183201Hamilton Takes Command: Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
As calls for military action against France grew louder during the summer of 1798, Jay tapped Alexander Hamilton to take charge of the various efforts then underway to put the City of New York on a wartime footing. Although Hamilton’s formal duties were those of chief superintendent of fortifications, he in fact served in a much broader capacity than this title suggests. Throughout the...
183202John Jay’s Moderate Response to the Whiskey Rebellion: Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
The enforcement of Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton’s 1792 excise tax on distilled spirits met with widespread protest along the Appalachian backcountry. Western Pennsylvania constituted a flashpoint as harassment, ostracism, and violence greeted officials sent to implement the measure and residents who publicly supported it. Protesters in the region also sought to coordinate their efforts...
183203Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
“To morrow morning we set out upon our tour into Silesia, where you shall accompany us if you please,” John Quincy Adams wrote to his brother Thomas Boylston Adams on 16 July (above). So began a fourteen-week journey by John Quincy and Louisa Catherine Adams through what is now southern Poland and southern Germany. John Quincy promised to chronicle the trip in a series of letters, adding that...
183204Drafting Instructions for Meriwether Lewis: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
A brief, undated set of four comments jotted in pencil by James Madison is the earliest evidence of Jefferson’s drafting of official instructions to Meriwether Lewis for the expedition to the Pacific ( Document I ). Due to an alteration that Jefferson made in his endorsement on that document, the date of its receipt is not clear but could be as early as 12 or 13 Apr. Jefferson’s practice,...
183205Tensions between Allies over the Peace Negotiations Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
Congress received long-awaited dispatches from its commissioners in Europe in December 1782. On 16 December Robert R. Livingston submitted to Congress Jay’s brief note of 28 September, which clarified a reference to Oswald’s second commission in Franklin’s dispatch of two days earlier. Livingston included in his letter of transmittal a quotation from Jay’s private correspondence of 4 September...
183206Constitutional Amendment on Louisiana: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
“I think it will be safer not to permit the enlargement of the Union but by amendment of the constitution,” Jefferson wrote to his secretary of the Treasury in January 1803. The president was responding to Gallatin’s rebuttal of arguments from the attorney general about the desired purchase of New Orleans and the Floridas. Jefferson, Levi Lincoln knew, thought that an amendment to the...
183207Anonymous Essay on Madison’s Character, December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Destined for the Bar, the youth of Madison was consecrated to the laborious studies of that vocation. At the age of twenty two years he commenced his carreer of public life, always occupying with superior talents, and fidelity, the most conspicuous places in the gift of his fellow citizens. When a member of Congress, the vigor of his mind, the wisdom of his views, and the force and facility of...
183208Introductory Note: From Oliver Wolcott, Junior, [3 July 1797] (Hamilton Papers)
The events described in this letter precipitated the final phase of what has come to be known as the “Reynolds Affair.” In pamphlets appearing in June and July, 1797, James Thomson Callender stated that Hamilton, while Secretary of the Treasury, had joined with James Reynolds in a series of speculative ventures that were at best improper and at worst illegal. Two months later Hamilton...
183209The American Commissioners to John Lamb, [7 July 1786] (Adams Papers)
The Importance of Peace with the Algerines, and the other Inhabitants of the Coast of Barbary, to the United States, renders it necessary that every information which can be obtained, should be laid before Congress: And as the demands for the Redemption of Captives as well as the amount of Customary Presents, are so much more considerable than seem to have been expected in America, it appears...
183210From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Franklin, 26 August 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It has pleased God at length to take from us my only remaining Brother, and your affectionate Husband, with whom you have lived in uninterrupted Harmony and Love near half a Century. Considering the many Dangers and Hardships his Way of Life led him into, and the Weakness of his Constitution, it is wonderful that he lasted so long. It was God’s Goodness...
183211To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 30 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
I now have it in my power to give decisive information on the enquiries you did Genl Marshall and myself the Honor of confiding to us in regard to Colo. Innes, & regret, exceedingly, that they have issued in his declining the appointment contemplated, as he would certainly have filled it with all the advantages you are so solicitous to Secure. He has given the proposition a very thorough...
183212Suspension of the Rule Requiring Lawyers to Serve a Three-Year Clerkship in Favor of Alexander Hamilton, [26 April 1782] (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas by a former rule of this Court, a Clerkship of three years at least was among other things made a necessary prerequisite to the admission of an attorney to practice in this Court. And Whereas by a rule of this Court made on the eighteenth day of January last that part of the said rule which required a Clerkship of three years was suspended until the last day of April Term in favor of...
183213To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 2 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
Feeling an interest in your wellfare I think proper to inform you that there are numerous incendiaries in and about Washington employed by the British who are watching there opportunity to make way with you by the dagger or poison. I dowbt not that immediately on the receipt of this you will take effectual measures to prevent their insiduous purposes. Hoping that this may reach you in time I...
183214Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Itch Lotion, [after 29 May 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
60 grs = 1. drachm 8 drachms = 1. oz 480. grs = 1. oz 16 oz. = 1. pint 2880 480 7680 = 1 pint 3840 11520 = 1
183215To Benjamin Franklin from J[ohn] C[arroll], 18 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will you allow your fellow traveller to and from Canada to take the opportunity of a vessel sailing from his neighbourhood to renew his assurances of esteem and respects, and to congratulate you on the recovery of your health, which I have the pleasure to hear is now in a good state, after all your labours and fatigues? It is a great pleasure to me to...
183216To George Washington from James Iredell and John Lowell, 15 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
We do ourselves the honour to inclose you a copy of an application made to the Circuit Court of the United States, for this District by Oliver Hartshorn Deputy Sheriff and under keeper of the gaol in Boston in order that you may be pleased if you think proper to lay the same before the Congress of the United States. The matter is obviously of great public moment, and is of such a nature as to...
183217From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Waller, 6 June 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I hear with Pleasure from Philadelphia, that Billy Hunter behaves well and improves in his Learning; but I am concern’d to hear that Mr. Royle is dead, who manag’d the Printing house jointly for his Account, and that Mr. Holt, whom I wish’d to succeed there, as one from whom a greater Care might be expected of the Child’s Interest, does not incline to leave New...
183218To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 27 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
A friend to the United States of America, who, with many other’s, is compelled against his will to fight on board of the vessels of your enemy, has, fortunately, at this time, an opportunity of transmitting you an information as he hopes may be of use to your country. He subscribes not his name, and has good reason for it: of which, ere long, you will undoubtedly be informed, and will so...
183219Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Account with Wells & Lilly, 13 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Hon. T. Jefferson Bo t of Wells & Lilly Janry 13. 1818 Stewart ’s first Diss n $1 .50 Playfair ’s do do 1 .50 Clavis Ciceroniana 3 V s 5 Greek Primitives
183220Editorial Note: The Consular Convention of 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The Consular Convention of 1788 was the last of nine treaties to be signed by authority of the Continental Congress and the Confederation, and the first to be ratified under the new Constitution. None of the nation’s international agreements in the formative period was so long in preparation or had a history so filled with potentially disruptive sources of friction between the United States...
183221Enclosure: Statement of the Application of Monies Drawn from the Appropriation of Two Millions of Dollars, [26 December … (Hamilton Papers)
Monies Drawn. The following sums have been drawn from the said appropriation by warrants on the Treasurer, viz. Dollars. Cts. 1793, February 4, No. 2454, in favour of Jonathan Burrall, 50,000. 19, 2482, Samuel Meredith, 234,901.89 Septemb. 2, 3085, Ditto,
183222Editorial Note: Jefferson and the American Debt to France (Jefferson Papers)
The documents printed below have been grouped here in order to record more clearly, with the benefit of Jefferson’s connecting commentary, the process by which the Washington administration rejected Edmond Charles Genet’s request for a substantial advance payment of the American debt to France. On instructions from the Provisional Executive Council of France, Genet had pledged to use the...
183223Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
In August 1770, with Adams and Jonathan Sewall as his counsel, John Whiting had prevailed in an action of trespass which he had brought against his neighbor Ichabod Ware for a tract of land near Smoking Hill in Wrentham. Referees, under a rule of the Superior Court directing them to fix a boundary between the litigants, had reported that no line could be drawn, because Ware had no claim to any...
183224Delegate to the First Continental Congress Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
New York was one of several provinces to react to the Boston Port Act with a call for an intercolonial congress. Heartened by this response, the Massachusetts House of Representatives resolved on 17 June 1774 “that a meeting of Committees, from the several Colonies on this Continent is highly expedient and necessary” and proposed that the congress be held in Philadelphia on 1 September. The...
183225Poem by Daniel Waldo Lincoln, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
—————“Homo sum. Nil humani a me alienum puto .” Benevolence Ere any social intercourse began, Ere arts subdued, or culture modelled man; Ere law had learnt his fierceness to restrain; Ere the rude savage stooped to wear a chain; He roamed the desart, trod the pathless wild, And nature catered for her simple child. With tigers fell he shared the rocky den, Or chummed with serpents in the...
183226[William Hall]: Account of Benjamin Franklin with the Estate of David Hall, [1 February 1766] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society After the partnership of Franklin and Hall had come to an end and James Parker had completed his examination of the books, as reported in the document immediately above, David Hall opened an account of his financial relations with his former partner. From time to time he sent Franklin a statement of the transactions shown in his records, but neither man...
183227Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
In composing a letter to his boyhood friend James Maury , a longtime expatriate serving as United States consul at Liverpool, England , Jefferson included a request that Maury locate an agent who could purchase books for him in Great Britain. The retired statesman was seeking to rebuild his collection after the recent sale of his library to the United States Congress . He intended to supply a...
183228To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel] Potts, 19 December 1766 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Potts presents his Compliments to Mr. Francklin and Dsires the favour of his Company to Dine on a Doe of the Postmaster Generals at the Kings Arms Tavern in Cornhill on Monday next at 3 OClock in Afternoon. Addressed: To / Benjamin Francklin Esqr / Craven Street / Strand For Samuel Potts, comptroller general of the General Post Office, see above, X , 149...
183229Address to the People of Great Britain Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
John Jay’s hopes for reconciliation did not prevent him from preparing the draft “Address to the People of Great Britain,” printed below. Adopted by Congress on 21 October 1774, it was notable both for the republican rhetoric that it voiced and for the constitutional theories that it espoused. The “Address,” despite Jay’s known moderation, propelled him into the front line of Whig...
183230Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
Soon after Thomas Jefferson declared in his 4 March 1801 inaugural address that “We are all republicans: we are all federalists,” Abigail Adams wrote an essay charging the president’s party with hypocrisy and calling on Federalists to treat Jefferson as Democratic-Republican critics had treated George Washington and John Adams during their administrations. Abigail quoted Jefferson’s request...
183231Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
On 22 November 1762, Jeremiah Lee, prominent Marblehead ship owner and merchant, obtained a policy of marine insurance upon one half the cargo of the schooner Merrill for a voyage “from Marblehead to any and all the Islands in the West Indies to Windward of St. Croix, St. Thomas, Havannah and Jamaica until the cargo is sold and delivered.” The Merrill was then 79 days out of Marblehead. The...
183232“A Lover of Britain”: Preface to Three Letters to William Shirley, [8 February 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in The London Chronicle , February 6–8, 1766. In the issue of Feb. 6–8, 1766, the London Chronicle printed three letters Franklin had written to Governor William Shirley of Massachusetts twelve years earlier, together with an introductory letter that Verner W. Crane has identified as being also written by Franklin. His letters to Shirley, Dec. 3, 4, 22, 1754, have been printed earlier...
183233From Benjamin Franklin to [William Robertson], 20 December 1766 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society The young Gentlemen who will have the Honour of presenting you this Letter are Mr. Potts and Mr. Rush, drawn to Edinburgh by the Fame your Medical School has so justly acquired; intending there to accomplishing them selves there in the Study of Physic. They are recommended to me in the fullest and strongest Manner, by a Number of my Acquaintance in...
183234Madison’s First Public Crisis: Olmstead v. the Executrices of the Late David Rittenhouse, 6 April–6 May 1809 (Editorial … (Madison Papers)
What began as a contested capture-at-sea prize action during the Revolution had grown by 1809 into a much-publicized test of state will and federal authority. Republicans anxious to demonstrate that the federal government in their hands would respect the rights of states found the case embarrassing; Federalist newspapers gleefully pounced upon it as an example of their opponents’ hypocrisy....
183235To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 27 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I presume to take the liberty of writing you a letter on a subject, which has and does at the present bear great weight on my mind, That is the treatment of the Soldiers of the 8th. Regt U S Infy., Since Major Daniel Appling has taken the command, delivered from Col. P Jack—Sometime about the first of last august, Major Appling to my certain knowledge has whiped soldiers since he has had the...
183236Bill for Purchase of Butter, [by 22 April 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
Gross — Tare — Nett 16 8 8 l bs @ 1/6. MS ( ViU: TJP-RFP ); written in an unidentified hand on a small scrap; undated; endorsed by TJ: “ Walker sent 2.D. by Gill Apr. 22. 19.”
183237Address to the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, 12 May 1818 (Editorial Note) (Madison Papers)
At the 12 May 1818 meeting of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle, “the President took the chair, and delivered an address upon the nature and principles of the objects which the Society have in view, pointing out at the same time many prevailing errors in the present general system of Agriculture” (Rodney H. True, ed., “Minute Book of the Albemarle [Virginia] Agricultural Society,” printed...
183238Negotiating a Trade Agreement Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
Jay had included an article calling for commercial reciprocity as described in the model treaty plan of 1776 in his first draft of the preliminary peace treaty between Britain and the United States. The British cabinet, however, had rejected it immediately on grounds that Parliament would have to modify the navigation acts before the article could be accepted. Nevertheless, the cabinet offered...
183239Editorial Note (Adams Papers)
This action was the climax of a series of clashes between James Steel of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Asa Porter, a merchant and trader from the upper Connecticut Valley Coös region of New Hampshire. In September 1767 Steel had sold Porter and his partner Andrew Savage Crocker a consignment of 1600 barrel hoops. After Porter accepted settlement against him in another matter, Steel sued out a...
183240Queries on Pearl River Settlements, 15 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Queries. 1. What are the settlements of citizens on the East side of Pearl River? stating their geographical position, extent & numbers. 2. are there good lands adjoining them to render them capable of enlargement 3. have they encroached on the Indians? 4. are the settlements in a course of enlargement by persons settling down on lands without title? 5. the general character of the inhabitants...
183241Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
Following the meeting of the commissioners for the University of Virginia at Rockfish Gap , Jefferson traveled to Staunton and spent two nights at the home of his fellow commissioner Archibald Stuart . On 6 Aug. 1818 he began the nearly sixty-mile journey to Warm Springs on horseback, arriving there a day later and departing on 27 Aug. 1818. Although this was his first and only visit to Warm...
183242The American Commissioners to John Lamb, [ca. 11–19 September 1786] (Adams Papers)
We have received your two Letters, of the 15 & 18. July from Alicant and are sorry to learn that your indisposition discourages you from travelling by Land or sea We still think it most adviseable, both for your own interest & that of the United states, that you should return to Congress, for their further Instructions, as soon as possible, & we again propose to you, to embark from spain, by...
183243Editorial Note: Death of Franklin (Jefferson Papers)
News of the death of Benjamin Franklin arrived in New York City on 22 April 1790. That same day James Madison arose in the House of Representatives, voiced a brief, moving tribute, and proposed that the members wear badges of mourning for a month. This, he said, should be done in respect for “a citizen whose native genius was not more an ornament to human nature, than his various exertions of...
183244To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Alexander Dick, 28 October 1766 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Letter of the 11th. gave me and all my Family the greatest pleasure it being so long since we heard from your self of your and your familys wellfare and particularly your Son the Governor. I return you and your Son my most hearty thanks for the very great friendship you have shown to me and my friend Mr. Swinton in taking so much effectual pains to be...
183245To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 2 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
I do not mean to dictate but only as a friend to your Administration and as one of the family of the Union to communicate my sentiments in a few particulars as briefly as I can conveniently. I have suggested to you a mode of raising an hundred thousand troops or militia by classing the Citizens of the United States in such a manner as that the amount of the State tax each class annually pays...
183246Circular to Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 4 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
On an examination of the quantity of powder in the hands of the public we find that the whole together with what we are to expect from the French fleet will not be more than one third of the quantity required for a decisive operation, and that unless we can derive very extensive aids from the respective States this deficiency alone must subvert our plans. I am therefore to request The...
183247Enclosure A: [Estimate of Allowances and Expenses], [21 January 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
An Estimate of the Allowances & Expenses for the collection of the revenues arising from Licences to retail foreign distilled Spirits & wines; & from sales at auction; commencing on the first day of September 1794. I. Commissions allowed to the Supervisors of the revenue, on licences to retail foreign distilled spirits & wines, estimated by the Committee of the House of Representatives at...
183248Introductory Note: To John F. Mercer, 26 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
This letter marks the beginning of a protracted dispute between Mercer and Hamilton. In 1792 Mercer was a candidate for reelection to the House of Representatives from Maryland’s Second District. He was opposed by John Thomas of Susquehanna. During the campaign Mercer made a series of speeches in which he criticized Hamilton’s administration of financial affairs. Mercer contended that the...
183249Retreat from Public Life: Editorial Note (Jay Papers)
In May 1801, John Jay stepped down from his office as governor. This occasion marked not only the end of six years in office as the state’s chief executive, but also nearly three decades of public service on behalf of both New York and the young United States. As early as September 1783, after successfully completing his duties as American peace commissioner in Paris, Jay expressed a longing...
183250From Benjamin Franklin to Baynton, Wharton & Morgan, [8 June 1766] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: reprinted from Clarence W. Alvord and Clarence E. Carter, eds., The New Régime 1765–1766 , in Collections of the Illinois Historical Library, xi (Springfield, Ill., 1916), 366. I approve much of the Preposal of a strong Colony at the Illinois. It is well listned to here; But all affairs, except what immediately relate to Great Britain are laid aside, until the Season of Publick...