5701To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
After a very long silence, I am at length able to write to you. An unlucky dislocation of my right wrist has disabled me from using my pen for three months. I now begin to use it a little, but with great pain; so that this letter must be taken up at such intervals as the state of my hand will permit, & will probably be the work of some days. Tho’ the joint seems to be well set, the swelling...
5702From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 14 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of Aug. 20 . I inclosed you the 1st. of John Wilcocks’ bill on Messrs. Edwd. Mc.Culloch and Co. of London for £1077–11–9 sterl. (cost here 5000. Dollars) payable to yourself at 60. days sight to be applied to the use of our diplomatic gentlemen abroad. In my letter of the 11th. inst. I inclosed the 2d. and now the 3d. of the same bill. I have also engaged the bank of the US. to...
5703To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; transcript: National Archives Congress a few days since passed the enclosed Resolution No. 1. by which they have added Mr Jefferson to the Commission for concluding a peace; the established character of this Gentleman gives me reason to hope, that his appointment will be very acceptable to you, and the other Gentlemen in the Commission, I have...
5704From Thomas Jefferson to John Perry, 15 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am willing you should go on with the roof of the S.E. offices doing it as you propose to the far end of the Smoke house compleatly first. then, while you are about the residue, the families in it can live in the Wash house & kitchen, till their own apartments are done again. the ridges of that roof must be shingled, as the planks with which they were done in the other wing trough, split, &...
5705From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 14 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a good while ago on the subject of the quilling of the harpsichord and you were so kind as to answer me with an account and model of your cork tongue, instead of quill. My object was a pettifogging one: but I pursue it. I have at home a well toned Spinette; the jacks of which have strayed away, in a good degree, since it was in use. It is the only instrument there at present, and...
5706John Patterson to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Ambassedors of the United-States of America, of which I am a Subject, I make bold to address my-self to you, on the present occassion, I arrivd. at Bordoux the 18th Septr. last from Baltimore with my Brig the General Lee’ with a cargo of Tobacco, consignd. to Messrs. Tessier George & Co. of that place, where unfortunately two of my Men run away which...
5707To Thomas Jefferson from Sir John Sinclair, 18 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of sending you some papers, which, I hope will give you pleasure. I wish we had a statistical survey of America, similar to the one I am now carrying on in Scotland, were it even to begin with the ensuing Century. If you retranslate the Prospectus into English and print it, a spirit to that effect may be roused. I depend upon you for my American information as to sheep. I...
5708Thomas Jefferson to Charles Clay, 25 April 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the 10. first volumes and will be glad of the next 10. I found several sheets of the 7 th missing, but several some of them were stuck into other volumes which I restored to their proper place in the 7 th but I have not examined it since to see if it is now perfect. Asparagus acceptable as usual. shall I not see you again? I shall be returning about the middle of the ensuing week....
5709From James Madison to John Gavino, 11 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 May 1802, Department of State, Washington. “Your several Letters up to No. 33, of the 18. March, have been received. The accounts and vouchers which are enclosed in that, are sent to the Treasury Department to be adjusted. I request you to forward the enclosed Letters for Messrs OBrien and Eaton, by the first safe opportunities that offer from Gibraltar.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC ,...
5710To Alexander Hamilton from Tench Coxe, 4 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, Revenue Office, June 4, 1794. States that “the business of live Oak and cedar is in a state of maturity for decision.” LC , RG 75, Letters of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the Revenue, Relating to the Procurement of Military, Naval, and Indian Supplies, National Archives. Coxe was negotiating for the procurement of live oak and cedar timber to be used in the construction of...
5711To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, with Enclosure, 9 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I wrote you last from Copenhagen, the 8th of April, I have been very much hurried; but my greatest difficulty has not been want of time, but want of a private opportunity to write to you. Mr. Littlepage is now on the point of leaving the army of the Prince Maréchal de Potemkin, and talks of being at Paris in the month of October. I avail myself, therefore, of the opportunity he offers,...
5712Thomas Jefferson to Simon Bernard, 8 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your letter of Feb. 21. covering one from my friend the General la Fayette . I sincerely congratulate you on your arrival in this land of peace and safety, and still more I congratulate my country on the acquisition of your talents, which, directing our preparations for war, are most likely to continue it a land of peace and safety. I wish that in any circumstances of your...
5713To George Washington from Lieutenant Henry Willis, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the last Expresses from Captain Lawrence who commands a company of State Troops now stationed [at] a Place called the Sloat 20 Miles below Kings Ferry I am inform’d the Enemies Shipping have all retired down to Fort Washington—they landed a Party of Refugees and Negroes at Cloaster Dock four Miles below the Sloat on Saturday Afternoon and burnt 6 or 7 Houses, and did other Mischief to the...
5714To John Adams from Munroe & French, 31 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
Owing to an unusual press of matter for the two last papers we have been compelled to postpone the publication of the Correspondence. In the mean time we have unfortunately mislaid part of a page of manuscript. We have enclosed the last paragraph of that published, together with the first Succeeding sheet & desire you to take the pains to supply the deficiency. This frank avowal of our...
5715Edward Everett to James Madison, 22 April 1830 (Madison Papers)
I had the great gratification of receiving Yesterday Your favor of the 17th addressed to myself with a copy of a portion of another letter containing Your views of the nullifying doctrine. I feel much indebted to You for this communication wh I deem of an importance not usually attaching to the expression of the opinions of any man. I shall perhaps ask permission to propose one or two...
5716From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 8 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I this day received the inclosed letter from Mr. Blackburn, appointed by the last assembly to be of the council of state, but declining to act in that office. Incertain whether he may have given the same information to the general assembly immediately, or may have relied on my doing it, I do myself the honour of inclosing it to you and am with the greatest esteem & respect Sir Your most...
5717George Washington to Patrick Dennis, 30 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1780 . Asks Dennis to come to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Dennis was a pilot.
5718To George Washington from Edward Lynch, 20 September 1796 (Washington Papers)
Having seen a Publication in the Baltimore newspaper of your intended resignation of being President of the United states I observed it with great regret and so did many others that you shold resign being the chief Majistrate of our Country. My Father who fought with others under you feel very unhappy on the occasion in the late happy Revolution in support of the Liberty of our country. The...
5719From George Washington to John Hanson, 23 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the proceedings of the General Court Martial upon Major General Howe. In apology for their being sent in so rude a state, I beg leave to observe that it would take some days to make a fair Copy, which would add so much to the detention of the Officers who composed the Court, several of whom have remained in Town at a very considerable expense and much...
5720To George Washington from Thomson Francis Mason, 17 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty of addressing You in favour of the Bearer Mr Lawrence Washington, second Son of that very worthy Man Mr Lawrence Washington of Chetanque; the young Gentleman has been unluckily engaged in a Duel, (if self Defence from the most injurious, and unprovoked Treatment can be called so,) with Mr Philip Alexander, Son of John Alexander of the same Place, in which Mr Alexander...
5721Bartholomew Dandridge to Robert Lewis, 8 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
Being in Richmond last week Mr P. Lyons jur, who does business for John Hopkins, Esqr. put into my hands for the President U:S. some public paper which had been funded by you some considerable time ago. He has requested of the Prest a rect which was given you at the time, for the Certificates; & the President, supposing it must be in your possession, directs me to desire you will forward it to...
5722From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 15 January 1797 (Madison Papers)
The last post brought me your favor of Jany. 2d. It will be well for you to send on your list of articles wanted as soon as possible. I hope Kyser will not disappoint us in the Clover Seed; and that other chances at Fredg. & elsewhere will be watched: As I shall get some at all events even here, I wish a Box to be made as soon as can be done. It will be the more necessary the more scanty the...
5723To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 29 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s Despatches of the 26. Instant, which will be laid before Congress in the Morning. We had before received Intelligence from General Greene, that Genl Arnold was gone over to the Enemy. Immediately Orders were given to search, & seize his Papers & Effects to be found here, which was speedily executed, but I am not yet advised of what particular Discoveries...
5724From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to recommend to your attention the case of Messrs Francis and Charles Bradbury, explained in the enclosed document, in order that you may aid them in regaining the proceeds of the sales of their property at Buenos Ayres, if the suggestion of their having passed into the hands of the British, at the capture of the place should prove to be well founded. I have the honor &c. DNA...
5725To George Washington from John Stanwix, 24 January 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Stanwix, 24 Jan. 1758. On 4 March 1758 GW wrote to Stanwix : “Your favours of the . . . 24th Ulto . . . was this day delivered me.”
5726To James Madison from James Maury, 10 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 November 1802, Liverpool. Since writing his dispatch of 28 Sept. he has received JM’s of 26 Aug. and will conform to its instructions. “I am truly concerned to have occasion again to submit to you the propriety of making known to our ship owners & Merchants the necessity of having such of their vessels as be destined for this Country navigated by a Master & three fourths of the Crew...
5727To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am got thus far on my Journey, much fatigued by the Vehicle in which we travelled; We set off from Paris at 12 the Night I left you, & have been, ’till an hour ago, on the Road to this Place. No stopping for Sleep, & no means of taking any in so Rough a Machine. It is the first, & I hope will be the last time, I shall ever climb into such a Thing. I made,...
5728To James Madison from Josiah Meigs, 2 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose with this a letter from William Morrison of Kaskaskia, requesting a lease of the Lead Mines of the United States lying East of the Mississippi, and between Rock river and the Ouisconsin—and at Prairie de Chien. Those Mines are of great value, and, from the best information I have been able to obtain, are of great extent. Mr. Morrison is a man of large property, and...
5729To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 8 November 1805, New Orleans. “I enclose you a copy of the answer which the House of Representatives have returned to my address, You will perceive that it is respectful and friendly. I am happy to find that nothing of party spirit has yet been manifested, and I indulge a hope that the Members generally will pursue a conduct which will be approved. “Believing...
5730To George Washington from Richard Peters, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
We have the Honour to transmitt a Copy of a Memorial relative to the Promotions in the Pennsilvania Regiment of Artillery & previous to our making a Report to Congress we beg the Favour of your Excellency’s Opinion thereupon. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your very obed. Servants DLC : Papers of George Washington. The Honorable the Congress of the United States...
5731From Thomas Jefferson to Villedeuil, 10 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency with the following case, which I understand to be within your department. Mr. Jay, Secretary for foreign affairs to the United states of America, having occasion to send me dispatches of great importance, and by a courier express, confided them to a Mr. Nesbit who offered himself in that character. He has delivered them safely: but, in the moment...
5732To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 28 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; three copies: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Article XIII of the proposed commercial treaty that Franklin had brought with him prohibited French export duties on West Indian molasses coming into the United States. This provision had raised uncertainties at the start, and the commissioners had been empowered to waive it if need...
5733To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Pinckney, 8 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you the 4 instant from this & enclosed the copy of the within But as it went by a circuitous route & may have miscarried I send you a duplicate thereof.—I mentioned we had given Mr. Madison an unanimous Vote here & are pleased with stand the Government are about to take as to the Belligerents I will thank you if any vessel or dispatches go to Mr Pinkney or the Consul to Send the...
5734Candidates for Army Appointments from Kentucky, [November–December 1798] (Hamilton Papers)
Subalterns 3 John Jamison Lt or Ensign Frankfort William Murray Lewis recommends in general terms Inquire Isaac E Gano Thomas Tunstall constitution & firmly attached to Govern Sobriety courage & Gentlemanlike behaviour Thomas Love Thomas Todd, John M Scott, Willis Lee, Daniel Wisiger, Otho Beatty, Robert Alexander 4
5735From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 12 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
On the twenty ninth day of December 1794 the following nominations for promotions were laid before the Senate. First Sub Legion Bernard Gaines Captain 30 June 1794 vice Kersey promoted. Bartholomew Shomberg ditto ditto vice Hartshorne killed John Wade ditto 1 July vice Peters promoted. Ross Bird ditto 6 July
5736From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
By means of the Spies employed by —— you may, I conceive, obtain very accurate Intelligence of the Incampments Piquets—&ca of the light Troops without Kings bridge & the strength of the Corps—and know whether it is practicable to beat up their quarters with a reasonable prospect of success. The distance, though disadvantageous in some respects, is favourable in others; for being thought to be...
5737Indenture with John Cowper, 17 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Gates County, N.C., 17 May 1791]. John Lewis as GW’s attorney conveys to John Cowper four tracts (approximately 1,093½ acres) of land at White Oaks Spring, Gates County, N.C., originally purchased by GW and Fielding Lewis from Marmaduke Norfleet on 26 April 1766. Signed and sealed by Lewis and witnessed by Dempsey Copeland, Riddick Hunter, Thomas Mann, and Arthur Jones. Typescript, NcU :...
5738To James Madison from Stephen Pleasonton, 18 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
There being a Mail only once a week to the Sulphur Springs whither Colo Monroe has gone, and his stay there being too short to admit of the establishment of a daily one, as I am informed by the Post Master Genl., I have thought it best to forward all letters, requiring consideration, directly to yourself. You can best judge whether any and which of the letters ought to be forwarded to Colo...
5739David Gelston to Thomas Jefferson, 17 October 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Being sensible of the interest You feel in all useful discoveries and improvements in our country,— I take the liberty of enclosing the amount of the tonnage of the Steam boats now in actual employment— RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “M r Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 24 Oct. 1811 and so recorded in SJL .
5740From John Adams to the President of Congress, No. 40, 10 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
Duplicate The Memoire of the Prince Gallitzin, Envoy Extraordinary of all the Russias to the States General, presented the third of this Month, is of too much Importance to the United States of America, and their Allies, to be omitted to be sent to Congress. It is of the following Tenor. High and Mighty Lords., “The Undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary of her Majesty the Empress of all the...
5741To George Washington from William Jackson, 18 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 11th instant, addressed to the Secretary at War—The Muster rolls for the month of October are received—and the several letters, brought by the Express, have been delivered. General Lincoln purposed waiting on the Commissioners as he passed through Trenton on his way to Head Quarters—his conversation with those...
5742[Diary entry: 28 January 1771] (Washington Papers)
28. Hard frost Wind Northwardly clear and Cold.
5743To George Washington from Colonel David Forman, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excelys favr of the 31st I recd the 1st Novr and The same Morning I recd an Answar from The Counsil of Safety to a Letter I had wrote to Govr Livingston Respecting The Conduct of Brgr Genl Newcomb—The Counsil of safety in their Letter to me enclosed one for Genl Newcomb which they assured me contain’d Their orders to him to make me returns of his Brigade and receive my orders—I...
5744From Tench Tilghman to John Pray, 19 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency recd yours of the 17th New York papers inclosed. If you can obtain a giving an account of the actual evacuation of town be pleased to send it immediately up, as it is of consequence to His Excellency to have that matter ascertained. Be pleased to send the inclosed to Major Smith. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
5745From James Madison to Samuel Bayard, 23 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Samuel Bayard. 23 March 1806, Department of State. “Your letter of the 20 January and the memorial of Mr. Slade inclosed in it having been considered, instructions have been forwarded to Mr. Lyman, the public Agent in London, to settle his bills upon the same footing individuals usually pay the bills of proctors.” RC ( NN ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). RC fragment. First...
5746Thomas Boylston Adams to Joseph Pitcairn, 9 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 6 th: curr t. is at hand. It is true, that I mistook the statement in your preceding, respecting the exchange, but now comprehend it better. I agree with you also in opinion as to the propriety of drawing now rather than at a future day. Money in Holland will probably find less opportunity of improvement than hitherto. As it respects myself however, security is all I want for...
5747Orders, 31 December 1755 (Washington Papers)
As there has issued Orders several times for every Officer to provide himself with a proper Regimental Dress (which dress is also particularly described:) Colonel Washington is a good deal surprized to find that some Officers are yet unprovided; and declares, that if they do not immediately procure them, or such thereof as can be had—it will be looked upon as disobedience of orders, and will...
5748To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
5749From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 22 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 15th. since that we are quieted by an entire confidence in the account from the Natchez that the Spaniards will immediately deliver up the posts. the conduct of our agents there was so waspish as to have induced a suspicion that, if war was to take place against France, we meant to drive Spain into it also, that our Southern states might have something to conquer and...
5750William G. Pendleton to Thomas Jefferson, 11 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I hand you, under cover, a copy of the patent to Peter Jefferson , for 400 acres of land in Albemarle , as requested by your letter under date June 7 , received on yesterday. The fee of 75 Cents for this copy & search will be received of M r Gibson . With sentiments of high respect and esteem, RC