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28 May 1801
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826)
to Maria Eppes
Writes to his daughter about her health, his desire for Maria's presence in capital, and planning for her to visit. Waterstaining slightly obscures the text.
GLC03641
14 April 1813
Adams, Abigail (1744-1818)
to Catherine Smith
Writes to her granddaughter that parting with the children was "a weight upon my heart." Mourns the death of a sister, who was not able to say goodbye to her husband and children. Thanks Catherine for her letter and says she is longing to see her...
GLC03889
3 December 1807
to Henry Voigt
Commissions Voight to make him a gold watch for his granddaughter.
GLC03941
18 September 1787
Washington, George (1732-1799)
to Elizabeth M. Clymer
A one page note pasted in oblong direction on front pastedown of Barlow's Vision of Columbus. (The book is carried on inventory as GLC 4217.01.) Written as president of the Constitutional Convention. The Barlow book was printed in Hartford.
GLC04217
27 February 1798
to William A. Washington
Commisserates with his nephew, Colonel William A. Washington, on the death of his wife. Regrets he cannot find employment for Mr. Ashton, who had been recommended to him by his nephew, as he already has hired a clerk. Notes the grains he uses to make...
GLC04445
23 May 1785
to Burwell Bassett
Mentions that he would have enjoyed seeing him at Richmond if it had been possible. Remarks that an artist, Mr. Pine, was at Mount Vernon and had to wait for him to return to do his historical painting. Comments on the engagement of his nephew...
GLC04709
13 May 1806
Marshall, John (1755-1835)
[Certifying "true copy" a Thomas Jefferson letter to John Walker]
Marshall's endorsement certifies this "true copy from the original shown me by Mr. Walker which I believe to be in the hand writing of Mr. Jefferson." James Madison also certified the letter, but his certification is written in Marshall's hand. The...
GLC05506
1 January 1814
Wilson, John (1777-1848)
to Aaron Hobart
On the political matters of the day he describes Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, who later that year was appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, "as the Political index to guide us in the path to be pursued...
GLC06313.04.031
27 March 1791
to Tobias Lear
Writes about household affairs at Mount Vernon. Discusses the staff and forbids the steward from having wine. Asks him to keep the garden in order. Asks Lear to, "Furnish Mrs. Washington with what money she may want and from time to time ask her...
GLC06431
1808/12/29
to Dr. William Bentley re: thanks for botanical specimens and illustrations
President Jefferson, writing shortly after his last Christmas in the White House, acknowledges receipt of the gift of some botanical speciments and drawings from the pen of Miss Crownenshield. Bentley (1759-1819) was a Unitarian Minister in Salem...
GLC06675
1 November 1805
Madison, James (1751-1836)
to William Jarvis
Secretary of State Madison discusses wine, crops, Dolley's health, and problems with Europe. Jarvis was American consul at Lisbon.
GLC03330
8 June 1789
Washington, Martha (1731-1801)
to Frances B. Washington.
Account of Washington's inauguration. Martha gives details of her journey as well as the reception she received on the way to Philadelphia. Also included in the letter are accounts of articles of clothing purchased and procured and of children and...
GLC07908
September 1807 ca.
Adams, John (1735-1826)
To Benjamin Rush
Scathing assessment of Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, and Lafayette. "Washington had great advantages for obtaining Credence. He possessed a great Fortune, immense Lands, many Slaves, an excellent Consort, no Children."
GLC08023
1805/03/12
to Ann Welsh re: denying pension to widow of Revolutionary War officer
"Having fallen during the war, no right of half pay could arise in their case . . . A legislature must follow general rules, and never do for one person what they would not do for every other under the same circumstances . . . [commutation] has never...
GLC07172
1798/11/24
Henderson, Ann (fl. 1798)
Court deposition transcript of Cherokee land sale in Tenn. (signed with mark)
Transcript of court deposition, signed by Henderson with her mark. Docketed on address leaf.
GLC07311
4 November 1813
Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845)
to David Holmes
Informs Mississippi Territory's Governor Holmes that on 2 November 1813, General John Coffee attacked the Creek Indians at Tallaseehatchee in upper Alabama, killing 186 warriors and taking 86 women and children prisoners. Concludes: "If I had...
GLC07371
1800
The Last Will & Testament of.... George Washington
Printed by Isaiah Thomas. Uncut.
GLC07425
22 September 1799
to Samuel Washington re: death of brother Charles, Samuel's father
"By this event, you have become the guardian of your mother; and... the father, of your father's family; and by care, industry & sobriety will endeavor I hope to merit the appellation of one."
GLC07530
1814/11/12
Morris, Phebe (fl. 1814)
to Anthony Morris re: War of 1812
Terms offered by nation Britain have "contributed more than any circumstance whatever to unite all parties in the resolution of repelling unitedly, the enemy;" burning of the White House: "It would have shocked you my dear papa to have heard how many...
GLC07721
29 April 1793
to Robert Lewis
Gives to his nephew "The Land which was given to me by my Mother, or as Heir at law I am entitled I do," as a present. Describes the tract in Virginia. Also asks if "Major Harrison went to Mount Vernon as you expected" and about Harrison's...
GLC08930
22 June 1789
Freeman, J. (fl. 1789)
to George Thatcher
To George Thatcher, Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, re news from House of Representatives in Boston, titles being discussed for George Washington: "Brother Davis … followed my advice in appearing very modest the first session...
GLC09374
1786 circa
Macaulay, Catharine (1731-1791)
to Jonathan Clarke
Presents her compliments to Mr. Clarke, thanks him for the polite note, and wishes him a good voyage and the best health. Asks Clarke to give her compliments to Mr. Adams. Envelope is addressed to Mr. Clarke, No. 55 St. Paul's Church Yard....
GLC01450.032.02
8 September 1787
to Mrs. Elizabeth Powel
Thanks her for a reflecting lamp that was apparently a new and unusual European import. Comments, "The benefits which will flow from the general use of such Lamps, are too apparent for the light of them to be long hid from the American World."
GLC01646
6 January 1790
to Mary Katherine Goddard
Washington responds to a previous letter from Goddard, who requested his intervention in her replacement as postmaster of Baltimore, Maryland. Replies that "the Resolutions and Ordinances establishing the Post-Office under the former Congress, and...
GLC01747
5 March 1814
Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814)
to James Madison
Responds to a letter from Madison in which he told Gerry that Parliament had abolished the Courts of Session in Middlesex. Gerry considers the news "laughable." In a long note after his signature he comments on the popularity of a certain Mrs...
GLC01814
29 November 1814
to Richard Rush
Addressed to Rush as Attorney General in Washington, D.C. Encloses a letter received from her son, John Quincy Adams, to the President, James Madison, and states that he may read the political parts to the President if he desires. States that the...
GLC02291
18 September 1808
Randolph, John (1783-1833)
to Frances Bland Coalter
Written by Randolph as a Virginia Congressman to his sister. Writes after learning she has been ill and hopes to visit the warm springs at which she is recuperating. Says he would have been home sooner but an unexpected demand for money left him...
GLC00496.212
29 September 1794
to Fanny Bassett Washington
Discusses Fanny's children's health and schooling, and a possible suitor named Tobias Lear, who was Washington's secretary. In regard to the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania, she notes that "The insurgents in the back country has carr[i]ed...
GLC01055
1796/07/22
to Harriot Washington Parks, his niece, re: congratulations on her marriage
Written as President, offering his congratulations and suggestions for "a prudent deportment" towards her husband, including "the accomodation of your views to his circumstances." Also advocating frugality, he adds "always keep the old adage in...
GLC02793.005
1795/01/28
Lear, Tobias (1762-1816)
to Mary S. Lear [Tobias' mother] re: family matters
Lear apologizes for not writing his mother, complaining that, due to extensive business duties, "I find myself so closely and unremittingly engaged that I begin to feel the effects of it on my health--[.]" Includes lengthy riscussion of Lear's...
GLC02794.037
1796/11/16
to Tobias Lear re: misplaced Bank shares, Washington Custis' dislike of school
Written while serving as President. Apologizes for misplacing Bank of Columbia certificates, which he has found. Mentions business of Mr. [William?] Dandridge, and Washington Custis' difficulties adjusting to Princeton College. "Maria" is Anna...
GLC02794.042
1800/07/24
to David Humphreys re: thanks for condolences, Washington family news
Written on behalf of Martha Washington: "she has a grateful heart for these tributes of respect & veneration paid to the memory of her dear deceased husband." Also gives news of the Washington family, especially marriages of George Washington's...
GLC02794.043
1800/11/11
Washington, Martha
to Mrs. Mary S. Lear re: Tobias Lear's health and illnesses in family and slaves
Mary Lear was Tobias Lear's mother. Contains much news of the Mount Vernon estate. "[A]ll my family whites, and Blacks, have been very sick, many of them very ill. -- Thank god they have all recovered again and I was so fortunate as not loose [sic]...
GLC02794.044
25 June 1783
Knox, William (1756-1795)
to Henry Knox
Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Mentions he wrote a letter from Bristol, England about two weeks previous. Says he consigned 108 pounds worth of jewelry to Sears and Smith, to be delivered to his order. Says another...
GLC02437.02181
24 March 1785
Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
to George Washington
Requests a certificate from Washington for Winthrop Sargent, who Knox describes as "really clever and... an excellent artillery officer." Promises to procure limestone when the weather improves. Discusses Washington's refusal of a gift from the...
GLC02437.03118
29 March 1785
Knox introduces Catharine Macaulay Graham and her husband, James Graham, to Washington. Writes, "a glorious enthusiasm for the cause of general liberty and human happiness, has impelled this lady and her husband, to cross the atlantic to visit that...
GLC02437.03122
8 August 1785
Winslow, Isaac (1763-1806)
Isaac Winslow, a relation of Knox's through his wife, Lucy, discusses a variety of business propositions with Knox. Mentions that he wishes he could have had time to visit with Knox. Describes ways to get the Court to accept a resolve. Discusses...
GLC02437.03173
14 March 1787
Hancock, John (1737-1793)
Thanks Knox for his sympathetic letter concerning the death of his son, John George Washington Hancock, who was only nine years old. Discusses his pursuit of health and states traveling was recommended to him during this trying time, "Journeying is...
GLC02437.03491
circa 27 April 1787
Informs Knox that George Washington will not be able to attend the Society of the Cincinnati general meeting "in consequence of an account which he received by express that his Mother & only Sister lay dangerously ill, & that he was obliged to make...
GLC02437.03536
17 February 1788
Swan, James (1754-1830)
Relates the details of his passage to France. Had planned to avoid conversing with people from Boston, but ran into people he knew aboard ship. Received introductions from French nobility during his passage. Asks for news related to the United...
GLC02437.03801
20 April 1788
Wadsworth, Jeremiah (1743-1804)
Discusses a financial matter involving warrants and a sheriff, of whom Wadsworth writes, "I find the sherif will fight hard and tho no body justifies him-" Notes that the sheriff received ill treatment in the office of Mr. Milligan. Plans to travel...
GLC02437.03851
11 May 1788
to Catharine Littlefield Greene
Knox writes to Greene, widow of Nathanael Greene. Discusses arrangements made for her son, George Washington Greene, to sail to France by packet. Notes that Mr [Joel] Barlow will attend to George on the packet and will place him under the care of...
GLC02437.03870
May 1788
Discusses the recruitment of troops. Writes, "I have farther investigated the Bermuda business I am persuaded there will be a Garrison [there] of one or two thousand men..." referring to British soldiers. Refers to the possible adoption of the...
GLC02437.03881
16 June 1788
Greene, Catharine Littlefield (1755-1814)
Contemporary copy of GLC02437.03898. Expresses gratitude for recent arrangements Knox made for her son George Washington Greene to travel to France for his education. Writes, "…your goodness particularly to my little boy has filled me with the...
GLC02437.03897
15 June 1788
Original from which GLC02437.03897 was copied. Expresses gratitude for recent arrangements Knox made for her son George Washington Greene to travel to France for his education. Writes, "…your goodness particularly to my little boy has filled me...
GLC02437.03898
1 September 1788
Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824)
In dramatic terms, expresses how much she misses Henry and speculates on the hopelessness of life if one of them should die before the other. Writes, "I have just finished a pretty long letter to our charming daughter [Lucy], hers to me are the most...
GLC02437.03979
16 November 1788
Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop...
GLC02437.04030
3 January 1789
to Marquis de Lafayette
Has only received a short note from Lafayette (on recommendations for the Society of the Cincinnati), since last June. Believes it is due to the suspension of packets between France and America, as Count de Moustier, the French minister to America...
GLC02437.04071
to George Washington Greene
Declares that the only news he has heard of Greene, the son of General Nathanael Greene, is from the son of Mr. [J. Hector] St. John de Crevecoeur, who is at school with Greene. Encourages him to study diligently, and reminds him of his father...
GLC02437.04072
18 June 1789
Warren, Mercy Otis (1728-1814)
Would like to recommend Major Henry Warren (likely her son) for the position of Collector of Customs for Plymouth and Duxborough, and mentions that he had worked with General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes Knox might be able to use his influence with...
GLC02437.04245
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