851From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words, Viz “It is confidently reported, propagated, and believed by some among us, that the Court of France was at bottom against our obtaining the Fishery and Territory in that great Extent in which both are secured to us by the Treaty; that our Minister at that...
852From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 16 October 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
About a fortnight since arrived here Mr. Fristel with G W. Fayette son of the Marquis. The former, who is in capacity of Tutor to the latter, requested me to mention their arrival to you, and that they meant to retire to some place in the neighbouring country ’till they should receive some direction from you. Thus at least I understood him—and accordingly they are gone to a house between...
853To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I regret, that So often I must wearÿ you with mÿ complaints about myself, and yet I must do it, in apologÿ to myself, when I write a dull Letter. I have again be tortured with head-ache, and enjoÿ now only a little relief, which I am apprehensive Shall not last long—but I must take hold of this interval, to give me the pleasure, of answering your last favour of the 2d inst. I believe, I Shall...
854Thomas Lehré to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
It affords me at all times great pleasure, to see that my countrymen, either at their private or public meetings express themselves grateful to you for the blessings they have enjoyed under your Administration.— On the 4 th of July last , an Oration was delivered here in S t Michaels Church , in which the Orator never once mentioned the good that resulted from your Administration, that of your...
855To Benjamin Franklin from James Turing and Son, 2 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Excellency will we trust pardon Our boldness in adressing you on the present Occasion, And we therefore without further apology for the intrusion, beg leave to acquant you that Our Vessel De Brunetta Cap’n Thomas Griffiey with a cargo of Wine & Fruit from Oporto was Seized upon, on the nineteenth of August in Lat: 49”11 Long: 7”3 from Teneriffe by the...
856Treasury Department Circular, 13 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Some investigations in which I am engaged induce a wish to be able to form as accurate an idea as can be obtained of the usual product in proportion to the value of cultivated lands in different parts of the United States. As I am persuaded no person can better assist me in this object than yourself, I take the liberty to ask the favor of your assistance. It has occurred to me that if the...
857General Orders, 5 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Colonel Craig[,] Lieutenant Colonel Johnston[,] Major Hamilton[,] Brigade Major Darby Morning Orders November 5th Major Knapp is appointed Field Officer of the day, for this day, vice Major Throop, furloughed. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
858John Jay’s An Address to the People of the State of New-York on the Subject of the Constitution Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
Sometime between the appearance of Federalist 64 in March 1788 and the Doctors’ Riot, which occurred in mid-April, Jay wrote his seminal paper, An Address to the People of the State of New-York, on the Subject of the Constitution, Agreed upon at Philadelphia, the 17th of September, 1787. The Address was expected off the press by the 12th of April, based on Jay’s draft letter to Washington of...
859James Madison to Ralph Randolph Gurley, 29 December 1831 (Madison Papers)
I received in due time your letter of the 21st Ult. and with due sensibility to the subject of it. Such, however, has been the effect of a painful Rheumatism on my general condition, as well in disqualifying my fingers for the use of the pen that I could not do justice "to the principles and measures of the Colonization Society in all the great and various relations they sustain to our own...
860To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 26 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to forward a dispatch recommended by the president of Congress, to be sent to you by a particular conveyance. Lieut. Stokely is charged with it, and directed to deliver it into your own hands. Lord Cornwallis was at Birds yesterday, from which place he retired with his main body, into Williamsburg. We have been pressing his rear, with our light parties, supported by the army,...
861From George Washington to John Jay, 21 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Rawlins who as well as his officers in general distinguished himself at the affair of Fort Washington has remaining of his Regiment about fifty or sixty men and a few officers. As the latter are at present an expence to the Continent without being employed—and the Colonel after having deserved well of his Country and suffered a grievous captivity, has some claim to attention—I beg...
862[Diary entry: 23 March 1796] (Washington Papers)
23. Clear and warm Wind fresh from So. Wt.
863From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Captain who escaped from New York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this morning, informs, that about Three Thousand Troops (British & Hessians) were embarked from the City & Staten Island when he came away. It was generally said, they had in contemplation an expedition to Chesepeak Bay and to make a descent on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they mean to go up the...
864To George Washington from Benedict Calvert, 8 April 1773 (Washington Papers)
I Received the favour of yours of the 3d Instant by Mr Custis which I feel myself highly honoured by, and am truly happy in your Approbation of that young Gentlemans future Union with my Second Daughter. I should be dead to Parental feelings, were I untouched with the polite manner in which you are pleased to compliment Nellys Qualifications; Being her father, it would illy become me to sound...
865To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 19 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned to this place from Mount Vernon, where I found and left poor Whiting in a situation that his life could not be counted upon from one hour to another. He was unable to move without assistance, and could only speak a few words at a time. He could give me but little information of the state of the matters under his care; but observed, generally, that he trusted they could be...
866From Alexander Hamilton to John H. Buell, 18 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letters of the fifth sixth and sixth seventh, instants have been replied to except as to the arming of the recruits—I do not think it expedient that arms should be sent to Vermont—The troops will take their route towards Pittsburg passing thro’ this place where they can be supplied— ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
867[Diary entry: 16 May 1780] (Washington Papers)
16th. A very great dew & fog. With little wind in the forenoon & very warm. In the afternoon it was pretty fresh from the Southward and about dusk came out from the Northward.
868From George Washington to Colonel William Woodford, 30 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th Inst came to my hands a Post or two ago and the answer delayed longer than I intended from the multiplicity of business in which I am engaged.— I am sorry you should consider Genl Mercer’s late appointment as a slight put upon your services, because I am persuaded no slight was intended.—Whilst the service was local, and appointment of Officers affected no other Colony...
869From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 29 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 25th in answer to mine of the preceeding week, came safely. At the time I wrote that letter, I was uninformed of the circumstances which you have since made me acquainted with. However, you will be at no loss from the contents of it, to discern that it was Bargains I had in contemplation; and which, from the quantity of Goods at Market—Scarcity of Cash, according to Newspaper...
870To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
The difference between a communication & sollicitation is too obvious to need suggestion. While the latter adds to embarrasments, the former only enlarges the field of choice. The inclosed letters are merely communications. Of Stewart I know nothing. Price who recommends him is I believe a good man, not otherwise known to me than as a partner of B. Morgan of N. O. and as having several times...
871To James Madison from Solomon Southwick, 12 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of begging your acceptance of my Address, &c. herewith Sent. I have only to add, that I went to Washington several years ago, having previously imbibed prejudi[c]es against you as a political character, but I had not conversed wit[h] you fifteen minutes, before I was convinced that I had been duped into a wrong view of your character by designing men in whom I had placed...
872[Diary entry: 13 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
13. Cloudy forenoon but, tolerably Clear afterwards without any frost. Wind Westwardly but neither Cold nor hard.
873March [1780] (Washington Papers)
1st. Raining in the morning and drizling all day with very little Wind but a thick fog. Roads very deep. 2d. Wind coming out very fresh at West. In the Night it cleared, & froze a little. Continued boisterous thro’ the day & towards evening grew cold. 3d. Ground hard frozen. Morning clear & pleasant with but little wind and that from the South. Mid-day cloudy & lowering—variable...
874Enactments to Be Proposed to UVa. Board of Visitors, 22 Jan. 1824, 22 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Enactments to be proposed to the Visitors of the University of Virginia, for constituting, governing & conducting that institution. 1. In the University of Virginia shall be instituted, for the present 8. professorships, to wit, 1. of Antient languages. 2. Modern languages. 3. Mathematics. 4. Natural Philosophy. 5. Natural history. 6. Anatomy. 7. Moral philosophy. 8. Law. 2. In the school of...
875From Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Johnson, 29 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am much obliged by your kind attention in sending me from time to time the American newspapers that have come to your hands. Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgements. I have the Pleasure now to acquaint you that tho’ my application at your Request for arms or a Loan of money for your Province in particular was not attended with success the Opinion here being...
876To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Nicolas Jullian and Other Applicants for Emigration, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A number of people, as usual, sought Franklin’s help to emigrate to the New World or recommended their restless friends to his good graces. As far as we know, none of them received any encouragement from him. Louis Fouché writes from Romegoux in the Charente on December 4. Thirty-six years old, a native of the island of Oléron, and son of Capt. André Fouché...
877Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Submission of Thomas Pinckney’s Letters to Congress, [24 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of state submits to the Secretaries of the treasury and war, whether the inclosed letters from Mr. Pinckney or either of them shall be sent to congress. E. R. is of opinion, that the letter of the 28th. of Jany, and not the other ought to be sent. April 24, 1794. I am [of] opinion that it is not adviseable to send either. That of the 28th of January contains no new substantive...
878Benjamin Morgan to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your note of the 19 th Ult o Covering a Copy of an Instrument signed by Burwell Logwood , Rob t Peyton &
879To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 7 May 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Whitehall, May 7, 1771, a note in the third person. A warrant is signed appointing Mr. Coxe, on Governor Franklin’s recommendation, to the Council of New Jersey; wishes to know who will take charge of sending the warrant.> For Daniel Coxe see above, XIV , 300 n. WF had recommended him in January on the death of the incumbent; the recommendation was endorsed...
880[Diary entry: 2 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
2. Again very warm with a brisk westwardly breeze.
881From Alexander Hamilton to Otho H. Williams, 12 April 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have considered the circumstances you state in your Letter of the 6th inst. respecting vessels owned by Citizens of Rhode Island. I am of opinion that those vessels in the case you mention, are Subject to the Same Tonnage to which registered vessels owned by Citizens of the united States without License are liable: because if they were to enjoy all the privileges of coasting vessels, they...
882To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 11 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I send to your Excellency, under the auspices of Mr Pomroy, a young Gentleman who was a Captain in the British Service by name Joel and who after (as he says) giving up his Commission, came over to this Service. His Case is particular, he will explain it himself, he is young, Sensible, and I should hope Sincere, he can give you some Details, and I think he may with propriety have an audience...
883From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 2 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
Petition to the Burgomasters and Regents of Amsterdam . The subscribers, all merchants and manufacturers of this city, with all due respect, give to understand, that the difference arisen between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America, has not only given occasion for a long and violent war, but that the arms of America have covered themselves with a success so happy,...
884To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 21 November 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania It is easy to perceive the Disposition of the People by the last Election under the Burthen of their heavy Taxes and several severe Losses upon particulars from the Conduct of some of the Military Gentlemen towards such as have supplied Our Western Army with Carriages, they are yet willing to bear these and every Thing else in their Power in...
885From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of War, 19 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On a conjectural view of the money likely to come in to the Treasury between this and the 15th. of June, and on estimates of the several demands on the public for money with in the same period we find it will be necessary to restrain the amount of Warrants to be issued hereafter to about two thirds of what would have been a full supply. We Allot therefore as follows. To the Commissaries...
886From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 3 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your two agreeable favors of the 19 and 22 Ulto came to hand, which I now have to acknowledge. I am very happy to learn that your wounds are less painful and in so fair a way of doing well—the only drawback in the pleasure [I] receive is that the condition of your wounds is ⟨s⟩till such as not to admit of your active services this campaign. You will rest assured that I wish to see you in a...
887George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 15 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 15, 1780 . Regrets that the shortage of men makes it impossible to send detachment to guard William Duer’s tree-cutting expedition. Believes that a guard will not be necessary, but suggests applying to the local militia, if one is desired. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
888To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 19 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
(private) This morning I received the inclosed letter from Mr Dayton, expressing fully his opinion of Mr Israel Ludlow, whose application for the office of Surveyor General I had the honor lately to transmit to you. While it must be acknowledged that Mr Dayton is perfectly competent to pronounce accurately on the character of a man so well known to him as Mr Ludlow must be, it is proper for me...
889James Madison to William Allen, 14 April 1829 (Madison Papers)
Finding it convenient to make a draft on you for $150 dollars in favor of Mr. A J. Levy of Philada. I have taken the liberty of forwarding one to him of that amount. It is made payable after 30 days sight previous to which I shall probably make you a remittance to meet it. Should I be disappointed, you will please to sell, if not sold before, the flour necessary for the purpose. Draft (DLC) .
890From George Washington to George Campbell, 24 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I accept with singular pleasure the Ensign of so worthy a Fraternity as that of the Friendly sons of St Patrick in this City: a society distinguished for the firm adherence of its members to the glorious Cause in which we are embarked. Give me leave to assure you, Sir, that I shall never cast my Eyes upon the Badge with which I am honored, but with a grateful remembrance of the polite and...
891To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 11 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since my last by Lieutenant Smith I have been able to collect no assisstance, the Malitia of Southold about one Hundred and fifty in number deserted me at the River Head on my way to Huntington haveing heard that long Island was given up to the Enemy, Colonel Mulford was gathering the Malitia of South and East Hampton when this Report (industriously Circulated by our Enemies) was spread among...
892To George Washington from Thomas Ringgold Tilghman, 22 April 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have the most melancholy Task to perform, that was ever yet imposed upon me; that of making you acquainted with the Death of my poor Brother Tench. Painful however as it is, I thought a duty not to be dispensed with towards one for whom he had so high a Reverence & so warm an Attachment as for yourself. Not above three days before his death every symptom bade fair for a speedy Recovery, when...
893To George Washington from Joachim Jacob Brandt, 2 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Legislature of the Union during their last sitting passed two Acts (which you were pleased to approve) for affording relief to persons disabled in the service of the United States in the War with Great Britain a defect in the first respecting its operation was the cause why a second or Act Supplementary was enacted & therefore it is that being One of the description considered in the Acts...
894To James Madison from William Cross, [ca. 18 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of William Cross most respectfully represents. That he is a mechanic of the City of Washington, supporting a large family by his honest industry. That some time during the Session of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington at December Term 1815, Your petitioner was fined by the Court for an assault and Battery of which he was convicted by the...
895To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 1 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James Taylor Jr informd me he had sent by Capt Stephen Moore two pipes of Brasil wine & had reserved two more for you to be sent by some other oppertunity; Capt. Moore has promised his particular care of them & to forward them to you from Alexandria.—The Frigates I expect will sail this day, the French Frigate Semilante is in Hampton road I beleive ready for sailing & it is said here that...
896From James Madison to Edward Livingston, 20 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Having transmitted to the President your letter of the 6th: I have just received as his decision thereon, that the case of the Batture being now referred to Congress on the Official opinion of the Attorney General that the right is in the United States, it is the duty of the Executive to keep the ground clear of any adversary possession, until they shall have decided on it. The delay in...
8976th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Stay’d at home all day. Mr. D rode out in the afternoon. Pretty good weather.
898To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 6 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your letter of this day, I have the honor of stating to you, that I have no information as to the precise situation of Caldwell manor; but from a variety of circumstances I am inclined to believe that Caldwell manor either is situated near to, or forms part of, the town of Alburgh, which town, though on the south side of the 45th degree of latitude, is under the protection and...
899To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 13 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Incon⟨venient as it was to⟩ my finances, I have been ⟨induced⟩ to erect convenient to the ⟨Capital, in the⟩ Federal City, two houses which have ⟨the⟩ exterior of one, but by an ⟨arrangement of commu⟩nication may, according to the ⟨desire⟩ of the occupant, or occupants—may have all the conveniencies of one, or be entirely seperate & distinct. For these buildings a person of the name of John...
900Enclosure: William Thornton to George Greer, 2 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The late President of the U.S. M r Jefferson being desirous of knowing how & where he could obtain one of the Looms of M r Janes’s Improvem t I wrote to M r J: & received this day his answer , referring me to you or to M r Robert Miller