7951To George Washington from George Turner, 14 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
Conscious of my very limited pretensions to military acquirements, I cannot, without great diffidence, presume to offer my Services to the Commander in Chief, as one of his Aides: Yet, Sir, if attachment to your person and the Service, and a wish to improve under your auspices in the Field, may be considered as an Earnest towards the attainment of other needful Qualifications, I would beg...
7952From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 June 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of May 20 came to hand the 1st. inst. I imagine you recieved mine of May 18. about six days after the date of yours. It was written the first post-day after my arrival here. The commission you inclosed for Maria is executed, and the things are in the care of Mr. Boyce of Richmond, who is returning from hence with some goods of his own, and will deliver them to Mr. Johnston.—I recieve...
7953From James Madison to John Henry Purviance (Abstract), 11 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
11 March 1805, Department of State . “I have the honor to inclose a resolution of the Senate of the 2d instant, requesting certain British laws and fiscal statements to be laid before them at their next Session, and to request that you will procure and transmit them by Duplicates in season to enable me to comply with the wishes of the Senate. The expence incident to the accomplishment of this...
7954From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 10th. and return the correspondence between Col Mercer and yourself. Your letter to him of the 10th. was perfectly a propos, and can not fail I think to answer my purpose as well as yours; the substance of it being applicable to both, and coinciding with the promise of Col. M. in his letter of Novr. 12. to guard me as well as you from the threatened embarrassment. It...
79559th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. and Mrs. Cranch went to Boston this morning, and return’d in the evening. Arose at 8 o’clock, breakfasted at 9; after which I loiter’d and rambled about till 1. Dined; after dinner, smoked a pipe; slept till 6. Drank tea: play’d upon the flute, and sung all the evening. Supped at 10. Went to bed. This is my history at present: is it not an edifying manner of passing one’s time.
7956To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, with Jefferson’s Reply, 12 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed that the port of Allburg, which Mr Bradley insisted upon so much that the commission in favr. of Mr Pennyman is given as Collector of that port, is an ideal town where vessels cannot come to & deliver their cargoes for want of a wharf, & where it would be most inconvenient to Secure duties as the Merchants do not live there. Indeed I think the commission not...
7957From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 24 February 1808 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your affectionate letter of the 15th:— and do not a moment delay to answer your question— I did attend the meeting of members at the Capitol on the 23d: of last Month— but not without invitation— I received the same invitation, which was given to the other members— And besides that I was also personally urged to attend, by another member of the Senate— I did not attend...
7958[Diary entry: 5 September 1798] (Washington Papers)
5. Morning clear & Cool—Afternoon clouds, & a light shower. Mer. at in the Morning 62 at Night. Genl. Marshall & Mr. B. Washington went to a dinner in Alexa. given to the former by the Citizen’s there & returned. dinner in alexa. : “Every preparation and arrangement for the day was elegant and patriotic. The dinner was served in the best style, and the good humor and conviviality of the...
7959To Thomas Jefferson from Silas Halsey, 13 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
(You will pleas to excuse the trouble of reading this letter from an obscure Individual) the occation it is this the Island called Bedlows Island in N. york Bay if I am rightly informed, belongs to the united States—A few years past it was partially fortified but has been since Relinqished and is not the use made of to the benefit of the publick or of any individual to that extent that it...
7960To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the unhappiness my dear General to inform you of the departure of my precious infant, your Godson. In the deep mystery in which all human events is involved the Supreme Being has been pleased to prevent his expanding innocence, ripening to such perfection as to be a blessing to his parents and connecting when by their advanced Years they may find every comfort necessary to sweeten Life...
7961Franklin and John Jay to John Adams, 29 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society We received the Letter you did us the honour of writing to us the 10th. Inst, with the project of a Treaty that had been transmitted to you by the Baron de Thulemeier, which we have examined, & return herewith, having made a few small Additions or Changes of Words to be proposed, such as Citoyens for Sujets and the like, and intimated some Explanations as...
7962To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Advised JM in his letter of 7 Sept. that citizens of the Mississippi Territory were surveying lands west of the Mississippi River “with a view … to obtain fraudulent Titles” from Spain. Encloses a copy of his letter to Clark on this subject and Clark’s answer. “It seems that Captain Vidal has no authority to grant Lands or even to authorise a Location, but...
7963From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 October 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Jefferson your letter to him, with the correspondence between Mr. Canning & Mr. Rush, sent for his and my perusal, and our opinions on the subject of it. From the disclosures of Mr. Canning it appears, as was otherwise to be inferred, that the success of France agst. Spain would be followed by attempts of the Holy Alliance to reduce the revolutionized colonies of the...
7964To James Madison from William Madison, 25 March 1811 (Madison Papers)
When I paid Gooch the $100. he said they exceeded the Sum he had written for, upward of twenty dollars. I saw him yesterday & he said that the sum mentioned in your letter is still wanted for the purposes therein stated. I have drawn on Mr Patton for it on yr Acct. as I had directed him when I passed thro: Fredbg to send you $220. on my Acct which with the $100 pd. Gooch will make the amt you...
7965Enclosure: Memorial of Joseph St. Marie, 22 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Joseph St. Marie of St. Vincennes in the County of Knox in the said Territory, begs Leave to acquaint your Honor that on the 23rd. Day of August 1788 he took the Liberty of addressing a Letter to John Francis Hamtramck Esquire, Major in the First United States Regiment, and commandant at Post Vincennes, of which the following is a Copy. ‘Sir, In Pursuance to the ancient Usage and Custom of...
7966[Diary entry: 18 June 1781] (Washington Papers)
18th. Brigaded the Troops, and made an arrangement of the Army, which is to March for the New Camp in three divisions—the 1st. on Thursday the 21st.—the 2d. on the 23d. and the 3d. on the 24th. Instt. To strengthen the detachment intended for the Garrison of West point, I had previously called upon the State of Connecticut for 800 Militia. Headquarters was being moved from New Windsor, N.Y.,...
7967Certification of a Signature, [29 March 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library I do hereby certify that the Signature P Henry to this Instrument is truly the Hand-writing of the Governor of Virginia. At Passy, this 29th Day of March 1780. Most probably written on behalf of Louis-Pierre Penot Lombart de Laneuville, a brigadier general in the American army who was now lobbying for the rank of lt. col. in the French army (which...
7968To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Fisher, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s circular letter of the 12th instant I have just now recived. The reasons therein contained for carrying into execution, the law subjecting the militia delinquents to six months service, are so obvious and cogent, that to reflect a moment on its propriety, would betray a great want of discernment: But in this county, our being without commissions for the captains &c. will...
7969Thomas Jefferson to John Melish, 10 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your letter of Feb. 16. and the communication of that you had forwarded to the President . in his hands it may be turned to public account: in mine it is only evidence of your zeal for the general good. having served my tour of duty my occupations are now in quite a different line, more suited to my age, my interests and inclinations. having served my tour of duty, I leave...
7970To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 31 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Being denied the happiness of Waiting on you in person by an indisposition that confines me to my Chamber; beg You will excuse the liberty I am about to take—A liberty justified by no merit of my own—But from your known Benevolence and kind attention to every Officer who has the Honor of Serveing under You. It is to request that you will be good enough to favour me with a few lines, signifying...
7971From Alexander Hamilton to Pierre Van Cortlandt, [16 February 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
By the direction of the Committee I transmit you the inclosed letter. I doubt not Sir you will believe me to be sincere when I assure you that I should be much more happy if circumstances permitted me to be the channel of a very different application. But such is the situation of our state that personal attachments are obliged to yield to public necessity. As I allow myself to hope Sir that...
7972To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosing you the Leyden Gazette of this date I avail myself of the opportunity to express to you my regret at finding by the Gazettes of our Country, that the memorial which I had the honor to transmit your Predecessor last fall in behalf of the Consuls of the U States, has not met with the expected success in Congress, which I think must have resulted from a misapprehension of the nature &...
7973From Thomas Jefferson to Gibson & Jefferson, 14 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you in Richmond bank bills 970. Dollars, and have this day drawn on you in favor of Charles Smith of Louisa for 621 . D. James Oldham 100 . William Wardlaw 46 .12 balance to the credit of my account with you 202 .88 970 which you will be pleased to honour. Accept my friendly salutations 4. bills of 100.
7974To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 6th Instant by Sharp I have not received any of Your Excellency’s favors. Colonel Gimad takes the trouble of conveying this & also of a Packet containing 50 Copies of an Address by Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America—Your Excellency will be pleased to direct a dispersion of these papers so as most effectually to answer the purposes intended....
7975From Alexander Hamilton to Isaac Craig, 19 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty fourth of January enclosing a General Return of Ordnance and Quarter Master stores and Clothing at Pittsburg, Fort Franklin, Le Boeuf and Presq’ Isle. Enclosed is a copy of my letter constituting you Pay Master to the troops at certain posts. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
7976To George Washington from James Gildart, 28 November 1765 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Gildart, 28 Nov. 1765. On 22 April 1766 Gildart wrote to GW : “I wrote you of the 28th Novr.”
7977From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 26 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being in the greatest distress here for Arms without the most distant prospect of obtaining a Supply, and as Several have been lately brought into Boston belonging to the Highlanders That have been taken, I request that you will immediately forward the remaing Two Hundred Carbines which in my Letter of the 28 Ulto I desired to be kept at Boston to the person at Norwich to whose care the others...
7978To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 31 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I prepare now to give you some reasons according to promise for my preference of the plan of cultivation I transmitted you 3 weeks since to the one you did me the honor to consult me on. The system of small fields in my plan, is nothing more than an extension of method beyond what you thought requisite in farming. The crops of this rotation, alltho of small value comparatively, are yet worth a...
7979To James Madison from Turrell Tufts, 18 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 January 1804, Surinam. Has written JM several letters regarding persons condemned to banishment being forced on board U.S. vessels. “Capt John Fletcher of the Schr. Charles of Phila. has this moment informed me that a person by the name of Moor Rosier has been sent on board his Vessel & that he cannot get a passport upon any other condition than of taking him out of the Colony. He has made...
7980From James Madison to William Hawkins, 4 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 26th. ult: inclosing the Resolutions of the Genl. Assembly of N. Carolina, approving the sentiments contained in the Message to Congs. of Novr. 5. and declaring their readiness to co-operate in vindicating the violated rights of their Country. Approbation from such a source could not fail under any circumstances to strengthen the satisfaction arising from a...
7981[Diary entry: 27 December 1789] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 27th. At home all day—weather being bad.
7982Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 5 October 1787 (Adams Papers)
Your obliging favour by captain Folger came safe to Hand, and brought me the agreeable intelligence of my Eldest sons having received His degree, and performed his part to the satisfaction of his Friends, and his own credit. you know Sir from experience, that there is no musick sweeter in the Ears of parents, than the well earned praises of their children. I hope he will continue through Life...
7983From George Washington to Francis Fauquier, 25 September 1758 (Washington Papers)
I think it incumbent upon me to give you the following account, altho’ it is with very great concern I am furnished with the occasion . The 12th instant Major Grant, of the Highland-Battalion, with a chosen Detachment of 8,00 men, marched from our advanced Post, at Loyal-Hannon, for Fort du Quesne, what to do there (unless to meet the fate he did) I can not certainly inform you: however, to...
7984To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 16 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Samuel Chase, Esquire, Agent for the recovery of the Bank Stock of Maryland, in the British Funds, has transmitted to the Executive of this State, the letter which you favoured him with of the 13 Instant; intimating that the British Ministers had discovered a design to exclude this subject from the Negotiation pending between the two Governments, with an intention of remanding it to their...
7985Enclosure: William Bingham to James McHenry, [18 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
It Surely must have escaped Genl Hamilton’s Recollection, that the Papers he alludes to, never were deposited with me. After reading the publication, in which he mentioned this deposit being thus made, I was Surprized at the omission of which, in Case I had been applied to for a View of them, I Should certainly have reminded him—under any other Circumstances, it would not have been delicate to...
7986To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with two letters from Your Excellency dated the 11th: Your Excellencys Orders for sending on Mr Depeyster, provided upon a representation of the matter, it was approved by the Governor together with his directions for that purpose, were the reasons which occasioned my conducting with him in the manner I have done. Ignorant of your Excellency’s intentions respecting Mr Depeyster &...
7987From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your favor of the 17th. I am sorry Mr Morris did not pay the money at the time and in the manner I expected—Inclosed I send you Eight Hundred Dollars in Bank Notes, & will write to you more fully in a day or two; business prevents me from doing it at this moment. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7988To John Adams from Henry Guest, 15 June 1808 (Adams Papers)
Your Very Frindly Letter of the 14th. March last Came Duly to hand. it gave and Still gives Me Much pleasure—I am allso Much pleased with my son Henry for doing himself so Much Sattisfaction As his Paying you that respect that He Knew I should have done if Near you on a Journey to Boston—He realy gave Me Much Sattisfaction that his Pollitical ideas pleased you. His Lettes to Me Are full of...
7989[Diary entry: 16 March 1767] (Washington Papers)
16. Little frost again but exceedg. pleast. Afterwards wind at south West.
7990George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 4 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 4, 1779 . Instructs McDougall to fire thirteen cannon to celebrate anniversary of Declaration of Independence. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7991Cash Accounts, October 1768 (Washington Papers)
Cash Octr 17— To Cash of Mr Robt Adam [£]31.11.8 Contra Octr 6— By Cards 19/. By Charity 6/ 1. 5.0 By Jno. Alton in gold 5.11.3 By Play Ticket for Jno. P. Custis 5/. Chickens 3/6 0. 8.6 By Wm Carlin pr Mr Hodge’s rect 5. 0.0 15— By Charity 12/—By Wm Skilling £3.6. 3.18.0 19— By Mr James Wren Balle of Acct
7992[Diary entry: 20 December 1768] (Washington Papers)
20. Snowing best part of the day—abt. 6 or 8 Inches deep.
7993To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 2 March 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received your favour of the 24th. January past, inclosing an Extract from your Letter to Mr. Collinson and Dr. Colden’s Letter to yourself, which I have read with a great deal of pleasure, and am much obliged to you for. Your Extract confirms a correction Mr. Kinnersley made a few days ago of a mistake I was under respecting the polarity given to...
7994To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Browere (pronounced Brower) is so anxious to pay his respects to you that I can not refuse him a line of introduction His object is to take your likeness in plaster, much desired it appears by patrons of a Public Gallery. His success as an Artist is very highly attested. His bust of Gen l Lafayette is pronounced by other imitation Artists as a conspicuous proof of his talent. The little...
7995From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this date, and send you Fifty dollars for the purposes you mention. I beg I may have the most instant intelligence of any accounts that you may obtain, because I beleive that some move of consequence is in Agitation among the Enemy. I shall for that reason be obliged to you for remaining a few days longer at your present station, as I can put more dependance upon having...
7996From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your early attention to me after your arrival at the Court of Versailles, amidst scenes of gaiety & the gratulations of friends, does me great honor & excites my warmest acknowledgments. That your august Sovereign, his amiable consort, & the Princes his brothers, should deign to interest themselves in, & wish to be acquainted with the circumstances of my life, is one of the most flattering...
7997To George Washington from John Brown, 3–4 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I having a Vessel arrived at Norwich from Suranam which having brought a Small Quantity of Powder Viz. Forty four Cask Containing a Half hundred Each, I thought it proper to acquaint you thereof, but I am at a loss to determin which may be best for the General Cause for it to go to the Camp or to be Sold out here, so that People in General may be better quallified to Defend the Sea Coast, Our...
7998To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 24 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1802, Bristol. Transmits a copy of his letter of 13 July . Despite cold, wet weather, reports of approaching harvest are “not unfavorable.” “You will no doubt before this can reach you have heard that the Emperor of Morocco has compelled Mr. Simpson the American Consul, to quit his dominions & declared War against the United States.” Forwards a letter from Rufus King and encloses...
7999To Thomas Jefferson from James Thomson Callender, 9 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will pardon my having sent you revises, instead of clean Sheets of the thing now printing; a freedom inexcusable in any circumstances but mine. I Cannot get my printer to work, although I am actually paying him ready money , as he goes on. So that the whole Sale of the Season will be lost, by the delay of revising the Sheets ! I mention this, Sir, that You may not think me addicted...
8000From Abigail Smith Adams to Sarah Smith Adams, 12 April 1817 (Adams Papers)
Susan has written you, I Suppose that mr Clark has returnd, and that he is very desirious of being married. She has also informd you of his income and means of Support. Will you under these Circumstances consent to their being married at present? They are Young, neither of them disposed to Habits of dissipation, but Such limited means I fear will involve them in difficulties. To keep House...