8651To 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,...
8652From 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,...
8653From 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...
8654From 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...
8655From George Washington to Isaac Heard, 2 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th of December was put into my hands by Mr Thornton; and I must request you will accept my acknowledgments, as well for the polite manner in which you express your wishes for my happiness, as for the trouble you have taken in making genealogical collections relative to the family of Washington. This is a subject to which I confess I have paid very little attention. My time...
8656From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 8 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I just now received your Lordships letter requesting absence for one week —to this I shall not object, but beg leave to remind you that the present situation of affairs renders the presence of every Officer necessary—& that I wish you if possible to be back by the time mentioned—I wish you a pleasant journey & am &c. P.s. Yr letter of the 3d mentions the nomination of some Gentlemen to fill...
8657From John Adams to Edmé Jacques Genet, 29 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have this Moment your s of the 28. I thank You, Sir, for your kind Invitation to my three Sons, to come some time in the Spring, and spend a day at Ver sailles, which will be very agreeable to them, and to me. I am happy to find that the Report of the Committee has your Approbation; and shall be very g lad to see it translated and printed as it is. Every Attempt of this kind may be worth...
8658The Printer to the Reader, 2 October 1729 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , October 2, 1729. The attacks of the Busy-Body, Keimer’s business incompetence, the flatness of his paper plodding doggedly through the letter A of Chambers’ Cyclopaedia , all combined to keep the Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences from getting either subscribers or advertisers. Keimer’s creditors, growing apprehensive, had him seized in June,...
8659To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 28 December 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 18th I duly received. I could not obtain from the Auditors Office the information you desire, so as to communicate it by this post, nor do I expect to receive it for some days—The Auditor promises to give it me as soon as his other business will permit, which he thinks will be in the course of a week or ten days, observing at the same time that you cannot be injured by the...
8660To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to enclose three copies of the Statement and Report on your account, with the account of the Bank of the United States with your department, and to be with perfect respect, Sir, Your obedt. Servt. One of the copies not being at present compleated, will be sent in the course of the morning. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Wolcott; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson...
8661From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 25 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a list of the articles which it is intended to send to Algiers with the brass Cannon requested by the Dey. They will follow after the timber &c. which is immediately to be shipped to replace the loss of the Sally’s cargo. It would be convenient to us in collecting the Maritime stores for Algiers to have a table of the dimensions most in use for the Navy of that...
8662Ruth Hooper Dalton to Abigail Adams, 20 March 1798 (Adams Papers)
To hear of your health and happiness my dear Madam is always pleasing to me when ever you can spare time from the many ingagements I know you have I shall esteem it a favour. I am flattered from the pleasing account you give of my Daughter White she was always a good Child and I think she will do all she can to render the Family she is in happy Mr s Bartlett is a fine Woman. Mr Dalton and I...
8663To James Madison from Walker Reid, 1 September 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 September 1812, Washington, Kentucky. Encloses resolutions concerning the Nonimportation Act from Mason County, Kentucky. Apologizes for the poor copy, explaining that he is “in soldiers dress” and will “march in the morning to Join our beloved Harrison—with an elegant company of mounted Riflemen formed in 3 Days.” 1 September 1812. “A large and very respectable collection of citizens” met...
8664From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a midshipman’s warrant for young Webb, but I wish there may not be a misnomer in it. Patsy named him to me as Tarlton Webb, but through another channel an application came to the Navy office for a Thomas T. Webb. is it the same person? if not, be so good as to return the inclosed to me because it is intended for Tarlton Webb. if right, you can forward it to him. The papers give...
8665To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 11 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I hand herewith a/c sales the last five Hhds: of Tobacco, rec d from Lynchburg, on your a/c, which were the most indifferent part of the crop— The 12 Boxes of Tin you ordered, were for d on Saturday last, to care J. & Raphael at Charlottesville— M r Ro: G. Scott, chairman of the committee of arrangements at York Town, tells me he has rec d no reply from you, to the invitation he sent you, a...
8666Peter Laporte to Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Ce n’est qu’a la Derniere Extrémité que je prends la liberté De vous représenter que la 2 e Demi année de la pention des quatre jeunes M rs que vous protégez a Commencé le 4 du présent mois; et qu’il n’y a que la plus Extrême néssésité, qui puisse m’obliger a en Solliciter le payement, Selon la regle que vous avez Etablie. il ne me reste aucune autre resource pour Exister D’ici à la fin de la...
8667John Thaxter to John Adams, 13 July 1777 (Adams Papers)
The day before Yesterday Mrs. Adams was delivered of a daughter; but it grieves me to add, Sir, that it was still born. It was an exceeding fine looking Child. Mrs. Adams is as comfortable, as She has Just inform’d me, as can be expected; and has desired me to write a few lines to acquaint you that She is in a good Way, which I am very happy in doing. RC ( Adams Papers ).
8668To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer la Copie du Traité, la Composition est faite & l’Epreuve est à moitié lüe. Je vous fais passer par le porteur Bezout { 1. arithmetique … 2. l.t. 15. 1. Géométrie … 3. 15. 1 algébre … 4. 15. 1. Mécanique 2 vol. 9. 10. 20.
8669To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 5 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I now Inclose you a list of articles furnished to Capt Bishops Company. I am sorry that the measure did not meet your entire approbation But I am well convinced: that he coud not have marched with them— If the weather Continues favourable I hope to be able to get my Regiment nearly coverd this week—I am using every exertion in my power to provide the necessary materials for the other Troops...
8670John B. Colvin to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of presenting you with a corrected copy of “A Review” of the Address of the Minority of the H. of R. of the U.S. against the prevailing War. You will find, by it, that I am still laboring in the cause of my country—a cause in which you have rendered your name immortal. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “His Ex: Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 6 Aug. 1812 and so...
8671From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 14 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
As there is Some prospect of mr Russels being appointed to Sweeden I hope to convey Letters to you through him I have been more than usually unfortunate in the loss of those which I have endeavourd to convey to you, not having omitted writing to you every Month. yet I have not any acknowledgement from even your latest Letter dated in Feby 1813 that you had received a line from me of a more...
8672To John Adams from David Ramsay, 20 September 1787 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of July 14 th with the pamphlet of letters addressed to D r. Calkoen came to hand a few days since. Many thanks to you for that production. Your predictions of the consequences of the British successes in the Southern States have been so exactly realised as to fill me with admiration of that political sagacity which could so accurately foresee the connexions between causes &...
8673To Thomas Jefferson from William McCorkle, 18 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Received , this 18th day of January 180 6 . of The President of the U. States, Four Dollars, being the amount of his subscription for The Freeman’s Journal and Philadelphia Daily Advertiser, from March 16, 180 6 , to Sept. 16, 180 6 .
8674From Thomas Jefferson to T. Maxcy, 20 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of the 8 th and with it a copy of your pamphlet on the Maryland resolutions. it is a subject admitting much to be said on both sides, and it is ably advocated in the tract you are so kind as to send me. the mode of execution you suggest will relieve weighty difficulties. With a body and mind in the wane of 80 years it is my duty as well as inclination to retire...
8675To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 11 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter of the Commissioner of the revenue, enclosing a copy of the resignation of the Supervisor of Delaware . From the state of the collection of duties in that District, it does not appear necessary that the Office should be continued any longer: but although the acceptance of Mr. Truett’s resignation, without filling the vacancy, will produce the effect; yet it...
8676From George Washington to Benedict Calvert, 3 April 1773 (Washington Papers)
I am now set down to write to you on a Subject of Importance, & of no small embarrassment to me. My Son in Law & Ward, Mr Custis, has, as I have been informd, paid his Addresses to your Second Daughter, & having made some progress in her Affections required her in Marriage—How far a union of this Sort may be agreeable to you, you best can tell, but I should think myself wanting in Candour was...
8677From George Washington to John Adams, 13 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour on the evening of the 11th instant to receive from the hands of the Secretary of War, your favour of the 7th announcing that you had with the advice and consent of the Senate appointed me “Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of all the armies raised, or to be raised for the Service of the U. S.” I cannot express how greatly affected I am at this New proof of public...
8678To Thomas Jefferson from James Blake, 8 December 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to inform you that I have this morning put Cortes’s letters into Mr. Crosby’s hands to be forwarded to you as soon as possible. Mrs. Carmichael brought them with her here from Maryland—but forgot the manuscript. She assured me, however, she would not fail to send it by the first opportunity. With great respect I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant RC...
8679Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [25 October] 1804 (Madison Papers)
(a) and which have been encreased by peculiar circumstances in the W. Indn Seas; yet in the more distant channels at least of our trade, b. The act authorizes &c provisionally at least—a port &c without the limits of the U. S. The words in ( ) may be left out. c— (on the part of Spain) d. (proper to suspend) will according better with the case—as the 6th art. is also made a ground of...
8680To James Madison from Robert Taylor, 26 January 1826 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose you a resolution from the Senate for amending the Constitution of the United States, tho’ think it probable you have seen it in the papers. If there is no impropriety in asking it, should be glad of your opinion on it, which if desired should be confidential. I would much prefer the intervention of Electors, but a direct vote by the people has many friends. I...
8681To James Madison from Joseph H. Hawkins, 14 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I can scarcely hope you will trouble yourself with a serious perusal of this letter. Not that I can for a moment believe you wanting in a proper regard to the communication of a fellow Citizen however humble his Sphere in life. But because it is on a subject upon which a Young and inexperienced Man can suggest nothing new; nothing perhaps worthy your consideration. Let the present important...
8682To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
I am to thank you, my dear Sir, for forwarding M. D’Ivernois’ book on the French revolution. I receive every thing with respect which comes from him, but it is on politics, a subject I never loved, & now hate. I will not promise therefore to read it thoroughly. I fear the oligarchical executive of the French will not do. we have always seen a small council get into cabals & quarrels, the more...
8683To James Madison from Morgan Lewis, 14 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
You will probably hear various Opinions as to the political cast of the Characters Selected in this State for electors of President and Vice-President. I very much regret that it was not in my power to continue in Albany until the appointment took place. A violent inflamation, brought on by exercise, in an ankle which had for two months been afflicted with an anthrax, obliged me to return...
8684From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 11 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received and read with great Pleasure the Letter your Excellency did me the honour to write to me the 26 past, acquainting me with his Majesty’s Goodness towards the Sieur Giddins, who had the Misfortune to lose his Brigantine by the Mistake of a Battery at Guadeloupe. I beg you would present and make acceptable to his Majesty my most thankful Acknowledgements for...
8685To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 22 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Mr. Vernon proposing to return from a Visit to America thro France, and earnestly desiring to have the Honor of your Acquaintance, I cannot forbear complying with the Wishes of a Gentleman recommended by his Politeness and his favorable Dispositions towards this Country. I am with the sincerest Esteem Sir, your most obedient & hble servant Notation: John...
8686To Thomas Jefferson from Elias Vanderhorst, 31 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Bristol, 31 Dec. 1792. He wrote on 24 Dec., but as the ship Charles is detained by contrary winds, he adds two newspapers. These and other accounts make it appear that England is “determined to go to war with France, an event, which should it take place, cannot, in my opinion, but be extremely injurious to both Nations—but, unfortunately for mankind in general, the Interest of the People at...
8687Powers of the Executive, [1 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Mad: agrees wth. Wilson in his difinition of executive powers—executive powers ex vi termini, do not include the Rights of war & peace &c. but the powers shd. be confined and defined—if large we shall have the Evils of elective Monarchies—probably the best plan will be a single Executive of long duration wth. a Council, with liberty to depart from their Opinion at his peril— Farrand, Records...
8688To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Cádiz. “I had the honour of writing you the 12th. October ultimo, since when I have been at the Court of Madrid, from which Capital I am just returned.” During his absence JM was informed of the quarantine imposed on U.S. ships at Cádiz. As Pinckney was absent from Madrid during that time, Yznardy obtained a reduction of quarantine on vessels in his district and also obtained...
8689From James Madison to Francis Glass, 8 April 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Mar. 3. on the subject of your “Life of Washington written in Latin for the use of Schools.” If it were less foreign to my inclination to be distinguished by a Dedication, I should recommend as more expedient, that you should bestow that mark of respect, on some one who would find it more practicable to give value to his acceptance of it by a previous examination of...
8690To James Madison from William A. Burwell, 16 April 1810 (Madison Papers)
By a resolution of this House an adjournment will take place on the 23d. I am personally extremely anxious to get home, every consideration conspires to render me impatient, but I think from the prospect which the last intelligence from Europe presents us, much good might result from the arrival of the J. A. There are also several questions of great national Moment which would probably be...
8691John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
At the earnest request of M r Tyler with whom I am Acquainted—and who has executed that Memorable—and never to be forgetting testimony, and seal, of—our Independance,—with an exactness highly Approved— Similies —of each Signature— has solicited thro me—to the Dedication of his performance in your Name—and as Author thereof—it is truly Elegant—and much praise is due to him.— his Numerous...
8692From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Roche, 7 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to Messrs. Roches freres, acknoleges the reciept of the copy of Mde. de Sevigny’s letters and now incloses a draught of the US. bank here, on that of Philadelphia for 22. D. the amount. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
8693To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Having received full authority from mr William Short to superintend & controul the disposal of his property in the public funds, I take the liberty of desiring that no property of his of that kind, whether standing in his own name or in that of mr James Brown or any other person in trust for him may be permitted to be transferred or to [be] paid to any person whatever. I have the honor to be...
8694To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will Excuse the Fredom I Venture at, In recommending any Publick Matter, and I hope you will; The Baron Dined with me Yesterday, and the Conversation Turnd, on the Defence of our River on which he Mentioned a Fort at Hoods , which would he was Confident prevent any Ships Coming by. This Morning Col: Self [Senf] Came here in Quest of the Baron who had gone on to the Courthouse, the...
8695To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Parker, 15 August 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have written to you several letters on a Variety of Subjects in which I thought the public Service was Interested But I Imagene the Subjects may have been thought too unimportant to attend to or your answer must have miscarried as I have not heard from you by the Two last mails— I have procured loans of money for several of my officers whose situations woud not permit them to Continue the...
8696From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 6 December 1787 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, December 6, 1787. On December 6, 1787, Hamilton wrote to Angelica Church “I this morning wrote a short and hasty line to your other self.” Letter not found. ]
8697Account with John Barnes, 6 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United states To John Barnes, 1805 March 6th. { for 6 loaves best single 2/. 4. 1. 4 ½ " 50. wt. Coffee—loose 2/9 6. 17. 6 . "
8698To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 21 August 1825 (Adams Papers)
The past week has scarcely been marked by any occurrence worth relating in a letter, the weather after having been intensely warm on Sunday and Monday cooled off and we have had an Easterly storm ever since. This makes me quite dull as I prefer the Sun with all his fires. General La Fayette after having thrust his benign countenance among us; has gone to other places to make them happy for a...
8699To George Washington from Brigadier General La Rochefermoy, 17 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honnour to write Several times to your Excellency, to Beg the favour of Being Employ’d under his orders. I can’t Determine my Self to Leave the army in the Begining of a Campaing; tho I think an injustice is made to me in Not Giving me the Commission of a major General, which I think I do Deserve by my Services. Give me Leave to Lay before your Exellency that I have been in this...
8700To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Claxton, 16 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Latrobe has mentioned to me the necessity of very shortly moving the furniture from the late chamber of the Ho. of Rep.—as this will be attended with some expence; and will naturally fall in the furnishing department, I shall as soon as you may be pleased to furnish me with a written authority, proceed in the business as far as may be necessary at this time—I find, Sir, that the furniture...