8601From Thomas Jefferson to James Maurice, 16 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. having suspended my answer to that of 7th. till the arrival of the one you were so good as to write on the 11th. I avail myself of the first post to acknolege their receipt and to thank you for your attentions. My baggage has been gone down the river some time to Havre, and notwithstanding the inconvenience of separating from that, I would have determined immediately on...
8602Henry Waldegrave Archer to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, June 14, 1778: I want to join the American Army and become a citizen. Although I am an Englishman I did not enter the King’s army, because it would have meant fighting my conscience; that army will probably become the instrument of despotism. In the United States, on the contrary, the disciplined soldier and the free citizen are compatible. I want...
8603To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 22 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 July 1801. Recommends Dr. George Davis of the U.S. Navy to be American consul at Algiers. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
86042d. (Adams Papers)
One of the Miss Greenleaf’s and a married sister of her’s dined here, and withal Miss Taylor, the amiable lass that I mentioned, two or three days ago. She is an original character, with a good deal of natural sense, but a brain, which has been some how out of order, and does not at present appear to be wholly right: she is an incessant talker and like most other persons who bear that...
8605To James Madison from Thomas Baker Johnson, 10 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the death of Mr. Gurley, who filled the place of Commissioner of the land Office in this Territory that situation has become vacant. As it is within the immediate gift of the Genl. Government, & understanding that applications for vacant situations when sought after, are customarily addressed to you, I have, presumed in consequence of that information, as also on the circumstance of my...
8606To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 1 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the arrival of the Fleet on Wednesday last, in Hampton road, and Elisabeth River, The Enemy have continued very quiet in Portsmouth; They have since that time permitted no Person, to go in, or come out of Town, so that I have found it impracticable hitherto, to gain any intelligence, relative to what reinforcements the Fleet has brought. From their care to prevent any thing transpiring...
8607To Thomas Jefferson from R. Riker, 28 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The Corporation of the City of New York have caused Medals to be struck, to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporation, influenced by a deep and profound respect for those memorable and patriotic Citizens, who affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, and pledged in its support “their lives, their...
8608To George Washington from Robert Dinwiddie, 8 May 1756 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 3d I recd Yesterday, & observe its Contents. I have recd the Indian Scalp & I doubt not but many more were killed in that small Skermish. I am glad the Indians are gone over the Mountains, but I cannot think they were so numerous as represented, unless they have prevailed on the Twightwees to join with them; I am of Opinion if You cou’d send a Message to them by some trusty...
8609To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac E. Gano, 27 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that my situation in life however Humble will not preclude me from the liberty of addressing a line to you, I take the liberty of doing so, and must inform you that a Gentleman of my acquaintance some time since discovered a rich Lead mine on the lands of the U.S. in the Indiana Territory, this information he early communicated to the Secy. of the Treasury requesting a lease for a...
8610From Thomas Jefferson to John Wickham, 29 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
There is a suit depending in the court of the US. at Richmond in which the US. are plaintiffs against mr E. Randolph def. for monies recieved by him. he takes credit in his account for an article of 9000. D. as paid to mr Short for a year’s salary while Minister Plenipo. for the US. at the court of Madrid, which however was never paid. but mr R. alledges that he was the agent of mr Short, and...
8611George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 20, 1777. Discusses General William Howe’s latest movements. Reviews orders to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Alexander McDougall concerning these movements. Orders stand-by preparations in case of attack on Ticonderoga. Emphasizes need of continued intelligence from New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
8612From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 3 April 1761 (Washington Papers)
Before I left home I shipd 18 Hhds of my Potomack Tobacco on Board the Bland Captn Hugh Wylie now lying in Rappahanock River on which please to Insure £140 only This Ship is a Letter of Marque, carry’s 18 Six pounders and well Mand for which Reasons I do not secure the full value of my Tobacco by Insurance judging by the same parity of Reasoning that the Premio will also be moderate—The Ship...
8613To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Norbert d’Artus, 17 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous adresser un memoire Relatif au Sr Penet. Linteret que je prends à ce jeune homme depuis sa plus tendre enfance et mon attachement pour son honnette famille me font ressentir l’amertume de son malheur. Instruit des Causes qui ÿ ont donné lieu, j’ose m’adresser à votre Excellence dans une pleine conviction de sa justice et de...
8614To James Madison from Hugh Lennox, 13 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Hugh Lennox. 13 September 1806, Kingston. “Since I had the honor of writing you, nothing of moment has offered worthy of your particular notice; Communications with the Admiral and his Secretary are frequent and have to me been highly satisfactory, and it is with pleasure, I can assure you that all my applications on the Score of impressments have been pointedly attended to, many of...
8615To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 29 April 1781 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Thomas Boush waits on you with a proposition , the Nature of which he will explain to you. Nothing but a Conviction of an almost Impossibility of complying with your Excellency’s Requisition for two hundred & fifty men from the County, could induce the Officers to trouble you on the Subject. I can only say that I am satisfy’d the Difficulty of getting provisions here & on the...
8616To George Washington from Andrew Lewis, 28 October 1756 (Washington Papers)
I Received a Letter from Capt. Paris Deated the 21t of ⟨thi⟩s Month, he tels me that he Sent for Guns and other Necessarys for the Indians with him. the Indians are highly pleased with the Arms and the Large preparations made for them the wareour proposed sending a Runar to the Nation with one of the guns, and Likewis to Aqueant them what is provided for them. he makes no Dout of a great...
8617From George Washington to James Nourse, 22 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday gave me the honor of your favor of the 11th from Annapolis. I thank you for the trouble you have taken to bring me acquainted with the affairs of my deceased Brother of Berkly. It would give me great pleasure to render any service to his children; & as far as I can do it by paying attention to those two who are in my Neighbourhood with Mr Griffith, I will; but to concern myself in...
8618From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to John Adams, 13 April 1819 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday brought me your Letter of the 7th which I was sorry announced a mishap which gave me some concern—I recommend you for the future on a rainy day to put your Seals in your pocket before you set out to school as a sure guard against such accidents— If your father will permit me I will lend you the American Revolution with pleasure as I am sure you will read it carefully and not injure...
8619General Orders, 10 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
It is a matter of exceeding great Concern to the General, to find, that at a time when the united efforts of America are exerting in defence of the common Rights and Liberties of mankind, that there should be in an Army constituted for so noble a purpose, such repeated Instances of Officers, who lost to every sense of honour and virtue, are seeking by dirty and base means, the promotion of...
8620To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Clagett, 12 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Robert Purviance Esqr: has made vacant an Office very lucrative, if in the nature of human events, such an Office could be given, to a man who was once conspicuous, but from misfortunes is almost buried in obscurity, it would be a transcendent change—If you are in possession of such information, respecting my character, as will warrant a favorable consideration, I shall be much...
8621To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recieved your two letters. I wish It Could be managed So as to Stop whatever may be due, to satisfy So much of the Order given me. This might be done if I could produce the Order but I have mislaid it. Nor Can I form a Conjecture of what I have done with it—unless It should have been deposited in your Department. I am Dr sir, your Obedt. servt. RC ( DLC ). Letters not found. See Smith...
8622John Quincy Adams to John Thaxter, 13 January 1782 (Adams Papers)
Je viens de recevoir la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 22 du mois passé et je suis bien embarassé pour vous repondre. Car vous écrivez le Francais comme un Parisien, en sorte que j’ai peur de m’engager avec une personne de votre force; Mais il le faut bien, et je vous écrirai comme je pourrai. Je vous enverrais bien quelques morceaux de mon Journal, mais je l’ai...
862328th. Friday. (Adams Papers)
This day I went with Mr. Artaud and Mr. D. to the Comedy at the Court. We had the Misanthrope with a ballet. Mr. Artaud went afterwards to Mr. Rimbert’s. Went and took a walk with Mr. D. in the summer garden. Cloudy weather in the morning, but cleared up at about noon. Mr. D received a letter from Holland. Letter unidentified, but apparently not from either JA or Thaxter.
8624IV. The Plan of Government as Originally Drawn by George Mason, [8–10 June 1776] (Jefferson Papers)
A PLAN OF GOVERNMENT Laid before the committee of the House, which they have ordered to be printed for the perusal of the members. 1. Let the legislative, executive, and judicative departments, be separate and distinct, so that neither exercise the powers properly belonging to the other. 2. Let the legislative be formed of two distinct branches, who, together, shall be a complete legislature....
8625To Thomas Jefferson from Francis dal Verme, 12 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
How humiliating it is to me, Sir, to date this letter under this day, being an answer to your most Kind of the 15th. Aug. 87. Would I intend to make a proper apology for it to you, I am affraid I should be quite unsuccessful, so I shall tell you the plain truth, and give up entirely to your own Kindness the judgment of it. About the meddle of 7ber. I received yours, by which I was told you had...
8626From Alexander Hamilton to Wilhem and Jan Willink, Nicholaas and Jacob Van Staphorst, and Nicholas Hubbard, 16 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have directed the Treasurer of the United States to draw Bills upon you, for five hundred thousand Guilders, at ten days sight, in favor of John Kean Esquire, Cashier of the Bank of the United States, which drafts, I request, may be duly honored, when presented. I am &c. Copy, RG 233, Reports of the Treasury Department, 1792–1793, Vol. III, National Archives. This letter was enclosed in H’s...
8627George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 20 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 20, 1779 . Gives instructions on re-enlistments and bounties. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Spencer was a colonel of one of the Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments.
8628From George Washington to Robert Howe, 24 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The constant Attention I have been obliged to pay to the March of the Troops—forwarding Stores—procuring Necessaries &c. for the Expedition in Contemplation with other unavoidable Circumstances, have prevented my giving an Answer to your private Letter, which I received at Philadelphia, before this Day. I am very sorry you have taken up the Matter in so serious a Light as seems to appear from...
8629From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Bonnycastle, 30 June 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday from mr Brockenbrough a bill of exchange on London for 1350 £ st. = 6000 D. my letters to mr Barlow and mr King had been before prepared and every thing is now ready to be sent off. but having in both these letters referred to the of your bond, and in that particularly to mr King given some outlines of the case and asked his sollicitns of a remission of it, I would be glad...
8630From George Washington to Samuel Lewis, Sr., 29 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the trouble you have taken to explain the omission in the regularity of forwarding the Gazettes. I had ascribed it to the cause you have mentioned before the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant. I am not anxious to complete a file of the Aurora. If however, when Colo. Lear (my Secretary, & at present absent) returns, any of the numbers are missing, I may, probably, give...
8631From Thomas Jefferson to DeWitt Clinton, 2 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 26th. ult. has been recieved. mr Van Wyck’s appointment as Commr. of bankruptcy only awaits mr Sandford’s resignation. the papers in the case of Lt. Wolstencroft shall be recommended to the enquiries & attentions of the Secretary at War. I should think it indeed a serious misfortune should a change in the administration of your government be hazarded before it’s present...
8632Abigail Adams to Elias Boudinot, post 15 June 1801 (Adams Papers)
My Son having Sent me a coppy of your valuable Book, the President has read it with great satisfaction and pleasure; I have not as yet been able to go through the whole of it, myself having resignd it into the hands of miss Hannah Adams the Authoriss of a Work entitled “a veiw of Religious opinions.” She is about republishing the third Edition of that Work with considerable additions, and Some...
8633To George Washington from John Kirkpatrick, 21 July 1757 (Washington Papers)
I am honor’d with yours of the 17th inclosing a list of articles necessary for the Artillery —which cannot readily be procured here by what endeavours I have yet had occasion to make—indeed some triffling things may be had, vizt Sheep skins, Hair Cloths, Old Junk, Sifters and some spirits of Wine—the others will be difficult to meet with nigher than Philadelphia—if there—the Match I believe is...
8634To George Washington from John Hancock, 19 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Congress have sent to you by Major William Coates, & Captain Joseph Copperthwait five hundred twenty seven thousand four hundred and eighty dollars continental money to be delivered to the paymaster & subject to your Order for the use of The Army under your Command. I have the honour to be, Sir Your most Obedt hum. servt The Cloathing is on the way. Your Letters are now under the...
8635Enclosure: Deed of John Freeman’s Indenture to James Madison, 19 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I hereby assign & convey to James Madison President of the Uni ted States the within named servant , John , otherwise called John Freeman during the remaining term of his service from the 11 th day of March last past when he was delivered to the said James for the consideration of two hundred and thirty one Dollars 81. cents . Witness m y hand
8636From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 26 July 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much indebted to my enemies for proving, by their [little] tale of my death, that I have friends. the sensibility you are so good as to express on this occasion is very precious to me. I have never enjoyed better nor more uninterrupted health. I ought sooner to have acknoleged your favor of June 15. which came to hand in due time as did that of the 6th. instant. [I] thank you for your...
8637Thomas Jefferson’s Transactions with James Leitch, 12 December 1821–12 September 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Leitch Daybook MS daybook of Charlottesville merchant James Leitch, 2 Mar. 1820–8 May 1823, ViCMRL, on deposit ViU, bound volume with ruled paper, in a clerk’s hand , p. 341, 12 Dec. 1821 : . 76. Thomas Jefferson ⅌ Order
8638John Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 4 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
Your Solicitude for your Papa is charming: But he is afraid to trust you to the uncertain Elements, and what is infinitely more mischievous, the follies and depravities of the old world, which is quite as bad as that before the Flood. He has therefore determined to come to you, in America, next Summer, if not next Spring. Duty and Affections where due. RC or Dupl , in Charles Storer’s hand (...
8639From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 25 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
I was very sick yesterday, and obliged to take an Emetic, to clear of a quantity of Bile, which the dr said was the occasion of my sleepless Nights. I hope he may be right; for they weaken me much. I was very much worried with it. I took it at half past three, pure delicious Indian Root and it never closed its opperation, until eleven at night. It is slow you know in its opperation. I did not...
8640To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Church, 12 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 12 Aug. 1791 . Being greatly alarmed by what he learned on arrival, he expressed his fears in his of the 27th, sent by brig Hetty , Captn. Drinker, for Philadelphia.—This day his fears confirmed by letter from Carmichael, a copy of which he encloses. He is thereby arrested at the threshold, unable to advance or retreat. He cannot in any sense hold TJ responsible, but appeals to him...
8641From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [24 February 1783] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 24, 1783. The description of this letter reads: “Referring to a plan for carrying the 8th article of the confederation into execution, etc.” Letter not found. ] Luther S. Livingston, ed., American Book-Prices Current (New York, 1906), 717. See the first and second “Continental Congress. Motion on Evaluation of State Lands for Carrying into Effect Article 8 of the...
8642From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 28 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Latrobe. he delivered yesterday to Colo. Tatham (who said he was to meet mr Latrobe at 10. oclock, and therefore came to ask them) every drawing of the capitol he was able to find, & which, as he then supposed, he possessed but after he was gone he found another which he suspects to be exactly the one mr Latrobe desires, as he observes in it a part...
8643From John Jay to Peter T. Curtenius, 10 December 1788 (Jay Papers)
Instead of presenting a particular account against the State for my Services as one of their agents to manage their Controversy with Massachusetts, and as one of their Delegates in Congress, I shall only state Facts, and submit it to the Legislature to make such order on the Subject, as may be most consistant with their Sense and Construction of the Laws respecting it. In order to be at...
8644To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The board of General Officers to whom your Excellency referr’d the settlement of the rank of Majors Mentges, Murray, & Nicholls, beg leave to report. That from an examination of the parties it appears, That the Committee of Arrangement from Congress at White plains assisted by B. G. Wayne did arrange the above Gentlemen as follows Viz. Mentges Murray Nicholls That it also appears by a...
8645From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Le Despencer, 14 April 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dashwood Papers, Bodleian Library I apprehend there will hardly be room for so much , in Characters large enough to be read from below. If the Sculptor should be of that Opinion, perhaps it may be well enough still, if we begin with the Words, Almighty God being , &c. and end with, Persuasion , omitting what is before and after. I happen to be engag’d at Dinner, but purpose waiting on...
8646To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of submitting to your consideration a letter from the late Secretary of the Treasury on the subject of an act passed on the 20th of March last, appropriating to our intercourse with foreign nations an additional million of dollars. He refers to a report, in which he has brought into view the necessity of some further provision, and transmits an extract of a letter from...
8647To John Adams from W. K. Cole, 15 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
Residing as we do, in a remote part of the State of New Jersey, it cannot be expected, we can with so much promptitude, discharge our duty, to you and our fellow-Citizens, as those, placed in situations, more exposed to the current of public information— Anxious, however, when in our power, to disclose to you and to the world, our loyalty; we at this late day, (in immitation of our Friends,...
8648From John Adams to François Adriaan van der Kemp, 1 December 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter, and am much concerned to perceive your Apprehensions that Affairs might take an unfavourable Turn. The Questions you do me the Honour to propose to me, are very difficult to Answer. I have ever been Scrupulous of advising Strangers to emigrate to America. There are difficulties to be encountered in every Exchange of Country. Arising from the Climate soil, Air,...
8649From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning —As the Movement of the Enemy & their Designs are as yet uncertain, I have to request that you will keep as large a Body of the Militia as you can collect, & have them in as good order as Circumstances will permit, in case Genl Howe should Incline up North River[.] I have no doubt but you have form’d such a Plan with General Heard as will best...
8650From Benjamin Franklin to Ezra Stiles, 19 June 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I sent you some time last Fall a Set of Chinese Prints, or rather Prints taken from Chinese Pictures, relating to the Culture of Silk in that Country. I hope they got to hand, tho” I have not heard of your Receiving them. My Brother brought me from you, Æpinus’s Pieces. I thank you for your Care in returning them. He tells me you would like to have one of the new...