7551From George Washington to Elisha Sheldon, 8 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Recet of your letter of the 6 of this Mo—The matter rispecting the Servants of the Officers of Cavalry shall be Represented to the Secretary at War and until his directions are taken the Pay Master shall be ordered to Pay Subsistence to the number of Servants allowed by the Order of Jany last. Lt Colonel Jameson has the leave you Request. I am Sir. DLC : Papers of...
7552To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 17 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Two Gentlemen, one from General Varnum and the other from the Fleet with Dispatches for your Excellency having this Moment arrived, we took the Liberty to open them—from their Contents I fear that our Journey will be to no great Purpose, but it is the general Sentiment that we proceed; and we shall endeavour to take such Measures as may be most conducive to the public Good, and return as soon...
7553From James Madison to Henry Clay, 30 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dallas seems to have made up his mind to retire early in October from the Department in his hands; and the event may draw after it a vacancy in the War Department. Will you permit me to avail our Country of your services in the latter? It will be convenient to know your determination, as soon as you have formed it; and it will be particularly gratifying, if it assent to my request. Accept...
7554From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 2 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The news of your recovery, has given your friends a great deal of Joy. we had little hopes of seeing you again from some late accts of your health. I have given Captn Wadsworth a draft on the Treasury for 120,000 Dollars agreeable to your request, although the State of our Cash is by no means able to bear such a pull upon it. besides this, Mr Avery on the 20th Instt got a Warrt for 20, M...
7555To James Madison from Richard Brent, 24 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1809, Fauquier Court House. The Virginia senator recommends Alexander Scott for the vacant assistant judgeship of the District of Columbia circuit court. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 2 pp. Brent wrote a second letter on Scott’s behalf on 11 Sept. 1809 (ibid.).
7556From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 June 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been informed by the Secretary of War that all the articles for Arming clothing and equipping of your Regiment will be delivered to your order or that of your Pay & Quartermaster at your Regimental Rendezvous by Jonathan Jackson Esquire of Boston and Mr. Joseph Williams of Springfield six hundred and eighty stand of Arms and as many Gun worms to be furnished by the latter Gentleman and...
7557To Alexander Hamilton from James Waters, 6 December 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to inform you, that I shipt several Cargoes, the produce of this state to Cape François there to be sold for my Account, in Augt & Septr last with positive orders, not to sell to Govt, that the French Consul had published he would not pay any Bills drawn on him by the Govt of St Domingo. Notwithstanding my positive Orders, not to sell any property to Government they were compelled to...
7558To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Topics which have occurred to the Secretary of War as proper to be noticed at the opening of the ensuing session of Congress. 1. The treaty of peace effected by General Wayne with the Indians northwest of the river Ohio. 2. The continuance of peace with the Cherokees. 3. The formal agreement entered into by Mr Seagrove and the Chiefs of the Creek Indians for putting an end to their...
7559From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 24 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 20th. and I now inclose you Capt Elwood’s reciept for both boxes. the servant who carried them to the vessel says that the light box was put into the cabin (this is the one you have recieved,) & the heavy one into the hold, where it has perhaps been overlooked & may be yet found. this contained the Louisiana minerals. I recieved by post the books you...
7560To Thomas Jefferson from Dangirard & De Vernon, [ca. 20 August 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jeffersonne peut il procurer a M.M. Dangirard et De Vernon une lettre de recommandation pour Mr. Barnister a qui çes M.M. écriroient alors sous les auspiçes de Monsieur L’ambassadeur. M. Barnister pourroit il se charger de la procuration de ces M.M. et Monsieur Jeffersonne veut il bien nous faire passer la note de ses noms de baptême qualité et demeure. La somme principale duë...
7561Continental Congress Motion on Vermont, 5 December 1782 (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas it appears to Congress by authentic documents that the people inhabiting the district of Country on the West-side of Connecticut River commonly called the New Hampshire Grants, and claiming to be an independent state, in contempt of the authority of Congress and in direct violation of their resolutions of the 24th. of September 1779 and of the 2d. of June 1780, did, in the month of...
7562To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 4 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to Inclose your Excellencey Copy of a Letter from Govr Livingston & beg your Excellenceys Direction —Should you think proper I will move the Troops on Return of the Express & will be preparing for a march untill he returns Should yr Excy think it not prudent to move there can no Inconvenience Arise from the preparations which may be made I have the Honor to be my Dear Genl...
7563From George Washington to Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st came to my hands on thursday afternoon. By the Post of next morning I was unable to answer it; and this is the first opportunity that has offered since by wch it cd be done. It would have been better, & given me more satisfaction, if you had made your Appeal to the Commissioners; to whom all matters respecting the Federal district and City are now committed; but as you...
7564To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 9 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place from our works on the Canal yesterday, having daily attended at the postroad from the 3rd of Novr. to the 5th. in hopes that I should have been able to procure a passage to Washington. But the stages were so crouded with the Members going to Congress that I could not get a seat, and on the 5th. both lines were preengaged for three days to come. It was then too late to...
7565To John Adams from David Hosack, 17 May 1821 (Adams Papers)
you did me the honour some time since after reading my memoir of Dr Hugh Williamson to write me a letter stating some particulars relative to the Hutchinson letters’ which were new to me and which are calculated to unfold some secrets of that affair that before were inexplicable, I mean relating to the agency of Mr Temple and Mr Hartley— I read that part of your letter to the new york...
7566From John Adams to John Marshall, 11 August 1800 (Adams Papers)
Mr Frederick Butler of Weathersfield in Connecticutt requests a Patent for the Invention of a Tin Cook Stove the description of which is inclosed. He incloses the money necessary by Law. I pray your particular Attention to carry this Business through the offices and to send him a Patent. With great regard MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
7567From George Washington to Major Peter Scull, 5 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I recieved your Favor of the 27th Ulto. I wish it had been on any other subject than that of your resignation, and am extremely sorry the situation of your Affairs should have made such an application necessary. I must request, Sir, if it can be done, that you will not entertain an idea of it. It is no time for Officers of merit in which class I consider you, to leave the Army....
7568From James Madison to Benjamin Austin and Others, 7 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. fw. Citizs. the address transmitted by you on the 23d. of Feby.; with the attention due to the occasion which gave rise to it, & to the view which it takes of past scenes & events. Whatever difference of opinion may have existed, among good Citizens, all will rejoice in the happy result of the Contest in which we have been engaged. If this has been attended with difficulties &...
7569From Thomas Jefferson to Caesar A. Rodney, 28 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 22d. finds me here. I have carefully perused the copy of the paper addressed to you from Wilmington in July 1801. signed by Messrs. Tilton and others and inclosed to me in your letter: and altho’ I really believe that you presented such an one to me while at Washington, yet I have had so many proofs of the little confidence I ought to place in my memory, surcharged with so...
7570To George Washington from Colonel Alexander McDougall, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was this moment honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 13th Instant; on the Subject of Cannon and shells. I should long ere now have forwarded the latter, agreeable to Colonel Knox’s memorandum, if I had not been interdicted by a former favor. you may rest assured that all Posible dispatch will be given to expedite the shells; but as the men of warr’s boats often Row gard to where the...
7571To James Madison from Henry Lee, 4 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Since your illness at Georgetown I have heard nothing of you, only that you had so far recovered as to proceed, until yesterday, when a gentleman from Alexandria told me that you had taken your seat in Congress. This information gave me pleasure, as it seemed to communicate your complete recovery, as well as because it assured me that you was executing your duty at a time which seems big with...
7572[Diary entry: 4 January 1760] (Washington Papers)
Friday Jany. 4th. The Weather continud Drisling and Warm, and I kept the House all day. Mrs. Washington seemg. to be very ill ⟨I⟩ wrote to Mr. Green this afternoon desiring his Company to visit her in the Morng. Rev. Charles Green (c.1710–1765) was the first permanent rector of Truro Parish, recommended to that post in 1736 by GW’s father. He also practiced medicine. “Ministers were frequently...
7573From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 5 April 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the receipt of your favors of Mar. 26. & Apr. 1. and to thank you for the speedy effect given to my draught in favor of mr Richardson. 4. hhds of my tobo. left this yesterday. there are still 9. to go. they will make between 19 & 20,000. I am not in the least alarmed with the late [decline here?] on the price of tobo. this is not an article which is up one day & down the...
7574Marc Antoine Jullien to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
j’ai reçu avec une vive satisfaction l’obligeante réponse que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire de Monticello , en date du 26 décembre dernier . je l’ai communiquée à mes honorables collègues, qui en ont pris lecture avec beaucoup d’intérêt, et qui se joignent à moi pour vous en remercier. Votre suffrage est un encouragement et une récompense pour nos difficiles travaux, que nous...
7575To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 28 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received the intelligence from below, of the arrival of a large fleet at the hook on wednesday last. It is said to contain near four thousand men and generally supposed to be the army under Lord Cornwallis. Should there be any foundation for the above, I have reason to expect every hour, a confirmation of it, by an officer whom I sent to Newark the day before yesterday for the...
7576To Thomas Jefferson from Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 9 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Woodward’s object in calling this morning was to introduce to the President the reverend Mr. Richard, a worthy and respectable clergyman, a native of France, and at present at the head of the Catholic religion in Michigan. As Mr. Richard was desirous of seeing our government’s mode of conducting public business with the Indians, it would have gratified him to have been admitted this...
7577From John Adams to Daniel Jackson, 1 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
Whenever you shall receive by the orders of the Gov. of this State the possession and command of castle Island you will observe the signals and salutes which have been heretofore used under the government of the State untill you shall receive instructions from the Secretary at War. I am Sir your most obedient MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
7578From Thomas Jefferson to Vergennes, 3 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
After begging leave to present my respects to your Excellency on my return to this place, I take the liberty of offering to your attention some papers which I found on my arrival here, written by sundry merchants of l’Orient, and others, some of whom are citizens of the United states, and all of them concerned in the trade between the two countries. This has been carried on by an exchange of...
7579Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long indeed since I have intended to answer your letter of April 17. , at first I wished to finish my Corn-fields according to your directions, and after that I wanted to hear the observations of my Neighbours—and I must say that every one with whom I have conversed acknowledge the improvment of making hilly ground equally advantagous as level fields. your letter came to me at the proper...
7580To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Simon-Benjamin Duvivier, 20 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Médaille dont Votre excellence m’a chargé est gravèe et je la regarde comme finie, je desirerois avant de faire tremper les coins avoir lhonneur de vous en montrer les Epreuves pour profiter de vos avis pendant quil en est encore temps. Pouriez vous me fixer un jour ou je pourois estre sur de vous rencontrer chez vous, ou bien en venant a Paris voudriez...
7581To Alexander Hamilton from Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1797 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 25th I was favoured with your letter of the 22d. The first measure of calling Congress together had been determined on by the President the preceding evening; and I had the draught of the proclamation inclosed, in my hand, to present to him, when I received your letter. Some other of the measures suggested had been contemplated; and all will receive attention from me & my colleagues. I...
7582From John Jay to Henry Lee, 11 July 1795 (Jay Papers)
Accept my cordial thanks for the friendly Congratulations expressed in your obliging Letter of the 30 of last month, which I rec d . Yesterday— It was obvious to me when I embarked on my late mission, that so many Circumstances combined to render pacific arrangements with Great Britain unwelcome to certain Politicians and their Partizans both here and elsewhere, that their approbation of any...
7583To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbé Morellet, [11? January 1787?] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. de Crevecoeur m’a dit hier que dans la lecture plus suivie que vous avez faite de notre traduction vous aves eté mécontent de quelques articles où je vous ai mal entendu et de l’insertion que j’ai faite dans votre texte des notes de Mr. Thomson et peut etre de quelques autres points. Je vous prie de m’envoyer les corrections que vous croires necessaires. Je ferai faire des cartons . Quant...
7584Contract between the Secret Committee and Thomas Mumford for Supplying Gunpowder, 28 November 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Owner anonymous; transcript furnished by courtesy of Dr. Joseph E. Fields, Joliet, Ill. (1957) Less than a month after the creation of the secret committee Silas Deane, one of its members, wrote his friend Thomas Mumford to suggest that he come to Philadelphia to find out what profit could be made under the committee’s aegis. The letter seems to have crossed one from Mumford, who explained...
7585From George Washington to James Duane, 11–12 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the letter which you did me the honor to write—containing several subjects of consideration refered by Congress to the Committee of conference—and on which you desire my opinion. As I am not yet furnished with sufficient data relative to the first head—it will be necessary to defer touching it—until I can by means of the board of war inform myself more fully of the object of the...
7586To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your’s of the 6th —have ordered Major Throop with his Detachment to join their respective Corps; have also desired Major Bauman to give notice to General Knox previous to his trying the proposed experiments in Gunnery. Capt. Welles was some time since directed by your Excellency to take the command of the guard Boats with a company of light Infantry from the...
7587From George Washington to William Pearce, 3 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
I removed to this place On Wednesday last, in order to avoid the heat of the City of Philadelphia. It is probable I shall remain here until about the middle of September—but letters will come to me as regularly as if I had remained in the City. Your letter of the 27th Ulto, and the reports, I received yesterday as usual; & wish the rains we have been complaining of, may not be much wanted...
7588Notice of a Land Lottery, 8 April 1768 (Jefferson Papers)
For disposing of ( by way of Lottery ) the several valuable tracts of land that are below mentioned, belonging to the subscriber. Contents of the prizes. No. Val. £ Atract of 100 acres of land, 40 acres of which are good low grounds, on Roanoke river, in Mecklenburg county, with an established ferry belonging to it; and also 700 acres on Neuse river, North Carolina; about 200 acres thereof...
7589To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 22 September 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; extract: Public Record Office Yours of July 6. I received Thursday Night last, and the next Day I went down to Philadelphia, by Order from Mr. Foxcroft, so to do, assoon as the Packet came in, as he expected to receive a Draught of a Table of Rates from you; but by yours to him we are directed to make such Table here: There were a Number of Tables of Rates...
7590To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 27 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Theodore Mansfield of New York will do himself the honor to hand this Letter, he has been introduced to me as a very respectable Man by one of my Friends in that City—He is desirous of obtaining leave to send a Ship to Europe, under circumstances which he will explain himself—I beg permission, Sir, to present him to you— With very great Respect I have the honor to be Sir Your mo ob Servt...
7591To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 21 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I hope to be able to send to your Excellency’s Assistance One Regiment of continental Troops by the last of next Week. These will be Detachments from all the Regiments raisd in this State; I can send nearly this Number as soon as a Field Officer’s Command as that cannot march ’till the present Class are out from the Hospitals. Colo. Livingston informs me your Excellency’s Orders to him to make...
7592From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Monsieur Gerard did me the honor to deliver me your favour of the 26th—I shall always be obliged to you, my dear Sir, for a free communication of your sentiments on whatsoever subject may occur. The objects of your letter were important. Mr Gerard I dare say has made it unnecessary for me to recapitulate what passed between him and myself and has informed you of the alternative I proposed for...
7593From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 23 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
With some difficulty (from the most infamous roads that ever were seen) we have got to this place, and are waiting dinner; but have no expectation of reaching Baltimore to Night. Dunn has given such proofs of his want of skill in driving, that I find myself under a necessity of looking out for another Coachman. Before we got to Elizabeth Town we were obliged to take him from the Coach & put...
7594James W. Wallace to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since passing by Elk Run Church , a Gentleman presented me with a very large tooth, several having been found together about four feet below the Surface of the Earth . You will at once see how widely it differs from the tooth of the mammoth, by the impressions which it makes on the enclosed papers. the post master thinks it cannot be sent by the mail, or I would enclose it to you....
7595To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 15h Instant was delivered me about three this Morning. You will, before this, have received my Letter inclosing the Resolutions of the Council of General Officers held at Tyonderoga on the 5th Instant, containing the Reasons for the Evacuation of Tyonderoga: you will see how much I was mistaken as to the Numbers, and by recuring to the D. Muster Master General’s...
7596Monday January 1st. 1787. (Adams Papers)
I received, two letters, and a couple of Packets of newspapers, from Europe, they were the more acceptable, as it is almost three months, since I have had any direct news from thence, before. After playing a few tunes to the young Ladies, In the evening, I went with Bridge, and paid a visit to Mr. Hilliard; a sensible man although his Sermons are rather cold. AA2 to JQA , 1 Sept.–12 Oct. 1786...
7597From Benjamin Franklin to Ernst Frederik von Walterstorff, 2 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of AL : Library of Congress On August 30 the three ministers newly commissioned by Congress to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with foreign powers held their first formal meeting at Franklin’s residence in Passy. Thomas Jefferson, recently arrived from America, was by that time settled in Paris. John Adams, now joined by his family, had rented a mansion in Auteuil, just one...
7598From James Madison to Anthony Morris, 5 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
The decision of Adml. Warren shuts the door to the destination which my proposal to you had in view. I regret it the more, as the other Stations are provided for, and would besides be inelegible probably to yourself. Would a confidential service for a time at Cadiz, in an informal character be acceptable to you? The service is of an important nature, and implies a respectable though...
7599From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 25 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of the 19th and the return of the Pamphlet with a Copy. You revive me when you assure me, that the Original “Principles of the revolution are coming again into fashion: and that foreign feelings are opening giving Way to a national Character” As you are “Zealous to help on the latter,” I Should be happy, if I could, to help you. As doubts and questions are easily...
7600From James Madison to Jacob Morton, 1 July 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have but this moment recd. your letter of June 16. inclosing the invitation from the Committee of the Corporation of the City of N. York. The delay was occasioned by an error in the Mail which carried the letter to an office South of me. The last post mark is “Charlottesville June 29.” To this explanation permit me to add the expression of my personal esteem & respect Draft ( DLC ).