Doctors care, for the General, from the Right Honble the Earl of Buchan of Scotland. AL , DLC:GW . The response from Mount Vernon, dated 28 April, was: “General Washington presents his best compliments and thanks to...
79109To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 14 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
The french packet has at length arrived—but after a passage so long nothing new and material could be expected. Mr Jefferson writes a very short letter, but not a wored of Intelligence —perhaps the enclosed to you may contain somewhat more satisfactory. He has also sent a letter to your attention for Ben. Lewis near Richmond, and George Clymer of philadelphia—five french pamphlets for mr...
79110To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 14 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received on the 26th. Decr. your favor of the 13th of that month. I have endeavoured in vain to decypher by means of the cypher which Mr. Barclay left with me the three first lines of your letter of the 14th June 1787. Nor have my efforts been more successful in my attempts to decypher that of Sep. 25th altho’ I have tryed every method perscribed for that Effect. I therefore take it for...
79111To Thomas Jefferson from John Fitch, 14 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Having spent considerable Time in bringing to perfection and practicable use a Scheem for propelling Vessels thro’ the Water by the force of Steam, I have obtained exclusive Rights for useing the same for the term of fourteen years, in the States of Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, and hope to receive the same encouragement in the other States. As I conceive its...
7911215th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was quite disagreeable, for exhibition; in consequence of which there was but little company. Phillips began the performances, with a Latin Oration. His subject was General Washington; a subject which must be inexhaustible or it would long since have been exhausted. He spoke well. Treadwell and Gardner , next came upon the stage, in a forensic disputation. Their question was...
79113[Diary entry: 15 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 15th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—71 at noon and 64 at Night. Warm with the Wind Southerly. Clouds and Sun shine alternately thro’ the day. Rid to all the Plantations (Mr. Fairfax going away after breakfast). At all of them, the same work was going on as yesterday. At Dogue run, the Plows finished crossing for Barley in fd. No. 2 and two of them began to cross for flax in the same...
79114To George Washington from Samuel Griffin, 15 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of recieveing your polite favor of the 20th of February, in regular time by the Mail. and on the 26th of March had the pleasure of laying it before a Convocation of the Vissitors, they thought themselves much honord, by the freindly Manner in which you were pleased to Mention that Body, and desired me to make their sincere Acknowledgements to you in behalf of the Convocation,...
79115To George Washington from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 15 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
It affords me great pleasure to have it in my power to inform you that our Elections are now over, & in general in favor of the New Constitution. But three Counties in the State have chosen Members Antifederal to wit Ann Arundel Baltimore & Harford & the Elections of these three will be controverted as to these Members to wit Mr Saml Chase for Ann Arundel on Account of being a Non resident....
79116To George Washington from L’Enfant, 15 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Having already taken the liberty of troubling your Excellency with the particular of my circumstances owing to the Cincinnati affaire —and finding that thier resolutions of the last general meeting in consequences of my application on this subject has been of no relief to me it is become incumbent on me that I should once more sollicite your Excellency patronage on the occasion therefore I...
79117To John Jay from George Washington, 15 April 1788 (Jay Papers)
Your Card of the 24 th . Ult, and first Vol. of the Fœderalist came safe, for which I pray you to accept my thanks, and assurances of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am, Dear Sir, Y r . most Obed t . and Affect e . H ble Serv t ALS , ICN : Ruggles ( EJ : 13397
79118To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 15 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Marseilles, 15 Apr. 1788 . Forwards a letter just received for TJ from Giuseppe Chiappe; will be glad to transmit any letters TJ may wish to send to Chiappe. Hopes TJ has received through John Turnbull the meteorological observations of Marseilles; would like to know what he should pay the copyist. The farmers-general have purchased a cargo of Virginia tobacco at Sète at 34.₶ 15s and have...
7911916th. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted at Judge Dana’s. Doctor Waterhouse came, in and entertained us for some time with his quaint wit. I paid several visits in the course of the forenoon: pass’d a couple of hours very agreeably with Miss Wigglesworth and Miss Jones. The latter of these two Ladies, in former times, was not with me upon so good terms as at present. I thought her capricious, and ill-natured: but of late...
79120[Diary entry: 16 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 16. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear and pleasant all day. Very little wind, & that Northerly in the Morning. More of it, and that Southerly in the Afternn. Visited the Plantations at Muddy hole, D. Run, Frenchs & the Ferry—and the Fishing landing. At Muddy hole the Plows would finish about 10 Oclock plowing for Barley in No. 1 and the grd. would...
79121To James Madison from George Lee Turberville, 16 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yr. favor of the 1st. Ulto. reached me on the 7th. instant. The satisfactory information it contain’d deserves and receives my most Cordial & gratefull acknowledgements. Altho I had satisfied myself in many respects touching the arguments of the opponents to the new Constitution—yet I never before was so well acquainted with those powerfull reasons that may be urged agt. the adoption of a Bill...
7912217th. (Adams Papers)
Fast day. In the forenoon I remained at home, and spent my time in writing and reading. In the afternoon, I heard Parson Wibird. Mrs. Cranch and Miss Lucy came home this evening; a person from Boston brought us some Letters which came from Europe. Callahan was to sail, about the first of this month; which will probably be extended to the fifteenth. By this time I suppose my friends will be at...
79123[Diary entry: 17 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 17th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning—57 at Noon and 58 at Night. But little wind in the Morning and that at So. Et. with clouds & a red sky at the Eastern horison. About 11 it began to Rain & continued to do so all the remaining part of the day, and very constantly with the wind fresher from the No. Et. Visited all the Plantations & the Fishing Landing. In the Neck, the Plows began...
79124To George Washington from Hector St. John Crèvecoeur, 17 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d a Letter by the French Packet just come into this Port—inclosed in one of our Ministers dispatches addressed to you, which he has most particularly requested I shou’d forward to you, not knowing when the Post sets out, I thought it most prudent to inclose it in this, & put the whole into the hands of the Presidt of Congress, I hope it will reach your Excellency’s...
79125To George Washington from Charles Lee, 17 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Since writing my last I have exchanged your warrant for £69 payable in the aggregate fund for warrants payable in the present taxes as well as the arrears and this being done upon equal terms is an advantage to you. If you choose to apply these to the payment of your taxes for the year 1787, in case there remain any such taxes to be paid by you, I will retain them till an opportunity shall...
79126To George Washington from John Vaughan, 17 April 1788 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Vaughan, 17 April 1788. On 27 April GW wrote Vaughan : “I have received your two letters of the 17th and 21st Inst.”
79127Sarah Livingston Jay to Susannah French Livingston, [17 April 1788] (Jay Papers)
Last Sunday Evening M r . Ricketts let me know that he should breakfast with you the next morning. I therefore sat down & wrote you a letter immediately—as it contain’d an invitation for Papa to dine with us ^ on ^ Tuesday & Thursday, & we received no answer I feel anxious least either him or You should be unwell. How just is yr observation that in the midst of life we are in death—On Monday,...
79128To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 10th. inst. from Orange. Colo. Nicholas in a late letter to me seems to think, that the majority is decidedly for the constitution. Accuracy cannot be expected; but a comparison of the intelligence, which centers here from the various parts of Va., persuades me, that he at least mistakes the degree of the majority, and leads me to suspect, that it lies adverse...
7912918th. (Adams Papers)
A cold north east storm, confined us to the house all day. I read a few pages in one of Gilbert’s treatises and wrote a little, likewise. The time however was spent without much improvement; Doctor Tufts was over here Yesterday and this day. He was attending upon Miss Quincy, who has been very ill in consequence of making a mistake in taking medicine, by swallowing salt petre instead of salts.
79130Account with William Backhouse and Company, 18 April 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, April 18, 1788. Backhouse on this date made the last entry in an account which he had kept with Hamilton who was acting as agent and legal representative for John B. Church. The account deals with bills of exchange which Backhouse discounted for Church. The first entry is February 18, 1788, the last April 18, 1788. D , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. William Backhouse was a...
79131[Diary entry: 18 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Friday 18th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 70 at Night. A thick Fog & showers in the Morning. Cloudy all the day with a brisk wind from the Southward. Rode to the Fishing landing—the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue run, and Muddy hole—also to My Mill where the heavy rain of last Night had blown up my lower tumbling dam, or waste, and broke the race in other places...
79132To George Washington from Peterson & Taylor, 18 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
We have the pleasure to inform you that by Capt. Levingston you will receive the Bill of Scantlin compleat together with 2300 feet of 1¼ In. Plank as well 1300 feet of 1 In. D[itt]o all of which we flatter ourselves will meet your approbation as theire hath been nothing lacking on our part to have it procured in the best mannor theire will be still wanting some 2 In. Plank which shall be...
7913319th. (Adams Papers)
The weather has been rather better this day than it was yesterday. I went with both my brothers on a shooting party, an amusement which I follow no where except at Braintree though, there could not perhaps be a more miserable place, for sport. Dined with W. Cranch, and my brothers at Dr. Tufts’s in Weymouth; and saw Mrs. Tufts for the first Time since her marriage: last fall she was at...
79134[Diary entry: 19 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 19th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning—75 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind at So. Wt. all day and in the afternoon very high. After dark there were Showers of Rain with distant thunder. Rode to all the Plantations—to the Mill, Brick yard, and fishing landing. In the Neck the Plows were stopped yesterday. And to day the grd. being too wet to list, I ordered them into field No. 9 till the...
79135To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 19 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 19 Apr. 1788 . Acknowledges TJ’s letters of 22 Feb. and 3 Mch.; forwarded TJ’s letter to Pichard; hearing nothing from Pichard, wrote him and received the enclosed reply. The “Vins d’hautbrion belonging to Monsr. Le Cte. De fumel” are esteemed as next in quality and a few hogsheads of this of the 1784 vintage are available. Has received “two Cases vin de frontignac from Mons....
79136[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 19 April 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
[ 19 Apr. 1788 . Recorded in SJL Index. Not found; the letter may have concerned the matter of the conference with Lambert that Vernes had discussed in his letter to TJ of 10 Apr. 1788, which TJ received at Strasbourg on 16 Apr.]
7913720th. (Adams Papers)
I pass’d the forenoon at home in writing. In the afternoon, I attended meeting and heard Mr. Wibird. After meeting, I went down to view the house, which they are repairing for my father: I was not perfectly pleased with it; but it now appears in a very unfavourable light: they are obliged to make the most necessary repairs very hastily expecting my father in a few weeks. I am in hopes, that...
79138[Diary entry: 20 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 20th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning 50 at Noon And 45 at Night. Wind hard & cold from the No. Wt. all day. Mr. Herbert, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Fendall and Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner and returned afterwards. Mrs. Stuart and her three daughters came to Dinner and stayed all Night.
79139To George Washington from John Jay, 20 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey have it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack. The Constitution still continues to cause...
79140From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 20 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
As well from report, as from the ideas expressed in your letter to me in December last, I am led to conclude that you are disposed (circumstanced as our public affairs are at present) to ratify the Constitution which has been submitted by the general Convention to the People; and under this impression, I take the liberty of expressing a single sentiment on the occasion. It is, that an...
79141To George Washington from James McHenry, 20 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your election for members of convention being over must have furnished data by which to form an opinion of the probable fate of the constitution in your State. I wish you to favor me with a line on this subject, and whether you think an adjournment of our convention would operate with yours against its adoption. Our opposition intend to push for an adjournment under the pretext of a conference...
79142From John Jay to George Washington, 20 April 1788 (Jay Papers)
Your favor of the 3 d . Ult. gave me great Pleasure, and I thank you for the friendly offers contained in it. Some Gentlemen here and in Jersey [h]ave it in Contemplation to form a Society to promote the Breeding of good Horses and mules—in that Case we will endeavour to introduce some Jennies, of which we have none at present, and send them to your Jack. The Constitution still continues to...
79143From James Madison to Benjamin Franklin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Mr. Limozin of Havre de Grace. The external address to me, was made on a supposition of my being an attending member of Congress; and as I find from a note within the letter, in order to make me acquainted with the circumstances which were to be laid before Congress. With the highest respect and esteem I have the honor to be Sir, Your most...
79144From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Griffin to JM, 12 May 1788 . Requests pamphlets and debates on the Constitution to be sent to Jefferson. Requests copy of the debates of the Massachusetts convention.
79145To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Baldwin, 20 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 7th of Feby., with the enclosure from Mr. Fanning, was duly received. In the letter to Mr. Fanning, which I do myself the honour to enclose, I have given him all the information he will need for the security of his surveys. It must undoubtedly have occurred to you, Sir, that the present unexplained state of our southern and western boundary must have rendered it improper for...
79146To Thomas Jefferson from Espinay de Laye, 20 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Lyons, 20 Apr. 1788 . Is writing on behalf of Alexandre Berger, a merchant of Lyons and a member of “une Tres Bonne Et ancienne famille dans le Commerce,” who wishes to go to Richmond and would like a letter of recommendation and the necessary passports. Is sending this letter by a brother of “M. le prieur D’Arnas,” his neighbor, whom TJ saw “dans ma Terre en Beaujolois” and to whom TJ gave a...
7914721st. (Adams Papers)
We were again confined all day to the house, by the badness of the weather. Mr. Cranch however went to Boston. I find, as I always have found, great inconveniences in writing here, and indeed, there are no small inconveniences in thinking; I wrote however a little, and read a few pages in Gilbert’s treatise of Evidence, it being a Law book. W. Cranch is reading Bacon; but makes no great...
79148[Diary entry: 21 April 1788] (Washington Papers)
Monday 21st. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning— at Noon And at Night. Wind at No. Wt. all day—in the evening it lulled. Went to Alexandria to the Election of a Senator for the district and delegates for the County in the General Assembly—when Mr. Pope was chosen for the first and Mr. Roger West, and Doctr. Stuart for the latter. Dined at Doctr. Crks. and came home in the evening. Fd. Mrs....
79149To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 21 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have your favours of 4th & 11th Inst. before me unanswered—The Letter for Mr Smith I forwarded by a safe Conveyance to Carlisle—Genl Butler having just arrived in Town from New York I delivered that for him myself—the one for Mr Peters under Cover of the 11th I sent to him in the Country—No vessel having yet sailed for Port au Prince I have the Letter for Mr De Marbois but it will go some...
79150To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 21 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I am now on my Road to the Settlements forming on the River Ohio; and take this only Method in my power to take leave of your Excellency & to assure you of my most cordial Wishes for your Happiness; should any Occurrances render my Services in that Country of Use to you, I shall never be more happy than in devoting myself to the execution of your Wishes—The State of our Country must give very...