81051To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 24 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 24 Nov. 1779 . Col. Finnie, state quartermaster general, should be allowed a general order to employ workmen. Signed by Nelson, Griffin, and Barron. Countersigned: “In Council Novr. 24th. 1779. Approved for the present, but it is recommended to the Board of War to take Measures for setting apart a proper number of workmen in each Department who shall be subject to orders from the...
81052From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
My troubles will never end till you return and I really if it does not soon happen I shall be tempted to decamp from here whether you like it or no you will tell me that I am again in a fit of low spirits it is very true I am suffering bitterly at the baseness of the World who take every possible advantage of my unprotected situation I have just paid Mr Krehmer for the two Months rent and he...
81053Memorandum Books, 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Jan. 1. Paid Petit servants wages and etrennes as follows wages etrennes total Petit 72 ₶ + 24 ₶
81054Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 2 November … (Hamilton Papers)
We last night received the honor of Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th. of October; on the 26th. we had the pleasure of advising you fully of our situation and motives for coming to this place. We have since received no further intelligence of the Count, his operations, or ultimate intentions; on which account and from the late period of the season, we have given over all expectation of any...
81055To George Washington from William Livingston, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to find that your Excellency’s Letter has detained the Assembly this day, as I verily believe electioneering, (for which some men would risque the salvation of their Country) having got into their, Heads, that nothing in the World besides would have been able to check their Impulse for decamping. But what kind of amphibious Production they will make of the Bill (by some Intelligence...
81056From George Washington to George Lewis, 27 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Supposing you are in Fredericksburgh, and not knowing where my Sister, or your Brother Howell is at present, I put the letters for them, and your brother Bob, under one cover to your care and would thank you for letting me know whether you have received them or not. My best wishes attend Mrs Lewis & yourself in which your aunt joins me. I remain Your sincere friend & affecte Uncle ALS...
81057To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 23 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day written to you an official letter communicating the incapacity of ——— Neufville Commr. of loans for South Carolina. As he is past eighty years of age there can be no hope of his recovery, and the business of his office ought not to remain long suspended. Perhaps some applications have already been made to you. From that State I have but three names on my file as applicants for...
81058[Diary entry: 22 December 1770] (Washington Papers)
22. Began to Grind Sand in my Mill the Water being let in upon the Fore Bay. Dry sand was being ground between the new millstones “to smooth down the sharp points” on their faces. When the faces were fully finished and fitted together, they would be furrowed and dressed for grinding grain ( craik [1] David Craik. The Practical American Millwright and Miller: Comprising the Elementary...
81059From John Adams to Jean Luzac, 2 October 1793 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer of this Letter is M r Lear the late Secretary to President Washington a Gentleman universally esteemed and beloved wherever he is known. I beg Leave to introduce him to your Acquaintance and Freindship. This Country is too happy in the Enjoyment of that Liberty which Cost them So dear to risque it, by medling in foreign Wars: and too gratefull to those who assisted them it, to join...
81060From David Humphreys to Lewis Nicola, 11 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Board of General Officers were appointed in the Orders of the 9th to assemble on thursday next at such place as should be appointed by Major Genl Gates, to take into consideration certain Points contained in a Memorial of Brigr Genl Hazen relative to the Proceedings of Courts Martial &c. —It is now the Commander in Chiefs request that you will attend the Sd Board to aid and assist in...
81061To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 8 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The favourable Sentiments which your Excellency has more than once been pleased to express of Coll Livingston both to the late Convention, & the committee of arrangement, with less effect than I had reason to hope for from their declared opinion of his merrit, & the respect due to your Excellencys recommendation, induces me to trouble you on his account, more especialy as the honour he...
81062To John Adams from Charles Lee, 31 October 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you my sentiments upon two of the topicks mentioned in your letter of the 28th. They being the most important I have lost no time in bestowing my attention on them. I shall endeavour to obtain some information relative to the insurrection in a part of Pennsylvania and the St. Domingo business, and I shall as soon as possible express to you my ideas on those and...
81063To Thomas Jefferson from Lewis Goldsmith, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The great & important Situation in which you are plac’d induces me to take the Liberty to address two Books to you — One consists of a collection of facts & anecdotes tending to expose the base & unjust Measures of certain European cabinets, whose Conduct cannot fail to be view’d with horror in any Country which like your’s is blessd with a free Government. The other is a Translation of a...
81064Enclosure: GW’s Draft for a Farewell Address, May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The quotation in this address, was composed, and intended to have been published, in the year 1792; in time to have announced to the Electors of the President & Vice President of the United States the determination of the former previous to the sd Election but the solicitude of my confidential friends, added to the peculiar situation of our foreign affairs at that epoch induced me to suspend...
81065To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose the letters received on the subject of E. Livingston. If Mr Gelston is right in supposing that the list dated 18th June has been paid to the dist. attorney there is a defalcation of at least that amount to witt thirty thousand dollars; besides which he may have received part of the bonds which had been put in suit whilst Mr Harrison was district attorney and has received some of the...
81066From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 15 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, I have had the pleasure of receiving your Favours of the 28th Ulto and 2d Instt. I must again express my gratitude for the attention shewn Mrs Washington at Philadelphia—It cannot but be pleasing, altho’ it did in some measure, impede the progress of her journey on the Road. I am much obliged to you for the hints containd in both of the above Letters respecting the jealousies...
81067To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress I have now to inform you that the State of Pensilvania had emitted £500,000 in Bills of Credit, funded in such Manner that there could be no reasonable Doubt of their Redemption. But the public Confidence had been so impaired, that these Bills soon after they came out, rapidly depreciated, notwithstanding the Solidity of the...
81068Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Virginia State Library). Franked by Edmund Randolph. Docketed, “Virga Delegates recd 14 Febry 1782.” The post of the present week having failed to arrive in this city on its usual day (Tuesday) and our letters not coming to hand until this morning (Friday) we can answer your excellency’s favor of the 17th. instant only by acknowledging the receipt of it. We have the honor sir to be with...
81069Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 22 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I was quite rejoiced, dear Sir, to see that you had health & spirits enough to take part in the late convention of your state for revising it’s constitution, and to bear your share in it’s debates and labors. the amendments of which we have as yet heard prove the advance of liberalism in the intervening period; and encourage a hope that the human mind will some day get back to the freedom it...
81070From James Madison to Jacob Wagner, 2 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
¶ To Jacob Wagner. Letter not found. 2 September 1805 . Mentioned in Wagner to Jefferson, 5 Sept. 1805, DLC : Jefferson Papers, as saying that JM had hoped Dolley was “considerably advanced to a cure, but that it was found unavoidable, in order to complete it, to resort to an expedient two days before, which retards the event a little.”
81071From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 14 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 2d instant. It is very unaccountable that so many Indications of an evacuation of New York should be reported to You and that they should come from no other quarter—I have a very good channel of intelligence by the way of Long Island and no movement is mentioned but that of a fleet bound to Europe—I cannot help suspecting that there may be some design in...
81072Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 13 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. A. Lee’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin and Mr. Deane. He receivd a Letter yesterday from Bilboa informing him, that the ten thousand Blankets for which Mr. Lee had remitted money from the spanish fund were ready to be shipt together with a very great quantity of Sail and tent cloth, Anchors, Cables, Cordage and Dreggs but that they must either purchase...
81073To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 4 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At a moment when you are peculiarly occupied by great National affairs, it is with considerable reluctance that I venture to trespass on your time and attention. But, concerning the honour of the Government to be implicated in the Subject of my disclosure, I cannot permit myself to withhold it. It is a fact, Sir, that Three Officers of a Militia Company, called The Volunteer Rifle-Company, are...
81074Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 28 October 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
According to the reservation between us, of taking up one of the subjects of our correspondence at a time, I turn to your letters of Aug. 16. & Sep. 2. The passage you quote from Theognis , I think has an Ethical, rather than a political object. the whole piece is a moral exhortation , παραινεςις , and this passage particularly seems to be a reproof to man, who, while with his domestic animals...
81075From Thomas Jefferson to Gelhais, 7 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre , Monsieur, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire au sujét de la demande de Monsr. Friguet directeur de la regie generale à Meaux contre M. le Comte de Langeac. Pour la forme, je ne puis pas recevoir ici un Huissier ou autre Officier quelconque de la Justice; mais quand il aura eté constaté à la justice du pays et decidé par elle que la demande de M. Friguet est juste...
81076To John Adams from Elkanah Watson, 26 December 1822 (Adams Papers)
It was Not my intention to have troubled you again very soon—but an incident has occured which has made it necessary. The day after I wrote my last letter to you, requesting permission to publish yr. letter The Honbl Secy. Yates called on me & requested I wou’d submit yr. letter to immediate publication, inasmuch as he had taken the liberty to publish yours (to appear the insuing day) to him....
81077From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 29 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have no doubt but that in the new appointment of Artillery Officers, you thought of Mr Machin in the manner he deserves—however, as he is now here, and has heard nothing from you on this Subject, I cannot help reminding you of him, as he appears from observation, and information, to be a person of Merit. He has also mentioned something to me respecting his pay, which you will cause to be...
81078[Diary entry: 12 October 1772] (Washington Papers)
12. Very foggy Morning but clear afterwards.
81079To James Madison from William Spencer (Abstract), 23 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
23 May 1805, Georgetown, Eastern Shore, Maryland . “In a letter from Jacob Wagner Esqr: of the Department of State dated March the 20th. 1805 in answer to mine of the 3d. of that Month it is mentioned, ‘That a claim in the name of Falconar, Forman, Betts & Price for supplies in the 4th. year of the French Republic appears to have been directed to be liquidated by the Commissioners under the...
81080From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 30 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having understood that you have been unwell, & that your family is still so, I have not asked your attendance here, lest these circumstances should stand in the way. Mr. Madison, Dearborne & Gallatin are here & mr Lincoln expected tomorrow. we have not only to decide on the matters to be communicated to Congress, but as early a decision of the administration as possible is requisite on one of...
81081From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 13 May 1811 (Adams Papers)
The Austrian Minister, Count H. Julian, some time since, jokingly asked me if I had received any very late advices of the year before last from home—When I turn to the last letter that I have received from you, and find it dated 7. May 1810. the Count’s wit seems to have lost all its exaggeration. The longer we remain absent from our Country and our friends the more uneasy we feel under the...
81082From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Beale Ewell, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am thankful for the kind expressions towards myself contained in your letter of yesterday. it is to the honour of our countrymen that they exercise independantly their judgment for themselves, little influenced by a name. the intrinsic merit of your work will be it’s best patronage. the honorable place you propose for my name will be chiefly felt by myself as it will be the consolatory...
81083From Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Burr, 12 February 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicated to Dr. Currie your idea that the creditors of mr Morris should buy in the mortgage which stands before them. he answers me in these words. ‘I should wish to be informed by you to what amount I should be obliged to advance, if I became a purchaser with others of the mortgaged lands, to secure my whole debt. tho’ I am almost moneyless, if the thing was practicable, & could come...
81084Maria Cosway to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
The Appearance of this letter will inform you I have been left a widow . Poor M r Cosway was Suddenly taken by an Apopletic fit—And being the third proved his last . at the time we had hopes he would enjoy a few years—for he never had been So well & So happy—the change of Air was recond necessary for his health; I took a very Charming house & fitted it up handsome & Comfortable, with those...
81085From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you, I have received yours of the 26th of August, covering a duplicate of one of the 12th. At the same Time, came to hand your favor of the 29th informg the Excursions of the Enemy for Rice, and inclosing a copy of General Gists Letter to you of the 27th. In my last, which was the 23d of Septemr, and which was forwarded under the Care of the Secretary at War, I gave a compleat...
81086To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 23 January 1806, New Orleans. “Mr. Benjamin Morgan a zealous American, and an honest Man, was elected on the 21st. Instant, a member of the House of Representatives of this Territory. “The enclosed return will shew you the state of the Poll, as well as the great degree of political Apathy which prevails in this quarter. “The French Consul Mr. Deferges...
81087From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Morris, 19 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never lost sight of the present of your Spanish sheep , nor lessened in my conviction of it’s importance. But during the latter part of my stay in Philadelphia no safe opportunity occurred for sending them to Virginia, and in the beginnings of my operations here too many other things pressed upon me more indispensably. I am now prepared to send for them in the spring and to have them...
81088To James Madison from Philip P. Barbour, 20 February 1825 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. David J. Gardner, who visits Virginia, I beg leave to introduce him to your acquaintance. He is a young gentleman of the state of New York, who sustains a character of high respectability. With respect I am your obdt. Servt. RC ( NEh : Long Island Collection).
81089From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 87, 26 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Resolutions of Congress of the 18th. of March respecting the paper bills, appeared first in Europe as recited in the Act of the Assembly of Pennsylvania. They were next published in the English News-Papers as taken from a Boston Paper published by the Council; at last the Resolutions appear’d in the Journals of Congress. A great clamour was raised and spread, that the United States had...
81090To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 18 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed you by mr Rives a young gentleman of this state and my neighborhood. he is an eleve of mine in law, of uncommon abilities, learning and worth. when you and I shall be at rest with our friends of 1776. he will be in the zenith of his fame and usefulness. before entering on his public career he wishes to visit our sister states and would not concieve he had seen any thing of...
81091From George Washington to George Gordon, 15 September 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby Ordered, and appointed to act as Cornet of the Light Horse, until further Orders: you are therefore to repair immediately to the Troop, and take the Command thereof, until the arrival of Captain Stuart; and I do hereby Order and require strictly, them and each of them, to obey you as their Cornet. Given under my hand at Winchester, the fifteenth of September, 1755. LB , DLC:GW ....
81092From John Adams to United States Congress, 18 January 1799 (Adams Papers)
The communication relative to our affairs with France alluded to in my address to both houses at the opening of congress the session is contained in the sheets which accompany this. A report of the Secretary of State, containing some observations on them, will be sent to congress on Monday DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
81093To James Madison from John Graham, 6 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
You will have seen in the National Intelligencer and also in the Monitor some observations on Mr. Cannings Speech. With Mr. Smith I had some conversation before I received the two Private Letters you did me the Honor to write me; since the receipt of them I have seen both him & Mr. Calvin & put them in possession of your Ideas and of the facts you state. These will enable them to give useful...
81094From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard de Rayneval, 24 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères The Person who calls himself Dumont was with me yesterday Evening, bringing Notes to me from M. de Vergennes & M le Duc de Vauguyon. He said his Business was to solicit a Supply of 4000. Stand of Arms to be landed in the West of England, for the Use of the Petitioners who were become sensible that Petitioning signified nothing, and that...
81095[Diary entry: 19 May 1799] (Washington Papers)
19. Morning clear & calm. Mer. 50—but little wind afterwards and that So. Easterly. Mer. 60 at Night. Mrs. Peak Miss Eaglin & a Mr. Brent dined here and went away afterwards—as did Mr. Law & Doct. Thornton.
81096To George Washington from William Livingston, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will perceive that the inclosed Letters request of me a favour entirely out of my department. How far good policy may require the discharge of the young man, those who have authority to order that measure are doubtless proper Judges. Mr Foster, the writer of one of the L[e]tters, is a gentleman of considereble distinction amongst us. Perhaps the preserving the good humour of...
81097From George Washington to the Board of Admiralty, 15 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I have lately received from the Chevalier de Ternay, in answer to one in which I informed him that the American Frigats were directed by Congress to act in concert with the Fleet of his most Christian Majesty, is the following Paragraph “I propose to your Excellency to have escorted by these Frigates to the port of Boston a Vessel loaded with Flour by Mr Holker for the...
81098To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having just returned from Boston, I take the earliest opportunity to announce to you my intention of embarking in the Ship Iris for London. This Ship will certainly Sail on or before Sunday next. Should you have any dispatches for our Ministers in England or France, I shall be happy in paying the merited attention in delivering them or forwarding them by the best Conveyances—and have the honor...
81099To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was this moment given me by Judge Lawrence. I apprehend it is beyond a doubt that I am the fourth person. The gun boat is stationed at Fort-Montgomery, with as positive instructions of vigilance as can be given—and I have directed the greatest vigilance in guards and sentinels here—have ordered patroles from all the guards, &c. Your Excellency can form the best judgment, whether...
81100To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 29 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be handed you by a grandson of one of my sisters, Christ r Branch, who is a skilful & ingenious carpenter, of sound understanding—not much improved by education; though he is intelligent, & writes well on common subjects. He is advised by Arthur S. Brokenbrough, & others, to settle in, or near Charlottesville;—and should he be so fortunate as to obtain your countenance, and...