94051To Thomas Jefferson from David Rittenhouse, 8 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for a Sight of Mr. Randolph’s Letter. I must Confess I was pleased with Mr. Neville’s account of the Opossum, because it seemed to remove every difficulty on the Subject and at the same time more nearly to connect the Vegitable and animal economy. But I well know with what caution we ought to recive the testimony of any individual. Mr. Randolph’s observations however does not shew...
94052To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 8 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter goes by post in order to overtake Petit, who is the bearer of my No. 65., at L’Orient. You will learn with pleasure that the committee of constitution made their report yesterday on the subject of freedom, of religion, (in consequence of the proceedings of the department of Paris denounced to the assembly as mentioned already) and that it obtained the most complete triumph. The...
94053To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The round of business and of ceremony, which now engages my attention, only allows me leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th. of last month, which will receive a more particular consideration.—I am, with great esteem, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, RC ( DLC ); in hand of William Jackson except for signature; endorsed by TJ as received at Albany 25 May 1791 and so...
94054From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that there are in the bank of North America Bills at ten days sight for the sum of 32.175 Guilders, which the Cashier is directed to hold for him. A warrant is enclosed for the sum of 13000 dolls. in his favor, the money for which is intended to procure those bills for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of the...
94055To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 11 & 14 of last month. Concluding from Mr. Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letters of the 11th., that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of...
94056From Alexander Hamilton to Joshua Wentworth, 7 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 7, 1791. On September 7, 1791, Wentworth wrote to Hamilton : “Your letters of the 7th May & 22d June were duly received.” Letter of May 7 not found. ] Wentworth was supervisor of the revenue for the District of New Hampshire.
94057[Diary entry: 7 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 7th. Before break I visited the Orphan House at which there were one hund. & Seven boys & girls. This appears to be a charitable institution and under good management. I also viewed the City from the balcony of Church from whence the whole is seen in one view and to advantage. The Gardens & green trees which are interspersed adding much to the beauty of the prospect. Charleston stands...
94058From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Federal District, 7 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Duplicate Gentlemen, Charleston, May 7th 1791. I have received your letter of the 14th of last month. It is an unfortunate circumstance in the present stage of the business, relative to the federal city, that difficulties unforeseen and unexpected should arise to darken, perhaps to destroy, the fair prospect which it presented when I left Georgetown—and which the instrument, then signed by the...
94059To George Washington from Miss Elliott, 7 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Miss Elliott presents her compliments to The President of the United States, and as a small tribute of her grateful respect, begs that he will Honor her by the acceptance of a Sword Knot. L , DLC:GW . This correspondent has not been positively identified but might have been one of the in-laws of GW’s cousin William Washington, who had married Jane Reiley Elliott, daughter of Charles Elliott of...
94060From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letters of the 11th & 14th of last month—Concluding from ⟨Mr⟩ Shorts statement of his negotiation in Amsterdam, and from the opinions offered in your letter of the 11th, that the loan has been obtained on the best terms practicable, and that its application in the manner you propose will be the most advantageous to the United States, I do hereby signify my approbation of...
94061V. Thomas Jefferson to Louis Guillaume Otto, 7 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honour to return you the propositions of Messrs. Schweizer, Jeanneret & co. which have been submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. He does not think they can be acceded to on the part of the United States. The greater premium demanded than what we now pay, the change of the place of payment, the change of the bankers whom we have always employed for others unknown to us,...
94062To Thomas Jefferson from Barbier Demarais, 7 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Boston, 7 May 1791 . He encloses a letter sent to him by Mlle. de Bruny from Guadeloupe for Mlle. Jefferson. He would have been pleased to present it to her in accordance with his promise, but public and private affairs cause him to return to Guadeloupe immediately. He plans to return soon to “votre bonne et agréable patrie” and to bring fresh news to Mlle. Jefferson from her friend. RC ( ViW...
94063To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 7 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to inform the Secretary of State that there are in the bank of North America Bills at ten days sight for the sum of 32,175 Guilders, which the Cashier is directed to hold for him. A warrant is enclosed for the sum of 13000 dolls. in his favor, the money for which is intended to procure those bills for the Purpose of obtaining a recognition of the...
94064From Thomas Jefferson to Tobias Lear, 7 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Lear: he has been calculating the march of the President at 200. miles a week and he makes it as follows. May 20. he will be at Augusta 24. at Cambden 26. Charlotte 27. Salisbury 28. Salem 30. Guilford 31. Hillsboro’ June 1. Harrisbg. 2. Taylor’s ferry 7. Fredsbg 8. Mt. Vernon. On this view he is of opinion that tomorrow’s letter, put into the...
94065To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson, and Others, Public Creditors, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 6, 1791. In a letter dated May 27, 1791 , and addressed to “Thomas Forrest, John Nicholson and others, Public Creditors,” Hamilton wrote: “I have received your letter of the sixth instant.” Letter not found. ] Forrest was “a purchaser of certificates and paper money” (Clement Biddle, The Philadelphia Directory [Philadelphia, 1791], 42). Nicholson was comptroller general of...
94066To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hardy, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Comptroller’s Office, May 6, 1791. “On examining the Accounts of John Halsted, Collector of the Customs, for the District of Perth Amboy, from 1st. October to 31st. December 1790, it appears, that he has collected duties on American coasting Vessels, under 20 Tons burthen, at the rate of 6 Cents per Ton, per annum, to the amount of 29 Ds. 04 Cts. with which he has credited...
94067To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Keais, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 14th & 15th Ulto I have duly received together with the last Acts of Congress. I shall as Soon as Possible and on the best terms I am able Contract with Some Person of Ability to build & Compleat the revenue Cutter. In your Letter of the 14th Ulto. you Say, on the receipt of this Letter you will Proceed to Contract with Suitable Persons for the erecting or fixing and Keeping up...
94068From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 6 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have transmitted the accounts enclosed in your letter of the 27 Ultimo to the Auditor of the Treasury. The stock which you fund in the Massachusetts office you will cause to be transferred to the Treasury, and for this purpose you will make application to Mr Appleton, the Commissioner of Loans. As the loan office certificates can be funded at the Treasury, it will be best that you transmit...
94069[Diary entry: 6 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Friday 6th. Viewed the town on horse back by riding through most of the principal Streets. Dined at Majr. Butlers, and went to a Ball in the evening at the Governors where there was a select company of ladies.
94070To George Washington from Hugh George Campbell, 6 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Charleston, S.C., 6 May 1791. Offers himself as a candidate for the command of the United States revenue cutter for South Carolina and refers to the accompanying certificate for information respecting his character. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Applications and Recommendations for Public Office, 1797–1901. Archivists filed the letter under 1798. The enclosure, dated 6 May 1791 and written in Hugh George...
94071To George Washington from Wakelin Welch & Son, 6 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed we trouble your Excellency with copy of our last of 5th March which we forwarded by the New York Packet since then nothing has transpired from Mr Morris from which we may suppose he is still in France. Mr Young about ten days ago sent us a case containing a Bag of Seeds, Books & some Yarn manufactured from your own Fleece of Wool which he sends ⟨ mutilated ⟩ a curiosity. This last...
94072From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, 6 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
It has not been till now that I have been able to turn my attention again to the accounts in dispute between us, to your remarks on them, the letters therewith sent, and Mr. Nicolson’s explanation of the article of tobacco delivered Mr. Elder. This last satisfies my mind, that the two heavy hogsheads supposed to be omitted in the credits, not having been delivered to Mr. Nicolson ought to be...
94073From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Skipwith, 6 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of April 7. on the subject of Mr. Wayles’s responsibility for his joint-consignee in the case of the Guineaman. I have never considered this subject methodically, and therefore have not absolute confidence in the opinion I have formed on a superficial view of it. My ideas however I will hazard to you, however informal. It is a principle in law that...
94074To Thomas Jefferson from James Sullivan, 6 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Boston, 6 May 1791 . Recommends for consular appointment Samuel Cooper Johonnot, grandson and only male descendant of “the late American Patriot Doctor Cooper.” Johonnot “has had his education in France … has read Law under my direction, and has been about three years at the bar. His conduct has added much to the partiallity I general[ly] feel for my pupils.” He has had a call to Demarara, and...
94075From Thomas Jefferson to David Ross, [6 May 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
[Nor] are there any alterations in the Observations but what the change of these articles in the Accounts rendered necessary. I made the change because I wished that the minds of the arbitrators should have as little embarrasment from the beginning as possible. I have now to propose to you that this matter be decided by three of the judges, and I would propose the three eldest, without knowing...
94076From Alexander Hamilton to Nathaniel Appleton, 5 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 5, 1791. On May 15, 1791, Appleton wrote to Hamilton : “I am … favoured with your particular Letter 5th instant.” Letter not found. ]
94077To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Mifflin, [5 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
On the 28th. of Augt. 1788, the late Board of Treasury of the U.S. under the authority of a Resolution of Congress accepted the proposals which were made to them, on the 7th. of July preceding, by the Delegates in Congress from Pennsylvania on behalf of this State, for the purchase of a tract of Land, belonging to the U.S., contained in the interval betwixt a Meridian Line, run between Lake...
94078To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Olney, 5 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Providence, May 5, 1791. “It sometimes happens that Coasting Vessels, belonging to other Districts, arrive at this Port with Licenses which have been granted more than One Year; being at a loss to know precisely how to conduct, in such Cases, the Law being thereon silent; and as I am desirous in every Instance of doing my Duty entirely consonant to Law, I take the liberty Sir, to ask your...
94079[Diary entry: 5 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Thursday 5th. Visited the Works of Fort Johnson on James’s Island, and Fort Moultree on Sullivans Island; both of which are in ruins, and scarcely a trace of the latter left—the former quite fallen. Dined with a very large Company at the Governors, & in the evening went to a Concert at the Exchange at wch. there were at least 400 lad[ie]s—the Number & appearances of wch. exceeded any thing of...
94080To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Guide, 5 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Baltimore, 5 May 1791 . Acknowledging with deep gratitude TJ’s flattering letter of 1 May. He is no less grateful for TJ’s wishes for the success of his venture in extending trade with Sardinia. What he says about equality of admission of all foreigners is not very consoling since high duties fall heavily on some of their articles, but it is necessary to be patient as it is the law of the...
94081From Alexander Hamilton to Sharp Delany, 4 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am informed, that a doubt has been made, whether in order to obtain the Credit for two years , for the duties on Teas, according to the Act making provision for the collection of the Duties by law, imposed on Teas and to prolong the term for the payment of the duties on Wines, it is necessary that the Teas be deposited in conformity to the regulations prescribed in the Act—it being contended...
94082From Alexander Hamilton to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Instructions relative to the collection of the Duties on Teas are now preparing, and will be very soon transmitted. The papers relative to the Suffolk of Weymouth were returned some time since to the District Court of Massachusetts, as they were not in such form as to enable me legally to decide upon the case. I am, sir, L[S] , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Boston, Letters from the Treasury,...
94083To Alexander Hamilton from William Short, 4 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last of April 9. I have received a letter from M. de Montmorin in which he informs me that he had recieved a second letter from Schweizer & Jeanneret relative to the reimbursement of the American debt & their proposals respecting it, & that he had answered them that they must apply to me, being unable himself to interfere in the matter notwithstanding the favorable opinion he...
94084[Diary entry: 4 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 4th. Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati, and in the evening went to a very elegant dancing Assembly at the Exchange—At which were 256 elegantly dressed & handsome ladies. In the forenoon (indeed before breakfast to day) I visited and examined the lines of Attack & defence of the City and was satisfied that the defence was noble & honorable altho the measure was undertaken upon...
94085From George Washington to the South Carolina Masons, 4 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by the respect which you are so good as to declare for my public and private character—I recognise with pleasure my relation to the Brethren of your Society—and I accept with gratitude your congratulations on my arrival in South Carolina. Your sentiments on the establishment and exercise of our equal government are worthy of an Association, whose principles lead to purity of...
94086To Thomas Jefferson from François André Danican (Philidor), 4 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris , “ Rue macon St. André No. 1 [ 5 ?].” 4 May 1791 . He encloses an important mémoire on the manufacture of arms about which TJ knows, and the report of a commission named by the Academy of Sciences at the invitation of the Minister of War to examine locks and the new means of manufacture employed to achieve identity of form and precision in the parts of locks, “ ce qui fait le précieux...
94087To Alexander Hamilton from Benjamin Lincoln, 29 April[–3 May] 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A few days since Captain Codman arrived here from the west indies. In his entery he returned one among other articles one bag of Coffee when the vessel appeared to be unladed all having been delivered agreeable to the entery & permit in consequence thereof. The officer after in examining the Vessel found under the Captains Cabbin four bags of Coffee which had not been entered on this the...
94088To Alexander Hamilton from Nathaniel Appleton, 3 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Boston, May 3, 1791. “Your circular Letter 8th April is received. An Account agreably to the form sent shall be transmitted as soon as possible. I now inclose you a Statement of the United States Act Current as it stands in my Book the balance of 26385.83 is deposited in the Massachusetts Bank.…” LC , RG 53, Massachusetts State Loan Office, Letter Book, 1785–1791, Vol. “259–M,” National...
94089To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 26th till the morning of the 2d. I immediately after saw Gen. Williams and made such communication of your wishes as I thought most likely to be attended with success. You know his ambitious cast, and that he thinks he could be more serviceable at the head of a great department than collector of a district. I mentioned the death of the comptroller, and the...
94090[Diary entry: 3 May 1791] (Washington Papers)
Tuesday 3d. Breakfasted with Mrs. Rutledge (the Lady of the Chief justice of the State who was on the Circuits) and dined with the Citizens at a public dinr. given by them at the Exchange. Was visited about 2 oclock, by a great number of the most respectable ladies of Charleston—the first honor of the kind I had ever experienced and it was flattering as it was singular. John Rutledge’s wife...
94091From George Washington to the Charleston Merchants, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your congratulations on my arrival in South Carolina, enhanced by the affectionate manner in which they are offered, are received with the most grateful sensibility. Flattered by the favorable sentiments you express of my endeavors to be useful to our country, I desire to assure you of my constant solicitude for its welfare, and of my particular satisfaction in observing the advantages which...
94092From George Washington to the Officials of Charleston, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
The gratification you are pleased to express, at my arrival in your metropolis, is replied to with sincerity, in a grateful acknowledgement of the pleasing sensations which your affectionate urbanity has excited—Highly sensible of your attachment and favorable opinions, I entreat you to be persuaded of the lasting gratitude which they impress, and of the cordial regard with which they are...
94093To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Private. My dear Sir, Mafra [Portugal] May 3d 1791. I write this short letter for the sole purpose of thanking you for nominating & appointing me Minister Resident at this Court. The language of affection & gratitude is brief. It is with a sensibility not expressed in words, that all the instances of your friendship & particularly the kind expressions in the close of your letter of March 16th,...
94094To George Washington from St. Philip’s Church Officials, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
At a Meeting of the Vestry & Church Wardens of St Philips Church Resolved— 3d May 1791 That the President of the United States, be invited to Service in St Philips Church, & the Church Wardens do inform him, that a Pew is ready for his Accommodation on Sunday next, or on any other day that he may think proper. D , DLC:GW . On Sunday, 8 May 1791, his last full day in Charleston, GW “Went to...
94095To Thomas Jefferson from Causin, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, “rue neuve Ste. Martin. No.18.” 3 May 1791 . It is the tender and sad cry of a father and mother for a son that moves them to appeal to TJ on account of one of their children, who departed from Le Havre 12 May 1790 under care of the Scioto Company. They have received no news of him save one letter from Mr. De Boine, who says he saw him in Philadelphia. Because of this they beg TJ to aid...
94096To Thomas Jefferson from Condorcet, [ca. 3 May 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, ca. 3 May 1791. ] He encloses a copy of a report made to the Academy of Sciences on the determination of a unit of measure. TJ will perceive therein their reasons for rejecting the more simple idea of taking the length of the pendulum for the unit and availing themselves instead of the fortunate circumstance which placed within their reach the only meridian line of neither too great...
94097To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Hawkins, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive the letter you did me the honor to write to me of the 1st. of april enclosing some of the scarlet blosom beans; And the acts of the last Session of Congress under an envelope franked by you, for which I request you to accept my thanks. I wish you and Mrs. Trist may have been as fortunate with your beans as I am with mine, the largest and middle sized are up and...
94098To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal, 3 May 1791 . Acknowledging receipt by express from Bulkeley of TJ’s of 15 Mch.—As minister, “I can only rely on my own zeal and the candour of those … concerned in administring the Government of my Country: and … it is a peculiar felicity that my communications are to be made through an Office entrusted to a Person from whose Instruction and Indulgence, I know, I have every...
94099To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The fermentation of Paris which I mentioned to you in my last has continued subsiding since that time. But the regulation of the department for renting and selling churches to the catholics who adhere to the priests non-jurors, and the departure of the King for St. Cloud remain suspended. The regulation or arreté of the department when sent to the national assembly was referred to the...
94100Treasury Department Circular to the Commissioners of Loans, 2 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, May 2, 1791. On May 15, 1791, Nathaniel Appleton wrote to Hamilton : “I am favoured with your circular Letter 2d. instant. Circular not found. ]