11From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer Adams, 12 January 1773 (Washington Papers)
As there appears to be a good deal of Inconsistency between your Letters to me and those to Colo. Carlyle respecting the Sale of the Brig, and as you have changd the Destination of the Vessell contrary to the Original Intention of the Voyage, and contrary to the expectation of the Owner here (to my very great Inconvenience) and as some other reasons might be added, if necessary, still more...
12From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer Adams, 20 July 1772 (Washington Papers)
If the price of Superfine Flour in Barbadoes is not under Twenty five Shillings prCt I would have mine sold there rather than hazard any other Market; but if it should be lower than this, I would in that case, take the chance of some of the other Islands (if you should call at them in your way to Jamaica) in any of which, if you can get such a price as to nett me two pence a pound Virga Curry...
13From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer Adams, 8 March 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have come to the Resolution of taking upon myself the payment of the Debts which your deceased Father has Taxed his Lands with provided you suffer a Condemnation of the Attached Effects—join your Sisters in conveying the Lands to me, and surrender possession of the Negro &ca. I shall have no objection’s to your Sisters continuing on the Plantation this year, if peaceable and quiet Possession...
14From 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...
15From George Washington to John Adams, 21 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you were pleased to honor me—dated the 9th instant—was received by the last Mail; and demands my particular acknowledgments. It was with sincere concern I received the account of Mrs Adams’s low state of health, and your consequent indisposition. If my fervent wishes would restore her, and you, to perfect health, this object would soon be accomplished: and in these...
16From George Washington to John Adams, 3 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favour of the 19th Ulto, mentioning the nomination of Mr Murray to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic. With the writer of the letter, which I did myself the honour to enclose in my last to you, I truly observed that I had never held any correspondence; and I only knew him in his public mission from this Country to the Barbary States, the...
17From George Washington to John Adams, 4 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Not being in the habit since my return to private life, of sending regularly to the Post Office (nine miles from hence) every Post-day, it often happens that letters addressed to me lye longer there, on that account, than they otherwise would do. I have delayed no time, unnecessarily, since I had the honor of receiving your obliging favour of the 22d Ulto, to thank you for the polite &...
18From George Washington to John Adams, 3 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you are desired to attend at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part. LS , MHi: Adams Papers ; LS (duplicate), owned (1995) by Joseph Maddelana of Beverly Hills, Calif.;...
19From George Washington to John Adams, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Resolution of the Board for the Reduction of the Public Debt of the 27th of August 1790, which has been submitted to me meets my ideas fully on the subject, and is now enclosed with my approbation. With very great esteem & regard I am Sir, Yr most Obet Hbe St Df , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Section 2 of the 12 Aug. 1790 “Act making Provision for the Reduction of the...
20From George Washington to John Adams, 14 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States and Mrs Washington request the pleasure of the Vice-Presidents and Mrs Adams’s company to dinner on Thursday next at four o’clock, an answer is desired. L , MHi : Adams Family Papers. No reply to this invitation has been found, nor is there a record of the dinner in GW’s diary, since he did not resume making entries until 24 June. Social relations between the...
21From George Washington to John Adams, 17 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have heard with much pleasure, that you contemplate a visit to the City designated for the permanent Seat of the Government of the U. States, in the course of the Summer, or early in autumn. It is unnecessary, I hope, for me in that event, to express the satisfaction it would give Mrs Washington & me to see Mrs Adams, yourself & Company in the shade of our Vine & Fig tree; but I shall...
22From George Washington to John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon. With very great esteem & regard I am Sir, Your most Obedt Hbe Servt LS...
23From George Washington to John Adams, 20 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th instt with its enclosures. They contain a great deal of interesting matter; and No. 9 discloses much important information, and political foresight. For this proof of your kindness, and confidence, I pray you to accept my best, & most cordial thanks. Mr J. Adams, your son, must not think of retiring from the walk he is now in: his prospects, if he...
24From George Washington to John Adams, 10 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States wishes to avail himself of your sentiments on the following points. 1st Whether a line of conduct, equally distant from an association with all kinds of company on the one hand and from a total seclusion from Society on the other, ought to be adopted by him? and, in that case, how is it to be done? 2d What will be the least exceptionable method of bringing...
25From George Washington to John Adams, 15 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today—our want of Men & Arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourn’d the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the Genl Court) on these heads—they meet again tomorrow at...
26From George Washington to John Adams, 15 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have not been able to give the papers herewith enclosed more than a hasty reading; returning them, without delay, that you may offer the perusal of them to whomsoever you shall think proper. The picture drawn in them, of the Genevese, is realy interesting & affecting. The proposition of transplanting the members, entire, of the University of that place, to America, with the requisition of...
27From George Washington to John Adams, 15 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
This Morning your polite Letter of the 1st Instt, was delivered to me by Mr Dana. I am much obliged to you for your introduction of that Gentleman and you may rely on my shewing him every Civility in my power. I have ever thought, and am still of opinion that no terms of accomodation will be offer’d by the British Ministry, but such as cannot be accepted by America. We have nothing my Dear Sir...
28From George Washington to John Adams, 16 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
Compliments to the Vice-President. Enclosed is the curious and Insulting Letter mentioned yesterday Evening. AL , MHi : Adams Papers. The date is taken from the docket, which reads: “16 Feb. 1797”. GW enclosed a copy of Thomas Paine’s letter to him of 20 Sept. 1795 . In that letter, Paine denounced GW’s alleged indifference and inaction vis-à-vis his imprisonment in France, and accused GW of...
29From George Washington to John Adams, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress & your Excellency, that the Matter...
30From George Washington to John Adams, 23 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed. The details are interesting. The Picture is well drawn; and, it is to be feared, too well founded in facts. With very sincere esteem and regard I am Your Obedt & Affecte ALS , NjP : De Coppet Collection. GW evidently was returning John Quincy Adams’s letter to John Adams of 17 Nov. 1795. On 25 March, John Adams wrote to his son in part: “I...
31From George Washington to John Adams, 25 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
With all the respect which is due to your public station, and with the regard I entertain for your private character, the following representation is presented to your consideration. If in the course of it, any expression should escape me which may appear to be incompatible with either, let the purity of my intentions; the candour of my declarations; and a due respect for my own character, be...
32David Humphreys to John Adams, 8 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
33From George Washington to John Adams, 20 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed. The sentiments do honor to the head & heart of the writer; and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd go to you in a strong hope , that you will not withhold merited promotion from Mr Jno. Adams because he is your son. For without intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided...
34Enclosure: To John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Secret United States [New York] August 27th 1790 Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first...
35From George Washington to John Adams, 1 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed from Mr Joel Barlow (though the old date) came to my hands only yesterday. I have conceived it to be my duty to transmit it to you without delay—and without a comment; except that it must have been written with a very good, or a very bad design: which of the two, you can judge better than I. For, from the known abilities of that Gentleman, such a letter could not...
36From George Washington to John Adams, 1 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their Attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part. LB , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA : RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–1793, Senate...
37From George Washington to John Adams, 7 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, & under the Circumstance I thene mention’d, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your takeing a comprehensive view of it. That is you will not only consider the...
38From George Washington to John Adams, 8 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of it. I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to Mr G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than usually anxious to decide right in the present case. None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may be...
39Tobias Lear to John Quincy Adams, 2 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
When I was at Bush Hill this Morning it was my intention to have requested your Company to dine tomorrow at the Presidents, by his desire; but as I did not see you at that time it slipped my recollection, and occasions you the trouble of this letter, which is to make the same request—to which you will be kind enough to give an Answer by the Servant. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt ALS ,...
40From George Washington to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 12 September 1796. In a letter marked private, GW asked Adams to look into the history of a sword that had come into his possession in an enigmatic manner. ALS , MHi : Adams Papers. For a full transcription and other information related to the sword, see GW to Adams, 25 June 1797 , in Papers, Retirement Series , W. W. Abbot et al., eds. The Papers of George Washington, Retirement...
41From George Washington to John Quincy Adams, 20 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with a letter from you, dated at Berlin the 29th of Octr last; covering one from a namesake of mine, & who, very probably, may be a distant relation; as our families were from the same Country. Mine earlier than his; two brothers migrating during the Commonwealth of England. or rather, during the troubles of Charles the First. Not knowing through what other medium to...
42From George Washington to John Quincy Adams, 25 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 11th of Feb: and a duplicate thereof, have been duly received; and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the trouble you have had in tracing to its origen, the history of the Sword which came to my hands last year, in the manner communicated in a former letter. As it is more than probable you will have left Holland before this letter can be received, I shall give you no...
43Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Adams, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The approaching season, and the distresses of the Army in the Articles of Blankets & Cloathing make it necessary, that every practicable measure should be pursued to procure supplies. Therefore to releive, if possible, the wants of the Troops, raised by the State of Maryland, in these essential Articles, you are to proceed immediately to Govr Johnson with the Letters you have in charge for...
44From George Washington to Robert Adams, 3 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 18th of Octr 1788 informing me of your having shipped a box of plants for me by desire of Sir Edward Newenham & Colo. Persse. The Box has arrived at Baltimore, and, I am informed, the plants are in good order; but the severity of the season has closed our Rivers and prevented their being sent round. You will please, Sir, to accept my thanks for your attention...
45From George Washington to Samuel Adams, 22 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Amidst a multiplicity of Business smaller matters are apt to be overlook’d—this I conceive to be the case with respect to the proposition of a Colo. Baillie, for opening a Road from Connecticut River to Montreal, and which I laid before Congress for their direction some Months ago—The matter again occurs upon a Second application, from Mr Weatherspoon (the bearer, at, as I understand, the...
46From George Washington to Samuel Adams, Sr., 10 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 11 of July inclosing to me the Address of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—and to assure you that the pleasure I experienced on that occasion was much enhanced by the polite manner in which you have been pleased to convey it to me. The inclosed reply I beg leave to commend to your...
47From George Washington to Samuel Adams, Sr., 29 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your joint Letter of the 18th instant. Happy, inexpressibly happy, in the certain Intelligence, of a general Peace, which was concluded on the 20th Jnry—I feel an additional pleasure in reflecting that this glorious Event will prove a sure means to dispel the Fears expressed by your Commonwealth for their North Eastern Boundary, that Territory...
48From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 3 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your letter of the 17th Ulto by the last Post. Not to have received the Instalment due to me on the Bond of the deceased Coll Ritchie (lodged in the Bank of Pennsylvania for collection) at the appointed period, is attended with considerable disappointment to me; and if it should not be paid (in whole) at the time mentioned in your Note, the inconvenience will be sorely felt...
49From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 24 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 8th instant came duly to hand. Whatever is found to be the contents of the Land I sold to the deceased Colo. Ritchie, by ⟨firm⟩ and actual measurement I shall abide by. I have not heard a tittle from Mrs Ritchie nor her brother in law on the subject of the Instalment, due me, and with pain I add, that if payment of what is due thereon is not immediately made, my own want of...
50From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 4 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 31st ofjany, enclosing your second charge to the Grand Juries of the County Courts of the fifth Circuit of the State of Pennsylvania, at the last Decr Sessions, has been duly received, and for the Enclosure I thank you. I wish, sincerely, that your good example, in endeavouring to bring the People of these United States more acquainted with the Laws & principles of their...
51From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 29 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 11th Instant, dated in Philadelphia, has been received; accompanied by one from Colo. Pickering, advising me of his having received, from you, on my A/c, the Sum of Seventeen hundred dollars as part of the Installment due the 1st of June last, on the deceased Colonel Matthew Ritchie’s Bond. For want of the Bond, which was deposited in the Bank of Pennsylvania, at Colo....
52From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 6 December 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 21st Ulto enclosing thoughts on the “Liberty of Speech and of the Press in a charge to the Grand Juries of the County Courts of the fifth circuit of the State of Pennsylvania” has been duly received, and I pray you to accept my thanks for this fresh inst[anc]e of your attention & politeness to me. I am persuaded I shall read it with the same pleasure, & marked approbation...
53From George Washington to Alexander Addison, 8 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 4th Instant came to my hands by the last Post. When I inform you that Mr Ross (who on my behalf, disposed of the Land I held on Millers run, to Mr Ritchie) is authorised to do all that is necessary on my part, towards carrying the bargain into complete effect; it almost supercedes the necessity of giving answers, in detail, to the queries you have propounded. I shall however,...
54From George Washington to Pierre-Auguste Adet, 1 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
Born, sir, in a land of liberty; having early learned its value; having engaged in a perilous conflict to defend it; having, in a word, devoted the best years of my life to secure its permanent establishment in my own country; my anxious recollections, my sympathetic feelings, and my best wishes are irresistably excited, whensoever in any country I see an oppressed nation unfurl the banners of...
55XV. George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 23 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impart to you in confidence that I intend to execute an enterprise against Staten Island to morrow night, for which reason I am desirous of cutting off all intercourse with the Enemy on the East side of the River. You will therefore tomorrow at Retreat beating set a guard upon any Boats which may be at the slot or Niack, and not suffer any to go out on any pretence whatever, till next...
56From George Washington to Robert Alexander, 14 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
Fifteen months ago I informed you in as explicit language as I was master of, of my want of the money you are indebted to me. I have waited (considering the urgency of my call) with patience to see if you would comply with the demand: But no disposition having yet appeared in you to do this; I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of informing you, that unless you name a time not far...
57From George Washington to Robert Alexander, 20 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have waited, as I think you must do me the justice to acknowledge, with a good deal of patience, to see if you were disposed to fulfil your agreement with me, respecting the Land I purchased of you in Maryland. As I hear nothing of your intentions of carrying this matter into execution, and see no greater prospect of its being done now, than when the bargain was first made, I cannot help...
58From George Washington to Sarah Livingston Alexander, 20 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed by a Letter of the 14th Instt from Captn Sill of the unspeakable loss Your Ladiship has experienced, I feel the sincerest dispositions to alleviate by sympathy or participation those sorrows which I am sensible cannot be removed or effaced. for this purpose, I would also have suggested every rational topic of consolation, was I not fully perswaded that the principles of...
59From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Lordships Letter of the 6th inclosing a Copy of General Sullivans to you. I have never tho’t it well to despise Information of an Enemy’s Designs——but I must freely confess to your Lordship, that I have but little apprehensions of Danger, from the Quarter of Canada—the advanced season of the Year, were no other Obstacles in the Way, I should judge sufficient to deter the...
60From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of Your Lordships favor of the 13th. If the accounts which General Schuyler transmits be true, the Enemy have no occasion to boast of their Northern Campaign. Should Your business call you to Prince town and you can make it convenient to extend your ride to Philadelphia, I shall be happy in seeing you. Mrs Washington is better than I could have expected after the heavy loss...