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{"source_document": "", "creation_year": 1768, "culture": " English\n", "content": "Produced by John M. Krafft\nTHE ADVENTURES OF COL. DANIEL BOON\nCONTAINING A NARRATIVE OF THE WARS OF KENTUCKE\nFrom The Discovery and Settlement of Kentucke\nBy John Filson\nCuriosity is natural to the soul of man, and interesting objects have\na powerful influence on our affections. Let these influencing powers\nactuate, by the permission or disposal of Providence, from selfish or\nsocial views, yet in time the mysterious will of Heaven is unfolded,\nand we behold our conduct, from whatsoever motives excited, operating to\nanswer the important designs of heaven. Thus we behold Kentucke, lately\nan howling wilderness, the habitation of savages and wild beasts, become\na fruitful field; this region, so favourably distinguished by nature,\nnow become the habitation of civilization, at a period unparalleled in\nhistory, in the midst of a raging war, and under all the disadvantages\nof emigration to a country so remote from the inhabited parts of the\ncontinent. Here, where the hand of violence shed the blood of the\ninnocent; where the horrid yells of savages, and the groans of the\ndistressed, sounded in our ears, we now hear the praises and adoration\nof our Creator; where wretched wigwams stood, the miserable abodes\nof savages, we behold the foundations of cities laid, that, in all\nprobability, will rival the glory of the greatest upon earth. And we\nview Kentucke situated on the fertile banks of the great Ohio, rising\nfrom obscurity to shine with splendor, equal to any other of the stars\nof the American hemisphere.\nThe settling of this region well deserves a place in history. Most\nof the memorable events I have myself been exercised in; and, for the\nsatisfaction of the public, will briefly relate the circumstances of my\nadventures, and scenes of life, from my first movement to this country\nuntil this day.\nIt was on the first of May, in the year 1769, that I resigned my\ndomestic happiness for a time, and left my family and peaceable\nhabitation on the Yadkin River, in North-Carolina, to wander through the\nwilderness of America, in quest of the country of Kentucke, in company\nwith John Finley, John Stewart, Joseph Holden, James Monay, and William\nCool. We proceeded successfully, and after a long and fatiguing journey\nthrough a mountainous wilderness, in a westward direction, on the\nseventh day of June following, we found ourselves on Red-River, where\nJohn Finley had formerly been trading with the Indians, and, from the\ntop of an eminence, saw with pleasure the beautiful level of Kentucke.\nHere let me observe, that for some time we had experienced the most\nuncomfortable weather as a prelibation of our future sufferings. At this\nplace we encamped, and made a shelter to defend us from the inclement\nseason, and began to hunt and reconnoitre the country. We found every\nwhere abundance of wild beasts of all sorts, through this vast forest.\nThe buffaloes were more frequent than I have seen cattle in the\nsettlements, browzing on the leaves of the cane, or croping the herbage\non those extensive plains, fearless, because ignorant, of the violence\nof man. Sometimes we saw hundreds in a drove, and the numbers about the\nsalt springs were amazing. In this forest, the habitation of beasts of\nevery kind natural to America, we practised hunting with great success\nuntil the twenty-second day of December following.\nThis day John Stewart and I had a pleasing ramble, but fortune changed\nthe scene in the close of it. We had passed through a great forest on\nwhich stood myriads of trees, some gay with blossoms, others rich with\nfruits. Nature was here a series of wonders, and a fund of delight. Here\nshe displayed her ingenuity and industry in a variety of flowers\nand fruits, beautifully coloured, elegantly shaped, and charmingly\nflavoured; and we were diverted with innumerable animals presenting\nthemselves perpetually to our view.--In the decline of the day, near\nKentucke river, as we ascended the brow of a small hill, a number of\nIndians rushed out of a thick cane-brake upon us, and made us prisoners.\nThe time of our sorrow was now arrived, and the scene fully opened. The\nIndians plundered us of what we had, and kept us in confinement\nseven days, treating us with common savage usage. During this time\nwe discovered no uneasiness or desire to escape, which made them\nless suspicious of us; but in the dead of night, as we lay in a thick\ncane-brake by a large fire, when sleep had locked up their senses, my\nsituation not disposing me for rest, I touched my companion and gently\nawoke him. We improved this favourable opportunity, and departed,\nleaving them to take their rest, and speedily directed our course\ntowards our old camp, but found it plundered, and the company dispersed\nand gone home. About this time my brother, Squire Boon, with another\nadventurer, who came to explore the country shortly after us, was\nwandering through the forest, determined to find me, if possible, and\naccidentally found our camp.\nNotwithstanding the unfortunate circumstances of our company, and our\ndangerous situation, as surrounded with hostile savages, our meeting\nso fortunately in the wilderness made us reciprocally sensible of the\nutmost satisfaction. So much does friendship triumph over misfortune,\nthat sorrows and sufferings vanish at the meeting not only of real\nfriends, but of the most distant acquaintances, and substitutes\nhappiness in their room.\nSoon after this, my companion in captivity, John Stewart, was killed\nby the savages, and the man that came with my brother returned home by\nhimself. We were then in a dangerous, helpless situation, exposed daily\nto perils and death amongst savages and wild beasts, not a white man in\nthe country but ourselves.\nThus situated, many hundred miles from our families in the howling\nwilderness, I believe few would have equally enjoyed the happiness we\nexperienced. I often observed to my brother, You see now how little\nnature requires to be satisfied. Felicity, the companion of content,\nis rather found in our own breasts than in the enjoyment of external\nthings; And I firmly believe it requires but a little philosophy to\nmake a man happy in whatsoever state he is. This consists in a full\nresignation to the will of Providence; and a resigned soul finds\npleasure in a path strewed with briars and thorns.\nWe continued not in a state of indolence, but hunted every day, and\nprepared a little cottage to defend us from the Winter storms. We\nremained there undisturbed during the Winter; and on the first day of\nMay, 1770, my brother returned home to the settlement by himself, for\na new recruit of horses and ammunition, leaving me by myself, without\nbread, salt or sugar, without company of my fellow creatures, or even\na horse or dog. I confess I never before was under greater necessity of\nexercising philosophy and fortitude. A few days I passed uncomfortably.\nThe idea of a beloved wife and family, and their anxiety upon the\naccount of my absence and exposed situation, made sensible impressions\non my heart. A thousand dreadful apprehensions presented themselves\nto my view, and had undoubtedly disposed me to melancholy, if further\nindulged.\nOne day I undertook a tour through the country, and the diversity and\nbeauties of nature I met with in this charming season, expelled every\ngloomy and vexatious thought. Just at the close of day the gentle gales\nretired, and left the place to the disposal of a profound calm. Not\na breeze shook the most tremulous leaf. I had gained the summit of a\ncommanding ridge, and, looking round with astonishing delight, beheld\nthe ample plains, the beauteous tracts below. On the other hand, I\nsurveyed the famous river Ohio that rolled in silent dignity, marking\nthe western boundary of Kentucke with inconceivable grandeur. At a\nvast distance I beheld the mountains lift their venerable brows, and\npenetrate the clouds. All things were still. I kindled a fire near a\nfountain of sweet water, and feasted on the loin of a buck, which a few\nhours before I had killed. The sullen shades of night soon overspread\nthe whole hemisphere, and the earth seemed to gasp after the hovering\nmoisture. My roving excursion this day had fatigued my body, and\ndiverted my imagination. I laid me down to sleep, and I awoke not until\nthe sun had chased away the night. I continued this tour, and in a\nfew days explored a considerable part of the country, each day equally\npleased as the first. I returned again to my old camp, which was not\ndisturbed in my absence. I did not confine my lodging to it, but often\nreposed in thick cane-brakes, to avoid the savages, who, I believe,\noften visited my camp, but fortunately for me, in my absence. In this\nsituation I was constantly exposed to danger, and death. How unhappy\nsuch a situation for a man tormented with fear, which is vain if\nno danger comes, and if it does, only augments the pain. It was my\nhappiness to be destitute of this afflicting passion, with which I had\nthe greatest reason to be affected. The prowling wolves diverted my\nnocturnal hours with perpetual howlings; and the various species of\nanimals in this vast forest, in the daytime, were continually in my\nview.\nThus I was surrounded with plenty in the midst of want. I was happy\nin the midst of dangers and inconveniences. In such a diversity it was\nimpossible I should be disposed to melancholy. No populous city, with\nall the varieties of commerce and stately structures, could afford so\nmuch pleasure to my mind, as the beauties of nature I found here.\nThus, through an uninterrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, I spent the\ntime until the 27th day of July following, when my brother, to my great\nfelicity, met me, according to appointment, at our old camp. Shortly\nafter, we left this place, not thinking it safe to stay there longer,\nand proceeded to Cumberland river, reconnoitring that part of the\ncountry until March, 1771, and giving names to the different waters.\nSoon after, I returned home to my family with a determination to bring\nthem as soon as possible to live in Kentucke, which I esteemed a second\nparadise, at the risk of my life and fortune.\nI returned safe to my old habitation, and found my family in happy\ncircumstances. I sold my farm on the Yadkin, and what goods we could not\ncarry with us; and on the twenty-fifth day of September, 1773, bade a\nfarewel to our friends, and proceeded on our journey to Kentucke, in\ncompany with five families more, and forty men that joined us in Powel's\nValley, which is one hundred and fifty miles from the now settled parts\nof Kentucke. This promising beginning was soon overcast with a cloud of\nadversity; for upon the tenth day of October, the rear of our company\nwas attacked by a number of Indians, who killed six, and wounded one\nman. Of these my eldest son was one that fell in the action. Though\nwe defended ourselves, and repulsed the enemy, yet this unhappy affair\nscattered our cattle, brought us into extreme difficulty, and so\ndiscouraged the whole company, that we retreated forty miles, to the\nsettlement on Clench river. We had passed over two mountains, viz.\nPowel's and Walden's, and were approaching Cumberland mountain when this\nadverse fortune overtook us. These mountains are in the wilderness, as\nwe pass from the old settlements in Virginia to Kentucke, are ranged in\na S. west and N. east direction, are of a great length and breadth, and\nnot far distant from each other. Over these, nature hath formed passes,\nthat are less difficult than might be expected from a view of such huge\npiles. The aspect of these cliffs is so wild and horrid, that it is\nimpossible to behold them without terror. The spectator is apt to\nimagine that nature had formerly suffered some violent convulsion; and\nthat these are the dismembered remains of the dreadful shock; the ruins,\nnot of Persepolis or Palmyra, but of the world!\nI remained with my family on Clench until the sixth of June, 1774,\nwhen I and one Michael Stoner were solicited by Governor Dunmore, of\nVirginia, to go to the Falls of the Ohio, to conduct into the settlement\na number of surveyors that had been sent thither by him some months\nbefore; this country having about this time drawn the attention of many\nadventurers. We immediately complied with the Governor's request, and\nconducted in the surveyors, compleating a tour of eight hundred miles,\nthrough many difficulties, in sixty-two days.\nSoon after I returned home, I was ordered to take the command of three\ngarrisons during the campaign, which Governor Dunmore carried on against\nthe Shawanese Indians: After the conclusion of which, the Militia was\ndischarged from each garrrison, and I being relieved from my post,\nwas solicited by a number of North-Carolina gentlemen, that were about\npurchasing the lands lying on the S. side of Kentucke River, from the\nCherokee Indians, to attend their treaty at Wataga, in March, 1775, to\nnegotiate with them, and, mention the boundaries of the purchase. This\nI accepted, and at the request of the same gentlemen, undertook to\nmark out a road in the best passage from the settlement through the\nwilderness to Kentucke, with such assistance as I thought necessary to\nemploy for such an important undertaking.\nI soon began this work, having collected a number of enterprising men,\nwell armed. We proceeded with all possible expedition until we came\nwithin fifteen miles of where Boonsborough now stands, and where we were\nfired upon by a party of Indians that killed two, and wounded two of our\nnumber; yet, although surprised and taken at a disadvantage, we stood\nour ground. This was on the twentieth of March, 1775. Three days after,\nwe were fired upon again, and had two men killed, and three wounded.\nAfterwards we proceeded on to Kentucke river without opposition; and on\nthe first day of April began to erect the fort of Boonsborough at a salt\nlick, about sixty yards from the river, on the S. side.\nOn the fourth day, the Indians killed one of our men.--We were busily\nemployed in building this fort, until the fourteenth day of June\nfollowing, without any farther opposition from the Indians; and having\nfinished the works, I returned to my family, on Clench.\nIn a short time, I proceeded to remove my family from Clench to this\ngarrison; where we arrived safe without any other difficulties than\nsuch as are common to this passage, my wife and daughter being the first\nwhite women that ever stood on the banks of Kentucke river.\nOn the twenty-fourth day of December following we had one man killed,\nand one wounded, by the Indians, who seemed determined to persecute us\nfor erecting this fortification.\nOn the fourteenth day of July, 1776, two of Col. Calaway's daughters,\nand one of mine, were taken prisoners near the fort. I immediately\npursued the Indians, with only eight men, and on the sixteenth overtook\nthem, killed two of the party, and recovered the girls. The same day\non which this attempt was made, the Indians divided themselves into\ndifferent parties, and attacked several forts, which were shortly before\nthis time erected, doing a great deal of mischief. This was extremely\ndistressing to the new settlers. The innocent husbandman was shot down,\nwhile busy cultivating the soil for his family's supply. Most of\nthe cattle around the stations were destroyed. They continued their\nhostilities in this manner until the fifteenth of April, 1777, when\nthey attacked Boonsborough with a party of above one hundred in number,\nkilled one man, and wounded four--Their loss in this attack was not\ncertainly known to us.\nOn the fourth day of July following, a party of about two hundred\nIndians attacked Boonsborough, killed one man, and wounded two. They\nbesieged us forty-eight hours; during which time seven of them were\nkilled, and at last, finding themselves not likely to prevail, they\nraised the siege, and departed.\nThe Indians had disposed their warriors in different parties at this\ntime, and attacked the different garrisons to prevent their assisting\neach other, and did much injury to the distressed inhabitants.\nOn the nineteenth day of this month, Col. Logan's fort was besieged by a\nparty of about two hundred Indians. During this dreadful siege they did\na great deal of mischief, distressed the garrison, in which were\nonly fifteen men, killed two, and wounded one. The enemies loss was\nuncertain, from the common practice which the Indians have of carrying\noff their dead in time of battle. Col. Harrod's fort was then defended\nby only sixty-five men, and Boonsborough by twenty-two, there being\nno more forts or white men in the country, except at the Falls, a\nconsiderable distance from these, and all taken collectively, were but a\nhandful to the numerous warriors that were every where dispersed through\nthe country, intent upon doing all the mischief that savage barbarity\ncould invent. Thus we passed through a scene of sufferings that exceeds\ndescription.\nOn the twenty-fifth of this month a reinforcement of forty-five\nmen arrived from North-Carolina, and about the twentieth of August\nfollowing, Col. Bowman arrived with one hundred men from Virginia. Now\nwe began to strengthen, and from hence, for the space of six weeks, we\nhad skirmishes with Indians, in one quarter or other, almost every day.\nThe savages now learned the superiority of the Long Knife, as they call\nthe Virginians, by experience; being out-generalled in almost every\nbattle. Our affairs began to wear a new aspect, and the enemy, not\ndaring to venture on open war, practised secret mischief at times.\nOn the first day of January, 1778, I went with a party of thirty men\nto the Blue Licks, on Licking River, to make salt for the different\ngarrisons in the country.\nOn the seventh day of February, as I was hunting, to procure meat for\nthe company, I met with a party of one hundred and two Indians, and\ntwo Frenchmen, on their march against Boonsborough, that place being\nparticularly the object of the enemy.\nThey pursued, and took me; and brought me on the eighth day to the\nLicks, where twenty-seven of my party were, three of them having\npreviously returned home with the salt. I knowing it was impossible for\nthem to escape, capitulated with the enemy, and, at a distance in their\nview, gave notice to my men of their situation, with orders not to\nresist, but surrender themselves captives.\nThe generous usage the Indians had promised before in my capitulation,\nwas afterwards fully complied with, and we proceeded with them as\nprisoners to old Chelicothe, the principal Indian town, on Little\nMiami, where we arrived, after an uncomfortable journey, in very\nsevere weather, on the eighteenth day of February, and received as good\ntreatment as prisoners could expect from savages.--On the tenth day of\nMarch following, I, and ten of my men, were conducted by forty Indians\nto Detroit, where we arrived the thirtieth day, and were treated by\nGovernor Hamilton, the British commander at that post, with great\nhumanity.\nDuring our travels, the Indians entertained me well; and their affection\nfor me was so great, that they utterly refused to leave me there with\nthe others, although the Governor offered them one hundred pounds\nSterling for me, on purpose to give me a parole to go home. Several\nEnglish gentlemen there, being sensible of my adverse fortune, and\ntouched with human sympathy, generously offered a friendly supply for\nmy wants, which I refused, with many thanks for their kindness; adding,\nthat I never expected it would be in my power to recompense such\nunmerited generosity.\nThe Indians left my men in captivity with the British at Detroit, and\non the tenth day of April brought me towards Old Chelicothe, where we\narrived on the twenty-fifth day of the same month. This was a long and\nfatiguing march, through an exceeding fertile country, remarkable for\nfine springs and streams of water. At Chelicothe I spent my time as\ncomfortably as I could expect; was adopted, accordin to their custom,\ninto a family where I became a son, and had a great share in the\naffection of my new parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. I was\nexceedingly familiar and friendly with them, always appearing as\nchearful and satisfied as possible, and they put great confidence in me.\nI often went a hunting with them, and frequently gained their applause\nfor my activity at our shooting-matches. I was careful not to exceed\nmany of them in shooting; for no people are more envious than they in\nthis sport. I could observe, in their countenances and gestures, the\ngreatest expressions of joy when they exceeded me; and, when the reverse\nhappened, of envy. The Shawanese king took great notice of me,\nand treated me with profound respect, and entire friendship, often\nentrusting me to hunt at my liberty. I frequently returned with the\nspoils of the woods, and as often presented some of what I had taken\nto him, expressive of duty to my sovereign. My food and lodging was, in\ncommon, with them, not so good indeed as I could desire, but necessity\nmade every thing acceptable.\nI now began to meditate an escape, and carefully avoided their\nsuspicions, continuing with them at Old Chelicothe until the first day\nof June following, and then was taken by them to the salt springs on\nSciotha, and kept there, making salt, ten days. During this time I\nhunted some for them, and found the land, for a great extent about this\nriver, to exceed the soil of Kentucke, if possible, and remarkably well\nwatered.\nWhen I returned to Chelicothe, alarmed to see four hundred and fifty\nIndians, of their choicest warriors, painted and armed in a fearful\nmanner, ready to march against Boonsborough, I determined to escape the\nfirst opportunity.\nOn the sixteenth, before sun-rise, I departed in the most secret manner,\nand arrived at Boonsborough on the twentieth, after a journey of one\nhundred and sixty miles; during which, I had but one meal.\nI found our fortress in a bad state of defence, but we proceeded\nimmediately to repair our flanks, strengthen our gates and posterns, and\nform double bastions, which we compleated in ten days. In this time we\ndaily expected the arrival of the Indian army; and at length, one of\nmy fellow prisoners, escaping from them, arrived, informing us that the\nenemy had an account of my departure, and postponed their expedition\nthree weeks.--The Indians had spies out viewing our movements, and were\ngreatly alarmed with our increase in number and fortifications. The\nGrand Councils of the nations were held frequently, and with more\ndeliberation than usual. They evidently saw the approaching hour when\nthe Long Knife would disposess them of their desirable habitations; and\nanxiously concerned for futurity, determined utterly to extirpate the\nwhites out of Kentucke. We were not intimidated by their movements, but\nfrequently gave them proofs of our courage.\nAbout the first of August, I made an incursion into the Indian country,\nwith a party of nineteen men, in order to surprise a small town up\nSciotha, called Paint-Creek-Town. We advanced within four miles\nthereof, where we met a party of thirty Indians, on their march against\nBoonsborough, intending to join the others from Chelicothe. A smart\nfight ensued betwixt us for some time: At length the savages gave way,\nand fled. We had no loss on our side: The enemy had one killed, and\ntwo wounded. We took from them three horses, and all their baggage; and\nbeing informed, by two of our number that went to their town, that the\nIndians had entirely evacuated it, we proceeded no further, and returned\nwith all possible expedition to assist our garrison against the other\nparty. We passed by them on the sixth day, and on the seventh, we\narrived safe at Boonsborough.\nOn the eighth, the Indian army arrived, being four hundred and\nforty-four in number, commanded by Capt. Duquesne, eleven other\nFrenchmen, and some of their own chiefs, and marched up within view\nof our fort, with British and French colours flying; and having sent a\nsummons to me, in his Britannick Majesty's name, to surrender the fort,\nI requested two days consideration, which was granted.\nIt was now a critical period with us.--We were a small number in the\ngarrison.--A powerful army before our walls, whose appearance proclaimed\ninevitable death, fearfully painted, and marking their footsteps with\ndesolation. Death was preferable to captivity; and if taken by storm,\nwe must inevitably be devoted to destruction. In this situation\nwe concluded to maintain our garrison, if possible. We immediately\nproceeded to collect what we could of our horses, and other cattle, and\nbring them through the posterns into the fort: And in the evening of\nthe ninth, I returned answer, that we were determined to defend our\nfort while a man was living--Now, said I to their commander, who stood\nattentively hearing my sentiments, We laugh at all your formidable\npreparations: But thank you for giving us notice and time to provide for\nour defence. Your efforts will not prevail; for our gates shall for ever\ndeny you admittance.--Whether this answer affected their courage, or\nnot, I cannot tell; but, contrary to our expectations, they formed\na scheme to deceive us, declaring it was their orders, from Governor\nHamilton, to take us captives, and not to destroy us; but if nine of\nus would come out, and treat with them, they would immediatly withdraw\ntheir forces from our walls, and return home peaceably. This sounded\ngrateful in our ears; and we agreed to the proposal.\nWe held the treaty within sixty yards of the garrison, on purpose to\ndivert them from a breach of honour, as we could not avoid suspicions of\nthe savages. In this situation the articles were formally agreed to,\nand signed; and the Indians told us it was customary with them, on such\noccasions, for two Indians to shake hands with every white-man in the\ntreaty, as an evidence of entire friendship. We agreed to this also,\nbut were soon convinced their policy was to take us prisoners.--They\nimmediately grappled us; but, although surrounded by hundreds of\nsavages, we extricated ourselves from them, and escaped all safe into\nthe garrison, except one that was wounded, through a heavy fire from\ntheir army. They immediately attacked us on every side, and a constant\nheavy fire ensued between us day and night for the space of nine days.\nIn this time the enemy began to undermine our fort, which was situated\nsixty yards from Kentucke river. They began at the water-mark and\nproceeded in the bank some distance, which we understood by their\nmaking the water muddy with the clay; and we immediately proceeded to\ndisappoint their design, by cutting a trench across their subterranean\npassage. The enemy discovering our counter-mine, by the clay we threw\nout of the fort, desisted from that stratagem: And experience now fully\nconvincing them that neither their power nor policy could effect their\npurpose, on the twentieth day of August they raised the siege, and\ndeparted.\nDuring this dreadful siege, which threatened death in every form, we had\ntwo men killed, and four wounded, besides a number of cattle. We killed\nof the enemy thirty-seven, and wounded a great number. After they were\ngone, we picked up one hundred and twenty-five pounds weight of bullets,\nbesides what stuck in the logs of our fort; which certainly is a great\nproof of their industry. Soon after this, I went into the settlement,\nand nothing worthy of a place in this account passed in my affairs for\nsome time.\nDuring my absence from Kentucke, Col. Bowman carried on an expedition\nagainst the Shawanese, at Old Chelicothe, with one hundred and sixty\nmen, in July, 1779. Here they arrived undiscovered, and a battle ensued,\nwhich lasted until ten o'clock, A. M. when Col. Bowman, finding he could\nnot succeed at this time, retreated about thirty miles. The Indians,\nin the meantime, collecting all their forces, pursued and overtook him,\nwhen a smart fight continued near two hours, not to the advantage of\nCol. Bowman's party.\nCol. Harrod proposed to mount a number of horse, and furiously to rush\nupon the savages, who at this time fought with remarkable fury. This\ndesperate step had a happy effect, broke their line of battle, and the\nsavages fled on all sides. In these two battles we had nine killed, and\none wounded. The enemy's loss uncertain, only two scalps being taken.\nOn the twenty-second day of June, 1780, a large party of Indians and\nCanadians, about six hundred in number, commanded by Col. Bird, attacked\nRiddle's and Martin's stations, at the Forks of Licking River, with six\npieces of artillery. They carried this expedition so secretly, that\nthe unwary inhabitants did not discover them, until they fired upon the\nforts; and, not being prepared to oppose them, were obliged to surrender\nthemselves miserable captives to barbarous savages, who immediately\nafter tomahawked one man and two women, and loaded all the others with\nheavy baggage, forcing them along toward their towns, able or unable\nto march. Such as were weak and faint by the way, they tomahawked. The\ntender women, and helpless children, fell victims to their cruelty.\nThis, and the savage treatment they received afterwards, is shocking to\nhumanity, and too barbarous to relate.\nThe hostile disposition of the savages, and their allies, caused General\nClark, the commandant at the Falls of the Ohio, immediately to begin an\nexpedition with his own regiment, and the armed force of the country,\nagainst Pecaway, the principal town of the Shawanese, on a branch\nof Great Miami, which he finished with great success, took seventeen\nscalps, and burnt the town to ashes, with the loss of seventeen men.\nAbout this time I returned to Kentucke with my family; and here, to\navoid an enquiry into my conduct, the reader being before informed of\nmy bringing my family to Kentucke, I am under the necessity of informing\nhim that, during my captivity with the Indians, my wife, who despaired\nof ever seeing me again, expecting the Indians had put a period to my\nlife, oppressed with the distresses of the country, and bereaved of me,\nher only happiness, had, before I returned, transported my family and\ngoods, on horses, through the wilderness, amidst a multitude of dangers,\nto her father's house, in North-Carolina.\nShortly after the troubles at Boonsborough, I went to them, and lived\npeaceably there until this time. The history of my going home, and\nreturning with my family, forms a series of difficulties, an account\nof which would swell a volume, and being foreign to my purpose, I shall\npurposely omit them.\nI settled my family in Boonsborough once more; and shortly after, on\nthe sixth day of October, 1780, I went in company with my brother to the\nBlue Licks; and, on our return home, we were fired upon by a party of\nIndians. They shot him, and pursued me, by the scent of their dog, three\nmiles; but I killed the dog, and escaped. The winter soon came on, and\nwas very severe, which confined the Indians to their wigwams.\nThe severity of this Winter caused great difficulties in Kentucke. The\nenemy had destroyed most of the corn, the Summer before. This necessary\narticle was scarce, and dear; and the inhabitants lived chiefly on the\nflesh of buffaloes. The circumstances of many were very lamentable:\nHowever, being a hardy race of people, and accustomed to difficulties\nand necessities, they were wonderfully supported through all their\nsufferings, until the ensuing Fall, when we received abundance from the\nfertile soil.\nTowards Spring, we were frequently harassed by Indians; and, in May,\n1782, a party assaulted Ashton's station, killed one man, and took\na Negro prisoner. Capt. Ashton, with twenty-five men, pursued, and\novertook the savages, and a smart fight ensued, which lasted two hours;\nbut they being superior in number, obliged Captain Ashton's party to\nretreat, with the loss of eight killed, and four mortally wounded; their\nbrave commander himself being numbered among the dead.\nThe Indians continued their hostilities; and, about the tenth of August\nfollowing, two boys were taken from Major Hoy's station. This party was\npursued by Capt. Holder and seventeen men, who were also defeated, with\nthe loss of four men killed, and one wounded. Our affairs became more\nand more alarming. Several stations which had lately been erected in the\ncountry were continually infested with savages, stealing their horses\nand killing the men at every opportunity. In a field, near Lexington, an\nIndian shot a man, and running to scalp him, was himself shot from the\nfort, and fell dead upon his enemy.\nEvery day we experienced recent mischiefs. The barbarous savage nations\nof Shawanese, Cherokees, Wyandots, Tawas, Delawares, and several others\nnear Detroit, united in a war against us, and assembled their choicest\nwarriors at old Chelicothe, to go on the expedition, in order to\ndestroy us, and entirely depopulate the country. Their savage minds were\ninflamed to mischief by two abandoned men, Captains McKee and Girty.\nThese led them to execute every diabolical scheme; and, on the fifteenth\nday of August, commanded a party of Indians and Canadians, of about five\nhundred in number, against Briant's station, five miles from Lexington.\nWithout demanding a surrender, they furiously assaulted the garrison,\nwhich was happily prepared to oppose them; and, after they had expended\nmuch ammunition in vain, and killed the cattle round the fort, not being\nlikely to make themselves masters of this place, they raised the siege,\nand departed in the morning of the third day after they came, with the\nloss of about thirty killed, and the number of wounded uncertain.--Of\nthe garrison four were killed, and three wounded.\nOn the eighteenth day Col. Todd, Col. Trigg, Major Harland, and myself,\nspeedily collected one hundred and seventy-six men, well armed, and\npursued the savages. They had marched beyond the Blue Licks to a\nremarkable bend of the main fork of Licking River, about forty-three\nmiles from Lexington, as it is particularly represented in the map,\nwhere we overtook them on the nineteenth day. The savages observing us,\ngave way; and we, being ignorant of their numbers, passed the river.\nWhen the enemy saw our proceedings, having greatly the advantage of us\nin situation, they formed the line of battle, represented in the map,\nfrom one bend of Licking to the other, about a mile from the Blue Licks.\nAn exceeding fierce battle immediately began, for about fifteen minutes,\nwhen we, being over-powered by numbers, were obliged to retreat, with\nthe loss of sixty-seven men; seven of whom were taken prisoners. The\nbrave and much lamented Colonels Todd and Trigg, Major Harland and my\nsecond son, were among the dead. We were informed that the Indians,\nnumbering their dead, found they had four killed more than we; and\ntherefore, four of the prisoners they had taken, were, by general\nconsent, ordered to be killed, in a most barbarous manner, by the young\nwarriors, in order to train them up to cruelty; and then they proceeded\nto their towns.\nOn our retreat we were met by Col. Logan, hastening to join us, with\na number of well armed men: This powerful assistance we unfortunately\nwanted in the battle; for, notwithstanding the enemy's superiority of\nnumbers, they acknowledged that, if they had received one more fire from\nus, they should undoubtedly have given way. So valiantly did our small\nparty fight, that, to the memory of those who unfortunately fell in the\nbattle, enough of honour cannot be paid. Had Col. Logan and his party\nbeen with us, it is highly probable we should have given the savages a\ntotal defeat.\nI cannot reflect upon this dreadful scene, but sorrow fills my heart. A\nzeal for the defence of their country led these heroes to the scene of\naction, though with a few men to attack a powerful army of experienced\nwarriors. When we gave way, they pursued us with the utmost eagerness,\nand in every quarter spread destruction. The river was difficult to\ncross, and many were killed in the flight, some just entering the river,\nsome in the water, others after crossing in ascending the cliffs. Some\nescaped on horse-back, a few on foot; and, being dispersed every where,\nin a few hours, brought the melancholy news of this unfortunate battle\nto Lexington. Many widows were now made. The reader may guess what\nsorrow filled the hearts of the inhabitants, exceeding any thing that I\nam able to describe. Being reinforced, we returned to bury the dead, and\nfound their bodies strewed every where, cut and mangled in a dreadful\nmanner. This mournful scene exhibited a horror almost unparalleled: Some\ntorn and eaten by wild beasts; those in the river eaten by fishes; all\nin such a putrified condition, that no one could be distinguished from\nanother.\nAs soon as General Clark, then at the Falls of the Ohio, who was\never our ready friend, and merits the love and gratitude of all his\ncountry-men, understood the circumstances of this unfortunate action, he\nordered an expedition, with all possible haste, to pursue the savages,\nwhich was so expeditiously effected, that we overtook them within two\nmiles of their towns, and probably might have obtained a great victory,\nhad not two of their number met us about two hundred poles before we\ncome up. These returned quick as lightening to their camp with the\nalarming news of a mighty army in view. The savages fled in the utmost\ndisorder, evacuated their towns, and reluctantly left their territory\nto our mercy. We immediately took possession of Old Chelicothe without\nopposition, being deserted by its inhabitants. We continued our pursuit\nthrough five towns on the Miami rivers, Old Chelicothe, Pecaway, New\nChelicothe, Will's Towns, and Chelicothe, burnt them all to ashes,\nentirely destroyed their corn, and other fruits, and every where spread\na scene of desolation in the country. In this expedition we took seven\nprisoners and five scalps, with the loss of only four men, two of whom\nwere accidentally killed by our own army.\nThis campaign in some measure damped the spirits of the Indians, and\nmade them sensible of our superiority. Their connections were dissolved,\ntheir armies scattered, and a future invasion put entirely out of\ntheir power; yet they continued to practise mischief secretly upon the\ninhabitants, in the exposed parts of the country.\nIn October following, a party made an excursion into that district\ncalled the Crab Orchard, and one of them, being advanced some distance\nbefore the others, boldly entered the house of a poor defenceless\nfamily, in which was only a Negro man, a woman and her children,\nterrified with the apprehensions of immediate death. The savage,\nperceiving their defenceless situation, without offering violence to\nthe family attempted to captivate the Negro, who, happily proved an\nover-match for him, threw him on the ground, and, in the struggle, the\nmother of the children drew an ax from a corner of the cottage, and\ncut his head off, while her little daughter shut the door. The savages\ninstantly appeared, and applied their tomahawks to the door. An old\nrusty gun-barrel, without a lock, lay in a corner, which the mother put\nthrough a small crevice, and the savages, perceiving it, fled. In the\nmean time, the alarm spread through the neighbourhood; the armed men\ncollected immediately, and pursued the ravagers into the wilderness.\nThus Providence, by the means of this Negro, saved the whole of the poor\nfamily from destruction. From that time, until the happy return of\npeace between the United States and Great-Britain, the Indians did us\nno mischief. Finding the great king beyond the water disappointed in\nhis expectations, and conscious of the importance of the Long Knife, and\ntheir own wretchedness, some of the nations immediately desired peace;\nto which, at present, they seem universally disposed, and are sending\nambassadors to General Clark, at the Falls of the Ohio, with the minutes\nof their Councils, a specimen of which, in the minutes of the Piankashaw\nCouncil, is subjoined.\nTo conclude, I can now say that I have verified the saying of an old\nIndian who signed Col. Henderson's deed. Taking me by the hand, at the\ndelivery thereof, Brother, says he, we have given you a fine land, but\nI believe you will have much trouble in settling it.--My footsteps have\noften been marked with blood, and therefore I can truly subscribe to its\noriginal name. Two darling sons, and a brother, have I lost by savage\nhands, which have also taken from me forty valuable horses, and\nabundance of cattle. Many dark and sleepless nights have I been a\ncompanion for owls, separated from the chearful society of men, scorched\nby the Summer's sun, and pinched by the Winter's cold, an instrument\nordained to settle the wilderness. But now the scene is changed: Peace\ncrowns the sylvan shade.\nWhat thanks, what ardent and ceaseless thanks are due to that\nall-superintending Providence which has turned a cruel war into peace,\nbrought order out of confusion, made the fierce savages placid, and\nturned away their hostile weapons from our country! May the same\nAlmighty Goodness banish the accursed monster, war, from all lands,\nwith her hated associates, rapine and insatiable ambition. Let peace,\ndescending from her native heaven, bid her olives spring amidst the\njoyful nations; and plenty, in league with commerce, scatter blessings\nfrom her copious hand.\nThis account of my adventures will inform the reader of the most\nremarkable events of this country.--I now live in peace and safety,\nenjoying the sweets of liberty, and the bounties of Providence, with\nmy once fellow-sufferers, in this delightful country, which I have seen\npurchased with a vast expence of blood and treasure, delighting in the\nprospect of its being, in a short time, one of the most opulent and\npowerful states on the continent of North America; which, with the love\nand gratitude of my country-men, I esteem a sufficient reward for all my\ntoil and dangers.\nFayette county, Kentucke.\nDANIEL BOON", "source_dataset": "gutenberg", "source_dataset_detailed": "gutenberg -  The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon\n"},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0012-0001-0001", "content": "Title: 1768. January 30th. Saturday Night.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       To what Object, are my Views directed? What is the End and Purpose of my Studies, Journeys, Labours of all Kinds of Body and Mind, of Tongue and Pen? Am I grasping at Money, or Scheming for Power? Am I planning the Illustration of my Family or the Welfare of my Country? These are great Questions. In Truth, I am tossed about so much, from Post to Pillar, that I have not Leisure and Tranquillity enough, to consider distinctly my own Views, Objects and Feelings.\u2014 I am mostly intent at present, upon collecting a Library, and I find, that a great deal of Thought, and Care, as well as Money, are necessary to assemble an ample and well chosen Assortment of Books.\u2014But when this is done, it is only a means, an Instrument. When ever I shall have compleated my Library, my End will not be answered. Fame, Fortune, Power say some, are the Ends intended by a Library. The Service of God, Country, Clients, Fellow Men, say others. Which of these lie nearest my Heart? Self Love but serves the virtuous Mind to wake as the small Pebble stirs the Peacefull Lake, The Center Moved, a Circle straight succeeds, another still and still another spreads. Friend, Parent, Neighbour, first it does embrace, our Country next and next all human Race.\n       I am certain however, that the Course I pursue will neither lead me to Fame, Fortune, Power Nor to the Service of my Friends, Clients or Country. What Plan of Reading or Reflection, or Business can be pursued by a Man, who is now at Pownalborough, then at Marthas Vineyard, next at Boston, then at Taunton, presently at Bamstable, then at Concord, now at Salem, then at Cambridge, and afterwards at Worcester. Now at Sessions, then at Pleas, now in Admiralty, now at Superiour Court, then in the Gallery of the House. What a Dissipation must this be? Is it possible to pursue a regular Train of Thinking in this desultory Life?\u2014By no Means.\u2014 It is a Life of Here and every where, to use the Expression, that is applyed to Othello, by Desdemona\u2019s Father. Here and there and every where, a rambling, roving, vagrant, vagabond Life. A wandering Life. At Meins Book store, at Bowes\u2019s Shop, at Danas House, at Fitches, Otis\u2019s office, and the Clerks office, in the Court Chamber, in the Gallery, at my own Fire, I am thinking on the same Plan.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-01-02-0012-0001", "content": "Title: [January 1768]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n      1768. January 30th. Saturday Night.\n       To what Object, are my Views directed? What is the End and Purpose of my Studies, Journeys, Labours of all Kinds of Body and Mind, of Tongue and Pen? Am I grasping at Money, or Scheming for Power? Am I planning the Illustration of my Family or the Welfare of my Country? These are great Questions. In Truth, I am tossed about so much, from Post to Pillar, that I have not Leisure and Tranquillity enough, to consider distinctly my own Views, Objects and Feelings.\u2014 I am mostly intent at present, upon collecting a Library, and I find, that a great deal of Thought, and Care, as well as Money, are necessary to assemble an ample and well chosen Assortment of Books.\u2014But when this is done, it is only a means, an Instrument. When ever I shall have compleated my Library, my End will not be answered. Fame, Fortune, Power say some, are the Ends intended by a Library. The Service of God, Country, Clients, Fellow Men, say others. Which of these lie nearest my Heart? Self Love but serves the virtuous Mind to wake as the small Pebble stirs the Peacefull Lake, The Center Moved, a Circle straight succeeds, another still and still another spreads. Friend, Parent, Neighbour, first it does embrace, our Country next and next all human Race.\n       I am certain however, that the Course I pursue will neither lead me to Fame, Fortune, Power Nor to the Service of my Friends, Clients or Country. What Plan of Reading or Reflection, or Business can be pursued by a Man, who is now at Pownalborough, then at Marthas Vineyard, next at Boston, then at Taunton, presently at Bamstable, then at Concord, now at Salem, then at Cambridge, and afterwards at Worcester. Now at Sessions, then at Pleas, now in Admiralty, now at Superiour Court, then in the Gallery of the House. What a Dissipation must this be? Is it possible to pursue a regular Train of Thinking in this desultory Life?\u2014By no Means.\u2014 It is a Life of Here and every where, to use the Expression, that is applyed to Othello, by Desdemona\u2019s Father. Here and there and every where, a rambling, roving, vagrant, vagabond Life. A wandering Life. At Meins Book store, at Bowes\u2019s Shop, at Danas House, at Fitches, Otis\u2019s office, and the Clerks office, in the Court Chamber, in the Gallery, at my own Fire, I am thinking on the same Plan.\n   First entry in \u201cPaper book No. 15\u201d (our D/JA/15), a stitched gathering of leaves which, following the present entry, has a blank leaf and irregular entries from 10 Aug. 1769 to 22 Aug. 1770.\n   No Diary entries have been found for the period between late May 1767 and the end of Jan. 1768. The most important event in JA\u2019s domestic life during this interval was the birth at Braintree of a son and heir, 11 July 1767, who was, according to JA\u2019s Autobiography, \u201cat the request of his Grandmother Smith christened by the Name of John Quincy on the day of the Death of his Great Grandfather, John Quincy of Mount Wollaston.\u201d After the excitements of the preceding winter, the remainder of the year 1767, at least until the arrival of the new customs commissioners in November, was comparatively quiet politically; at any rate, JA engaged in no further political activity or writing. But as a result of his growing prominence in both Braintree and Boston affairs his legal business expanded remarkably. By piecing together the evidence from his own papers and the Minute Books of the Superior Court, his itinerary during the second half of 1767 may be reconstructed as follows: in July at Plymouth Inferior Court; in August at Suffolk Superior Court; in September at Worcester Superior Court and Bristol Inferior Court; in October at Plymouth Inferior Court and Bristol and Middlesex (Cambridge) Superior Courts; in November at Middlesex (Charlestown) Inferior Court; in December at Barnstable and Plymouth Inferior Courts. Probably this is an incomplete list.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0016-0014", "content": "Title: [First Residence in Boston, 1768]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n      In the Beginning of the Year 1768 My Friends in Boston, were very urgent with me to remove into Town. I was afraid of my health: but they urged so many Reasons and insisted on it so much that being determined at last to hazard the Experiment, I wrote a Letter to the Town of Braintree declining an Election as one of their Select Men, and removed in a Week or two, with my Family into the White House as it was called in Brattle Square, which several of the old People told me was a good omen as Mr. Bollan had lived formerly in the same house for many Years. The Year before this, i.e. in 1767 My Son John Quincy Adams was born on the eleventh day of August July, at Braintree, and at the request of his Grandmother Smith christened by the Name of her Father John Quincy on the day of the Death of his Great Grandfather, John Quincy of Mount Wollaston.\n      In the Course of this Year 1768 My Friend Mr. Jonathan Sewall who was then Attorney General called on me in Brattle Street, and told me he was come to dine with me. This was always an acceptable favour from him, for although We were at Antipodes in Politicks We had never abated in mutual Esteem or cooled in the Warmth of our Friendship. After Dinner Mr. Sewall desired to have some Conversation with me alone and proposed adjourning to the office. Mrs. Adams arose and chose to Adjourn to her Chamber. We were accordingly left alone. Mr. Sewall then said he waited on me at that time at the request of the Governor Mr. Bernard, who had sent for him a few days before and charged him with a Message to me. The Office of Advocate General in the Court of Admiralty was then vacant, and the Governor had made Enquiry of Gentlemen the best qualified to give him information, and particularly of one of great Authority (meaning Lt. Governor and Chief Justice Hutchinson), and although he was not particularly acquainted with me himself the Result of his Inquiries was that in point of Talents, Integrity, Reputation and consequence at the Bar, Mr. Adams was the best entitled to the Office and he had determined Accordingly, to give it to me. It was true he had not Power to give me more than a temporary Appointment, till his Majestys Pleasure should be known: but that he would give immediately all the Appointment in his Power, and would write an immediate Recommendation of me to his Majesty and transmitt it to his Ministers and there was no doubt I should receive the Kings Commission, as soon as an Answer could be returned from England: for there had been no Instance of a refusal to confirm the Appointment of a Governor in such Cases.\n      Although this Offer was unexpected to me, I was in an instant prepared for an Answer. The Office was lucrative in itself, and a sure introduction to the most profitable Business in the Province: and what was of more consequence still, it was a first Step in the Ladder of Royal Favour and promotion. But I had long weighed this Subject in my own Mind. For seven Years I had been solicited by some of my friends and Relations, as well as others, and Offers had been made me by Persons who had Influence, to apply to the Governor or to the Lieutenant Governor, to procure me a Commission for the Peace. Such an Officer was wanted in the Country where I had lived and it would have been of very considerable Advantage to me. But I had always rejected these proposals, on Account of the unsettled State of the Country, and my Scruples about laying myself under any restraints, or Obligations of Gratitude to the Government for any of their favours. The new Statutes had been passed in Parliament laying Duties on Glass, Paint &c. and a Board of Commissioners of the Revenue was expected, which must excite a great fermentation in the Country, of the Consequences of which I could see no End.\n      My Answer to Mr. Sewall was very prompt, that I was sensible of the honor done me by the Governor: but must be excused from Accepting his Offer. Mr. Sewall enquired why, what was my Objection. I answered that he knew very well my political Principles, the System I had adopted and the Connections and Friendships I had formed in Consequence of them: He also knew that the British Government, including the King, his Ministers and Parliament, apparently supported by a great Majority of the Nation, were persevereing in a System, wholly inconsistent with all my Ideas of Right, Justice and Policy, and therefore I could not place myself in a Situation in which my Duty and my Inclination would be so much at Variance. To this Mr. Sewall returned that he was instructed by the Governor to say that he knew my political Sentiments very well: but they should be no Objection with him. I should be at full Liberty to entertain my own Opinions, which he did not wish to influence by this office. He had offered it to me, merely because he believed I was the best qualified for it and because he relied on my Integrity. I replied This was going as far in the generosity and Liberality of his sentiments as the Governor could go or as I could desire, if I could Accept the Office: but that I knew it would lay me under restraints and Obligations that I could not submit to and therefore I could not in honor or Conscience Accept it.\n      Mr. Sewall paused, and then resuming the Subject asked, why are you so quick, and sudden in your determination? You had better take it into consideration, and give me an Answer at some future day. I told him my Answer had been ready because my mind was clear and my determination decided and unalterable. That my Advice would be that Mr. Fitch should be appointed, to whose Views the Office would be perfectly agreable. Mr. Sewal said he should certainly give me time to think of it: I said that time would produce no change and he had better make his report immediately. We parted, and about three  Weeks afterwards he came to me again and hoped I had thought more favourably on the Subject: that the Governor had sent for him and told him the public Business suffered and the office must be filled. I told him my Judgment and Inclination and determination were unalterably fixed, and that I had hoped that Mr. Fitch would have been appointed before that time. Mr. Fitch however never was appointed. He acted for the Crown, by the Appointment of the Judge from day to day, but never had any Commission from the Crown or Appointment of the Governor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0016-0015", "content": "From: Adams, John\nTo: \n      This Year 1768 I attended the Superiour Court at Worcester, and the next Week proceeded on to Springfield in the County of Hampshire, where I was accidentally engaged in a Cause between a Negro and his Master, which was argued by me, I know not how, but it seems it was in such a manner as engaged the Attention of Major Hawley, and introduced an Acquaintance which was soon after strengthened into a Friendship, which continued till his Death. During my Absence on this Circuit, a Convention sat in Boston. The Commissioners of the Customs had arrived and an Army Landed. On my Return I found the Town of Boston full of Troops, and as Dr. Byles of punning Memory express\u2019d it, our grievances reddressed. Through the whole succeeding fall and Winter a Regiment was excercised, by Major Small, in Brattle Square directly in Front of my house. The Spirit Stirring Drum, and the Earpiercing fife arroused me and my family early enough every morning, and the Indignation they excited, though somewhat soothed was not allayed by the sweet Songs, Violins and flutes of the serenading Sons of Liberty, under my Windows in the Evening. In this Way and a thousand others I had sufficient Intimations that the hopes and Confidence of the People, were placed on me, as one of their Friends: and I was determined, that as far as depended on me they should not be disappointed: and that if I could render them no positive Assistance, at least I would never take any part against them. My daily Reflections for two Years, at the Sight of those Soldiers before my door were serious enough. Their very Appearance in Boston was a strong proof to me, that the determination in Great Britain to subjugate Us, was too deep and inveterate ever to be altered by Us: For every thing We could do, was misrepresented, and Nothing We could say was credited.\n      On the other hand, I had read enough in History to be well aware of the Errors to which the public opinions of the People, were liable in times of great heat and danger, as well as of the Extravagances of which the Populace of Cities were capable, when artfully excited to Passion, and even when justly provoked by Oppression. In ecclesiastical Controversies to which I had been a Witness; in the Contest at Woburn and on Marthas Vinyard, and especially in the Tryal of Hopkins and Ward, which I had heard at Worcester, I had learned enough to shew me, in all their dismal Colours, the deceptions to which the People in their passion, are liable, and the totall Suppression of Equity and humanity in the human Breast when thoroughly heated and hardened by Party Spirit.\n      The danger I was in appeared in full View before me: and I very deliberately, and indeed very solemnly determined, at all Events to adhere to my Principles in favour of my native Country, which indeed was all the Country I knew, or which had been known by my father, Grandfather or Great Grandfather: but on the other hand I never would deceive the People, conceal from them any essential truth, nor especially make myself subservient to any of their Crimes, Follies or Excentricities. These Rules to the Utmost of my capacity and Power, I have invariably and religiously observed to this day 21. Feb. 1805. and I hope I shall obey them till I shall be gathered to the Dust of my Ancestors, a Period which cannot be far off. They have however cost me the torment of a perpetual Vulcano of Slander, pouring on my flesh all my life time.\n      I was solicited to go to the Town Meetings and harrangue there.  This I constantly refused. My Friend Dr. Warren the most frequently urged me to this: My Answer to him always was \u201cThat way madness lies.\u201d The Symptoms of our great Friend Otis, at that time, suggested to Warren, a sufficient comment on these Words, at which he always smiled and said \u201cit was true.\u201d Although I had never attended a Meeting the Town was pleased to choose me upon their Committee to draw up Instructions to their Representatives, this Year 1768 and the next 1769 or in the year 1769 and the Year 1770, I am not certain which two of these Years. The Committee always insisted on my preparing the Draught, which I did and the Instructions were adopted without Alteration by the Town; they will be found in the Boston Gazette for those Years, and although there is nothing extraordinary in them of matter or Style, they will sufficiently shew the sense of the Public at that time.\n      In 1769 The House I lived in, was to be sold: I had not sufficient confidence in the Stability of any Thing, to purchase it, and I therefore removed to a house in cold Lane: where I lost a Child a Daughter, whose name was Susana, and where in 1770 my Son Charles was born.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-01-02-0051", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith to Isaac Smith Jr., 13 April 1768\nFrom: Smith, Elizabeth (1750-1815),Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Smith, Isaac Jr.\n      Weymouth April 13th 1768\n     I return you Dr. Smollet, the Modern Travels, and the Funeral Elegy: with thanks for the lent of them. If at any time when you have Books that you think would be eddifying or instructive, I shall look upon it as a peculiar favour, if you will oblige me with the reading of them. I shall think my self under obligation and the lest return I can make is with a grateful heart to acknowledge your kindness.\n     There are many mortifying pictures in human nature, which if exhibited to our veiw, are enough to humble the proudest mortals. Some Nations are remarkable for their hypocricy, some for their avirice, inhospitallity, and a revengeful temper and for the contrary. But in many Countrys Idleness, and Dirtiness seems to be the prevailing evil.\n     What a shocking and ridiculous character does Smollet give of the French.\n     Depravity indeed, that so many Nations should endeavour to ape those large Baboons, as Smollet humouriously calls them. In this he does not exceed the discriptions I have met with else where. But I think it very strange, and greatly to be lamented, that in all those places which he travelled through, Pisa was the only one, of which he could give a good character, and he speaks of it as something very extraordinary that here he found some good company, and even a few men of taste and learning.\n     Perhaps he did not exercise so unprejudiced and impartial a Temper, as he hoped would ever distinguish his writings. But all must allow that he has an excellent faculty of dressing up a story in a very humoursome manner. By his own account, I think really he discovered in his journey, from Paris to Lyons, a very peevish and hasty Temper. If that Noble man had judged of the disposition of the English, by Smollets behaviour to the supposed Post-Master, he must have conceived but a very low opinion of their Manners, or Politeness.\n     We are too apt to form a general character of a people, by a few, that we are acquainted with in a Place. Sometimes Persons meet with extraordinary kindness, and perhaps, as often, with very ill treatment: and this may so prejudice him in favour of, or against a Family, Town, or Country, that he is not capable of that impartiallity which is an essential Qualification of an Historiographer.\n     In the Modern Travels, according to Pontoppidans account, Norway seems to demand our respect, more than any other Country that is described. I think he has given the inhabitants, a much more amiable character, than Pococke, Drummond, Russel, Hanway, or Smollet, has, of any of those various places, which they travelled through.\n     Pontoppidan gives very extraordinary accounts of Norway, some that are very astonishing to me, and I cannot help fancying that he exceeds all probability, in his relation of the Sagacity of some Quadrupedes; especially the Bear. If we beleive him, they discover as much reason as many of those Beings, who are stiled Lords of this lower world.\n     The Egyptians of old were noted for their abominable Idolatry, and it appears, that they still retain some of their former enthusiastick spirit. What can be more stupid, than the homage they pay to Idols? In this, they evidently discover themselves to be as proper objects of adoration, as those they worship.\n     I am almost crazed with the natural Blessings of Matrimony.\u2014O mazing four young children in the house.\u2014My brains are all roiled, I do not beleive there is one, in its natural position.\u2014I cannot write another word, neither do I feel steady enough to discern, whether what I have wrote, is sense or nonsense.\n      April 18th\n     I feel much more composed now, than when I wrote before, and indeed very solemn. \u2019Tis die funeral of the former year, and I feel as great solemnity on my mind, as if I was actually attending the funeral of some near relation, or taking a farewell of some Dear Friend. This Day compleats eighteen suns, that have had their anual circuit, since first I drew the breath of life, and every year seems shorter than the former. Moment flies on moment\u2014Hours on hours. \u201cTomorrow and tomorrow creeps on.\u201d Months suceed months. Time hurries on, with a resistless unrelenting hand. The present moment is all that we can call our own. Eightteen years seem att first veiw to be but as so many months; yet by more closely attending, and taking a retrospect of all those transactions within my remembrance, time seems to lengthen while I reflect upon them.\n     I should not have pretended to have wrote when I did, if I had not expected to have been called to assist Sister Adams, in packing her household stuff to remove to Boston next week. A painful task indeed\u2014I cannot bear the thought of their leaving Braintree. But since they are determined, I hope it will be for their advantage.\n     Pardon me my Cousin for so freely remarking upon those Books you lent me, it was not because I thought you had not made much better observations yourself, but it is what you encouraged when you was here, and now you ought certainly to excuse me. There is one advantage will accrue at lest, and that is, I shall more deeply impress upon my memory what I have read.\n     What fine times you have at Colledge! A glorious spirit of Liberty prevails among you.\u2014I beleive you have not found your retreat so agreeable to study in as you hoped for.\n     You tell me that I may commit your Letters to the flames if I please. No my Friend I assure you I do not design to, and for the same reason that you say, you will not wear mine out in your Pocket. But shall ever esteem your correspondence as a favour confered upon\n      Your Affectionate Cousin,\n      Betsy Smith\n      PS I make no apologies for the length of this Letter, lest by so doing I should make it longer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0003-0002-0002", "content": "Title: King\u2019s Petition to the General Court: 4 January 1768\nFrom: King, Richard\nTo: \n       Province of the Massachusetts Bay To His Excellency the Governor The Honorable His Majestys Council and the Honle. House of Reprisentitives in General Court Assembled\n       Humbly Shews Richard King of Scarborough in the County of Cumberland in Said Province Gentleman That in the Night of the 19th of March AD 1766. a Number of Persons in Disguise with axes Clubbs &c. Broak the windows of the Dwelling House and WairHouse of Your Petitioner, and Entered both Distroyed the kitchen furniture &c. and marred the winscot of the Dwelling House Burnt and Distroyed Robb\u2019d and Carried of from the Dwelling House and WairHouse Great Quantitys of Your Petitioners Papers and writings of Great value among which the Number of Bonds and notes of Hand for money Due which have already Com to Your Petitioners knowlidge togather with the Lawfull Intrest Due on the Same to the Time of the Riot Amount to the Sum of \u00a31104/15/3 lawfull money of said Province Exclusive of other writings of Great value. That in the morning of the second Day after the Riot a writing was found put up at your Petitioners Gate in the name of Sons of Liberty Threatening Your Petitioner and Every other Person in the County that Should be Instrumental of any worrant or Summons to be Served on aney Person on account of the Riot he or they might Depend upon haveing their Houses and Barns Burnt and Consumed and themselves Cut in pices and burnt to Ashes. That in a Short time after another Threatening letter was lodged at the Door of one John Fitts who was a Tenant to Your Petitioner, therein warning him to Depart from that House within twelve Days or he might Expect to be Distroyd for they were Determined to Distroy King and all he had. That Eight Days after the Riot upon Complaint a Warrant was Issued by Several Justices of the County Against such Persons as were Suspected, and Summonses for Such as were Supposed Capable to Prove the Fact. But with little Effect two only of the Persons Suspected Suffering them selves to be taken the others as also the Principal witnesses Either keeping their Doors Shut against the officers Going back into the woods or Going armed avoided being taken or summoned, that while the Justices that were assembled on this Occasion were waiting for the officers to Execute the warrants &c. a Number of the Riotous Party actualy Assembled in order as was Said to Rescue aney Person that might be apprehend, That in May following the House Improved by Fitts above mentioned was Set on fire and had Nigh like to have ben Consumed with the Household Goods therin which so Allaramed him that he soon Quit the Same which House was Soon after almost distroyed by tairing Down the Chimney &c. That Your Petitioner perciveing the Injuerys he had sustained by the Riot appeared to be pointed more at his papers then aney other Part of his Intrest and that maney Persons appeared Determined to take advantage of the Distruction of his Securities for the Discharge of their Debts &c. That sum from whome your Petitioner had Purchised Lands began to threaten a reEntery, upon finding their Deeds were not on Record, alledging for their Justification that your Petitioner had obtained Deeds, Bonds, and Notes by taking the Advantage of People. Wherefore your Petitioner by an Instrument in writing under his hand appointed the Two first Justices in the County togather with a Gentleman of the Law Arbitrators in General between my Selfe and all Persons (if aney there were) who will appear before Said arbitraters within three months and alledge their having Suffered or being lyable to Suffer by means of aney Deed of Sale Deed of mortgage or Bill of Sale Bond note of hand or other Obligation whatsoever, with Three months more to prove the Same was by Your Petitioner fraudelintly Obtained as they alledge.\n       And if upon a full hearing of the matter aney such fraudes Should appear on the Part of your Petitioner Said Arbitraters were therin Desired to Certifie the same in writing under their Hands which Certificate if refering to a Deed of sale Deed of Mortgage or Bill of Sale Should Intitle the Party to recover the whole Consideration over again or if it referred to aney Bond Note of hand or other obligation whatsoever to be Sufficiant in aney of His Majesty\u2019s Courts of record to Barr aney action that might Ever after be brought upon Such obligation respectively, therin also Subjecting himSelfe to pay all Cost and Charge arising by Such Dispuet wherin he Should be found in the wrong which Submission Your Petitioner notified at length in two of the most frequented Taverns in said Town of Scarborough, But no Person Ever appeared, nor Applied for aney redress, That while the officers were Indeviouring to Summon the witnesses to attend the Superior Court in this County June 1766. Seven windows in a Dwelling House belonging to Your Petitioner were broak and Distroyed. That in the month of Augt. following Your Petitioner Suffered the Loss of an Ax Stole out of his Pasture Suposed to have ben Taken by Sum of the riotous Party who Imploied them selves back in the woods to be out of the way of an Officer. That in the Night of the 4th March last the Dwelling House last mentioned (which had ben lately refitted) was attacked the Boards and Clapboards Tore off the Sealing beat in, and the Posts and Studds Cutt off and the House rendered Irepairable. That in the night of the fourteenth of May last being a few Days after the apprehending and Imprissoning one Silas Burbank upon an Inditement for the Riot, a Barn belonging to Your Petitioner of more then seventy foot Long and thirty wide Covered and fixed in the best manner togather with a Shedd of Eighty foot Long was burnt and Consumed with sum Hay and most of your Petitioners Utensils for Husbandry. And Two of your Petitioners best Calves Killd and Carried off at the same Time. That your Petitioner has ben at Great Trouble and Expence in Indeviouring to bring those Rioters to Justice that altho a Number were Indited at the Supr. Court in this County June 1766 and warrants against them Given to proper officers and those officers afterwards actualy in Company with Sum of those the warrants were against Yet the same have not ben Executed upon aney Except Burbank above named and not on him till he Grew so Bold as to use the Goalkeepers House as a Tavern, the reason assigned by the officers for not Executing the warrants when both togather were in Companey with Sum that were Indited, was, that they Did not think it safe and were actualy afraid to Execute the same. That During this time the Rioters Party have ben Sending off to Machias and other Places Such as might have ben made use of as Witnesses against them and Greatly Intimidating others So that the obtaining witnesses against them (all Circumstances Considered) must be attended with Great Difficulty if not Impossibility to your Petitioner. That for a Privat man to bring a Great number of Persons to Justice for such Dissorders as first origenated under a Notion of Publick Utility Committed in a Time of General Dissorder and Confusion while others who were alike Guilty were Exempt from Punishment by act of Government is a Burthen too Great and attended with too much Hazerd to be Effected by an Individual at this Time. That as it is Evident the Injuryes Your Petitioner has sustained is by a Detachment of the Spirit of Dissorder above mentioned the other Sufforers by which have ben Since Compensated. Your Petitioner thinks it an unhappiness and Misfortune peculer to him Selfe to be obliged Either to Sell Settdown by his Losses or Go through Such an ardous  undertaking to Repair them as appear more likely to render his Losses Double Such an undertaking as Even Government it Selfe has thought fit to Decline and Yet to be Taxed to the Compensation of others. That Notwithstanding your Petitioner has taken all possible pains to obtain the renewal of the obligations he Lost by the Riot by offering long Credit and Easey Payment, Yet the amount of the Sum that is neither paid nor renewed nor Can be Confided in to be paid renewed, or in aney wise made Good by the respective Debtors is \u00a3463/3/51/2 Exclusive of the Intrest on the same Since the Riot. A List whereof togather with the other articals of Loss Sustained by your Petitioner as above is herewith presented to Your Excellency and Honours.\n       Which Losses and Damages togather with the Exposed Scituation of Your Petitioner Your Petitioner Humbly Supplicats Your Excellency and Honours to take under Your wise and Just Consideration, and that Your Excellency and Honours would be pleased to Compensate and make Good to Your Petitioner the Injureys he has Sustained from the Hands of those Riotus Persons as also that your Excellency and Honours would be pleased to Direct in Such wise with respect to any further Process against them, that the Intrest of your Petitioner may be Secured from any further Distruction at their Hands. All which Your Petitioner Humbly Submitts and Prays.\n        Richd. King\n        Scarborough\u2004Jany. 4th 1768", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0005-0002-0005", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Argument: Suffolk Superior Court, Boston, March 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       James Apthorp vs. Gardiner, William.\n       Covenant Broken. Plea.\n       Special Demurrer. 1. 2. 3. 4.\n       Joinder in Demurrer.\n       Auchmuty. 2 Breaches assigned in Declaration by Plaintiff. 1. 2. not indemnifying. Plea is that Plaintiff was not damnifyd by any Demand from Trecothick & Thomlinson.\n       The 3 first Reasons in the Special Demurrer, are to the same Point. \u2014Tro.\n       Holts Reports. Page 206. Annersley vs. Cutter. 2nd. Exception is that he did fit him to be Master of Arts. As to the first the Plea is good. Scismaticus inveteratus. Pleas adjudgd bad because not shewn who maintained him, from the Time of Batchelor till Master. Incompleat Plea.\n       1. Salk. 179. Weaks vs. Peach. Replevin for. Plea an Answer to Part and whole. 2 Breaches in the Declaration, but one answerd in the Case at Bar. They come and defend &c. i.e. take the whole Defence upon them, and then go on, and answer but one Cause of Action. All Declarations must have compleat Answers.\n       4th. Objection to the Plea\u2014that he has not in his Plea set forth that he had paid the Debts, and how and when and where &c. 3d. Inst. Cler. 522. Covenant to indemnify and save harmless, ought to shew how he saved harmless. Our Breaches are that he hath not paid, and hath not saved harmless. An Issue cannot be made out of two Negatives any more than out of two Affirmatives.\n       Infregit Conventionem. 3. Levinz. 19. Pitt vs. Russell. Breach assigned in the Negative and Plea in the Negative.\n       Cro. Car. 316. Non Debet. Oyer. Payment at Day. Court if issue joined aided by Statute Jeofails, \u2019tho upon Demurrer bad.\n       Informal, argumentative, &c. Too general, not direct and certain. A Negative Pregnant. Cro. Jac. 559. Lee vs. Luther. Pleaded in the Negative that he had not, &c. Plaintiff demurred.\n       Negativa pregnans. 1st. Argument. 1st. Cause.\n       Ours is non Payment, we in the Reason of the Case and therefore the Case must uphold us. These are the Exceptions and these the Authorities to support them. Negative answers to Negative Breaches. All the Entries, all the Precedents shew the Plea to be bad. Law abhors and detests a negative pregnant. Double Pleadings by the Statute and the Leave of the Court, may be, but no Statute allows of a Negative pregnant.\n       This Plea concludes to the Country too, which it ought not.\n       Fitch. For Defendant Apthorp. Honors have heard Declaration, Plea and Exceptions. We have answerd that Gardiner Plaintiff hath not been damnified by any such Demand as he has set forth in his Declaration. The whole Effect of the Covenant is, to indemnify Gardiner, from certain Debts and Demands. 2 Ways of indemnifying, are by Payment, by procuring a Discharge.\n       This Covenant is only a Covenant to save harmless, and the Effect is the same as a Bond with a Penalty conditioned to save harmless. Non Payment is no Breach, and would be bad upon a general Demurrer.\n       Saville. Page. 90. Case 167. Anonimous. Debt upon an Obligation. Ought to plead not damnified. Bound to discharge pay and save harmless from Rent. Had Defendant pleaded that Plaintiff was not damnifyed, it would have been good. Nothing to distinguish this Case from that of Savilles. This exempts this Case from the Force of every Authority the Gentleman has presented.\n       1. Salk. 196. Griffith vs. Harrison. In some Cases the Intention is traversable. Plaintiff did not shew a Disturbance. Counterbond cannot be sued without a Special Damnification.\n       If Plaintiff can support an Action now without a special Damnification, he might have supported one Eo Instante that the Covenant was executed.\n       Cro. Jac. 634. Horseman vs. Obbins. Debt on obligation Conditiond for Indemnification. Demurred because not shewn quo modo indemnem &c. Being a Plea in the Affirmative, should have shewn quo modo, but if he had pleaded generally that he had not been damnified non damnificatus, it would have been good.\n       Cro. Jam. Jac. When one pleads a discharge and that he saved him harmless he ought to shew how, but if he had pleaded generally non damnificatus it had been good &c.\n       3. Mod. 252. Mather vs. Mills. Non Damnificatus and Demurrer. Negative Parish not damnified. Good.\n       2. Mod. 305. Shaxton vs. Shaxton. Condition to save harmless, &c. Defendant pleads not damnified, &c. Same Principle.\n       Negative Answer to Negative Breach. This is a wrong Representation. The Words of the Declaration. Covenant. Will save harmless from all Debts due from the Company of Gardiner & Apthorp to Trecothick & Company. They have made use of negative Words, but not to the Purpose. What is our Answer to their Declaration. That they have not been damnified, by any such Demand, which is the only Breach they have alledgd that could support their Action. Concluding in Bar, when the Matter is brought to a plain Affirmation and Negation would be ill, because it tends to protract Pleadings in Infinitum, therefore we concluded properly to the Country.\n       Jenkins\u2019s Centuries Page 110. Case 12. Non Damnificatus a general Issue.\n       Sewall run over the same Ground.\n       Otis. Read Several Authorities, one from Leonard and several others, to shew that where there is a Covenant or Bond to save harm\u00adless only, there Non Damnificatus will do for a Plea. But where there is Covenant or Bond to pay Rent, to pay Debts, &c. and to save harmless from that Rent, those Debts &c., there Non Damnificatus will not do.\n       C. J. There is no Time sett, when the Payment of the Company Debts shall be made, in the Covenant.\n       To pay, and shall pay all the Debts, due or that shall hereafter become due.\n       Difference between an Undertaking, by Covenant or Bond, to pay and save harmless, And an Undertaking to save harmless only.\n       The Judges of England make a strong Inference from the Silence of Precedents.\n       Tis a Duty as much when there is no Day fixed as when there is a Day fixed, and the Law says it shall be done in a reasonable Time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0006-0002-0002", "content": "Title: Paine\u2019s Minutes of the Trial: Plymouth Inferior Court, July 1768\nFrom: Paine, Robert Treat\nTo: \n       Mr. Adams. The grass was good till it was pastured and the bushes grew up; if the mill had not been built, his neglect would have filld up the natural Course and spoil\u2019d the Meadow.\n       Why did not he bring his action in the time of it?\n       He has no damages for what he bought 5 years ago.\n       The fall of water. I knew a meadow.  Duke of Bridgwater\u2019s Cannel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0004-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 List of Questions Presented: Suffolk Court of General Sessions, Boston, November 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Town of Brooklyne vs. Town of Roxbury\n       A great Number of Questions arise upon this Petition.\n       1 st. Whether a Justice of the Peace, can by Law, issue a Warrant for the Removal of a Pauper, from the Town where the Justice is an Inhabitant?\n       2. Whether a Warrant from the Select Men or Overseers of the Poor in a Town, to warn Strangers to depart, is good without warning those Strangers particularly?\n       3. Whether the Person warned in this Warrant of the Select Men is the Same Person, named in the Return of the Constable, and whether the Person named in the Justices Warrant is not a different Person from that named in the select Mens Warrant, and different also from him named in the Constables Return?\n       4. Whether the Justices Warrant, commanding the Constable of Roxbury to deliver the Pauper to the Cons of Brooklyne to receive the Pauper, and deliver him to the Select Men, is good, not being directed to the Constable of Brookline or Select Men of Brookline, or any Body else, but to the Constable of Roxbury?\n       5. Whether the Justices Warrant can be good, as it admits that the Pauper had lived Six Years in Roxbury, and only Says under Warning. i.e. when it appears upon the Face of the Warrant, that the Pauper had lived in the Town long enough to gain a Settlement by Law, whether the Particulars of his Warning out should not be set forth, i.e. the Time when, and the Authority by which, he was warnd to depart.\n       6. Whether a Warrant of Removal can be good, without setting forth with Certainty, one of these Things, vizt. Either that the Paupers legal settlement was at the Town he is to be removed to, or that he is an Inhabitant of that Town, or the Poor of that Town, or had his last Residence in that Town? Now in this Warrant it is only set forth disjunctively, Either that the said Pauper properly belongs to Brookline, or had his last Residence there.\n       7. Whether there is any Authority in Law for a Justice to command a Constable in his Warrant to remove the Goods and Effects of the Pauper?\n       8. Whether a Warrant of Removal should by Law be made returnable to the Clerk of the Peace, or the Justice who issued it.\n       9. Whether, in the Discussion of this Case, we must not be confined to the Records? Or Whether Roxbury shall be admitted to give any Kind of Evidence in Explanation or Reconciliation of these Records, i.e. these Warrants and Returns? For these Warrants and Returns are all of them Records. Even the Warrant of the Select Men must by Law be returned to the Clerk of the Peace and made a Part of the Records of this Court.\n       10. Whether a Justice of the Peace, in granting a Warrant of Removal, is a Judicial or merely a ministerial officer?\n       11. Whether a Justices Warrant of Removal ought not to be quashed for Uncertainty when it orders the Removal of a Person and his family, without naming Wife or Children, or when it orders the Removal of a Pauper and his Children or 5 Children, without naming those Children or ascertaining their ages.\n       12. Whether the Select Men in their Warrant for Warning, requiring the Constable to warn John Chaddock and Family, Jonathan Smith, Jona. Smith Jnr. and Mrs. Cammell all and every one of the above said Persons, to depart in 14 days, or give security, from all Charge that may arise by means of any or Either of the said Persons, have not renderd their own Warrant void? For by Law, no Person warned out is obliged to give security for 20 other Persons, it is sufficient if he gives security for him self and his own family.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0004-0003", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Notes of Authorities: Suffolk Court of General Sessions, Boston, November 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Brooklyne vs. Roxbury.\n       Prov. Law. Page 23. Names returned.\n       2. Salk. 482. Anonimous. 3 Men and families.\n       2 Salk 485. Sylvanus Johnson.\n       Foleys Poor Laws 427. Lenham vs. Peckham.\n       Foley 426. Flixton vs. Roston.\n       Form of an order of Removal, Burn V. 3, P. 378. V. 3, Page 377.\n       Justice shall not act in his Town.\n       2 Strange 1173 Great Charte and Kennington. Foley Page 104. Statute, 16 George 2d, c. 18. Act to impower Justices.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0004-0004", "content": "Title: Record: Suffolk Court of General Sessions, Boston, November 1768\nFrom: UNKNOWN\nTo: \n        Suffolk Ss:\n        At a Court of General sessions of the peace held at Boston within and for the county of Suffolk by adjournment on Monday the seventh day of Novr. A.D. 1768.\n       The Petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Brookline in the county of Suffolk, setting forth that on the thirtieth day of January 1767 the worshipful Joseph Williams Eqr. issued a warrant in these words, vizt., Suffolk Ss. Complaint being made to me the Subscriber, one of his Majestys Justices of the peace for said county, by Mesrs. John Child, Aaron Davis, and Eleazer Weld, Gentlemen and Selectmen of Roxbury and overseers of the poor in said Town, that one John Chaddock alias Chadwick alias dictus Chattuck or Shattuck late of Brookline with his family, vizt. a wife and four Children, all in distressed circumstances, the said John being delirious so as to become chargeable to the Town of Roxbury where they have resided and under warning between six and seven years, praying that a Warrant may issue forthwith to remove the said John and family back to Brookline from whence they came. These are therefore in his Majesty\u2019s name to will and require you and either of you to apprehend the Body and Bodies of the said John Chattuck and family with their effects and them safely remove and convey by the best way and means you can to the constable of the Town of Brookline who is alike required to receive them and take all due care to notify the Selectmen of Brook\u00adline or overseers of the poor of said Town to which he properly belongs or had his last residence, that such care may be taken and provision made for their support as may be needful. And you are to remove the said Chattuck and family &c. at his own charge if able to pay the same, otherwise at the charge of the Town of Roxbury, for all which this shall be a Sufficient warrant. Fail not and make due return of this warrant and your Doings thereon to the Clerk of the Court of General Sessions of the peace for said county of Suffolk as soon as may be. Given under my hand and Seal at Roxbury this thirtieth day of January A.D. 1767 and seventh year of King Georges reign. Joseph Williams. Which was afterward delivered to John Wood a constable of the said Town of Roxbury to be executed who returned his doings thereon in these words, viz. Suffolk Ss. Roxbury January 30 1767. By virtue of this warrant I have taken the Body of the within written John Shattuck and his wife and a Bed and beding and delivered them to William Davis constable of Brooklyn. February the 3 & 4th, I have further taken three children of the said John, viz. Martha and John and Mary and two beds and beding, a Pork tub, pots and kettles, brass and pewter knives and forks, corn and meal tubs, Chairs, Cyder, Cyder-barrels &c. being all the Indoor moveables of the aforesaid John Chattuck alias John Shattuck and conveyed them to the Town of Brooklyn and delivered them to the wife of the said John Shattuck at Brooklyn aforesaid. John Wood constable. And the said William Davis constable of the Town of Brooklyn made his Indorsement on said warrant in these words: Suffolk Ss. Brooklyn, January the 30. 1767. By virtue of this warrant I have received the within written John Shattuck and his wife and bed and beding and delivered them to Isaac Gardner Esqr. one of the Selectmen of Brooklyn aforesaid. William Davis constable. And the said John Shattuck his wife and three children are now in consequence of said warrant resident in said Brooklyn at the expence of the same Town for their maintenance which ought not to be for that it is acknowledged in said warrant that the said poor had lived above six years at said Roxbury and by Law therefore were their poor and ought not to have been removed then unless lawfully warned from the same Town. Tis true there was a warning in the year 1760 hinted in the said warrant which the said Town of Roxbury relies upon for good and sufficient warning in this case, the warrant for which and the Return of it are in these words, viz. Suffolk Ss. In his Majestys name you are hereby required forthwith to warn John Chaddock and family at Mr. Bourroughs, Jonathan Smith at Mr. Ebenezer Whitings, Jonathan Smith junr. at Thomas Lyons, and Mrs. Campbel at Mr. Whitings, also all and every one of the abovesaid Persons to depart the Town of Roxbury in fourteen days or give Security to the Selectmen to Indemnify the Town from all charge that may arise by means of any or either of the said persons, and you are to make Return hereof to the Clerk of the General Sessions of the peace in said county together with a certificate of the place of their last abode and the time of their residence here as the Law directs. By order of the Selectmen of Roxbury aforesaid, Samuel Gridley Town Clerk, Augt. 1st, 1760. Suffolk Ss. August the 1st. 1760. By virtue of the within I have warn\u2019d the John Chadwick and family, viz. his wife and four children, to depart this Town who came from Brooklyn and had resided in Roxbury about two months, Jonathan Smith and Jonathan Smith junr. who had resided in Town three or four months and came last from Woodstock, and Mrs. Mary Campbel who had resided in Town two months and came from Boston. All and every of the above I have warned to depart the Town in fourteen days or give bond to Indemnify the Town. Attest, per Nathaniel Davis constable. Whereupon the complainants say that one John Chadwick was the Person warned to depart the said Town of Roxbury by force of the first of said warrants and John Shattuck was the Person removed by force of the second of said warrants which are two different names and denote two different familys. The first of said warrants requires John Chaddock and his family to be warned to depart said Roxbury or give Security but does not mention the Persons of his family ordered to be so warned by name as it ought to have done, and the constable in his return to it says that he has warned the said John Chattuck and family, viz. his wife and four children, to depart said Town but has not returned their names as he ought to have done. The constable of the said Town of Roxbury is required by the first of said warrants to warn diverse persons and John Chattuck among the rest, as therein is set forth, all and every one of them to depart the said town of Roxbury in fourteen days or give security to the Selectmen to indemnify the Town from all charge that may arise by means of any or either of the said persons. The constable of the Town of Brookline is required by the second of said warrants to receive the persons so removed and to notify the Selectmen of said Brooklyn, and yet the warrant which requires it is not directed to him as it ought to have been. The same warrant does not mention either of the three children thereby required to be removed by name as it ought to have done. The same warrant admits that John Chattuck required to be removed has resided in said Roxbury more than six years last past and alledges it to be under warning but does not set forth of what nature this warning was. The same warrant as the Gist of it sets forth disjunctively that the said John Chattuck properly belongs to the said Town of Brookline or had his last residence there but does not set forth either of them in certain as it ought to have done and is not traversable. The constable of said Roxbury is by the same warrant ordered to take the effects and deliver them with the Body of the owner of them which is against Law. The said Joseph Williams who subscribed and issued the same Warrant as a Justice of the peace was then, had been many years before and is now an Inhabitant of the said Town of Roxbury and rated for the taxes set for the poor there. The said warrant issued by Joseph Williams Esqr. is therein made returnable to the Clerk of the Court of the General Sessions of the peace and it ought to have been made returnable to the said Joseph Williams Esqr. the Justice of the peace who issued it. Wherefore the Selectmen of the said Town of Brooklyn, inasmuch as its confessd above that the said John Shattuck had lived more than six years last past before said removal in the said Town of Roxbury, for want of any sufficient warrant for warning him to depart said Town of Roxbury or giving security to the Selectmen of it, and for want of any sufficient warrant to remove him to the said Town of Brooklyn, and for the illegality of said warrant and the return thereupon, prays judgment that the said John Shattuck, his wife, and children, Martha, John, and Mary, so removed, may be returned to the said Town of Roxbury, and for the said Town of Brooklyn\u2019s expences for his wifes and three children, maintenance and other incidental necessary expences for them since their said removal, and for the costs. This Petition was pre\u00adferred to the Court at its Sessions by adjournment on the fifth day of May A.D. 1767 when it was read and then ordered that the Selectmen of the Town of Roxbury should be served with a copy thereof, that they appear on Wednesday the tenth day of June following to shew cause if any they had why the prayer thereof should not be granted. And they being served with a copy appeared and by Robert Auchmuty Esqr. their Council said first that this honorable Court ought not to take cognizance of the matters and things shewn forth herein by the said Selectmen of the Town of Brooklyn because the same are only such matters as are properly enquirable into as error and not appertaining to the merits of the cause, and secondly that the matters and things offered and objected by the said Selectmen of Brooklyn aforsaid are not sufficient for this Court to grant the prayer of said Selectmen of Brooklyn on. Wherefore the Selectmen of said Roxbury pray the Court to dismiss this petition and for their reasonable costs. And then the same was continued to the next sessions in July following and from thence to the next Court and so from Court to Court until this time by order of Court and with the consent of parties. And they being now heard upon said pleas, the Council for the Town of Roxbury moved that the opinion of the Court may be taken whether there is Sufficient matter alledged in the petition of the Town of Brooklyn for the Court to proceed to the tryal of the merits, and thereupon the Court deliver it as their opinion that there is not matter sufficient in said petition whereby the Court may proceed to an hearing of the merits so far as to determine whether said Shattuck and family are the proper poor of Roxbury or Brookline. Then it was moved that said petition be dismiss\u2019d, but the Court are of opinion that it be not dismiss\u2019d and upon a further hearing of the parties it is Considered by the Court that the prayer of said petition be and hereby is granted and ordered that the Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury pay and refund unto the Selectmen of the Town of Brooklyn all such charge and expence as has arisen to them for the support and Maintenance of said John Chadock alias Chadwick alias Chattuck or Shattuck and his said wife and children untill this time and that they be returned to the said Town of Roxbury and also pay to said Selectmen of Brookline all the Costs that have been occasioned on their application to this Court in this matter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0004-0005", "content": "Title: Brookline\u2019s Account: Suffolk Court of General Sessions, Boston, November 1768\nFrom: Roxbury, town of,White, Benjamin,Gardner, Isaac,Harris, John,Goddard, Jonathan,Griggs, Thomas,Avery, John\nTo: Brookline, town of\n        Brookline Novr. 7. 1768\n          The Town of Roxbury to the Town of Brookline\n         To Isaac Gardner Esqr. for boarding Jno. Shattuck and wife 3 days to two mens watching and Attendance\n         To 2 days spent upon said Shattuck account\n         To 1 Day Ditto\n         To Deacon Ebenr. Davis for supplying to said Shattuck family\n         To keeping said Shattuck\u2019s horse 18 days\n         To cash to said Shattuck\u2019s wife\n         To \u00bd day his mans attendance on said Shattuck\n         To sundry to said Shattucks Family\n         To 2\u00bd days Attendance on said Shattuck\n         To keeping said Shattucks horse 13 weeks @ 3 per week\n         To Danl. Sanders for watching 4 Nights with said Shattuck\n         To Fish and Greenwood for watching with Ditto 1 night\n         To Antho. Marion for watching with Ditto 4 nights\n         To Edward Williams for Ditto 2 nights\n         To George Brown for Ditto 3 nights\n         To Micah Grout for Ditto 1 night\n         To Capt. Parker for 2  candles for Shattuck\n         To Benja. White for time and expence to Andover with said Shattuck\n         To time and expence to Ditto\n         To 2 days on Shattucks Account\n         To his mans Attendance on Shattuck\n         To Majr. Robert Sharp for time and expence to Andover and cash to the Doctor for said Shattuck\n         To 2\u00bd days Attendance on said Shattuck\n         To his sons Attendance on Ditto\n         To keeping Shattucks horse\n         To Mr. John Harris for time and expences to Andover with Shattuck\n         To time and expence to Andover and cash to the Doctor for Ditto\n         To Wood and other Supplies to said Shattuck and family\n         To Docr. Eliphalet Downer for keeping said John Shattuck and Attendance 8 weeks from the 23d. Feby. 1767 @ 13 per week\n         To Alexdr. Young for Bread and milk for Breakfasts for said Shattuck while in Goal 17 weeks @ 2 per week\n         To Mr. Enoch Brown for 2 check shirts for said Shattuck\n         To Benja. White for boarding Mrs. Shattuck and daughter Mary 26 weeks at 10 per week\n         To keeping Ditto 21 weeks @ 7/4 per week\n         To keeping Shattuck 24 weeks from the last Octr. @ 8 per week\n         To keeping said Shattucks horse 25 weeks to grass @ 2 per week\n         To keeping Ditto 11 weeks to hay @ 5/4 per week\n         To keeping Mrs. Shattuck and Daughter Mary 23 weeks @ 6 per week\n         To nursing said Shattucks daughter Mary in Sickness\n         To keeping Shattuck himself 8 weeks @ 5/4 per week\n         To nursing Ditto in his late sickness\n         To Stephen Brewer for house rent for said Shattucks goods and damages done to His house\n         To Docr. Jona. Davis for medicine and Attendance for Jno. Shattuck wife and daughtr. Mary from Octr. 2. 1767 to Apl. 29, 1768\n         To Ditto for 1 weeks board\n         Brot from the other side\n         Deduct by order the whole keeping of the horse\n         Allowd by the Court and Costs.\n        Brookline Novr. 8. 1768. Errors Excepted per Benja. White Isaac Gardner John Harris, Jno. Goddard, Thos. Griggs\n        Selectmen of Brookline\n        Boston January 31. 1769\n       We the Subscribers having Attended the Selectmen of Roxbury and considered the Account exhibited by the Town of Brookline relative to the Pauper Shadwick who was removed from Roxbury to Brookline do report that the Town of Roxbury pay to the Town of Brookline Seventy one pounds fourteen shillings and 3\u00be being in full for their charges in maintaining and supporting said Pauper with their legal costs of prosecution in behalf of John Hill, Samuel Pemberton Esqr. and self John Avery.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0005-0004", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Assignment of Errors: Plymouth Superior Court, Plymouth, April 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       In the Case of Jane Dotey vs. Manuel Essane heard and adjudged at the Court of General Sessions of the Peace held at Plymouth within and for the County of Plymouth on the first second Tuesday of December being the Eighth day of said Month in the Year of our Lord 1767, the Errors assigned by said Manual, on the Certiorari are as follow viz.\n       1st. It does not appear by the Record of the Judgment or Sentence of said Court of General Sessions of the Peace in said Case that Manual Essane was ever accused by the said Jane, to be the Father of the Bastard Child born of her Body, in September last, before the said Child was born.\n       2d. It does not appear by the Record of said Judgment or Sentence, nor by any other Record of any Proceedings in the Case, that the said Jane, continued constant in her Accusation, of the said Manual to be the Father of said Bastard Child.\n       3d. It does not appear by said Record of said Sentence, or Judgment, that said Jane was ever examined upon oath while she was pregnant with said Bastard Child, nor that she was put upon the Discovery of the Truth in the Time of her Travail, all of which by Law ought to have appeared.\n       4. The said Court have, by their Sentence aforesaid, ordered the said Manual, \u201cthat he pay the sum of Three Pounds it being the one half of the Charge of her lying in &c. for the first Month, and allso that he pay the sum of Twenty one shillings, it being for Keeping said Child to the Eleventh Day of December,\u201d in which the said Court have exceeded their Jurisdiction they not having Authority by Law to make such an order, and if they had such Authority, in this Case the order is uncertain, insensible and void, the said Court not having ordered the said Manual to pay the aforesaid Sums to any Person whatever in certain.\n       5. The said Court has ordered the said Manual to enter into Recognizance with two sureties, &c. which the said Manual was then and still is by Law incapable of doing as he then was and still is an Infant under the Age of Twenty one Years\n       6. The said Court have by the sentence aforesaid ordered the said Manual, that he recognize in the sum of Forty Pounds with two sureties to Secure and Save harmless the Towns of Plymouth, Duxborough and Marshfield from all Charges and Damages that may arise by said Child which the said Court had no Authority by Law to do, for it does not appear by said sentence, or any Record in said Case, that said Bastard Child was born in any of those Towns, and if it did, it would still be certain that said Town Child could not be born in more than one of said Towns, and therefore in that Case, said Manual could be obliged only to give security to Save that Town harmless where said Bastard Child was born.\n       Where fore the said Manual prays that the aforesaid order, Sentence, Judgment, and Proceedings of the said Court of Sessions may be quashed.\n        John Adams for said Manual", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0005-0005", "content": "Title: Reasons for the Judgement: Plymouth Superior Court, May 1768\nFrom: UNKNOWN\nTo: \n       In Superior Court at Plymouth May 1768.\n       Order\u2019d that the aforesaid Judgment and proceedings of the Court of General Sessions of the peace be quash\u2019d\u20141st. Because it doth not appear in the Record aforesaid where the Child aforesaid was born.\n       2. It appears by the Record aforesaid that the aforesaid Judgment was founded on the Oath of the said Jane and on that only.\n       3. The said Manuel is ordered to recognize in \u00a340 with Sureties to save the Towns of Plymouth Duxborough and Marshfield from all Charge and Damages that may arise by the said Child. Whereas the said Court of General Sessions of the peace, if the said Manuel has been duely adjudged the reputed Father of the Child abovesaid could only have ordered the said Manuel to give Security to save the Town or Place where the Child was born from Charge for its maintenance.\n        S. Winthrop Cler.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-01-02-0008-0006-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Testimony: Middlesex Court of General Sessions, Concord, September 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Lidia Gage vs. Josiah Headley.\n       Sarah Garfield.\n       Deacon Farrar. Last of Deer. It is Josiah Headleys. The next Saturday, she said she was sorry she had told me what she did. Not because it want true, but because he said he\u2019d get her whipped. 10 days after she said if the Premisses were not fullfilled, she would tell the whole Truth. Afterwards she said Headly hired her to lay it to Zack Parkes, Simeon Hagar, or some body else. Said she had 2 or 3 meetings, with Headley. Parkes told me, that Headly said he would come and settle it. At the Groaning, I heard her say that it was Josiah Headleys of Weston the Miller and Tavernkeeper. Knew that she had chargd Parkes but never mentiond it to her.\n       Rebecca Brown.Deposition vide\u2014Aug. I talked with her before and after she went before Coll. Jones. A Month before. She said she had Promisses of \u00a3300 and other Gifts, and her Brother Robert was to receive it. That Headly asked her to lay it to Zack Parkes, Simeon Hagar, or a transient Person unknown. She had wronged her soul, by clearing Headley. She lived with me 20 Year, never afraid to Trust her. Not given to lying. Robert Gage told me a week before his death, Mr. Headly a friend of his, and he did not choose to say any Thing unless under Oath.\n       Mrs. Horsemore. Last Winter, Lidia said she was sorry she had been to clear him up before his Wife. Headly had perswaded her in the shed under the Tree, nobody present. She said that it was Headleys to Deacon Farrar, and got soon after the Trooping at Sudbury. I\u2019ve seen him, and you never see any poor Creature take on so. Deacon Farrar asked her how she came to lay it to Zach Parks.\n       Susannah Gage. Wife of Robt. Gage. January. I shant tell. Tis not a Man I can have, but a Man that can pay. Headly talked so, that he convinced my Husband she had wronged Mr. Headley. She said that it was Headleys as true as a God in Heaven. That he perswaded her, and promised her Money. She came and asked my Husband if Money was left for her.\n       Lidia Parks. At Mr. Underwoods as she came from Horsemores. Lidia Gage said she would not damn her own Soul any longer for any Body. Headley told me, she had better take what she had and go off, or else he\u2019d Send her to the Devil. Sister in Law to Zach. Parks. If he had not rid her skimmington he had some other Way.\n       Sufferana Hagar. Lived in the House with Lidia Gage. I knew She was with Child, as soon as she did. She said she never had accused him of this Child, and was not a going to. Middle of July, I knew she was with Child. Never knew Headley at the House. She never told me, who was the father, but she gave me two Hints, she said if Headleys family were affronted with her for such Things, they should be affronted worse before long. Latter End of Octr. or Beginning of Novr. I told Headley. He said he would take his Gun and shoot her. But I did not think, he intended to shoot deeper than some People think he had done. His General Character very good, till this came out.\n       Sarah Garfield. I asked her who was the father, 30 March, in Extremity, she said Headley and no Man else. I asked her how she came to clear him before Coll. Jones. She said He promised her Money and that she should never want. As she expected to answer it before God.\n       Mrs. Allen. At the Travel Travail. She came in to our House a few days before her Travel. I charged her. She said she was told, that if she laid it to Parks she should get nothing, that Daniel Parks had been to a Lawyer, and told her those stories. That all Zack had was made over to maintain Phoebe, i.e. her last Child. Robert Gage told me there was no Truth in the story, that Headly had never offerd a farthing.\n       Mrs. Gage. At the Travel, as before. Headly came to our House and said he had an Arrant Errand to do to Lidia from a Gentleman. She said Twas a transient Person, and Hagar and Pucker, a poor Toad. In January Headley calld her out under the shed, and talked with her. The family suspected Headley, before she chargd any Body. Under Guardian.\n       Ephraim Parks. Brother to Zach and Guardian. Zach denyd it. I went to her, and Asked her if she could clear him. She said Zack is clear, and I never laid it to him and ant a going to. He has had nothing to do with me. Did not threaten to put away Phoebe, nor say that she could get nothing.\n       Wm. Horsemore. Town ant so devilish good to me. They need not concern themselves. She did not lay it to any Body.\n       Simeon Hager. James Parks. Week before Travail talked with Lidia Gage Headley. Said he was going to Deacon Farrar to settle that Affair. Would you have me pay, if clear? No. I\u2019m as clear as the sun.\n       Putnam. If the Inconstancy can be accounted for, from a natural Source, so that she is believed, it is within the Law. The only Question is whether her Charge is true.\n       Her weakness, no Impeachment of her Veracity.\n       She would tell Deacon Parks the Truth. And she told him, it was Headley. Deacon Farrar meets with Headley. Headley said it was a Matter he would consider of. Tho he denyed the Charge.\n       A Difficulty arises, and a great deal is to be made of it. The next Time she told the Deacon she was sorry she had laid it to Headley. She did not pretend to say she had chargd him wrongfully. A Temptation\u2014a snare\u2014a Trap.\n       Another Objection, she is not the most chaste Woman. A common Strum. She may know, notwithstanding her Inchastity, who is the father. The law does not confine it, to any Number of Times.\n       Another Objection that being a Lyar, will discredit her Testimony.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0003-0001-0003", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Trial and Notes for His Argument: Middlesex Inferior Court, Charlestown, March 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Pierce vs. Wright.\n        Sewall.\n       Action of slander. Not directly charging Perjury.\n       Things contrary to Truth and contrary to his holy Profession. Dishonorary to God, and Religion. I mean to charge him with Perjury.\n       Witnesses.\n       Buck. Charge in Writing. Mr. Morrill said the Charge was Perjury. Gave a Jogg. Let it go. I meant it so, and am able to prove it with several Aggravations. Church could not finish the Matter. Church did not refuse. Have done nothing. I took it he spoke to Mr. Merrill.\n       Captn. Walker. Wright said Charge must be read. If I understand Grammar you have charged Pierce with Perjury. I meant it so, and can prove it with several Aggravations.\n       Benja. Jaquith. Deposition. Vide.\n       Joseph Lewis. Do you mean to charge him with Perjury or false swearing, or any thing of that sort. Answer, Yes, and I told them so yesterday.\n       Moses Baron. Idem. Dont know but what Boin Bowen feed them. They did take a false oath.\n       Revd. Mr. Morrill. Delivered Copy to Pierce. Wright had been according to Gospell Rule.\n       Rich and Tucker. Satisfaction in a Christian Way.\n       Sewall. Identicall Words unnecessary.\n       Words of same import as those in the Declaration. Same Reason, as Declaration on a Promise.\n       Q. Whether there is any such Thing as slandering a Man in the Church. Absurd Doctrine. Dangerous. The Worst Men may ruin the Characters of the best. And establishing Slander by a Law. Wreak Malice and Vengeance. Without are slanderers Lyars and Backbiters, not within. Should have been heard in the Church. What Right had the Church to try Perjury. Platform. All goes upon the supposition that the Charge is true, Q. about Writs, Petitions.\n       Sewall. Definition of Libells. Bacon. Written Scandal, held in greatest Detestation.\n       Ego. The Question that is made is Whether there is any such Thing as slander in the Church?\n       Platform, Page 12, \u00a72. Church Power is in the People.\n       Page 24, \u00a73. This Government is a mixed one.\n       Page 25, \u00a75. The Prerogative or Priviledge of the Church, in Choosing officers, in Admission of Members. Case of offence, any Brother hath Power to convince and admonish, and to take one or two, and to tell the Church. Admonition or Excommunication.\n       Page 27, \u00a79. It belongs to Elders to receive Accusations brought to the Church and to prepare them for the Churches Hearing, and to pronounce sentence with the Consent of the Church.\n       Page 39. Of Excommunication and other Censures.\n       Page 40, \u00a73. Offence public, of an heinous and criminal Nature.\n       Page 42, \u00a78. Toleration of Profane and scandalous Livers, a great sin.\n       In order to determine the Question, let us consider and enquire what a Church is? A Church is a voluntary society of Christians. Voluntary, because no Man is compellable to join with the Church. A society, a Body politick, framed for certain Ends. What are those Ends? Why their mutual Advancement in Knowledge, and their Growth in Piety and Virtue. Their Connexion is therefore spiritual, merely. No Concern with the Lives, Liberties, Estates or Reputations, of the Members any further than these have Relation to another, a future state. Jesus Christ is the great Head and Law giver of his Church. And Kings, Princes Parliaments and Judicatories, have no Concern with them as Church Members. One End of Church society, and Government is mutual Watch and Jealousy over each other, mutual Advice, Admonitions Censures, and that all evil Examples may be suppressed. And the only Punishment they have in their Power is Admonition or Excission. Thus the fundamental Principle of Ecclesiastical Polity is that as every Member is a Volunteer, if he will not submit to their Rules he shall be cut off. Come into our Company if you are qualified and will continue to be qualified i.e. continue in the Faith and order of the Gospell, but We will have the Right to examine your Qualifications before we admit you, and We will also hold the Right of observing your Life and Conversation, and if that should become sinfull and scandalous, we will expell you, and if you are not willing to submit to this, dont join Us. The Candidate agrees to this, and takes the Covenant.\n       But when the Church assembles to admit and receive him, I say that every Church Member has a Right to object to him. And to give his Reasons. Now suppose a vicious Man should assert propound his Desires to come into full Communion. Would not the Church Members have a Right to go to the Minister and object, and to tell the Minister his objections. When the Church assemble would he not have a Right to tell the Church, that at such a Time he heard him tell a Lie, at such a Time he saw him drunk. At such a Time he heard him swear, and perjure himself. According to Mr. Sewall he would be liable to an Action of slander, if he did. If he is liable to an Action will not this forever cutt off the Priviledge of Church Members to object to the Admission of new ones. It is the same after Admission. Every Member may complain against every other. But says the Gentleman it will put it in the Power of the worst Men, to wreak their Malice and Revenge on the best? To this I answer, is it common for the worst Men to be Church Members! By no Means. Church Members are generally much more virtuous, and benevolent than others. It is not to be supposed that Churches will admit such malicious and revengefull Men to their fellowship. But if such an Instance should happen, that a wicked, malicious Man should deceive the Church, and be admitted, and should bring a malicious and false accusation against his Brother, He must do it publickly. He cant propagate his malicious Whispers in secresy. It must come before the Church, and be examined, and the Complainant must prove his accusation, and if he cannot, but appears to have done it from a factious malicious Spirit, he will himself fall under the Censure of the Church. The accused will be honourably acquitted, and the Accuser will be censured. And is not a Church a Competent Judge? Is not the Vote of a Church, concerning a fact, as good, after Examining Proofs as the Verdict of a Jury? Juries try Perjuries, Forgeries, Murders, Treasons, Blasphemies, and why should not the Churches try the same?\n       Every Writing that contains a false Charge and Accusation vs. a Person is not a Libell. Writs and Declarations, Petitions to the General Court. Libel in the Spiritual Court.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0004-0003-0001", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Trial: Hampshire Superior Court, Springfield, September 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Newport vs. Billing.\n       Strong. Trespass and false Imprisonment. Plea that Plaintiff is Defendants Property\u2014his Negro Slave.\n       Rep. no slave but a freeman.\n       Bill of Sale 1728. 15th March from David Ingersole.\n       Coll. Partridge. Ingersoles Hand. Lowghtons Hand. Knew Newport to live with Billing and reputed his servant.\n       Mr. Dickerson. Knew him 30 Years to be the servant of Billing.\n       Acts of Parliament that take Notice of slaves in Plantations.\n       Law of Province.\n       Custom.\n       Every Man a Right to freedom that no Law or Usage can take away.\n       Forfeiture of Liberty. Wars, among them. Captives.\n       A Right to destroy them, if necessary to secure themselves.\n       Right to enslave them to repay the Expences of defending ones self.\n       Sense of the Nation to be relyed on.\n       Presumption here is that an African black is a Slave.\n       Tax Acts.\n       Putnam. Point in issue, Slave or not?\n       Defendant must now prove that Plaintiff is a slave. A Negro, black &c., the only Proof. Montesquieu, flat Nose, &c. Noah\u2019s Curse. Dr. Newton.\n       History, Greece and Rome. Slavery. Power of Life and death.\n       Not proved that he has forfeited his Liberty, by the Laws of his Country.\n       Common Report, that they are stolen in Affrica. The Same Right for them to enslave us.\n       Common Law directly vs. this Principle. Villenage.\n       3 Raymond 1274. Salk. Mod. Levitic Law Exod. The master might kill his slave.\n       May have a Right to service, during Life. But not to Life.\n       Province Laws might mean slaves of West indians.\n       Sewall. Painfull. Humanity, common Justice, and eternal Morality.\n       Conquest and Rights of War.\n       Plea says D. Ingersole had a Right to sell him. Receipt. Similitude of Hands.\n       Protection. Break his Head. Indictment will lye.\n       Moral. Necessity to set it aside, it may be demonstrated that it is a Disadvantage to us.\n       Voltaire, no sugar.\n       Wounded Consciences.\n       Vid. Arguments at large in 1st. Mod.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0004-0004-0001", "content": "Title: Writ and Pleadings: Middlesex Inferior Court, Cambridge, May 1768\nFrom: Mason, Thaddeus,How, William,Sewall, Jonathan,Kent, Benjamin,Winthrop, Samuel\nTo: \n       Formal opening omitted.\n       To the Sheriff of our County of Middlesex his under-Sheriff or Deputy. Greeting.\n       We Command you that without Delay you forthwith cause to be replevied (if she may be found within your precinct) Margaret, otherwise called Peggy, a Molatto woman now in the possession of William Muzzy of Lexington in our county of Middlesex Tanner, any claim of the said William notwithstanding, the said Margaret having found sufficient Security to prosecute her plea in this behalf against the said William. And summon the said William Muzzy (if he may be found in your precinct) to appear before our Justices of our Inferiour Court of Common pleas to be holden at Cambridge within and for our county of Middlesex on the third Tuesday of May currant then and there in our said Court to answer unto the aforesaid Margaret In a plea of taking and detaining the said Margaret whereupon she Complains that the said William Muzzy on or about the last day of August last at Lexington aforesaid unjustly took her the said Margaret and her so taken held in Servitude against her free will from the last day of August Last untill the Day of the Date hereof which is to the Damage of the said Margaret as she saith the sum of one hundred pounds which shall then and there be made to appear with other due Damages and have you there this writ with your doings herein. Witness Samuel Danforth, Esqr. at Cambridge this Second day of May in the eighth year of our Reign, Annoque Domini 1768.\n        Thad. Mason Cler.\n       Middlesex Ss. May 3d 1768. I have replevied the within named Peggy a Molatto out of the hands of the within named William Muzzy and have summoned the within named William Muzzy to appear at the time and place within mentioned by reading this writ to him.\n       Wm. How Dept. Sheriff\n       The said William comes and Defends &c. and reserving Liberty of giving any Special matter in Evidence under the general issue and the same to avail as if specially pleaded says he is not guilty as the plaintiff complains and thereof puts himself on the Country, by Benja. Kent his Attorney:\n       And the said Margaret allowing the Liberty above reserved and also reserving Liberty of waiving this Demurrer on the appeal and joining the issue tendered says the said William\u2019s plea aforesaid is insufficient and prays Judgment for costs.\n       Jona. Sewall\n       And the said William consenting as above says his plea aforesaid is sufficient and prays Judgment that the said Margaret may be restored, when specially Demanded to him and for costs.\n       Benja. Kent\n       The Demurrer is waived and the Issue is joined.\n       Att. Saml. Winthrop Cler.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0005-0001-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Notes of Authorities: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Doane\u2019s Whale.\n       Grotius B. 2, Chap. 8, \u00a7. 2. How long Beasts Birds and Fishes, may be said to be no Body\u2019s, admits of some Dispute.\n       \u00a7. 3. \u201cThe Roman Lawyers say, We lose our Property in wild Beasts, as soon as ever they recover their natural Liberty: But in all other Things the Property acquired by Possession does not cease with the Loss of Possession. Nay it gives us a Right even to claim and recover our Possession. And Whether they be taken away from us by another, or get away of themselves, as a fugitive slave, it is all one.\u201d\n       Inst. Lib. 2, Tit. 1, \u00a7. 12. \u201cDe rerum divisione et de adquirendo ipsarum dominio. Ferae igitur Bestiae et Volucres, et Pisces, et omnia animalia, quae mari, Coelo, et Terra nascuntur: simulatque ab aliquo capta fuerint, jure gentium, statim illius esse incipiunt. Quod enim ante nullius est, id, naturali Ratione, occupanti conceditur. Quicquid autem eorum ceperis, eousque tuum esse intelligitur, donec tua custodia coercetur. Cum vero tuam evaserit Custodiam, et in Libertatem naturalem sese receperit, tuum esse definit, et rursus occupantis fit. Naturalem autem Libertatem recipere intelligitur, cum vel occulos tuos effugerit vel ita sit in Conspectu tuo ut difficilis sit ejus Persecutio.\u201d\n       \u00a7. 13. \u201cIllud quaesitum est, an si Fera Bestia ita vulnerata sit, ut capi possit, statim tua esse intelligatur. Et, quibusdam placuit, statim esse tuam et eousque tuam videri donec eam persequaris. Quod si defieris persequi: definere esse tuam, et rursus fieri occupantis. Alii vero putaverant non aliter tuam esse quam si eam ceperis. Sed posteriorem sententiam nos confirmamus, quod multa evidere soleant ut eam non capias.\u201d\n       Vid. same Law in same Words: Digest Lib. 41. Tit. 1. \u201cDe adquirendo Rerum Dominio.\u201d\n       \u00a7. 5. \u201cNaturalem &c. illud quaesitum est an fera bestia, quae ita vulnerata sit, ut capi possit statim nostra esse intelligatur. Trebatio placuit statim nostram esse, et eo usque nostram videri donec eam persequamur. Quod si defierimus eam persequi: definere nostram esse, et rursus fieri occupantis. Itaque si per hoc tempus, quo eam persequimur, alius eam ceperit eo animo ut ipse lucrifacerit: furtum videri\u2004nobis eum commisisse. Plerique non aliter putaverunt eam nostram esse, quam si eam ceperimus: quia multa accidere possunt, ut eam non capiamus: quod verius est.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0005-0001-0005", "content": "Title: Interrogatories for Gage: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, 1768\nFrom: Adams, John,Otis, James JR.\nTo: \n       Interrogatories In the Behalf of Lot Gage and Partners In the Case of Joseph Doane and others against him and Partners.\n       1st. Was you on a Whaling Voyage In the Streights of Bellisle on or about the 21st. of June 1765.\n       2. What Boat was you in and what Vessel did you belong to.\n       3. Do you remember that on or about that time there was a Whale Killed by Lot Gage and others the Property of which whale has Since been disputed by Joseph Doane and others.\n       4. Did you see Lot Gage Faste to said Whale.\n       5. Was there any other Boat fast to her when Lot Gage Struck her.\n       6. How Near was you to Said Whale when Gage Struck her.\n       7. Did you Sit down or stand up tell all you Know about it.\n       8. Did you see Asa Nickerson that day.\n       9. Did you See him or his harpooner Dart at said Whale.\n       10. Did he fasten to her or Not.\n       11. Did you See him hawling in his Iron and Warp before Gage Struck the Whale he fastned too. Tell all you Know about it.\n       12. Did you at that time Know Silas and Robert Newcomb.\n       13. Did you see them at the time Gage was fast to the Whale or before.\n       14. What was the Newcombs Conduct on that Voyage according to your observation.\n       15. Did you observe that when you fell in Chase of Whales with the Newcombs they were more Noisey then than Common.\n       16. Did that Boat the Newcombs was in go by the Name of the Crasey Newcombs that Voyage.\n       17. Did you hear that Silas Newcombs was Crasey since he got home from that Voyage at any time.\n       18. Did you hear Josiah Godfrey your Stearsman say (at the time Mentioned In your Deposition) any thing on Board your Vessel about this Whale and what he Said.\n       19. Was Josiah Godfrey your Stearsman present at the Conversation aboard your Vessel as mentioned in your Deposition. Tell what you Know about it.\n       20. Was Robert Homer a Whaling with you in the Year 1765 at the Streights of Bellisle about the 21st of June.\n       21. Had you any Conversation with him about the Whale In Controversy and what was it.\n       22. What was the Capacity that he went in.\n       23. Was he Not Looked on as a very Raw hand by your Crew and one that had Little or No knowledge about Whaling.\n       24. Did he Ever Mention to you or the Crew you belonged to any Conversation that he had with John Whelden or his Crew about this Whale.\n       25. Did you hear any man on Board the Vessel that John Whelden was in say the Whale In Controversey between Joseph Doane and others and Lot Gage and others belonged to the Doanes.\n       26. Did you hear any Man say so on Board the Vessel you Belonged to.\n       27. What was the general opinion while you was on the Voyage of the people a Board your Vessel and John Weldens vessel who said Whale belonged to whether to Gage or to whom.\n       28. Was you a Whaling with Seth Baker in the Year 1765 at the Streights of Bellisle on or about the 21st of June that Year.\n       29. What did you hear him say when he Come on Board the Vessel you was in about the Whale In Controversy that Same day said Whale was Kill\u2019d or Soon after. Tell what you Know about it.\n       30. Did you go in an End of a Boat and which End.\n       31. What was the General Talk of the People at the Streights of Bellisle about the Whale in Controversy that is who she Belonged to tell all you Know about it.\n       32. Did you hear Samuel Howes talking with John Whelden about the Whale In Controversy very soon after the Whale was Killed Relate The talk Whelden had about her at that time.\n       33. Had you ever any Conversation with Silas Newcomb about the Whale in Controversy, tell all you heard him Say about it and when and where it was.\n       34. Had you Ever any Conversation with Captn. Joseph Doane about the Whale In Controversy. Tell all you remember of it.\n       35. Are you Acquainted or do you Know Asa Nickerson.\n       36. Had you Ever any Conversation with him about the Whale In Controversy Between Captn. Joseph Doane and others and Captn. Lot Gage and others. Relate the Conversation and tell what you Remember of it.\n       37. Did you hear any person in Asa Nickerson Boate at the Time Lot Gage was fast to the Whale now in Controversy say that they the said Nickersons boate was not fast to said Whale and that they had Better go on Board their Vessel and Get some Victuals and not Contend about her or words to that Effect. Tell all you know about it.\n       38. Can you tell how Near Seth Bakers Boate that you was in was to the Whale In Controversy when Lot Gage struck her.\n       39. Was you at one Oar with your Back Toward the Whale.\n       40. Was not Robert Homer In the same Boat at the same Time.\n       41. Did he stand up to Look at the Whale and Boats that you Observed.\n       42. Do you Know of any Boats Besides Gages that was Nearer to the Whale when he struck then your Boat.\n       43. Was you Near Enough to Gages Boat or the Whale to Know one man from another.\n       44. How long after you Perceivd the Whale to be fast before you Quitted the Chace.\n       45. Did you Ever hear it said on Board your Vessel that the Whale In Controversy Belonged to the Doanes.\n       46. Did you Ever tell any Body so.\n       47. Did you hear any of the Crew on Board your Vessel say so.\n       48. Was it not the General Voice of your Vessels Crew that she Belonged to Gage.\n       49. Did you Ever Suggest to Robert Homer or say any thing like it that you should or Could be an Evidence in Doans favour.\n       50. Did you Ever Say to Robt. Homer or in his hearing that said Whale Belonged to the Doanes.\n       51. Was you in the Boat with John Chase at the Streights of Bellisle on or about the 21st. of June 1765.\n       52. Did you see any thing of the Transactions of Asa Nickerson or Lot Gage at that time. Relate all you know about them.\n       53. Do you Know Seth Baker.\n       54. What is his Charecter as to Probity and Truth.\n       55. Do you Know John Cash.\n       56. What is his Charecter as to Probity and Truth.\n       57. Have you heard of any Contention or Quarrel Between Robert Homer and John Whelden or Family, tell all you Know about it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0003-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Testimony: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, March 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Folger vs. Tea\n        James Athern Esqr.\n       Joshua Gardiner. Folger has entered and cleared Vessell I am concerned in to and from London. Commonly reputed a Custom House Officer at Nantucket. Have seen a Plantation Certificate signed by him, the Governor and Peleg Gardiner Naval Officer.\n       Jno. Handcock Esqr. Cleared two Vessells that Deponent is concernd in for London, since the arrival of the Commissioners. And has acted in all Respects, with the Regard to my Navigation at Nantucket, as the officers of the Customs do here. Commonly reputed an officer of the Customs. I know of his Acting, by his clearing my Vessells. I cant say I ever saw a Clearance of his signing, or saw him sign one. I know of his Clearing my Vessells by the Consequences for that the Vessells were admitted to an Entry in London. And others here by the Officers here.\n       Thos. Gray. Dep. vide\n       Mr. Sheaf. Have seen Papers of his signing, as Searcher and preventive Officer at Nantucket. Coasting Clearances. I acted under Sir H. Frankland, as Deputy Collector for this Port, for some Years. Mr. Harrison the present Collector, wrote a Letter to Mr. Folger giving him Instructions about a Vessell with sugars at Nantucket.\n       Captn. Partridge. Used to London Trade. Made many Voyages there. Papers are demanded of Us, on our Arrival by the Custom House Officers. Clearance from the Customs demanded. Once admitted to an Entry without producing my Clearance, but was soon sent for by the Clerk and told by the Clerk that he had done wrong, and that the Clearance was his only Security, for Entering me. Never admitted upon Producing Manifest and Register, except in the above Instance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0003-0003", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Minutes of the Argument: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, March 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Folger vs. Hallowell.\n       The Affairs and Transactions of the Customs and Revenue, are very loose. Customs and Duties and subsidies, have from Time to Time been granted by Parliament to his Majesty and the Collection and Management of them has been committed by Parliament to his Majesty, in short the Crown seems to have been entrusted with a discretionary Power by the Parli of appointing as many Sorts of Officers and as many in Number, as are or shall be thought convenient. We hear of Surveyors, Collectors, Searchers, and Comptrollers but there is not any act of Parliament, which describes and limits their Provinces and Powers.\n       Compare the Commission of the Commissioners with the Act of Parliament on which it is grounded. How small the Foundation! How mighty the super Structure! Are there no Powers in the Commission which are not pointed out in the Act?\n       Compare the Act that empowers the King to constitute Commissioners at Home, with the Powers exercisd by them, and by the late Surveyors General as Representatives of them. The Commission empowers to suspend, and remove &c. Does the Act of Parliament enable the K. to give such Powers to Commissioners?\n       Where did Mr. Lechmere get his Authority to suspend Mr. Barons as Collector of this Port? He claimed an Authority, and exercised it of suspending. Yet there is no Act of Parliament in the whole Statute Book, that enables the K. or Commissioners of Customs or any Body else to create such an officer as Surveyor General.\n        Sewall.\n       Folgiers Commission. Preventive officer. In my behalf. All Temples Authority ceased, on Arrival of Commissioners. Made vs. Claimers. Exclusion of officers and their dues.\n       Reputation and Exercise sufficient. 6. G. 1, c. 21, \u00a724. 11. G. 1, c. 30, \u00a732.\n       Continuance of Deputations &c. after Death of Commissioners. 12. Ann. St. 2, c. 8, \u00a713.\n       Comrs. of Customs. 25th. Car. 2, Chap. 7 \u00a73.\n       Comrs. of Customs and Lds. of Treasury to appoint officers. 7. & 8. W. 3. Chapt. 22\u00a711.\n       Mr. Otis. Admitted an officer De Facto, and therfore have given up their Cause. Distinction between King De Jure and De Facto. Maxim officers to be favoured.\n       Viners Abridgment Tit. Officers, and Offices G, Plea 2. Keeper of Goal De Facto, and De Jure. Mayor De Facto. G. 4, Plea 2. All Judicial Acts shall be good.Colour of Election all Judicial and Ministerial Acts good.\n       Evidence that he was in Fact an officer, an officer De Facto.\n       If it should appear that the King was deceived in his Grant and issued a Commission to the Commissioners that was void, would it be pretended that all their Acts and Orders through the Continent were void? No. Their Reputation And Exercise, sufficient to make their Acts and orders good.\n       All the Officers Comptrollers, Searchers Inspectors and even Commissioners them selves are only Preventive officers, none of them are to collect his Majesty\u2019s Duties.\n       Wonderfull Parenthesis (in my Behalf). These Words cant make Folger a Deputy, merely Surplussage, currente Calamo, and may go out again without injuring the Commission.\n       If not rejected as surplusage, yet capable of several Constructions that will not vitiate or render void the Commission.\n       Whether the Surveyor General had, and the Commissioners have a Power to dismember a Port, or to make any Alterations in a Port, Yet if they will undertake to do it, it must be good till set aside by superiour Authority.\n       Lechmere went to England and appointed Coll. Brinley his Deputy in his Absence, and many of the officers got him to allow them salaries &c. Wages, Fees or some thing that they never could get before, and particularly the present Commissioner Paxton got a large sum at that Time.\n       A Deputy Sherriff would be liable to an Action if he should act after the death of his Principal, but this is not the Case of the Custom House officers. Their Deputations or other Authorities, are not nullified by the Demise of the Crown, any more than the Judges.\n       Sewall. General Question, whether Mr. Folger had any Authority to make the Seizure.\n       The supposition of his having another Commission besides this from Temple.\n       Q. whether I have not offered such Evidence of his Having no Authority, as shall oblige Folger to produce his some other Commission.\n       The Act of 6. G. 1, c. 21, \u00a724. intended for the security of the Officers and off the Revenue. It is inconsistent with Common sense to suppose that the Legislature had any such Case in View, as this before your Honour.\n       This Act not extended to America.\n       I believe there is no Bottom to this Affair of the Customs.\n       By fair Contract the officers entituled to all the Fees within Their District.\n       In my Behalf, intended to make him Deputy, not to make a new office or officer. No Person can make a Deputy but the Principal. No Surveyor General can make a Deputy Collector, any more than I, as Advocate can make a Deputy Judge of Admiralty, or than your Honour can make Deputy Advocate General.\n       Surveyor and Searcher.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0003-0004", "content": "Title: Auchmuty\u2019s Opinion and Decree: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, 2 April 1768\nFrom: Auchmuty, Robert\nTo: \n       Information\n       Timothy Folger vs. Sloop Cornelia and Eighteen Casks Tea. On this information the Advocate general in behalf of the King intervened.\n       In determining this cause, I shall consider the matters on each side of the question principally relied on by the Gentlemen in their arguments and much in the same order as proposed.\n       The Advocate general in behalf of the King urged, that none but the Officers of the Customs could seize in cases similar to this, relying on the 14 Car. 2d. for this point. That the informer, who in the information, calls himself searcher and preventive Officer in the Island of Nantuckett never was an Officer of the Customs, and that granting he was, his Authority ceased on the commissioners of the Customs in North America entering upon the Execution of their Office. Because the Informer was authorized and appointed, as by an authenticated copy of his Commission exhibited by the said advocate appears, by the Honble. John Temple Esqr. late surveyor general of the northern district; whose office was entirely vacated and made void by the said commissioners executing their said Office, which was prior to the seizure set fourth in said Information. That the three known principal officers of the Customs in the port of Boston, of which the said island of Nantuckett is a member, had seized and informed against the same vessel and goods which information was pending in this Court; wherefore on his Majesty\u2019s behalf said advocate prayed that the libel of the said informer might be dismissed unless he could shew his authority to seize.\n       To all which it was answer\u2019d by James Otis and John Adams Esqrs. advocates for the informer, first that he was not held to produce any commission to authorize him to make or hold said seizure, because it was sufficient to prove himself a reputed Officer of the Customs, by acting as such at the time of seizing. To support which the statutes of the 6 Geo. 1 and the 11. of the same reign were produced. Secondly, that considering the exhibits, proofs and Advocate\u2019s concession in the case, it evidently appeared, the Informer was either an Officer of the Customs de facto, or de jure or both. If the latter a right of seizing must undoubtedly have been in him. If only the informer, yet even by the rules of the common law, without the aid of the Statutes, it was sufficient. Thirdly, that the Informer was an Officer de jure by his commission from the said late surveyor general, produced by the advocate and by the Court allowed to be filed as evidence and lastly, that the Authority granted by said commission did not cease on the Surveyor generals office being vacated by the appointment of the Commissioners of the customs in North America, and their Executing their office. To prove which the 12. Ann. and the 7. Geo. 3. were cited and relied on.\n       The force and operation of the two statutes of Geo. 1. must be considered in order to determine whether the same comprehend the present case, Those were formed to guard the revenue, by protecting the real Officers thereof against certain inconveniences. A construction therefore of the statutes different from that design or exceeding such Inconveniences must be erroneous: In the first act by the perview which immediately relates to the section under consideration it clearly appears, the mischiefs intended to be remedied were, the trouble and expence Officers were necessarily at in procuring the condemnation of Goods seized, and in consequence thereof the enacting part enables officers to give proof of their actually exercising and being imployed and entrusted in an Office, without producing evidence to prove the names of the Commissioners to any Commission to be their hand writing. But there are only two Cases in which such proof of reputation is Admissible, First, when the trial is between the Officer seizing and the Claimer. Secondly when the Officer is prosecuted for any thing done by virtue of any act relating to duties. If therefore the present dispute is not such an instance as is pointed out by the Act, it cannot be within it Because this Act, which is enlarged by the 11. Geo. 1. but for the same purposes, gives a remedy not known at common law, in particular cases. Therefore by the rules of law relative to the constructions of Acts, such remedies cannot be extended to alter the Common law in any others than those particular instances mentioned in the Act. This rule is founded on the deference always justly paid to the common law by the Judges in construing statutes and by which the common law is preserved from Constructive innovations. It is indisputable that the present controversy is not a Trial between an Officer and Claimer, or a civil action or other process brought against an Officer by a Subject, but a litigation founded on the intervention of the Kings Advocate in behalf of his Majesty, The point is now between the King and one who claims to be an Officer of the Customs under his Majesty: therefore to extend the said Acts or either of them to such a case would be both absurd and illegal. Illegal, because by so construing the Act, the King himself would be thereby affected, tho\u2019 not mentioned therein, and tho\u2019 considering the nature and tendency of the Act, he cannot consistently with the rules of law, be constructively included. Absurd because it would be foreclosing his Majesty from whom all the powers of Officers mediately or immediately flow from trying whether one asserting to be his Officer was so, and notwithstanding the admission of such an enquiry, it appears to me, the letter as well as the spirit of the Acts will be preserved entire; and so no reason presents why it should not be granted. I am sensible, it is objected that the trial now is founded on an information, and relates to a seizure, and from thence concluded to be within the express words of the Acts. To this it may be answered, that those Acts are not to be construed by the different modes of prosecution therein enumerated, nor by the general expressions pointing out the causes of such prosecutions; but by the mischeifs intended to be remedied, and not guarded against by the common law, and therefore, tho\u2019 a Case in one sense may depend on a seizure and information, yet if none of the mischeifs mentioned in and designed to be redressed by said acts, attend it, the law will not adjudge such a Case to be within the Acts. It is an established rule that tho\u2019 a Case be within the letter of an Act, if not within the real meaning thereof, it cannot be included therein, A construction different from that I have given would make said Acts productive of a very great repugnancy, by forcing the same to operate in favour of persons, without an enquiry whether they were or were not properly Officers of the Crown to the prejudice of others duly appointed, for the protection and advantage of whom said statutes most undoubtedly were designed. And lastly, that by the duly authenticated Copy of the Informers commission exhibited by the Advocate, evidence appears to the contrary of the informers being an Officer of right at the time of making the seizure, as far as a negative can. The reservation in the Acts made in these Words, \u201cunless by other Evidence the contrary shall be made to appear,\u201d entitles even a claimer, a fortiori his Majesty, to prove if he can; that the Officer seizing, notwithstanding his being reputed and acting as such, really was not, otherwise the statutes are justly chargable with one of the greatest irregularities known in the law, in preferring the lowest kind of evidence to the highest. To support the words \u201cother evidence to the contrary\u201d intend to confine the evidence to a persons being an Officer de facto, in exclusion of an enquiry if one de jure, must render the Acts totally ridiculous. Because when once the fact of his being an Officer de facto is established by positive evidence, it must be impossible negatively to prove the contrary. In short, tho\u2019 the acts give great releif to Officers even claimers are not by force thereof left remediless, nor do the Acts place persons proving their reputation as Officers absolutely beyond the inspection and reach of law. But the burthen of Strict legal proof is by force of the same acts removed from the Officer, in certain Cases; and if the Claimer or prosecutor would avail himself against the proof resulting from reputation, he is obliged to produce legal evidence, that notwithstanding such reputation the person seizing either was never commissioned, or if he was, the authority thereby conferred was determined, or he had exceeded his Authority. Therefore I do adjudge and decree, that said Acts are not sufficient to authorize the informer to prosecute said information without shewing a further right so to do.\n       I shall next determine what influence the rules of the common law touching Officers de facto ought to have in this cause.\n       Those rules appear to me to be calculated only to make such as presume to act as Marshall or Mayor &c. without being completely qualified, answerable for their own misconduct, in cases where the Interest of others is concerned, but not to extend to such as immediately tend to their own private advantage. They are institutions to prevent mischeifs happening to some, through an undue exercise of power by others, rather than to give a sanction to it for the sole benefit of the Actors. It is but just that he who undertakes as a publick Officer the Execution of any thing without a full Authority for so doing, and of which he is to be the judge in the first instance, and does it in such a manner as renders another a sufferer, should be adjudged accountable therefor. But It by no means follows that such an undertaker should advance his own Interest by his own wrong Act, in direct opposition to the legal Officer: Therefore the law cases above alluded to and the one in trial materially differ from each other. Also the cases of the parson and bishop appear to me not applicable to the present dispute, for the same and other reasons. In both the latter instances their acts which may be considered as judicial, are allowed good for the benefit of others their inferiours in the law sense and so not obliged to know the legality of the induction of the parson, or the deprivation or removal of the Bishop; Where a Bishop de facto does an act which charges the possession of the bishoprick, as a lease of lands, it is void. The true reason of which I take to be, he shall not by any act advance his own private interest, and thereby deprive an Officer de jure of his. This case is more applicable to the present dispute than any of the others. And indeed without observing this rule all distinction between Officers de facto and de jure must cease. But to close this subject the very making of the acts evidently shew that at common law, Officers of the Customs could not be sufficiently guarded by proving themselves such de facto: then consequently none of those rules abstractedly were able to support the doings of such an Officer, even when the contest was not between him and the King, but a Claimer. So that tho\u2019 by the Exhibits in the case it is both proved and granted that the informer was an Officer de facto, yet as the Statutes allow of proof being made against his being one de jure, and the common law does not avail him in this point, I am next to enquire what proof there is of his being the latter.\n       The proof of this point arises out of his Commission and the Authority of the late surveyor general to grant the same. It is certain the informer was by said commission created, if any thing, either a New Officer, or deputy surveyor general. It could not be a deputation as searcher and preventive Officer, if there had been any such Office known, because the surveyor general could not make a deputy to another Officer, that power being lodged only in the principal. As to the first, considering that the Island of Nantuckett is a member of the port of Boston, it is necessary to examine whether the late surveyor general had any authority, without positive orders or instructions from the Commissioners of the Customs in England under the direction of the Commissioners of the treasury to create new Officers, when there were proper Officers of the port duly commissioned and acting; and secondly if not, whether by the said Commission the Informer was deputy surveyor general.\n       As the statute did confine the appointment of the Officers of the Customs to the Lord treasurer Commissioners of the treasury and Commissioners of the Customs in England for the time being, it is impossible that any surveyor general could legally appoint or create new Offices and Officers without an authority for so doing from those who by the law had that power. It was said in the argument, that the late surveyor general had equal authority with the Commissioners of the Customs in England but it was neither attempted or possible to be proved on an inspection of his instructions as far as relate to this enquiery and consideration thereof. I do not perceive any thing which proves or has a tendency to prove a power in him to create new Offices or Officers. His power of suspending for misbehavior, and appointing others in the places of the persons so suspended or of such as decease by no means can be extended to create new officers ad libitum. The former is a contracted and limitted power, and was usually lodged with all surveyor generals by the Commissioners of the Customs, and founded in necessity. The latter comprehends almost all the powers of both the Commissioners of the treasury and Customs and it is not to be supposed they ever delegated such Authority to any person whatsoever, there being neither necessity or law for so doing. It was urged in favor of such appointments of the Surveyor generals, that great inconveniences will follow if they are not adjudged valid, as many have been made, particularly one at Plymouth a member of this port. If the fact is so, of which there is no evidence excepting the instance at Plymouth, it ought not to regulate a judgment on the validity of such appointments, because that would be Establishing a practice not founded in law, in opposition to law. Nor can I conceive it the duty of a judge to depart from the law to cure inconveniences resulting from the misapprehensions of any other Officer, without something very express to warrant his so doing. Secondly if the late surveyor general had authority to appoint a deputy, which is very supposeable though not proved, it is clear he has not executed that power in the appointment of the informer, but attempted one entirely different, and therefore it is not a deputation as Surveyor general. These two points being determined makes a minute enquiry into the objection of the said commissions being superceded by the appointment of the Commissioners of the Customs in North America and their exercise of that Office, needless; I shall therefore only say, that neither the statute of Ann, or of his present Majesty extend to any deputations save those granted by the Commissioners of the Customs in England. These acts also prove the legislature never conceived of or had in contemplation any other appointments then such as were made by the Commissioners of the Customs in England as aforesaid. If they had, doubtless the death and removal of surveyor generals would have been guarded against, as well as that of the commissioners. Those who made the last act must certainly have known, that the Office of surveyor general was merged in that of the Commissioners: therefore it is against reason to imagine, it was intended first to destroy the Office of principal, and secondly, to secure his deputys, or to extend the words of the proviso expressly mentioning certain Officers, to others probably not known, and if known, certainly not noticed. Therefore haveing fully heard the Kings Advocate and the Advocates for the informer and after a mature consideration of their arguments and of all the statutes and authoritys quoted and used, proofs allegations and exhibits adduced in the cause, I decree the information against the aforesaid sloop and tea filed by the said Timothy Folger to be dismissed.\n        Robert Auchmuty Judge", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0004-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Copy of the Information and Draft of His Argument: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, October 1768\u2013March 1769\nFrom: Adams, John,Sewall, Jonathan,Auchmuty, Robert Jr.\nTo: \n       Jonathan Sewal vs. John Hancock\n       Prov. &c. Before the Honorable Robert Auchmuty Esqr.\n       Be it remembered, that on the 29 day of October in the Ninth Year of the Reign of his Majesty George the Third, Jonathan Sewall Esqr. Advocate General for the said Lord the King, in his proper Person comes and as well on behalf of the said Lord the King, as of the Governor of this Province, gives the said Court to understand and be informed, that on the ninth day of May last, a certain Sloop called the Liberty, arrived at the Port of Boston in said Province, from the Islands of Madeira, having on Board, one hundred and twenty seven Pipes of Wine of the Growth of the Madeira\u2019s; of which said Sloop, one Nathaniel Barnard was then Master, and that in the Night Time of the same day the said Nathaniel Barnard with Intent to defraud the said Lord the King of his lawfull Customs, did unlawfully and clandestinely unship and land on shore in Boston aforesaid one hundred of the aforesaid Pipes of Wine of the Value of Thirty Pounds Sterling Money of Great Britain, each Pipe, the Duties thereon not having been first paid, or secured to be paid, agreable to Law. And that John Hancock of Boston aforesaid Esqr. was then and there willfully and unlawfully aiding and assisting in unshipping and landing the same one hundred Pipes of Wine, he the said John Hancock, at the same Time well knowing, that the Duties thereon were not paid or secured and that the unshipping and landing the same, as aforesaid, was with Intent to defraud the said Lord the King as aforesaid, and contrary to Law; against the Peace of the said Lord the King and the Form of the Statute in such Case made and provided, whereby and by Force of the same Statute, the said John has forfeited Treble the value of the said Goods, so unshipped and landed as aforesaid, amounting in the whole to the Sum of Nine Thousand Pounds Sterling Money of Great Britain, to be divided, paid and applied in manner following, that is to say, after deducting the Charges of Prosecution, one Third Part thereof to be paid into the Hands of the Collector of his Majesty\u2019s Customs for the said Port of Boston, for the Use of his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, one Third Part to the Governor of said Province, and the other Third Part to him that informs for the same.\n       Whereupon as this is a matter properly within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the said Advocate General prays the Advisement of the said Court in the Premisses, and that the said John Hancock may be attached and held to answer to this Information, and may by a Decree of this honourable Court be adjudged to pay the aforesaid Sum of Nine Thousand Pounds to be applied to the uses aforesaid.\n        Jon. Sewall Advocate for the King\n       Octr. 29, 1768. Filed and allowed and ordered that the Register of this Court or his Deputy issue out a Warrant for the Marshall of this Court or his Deputy to arrest the Body of the said John Hancock and him keep in safe Custody so that he have him at a Court of Vice Admiralty to be holden at Boston on the Seventh day of November next at Nine of Clock before noon and that he take Bail for Three Thousand Pounds Sterling money of G. Britain.\n       Robert Auchmuty Judge &c.\n       Upon what Statute is this Libel founded? Is it on 4 G. 3, C. 15, \u00a737. Be it enacted, &c. \u201cif any Goods or Merchandizes whatsoever, liable to the Payment of Duties in any British Colony or Plantation in America, by this or any other Act of Parliament shall be loaden on Board any Ship or Vessel outward bound, or shall be unshipped or landed from any ship or Vessell inward bound, before the respective Duties due thereon are paid, agreable to Law; or if any prohibited Goods whatsoever shall be imported into, or exported out of, any of the said Colonies or Plantations contrary to the true Intent and meaning of this or any other Act of Parliament; every Person who shall be assisting, or otherwise concerned, Either in the Loading outwards, or in the Unshipping or landing Inwards, such Goods, or to whose Hands the same shall knowingly come after the Loading or unshipping there\u00adof, shall for each and every offence forfeit treble the Value of such Goods, to be estimated and computed according to the best Price that each respective Commodity bears at the Place where such offence was committed; and all the Boats, Horses, Cattle, and other Carriages whatsoever, made Use of, in the Loading, Landing, removing, Carriage or Conveyance of any of the aforesaid Goods, shall also be forfeited and lost, and shall and may be seized and prosecuted, by any officer of his Majestys Customs, as hereinafter mentioned.\u201d\n       There is a Clause similar, in most respects to this in 8. Ann, C. 7, \u00a717. \u201cAnd for preventing the Frauds, which may be practised in unshipping to be landed any Pepper, Raisins, Mace, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmegs, Snuff, or any other Sort of Goods whatsoever, subject to the Payment of Duties without paying the same as also to hinder the Importation of any Sort of prohibited Goods into Great Britain, Be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that if any Pepper, Raisins, Mace, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmegs, Snuff, or any other Sort of Goods whatsoever, liable to the Payment of Duties, shall be unshipped, with Intention to be laid on Land (customs and other Duties, not being first paid or secured) or if any prohibited Goods whatsoever, shall be imported into any Part of Great Britain, then not only the said uncustomed and prohibited Goods, shall be forfeited and lost, but also the Persons who shall be assisting, or otherwise concerned in the unshipping the said prohibited and uncustomed Goods, or to whose Hands the same shall knowingly come, after the unshipping thereof, shall forfeit Treble the value thereof, together with the Vessells and Boats, and all the Horses, and other Cattle and Carriages whatsoever, made use of in the Landing, removing, Carriage, or Conveyance of any of the aforesaid Goods,\u201d &c.\n       Madeira Wines are Goods and Merchandises, liable to the Payment of Duties in this British Colony or Plantation. Admitting it proved that a Quantity of such Wines were unshipped and landed, from the sloop Liberty inward bound, before the Duties due upon it, were paid, agreable to Law. What shall be the Construction of the Words \u201cassisting or otherwise concerned,\u201d in the Unshipping or Landing inwards. The Labourers, the Porters, and Sailors, who manage the Tacles and with their own Hands, hoist out the Pipes, are no doubt, concerned, and the Master who oversees and gives orders, is no doubt assisting. But is the owner Either concerned or assisting in it, if he does not know of it. He may be asleep in his Bed, and not so much as know or dream that any Body is unshipping and landing his Wines. Is he then concerned or assisting? Can it be proved that Captain Barnard was concerned? Can it be proved that Captn. Marshall was? What then? Can it be proved that Captn. Marshall asked Leave of Mr. Hancock? Can it be proved that Mr. Hancock knew of this Frolick? If he neither consented to it, nor knew of it, how can he be lyable to the Penalty?\n       I must beg the Indulgence of the Court, while I consider the Character of this Act of Parliament. There is a great Variety in the Characters of Laws as well as Men. A benign and beneficial Law is to receive a liberal and benign Construction. A rigorous and severe Law is to receive a strict and severe Construction. And the more penal it is the more severe must the Construction of it be, and the more tenderly must it be carried into Execution. It will not be impertinent therefore to shew in some Detail the Circumstances, that render this Law the most rigid and severe, or in other Words the most poenal of almost any Law in the whole British Pandect.\n       The Degree of severity in any Poenal Law is to be determined only by the Proportion between the Crime and the Punishment. Treason is justly punished with death because it is an attempt to overthrow the whole Frame of the Government, and the Government can never be overturned without the slaughter of many Hundreds of Lives and the Ruin of many Thousands of Fortunes. If a Man will murder his Fellow subject it seems but equall that he should loose his own Life. But in this Case what is the Crime? Landing a few Casks of Wine. Admitting the Crown to have the clearest Right to the Duties it is but unjustly taking away a small sum of Money from the Crown, and one would think that the forfeiture of \u00a3100 would be an equal Punishment for withholding \u00a3100 in Duties. But surely the Forfeiture of an whole Cargo of Wines worth Ten Thousand Pounds, for withholding one hundred Pounds in Duties would be a great Disproportion between the Crime and Punishment. To carry it one step further, and subject the ship, as well as Cargo to Confiscation, but above all to subject the Master to \u00a31000, and every Person concerned to a forfeiture of threble value, is such a stretch of security as renders this Act more Penal, than any Statute vs. Rape, Robbery, Murder or Treason.\n       But among the Groupe of Hardships which attend this Statute, the first that ought always to be mentioned, and that ought never to be forgotten is\n       1. That it was made without our Consent. My Clyent Mr. Hancock never consented to it. He never voted for it himself, and he never voted for any Man to make such a Law for him. In this Respect therefore the greatest Consolation of an Englishman, suffering under any Law, is torn from him, I mean the Reflection, that it is a Law of his own Making, a Law that he sees the Necessity of for the Public. Indeed the Consent of the subject to all Laws, is so clearly necessary that no Man has yet been found hardy enough to deny it. And The Patrons of these Acts allow that Consent is necessary, they only contend for a Consent by Construction, by Interpretation, a virtual Consent. But this is only deluding Men with Shadows instead of Substances. Construction has made Treasons where the Law has made none. Constructions, in short and arbitrary Distinctions, made in short only for so many by Words, so many Cries to deceive a Mob have always been the Instruments of arbitrary Power, the means of lulling and ensnaring Men into their own Servitude. For whenever we leave Principles and clear positive Laws, and wander after Constructions, one Construction or Consequence is piled up upon another untill we get at an immense distance from Fact and Truth and Nature, lost in the wild Regions of Imagination and Possibility, where arbitrary Power sitts upon her brazen Throne and governs with an iron Scepter. It is an Hardship therefore, scarcely to be endured that such a poenal Statute should be made to govern a Man and his Property, without his actual Consent and only upon such a wild Chimaera as a virtual and constructive Consent.\n       But there are greater Proofs of the Severity of this statute, yet behind.\n       2. The Legislative Authority by which it was made is not only grievous, but the Executive Courts by which it is to be carried into Effect is another. In the 41st section of this Act 4 G. 3, c. 15. we find that \u201cAll the Forfeitures and Penalties inflicted by this or any other Act or Acts of Parliament, relating to the Trade and Revenues of the said British Colonies or Plantations in America, which shall be incurred there, shall and may be prosecuted, sued for, and recovered, in any Court of Record, or in any Court of Admiralty, in the said Colonies or Plantations where such offence shall be committed, or in any Court of Vice Admiralty, which may or shall be appointed over all America, (which Court of Admiralty or Vice Admiralty, are hereby respectively authorized and required to proceed, hear, and determine the same), at the Election of the Informer or Prosecutor.\u201d Thus, these extraordinary Penalties and Forfeitures, are to be heard and try\u2019d,\u2014how? Not by a Jury, not by the Law of the Land, but by the civil Law and a Single Judge. Unlike the ancient Barons who un\u00e2 Voce responderunt, Nolumus Leges Angliae mutari, The Barons of modern Times have answered that they are willing, that the Laws of England should be changed, at least with Regard to all America, in the most tender Point, the most fundamental Principle. And this Hardship is the more severe as we see in the same Page of the Statute and the very preceeding section \u00a740, \u201cThat all Penalties and Forfeitures, herein before mentioned, which shall be incurred in Great Britain, shall and may be prosecuted, sued for and recovered in any of his Majestys Courts of Record in Westminster or in the Court of Exchequer in Scotland respectively.\u201d\n       Here is the Contrast that stares us in the Face! The Parliament in one Clause guarding the People of the Realm, and securing to them the Benefit of a Tryal by the Law of the Land, and by the next Clause, depriving all Americans of that Priviledge. What shall we say to this Distinction? Is there not in this Clause, a Brand of Infamy, of Degradation, and Disgrace, fixed upon every American? Is he not degraded below the Rank of an Englishman? Is it not directly, a Repeal of Magna Charta, as far as America is concerned. It is not att all surprising that the Tryals of Forfeiture and Penalties are confined to the Courts of Record at Westminster, in England. The Wonder only is that they are not confined to Courts of common Law here.\n       The People of England are attached to Magna Charta. By the 29th Chapter of that Statute, \u201cNullus liber Homo capiatur, vel imprisonetur, aut disseisietur de libero tenemento suo, vel libertatibus, vel liberis Consuetudinibus suis, aut utlagetur, aut exuletur, aut aliquo modo destruatur, nec super eum ibimus nec super eum mittemus, nisi per legale Indicium Parium Suorum vel per Legem Terrae.\u201d This 29, Chap, of Magna Charta, has for many Centuries been esteemed by Englishmen, as one of the noblest Monuments, one of the firmest Bulwarks of their Liberties\u2014and We know very well the Feelings and Reflections of Englishmen whenever this Chapter has been infringed upon even in Parliament. One Proof of them has been given us by Lord Coke, in his Exposition of this Chapter. 2. Inst. 51. \u201cAgainst this ancient and fundamental Law, and in the Face thereof I find an Act of Parliament made, that as well Justices of Assize as Justices of Peace without any finding or presentment of 12 Men, upon a bare Information for the King before them made, should have full Power and Authority by their Discretions,\u201d &c.\n       Lord Coke after mentioning the Repeal of this Statute and the Fate of Empson and Dudley, concludes with a Reflection, which if properly attended to might be sufficient even to make a Parliament tremble. \u201cThe ill success of this Statute and the fearfull End of these 2 oppressors, should deter others from committing the like, and should admonish Parliaments, that instead of this ordinary and precious Tryal Per Legem Terrae, they bring not in absolute and partial Tryals by Discretion.\u201d\n       These are the Reflections of an Englishman, upon a Statute which gave to Justices of Assize, and Peace, the Tryal of Penalties and Forfeitures, which by the 29. Chapter of Magna Charta ought to be tryed by Jury. The Statute 4 G. 3. takes from Mr. Hancock this precious Tryal Per Legem Terrae, and gives it to a single Judge. However respectable the Judge may be, it is however an Hardship and severity, which distinguishes my Clyent from the rest of Englishmen, and renders this Statute, extremely poenal.\n       I have mentioned this Particular, not merely to shew the Hardship of this Statute and Prosecution, and that my Client is therefore in a favourable Case, but for another Purpose, vizt. to shew the Nature of the Evidence, that is required in this Case. We are here to be tryed by a Court of civil not of common Law, we are therefore to be tryed by the Rules of Evidence that we find in the civil Law, not by those that We find in the common Law. We are to be tryed, both Fact and Law is to be tryed by a single Judge, not by a Jury. We therefore claim it as a Right, that Witnesses not Presumptions nor Circumstances are to be the Evidence.\n       We are to enquire what is the Evidence required by the civil Law, in Criminal Cases in order to convict a Person of a Crime and to Subject him to a Penalty. New Inst. civil Law. Page 316. 2. \u201cThe Number of Witnesses ought to be two at the least to make a full Proof, and these must be free from all Exceptions, Either as to their Persons or their Depositions. For the Testimony of a single Witness is of no Validity, tho the Person is of a great Character,\u201d &c. \u201cFor one Witness may mistake or lie, and be corrupted, and yet be consistent with himself, and so remain undiscovered; whereas two or three Witnesses may more easily be found in a Conspiracy by a prudent Judge if they are separately examined; and tho many Criminals would escape and many might loose their Right for Want of two Witnesses, yet it would be a lesser Evil than to trust so much Power to the Mistakes or Malice of one Person.\u201d\n       Dig. Lib. 22. Tit. 5. \u00a712. De numero Testium. \u201cUbi numerus testium non adjicitur, etiam duo sufficient. Pluralis enim elocutio duorum numero contenta est.\u201d\n       Codicis Lib. 4. Tit. 20. \u00a79, \u00a71. \u201cSimili modo sanximus, ut unius testimonium nemo Iudicum, in quacunque causa facile patiatur ad\u00admitti. Et nunc manifeste sanximus, ut unius omnino testis responsio non audiatur, etiamsi praeclarae Curiae honore prefulgeat.\u201d Vide Note 32. \u201cUnus testis, nullus testis. Unius Testimonium non admittitur. Vox Unius, Vox nullius est.\u201d In this Respect the civil Law conforms to the divine Law. Deut. 19. 15. \u201cOne Witness shall not rise up against a Man for any Iniquity, or for any Sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the Mouth of two Witnesses, or 3, shall the matter be established.\u201d\n       But in Hancock\u2019s Case, if there were 2 or ten such Witnesses as Mezle, they would not amount to Proof sufficient for Condemnation. Because there are against him, the strongest legal Exceptions, 1. His Condition. New Inst. civ. Law. 315. \u201cIndigent Persons and Beggars ought to be suspected, because they are easily corrupted.\u201d Dig. 22. 5. 3. \u201cTestium Fides diligenter examinanda est: Ideoque in Persona eorum exploranda, erunt in primis, Conditio, cujusque; utrum quis decurio an Plebeius sit; et an honestae et inculpatae vitae, an vero notatus quis, et reprehensibilis. An locuples vel egens sit ut lucri causa quid facile admittat: vel an inimicus ei sit, adversus quem testimonium fert; vel amicus ei sit, pro quo testimonium dat:\u201d &c. Vide Note 22. \u201cIn Testibus hac sunt inquiranda, Conditio, Vita, Facultates, Inimicitiae, vel amicitiae, suspicio denique &c.\u201d\n       Calv. Lex. Testes.\u201cCallistratus, testium Fidem, Conditionem, Vitam anteactum, Fortunam, Aestimationem, atque dignitatem diligenter exquirendam esse praecipit.\u201d\n       Fortescue De Laudibus Legum. C. 31. page 38. \u201cIt will not always happen that they i.e. perjured witnesses are or can be known by the Party, Defendant in the Cause, in order to call in Question their Life and Conversation, that as Persons of a profligate Character, they might be cross examined; upon which account their Evidence might be set aside.\u201d\n       The general Character of this Witness cant be known. We can have no Citation to the Mountains of Switzerland, or the Fens of Holland or the Plains of Cape Francois, for Witnesses to his general Character for Truth. We ought to know therefore all that can be known of his History from his own Mouth. Life and Conversation, Fides, Vitam anteactam, inculpatae et honestae Vitae are Expressions, that denote more than a general Character for Truth or falshood.\n       The civil Law seems to lean to the side of Mercy, as much as the common Law. Wood Inst. 310. \u201cIn Criminal Cases the Proofs ought to be as clear as the Sun at Noon day:\u201d\n       Domat. V. 1. Page 13. Preliminary Book. Tit. 1. Sect. 2. N. 15. \u201cThe Laws which restrain our natural Liberty, such as those that forbid any Thing that is not in itself unlawfull or which derogate in any other manner from the general Law, the Laws which inflict Punishments for Crimes and offences, or Penalties in civil matters; those which prescribe certain Formalities; the Laws which appear to have any Hardship in them\u201d &c. \u201care to be interpreted in such a manner, as not to be applied beyond what is clearly expressed in the Law,\u201d &c. \u201cWe ought to give to such Laws all the Temperament of Equity and Humanity, that they are capable of.\u201d Notae: \u201cInterpretatione Legum Poenae molliendae sunt, potius quam asperendae. In Poenalibus Causis benignius interpretandum est. In levioribus Causis proniores at Lenitatem Judices esse debent, in gravioribus Poenis, Severitatem Legum, cum aliquo temperamento benignitatio subsequi.\u201d\n       Codicis. Lib. 4. Tit. 19. \u00a7.25. De Judiciis criminalibus. \u201cSciant cuncti accusatores eam se rem deferre in publicam notionem debere quae munita sit idoneis Testibus, vel instructa apertissimis documentis vel indiciis ad probationem indubitatis et luce clarioribus expedita.\u201d Vide Notes also.\n       But disregarding order, for the present let me record the Controversy We had last Week, Concerning the Rules of Law which were to govern this Case. The Court of Admiralty is originally a Civil Law Court. Jurisdiction of a Crime, is given to it in this Case by Act of Parliament. The Question is whether it is to proceed by the civil Law? If it is, We have a Right to examine the Witnesses whole past Life, and his Character at large. A Son cannot be examined against the Father nor the Father against the Son, and other Relations are disqualified to be Witnesses. All Persons under Twenty are disqualified, under 20 years of age I mean, from being Witnesses. Servants and dependants are not to be Witnesses. Nay. Mr. Fitch says we must adopt the Method of Torture, among the rest.\n       On the Contrary I argue, that if We are to be governed by the Rules of the common Law We ought to adopt it as a whole and summon a Jury and be tryed by Magna Charta. Every Examination of Witnesses ought to be in open Court, in Presence of the Parties, Face to Face. And there ought to be regular Adjournments from one Time to another.\n       What other Hypothesis shall we assume? Shall We say that We are to be governed by some Rules of the common Law and some Rules of the civil Law, that the Judge at his Discretion shall choose out of each system such Rules as please him, and discard the rest. If so Misera Servitus est. Examinations of witnesses upon Interrogatories, are only by the Civil Law. Interrogatories are unknown at common Law, and Englishmen and common Lawyers have an aversion to them if not an Abhorrence of them. Shall We suffer under the odious Rules of the civil Law, and receive no advantage from the beneficial Rules of it? This, instead of favouring the Accused, would be favouring the Accuser, which is against the Maxims of both Laws.\n       Interlocutory DecreeAdvocate General vs. John Hancock, Esqr.\n       The Substance of the Point before the Court, is, whether a Witness shall be examined to charge another Witness in the Cause with a particular infamous Crime.\n       It is urged by the Advocates offering the first mentioned Witness, first, that this is a civil Law Court, and secondly, by that Law such Evidence is admissible. To the last Point several authorities were cited, but the principal one from the Digest 22. 5. 2. 3.\n       To which it was answered by the Advocates on the other side that this is not a civil Law Court in such Cases as the present. And that the Authorities produced were not to be understood in the Sense contended for by the Respondents Advocates. In support of the last, the Notes under the aforesaid 3 Law in the Digest were read and relyed on. It was also urged, that admitting the civil Law to be as contended for, the argument would prove too much, because it would exclude relations in certain Degrees, intimate Friends, Persons under the age of Fourteen &c. from testifying.\n        I take the Sense of the Authority first mentioned, to be no more than a general description of what are good objections against persons being admitted to their Oaths as Witnesses without describing the mode whereby such disqualifications are to be ascertained. If said Authority is not so construed, it certainly clashes with the notes, which clearly relate not to the Admission of Witnesses, but the Credit or Refutation of their Evidence. The reason why proof by record ought to be exhibited against a Witness, when charged with a Crime, appears clear from the Question put in the Note, under D. 22. Tit. 3. \u201cQuis enim, si sufficiat accusasse, innocens fiet?\u201d Such a reading reconciles the Text and comment in the Digest to each other, and the former to Reason. I am therefore of opinion the motion is not well supported, even by the Rules of the civil Law. In addition to which, when I consider the process now in question, is founded on an Act of parliament, originally intended to be guided by the Rules of the common Law, that the Practice of the Court has ever been to hear and determine similar cases, according to those rules, the manifest and great inconveniences which must accrue, by the Admission of such evidence, I am clearly of opinion, the Question put is improper, and therefore Decree the same to be withdrawn.\n       Robt. Auchmuty Judge &c.\n          Obsirve, The Expressions. The Substance of a Point. A Point has not Parts, therefore is indivisible, therefore to talk of the substance of it, is not the neatest or most elegant. But to omit Criticism, let me make a few Observations upon the Reasoning substance of the Decree.\n          1. The Advocates for the Crown, did not argue that our Argument would exclude Relations, Friends, Persons under 14. &c. But the Advocates for the Respondent, insisted that all those Rules of the civil Law ought to be adopted, because they were beneficial to the subject the Respondent. We had no difficulty at all in Admitting the Consequence as far as it is here mentioned. So far from it that we desired it, because Mr. Hancock\u2019s Relations, Friends, and many Persons under age have been examined in this Case. It is true Mr. Fitch did argue that our Principle would justify the Introduction of Torture and this he thought was proving too much, and this was well observed by Mr. Fitch and was the best argument I have heard in the Case.\n       2. The Judge has totally mistaken the \u201cSense\u201d of the Authority, for instead of being a Description of Objections against Persons being admitted to their Oaths it is wholly confined to those who are already sworn. It is Testium Fides examinanda est, not Personarum Fides, and as a Witness in English implies the Competency of the Person, so Testis in Latin implies the same, and a Person cannot be Testis, untill he is admitted, to tell what he knows, i.e. to give Evidence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0005-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Copy of the Libel and Report of the Trial: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, October 1768-March 1769\nFrom: Adams, John,Sewall, Jonathan\nTo: \n       Dowse vs. Thirty Three Hdds. Molosses\n       Libel\n       Be it remembered that on the 26 October 1768 Joseph Dowse of Salem in the County of Essex Esqr., Surveyor and Searcher for the Port of Salem and Marblehead in said Province, who prosecutes as well &c. comes and gives the Court to be informed that on the Sixth day of September last at Glocester in the Port aforesaid, he Seized as forfeited, one Third to the King &c. Thirty Three Hogsheads and four Tierces of Molasses, for that the same, on the same day was illegally imported, in some Ship or Vessell to the said Informant unknown, from foreign Parts, and was illegally unshipped and landed on Shore in Glouster aforesaid, no Report or Entry thereof having been first made and the Same being customable Goods and the Dutys thereon not having been first paid; against the Form of the Statute in that Case made and provided; whereby the Same Molasses is become forfeit to the Uses aforesaid. Whereupon as this is a matter properly within the Jurisdiction of this honorable Court, the said Joseph Dowse prays the Advisement of the Court in the Premisses, and that the same may by proper Process from this Court, be taken into Custody of the Marshall of the same Court and by Decree be adjudged and decreed to remain forfeit to the Uses aforesaid.\n        Jona. Sewall Advo. for said Dowse &c.\n        David Plumer of Glocester in the County of Essex Merchant produces a Cockett from the Custom House in Salem 20 Aug. 1768 signed by Fisher Collector Mascarene Comptroller and John Turner Jr. Navall officer, for Thirty Three Casks of foreign Molasses, 3089 Gallons imported from St. Eustatia in the Earl of Glocester, duties paid by Moses Bray, now on board the Schooner Olive Branch Wm. Low Master, bound for Boston.\n        And said Plumer proves by Witnesses that the Molasses now libelled against is the Same, that is mentioned in the above cockett.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0006-0002", "content": "Title: \u201cA Journal of the Times\u201d: 24 October 1768\nFrom: UNKNOWN\nTo: \n       This day the brig Tryton, owned by Mr. D\u2014\u2014s, a merchant of this town, was seized by order of the Board of Customs, on supposition it is said, that she had some time ago been employed in an illicit trade; and that they may oblige the owner to prove where and how she has been employed.\u2014This seizure exhibits another instance of the generosity of the Commissioners, and their friendly disposition towards trade, in as much as it is said, that they have not now any more cause of suspicion than they had four months past; during which time she has remained in port undisturbed till the owner had spent \u00a3.100 sterling in repairs, and had taken a freight for Hull, the insurance of which has been some time past wrote for by the several freighters.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0006-0003", "content": "Title: Minutes of the Customs Commissioners\u2019 Proceedings: 27 October 1768\nFrom: UNKNOWN\nTo: \n       Read a Letter of the 25 Instant from the Collector and Comptroller of Boston. Ordered that the Solicitor do attend the Advocate General, and give him Instructions for prosecuting the Brigantine Tryton formerly called The Popet for Breach of the Acts of Trade.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/05-02-02-0006-0007-0002", "content": "Title: Adams\u2019 Copy of the Information and Statutes Involved: Court of Vice Admiralty, Boston, December 1768\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Josh. Dowse Esq. vs 19 Casks of Molasses. Gardiners.\n       For that the same Molasses on 19 Aug. last, was imported and brought into the Port of Salem and Marblehead, from the Island of Guadaloupe, in a certain Schooner called the Neptune, Phillip Saun\u00adders Master, and in the Night Time between the 6. and 7. days of September last, the said 19 Casks of Molasses were fraudulently and clandestinely landed from on board the said Schooner, and put on Shore in Salem aforesaid, with Intent to defraud the said Lord the King of his customary Duties thereon; neither the said Master nor any other Person having first duly entered and paid the legal Duties for the same, and without having first duly entered and paid the legal Duties for the same, and without having first obtained a Warrant from a proper officer, for the landing the same against the Form of the statutes in such Case made and provided, whereby the same is become forfeited as aforesaid.\n       13. 14. C. 2, C. 11, \u00a7. 7. Be it enacted that if any Wharfinger, or his servant, shall take up or land, &c. or suffer to be waterborn &c. any prohibited Goods &c. without the Presence of some officer, &c. or at Hours and Times, not appointed by Law (1. Eliz.) &c. he shall forfeit 100\u00a3.\u2014and if any Goods or Merchandizes shall be taken in from the shore &c., into any Bark, Hoy, Lighter &c. without a Warrant, and the Presence of an officer, the Bark &c. shall be forfeited and the Master, Boatswain, Mariner &c. consenting shall forfeit the value of the Goods.\n       1. Elisabeth. C. 11, \u00a7. 2. Not lawfull for any Person to lade or put off or from any Wharf, Key, or other Place on the Land &c. or to take up, discharge and lay on Land, out of any Lighter, Ship, Crayer or Vessell any Goods, Wares or Merchandises &c. but only in the Day light, i.e. from March to Sept., between Sun setting and Sun rising, &c. and in some open Place that shall be appointable, upon Pain of Forfeiture of all such Goods &c.\n       7. 8. W. 3, C. 22, \u00a7.6. For the more effectual preventing of Frauds and regulating abuses in the Plantation Trade, be it enacted that all Ships coming into or going out of, any of the said Plantations and lading or unlading any Goods or Commodities, whether Ships of War or Merchant Ships and the Masters and Commanders thereof and their Ladings, shall be subject and liable to the same Rules, Visitations, Searches, Penalties and forfeitures, as to the Entering, lading, or discharging their respective Ships and Lading, as Ships and their ladings and the Commanders and Masters of Ships, are subject and liable unto in this Kingdom, by 14 Car. 2d. &c. and the officers shall have the same Powers and be subject to the same Regulations, as officers in England by that act.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0070", "content": "Title: Committee of the Boston Sons of Liberty to John Wilkes, 6 June 1768\nFrom: Adams, John,Kent, Benjamin,Young, Thomas,Church, Benjamin,Warren, Joseph,Boston Sons of Liberty\nTo: Wilkes, John\n      Illustrious Patriot\n      Boston 6th June 1768\n     The friends of Liberty, Wilkes, Peace and good order to the number of Forty five, assembled at the Whig Tavern Boston New England, take this first opportunity to congratulate your Country, the British Colonies and yourself, on your happy return to the land alone worthy such an Inhabitant: worthy! as they have lately manifested an incontestible proof of virtue, in the honorable and most important trust reposed in you by the County of Middlesex.\n     May you convince Great Britain and Ireland in Europe, the British Colonies, Islands and Plantations in America, that you are one of those incorruptibly honest men reserved by heaven to bless, and perhaps save a tottering Empire. That Majesty can never be secure but in the Arms of a brave, a virtuous, and united people. That nothing but a common interest, and absolute confidence in an impartial and general protection, can combine so many Millions of Men, born to make laws for themselves; conscious and invincibly tenacious of their Rights.\n     That the British Constitution still exists is our Glory; feeble and infirm as it is, we cannot, we will not despair of it. To a Wilkes much is already due for his strenuous efforts to preserve it. Those generous and inflexible principles which have rendered you so greatly eminent, support our claim to your esteem and assistance. To vindicate Americans is\u2014not to desert yourself.\n     Permit us therefore much respected Sir, to express our confidence in your approved abilities and steady Patriotism. Your Country, the British Empire, and unborn millions plead an exertion, at this alarming Crisis. Your perseverance in the good old cause may still prevent the great System from dashing to pieces. \u2019Tis from your endeavors we hope for a Royal \u201cPascite, ut ante, boves\u201d; and from our attachment to \u201cpeace and good order\u201d we wait for a constitutional redress: being determined that the King of Great Britain shall have Subjects but not Slaves in these remote parts of his Dominions.\n     We humbly present you the Farmer. His sentiments are ours.\n     If we dare lisp a wish to be indulged with a line from you a direction to John Marston Esq. at the Whig Tavern Boston would assuredly reach the hands of Worthy Sir\n      Your most faithfull and obedt. humble Servants,\n      Benjamin Kent\n      Tho Young\n      Benjamin Church junr.\n      John Adams\n      Joseph Warren\n      Committee of the Sons of Liberty John Adams in the Town of Boston", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0071", "content": "Title: Instructions of Boston to its Representatives in the General Court, 17 June 1768\nFrom: Adams, John,Boston Town Meeting\nTo: Otis, James Jr.,Cushing, Thomas,Adams, Samuel,Hancock, John,Massachusetts General Court, Boston Representatives,Boston Gazette (newspaper)\n      To the Hon.james otis, andthomas cushing, Esq\u2019rs; Mr.samuel adams, andjohn hancock, Esqr.;\n      gentlemen,\n     After the repeal of the late American Stamp Act, we were happy in the pleasing prospect of a restoration of that tranquility and unanimity among ourselves, and that harmony and affection between our parent country and us, which had generally subsisted before that detestable Act. But with the utmost grief and concern, we find that we flatter\u2019d ourselves too soon, and that the root of bitterness is yet alive.\u2014The principle on which that Act was founded continues in full force, and a revenue is still demanded from America.\n     We have the mortification to observe one Act of Parliament after another passed for the express purpose of raising a revenue from us; to see our money continually collecting from us without our consent, by an authority in the constitution of which we have no share, and over which we have no kind of influence or controul; to see the little circulating cash that remained among us for the support of our trade, from time to time transmitted to a distant country, never to return, or what in our estimation is worse, if possible, appropriated to the maintenance of swarms of Officers and Pensioners in idleness and luxury, whose example has a tendency to corrupt our morals, and whose arbitrary dispositions will trample on our rights.\n     Under all these misfortunes and afflictions, however, it is our fixed resolution to maintain our loyalty and duty to our most gracious Sovereign, a reverence and due subordination to the British Parliament as the supreme legislative in all cases of necessity, for the preservation of the whole empire, and our cordial and sincere affection for our parent country; and to use our utmost endeavours for the preservation of peace and order among ourselves: Waiting with anxious expectation, for a favorable answer to the petitions and sollicitations of this continent, for relief. At the same time, it is our unalterable resolution, at all times, to assert and vindicate our dear and invaluable rights and liberties, at the utmost hazard of our lives and fortunes; and we have a full and rational confidence that no designs formed against them will ever prosper.\n     That such designs have been formed and are still in being, we have reason to apprehend. A multitude of Place men and Pensioners, and an enormous train of Underlings and Dependants, all novel in this country, we have seen already: Their imperious tempers, their rash inconsiderate and weak behaviour, are well known.\n     In this situation of affairs, several armed vessels, and among the rest, his Majesty\u2019s ship of war the Romney, have appeared in our harbour; and the last, as we believe, by the express application of the Board of Commissioners, with design to overawe and terrify the inhabitants of this town into base compliances and unlimitted submission, has been anchored within a cable\u2019s length of the wharves.\n     But passing over other irregularities, we are assured, that the last alarming act of that ship, viz. the violent, and in our opinion illegal seizure of a vessel lying at a wharf, the cutting of her fasts and removing her with an armed force in hostile manner, under the protection of the King\u2019s ship, without any probable cause of seizure that we know of, or indeed any cause that has yet been made known; no libel or prosecution whatever having yet been instituted against her, was by the express order, or request in writing of the Board of Commissioners to the commander of that ship.\n     In addition to all this, we are continually alarmed with rumours and reports of new revenue Acts to be passed, new importations of Officers and Pensioners to suck the life-blood of the body politick, while it is streaming from the veins: fresh arrival of ships of war to be a still severer restraint upon our trade; and the arrival of a military force to dragoon us into passive obedience: orders and requisitions transmitted to New-York, Halifax and to England, for regiments and troops to preserve the public peace.\n     Under the distresses arising from this state of things, with the highest confidence in your integrity, abilities and fortitude, you will exert yourselves, Gentlemen, on this occasion, that nothing be left undone that may conduce to our relief; and in particular we recommend it to your consideration and discretion, in the first place, to endeavour that impresses of all kinds may if possible be prevented. There is an act of parliament in being, which has never been repealed, for the encouragement of the trade to America. We mean by the 6th Ann. Chap. xxxvii. Sect. 9. it is enacted, \u201cThat no mariner, or other person who shall serve on board, or be retained to serve on board, any privateer, or trading ship or vessel that shall be employed in any part of America, nor any mariner, or other person, being on shore in any part thereof, shall be liable to be impressed, or taken away by any officer or officers of or belonging to any of her Majesty\u2019s ships of war, impowered by the lord high admiral, or any other person whatsoever, unless such mariner shall have before deserted from such ship of war belonging to her Majesty, at any time after the fourteenth day of February 1707, upon pain that any officer or officers so impressing or taken away, or causing to be impressed or taken away, any mariner or other person, contrary to the tenor and true meaning of this act, shall forfeit to the master, or owner or owners of any such ship or vessel, Twenty Pounds for every man he or they shall so impress or take, to be recovered with full costs of suit in any court within any part of her Majesty\u2019s dominions.\u201d So that any impresses of any mariner, from any vessel whatever, appears to be in direct violation of an act of parliament. In the next place, \u2019tis our desire that you inquire and use your endeavors to promote a parliamentary enquiry for the authors and propagators of such alarming rumours and reports as we have mentioned before; and whether the Commissioners or any other persons whatever have really wrote or solicited for troops to be sent here from New-York, Halifax, England or elsewhere, and for what end; and that you forward, if you think it expedient, in the House of Representatives, resolutions, that every such person who shall solicit or promote the importation of troops at this time, is an enemy to this town and province, and a disturber of the peace and good order of both\n      Then the Meeting was dissolved.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-01-02-0072", "content": "Title: Committee of the Boston Sons of Liberty to John Wilkes, 5 October 1768\nFrom: Adams, John,Kent, Benjamin,Young, Thomas,Church, Benjamin,Warren, Joseph,Boston Sons of Liberty\nTo: Wilkes, John\n      Boston Octr 5. 1768\n     Your very obliging favor we receiv\u2019d by Capt. Bruce the 18th ultimo. The members were immediately assembled and inexpressible was the satisfaction of our regale on the genuine sentiments of a worthy Briton.\n     Your health your friends and cause were the toasts of the evening. We congratulated ourselves on our well plac\u2019d confidence, and presumed much on the exertions of such a Martyr to universal Liberty.\n     We feel with fraternal concern, that Europe in a ferment, America on the point of bursting into flames, more pressingly require the Patriot-senator, the wise and honest Counsellor, than the desolating conqueror. Your noble disdain of inadequate ministers and contemptible salary hunters has by no means impair\u2019d our sense of the dignity of a Freeman, or the importance of defending his minutest privilege against the determined invasion of the most formidable power on earth. And did not a British affection and hopes of a speedy reform in British councils sooth and restrain a too well founded resentment; no one can divine what long e\u2019er now had been the condition of the creatures of that administration which has fill\u2019d Great Britain and the Colonies with high and universal discontent\u2014Has almost unhinged their commercial and political connections\u2014Has annihilated the constitutional legislature of this Province\u2014Has turn\u2019d our Parliament-house into a main guard\u2014Issued orders to evacuate our Province Factory of its inhabitants to convert it into a Barrack for soldiers, after sufficient provision had been made elsewhere\u2014And endeavour\u2019d by pitiful art, and emissaries to effect what usurped and stretch\u2019d authority dared not to pursue.\n     Can Britons wish to see us abandon our lives and properties to such rapine and plunder? To become traitors to that Constitution which for  ages has been the citadel of their own safety. To acknowledge fellow subjects for absolute sovereigns, that by our example they may be the more readily reduced to absolute slaves.\n     Is our reluctance to oppose Brother to Brother deemed a prospect of our submission? Or e contra is a mere presumption that indignation and despair must hurry us on to violent measures, ground sufficient to treat us with all the parade of a triumph over vanquish\u2019d Rebels? Humiliating as this may seem, it is Sir, the case of a territory containing near four hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, which has never hitherto produced a single Jacobite.\n     With ardent wishes for your speedy enlargement; elated expectations of sharing in your impartial concern for your Country, the spreading empire of your Sovereign wherever extended: We remain\u2014Unshaken Hero Your steady friends and much obliged humble Servants,\n      Benj. Kent\n      Tho. Young\n      Benja Church Jr.\n      John Adams\n      Joseph Warren\n      Numerous Friends in the Colonies discovering a great desire to see your Letter to us, we presume to prefer their request for your leave to its publication.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-01-02-0001", "content": "Title: Probate Court Transaction on Estate of Rachel Lavien, [19 February 1768]\nFrom: Towers, James,Dietrichs, Johan Henric\nTo: \n[St. Croix, February 19, 1768]\nSkifte brev no. XXIX.\nSom udi Skifte-Sessions Protocollen er behandlet under No. XXIV sc: efter afgangne\nRachael Lewine\nJames Towers Hands kongelige Majest\u00e6ts til Danmark og Norge pp. bestalter Skifte-Forvalter ved Christianst\u00e6ds Jurisdiction paa Eylandet St Croix udj America og Jvar Hofman Sevel bestalter Byefoged ved samme Jurisdiction samt med Skifte-Forvalter Laurence Bladwil og Jsaac Hartman tillige med Johan Henric Dietrichs bestalter Bye- og Skifte-Skriver sammesteds, gi\u00f8re witterligt\nat\nAnno 1768 dend 19de Februarij om Aftenen Klokken 10 slet indfandt sig Skifte-R\u00e6tten udj et Huus her i Byen Thomas Dipnall tilh\u00f8rende, hvor der for en Time siden et Fruentimmer Rachael Lewine ved D\u00f8den afgangen for at forseigle hendes Effecter til videre Registrering. Tilst\u00e6de ved Forretningen som Vidner vare bemelte Thomas Dipnall og Friderich Wilhl Larsen, hvor da blev forseiglet et Kammer, hvor udj var hendes Effecter, samt Koffert etc., derefter blev forseiglet et Pulterkammer og 2de Magaziner i Gaarden og da der var intet andet at forseigle undtagen Gryder og andre smaa Ting som blev uforseiglet til Ligets Brug, hvor udj er includeret 6 Stoele, 2de Borde og 2de Porcelains-Kummer. Saa blev Forretningen sluttet.\nSaaledes passeret testerer\nJames Towers\nJohan Henric Dietrichs\nSom Vidner:\nThomas Dipnall\nFriderich Wilhm Larsen\nAnno 1768 den 22. Februarij indfandt sig Skifte-R\u00e6tten der blev administreret af mig James Towers som constitueret Skifte-Forvalter og af mig Johan Henric Dietrichs som kongl. bestalter Bye- og Skifteskriver ved Christianst\u00e6ds Jurisdiction paa Eylandet St Croix udj America sig udj Thomas Dipnalls Huus her i Byen hvor Madme Rachael Lewine ved D\u00f8den dend 19 hujus er afgangen og hvis Effecter blev forseiglet strax ved D\u00f8dsfaldet, for nu samme Afd\u00f8des Efterladenskab at registrere og vurdere til en paaf\u00f8lgende Skifte og Deeling imellem dend Afd\u00f8des efterladte B\u00f8rn, som ere 3de S\u00f8nner navnlig Peter Lewine f\u00f8dt i dend Afd\u00f8des Egteskab med John Michael Lewine, som siden skal have v\u00e6ret skildt fra hende for gyldige Aarsager (efter hvad Skifte-R\u00e6tten derom har underrettet sig) af H\u00f8yeste \u00d8vrighed, item 2de S\u00f8nner nemlig James Hammilton og Alexander Hamilton, den ene 15ten og den anden 13 Aar gl. og ere samme Slifrigb\u00f8rn sc. siden den Afd\u00f8des Skilsmisse med bemelte Lewine. Bemelte S\u00f8n Peter Lewine haver og endnu opholder sig i Syd Carolina og efter Underretning er ungef\u00e6hr 22 Aar gammel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0001", "content": "Title: Causes of the American Discontents before 1768, 5\u20137 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nVerner W. Crane has called this essay \u201cperhaps the most famous contribution by Franklin, after the Examination, to the propaganda of the American Revolution.\u201d The colonial reaction to the Townshend Acts, particularly in Massachusetts, was provoking such anger in England that Franklin felt the need to explain the American position. He first did so orally, to a large gathering that included some members of Parliament; the statement was well received, and he was urged to write out and publish it. When it appeared in The London Chronicle, he complained privately but hotly that editorial deletions had robbed it of its force.  His reason for complaining, however, is impossible to determine from the available evidence.\nIn 1774 the Chronicle, for reasons that remain mysterious, reprinted the essay in its issues of August 27\u201330 and August 30-September 1. The reprint contains a number of alterations, which might be expected to be Franklin\u2019s restoration of material deleted in 1768. Those alterations that in any way affect the sense are supplied in footnotes below; a few words are also provided in brackets from the 1774 reprinting. The effect of the changes upon the essay as a whole is minimal. If they undo the editorial mangling of which Franklin initially complained, he had small ground for grievance. If he had more substantial ground, on the other hand, why did he not repair the damage when the essay reappeared? The answer may be that in 1774 the atmosphere was so tense that he had no desire to make it worse. But why did he not at least try to bring his propaganda up to date by referring to developments since 1768? The question is unanswerable. All that can be said is that between the two printings of his essay he made a few stylistic revisions that do not substantially affect the content.\nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle\nThe Waves never rise but when the Winds blow. Prov.\nSir,\nAs the cause of the present ill humour in America, and of the resolutions taken there to purchase less of our manufactures, does not seem to be generally understood, it may afford some satisfaction to your Readers, if you give them the following short historical state of facts.\nFrom the time that the Colonies were first considered as capable of granting aids to the Crown, down to the end of the last war, it is said, that the constant mode of obtaining those aids was by Requisition made from the Crown through its Governors to the several Assemblies, in circular letters from the Secretary of State in his Majesty\u2019s name, setting forth the occasion, requiring them to take the matter into consideration; and expressing a reliance on their prudence, duty and affection to his Majesty\u2019s Government, that they would grant such sums, or raise such numbers of men, as were suitable to their respective circumstances.\nThe Colonies being accustomed to this method, have from time to time granted money to the Crown, or raised troops for its service, in proportion to their abilities; and during all the last war beyond their abilities, so that considerable sums were return\u2019d them yearly by Parliament, as they had exceeded their proportion.\nHad this happy method of Requisition been continued, (a method that left the King\u2019s subjects in those remote countries the pleasure of showing their zeal and loyalty, and of imagining that they recommended themselves to their Sovereign by the liberality of their voluntary grants) there is no doubt but all the money that could reasonably be expected to be rais\u2019d from them in any manner, might have been obtained, without the least heart-burning, offence, or breach of the harmony, of affections and interests, that so long subsisted between the two countries.\nIt has been thought wisdom in a Government exercising sovereignty over different kinds of people, to have some regard to prevailing and established opinions among the people to be governed, wherever such opinions might in their effects obstruct or promote publick measures. If they tend to obstruct publick service, they are to be changed, if possible, before we attempt to act against them; and they can only be changed by reason and persuasion. But if publick business can be carried on without thwarting those opinions, if they can be, on the contrary, made subservient to it, they are not unnecessarily to be thwarted, how absurd soever such popular opinions may be in their natures. This had been the wisdom of our Government with respect to raising money in the Colonies. It was well known, that the Colonies universally were of opinion, that no money could be levied from English subjects, but by their own consent given by themselves or their chosen Representatives: That therefore whatever money was to be raised from the people in the Colonies, must first be granted by their Assemblies, as the money raised in Britain is first to be granted by the House of Commons: That this right of granting their own money, was essential to English liberty: And that if any man, or body of men, in which they had no Representative of their chusing, could tax them at pleasure, they could not be said to have any property, any thing they could call their own. But as these opinions did not hinder their granting money voluntarily and amply whenever the Crown by its servants came into their Assemblies (as it does into its Parliaments of Britain or Ireland) and demanded aids; therefore that method was chosen rather than the hateful one of arbitrary taxes.\nI do not undertake here to support these opinions of the Americans; they have been refuted by a late Act of Parliament, declaring its own power; which very Parliament, however, shew\u2019d wisely so much tender regard to those inveterate prejudices, as to repeal a tax that had militated against them. And those prejudices are still so fixed and rooted in the Americans, that, it has been supposed, not a single man among them has been convinced of his error, even by that Act of Parliament.\nThe person then who first projected to lay aside the accustomed method of Requisition, and to raise money on America by Stamps, seems not to have acted wisely, in deviating from that method (which the Colonists looked upon as constitutional) and thwarting unnecessarily the fixed prejudices of so great a number of the King\u2019s subjects. It was not, however, for want of knowledge that what he was about to do would give them great offence; he appears to have been very sensible of this, and apprehensive that it might occasion some disorders, to prevent or suppress which, he projected another Bill, that was brought in the same Session with the Stamp Act, whereby it was to be made lawful for military Officers in the Colonies to quarter their soldiers in private houses. This seem\u2019d intended to awe the people into a compliance with the other Act. Great opposition however being raised here against the Bill by the Agents from the Colonies, and the Merchants trading thither, the Colonists declaring, that under such a power in the Army, no one could look on his house as his own, or think he had a home, when soldiers might be thrust into it and mix\u2019d with his family at the pleasure of an officer, that part of the Bill was dropt; but there still remained a clause, when it passed into a Law, to oblige the several Assemblies to provide quarters for the soldiers, furnishing them with firing, bedding, candles, small beer or rum, and sundry other articles, at the expence of the several Provinces. And this Act continued in force when the Stamp Act was repealed, though if obligatory on the Assemblies, it equally militated against the American principle abovementioned, that money is not to be raised on English subjects without their consent.\nThe Colonies nevertheless being put into high good humour by the repeal of the Stamp Act, chose to avoid fresh dispute upon the other, it being temporary and soon to expire, never, as they hoped, to revive again; and in the meantime they, by various ways in different Colonies, provided for the quartering of the troops, either by acts of their own Assemblies, without taking notice of the A[cts] of P[arliamen]t, or by some variety or small diminution, as of salt and vinegar, in the supplies required by the Act, that what they did might appear a voluntary act of their own, and not done in obedience to an A[ct] of P[arliamen]t which, according to their ideas of their rights, they thought hard to obey.\nIt might have been well if the matter had thus passed without notice; but a G[overno]r having written home an angry and aggravating letter upon this conduct in the Assembly of his Province,  the outed P[rojecto]r of the Stamp Act and his adherents then in the opposition, raised such a clamour against America, as being in rebellion, and against those who had been for the repeal of the Stamp Act, as having thereby been encouragers of this supposed rebellion, that it was thought necessary to inforce the Quartering Act by another Act of Parliament, taking away from the Province of New York, which had been the most explicit in its refusal, all the powers of legislation, till it should have complied with that act. The news of which greatly alarmed the people every where in America, as (it has been said) the language of such an act seemed to them to be, Obey implicitly laws made by the Parliament of Great Britain to raise money on you without your consent, or you shall enjoy no rights or privileges at all.\nAt the same time a Person lately in high office,  projected the levying more money from America, by new duties on various articles of our own manufacture, as glass, paper, painters colours, &c. appointing a new Board of Customs, and sending over a set of Commissioners with large salaries to be established at Boston, who were to have the care of collecting those duties; which were by the act expressly mentioned to be intended for the payment of the salaries of Governors, Judges, and other Officers of the Crown in America; it being a pretty general opinion here, that those Officers ought not to depend on the people there for any part of their support.\nIt is not my intention to combat this opinion. But perhaps it may be some satisfaction to your Readers to know what ideas the Americans have on the subject. They say then as to Governors, that they are not like Princes whose posterity have an inheritance in the government of a nation, and therefore an interest in its prosperity; they are generally strangers to the Provinces they are sent to govern, have no estate, natural connection, or relation there, to give them an affection for the country; that they come only to make money as fast as they can; are sometimes men of vicious characters and broken fortunes, sent by a Minister merely to get them out of the way; that as they intend staying in the country no longer than their government continues, and purpose to leave no family behind them, they are apt to be regardless of the good will of the people, and care not what is said or thought of them after they are gone. Their situation at the same time gives them many opportunities of being vexatious, and they are often so, notwithstanding their dependance on the Assemblies for all that part of their support that does not arise from fees established by law; but would probably be much more so, if they were to be supported by money drawn from the people without their consent or good will, which is the professed design of this new act. That if by means of these forced duties Government is to be supported in America, without the intervention of the Assemblies, their Assemblies will soon be looked upon as useless, and a Governor will not call them, as having nothing to hope from their meeting, and perhaps something to fear from their enquiries into and remonstrances against this Mal-administration. That thus the people will be deprived of their most essential rights. That it being, as at present, a Governor\u2019s interest to cultivate the good will by promoting the welfare of the people he governs, can be attended with no prejudice to the Mother Country, since all the laws he may be prevailed on to give his assent to are subject to revision here, and if reported against by the Board of Trade,  are immediately repealed by the Crown; nor dare he pass any law contrary to his instructions, as he holds his office during the pleasure of the Crown, and his Securities are liable for the penalties of their bonds if he contravenes those instructions. This is what they say as to Governors. As to Judges they alledge, that being appointed from hence, and holding their commissions not during good behaviour, as in Britain, but during pleasure, all the weight of interest or influence would be thrown into one of the scales, (which ought to be held even) if the salaries are also to be paid out of duties raised upon the people without their consent, and independent of their Assemblies approbation or disapprobation of the Judges behaviour. That it is true, Judges should be free from all influence; and therefore, whenever Government here will grant commissions to able and honest Judges during good behaviour, the Assemblies will settle permanent and ample salaries on them during their commissions: But at present they have no other means of getting rid of an ignorant or an unjust Judge (and some of scandalous characters have, they say, been sometimes sent them) but by starving him out.\nI do not suppose these reasonings of theirs will appear here to have much weight. I do not produce them with an expectation of convincing your readers. I relate them merely in pursuance of the task I have impos\u2019d on myself, to be an impartial historian of American facts and opinions.\nThe colonists being thus greatly alarmed, as I said before, by the news of the Act for abolishing the Legislature of New-York, and the imposition of these new duties professedly for such disagreeable purposes; (accompanied by a new set of revenue officers with large appointments, which gave strong suspicions that more business of the same kind was soon to be provided for them, that they might earn these salaries;) began seriously to consider their situation, and to revolve afresh in their minds grievances which from their respect and love for this country, they had long borne and seemed almost willing to forget. They reflected how lightly the interest of all America had been estimated here, when the interest of a few inhabitants of Great Britain happened to have the smallest competition with it. That thus the whole American people were forbidden the advantage of a direct importation of wine, oil, and fruit, from Portugal, but must take them loaded with all the expences of a voyage 1000 leagues round about, being to be landed first in England to be re-shipped for America; expences amounting, in war time, at least to 30 per cent. more than otherwise they would have been charged with, and all this merely that a few Portugal merchants in London may gain a commission on those goods passing through their hands. Portugal merchants, by the by, that can complain loudly of the smallest hardships laid on their trade by foreigners, and yet even the last year could oppose with all their influence the giving ease to their fellow subjects labouring under so heavy an oppression! That on a slight complaint of a few Virginia merchants, nine colonies had been restrained from making paper money, become absolutely necessary to their internal commerce from the constant remittance of their gold and silver to Britain. But not only the interest of a particular body of merchants, the interest of any small body of British tradesmen or artificers, has been found, they say, to outweigh that of all the King\u2019s subjects in the colonies. There cannot be a stronger natural right than that of a man\u2019s making the best profit he can of the natural produce of his lands, provided he does not thereby hurt the state in general. Iron is to be found every where in America, and beaver furs are the natural produce of that country: hats and nails, and steel, are wanted there as well as here. It is of no importance to the common welfare of the empire, whether a subject of the King\u2019s gets his living by making hats on this or that side of the water. Yet the Hatters of England have prevailed to obtain an Act in their own favour, restraining that manufacture in America, in order to oblige the Americans to send their beaver to England to be manufactured, and purchase back the hats, loaded with the charges of a double transportation. In the same manner have a few Nailmakers, and still a smaller body of Steelmakers (perhaps there are not half a dozen of these in England) prevailed totally to forbid by an Act of Parliament the erecting of slitting mills or steel furnaces in America,  that the Americans may be obliged to take all the nails for their buildings, and steel for their tools, from these artificers, under the same disadvantages.\nAdded to these, the Americans remembered the Act authorizing the most cruel insult that perhaps was ever offered by one people to another, that of emptying our gaols into their settlements; Scotland too having within these two years obtained the privilege it had not before, of sending its rogues and villains also to the plantations. I say, reflecting on these things, they said to one another (their news papers are full of such discourses) these people are not content with making a monopoly of us, forbiding us to trade with any other country of Europe, and compelling us to buy every thing of them, though in many articles we could furnish ourselves 10, 20, and even to 50 per cent. cheaper elsewhere; but now they have as good as declared they have a right to tax us ad libitum internally and externally, and that our constitutions and liberties shall all be taken away, if we do not submit to that claim. They are not content with the high prices at which they sell us their goods, but have now begun to enhance those prices by new duties; and by the expensive apparatus of a new set of officers,  appear to intend an augmentation and multiplication of those burthens that shall still be more grievous to us. Our people have been foolishly fond of their superfluous modes and manufactures, to the impoverishing our country, carrying off all our cash, and loading us with debt; they will not suffer us to restrain the luxury of our inhabitants as they do that of their own, by laws: They can make laws to discourage or prohibit the importation of French superfluities; but though those of England are as ruinous to us as the French ones are to them, if we make a law of that kind, they immediately repeal it. Thus they get all our money from us by trade, and every profit we can any where make by our fisheries, our produce or our commerce, centers finally with them; but this does not signify. It is time then to take care of ourselves by the best means in our power. Let us unite in solemn resolutions and engagements with and to each other, that we will give these new officers as little trouble as possible, by not consuming the British manufactures on which they are to levy the duties. Let us agree to consume no more of their expensive gewgaws. Let us live frugally, and let us industriously manufacture what we can for ourselves: Thus we shall be able honourably to discharge the debts we already owe them, and after that we may be able to keep some money in our country, not only for the uses of our internal commerce, but for the service of our gracious Sovereign, whenever he shall have occasion for it, and think proper to require it of us in the old constitutional manner. For notwithstanding the reproaches thrown out against us in their public papers and pamphlets, notwithstanding we have been reviled in their Senate as Rebels and Traitors, we are truly a loyal people. Scotland has had its rebellions, and England its plots against the present Royal Family; but America is untainted with those crimes; there is in it scarce a man, there is not a single native of our country, who is not firmly attached to his King by principle and by affection. But a new kind of loyalty seems to be required of us, a loyalty to P[arliamen]t; a loyalty, that is to extend, it is said, to a surrender of all our properties, whenever a H[ouse]of C[ommons], in which there is not a single member of our chusing, shall think fit to grant them away without our consent; and to a patient suffering the loss of our privileges as Englishmen, if we cannot submit to make such surrender. We were separated too far from Britain by the Ocean, but we were united to it by respect and love, so that we could at any time freely have spent our lives and little fortunes in its cause: But this unhappy new system of politics tends to dissolve those bands of union, and to sever us for ever.\nThese are the wild ravings of the at present half distracted Americans. To be sure, no reasonable man in England can approve of such sentiments, and, as I said before, I do not pretend to support or justify them: But I sincerely wish, for the sake of the manufactures and commerce of Great Britain, and for the sake of the strength which a firm union with our growing colonies would give us, that these people had never been thus needlessly driven out of their senses. I am, your\u2019s, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0002", "content": "Title: On Railing and Reviling, 6 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nOn January 5, 1768, the Gazetteer published an intemperate attack on the Boston nonimportation resolutions and on the American attitude in general, signed \u201cOld England.\u201d The next day Franklin dashed off a reply, written on the back of a notice he had just received of a Council meeting of the Royal Society, and after slightly amending the draft sent it to the printer.\nTo the Printer of the Gazetteer\nInstead of raving (with your correspondent of yesterday) against the Americans as \u201cdiggers of pits for this country,\u201d \u201clunaticks,\u201d \u201csworn enemies,\u201d \u201cfalse,\u201d \u201cungrateful,\u201d \u201ccut-throats,\u201d &c. which is a treatment of customers that I doubt is not like to bring them back to our shop; I would recommend to all writers on American affairs (however hard their arguments may be) soft words,  civility, and good manners. It is only from a redress of grievances and equitable regulations of commerce, with mild and reasonable measures of government, permitting and securing to those people the full enjoyment of their privileges, that we may hope to recover the affection and respect of that great and valuable part of our fellow subjects, and restore and confirm the solid union between the two countries, that is so necessary to the strength and stability of the whole empire. Railing and reviling can answer no good end; it may make the breach wider; it can never heal it.\nOld England in its Senses.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop, 6 January 1768\nFrom: Winthrop, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nI have read in the Philosophical Transactions the account of the effects of lightning on St. Bride\u2019s steeple. \u2019Tis amazing to me, that after the full demonstration you had given, of the identity of lightning and of electricity, and the power of metalline conductors, they should ever think of repairing that steeple without such conductors. How astonishing is the force of prejudice even in an age of so much knowledge and free enquiry!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0004", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 9 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nDear Son,\nLondon, Jan. 9, 1768.\nWe have had so many alarms of changes which did not take place, that just when I wrote it was thought the ministry would stand their ground. However immediately after the talk was renewed, and it soon appeared the Sunday changes were actually settled. Mr. Conway resigns and Lord Weymouth takes his place. Lord Gower is made president of the council in the room of Lord Northington. Lord Shelburne is stript of the America business which is given to Lord Hillsborough as Secretary of State for America, a new distinct department. Lord Sandwich \u2019tis said comes into the Post Office in his place. Several of the Bedford party are now to come in. How these changes may affect us a little time will show. Little at present is thought of but elections which gives me hopes that nothing will be done against America this session, though the Boston gazette had occasioned some heats and the Boston resolutions a prodigious clamour. I have endeavoured to palliate matters for them as well as I can: I send you my manuscript of one paper, though I think you take the Chronicle. The editor of that paper one Jones seems a Grenvillian, or is very cautious as you will see, by his corrections and omissions. He has drawn the teeth and pared the nails of my paper, so that it can neither scratch nor bite. It seems only to paw and mumble. I send you also two other late pieces of mine. There is another which I cannot find.\nI am told there has been a talk of getting me appointed under secretary to Lord Hillsborough; but with little likelihood as it is a settled point here that I am too much of an American.\nI am in very good health, thanks to God: your affectionate father,\nB.F.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0005", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 9 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, Jan. 9, 1768.\nI wrote to you via Boston and have little to add except to acquaint you that some changes have taken place since my last, which have not the most promising aspect for America, several of the Bedford party being come into employment again; a party that has distinguished itself by exclaiming against us on all late occasions. Mr. Conway one of our friends, has resigned and Lord Weymouth takes his place. Lord Shelburne another friend, is stripped of the American part of the business of his office which now makes a distinct department, in which Lord Hillsborough is placed. I do not think this nobleman in general an enemy to America; but in the affair of paper money he was last winter strongly against us. I did hope I had removed some of his prejudices on that head, but am not certain. We have however increased the cry for it here, and believe shall attempt to obtain the repeal of the act,  though the Boston gazette and their resolutions about manufactures have hurt us much, having occasioned an immense clamour here. I have endeavoured to palliate matters for them as well as I can, and hope with some success. For having in a large company in which were some members of parliament, given satisfaction to all by what I alleged in explanation of the conduct of the Americans, and to show that they were not quite so unreasonable as they appeared to be, I was advised by several present to make my sentiments public, not only for the sake of America, but as it would be some ease to our friends here, who are triumphed over a good deal by our adversaries on the occasion. I have accordingly done it in the enclosed paper. I shall write you fully on other subjects very soon, at present can only add my respects to the committee, and that I am, dear sir, your faithful humble servant,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0006", "content": "Title: On the New Office of Secretary of State for the Colonies, 13 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nOn January 12, 1768, the Gazetteer published an attack on the newly created Secretaryship of State for the American Colonies signed by \u201cOld England,\u201d the correspondent whom Franklin had recently rebuked for his intemperateness. The rebuke had had no effect: the effusion was as strongly worded as the previous one, and more ridiculous in its argument. The Stuarts had raised in America, according to the writer, \u201can offspring to prerogative that should be bound by the strongest ties of interest, to wage eternal war with parliamentary authority.\u201d The colonies were coming to resemble Hanover, and would provide the King with \u201ca prerogative army\u201d to use against the liberties of Englishmen. Franklin felt impelled to answer this nonsense at once, and in his reply he expressed for the first time his opinion of the cabinet post that had just been carved for Lord Hillsborough out of the Secretaryship for the Southern Department.\n  To the Printer of the Gazetteer\nYour correspondent of yesterday, who signs himself Old England, is extremely alarmed at the appointment of a separate secretary of state for the business of the Colonies, apprehending the most terrible consequences from it to our \u201cLiberties, commerce, and most essential interests.\u201d\nHis conceptions are,\n1. That \u201cthis being a new lucrative office, having several dependants enjoying salaries under the government, must produce a new accession of power to the Crown.\u201d But if, in consequence of this appointment, the Board of Trade and Plantations should be (as it is said it will be) laid aside as unnecessary,  since the secretary may, at any time, obtain from the experienced merchants who have traded to America, and from returned governors and other officers of the Crown, who have resided in that country, better information than that Board can give him, composed, as it sometimes has been, of country gentlemen, or the friends, or friends friends of Ministers, placed there, not for their knowledge of American affairs, but to receive pensions under the guise of salaries: there will then, by this arrangement, be a considerable diminution of the power of the Crown, as well as a great saving of expences to the nation.\n2. That \u201can opening will be formed by means of this secret channel, for conventions with a premier, totally destructive to the freedom and trade of England.\u201d We have long had secretaries of state for the affairs of France, Spain, and other countries at enmity with us; but was the appointment of such officer ever objected to, on a supposition that they might become \u201csecret channels for conventions, destructive to the freedom and trade of England?\u201d Have we then more to fear from our own offspring, a people of the same language and religion, than from our neighbouring old enemies, French, Spaniards, and Papists? May not the secretary for American affairs be as honest a man, and as faithful to the interest of the nation, as either of the other secretaries? And will he not be as answerable with his head as they are, if he should betray his trust?\n3. But the great danger is supposed to be, that \u201cAmerica being the child of prerogative, and consisting of some millions of commercial subjects daily encreasing in riches and power, ranged under its banner, and bound to it by the strongest ties of interest,\u201d may, in some imagined future contest between the crown and parliament, strengthen the hands of the former against the latter, to the utter \u201cruin of parliamentary authority.\u201d Last year these writers were terrifying us with the apprehensions that the colonists would all become rebels, but now it seems the truth is, that they are like to become too loyal! For my own part, I am perfectly easy on both these points, having no doubt but the goodness and wisdom of our King and Parliament, improved by the mistakes of past times, will not only preserve the happy union that at present subsists between them, but will treat those people with such kindness and justice as shall strengthen and establish the constitutional connection of the two countries, notwithstanding all the endeavours of angry declaimers on both sides the water, to sow the seeds of dissention, and blow up the flames of discord, where every prudent consideration calls for concord and harmony. They do not, however, always act this part from a malignity of heart; it is sometimes from an insanity of head. To be apprehensive of chimerical dangers, to be alarmed at trifles, to suspect plots and deep designs where none exist, to regard as mortal enemies those who are really our nearest and best friends, and to be very abusive, are all symptoms of this distemper; and strong in your correspondent. I cannot therefore be offended with him; on the contrary, I never read his papers but I feel myself disposed to sigh, and to say of him, what the honest political barber, in the farce, often compassionately says of me, Ahpoor Old England.\nRemembering, Mr. Gazetteer, the impartiality you have always manifested in what relates to my affairs, I shall ever wish well to your paper, whilst I am\nOld England, in its senses.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0007", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Eleanor Morris, 18 January 1768\nFrom: Morris, Eleanor\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMost Hononoured Sir\nWestbury, Jan: 18 1768\nI make bold hoping you will Excuse me my Cousins joyning me once more to Congratulate you on that Happy Day which we kept very joyfully for we had a Plumpuding for Dinner and the Children and we Drank your Health in tea in the Afternoon which Happy Day I may never live to see again but hope God will be Pleased to Continue Health and Happiness to your Self and all your Dear Family which I hope are all well. I Bless God for my Age I Enjoy a very good State of Health tho the weather has been so very severe I have been as comfortabe as my cousin could make me for tho I was Disappointed of our warm Parlar my cousin got a Bake Pan of Coals and used to Set it in my Room in a morning and bring my Breakfast to bed and the Same at Night before I went to bed to warm the Room and I have Escaped this Distemper but poor Henery and his Master have been very ill but both are got well again and he goes everey Day to School. I hope Dear Sir you will Pardan this Trouble as I may never live to see that Happy Day again my Cousins joyn me in begging the acceptance of our Humble Duties to your Self and good Family in America from your Most Humble and most obdient Servant\nEleanor Morris\nP S hoping mrs. Stevenson his well and will Except of all our Humble Duties.\nAddressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqre / at mrs Stevensons in Craven / Street near the Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0008", "content": "Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 19 January 1768\nFrom: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nTo: Jackson, Richard,Franklin, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\nPhilad. Jan. 19, 1768.\nBy Order of the House we inclose you Copies of a Letter from his Excellency General Gage, a Message from the Governor to the Assembly, and their Answer, and the Examination of George Croghan, Esq; Deputy-Superintendant under Sir William Johnson, for the Western District, taken before the House; by which you will perceive the present critical and alarming Situation of Indian Affairs, and that there is a Prospect of an immediate Rupture with the Natives, unless Measures are adopted to prevent it. By the Answer you will observe, that the Representatives of the People are exerting themselves in every Manner that they can conceive will tend to this salutary End. They have formed a Bill, now before the Governor, making the Offence of continuing, after Notice, on the Indian unpurchased Lands, Felony of Death without Benefit of Clergy, and warmly addressed the Governor to exert himself in bringing the Authors of the late horrid and cruel Massacre of the Indians at Conestogoe and Lancaster (which we find is one of the Causes of the Indian Discontent) to condign Punishment. What will be the Effect of this Law, should the Bill be passed, or what Part the Government will act on the Occasion, Time alone can discover.\nBut as the House are of Opinion, founded on Mr. Croghan\u2019s Examination, that there is another Cause of Indian Jealousy and Dissatisfaction, without the speedy Removal of which, no durable and permanent Peace can be established between the Natives and His Majesty\u2019s Colonies, they have ordered us to represent it to you in the strongest Terms; for though the Power of Redress does not lie with them, yet they esteem it their Duty, in a Matter of so much Concern to the Safety and Peace of His Majesty\u2019s Subjects, to contribute as much as lies in their Power towards so important a Service: The Cause we mean is the Non-establishment of a Boundary negociated about three Years ago by His Majesty\u2019s Orders to Sir William Johnson, between these Colonies and the Indian Country. The Delay of the Confirmation of this Boundary the Natives have warmly complained of, and that although they have received no Consideration for the Lands agreed to be ceded to the Crown on our Side of the Boundary, yet that its Subjects are daily settling and occupying those very Lands, and a Number of the Indian Warriors have been lately murdered on them, by the Frontier People, chiefly those of Virginia, in their Passage to or from War against the Cherokees. What has been the Cause of this Delay the House are not apprized; but it is their clear Opinion, that nothing less than the final Confirmation of the Boundary can lay the Foundation of a solid and lasting Peace with the Indians, as they fear no Laws, however penal, will prevent a Set of lawless Men, who infest the Frontiers of the Colonies, from entering and settling on these Lands, and, when intoxicated with Liquor, from killing the Natives who may fall in their Way. But should this Boundary be established, these frequent Causes of Indian Dissatisfaction would be removed, at least for many Years, as the Distance between our Frontiers and the Indian Country would be considerable, and their Right of Passage to War, near the inhabited Parts of the Province taken away. Under this View of Indian Affairs, the House have directed us earnestly to desire that you would use your Interest with His Majesty\u2019s Ministry, to obtain, as soon as possible, the Accomplishment and final Ratification of this Boundary, so necessary to the future Safety of the Colonies, and to prevent the immense Expence which otherwise must unavoidably arise to Great-Britain. We are, with due Esteem, Gentlemen, Your assured Friends\nWilliam Rodman,\nJoseph Galloway, Speaker,\nIsaac Pearson,\nJames Pemberton,\nJoseph Fox,\nJohn Ross,\nJoseph Richardson,\nThomas Livezey.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, [21\u201322 January 1768]\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Deareste Dear Child.\nyister day I had the pleshuer to reseve yours Dated November the 17 I had not hearde one worde abought you senes the later end of Auguste which was neare five munthes but I shall not dwell on that at this time. You reseded I hope all our letters wrote in September and ocktober and those from Mr. Bache and Salley and mine all so and I thinke you was told that Mr. Bache was gon to Jamako for three or fore munthes.\nBut I have another afair to write to you a bought poor Debbey has bin verey sorely aflickted indead I donte take pleshure in saying aneything to you that will give you aney uneseynes but I donte thinke I shold due write if I shold not tell you as mabey sumbodey eles shold write and you not heare the write. Debbey has had another Dafter borne laste September abought 8 or 9 weekes befor the Child was borne shee meet with a disaster and Cold not stand or walke or helpe herselef att all and was obliged to keep her Bead all the reste of her time and it was verey hott wather and shee grew verey weake indead. I never expeckted shee wold live or the Child but it plesed god shee did and the Child all so but two owers before the Child was borne her Husband was brought home all moste dead from sum plase in Mareyland well he lay verey ill and it was expeckted to dey everey day and her nurse was Coled a way before shee had gotten strenthe and shee Cote a bad Colde the Child had no milke and all moste kiled the poor littel mother att laste it was put ought as she Cold not due aneything for it and shee lay in Continewal pain scree[m]ing and Creying with what the Dockters Cole a spasmotacol disorder in her head and all her joyntes so bad as to turne her Eyes quite Crucked and to starte them aright and hurte her site threw her in to fitts and disjoynted her eyes so as her Chin fell down on her breste and has deprived her of her senses and shee is so hanted with such dredfull uglay thinges and the imginshon [imagination?] and soon the dockter ses it is a verey bad disorder indead but he is in hopes shee will get the better of it. The nighte be for laste shee was in graite distress Collin on her unkill and sed if he was thair shee shold not be treeted in such a maner. I sat by her and folded her in my armes and told her that I wold take as much Caire of her as thow you was thair and held her for two ower and Salley sat att her feet and wraped them up and had a thing to heet them a way. Att laste shee fell asleep and was yisterday as hapey as we Cold expeckte and still Contineus more hapey I pray god to Contineu it for her one [own] Sake as well as her Childrens it is verey harde on me now more the [than] 60 years old to be in everey stashon. I am fother and mother to owir one [our own] and so I muste be to poor Debbey by inkleynashon and for Credit Sake. I will leve of[f] and go and see her in hopes to tell you better news but be for I go I muste tell thee our Nevfew B Mecom has bin hear 5 or 6 dayes he went a way yisterday. I did not know his buisnes but he semed verey hapey and semed to think he had verey graite prospecktes before him and is in hopes to Convince his friends that he and thay shall be verey hapey before long he had sume Confrense with mr. Kinersly and the Revrd. Dockter Allison I Cante helpe tellin that Dr. Allison has Surprized Beney by tellin him that God in his mersey has maid the rode to Heaven So wide that sume of all Reig [Religious?] profeshons may go to heaven nay it is so wide that thay may go abreste but Ben thinkes he is mistaken and is a verey quere man and donte seme to like him but the Dr. trusted him with 6 or 8 letters to the moste noted men in proper plases. This minet I hear sad news is Cume to town that a Duch man has killed 10 or 14 Indians I will inquire and tell you but this is a dredfull letter [illegible] wrote you the news abought the Indians. This day our poor Mr. Sturgis burys his Childe for he was killed by the fall of a tree the same littel jentleman that admired you so much his Name was Fransis.\nThis is the third day that poor Debbey has bin better shee still thinkes shee has bin from home [and won\u2019t?] let any body Contrey dickete her. The ocktober Packit is Cume and have a letter from you but I heare that nobodey else has aney I shold a toald you befor that our Mrs. Stephen is marreyed to Mr. Guning Bedfor you know him he is a verey Honeste and a verey good man. The Bills is to go by next Packit thay wold a gon by this but the Cirtifiket is not readey I sed I did not thinke thair was aney a Coshon but it will be readey by that time. Joseph Wharton Sener has been hear as was his son Thomas to day thay send love to you. Salley has wrote the poste waites. The Beens is att N Yorke. I write by the next Packit my love to good Mrs. Stefenson and Dafter and to Salley Franklin to Sir John I shall write to him or Salley will and tell him all the News aboughte the wedings. I donte forget Capt. Orrey. I am your Afeckshonet wife\nD Franklin\nyisterday ower Mr. Potts is son Joseph was marreyed to Sammey Powels Sister his firste wife was John Morrises Dafter shee deyed in Child bed [she] and thay ladey are one [own] Cusins thay Cold not pass metin so thay Signeyfid thair intenshons att the Staite House dore and was Marreyed by a magreystrat.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0010", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 21 January 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nRespected Sir\nNewyork. Jan. 21. 1768\nSince the New-Year I wrote you per Capt. Farquhar in a Merchantman: This being the first Packet we have had this three Months. I have very little extraordinary to inform you of, further than my last. Only I continue to creep along Slowly. You will see I have altered the Day of my Paper back to Monday, and the Hartford Rider is suppress\u2019d. The Commissioners of the Customs at Boston, having assumed their Stations, inform our Officers that the Pay is to come from them for the future, you will only receive what is due to me from the Board at home, from May 1. 1766. to Octob 5. 1767, by the Power I sent you per Capt. Miller: \u2019Tis said, these Commissioners, are resolved to make all the Officers do their Duty Strictly, New Brooms sweep clean. And we begin to have our Hands full; However, I keep a good Heart, in a Consciousness of honestly doing what I am able, and if that won\u2019t please, they have their own Remedy. My own Papers increase yet tho\u2019 slowly. Weyman has dropt his Paper, and I hear he has a Day or two ago, applied to the Assembly to resign the Government Work in Favour of Hugh Gaine, he being to allow Weyman one Year\u2019s Salary, and I hear they consented. As I knew Nothing of the Matter, so I scorn\u2019d to undermine Weyman in it: I heard some of the Members mentioned me, but it was objected that I was a Custom-House Officer, and so not so fit for their Turn, and as I never thought of buying it; they have finished the Matter, What Weyman will or intends to do I know not, but Time will discover. Holt just as he was, I have Writs out, he keeps close, and tells every Body he does not owe me any Thing; yet no Accounts. Benny Mecom much after the old Rate, but as I cannot trust him no longer than till his Time is out in the Spring, I think he had best take to Journey-work; he can work well enough, and he does not seem qualified for a Master. I have not had a Copper of Rent from him: nor I believe ever shall.\nTwo Packets arrived since Farquhar sail\u2019d, as you\u2019ll see by the Papers: but as I have not a Line from you by either, I suppose you to be at Paris, or elsewhere in France at the Time of their sailing. I would not tire your Patience, but with all Respects remain Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\nEndorsed: Mr Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0012", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 22 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Father\nBurlington Janry. 22d. 1768\nI wrote to you Yesterday, when I acquainted you that I had not receiv\u2019d any Letters from you by the Pacquet, the Bag being either lost or not forwarded by the last Post, but he has since return\u2019d and I have this Moment the Pleasure of receiving yours of Octr. 9. and Novr. 13; the last enclos\u2019d in a Cover dated Novr. 17. I have but just Time to mention this, and must postpone answering them till the next Opportunity. Indeed I am apprehensive that this will hardly get over in Time to meet the Post on his Return to N. York.\nBetsy joins in Congratulations on your safe Return to England with Honoured Sir Your ever dutiful Son\nWm: Franklin\nP.S. I much doubt whether it will be good Policy to drop the Superintendencies, at least till the new Colonies are got into some Forwardness.\nAddressed: To / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr., / D. Postmaster General of / North America, &c. / Craven Street / London / On his Majesty\u2019s Service / Via N. York / per Packet\nEndorsed: W. Franklin Jan. 6. to 22. 1768", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0013", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 24 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hopkinson, Francis\nDear Sir,\nLondon, Jan. 24. 1768\nI acquainted you in a late Letter that the Associates of Dr. Bray requested that you and Mr. E. Duffield, with my self, would purchase some Estate for them, the Profits of which might hereafter be apply\u2019d to the Support of the Negro School; and I desir\u2019d you would as soon as possible make such Purchase to the Amt. of \u00a3200 Sterling Value, so much being already in their Hands for that Purpose. I am now to acquaint you farther, that their Request is, that a Square of Ground may be purchased, one of those within the Plan of the Town, and likely in Time to be built upon, if such a one can be had, at any rate tolerably reasonable; this will be paid for immediately without waiting for the remainder of the \u00a31000 I mention\u2019d, as the Associates have other Money in Bank. I am, my dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / Francis Hopkinson Esqr / Philadelphia / per Capt Duncan\nEndorsed: Dor. Franklin to F Hopkinson Jany 24. 1768", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0015", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 30 January 1768[\u201313 February 1768]\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nAbout 8 Days ago, I wrote per Halifax Packet, and this going so soon after, I shall not be very tedious. Only must beg one Thing in Relation to Mr. Strahan: Mr. Holt has told some, that he never sent to Strahan for any Books, and that those you paid Mr. Strahan for me, was sent for by me only, and that he never was or could be answerable for any of them but such as he sold; that they were neither well bought or well chosen, and that he has most of them to deliver to me, whenever I please, &c. Now, as I had to my Sorrow recommended him to Mr. Strahan, I imagined the last Parcel was entirely Mr. Holt\u2019s Ordering, as I never saw the Invoice of them. Will you do so much as to ask Mr. Strahan, if he ever received any Orders for Books in Holt\u2019s Hand-Writing, which you will know, if shewn to you, and get him to certify whether aye or no: if he never ordered any, then am I to blame indeed, and ought to take Shame to myself, for accusing him in the Matter and have no Right to demand any Thing more of Holt, then the Books that are unsold, and the Pay for those he has sold. We may one Day come to a right Understanding of the Matter. I have Still Writs out for him, but he continues as usual. I refer you to mine by tother Packet for other Matters.\nMr. Potts writes me, you had paid him for one Quarter. I sent him One Guinea; and I would send another: But if you get my Money of the Custom-House, could you not easier pay him 3 Guineas for me, out of that Money. We all are much as usual, with our humble Salutations remain Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\nMr. Franklin\nThe Packet not going till this Day, I did not send it off. I wrote you the Hartford Rider was stopt. Jan. 1. But the Commissioners of the Customs thought it such an Insult upon their Authority, that they requested Mr. Foxcroft to revive it: Accordingly it is revived, tho\u2019 in Fact it was no Advantage to the Revenue. However, I am content to please them if I could.\nThis Day a Vessel come in from Holland, who touch\u2019d at Cowes but bringing in no News of Miller\u2019s Arrival, by whom I sent you a Power; we are in pain for him.\nCapt. Tillet is also coming up from London, a very long Passage. We expect the December Packet daily. This Morning Capt. Young in a Ship sailed for London. In a week or two another sails. All our Love as before from Yours\nJames Parker\nAddressed: For/ Benjamin Franklin, Esqr/ Craven Street/ London / per Harriot Packet\nEndorsed: Mr Parker Jan. 30 1768\n[In Franklin\u2019s hand at the top of the first page:]\nMr. Strahan is desired to peruse this, and when he comes this Evening, enable Mr. F. to write a proper Answer. Cravenstreet, Ap. 16", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0017", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean Chappe d\u2019Auteroche, 31 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Auteroche, Jean Chappe d\u2019\nSir\nLondon, Jan. 31. 1768\nI sent you sometime since, directed to the Care of M. Molini, a Bookseller near the Qu\u00e2y des Augustins a Tooth that I mention\u2019d to you when I had the Pleasure of meeting with you at the Marquis de Courtanvaux\u2019s. It was found near the River Ohio in America, about 200 Leagues below Fort du Quesne, at what is called the Great Licking Place, where the Earth has a Saltish Taste that is agreable to the Buffaloes and Deer, who come there at certain Seasons in great Numbers to lick the same. At this [pla]ce have been found the Skeletons of near 30 [large?] Animals suppos\u2019d to be Elephants, several Tusks like those of Elephants, being found with those Grinder Teeth. Four of these Grinders were sent me by the Gentleman who brought them from the Ohio to New York, together with 4 Tusks, one of which is 6 Feet long and in the thickest Part near 6 Inches Diameter, and also one of the Vertebrae. My Lord Shelbourn receiv\u2019d at the same time 3 or four others with a Jaw Bone and one or two Grinders remaining in it. Some of Our Naturalists here, however, contend, that these are not the Grinders of Elephants but of some carnivorous Animal unknown, because such Knobs or Prominances on the Face of the Tooth are not to be found on those of Elephants, and only, as they say, on those of carnivorous Animals. But it appears to me that Animals capable of carrying such large and heavy Tusks, must themselves be large Creatures, too bulky to have the Activity necessary for pursuing and taking Prey; and therefore I am enclin\u2019d to think those Knobs are only a small Variety, Animals of the same kind and Name often differing more materially, and that those Knobs might be as useful to grind the small Branches of Trees, as to chaw Flesh. However I should be glad to have your Opinion, and to know from you whether any of the kind have been found in Siberia. With great Esteem and Respect, I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB F.\nAbbe Chappe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0018", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas-Fran\u00e7ois Dalibard, 31 January 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Dalibard, Thomas-Fran\u00e7ois\nDear Sir,\nLondon Jan. 31. 1768\nI sent you sometime since, Priestly\u2019s History of Electricity, under the Care of Mr. Molini, Bookseller on the Quay des Augustins; I hope it got safe to Paris, and that you have receiv\u2019d it. [I w]ish the Reading of it may renew your Taste for that Branch of Philosophy, which is already so greatly indebted to you, as being the first of [Man?] kind that had the Courage to attempt drawing Lightning from the Clouds to be subjected to your Experiments. In our Return home, We were detained a Week at Calais, by contrary Winds and Stormy Weather, which was the more mortifying to me, when I reflected that I might have enjoy\u2019d Paris and my Friends there all that Time, and yet have been as soon at London.\nAs I became in Arrears with my Business by so long an Absence, I have been necessarily much occupied since my Return, and have therefore postpon\u2019d from time to time, (and so long that I am now ash[amed of it]) the Purpose I had of writing soon to you [torn] the [torn] Sense I have of your Kindness to [me who was a] Stranger at Paris, and of the many Civilities I receiv\u2019d from you there and from Mrs. Dalibard, which I assure you have made a lasting Impression on my Memory. I beg you will both of you accept my sincerest Thanks and Acknowledgements. The Time I spent in Paris, and in the improving Conversation and agreable Society of so many learned and ingenious Men, seems now to me like a pleasing Dream, from which I was sorry to be awaked by [fin]ding my self again at London. With the greatest Esteem and best Wishes for your Health and Happiness, I have the Honour to be Dear Sir Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nM. Dalibard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0019", "content": "Title: Subjects of Subjects [January 1768]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nAt the close of 1767 a letter signed \u201cS.N.\u201d in The Gentleman\u2019s Magazine (XXXVII [1767, supplement], 620\u201321) attacked the nonimportation resolutions passed by the Boston Town Meeting of the previous October. The writer asserted that the resolutions were aimed at ruining British trade and finances and were accompanied by \u201cvain pernicious ideas of independance and separate dominion.\u201d The reply printed below does not attempt to meet what was essentially a commercial argument, but transmutes it into constitutional terms. Although the approach is typical of Franklin, and the signature is one that he had used before, his authorship cannot be definitively established. Verner W. Crane has marshaled extremely strong evidence, however, for ascribing the essay to him (Letters to the Press, pp. 110\u201312 and notes), and we believe that the doubt about his authorship is negligible.\nMr. Urban,\n[January, 1768]\nYour anonymous correspondent, (See Vol. xxxvii. p. 620.) has declaimed on a subject, which by an unhappy combination of ignorance and obstinacy has become very like a bone of contention between the young and the old provinces of this great commonwealth.\nIt seldom happens in disputes of any kind but that one side or the other lay the foundations of their arguments on error; it happens more particularly so with your angry correspondent, for whose information I will beg leave to give a short sketch of the British constitution.\nThe British state or empire consists of several islands and other distant countries, asunder in different parts of the globe, but all united in allegiance to one Prince, and to the common law (Scotland excepted) as it existed in the old provinces or mother country, before the colonies or new provinces were formed. The prince, with a select parliament, or assembly, make the legislative power of and for each province within itself. Where vicinity made it convenient, several islands and provinces were at sundry times consolidated, and represented by one parliament, as the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Wales, Cheshire, Durham, and Scotland; by which means all Great Britain and its contiguous isles, are unitedly represented in one assembly in parliament. It has not as yet been thought proper to unite Ireland to the old provinces, though lying very near; nor any of the provinces of America, which lie at a great distance. But notwithstanding this state of separate assemblies, the allegiance of the distant provinces to the crown will remain for ever unshaken, while they enjoy the rights of Englishmen; that is, with the consent of their sovereign, the right of legislation each for themselves; for this puts them on an exact level, in this respect, with their fellow subjects in the old provinces, and better than this they could not be by any change in their power. But if the old provinces should often exercize the right of making laws for the new, they would probably grow as restless as the Corsicans, when they perceived they were no longer fellow subjects, but the subjects of subjects.\nTo illustrate this matter by a comparison; Should it happen, through the revolutions of time, that some future king should make choice of Ireland for his seat of government, and that the parliament of that kingdom, with his majesty\u2019s concurrence, should assume the right of taxing the people of England, would the people of England quietly acquiesce, or implicitly pay obedience to laws made by virtue of such an assumed right? And yet, as there is no law in being to prevent his majesty from making any part of his dominions the seat of his government, the case is by no means foreign to the present question.\nThe laws made here to tax the Americans affect them as a distinct body, in which the law makers are in no manner whatever, comprehended; whereas the laws made to tax Great-Britain, affect alike every member who gives his concurrence to such law. And hence arises the essential difference between real and virtual representations, so much agitated.\nYour correspondent observes, \u201cthat we are loaded with 130 millions of debt; great part of which, was contracted by defending the Americans, and therefore that they are bound in gratitude, &c.\u201d Were this argument of weight, and were the right of taxing to follow the obligation of defence, we have expended more than the whole sum on various occasions, in defence of the balance of power on the continent. Will your correspondent for that reason, argue, that Great-Britain has a right of taxing her friends in Germany? Hanover for instance, was formerly said to have cost this nation immense sums for its defence; and Hanover is a district under the obedience of the king of Great-Britain. Will it follow that we have any right to tax Hanover, or that Hanover, in gratitude for the sums we have expended in her behalf, should implicitly give up her ancient rights?\nUpon the whole, the point in dispute does not depend on gratitude or defence, but on the right of Englishmen to give their own money with their own consent. While the Americans were in possession of that right, or thought themselves in possession of it, every requisition for that purpose by the king or his ministers was chearfully complyed with; but since that right, by the mistaken policy of one man,  has been brought in question; murmuring and discontent have succeeded, and every artifice is now practiced to withhold sums levied by a new mode; which had they been demanded in the old way, would have been willingly granted. I am, Sir, &c.\nA. B.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0021", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 9 February 1768\nFrom: Wharton, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nThis letter and subsequent ones from Joseph Galloway, George Croghan, William Franklin, and the Pennsylvania Assembly attest the seriousness of Indian affairs in the newly acquired western territories, and the urgent necessity of pacifying the savages by a formal settlement of the boundary that Sir William Johnson had discussed with them in 1765. Pacification was prerequisite for the success of the land speculators. Croghan, William Franklin, and the Whartons were trying to acquire huge tracts in Indiana, Sir William Johnson did business with the Whartons and looked favorably on their schemes, and Benjamin Franklin was lobbying for them in London. Shelburne, before surrendering jurisdiction over American affairs to Hillsborough early in 1768, had suggested changes in policy that would have aided the speculators; but it was by no means certain that Hillsborough would take the same attitude. Croghan enlisted William Franklin, Governor John Penn, the Rev. Richard Peters (the former provincial secretary and the Penns\u2019 chief Indian negotiator), Joseph Galloway, and others to write letters urging the necessity of settling the boundary question. The next step was a conference with the Indians at Fort Stanwix in the autumn of 1768, which demarcated the boundary and opened the way for the speculators. There remained the problem-insoluble, as it proved-of inducing the government to ratify this agreement.\nDear friend\nPhilad. February 9th. 1768\nI wrote thee on the 20th Ulto. per packet, and therein mentioned the horrid Murders committed by Frederick Stump, And that the Governor and Chief Justice had taken steps to apprehend Him, but before their Warrants could reach those parts, One William Patterson taking with Him a Number of Men, went to Stumps abode, who on their Appearing fled to the Woods, but Patterson made Use of a Decoy, that induced Stumps party to bring Him in, when He was Seized, bound and brought by Patterson down to Carlisle, and on the 23d January deliverd into the hands of the Sheriff of the County, for the other particular I refer thee to the paper now Enclosed. These transactions hath filled the Minds of the People with great Uneasiness, they being fully satisfied, that, there can be No security in a Government, w[h]ere either its Weakness or Connivance, prevents them from bringing such Atrocius Offenders to Justice. Its very fortunate that the House is sitting at this Time, as they improve every opportunity, to Urge the G-r to do his duty, by bringing those wretches to the Just Test of the Law; We are satisfied that those very Magistrates who Contraven\u2019d the Kings Writ, are not Attempted to be removed, but instead thereof smoothing Letters have been wrote to them; And great threatnings are Uttered Against the Speaker and the Friends of the People, And w[h]ere it will End time must discover; Clear I am, that little security will shortly be even here, for some of Us, Unless We are so happy as to obtain the Wish\u2019d for Change, and a Gentleman of Governor Franklin\u2019s Abilities and Spirit, placed at the Head of Government. Indeed I have not Words to Convey fully to thee, the Prevalence of a Disposition in the Inhabitants of Cumberland County, to support All persons who kill Indians, And while that Lawless disposition continues, and the present Weakness of G-t prevails, there is little hope or reason to believe, We shall be at peace with the Natives.\nI am now inform\u2019d by a Person who came down Yesterday, that they threaten Patterson in such a Manner, that He thinks his Life unsafe, and is preparing to come with his Family to this City.\nCol. Croghan the Day before Yesterday returnd from Sir Wm. Johnson\u2019s, by whom our speaker receivd, an Obliging Letter from that Gentleman, wherein He expressly declares, \u201cthat one of the principal Causes of the Indians present discontent, and threatning prospect of An Indian War is, their Not receiving from this Government, that Justice and Satisfaction which the Murders of their People at Conestego and at Lancaster required.\u201d \nHe had not then heard of the late Barbarous scenes perpetrated by Stump.\nI expect that the House will Tomorrow resolve themselves into a Committee of the Whole house, to Consider the present distracted State of this Province, and Enter into Certain resolutions, particularly relative to the Various Murders, that have been Committed. That The Failure of the Executive Branch of this Government, in their Duty, in Not punishing former Offenders, may Justly be lookd upon, as an Encouragement to the recent Acts of Barbarity &c. &c. And therefore they renew their prayer for the Change of Government; but I fear they will not pass the House, in time for this Vessell.\nIt is intended by Sir William and Col. Croghan to have two large Treaties with the Confederate Nations of Indians, in Next Month, One to be held in the Seneca Country for the Northern Tribes at which Sir William will be present; the Other at Pittsburgh for the Western Indians, at which Col: Croghan is to Negociate Matters; At these Treaties, thro\u2019 the great Influence of those Gentlemen, We hope, for at least a prolongation of Peace; It is proposed, that Our Assembly shall give about \u00a33000 to those Nations, for the Wiping away the Blood of their Warriours and relatives, which has been spilt at a time they were in perfect Peace with Us; And this to be done distinct from the Kings Presents, And as an Attonement from this province. A Number of the Principal Members mett a few of Us last Evening, and they Agreed to the Measure; which I hope will be Carried through the House Tomorrow.\nThey have Agreed to build the Colonel house at the Barracks, and I Assure thee, We never before stood so Well with the Milatary, which the Other side Perceive.\nI should be glad to inform thee of some Matters, which I dare not Committ to paper-but shall Just say, We are now stronger in the House, then at any time, since the Change of Government was on the Carpet; And I hope thou\u2019l have strength enough to bring it to a happy Close, as in this Our future safety depends. I am thy Affectionate and Sincere friend\nTho Wharton\nTo Benjamin Franklin Esqr.\nEndorsed: Mr Thos Wharton Feb. 9. 1768", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0025", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 15 February 1768\nFrom: Johnson, Martha\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHounored Sir\nLetchlade Febry the 15 1768\nI Recived yours with the inclosed and am gratly obliged to you for the troble I give you and sence there is nothing to be Exspected wee must be Contented without it. I hope you keep your helth very well and should be very glad to hear from you when Convenant. I hope Nancy Behaves her self well and to the satisfaction of her governess and mrs. stevinson and should take it as the gratest favor if you should hear of aney falt in her that you will be so kind to Chide her for it and give her your Best advise as I am sencable a word from you wold go a grate way but am in hopes she will behave so as not to have occason for it.\nI must beg the favor you will be so kind as to think of poor Samey and git him provided for if posable which wold give me the gratiest pleasue immaigenable and should always acknoledg it the gratest favor you Could Do me I have got into my shop but Cannot tell yet how it will go on but am in hops in a little time to be a Better Judg but I think I have no Reason to Complain. Pleas to give my Respects to mrs. Stevenson and love to Salley so no more. I Remain your Duty full Cousen\nMartha Johnson\nAddressed: To / Docter Franklin / in Craven Street / Strand / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0026", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 February 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child\nLondon, Feb. 16. 1768\nI wrote to you per Packet, and also by Mr. Ayres,  who goes in Sparks. But I must send you a Line per Capt. Falkener, and another per Capt. Story,  if \u2019tis only to say over again that I am well, and to acknowledge the Receipt of your kind Letters and Presents of Meal, Apples, Nuts, Cranberries &c.\nI have written to Sally too by Mr. Ayres, My Love to her and all Friends. I can now only add, that I am Your ever loving Husband\nB Franklin\nThe chief of my Letters will go per Story, who sails this Week.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0027", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 17 February 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, Feb. 17. 1768.\nIn mine of Jan. 9. I wrote to you that I believ\u2019d notwithstanding the Clamor against America had been greatly increas\u2019d by the Boston Proceedings, we should attempt this Session to obtain the Repeal of the restraining Act relating to Paper Money. The Change of Administration with regard to American Affairs, which was agreed on some time before the new Secretary kiss\u2019d Hands and enter\u2019d upon Business, made it impossible to go forward with that Affair, as the Minister quitting that Department would not, and his Successor could not engage in it. But now our Friends the Merchants have been moving in it, and some of them have conceiv\u2019d Hopes from the Manner in which Lord Hillsborough attended to their Representations. It had been previously concluded among us, that if the Repeal was to be obtain\u2019d at all, it must be propos\u2019d in the Light of a Favour to the Merchants of this Country, and ask\u2019d for by them, not by the Agents as a Favour to America. But as my Lord had at sundry times before he came into his present Station, discours\u2019d with me on the Subject, and got from me a Copy of my Answer to his Report when at the Head of the Board of Trade,  which some time since he thank\u2019d me for and said he would read again and consider carefully, I waited upon him this Morning partly with Intent to learn if he had chang\u2019d his Sentiments. We enter\u2019d into the Subject, and had a long Conversation upon it, in which all the Arguments he us\u2019d against the legal Tender of Paper Money were intended to show that it was for the Benefit of the People themselves to have no such Money current among them; and it was strongly his Opinion that after the Experience of being without it a few Years we should all be convinc\u2019d of this Truth, as he said the New England Colonies now were, they having lately, on the Rumour of an intended Application for taking off the Restraint, petition\u2019d that it might be continu\u2019d as to them. However, his Lordship was pleased to say, that if such Application was made for the three Colonies of Pensilvania, New Jersey and New York, as I propos\u2019d, it should have fair Play, he would himself give it no sort of Opposition, but he was sure it would meet with a great deal, and he thought it could not succeed. He was pleas\u2019d to make me Compliments upon my Paper, assuring me he had read it with great Attention, that I had said much more in favour of such a Currency than he had thought could be said, and all, he believ\u2019d, that the Subject would admit of; but that it had not on the whole chang\u2019d his Opinion, any farther than to induce him to leave the Matter now to the Judgment of others, and let it take its Course, without opposing it as last Year he had determin\u2019d to have done. I go into the City tomorrow to confer with the Merchants again upon it, that if they see any Hopes, we may at least try the Event: but I own my Expectations are now very slender, knowing as I do, that nothing is to be done in Parliament that is not a Measure adopted by Ministry and supported by their Strength, much less any thing they are averse to and indifferent about.\nI took the Opportunity of discoursing his Lordship concerning our particular Affair of the Change of Government, gave him a Detail of all the Proceedings hitherto, the Delays it had met with, and its present Situation. He was pleas\u2019d to say he would enquire into the Matter, and would talk with me farther upon it. He express\u2019d great Satisfaction in the good Disposition that he said appear\u2019d now to be general in America with regard to Government here, according to the latest Advices; and inform\u2019d me that he had by his Majesty\u2019s Order written the most healing Letters to the several Governors, which if shown to the Assemblies could not but confirm that good Disposition. As to the Permission we want to bring Wine, Fruit and Oil directly from Spain and Portugal, and to carry Iron directly to Foreign Markets, \u2019tis agreed on all hands that this is an unfavourable time to move in those Matters, G. Grenville and those in the Opposition, on every Hint of the kind, making a great Noise about the Act of Navigation, that Palladium of England as they call it, to be given up to Rebellious America, &c. so that the Ministry would not at present venture to propose it if they approv\u2019d of it. I am to wait on the Secretary again next Wednesday, and shall then write you what passes farther that is material.\nBe pleased to present my best Respects to the Assembly and Committee, and assure them of my most faithful Services. With sincerest Esteem and Regard, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant\nB Franklin\nJos. Galloway Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0028", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Kames, 18 February 1768\nFrom: Kames, Henry Home, Lord\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nEdinburgh, 18th. Feby. [176]8\nI begin to perceive in my decline of life that happiness, comfort at least, depends more upon what a Philosopher would call slight conveniences than a young man in the ardour of his studies is apt to imagine. I have bought a house in this Town which luckily is absolutely free of smoke except what is commonly called neighbour smoke; that is the smoke issuing from one vent sometimes goes down a neighbouring vent and issues into the Room when there is no fire in it. I apply to you for a remedy as to an universal Smoke Doctor; and if I had a remedy, mine would be the most compleat house in Edinburgh.\nI have been thinking lately of adopting your Philadelphia Grate, as it promises to save Coal, and to diffuse an equal heat through the Room. But I first wish to learn from you whether it will perfectly answer its purpose, and whether you have made any improvement.\nWill nothing again ever draw you to Scotland? I have got one of the finest places with an inchanting Winter Garden; and it would give me great joy to entertain you there. Your faithful friend\nHenry Home", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0029", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwalader Evans, 20 February 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Evans, Cadwalader\nDear Friend:\nLondon, Feb. 20, 1768.\nI wrote you a few Lines per Capt. Falconer, and sent you Dr. Watson\u2019s new Piece, of Experiments on Inoculation,  which I hope will be agreeable to you.\nIn yours of Nov. 20,  you mention the Lead on the Stills or worms of Stills as a probable cause of the Drybellyach among Punch Drinkers in our West India Islands. I had before acquainted Dr. Baker with a Fact of that kind, the general mischief done by the use of Leaden Worms, when Rum Distilling was first practiced in New England, which occasioned a severe Law there against them; and he has mentioned it in the second Part of his piece not yet published. I have long been of Opinion, that that Distemper proceeds always from a metallic Cause only, observing that it affects among Tradesmen those that use Lead, however different their Trades, as Glazers, Type-Founders, Plumbers, Potters, White Lead-makers and Painters; from the latter, it has been conjectur\u2019d it took its Name Colica Pictonum by the Mistake of a Letter and not from its being the Disease of Poictou; and altho\u2019 the Worms of Stills, ought to be of pure Tin, they are often made of Pewter, which has a great Mixture in it of Lead.\nThe Boston People pretending to interfere with the Manufactures of this Country, makes a great clamour here against America in general. I have endeavoured therefore to palliate matters a little in several public Papers. It would, as you justly observe, give less umbrage if we meddled only with such manufactures as England does not attend to. That of Linnen might be carried on more or less in every Family (perhaps it can only do in a Family way) and silk I think in most of the colonies. But there are many Manufactures that we cannot carry on to Advantage tho\u2019 we were at entire Liberty. And after all, this Country is fond of Manufactures beyond their real value; for the true Source of Riches is Husbandry. Agriculture is truly productive of new wealth; Manufactures only change Forms; and whatever value they give to the Material they work upon, they in the mean time consume an equal value in Provisions, &c. So that Riches are not increased by Manufacturing; the only advantage is, that Provisions in the Shape of Manufactures are more easily carried for Sale to Foreign Markets. And where the Provisions cannot be easily carried to Market, \u2019tis well so to transform them for our own Use as well as foreign Sale. In Families also where the children and Servants of Farmers have some spare time, \u2019tis well to employ it in making something; and in Spinning or Knitting &c. to gather up the fragments (of Time) that nothing may be lost; for those Fragments tho\u2019 small in themselves amount to something great in the year, and the Family must eat whether they work or are idle. But the Nation seems to have increased the number of its Manufactures beyond reasonable Bounds, (for there are Bounds to every thing) whereby Provisions are now risen to an exorbitant Price by the demand for supplying home Mouths; so that they may be an Importation from foreign Countries, but the Expense of bringing Provisions from abroad to feed Manufactures here, will so enhance the Price of the Manufactures that they may be made cheaper where Provisions grow, and the Mouths will go to the Meat. With many Thanks for your good Wishes, I am, Dear Friend Yours affectionately,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0032", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Wharton, 20 February 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Wharton, Thomas\nDear Friend,\nLondon, Feb. 20, 1768.\nI received your favours of November 17, and 18, with another dozen of excellent wine the manufacture of our friend Lievezy. I thank you for the care you have taken in forwarding them, and for your kind good wishes that accompany them.\nThe story you mention of Secretary Conway\u2019s wondering what I could be doing in England, and that he had not seen me for a considerable time, savours strongly of the channel through which it came and deserves no notice. But since his name is mentioned it gives me occasion to relate what passed between us the last time I had the honour of conversing with him. It was at court when the late changes were first rumoured, and it was reported that he was to resign the secretary\u2019s office. Talking of America, I said I was sorry to find that our friends were one after another quitting the administration, that I was apprehensive of the consequences, and hoped what I heard of his going out was not true. He said it was really true, the employment had not been of his choice, he had never any taste for it, but had submitted to engage in it for a time at the instance of his friends, and he believed his removal could not be attended with any ill consequences to America. That he was a sincere well wisher to the prosperity of that country as well as this, and hoped the imprudencies of either side would never be carried to such a height as to create a breach of the union, so essentially necessary to the welfare of both. That as long as his Majesty continued to honour him with a share in his councils, America should always find in him a friend &c. This I write as it was agreeable to me to hear and I suppose will be so to you to read. For his character has more in it of the frank honesty of the soldier, than of the plausible insincerity of the courtier; and therefore what he says is more to be depended on. The proprietor\u2019s dislike to my continuing in England to be sure is very natural; as well as to the repeated choice of assembly men not his friends; and probably he would as they so little answer his purposes wish to see elections as well as agencies abolished. They make him very unhappy, but it cannot be helped.\nThe proceedings in Boston, as the news came just upon the meeting of parliament and occasioned great clamour here, gave me much concern. And as every offensive thing done in America is charged upon all, and every province though unconcerned in it, suffers in its interests through the general disgust given and the little distinction here made, it became necessary I thought to palliate the matter a little for our own sakes, and therefore I wrote the paper which probably you have seen printed in the Chronicle of January 7, and signed F + S. Yours affectionately,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0033", "content": "Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Richard Jackson and Benjamin Franklin, 20 February 1768\nFrom: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nTo: Jackson, Richard,Franklin, Benjamin\nGentlemen,\n[February 20, 1768]\nWe are particularly enjoined by the House of Assembly, now sitting, to request that you would co-operate with the Agents of the other colonies in any decent and respectful Application to Parliament, in case such Application is made by them for a Repeal of the late Act imposing Duties on the Importation of Paper, Glass, &c. into the American Provinces, which Act is looked upon highly injurious to the Rights of the People, and our commercial Interest. We are likewise directed to transmit you Copies of the several Messages which have passed between the two Branches of the Legislature, with the other Papers and Proofs taken and laid before the House during the present Sitting, which demonstrate the present unhappy State of the Province, and the Necessity of your fulfilling the Instructions you have received from the several late Assemblies, confirmed by this House in our Letter of the seventeenth of October last,  to prosecute to an Issue the Petitions now before His Majesty, with the most careful Attention to those Instructions, that all the Charter and legal Rights and Privileges are preserved and secured to the Inhabitants of this Province, and not otherwise. Mr. Jackson\u2019s Letter of the ninth of December, was Yesterday read in the House, and we are ordered again to request that you would not miss any Opportunity of endeavouring to obtain a Repeal of the Act restraining the legal Tender of Paper Bills of Credit, for should a Rupture with the Indians unhappily take Place, which we have too much Reason to dread, the Assemblies must find it attended with the greatest Difficulty, if not impracticable, to raise the necessary Supplies. We are your respectful Friends,\nWilliam Rodman,\nJoseph Galloway, Speaker,\nIsaac Pearson,\nJames Pemberton,\nJoseph Fox,\nJohn Ross,\nJoseph Richardson,\nThomas Livezey.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0034", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 21 February 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mecom, Jane\nMy dear Sister,\nLondon, Feb. 21. 1768\nI received your kind Letter of Dec. 1. I condole with you affectionately once more on the grievous Affliction you have met with, praying God to make the rest of your Life more comfortable and happy.\nI thank you for your Congratulations on my Daughter\u2019s Marriage. She has pleas\u2019d herself and her Mother, and I hope she will do well: but I think they should have seen some better Prospect than they have, before they married, how the Family was to be maintain\u2019d.\nIt is a little unlucky that the Business you are fallen into, happens at present to be in disgrace with your Town Meeting: perhaps you may think of some other less exceptionable if their Resolutions continue and are regarded by the Ladies. My Love to your Daughter,  and believe me ever Your affectionate Brother\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0035", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 25 February 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork, Feb 25. 1768.\nYours of the 2d and 12th of December, per Packet, I received, and observe the Contents of it: I shall be obliged to enlarge in this to be as particular as I can about the New-Haven Affair, and the Hartford Rider. Before I was directed up to New-Haven as Evidence I did not dream that Holt would stand that Trial as he did: Upon my Qualification, I declared to the Auditors, that on Mr. Holt\u2019s Application to Mr. Hunter to set that Rider going, Mr. Hunter would not consent but with the utmost Reluctance, telling him it was taking Money out of one Pocket to put in to\u2019ther, and that he could not by any Means allow him any Thing towards it, but such Letters as should go from or to any Place, where the Monday\u2019s Post could not go to, and that it was on such a Plan Holt undertook it. Notwithstanding on his pleading with the Auditors, that the Post-Office had now availed themselves of his Scheme at his Cost, they ought to pay him the whole Cost: I as well as Mr. Ingersol objected to these Reasons, and I assured them that the Post-Office was not any Gainer by that Stage, but indeed a Loser, and that I believed had you been at home, it would probably have dropt before that Time. He replied, he knew it was false, that it was a great Advantage to the Revenue, and it would not drop. The Result of the Trial, you know, but on my Return home, I carefully examined all the Comptroller\u2019s Bills, and on a strict Scrutiny, I think that Rider was a Loss to the Revenue, as on a general Course scarce one Third of the Letters came from and to Boston by the Thursday\u2019s Rider, as did by the Monday\u2019s, and supposing that only one Half of the Thursday\u2019s Letters would have gone by the Monday\u2019s if there had been no Thursday\u2019s, then the Revenue were great Losers. On my representing this in its true Light, as I thought it my Duty to do, to Mr. Foxcroft, he ordered me to discontinue that Stage. It was done accordingly. Immediately thereupon, the Thursday\u2019s Printer at Boston,  and Holt at New York set up a great Clamour; but I paid no Regards to their Clamour, as I knew the Justness thereof-but the Commissioners of his Majesty\u2019s Customs at Boston, at the Instigation of their Printer, who is the Thursday Printer, wrote to Mr. Foxcroft, requesting it might be again set on Foot. And a Petition from these Parts, of several of Holt\u2019s Friends was also sent to Mr. Foxcroft, accordingly Mr. Foxcroft has consented and I have again spoke to Riders and wrote to Boston, to set it a going for its no Interest of mine to have it stopt: nor should I have troubled you thus much, but for that they say they will complain of me to the Post-Master General in England; for that it is my doing, because (as they justly say) no body else could give such a [true] Information to Mr. Foxcroft: and therefore would have me punished for daring to do my Duty, to their Prejudice, as they say; The Commissioners say they want to hear often and quick from other Places, and therefore their very Letters will support it. I wish they may, I am no Way displeased that its began again, even tho\u2019 the Revenue should suffer, whilst it is no Fault of mine, and as you are there on the Spot, if any Complaint should be made, I have given the true State of the Case, that if it shall be thought I deserve any Blame I shall be far from eluding it; and shall leave it to the better Judgment of my Masters, tho\u2019 I did it not of my own Accord, nor do I think I committed any Crime in doing it, as I did. This shews the Danger of a Precedent in any Case: but I submit.\nThe Books I had of Hamilton and Balfour,  were never sent for, or ordered by me, but were sent to me for Sale; for such of them as I sold, I sent Pay for, and more, And since attaching the Books that were at New Haven, I believe near one Half of the whole Parcel are found unsold, (tho\u2019 some lost or stolen), and those I have ready to deliver up to their Orders, for it would be unreasonable for me to pay for those unsold, as they were not at my Risk, then upon settling the Matter, I must pay for such as I can\u2019t produce; which I hope, after tis known what they have received, will not be a very large Sum: So far I must suffer.\nHolt still keeps close, tho\u2019 tis generally said, it is with the Gout, he is confined, and he has it pretty bad. We have had some Altercations by Letter, but no Settlement, he has however, promised me a Copy of all the Books, as I told him, if he would let me have the Books, I would try to settle it. If I get the Copy of them, I shall try hard to do them myself: I long to bring it to a Conclusion before I go hence, and be no more.\nI have just now got to the Quantity of one Ream of Paper printed on my News-paper; I still continue to gain Ground, tho\u2019 slowly: I will struggle hard, and either conquer or die, tho\u2019 I have not enough yet to support me, in this very dear Place; but all in God\u2019s good Time.\nI suppose you will be now preparing to return home, so wishing you a safe and pleasant Passage, I rest Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\nAddressed: For / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. / Craven Street / London\nEndorsed: Parker Feb. 25. 1768 Upper Post Road", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0036", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Kames, 28 February 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Kames, Henry Home, Lord\nLondon, Feb. 28. 1768\nIt gave me great Pleasure to see my dear good Friend\u2019s Name at the Foot of a Letter I received the other day,  having been often uneasy at his long Silence, blaming myself as the Cause by my own previous Backwardness and Want of Punctuality as a Correspondent. I now suppose (as in this he mentions nothing of it) that a long Letter I wrote him about this time twelvemonth, on the Subject of the Disputes with America, did miscarry,  or that his Answer to that Letter miscarried, as I have never heard from him since I wrote that Letter.\nI have long been of an Opinion similar to that you express, and think Happiness consists more in small Conveniencies or Pleasures that occur every day, than in great Pieces of good Fortune that happen but seldom to a Man in the Course of his Life. Thus I reckon it among my Felicities that I can set my own Razor and shave my self perfectly well, in which I have a daily Pleasure, and avoid the Uneasiness one is otherwise oblig\u2019d sometimes to suffer from dull Razors, and the dirty Fingers or bad Breath of a slovenly Barber.\nI congratulate you on the Purchase of a new House so much to your Mind, and wish that you may long inhabit it with Comfort. The Inconvenience you mention of Neighbour Smoke coming down the Vents, is not owing to any bad Construction of the Vent down which it comes, and therefore not to be remedied by any Change of Form. It is merely the Effect of a Law of Nature, whereby whenever the outward Air is warmer than the Walls of the Vent, the Air included being by those Walls made colder, and of course denser and heavier, than an equal Column of the outward Air, descends into the Room, and in descending draws other Air into the Vent from above to supply its Place; which being in its Turn cooled and condensed by the cooler Walls of the Vent, descends also, and so a Current downwards is continued during the Continuance of such Difference in Temperament between the outward Air and the Walls of the Vent. When this Difference is destroy\u2019d, by the outward Air growing cooler and the Walls growing warmer, the Current downward ceases; and when the outward Air becomes still colder than the Walls, the Current changes and moves from below upwards, the warmer Walls rarifying the Air they include, and thereby making it so much lighter than a Column of the outward Air of equal Height, that it is oblig\u2019d to give way to the other\u2019s superior Weight, and rise; is succeeded by colder Air, which, being warmed and rarified in its turn, rises also, and so the upward Current is continued. In Summer when Fires are not made in the Chimneys, the Current generally sets downward from nine or ten in the Morning during all the Heat of the Day till five or six in the Afternoon, then begins to hesitate, and afterwards to set upwards during the Night, continuing till about Nine in the Morning, then hesitating for some time before it again sets downwards for the Day. This is the general Course, with some occasional Variation of the Hours according to the Length of Days or Changes of Weather. Now, when the Air of any Vent is in this descending State, if the Smoke issuing from a neighbouring Vent happens to be carried over it by the Wind, part will be drawn in and brought down into the Room. The proper Remedy then is, to close the Opening of the Chimney in the Room, by a Board so fitted that little or no Air can pass, whereby the Currents above-mentioned will be prevented. This Board to remain during the Summer, and when Fires are not made in the Chimney. Those Chimneys that have Fires in them daily, are not subject to this Inconvenience, the Walls of their Vents being kept too warm to occasion any downward Current during the Hours between the going out of one Fire and the kindling of another. And indeed in Summer, those Vents that happen to go up close joined with the Kitchen Vent, are generally kept so warm by that, as to be free from the downward Current, and therefore free from what you call Neighbour Smoke.\nThe Philadelphia Grate which you mention, is a very good Thing, if you could get one that is rightly made, and an ingenious Workman to fix it properly. Those generally made and used here are much hurt by fancied Improvements in their Construction, and I cannot recommend them. As Fuel with you is cheap and plenty, a Saving in that Article is scarce an Object. The Sliding Plates (of which I sent a Model to Sir Alexander Dick) are in my Opinion the most convenient for your purpose, as they keep a Room sufficiently warm, are simple Machines, easily fix\u2019d, and their Management easily conceiv\u2019d and understood by Servants.\nI shall leave Europe with much greater Regret, if I cannot first visit you [and] any my other Friends in Scotland. I promise myself this Happiness. Your kind Invitation is extreamly obliging. With sincere Esteem and Respect, I am, My dear Friend, Yours most affectionately\nB Franklin\nI inclose a late Paper of mine, written to palliate a little the late offensive Behaviour of the Boston People relating to the use of the Manufactures of this Country.\nLord Kaims\nAddressed: To / The Right honble. Lord Kaims, / at / Edinburgh B Free Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0037", "content": "Title: On the Candidacy of Barlow Trecothick, 8 March 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThe essay as published in the Pennsylvania Chronicle purports to be a reprint from the London Gazetteer; Crane presents strong presumptive evidence, however, that it was submitted in London but did not appear there (Letters to the Press, p. 113). The draft in Franklin\u2019s hand is not so much a draft as an incomplete collection of jottings, which have little verbal or structural resemblance to the final product. A few passages are given below, at points where they seem most relevant to the text, to show how Franklin modified his argument for public consumption.\n  East-Greenwich, March 8, 1768.\n  To the Printer:\nI am, Sir, a native of Boston, in New-England, but I do not concern myself in your London election; nor do I believe that any of my countrymen think it of importance to them, whether you choose Alderman T. your representative, or reject him. And yet I hear great clamour, as if his nomination were to promote a Boston interest. He may be, for ought I know, a man of abilities, and a friend of ours: But, should he get into P--t, what is one man among five or six hundred? A drop in the bucket. He may be well acquainted with the interests of both countries, a moderate prudent man, and so a fit instrument to conciliate jarring interests, and restore harmony between us. But possibly you have men enough as well qualified in those respects, and better in others. Choose whom you please, only never hereafter tell us, as a reason for our submitting to your taxes, that we are represented in your Parliament, when even an Englishman, having been in America, is made an absolute disqualification, a bar to his being chosen at all.\nI sit down, Sir, after much patience, merely to take some notice of the invective and abuse, that have, on this occasion, been so liberally bestowed on my country, by your writers who sign themselves Old England, a Londoner, a Liveryman of London, &c. &c. [By the way, Mr. Printer, should I have said liberally or illiberally? Not being now it seems allowed to be an Englishman, I ought modestly to doubt my English, and submit it as I do to your correction.] The public, however, has been assured by these gentlemen, that \u201cthe Bostonians have an evil disposition towards Old England, a rooted malice against this country, an implacable enmity to it;\u201d they talk of our having \u201chostile intentions,\u201d and making \u201cbarbarous resolutions against it;\u201d they say that \u201cneither French nor Spaniards have as yet outdone the Bostonians in malicious combinations against its existence;\u201d that we are \u201cas inveterate enemies to Old England, as ever the Carthaginians appeared to be to Rome.\u201d If all this is true, the inference intended is a plain one; it is as proper now to make war on Boston, as ever it was to make war against France or Spain; and it will be as right a thing in Old-England, totally to destroy New-England, as it was in Old Rome to destroy Carthage. You should not be contented with cutting the throats of one half of us in the West, to make the other half buy your goods whether they will or no, (as some Londoners say other Londoners do in the East) but the word should be, with old Cato, DELENDA EST: Don\u2019t leave one stone upon another, nor a Carthaginian or Bostonian alive upon the face of the earth. Is this what these valiant writers would be at? And shall we again see them, as in the time of the Stamp Act, exhorting government to pour its armies into the colonies, and deluge the country with blood? But government was, and will be wiser. And do these gentlemen talk of humanity? And do they complain of inhumanity? the inhumanity of Boston people! the horrible inhumanity of resolving to live within compass, and manufacture what they can for themselves!\nO! but this would be \u201cinhumanity to England,\u201d it is Bostonian cruelty, that wants to starve our poor!\nSupposing it, for a moment, true, give me leave, Sir, upon this head, to recriminate a little. I shall do it gently. I will not bring railing accusations of my own making against you Englishmen: And [all good friends and fellow citizens as you are] it must be supposed that you touch your own failings tenderly, \u201cNought is aggravated, nought set down in anger.\u201d I have been a reader then, of your newspapers and pamphlets for these three years past; and I find them filled with complaints, that the country and city swarm with rich engrossers, forestallers, monopolizers, who combine to make an artificial famine, to oppress and starve the poor, in order to make themselves more rich. I find your farmers charged in a body, as cruelly withholding the staff of life; your millers, meal-men and bakers represented as thieves and poisoners; your merchants accused of sending away your corn, and starving your own people, to feed foreigners, for the sake of a little profit to themselves, or hoarding it up in magazines till spoilt, rather than let the poor have it at a moderate price. I find your landholders, that great and respectable body, charged with endeavouring by every means in their power to keep up the price of provisions, that the farmers may thereby be enabled to pay them higher rents, for the better support of their excessive luxury. I find even your p--ts, who are chosen chiefly by your landholders, charged with entering into their views; and that there have arisen laws to prevent the importation of beef, pork, corn, &c. from your own Ireland, as well as from any foreign country, lest the poor in England should eat at a less expence; and even laws to tax those poor towards paying a bounty on the exportation of corn, lest too great a plenty at home should lower the price of bread.\nPray, Gentlemen, are these things so?\nAnd are your own people really such tyrants and oppressors of the poor?\nI, that am a stranger among ye, cannot be qualified to judge. I can only say, that, as you live together, you have better opportunities of knowing one another, than you have of knowing us at 3000 miles distance, and that therefore what you say of one another is rather more to be depended on. Not to affront you, therefore, by affecting to doubt these facts of your asserting, I would only submit it to your consideration, whether it might not be at least decent, to cure yourselves of inhumanity, before you venture to charge it upon us. Pluck this beam out of your own eyes, before you pretend to spy the mote in ours. We have no malice against your poor, no desire in the least to starve them; but we think we are unable to continue purchasing your manufactures, not only at high prices, but at those prices enhanced by duties; and therefore we resolve to make what we want; not to starve your poor, but to prevent becoming poor and starving ourselves. Charity, your own proverb says, begins at home. Why should you expect us to have more concern for your poor than you have? If you want our help in maintaining them as heretofore, you know how it may be easily had. The means are in your own hands; you know you got all from us, by trade, that we could possibly spare, and kept us besides continually in your debt; what would you, what can you have more? The situation of the colonies seems similar to that of the cows in the fable; forbidden to suckle their own calves, and daily drawn dry, yet they parted with their milk willingly; but when moreover a tax came to be demanded of them, and that too to be paid in grass of which they had already too short a provision; it was no wonder they thought their masters unreasonable, and resolved for the future to suck one another.\nBoston man as I am, Sir, and inimical, as my country is represented to be, I hate neither England nor Englishmen, driven (though my ancestors were) by mistaken oppression of former times, out of this happy country, to suffer all the hardships of an American wilderness. I retain no resentment on that account. I wish prosperity to the nation; I honour, esteem, and love its people. I only hate calumniators and boutefeus on either side the water, who would for the little dirty purposes of faction, set brother against brother, turn friends into mortal enemies, and ruin an empire by dividing it. The very injurious treatment America has lately received, in so many London prints, may have some tendency to alienate still more the affections of that country from this; but as your papers extend thither, I wish our people may by their means be informed, that those abuses do not flow from the general sense of people here; that they are the productions of a few unknown angry writers, heated by an election contest, who rave against America, because a candidate they would decry once lived there, and happens to be otherwise unexceptionable: Writers who (as I have shewn) abuse their own country as virulently as they do ours; and whose invectives are disapproved by all people of understanding and moderation. Let it be known that there is much good will towards America in the generality of this nation; and that however government may sometimes happen to be mistaken or misled, with relation to American interests, there is no general intention to oppress us; and that therefore, we may rely upon having every real grievance removed, on proper representations. By spreading these truths in your paper through America, Sir, you may come to deserve a share in that blessing which is promised to the peacemakers, when only its reverse can be expected by these unhappy writers.\nNew-England.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0038", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [John Canton], 9 March 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Canton, John\nDear Sir,\nMarch 9. 68\nDr. Priestly left these Specimens of the Circles with me to be produc\u2019d to the Society. As I cannot be there this Evening, when I understand the Paper is to be read,  I inclose them to you. Those that look at them should be caution\u2019d not to rub them, lest they should be defac\u2019d before the Company have all had a Sight of them. I am, Yours &c.\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0040", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 10 March 1768\nFrom: Galloway, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhilada. March 10th 1768.\nI inclose this in a Packet Sent by the Committee of Correspondence, containing the Messages which passed between the two Houses of Legislature, at their last Sitting. By them you will be able to form a proper Judgment of the Affairs of this Province; which in the Opinion of all good Men here are at length reduced to the most desperate Circumstances. All the Mischiefs we have long expected if not come to Pass, are now in full Prospect. We have long Seen that the Powers of Government united in the Same Hands with immense Property, woud necessarily be attended with many Inconveniencies both to the Crown and the Subject, and that these Powers rested in the feeble Hands of Private Subjects woud prove too weak to Support his Majestys Authority or to give safety to his People. The first will ever naturally lead to Acts of Injustice, Ambition and Oppression, and these things in Private Men will more especially beget disrespect, and that Disrespect soon ripen into Contempt. The Consequence whereof in this Province is, We have the Name of a Government but no Safety or Protection under it. We have Laws without being executed, or even feard or respected. We have Offenders but no Punishment. We have a Majestracy but no Justice; And a Governor but no Government. And, you well know, we possess the Warmest Allegiance to our Sovereign and our Mother Country and yet our Persons and Estates are every hour liable to the Ravages of the Licentious and Lawless, without any hope of Defence against them.\nYou will perceive from the Messages &c. how many Murders have been committed within the Province without one Off[ender] being brot to Justice. In Several of the Instances No more Notice has been taken of them, than if the unhappy Victims had been so many Dogs; not a Proclamation or a Warrant being issued on the Occasions. And in others the Government has acted as if they really concurrd in Opinion with the Murderers, that the Indians being Hereticks, it was highly Meritorious and doing God Service to cut them off from the Face of the Earth. In the last Murder at Middle Creek our Rulers Seem to have thrown off all Disguise. Stump tis true was apprehended, but by the Activity and Virtue of a private person without any Warrant or Authority from it, by which his Person and property is rendered very insecure and their Destruction have been repeatedly threatend. He delivered his Prisoners to the Sheriff of the County who had the C. Justice\u2019s Warrant ordering him to bring them to Philadelphia. Armstrong and Miller two Inferiour Justices interpose their Authority and forbid him to Obey his Warrant. They discharge his Guard and commit the Offenders to the County Gaol. He is there Chain\u2019d. But the Day before a Rescue was expected, the Justices having Notice of it, and not making the least preparation against it, his Chains are taken off, that it might be the more easily effected-the Rescue is made. The Government Truckles to the Lawless Banditti, and, as good as promises to pass over the atrocious Offence, if they woud deliver up the prisoners. They despised the Terms. The Murderers are Set at large, and are escaped to Parts unknown out of the Province. It is now near two Months since the rescue and not a Warrant is issued against the rescuers, tho all well known to the Majestracy and Government, and might be easily apprehended.\nThe Impunity with which Offenders escape is a perpetual Encouragement to the Licentious and Wicked to commit new Offences. This day an Account arrived, from Lancaster, that two Soldiers Sent with Dispatches from the Commanding Officer at Fort Pitt, were attacked in Paxton Township, their Letters taken from them, one of which was immediately Destroyd after being open\u2019d and read. The rest opend but redeliverd. I have seen the opend Letters which were not Destroyd. What was the Nature or Consequence of the Letter destroyd none can tell. Take a View, Dear Sir, of these Facts with what you know has heretofore passed in the Government And add to them the Declaration of our Governor that he can do no More, In his Station towards bringing Offenders to Justice, than issuing a Proclamation and writing a few mild Letters to his Majestey, And tell me whether you think, we can beleive ourselves or our Estates Safe under the present Government. I do most candidly assure you, coud I convert my Estate into personalty without great Loss, I shoud immediately remove it with my Family into a Government where I coud reasonably expect they woud be safe from Violation. In this, it is the Opinion of all who are Active in supporting the Honour of the Government [and] the Authority, of the Crown, that their Lives and Properties [are in] great Jeopardy and Danger.\nUnder these Circumstances, the Assembly thi[nks it their] Indispensable Duty to acquaint his Majesty and Ministry of the State of the Province, For which purpose the Papers &c. are sent to the Agents, And they are orderd to prosecute the Petition for a Change, In hope that our Distracted and distressed Situation will draw his Majestys Attention and Compassion so far towards us as to take the Government under his immediate Directions.\nIt gives me Pleasure to find a New Establishment is made for American Affairs only. May we not hope, for more Attention to our unhappy Circumstances, and especially under the Nobleman who is at its Head.\nI have wrote you a long Letter, tho very unwell being bled, the Minute before I began it, which I know will apologize for its incorrectness. I am Dear Sir your very Affectionate and Obedient humble Servant\nJ. Galloway\nBenjamin Franklin Esqr.\nAddressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / in / Craven Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0041", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 13 March 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nDear Son,\nLondon, March 13, 1768.\nI have received all together your letters of January 6, 21, and 22: it had been a great while that I had not heard from you.\nThe purpose of settling the new colonies seems at present to be dropped, the change of American administration not appearing favourable to it. There seems rather to be an inclination to abandon the posts in the back country as more expensive than useful; but counsels are so continually fluctuating here, that nothing can be depended on. The new secretary, my Lord Hillsborough is I find of opinion that the troops should be placed, the chief part of them, in Canada and Florida, only three battalions to be quartered in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; and that forts Pitt, Oswego, Niagara, &c. should be left to the colonies to garrison and keep up if they think it necessary for the protection of their trade, &c. Probably his opinion may be followed if new changes do not produce other ideas. As to my own sentiments, I am weary of suggesting them to so many different inattentive heads, though I must continue to do it while I stay among them. The letters from Sir William Johnson relating to the boundary were at last found,  and orders were sent over about Christmas for completing the purchase and settlement of it. My Lord H. has promised me to send duplicates by this packet, and urge the speedy execution, as we represented to him the danger that these dissatisfactions of the Indians might produce a war. But I can tell you there are many here to whom the news of such a war would give pleasure; who speak of it as a thing to be wished; partly as a chastisement to the colonies, and partly to make them feel the want of protection from this country, and pray for it. For it is imagined that we could not possibly defend ourselves against the Indians without such assistance, so little is the state of America understood here.\nMy Lord H. mentioned the Farmer\u2019s letters to me, said he had read them, that they were well written, and he believed he could guess who was the author, looking in my face at the same time as if he thought it was me. He censured the doctrines as extremely wild, &c. I have read them as far as No. 8. I know not if any more have been published. I should have thought they had been written by Mr. Delancey, not having heard any mention of the others you point out as joint authors. I am not yet master of the idea these and the New England writers have of the relation between Britain and her colonies. I know not what the Boston people mean by the \u201csubordination\u201d they acknowledge in their Assembly to Parliament, while they deny its power to make laws for them, nor what bounds the Farmer sets to the power he acknowledges in Parliament to \u201cregulate the trade of the colonies,\u201d it being difficult to draw lines between duties for regulation and those for revenue, and if the Parliament is to be the judge, it seems to me that establishing such principles of distinction will amount to little. The more I have thought and read on the subject the more I find myself confirmed in opinion, that no middle doctrine can be well maintained, I mean not clearly with intelligible arguments. Something might be made of either of the extremes; that Parliament has a power to make all laws for us, or that it has a power to make no laws for us; and I think the arguments for the latter more numerous and weighty than those for the former. Supposing that doctrine established, the colonies would then be so many separate states, only subject to the same King, as England and Scotland were before the Union. And then the question would be, whether a union like that with Scotland would or would not be advantageous to the whole. I should have no doubt of the affirmative, being fully persuaded that it would be best for the whole, and that though particular parts might find particular disadvantages in it, they would find greater advantages in the security arising to every part from the increased strength of the whole. But such union is not likely to take place while the nature of our present relation is so little understood on both sides the water, and sentiments concerning it remain so widely different. As to the Farmers\u2019 combating, as you say they intend to do, my opinion that the Parliament might lay duties though not impose internal taxes, I shall not give myself the trouble to defend it. Only to you, I may say, that not only the Parliament of Britain, but every state in Europe claims and exercises a right of laying duties on the exportation of its own commodities to foreign countries. A duty is paid here on coals exported to Holland, and yet England has no right to lay an internal tax on Holland. All goods brought out of France to England, or any other country, are charged with a small duty in France, which the consumers pay, and yet France has no right to tax other countries. And in my opinion the grievance is not that Britain puts duties upon her own manufactures exported to us, but that she forbids us to buy the like manufactures from any other country. This she does however in virtue of her allowed right to regulate the commerce of the whole empire, allowed I mean by the Farmer, though I think whoever would dispute that right might stand upon firmer ground and make much more of the argument: but my reasons are too many and too long for a letter.\nMr. Grenville complained in the House that the Governor of New Jersey, New Hampshire, East and West Florida, had none of them obeyed the orders sent them to give an account of the manufactures carried on in their respective provinces. Upon hearing this I went, after the House was up and got a sight of the reports made by the other governors. They are all much in the same strain, that there are no manufactures of any consequence; in Massachusetts, a little coarse woollen only made in families for their own wear: glass and linen have been tried and failed. Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, much the same. Pennsylvania has tried a linen manufactory but it is dropped, it being imported cheaper; there is a glass-house in Lancaster county, but it makes only a little coarse wear for the country neighbours. Maryland is clothed all with English manufactures. Virginia the same, except that in their families, they spin a little cotton of their own growing. South Carolina and Georgia none. All speak of the dearness of labour that makes manufactures impracticable. Only the Governor of North Carolina parades with a large manufacture in his country that may be useful to Britain of pine boards; they having fifty saw mills on one river. These accounts are very satisfactory here, and induce the parliament to despise and take no notice of the Boston resolutions. I wish you would send your account before the meeting of next parliament. You have only to report a glass-house for coarse window glass and bottles, and some domestic manufactures of linen and woollen for family use that do not half clothe the inhabitants, all the finer goods coming from England and the like. I believe you will be puzzled to find any other, though I see great puffs in the papers.\nThe parliament is up and the nation in a ferment with the new elections. Great complaints are made that the natural interests of country gentlemen in their neighbouring boroughs, is overborne by the monied interest of the new people who have got sudden fortunes in the Indies, or as contractors, &c. \u00a34000 is now the market price for a borough. In short this whole venal nation is now at market, will be sold for about Two Millions; and might be bought out of the hands of the present bidders (if he would offer half a million more) by the very devil himself.\nI shall wait on Lord H. again next Wednesday on behalf of the sufferers by Indian and French depredations to have an allowance of lands out of any new grant made by the Indians so long solicited (and perhaps still to be solicited) in vain: I am your affectionate father,\nB. Franklin.\nI dined yesterday with General Monckton, Major Gates, Colonel Lee, and other officers who have served in, and are friends of America. Monckton enquired kindly after your welfare.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0042", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 13 March 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, March 13. 1768\nI wrote to you very fully per Falconer of Feb. 17. and have since received yours of Jan. 21. together with one from the Committee, and the Messages, which, as you will see by my Answer to the Committee, I communicated to Lord Hillsborough. His Lordship read them deliberately, and took Notice that the Message of the Assembly seem\u2019d to insinuate, that the Governor had been tardy in bringing the former Murderers to Justice; which gave me an Opportunity of explaining that Matter to him; whereby he might also understand why the Proprietor had not shown him the Messages, when he communicated the Governor\u2019s Letter concerning the Indian Uneasinesses, the Law under his Consideration for removing them, the late Murder and his Proclamation. I shall wait on his Lordship again next Wednesday on our Affairs, and show him moreover your Letter with some other Papers.\nThe old Parliament is gone, and its Enemies now find themselves at Liberty to abuse it. I inclose you a Pamphlet published the very Hour of the Prorogation. All the Members are now in their Counties and Burroughs among their drunken Electors. Much Confusion and Disorder in many Places, and such Profusion of Money as never was known before on any similar Occasion. \u2019Tis said the first Instance of Bribing to be chosen a Member of the House of Commons, is no longer ago than Qu. Elizabeth\u2019s Time, when the being sent to Parliament was looked upon as a troublesome Service, and therefore not sought after; it is said that such a one \u201cbeing a simple Man, had given Four Pounds to the Mayor and Corporation, that they might chuse him to serve them in Parliament.\u201d The Price is monstrously risen since that time; for it is now no less than \u00a34000. \u2019Tis thought that near Two Millions will be spent this Election. But those who understand Figures and act upon Computation, say, the Crown has Two Millions a Year in Places and Pensions to dispose of, and \u2019tis well worth while to engage in such a seven Years Lottery, tho\u2019 all that have Tickets should not get Prizes. I am, my dear Friend, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin\nJos. Galloway Esqr.\nAddressed: To / Joseph Galloway Esqr Speaker, / and the Committee of Correspondence / Pensilvania", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0043", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 13 March 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nGentlemen,\nLondon, March 13. 1768\nOn the Receipt of your Letter of Jan. 20. Mr. Jackson and myself waited on Lord Hillsborough the new Secretary of State for American Affairs, and communicated to him the Contents, pressing the Necessity of enforcing the Orders already sent to Sir William Johnson for immediately settling the Affair of the Boundary Line with the Indians. His Lordship was pleased to assure us that he would cause Duplicates of the Orders to be forwarded by this Packet, and urge the Execution of them.\nWe communicated also the Copy of General Gage\u2019s Letter, and the Messages that had passed between the Governor and the House thereupon. His Lordship acquainted us, that a Letter from Governor Penn had been shown him by the Proprietor, importing that a horrid Murder had lately been committed on the Indians, upon which the Governor had issued a Proclamation for apprehending the Murderer; and that a Bill was under his and the Council\u2019s Consideration, to prevent future Settlements on Indian Lands. But his Lordship remark\u2019d that these Messages had not been communicated to him by the Proprietor.\nGovernment here begins to grow tired of the enormous Expence of Indian Affairs, and of maintaining Posts in the Indian Country; and it is now talk\u2019d of as a proper Measure, to abandon those Posts, demolishing all but such as the Colonies may think fit to keep up at their own Expence; and also to return the Management of their own Indian Affairs into the Hands of the respective Provinces as formerly. What the Result will be is uncertain, Councels here being so continually fluctuating. But I have urged often, that after taking those Affairs out of our Hands, it seems highly incumbent on the Ministry not to neglect them, but to see that they are well managed, and the Indians kept in Peace. I think however, that we should not too much depend on their doing this, but look to the matter a little ourselves, taking every Opportunity of conciliating the Affections of the Indians, by seeing that they always have Justice done them, and sometimes Kindness. For I assure you that here are not wanting People, who, tho\u2019 not now in the Ministry, no one knows how soon they may be, and, if they were Ministers, would take no Step to prevent an Indian War in the Colonies, being of Opinion, which they express openly, that it would be a very good Thing; in the first Place to chastise the Colonists for their Undutifulness, and then to make them sensible of the Necessity of Protection by the Troops of this Country.\nMr. Jackson being now taken up with his Election-Business may hardly have time to write by this Opportunity: But he joins with me in Respects to you and the Assembly, and Assurances of our most faithful Services. I am, Gentlemen, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.\nB Franklin\nJoseph Galloway,\nEsquires, the Committee of Correspondence\nJoseph Fox,\nThomas Livesey,\nJoseph Richardson,\nJames Pemberton,\nJohn Ross,\nIsaac Pearson,\nWilliam Rodman,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0045", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 14 March 1768\nFrom: Hall, David\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir,\nPhiladelphia March 14. 1768.\nThe Reason of my not writing to you more fully is, that I was [recently?] informed by Mrs. Franklin, you designed to set out for Philadelphia in the Month of May or June next. The Thoughts of seeing you here [torn] I assure you, is most pleasing to me, and I heartily wish you a safe Voyage, [and?] every Thing that is agreeable on the Passage.\nYour kind Letter, of the Fourteenth of April last, I should have [answe]red before this Time, had I not expected the Paper of Remarks, by every Packet since, which you made on the State of our Accompts,  as sent by Mr. Parker; but suppose your continual Hurry prevented your sending it; however, that will make no Difference betwixt us, as I am well satisfied, what unwilling Mistakes, or Omissions, of any Sort, may have been made in our Settlement, will all be rectified in the most friendly Manner, when I have the Pleasure of seeing you in Philadelphia.\nYour Friendship I shall always value, and flatter myself, shall never do any Thing to forfeit it; and I think, if I know myself, I have an Inclination to serve you in every shape my small Sphere in Life will admit of. Your Regard for me I am very sensible of, and most heartily thank you for. \u201cOur long amicable Connection (as you very well express it) is now certainly grown into such a settled Friendship, that it will not be easily shaken on either Side.\u201d And if in any Thing we have differred in Sentiment, I know it will readily be adjusted on Meeting.\nI don\u2019t know whether you have any Letter from your Family by this Opportunity; but if you have not, Mrs. Franklin, and Mrs. Bache, are both well; and Mr. Bache, if you have not heard it before, is safe arrived in Jamaica.\nOn the 18th of January last, Mrs. Franklin had \u00a3100 of me; \u00a330 for the Payment of Taxes; and \u00a370. for the Payment of an Accompt of Mr. Bremner\u2019s the Musician. This I thought proper to advise you of, as I had let you know of the other Money she had of me from Time to Time.\nOne Thing was omitted in our Accompts, viz. the Rent of the House, which I am accountable for to you from about the End of August 1764, till the first of January 1767, when my Lease commenced, Mr. nor Mrs. Grace never having asked for any Money from me. I am, Dear Sir, Yours most sincerely,\nDavid Hall.\nMr. Franklin.Sent Via Bristol, by Capt. Mackinzie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0048", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 22 March 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Rush, Benjamin\nSir\nLondon, March 22. 1768.\nIt has been a great Pleasure to me to hear occasionally from others, that you were closely engag\u2019d in your Studies, and distinguishing yourself by the Progress you made in them. I promise my self that you will return with such a Stock of useful Knowledge as will render you an Ornament to your Country; and that I shall have no reason to regret the Appearance of some Connection between us in the Circumstance of your Inscribing your Dissertation to me. I therefore make no Objection to your gratifying your Inclination in that respect; except that I imagine it might be more proper to dedicate an inaugural Oration to some of those Masters in the Medical Art, to whose Instructions in your Studies you have been most obliged. I am, with sincere Wishes of Prosperity to you, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / Mr Benja. Rush / Student in Physic / Edinburgh / B Free Franklin\nEndorsed: B. Franklin \u2003March 22 1768", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0049", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Bean, 24 March 1768: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Bean, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Coverley\u2019s Fields, opposite the Cock and Hoop; March 24, 1768. He called on Franklin on March 16 and found him engaged, and asks to know whether \u201cthere is Any Encouragement for Me in the Colonies.\u201d]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0050", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 28 March 1768\nFrom: Hopkinson, Francis\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy dear Sir\nPhilad. March 28th 1768\nIt is odd enough for a Person to write a Letter which he heartily wishes may never get to Hand; But this is really my Case at present as I am encouraged by your last to expect the Pleasure of seeing you here early in the Summer. I am sensible however that many unforeseen Delays may occur to prevent your embarking so soon as you imagin\u2019d, and therefore will take the Chance of this Letter arriving in England before you have sailed. Need I repeat to you the Gratitude I feel for many singular Instances of your Regard and Friendship particular for the last considerable Favour, I mean your Advice and Encouragement to accept and seriously bend my Mind to my Couzin M. Warren\u2019s offer. Your Plan has answered to a Wonder. On my first setting out, not only the Merchants who spoke from Interest, but even many of my Friends cried out against the Scheme, and rais\u2019d Objections enough to make the Success appear impossible. The Event however hath as yet turn\u2019d out quite otherwise. For in four Months since my Beginning I have taken (By retailing only) and remitted \u00a31500 Currency, which is far beyond my Expectations considering I had the most dead Part of the Year to struggle with. But I will communicate my affairs more largely when I shall have the Happiness of seeing you here.\nMr. Duffield and myself have wrote Mr. Waring and sent him a full Account of the present Situation of the Negroe School in this City; and shall make some Enquiries respecting Ground Rents to be purchased here against your Arrival; but shall hardly venture to proceed any further till we see you: as you are so soon to be expected. I hope you will let my Lord Bishop know of your Embarking, and see him, if he should be in London.\nMy Mother and Family join in respectful Regards to you. Compliments to Mrs. and Miss Stevenson. Adieu. I am Your\u2019s with all true Love and Gratitude\nFras. Hopkinson\nAddressed: To / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London / per Capt. Leech\n  Endorsed: Mr Hopkinson \u20031768", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0051", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Wharton, 29 March 1768\nFrom: Wharton, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear friend\nPhilada. March 29 1768\nI wrote thee on the 24 and on the 27 Ulto. and Inclosed the Chronicles,  which I hope will come safe to hand, and as I have from thy Letter to Governor Franklin some reason to suppose thou\u2019l not be able to get away so soon as thou some time before Expected, and as I hope my Scrawls have afforded thee Pretty Early Intelligence I trust my Continuing them will not be disagreeable to thee.\nEvery day more and more convinces the thoughtfull part of the Inhabitants even those of the Courtside who do not Imediately enjoy Lucrative posts &c, that Unless a Change of Government takes place We shall be totally Undone and that the Lawless and Abandond will do as they please, for What with the G-ts truckling to those Wretches, and some Among Us having been concernd in former Matters, and a fear that if they should attempt to punish those Offenders they will divulge who the Persons were that gave them assistance and Urged them to do what they did, I say these Considerations are supposed by the People to induce G-t to Act as they have done till at length those they have Cherishd Appear to be Out of the reach of this Weak and distracted Government. About three Weeks since two Soldiers were dispatchd as Expresses from Fort Pitt to deliver Letters at Lancaster there being the first post Office, after they had Entr\u2019d Lancaster County they were Attackd by 12 Men who tied them and then searchd and took from them all the Letters they had, two of which they kept declaring that No such Intelligence as they containd should go forward. One of these Letters is Supposed to be for Genl. Gage and the Other for George Croghan, the Other two they deliverd back to the Soldiers the One being for Col: Wilkins and containing a return of the Garrison the Other a Letter to David Franks relative to supplying the Garrison with Provisions, the latter came down quite opened and much defaced, but Col. Wilkins told Me his had been opened and seald Again. Those which they kept or distroyd We know not the Contents of as there has been No Persons from Fort Pitt since; the Soldiers say those Persons declard that No despatches should go to or come from the Kings Garrison but what they would know the Contents of, and that Nothing should come forward disagreable to them; on the 20th Col. Croghan sett off from this City for Fort Pitt in Order to hold a treaty with the Western tribes, and the Next day Arrived in town an Express from Carlisle for Him. G.C. went by the way of Chester, that He might spend a day there and Adjust some of his Affairs which He could not so conveniently do while He remainded here, there it was the Express delivered his dispatches, which Informd Him \u201cthat great Numbers of that County were in the state of Rebellion and that it was dangerous even to blame them for their Conduct, that, they were obliged to send the Express Off at 12 o Clock at Night to avoid being stopped; that, they had posted Up Advertisements in Various parts of the County desiring the Inhabitants to thresh out their Grain, Clean up their Guns and Assemble to protect and do themselves Justice, as they found that the Governor had now deserted them, (which by the by appears to Us they are Mistaken in) that they were continually inquiring when Col. Croghan would be up, and that they were determind No treaty should be held with the Indians, threatning the Col[onel\u2019]s Life; &c.\u201d J G S W and Myself were at Chester when these dispatches were deliverd Him; After the Colonel had seriously considerd them and as Appearing to Him that those People stood in No fear of this Government and that his Perfecting the peace with the Indians was of the Utmost Importance to Our Mother Country as well as this Continent, He concluded to send a Letter to Col. Wilkins (who commands the Soldery now here) and inform Him of the scituation of things and request that 50 Soldiers with proper Officers might be sent forward to Meet Him at Lancaster and proceed with Him to Fort Pitt as the Debility of the Goverment was such that it could not protect his Majesties deputy Agent for Indian Affairs in the Execution of his duty, tho\u2019 the whole Brittish Empire was much Concernd in the happy termination of the Important Nogociations under his Management. A little time will tell Us how the Affair will terminate. Should those Lawless People persist in their Intentions and Col. Croghan be cut off, it will be One of the Most fatal strokes that can happen to those Governments as thare is no Person besides Himself whom the Indians to the Westward have a full confidence in and a War will in all probability imediately follow, the Consequence of which thou can form a good Judgement of. By a Letter of the 9th Inst. which Col. Croghan, J G and S W receivd a few days past from Sir Wm. He informs them, that He had then near 700 Indians with Him comprehending deputies from Canada and from the Cherokee Country, that He thought He should be able to Accomodate the differences between the Six Nations and Cherokees, and lay the foundation of a General Peace between them and Us. He likewise Mentions to GC and SW that He had by Last packet receivd a Letter from Lord Shelburne acknowledging the receit of his Last Letter Which as well as former Ones were very full respecting the general Boundary, and that Nobleman Assures Him He shall recive his full Orders relative thereto by the January packet.\nThoul no doubt by this Opportunity receive the Chronicle, and therein thoul see a New Proclaimation relative to Stump, but it is observeable that No Manner of Notice is taken of his rescuers nor is there any probability of obtaining Him as there [is] no doubt of his being gone to the back parts of Carolina. Col. Armstrong is come down to Undergo an Examination relative to his Contravening the Kings Writ by Which Stump obtaind the opportunity of his rescue, its generally supposd that He will return More in favor then before.\nWe have No doubt but that our Great folks are divided into two parts. W A &c hold with the Gov. BC JH LL &c. with RP. We are Assured that Richard Penn setts off for London in about 6 Weeks and they do say its with an Intent to obtain the Goverment, indeed if We must remain under our Present Shackles People are generally of the Mind He has more of the spirit of Government in Him, but We do hope as this New office for American Affairs is Establishd and it must so fully Appear that We have No security for Life or Property that thou\u2019l well be Able to perfect the Great Work.\nA few Days past Letters were receivd by some of Our Merchants from some in Boston the Intent of which was to Induce Us to Join them in an Association of the like kind as was set on foot at the time of the Stamp Act for the Not Importing More Goods &c. the Meeting was called on the 26th. when it pretty clearly appeard that Numbers were for Joining but it was by others opposed and Nothing was done in the affair as it was mentioned that it would be Imprudent for Us to proceed on any such plan, especially at this time when there was a prospect of a New Ministry and the Certainty of a New parliment, and it was Urged that if We were Agrievd, We ought first to remonstrate &c. And I am sure they cannot get the old Ticket party into the scheme for Altho\u2019 I think the laying the latter Duties neither Consistent with Good policy or strict Right, Yet, I deem it of a different Nature to the Stamp Act, As that was laid on What could not be done without, when the present Duties Are laid on their Own Manufactories, And may therefore be lookd upon as rather premiums for the Encouragement of Our Own Manufactory of those Articles, And of Which indeed We shall not Import much if those duties Continue.\n[In the margin:] Deliverd to Capt. Tho Leech with a Note that if BF was come away He should bring this Letter back.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0052", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Walker, 1 April 1768\nFrom: Walker, Henry\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMost Honoured Sir\nWestbury April 1st. 1768\nI Humbly beg the Favour to Except these few Lines hoping you and your good Family in America are all in good health as my Cousin Morris and we all are at Present and my Mother is in hopes that some of Mr. Franklins Children in Boston are Boys as your Name may not be Quite Extinct my Cusin and Father and Mother and Brothers Humbly beg the acceptance of our Humble Duties to your self and good Family in America from your most Humble and most obedient Servant\nHenry Walker\nPS Honoured Sir Please to do me the Favour to give the Inclosed to Mrs. Stevenson.\nAddressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street Strand / London\nEndorsed: Henry Walker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0053", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Morton, 2 April 1768\nFrom: Morton, James Douglas, 14th Earl of\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nBrook Street Sat. 2 April 1768\nLord Morton\u2019s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and has sent the bearer for the Electrical Machine,  Is much obliged by the trouble the Doctor has taken in putting it in order. The bearer will pay any expence the Dr. has been put to on that account.\nAddressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0055", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Lee, 7 April 1768\nFrom: Lee, Charles\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir.\nBarton April the 7th 1768\nI forgot before I left London to desire You wou\u2019d (if Mr. Durden shoud write to me on the subject of the Springsborough estate) direct it to me at Sir Charles Bunbury\u2019s Barton near Bury St. Edmonds Suffolk. I shoud ask ten thoushand pardons for this liberty, and intreat You to believe me, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant\nCharles Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0057", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 16 April 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child\nLondon April 16. 1768.\nWhile I am writing, the letters by the March packet are come to hand with yours of the 9th and 12th. Amidst all the sickness and misfortunes to our friends what reason have you and I to bless God, that we at these years enjoy with our children so great a Share of health and so much happiness in other respects. Let us be thankful for what is past and present and not presume too much on a continuance of the same felicity for the future. All human affairs are subject to vicissitude and we Should prepare our minds for those reverses which it is a wonder and a mercy we have escaped so long. Age and its infirmities now tread close at our heels and must soon overtake us; And God only knows what afflictions, or what diseases, lingering, painful and violent may be in store for us.\nI hope and trust however that we shall experience his gracious assistance in the evening of life as we have thro\u2019 the morning and the long summer\u2019s day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0058", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 16 April 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nDear Son,\nLondon, April 16, 1768.\nSince my last, a long one of March 13, nothing has been talked or thought of here but elections. There have been amazing contests all over the kingdom, \u00a320 or 30,000 of a side spent in several places,  and inconceivable mischief done by debauching the people and making them idle, besides the immediate actual mischief done by drunken mad mobs to houses, windows, &c. The scenes have been horrible. London was illuminated two nights running at the command of the mob for the success of Wilkes in the Middlesex election; the second night exceeded any thing of the kind ever seen here on the greatest occasions of rejoicing, as even the small cross streets, lanes, courts, and other out-of-the-way places were all in a blaze with lights, and the principal streets all night long, as the mobs went round again after two o\u2019clock, and obliged people who had extinguished their candles to light them again. Those who refused had all their windows destroyed. The damage done and the expence of candles has been computed at \u00a350,000. It must have been great, though probably not so much. The ferment is not yet over, for he has promised to surrender himself to the Court next Wednesday, and another tumult is then expected; and what the upshot will be no one can yet foresee. Tis really an extraordinary event, to see an outlaw and exile, of bad personal character, not worth a farthing, come over from France, set himself up as candidate for the capital of the kingdom, miss his election only by being too late in his application, and immediately carrying it for the principal county. The mob, (spirited up by numbers of different ballads sung or roared in every street) requiring gentlemen and ladies of all ranks as they passed in their carriages to shout for Wilkes and liberty, marking the same words on all their coaches with chalk, and No. 45 on every door; which extends a vast way along the roads into the country. I went last week to Winchester, and observed that for fifteen miles out of town, there was scarce a door or window shutter next the road unmarked; and this continued here and there quite to Winchester, which is 64 miles.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0059", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 16 April 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, April 16. 1768\nThe March Packet is just arrived, and has brought me your Favour of the 10th of that Month, containing a strongly painted Description of the present unhappy State of our Province, from the Debility of the Government, and the Folly and Wickedness of the Frontier People. I can now only say, that I shall make the best Use of your Letter, by communicating it to the Ministry, together with the Papers transmitted by the Committee. Possibly they may at length think seriously of relieving us, in the only way in which we can be relieved, a Change of Government.\nFor this Month past, all publick People here have been distracted with Elections, so that nothing else could be attended to. It is now said that the Parliament will have a short Session in May, and I am advis\u2019d to see that over before I embark. While I stay, I shall use my best Endeavours in the Service of the Province. Budden sails next Week, by whom I may write more fully. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your very affectionate and obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nJos. Galloway Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0060", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 16 April 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nGentlemen,\nLondon, Saturday April 16, 1768\nI have just received your Favour of Feb. 20. directed to Mr. Jackson and myself, containing Instructions for our Conduct relating to the Application for a Repeal of the Duty Act, to the Change of Government, and to the legal Tender of Paper Money; which Instructions we shall observe to the best of our Abilities. Mr. Jackson has read your Letter, and is now reading the Messages and other Papers transmitted to us, which we shall lay before the Secretary of State on Monday, and thereupon again press the Necessity of a Change in the Administration of our Province. The Parliament will have a short Session, \u2019tis said, in May, when, if any Application is made for the Repeal of that Act by the Agents of the other Colonies, we shall join them heartily, and do what we can likewise in the Affair of Paper Money. In the mean time, should an Indian War make it necessary to have an Emission with a legal Tender it may be considered how far the 4th Clause in the Act of the 24th. Geo. II. might give Countenance to your providing in that way for the Emergency. That Act not being altered or repealed by the 34th. of Geo. III. it seems as if the Parliament thought that Clause not improper tho\u2019 they have not expressly made the same Provision for the other Colonies. The Mail being to go this Evening, I can now only add, that I am, with the utmost Respect for you and the Assembly Gentlemen, Your most obedient, and most humble Servant\nB Franklin\nCommittee of Correspondence", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 18 April 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork, April 18 1768\nThis Morning only the January Packet arrived after about 13 Weeks Passage, and tho\u2019 I had not the Pleasure of one Line from you, yet I will once more adventure to write, tho\u2019 uncertain whether it will meet you there or not.\nMatters of the Post-Office go on as usual. I think I told you the Issue of the Suit against Holt, at New Haven, and the Stopping of the Hartford Rider a While: but that on the Representation of the Commissioners of the Customs at Boston, Mr. Foxcroft ordered it to be revived, so dangerous is a Precedent: tho\u2019 it really never clear\u2019d itself.\nIn my private Affairs, I continue struggling, and gain Ground a little. The 14th of March, I began a Piece you\u2019ll see in the Paper called, The American Whig; I had had room to hope some great Run of it: I ventured near 200 more than usual, and I had above 100 new Subscribers in less than a Fortnight; and I should soon have had all I had ventured, had not Holt meanly pirated on me, in a Manner very injurious. He advertised it directly to reprint it, in a separate Half Sheet, to his Customers gratis, and to others at 8s. per An. so that whoever wanted the Paper purely for that, could get it so much cheaper. He always was a Creeper into other Men\u2019s Labours particularly mine. It put a Stop to mine, and I have had but one or two this Week past; I have still Writs out for him, but he either bribes the Sheriff, or eludes him.\nB Mecom having been near 4 Years at New-Haven, and never paid me a Copper Rent, I have refused to let him have that Press and Letter longer: so he is preparing to leave it, and go to Journey-Work. Indeed, I now think he has not a Capacity for a Master, and Green having set up at New-Haven, took away a great deal of his Business. I have taken the large Letter here, and the small which is quite worn; I have hired to Green: and this is all I have made by my New-Haven Venture.\nI have had several little Party Jobs, but the best of them is a Letter, I send you one of with this, a few done upon fine Paper only. They sold pretty well here.\nThe Assembly of the Jerseys are now sitting at Amboy. I heard from the Governor yesterday; He and his Family were well.\nWe have the coldest, backwardest Spring ever known. It look\u2019d more like Summer the 16th of February, than the 16th of April, Ever Thing looks now like January: It is said to be a very bad Prospect for the Wheat in general, and Cattle die for Want of Fodder in many Places.\nThis is all worthy of Note at present. We all join in humble Respects whilst I am Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\nAddressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0062", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Saunders and Others, 18 April\u201328 May 1768: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Saunders, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[April 18-May 28. Printed form letters from Dr. William Saunders, April 18, and from Samuel Leeds, April 30. Each wishes to succeed Dr. Benjamin Alexander, deceased, as physician to the London Hospital, and solicits Franklin\u2019s vote as a governor. A printed letter from Franklin\u2019s colleague, Richard Jackson, April 24, recommends Dr. Brickenden of Lothbury. A form letter from Saunders, May 20, announces that the election will be held on May 25. A letter with autograph postscript from Smith, Wright & Gray, April 23, and an AL from H[enton] Brown,  May 28, support Leeds\u2019s candidacy.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0065", "content": "Title: Reply to \u201cA Portugal Merchant,\u201d [end of April 1768]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle\nSir,\n[End of April, 1768]\nYour Paper of April 28. contains a Letter from Lisbon, signed A Portugal Merchant, which charges me with an Attempt to set \u201cthe British Merchants residing there at variance with their fellow Subjects in America,\u201d quoting, as the Foundation of his Charge, the following Passage of a Letter of mine to you, which he terms politely absurd, false, and malicious, &c. (Here insert it).\nIf I know any thing of my own Intentions, I had not the least purpose of representing the British Merchants residing at Lisbon, as opposing the Repeal of the Act alluded to. Had this angry Writer attended to the Words of the Quotation he himself made, he would not only have found no Mention of Merchants residing in Portugal, but he would have seen that the Merchants spoken of are expressly \u201cPortugal Merchants in London.\u201d\nHis Proof therefore of the different Sentiments of the British Merchants in Portugal, appearing in their Memorial concerning a direct Trade to the Colonies,  is no Proof that the Portugal Merchants in London, did not oppose the giving Ease to their fellow Subjects labouring under the Oppression mention\u2019d in my Letter.\nThe Memorial he recites was undoubtedly a good one; the Liberty of a direct Trade to the Colonies proposed by it, was not contrary to the true Interest of Britain, and was at the same time very agreable to the mutual Interests of the Colonies and British Merchants at Lisbon. Mutual Interests so well known and understood, that a Man who should suppose those Merchants averse to that direct Trade, could, as your Correspondent expresses it, scarce be in his Senses. I only wonder how any Man in his Senses, could from those Words of mine, suppose that I accus\u2019d them of it.\nThe Portugal Merchants residing in London, who alone were concern\u2019d in the Charge have not thought fit to deny it. It is consistent with my Knowledge that the then Minister of the Finances,  when he found it as he said necessary to propose laying the late new Duties on Goods exported to America, promis\u2019d at the same time to procure ease to the Americans in other respects, particularly in allowing the direct Importation of Wine, Fruit and Oil from Portugal and Spain into the Colonies, which he thought very reasonable. I know also, that he afterwards declar\u2019d he found it not in his Power to comply with that Promise, for that the Portugal Merchants from the City had been with him and with others of the Ministry, and made such Opposition to it, that it could not then be attempted. If I had not been assured of this, I should certainly not have gone out of my Way to mention Portugal Merchants. I had no ill Will to them. I never knew a single Man of them. Your Correspondent censures me for supposing they acted from a \u201cselfish Motive.\u201d When Merchants as such, oppose the Relieving their fellow Subjects, from a grievous Burthen, what can one suppose to be their Motive? Must it not be either Gain to themselves or Malice to others? To seek Gain is natural to a Merchant; he is then \u201clabouring in his Vocation.\u201d I did not, I do not suspect them of Malice. If I mistook their Motive, it was at least a charitable Mistake, and I ask their Pardon.\nIt may be true, as your Correspondent observes, that when a whole Cargo of those Commodities goes from Portugal to America, it is usually \u201clanded customed, and reshipped at Falmouth.\u201d But as this roundabout Voyage does not often suit the returning Ships, and the Colonies are not by that means well and regularly supply\u2019d, a multitude of small Orders are continually executed in London, by sending out from hence Portugal and Spanish Wines, Raisins, Figs, Oil, Almonds, &c. to particular Planters and Traders in different Parts of America. These goods, of whomsoever purchased in London, must first have pass\u2019d thro\u2019 the Hands of Portugal Merchants; I presume not without Profit to themselves, which Profit, they might lose if the Trade was open and direct from Portugal to America. Hence the Gentleman\u2019s Wit on the Absurdity of supposing a London Merchant\u2019s Arms long enough to reach to Falmouth appears to be misapply\u2019d. Tho\u2019 in other Cases, their Arms in Matters of Commerce are as long as those of Kings in Point of Power, for they reach all Parts of the trading World. He himself allows they extend to Lisbon, which is three times farther off than Falmouth.\nI am however particularly oblig\u2019d to the Gentleman, for his Extract of that Part of the Lisbon Merchants Memorial, which shows, that if the Trade was open, \u201c12, 000 Pipes of Portugal Wine would probably be consum\u2019d in the Colonies, (wine that would cost them but \u00a310 or \u00a311 per Pipe, tho\u2019 20 per Cent. larger Measure than the Pipe of Madeira) instead of so many Pipes of Madeira Wine, that costs them near \u00a330 a Pipe; and that this would be a Saving to British Subjects of \u00a3200,000 Sterling per Annum.\u201d Nothing can set in a stronger Light the Oppression America suffers by the Restraint, and the Advantage Foreigners receive by it, the Difference being near 200 per Ct. Till the direct Trade of Wines from Portugal was prohibited, Madeira Wines were little if any thing dearer than Port or Lisbon: But the Restraint not extending to Madeira, the People of this Island it seems have taken Advantage of the encreas\u2019d Demand, and rais\u2019d the Prices thus enormously.\nIn return for this valuable Piece of Information, will your Correspondent the Portugal Merchant of Lisbon, accept from me a little well intended Advice. It is that when he writes again upon the Hardships laid on the Portugal Trade, or upon any other similar Occasion, he would by all means endeavour to keep his Temper. Passion, Invective and Abuse, serve no Cause. They show that a Man is angry; but not always that he has reason to be angry. Sometimes that he is apt to be angry without reason. I heartily wish those Grievances removed, and would not that the World should conceive the same querulous Pen might have no more Cause to complain of the Count D\u2019oyras,  than it had of your insignificant humble Servant\nEndorsed: Portugal Merchant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0066", "content": "Title: The English Editor to the Reader [of John Dickinson\u2019s Letters from a Farmer], 8 May 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nOn December 2, 1767, The Pennsylvania Chronicle published the first of a series of letters, signed \u201cA Farmer,\u201d that continued to appear weekly through the issue of February 15, 1768. The letters immediately attracted wide attention in the colonies and, before long, in England and on the Continent; the author remained anonymous for only a short time,  and was soon known to be John Dickinson. His statement of the colonial case was a milestone in the development of the controversy. He demonstrated that taxation for purposes of imperial revenue had been unknown before the Stamp Act, and that the Townshend Acts reiterated this new principle, masked as regulation, in a way that could be extended indefinitely. The wealth and importance of England, he contended, were due primarily to its colonies; Englishmen therefore had the strongest of motives, that of self-interest, for demanding a liberal policy of Parliament. Dickinson appealed throughout to reason and good will, rather than to force, as the means of settling the quarrel. Franklin, who was otherwise no friend of his, was impressed by the arguments-in which he detected some of his own-and the conciliatory language in which they were couched. He promptly arranged for an English edition, and appended to it the brief preface that follows.\nLondon, May 8, 1768\nWhen I consider our Fellow Subjects in America as rational Creatures, I cannot but wonder that during the present wide Difference of Sentiments in the two Countries concerning the Power of Parliament in laying Taxes and Duties on America, no Application has been made to their Understandings, no able learned Pen among us has been employed in convincing them that they are in the wrong, proving clearly that by the establish\u2019d Law of Nations, or by the Terms of their original Constitution, they are taxable by our Parliament tho\u2019 they have no Representative in it.\nOn the contrary, whenever there is any News of Discontent in America, the Cry is, \u201cSend over an Army or a Fleet, and reduce them to Reason.\u201d\nIt is said of choleric People, that with them there is but a Word, and a Blow.\nI hope Britain is not so choleric, and will never be so angry with her Colonies, as to strike them: But that if she should ever think it may be necessary, she will at least let the Word go before the Blow; and reason with them.\nTo do this clearly and with the most probability of Success, by removing their Prejudices, and rectifying their Misapprehensions (if they are such) it will be necessary to learn what those Prejudices and Misapprehensions are; and before we can either refute or admit their Reasons, we should certainly know them.\nIt is to that End I have handed the following Letters (lately published in America) to the Press here. The Author is a Gentleman of Repute in that Country for his Knowledge of its Affairs, and it is said speaks the general Sentiments of the Inhabitants. How far these Sentiments are right or wrong I do not pretend at present to judge. I wish to see first what can be said on the other Side of this Question. I hope this Publication will produce a full Answer if we can make one. If it does, this Publication will have had its Use. No Offence to Government is intended by it, and it is hoped none will be taken.\nN.N.\nEndorsed: Preface to Farmer\u2019s Letters", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0067", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 8 May 1768\nFrom: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nThis is apparently the earliest surviving letter in a correspondence which, as the wording makes clear, had been going on for some time. Out of it was evolving a friendship that with the years grew in significance for both men. Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg (1709\u201379) had interests as broad as Franklin\u2019s own and, like him, engaged in a range of activities that was remarkable even by the standards of the eighteenth century. After taking holy orders he was trained as a physician, and was as much concerned with reforming the practice of medicine as with practicing it himself. He was also by avocation a botanist, a mathematician, an electrical experimenter, something of an historian, a physiocrat, a political theorist, a highly skilled linguist, and an editor. The translation of a few of Franklin\u2019s essays, mentioned in this letter, was the beginning of a development that culminated in 1773 in Dubourg\u2019s edition, with copious notes, of the \u0152uvres de M. Franklin. The literary collaboration that this involved became political collaboration as soon as Franklin landed in France in 1776; for the next three years Dubourg devoted himself to procuring money and supplies for the Americans, and as a result of his efforts died almost penniless. \nMonsieur\nA Paris ce 8e. may 1768\nJe suis tres sensible \u00e0 l\u2019honneur de votre souvenir et \u00e0 tant et de si gracieux temoignages de votre bienveillance. D\u00e8s le lendemain de votre trop promt depart, je re\u00e7us par le canal d\u2019un de vos Amis le trait\u00e9 de la petite verole de M. Dimsdale qui me fit un plaisir singulier; j\u2019avois toujours regard\u00e9 la metode echauffante et la metode rafraichissante, de la maniere qu\u2019on l\u2019entend communement, comme deux systemes oppos\u00e9s egalement suspects, egalement dangereux, et j\u2019avois toujours cherch\u00e9 \u00e0 tenir le plus juste milieu entre les deux, or je le trouve precisement dans la nouvelle metode rafraichissante, qu\u2019il ne faut pas confondre avec l\u2019ancienne, ou antiphlogistique comm\u2019 on l\u2019appelloit, et qui ne consistant que dans les saign\u00e9es re\u00efter\u00e9es, la diete rigide, le petit lait, l\u2019orgeat, et autres semblables boissons auroit et\u00e9 mieux nomm\u00e9e affoiblissante, au lieu que la nouvelle metode rafraichissante consistant principalement dans l\u2019admission de l\u2019air frais et pur, merite veritablement d\u2019etre appell\u00e9e tonique ou fortifiante, \u00e0 plus juste titre que la metode echauffante et incendiaire des cordiaux et des alexipharmaques. Je suis etonn\u00e9 que l\u2019on n\u2019ait pas fait peser cette observation en l\u2019honneur de la nouvelle metode, car on auroit tort de croire que les denominations soient sans consequence pour le fonds des choses que l\u2019on a \u00e0 proposer au public. C\u2019est ce que votre exemple, Monsieur, doit bien faire sentir a ces Messieurs. Quel modele admirable de menagement de termes vous leur donnez dans les papiers periodiques dont vous avez eu la bont\u00e9 de m\u2019envoyer un exemplaire! Vos amis seront tres contens que vous les ayez trait\u00e9s de fous et abandonn\u00e9s comme tels, et ce ne sera pas \u00e0 leurs depens que le Public rira, mais aux depens de leurs adversaires que vous n\u2019avez eu garde de traiter de sots, mais \u00e0 qui vous faites sentir leur sotise \u00e0 ne pouvoir la meconnoitre eux m\u00eames et \u00e0 etre forc\u00e9s d\u2019en convenir, toutes fois qu\u2019on leur presentera votre petit miroir. Je me suis empress\u00e9 de faire traduire, et ces papiers et votre precedent interrogatoire, (ou examination) pour en regaler mes compatriotes, et le tout sera imprim\u00e9 successivement dans les Ephemerides du Citoyen, en commencant le mois prochain; et quoiqu\u2019on puisse bien s\u2019en rapporter au traducteur qui s\u2019en est charg\u00e9, je n\u2019en laisse rien mettre sous presse sans m\u2019assurer par moi m\u00eame de son exactitude autant qu\u2019il est en moi, je suis trop jaloux de cet objet. J\u2019en avois cependant fait de vive voix un croquis grossier de traduction dans des assembl\u00e9es respectables chez M. Le Marquis de Mirabaud,  mais seulement par preliminaire, et avec de bonnes protestations contre le tort que feroit \u00e0 l\u2019ouvrage un jugement precipit\u00e9 sur une esquisse si informe de traduction. J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous adresser cyjointe la petite explication que vous avez la bont\u00e9 de me demander de ma carte chronographique,  c\u2019est changer des armes de cuivre contre des armes d\u2019or que de troquer ainsi avec vous, c\u2019est faire comme fit Diomede avec Glaucus,  et je rougis de mon rolle, car l\u2019avantage etoit tout du c\u00f4t\u00e9 du heros dans l\u2019ancien exemple, et c\u2019est icy le contraire. J\u2019ai re\u00e7u avec reconnoissance et vu avec plaisir la carte biographique de M. Priestley qui est effectivement construite presque sur les memes principes que la mienne, sans plagiat de part ni d\u2019autre, car je ne pretens point me prevaloir de la date. Je connoissois peu les noix Walnut, et point du tout les hickory et je vous suis extremement oblig\u00e9 d\u2019avoir bien voulu m\u2019en envoyer; puissions nous quelque jour en manger des fruits icy ensemble que je les trouverois delicieux en pareil cas. Tant de faveurs de votre part m\u2019enhardissent \u00e0 vous demander encore une grace, c\u2019est de savoir si la libert\u00e9 de la presse est assez entiere soit \u00e0 Londres ou \u00e0 Philadelphie, pour qu\u2019on p\u00fbt y faire imprimer un ouvrage hardi de pur Deisme,  et si en supposant que cette libert\u00e9 ait lieu, vous me permettriez de vous le faire passer et de le mettre sous votre protection. Melles. Basseporte et Biheron vous remercient de l\u2019honneur de votre souvenir et vous font mille complimens chacune, et ma femme au moins deux mille pour sa part. Si vous avez occasion de voir M. Pringle,  voudrez vous bien lui presenter mes tres humbles civilit\u00e9s. Je suis avec une estime distingu\u00e9e et une consideration respectueuse Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur\nDubourg", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0069", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, 10 May 1768\nFrom: Du Pont de Nemours, Pierre-Samuel\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMonsieur,\nParis ce 10 May 1768.\nJ\u2019ai \u00eat\u00e9 infiniment sensible \u00e0 votre bont\u00e9 en apprenant par Monsieur le Docteur Quesnay que vous aviez daign\u00e9 me chercher et vous informer de moi pendant votre dernier s\u00e9jour \u00e0 Paris. Malheureusement pour moi vous n\u2019avez vu M. Quesnay que dans les deux ou trois jours qui ont precede immediatement votre d\u00e9part; Je n\u2019en ai \u00eat\u00e9 instruit que le jour m\u00eame o\u00f9 vous partiez, et j\u2019ai \u00eat\u00e9 priv\u00e9 par l\u00e0 de l\u2019avantage de faire une connaissance directe avec vous.\nAvant ce tems, Monsieur, je connaissais bien de vous le Savant, Le Geometre, le Physicien, l\u2019homme \u00e0 qui la nature permet de d\u00e9voiler ses secrets. Depuis ce tems Monsieur Le Docteur Barbeu du Bourg mon ami a bien voulu me communiquer plusieurs de vos \u00e9crits relatifs aux affaires de votre Patrie. J\u2019ai pris la libert\u00e9 d\u2019en traduire quelques uns. J\u2019y ai reconnu \u00e0 chaque page le philosophe citoyen occup\u00e9 avec g\u00e9nie du bonheur de ses freres et des interets les plus chers de l\u2019humanit\u00e9. Et j\u2019ai regrett\u00e9 encore davantage de ne vous avoir point vu pendant le tems que vous avez pass\u00e9 \u00e0 Paris. Si notre bonheur vous y ramene, Monsieur, Je vous prie de me permettre de r\u00e9parer cette perte le plus amplement qu\u2019il me sera possible.\nEn attendant recevez les assurances de mon respect et l\u2019hommage de deux \u00e9crits imprim\u00e9s depuis que vous \u00eates retourn\u00e9 en Angleterre. Le premier et le plus considerable \u00e0 tous les egards est un recueil des principaux trait\u00e9s economiques du Docteur Quesnay, o\u00f9 je n\u2019ai mis de moi qu\u2019un discours preliminaire, plusieurs avis tres simples de l\u2019editeur, une table des matieres, et quelques notes. Le second est un r\u00e9sum\u00e9 fort court de la doctrine de ce sage Philosophe.\nJe souhaite que l\u2019un et l\u2019autre vous plaisent. L\u2019importance de la matiere les rend du moins dignes de votre attention. Mais je sens assez combien il faudrait des talens sup\u00e9rieurs aux miens, pour discuter cette matiere immense comme elle devrait l\u2019etre et comme je d\u00e9sirerais quelle le fut. J\u2019y invite les gens de lettres dans le Discours pr\u00e9liminaire de la Physiocratie. Souffrez que je vous y invite particulierement vous m\u00eame, Monsieur, vous qui possedez des talents si rares et qui savez en faire une application si juste et si rapide aux circonstances o\u00f9 vous vous trouvez. C\u2019est dans le d\u00e9veloppement \u00e9vident de tous les droits de l\u2019homme que l\u2019on peut trouver la base et les principes d\u2019un gouvernement \u00e0 jamais prospere, egalement utile et sur pour la nation qui y sera soumise, et avantageux m\u00eame pour les autres nations qui environneront celle l\u00e0 et qui profiteront de son amour pour la paix, pour la libert\u00e9, de la franchise et de l\u2019immunit\u00e9 qu\u2019elle donnera \u00e0 son commerce, et de la distribution des richesses multipli\u00e9es que son agriculture fera naitre. Un G\u00e9nie comme le v\u00f4tre Monsieur est manifestement fait pour rendre frappantes ces verit\u00e9s si utiles au genre humain et pour h\u00e2ter par l\u00e0 le bonheur de l\u2019univers.\nCette lettre et les Livres que j\u2019y joins, vous seront remis, Monsieur, par Monsieur Reboul Secretaire perpetuel de la Societ\u00e9 economique nouvellement form\u00e9e \u00e0 aix par les Etats de Provence. C\u2019est un homme de beaucoup de m\u00e9rite qui me rend service en vous portant un paquet que j\u2019\u00e9tais embarass\u00e9 pour vous faire remettre, a qui je rends service en lui procurant votre connaissance dont il sent tout le prix. Je suis Monsieur avec le plus profond respect, Votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s obeissant serviteur\nDu Pont\nA Monsieur Francklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0071", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 10 May 1768\nFrom: Johnson, Martha\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nLetchlade, May the 10 1768\nI Take this opertunity to write to you hoping this will find you in good helth as it lives me and samey. I hear by nancy you are aboute to leve England which I am very sorrey for as I am afraid I shante have the pleasuer of seeing you Before you goe as it will be very ill convenant [inconvenient] for me to leve my shope as I have no one I can trust to mind it in my absence or Else I Belive I should come to town.\nI should take it as a grate favor before you leve us you will be kind anough to think of samey as I am very Cartain there is no favor you Could ask But would be granted with pleasuer and I am very much afraid I shall find it Difucalt to put him apprentices unless I should have somthing more to Do to make money with then I have at present altho I Cannot Complain Considering the Dullness of the place I have some worke and and am in Exspectoon of more but have so low a price for it that I am shuer I should not git my Bread by it had I no other thing to depen[d on].\nI hope nancy is well and Comes on in her french and shall be obbliged to you if you will speak to her in that tongue when you have some lasuer as I think you are a good judg. I hope she Behaves herself so as to keep the favor of her frinds and more Espeecly with your self and mrs. stevinson for it would give me the gratest uneaseyness immagenable if she was to Do other wise pleas to give my kind love to her and my Best Respects to mrs. Stevinson and Duty to your self. I am Sir your most affectonate Neice\nMartha Johnson\nAddressed: To / Doctr Franklin / Craven Street / Strand / London\nEndorsed: Cousin Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0073", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 14 May 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Ross, John\nDear Sir\nLondon, May 14. 1768\nI received your Favour of March 13. and am extreamly concern\u2019d at the Disorders on our Frontiers, and the extreme Debility if not wicked Connivance of our Government and Magistrates, which must make Property and even Life more and more insecure among us, if some effectual Remedy is not speedily apply\u2019d. I have laid all the Accounts before the Ministry here. I wish I could procure more Attention to them. I have urged over and over the Necessity of the Change we desire; but this Country itself being at present in a Situation very little better, weakens our Argument that a Royal Government would be better managed and safer to live under than that of a Proprietary. Even this Capital, the Residence of the King, is now a daily Scene of lawless Riot and Confusion. Mobs are patrolling the Streets at Noon Day, some Knocking all down that will not roar for Wilkes and Liberty: Courts of Justice afraid to give Judgment against him: Coalheavers and Porters pulling down the Houses of Coal Merchants that refuse to give them more Wages; Sawyers destroying the new Sawmills; Sailors unrigging all the outward-bound Ships, and suffering none to sail till Merchants agree to raise their Pay; Watermen destroying private Boats and threatning Bridges; Weavers entring Houses by Force, and destroying the Work in the Looms; Soldiers firing among the Mobs and killing Men, Women and Children, which seems only to have produc\u2019d an universal Sullenness, that looks like a great black Cloud coming on, ready to burst in a general Tempest. What the Event will be God only knows: But some Punishment seems preparing for a People who are ungratefully abusing the best Constitution and the best King any Nation was ever blest with, intent on nothing but Luxury, Licentiousness, Power, Places, Pensions and Plunder. Meanwhile the Ministry, divided in their Counsels, with little Regard for each other, worried by perpetual Oppositions, in continual Apprehension of Changes, intent on securing Popularity in case they should lose Favour, have for some Years past had little Time to attend to great National Interests, much less to our small American Affairs, whose Remoteness makes them appear still smaller.\nI have named Mr. Yeates at the Treasury. I cannot yet say what the Success may be. I shall have great Pleasure in serving any Friend of yours.\nI made the Enquiry you desired relating to Mr. Gurney the Officer,  and learnt that there were several Clergymen of the Name in Kent, worthy Men and much respected there, and that one of the Family was an Officer abroad. This I had from a Lady of that Country. And a few Days since I receiv\u2019d the enclos\u2019d by the Hands of my Friend Dr. Watson, from the Revd. Mr. Duncombe a Clergyman of Canterbury (the same Duncombe who with his Father published what is called Duncombe\u2019s Horace.) If the propos\u2019d Match with your Daughter takes place, I heartily wish you all Manner of Comfort and Satisfaction in it.\nThe Bishops here are very desirous of securing the Church of England in America, and promoting its Interest and Enlargement by sending one of their Order thither: But tho\u2019 they have long solicited this Point with Government here, they have not yet been able to obtain it. So apprehensive are Ministers of engaging in any novel Measure. In this Kingdom the Dissenters are continually diminishing, and \u2019tis thought will be all in the Church in less than another Century. Even the Papists, concerning whose Increase there have been great Alarms, have been lately found, on strict Enquiry to be lessened in Number a full Third Part within the last Fifty Years. I hope soon [to have] an Opportunity of conferring with you, and th[erefore say] no more now on this Subject. With great Esteem, I am, my dear [Friend, ] Yours very affection[ately]\nB Frank[lin]\nJohn Ross Esqr.\nAddressed: John Ross Esqr / Philadelphia / via N York / per Packet / B Free Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Boswell, [14 May 1768]\nFrom: Boswell, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMr. Boswell presents his compliments to Dr. Franklin and begs leave to put him in mind of his engagement to dine with him to day.\nAddressed: Dr. Franklin / at Mrs. Stephensons / Craven Street", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0076", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 15 May 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir,\nNyork May 15. 1768\nThis comes with my unhappy Son. How far he may be an Object of your Regard, is left entirely to your own Discretion. I have Nothing else to say in his Favour, but wish he may Merit some of your Good Will, which is all with our best Regards, from Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\nAddressed: For / Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. / Craven-Street / London / per S.F: Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0077", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Printer of the Gazetteer, 18 May 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Printer of The Gazetteer\nIn order to shew my countrymen the sentiments of the North Americans, I request you will publish in your paper the inclosed hand bill, which came over by the last ship from Philadelphia, and there is no doubt but great numbers of them have been dispersed in that and the other provinces.\nA Briton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0078", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Georgia Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 19 May 1768\nFrom: Georgia Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir,\nSavannah in Georgia the 19th: May 1768\nFrom the Great opinion the Governor, Council and assembly have entertained of your integrity and abilities they have unanimously concurred in appointing you by an Ordinance agent to transact the affairs of this province in Great Britain, and we have now the pleasure of enclosing you an authentic Copy of the said Ordinance, by which you will see that we with some other persons therein named are appointed a Committee to correspond with and instruct you in such Matters as we may have in Charge from the General assembly to recommend to your Solicitation as well as any other Matters which may Occur to us during the recess of the Said General assembly that we may Judge to be for the Service of the province.\nAbout Two Months agoe our Governor received his Majesties Royal disallowance and Repeal of Two Acts of Assembly which we think of great Moment to the Welfare of this province,  namely, \u201cAn Act for the better Ordering and Governing Negroes and other Slaves in this Province and to prevent the inveigling or carrying away Slaves from their Masters or Employers Passed the 25th. March 1765\u201d Also an Act passed the 6th. March 1766 \u201cfor encouraging Setlers to come into the Province and for Granting to his Majesty the Sum of \u00a31815 Sterling to be issued in Certificates by the Commissioners herein named for the Said Purpose and also for the rebuilding the Court House in Savannah in Consequence of an Act of the General assembly passed the 29th. February 1764.\u201d The former Act or something similar to it, we cannot Possibly Subsist without, You know that our Staple Commodities, which in general are the same with those of So. Carolina, cannot be cultivated and produced without a Number of Hands and that it has been found from Years Experience here that white people were [unequal?] to the Burthen in this Climate and therefore it was absolutely necessary to allow us the free use of Slaves. Our first Law for the better Ordering and Governing Negroes Passed (soon after the Kings Government took place here) in the year 1755 was framed on the plan of that of So. Carolina and we never heard any objection against it. The before recited Law of 1765 now repealed was passed on the Expiration of the former and we thought it was framed on more extensive and humane principles than our former Law or that now in Force in So. Carolina and as we are informed no reasons were given to the Governor for its repeal we are truly at a Loss to guess what was exceptionable in it. This Repeal came to the Governors Hands a few days before the dissolution of the late General assembly and as he well Knew the difficulties and distresses the want of such a Law must involve us in he very kindly and prudently consented to the passing a temporary Law where every Clause in the former Place that could be supposed exceptionable was left out, by which means it is too Contracted and cannot answer all the purposes such a Law Should extend to. We therefore desire you will inform Your Self of the objections made to our former Law and Acquaint us of them that they may if Possible be avoided in framing a New One (for the present Law is only to Continue in force for One Year) which may at the same time meet with the approbation of Government as well as Answer our local Circumstances.\nWe are also equally in the dark in regard to the Objections to the last recited Law, for encouraging Setlers to come into the province &c., unless it may be the issuing Certificates to be sunk in a Certain time to defray the services thereby intended. The Court House is now very near finished and is not only an orniment to this Town but a Credit to Government and some people have come and more will come into the Province to settle under the Faith and encouragement of this Law tho repealed who must not be disappointed but how that is to be avoided is a Question not easily resolved, and Surely these are objects that might (with Submission) be supposed commendable and Consequently to meet with Countinance notwithstanding any little impropriety in the Means of effecting them. Our legal currency in this Province does not exceed Seven Thousand Pounds Sterling which is Much, very Much too little to answer the present Medium of Trade and as that daily increases so does our distress in proportion! We are thoroughly convinced that a larger emission of paper currency than may be requisite for the medium of Trade must be Attended with bad Consequences to the Province, but at the Same time we well know and indeed it must be obvious to any One that as we have very little opportunity of bringing in any Bullion that our Trade and Commerce must Stagnate without such a Temporary Medium as we can establish among our Selves on Substantial and Sufficient Funds which if we are restrained from doing its impossible we can think of carrying on any Publick Works however Necessary or give any encouragement for the further Settlement of the Province because both must be done by ready Money or certificates that may answer the Same purpose, and Therefore we request You will inform us what Reasons were assigned for the Royal disallowance to this Law, which we need not say may be best understood from the Report made thereupon by the board of Trade to his Majesty.\nWe are very sensible the Salary allowed You tho as much as has been ever given to any agent of this Province and is indeed what we can at present afford, may not be equal to your Services yet we hope You will Accept of our Agency and generally promote our Interest and appear and solicit against what you May think may be injurious to our Trade and future prosperity of which you will please to advise us that You may receive our Instructions thereupon.\nThis Province if it meets with no Ill advised Check we are perswaded must soon become very Advantageous to the Mother Country and Considerable in itself. We intirely confide in your known prudence and good Sense to Serve us and are with great respect Sir Your most obedient Humble Servants\nJames HabershamN\u2013 JonesLewis JohnsonN: W. JonesJohn MilledgeArchibald BullockWilliam Ewen\n    PS. We need not Acquaint you that the Governor transmits to the Board of Trade authenticated Copys of all Laws and Ordinances passed here under the Seal of the province, that You may perhaps hear of your being appointed our agent before this may reach you.\nBenjamin Franklin Esquire agent for the Province of GeorgiaFirst Copy per the Britania Capt. DeanSecond per\n[In a different hand:]\nSir\nSavannah the 26th May 1768\nThe foregoing is duplicate of our Letter of the 19th Instant, which was forwarded by the Snow Britania Capt. Deane, and we have now the Pleasure of enclosing you another Copy of the Ordinance, and remain, with Esteem, Sir Your most Obedient humble Servants\nSigners to the [torn] Copy of the foregoing Letter to Mr. Franklin vizt James Habersham, N. Jones, Archibald Bullock, John Milledge, William Ewen, Alexa[nder] Wylly, Jos. Gibbons, John Mulryne, N W Jones.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0079", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 20[\u201323] May 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Dear child\nI have wrote to you by Capt. Folkner this is to go by Capt. Storrey by Folkner. I send the watch to be dun what Mrs. Stephenson and you pies all thow I menshoned a Wat[ch?] chaine by Capt. Sparkes I leve it an have no choyce of my one [own] and I know that Salley will be plesed with what is chose for her. This day I deliverd E Browns Close to Mr. Town to send to him we opened the trunke and tooke ought what close and Books excepte a old singal gound of Calleyco which I was advised not to send and as the trunke was much two Large to hold the Close and the fraite wold be more than it was worth I got a small Case and packed them in I hope it will plees. Be so gud as tell him we never cold find the tickit he sent aboute marey sed he was in pardnership with sum young man but as I knew nothing a boute it I Cold make no inqurey so Can Say nothing a boute it.\nAs to Marey I cante say much. Shee is gon to live at Burlinton but in what maner I cante say shee wente up with a man and his wife that did live at Mr. Foxcroftes and when Billey Come to town he dined thair and I am told agreed with the man and his wife to Live with them and marrey went alonge. Shee ses that if Sister had not a bin deprieved of her senses shee wold a got you to a taken Cair of her but now shee has nobodey. I Cold wish that shee was Setled in a good plase but I donte know who wold take one that is aflickted with fitts if I wanted one I shold be verey lothe to have such a one if it was not my Duty to have them. Marey mought a marreyed a man that was very Clever to Look at and got money he was a widowor had one child who did live with her mothers relashons the man had a house verey well furnished and I thought it a good ofer but shee had other noshons. I wish her well with all my harte.\nNaney come to me senes I began to write and showed me a letter that shee had reseved by the laste packit. Shee is sente for and ses shee muste go or lues what shee has thair. I tel her that if shee had told me before I wold a spooke to Capt. Fokner and Storrey to a taken her but it is two laite now shee has bin sick but looks better now and I raley thinke it beste for her to go but shee is a fraid of the See but as shee is verey weekly I thinke shee had better go then stay be it as it will I wish her well with all my harte. Salley writes Mr. Bache desiers me to give his Duty to you. I was a going to say Sumething a bought Mr. Bache but I leve it tell I shall see you and you know him. I am glad that I did send the Nutts and Appills. I shold be glad to be all way a doeing[?] sum such thing to oblige you and to put it in your Power to oblige others.\nI donte know wather you have bin told that Cusin Benney Macume and his Lovely Wife and five Dafters is Come hear to live and woork Jurney worke. I had them to Dine and drinke tee yisterday thay have a littel garle a servent so the Companey was 8 in all you yoused to Love Betsey as I did. I Cold wish shee had better Loocke but God rules the world and I Submit.\nPoor Debbey is better as to her helth but blind still and I muste Submit agen and be thanke full that shee is not in so much pain as shee has bin in and that shee is restored to her reson in sume. I am sorrey that my letters cante give you better a Countes be so it is. I have not seen Wm. Trente but shall when he Cumes to town this is May 23 and I have had a fier in the paller all day. Cusin Salley Benneyset is a going to be marreyed. You will say what a chit chat Letter this is but it is so Darke that I Can hardley see to say that I am your Afeckshonet Wife\nD Franklin\nEndorsed: Mrs Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0080", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 25 May 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nPensilvania Coffee House London, May 25. 1768\nI thought Capt. Budden had been gone some Weeks since, but calling here just now, I find he is not sail\u2019d but goes this Evening; so I write this Line to let you know that I continue well. I forget whether I told you in any preceding Letter that I have been at Bath and Bristol. At the latter Place I met Mr. Richardson, junr. who had Letters for me. I saw there our old Ac[quaintan]ce Mr. Beddome,  who enquired kindly [after] you and Sally. He seems to live very well. I was glad to find by my Letters that you were all well. I wish I could go in this Ship, or Capt. Leach, but must stay a few Weeks longer. I am impatient to be with you, being ever Your affectionate Husband\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / Mrs Franklin / Philadelphia / per favour of / Capt. Bud [den] / QD [C]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0085", "content": "Title: The Captivity of William Henry, 23\u201328 June 1768\nFrom: \nTo: \nThe following essay poses a problem of authorship that cannot be conclusively solved. The essay itself is almost beyond doubt a hoax. Its ostensible purpose is to introduce the reader to a book which, insofar as negative evidence can be trusted, was never written. Its real purpose is to poke fun at the white man and to a lesser degree at the Indian. This purpose limits the range of authors who could have written it, but does not help to determine who the writer was.\nAlthough Franklin is an obvious possibility, no direct evidence points to him. The \u201cCaptivity\u201d is not mentioned in his correspondence and has not been printed in any previous edition of his works. The first tentative suggestion that he might have been the author came from James R. Masterson in 1938, and the first positive attribution was made in 1950 by Alfred O. Aldridge. The case for Franklin\u2019s authorship rests on five main points. (1) The myth in the \u201cCaptivity\u201d about the origin of corn, beans, and tobacco was included in Gottfried Achenwall\u2019s Observations on North America, for which Franklin supplied the information in an interview in 1766. (2) Franklin sent the essay, along with other articles that he unquestionably wrote himself, to his friend Barbeu-Dubourg, who in 1769 had the \u201cCaptivity\u201d published in French in the Eph\u00e9m\u00e9rides. (3) Franklin included the corn myth in his \u201cRemarks Concerning the Savages of North America\u201d in 1784, where the myth varies in detail from the earlier form but has many verbal resemblances; his aversion to plagiarizing from other authors suggests that in the \u201cRemarks\u201d he was revising his own handiwork of sixteen years before. (4) The gently ironic handling of both Christian and deistic orthodoxy, the use of realistic details for verisimilitude, and the fact that the \u201cCaptivity\u201d was the kind of hoax of which Franklin was fond all strengthen the probability that he was the author. (5) Among his papers is an undated fragment in his hand, which is so close in style and content to the \u201cCaptivity\u201d that it might be considered as one of several parts of the draft that were deleted before publication, and can even, as indicated below, be assigned a conjectural place in the original. The fragment and the essay both deal with a white man living among the Indians, and a character appears in both under the same name.\nThese five points are not completely convincing, because arguments can be made against all of them. (1) Achenwall\u2019s version of the corn myth is the barest sketch; the version in the \u201cCaptivity\u201d is much more elaborate, and differs in important details and in its setting. (2) Franklin sent Dubourg the work of others, notably Dickinson\u2019s Farmer\u2019s Letters; his sending this essay is therefore no proof of his authorship. (3) He was certainly familiar with the \u201cCaptivity\u201d when it first appeared, and he could have remembered it for sixteen years, or even kept a copy with him, and reproduced it in different form in his \u201cRemarks\u201d; the fact that he is not known to have plagiarized may be indicative, but does not preclude his having done so in this case. (4) Generalizations about his irony and use of detail and fondness for hoaxes are in considerable measure subjective, and can be balanced by other generalizations-that the author\u2019s irony, which in some places is almost too subtle and indirect for English readers, is quite unlike the sharpness of Franklin\u2019s early \u201cSilence Dogood Letters\u201d or his later \u201cEdict of the King of Prussia.\u201d (5) The fragment in Franklin\u2019s hand proves only that he was intrigued by fictional Indians. It is perhaps something that he copied, for reasons and at a time unknown. Even if he composed it himself, it may be an unrelated bit of whimsy; the supposition that it was part of a long draft that was later condensed rests on no evidence at all, and the reader must judge, from the fragment as inserted in the text, whether it seems to belong there.\nThe \u201cCaptivity,\u201d it may fairly be said in summary, does not bear clear hallmarks of Franklin\u2019s handiwork. But, if he did not write it, who else could have? It reveals considerable familiarity with the ways and lore of the Five Nations and with the attitude of white traders toward them; it also contains some details that would have been far from common knowledge at the time it was written. The person most likely to have had the requisite information was either Franklin himself or some one close to him, perhaps one of his associates in the Club of Honest Whigs to whom he contributed the material. This hypothesis, that the essay is the product of one man\u2019s knowledge and another man\u2019s pen, would explain why it lacks the sharpness of Franklin\u2019s usual satire. The explanation has one serious drawback, however, which is that he would have been far more likely to use his own ideas than to put them at the service of another.\nIf the author was not Franklin, alone or with a collaborator, it must have been some one with an odd assortment of information. For the only element of the \u201cCaptivity\u201d that is in any sense factual is one of the leading characters, Canassatego; he was a real person, though he has suffered a sea change in the story, and he died five years before William Henry\u2019s supposed capture. The implication is that whoever wrote the essay drew his material from much earlier works, supplemented by Achenwall\u2019s brief mention of the corn myth in the first edition of his Observations, published in German in 1767. Does this conjectural reconstruction of sources, assuming that it is correct, point to any one as author?\nThe most plausible candidate is Johann Reinhold Forster. He was a German naturalist and nonconformist minister, who had come to England in 1766. After two years of teaching at the dissenters\u2019 academy at Warrington in Lancashire, he and his son went to London in 1768 and devoted themselves to translating Peter Kalm\u2019s account of his travels in North America; their English edition appeared in 1770. Although the elder Forster was elected to the Royal Society in 1767, there is no direct evidence that he knew Franklin before the latter part of 1771. In the preface to his final volume, however, Forster acknowledges the help of a \u201cworthy friend and benefactor\u201d in pointing out errors in Kalm; and one of these corrections requires precise knowledge of Pennsylvania in the 1760\u2019s. All that can be said is that he may have been in touch with Franklin at the time the \u201cCaptivity\u201d was written, that his experience equipped him to compose its few references to an English background, that he may have read the German edition of Achenwall and derived the corn myth from it (with embellishments of his own), and that he certainly had, from his work on Kalm, the requisite knowledge of Indian lore. If Franklin was not himself the author, Forster is the most likely one.\nYet subjective considerations cannot be ignored, and they point away from Forster. In the first place his prose was polished, with balanced phrases and sonorous rhythms, and has little resemblance to that of the \u201cCaptivity.\u201d In the second place he was endowed with what Matthew Arnold called \u201chigh seriousness,\u201d and seems to have lacked entirely the playfulness of this hoax. It is impossible to say that he could not have written it, because he may have had his lighter moments; but it is certainly much more out of character with his other work than it is with Franklin\u2019s.\nThe case for Franklin as author rests, in short, upon various bits of evidence. In our opinion the most important are the two other versions of the corn myth, Achenwall\u2019s in 1766 and Franklin\u2019s in 1784; the translation of the essay in the Eph\u00e9m\u00e9rides; the surviving fragment on Indians in Franklin\u2019s hand; and-negative evidence, admittedly-the unlikelihood that any one else in England at the time, with the possible but improbable exception of Forster, could have been the author. These points in sum are persuasive; they are not conclusive. But Franklin presumably would not have been chagrined to have the essay attributed to him. We are doing so, in accordance with our policy in such doubtful cases, with a question mark. \nExtract from an Account of the Captivity of William Henry in 1755, and of his Residence among the Senneka Indians six Years and seven Months till he made his Escape from them. Printed at Boston, 1766. 4to, Pages 160.\nThis Writer, who is an Englishman, gives a plain short account of his education in human learning at an academy in Northampton; his settlement in America as a trader with the Ohio Indians; his being surpriz\u2019d and made a prisoner at the breaking out of the late war; his spiritual change or conversion during his sickness and other afflictions; and then among a multitude of other particulars, relating to the Indians, says,\n\u201cI had always a facility in learning languages, and the pains I took, after my adoption, to acquire theirs, with the proficiency I soon made in it, ingratiated me a good deal with the Indians, so that in this third year I found myself much respected. Old Canassatego,  a Warrior, Counsellor, and the chief man of our village, used to come frequently to smoke and talk with me, while I work\u2019d at my new business; and many of the younger men would come and sit with him, pleased to hear our conversations. As he saw I was curious on that head, he took a good deal of pains to instruct me in the principles of their eloquence, an art (it may seem strange to say it, but it is strictly true) carried much higher among these Savages than it is now in any part of Europe, as it is their only polite art, as they practise it from their infancy, as every thing of consequence is transacted in councils, and all the force of their government consists in persuasion. He would also often enquire of me concerning our wars, history, customs, arts, &c. and sometimes about our religious opinions. I then regretted that I had so unhappily refused the advantage once in my power, of acquiring store of divine knowledge under the pious instructions of Dr. Doddridge, which my friends of all things wish\u2019d, intending me for the ministry; but my mind was extremely averse to it, and I had abruptly left him against their advice; which obstinacy of mine was the beginning of my misfortunes.\n[Fragment in Franklin\u2019s hand:]\nI now conceiv\u2019d however, that I might, if I could get the Bible I had so long expected, do some Good among them; and I thought if I could but bring one of these poor dark Souls to the Knowledge of God and Faith in Jesus Christ, it might plead something for me towards obtaining Forgiveness for my past Transgressions, and the Follies of a Life so far misspent. Alaguippy, as I said before,  had promis\u2019d to engage an Albany Handler he us\u2019d to meet near Lake Oneida, to bring me one. I had given him a Note for that purpose to shew the Trader. But between them it was neglected, and I did not get it till near 19 Months after. It came however at length, and glad I was to receive it, tho\u2019 the unconscionable Handler made Alaguippy, as he assur\u2019d me, pay 8 Buckskins and 3 Beavers for it, when it certainly did not cost above 3 or 4 Shillings Sterling at New York. Indeed, says Alaguippy, I should not have given so much for it, but you know you told me it was the best Thing in the World. This and other Impositions I suffer\u2019d from the Handlers while I liv\u2019d as an Indian among the Indians, serv\u2019d to make me see in a stronger Light the Enormity of my own Conduct [missing; fragment ends here]. But enough of that.\u201d\nThe Writer then goes on to relate sundry conversations he had at different times with the Indians, on religious subjects, occasioned by his acquainting them with parts of our scripture history. These we pass over, as containing little entertainment or information, except the following, by which we may learn how imperfect the Indian ideas are of God, what partial notions they have of the creation, and how widely different from ours their opinions are of those regulations of commerce, by which one nation proposes to make advantage to itself in distressing the trade of others. The Europeans think such regulations wise and good; the Indians, it seems, think them the highest folly and wickedness.\n\u201cWhile I was musing in what manner best to explain this matter to his understanding, Konnedohaga, the young Warrior, took up the discourse, and said, You tell us that the great Manitta made all things in the first six days. I find we know some things that you do not know. Your book does not tell you every thing. At least if your Manitta made all the things of your country in the first six days, it was not so in this Indian country; for some things were not made till many generations after, and they were made by our Manitta\u2019s Daughter. I will tell you, says he, how it happened, as I learnt it when I last hunted among the Oneidas. Nine Oneida Warriors passing near a certain hill, not far from the head of Susquehannah,  saw a most beautiful young Woman descend naked from the clouds, and seat herself on the ground upon that hill. Then they said, this is the great Manitta\u2019s Daughter, let us go to her, welcome her into our country, and present her some of our venison. They gave her a fawn\u2019s tongue broiled, which she eat, and thanking them, said, come to this place again after twelve moons, and you will find, where I now sit, some things that you have never yet seen, and that will do you good. So saying she put her hands on the ground, arose, went up into the cloud, and left them. They came accordingly after twelve moons, and found growing, where she had pressed the ground with her right hand, corn,  where with her left hand, beans; and where her back parts had pressed it, there grew tobacco. At this origin of tobacco, all the young Indians laughed; but old Canassatego, reproving them and the teller of the story, said, you are a young man, or you would not have told before this white man such a story. It is a foolish Oneida tale. If you tell him such tales, what can you expect but to make him laugh at our Indian stories as much as you sometimes do at his? Hearken to me, I will tell you and him all the true story of the beginning of this country, and the making of all things in it; such as I long since learnt it from my mother, who had it from her mother, and so on backwards for a hundred generations.\nWhen we had sat silent a few minutes, he said, white man, hearken to me, hear me Coseagon! You say there is but one great good Manitta. You know of no more. If there were but one, how unhappy must he be, without friends, without companions, and without that equality in conversation, by which pleasure is mutually given and received! I tell you there are more than a hundred of them; they live in the sun and in the moon; they love one another as brethren; they visit and converse with each other; and they sometimes visit, though they do not often converse with us. Every country has its great good Manitta, who first peopled that country. I am now going to tell you how my country was made and peopled.\nThen raising his voice, and entering into the council stile and manner of speaking, and with that modulation which I may call the quoting tone, being what they use when repeating messages, treaties, or any thing that has been said by others in former times, distant places, or preceding councils; a tone so particular, that if you come into a council in the middle of a speech, you can tell whether the person speaking is delivering his own sentiments, or reciting those of another; this tone having the same effect in their speeches, and answering nearly the same end, with our marginal inverted comma\u2019s in writing, to distinguish borrow\u2019d passages quoted as authorities; only that the Indians have three differences in the quoting tone, none of which we have in writing, viz. the approving accent, the disapproving, and the uncertain or doubting; and that there is something measured or musical in all these tones. I say, Canasseteego, in the quoting or historical tone, with the approving accent, and with an air of great authority and dignity, went on with his account of the manner in which his country was made and peopled. \u2026\n\u2019When our good Manitta raised Akanishionegy out of the great waters, he said to his brethren, how fine a country is this! I will make red men,  the best of men, to enjoy it. Then with five handfuls of red seeds, like the eggs of flies, did he strow the fertile fields of Onondaga. Little worms came out of the seeds, and penetrated the earth, where the spirits who had never yet seen the light entred into and united with them. Manitta watered the earth with his rain, the sun warmed it, the worms with the spirits in them grew, putting forth little arms and legs, and moved the light earth that covered them. After nine moons they came forth perfect boys and girls. Manitta covered them with his mantle of warm purple cloud, and nourished them with milk from his fingers ends. Nine summers did he nurse them, and nine summers more did he instruct them how to live. In the mean time he had made for their use trees, plants and animals of various kinds. Akanishionegy was covered with woods, and filled with creatures. Then he assembled his children together and said, Ye are Five Nations, for ye sprang each from a different handful of the seed I sowed; but ye are all brethren, and I am your father, for I made ye all, I have nursed and brought you up: Mohocks, I have made you bold and valiant, and see, I give you corn for your food: Oneidas, I have made you patient of pain and of hunger, the nuts and fruits of the trees are yours: Sennekers, I have made you industrious and active, beans do I give you for nourishment: Cayugas, I have made you strong, friendly and generous, ground nuts and every root shall refresh you: Onondagoes, I have made you wise, just and eloquent; squashes and grapes have I given you to eat, and tobacco to smoak in council. The beasts, birds and fishes have I given to you all in common. As I have loved and taken care of you all, so do you love and take care of one another. Communicate freely to each other the good things I have given you, and learn to imitate each others virtues. I have made you the best people in the world, and I give you the best country. You will defend it from the invasions of other Nations, from the children of other Manitta\u2019s, and keep possession of it for your selves while the sun and moon give light, and the waters run in the rivers. This you shall do, if you observe my words. Spirits, I am now about to leave you. The bodies I have given you will in time grow old and wear out, so that you will be weary of them; or from various accidents they may become unfit for your habitation, and you will leave them. I cannot remain here always to give you new ones. I have great affairs to mind in distant places, and I cannot again attend so long to the nursing of children: I have enabled you therefore, among your selves, to produce new bodies, to supply the place of old ones, that every one of you when he parts with his old habitation may in due time find a new one, and never wander longer than he chuses under the earth, deprived of the light of the sun. Nourish and instruct your children as I have nourished and instructed you. Be just to all men, and kind to strangers that come among you. So shall you be happy, and beloved by all: and I myself will sometimes visit and assist you. Saying this, he wrapped himself in a bright cloud, and went like a swift arrow to the sun, where his brethren rejoiced at his return. From thence he often looked at Akanishionegy, and pointing shewed with pleasure to his brothers the country he had formed, and the nations he had produced to inhabit it.\nHere the five nations lived long and happily, communicating freely to each other as their wants required, all the good things that had been given them; and generations had succeeded generations, when the great evil Manitta came among them, and put evil thoughts into their hearts. Then the Mohocks said, We abound in corn which our brothers have not; let us oblige them to give us a great deal of fruits, beans, roots, squashes, and tobacco, for a very little corn; so shall we live in idleness and plenty, while they labour and live hardly. And in the same manner spoke the other nations. Hence arose discord, animosity, and hatred; insomuch that they were on the point of lifting the hatchet against each other, and miring the earth with brother\u2019s blood. Their Father saw this from the sun, and was angry with his children: A thick blue and red cloud covered all the land, and he spoke to them in thunder; Wretches, said he, did I not freely give to each of you different kinds of good things, and those in plenty, that each might have something in his power to contribute to his brother\u2019s happiness, and so increase the happiness and strengthen the union of the whole; and do you now abuse those gifts to oppress each other; and would one brother, to make himself in imagination more happy, make four brethren in reality more miserable! Ye are become unworthy of the goodness I have shewn you, and shall no longer enjoy my favours. Then the sun of Akanishionegy gave forth darkness instead of light; so that the day was darker than the night; the rivers ran backwards to the mountains, and, with all their fish, re-entered the fountains from whence they sprung, forsaking their ancient beds, and leaving dry the banks they used to water. The clouds witheld their rain, and carried it away to other regions. The surface of the earth became dust; whirlwinds filled the air with it, and every breathing creature was almost stifled; every green thing withered; the birds flew away; the beasts ran out of the country; and last of all the afflicted people famished nearly to death, their dry eyes not having even a tear left, departed sorrowing, and were scattered among the neighbouring nations, begging every where for food from those who despised them for their late wickedness to one another.\nNine summers passed away, and their distress continued. Then the evil spirit left them, for they no longer listened to his counsels: they began mutually to feel and to pity one anothers misfortunes; they began to love and to help each other. The nations among whom they were scattered now began to esteem them, and offered to adopt and incorporate them among themselves: But they said, No, we are still a people, we chuse to continue a people; perhaps our great Manitta will restore us to our country, and we will then remember this your offered kindness. The great Manitta seeing their hearts changed, looked on them with compassion: He spoke, and the sun again gave light; the rivers came again forth from the fountains, and ran rejoicing through the delighted valleys; the clouds again showered on the thirsty earth; the trees and plants renewed their verdure; the birds and beasts returned to the forests; and the five nations, with glad and thankful hearts, went back to repossess their ancient seats. From that time down to the present day, it has been an inviolable rule and custom among the nations, that every Brother is welcome to what a Brother can spare of the good things which the great spirit has caused to spring for him out of the earth.\u2019\nAll the Indians applauded Canassatego, and said they had heard that good story often, but never before so well repeated. Indeed however absurd and false in its facts, it was admirably expressed and deliver\u2019d. In my account of it, I have been obliged to drop many of the figures, which being unusual to us, would require long explanations; and I must own I think it scarce possible in our language (I am sure it is impossible for me) to do Indian eloquence justice. Canassatego, then made some remarks himself on the story; and told us that the English and French, though they called the Indians brothers, had long practised the same wickedness towards them, making every thing dear that they exchanged with them, and even the things they the English and French exchanged with one another. \u2018Corlaer,  says he, first makes Onontio pay dearer for strouds and blankets; then Onontio makes Corlaer pay as much dearer for beaver; what, at best, can either of them get by this, but his own inconvenience and the other\u2019s ill-will? But this is not all. It is for these causes that the great spirit of the white people is now angry with them, and has left them to lift the hatchet, brother against brother, to destroy their own habitations, and bring misery on both their countries.\u2019\nI could not let all this pass without modestly remarking that his account of the beginning of things was subject to great uncertainty, as being trusted to memory only, from woman to woman, through so many generations, and might have been greatly altered; whereas the account I gave them was written down by direction of the great spirit himself, and preserved carefully in a book, which was never altered, but had ever remained the same, and was undoubtedly, the truth. Coseagon, says Canassatego, you are yet almost as rude as when you first came among us. When young, it seems you were not well taught, you did not learn the civil behaviour of men. We excused you: it was the fault of your instructors. But why have you not more improved, since you have long had the opportunity from our example? You see I always believed your stories, why do you not believe mine? Alaguippy and the other Indians kindly made some apology for me, saying I should be wiser in time; and they concluded with an observation which they thought very polite and respectful towards me, that my stories indeed might be best for white people, but Indian stories were undoubtedly best for Indians.\nNow it is well known that some who have before me been among these Indians, have reported highly of their stories, as if there were something super-excellent in them. I have therefore given this story of theirs at full length translated as well as I am able; and I can faithfully assure my readers it is one of their very best, by which may be seen the miserable darkness these poor creatures labour under, and how far inferior their best instructions do appear when compared with the unerring oracles that we possess, and the histories contained in them.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0086", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Grey Cooper, 24 June 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Cooper, Sir Grey\nDear Sir\nSaturday June 24. 1768\nInclos\u2019d I send, for the Ladies, a Piece of the Bark Cloth with which the new-discover\u2019d People dress themselves. It was fast together, but I have split it, as you see; and it will still split farther into its original thin Pieces like Lace.\nYou once express\u2019d a little Partiality for Things of my Writing, which encourages me to send you two; one to which you have a kind of Right, it being written under your Roof in favour of the Treasury, to discountenance, among honest People, the Practice of Smuggling or using contraband Goods. The other was intended to lessen the Effect of the late numerous inflammatory Papers on the Minds of the labouring Poor. They may show at least that the Writer wishes well to Government and Order.\nI attended at the Duke of Graftons yesterday Morning at \u00bd after Ten, agreable to your kind Note. His Grace being very busy, referr\u2019d me to Tuesday next at 12 o\u2019Clock, to be then at the Treasury. I am extreamly sensible of your Friendship, and of the Dukes Goodness in thinking of me. With sincere Esteem, I am, Yours affectionately\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / Grey Cooper Esqr / Treasury\n  Endorsed: 1768 \u2003Dr. B. Francklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0090", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 2 July 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, July 2, 1768.\nSince my last nothing material has occurred here relating to American affairs, except the removal of Lord Clare from the head of the Board of Trade to the Treasury of Ireland, and the return of Lord Hillsborough to the Board of Trade as first Commissioner, retaining the title and powers of Secretary of State for the colonies. This change was very sudden and unexpected. My Lord Clare took me home from Court to dine with him but two days before, saying he should be without other company, and wanted to talk with me on sundry American businesses. We had accordingly a good deal of conversation on our affairs, in which he seemed to interest himself with all the attention that could be supposed in a minister who expected to continue in the management of them. This was on Sunday, and on the Tuesday following he was removed. Whether my Lord Hillsborough\u2019s administration will be more stable than others have been for a long time is quite uncertain; but as his inclinations are rather favourable towards us (so far as he thinks consistent with what he supposes the unquestionable rights of Britain), I cannot but wish it may continue, especially as these perpetual mutations prevent the progress of all business.\nBut another change is now talked of that gives me great uneasiness. Several of the Bedford party being now got in, it has been for some time apprehended that they would sooner or later draw their friend Mr. Grenville in after them. It is now said, he is to be Secretary of State in the room of Lord Shelburne. If this should take place, or if in any other shape he comes again into power, I fear his sentiments of the Americans and theirs of him, will occasion such clashings as may be attended with fatal consequences. The last accounts from your part of the world of the combinations relating to commerce with this country, and resolutions concerning the duties here laid upon it, occasion much serious reflection, and \u2019tis thought the points in dispute between the two countries will not fail to come under the consideration of parliament early in next session. Our friends wonder that I persist in my intention of returning this summer, alledging that I might be of much more service to my country here than I can be there, and wishing me by all means to stay the ensuing winter, as the presence of persons well acquainted with America, and of ability to represent these affairs in a proper light, will then be highly necessary. My private concerns, however, so much require my presence at home, that I have not yet suffered myself to be persuaded by their partial opinion of me.\nThe tumults and disorders that prevailed here lately have now pretty well subsided. Wilkes\u2019s outlawry is reversed, but he is sentenced to twenty-two months imprisonment, and \u00a31000 fine, which his friends, who feared he would be pilloried, seem rather satisfied with. The importation of corn, a pretty good hay harvest, now near over, and the prospect of plenty from a fine crop of wheat makes the poor more patient, in hopes of an abatement in the price of provisions; so that unless want of employment by the failure of American orders should distress them, they are like to be tolerably quiet.\nI purpose writing to you again by the packet that goes next Saturday, and therefore now only add that I am, with sincere esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0091", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Winthrop, 2 July 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Winthrop, John\nDear Sir,\nLondon, July 2, 1768.\nYou must needs think the time long that your instruments have been in hand. Sundry circumstances have occasioned the delay. Mr. Short,  who undertook to make the telescope, was long in a bad state of health, and much in the country for the benefit of the air. He however at length finished the material parts that required his own hand, and waited only for something about the mounting that was to have been done by another workman; when he was removed by death. I have put in my claim to the instrument, and shall obtain it from the executors as soon as his affairs can be settled. It is now become much more valuable than it would have been if he had lived, as he excelled all others in that branch. The price agreed for was \u00a3100.\nThe equal altitudes and transit instrument was undertaken by Mr. Bird, who doing all his work with his own hands for the sake of greater truth and exactness, one must have patience that expects any thing from him. He is so singularly eminent in his way, that the commissioners of longitude have lately given him \u00a3500 merely to discover and make public his method of dividing instruments. I send it you herewith. But what has made him longer in producing your instrument is, the great and hasty demand on him from France and Russia, and our society here for instruments to go to different parts of the world for observing the next transit of Venus; some to be used in Siberia, some for the observers that go to the South Seas, some for those that go to Hudson\u2019s Bay. These are now all completed and mostly gone, it being necessary on account of the distance, that they should go this year to be ready on the spot in time. And now he tells me he can finish yours, and that I shall have it next week. Possibly he may keep his word. But we are not to wonder if he does not.\nMr. Martin, when I called to see his panopticon, had not one ready; but was to let me know when he should have one to show me. I have not since heard from him, but will call again.\nMr. Maskelyne wishes much that some of the governments in North America would send an astronomer to Lake Superior to observe this transit. I know no one of them likely to have a spirit for such an undertaking, unless it be the Massachusetts, or that have a person and instruments suitable. He presents you one of his pamphlets, which I now send you, together with two letters from him to me, relating to that observation. If your health and strength were sufficient for such an expedition, I should be glad to hear you had undertaken it. Possibly you may have an \u00e9l\u00e8ve that is capable. The fitting you out to observe the former transit, was a public act for the benefit of science that did your province great honor.\nWe expect soon a new volume of the transactions, in which your piece will be printed. I have not yet got the separate ones which I ordered.\nIt is perhaps not so extraordinary that unlearned men, such as commonly compose our church vestries, should not yet be acquainted with, and sensible of the benefit of metal conductors, in averting the stroke of lightning, and preserving our houses from its violent effects; or that they should be still prejudiced against the use of such conductors, when we see how long even philosophers, men of extensive science and great ingenuity, can hold out against the evidence of new knowledge that does not square with their preconceptions, and how long men can retain a practice that is conformable to their prejudices, and expect a benefit from such practice, though constant experience shows its inutility. A late piece of the Abb\u00e9 Nollet, printed last year in the Memoirs of the French Academy of Sciences,  affords strong instances of this; for though the very relations he gives of the effects of lightning in several churches and other buildings, shows clearly that it was conducted from one part to another by wires, gildings, or other pieces of metal that were within, or connected with the building; yet in the same paper he objects to the providing metalline conductors without the building, as useless or dangerous. He cautions people not to ring the church bells during a thunder storm, lest the lightning in its way to the earth should be conducted down to them by the bell-ropes,  which are but bad conductors; and yet is against fixing rods on the outside of the steeple, which are known to be much better conductors, and which it would certainly choose to pass in, rather than in dry hemp. And though for a thousand years past bells have been consecrated by priests of the Romish church,  in expectation that the sound of such blessed bells would drive away those storms, and secure our buildings from the stroke of lightning; and during so long a period it has not been found by experience that places within the reach of such blessed sound are safer than others where it is never heard; but that on the contrary, the lightning seems to strike steeples of choice, and that at the very time the bells are ringing; yet still they continue to bless the new bells and jangle the old ones whenever it thunders. One would think it was now time to try some other trick; and ours is recommended, (nothwithstanding what this able philosopher says, ) by more than twelve years\u2019 experience, wherein, among the great number of houses furnished with iron rods in North America, not one so guarded has been materially hurt with lightning, several have been evidently preserved by their means; while a number of houses, churches, barns, ships, &c. in different places, unprovided with rods, have been struck and greatly damaged, demolished or burnt. Probably the vestries of our English churches are not well acquainted with these facts; otherwise, since as protestants, they have no faith in the blessing of bells, they would be less excusable in not providing this other security for their respective churches, (more exposed than common buildings by their greater height, ) and for the good people that may happen to be assembled in them during a tempest.\nI have nothing new in the philosophical way to communicate to you, unless what follows may be such. When I was last year in Germany, I met with a glass, being a tube about eight inches long, half an inch in diameter, with a hollow ball of near an inch diameter at one end, and one of near an inch and a half at the other, hermetically sealed, and half filled with water. If one end is held in the hand, and the other a little elevated above the level, a constant succession of large bubbles proceeds from the end in the hand to the other hand, and make an appearance that puzzled me much, till I found that the space not filled with water was also free from air; and either filled with a subtil invisible vapor continually rising from the water, and extremely rarefiable by the least heat at one end, and condensable again by the least cold at the other; or it is the very fluid of fire itself, which parting from the hand, pervades the glass, and by its expansive force depresses the water till it can pass between it and the glass, and escape to the other end, where it gets through the glass again into the air. I am rather inclined to the first opinion, but doubtful between the two. An ingenious artist here, Mr. Nairne, has made a number of them from mine, and improved them; for his are much more sensible than those I brought from Germany. I bored a very small hole through the wainscot in the seat of my window, through which a little cold air constantly entered, while the air in the room was kept warmer by fires daily made in it, being winter time. I placed one of his glasses with the elevated end against this hole, and the bubbles from the other end, which was in a warmer situation, were continually passing day and night, to the no small surprise of philosophical spectators. Each bubble discharged is larger than that from which it proceeds, and yet that is not diminished; and by adding itself to the bubble at the other end, that bubble is not increased, which seems very paradoxical. When the balls at each end are made large, and the connecting tube very small and bent at right angles, so that the balls, instead of being at the ends, may be brought on the side of the tube, and the tube is held so as that the balls are above it, the water will be depressed in that which is held in the hand, and rise in the other as a jet or fountain; when it is all in the other it begins to boil, as it were, by the vapor passing up through it; and the instant it begins to boil a sudden coldness is felt in the ball held; a curious experiment first observed and shown me by Mr. Nairne, similar to the old observation, I think of Aristotle, that the bottom of the boiling pot is not warm; and may help to explain that fact, if indeed it is a fact. When the water stands at an equal height in both these balls, and all is at rest, if you wet one of the balls by means of a feather dipped in spirit, though the spirit is of the same temperament as to heat and cold as the water in the glass, yet the cold occasioned by the evaporation of the spirit from the wetted ball will so condense the vapor over the water contained in that ball, as that the water of the other ball will be pressed up into it, followed by a succession of bubbles, till the spirit is all dried away. I think the observations on these little instruments may suggest and be applied to some beneficial uses. It has been thought that water reduced to vapor by heat, was rarefied only 14, 000 times, and on this principle our engines for raising water by fire are said to be constructed; but if the vapor so much rarefied from water is capable of being itself still farther rarefied to a boundless degree by the application of heat to the vessels, or parts of vessels, containing the vapor, (as at first it is applied to those containing the water, ) perhaps a much greater power may be obtained with little additional expense. I think, too, that the power of easily moving water from one end to the other of a moveable beam, suspended in the middle by a small degree of heat, may be applied advantageously to some other mechanical purposes.\nThe magic square and circle, I am told, have occasioned a good deal of puzzling among the mathematicians here, but no one has desired me to show him my method of disposing the numbers. It seems they wish rather to investigate it themselves. When I have the pleasure of seeing you I will communicate it. With singular esteem and respect, I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0093", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Huck, 9 July 1768: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Huck, Richard\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Saturday, July 9 (1768?). A dinner invitation from Dr. Huck for Friday next at four o\u2019clock.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0094", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 12 July 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork. July 12. 1768\nI still continue to send you a Line or two on the Presumption you may possibly not have left England before this reaches you, and if you should be set out the Loss of this is not much: As I have little more to say than I have wrote, only that we continue still in the Old Way, rubbing through a World, in which some slide easier then others, but in which none Stick: And that I think I have got almost to the End of my Journey, I am nevertheless with respectful Compliments Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker.\nPS By Mr. F\u2019s Order, I send with this Vessel, a Bill to his Brother for \u00a3106 Sterling on the P.O. Account, supposing you to be set out for Home. \nAddressed: For / Dr. Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London / per Capt. Berton\nEndorsed: M. Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0095", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 20 July 1768: phonetic spelling and transcription\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nMany writers, from the monk Orm in the early thirteenth century to George Bernard Shaw in the early twentieth, have experimented with methods of phonetic spelling. It was perhaps natural that Franklin, with his long exposure to the printed word and his varied and practical interests, should have been drawn into this company, and only surprising that he was in his sixties before he began his experimentation. The letter to Polly Stevenson that follows is his earliest known use of his new alphabet, and contains his clearest explanation of why he felt the need for one. Because the letter itself is anything but clear, at least at first glance, it is accompanied by a transcription.\nAt the same time Franklin sent Polly, as he mentions, some papers and a copy of his alphabet. The papers, not printed here, are all in the new orthography: quotations from the Creed, the Lord\u2019s Prayer, Addison\u2019s Campaign, etc., and a word list that might have been the first small step in composing a dictionary. An alphabet that is presumably the one he enclosed, and his explanations and comments upon it, follow the letter.\nDiir Pali,\nRitshmyind, Dshulyii 20.\u201368\nYii intended to hev sent iu dhiz Pepers sunyir, byit biing bizi fargat it.\nMr Kolman hez mended deeli: byit iur gud Myidhyir hez bin indispoz\u2019d uith e slyiit Fivyir, atended uith myitsh fiibilnes and uirines. Shi uiuld nat allau mi to send iu uyird av it at dhi tyiim, and iz nau beter.\nYii uish iu to kansider dhis Alfabet, and giv mi Instanses af syitsh Inglish Uyirds and Saunds az iu mee think kannat perfektlyii bi eksprest byii it. Yii am persueeded it mee bi kamplited byii iur help. Dhi greeter difikyilti uil bi to bring it into ius. Hauevyir, if Amendments eer nevyir atemted, and things kantinu to gro uyirs and uyirs, dhee myist kyim to bi in a retshed Kandishyin at last; syitsh indiid yii think aur Alfabet and Ryiiting alredi in; byit if ui go an az ui hev dyin e fiu Senturiz langer, aur uyirds uil graduali siis to ekspres Saunds, dhee uil onli stand far things, az dhi rittin uyirds du in dhi Tshuiniiz Languadsh, huitsh yii syispekt myiit oridshinali hev bin e litiral Ryiiting lyiik dhat af Iurop, byit thru dhi Tsheendshez in Pronyisieshyin braat an byii dhi Kors af Eedshes, and thru dhi abstinet Adhirens af dhat Pipil to old Kyistyims and amying yidhyirs to dheer old manyir ov Ryiiting, dhi oridshinal Saunds af Leters and Uyirds eer last, and no langyir kansidered. Yii am, myii diir Frend, Iurz afekshyinetli,\nB. Franklin\nDear Polly,\nRichmond, July 20.\u201468\nI intended to have sent you these Papers sooner, but being busy forgot it.\nMr. Coleman has mended daily; but your good Mother has been  indispos\u2019d with a slight Fever, attended with much feebleness and weariness. She would not allow me to send you word of it at the time and is now better.\nI wish you to consider this Alphabet, and give me Instances of such English Words and Sounds as you may think can not perfectly be expressed by it. I am persuaded it may be completed by your help. The greater difficulty will be to bring it into use. However, if Amendments are never attempted and things continue to grow worse and worse they must come to be in a wretched Condition at last; such indeed I think our Alphabet and Writing already in; but if we go on as we have done a few Centuries longer, our words will gradually cease to express Sounds, they will only stand for things, as the written words do in the Chinese Language, which I suspect might originally have been a literal Writing like that of Europe, but through the Changes in Pronunciation brought on by the Course of Ages and through the obstinate Adherence of that People to old Customs, and among others to their old manner of Writing, the original Sounds of Letters and Words are lost, and no longer considered. I am, my dear Friend, Yours affectionately,\nB Franklin.\nEndorsed: Dr. Franklin\u2019s Alphabet &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0097", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Dumas, 25 July 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric\nSir,\nCravenstreet, London, July 25. 1768\nI received your Favour of the 20th of April with the very entertaining and informing Books you so obligingly sent me, for which I thank you.\nAs you seem only to have seen Extracts in the Magazines from the Account of East Florida, I send you the Book itself, which may afford you some farther Lights concerning the Country. I am not myself otherwise much acquainted with it than from such publick Writings, my Place of Abode, Philadelphia, being near 1000 Miles from Florida. I can only remark to you that generally those who have at heart the Settlement of New Countries, are apt, while they expatiate on the Advantages, to pass over and conceal the Disadvantages, so that a just Idea of the New Country is rarely to be obtained by reading their Accounts. And as you profess a Reliance on my Opinion in the Affair of your Removal to America, I must not advise you to go to E. Florida, lest my Unacquaintedness with that Country should lead you into hazardous Mistakes. Besides, when I consider \u2014\u2014 the Hardships usually attending the Settlement of New Countries, and the Sickness and Mortality to which new Settlers, unaccustomed to the Climate, are exposed, I cannot think such Undertakings so fit for Persons of your and your Wife\u2019s Age, that have Children depending on them, as for young unmarried Persons, whose Deaths can only affect themselves, or will not be attended with such unhappy Consequences. Therefore, if you cannot remain contented with your Situation in Holland, but are determined on a Country Life in America, my Advice to you would be, to purchase a Plantation ready formed, in one of the old settled Provinces, New York, New Jersey, or Pensilvania, of which there are Choice continually to be sold, as you will see by the Newspapers that I send you herewith. In either of these three Provinces the three modern Languages you possess, German, Low Dutch and French, may be useful to you, as there are Numbers of Germans, Hollanders, and French among the Inhabitants; and your other Accomplishments will be of more Value in a well-settled Country, than in a new One thin of People, and you will have more of the Pleasures and Comforts of Neighbourhood and Society. With the Money you are like to be possess\u2019d of, at the End of your present Contract, you may certainly buy and Stock a very good Plantation in one of those flourishing Provinces, where the Climate is healthy, and the Government mild and good, and where, if any where, Competence and Happiness are within the Reach of every honest, prudent and industrious Man.\nI purpose remaining here another Winter, and returning home to Pensilvania in the Spring. I hope your Resolution, whatever it is, may be attended with the Success you wish. If you determine for either of those Provinces, as I live in one of them, my Son in another, (N. Jersey, ) and I have some Friends in the third, N. York, I may possibly be of some Utility to you in your Settling, which would be a Pleasure to, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\nB Franklin\nMr. Dumas.\nEndorsed: Benjamin Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0098", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 July 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques\nI greatly approve the epithet, which you give in your letter of the 8th of June,  to the new method of treating the small-pox, which you call the tonic or bracing method. I will take occasion from it, to mention a practice to which I have accustomed myself. You know the cold bath has long been in vogue here as a tonic; but the shock of the cold water has always appeared to me, generally speaking, as too violent: and I have found it much more agreeable to my constitution, to bathe in another element, I mean cold air. With this view I rise early almost every morning, and sit in my chamber, without any clothes whatever, half an hour or an hour, according to the season, either reading or writing. This practice is not in the least painful, but on the contrary, agreeable; and if I return to bed afterwards, before I dress myself, as sometimes happens, I make a supplement to my night\u2019s rest, of one or two hours of the most pleasing sleep that can be imagined. I find no ill consequences whatever resulting from it, and that at least it does not injure my health, if it does not in fact contribute much to its preservation. I shall therefore call it for the future a bracing or tonic bath.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0099", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, 28 July 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Du Pont de Nemours, Pierre-Samuel\nSir\nLondon, July 28. 1768\nI received your obliging Letter of the 10th. of May, with the most acceptable Present of your Physiocratie, which I have read with great Pleasure, and received from it a great deal of Instruction. There is such a Freedom from local and national Prejudices and Partialities, so much Benevolence to Mankind in general, so much Goodness mixt with the Wisdom, in the Principles of your new Philosophy, that I am perfectly charm\u2019d with them, and wish I could have staid in France for some time, to have studied in your School,  that I might, by conversing with its Founders have made myself quite a Master of that Philosophy. I had, before I went into your Country, seen some Letters of yours to Dr. Templeman,  that gave me a high Opinion of the Doctrines you are engag\u2019d in cultivating, and of your personal Talents and Abilities, which made me greatly desirous of seeing you. Since I had not that good Fortune, the next best thing is the Advantage you are so good as to offer me, of your Correspondence, which I shall ever highly value, and endeavour to cultivate with all the Diligence I am capable of.\nI am sorry to find, that that Wisdom which sees the Welfare of the Parts in the Prosperity of the Whole, seems not yet to be known in this Country. We are so far from conceiving that what is best for Mankind, or even for Europe, in general, may be best for us, that we are ever studying to establish and extend a separate Interest of Britain, to the Prejudice of even Ireland and our own Colonies! It is from your Philosophy only that the Maxims of a contrary and more happy Conduct are to be drawn, which I therefore sincerely wish may grow and increase till it becomes the governing Philosophy of the human Species, as it must be that of superior Beings in better Worlds.\nI take the Liberty of sending you a little Fragment that has some Tincture of it, which, on that Account, I hope may be acceptable.\nBe so good as to present my sincere Respects to that venerable Apostle Dr. Quesnay, and to the illustrious Ami des Hommes (of whose Civilities to me at Paris I retain a grateful Remembrance) and believe me to be, with real and very great Esteem, Sir, Your obliged and most obedient humble Servant\nB. Franklin\nM. Du Pont", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0101", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Alleyne, 9 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Alleyne, John\nThis well known letter was apparently first published in The Gentleman\u2019s Magazine, LIX (1789), 384\u20135; the printed version differs substantially from the draft in only a few passages, noted below. Little is known about John Alleyne: he was the son of Thomas Alleyne of Queen Street, Westminster, was admitted to the Middle Temple in 1767, married Nancy Rosewell of Clapton on May 29, 1768, published The Legal Degrees of Marriage Stated and Considered \u2026 (London, 1774), and died at Hackney in 1777; his widow died at Brighton in 1797. The evidence about Alleyne\u2019s relationship with the Franklin family is even scantier. He seems to have been a friend of the William Franklins, and especially of Betsy, from their days in England. It is clear that Benjamin Franklin had known his family and been his mentor for some time, particularly in his studies; but there is no other record of this background, and the few subsequent letters that survive indicate nothing except that the two remained at least intermittently in touch for the next five years.\nDear Sir,\nYou made an Apology to me for not acquainting me sooner with your Marriage. I ought now to make an Apology to you for delaying so long the Answer to your Letter. It was mislaid or hid among my Papers, and much Business put it out of my Mind, or prevented my looking for it and writing when I thought of it. So this Account between us if you please may stand balanced.\nI assure you it gave me great Pleasure to hear you were married, and into a Family of Reputation. This I learnt from the Public Papers. The Character you give me of your Bride, (as it includes every Qualification that in the married State conduces to mutual Happiness) is an Addition to that Pleasure. Had you consulted me, as a Friend, on the Occasion, Youth on both sides I should not have thought any Objection. Indeed from the Matches that have fallen under my Observation, I am rather inclined to think that early ones stand the best Chance for Happiness. The Tempers and Habits of young People are not yet become so stiff and uncomplying as when more advanced in Life, they form more easily to each other, and thence many Occasions of Disgust are removed. And if Youth has less of that Prudence that is necessary to manage a Family, yet the Parents and elder Friends of young married Persons are generally at hand to afford their Advice, which amply supplies that Defect; and by early Marriage, Youth is sooner form\u2019d to regular and useful Life, and possibly some of those Accidents Habits or Connections that might have injured either the Constitution or the Reputation, or both, are thereby happily prevented. Particular Circumstances of particular Persons may possibly sometimes make it prudent to delay entering into that State, but in general when Nature has render\u2019d our Bodies fit for it, the Presumption is in Nature\u2019s Favour, that she has not judg\u2019d amiss in making us desire it. Late Marriages are often attended too with this farther Inconvenience, that there is not the same Chance the Parents shall live to see their offspring educated. Late Children, says the Spanish Proverb, are early Orphans: A melancholly Reflection to those whose Case it may be! With us in N. America, Marriages are generally in the Morning of Life, our Children are therefore educated and settled in the World by Noon, and thus our Business being done, we have an Afternoon and Evening of chearful Leisure to our selves, such as your Friend at present enjoys. By these early Marriages we are blest with more Children, and from the Mode among us founded in Nature of every Mother suckling and nursing her own Child, more of them are raised. Thence the swift Progress of Population among us unparallel\u2019d in Europe. In fine, I am glad you are married, and congratulate you cordially upon it. You are now more in the way of becoming a useful Citizen; and you have escap\u2019d the unnatural State of Celibacy for Life, the Fate of many here who never intended it, but who having too long postpon\u2019d the Change of their Condition, find at length that \u2019tis too late to think of it, and So live all their Lives in a Situation that greatly lessens a Man\u2019s Value: An odd Volume of a Set of Books, you know, is not worth its proportion of the Set; and what think you of the Usefulness of an odd Half of a Pair of Scissars? It cannot well cut any thing. It may possibly serve to scrape a Trencher.\nPray make my Compliments and best Wishes acceptable to your Spouse. I am old and heavy, and grow a little indolent,  or I should ere this have presented them in Person. I shall make but small Use of the old Man\u2019s Privilege, that of giving Advice to younger Friends. Treat your Wife always with Respect. It will procure Respect to you, not from her only, but from all that observe it. Never use a slighting Expression to her even in jest; for Slights in Jest after frequent bandyings, are apt to end in angry earnest. Be studious in your Profession, and you will be learned. Be industrious and frugal, and you will be rich. Be sober and temperate and you will be healthy. Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy. At least you will by such Conduct stand the best Chance for such Consequences. I pray God to bless you both, being ever Your truly affectionate Friend \nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0102", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 9 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nPensilvania Coffeehouse Aug. 9, 1768\nI have been in the Country for a few Days, and calling here this Morning I learn that this Ship, Capt. Ross, is to sail today for Philadelphia. I have nothing material to add to my last, but send this Line merely to let you know that I am extremely well, Thanks to God. Mr. Coleman is so far recovered that he thinks to return in Capt. Falkener, who sails next Saturday. I wish I could go with him, but I must have Patience a little longer. My Love to our Children. I shall write fully per Falkener, and send the new Watch, etc. to Sally. I am, Your ever loving Husband\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0105", "content": "Title: Queries, 16\u201318 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nQUERIES recommended to the Consideration of those Gentlemen who are for vigorous Measures with the Americans.\n1. Have the Colonists refused to answer any reasonable requisitions made to their Assemblies by the Mother Country?\n2. If they have not refused to grant reasonable aids in the way, which they think consistent with liberty, why must they be stripped of their property without their own consent, and in a way, which they think inconsistent with liberty?\n3. What is it for a people to be enslaved and tributary, if this be not, viz. To be forced to give up their property at the arbitrary pleasure of persons, to whose authority they have not submitted themselves, nor chosen for the purpose of imposing taxes upon them? Wherein consisted the impropriety of King Charles\u2019s demanding ship-money by his sole authority, but in its being an exercise of power by the King, which the people had not given the King? Have the people of America, as the people of Britain, by sending Representatives, consented to a power in the British Parliament to tax them?\n4. Has not the British Parliament, by repealing the stamp act, acknowledged that they judged it improper? Is there any difference between the stamp act, and the act obliging the Americans to pay whatever we please, for articles which they cannot do without, as glass and paper? Is there any difference as to justice between our treatment of the Colonists, and the tyranny of the Carthaginians over their conquered Sardinians, when they obliged them to take all their corn from them, and at whatever price they pleased to set upon it?\n5. If that be true, which is commonly said, viz. That the Mother Country gains two millions a year by the Colonies, would it not have been wiser to have gone on quietly in the happy way we were in, till our gains by those rising and flourishing countries should amount to three, four, or five millions a year, than by these new-fashioned vigorous measures to kill the goose which lays the golden eggs? Would it not have been better policy, instead of taxing our Colonists, to have done whatever we could to enrich them, and encourage them to take off our articles of luxury, on which we may put our own price, and thus draw them into paying us a voluntary tax; than deluge them in blood, thin their countries, empoverish and distress them, interrupt their commerce, force them on bankruptcy, by which our merchants must be ruined, or tempt them to emigrations, or alliances with our enemies?\n6. The late war could not have been carried on without America, nor without Scotland? Have we treated America and Scotland in such a manner as is likely in future wars to encourage their zeal for the common cause? Or is England alone to be the Drawcansir of the world, and to bully not only her enemies, but her friends?\n7. Are not the subjects of Britain concerned to check a ministry, who, by this rage of heaping taxes on taxes, are only drawing into their own hands more and more wealth and power, while they are hurting the commercial interest of the empire in general, at the same time that, amidst profound peace, the national debt and burden on the public continue undiminished?\nN.M.C.N.P.C.H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0106", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Galloway, 20 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Galloway, Joseph\nDear Sir,\nLondon, August 20. 1768\nI wrote a pretty long Letter to you by Falconer, in which I acquainted you with what had heretofore pass\u2019d between Lord Hillsborough and myself relating to the Change of our Government; and that I proposed waiting on him again in a few Days, in consequence of an Intimation I had received that he was now disposed to favour the Petition. I have accordingly been with him, and had a long Audience of him upon the Subject, the Particulars of which I cannot at present give you, but the Conclusion was, that we parted without agreeing on any thing, the Advice he gave us in order to obtain the Change, being such as I assur\u2019d him we could not take. I shall therefore move the Matter no farther during the Administration of a Minister that appears to have a stronger Partiality for Mr. Penn than any of his Predecessors. I stay however a little longer here, till I see what Turn American Affairs are like to take. The next News from America, which is anxiously expected, will probably enable us to judge. A Party is now growing in our Favour, which I shall endeavour to increase and strengthen by every Effort of Tongue and Pen. Possibly by our united Endeavours (I wish I could say probably) the Repeal of the late offensive Duties may be obtained. If it should be resolv\u2019d by the Ministry to make us easy, I know not but I may still return this Fall. But otherwise, I shall stay the Session, to see if the new Parliament can be brought to disapprove of the violent Measures talked of, and to repeal the Act. Sir Jeffery Amherst\u2019s being stript of his Offices, gives great Offence to all the Military People here, and tho\u2019 the Measure of requiring a chief Governor to reside in his Government was not in itself a wrong thing, yet Advantage is taken of it by the Opposition, to arraign the Conduct of Lord Hillsborough, and render him odious. Please to present my best Respects and Duty to the Assembly, and assure them of my most faithful Services. With great Esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant\nB Franklin\nJoseph Galloway, Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0107", "content": "Title: On Civil War, 25 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer:\nSir,\nThreescore years did the oppressed United Provinces maintain a war in defence of their liberties against the then powerful kingdom of Spain, with all the wealth of the Indies at it\u2019s command; and finally obliged [it] to acknowledge their independency in a formal treaty, sitting down with the loss of territory, treasure and reputation, and with a broken strength that has never since been recovered.\nContractors, jobbing mercantile members of parliament, officers starving on half pay, and gunsmiths who toast, as the papers tell us, a speedy and a perpetual war, may wish, rather than no war at all, for a civil one in America. These in all conversations, to encourage us in undertaking it, slight the strength of those distant people, think nothing of that enthusiasm for liberty, which in other countries and ages has supplied all deficiencies, and enabled a weak people to battle the efforts of a stronger; but tell us that half a dozen regiments are sufficient to reduce in less than a year every province on the continent. Half a dozen being once engaged in this blessed service, it is easy to write and shew the necessity for more: The more there are, the greater the profits to those gentry. And whatever becomes of us poor devils that live by manufactures or by trade, that are to pay taxes, or that have money in the funds, they will amass fortunes, buy our estates, bribe our boroughs, and vote in parliament the rectitude of the measure.\nI believe our officers and soldiers as brave as any in the world; and from that very opinion of their bravery I conjecture they would not generally relish the being ordered on this murdering service against their countrymen; to shed English blood, to stifle the British spirit of liberty now rising in the Colonies; that Liberty which we should rather wish to see nourished and preserved there, as on a loss of it here (which from our vices is perhaps not far distant) we or our posterity may have occasion to resort to and participate of; and possibly some of the ablest officers may choose, with Sir Jeffery Amherst, rather to resign their commissions. But whatever may be the bravery and military prowess of our troops, and whatever the zeal with which they would proceed in such a war, there are reasons that make me suspect it will not be so soon terminated as some folks would have us believe.\nMy reasons are drawn chiefly from a computation founded on facts. It is well known that America is a country full of forests, mountains, &c. That in such a country a small irregular force can give abundance of trouble to a regular one that is much greater: And that, in the last war, one of the fifteen Colonies we now have there (and one far short of being the strongest) held out five years against twenty five thousand British regular troops, joined by twenty-five thousand Colonists on their own pay, and aided by a strong fleet of men of war. What the expence was to this nation, our treasury books and augmented debt may shew. The expence to America, as their pay was higher, could not be much less. The Colony we made war upon was indeed aided by France, but during the whole contest not with more than five thousand men. Now supposing that the twenty five thousand Colonists, that then joined us, should hereafter be against us, and that this makes no difference, and considering that instead of one Colony to conquer, we are to have fifteen, and that possibly some of our good neighbours may think of making a diversion in their favour, I apprehend it not out of the way to allow five years still to a Colony; and this, by my computation, will amount to just seventy-five years. I hope Messieurs the company of gunsmiths will for the present be so good as to be content with a civil war of seventy-five years, as perhaps we may scarce be able to afford them a perpetual one.\nAnd what are we to gain by this war, by which our trade and manufactures are to be ruined, our strength divided and diminished, our debt increased, and our reputation, as a generous nation, and lovers of liberty, given up and lost? Why, we are to convert millions of the King\u2019s loyal subjects into rebels, for the sake of establishing a newly claimed power in P\u2014\u2014to tax a distant people, whose abilities and circumstances they cannot be acquainted with, who have a constitutional power of taxing themselves; who have never refused to give us voluntarily more than we can ever expect to wrest from them by force; and by our trade with whom we gain millions a year!\nAnd is there not one wise and good man to be found in Britain, who can propose some conciliating measure that may prevent this terrible mischief? I fear not one. For\n  Quos Deus vult perdere, dementat prius !N. N.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0108", "content": "Title: On Absentee Governors: I, 26 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the Public Advertiser.\nSir,\nIt is wonderful what a Clamour an unreasonable Opposition will often make against Measures of Government in themselves the most reasonable, just and prudent. The Assembly of Virginia had granted an ample fix\u2019d Salary for the Support of their Governor. The Event was, that the Governor appointed has always hitherto, during a Number of Successions, made a Sinecure of his Office, and sent a Deputy, generally poor and hungry, who required a new Support, and became thereby as much dependent on the People, as if no such fix\u2019d Support had been settled. Every body sees the Propriety of having our Colony Governors free from such Dependance, and particularly at a Time when the Authority of this Country over that refractory People is disputed, and requires every Support that a spirited Conduct in a Governor can give it. And yet no other Colony would follow the Example of Virginia in settling such fix\u2019d salaries, because they saw it in that Instance so abused. This was the sole Motive of requiring Sir Jeffery Amherst, as Governor of that Province, to repair to his Post; though the Enemies of the new Secretary of State affect to have it understood as an Affront put on that meritorious Officer, in order to gratify a private Friend with an Appointment to his Place. But that there is no Truth in this Calumny appears clearly from hence, that all the Civil Officers who have profitable Patent Places in the Colonies, and by residing there may use the Weight and Influence their Stations give them in Support of the just Authority of Government, such as Secretaries of Provinces, Provost Marshals, Clerks of Courts, &c. are all ordered to their Posts directly; and particularly the two Proprietaries of Maryland and Pensylvania, who being chief Governors there, as Sir Jeffery was in Virginia, and whose great Property, which they derive from the Crown, gives them an additional Influence among the People, have been required to repair to their respective Governments without Loss of Time; and the Maryland Proprietary is already gone accordingly. This the Public may depend on for Fact. I am, Sir, Your humble Servant,\nDaylight.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0109", "content": "Title: On Absentee Governors: II, 27 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThere are some advocates for the Ministers so extremely forward, that they cannot wait till they obtain a true information of facts. Even Daylight unluckily is very much in the dark himself. The truth is, that NOT ONE of the officers he mentions, except Sir Jeffery Amherst, have been ordered to their posts, not even the Governors of Maryland and Pennsylvania, whom he expressly says are gone, or going; an appointment of a new deputy by the former being actually approved by the Am\u2014\u2014n S\u2014\u2014ry, AT THE VERY TIME of Sir Jeffery\u2019s removal, and that Governor (Lord Baltimore) instead of being gone to Maryland, (his post) is gone to France, or Turky, or some-where else, on his travels. The other Governor too, Mr. P\u2014\u2014, may, to all appearance, stay and indulge himself here as long as he pleases, while he can continue his bows to our new Haman, the S\u2014\u2014y, which it seems honest Mordecai unfortunately omitted. What makes his case the harder is, that in the long and laborious service of the American war, he had so little attention to his own interest, that he returned without making a Sixpence; and as the having done a worthy man one injury generally inclines the aggressor to follow it with a second and a third, we may, for aught I know, (but God forbid!) live to see another Bellisaire ! I am, your\u2019s, &c.\nTwilight.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0110", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Alexander] Jacob, 29 August 1768\nFrom: Jacob, Alexander\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMr. Jacob presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklyn and begs the favour of his Company to meet honest friend Cumming at the Chaplain\u2019s Room at St. James\u2019s to morrow to take a bit of the King\u2019s Mutton at three oClock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0111", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Swinton, Jr., 29 August 1768\nFrom: Swinton, John, Jr.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nEdinr 29th Augt 1768\nMay I beg the Favor that you will transmit the enclosed Letter to your Son. He desired me to pay to you four Guineas which he was so good as [to ad]vance for me, and accordingly you have herewith an order for that Sum. I am Sir with great Regard your most obedient and most humble Servant\nJohn Swinton Junr\nTo Benjamin Franklin Esqr\nEndorsed: 127 J Swinton for W F. \u00a34 4s. 0d.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0112", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dennys DeBerdt, 31 August 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: DeBerdt, Dennys\nSir,\nIn the Gazetteer of Friday, Aug. 26. you have been so obliging as to inform us, that the Report insinuating that the Earl of Hillsborough had neglected to deliver a Petition from the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay to his Majesty, was groundless, his Lordship not having ever seen the Petition at the time of such Report.\nWe are very subject to be impos\u2019d on by Reports especially such as convey any Reflection upon Ministers, an Order of Men of whom we have not generally the best Opinion. It is therefore kind to us as well as to them, to set us right when we are misled. And as such Reports are generally varied according to the Ignorance or Malice of the Reporters, it would be well if all their Variations could be answered with a Clearness, equal to yours in that above mentioned. Now since it must be as much in your Power, we hope and trust you will be as ready to refute this, \u201cThat his Lordship having had from Governor Barnard an Account of the Purport of the Assembly\u2019s Petition, refused to receive it from you, on a Distinction newly started, to wit, that you were not a regularly appointed Agent, being authoris\u2019d only by the Assembly, to transact their Business here, the Governor not having consented to your Appointment.\u201d We would just observe that this State of the Report is more probable than the other, it being as unlikely that his Lordship should neglect to present a Petition he had once received, as it is that you would neglect [to] offer it [to h]im. We are, Sir, Yours, &c\nThe Publick\nP.S. Excuse us if we add, that tho\u2019 we have no right to ask what the Reasons were, that, in your Letters of March last, you gave to the Assembly, for not proceeding with their Petition; yet, as in their Message to the Governor of June the 30th. when they had probably received those Letters, they say, \u201cit had been revealed there that the late Provincial Applications for Redress of Grievances had been somehow strangely obstructed;\u201d and as the Assembly of Maryland, in their Message to their Governor, hint at \u201can Attempt in some of his Majesty\u2019s Ministers to prevent the Supplications of America from reaching the Royal Ear;\u201d we own it would be extreamly agreable to us to be rightly informed in this important Affair: And if you are, as we believe you are, more desirous of obliging the Publick, and serving your Constituents, than of screening a Minister, we doubt not but you will give us all reasonable Satisfaction.\nTo Mr. Denis DeBerdt, Agent for the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0113", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Timothy, 3 September 1768\nFrom: Timothy, Peter\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nChas. Town, So. Carolina, Sept. 3d. 1768.\nThe Bearer is the young Man you desired me to enquire about, and from [by] whom I have sent two Letters (under your Cover) for Mr. Traill. I shall just repeat what I wrote you before, concerning him \u201cThat I knew his Father perfectly well; that his Mother lived almost opposite to me, when the present James Stewart was born; that she had not the Means to do great Matters, yet was very attentive to his Education; that I knew who taught him, Mr. Wm. Henderson (now in London) of whom he learnt some Latin. That his Mother dying in indigent Circumstances, he fell under the Care of Mr. Francis Stuart, of Beaufort, Port-Royal,  with whom he has been some Years: And that I have enquired into his Disposition and Conduct, and have favourable Accounts of both.\u201d\nIt was lucky for Mr. Spencer that you recommended him to me. He is happily settled. And in May last I was reimbursed the Money I paid Maitland on your Bill, with what he owed you.\nI should have done myself the Pleasure to write you frequently, but that I was constantly told you would be on your Return home before my Letters could reach England. And Mr. Foxcroft has assured me that you would be in Philadelphia in June last. Otherwise I could have given you from Time to Time a great deal of Intelligence\u2014in such a confused Manner as my perplexed Head would have admitted, who find myself from the most popular reduced to the most unpopular Man in the Province; by taking upon me a Place in the Post-Office at the Time of the Stamp-Act; discontinuing Printing, while its Operation was in Suspence; and declining to direct, support and engage in the most violent Opposition\u2014which so exasperated every Body that they have taken every Step to injure, and set up Crouch (a worthless Fellow) against me, whom they support with their utmost Zeal and Interest. Ruduced to this Situation I have not been myself since Nov. 1765. Nor shall I recover, unless I quit the Post-Office when some other Occasion offers to distinguish myself in the Cause of America.\nI do not suppose there is a Colony on this Continent in so flourishing and promising a Situation as So. Carolina at present. Private and public Works are every where carrying on with Spirit. A Beacon and Light-House for this Harbour are near finished on Middle-Bay Island. The Fortifications on White Point (which were made only of Fascines before), are walling in with great Expedition, and faced with Palmeta-Logs. The new Watch-House is covered in and will make no despicable Appearance; it is raised a Story beyond the first Design, to contain the Treasurer\u2019s, Country Controller\u2019s, and Powder-Receiver\u2019s Offices. A Stone Bridge at the North End of the Town is completed. The Exchange is begun, and will be an elegant Structure. A new Hospital is in some Forwardness, and the old is to be converted into a proper Work-House. The Survey of the Province is pursued with Diligence, by Tacitus Gaillard on the Land, and James Cook by Water. A Canal is to be made at the Head of our principal Street, the End opposite to the Exchange,  and a large Body of Marsh to be bank\u2019d in for a Common. At the same Time very elegant Buildings are raising in almost every Street by private Gentlemen. The Lawyers, Doctors; and Planters get rich apace; the Merchants do not in general so well. Our Staple Rice is in a fine Way. The enormous Crop made last Year will be exceeded this. Yet after all, the Country is in great Confusion. The Jurisdiction of the Courts in Charles-Town is loudly complained of, and is in Fact, a great Grievance. The People in the Back Settlements have solicited Redress, and their Solicitations too much disregarded. They are at last in Arms, and refuse Submission to every Law or Act of Government that to them is oppressive; and seem resolute to stand out, till the Nature of the Disease suggests the Remedy. They call themselves Regulators, and intend to regulate our ensuing Election by marching down 100 or 150 Men to every Parish where they have a Right (which they never before exercised) to vote. And these People extend from the Sea on one Side, to Savannah River on the other; 45 Miles deep. They consist of two Parties. Both owe to their Origin to Grenville\u2019s hellish Idea of the Stamp-Act, when some from Chas. Town persuaded those ignorant Back Settlers, that if the Duty was suffered to take Place, they would even pay it for their Produce, Cattle, Horses, &c. and every other Article. This brought them together, and put into their Heads to expell all the Virginia Horse Thieves, &c. Justice not being obtainable on them, without immense Expence, they punished them themselves\u2014and at last they looked into other Matters. [I have sent Miles Brewton,  Esq. of this Place, now in London, a Copy of some extraordinary Resolutions.] But the Bearer waits and this Ship is under Sail\u2014I must break off short, and am ever, with the greatest Regard, Your most obedient and most humble Servant\nPetr. Timothy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0114", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 10 September 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNyork Sept. 10. 1768\nTho\u2019 I have not had the Pleasure of one Line from you for many Months past yet I will write a Word or two. Mrs. Franklin I hear expects you in the August Packet, but your Son, who is gone to Albany just now, told me he hardly expected you. I have not heard a Word from my unhappy Son, whether he be dead or alive, tho\u2019 I heard the Vessel he went in arrived some Weeks before the Packet sail\u2019d. It would have been kind had you mentioned any Thing of him, in any of yours, for our Satisfaction,  but as it is, we must leave it to Time to inform us. We have only our humble Remembrance of you, whilst I am Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0115", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 20 September 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mecom, Jane\nDear Sister,\nLondon, Sept. 20. 1768\nThe last Letter I have received from you is dated May 11. I hope you continue well, tho\u2019 \u2019tis so long since I have heard from you. As your good Friend Capt. Freeman has not been here this Summer, I am afraid his Sickness that you mention proved fatal to him,  which I shall be sorry to hear, as I had conceiv\u2019d a great Esteem for him. I suppose the Dissolution of your Assembly will affect you a little in the Article of Boarders; but do not be discouraged. Your Debt to Mrs. Stevenson is paid, and she presents her kind Respects to you, and desires you will freely command her Service at any time. I cannot always conveniently send you the Pieces I write in the Papers here, for several Reasons; but will do it when I can. I send the Mezzotinto Print herewith. My Love to Cousin Jenny and all enquiring Friends, from Your affectionate Brother\nB Franklin\nAddressed: To / Mrs. Mecom / Hannover Street / Boston / per favour of / Mr Rogers", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0116", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, [before 21 September 1768]\nFrom: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Before Sept. 21, 1768]\nJ\u2019ai oubli\u00e9 Monsieur, dans la lettre que j\u2019ai donn\u00e9e a M. L\u2019abbe Taglieri, pour vous, de vous demander une grace; c\u2019est de me faire le plaisir de m\u2019envoyer par la premi\u00e8re occasion, que vous pourrez trouver, une petite provision de feuilles d\u2019apalachine,  dont j\u2019ai mis un echantillon dans ce petit pacquet. C\u2019est pour une de mes parentes, qui, sachant que j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre connu de vous, m\u2019a pri\u00e9 instamment de vous en demander. Et comme cette plante, croit dans vos montagnes des apalaches, je pense qu\u2019un deput\u00e9 de L\u2019Am\u00e9rique doit en avoir facilement. Si la chose est possible, je vous en serai infiniment oblig\u00e9.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec les sentimens d\u2019estime les plus distingu\u00e9s Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant serviteur\nLeRoy\nP.S. Voudrez vous bien Monsieur presenter mes hommages \u00e0 Mr. Pringle et procurer sa connoissance \u00e0 M. l\u2019abb\u00e9 Taglier[i].\nAddressed: To / Doctr Benjamin Franklin / Deputy of the American Colonies / Buckingham Street / york buildings / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0117", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 21 September 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Beccaria, Giambatista\nHonoured Sir,\nLondon, September 21, 1768\nThe bearer of this letter, my good friend Monsieur l\u2019Epinasse, is a brilliant student of electricity and one of the best there are. He plans to visit Turin, and, since he has a great wish to make your acquaintance, I could not refuse to grant him that honour through this letter, which will serve as an introduction to you and which, I hope, your kindness will excuse.\nI had already planned to write to you at length on the subject of your last letter, but the business in which I am involved here distracts my attention so completely from philosophical matters, and I have been flattering myself so constantly with the hope of going home where I could find the leisure to pick up my studies again, that I have shamefully put off from moment to moment this project of mine. In spite of all this, I can only admit my fault and ask for your forgiveness, while assuring you that nobody has more perfect esteem and respect for your Reverence than he who has the honour to be, Honoured Sir, your most obedient and humble servant\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0119", "content": "Title: Answers to the Late Queries on the Colonies, 22\u201324 September 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle.\nSir,\nIn your Paper of Sept. 15, you inserted the following Queries, dated from Langford. By reprinting them with the annexed Answers, I hope you will give some Satisfaction to the Querist; at least you will oblige, Your\u2019s, &c.\nAn American.\n\u201cQueries relative to the Colonies and Islands belonging to Great Britain.\u201d\nObservation. It would have been more rightly expressed, if you had said, \u201cto the King of Great Britain.\u201d\nQuery 1. Whether, the chief plea that the Colonists urge for not obeying Acts of the British Parliament, is, their not being represented in the said Parliament?\nAnswer. Yes. And a better plea it is than any the People of Great Britain have, who consume smuggled goods, omit entring their plate, &c. contrary to their own acts.\nQ. 2. Whether, as Englishmen, their plea is not constitutional, as no Englishman ought to be governed by laws he does not give his consent to, either in person, or by his representative, especially when money laws are the objects in dispute?\nA. Yes; certainly.\nQ. 3. Whether it would not deprive the Colonists of their chief plea, if a Bill was passed to enable them to send Representatives to the Hon. House of Commons in England, under such restrictions and limitations as to the wisdom of the House shall seem meet? and then, whether they would not be without excuse, if they did not send Representatives, or not obey the Acts of the Legislature here?\nA. If the Querist, when he mentions \u201csuch restrictions and limitations as to the wisdom of the House should seem meet,\u201d had added, \u201cbeing also such as to the Americans shall seem suitable and equitable, and accordingly be agreed to by them,\u201d his consequence would have been just, \u201cthat they would be without excuse if they did not afterwards send Representatives, and obey the Acts of the Legislature here.\u201d But if the Americans should not think such proposed union practicable; or if the number of Representatives allowed them should not be an equitable proportion; or if the Representatives allowed were to act under any restrictions and limitations that others here are free from, and the Colonies should for those reasons not agree to the Act; by the Querist\u2019s own principle, contained in his second Query, they ought not to be compelled to accept of it.\nQ. 4. Whether the Colonists are not now, and whether they have not long been, immensely in debt to the Mother Country?\nA. In all trade where manufacturers and tradesmen, or merchants, supply consumers with their commodities, there will be constantly subsisting a proportion of debt; because trade cannot be carried on to such extent, if confined to ready-money bargains only; and because the tradesmen or merchants chuse, by giving credit, to encourage buyers and draw custom. The debt due from the Colonies is not proportionably greater than the debt due from the Nobility and Gentry of England to their Tradesmen here: And if any of it is longer due (which I do not believe) it is not owing to any greater unwillingness in the Americans to pay their debts as fast as they are able, but to the greater willingness of their Creditors that the debt should continue, as they receive for it an interest of five per cent. An interest as justly and honestly due from the Gentry of England, who however do not pay it. With regard to the \u201cimmensity\u201d of the debt, I question whether it exceeds the value of one year\u2019s trade; many people there sending bills, money, tobacco, rice, sugar, skins, and other commodities, to purchase what they want, and requiring no credit.\nQ. 5. Whether the Mother Country, in consequence thereof, is not rather dependant on the Colonists, than the Colonists on the Mother Country?\nA. Tradesmen and Manufacturers are in some sort dependant on their Customers, at least for their good will; and if they would have them continue Customers, should act in character, treat them with civility, and by that means endeavour to retain them. If this dependance is disagreable to you, you can free yourselves when you please, by refusing to sell us any more goods, and so oblige us to buy elsewhere, or manufacture for ourselves. But a Shopkeeper that pretended to kick and cuff all who disliking his behaviour or exorbitant demands would no longer use his commodities, or chose to go to a cheaper and civiller shop, could hardly expect long to keep his business.\nQ. 6. Whether the greatness of the said debt is not chiefly owing to the difficulty of compelling the Colonists to pay their creditors?\nA. The greatness of the debt is not owing to any such difficulty. It is in fact more easy to recover a debt in any of the Northern Colonies than in England. Suits are neither so dilatory nor so expensive there as here. All their landed and real estates are subject to the payment of their debts, and may be taken in execution and sold even for book debts,  which here cannot be done. A book account proved here before a proper Magistrate, and the proof attested by him, is good evidence in the Courts there, though it is not here. But if you compare the difficulty of recovering a debt in any of the Colonies, with that which Tradesmen here find in collecting their debts among yourselves, especially from People of Fashion, the last by all accounts is far the greatest.\nQ. 7. Whether that difficulty is not principally owing to the creditor\u2019s being obliged to commence processes in the Province or Island the Colonist resides in?\nA. Not at all; for the reasons above given.\nQ. 8. Whether that difficulty would not be removed, if an Act was passed by the Legislature here, to compel the Colonist to be amenable to a Subpoena (issued out of the Court of Chancery in England) in a reasonable time after such Subpoena being served on the Colonist?\nA. Such an Act is unnecessary, improper, and impracticable. It is unnecessary, because the King\u2019s Courts are open there, on whose justice there is no imputation. To employ the High Court of Chancery of Great Britain in recovering plain book debts in the Colonies, is beneath its dignity, and therefore improper. And to execute such an Act, by sending backwards and forwards at so great a distance all the bills, answers, replies, rejoinders, rebutters, and surrebutters, and other parts of the process infinite in number, would, if \u201creasonable time\u201d were allowed, make a suit eternal; and therefore it is impracticable. But should any Act be made to bring American debtors to answer in Courts here, what would the Querist think of a clause to impower American creditors to call British debtors over to their Courts in America? \u2019Tis equally absurd, I own; but the Act without such clause would scarce be equitable. And Britain is not always the creditor. Within these two years, two considerable houses in London have stopt payment, greatly in debt to America for wheat.\nQ. 9. Whether such a law would not greatly turn the scale in favour of the Mother Country, and the Colonists could not justly complain of such a law? and whether such a law would not recover great sums, and save the Merchants of these Kingdoms many thousand pounds yearly?\nA. The scale needs no turning in favour of the Mother Country; \u2019tis already turn\u2019d and down. If the Colonists had had, according to the second Query, a constitutional hand in making such or any law, and so had given their consent to it, they certainly could not then justly complain of it. But as to its \u201crecovering great sums, and saving the Merchants of these Kingdoms many thousand pounds yearly\u201d I apprehend, for the reasons above given, that such expectation is altogether groundless. The very magnitude of the credit constantly given to America, is itself a proof, that your Merchants think and find their debts as safe and as easily recoverable there as any where.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0120", "content": "Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Benjamin Franklin and Richard Jackson, 22 September 1768\nFrom: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jackson, Richard\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia, September 22, 1768.\nIn our Letter of the twentieth of February last,  we communicated the Directions of the House, that you would unite with the Agents of the other Colonies in such Measures as might be pursued with respect to the obtaining a Repeal of the Act of Parliament imposing Duties on Glass, Paper, &c. in America.\nThe Assembly, in their present Sitting, resuming the Consideration of that Act, and continuing of Opinion, that it is extremely inconsistent with the Rights of the Freemen of the Province, have thought it a necessary Duty to petition the different Branches of the British Legislature for Redress. Those Petitions are herewith transmitted, which you are desired to lay before His Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament, to whom they are respectively directed.\nYou will perceive, on perusing the Petitions, that the Reasons, offered to induce a Repeal, are very much confined to the Right of the Colony in being exempted from Parliamentary Taxation; little is said on the Inexpediency of the Regulation adopted by the Act, lest seeming to rely on the latter should weaken the Arguments in Support of the former. However, the House think it necessary to observe, that, were they convinced the Parliament had a constitutional Right to tax the Subject, which they never can have, in America, yet they conceive the Act under Consideration is liable to several material Objections, founded on the Welfare of the Mother Country, as well as the Colonies.\nA little Attention to the natural Effects of the Act must shew its bad Policy. The Colonies are prohibited, by divers Acts of Parliament, from importing Commodities of the Growth and Manufacture of Europe, save from Great-Britain, a few Articles excepted. They have hitherto in a great Measure contented themselves with supplying their Wants from their Mother Country, to the great Advantage of her Commerce. But should the Act be continued, and with it the heavy Duties on the Commodities therein enumerated, it will naturally induce the Americans, either from the Principles of Necessity, Interest or Conveniency, to set up Manufacturies of those Articles, and desist from any further Importation from Britain. Hence a virtual, if not an actual, Repeal of the Statute will follow; and instead of leaving the Colonies to their natural and proper Business, the Improvement and Cultivation of their Lands, and of Course increasing the Demand for British Commodities among them, it will operate as a Bounty to raise and manufacture them here, to the great Loss of the British Merchant and Manufacturer.\nAnother Objection to this Statute, which is equally applicable to several others, laying Duties on Commodities for the Regulation of Trade, is, that they are all to be paid in Silver. This Restriction, in the Payment to one Species of Currency, has already laid the Importers under the greatest Difficulties. The Balance of Trade, in Favour of Britain, has already drained the Colonies of that Article, insomuch that the Merchants can now scarcely collect sufficient to pay the Duties, and in a short Time it will be impossible to pay them at all, as the Colonies have no Trade which can supply them with the Materials appointed in the Act for the Payment. A Stop to the Importation of those enumerated Commodities must from thence follow, as no Person will choose to give Orders for Effects which he will not be permitted to land without paying Duties for them in Silver, when it is out of his Power to procure it.\nA third Objection arises from the Appropriation of the Monies to be levied by the Act. They are to be applied to the Payment of the necessary Charges of the Administration of Justice, and to the Support of the Civil Government, in such Colonies where it shall be judged necessary. This Regulation, the House apprehends, may be attended with the most dangerous Consequences. Should the Proprietaries of this Province continue to hold the Nomination and Appointment of the Governor, and his Salary to be paid by the People, without their Consent, be certainly fixed, he will be rendered altogether independant of them, and thereby that Check on his Conduct, which is necessary to the Support and Preservation of their Rights, be intirely lost.\nThe Establishment of Salaries, in the same Manner, on the Judges holding their Commissions during the Pleasure of the Proprietaries, who are the universal Landlords, and must of Course have Controversies in the Courts of Justice with the People, will be attended with Mischiefs little, if any, inferior. In England, and by a late Act in Ireland, the Judges have independant Livings, but the Tenure of their Commissions is during good Behaviour, and they hold Estates for Life in their Offices. Thus they are freed from the Influence and Controul of Power, and under them the People have a rational Surety of impartial and upright Decisions in all Cases where either Liberty or Property is concerned. But should the Judges of this Province, already dependant on the Will and Pleasure of the executive Part of Government for their Commissions, be rendered altogether independant on the Legislative for their Salaries, whenever either weak or bad Men may be in Office, or the Proprietaries, or their Governors, shall think proper to interfere in judicial Determinations, the Liberties and Properties of the People must be in the most imminent Danger, if not totally destroyed.\nBut the Act provides, that the Monies shall be applied to the Purposes before-mentioned, in such Colonies where it may be judged necessary. Should it be thought unnecessary to apply any Part of it to the Use of this Province, it must appear on the least Reflection extremely unjust that the Duties levied on the People here, without their Consent, should be appropriated to the Uses of the other Colonies, without our deriving the least Benefit from the Application.\nShould any Surplus happen after these Purposes are answered, the Residue of the Monies is to be expended in the general Defence of the Colonies; but the House cannot conceive that the Parliament can have a Right to tax so large a Body of the King\u2019s Subjects without their Consent; and had they that Authority, they apprehend the People of this Province have ever heretofore rendered the Exercise of it over them unnecessary, by the Liberality of their Grants to the Crown, whenever required.\nFormer Assemblies having received repeated Proofs of your warm and steady Regard for the just Rights and Privileges of this and the other American Colonies, the House entertain the fullest Confidence that you will pay all due Attention to the important Matters now committed to your Care, by exerting your utmost Influence and Abilities to obtain a Repeal of the before-mentioned Act, which they conceive to be equally prejudicial to the true Interest of Great-Britain and her Colonies.\nThey also request that you will not be unmindful of the several Matters heretofore recommended to your particular Attention, with Respect to the Trade of the Colonies to Spain, Portugal, the West-Indies, &c. and that you will omit no favourable Opportunity of obtaining Relief from the many injudicious Restrictions which have been laid on our Paper Currency, the Exportation of Iron, and other Branches of our Commerce, to the manifest Prejudice of both Countries; for the Particulars whereof we refer you to our former Instructions.  Signed by Order of the House,\nJames Pemberton,\nJoseph Galloway, Speaker.\nWilliam Rodman,\nJoseph Fox,\nIsaac Pearson.\nJoseph Richardson,\nThomas Livezey,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0121", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 September 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewYork, Sept. 24. 1768\nAltho\u2019 it be many Months since I have had the Pleasure of one Line from you, yet as I have some Room to think you are not on the Return home now, as all your Friends expected, I will once more scribble to a few Lines more to ask, How you do?\nAt the same time, it may not be displeasing to receive Word, that your Son being gone to Albany, as you will see in the News papers, I heard he got well to Sir Wm. Johnson\u2019s, and they expected the Treaty about this Time. Your Son and Daughter Bache you will doubtless hear from, they being now in this City, just returned from Boston in their Way home, she I see is very well.\nWe continue to struggle along thro\u2019 the World, And if I can make both Ends meet, I shall be happy. I am much as I used to be in Health, and tho\u2019 I meet with hard Fare, I am determined to Conquer my Adverse Fortune, or die in the Attempt.\nThe Publick Affairs and Commotions you will probably learn from the Papers and others. I do not love to arraign the Conduct of my Superiors, tho\u2019 I can\u2019t help thinking some actings are strangely absurd.\nWe complain the Nation is deeply in Debt, and yet those at Helm send 5 or 6 Commissioners to Boston with the Charge or Pension of about \u00a33000 sterling per An. which might every Farthing been saved, and all the Business done as well as before, and much more to the Satisfaction of every Officer here. Those besides kicking up a Dust, by their haughty Behaviour, imitate their Superiors in Absurdity, or shall I call it Chicanery. They have ordered all the Money collected for Duties to be first sent to them to Boston, and those Officers who receive Pay as such here, are to send a Power to some of their Dependants there, for them to receive it, and to send it back here, by which Means they are to stop (or their Dependants do it) 2\u00bd per Cent. out of all our small Allowances, besides paying Freight and Risk of the Money\u2019s coming here. Now as the Money first goes from hence, could it not be better paid here without any of this Risk or Charge? And is not such a Conduct absurd; as well as cruel to one who has but a small Allowance at best, and some of that to be decolated from them. I could wish it had remained to be paid in England, tho\u2019 I have never had a Copper yet of any sort from that Office.\nWhen I begin to scribble, I know not when to stop. I have only to add, all our respectful Compliments from Your most obliged Humble Servant\nJames Parker.\nAddressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven-Street / London\n  Endorsed: Mr Parker \u2003Sept. 25.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0123", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 28 September 1768: phonetic spelling and transcription\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nDiir Madam,\n[September 28, 1768]\nDhi abdshekshyin iu meek to rektifyiiing aur alfabet, \u201cdhat it uil bi atended uidh inkanviniensiz and difikyiltiz,\u201d iz e natural uyin; far it aluaz akyirz huen eni refarmeshyin iz propozed ; huedhyir in rilidshyin, gyivernment, laz, and iven daun az lo az rods and huil karidshiz. Dhi tru kuestshyin dhen, is nat huedhyir dhaer uil bi no difikyiltiz ar inkanviniensiz; byit huedher dhi difikyiltiz m\u00ea nat bi syirmaunted; and huedhyir dhi kanviniensiz uil nat, an dhi huol, bi gr\u00eatyir dhan dhi inkanviniensiz. In dhis kes, dhi difikyiltiz er onli in dhi bigining av dhi praktis: huen dh\u00ea er uyins ovyirkyim, dhi advantedshez er lasting. To yiidhyir iu ar mi, hu spel uel in dhi prezent mod, yii imadshin dhi difikyilti av tshendshing dhat mod far dhi nu, iz nat so gr\u00eat, byit dhat ui myiit pyirfektli git ovyir it in a uiiks ryiiting. Az to dhoz hu du nat spel uel, if dhi tu difikyiltiz er kyimp\u00eard, [viz.] dhat av titshing dhem tru speling in dhi prezent mod, and dhat av titshing dhem dhi nu alfabet and dhi nu speling akarding to it; yii am kanfident dhat dhi latyir uuld bi byii far dhi liist. Dh\u00ea natyirali fal into dhi nu methyid alredi, az myits az dhi imperfekshyin av dher alfabet uil admit av; dh\u00ear prezent bad speling iz onli bad, bikaz kantreri to dhi prezent bad ruls: yindyir dhi nu ruls it uuld bi gud. Dhi difikyilti av lyirning to spel uel in dhi old u\u00ea iz so gr\u00eat, dhat fiu at\u00ean it; thauzands and thauzands ryiiting an to old edsh, uidhaut ever biing ebil to akuyiir it. \u2019Tiz, bisyiidz, e difikyilti kantinuali inkriising; az dhi saund graduali veriz mor and mor fram dhi speling: and to farenyirs it m\u00eaks dhi lyirning to pronauns aur languedsh, az riten in aur buks, almost impasibil.\nNau az to \u201cdhi inkanviniensiz\u201d iu menshyin. Dhi fyirst iz; dhat \u201caal aur etimalodshiz uuld bi last, kansikuentli ui kuld nat asyirteen dhi miining av meni uyirds.\u201d Etimalodshiz er at prezent veri yiensyirten; byit syitsh az dh\u00ea er, dhi old buks uuld stil prizyirv dhem, and etimalodshists uuld dh\u00ear fyiind dhem. Uyirds in dhi kors av tyiim, tshendsh dher miinings, az uel az dher speling and pronyinsieshyin; and ui du nat luk to etimalodshi far dher prezent miinings. If yii shuld kal e man e Neev and e Vilen, hi uuld hardli bi satisfyiid uith myii teling him, dhat uyin av dhi uyirds oridshinali signifyiid onli e lad ar syirvant; and dhi yidhyir, an yindyir plauman, ar dhi inhabitant av e viledsh. It iz fram prezent iusedsh onli, dhi miining av uyirds iz to bi dityirmined.\nIur sekyind inkanviniens iz, dhat \u201cdhi distinkshyin bituiin uyirds av difyirent miining and similar saund uuld bi distrayiid.\u201d Dhat distinkshyin iz alredi distrayiid in pronaunsing dhem; and ui rilyii an dhi sens alon av dhi sentens to asyirteen, huitsh av dhi several uyirds, similar in saund, ui intend. If dhis iz syifishent in dhi rapiditi av diskors, it uil bi mutsh mor so in riten sentenses; huitsh m\u00ea bi red lezshurli; and atended to mor partikularli in kes av difikyilti, dhan ui kan atend to e past sentens, huyiil e spikyir iz hyiryiiing yis alang uith nu uyins.\nIur thyird inkanviniens iz, dhat \u201caal dhi buks alredi riten uuld bi iusles.\u201d Dhis inkanviniens uuld onli kyim an graduali, in e kors av edshes. Iu and yii, and yidhyir nau living ridyirs, uuld hardli farget dhi ius av dhem. Piipil uuld long lyirn to riid dhi old ryiiting, dho dh\u00ea praktist dhi nu. And dhi inkanviniens iz nat greter, dhan huat hes aktuali hapend in a similar kes, in Iteli. Farmerli its inhabitants aal spok and rot Latin: az dhi languedsh tshendshd, dhi speling falo\u2019d it. It iz tru dhat prezent, e miir yinlarn\u2019d Italien kanat riid dhi Latin buks; dho dhe er stil red and yindyirstud byii meni. Byit, if dhi speling had nevyir bin tshendshed, hi uuld nau hev faund it myitsh mor difikyilt to riid and ryiit hiz on languadsh; far riten uyirds uuld hev had no ril\u00eashyin to saunds, dhe uuld onli hev stud far dhings; so dhat if hi uuld ekspres in ryiiting dhi yiidia hi hez, huen hi saunds dhi uyird Vescovo, hi myist iuz dhi leterz Episcopus. In shart, huatever dhi difikyiltiz and inkanviniensiz nau er, dhe uil bi mor iizili syirmaunted nau, dhan hiraftyir; and syim tyiim ar yidhyir, it myist bi dyin; ar aur ryiiting uil bikyim dhi s\u00eam uidh dhi Tshyiiniiz, as to dhi difikyilti av lyirning and iuzing it. And it uuld alredi hev bin syitsh, if ui had kantinud dhi Saksyin speling and ryiiting, iuzed byii our forfadhers. yii am, myii diir frind, iurs afekshyinetli,\nB. Franklin.\nLyindyin, Kreven-striit,\nDear Madam,\nLondon, Craven-street, Sept. 28, 1768.\nThe objection you make to rectifying our alphabet, \u201cthat it will be attended with inconveniences and difficulties,\u201d  is a natural one; for it always occurs when any reformation is proposed, whether in religion, government, laws, and even down as low as roads and wheel carriages. The true question then, is not whether there will be no difficulties or inconveniences; but whether the difficulties may not be surmounted; and whether the conveniences will not, on the whole, be greater than the inconveniences. In this case, the difficulties are only in the beginning of the practice; when they are once overcome, the advantages are lasting. To either you or me, who spell well in the present mode, I imagine the difficulty of changing that mode for the new is not so great, but that we might perfectly get over it in a week\u2019s writing.\nAs to those who do not spell well, if the two difficulties are compared, [viz.] that of teaching them true spelling in the present mode, and that of teaching them the new alphabet and the new spelling according to it; I am confident that the latter would be by far the least. They naturally fall into the new method already, as much as the imperfection of their alphabet will admit of; Their present bad spelling is only bad, because contrary to the present bad rules; under the new rules it would be good. The difficulty of learning to spell well in the old way is so great, that few attain it; thousands and thousands writing on to old age, without ever being able to acquire it. \u2019Tis, besides, a difficulty continually increasing; as the sound gradually varies more and more from the spelling: and to foreigners it makes the learning to pronounce our language, as written in our books, almost impossible.\nNow as to \u201cthe inconveniences\u201d you mention-the first is; \u201cthat all our etymologies would be lost, consequently we could not ascertain the meaning of many words.\u201d Etymologies are at present very uncertain; but such as they are, the old books would still preserve them, and etymologists would there find them. Words in the course of time, change their meanings, as well as their spelling and pronunciation; and we do not look to etymology for their present meanings. If I should call a man a Knave and a Villain, he would hardly be satisfied with my telling him, that one of the words originally signified only a lad or servant; and the other, an under plowman, or the inhabitant of a village. It is from present usage only, that the meaning of words is to be determined.\nYour second inconvenience is, that \u201cthe distinction between words of different meaning and similar sound would be destroyed.\u201d That distinction is already destroyed in pronouncing them; and you rely on the sense alone of the sentence to ascertain, which of the several words, similar in sound, we intend. If this is sufficient in the rapidity of discourse, it will be much more so in written sentences; which may be read leisurely; and attended to more particularly in case of difficulty, than you can attend to a past sentence, while a speaker is hurrying us along with new ones.\nYour third inconvenience is, that \u201call the books already written would be useless.\u201d This inconvenience would only come on gradually, in a course of ages. You, and I, and other now living readers, would hardly forget the use of them. People would long learn to read the old writing, though they practised the new. And the inconvenience is not greater, than what has actually happened in a similar case, in Italy. Formerly its inhabitants all spoke and wrote Latin; as the language changed, the spelling follow\u2019d it. It is true that at present, a mere unlearn\u2019d Italian cannot read the Latin books; though they are still read and understood by many. But, if the spelling had never been changed, he would now have found it much more difficult to read and write his own language,  for written words would have had no relation to sounds, they would only have stood for things; so that if he would express in writing the idea he has, when he sounds the word Vescovo, he must use the letters Episcopus. In short, whatever the difficulties and inconveniences now are, they will be more easily surmounted now, than hereafter; and some time or other it must be done; or our writing will become the same with the Chinese, as to the difficulty of learning and using it. And it would already have been such, if we had continued the Saxon spelling and writing, used by our forefathers. I am, my dear friend, yours affectionately,\nB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0124", "content": "Title: On Sinecures, 28 September 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser.\nGreat complaints are every day made, that notwithstanding Great Britain has involved herself in a very heavy debt, for the defence of the American colonies in the late war, that now they refuse to pay any part of this debt. On this subject there has been a very smart paper war for some years,  which controversy it seems, is like to be decided by the all powerful argument of fire and sword.\nThis argument, on the side of Great Britain, has much alarmed me, having myself a very considerable interest depending, as well as several near relations on that side the water.\nFrom the epithets of unjust, ungenerous rogues, rebels, &c. which are so lavishly bestowed on the Americans, I have been induced to look into those late acts of parliament, which the colonies refuse to comply with, and to my very great surprize find there is not one single word in those acts for the purpose of raising money to help poor Old England, from which I begin to suspect we are all on a wrong scent. How can we justly accuse them of refusing to assist poor Old England in her distresses, when we neither ask or require it of them?\nBy those acts the money to be raised is for their own use, not ours. But why in the name of wonder was such an act made? The money to be raised, I find, is for their defence and the support of civil government among themselves. When have they suffered by neglecting to raise money for their own defence? So far were they from neglecting to raise a sufficiency for that purpose during the late war, that I am told the parliament gave them \u00a34 or 500,000 to reimburse their extra expences. Why then are we to fear, that in a time of profound peace, and when every enemy is driven out of the country, that now they won\u2019t raise money for their own defence? This to me is unaccountable; but to send an army to force it for fear it should not be done, is still more unaccountable.\nAs to their civil government, I have ever understood it is more effectually supported there than in any other part of his Majesty\u2019s dominions. My countrymen, we are all by the nose: there is a snake in the grass: give yourselves but the trouble to look at those acts, and reflect one moment as I have done, and you will at once see that we are all set by the ears; for we know not what. But by your leave I will venture to hint, for your consideration, a very common custom among pickpockets, i.e. A thief cries catch thief. My reason for this surmise is, from what I have hinted, you at once see we are to have none of this money to ease our taxes: it will be of no use to the Americans, otherwise they would consent to it. Who then is to have the prize we are fighting for? To which I will venture to make answer, Friends and Favourites; for by those acts you will find, that the money raised is put under the direction of the Crown, to pay (or give) to as many of what officers it pleases to appoint in America; all which appointments and salaries, it is well known, are made and concluded upon by the King\u2019s Ministers.\nWhoever therefore will give themselves the trouble to look at these acts, which the Americans refuse to comply with, will at once see the whole is a piece of ministerial policy, designed not for the good of Great Britain or her colonies, but for an American establishment, whereby they may be able to provide for friends and favourites.\nThe Irish establishment has been much talked of as a sinecure for friends and favourites, and cast-off mistresses; but this American establishment promises a more ample provision for such-like purposes. That this is the truth of the case, every one that will give himself the trouble must see, unless troubled with the present very polite disorder of being short-sighted.\nExpositor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0125", "content": "Title: Anthony Todd to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 4 October 1768\nFrom: Todd, Anthony\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Foxcroft, John\nExtract of a Letter from Anth Todd Esqr. to Messrs. Franklin and Foxcroft Dated General Post Office October 4th. 1768.\nYou will see by the inclosed Abstract of a Clause relating to Ship Letters what steps have been lately taken to carry the same effectually into execution, and the Honourable Commissioners of the Customs have been pleased to direct their Officers here not to permit any Ship or Vessel to break Bulk or make Entry until their Letters are delivered, and I make no doubt, when you have represented this Matter, which is for Universal Benefit, to the Commissioners of the Customs for America, or the Officers under them, they will readily lend the same Assistance, though I hope proper care has already been taken to enforce this Clause at the several Ports within your District upon the Act of the 5th. of His present Majesty taking place.\nEndorsed: 12th. July 1769. Letter Anthony Todd Esq relative to Ship Letters\nLett datd 26th. July 1769.\nPost Office", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0126", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 5 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Deborah\nMy dear Child,\nLondon, Oct. 5. 1768\nIt feels very strange to me to have Ships and Packets come in, and no Letters from you. But I do not complain of it, because I know the reason is, my having written to you that I was coming home. That you may not have the same disagreable Sensation, I write this Line, tho\u2019 I have written largely by the late Ships, and therefore have little left to say. I have lately been in the Country to spend a few Days at Friends Houses, and to breathe a little fresh Air. I have made no very long Journey this Summer as usual, finding my self in very good Health, a greater Share of which I believe few enjoy at my time of Life, but we are not to expect it will be always Sunshine. Cousin Folger, who is just arriv\u2019d from Boston, tells me he saw our Son and Daughter Bache at that Place,  and that they were going farther, being very well, which I was glad to hear. My Love to them and all Friends, from Your ever affectionate Husband\nB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0127", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 5 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, William\nOctober 5, 1768.\nThe Harvest here is well got in, and is said to be a plentiful one; tho\u2019 I never knew so wet a Summer. No great Matters have been in Agitation lately, this not being a Season of much Business. The sending a new Chief Governor to Virginia in the Place of Sir Jeffery Amherst, made a Noise for a while, but the Public seems generally satisfied that the Measure in itself was a right one, and that Sir Jeffery\u2019s Friends are in the wrong to make such a Clamour about it, if indeed they are his Friends that make the Clamour. Something affronting in the Circumstances is however suppos\u2019d by some but deny\u2019d by others, and perhaps the chief Thing he has to complain of is, that the Change was made a little hastily, and before any Equivalent was given him. Wilkes is extinguished. I am sorry to see in the American Papers that some People there are so indiscreet as to distinguish themselves in applauding his No. 45, which I suppose they do not know was a Paper in which their King was personally affronted, whom I am sure they love and honour. It hurts you here with sober sensible Men, when they see you so easily infected with the Madness of English Mobs.\nThe King of Denmark at present engrosses all the Conversation. That young Monarch gains daily on the Affections of this Nation by his great Affability and Condescension, and the Pleasure he appears to take in every thing he sees, and in every Amusement and Entertainment contrived for him here. I had seen him at the Ridotto and had no Expectation of seeing him again; but on Friday last I receiv\u2019d a very polite Card from Baron Diede his Minister here expressing that the Prince of Travendahl (the King\u2019s travelling Name) desired much to make an Acquaintance with me, and had ordered him to invite me to his Table for Saturday at St. James\u2019s. I went accordingly, and was most graciously receiv\u2019d. He was pleased to say that he had long desired to see and converse with me. The Questions he asked were such as shew\u2019d an inquisitive Mind and a good Understanding. I was placed near him at Table, only Lord Moreton being between us, who was so good as to be my Interpreter, I not chusing to speak in French, a Language that I do not speak well. The King had been at Greenwich that day by Land to see the Hospital &c. Lord Moreton as President of the Royal Society, and Dr. Matty the Secretary, met him there to shew him the Royal Observatory. Admiral Rodney brought him back by Water in the Admiralty Barge, to shew him the Shipping in the River. These with the Officer on Guard and myself, were all the English at Table: The rest were the Officers of the Danish Court. I inclose a Sketch of the Table and Company, with their Names and Situations as well as I can remember. After Dinner the King went into another room, and Lord Moreton and my self were shewn in after him, when he again asked me several Questions, and discours\u2019d with me some time. Count Holeke came in too, and talk\u2019d with me a little in English, which he takes pains to learn and has made a considerable Progress. The King was pleas\u2019d to add, just as we came away, that he purposed to see me again before he left England, and I am told he will do me the very great Honour of a Visit in Craven Street. Abundance of People, during the second Course; were admitted to pass thro\u2019 the Room, and see the King at Dinner. This is only for you and Betsy to read, with your Mother and Sister. For it will not be decent in us to talk of these kind of Things.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0129", "content": "Title: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence to Benjamin Franklin and Richard Jackson, 15 October 1768\nFrom: Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jackson, Richard\nGentlemen,\nPhiladelphia, Oct. 15, 1768.\nBy Order of Assembly we inclose you the Resolves, by which you are appointed joint Agents to solicit and transact the Affairs of this Province in Great-Britain during the ensuing Year, as well as the one appointing us a Committee of Correspondence,  to whom you are desired from time to time to communicate all such Matters as may be necessary to be laid before the House of Representatives.\nThe last House having, by several Letters,  fully instructed you with Respect to Paper-Currency, the Change of this Government from Proprietary to Royal, and the Duties lately imposed by Parliament on the Importation of Paper, Glass, &c. into the Colonies, we are ordered by this House to refer you to those Instructions, which are as fully approved of and adopted by them, as if they were herein particularly recapitulated; and to desire that you will duly attend to every Matter and Thing therein communicated as carefully and cautiously as if they were here repeated.\nThe House having a perfect Confidence in your Attachment to the Interest of the Province, and Abilities to serve it, think it unnecessary to add more at present than to request that you will be particularly attentive to promote every Measure which may tend to the true Interest of the Province, with that of the other Colonies, united with the Welfare of the Mother-Country, and to endeavour by all Means in your Power to guard against and prevent every Thing of a contrary Nature. We are, Gentlemen, with due Esteem, Your assured Friends and very humble Servants, \nJohn Ross,\nJoseph Richardson,\nWilliam Rodman,\nJoseph Fox,\nIsaac Pearson,\nThomas Livezey.\nJoseph Galloway, Speaker,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0130", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 17 October 1768\nFrom: Galloway, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia, Octr. 17. 1768.\nI have for Some Time omitted to write to you from an Apprehension that my Letters might not meet you in England. But finding by your Favor of Augt. 13 now before me, that you have alterd your Intention of Seeing America this Fall I again Resume my Pen.\nThe New Assembly of this Province, chiefly composed of the old Members adjournd on Saturday last to the 2d. of January. They have again appointed Yourself and Mr. Jackson their Agents, to whom I inclose a Letter from the Committee of Correspondence. You will perceive, by it, that they have a Sixth Time renewd the Instructions relating to a Change of Government. Every Member now approving of the measure Save the Chief Justice. So that you are not to Judge of the Desire of the House to have the Measure accomplish\u2019d by the Brevity of the Letter which was occasiond by the Shortness of their Sitting, and the fulness of the Instructions of Former Houses referrd to, which renderd much on the Subject unnecessary.\nI am much Obliged by the particular Account of the Situation in which this Matter Stands. No Part of it which you wish to be concealed shall Transpire. You really judge right\u2014Should the Petitions be rejected or neglected, The Crown will never have the like Request made by the People, nor such another Opportunity of resuming one of the most Beneficial Governments in America. Their own Welfare will Oblige them to Court Proprietary Favor, and shoud they continue to gratify the People by the Lenient Measures adopted during the last Year, they will place all their Confidence in them and lose all Ideas of Loyalty or Affection to the Person where alone they ought to be fixed. The revenues of our Proprietarys are immense; not much Short, at this Time, of \u00a3100,000 per Annum. And had they as much Policy as Money, they might easily find Means with their vast Treasure, so to endear themselves to the People, as to prevail on them to forget all Duty and Affection to others. As to the People paying &ca. it never can be done\u2014nor is it just they shoud. Nor woud they ever Agree to establish fixt Salarys on Governors for the reasons you have mentioned.\nIt is truly discouraging to a People who wish well to the Mother Country, and by their Dutiful Behaviour during these Times of American Confusion, have recommended themselves to the Crown, to have An Application so honourable and Beneficial to the latter, so much neglected. Woud the M[inistr]y cooly attend to the Matter it woud certainly be otherwise. However, I am convinced shoud the People once despair of the Change, either the greatest Confusion or the Consequence you have pointed out will assuredly ensue.\nTwo Regiments Commanded by Col. Dalrymple are arrived at Boston, and we learn the Town are providing Quarters for them, So that I hope the Mischiefs which some have thought, woud attend that Measure will not follow. Great Pains have been taken in this City by some hot headed indiscreet Men, to raise a Spirit of Violence against the late Act of Parliament, but the Design was crushed in its Beginning by our Friends, so effectually, that, I think, we shall not soon have it renewed.\nYour Continuance in London, this Winter, gives the Assembly much Satisfaction, as there is a great Probability that American Affairs will come before the present Parliament, and they have the fullest Confidence in you.\nI have Mitchels Bond and Judgment, and expect to receive and Remit the Money dayly. I think I informd you before, that by taking this Bond I saved the Delay attending the tedious Proceedings in our Courts and shall be able thereby to remit the Money sooner than I otherwise coud, had Mitchel been sued in the usual Way. Mr. Hamilton did Promise him the whole Sum, but has disappointed him. He is now endeavouring to borrow it on Mortgage, should he fail, I shall Enter up the Judgment next Week and Sell his Effects. The Debt is undoubtedly Safe.\nAs to Mr. Berners Affair\u2014I am ashamed of the Delay, and yet it has not been in my Power to prevent it. I first Set the Place up to Sale at the Coffee House, but had no Bidders. I then had an Offer and with Mr. Hughes\u2019s Approbation sold it by private Contract to Emanuel Rouse, he being the only person offering to buy. He promised the Money in a Short Time, But has continually deceived me\u2014I fear I shall be obliged to take the Place again, and sell it to another, as his circumstances are not so good as I thought them. I shal write to Mr. Berners.\nOur old Friend Mr. Hughes is retired to the Country\u2014disgusted with his Friends and all the World\u2014in my Opinion, without any Good or sufficient Reason. This Conduct has given his friends real pain, who still wish him well and woud serve him, woud he permit it. I have Seen him but once this twelve Months and then I paid him a Visit in the Country.\nMy good Friend Governor Franklin is now at Fort Stanwix with Sir Wm. Johnson, where a Treaty is holding respecting a General Boundary. I have had a Letter from him Since his Arrival there, and he is well.\nI write in much Hurry, which will apologize for Incorrectness. Beleive me, my dear Friend, with the most perfect Esteem yours most Affectionately\nJ. Galloway\nThe Governor being at the Treaty with Sir Wm. Johnson No Legislative Business coud be done the last two Sittings, so that the publick Debts remain unprovided for, otherwise I shoud have remitted your last Years Salary. Shall I remit should provision be made in the Jany. Sitting?\nBenjamin Franklin Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0131", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 17 October 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNYork, Octob 17. 17689 o Clock PM.\nTho\u2019 I am hardly able to hold a Pen, from a Fit of the Gout in my Right Hand, yet I will try a few Words, to acknowledge the Receipt of one from you of Aug 9: giving an Account of my Son\u2019s base Behaviour in attempting to get Money of Mr. Cummings &c. It grieves me to find his Vices still predominate; but am pleased at your letting me know it: for I hope he will not meet with any other Treatment than he may deserve. His Wife died the 7th of this Instant. He leaves me a Girl of 3 Years old: I hope God may spare my Life, till she can arrive above the Reach of Want of a little Education: tho\u2019 I think I shall not be long on this Side the Grave my self. I cannot add more now, but may by next Packet if able: she is just come in. With humble Respects Adieu\nJames Parker\nAddressed: For / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Craven-Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0133", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 20 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nDear Polly\nThursday, Oct. 20. 1768\nLast Night your good Mother receiv\u2019d the enclos\u2019d Letters from Mr. T. Henckell,  and answer\u2019d him that we should all be happy to have his Company, and appointed him to be at our House in Craven street at \u00bd after 7 on Saturday morning that we might set out by 8. Our Reason for going so early is, that having the Day before us, we may do our Business and dine in time, so as to be back by Day light. There is otherwise Danger of our being benighted, as the Days are now short, and you know I don\u2019t love Travelling in the Dark after a Day of Pleasure, thinking it like a bad Epilogue to a good Play. The Company now is, Mrs. Stevenson and Polly, Dolly and Mr. Henckell, Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Wilkes,  Dr. Rush,  and your affectionate Friend\nB Franklin\nThe above List makes 9. Mr. or Mrs. Viney will perhaps join us, but that is not yet certain.\nEndorsed: Oct 20 - 68", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0134", "content": "Title: Reply to Thomas Crowley, 21 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThomas Crowley, an English Quaker and merchant engaged in the iron trade with America, had traveled there enough to realize the strength of colonial resistance to taxation by Parliament. He had been campaigning in consequence for a federation of the empire, with a single imperial parliament, as the means of reconciling colonial rights with those of the mother country. In pursuance of his campaign he published in the Public Advertiser on October 21, 1768, a letter to an American friend in which he combined threats of what could happen if the quarrel came to war with a plea for keeping the peace. To the letter he subjoined the outline of his plan for imperial federation in the form of thirteen propositions, which he said he had recently communicated to the King and the ministry. Franklin composed, or at least dated, his reply on the day Crowley\u2019s letter appeared, and the Public Advertiser published the reply on the 24th.\nThe principal interest of Franklin\u2019s letter may well lie in what he does not say. His rebuttal of Crowley\u2019s points traverses familiar ground, and is part of his ongoing and essentially repetitive effort to make clear the colonial position. Crowley\u2019s central idea of federation Franklin barely mentions, and then only to brush it aside. He himself had of course entertained the idea fifteen years before, at the time of the Albany Congress, but only on certain conditions; and he had never been confident that the conditions were feasible. In the intervening years his interest had apparently waned so much that he was no longer willing to discuss the general concept, let alone Crowley\u2019s specific propositions.\nFor the Public Advertiser. / To Mr. Thomas Crowley.\nSir,\nLondon, Oct. 21. 1768\nAs you have printed here your Letter of yesterday to your Friend in America, and it may be long before you receive an Answer from thence, permit me in the mean time to give you a few Remarks on it, submitting them, as you have done your Letter, to the Publick.\nThe Disposition you show to promote Peace and Harmony between the two Countries, is commendable: But if you wish to have any Influence with us Americans as a Mediator, methinks you should have avoided giving us ground for Suspicion that you are prejudic\u2019d against us, and that you have imbib\u2019d Notions of us extreamly injurious and not founded in fact. You speak of us as a People unreasonable enough to expect Protection from Britain, without contributing towards the Expence; which is far from being the Case. The King has no Subjects more willing to grant him Aids in proportion to their Abilities. You speak of our \u201cdangerous and vain Expectations of becoming independent,\u201d and say, that \u201ccertainly there are such among us.\u201d Allow me to tell you, that you are certainly mistaken, and that there is not a single Wish in the Colonies to be free from Subjection to their amiable Sovereign the King of Great Britain, and the constitutional Dependance then arising; and the charging them with such Views is a cruel Calumny, which you ought not to have countenanc\u2019d, much less to have asserted it as a certain Fact. You bring an Account against us of Eighty Millions, which you say this Nation has run in debt by a War commenced for our Protection; and this join\u2019d with your groundless Insinuations of our Unwillingness to contribute to the Exigencies of the Crown, seems intended to make us odious, as being both burthensome and ungrateful. We cannot take this well of you, when it is known that that War was commenc\u2019d not to defend the Colonies (who were in profound Peace, and had given no Offence to their Neighbours either Indians or French) but to protect the British Trade with the Indians which the French had interrupted, and to remove their Incroachments on the King\u2019s Wilderness Lands in Acadia. We have never engag\u2019d Britain in any War on our Account, but have constantly manag\u2019d our Indian Wars ourselves, without asking Help from hence either of Men or Money. On the other Hand, by our Connection with Britain we are unavoidably drawn into all her Wars, and always have, as it was our Duty, borne our Part of them without murmuring. And you might with more Propriety have charged that Expence of Eighty Millions to the Manufacturers of Birmingham, Yorkshire, Manchester, Norwich, &c. or to the British Merchants, since the securing a Vent for their Goods, and the Freedom and Extention of their Trade, was more the Motive of the War, than our Protection who ask\u2019d for none. But you pass them over, as you do Hanover, Portugal, and the East India Company, whose Protection was expressly intended by Britain, and indeed, highly expensive to her; tho\u2019 left entirely out of your Account, that the Odium of the whole may be laid on us. As to the \u201cburning all our maritime Towns,\u201d which you would intimidate us with, I shall only say, that I wonder how so barbarian a Thought came into a peaceable Man\u2019s Head. This brave and generous Nation can never proceed to such Excesses against us, merely for vindicating our Rights, and endeavouring to secure them by the quiet Measures of Industry and Frugality. However, if our Property is not in fact our own, but may be taken from us at the Pleasure of others without our Consent, \u2019tis no matter how soon it is burnt: It is not worth holding on such Terms. You farther intimate, that our using British Manufactures gives us no Merit with this Nation, because we must have us\u2019d them if our Ancestors had not migrated, and we had of course been born here. This is an ingenious Argument, which I will not dispute, but only observe, that if Britain is not oblig\u2019d by our buying her Goods, we hope she will not be disoblig\u2019d by our refusing them; since if we had been born here we might have work\u2019d for ourselves, and that is only what we are now about to do. On the whole, as we are not presumptuous enough to ask an Union with Britain, such as England contracted with Scotland, we have no \u201cPropositions\u201d to make, but that she would leave us the Enjoyment of our native and dear-bought Privileges, and not attempt to alter or innovate our Constitutions, in the Exercise of which every thing went prosperously for both Countries, \u2019till the Idea of Taxing us by the Power of Parliament unfortunately enter\u2019d the Heads of your Ministers, which has occasion\u2019d a publick Discussion of Questions that had better never have been started, and thrown all into Confusion. I am, Sir, with great Respect for your good Intentions, equally a Lover of Peace with yourself, and also Your well-wishing Friend,\nFrancis Lynn, of Boston in New-England.\nTo Mr. Thomas Crowley.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0135", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 24 October 1768: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[New York, October 24. Repeats the information in his letter of October 17, adding only that his son had tried to swindle Franklin as well as Thomas Cumming, that William Franklin has arrived at Sir William Johnson\u2019s, and that Parker\u2019s lawsuit with Holt drags on.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0136", "content": "Title: Arguments Pro and Con: II, 27\u201329 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Printer of the London Chronicle\nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle.\nSir,\nHaving, in your Chronicle of Oct. 20, mentioned some losses which this nation may sustain by inforcing the payment of taxes in America, it is but just we should now inquire into the benefits that may arise to us from the success of this measure.\nI believe no one will be so sanguine as to expect that the Americans will not so far resent our conduct, as to lessen their demand of our manufactures for, at least, some years. What sum this may amount to, I shall not take upon me to say. Is it pretended, that the tax, at this time the subject of debate, will return to England a sum equal to the loss we shall probably sustain? No! This tax is intended only to defray the expence of internal government among themselves. Is this an object equal to the risk we run? I think not. It may indeed be said, that by this tax, we establish our claim of a right to tax them; and that we may, in some future time, lay a tax upon them, which will make a considerable return to England, or what is the same thing, will go far in defraying the expence of troops stationed there to keep the inhabitants in subjection. I dare prophesy, that, in this case, our loss of exports will at least equal the amount of the tax. Let us suppose each to amount to half a million sterling,  and less would not be an object for government, I beg leave to ask, whether it is most to the advantage of England to sell \u00a3500,000 worth of manufactures, or to receive that sum into the Exchequer, as the produce of a tax in America? By the sale of the manufactures, 7780 manufacturers (See my former letter) will be employed, and will benefit the nation by their consumption of provisions, &c. But if we lose the exportation of these manufactures, the manufacturers will remain unemployed, and so become an additional expence: and the commissioners and officers who collect the tax, being most of them taken from more useful professions, become an additional tax on the Americans: and hence it seems evident that the national benefit is on the side of manufactures. Sir Robert Walpole wisely saw it in this light, and when often pressed to tax the Americans, answered, that to his knowledge, all the money brought into America landed here in less than two years. \u201cWhat more would you have,\u201d said he, as a judicious politician, \u201cwould you have me offend them, when they already give us all they have?\u201d\nThe mention of the Commissioners and Officers brings the secret spring of this transaction to light. The cloven foot appears. They are all appointed by the Minister. This will increase his power, and extend his influence in elections, &c. However, to throw a veil over the true motive of carrying this measure into execution, it is alledged, that the honour of the nation is now concerned. Mankind have so far learned the wisdom of the serpent, as, I believe, to prefer interest to a point of honour, especially when, as in this case, the interest is very considerable. Whatever the private opinions of Gentlemen may be on this head, the Trustees of the People, for such every Member of Parliament is, should here consider the real interest of that people, and be determined by it. Can any point of honour answer to the nation for the loss of the sale of so great a quantity of manufactures, and the depriving so many hands of their useful labour. We certainly herein play a losing game; and the Americans are forced into measures which must in the end turn to their advantage. These taxes will put an end to their dissipation and luxury. Trade being greatly lessened among them, many must retire into the country, and lay out in improvements and population the money formerly employed in trade, and thus make a more lasting, perhaps a greater, acquisition of fortune; and the manufactures of the necessaries of life must be pursued by them with unwearied diligence.\nWith whom is it we are to dispute this point of honour? Is it with an enemy? Is it with a rival nation, who may presume upon our indulgence? No! it is with our brethren. It is with a people whose interest and ours are so closely connected by every tye that unites mankind in society, that no error on either side should ever disunite us. They claim privileges which they have hitherto possessed; indeed till now, never questioned. Lovers of Liberty will surely commend their steady defence of what they think their right: and oh! my countrymen, what do we get by an attempt to deprive them of that right? Whatever hardships they may suffer, will continue only till our being involved in war sets them at liberty. Every nation in Europe will then readily enter into alliances with them; and our enemies will gladly assist them in establishing an independent sovereignty. That time will be the aera of our ruin, when deprived of the only commerce we carry on with profit. O Britain! thus to fall a sacrifice to the unbounded pride, and implacable resentment of a few.\nA Briton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0137", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, 28 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nDear Polley\nI did not receive your Letter of the 26th till I came home late last Night, too late to answer it by the Return of that Post.\nI see very clearly the Unhappiness of your Situation, and that it does not arise from any Fault in you. I pity you most sincerely: I should not, however, have thought of giving you Advice on this Occasion if you had not requested it, believing as I do, that your own good Sense is more than sufficient to direct you in every Point of Duty to others or yourself. If then I should advise you to any thing that may be contrary to your own Opinion, do not imagine that I shall condemn you if you do not follow such Advice. I shall only think that from a better Acquaintance with Circumstances you form a better Judgment of what is fit for you to do.\nNow I conceive with you that your Aunt,  both from her Affection to you and from the long Habit of having you with her, would really be miserable without you. Her Temper perhaps was never of the best, and when that is the Case, Age seldom mends it. Much of her Unhappiness must arise from thence. And since wrong Turns of the Mind when confirm\u2019d by Time, are almost as little in our Power to cure, as those of the Body, I think with you that her Case is a compassionable one. If she had, though by her own Imprudence, brought on herself any grievous Sickness, I know you would think it your Duty to attend and nurse her with filial Tenderness, even were your own Health to be endangered by it: Your Apprehension therefore is right, that it may be your Duty to live with her, tho\u2019 inconsistent with your Happiness and your Interest; but this can only mean present Interest and present Happiness; for I think your future, greater and more lasting Interest and Happiness will arise from the Reflection that you have done your Duty, and from the high Rank you will ever hold in the Esteem of all that know you, for having persevered in doing that Duty under so many and great Discouragements. My Advice then must be, that you return to her as soon as the Time you propos\u2019d for your Visit is expir\u2019d; and that you continue by every means in your Power to make the Remainder of her Days as comfortable to her as possible. Invent Amusements for her; be pleas\u2019d when she accepts of them, and patient when she perhaps peevishly rejects them. I know this is hard, but I think you are equal to it; not from any Servility in your Temper, but from abundant Goodness. In the mean time all your Friends, sensible of your present uncomfortable Situation, should endeavour to ease your Burthen, by acting in Concert with you, to give her as many Opportunities as possible of enjoying the Pleasures of Society, for your sake: Nothing is more apt to sour the Temper of aged People than the Apprehension that they are neglected, and they are extremely apt to entertain such Suspicions. It was therefore that I did propose asking her to be of our late Party: but your Mother disliking it, the Motion was dropt, as some others have been by my too great Easiness, contrary to my Judgment. Not but that I was sensible her being with us might have lessen\u2019d our Pleasure, but I hoped it might have prevented you some Pain. In fine, nothing can contribute to true Happiness that is inconsistent with Duty; nor can a Course of Action conformable to it, be finally without an ample Reward. For, God governs; and he is good. I pray him to direct you: And indeed you will never be without his Direction, if you humbly ask it, and show yourself always ready to obey it. Farewell, my dear Friend, and believe me ever sincerely and affectionately yours\nB Franklin\nMy Love to Dolly, Miss Blount, Dr. and Mrs. Hawkesworth, Miss Henckell &c. &c. I much commend Dolly for inviting your Aunt into the Country; you see how perfectly that agrees with my Notions. The next Day after you went, she sent the Servant for Nancy,  ordering him to take a Place for her in the Stage; and Nancy has been there ever since.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0138", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 29 October 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Todd, Anthony\nFranklin\u2019s long-lasting interest in the Gulf Stream, which is first mentioned in this letter, was aroused largely by accident. The newly installed customs commissioners in Boston complained to the Treasury that packets from Falmouth to New York were taking a fortnight longer on the voyage than merchant ships from London to Rhode Island, and proposed that in future the packets should be sent to Rhode Island. When Franklin was consulted on the question, as a deputy of the Postmaster General, his curiosity was aroused. Boston and Newport were scarcely a day\u2019s run apart; why should merchantmen, which were slower sailers than packets and had the Thames and the Channel to negotiate, as the others leaving from Falmouth did not, arrive two weeks earlier? His kinsman and old friend, Timothy Folger, happened to be in London at the time, and when consulted gave a simple answer: the captains bound for Rhode Island knew the ways of the Gulf Stream; those bound for Massachusetts did not. Nantucket whalers had sometimes encountered westbound packets being carried back toward England by the Gulf Stream, Folger added, and had advised them to get out of it; \u201cbut they were too wise to be counselled by simple American fishermen.\u201d Franklin pursued the matter with the Post Office, as indicated below. Although he had some success with officialdom, he had none with the captains of the packets.\nSir\nCraven Street October 29th 1769 [1768]\nDiscoursing with Captain Folger a very intelligent Mariner of the Island of Nantuckett in New England concerning the long passages made by some Ships bound from England to New York I received from him the following Information. Vizt\nThat the Island in which he lives is Inhabited Chiefly by people concerned in the Whale Fishery, in which they employ near 150 Sail of Vessels, that the Whales are found generally near the Edges of the Gulph Stream, a strong Current so called which comes out of the Gulph of Florida, passing Northeasterly along the Coast of America, and the turning off most Easterly running at the rate of 4, 3\u00bd, 3 and 2\u00bd Miles an Hour ; that the Whaling Business leading these people to Cruise along the Edges of the Stream in quest of Whales, they are become better acquainted with the Course, Breadth, Strength and extent of the same, than those Navigators can well be who only cross it in their Voyages to and from America, that they have opportunities of discovering the Strength of it when their Boats are out in pursuit of this Fish, and happen to get into the stream while the Ship is out of it, or out of the Stream while the Ship is in it, for then they are separated very fast, and would soon lose sight of each other if care were not taken, that in Crossing the Stream, to and fro, they frequently in the same meet and speak with Ships bound from England to New York Virginia &ca, who have passages of 8, 9, and 10 weeks, and are still far from Land, and not likely to be in with it for some time, being engaged in that part of the Stream that sets directly against them, and it is supposed that their fear of Cape Sable Shoals, Georges Banks or Nantuckett Shoals, hath induced them to keep so far to the Southward as unavoidably to engage them in the said Gulph Stream, which occasions the length of their Voyage, since in a Calm it carries them directly back, and tho\u2019 they may have fair Winds, yet the Current being 60, or 70 Miles a day, is so much Subtracted from the way they make thro\u2019 the Water. At my request Captain Folger hath been so obliging as to mark for me on a Chart, the Dimentions Course and Swiftness of the Stream from it\u2019s first coming out of the Gulph, where it is narrowest and strongest; till it turns away to go to the Southward of the Western Islands, where it is Broader and weaker,  and to give me withall some Written directions whereby Ships bound from the Banks of Newfoundland to New York may avoid the said Stream, and yet be free of danger from the Banks and Shoals abovemention\u2019d. As I apprehend that such Chart and directions may be of use to our Packets in Shortning their Voyages, I send them to you that if their Lordships should think fit, so much of the Chart as is contain\u2019d within the red Lines may be engraved and printed, together with the remarks at the Charge of the Office ; or at least that Manuscript Copies may be made of the Same for the use of the Packets. The expence of the former would not much exceed the latter, and would besides be of general Service, with much esteem I am &c\nB: Franklin\nAnthony Todd EsqrCopy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0139", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 31 October 1768\nFrom: Todd, Anthony\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nGeneral Post Office October 31, 1768.\nAs Lord Le Despencer cannot get at his Oats, being under a Stack of Wheat,  in time for your sending them to America for the next Season, I herewith send you my last Years produce as His Lordship will supply me with some. I have also added a little more of the Swiss Barley and am very truly Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant\nAnth Todd\nAddressed: To / Dr. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0141", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Huske, [before 1 November 1768?]: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Huske, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nJohn Huske, an American-born merchant and M.P. for Maldon, Essex, was a strong partisan of the colonial cause. In 1767 he had used his long connection with Charles Townshend to try to secure modification of the Townshend Acts; in December, 1768, he introduced the Pennsylvania petition to the House of Commons. Three undated letters from him are among Franklin\u2019s papers; they are here numbered for convenience (1), (2), and (3), and are summarized below. Their importance is as problematical as their dates, and they may not even belong together in time: (2) and (3), unlike (1), end informally, which might suggest that they were written after the acquaintance had ripened; (3), unlike (1) and (2), mentions nothing of apparent relevance to American affairs. All three, nevertheless, were clearly covering notes for enclosed memoranda, which have not survived, that were designed to help Franklin in his press campaign for the colonies. Huske\u2019s references to these vanished enclosures raises at least the possibility that they\u2014and hence the letters themselves\u2014were closely connected. One point is clear. Among the enclosures were statistics from the customs house on British trade with the American and West Indian colonies for an unspecified five-year period; and Franklin used such statistics, for the period from 1761 through 1765, in his \u201cState of the Trade with the Northern Colonies\u201d and \u201cState of the Trade with the West Indies\u201d below, November 3 and December 6, 1768. One of the letters, therefore, probably belongs to the period when Franklin was working on those articles; and it seems plausible to assign the others, at earliest, to the same period. We summarize them, not for the usual reason that they say little, but because most of what they say is unintelligible without the enclosures to which they refer. Even the r\u00e9sum\u00e9s, in consequence, are necessarily obscure.\n[Before Nov. 1, 1768?]\n[(1) He encloses a demonstration that the customs house is erroneous in evaluating West Indian imports. \u201cLondon alone imported to full this amount upon the medium of these five years,\u201d while in the same period more than half as much came in through other British ports. He asks to confer about using these statistics to show how Scotland and Ireland have been financially favored, and the American colonies alone have been discriminated against in Britain\u2019s search for revenue.\n(2) He encloses suggestions on how the statistics on exports and imports that he has sent can be utilized in the American cause. Franklin may do what he pleases with the suggestions, but is not to let them out of his hands or allow Huske\u2019s name to appear. One of the enclosures may soften public resentment against America, and pursuade Members of Parliament who represent the interests of Scotland, Ireland, the West Indies, the Bank, and the East India and Hudson\u2019s Bay Companies \u201cthat if they don\u2019t assist to extinguish the flame in their neighbours house, their own may be the next on fire.\u201d He is sending enough material for a pamphlet or for a series of letters to the press.\n(3) If Franklin publishes anything he has sent, he begs to have the postscript omitted. Something in it \u201cwill do great mischief to private property; particularly as a very large account in one of those funds is within a few days of adjustment, and there is a sale of some of the stock of the latter advertised this evening for next week, which it might hurt.\u201d]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0143", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Priestley, 1 November 1768\nFrom: Priestley, Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Dear Sir]\nLeeds 1 Nov 1768.\nI take the opportunity of giving you [my letter by?] Mr. Lee of Lincoln\u2019s inn,  a very worthy [and s]ensible man, a friend of mine, who wishes to be introduced to you. If you will please to deliver to him the plates belonging to your last work,  he will have many opportunities of transmitting them to me.\nI can hardly say that I have begun to make any experiments, having been busy in fitting up a battery or two; but I have one observation, which confirms another that has often puzzled me; and is mentioned in the account of my experiments published in the history of electricity. I was amusing myself with making a pretty large common jar explode between two brass balls, fixed at as great a distance as I could make the jar to discharge; when, after several explosions, it broke (a hole being made thro it as usual) tho the Spark between the balls was of precisely the same length, and, to all appearance, in every other respect the same that it would have been, if no other communication had been made between the inside and outside of the glass. The fact mentioned in the history is, that a silver wire [was the most that] the battery I was using could melt, [yet was dispersed] at the same time that two of the [jars were bro]ken. In this case, though there are several [channels?] opened for the fluid, its whole force seem[s to have] been exerted in each of them. If your [torn] business will now admit of your giving me your thoughts on this subject, you would oblige me by your observations on it. In the mean time I shall be contriving a few experiments to illustrate it. I also propose to make a few to refute what Mr. L\u2019Epinasse has advanced in the last volume of Transactions, concerning the great loss of force occasioned by interruptions in the electric circuit. I remember his telling me, when I was with him in London, that he did not doubt, but he could do as much by his three jars, each of which was but about a square foot, as I could with my batteries, tho\u2019 he had only screwed their wires into one common conductor. I shall also soon draw up another paper of original experiments, for the Royal Society. They are those I have mentioned to you, but I must repeat some of them, with a little variation of circumstances. I am, with the greatest respect Dear Sir yours sincerely\nJ Priestley\nAddressed: To/ Doctor Franklin / at Mrs Stephens in Craven Street / in the Strand / London / By favour of / John Lee Esqr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0144", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Bartram, 5 November 1768\nFrom: Bartram, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear ould friend\nNovember the 5th 1768\nI have often intended to have wrote to thee this several years but has often been tould that thee was soon to return to thy family and friends so I omitted it, but lately hearing that thee was likely to stay longer I now not onely write a letter of friendship but allso request a favour which the death of our warthy dear friend Peter Collinson hath obliged me to crave. He wrote to me last summer that the King desired me to send him some roots of arums but now I hear Peter is dead and I have not received a line from his son or any of my other Correspondents since ; so that now at present I have not any so intimate or capable as my dear Benjamin to take care of the Box I directed to the King at large on the lid it will oblige me much if thee will please to send or convey it to the King or to his order as thee thinks most suitable; I expect dayly to hear from his son or some of my Correspondents how my affairs stand and whether any is to succed in his room to receive the Kings bounty to me or whether I must send anualy more plants to the King and to whome I must direct them. Captain Falconor promiseth to take great care of the Kings Box.\nAlltho I have been long deprived of thy agreeable conversation yet for several years I have had thy pretty exact picture hanging by my bed which gives a dayly fresh membrance of intimate frindship to thy sincear friend\nJohn Bartram\nAddressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / London\nEndorsed: Bartram", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0145", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson and Thomas Mifflin, 5 November 1768\nFrom: Thomson, Charles,Mifflin, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir,\nEnclosed are two bills of exchange, which we have the pleasure of sending you by order and for account of the Directors of the Philadelphia library company. The one is for \u00a350 Sterling drawn by James and Drinker on Neate and Pigou. The other is Willing & Morris\u2019 draught on John Mayne for \u00a3100 Sterling; both at 30 days sight and both payable to yourself.\nOut of this Money when received the Directors desire you would deduct what you were so kind as to advance to the Company,  and the remainder they request the favour of you to lay out for them in books, agreeable to the enclosed list. If the Books in the list do not amount to the Money sent, you will oblige the Company by adding such other Books as you shall think proper. We have hopes of sending you this fall a farther Sum of \u00a330 or 40 sterling if not more.\nWe observe among the late publications an Expensive work entitled British Zoology, published under the Inspection of the Cymmrodorion Society,  we should be glad to have your opinion of it. We [are] with the greatest Esteem and respects Sir Your Friends\nChas ThomsonThomas Mifflin\nBenjamin Franklin Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0146", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 November 1768\nFrom: Bache, Richard\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonored Sir\nPhilada. 6th Novr. 1768.\nI did myself the Pleasure of writing you the other day by Sparks. I do not know that you will thank me for adding to the Number of your Correspondents, but the Sense I have of my Duty, prompts me to pay this Respect to you.\nI forgot to acquaint you in my last, that Mr. Bayard of Newyork, sent to me two Exemplifications of his Majesties Commission, appointing you with Mr. Allen and several others, Commissioners to settle the Line between Newyork and New Jersey. I served Mr. Allen with one, the other waits for you here; The Notice of the time for your Meeting, is in July next when I hope you will be here.\nI purpose making another Trip to Jamaica this Winter, as I find some of my Friends here expect it, this and some other good Reasons have determined me; I should be happy in being honored with a Line from you whilst there, My stay there I hope will not be much, if any, longer than before, I shall endeavour to make it as short as I possibly can, consistent with my Interest. Sally joins me in Duty to you. I am Honored sir Your Affectionate Son\nRichd. Bache", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0148", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 7 November 1768\nFrom: Mecom, Jane\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nMy Dear Brother\nBoston, Novr. 7 1768\nI cannot neglect writing to you by my Neibour Capt. Freeman tho it be no more to yr satisfaction than to Inform you that I am well and that my Famely are as useal.\nThe whol Conversation of this Place turns upon Politices and Riligous Contryverses Boath managed with two much Biterness as you will See by the News Papers, If you give yr self the Troble to Read them, But they will not Infalebly Informe you of the Truth; for Every thing that any Designing Person has a mind to Propagate Is stufed into them, and it is Dificult to know whither Either Party are in the Right. For my Part I wish we had let alone Striff before it was medled with and folowed things that make for Peace.\nI wrote to you and Mrs. Steevenson by capt. Foulger and then sent some mony which I hope came saif to hand but I can send none now tho I hear you are not coming Home, by a kind Leter from yr sons wife which I Recd by Last Post Her Husband being absent to meet the Indians at Sir William Jonsons. I have Heard from Sister and Cousen Beach and His wife Since they got Home there all well.\nI hope yr Endevours for the Good of the Nation and the Colonies will be blessd with Suckses and we Shall at Last be favoured with Quietness at Least. My Son John and wife are Hear and Send there Duty as Does my Daughter Janey. Pleas to Present my best Respects to Mrs. Steevenson and Acept the Sinsearest Affection from your Most obliged Sister\nJane Mecom\nAddressed: Dr. Benjamin Franklin / at Mrs. Steevensons / Craven Street / London / per favour / Capt: Freeman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0151", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Philadelphia Merchants, 10 November 1768\nFrom: Philadelphia Merchants\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nEsteemed Friend,\nPhiladelphia November 10th. 1768,\nWe having been appointed by the Merchants of this City to forward a Letter or Memorial from them, to the Merchants and Manufacturers of Great Britain, thought it highly proper that a Copy of the same should be transmitted to thee.\nAt the Time of Captain Falconer\u2019s departure, we were closely engaged in performing this Service,  and thereby prevented inclosing one of the said Memorials to thyself, but our Friend Thomas Wharton undertook to forward one at our particular desire.\nAnd we now take the Liberty to inclose a second, Together with a Copy of our Letter, in which we forwarded said Memorial to the Merchants and Manufacturers residing in different parts of England.\nThy well known Regard, and warm Attachment to North America and Abilities to serve it, renders our taking up much of thy Time on this Occasion unnecessary.\nWe therefore earnestly request thy best endeavours may be exerted to obtain a Repeal of the Revenue Acts, and the Regulations so justly complain\u2019d of, which are manifestly injurious to the Trade of America, and in their Consequence a palpable hurt to Great Britain. We are very Respectfully, Thy Assured Friends\nJoseph SwiftJohn ReynellJereah: WarderDanl. RundleThomas: FisherHenry DrinkerJohn HeadWm. West\nBenjamin Franklin Esqr.\nAddressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Agent for the Province of Pennsylvania / at the Court of Great Britain / Craven Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0152", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 20 November 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mecom, Jane\nDear Sister,\nLondon, Nov. 20. 1768\nBy this Ship, (Capt. Scot, ) Mrs. Stevenson sends you half a Piece of Muslin, Apron width, which cost Four Guineas. She hopes it will please, and presents her Compliments and best Wishes. I am in very good Health, Thanks to God: but just now very busy. So can only add, that I am, as ever, Your affectionate Brother\nB Franklin\nMrs. Stevenson receiv\u2019d the 32 Dollars, 3 Crowns and one Guinea, per Coz. Folger. You will write for any thing else you want.\nAddressed: To / Mrs Mecom / Hanover street / Boston / per favour of Capt. Scott. / with a small Parcel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0153", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 22 November 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNyork, Nov. 22. 1768\nYou never gave me the Satisfaction to know, whether you ever received any Arrears for me, at the Custom-House, or what. The News-papers in general, shew you the Condition of the Commissioners at Boston. Last Week came here from Boston, on[e] Esqr. Williams, who is called Inspector General of the Custom\u2019s. He comes to set all the Officers in their right in their Duty, by which it appears we have in many Things not acted quite as their Honours, as they are called, are pleased to direct: but I think I have not deviated much. In our Conversation, of which by the Bye, I have had the least, as the other Officers generally engross all: for the Wisdom of a poor Man is but Folly with the Great, while the Foolishness of rich Men, is Wisdom with them-I told him, I had never received any Thing at all for my Labour, but that I had sent a Power to you to get it in London,  but had never heard whether you had got any Thing or not; that I had been informed I was to have \u00a350 Sterl. per An. but I had no authoritative power to say so. It seems he has told all the other Officers, that they must send a Power to One Mr. Fenton in Boston, a Dependant on Mr. Temple,  who will send them their Money yearly-for which he is to have 2\u00bd per Cent. Then Freight to us here, is One per Cent more, and we must either run the Risk of our Money coming, or pay Insurance, which may be supposed would cost us 1 \u00bd per Cent. Thus out of the poor Pittance of \u00a350 per An. at least 5 per Cent. is sunk. One half needlessly, and the other half to gratify a dependant Drone. The Cruelty as well as Absurdity of these Measures must appear to any One, who considers that all the Money, and much more, than what is paid here, must first be sent from here at the King\u2019s Risk with the Charge of One per Cent Freight to Boston, and if one Trip should be lost, it would be more than all our Profits together. And if we were ever so desirous of appointing a Friend there to receive it: the 2 \u00bd per Cent. must be paid to their Dependant notwithstanding otherwise I could get Mr. Hubbert to remit it: When it is considered we have little Trade to Boston, and the Ballance rather against them, consequently no Want of Remittance thither, so the Money must be sent hither: while had it been payable in London Nothing was more easy than to dispose of it there to the best Advantage. Now, if the Collector could be permitted to pay those Salaries here, it would save all this Freight and Risk of so much at best, and supposing there be but 100 Officers on this Continent, at \u00a350 Ster. per An. a piece, that is 5000 per An. the Frieght of which to his Majesty at One per Cent is \u00a350, per An. and the Risk equal to 75. per An. More. And besides his Majesty\u2019s Loss, the Subjects lose 5 per Cent. which in that Sum is \u00a31000 per An. more. If a Nation so deeply in Debt as ours is, were really bent upon any Thing but squandering inconsistently the Money of the publick, I am sure they would think of saving some. Tho\u2019 I don\u2019t pretend to dictate to a Nation, yet I can scale for myself: tho\u2019 I offered Mr. Williams, to allow the Commissioners to cut me off \u00a33 per Cent. on Condition they will order it paid here, by which his Majesty would save the Freight and Risk of sending it to Boston first, and I the Risk of returning it: but this is look\u2019d upon as an Affront: tho\u2019 for my Part, I can\u2019t conceive how Plain-dealing and Truth should be construed as an Affront. I confess I have not yet quite come into the Spirit of this Method, and I am afraid to say any Thing, not because I fear the Loss of the Place, which if ever I get paid, I have done the penny worth of Service for the penny, but because I would not incur your Displeasure, or forfeit your Favour in dispising it. But enough of this.\nI have made bold to inclose a Line or two to Mr. Strahan to you, about my poor Son, which I leave open for your Inspection.\nThings between Holt and I yet remain in Statu quo, he keeps close, and I keep Writs out. I keep Struggling along, sometimes good Courage, and sometimes I give almost out; but I still will Strive. A new Printer from Scotland has set up here, but I have not seen any of his Work yet. If he lives, he must have a better Faculty than ever I had, tho\u2019 I think I live as soberly as he can. Indeed Business and Living here, is greatly different from what it was 20 Years ago. And I have not much hopes of either Ease or Prosperity, till I rest in the Grave-which indeed does not seem to be far distant from me. We all send our respectful Complements whilst I am Your most obliged Servant\nJames Parker\nAddressed: For / Dr Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0154", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 24 November 1768\nFrom: Johnson, Martha\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nLetchlade November the 24 1768\nI Take this opertunety to write to you hoping This will find you in good helth as I am Blessed be god for it. I was in hops to have had the plesure of seeing you before this but my partener was so much aganst it that I found it better to Refer it till the spring and that will be more Convenant as I shall by that time have tought nancy how to manage in my absence and as I think it will not be prudent to leave such a stock of goods as wee have without a very Carefull parson to attend it wee have in stock to the Value of Between 7 and 8 hundreds of pounds Consisting of Drapery Hosirey Haberdashery and milenery and some mesery and the Best asortment of aney shop in the town. I find my Beseness increases Every Day and hope I shall have more as I grow more acquanted but the place at Best is very Dull Being one third of the year surounded with water which prevents peopel from Coming to town from the Vilages Round us. I Received a letter, some time agoe, from wales from sister harris who informs me she has heard from her son, who was then at Cows in the Iell of white, and was Capt and part oner, of a large shipe, then Bound, for the west indes and home so I am in hopes, by this time, he may Be Returnd, which will be a grate happyness to his mother, and a satisfaction to all his frinds. I have wrote to nancy that I would have her git herself Ready to Come into the Contrey Before Christmas as I think it will be too Cold for her to Come soon after as her time will be out the 15th of Jenuary but will leve that to you and mrs stevenson as I am senceable you are better acquanted with traveling then I am and as she is young and a stranger shall take it as a favor if you will instruct her in the maner she is to Behave as you are senceable that travelers in general are apt to take advantages of strangers perticulerly if they see them ignorent I shall send her some money to bare her Exspences in a few Days by a gentilwoman woh is Coming to town. Samey gives his Duty to you and mrs stevenson and love to all frinds he Comes on bravly with his larning but am afraid he will loose all his manners but that I hope will soon be Regaind as he grose older and Comes into better Companey he is now got very far in practice and I belive when he has finished that Skuel his master is not able to teach him aney further so I Cannot tell what is next to be Done for him and must beg a littel of youre advice for him as I know no parson to advise with that Can advise me so well as your self and shall take it as a grate favor if you will let me hear from you pleas to give my best Respects to mrs stevenson and love to sally. I am sir your most Humble and obedent sarvent\nMartha Johnson\nAddressed: To / Doctr / franklin Esqr. in Cravenstreet / Strand / London\nEndorsed: Cousin Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0157", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Stevenson, [November? 1768]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hewson, Mary (Polly) Stevenson\nDear Polly\nInclos\u2019d is a Letter from Mr. Coleman; it came under Cover of one to me, and the Seal of mine sticking to that of yours makes an Appearance as if yours had been broke open. Your Mother and I long\u2019d indeed to know what it contain\u2019d, but we were, as you express it, too formal, and would not poison your Crib, tho\u2019 we think we have a Right to see it. My Respects to Mrs. Tickel. I am, as ever,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0158", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 2 December 1768\nFrom: Wharton, Samuel\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Friend\nPhiladelphia December 2d, 1768\nAs soon as I heard, That Sir William Johnson had received the King\u2019s Orders to settle the Boundary with the Six Nations, I set off with Captain William Trent (The legal Attorney of the Traders, who suffered, as well by the Encroachments of the French in 1754, as by the Indians in 1763) for the Mohocks Country, But on our arrival at Albany, we receiv\u2019d a Letter from him, informing Us, That his bad state of Health, had required his going to New London, for a change of air and Diet.\nThither we followed him and returned with Him to his House, where and in the Indian Country, until the month of September, we were engaged, in using our best Interest with the Indians, To obtain a Reimbursement for the Losses, which we and others had sustained, by the Depredation of the Shawanese and Delawares in the Year 1763. The beginning of September, We set off for Fort Stanwix, which is at the Head of the Mohocks River, In order to attend the Congress, and were detained there, until the 5th of November, as the distant Nations were long collecting and the Seneca\u2019s had sustained a Loss, in the Death of one of their Chiefs, and the upper Nations were attending Them, in the Ceremony of Condolance.\nBy the best Estimation, There were, about three thousand four hundred Indians collected, and much fewer Women and Children, than I ever saw at any Treaty before, occasioned by their staying at their Villages, to secure their Corn.\nAs This convention of the Natives, was to settle an affair, in which the future Peace and Commerce of these Colonies, were most intimately concerned, Sir William very prudently summoned Deputy\u2019s, as well from the Indian Tribes in Canada as from all those on the Susquehannah, and down the Ohio for many hundred Miles, That so, none of Those Nations might hereafter plead Ignorance or disapprobation of the Transaction.\nAfter condoling with all the different Tribes, for the Losses They had met with, since their last Meeting, He reminded the Chiefs and Warriors in a very full Council, at which were present, the Governor of Jersey, The Pennsylvania Commissioners and the Commissioners of Virginia &ca, of the proposal he made to Them in 1765, respecting the Boundary,  He expatiated on the great Use it would be of, both to them and the King\u2019s Subjects, If they continued, in the same opinion They were at the Time and mentioned, the Authority He had from the King\u2019s Ministers, then to settle that most important matter with Them. And in order, that all the different Tribes, might clearly understand his Speech, He departed from the Usual Method of treating with Them and had it translated into the Mohock Tongue by an Indian, who spoke and wrote, both English and Mohock excellently well. This Indian, who is a Chief went into the general Council, With it, in his Hand, and there explained every particular Part of it.\nThe Six Nations and their Tributaries, justly reflected, That the Business they were met on, was of the last Consequence to Them and their posterity and therefore they were cautious and Slow, in their Determination. They were in Council several Days and Nights and were constantly sending for Sir William and Mr. Croghan, to explain matters to them and remove their Doubts. At last, after the Chiefs and Councillors had deliberated for nine Days and had resolved on certain Conditions respecting the Cession, They freely agreed to it and to the Boundary, But that all their different Tribes and the Warriors of each of Them, might know the express Terms, on which their Chiefs and Sachems had agreed to sell the Country, on the East Side of the River Ohio to the King, Sir William recommended it earnestly to the Councillors, That the Warriors should be called into Council with Them and be made particularly acquainted with his Speech and their Resolutions on it. Accordingly, a very general meeting was formed, of the Sachems of all the different Tribes and all their Warriors and after a full Explanation of every thing, The Chiefs and Warriors unanimously agreed to the Cession and Boundary and to the Conditions, on which the former had consented the Cession, should be made to the King.\nOn Tuesday the first of November, The Sachems of the Six United Nations returned their Answer to Sir William; at which were present, the greatest Number of Indians, That Ever met at any Treaty in America. I now inclose their Answer for your perusal, as I am persuaded, you will agree, it contains Sentiments of Independancy, Justice and Firmness, that wou\u2019d do honor to any civilized Chieftains. And what renders it of more Significance, is its being the literal and unornamented Language of the Orator, as flowing from his Lips.\nYou have also inclosed a Copy of the Six Nations Deed of Cession to the King and also a Copy of their Deed to the Indian Traders, who suffered by the Robbery of the Shawanese and Delawares, in 1763.\nYou will be pleased to observe, That their Deed to the latter, was made and given to their Representative, Two Days before They executed the King\u2019s Deed. This they insisted on, as they said, the One was an Act of Justice and the other was a conditional Sale. This large Present given by Sir William, consisted of the greatest Quantity of Indian Goods, and Dollars, I ever saw on such an occasion and they were most judiciously displayed On the Parade of the Fort, That so all the Indians might see Them and in the Center of the Parade, circumscribed by the Goods and Dollars on three Sides, Sir William attended by the Governor of the Jersey\u2019s, the Commissioners from Virginia and Pennsylvania &ca and the Indian Chiefs [The Warriors and all the other Indians standing on the (blank in MS) Ramparts &ca pleasurably Viewing the Goods and those Persons] were assembled and there the King\u2019s Deed was signed and the Valedictory Speeches were made.\nIn great Truth, I can assure you, To the Honor of Sir William and Mr. Croghan that no Treaty was ever Conducted with more Judgement and Candour and none I am convinced, ever finished with more solid satisfaction on the part of the Natives, than this did; From their firm Belief and Confidence that all the Conditions of their sale to the Crown, as express\u2019d in their Speech and Deed, will be immediately and faithfully complied with, And that the respective Governments will with all possible dispatch, make proper Laws to confine their Inhabitants within the Boundary. There is now the fairest prospect, that these Colonies have ever had since the Year 1749, to perpetuate the Blessings of an Indian Peace to their Posterity and of rendering our Commerce with the Natives much more beneficial to the Mother Country, than it Ever has been as every article used in that Trade, except Philada. made Rum is the Manufactory of Great Britain and all the Skins and Furrs derived from it, are necessarily shipt thither and there yield more Duty\u2019s, Than pay all the Expences of Indian Presents and the Salary\u2019s, of the officers of that Department. But if thro\u2019 Inattention or any other Cause, on the part of the King\u2019s Ministers, The confirmation of the Boundary Line and any Matters or Grants respecting it and the Promises made by Sir William to the Six Nations, relative to Them (which the Good of the Service necessarily obliged Him to Make to Them) should be delayed or disputed, depend on it, The most unhappy Consequences will instantly result therefrom, As the Indians, who are a very jealous People, and have been assured every Thing will be settled, as they have generously established it, will construe such Delay as Doubt, as disputing their undoubted Right to the Country, they have ceded and to their fixing the Terms and Conditions of their Sale, and will necessarily induce them to conclude, they have been treated as Children, by having a Contract made with them, by the Kings Superintendant whose Master, delays ratifying, what He undertook, in a public solemn Manner to transact with Them. In short, the Consequences will be so fatal and are so obvious, that it\u2019s unnecessary to take up your Time, in reciting Them. The Cession on the River Ohio from Kittaning to the Cherokee River only, is at least 1100 Miles in extent and for all this Country, The poor[?] Natives have surrendered up their Natural Rights, and the happy Effects which will result from such Cession, for the considerations and the very small Sum, mentioned in their Deed; One part of which is, Their honorably doing an act of Justice to those, they robbed in Time of War and thereby, setting a President [precedent] of inestimable Value (to the British Traders) for their latest posterity, and such, as ought to be an Example to all Civilised Nations.\nIf the King\u2019s Ministers rightly improve this Cession, in a very few years interior Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania and New York, will not be dismayed by the Threats or Incursions of the Indians, As from the frontier Settlements On the Ohio, In case of a Rupture, the War can be readily and at a little expence carried into the Indian Villages and They thereby be compelled to seek a Retreat, To the Westward of the great Lakes.\nAs all the Colonies were greatly interested, some immediately as to Lands and others eventualy in the proper adjustment of the Boundary Line, with the Six Nations and their Tributary\u2019s, Sir William Johnson wrote to all the Governments, from New York to Virginia inclusive, and requested, that either the respective Governors would attend the Congress or send Commissioners thither. Governor Franklin, at the earnest sollicitation of the King\u2019s Council for New Jersey, went thither and was absent from Home, about three Months. His presence was extremely agreeable to the Indians and they in public Council, took that opportunity of thanking him, for the singular Justice He had done Them, in having the Murderers of Indians in his Province, executed; and as the Onondago Council had never given a Name to the Governor of that Colony, They then honorably named Him Sagorihwhioughstha which Signifies the Dispenser or Arbiter of Justice. Before the conference was ended, the Governor thanked them for the Name and acquainted them, that a [remainder missing].\nBenjamin Franklin Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0159", "content": "Title: The State of the Trade with the West Indies, 3\u20136 December 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nTo the Printer of the London Chronicle\nSir,\nIn a Letter of mine, which you inserted in your Paper of Nov. 3, was contained a view of the state of our commerce with the American continent colonies. I now send you a view of our commerce with the West India or Sugar Islands, taken, as the former was, from the Custom House accounts. When your Readers have compared and considered these accounts, they may form a judgment which of those two classes of colonies is most beneficial to the mother country. I am, Sir, your humble servant,\nF.B.\nImports from the English West India Islands.\nAntigua\nAnguilla\nBarbadoes\nDominica\nGrenades\nJamaica\nMontserat\nNevis\nSt. Christopher\u2019s\nSt. Vincent\nTobago\nTortola\nwhich is \u00a32,281,509 12s. 8d. per ann. on a medium of said 5 years,\nExports to the English West India Islands.\nAntigua\nAnguilla\nBarbadoes\nDominica\nGrenades\nJamaica\nMontserat\nNevis\nSt. Christopher\u2019s\nSt. Vincent\nTobago\nTortola\nwhich is \u00a3785,545 2s. 4d. per ann. on a medium of said 5 years.\nUpon the face of these Custom House accounts it appears, that there is a balance against Great Britain of \u00a31,495,954 10s. 4d. per annum, and by the same accounts that the balance against her annually increases. But to reduce this balance, which appears upon this comparative view of direct exports and imports, let us suppose, as we did in the case of the Northern colonies, that the errors of entry and of valuation will admit of one third more to be added to the amount of the export, though by no means just even for a comparative view of the value of the two setts of colonies to Great Britain; for not above one fourth of the exports to the Northern colonies is in foreign European and Asiatic goods, but to the West India Islands two thirds of the amount of the export is in foreign goods; therefore, there is not that latitude for erroneous entries, as there is to the continent, it being impossible to make wrong entries for goods entitled to a drawback as all those of foreigners are.\nThen with the additional value to the imports mentioned under the account thereof, and the additional value to the exports just stated, the account will stand thus:\nImports,\nExports,\nBalance against G. Britain.\nBut out of this balance must be struck what the Sugar Planters pay the Irish for provisions, and the British Merchants for slaves. As to the Irish provisions, the islands take but a small part of their consumption from them; they being chiefly supplied from North America, not only with provisions, but many other things, whom they pay in their products, that those Northern colonies consume. The very rum that goes directly from the Islands to Ireland, yields as much as the provisions they take from thence amounts to: And as to what they pay the British Merchant for slaves, it is almost impossible to fix with precision upon any amount, from the very nature of the trade on the coast of Africa; but to allow that the annual cost of Negroes is equal to the whole annual export from Great Britain to Africa, we shall not be impeached for being under the mark at least, when it is considered that part of the produce of that export is returned in gold dust, dying woods, and elephants teeth to Great Britain; part of it goes to supply foreign plantations with Negroes; and part of it goes in slaves to the continent colonies from Pensylvania to Florida, where a stock of 70, 000 Negroes is to be kept up in proportion to that of 250,000 in the sugar colonies. Now the whole export to Africa per ann. upon a medium of the above five years, is \u00a3433,529 17s. 8d. which deducted from the above balance of \u00a32,375,204 5s. 11d. leaves still an annual balance against Great Britain of \u00a31,941,674 8s. 3d. while the poor Northern colonies have a balance in favour of G. Britain of \u00a31,000,000 which all their other trade cannot pay, they being constantly in debt to G. Britain; when these Sugar Islands would be worth little to their owners, in comparison of what they are now, if it was not for cheap and ready supplies from the Northern colonies, of lumber for the building their houses, sugar mills, casks to contain their produce, horses, provisions of the cheapest kind for feeding their slaves in particular, and ships to bring home their produce at the cheapest rate known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0160", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Fayerweather, 5 December 1768\nFrom: Fayerweather, Samuel\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nEver Honoured Sir,\nFrom Cambridge, N.E. December the 5th 1768.\nAltho\u2019 I cannot Claim a sufficient Acquaintance with You to found An Address Upon of any kind in the Epistolary Way, yet your knowledge of My Dear Brother Winthrop Hollissian Professor of the Mathematicks in Cambridge New England, And that Profound Regard you\u2019ve Expressd towards Him in the most Signal Manner, not only Attracts my Gratitude, But Humbly Emboldens me to Employ my Quill just to Stir Up Your Pure Mind by Way of Remembrance \u201cThat He is Still Alive,\u201d And has the highest Sentiments of your Ingenuity And Exalted Merit. And As He Receiv\u2019d a Particular Mark of your Esteem and Friendship in the Appointment OF Fellow OF THE Royal Society since Your Residence In LONDON; Assured I am, \u201cHe has the fullest Sense hereof Upon his Grateful and Susceptible Mind.\u201d\nYour Influence is Great Wherever Your Character is known, And as Your Electrical Improvements have Reachd Europe throughout, There Your Praise has been Echoed forth with Equal Ardour.\nTo This, I would only Subjoyn If I might not be suspected to Flatter \u201cThat the Literati, or World of Learned Men, So long As Natural and Experimental Philosophy have Any footing in the Understanding, will Bless God Almighty the Infinite Author of all Wisdom for Raising Up So Great And So Good A Man As Doctor Franklin.\u201d But As the Design of this Freedom is to Sollicit in Behalf of the Above Namd Professor, Whom I think Worthy of Double Honour, Another favour of THE AGGREEABLE DOCTOR, In whose Power it is Instrumentally to procure for Him, I mean that of LLD at one of the Universities of Great Brittain,  So if I Trespass I\u2019ve Nothing to Do, And Can think of no better Expedient than to fly to Your Universally known Candour and Goodness for Protection; And Hope Under the Banner of that I shall be safely and harmlessly Screend. Such An Honour Obtaind for Mr. Winthrop, Will Give Weight and Sanction to HIS OFFICE: It will place him in the Most Advantageous Scituation AS TO HIS Pupils: And with Mankind IN General; that in short, We Who Are Nearly Related to Him, shall be Thankfull to You in the Most Superlative Degree, And to the Most Unbounded Measure. Besides it will Embalm his Memory, If I May So Speak When Time is with Him no more, And Always Make his Name as Precious Ointment Poured forth.\nThe Orb I fill Up is Small: And My Life I spend in a Cottage Rural. A Little Flock I have the Charge of IN THE SACERDOTAL Way, And We All Worship harmoniously (Not to Say, As the Heathens Do tho) IN A Grove.\nNow and than I am Diverted with a chace of Beagles Sporting. And for a Change Am I Amused with the Company of Your old Friend Harry Babcock, Who to perpetuate your Memory Mentiond to Me tother Day (to Do a Small Jobb for Him) viz To Christen his Eldest Son and First Born By Your Endearing and Alladmired Name Benjamin Franklin.\nThe Buck Lives About 2 hours and half from Me, As He Commonly Rides,  When He Travells To Survey High Ways, and THE Kings Publick Roads, at the Rate of a Guinea Per Diem: If My Lord Bute Woud but Grant his Petition and Appoint Him His Majestys Superintendant of the Country Roads this Way, &c.\nThis Gentleman as often As He visits THE Rector Of Narragansett, Speaks of Doctor Franklin with the Warmest Ecclats; And of his Voyage from Old England, In Company with Dr. Cooper Of Kings College New York Recapitulating the heads of his Journal he kept During the Passage, with Such Agoo as Excites Risibleness Not only in his own Phiz; But Titilating all before whom his Comick Narrative is Told &c.\nUpon the Whole My Dear Sir, I Sincerely Wish You Success in all Your Important Undertakings at Home and Abroad, Especially in Your Agency for the Several Colonies On the Continent of North America: And May Your Days and Years be Many On the Earth, And When you\u2019ve Served your Generation According to the Will of God in this Changeable fluctuating State, May You be Dignified with a Lawrell in Heaven: A Crown and a Diadem In Proportion to Your Ability and Diligence And Super Eminent Services (As the Divine Oracles Inform Us) \u201cEvery Man shall Receive his own Reward According to his own Labour.\u201d\nSo, I Conclude, Subscribing My Self With the Greatest Truth Your Much Admired Friend Well Wisher and Most Respectfull Dutifull Obedient Humble Servant\nSamuel Fayerweather\nBe pleasd to honour Me with a Line Under Cover to Mr. Tuttill Hubbard.A Copy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0161", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [George Whitefield], 6 December 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Whitefield, George\nCraven street Dec. 6. 68\nJudge Smith\u2019s Recommendation of Mr. Rodgers,  sent me by my dear Friend, is a high one indeed! More need not be said in a Man\u2019s favour if he were to be set up as a Candidate for the Title of Arch-Angel. I have not yet had an Answer from Edinburgh. There is sometimes in these Affairs a Delay of two or three Months, when there happens to be no Meeting of the Professors, &c. but I flatter my self we shall not be disappointed. Thanks for your Prayers and Blessings. With the greatest Esteem and sincerest Affection, I am, my dear Friend, Yours ever\nB Franklin\n[In the margin:] Can you inform me by the Bearer Mr. Coomb when a Vessel goes for Georgia?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0163", "content": "Title: Deborah Franklin: Receipt to Sarah Drury, 10 December 1768\nFrom: Franklin, Deborah\nTo: Drury, Sarah\nDecember 10, 1768\nKnow all Men by these presents that I Deborah Franklin Attorney in fact duly authorised and empowered by my husband Benjamin Franklin Esqr. now in London have received from Sarah Drury Executrix: Of William Maugridge Esqr. three bonds of Henry Ferree to said Sarah Drury and by her assigned to Doct. Benjamin Franklin each for one hundred pounds the first payable the 1st of May 1769, the second payable the first of May 1770 and the last payable the first of May 1771 which bonds when paid will discharge the debt due from the Estate of said William Maugridge to my said Husband Benjamin Franklin Esqr. and leave a ballance of thirty two pounds fifteen shillings and sevenpence which Sum upon receipt of the last bond in May 1771 I hereby acknowledge will be due and payable by Benjamin Franklin Esqr. his Executors or Administrators to said Sarah Drury her Executors Administrators or Assignees. Witness my hand this tenth day of December AD. 1768.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0164", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 12 December 1768\nFrom: Parker, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nHonoured Sir\nNewyork, Dec. 12. 1768\nThis Opportunity is embraced, as No Packet is come in here for some time past, to tell you we are yet in the Land of the Living and that\u2019s as much as we can boast of. All your Friends are as usual, well. We have Nothing extraordinary, but dull and melancholly Times.\nYou never have acquainted me whether ever you received any Thing from the Custom-Office for me. The Parcel of Books sent me formerly by Hamilton & Belfour of Scotland, gives me a good deal of Trouble: I never received any Thing myself for any of them, till now. I made all the Search I could for what remain\u2019d unsold, attach\u2019d several of them in the Office at New Haven, and Some not sold at Holt\u2019s I prevail\u2019d on him to give me up, After collecting all I could, I put them to an Auction, and sold as many, as I got very near \u00a350 this Money for. Now thus much I would be glad to pay Mr. Balfour for immediately, and I do intend to make out the Account, and see what the original Cost of them are: The rest Holt must have made away with or sold, but I have not been able to take him, or bring him to account, tho\u2019 I have attach\u2019d his House at New Haven and got Judgment with Stay of Execution till next Court, on his Pretence of having Accounts against me. You know the wretched Delays in Law Affairs, and he is a Subtle Antagonist in the Law; tho\u2019 I want Nothing of him but a fair settlement, and its my real Opinion, he rather grows poorer than otherways: Indeed he tries to get all the Business by his printing Supplements, never less than One a Week, and sometimes three, yet I that know the Cost of a Supplement do think he does not clear so much by it, as to afford a Supplement Weekly. Its true, he has more Advertisements than I, and prints more Papers: but then he has House-Rent to pay, which thank God, and good Friends, I have not. He can do but little himself, and I think lives higher than I do, and I do some Work myself, besides the Blessing of the Post-Office, and yet with all my Art, I have as much as ever I can do, to make both Ends meet. How he can make it do, I don\u2019t know, but believe he continually is breaking in on his Wife\u2019s \u00a31000, left her by Mr. Hunter; and I am mistaken if above half of it is not gone already. I think if I could but get those Debts paid, which my Connection with him has chiefly occasioned, I could rub along pretty well. I will yet Struggle hard, and hope the best, while I have Life or Strength.\nI have made bold to inclose a small Letter to my Son, as his Uncle complains of the Charge of Letters being too hard on him: And my Son may possibly be gone from England or if not, you will know how to send it to him, without its first going to his Uncle\u2019s. If he be gone, you can keep it, or destroy it, as you please. We all beg our Salutations may be acceptable, while I am Your very humble Servant\nJames Parker\nTo Mr. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0167", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 24 December 1768\nFrom: Jones, Noble Wimberly\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nSavannah in Georgia Decr: 24 1768\nBy direction of the Commons House of Assembly of this Province, I herewith transmit you their Address to our Most Gracious Sovereign, which I on their behalf desire you will please to have presented, as soon after the receipt, as possibly May be, the manner of presenting, whether in person or otherways is left to you.\nI also enclose you the Resolution of the House Authorizing me to transmit the same. The House entirely confiding in Your Approved Zeal for the Welfare, and preservation of the Rights and Liberties of America, make not the least doubt of your concurring with the Agents of the other Colonies in endeavours to obtain a Repeal of those Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain, so Greivous to His Majesty\u2019s Loyal Subjects of this Continent, and destructive of that harmony which ought to, and they earnestly wish may subsist between our Mother Country and its Colonies.\nA Restoration of which we doubt not You and they will earnestly warmly and as much as posible promote. I am very respectfully Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant\nN. W. Jones\nYou\u2019l observe Sir by omition of the Clerk the Resolution enclosed appears only as of the Committee for want of his inserting the agreement of the House to it and which I did not take notice of till just closing my Letter but another I sent by former opportunity is right.\n  Endorsed: Speaker\u2019s Letter \u2003Dec. 24, 1770 \u2003Georgia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0168", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Sir John Pringle, [1768?]: r\u00e9sum\u00e9\nFrom: Pringle, Sir John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n[Wednesday evening (1768?): an invitation to dine next Friday at 3:30 to meet Dr. Hoare.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-15-02-0170", "content": "Title: A New Version of the Lord\u2019s Prayer, [late 1768?]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nFranklin\u2019s celebrated revision of the Lord\u2019s Prayer has produced widespread disagreement about both its date and its significance. On the date, the suggestions of various editors and biographers run from the late 1720\u2019s to the late 1770\u2019s; but this range of half a century can be narrowed with confidence to a year or two at most. Evidence in the manuscript virtually proves that it was written after September, 1768. Franklin himself placed its composition well before 1773. We are assigning it to what we believe is the earliest likely date and, as well, almost the latest probable one.\nThe question of what the revision signifies has intrigued scholars even more than that of when it was done. Franklin had no theological bent, and he was not devout in the sense that Samuel Johnson was; the life of prayer was as alien to him as the life of science to his great contemporary. Why, then, did he undertake to modernize the most hallowed of Christian petitions? The answers given have run the gamut: he was fundamentally religious; he was impatient with verbal archaisms and obscurities; he could not resist improving whatever he encountered. These answers, however valid they may be, ignore a major possibility: that Franklin\u2019s interest in linguistics drew him to the Lord\u2019s Prayer. As a boy of sixteen he had become fascinated with John Wilkins\u2019 attempt to create a \u201cphilosophical language,\u201d in which symbols stand for things arranged under general headings and subheadings; he had made extracts from Wilkins\u2019 work and kept them for years, and in 1755 had sent them to Ezra Stiles. Some time early in 1768, when Franklin presumably began to experiment with his phonetic alphabet, he might naturally have turned back to his copy of Wilkins. If he did so, he would at once have become involved with the Lord\u2019s Prayer, for Wilkins uses it to illustrate what can be done with his new language. He first transposes the Prayer and the Creed into his symbols, and in the process alters the wording considerably; he then reproduces a table in which the Prayer is translated into fifty languages, including his own, and also into a phonetic alphabet for rendering English. That alphabet was obviously grist for Franklin\u2019s mill; but Wilkins\u2019 whole treatment of the Prayer as an expression of ideas would, according to our hypothesis, have aroused his interest in the wording and stimulated him to recast it. His two attempted revisions, the one orthographical and the other liturgical, coincided in time. We are suggesting that this did not happen by accident, but that the second grew out of the first.\nOld Version.\nNew Version, by BF.\n1. Our Father which art in Heaven.\n1. Heavenly Father,\n2. Hallowed be thy Name.\n2. May all revere thee,\n3. Thy Kingdom come.\n3. And become thy dutiful Children and faithful Subjects.\n4. Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.\n4. May thy Laws be obeyed on Earth as perfectly as they are in Heaven.\n5. Give us this Day our daily Bread.\n5. Provide for us this Day as thou has hitherto daily done.\n6. Forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors.\n6. Forgive us our Trespasses, and enable us likewise to forgive those that offend us.\n[7.] And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from Evil.\n7. Keep us out of Temptation, and deliver us from Evil.\n  Reasons for the Change of Expression\nOld Version. \u2002Our Father which art in Heaven\n  New V. \u2002Heavenly Father, is more concise, equally expressive, and better modern English.\n  Old. \u2002Hallowed be thy Name. This seems to relate to an Observance among the Jews not to pronounce the proper or peculiar Name of God, they deeming it a Profanation so to do. We have in our Language no proper Name for God; the Word God being a common or general Name, expressing all chief Objects of Worship, true or false. The Word hallowed is almost obsolete: People now have but an imperfect Conception of the Meaning of the Petition. It is therefore proposed to change the Expression into\n  New. \u2002May all revere thee.\n  Old V. \u2002Thy Kingdom come. This Petition seems suited to the then Condition of the Jewish Nation. Originally their State was a Theocracy: God was their King. Dissatisfied with that kind of Government, they desired a visible earthly King in the manner of the Nations round them. They had such King\u2019s accordingly; but their Happiness was not increas\u2019d by the Change, and they had reason to wish and pray for a Return of the Theocracy, or Government of God. Christians in these Times have other Ideas when they speak of the Kingdom of God, such as are perhaps more adequately express\u2019d by\n  New V.\u2002And become thy dutiful Children and faithful Subjects.\n  Old V. \u2002Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. More explicitly,\n  New V. \u2002May thy Laws be obeyed on Earth as perfectly as they are in Heaven.\n  Old V. \u2002Give us this Day our daily Bread. Give us what is ours, seems to put in a Claim of Right, and to contain too little of the grateful Acknowledgment and Sense of Dependance that becomes Creatures who live on the daily Bounty of their Creator. Therefore it is changed to\n  New V. \u2002Provide for us this Day, as thou hast hitherto daily done.\n  Old V. \u2002Forgive us our Debts as we forgive our Debtors. Matthew. Forgive us our Sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. Luke.\nOfferings were due to God on many Occasions by the Jewish Law, which when People could not pay, or had forgotten as Debtors are apt to do, it was proper to pray that those Debts might be forgiven. Our Liturgy uses neither the Debtors of Matthew, nor the indebted of Luke, but instead of them speaks of those that trespass against us. Perhaps the Considering it as a Christian Duty to forgive Debtors, was by the Compilers thought an inconvenient Idea in a trading Nation. There seems however something presumptious in this Mode of Expression, which has the Air of proposing ourselves as an Example of Goodness fit for God to imitate. We hope you will at least be as good as we are; you see we forgive one another, and therefore we pray that you would forgive us. Some have considered it in another Sense, Forgive us as we forgive others; i.e. If we do not forgive others we pray that thou wouldst not forgive us. But this being a kind of conditional Imprecation against ourselves, seems improper in such a Prayer; and therefore it may be better to say humbly and modestly\n  New V. \u2002Forgive us our Trespasses, and enable us likewise to forgive those that offend us. This instead of assuming that we have already in and of ourselves the Grace of Forgiveness, acknowledges our Dependance on God, the Fountain of Mercy, for any Share we may have of it, praying that he would communicate of it to us.\n  Old V. \u2002And lead us not into Temptation. The Jews had a Notion, that God sometimes tempted, or directed or permitted the Tempting of People. Thus it was said he tempted Pharaoh; directed Satan to tempt Job; and a false Prophet to tempt Ahab, &c. Under this Persuasion it was natural for them to pray that he would not put them to such severe Trials. We now suppose that Temptation, so far as it is supernatural, comes from the Devil only; and this Petition continued, conveys a Suspicion which in our present Conceptions seems unworthy of God,  therefore might be altered to\n  New V. \u2002Keep us out of Temptation.\nEndorsed: Lord\u2019s Prayer\nB. Franklin\u2019s Version ofThe Lord\u2019s Prayer.\nHeavenly Father, may all revere thee, and become thy dutiful Children and faithful Subjects; may thy Laws be obeyed on Earth as perfectly as they are in Heaven: Provide for us this Day as thou hast hitherto daily done: Forgive us our Trespasses, and enable us likewise to forgive those that offend us. Keep us out of Temptation, and deliver us from Evil.\nEndorsed: New Version of the Lord\u2019s Prayer with Notes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0002", "content": "Title: Thomas Hutchinson to \u2014\u2014, 18 June 1768\nFrom: Hutchinson, Thomas\nTo: \nSir,\nBoston, 18th June 1768.\nAs you allow me the honour of your correspondence, I may not omit acquainting you with so remarkable an event as the withdraw of the commissioners of the customs and most of the other officers under them from the town on board the Romney, with an intent to remove from thence to the castle.\nIn the evening of the 10th a sloop belonging to Mr. Hancock, a representative for Boston, and a wealthy merchant, of great influence over the populace, was seized by the collector and comptroller for a very notorious breach of the acts of trade, and, after seizure taken into custody by the officer of the Romney man of war, and remov\u2019d under command of her guns. It is pretended that the removal and not the seizure incensed the people. It seems not very material which it was. A mob was immediately rais\u2019d, the Officers insulted, bruis\u2019d and much hurt, and the windows of some of their houses broke; a boat belonging to the collector burnt in triumph, and many threats utter\u2019d against the commissioners and their officers: no notice being taken of their extravagance in the time of it, nor any endeavours by any authority except the governor, the next day to discover and punish the offenders; and there being a rumour of a higher mob intended monday (the 13th) in the evening the commissioners, four of them, thought themselves altogether unsafe, being destitute of protection, and remov\u2019d with their families to the Romney, and there remain and hold their board, and next week intend to do the same, and also open the custom-house at the castle. The governor press\u2019d the council to assist him with their advice, but they declin\u2019d and evaded calling it a brush or small disturbance by boys and negroes, not considering how much it must be resented in England that the officers of the crown should think themselves obliged to quit the place of their residence and go on board a King\u2019s ship for safety, and all the internal authority of the province take no notice of it. The town of Boston have had repeated meetings, and by their votes declared the commissioners and their officers a great grievance, and yesterday instructed their representatives to endeavor that enquiry should be made by the assembly whether any person by writing or in any other way had encouraged the sending troops here, there being some alarming reports that troops are expected, but have not taken any measures to discountenance the promoters of the late proceedings; but on the contrary appointed one or more of the actors or abettors on a committee appointed to wait on the governor, and to desire him to order the man of war out of the harbour.\nIgnorant as they be, yet the heads of a Boston town-meeting influence all public measures. \nIt is not possible this anarchy should last always. Mr. Hallowell who will be the bearer of this tells me he has the honor of being personally known to you. I beg leave to refer you to him for a more full account. I am, with great esteem, Sir, your most humble and obedient servant,\nTho. Hutchinson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0003", "content": "Title: Thomas Hutchinson to \u2014\u2014, August 1768\nFrom: Hutchinson, Thomas\nTo: \nSir,\nBoston, August 1768.\nIt is very necessary other information should be had in England of the present state of the commissioners of the customs than what common fame will bring to you or what you will receive from most of the letters which go from hence, people in general being prejudiced by many false reports and misrepresentations concerning them. Seven eighths of the people of the country suppose the board itself to be unconstitutional and cannot be undeceived and brought to believe that a board has existed in England all this century, and that the board established here has no new powers given to it. Our incendiaries know it but they industriously and very wickedly publish the contrary. As much pains has been taken to prejudice the country against the persons of the commissioners and their characters have been misrepresented and cruelly treated especially since their confinement at the castle where they are not so likely to hear what is said of them and are not so able to confute it.\nIt is not pretended they need not to have withdrawn, that Mr. Williams had stood his ground without any injury although the mob beset his house, &c. There never was that spirit raised against the under officers as against the commissioners, I mean four of them. They had a public affront offered them by the town of Boston who refused to give the use of their hall for a public dinner unless it was stipulated that the commissioners should not be invited. An affront of the same nature at the motion of Mr. Hancock was offered by a company of cadets. Soon after a vessel of Mr. Hancock\u2019s being seized the officers were mobb\u2019d and the commissioners were informed they were threatned. I own I was in pain for them. I do not believe if the mob had seized them, there was any authority able and willing to have rescued them. After they had withdrawn the town signified to the governor by a message that it was expected or desired they should not return. It was then the general voice that it would not be safe for them to return. After all this the sons of liberty say they deserted or abdicated.\nThe other officers of the customs in general either did not leave the town or soon returned to it. Some of them seem to be discontented with the commissioners. Great pains have been taken to increase the discontent. Their office by these means is rendered extremely burdensome. Every thing they do is found fault with, and yet no particular illegality or even irregularity mentioned. There is too much hauteur some of their officers say in the treatment they receive. They say they treat their officers as the commissioners treat their officers in England and require no greater deference. After all it is not the persons but the office of the commissioners which has raised this spirit, and the distinction made between the commissioners is because it has been given out that four of them were in favor of the new establishment and the fifth was not. If Mr. Hallowell arrived safe he can inform you many circumstances relative to this distinction which I very willingly excuse myself from mentioning.\nI know of no burden brought upon the fair trader by the new establishment. The illicit trader finds the risque greater than it used to be, especially in the port where the board is constantly held. Another circumstance which increases the prejudice is this; the new duties happened to take place just about the time the commissioners arrived. People have absurdly connected the duties and board of commissioners, and suppose we should have had no additional duties if there had been no board to have the charge of collecting them. With all the aid you can give to the officers of the crown they will have enough to do to maintain the authority of government and to carry the laws into execution. If they are discountenanced, neglected or fail of support from you, they must submit to every thing the present opposers of government think fit to require of them.\nThere is no office under greater discouragements than that of the commissioners. Some of my friends recommended me to the ministry. I think myself very happy that I am not one. Indeed it would have been incompatible with my post as chief justice, and I must have declined it, and I should do it although no greater salary had been affixed to the chief justices place than the small pittance allowed by the province.\nFrom my acquaintance with the commissioners I have conceived a personal esteem for them, but my chief inducement to make this representation to you is in regard to the public interest which I am sure will suffer if the opposition carry their point against them. I am with very great esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, \nTho. Hutchinson.\nAugust 10. Yesterday at a meeting of the merchants it was agreed by all present to give no more orders for goods from England, nor receive any on commission until the late acts are repealed. And it is said all except sixteen in the town have subscribed an engagement of that tenor. I hope the subscription will be printed that I may transmit it to you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0004", "content": "Title: Thomas Hutchinson to \u2014\u2014, 4 October 1768\nFrom: Hutchinson, Thomas\nTo: \nDear Sir,\nBoston, 4th October 1768.\nI was absent upon one of our circuits when Mr. Byles arrived. Since my return I have received from him your obliging letter of 31st July. I never dared to think what the resentment of the nation would be upon Hallowell\u2019s arrival. It is not strange that measures should be immediately taken to reduce the colonies to their former state of government and order, but that the national funds should be effected by it is to me a little mysterious and surprizing. Principles of government absurd enough, spread thro\u2019 all the colonies; but I cannot think that in any colony, people of any consideration have ever been so mad as to think of a revolt. Many of the common people have been in a frenzy, and talk\u2019d of dying in defence of their liberties, and have spoke and printed what is highly criminal, and too many of rank above the vulgar, and some in public posts have countenanced and encouraged them untill they increased so much in their numbers and in their opinion of their importance as to submit to government no further than they thought proper. The legislative powers have been influenced by them, and the executive powers intirely lost their force. There has been continual danger of mobs and insurrections, but they would have spent all their force within ourselves, the officers of the Crown and some of the few friends who dared to stand by them possibly might have been knock\u2019d in the head, and some such fatal event would probably have brought the people to their senses. For four or five weeks past the distemper has been growing, and I confess I have not been without some apprehensions for myself, but my friends have had more for me, and I have had repeated and frequent notices from them from different quarters, one of the last I will inclose to you. In this state of things there was no security but quitting my posts, which nothing but the last extremity would justify. As chief justice for two years after our first disorders I kept the grand juries tollerably well to their duty. The last spring there had been several riots, and a most infamous libel had been published in one of the papers, which I enlarged upon, and the grand jury had determined to make presentments, but the attorney-general not attending them the first day, Otis and his creatures who were alarmed and frightned exerted themselves the next day and prevailed upon so many of the jury to change their voices, that there was not a sufficient number left to find a bill. They have been ever since more enraged against me than ever. At the desire of the governor I committed to writing the charge while it lay in my memory, and as I have no further use for it I will inclose it as it may give you some idea of our judicatories.\nWhilst we were in this state, news came of two regiments being ordered from Halifax, and soon after two more from Ireland. The minds of people were more and more agitated, broad hints were given that the troops should never land, a barrel of tar was placed upon the beacon, in the night to be fired to bring in the country when the troops appeared, and all the authority of the government was not strong enough to remove it. The town of Boston met and passed a number of weak but very criminal votes; and as the governor declined calling an assembly they sent circular letters to all the towns and districts to send a person each that there might be a general consultation at so extraordinary a crisis. They met and spent a week, made themselves ridiculous, and then dissolv\u2019d themselves, after a message or two to the governor which he refused to receive; a petition to the King which I dare say their agents will never be allow\u2019d to present, and a result which they have published ill-natured and impotent.\nIn this confusion the troops from Halifax arrived. I never was much afraid of the people\u2019s taking arms, but I was apprehensive of violence from the mob, it being their last chance before the troops could land. As the prospect of revenge became more certain their courage abated in proportion. Two regiments are landed, but a new grievance is now rais\u2019d. The troops are by act of parliament to be quartered no where else but in the barracks until they are full. There are barracks enough at the castle to hold both regiments. It is therefore against the act to bring any of them into town. This was started by the council in their answer to the governor, which to make themselves popular, they in an unprecedented way published and have alarmed all the province; for although none but the most contracted minds could put such a construction upon the act, yet after this declaration of the council nine tenths of the people suppose it just. I wish the act had been better express\u2019d, but it is absurd to suppose the parliament intended to take from the King the direction of his forces by confining them to a place where any of the colonies might think fit to build barracks. It is besides ungrateful, for it is known to many that this provision was brought into the bill after it had been framed without it, from meer favor to the colonies. I hear the commander in chief has provided barracks or quarters, but a doubt still remains with some of the council, whether they are to furnish the articles required, unless the men are in the province barracks, and they are to determine upon it to day.\nThe government has been so long in the hands of the populace that it must come out of them by degrees, at least it will be a work of time to bring the people back to just notions of the nature of government.\nMr. Pepperrell a young gentleman of good character, and grandson and principal heir to the late Sir William Pepperrell being bound to London, I shall deliver this letter to him, as it will be too bulky for postage, and desire him to wait upon you with it. I am with very great esteem, Sir, your most humble and most obedient servant,\nTho. Hutchinson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0006", "content": "Title: Thomas Hutchinson to \u2014\u2014, 10 December 1768\nFrom: Hutchinson, Thomas\nTo: \nDear Sir,\nBoston, 10th December 1768.\nI am just now informed that a number of the council, perhaps 8 or 10 who live in and near this town, have met together and agreed upon a long address or petition to parliament, and that it will be sent by this ship to Mr. Bollan to be presented. Mr. Danforth who is president of the council told the governor upon enquiry, that it was sent to him to sign, and he supposed the rest of the council who had met together would sign after him in order, but he had since found that they had wrote over his name by order of council, which makes it appear to be an act of council. This may be a low piece of cunning in him, but be it as it may, it\u2019s proper it should be known that the whole is no more than the doings of a part of the council only, although even that is not very material, since, if they had all been present without the governor\u2019s summons the meeting would have been irregular and unconstitutional, and ought to be discountenanced and censured. I suppose there is no instance of the privy council\u2019s meeting and doing business without the king\u2019s presence or special direction, except in committees upon such business as by his majesty\u2019s order has been referr\u2019d to them by an act of council, and I have known no instance here without the governor until within three or four months past. \nI thought it very necessary the circumstances of this proceeding should be known, tho\u2019 if there be no necessity for it, I think it would be best it should not be known that the intelligence comes from me. I am with very great regard, Sir, your most humble and most obedient Servant, \nTho. Hutchinson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0013", "content": "Title: Charles Paxton to \u2014\u2014, 20 June 1768\nFrom: Paxton, Charles\nTo: \nDear Sir,\nOn board his Majesty\u2019s Ship Romney, Boston Harbour, 20th June, 68.\nThe commissioners of the customs have met with every insult since their arrival at Boston, and at last have been obliged to seek protection on board his Majesty\u2019s ship Romney: Mr. Hallowell, the comptroller of the customs who will have the honor to deliver you this Letter, will inform you of many particulars; he is sent by the Board with their letters to Government. Unless we have immediately two or three regiments, \u2019tis the opinion of all the friends to government, that Boston will be in open rebellion. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect and warmest regard, Dear Sir, Your most faithful and oblig\u2019d servant,\nChas. Paxton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0014", "content": "Title: Nathaniel Rogers to \u2014\u2014, 12 December 1768\nFrom: Rogers, Nathaniel\nTo: \nMy Dear Sir,\nBoston, Decem. 12th 1768.\nI Wrote you a few days ago, and did not then think of troubling you upon any private affair of mine, at least not so suddenly; but within this day or two, I have had a conversation with Mr. Oliver, secretary of the province, the design of which was my succeeding to the post he holds from the crown, upon the idea, that provision would be made for governor Bernard, and the lieutenant governor would succeed to the chair, then the secretary is desirous of being lieutenant governor, and if in any way, three hundred pounds a year could be annexed to the appointment. You are sensible the appointment is in one department, and the grant of money in another; now the present lieutenant governor has an assignment of \u00a3200 a year upon the customs here; he has not received any thing from it as yet, and is doubtful if he shall; he has no doubt of its lapse to the crown, if he has the chair; if then by any interest that sum could be assigned to Mr. Oliver as lieutenant governor, and if he should be allowed (as has been usual for all lieutenant governors) to hold the command of the castle, that would be another \u00a3100. This would compleat the secretary\u2019s views; and he thinks his public services, the injuries he has received in that service, and the favorable sentiments entertained of him by government, may lead him to these views, and he hopes for the interest of his friends. The place of secretary is worth \u00a3300 a year, but is a provincial grant at present, so that it will not allow to be quartered on: And as I had view upon the place when I was in England, and went so far as to converse with several men of interest upon it, tho\u2019 I never had an opportunity to mention it to you after I recovered my illness, I hope you will allow me your influence, and by extending it at the treasury, to facilitate the assignment of the \u00a3200 a year, it will be serving the secretary, and it will very much oblige me. The secretary is advanced in life, tho\u2019 much more so in health, which has been much impaired by the injuries he received, and he wishes to quit the more active scenes; he considers this as a kind of otium cum dignitate, and from merits one may think he has a claim to it. I will mention to you the gentlemen, who are acquainted with my views and whose favourable approbation I have had. Governor Pownall, Mr. John Pownall, and Dr. Franklin. My lord Hillsborough is not unacquainted with it. I have since I have been here, wrote Mr. Jackson upon the subject, and have by this vessel wrote Mr. Mauduit. I think my character stands fair. I have not been without application to public affairs, and have acquired some knowledge of our provincial affairs, and notwithstanding our many free conversations in England, I am considered here as on government side, for which I have been often traduced both publickly and privately, and very lately have had two or three slaps. The governor and lieutenant governor are fully acquainted with the negociation, and I meet their approbation; all is upon the idea the governor is provided for, and there shall by any means be a vacancy of the lieut. governor\u2019s place. I have gone so far, as to say to some of my friends, that rather than not succeed I would agree to pay the secretary \u00a3100 a year out of the office to make up \u00a3300, provided he could obtain only the assignment of \u00a3200, but the other proposal would to be sure be most eligible. I scarce know any apology to make for troubling you upon the subject; the friendship you shewed me in London, and the favourable expressions you made use of to the lieut. governor in my behalf encourage me, besides a sort of egotism, which inclines men to think what they wish to be real. I submit myself to the enquiries of any of my countrymen in England, but I should wish the matter may be secret \u2019till it is effected. I am with very great respect and regard, my dear sir, Your most obedient, and most humble servant,\nNath. Rogers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0016", "content": "Title: Thomas Moffat to \u2014\u2014, 15 November 1768\nFrom: Moffat, Thomas\nTo: \nSir,\nN. London, Nov. 15, 1768.\nBy Mr. Byles I am favoured with your most obliging letter of the second of August last, for which together with your extraordinary civility to Mr. Byles I truly thank you: I could not really think of such a person going from hence without shewing him to you, as a parson or minister of his way and turn of thinking may be considered as of the comit [comet?] kind here, which leads me to say somewhat abruptly if not improperly to you, that it seems to me here as if the universities of Scotland had conspired to distinguish all the firebrand incendiary preachers of this country with plumes of honorary degrees and titles, which in truth are only so many mortifications to the friends of G. Britain or lovers of letters, who cannot help being touch\u2019d and chagrin\u2019d at the too frequent profusion of honour and titles conferr\u2019d from Scotland upon the leading preachers of sedition. I wish this affair of literary prostitution from my native country may induce you to speak of it to some of that nation with whom I know you are intimate, that may think of preventing it for the future.\nAs to Boston, the great theatre of action, I have been silent for some time past only for want of certain intelligence, as every day generally produc\u2019d new rumours without any or much foundation in truth, but since the arrival of the two regiments with Col. Dalrymple all has been quiet there. I now flatter myself that measures of vigour will be pursued and maintained here, and I impatiently wish to hear that your friend is in power and confidence again, but that is indeed a point I have much expectation, desire and faith in. As you have express\u2019d heretofore to me inclination of knowing the proceedings of the Rhode Island assembly respecting compensation to the sufferers in the riot of Newport, I now trouble you with a copy of my letter of this day to the lords of the treasury, which mutatis mutandis, is the same with that also to the Earl of Hillsborough of the same date with a copy of the narrative and letter to Lord Shelburne.\nMy Lords,\nN. London, Nov. 14th, 1768.\nAgain I presume upon troubling your lordships with as short an account as may be written of what has very lately pass\u2019d in the G. assembly of Rhode Island colony, in reference to their granting of a compensation to the sufferers from the riot of Newport 1765, as resolved on in the British parliament and very graciously recommended from his Majesty to the governor and company of that colony by his principal secretary of state.\nTired out and greatly mortified with a long course of frequent fruitless and a very expensive attendance upon the G. assembly, I had resolved above a year ago to solicit them no more: but at the intercession of my fellow sufferer Mr. Howard chief justice of North Carolina, I was again prevailed upon to go to Newport in September last, where and when the assembly then met and I had sufficient influence to engage the speaker of the house of deputies to move several times for reading a petition of Mr. Howard\u2019s, with an estimate of his loss solemnly sworn to and authenticated by a notary publick with every necessary prescribed form. The speaker also urged upon the house because of my attending from another colony upon that account only, but the deputies would neither consent to hear Mr. Howard\u2019s petition nor receive his estimate.\nImmediately after this refusal a message was sent from the upper house of magistrates requesting the lower house to enter now upon the riot of Newport by immediately impowering the high sheriff to impannel a jury of inquisition to assertain and repair the loss of Dr. Moffatt, Mr. Howard and Mr. Johnson, but the house of deputies could not listen nor agree to any part of this proposal from the upper house.\nAbout the middle of last I wrote a most respectful letter to the governor of Rhode Island and inclosed to his honor the estimate of my loss in the Newport riot sworn to before and attested by a magistrate here requesting the favor of the governor to lay the same before the ensuing assembly. The governor writes on the seventh of this month \u201cthat at the last session of assembly he presented my estimate and read my letter in a great committee of both houses of assembly but could not prevail to have it consider\u2019d then;\u201d and adds \u201cthat he will endeavour to bring it in again next February.\u201d\nUnder the strongest impressions of assurance the G. Assembly of Rhode Island never will recompence the suffered in the riot of Newport, may I again presume to implore your lordships interposition and influence to obtain a recompence for the sufferers in Rhode Island from some more effectual and certain channel than that of depending any longer upon the duty or justice of the G. Assembly in that colony. And my lords may I yet farther presume in writing to your lordships to add that by endeavouring to restore in some measure what I lost in that riot I am now sadly sensible that I have not overvalued the same in my estimate, as also that if I am not compensated by the interest, generosity and equity of your lordships, I can never expect to be possess\u2019d of half the value I then lost, as the office of a comptroler here I now hold, had but a very inconsiderable salary with small perquisites. I am, My lords, &c. &c. .\nT. M\nIn my last letter which I hope you have received, as I address\u2019d it to the care of your brother, I then touch\u2019d upon sir Wm. Johnson\u2019s being here some weeks in quest of health, and of the pleasure Mr. Stewart and I enjoy\u2019d with him; as also that lord Charles Grenville Montague was here en passant with his lady; and I also then intimated to you our happiness in Mr. Harrison the collector of Boston having accepted Mr. Stewart\u2019s warm invitation to come here after the very flagrant riot at Boston, in which he had been so greatly insulted, abus\u2019d and hurt, who came here with his lady, son and daughter, and staid a fortnight: when we planned and regulated all these colonies into a system which I could wish to see effected. Since which Mr. Stewart has visited Mr. Harrison at Boston at the time when Mrs. Harrison with their son and daughter sailed for London as a place of perfect safety and liberty. Mr. Harrison\u2019s son is capable and promising, but was cruelly us\u2019d by the mob of Boston, which will I hope incline Mr. Harrison\u2019s friends or rather the friends of government to provide suitably for so young a sufferer. I could not easily within the compass of a letter to you say the pleasure I have felt in observing the strict union and friendship that subsists and is now rivetted between Mr. Harrison and Mr. Stewart upon principles of the truest honor and virtue, both of whom well understand and sincerely wish the true interest of G. Britain and all her colonies, especially in the cardinal articles of legislation and government, as also in the subaltern or lesser points of taxation and revenue from which objects no attachments, connections or views will or ever can sway the one or the other. As I have been accustomed to write to you with a plainness and freedom which I flatter myself has not been disagreeable, so therefore I would farther say of Mr. Stewart that he married in an opulent popular and commercial family, some of whom perhaps may be supposed to have more oblique interest than may be consistent with regulation or a due submission to the laws of G. Britain, so it is with a peculiar and very sensible satisfaction that I can assure you his spirit address and conduct in so nice a situation deserves the greatest praise and commendation, as it has perhaps been or may be very influential on some of the best among them, even to a better way of thinking and acting. By the inclos\u2019d you will know that Mr. Stewart now writes to Mr. Grenville, and mentions somewhat of his application for leave of absence from the Treasury board, which I only wish him to succeed in because I think Mr. Harrison and him really the most capable persons here to throw light upon many transactions here which cannot be communicated in letters or any written representation to satisfaction or proper advantage. If Mr. Stewart obtains leave to return home I shall be unhappy enough by his absence. Two years are now elapsed since I came here, a great part of which has been spent in anxiously wishing for the genius of Britain to awake and vindicate her supreme jurisdiction and authority impiously questioned and denied in colonies so very lately redeemed from hostile incursions and encroachments, but I believe the time is now come, and I rejoice in its approach. I wish you every felicity with the preferment and employment you like best, and am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,\nThomas Moffat.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-20-02-0282-0017", "content": "Title: Thomas Moffat to \u2014\u2014, 15 December 1768\nFrom: Moffat, Thomas\nTo: \nSir,\nBoston, December 15. 1768.\nIn November last I wrote you from N. London, and inserted in that letter a copy of what I had written to the lords of the treasury and the Earl of Hillsborough, relative to the compensation of the sufferers in the riot at Newport 1765. I hope and very much wish that letter may have come to your hand, because in it you will see how strictly and soon I follow your counsel in making affidation to the estimate of my loss, which as I apprehended made not the least impression nor could make upon the general assembly of Rhode-Island, because there was not I believe a member in either house that did not think and believe my loss exceeded the estimate frequently laid before them to no purpose. I thank you therefore for the kind and good advice which I instantly followed, and which I think has finished this long and tedious transaction on this side of the atlantick, which has not only been ineffectual but attended with much trouble and expence to me. How or in what light it may be now considered by administration or parliament I cannot at this time and distance judge, far less determine. Sometimes I flatter myself that a resolve of the British senate will not be allowed to be thus scorned and trampled upon; at other times I despond and think the object too small for attention; and as there were but three sufferers in Rhode-Island colony, two of them to my great pleasure and triumph are now amply and very honorably provided for, I sometimes imagine that compensation may drop and be forgot, and indeed if it was not for the confidence which I have in you and some others in the house of commons, I should certainly despair of any recompence, and which upon recollection I must acknowledge as criminal in a very great degree, because of its having been resolved on in the parliament of Great-Britain that such sufferers should be compensated: And I am not conscious that I have omitted, delayed or neglected any part of my duty in the course of negociating it here in America.\nA few days ago I came here chiefly to see and enjoy my friend collector Harrison that we might open bosoms to one another upon the great scene and field of affairs in this country, the face of which is only alter\u2019d apparently here from the arrival of the King\u2019s troops and ships, which have indeed restored a very certain security and tranquility, and prevented if not put a final period to their most pestilent town-meetings. There is nor can be no real alteration in the sentiment or disposition of the prime disturbers. This is but an interval or truce procur\u2019d from the dread of a bayonet. The special and catholick remedy deriv\u2019d from and founded in an acknowledgement of the British supremacy and legislation over America manifested under the exercise of a more firm, regular and consistent plan of civil government, must come from the decrees of the British parliament, otherwise the country and particularly N. England, will soon and forever be in perpetual anarchy and disobedience. The anxiety and distress of the few here that are well affected to government before the arrival of the troops and ships was very great, and in my opinion will be greater if vigorous, salutary and proper measures are not adopted in parliament.\nAll here seem anxious and impatient to know the complexion and temper of the British parliament, and what is very unaccountable if not incredible, the sons of liberty here so called are elevated with hope and assurance that their claims and pretensions will be receiv\u2019d and recogniz\u2019d, as they affect to phrase it, but if I err not, this presumption of hope may have arisen or been cherished in a great measure by some visits of an officer of high military rank from N. York to some of the most popular and violent ringleaders here, and I wish that I could say to you that the most mischievous here had not been countenanced also by a person of another and very different station.\nI find that in consequence of and under an apprehension of unsettled, unsafe times here, Mr. Harrison has thought it best that Mrs. Harrison, his son and daughter, should go to London, as a place of true liberty and safety, and as I hope they will be arrived before this reaches you, and as I formerly mentioned to you Mr. Harrison\u2019s son as a young sufferer very roughly handled upon the 10th of June, so if you incline to see and discourse him for intelligence or any other motive, Mr. Hallowell of this town can easily bring him to you.\nIf any thing remarkable occurs here during my stay I shall not fail to write to you again. I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, \nThomas Moffat.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-21-02-0020", "content": "Title: Letter to the Public Advertiser, [before 31 January 1774]\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: \nThis document is among those calculated to teach editors humility. We have failed to discover either its date or the source of the dialogue that drives home its point. The date depends on that of the letter to the Public Advertiser which Franklin is answering, and which we have been unable to locate. Neither could Verner Crane, and he concluded for another reason that the answer was written early in 1769; but he, like us, could not find it in print. The reference in Franklin\u2019s first paragraph to his position in the Post Office is the sole clue, and it shows only that he was writing at some time, perhaps years, before his dismissal; the context seems to indicate a time during the period of crises following the Townshend Acts. Hence the bracket of likely dates is 1768\u201374.\nJust as we have failed to find in print this letter and the one that provoked it, so we have failed to find the play from which Franklin quoted or purported to quote, although a number of scholars across the country have been kind enough to join in the search. Franklin seemed to assume that his readers were familiar with the work, but it has proved so elusive that we are inclined, subject to correction, to think that they were not\u2014that he manufactured this scrap of a scene, as he manufactured fables, to suit the purpose of the moment.\nTo the Printer of the Public Advertiser\nSir\n[Before January 31, 1774]\nYour Correspondent Brittanicus inveighs violently against Dr: Franklin for his Ingratitude to the Ministry of this Nation, who have conferred upon him so many Favours. They gave him the Post Office of America; they made his Son a Governor; and they offer\u2019d him a Post of five hundred a Year in the Salt Office, if he would relinquish the Interests of his Countrey; but he has had the Wickedness to continue true to it, and is as much an American as ever. As it is a settled Point in Government here, that every Man has his Price, \u2019tis plain they are Bunglers in their Business, and have not given him enough. Their Master has as much reason to be angry with them as Rodrigue in the Play, with his Apothecary for not effectually poisoning Pandolpho, and they must probably make use of the Apothecary\u2019s Justification; Viz.\nScene 4th\nRodrigue and Fell the Apothecary.\nRodrigue. You promised to have this Pandolpho upon his Bier in less than a Week; \u2019Tis more than a Month since, and he still walks and stares me in the Face.\nFell. True: and yet I have done my best Endeavours. In various Ways I have given the Miscreant as much Poison as would have kill\u2019d an Elephant. He has swallow\u2019d Dose after Dose; far from hurting him, he seems the better for it. He hath a wonderfully strong Constitution. I find I cannot kill him but by cutting his Throat, and that, as I take it, is not my Business.\nRodrigue. Then it must be mine.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0001-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 January 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n12. Attempted to go into the Neck on the Ice but it wd. not bear. In the Evening Mr. Chs. Dick Mr. Muse & my Brother Charles came here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0001", "content": "Title: [January 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJany. 1st. Fox huntg. in my own Neck with Mr. Robt. Alexander and Mr. Colvill\u2014catchd nothing. Captn. Posey with us.\n   Although John Posey joined in the chase today and on other occasions during the next few months, he was now, in GW\u2019s opinion, a man \u201creduced to the last Shifts,\u201d for he was being destroyed financially by enormous debts that he had acquired over the past several years (GW to Posey, 24 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW). GW was one of Posey\u2019s principal creditors, holding mortgages on his lands and slaves for a total of \u00a3820 Virginia currency conveyed since 1763. With interest accumulating at the rate of \u00a341 a year and miscellaneous charges against him, Posey now owed GW nearly \u00a31,000 (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 168, 256). But Posey was strongly opposed to selling his property to clear his books and had begged GW several times to lend him more money in order to avoid that end. GW had agreed not to press Posey for repayment of his previous loans and was willing to act as his security for a \u00a3200 sterling loan from George Mason, but he refused to advance Posey any more cash (GW to Posey, 24 June and 24 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW).\n2. Surveying some Lines of my Mt. Vernon Tract of Land.\n   The Mount Vernon tract was the original Washington family land on Little Hunting Creek, being part of a grant for 5,000 acres between Little Hunting and Dogue creeks that the proprietors of the Northern Neck had made 1 Mar. 1674 to Col. Nicholas Spencer (d. 1689) of Albany, Westmoreland County, and GW\u2019s great-grandfather, Lt. Col. John Washington (1632\u20131677) of Bridges Creek, Westmoreland County (Northern Neck Deeds and Grants, Book 5, 207\u20138, Vi Microfilm). The Spencer-Washington grant was divided in 1690 between Colonel Spencer\u2019s widow, Frances Mottram Spencer (died c.1727), and John Washington\u2019s son Lawrence Washington (1659\u20131697/98). Mrs. Spencer chose the western half of the grant which bordered on Dogue Creek, or Epsewasson Creek as the Indians had called it, and Lawrence Washington took the eastern half on Little Hunting Creek (survey and division by George Brent, 18 Sept. and 23 Dec. 1690, ViMtvL). The Little Hunting Creek tract was inherited by Lawrence\u2019s daughter Mildred Washington (1696\u2013c.1745), who, after her marriage to Roger Gregory of King and Queen County, sold it for \u00a3180 to her brother Augustine Washington, GW\u2019s father (deed of Roger and Mildred Gregory to Augustine Washington, 19 Oct. 1726, ViMtvL).\n   From Augustine the tract passed to GW\u2019s half brother Lawrence, who during the 1740s named it Mount Vernon (will of Augustine Washington, 11 April 1743, DLC:GW). After Lawrence\u2019s death in 1752, his widow Ann and her second husband, George Lee (1714\u20131761) of Westmoreland County, rented the tract and 18 slaves to GW for her lifetime at the rate of 15,000\npounds of tobacco or \u00a393 15s. Virginia currency a year, and upon Ann\u2019s death in 1761, it became GW\u2019s outright by virtue of a provision in Lawrence\u2019s will (deed of George and Ann Lee to GW, 17 Dec. 1754, ketchum Richard M. Ketchum. The World of George Washington. New York, 1974., 25; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 47; will of Lawrence Washington, 20 June 1752, ViMtvL). Although the tract was originally supposed to contain about 2,500 acres, it now contained only about 2,126 acres because of a change in the northern boundary that had been made about 1741 (survey by R. O. Brooke, c.1741, callahanCharles H. Callahan. Washington: The Man and the Mason. Washington, D.C., 1913., facing p. 3; GW\u2019s quitrent lists 1760\u201373, DLC:GW). GW had purchased several additional tracts adjoining this original Mount Vernon land.\n3. At Home with Doctr. Rumney.\n   Dr. William Rumney (d. 1783), who was born and trained in England, served as a surgeon with the British army in the French and Indian War and settled in Alexandria in 1763.\n4. Rid to Muddy hole, D. Run, & Mill Plantns.\n5. Went into the Neck.\n6. Rid to Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner. Mr. B. Fairfax and Mr. Robt. Alexander here.\n7. Fox hunting with the above two Gentn. and Captn. Posey. Started but catchd nothing.\n8. Hunting again in the same Compy. Started a Fox and run him 4 hours. Took the Hounds off at Night.\n9. At Home with Mr. B. Fairfax.\n10. At Home alone.\n11. Running some Lines between me and Mr. Willm. Triplet.\n   Triplett\u2019s land bordered on part of GW\u2019s Dogue Run farm (see main entry for 17 Mar. 1770).\n12. Attempted to go into the Neck on the Ice but it wd. not bear. In the Evening Mr. Chs. Dick Mr. Muse & my Brother Charles came here.\n   Charles Dick (b. 1715), of Caroline and Spotsylvania counties, supplied GW\u2019s troops in 1754\u201355 as a Virginia commissary for the British forces. By 1768 Dick\u2019s mercantile business was centered in Fredericksburg. George Muse of Caroline County, married Elizabeth Battaile (d. 1786) in 1749 and had a son, Battaile Muse (1751\u20131803), who also appears in the diaries.\n13. At Home with them\u2014Col. Fairfax, Lady, &[ca.]\n14. Ditto\u2014Do. Colo. Fx. & famy. went home in the Evening.\n15. At Home with the above Gentlemen and Shooting together.\n16. At home all day at Cards\u2014it snowing.\n   GW lost 3s. 6d. in playing cards with his friends (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 269).\n17. At Home with Mr. Dick &ca.\n18. Went to Court & sold Colo. Colvils Ld. Returnd again at Night.\n   As an executor for Thomas Colvill\u2019s estate, GW signed an advertisement in Rind\u2019s Virginia Gazette (24 Dec. 1767) announcing that \u201cupwards of six hundred acres of valuable land . . . will be sold to the highest bidder, at the court-house of Fairfax county, on the 3d Monday in next month (being court day).\u201d The high bidder was Benjamin Moody.\n   GW today recorded losing 11s. 3d. at cards (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 269).\n19. Went to Belvoir with Mr. Dick, my Bror. &ca.\n20. Returnd from Do. by the Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole.\n21. Surveyd the Water courses of my Mt. Vernon Tract of Land\u2014taking advant. of the Ice.\n   The freezing over of the Potomac River and Little Hunting Creek enabled GW to survey their shorelines on this day more easily than he usually could, \u201cthe ice permitting him to work from the water at will, which greatly simplified the calculating\u201d (Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 1:247 n.1).\n22. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey, started but catchd nothing.\n23. Rid to Muddy hole & directed paths to be cut for Fox hunting.\n24. Rid up to Toulston in order to Fox hunt it.\n   toulston: Towlston Grange on Difficult Run, home of Bryan Fairfax.\n25. Confind by Rain with Mr. Fairfax & Mr. Alexander.\n26. Went out with the Hounds but started no Fox. Some of the Hounds run of upon a Deer.\n27. Went out again\u2014started a Fox abt. 10. Run him till 3 and lost him.\n28. Returnd Home. Found Mr. Tomi Elsey there.\n   Thomasin (many spellings) Ellzey (Elzey) was a vestryman of Truro Parish from the 1765 election to the dissolution of the Virginia vestries in 1785. He was a son of Lewis Ellzey (d. 1786) and Mary Thomasin Ellzey (d. 1791). Thomasin married Alice, daughter of Col. Thomas Blackburn (d. 1807) and Christian Scott Blackburn, of Rippon Lodge.\n29. Went to Belvoir with Mrs. W\u2014\u2014n &ca. after Dinnr. Left Mr. Ellzey at home.\n30. Dined at Belvoir and returnd in the Afternoon. Borrowd a hound from Mr. Whiting\u2014as I did 2 from Mr. Alexr. the 28th.\n   GW was connected with the Whiting family of Gloucester County through his Uncle John Washington (1692\u20131746), who had married Catherine Whiting (1694\u20131734), daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Whiting of Gloucester County. The Mr. Whiting who loaned GW the dog today may be Catherine\u2019s nephew Francis Whiting (d. 1775), who was born in Gloucester County and moved to the Shenandoah Valley later in his life. Francis\u2019s older brother Beverley Whiting (c.1707\u20131755), burgess of Gloucester County, may have been the Beverley Whiting who was one of GW\u2019s godfathers (Va. Mag., 32:130; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 126; freemanDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 1:47n).\n31. At Home alone all day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0002-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 January 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. No Frost last Night. Warm, & clear in the forenoon. Cloudy with some Rain in the Afternoon\u2014afterwards clear again. Ice broke in the River.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0002", "content": "Title: Remarks of the Weather [January 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJany. 1st. Ground exceedg. hard froze, but this day calm & moderate.\n2. Moderate. Wind Southwardly. Thawing a little.\n3. Rain, with the Wind at So. West. Gd. still hard froze, except the Top of it.\n4. Foggy & Warm. Mid day clear. Frost still in the Earth. Calm.\n5. Very thick & Foggy in the Morning. Wind afterwards at No. Et. and Rain all day the Wind shifting southwardly.\n6. Warm, clear, & pleasant, in the Morng. Wind high from No. Wt. & cool afterwards.\n7. Clear and frosty. Wind brisk from No. W.\n8. Clear, frost, & still.\n9. Cloudy, with Misty forenoon & constt. Rain afterwards. Wind Southwardly.\n10. Weather clear. Wind Southwardly, yet raw and Cold. Hard frost.\n11. Clear with the Wind at West. Evening very cold & Wind Northwardly. Severe Frost. River froze across.\n12. Wind at No. West and exceeding cold and frosty.\n13. More moderate, and yet very cold, with a little Snow in the Morng. and Eveng. clear.\n14. Clear and pleast. Wind at South River still froze.\n15. Clear and pleasant. Wind Southwardly. Thawd a good deal.\n16. Constant Snow the whole day from the Northward.\n17. Clear and pleasant. Wind So. West and West. Hard frost.\n18. Still & cloudy. Very like to Snow but broke away abt. Sun Set. Cold.\n19. Clear and pleast. Morning. Afternoon Raw & cold.\n20. Clear, still, & warm. Thawd a great deal.\n21. Very warm and Still. Snow dissolving fast.\n22. Warm, still, and clear again. Snow almost gone.\n23. No Frost last Night. Warm, & clear in the forenoon. Cloudy with some Rain in the Afternoon\u2014afterwards clear again. Ice broke in the River.\n24. Lowering Morning, but very fine & Warm till 7 in the Afternoon, when the Wind shifted to No. East from So.\n25. Drizling & Raing. all day. Wind\u2014No. Et.\n26. Wind at No. West. Cloudy & cold, with Spits of Snow.\n27. Cold\u2014cloudy\u2014& still morng. Clear & pleast. afterwards. Wind Southwardly.\n28. Wind at No. West & very cold.\n29. Do. at Do. & Do. River froze up again last Night.\n30. Very hard frost last Night. Morng. cold but more moderate afterwards. Wind gettg. Southwardly.\n31. Lowering. Wind Southwardly & moderate. Ice breaking and dispersing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0003", "content": "Title: Observations [January 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJany. 1st. Neck People clearing a piece of ground which was begun the 23d. of Decr.\nDoeg Run People working in the Swamp which they began to clear this Fall.\nMuddy hole People (except two threshing) clearing the Skirt of woods within the fence 4 Men & 2 Women from Doeg Run assisting.\nMill People also clearing.\n6. Doeg Run People finishd grubbing the Swamp they were in and proceeded to another adjacent.\n12. Threshing Wheat at all Plantations Ground being too hard froze to Grub to any advantage.\n16. Finishd my Smiths Shop\u2014that is the Carpenters work of it.\n18. Carpenters went to Saw Plank at Doeg Run for finishing the Barn there.\nWill put new girders into my Mill where they had Sunk.\n19. Mike, Tom, & Sam went abt. the Overseers House at Muddy hole.\n20. Plantations chiefly employd in getting out Wheat.\n22. Davy, George, Jupiter and Ned, finishd Sawing at Doeg Run & Joind Mike &ca. abt. Overseers House at Muddy hole.\n   GW rented Davy, a carpenter, from Lund Washington for several years (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 297).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0004-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n12. Fox hunting with Colo. Fairfax, Captn. McCarty, Mr. Chichester, Posey, Ellzey & Manley who dind here with Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas. Catchd two foxes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0004-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n28. In the Afternoon went up to Mr. Robt. Alexanders in order to meet Mr. B. Fairfax & others a fox Huntg. None came this day but Captn. Posey.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0004", "content": "Title: [February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n1st. Rid round into the Neck and directed the running of a Fence there.\n2. Rid to Muddy hole\u2014Doeg Run & Mill.\n3. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey & Ld. Washington. Started but catchd nothg.\n   Lund Washington (1737\u20131796), a distant cousin of GW, was the son of Townshend and Elizabeth Lund Washington, of the Chotank area, where GW spent part of his youth. Lund had managed the Ravensworth estates of Henry Fitzhugh (1723\u20131783) during the early 1760s, and in ca. Oct. 1764 GW hired him as manager for his Mount Vernon plantations.\n4. Snowing all day\u2014but not very fast\u2014at home.\n5. At home alone till Mr. Robt. Alexander came in the Evening.\n6. Fox hunting with Mr. Alexander & Captn. Posey. Started but catchd nothing.\n7. At Home alone.\n8. Rid to Muddy hole\u2014Doeg Run & Mill and in returng. met Mr. Alexander Mr. Stoddard and Captn. Posey, who had just catchd 2 foxes. Returnd w. them to Dinner.\n   Stoddard is possibly a member of the Stoddert family of Prince George\u2019s and Charles counties, Md. Thomas Stoddert, who served with the Maryland troops in the French and Indian War, was the father of Benjamin Stoddert (1751\u20131813) by his wife Sarah Marshall Stoddert, daughter of Thomas Marshall of Marshall Hall.\n9. Went out Hunting again. Started a fox. Run him four hours & then lost him. Mr. Stoddard went home. Alexr. stayd.\n10. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and Mill, Mr. Alexander going in the Morng. as Mr. Magowan did to Williamsburg.\n   Walter Magowan (d. 1786), an immigrant from Scotland, was hired by GW in the fall of 1761 to tutor the two Custis children at a wage of \u00a335 a year. Magowan left the position in the late fall of 1767 and applied for the rectorship of Frederick Parish in Frederick County. The parish promised to hold the position open until Dec. 1768, and Magowan was now preparing to go to England for ordination. For this trip GW gave him a letter of introduction to Robert Cary & Co., dated 10 Mar. 1768 (DLC:GW).\n11. Went into the Neck and returnd to Dinner.\n12. Fox hunting with Colo. Fairfax, Captn. McCarty, Mr. Chichester, Posey, Ellzey & Manley who dind here with Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas. Catchd two foxes.\n   Richard Chichester (c.1736\u20131796), son of Richard Chichester (d. 1743) and Ellen Ball Chichester of Lancaster County, was, through his mother, a distant relation of GW. He inherited his father\u2019s plantation, Fairweathers,\nand in 1759 married Ann Gordon (1743\u20131765) of Lancaster County. Shortly after Ann\u2019s death he moved from Lancaster to Fauquier County and married Sarah McCarty (d. 1826), daughter of his cousin Capt. Daniel McCarty of Mount Air, here mentioned. In 1774 Chichester bought land on Accotink Creek in Fairfax County, near McCarty\u2019s home and settled there with his family for the rest of his life (haydenHorace Edwin Hayden.  Virginia Genealogies. A Genealogy of the Glassell Family of Scotland and Virginia, also of the Families of Ball, Brown, Bryan, Conway, Daniel, Ewell, Holladay, Lewis, Littlepage, Moncure, Peyton, Robinson, Scott, Taylor, Wallace, and others, of Virginia and Maryland. 1891. Reprint. Baltimore, 1973., 106\u20137; deed of Richard Watts to Chichester, 6 Dec. 1774, Fairfax County Deeds, Book M\u20131, 28\u201332, Vi Microfilm).\n   Harrison Manley (d. 1773), the son of John Manley (d. 1750) and Sarah Harrison Manley. Manley occasionally sold wheat to GW and used the services of GW\u2019s mill, blacksmith shop, and weaving shop as part payment in return (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 9).\n   Two daughters of Wilson and Sarah Cary\u2014Sarah and Elizabeth\u2014married the brothers George William and Bryan Fairfax. A third daughter, Anne Cary (b. 1733), married Robert Carter Nicholas (1728\u20131780) of James City County and had four daughters, one of whom, probably either Sarah Nicholas (b. 1752) or Elizabeth Nicholas (1753\u20131810), is the Miss Nicholas who appears here.\n13. Hunting in the same Company. Catchd 2 More foxes. None dind at Mt. Vernon.\n   GW today lent Ellzey \u00a310 (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 269).\n14. At home alone.\n15. Ditto\u2014Ditto.\n16. Went up to Alexa. and returnd in the Eveng.\n   While GW was in town today he received \u00a375 cash as part payment for wheat sold to the Alexandria firm of John Carlyle & Robert Adam. This partnership, which was separate from the one Carlyle had with John Dalton (see entry for 17 April 1760), had been formed in 1764 to deal in wheat and flour and lasted until about 1770. During that period GW sold most of his wheat to the firm and regularly drew on his account with it for his cash needs (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 180, 271, 280, 310, 326).\n17. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & the Mill. Returnd to Dinner and alone.\n18. Went a ducking between breakfast & dinner. In the Afternoon Mr. Thruston Mr. Alexander, & Mr. Carter from Gloster came in.\n   Charles Mynn Thruston (1738\u20131812), originally of Gloucester County, raised a body of volunteers in 1758 and joined William Byrd\u2019s Virginia Regiment as a lieutenant (writingsJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 3:2; hamilton [1]Stanislaus Murray Hamilton, ed. Letters to Washington and Accompanying Papers. 5 vols. Boston and New York, 1898\u20131902., 2:292). In 1760 he married Mary Buckner, daughter of Col. Samuel Buckner of Gloucester County; she bore him three sons and died in 1765. In the fall of 1764 Thruston, having\nbeen chosen minister of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, went to England to take orders, and was licensed for Virginia in Aug. 1765 (petsworthC. G. Chamberlayne, ed. The Vestry Book of Petsworth Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, 1677\u20131793. Richmond, 1933., 323\u201324; goodwinEdward Lewis Goodwin. The Colonial Church in Virginia: With Biographical Sketches of the First Six Bishops of the Diocese of Virginia, And Other Historical Papers, together with Brief Biographical Sketches of the Colonial Clergy of Virginia. Milwaukee, 1927., 312). The Alexander family of Gloucester County had been headed by David Alexander (d. 1750), who emigrated to Virginia from England. This Mr. Alexander may have been David\u2019s son Morgan Alexander (b. 1746), who, like Thruston, was now looking for land, in either Loudoun or Frederick County, where he could settle. There were several Carter families in Gloucester County at this time.\n19. After dinner the above Gentlemen went to Belvoier.\n20. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey. Catchd a Fox.\n21. At home all day. Mr. Wm. Gardner dind here. A Gentleman from York River came to buy Wheat.\n22. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run and the Mill before Dinner and went out with my Gun after it.\n23. Fox hunting with Captn. Posey. Catchd a Fox we suppose, but being dark coud not find it.\n   On this day, while ordering a butt of Madeira wine from a dealer in the Madeira Islands, GW asked for some cuttings of the grape. As if suspecting that the request would run counter to the policy of the vintners, he wrote, \u201cbut if in requiring this last Article there be any sort of Impropriety I beg that no notice may be taken of it\u201d (GW to Scott, Pringle, Cheape & Co., 23 Feb. 1768, DLC:GW).\n24. Went a ducking between breakfast & dinner & killd 2 Mallards & 5 bald faces. Found Doctr. Rumney here at Dinner who staid all Night. Mr. Magowan returnd.\n   Rumney had come to see GW\u2019s stepdaughter, Martha Parke Custis, who was known as Patsy (Patcy) to her family and friends. Now 11 or 12 years old, Patsy had suffered from epilepsy at least since the age of 6, and with the beginning of her adolescence, the malady showed no signs of abating (receipt from James Carter, 12 April 1762, ViHi: Custis Papers). On this occasion Rumney prescribed 12 powders of unidentified composition, \u201ca vial of Nervous Drops,\u201d and a package of valerian, a drug that was thought to be useful in controlling epileptic spasms (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers; hooperRobert Hooper. Lexicon-Medicum; or Medical Dictionary; Containing an Explanation of the Terms in Anatomy, Botany, Chemistry, Materia Medica, Midwifery, Mineralogy, Pharmacy, Physiology, Practice of Physic, Surgery, and the Various Branches of Natural Philosophy Connected with Medicine. New York, 1826., 981). But these medicines, and the many others that would be tried in the future, could not relieve Patsy\u2019s condition. She was beyond the help of eighteenth-century physicians, and much to the dismay of her family, epileptic attacks would plague her at frequent intervals until one caused her death in June 1773.\n25. Doctr. Rumney went away. I went to the Creek but not cross it. Killd 2 Ducks\u2014viz. a sprig tail and Teal.\n26. Laid of a Road from Mt. Vernon to the Lain by Mr. Manleys.\n27. Went on the Road, clearing between Mt. Vernon, and the Mill. In the Evening Mr. Stedlar came.\n   In 1765 GW hired John Stadler, a local music teacher, for the purpose of \u201cteaching Mrs. Washington & two Childn Musick\u201d (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 231). During the next six years Stadler frequently visited Mount Vernon to give lessons, mostly to the children. Patsy was learning to play the spinet, and her brother, John Parke Custis, the fiddle (GW to Robert Cary & Co., 12 Oct. 1761 and >20 July 1767, DLC:GW).\n28. In the Afternoon went up to Mr. Robt. Alexanders in order to meet Mr. B. Fairfax & others a fox Huntg. None came this day but Captn. Posey.\n   Robert Alexander lived just north of Four Mile Run. He had inherited the house and 904 acres of land from his father, Gerard Alexander (will of Gerard Alexander, 9 Aug. 1760, Fairfax County Wills, Book B\u20131, 327\u201329, Vi Microfilm).\n29. At Mr. Alexanders all day with his Phil & Captn. Posey\u2014it raining.\n   phil: probably Robert Alexander\u2019s younger brother Philip Alexander (d. 1790), whose home was just north of Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0005", "content": "Title: Remarks of the Weather [February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFeby. 1st. Mild, Still, & Warm.\n2. Lowering Morning\u2014but Wind Westwardly & clear afterwards.\n3. Clear, & somewhat cool in the Morning. Cloudy afterwards.\n4. Snowing all day; but not very fast. Towards Night it turnd to hail and then to Rain. Very little Wind.\n5. Raining more or less till the Afternoon when it ceasd & became foggy & remaind Cloudy.\n6. Cloudy & dull Morng. Clear Afterwds.\n7. Gloomy Morning. Cloudy afternoon\u2014and rainy Evening and Night.\n8. Calm and Misty Morning & dull day.\n9. Clear\u2014calm\u2014& warm Morning. Windy afternoon\u2014from the westward.\n10. Clear & fine day. Little wind.\n11. Still and Lowering kind of a day wt. drops of Rain every now and then.\n12. Dull Morning, & lowering Day but no Rain & very little Wind.\n13. Cloudy Morning\u2014but very pleasant Mid day & afternoon being clear with very little wind.\n14. Raining more or less till the Afternoon when turnd to a kind of Mist. Winds changeable.\n15. Heavy Morng. Rain abt. 8 Oclock & till 2 then Snow. Variable Winds.\n16. Clear and pleasant with little Wind and that variable.\n17. Very white Frost; Morning clear, & Still. Afternoon muddy with the Wind at So.\n18. Lowering day with drops of Rain every now and then. Afternoon Misty with the Wind at No. Et.\n19. Thick mist the whole day with very little wind.\n20. Foggy & Misty Morng. Cloudy all day. Wind Southwardly in the Afternoon.\n21. Quite warm\u2014still\u2014and tolerably clear.\n22. Warm and Cloudy\u2014with Showers of Rain and some Thunder. Wind fresh from the So. West &ca.\n23. Rainy morning & Misty day, with but little wind.\n24. Clear, & cool. Wind brisk from the North West.\n25. Hard frost. Clear & cool, Wind at No. West in the Morning but calm & pleasant in the Afternoon.\n26. Dull morng. Wind at So. Wt. and cool. Clear Noon & Muddy Sky in the Afternn.\n27. Showery all day (misty Showers) & still.\n28. Misty Showers with intervening Sun. Wind Southwardly & fresh.\n29. Constant Rain from abt. 7 Oclock till three\u2014then Snow with variable Wind from So. Wt. to No. Et. Westwardly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0006-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n13. Finishd the Goose Pen at Home. Also finishd clearing the Point of Woods between where Carney & Rollins & Crump livd in the Neck abt. 30 Acres.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0006-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n26. Began to deliver my Wheat to Mr. Kirk. Carpenters not having quite finishd the Overseers Ho[use] at Muddy hole for want of some Plank went abt. a Corn Ho. there. Much abt. this time a Hound Bitch Mopsey of Mr. R. Alexanders (now with me) was proud, & shut up chiefly with a black dog Taster who lind her several times as did Tipler once, that is known of. The little Bitch Cloe in the House was also proud at the same time\u2014but whether lined or not cannot be known. See how long they go with Pup\u2014and whether both the sametime\u2014being very difft. in size.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0006", "content": "Title: Observations [February 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFeby. 1st. Carpenters all (except Will) Went to Sawing Pailing for a Goose yard.\n13. Finishd the Goose Pen at Home. Also finishd clearing the Point of Woods between where Carney & Rollins & Crump livd in the Neck abt. 30 Acres.\n   Richard Rollins and William Crump apparently moved out of Clifton\u2019s Neck soon after GW purchased it in April 1760 (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 74, 80). John Carney remained as a tenant, paying GW the standard annual rental of 730 pounds of tobacco until 1765, when GW bought out his lease (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 82, 136, 218).\n18. Rais\u2019d Overseers House at Muddy hole.\nFinishd Threshing & cleaning my Wheat at Doeg Run Plantn.  Bushl.\n23. Stopd clearing the Field on the Ck. in the Neck, and began upon those pieces of Woods in the other field by Mr. Sheridines.\n   John Sheridine of Charles County, Md., had rented land in Clifton\u2019s Neck from William Clifton in 1741. After GW bought the land in 1760, Sheridine continued to rent until GW bought out the remainder of the lease in 1773. Sheridine\u2019s son, John Sheridine (d. 1768), seems to have lived on the land until his death. After this, his widow Barberry (Barbara?) remained there for several years (deed of Sheridine to GW, 9 Aug. 1773, MWA; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 75, 134, 227, 351; General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 39).\n26. Began to deliver my Wheat to Mr. Kirk.\nCarpenters not having quite finishd the Overseers Ho[use] at Muddy hole for want of some Plank went abt. a Corn Ho. there.\nMuch abt. this time a Hound Bitch Mopsey of Mr. R. Alexanders (now with me) was proud, & shut up chiefly with a black dog Taster who lind her several times as did Tipler once, that is known of. The little Bitch Cloe in the House was also proud at the same time\u2014but whether lined or not cannot be known. See how long they go with Pup\u2014and whether both the sametime\u2014being very difft. in size.\n   James Kirk, an immigrant from England, established himself as a wheat merchant and also invested heavily in western lands. He kept a store and office in Alexandria and maintained a country residence across the Potomac in Maryland (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 270\u201371; cresswellLincoln MacVeagh, ed. The Journal of Nicholas Cresswell, 1774\u20131777. New York, 1924., 4, 27, 52). GW\u2019s wheat is today being loaded on a ship owned by Kirk for Carlyle & Adam, the purchasers.\n26 & 27. Transplanted trees of differt. kinds into the Lucern Patch.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0007-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMar. 1st. Went a fox hunting with the two Alexrs. and Posey. Was during the chase (in which nothing was catchd) joind by Mr. Fairfax, Jno. Alexander & Muir.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0007-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n8. Mending fast. Colo. Thos. Moore calld here on his way from Alexa. Home, but made no stay. Colo. Fairfax, & Mr. Gilbt. Campbell (Comptroller) Dined here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0007-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 18. Went with Colo. Carlyle & our Families to Belvoir. Myself & Mrs. W\u2014n returnd leaving the others there. Found Mr. Stedlar at Mt. Vernon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0007-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Rid out to see, & examine whether a Road coud not be discovd. & opend from Posey\u2019s ferry back of Muddy hole Plantn. thereby avoidg. the Gumspring, which I think may be done to advantage.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0007-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n24. Rid out again with Mr. Peake on the above Acct. and observd that a good Road might be had along H[untin]g C[ree]k upon Colo. Masons Land.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0007", "content": "Title: [March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMar. 1st. Went a fox hunting with the two Alexrs. and Posey. Was during the chase (in which nothing was catchd) joind by Mr. Fairfax, Jno. Alexander & Muir.\n   John Alexander (1735\u20131775), of King George and Stafford counties, was in this period the eldest of three brothers in the \u201cPhilip\u201d branch of the Alexander family. John, who had inherited a portion of the 1669 Howsing Patent from his father, Philip Alexander (1704\u20131753), was a burgess from Stafford County 1765\u201375. He married Lucy Thornton (d. 1781). John Muir (c.1731\u20131791), of Dumfries, Scot., settled as a merchant in Alexandria; in 1758 he was chosen a town trustee.\n2. Hunting again, & catchd a fox with a bobd Tail & cut Ears, after 7 hours chase in wch. most of the Dogs were worsted.\n3. Returnd home much disorderd by a Lax, Griping and violent straining.\n4. At Home, worse with the above complaints. Sent for Doctr. Rumney, who came in the Afternn.\n5. Very bad the Doctr. staying with me.\n6. Something better\u2014Doctr. still here\u2014& Mr. Ramsay came down to see me.\n7. Rather better. Doctr. went home after breakfast. Mr. Ramsay staid to Dinner.\n8. Mending fast. Colo. Thos. Moore calld here on his way from Alexa. Home, but made no stay. Colo. Fairfax, & Mr. Gilbt. Campbell (Comptroller) Dined here.\n   Moore, who was heavily indebted to the estate of the late Speaker of the House of Burgesses, John Robinson (d. 1766) of King and Queen County, was now trying to renew his bond to GW for his debt to the Custis estate, which GW had been carrying, with interest, for eight years (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 204; see main entry for 4 Nov. 1768).\n   Gilbert Campbell, of Westmoreland County, was comptroller of the South Potomac Naval District. He was a signer of the Westmoreland County association to prevent the execution of the Stamp Act in the colony, 27 Feb. 1766, and was still serving as comptroller in 1776.\n9. Still mending. At home alone.\n10. Mending still. Rid out. Mr. Peake & Auge. Darrel dind here.\n   Humphrey Peake (1733\u20131785), who inherited Willow Spring from his father, William Peake (d. 1761), was a neighbor and fox-hunting companion of GW and a frequent visitor to Mount Vernon.\n   Augustus Darrell (d. 1777) of Fairfax County, a son of Sampson Darrell, married about 1771 Sarah McCarty Johnston, widow of George Johnston of Belvale and sister of Daniel McCarty of Mount Air (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 300).\n11. At home alone all day.\n12. Rid to the new Road\u2014Mill, Doeg Run & Muddy hole Plantns. & found Doctr. Rumney upon my return, who dind & stayd all Night.\n   During this visit Rumney treated Patsy Custis with valerian and powders and applied some type of plaster (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers). GW today paid him \u00a35 in cash (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 269).\n13. At Home alone all day.\n14. With the people working upon the New Road between breakfast and Dinner.\n15. At home alone all day.\n16. Hunting with Captn. Posey & L[un]d W. Started and catchd a fox in abt. three hours.\n17. Rid into the Neck\u2014to Muddy hole and upon the New Road. When I came home found Colo. Carlyle & his Wife & Children there.\n   Col. John Carlyle\u2019s first wife, Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, bore him two children: Sarah, who appears in the diaries as \u201cSally,\u201d and Anne (1761\u20131778), who appears as \u201cNancy.\u201d After the death of Sarah Fairfax Carlyle in 1761, Colonel Carlyle married Sybil West, daughter of Hugh West (1705-1754) and Sybil Harrison West (d. 1787). They had one child, George William Carlyle (d. 1781).\n18. Went with Colo. Carlyle & our Families to Belvoir. Myself & Mrs. W\u2014n returnd leaving the others there. Found Mr. Stedlar at Mt. Vernon.\n19. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar here.\n20. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar still here. In the Afternoon Mr. Carlyle & Family returnd from Belvoir.\n21. Went to Court. Colo. Carlyle & Family also went up. Mr. Stedlar stay\u2019d\u2014& Sally Carlyle.\n22. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run and Muddy hole Plantation.\n23. Rid out to see, & examine whether a Road coud not be discovd. & opend from Posey\u2019s ferry back of Muddy hole Plantn. thereby avoidg. the Gumspring, which I think may be done to advantage.\n24. Rid out again with Mr. Peake on the above Acct. and observd that a good Road might be had along H[untin]g C[ree]k upon Colo. Masons Land.\n25. Went into the Neck. Grafted some Cherries & began to manure the ground for my Grapevines.\n26. Went Fox huntg.\u2014but started nothing. Mr. Lawe. Washington came here & Miss Ramsay in the Afternoon.\n   mr. lawe. washington: probably Lawrence Washington (1728\u2013c.1809), usually called \u201cof Chotank,\u201d the son of John and Mary Massey Washington and first cousin to Lund Washington. His home was on a bluff of the Potomac River near Chotank Creek. This Lawrence was one of the two Chotank cousins remembered in GW\u2019s will as \u201cacquaintances and friends of my Juvenile years\u201d (writingsJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 37:286; eubankH. Ragland Eubank. Touring Historyland: The Authentic Guide Book of Historic Northern Neck of Virginia, the Land of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Colonial Beach, Va., 1934., 18\u201320). Lund Washington also had a brother named Lawrence (1740\u20131799), who may be the one referred to here.\n   William Ramsay (1716\u20131785) and his wife Ann McCarty Ramsay (c.1730\u20131785) had two sons and five daughters. \u201cMiss Ramsay\u201d is probably the eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who appears in the diaries variously as \u201cBetsy,\u201d \u201cBetcy,\u201d and \u201cBetty.\u201d\n27. At home. Lawe. Washington went away.\n28. At home.\n29. Fox hunting\u2014with Jacky Custis & Ld. Washington. Catchd a fox after 3 hrs. chase.\n   jacky: GW\u2019s stepson, John Parke Custis. He was described by GW in May of this year as \u201ca boy of good genius, about 14 yrs. of age, untainted in his Morals, & of innocent Manners. Two yrs. and upwards he has been reading of Virgil, and was (at the time Mr. Magowan left him) entered upon the Greek Testament\u201d (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 30 May 1768, PHi: Dreer Collection).\n30. Rid to Muddy hole\u2014Doeg Run & Mill Plantation\u2019s.\n31. Went into the Neck. At my return found Doctr. Rumney & Mr. Wm. Crawford at the House. Dr. Rumney went away in the Afternoon.\n   On the following day Rumney charged twelve \u201cNervous Powders\u201d and ingredients for a medicinal brew to Patsy Custis\u2019s account (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0008-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n15. Snow abt. half an Inch thick. Morng. cold & clear. Wind at No. West till the Afternoon, then North with a thick Muddy Sky. Ground froze.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0009-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Deliverd another Load of 517\u00bd Bushls. of the Neck Wheat to the above ship and returnd the same day. Finishd cutting down Corn Stocks at all my Plantations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0009-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 12. Large parts of my Wheat Field at Doeg Run\u2014the same I believe at the Mill\u2014were found to be exceedingly Injurd by the Frost (and I apprehend by the last frost abt. the 7 & 8th. Instt.). Upon examining the Wheat which appeard to be so much hurt, I found the Roots for the most part were entirely out of the ground. Some indeed had a small fibre or so left in, & here perhaps a green blade might be found in a bunch, but where the Root was quite Out the whole bunch seemd perishd & Perishing. Note. Watch the Progress of this Wheat, & see if there be any possibility of its taking Root again (as it lyes thick on the gd.). Near a stake in the 18 Inch Cut and abt. 100 yds. from the Barracks is a spot of an Acre or so of this kind. Observe this place\u2014being poor gd. also. Carpenters returnd from the Road abt. Muddy hole Corn House.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0009-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n15. Deliverd the last load of my Wheat to Mr. Kirks Ship which makes 1921 Bushls. delivd. him in all. Reckg. in 15 Bushls. to be deliv\u2019d him by Mr. Digges.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0009-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n16. Began to list Corn Ground at Muddy hole. Recd. my Goods from Mr. Cary by Captn. Johnston. Sent my Vessel abt. 4 Oclock in the Afternoon to Mr. Kirk agreeable to his Letter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0009-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n19. Sent Chaunter (a Hound Bitch) up to Toulston; to go to Mr. Fairfax\u2019s Dog Forester\u2014or Rockwood\u2014She appearg. to be going Proud. Forrester not beg. at Home she went to Rockwood.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0009", "content": "Title: Observations [March 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMar. 3d. Deliverd a Load of 508 Bushels of Muddy hole Wheat to Mr. Kirks Ship and my Schooner returnd.\n5. Deliverd another Load of 517\u00bd Bushls. of the Neck Wheat to the above ship and returnd the same day.\nFinishd cutting down Corn Stocks at all my Plantations.\n12. Large parts of my Wheat Field at Doeg Run\u2014the same I believe at the Mill\u2014were found to be exceedingly Injurd by the Frost (and I apprehend by the last frost abt. the 7 & 8th. Instt.). Upon examining the Wheat which appeard to be so much hurt, I found the Roots for the most part were entirely out of the ground. Some indeed had a small fibre or so left in, & here perhaps a green blade might be found in a bunch, but where the Root was quite Out the whole bunch seemd perishd & Perishing.\nNote. Watch the Progress of this Wheat, & see if there be any possibility of its taking Root again (as it lyes thick on the gd.). Near a stake in the 18 Inch Cut and abt. 100 yds. from the Barracks is a spot of an Acre or so of this kind. Observe this place\u2014being poor gd. also.\nCarpenters returnd from the Road abt. Muddy hole Corn House.\n15. Deliverd the last load of my Wheat to Mr. Kirks Ship which makes 1921 Bushls. delivd. him in all. Reckg. in 15 Bushls. to be deliv\u2019d him by Mr. Digges.\n   GW had previously lent 15 bushels of wheat to William Digges of Warburton, the equivalent of which was now earmarked for delivery by Digges to Kirk as part of GW\u2019s total delivery (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 156). The total included 475 bushels delivered 11 Mar. but not mentioned in the diary (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 271).\n16. Began to list Corn Ground at Muddy hole.\nRecd. my Goods from Mr. Cary by Captn. Johnston.\nSent my Vessel abt. 4 Oclock in the Afternoon to Mr. Kirk agreeable to his Letter.\n   John Johnstoun (died c.1773), captain of the Lord Cambden, was delivering GW\u2019s major spring shipment of supplies from England; the shipment comprised a great variety of goods collected from 39 different London shops, including a set of surveyor\u2019s instruments for John Parke Custis and some harpsichord music for Patsy. These were all gathered together and shipped by Robert Cary & Co., which was the major London merchant house for the Custis estates and was subsequently retained by GW after his marriage to Martha Dandridge Custis.\n18. Began to lay of my Corn ground in the Neck.\n19. Sent Chaunter (a Hound Bitch) up to Toulston; to go to Mr. Fairfax\u2019s Dog Forester\u2014or Rockwood\u2014She appearg. to be going Proud. Forrester not beg. at Home she went to Rockwood.\n25. Observ\u2019d a Lamb in my Pasture being the first fallen from Ewes put to my Ram the .\n26. My Vessel returnd from Mr. Kirks employ abt. sundown\u2014being 10 days gone.\n29. Began to Cork & pay the bottom of my schooner.\n30. Finishd my Fencing & began to Enlist my Corn Ground at the Mill.\nLooked again at the Wheat at Doeg Run (particularly abt. the Stake near the Barracks) and found no alteration for the better\u2014it appearing to have no root in the Ground.\n31. Finishd Corking my Vessel & weeding out my Lucern.\nMemms.\nIf Ewes & Lambs are restraind from Wheat Fields, & no green food sowd to support them in the Spring\u2014contrive that no more fall after this year till the last of March.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0010-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n12. Payne and Alexander went away after Breakfast. And Miss Tracy Digges & her sister Betty came in the Aftern. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg R. & Mill.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0010", "content": "Title: [April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nApril 1st. At home with Mr. Crawford.\n   William Crawford\u2019s visit was not purely social. By the fall of 1767 GW had concluded that because the Pennsylvania-Maryland boundary line (Mason and Dixon\u2019s Line) would soon be completed, and because western expansion (temporarily barred by the Royal Proclamation of Oct. 1763) would soon be at least partially opened up by a treaty with the Indians, the time was ripe for acquiring some parcels of choice land in western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley. GW wrote to Crawford (17 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW), who had settled the year before at Stewart\u2019s Crossing on the Youghiogheny River (butterfield [1]C. W. Butterfield, ed. The Washington-Crawford Letters. Being the Correspondence between George Washington and William Crawford, from 1767 to 1781, Concerning Western Lands. Cincinnati, 1877., vii), and proposed a partnership for taking up land. Crawford quickly replied that he would \u201cheartly imbrass your Offer upon the Terms you proposed,\u201d and went on to sketch out the prospects, necessary procedures, and possible problems that the two land hunters might encounter (29 Sept. 1767, DLC:GW). Crawford\u2019s appearance at Mount Vernon, allowing land discussions which were spread over a six-day period, was GW\u2019s first opportunity to confer personally with his man in the field.\n2. Rid to Muddy hole\u2014Doeg Run & the Mill. Mr. Crawford went to Alexandria.\n3. Went to Pohick Church & returnd to Dinner. Mr. Crawford returnd in the Afternoon.\n4. Fox hunting with Messrs. Chichester, the Triplets, Manley, Posey, Peake & Adams. Never started a Fox\u2014but did a Deer.\n   Abednego Adams (1721\u20131809), originally of Charles County, Md., married Mary Peake, a sister of Humphrey Peake. They appear to have settled for a time on land in the fork of Little Hunting Creek which Adams\u2019s wife inherited from her father in 1761.\n5. At home with Mr. Crawford. Mr. Campbell came here & dined, Mrs. Washington, Miss B. Ramsey & Patcy Custis went to Belvoir & returnd.\n   As an agent for the Alexandria partnership of Carlyle & Adam, Matthew Campbell (d. 1782) had come to Mount Vernon to pay GW \u00a3121 11s. 9\u00bdd. for wheat purchased from him during the past six months (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 271).\n6. Mr. Crawford set of home, and we (together w. Miss Betcy Ramsay) went up to Alexa. to a Ball.\n   GW had given Crawford \u00a320 on the previous day (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 269).\n7. We returnd from Alexandria thro Snow.\n8. At home alone. Except with Price the Bricklayer who has been here since Tuesday.\n   In 1767 Thomas Price was asked by the Truro vestry to inspect the work at the still unfinished Falls Church building, around which the town of Falls Church later developed (Truro Vestry Book, 116, DLC). Several years later GW bought \u201ca Bricklayer named Isaac Web\u201d from Thomas Price for \u00a330 Maryland currency (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 106).\n9. Fox hunting with the two Triplets Mr. Peake & Mr. Manley. Started, but catchd nothing.\n10. At home alone.\n11. Planting out Grape Vines according to M[e]m[orandum]. Mrs. Posey dined here and Mr. Alexander & Mr. Edwd. Payne Supd. & lodgd.\n   Edward Payne served with GW as a vestryman of Truro Parish 1765\u201374. When Payne contracted with the parish in 1766 to build a chapel of ease (later called Payne\u2019s Church) for the parishioners in the northwest corner of the parish, GW was appointed to the building committee (slaughter [1]Philip Slaughter. The History of Truro Parish in Virginia. Edited by Edward L. Goodwin. Philadelphia, 1908., 22, 50).\n12. Payne and Alexander went away after Breakfast. And Miss Tracy Digges & her sister Betty came in the Aftern. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg R. & Mill.\n   Theresa Digges (b. 1744) and Elizabeth Digges (1743\u20131845) were the two eldest daughters of William and Ann Digges of Warburton Manor.\n13. At home. The Miss Digges here. In the Afternoon Mr. Chichester came.\n14. Fox hunting with Mr. Chichester Captn. Posey Messrs. Triplet Peake & Adams. Startd but catchd nothing. Posey & Adams dind here as did Mr. Digges.\n15. At home. Mr. Digges & his daughters went away after breakfast.\n16. At home alone. In the Evening went into the Neck.\n17. Went to a Church & returnd to Dinner.\n18. Went to Court and returnd in the Evening.\n19. Measurd the Field designd for Corn at the Mill, and Doeg Run this year.\n20. At home alone all day.\n21. Rode to Muddy hole Doeg Run and Mill Plantns.\u2014at the first & last of wch. just began to check Corn Gd. Mr. Stedlar came here.\n22. At home all day. Mr. Stedlar here.\n23. At home all day again. Mr. Stedlar still here.\n24. Mr. & Mrs. Peake & their daughter dined here as also did Mr. Stedlar.\n   Humphrey Peake of Willow Spring married Mary Stonestreet, daughter of Butler Stonestreet (d. 1755) of Prince George\u2019s County, Md. The Stonestreet home, Exeter, was on Piscataway Creek, which emptied into the Potomac almost directly across from Mount Vernon. Of the two daughters of Humphrey and Mary Peake, this is probably the elder, Ann Peake (d. 1827), often referred to in the diaries as \u201cNancy.\u201d\n25. Went to Muddy hole, Doeg Run & Mill before Dinner, & into the Neck afterwards.\n26. Set of for Williamsburg with Mrs. Washington, Jacky & Patcy Custis & Billy Bassett. Lodgd. at Mr. Lawsons.\n   GW may have originally planned to combine this visit to Eltham and Williamsburg with attendance at a session of the House of Burgesses which, although scheduled to open on 1 May, had met from 31 Mar. to 16 April (JHBH. R. McIlwaine and John Pendleton Kennedy, eds. Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia. 13 vols. Richmond, 1905\u201315., 1766\u201369, 138, 140, 175\u201377). Billy is William Bassett (1760\u20131774), eldest son of Mrs. Washington\u2019s sister Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett and Col. Burwell Bassett of Eltham. The Washingtons probably stayed at the home of Thomas Lawson, who ran John Tayloe\u2019s ironworks on Neabsco Creek, Prince William County, from which GW bought some bar iron in 1761 (ViHi: Tayloe Papers; Lawson to GW, 28 June 1761, ICHi).\n27. Reachd Fredericksburg.\n28. Stayed there all day at Colo. Lewis.\n29. Proceeded on our Journey and reached Hubbards Ordy. in Comy. with Colo. Lewis & Mr. Dick.\n   Benjamin Hubbard, who died about 1780, was one of a group of Quakers who moved from Pennsylvania to settle in Caroline County in the 1730s. Hubbard later embraced the established church and served as a Caroline County justice 1754\u201360. Hubbard\u2019s ordinary, located about 37 miles southeast of Fredericksburg in lower Drysdale Parish, was his base of operations for an extensive mercantile business in the Mattaponi River valley from 1756 to 1780. GW had stayed at Hubbard\u2019s as early as 1759, when he and his new bride apparently made a trip from the White House to Fredericksburg, possibly to visit the mother of the bridegroom (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 52, 55; campbell [1]Thomas Elliott Campbell. Colonial Caroline: A History of Caroline County, Virginia. Richmond, 1954., 175\u201376, 347, 392, 412).\n30. Breakfasted at Todds Bridge\u2014dind at Claibornes & came to Colo. Bassetts.\n   From Todd\u2019s Bridge on the Mattaponi River, GW\u2019s party followed his regular route through King William County to a fork in the road just beyond King William Court House. Although on previous trips GW chose the south fork, which crossed the Pamunkey River at Williams\u2019 ferry near the White House, the party now took the east fork, remaining on the main road to arrive at Sweet Hall, the home of Thomas Claiborne, which lay on the Pamunkey River opposite New Kent County. About nine miles beyond Sweet Hall was Col. Burwell Bassett\u2019s home, Eltham, which he inherited as the eldest surviving son of his father, William Bassett (1709\u2013c.1743).\n   GW today paid a Dr. Lee, possibly Arthur Lee, \u00a32 3s. 9d. for Patsy Custis (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 269; see main entry for 6 July 1768).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0011-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n24. Raining in the Night and till after Sunrise. Wind at No. West & cloudy, that is flyg. clouds, in the Morng. but clear still & warm in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0011", "content": "Title: Remarks\u2014of the\u2014Weather [April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nApril 1st. Ground a little froze. Day very cold, with flying Clouds & Wind high from No. Wt.\n2. Ground hard froze. Morning very keen & sharp, wind being at No. Wt. Afterwards more moderate winds varying\u2014with Clouds.\n3. Wind fresh from the Westward & very cold with Snow at times & Clouds.\n4. Ground very hard froze (as it was yesterday). Day clear. Morning calm\u2014but Wind from the Southward afterwards & Cold.\n5. Ground very hard froze. Wind high from No. West. Very cold & Clear.\n6. Ground hard froze. Morng. Calm\u2014clear & pleast. Afternoon Muddy & cold. Wind at So. West. Abt. 10 Oclock at Night it began Snowg.\n7. Snowed all Night, and all this day without Intermission from the No. and No. East. Ground coverd six or 8 Inches.\n8. Clear and cold. Wind fresh from the No. West. Snow melting fast notwithstandg.\n9. Clear & cool in the Morng. Wind at No. Wt. & ground hard froze. Still & Pleast. in the Aftern.\n10. White frost, & ground a little crusted over. Moderate but lowering. Wind at So. Et.\n11. Clear\u2014calm, and springing.\n12. Clear\u2014Warm & still till abt. three Oclock. Then fresh Wind from E.S.E.\n13. Clear and rather Cool. Wind fresh from S.W. to N.W.\n14. Lowering day. In the Afternoon a little Rain\u2014with the Wind at So. Et.\n15. Now and then slow Rain. Very cloudy till abt. 4 Oclock when it cleard\u2014but little Wind, and that abt. So. Et.\n16. Lowering most of the day, with the Wind Southwardly & cool till the afternoon when it was still, clear & warm.\n17. Clear & cool wind at No. West.\nNote\u2014the horns of this Moon (wch. changd yesterday) were directly up as the last.\n18. Clear & Cool. Wind Northwardly.\n19. Rather Cool for the Season. Wind variable. & in the Evening low.\n20. Clear and Cool. Wind brisk from the East.\n21. Cool\u2014Cloudy & Raing. more or less all day. Wind at East.\n22. Constant Rain all last Night, and all this day, with the Wind at East.\n23. Constant Rain again all last night & all this day. Wind still at No. Et.\n24. Raining in the Night and till after Sunrise. Wind at No. West & cloudy, that is flyg. clouds, in the Morng. but clear still & warm in the Afternoon.\n25. Still, clear, warm, & pleasant.\n26. Warm, still, & very smoky. In the Evening the Wind very fresh from the Southward.\n27. Clear and Cool, wind fresh from the No. West.\n28. Clear, & rather Cool, wind variable and in the Evening at No. Wt.\n29. Lowering all day & sometimes sprinkling of Rain. Wind southwardly & pretty fresh.\n30. Clear and warm with but little Wind till Night when it blew very fresh from the Southward.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0012-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n12. Sewed remainder of Flax Ground at Home. Also sewed Flax Seed at Muddy hole. White fish began to Run. Catching 60 or 70 at a Haul with some Her[rin]g.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0012-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n14. Sowed Flax at Doeg Run at the head of the Meadow. Began plowing at Doeg for Corn\u2014that is to list. Ditto Carpenters went to getting Staves for Cyder Casks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0012", "content": "Title: Observations [April 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nApril 2d. Sewed a patch of Flax in the Neck.\nAlso sewed a patch at Doeg Run by the last yrs. Turneps.\n6. Sewed part of the Ground at home (the Cowpens) in Flax.\n7. Carpenters finishd the Corn Ho. at Muddy hole. And went to trimmg. fish Barrls.\n11. Planted out Grape Cuttings accordg. to Memm.\n12. Sewed remainder of Flax Ground at Home.\nAlso sewed Flax Seed at Muddy hole.\nWhite fish began to Run. Catching 60 or 70 at a Haul with some Her[rin]g.\n14. Sowed Flax at Doeg Run at the head of the Meadow.\nBegan plowing at Doeg for Corn\u2014that is to list.\nDitto Carpenters went to getting Staves for Cyder Casks.\n18. Began fishing for Herrings with Carpenter\u2019s &ca.\n21. Began to cross gd. at Muddy hole & the Mill\u2014having Run only a single furrow for a list.\n23. The great abundance of Rain which fell within this 48 hours carrd. away my Dam by the Miss Wades & broke the back Dam by the Mill.\n   The land north of GW\u2019s mill plantation was now jointly owned by three daughters of Zephaniah and Valinda Wade, Mrs. Wade having apparently died sometime within the previous two years. The dam near the Wades\u2019 property was about 300 yards up Dogue Run from the mill and had probably been built a short time before in an attempt to store more water for use in the mill during droughts. Nevertheless, the run regularly went dry in the summer. the back dam: the lower dam.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0013", "content": "Title: [May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMay 1. Rid to a place calld Root\u2019s to see a Meadow of Colo. Bassetts. Returnd to Dinr.\n   root\u2019s: land owned by the Rootes family of Virginia. The first Rootes to appear in Virginia records was Maj. Philip Rootes (d. 1756), who lived at Rosewall, in King and Queen County, across the Mattaponi River from West Point; he also owned land in New Kent County. Rootes married Mildred Reade, who bore him four sons: Philip, of Rosewall; Thomas\nReade, of Gloucester County; Col. George, who settled on the Virginia frontier; and John, who served in the 2d (William Byrd\u2019s) Virginia Regiment.\n2. Went to Williamsburg with Colo. Bassett, Colo. Lewis & Mr. Dick. Dind with Mrs. Dawson & went to the Play.\n   Mrs. Dawson was born Elizabeth Churchill (c.1709\u20131779), daughter of Col. William and Elizabeth Churchill of Middlesex County. In 1729 she married Col. William Bassett (1709\u2013c.1743) of Eltham, by whom she had at least five children, one of whom was Col. Burwell Bassett. After the death of her first husband, Elizabeth Churchill Bassett moved to the Bassett family town house in Williamsburg, two blocks south of the market square. In 1752 she married Rev. William Dawson, then commissary of the Church of England in Virginia, who died within a fortnight after the wedding. Although Mrs. Dawson continued to live in the Bassett town house, where GW dined on this date, she died at the Bassett country seat of Eltham.\n   The play was given in Williamsburg\u2019s second theater, built by local subscription in 1751 behind the Capitol on Waller Street. In 1768 a group of players\u2014male and female\u2014was formed by David Verling, their actor-manager, into the Virginia Company. After opening in Norfolk they moved to Williamsburg, where they opened their run on 31 March, coinciding with the meeting of the Burgesses. Which play GW saw is not known; the Virginia Company had a broad repertory, including Restoration comedy, eighteenth-century satire such as the popular Beggar\u2019s Opera by John Gay, and many of the plays of William Shakespeare, who was being \u201crediscovered\u201d by the eighteenth-century English theater (see rankinHugh F. Rankin. The Theater in Colonial America. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1960.).\n3. Dined with the Speaker.\n   the speaker: Peyton Randolph (c.1721\u20131775), son of Sir John and Susanna Beverly Randolph, was king\u2019s attorney and burgess for Williamsburg. From Nov. 1766 until the Revolution, Randolph served as Speaker of the House of Burgesses.\n4. Dined with Mrs. Dawson, & suppd at Charlton\u2019s.\n   Richard Charlton (d. 1779) had announced in June 1767 that he had opened \u201cthe Coffee-House\u201d in Williamsburg \u201cas a Tavern,\u201d and GW had supped there on a visit to the city the previous fall (Va. Gaz., P&D, 25 June 1767; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 262). The exact location of the coffeehouse is not known, but it was \u201cnigh the Capitol\u201d (Va. Gaz., R, 2 Feb. 1769). In 1775 Charlton was said to be living \u201cin the back street,\u201d probably present-day Francis Street (Va. Gaz., D, 7 Jan. 1775). In addition to being an innkeeper, Charlton was a barber and wigmaker, and he may have plied those trades at his tavern (Va. Gaz., P, 14 June 1776, and D&N, 11 Dec. 1779).\n5. Dined at Mrs. Campbells.\n   Christiana Campbell\u2019s tavern was GW\u2019s habitual lodging place in Williamsburg from 1761 to 1771. On this visit to the city, he paid Mrs. Campbell \u00a32 10s. \u201cfor Board,\u201d which included his lodgings as well as the daily breakfasts  \n   and other occasional meals that he ate at the tavern (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274). Mrs. Campbell (1722\u20131792) was playfully described by a young Scottish merchant in 1783 as \u201ca little old Woman, about four feet high; & equally thick, a little turn up Pug nose, a mouth screw\u2019d up to one side\u201d (macaulay\u201cJournal of Alexander Macaulay.\u201d William and Mary Quarterly, 1st ser., 11 (1902\u20133): 180\u201391., 187\u201388). The daughter of a Williamsburg innkeeper named John Burdett (d. 1746), she had married Dr. Ebenezer Campbell, an apothecary in Blandford, and had lived there with him until his death about 1752 (jettDora C. Jett. Minor Sketches of Major Folk and Where They Sleep: The Old Masonic Burying Ground, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Richmond, 1928., 24\u201325). Returning to Williamsburg a short time later, she had by 1760 begun to operate her tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street in the second block from the Capitol (gibbsPatricia Ann Gibbs. \u201cTaverns in Tidewater Virginia, 1700\u20131774.\u201d Master\u2019s thesis, College of William and Mary, 1968., 152\u201354). She was assisted in her business by her unmarried daughter Molly.\n6. Rid to the Plantations near Williamsburg & dined at Mr. Valentines.\n   Joseph Valentine (d. 1771), who was in charge of all the Custis estates when GW married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759, stayed on as the \u201cCommon Steward\u201d for both John Parke Custis\u2019s inherited portion and GW\u2019s dower portion of the Custis plantations (GW to Robert Cary, 24 Oct. 1760, CSmH).\n7. Came up to Colo. Bassetts to Dinner.\n8. Went to Church & returnd to Dinner.\n   GW probably joined the Bassetts in worship at Warrenray Church, a few miles from Eltham. Warrenray was the upper church of Blisland Parish, serving the eastern part of New Kent County. Col. Burwell Bassett was for many years one of the most active vestrymen of the parish; in 1768 he was joined on the vestry by Bartholomew Dandridge, younger brother of Mrs. Bassett and Mrs. Washington (chamberlayneC. G. Chamberlayne, ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter\u2019s Parish, New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia, 1684\u20131786. Richmond, 1937., 179).\n9. Went a Fox hunting and catched a Fox after 35 Minutes chace; returnd to Dinner & found the Attorney his Lady & daughter there.\n   John Randolph (c.1728\u20131784), of Williamsburg, succeeded his older brother Peyton Randolph as attorney general of Virginia in 1766. John married Ariana Jennings (1730\u20131801) of Maryland, who bore him a son, Edmund, and two daughters, Susanna and Ariana. Like GW, John Randolph was an avid gardener, and he wrote a book on vegetable gardening (probably during the 1760s) which became the first gardening book published in the American colonies (see randolphJohn Randolph, Jr. A Treatise on Gardening By a Citizen of Virginia. Edited by M. F. Warner. Richmond, 1924.).\n10. Rid to the Brick House & returnd to Dinner\u2014after which went a dragging for Sturgeon.\n   The phrase \u201cthe Brick House\u201d referred originally (in the seventeenth century) to a particular house built of brick, indicating how unusual such a building was in the early years of the colony. The original house lay about three miles east of Eltham on the south side of the York River across from West Point; after 1738 it was also the location of the Brick House tobacco warehouse (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 5:15). By the mid-eighteenth century the Brick House lent its name to its immediate surrounding neighborhood, which is the sense in which GW refers to it here. In that neighborhood lay land that had been in the Bassett family for many years, as well as one of the larger quarters of the Custis estate, which GW was managing for Jacky (chamberlayneC. G. Chamberlayne, ed. The Vestry Book and Register of St. Peter\u2019s Parish, New Kent and James City Counties, Virginia, 1684\u20131786. Richmond, 1937., 335, 669\u201370; see also the Custis Papers in ViHi). In 1760 Burwell Bassett owned an ordinary at Brick House which was run by a Mr. Baker (harris [1]Malcolm Hart Harris. Old New Kent County. 2 vols. West Point, Va., 1977., 41).\n11. Dined at the Glebe with Mr. Davis.\n   Rev. Price Davies, of County Montgomery, Wales, who was born about 1732, received his B.A. from Christ Church, Oxford, in 1754. He later migrated to Virginia, married Elizabeth Perry of Gloucester County, and in 1763 became rector of Blisland Parish, New Kent County (goodwinEdward Lewis Goodwin. The Colonial Church in Virginia: With Biographical Sketches of the First Six Bishops of the Diocese of Virginia, And Other Historical Papers, together with Brief Biographical Sketches of the Colonial Clergy of Virginia. Milwaukee, 1927., 262).\n12. Went to New Kent Court with Colo. Bassett.\n13. Went after Sturgeon & a Gunning.\n14. Went to my Plantation in King William by Water, & dragd for Sturgeon & catchd one.\n   my plantation in king william: Claiborne\u2019s (see entry for 24 April 1760).\n15. Rid to see Colo. Bassetts Meadow at Root\u2019s.\n16. Fishing for Sturgeon from Breakfast to Dinner but catchd none.\n17. Rid to the Brick House & returnd to Dinner.\n18. Did the same & got my Chariot & Horses over to Claibornes.\n19. Went a Shooting, & hair huntg. with the Hounds who started a Fox wch. we catched.\n20. Set of from Colo. Bassetts for Nomony. Crossd over to Claibornes\u2014from thence by Frazers Ferry to Hobs hole dining at Webbs Ordinary.\n   Nomini was a Westmoreland County neighborhood clustered around Nomini Creek, which emptied into the Potomac River about 12 miles below GW\u2019s birthplace at Pope\u2019s Creek. From Claiborne\u2019s ferry, GW\u2019s party rode through King William County to cross the Mattaponi River at William Frazier\u2019s (many spellings) ferry (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 7:402). They then proceeded almost\ndue north through King and Queen County, crossing into Essex County where they stopped in the afternoon for dinner at Webb\u2019s tavern (for the Webb family of Essex County, see webb [1]\u201cThe Webb Family.\u201d Tyler\u2019s Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine 7 (1925\u201326): 191\u201398, 269\u201377; 8 (1926-27): 52-61., 270\u201377). After dinner they rode north to Hobbs Hole (now Tappahannock), a tobacco port on the south side of the Rappahannock River and the seat of Essex County, which was described by a visitor in 1774 as \u201ca small Village, with only a few Stores, & Shops\u201d (fithianHunter Dickinson Farish, ed. Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian, 1773\u20131774: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion. Williamsburg, Va., 1943., 203). GW spent \u00a32 1s. 6d. for overnight lodgings, ferriages, and other expenses there (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274).\n21. Reachd my Brothr. John\u2019s who & his wife were up the Country. Crossd over to Mr. Booths.\n   Bushfield, where John Augustine Washington lived with his wife Hannah and their several children, was on the east bank of the Nomini near the mouth of the creek. \u201cHis House,\u201d said young Philip Vickers Fithian who saw it in 1774, \u201chas the most agreeable Situation, of any I have yet seen in Maryland Or Virginia\u201d (fithianHunter Dickinson Farish, ed. Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian, 1773\u20131774: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion. Williamsburg, Va., 1943., 89). \u201cBrother John\u201d had succeeded his father-in-law, John Bushrod, as master of the Bushfield plantation upon the\nlatter\u2019s death in 1760, and although the plantation contained only about 1,200 acres, he was now one of the ten leading landowners in Westmoreland County (mvarAnnual Report of the Mount Vernon Ladies\u2019 Association of the Union. Mount Vernon, Va., 1854\u2013., 1964, 18\u201321).\n   Col. William Booth lived almost directly across the Nomini from Bushfield at Nomini Plantation, which he, like John Augustine Washington, had taken over from his wife\u2019s father, in this case Col. William Aylett, who died in 1744. Aylett had married twice and had no sons, but four daughters. Elizabeth, who was probably the oldest, married Booth, and her sister Anne married GW\u2019s half brother Augustine Washington (eubankH. Ragland Eubank. Touring Historyland: The Authentic Guide Book of Historic Northern Neck of Virginia, the Land of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Colonial Beach, Va., 1934., 47\u201349).\n22. Went to Church (nomony) & returnd to Mr. Booths to Dinner who was also from home in Glousester. Mr. Smith the Parson dind with us.\n   Nomini Church was on the east bank of Nomini Creek about 3\u00bd miles upstream from William Booth\u2019s home. Rev. Thomas Smith (1738\u20131789) was the rector of Cople Parish, which comprised the lower end of Westmoreland County, including both Nomini and Yeocomico churches. He had assumed that post soon after his graduation from Cambridge University in 1763 and retained it until his death 26 years later (eatonDavid W. Eaton. Historical Atlas of Westmoreland County, Virginia Patents: Showing how Lands were Patented from the Crown & Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia . . .. Richmond, 1942., 22\u201323). A highly respected minister, Smith was a prosperous planter also; in 1782 he was credited with having 42 slaves, a total that made him the twentieth largest slaveholder in Westmoreland County at that time (Va. Mag., 10:234). His wife Mary Smith (1744\u20131791) was a daughter of John Smith of Northumberland County and was a distant relation of GW, her great-grandmother Mary Warner Smith having been a sister of GW\u2019s grandmother Mildred Warner Washington (eubankH. Ragland Eubank. Touring Historyland: The Authentic Guide Book of Historic Northern Neck of Virginia, the Land of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Colonial Beach, Va., 1934., 52).\n23. At Mr. Booths all day with Revd. Mr. Smith.\n24. Came up to Popes Creek & staid there all day.\n   Pope\u2019s Creek was an addition to the Bridges Creek plantation, the original seat of GW\u2019s family in Virginia. In the 1720s GW\u2019s father, Augustine, built a house on the site lying on the west side of Pope\u2019s Creek about three-quarters of a mile from the Potomac River, and it was there that GW was born. On the death of GW\u2019s father, the plantation was inherited by GW\u2019s half brother Augustine Washington. It was now the home of Augustine\u2019s widow, Anne Aylett Washington, and their four children, including their only son, William Augustine Washington (1757\u20131810), who inherited the plantation upon his mother\u2019s death in 1773 and renamed it Wakefield. The present house, constructed in the 1930s, is a memorial house near the site of the original one (see freemanDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 1:15\u201347).\n25. Got up to my Brother Sams. to Dinner. Found Mrs. Jno. Washington & ca. there.\n   GW lost 10s. playing cards today (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274).\n26. Remaind at my Brother Sams where my Brother Jno. came as also Mr. Lawe. Washington &ca. to Dinner.\n27. Dined at Mr. J. Washingtons with the compy. at my Brs.\n   John Washington (1730\u20131782) of Hylton was, like GW, a great-grandson of John the Immigrant. He married Catherine Washington, a sister of Lawrence Washington of Chotank. His home, Hylton, was in the Chotank neighborhood.\n28. Went to Boyds hole & returnd to my Brother\u2019s to Dinr., where we found Colo. Lewis & my Br. Charles.\n   At Boyd\u2019s Hole on the Potomac River in Stafford (now King George) County was a small settlement of merchants clustered about one of the original tobacco warehouses established in 1730 (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 4:268).\n   It was probably on this date, while at Boyd\u2019s Hole, that GW paid his share of a general levy on members of the Mississippi Company to the treasurer, William Lee (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274). During the first four years of its existence the company had been making such a small impression in England that many contemporaries and most early authorities did not even know it had existed before 1767 (carter [1]Clarence Edwin Carter. Great Britain and the Illinois Country: 1763\u20131774. Washington, D.C., 1910., 109 n.19). By Mar. 1767 the executive committee had decided that the time was ripe for another attempt at pressing their memorial. During the company meeting at Stafford Court House 16 Dec. 1767, which GW attended, a quota of \u00a313 11s. sterling was approved for \u201cemploying an agent to proceed immediately to Britain, there to solicit the Company\u2019s Grant, as fully, speedily, and effectually as the nature of the Business will admit.\u201d GW recorded this payment as \u00a316 18s. 9d. Virginia currency (carter [2]Clarence E. Carter, \u201cDocuments Relating to the Mississippi Land Company, 1763\u20131769.\u201d American Historical Review 16 (1910\u201311): 311\u201319., 16:316\u201319; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 169).\n29. Went to St. Paul\u2019s Church & Dined at my Brothers.\n   Few churches in eighteenth-century Virginia had official names. Rather, a church tended to take a name from its location in the parish (the \u201cupper\u201d or the \u201clower\u201d church), from its builder (Payne\u2019s Church), from a nearby geographical location (Nomini Church, Pohick Church) or simply from the name of its parish. Thus GW here refers to attending the church of St. Paul\u2019s Parish in Stafford County, which was the one closest to the home of his brother Samuel, a vestryman for St. Paul\u2019s Parish until 1770. By a change in county boundaries in 1776 this parish and its church became part of King George County (meade [1][William] Meade. Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1857., 2:192, 187\u201388).\n30. Went fishing & dined under Mr. L. Washingtons Shore.\n   GW today lost \u00a31 8s. 9d. at cards (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274).\n31. Returnd home crossing at Hooes Ferry through Port Tobacco.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0014-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n19. Warm and but little Wind which was Southwardly. The weather very hazy as it had been for several days with the Sun and Moon remarkably red.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0014-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Wind shifted in the Night to No. Et. Blew and Raind hard all Night & till One or two Oclock this day, when it ceasd. The Afternoon became pleasant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0014", "content": "Title: Remarks\u2014of the\u2014Weather [May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMay 1. Cool. Wind Northwardly & fresh.\n2. Cold & chilly wind to the Northward.\n3. Warm, wind getting Southwardly and Cloudy.\n4. Very Warm & Sultry, with flying Clouds & appearance of Rain.\n5. Warm again. Wind Southwardly & fresh.\n6. Rain in the Morning. Warm afterwards with Clouds.\n7. Cool Wind Northwardly.\n8. Less Cool than yesterday but not warm.\n9. Very warm & Sultry. Wind Southwardly.\n10. Wind Eastwardly & not so warm as yesterday\u2014being Cloudy.\n11. Much Rain fell last Night and this Morning. Evening clear & warm.\n12. Cool Evening and Morning but warm midday.\n13. Wind Northwardly & rather Cool.\n14. Warm & sometimes Sultry, with but little wind. In the Afternoon thunder & clouds with Slight Showers.\n15. Not so warm as yesterday.\n16. Wind at South but not fresh & tolerable warm, & clear.\n17. Warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly.\n18. Ditto\u2014\u2014Ditto\u2014\u2014Ditto.\nNote the Horns of this Moon were also up as the two last were tho a little more declining.\n19. Warm and but little Wind which was Southwardly. The weather very hazy as it had been for several days with the Sun and Moon remarkably red.\n20. Clear, and but little Wind, & that Southwardly.\n21. Warm, & clear in the Morning. Afternoon lowering, Wind Southwardly.\n22. Showery all day. Wind pretty fresh from the Southward.\n23. Wind shifted in the Night to No. Et. Blew and Raind hard all Night & till One or two Oclock this day, when it ceasd. The Afternoon became pleasant.\n24. Morning clear but Cool. Afternoon lowering & very Cool wind No. East.\n25. Misty all day and Cold with but little Wind.\n26. Cloudy & very Cold Wind Northwardly. Sometimes Sun appearg.\n27. Clear and somewhat Cool tho\u2019 there was but little Wind.\n28. Clear & Warm. Wind, tho\u2019 little of it Southwardly.\n29. Clear with a small breeze from the Northward.\n30. Clear & warm with little Wind & that Eastwardly.\n31. Warm & flying Clouds. Wind abt. South.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0015-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n3. The hound bitch Mopsey brought 8 Puppys, distinguishd by the following Names\u2014viz.\u2014Tarter\u2014Jupiter\u2014Trueman\u2014& Tipler (being Dogs)\u2014and Truelove, Juno, Dutchess, & Lady being the Bitches\u2014in all eight.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0015-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n29. The bitch Chanter brought five Dog Puppies & 3 Bitch Ditto which were named as follow\u2014viz.\u2014Forrester\u2014Sancho\u2014Ringwood\u2014Drunkard\u2014and Sentwell. And Chanter\u2014Singer\u2014& Busy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0015", "content": "Title: Observations [May 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMay 2d. My Carpenters & House People went to Planting Corn at Doeg Run after they had finishd fishing.\n3. The hound bitch Mopsey brought 8 Puppys, distinguishd by the following Names\u2014viz.\u2014Tarter\u2014Jupiter\u2014Trueman\u2014& Tipler (being Dogs)\u2014and Truelove, Juno, Dutchess, & Lady being the Bitches\u2014in all eight.\n23. My Carpenters & House People went to Work at my Mill repairing the Dams\u2014hightening of them\u2014& opening the Race.\n29. The bitch Chanter brought five Dog Puppies & 3 Bitch Ditto which were named as follow\u2014viz.\u2014Forrester\u2014Sancho\u2014Ringwood\u2014Drunkard\u2014and Sentwell. And Chanter\u2014Singer\u2014& Busy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0016-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n8. At Home with the above Company. Colo. Fairfax, his Lady & Miss Nicholas\u2014Colo. West & his Wife\u2014& Colo. Carlyle Captn. Dalton & Mr. Piper\u2014the three last of whom stayd all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0016-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n14. Returnd home again, & found Mr. B. Fairfax here. Sent for Doctr. Rumney to Patcy Custis who was seized with fitts. Mr. M. Campbell lodgd here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0016", "content": "Title: [June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJune 1st. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & the Mill.\n2. Went into the Neck.\n3. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill.\n4. At Home all day writing.\n5. Went to Church at Alexandria & dined at Colo. Carlyles.\n6. Rid to Muddy hole and the Mill, & met with Doctr. Rumney upon my Return who dined here.\n   While Rumney was at Mount Vernon, he gave Patsy Custis \u201ca large Julep,\u201d probably a syrupy, nonalcoholic drink intended to soothe her nerves (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).\n   GW today paid \u00a315 for a horse for Jacky Custis (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274).\n7. Went up to Alexandria to meet the Attorney Genl. & returnd with him, his Lady & Daughter, Miss Corbin and Majr. Jenifer.\n   The Major Jenifer mentioned frequently in the diaries is Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer (1723\u20131790), who lived at Stepney, a large estate in Charles County, Md. He served in various public offices in Maryland before the Revolution and was at this time a member of the Maryland Provincial Court. From 1778 to 1782 he was a member of the Continental Congress. In 1785 he was made one of the commissioners to settle the navigation of the Potomac River, and later he was a member of the Constitutional Convention.\n8. At Home with the above Company. Colo. Fairfax, his Lady & Miss Nicholas\u2014Colo. West & his Wife\u2014& Colo. Carlyle Captn. Dalton & Mr. Piper\u2014the three last of whom stayd all Night.\n9. The Attorney &ca. went away leavg. Miss Nicholas only here.\n10. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run and the Mill.\n11. Rid to Ditto\u2014Ditto & Ditto.\n12. Went to Pohick Church and returnd to Dinner.\n13. Went to Belvoir where Mr. Seldon his Lady &ca. were.\n   Mary Cary (1704\u20131775), an aunt of Sarah Cary Fairfax, married Joseph Selden (d. 1727) of Elizabeth City County and had three sons: Col. Cary Selden of Buckroe, Elizabeth City County; Col. Samuel Selden of Salvington, Stafford County; and Rev. Miles Selden (d. 1785) of Henrico County (Va. Mag., 9:109; meade [1][William] Meade. Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1857., 2:205).\n14. Returnd home again, & found Mr. B. Fairfax here. Sent for Doctr. Rumney to Patcy Custis who was seized with fitts. Mr. M. Campbell lodgd here.\n   Rumney treated this outbreak of epileptic convulsions by bleeding Patsy and prescribing some of the same medicines that he had given her earlier: valerian, \u201cnervous drops,\u201d and ingredients for another medicinal brew (receipt from William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).\n15. Colo. Fairfax & Family together with Mr. Seldon & his dind here as also Doctr. Rumney. Mr. B. Fairfax went in the Mg.\n16. Rid to the Mill Doeg Run and M. Hole. Mr. Campbell came here in the Eveng.\n17. Rid into the Neck and to Muddy hole.\n18. At home all day prepg. Invoices and Letters for England.\n   The \u201cInvoices and Letters\u201d were all dated 20 June 1768, the \u201cInvoices\u201d listing personal and plantation items needed from England for Mount Vernon and the Custis estates. To Charles Lawrence of London, GW wrote for a \u201cSuit of handsome Cloth Cloaths,\u201d reminding the tailor that his long-legged correspondent stood a \u201cfull Six feet high\u201d and was \u201cnot at all inclind to be corpulent.\u201d GW also ordered new clothes, including a green riding outfit for \u201cMastr. Custis . . . now 15 Yrs. of age & growing fast\u201d and \u201ca Suit of blew Livery\u201d for Jacky\u2019s body servant (DLC:GW). From John Didsbury of London, GW ordered 32 pairs of shoes and boots for the Washington family, including 2 pairs of satin pumps, one in black and one in white, for Patsy Custis; also ordered were 4 pairs of \u201cstrong, course\u201d shoes for Jacky\u2019s body servant (DLC:GW). In his cover letter to Robert Cary & Co., GW complained that for \u201cfour years out of five\u201d he had made less profit by consigning his tobacco to Cary to sell in England than he would have made if he had sold it in Virginia (DLC:GW).\n19. At home. Do. Do.\n20. Went to Court and returnd at Night.\n21. Went up again and stayd all Night.\n22. Returnd home in the afternoon.\n23. At Home all day.\n24. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, and the Mill before Dinner, & was sent for by express to come to Alexa. to settle and Arbitrate an Acct. between Mr. George West & Mr. Chs. Alexander wt. Mr. Thomson Mason & Mr. Ellzey.\n   George West (d. 1786), son of Hugh and Sybil West and brother of John West, Jr., was a Fairfax County surveyor. He married Ann Alexander, who was a first cousin of Charles Alexander (1737\u20131806) of Preston in Fairfax County. Charles Alexander married Frances Brown (d. 1823), daughter of Richard Brown of Maryland.\n   William Ellzey (d. 1796), a son of Lewis Ellzey by his first wife and thus a half brother to Thomasin Ellzey of Truro Parish, married Frances Westwood and lived in the neighborhood of Dumfries, where he practiced law until about 1773. By 1774 he was living on his father\u2019s land in Loudoun County. GW sought his legal help in several disputes in the late 1760s.\n   Jacky Custis rode up to Alexandria with GW this afternoon.\n25. Returnd Home & remained there all day. Doctr. Rumney came in the Afternoon & stayd all Night.\n26. At Home. Doctr. Rumney went away in the Afternoon.\n27. At home. Colo. Fairfax & his Lady dined here & returnd in the Aftern.\n28. Set of for, and Reachd Fredericksburg.\n   GW was taking Jacky Custis to a boarding school in St. Mary\u2019s Parish, Caroline County, which the parish rector, Rev. Jonathan Boucher, ran in his home on a small plantation about 11 miles from the parish church. Jacky had received no instruction since Christmas when Magowan had ceased tutoring him, and GW was now anxious to have the boy resume his education. To school Jacky took his luggage, a body servant, and two horses (GW to Boucher, 30 May 1768, PHi: Dreer Collection).\n29. Rid round and examind the Wheat Fields there. Which were fine.\n30. Went to Mr. Bouchers. Dined there and left Jackey Custis. Returnd to Fredericksburg in the Afternn.\n   Jonathan Boucher (1737/8\u20131804), son of a poor English schoolmaster, came to Port Royal in 1759 to earn his living by tutoring gentlemen\u2019s sons. He soon began incurring heavy debts, a habit that would plague him for most of his life, but his fortune took a turn for the better in 1761 when he was offered the rectorship of neighboring Hanover Parish in King George County.\nDuring the following year he took holy orders in England and, returning to Virginia, was confirmed as Hanover\u2019s rector. He later moved to his present position as rector of St. Mary\u2019s Parish in Caroline County, where he had a busy bachelor existence, preaching, working his plantation, and running the school for boys that Jacky had come to attend. Boucher was a genial and often witty man, but he also had traits that frequently led him into difficulty, as he readily admitted in his Reminiscences: \u201cThere was nothing quite ordinary or indifferent about me; my faults and my good qualities were all striking. All my friends (and no man ever had more friends) really loved me; and all my enemies as cordially hated me. Women, in particular, were apt to be pleased with me, because I had a natural gallantry and attachment to the sex which made them secure of my good-will and friendship. . . . In most respects, when thwarted and opposed, I was obstinate and mulish; yet there was nothing which I might not be coaxed into. A woman might do anything with me. . . . As to my conduct in life, it was of a piece with the rest of me: no man took more pains, or laboured harder, to earn money, but I took no adequate care of it when I had earned it. I always intended well, but often acted ill\u201d (boucher [1]Jonathan Bouchier, ed. Reminiscences of an American Loyalist, 1738\u20131789: Being the Autobiography of The Revd Jonathan Boucher, Rector of Annapolis in Maryland and afterwards Vicar of Epsom, Surrey, England. Boston, 1925., 80\u201381; see also clark [3], 19\u201332).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0017-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Wind very fresh from the So. West, and in the Night it blew a mere Hurricane from the same point with a little, & but a little Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0018-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJune 1st. Upon looking over my Wheat, I found all those places which had been injurd by the March frosts extreamely thin, low & backwards, having branchd but little, & looking puny\u2014indeed in many places the Ground was entirely naked and where it was not, there was but too much cause to apprehend that the Wheat woud be choaked with Weeds. It was also observable that all my early Wheat (generally speaking) was headed and heading. The common Wheat was but just putting out head; & the Red Straw Wheat had but very little or no appearance of head & was lower than any of the other, although first sown. The heads of the whole appeard short & did not promise any great increase. It was also remarkable that the Red Straw Wheat had a great number of Smutty or blasted heads in the same manner it had last year, when they did put out.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0018-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[1]5. The Maryland hound Bitch Lady took Forrester & was also servd by Captn., & refusd the Dogs on the 11th. Finishd breaking up Corn Ground at Doeg Run.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0018-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n22. About this time Captn. Posey\u2019s Bitch Countess was discoverd Lind to Dabster & was immediately shut up & none but Sterling sufferd to go to her. Musick was also in heat & servd promiscuously by all the Dogs, intending to drown her Puppy\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0018", "content": "Title: Observations [June 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJune 1st. Upon looking over my Wheat, I found all those places which had been injurd by the March frosts extreamely thin, low & backwards, having branchd but little, & looking puny\u2014indeed in many places the Ground was entirely naked and where it was not, there was but too much cause to apprehend that the Wheat woud be choaked with Weeds.\nIt was also observable that all my early Wheat (generally speaking) was headed and heading. The common Wheat was but just putting out head; & the Red Straw Wheat had but very little or no appearance of head & was lower than any of the other, although first sown.\nThe heads of the whole appeard short & did not promise any great increase.\nIt was also remarkable that the Red Straw Wheat had a great number of Smutty or blasted heads in the same manner it had last year, when they did put out.\n8th. Carpenters went to getting the frame for my Barn at the House.\n[1]5. The Maryland hound Bitch Lady took Forrester & was also servd by Captn., & refusd the Dogs on the 11th.\nFinishd breaking up Corn Ground at Doeg Run.\n17. Finishd breakg. up Corn Ground at Muddy hole.\n18. Finishd Do. Do. at the Mill.\n22. About this time Captn. Posey\u2019s Bitch Countess was discoverd Lind to Dabster & was immediately shut up & none but Sterling sufferd to go to her.\nMusick was also in heat & servd promiscuously by all the Dogs, intending to drown her Puppy\u2019s.\n25. The Carpenters finishd getting the Frame for the Barn at my Ho. House.\n28. Began to cut the upper part of my Timothy Meadow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0019-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n11. Rid to Muddy hole where three white men were Cradling\u2014& then to the Mill where we were getting in Wheat. Mr. Chichester with his wife Miss S. McCarty, & Dr. Rumney came.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0019-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n16. Went by Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Vestry at Pohick Church. Stayd there till half after 3 Oclock & only 4 Members coming returned by Captn. McCartys & dined there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0019-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Rid to Ditto in the forenoon\u2014where I met with one Russel, a Tenant of mine upon the Land I bought of Carters Estate, coming down to see upon what terms he coud get the Land.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0019", "content": "Title: [July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJuly 1st. Went over to Stafford Court House to a meeting of the Missisipi. Dined and lodged there.\n   With another change of ministers in England, and because of the new Indian treaties in progress which opened large parts of trans-Appalachian land to white settlement, the Mississippi Company\u2019s hopes were quickening. Dr. Arthur Lee, brother of the company\u2019s treasurer, William Lee, was taken into the company and chosen as the agent to be sent to England. He probably received his instructions at this meeting (carter [2]Clarence E. Carter, \u201cDocuments Relating to the Mississippi Land Company, 1763\u20131769.\u201d American Historical Review 16 (1910\u201311): 311\u201319., 318; carter [1]Clarence Edwin Carter. Great Britain and the Illinois Country: 1763\u20131774. Washington, D.C., 1910., 109). The new agent, however, had little luck in his petitioning and lobbying. Although the Lee family\u2014the original movers for the company\u2014maintained their hopes up to the outbreak of the Revolution, GW was not so sanguine. While transferring his accounts to a new ledger in Jan. 1772, GW wrote off his \u00a327 13s. 5d. investment in the company as a total loss instead of carrying it over (Richard Henry Lee to William Lee, 15 April 1774, ballaghJames Curtis Ballagh, ed. The Letters of Richard Henry Lee. 2 vols. New York, 1911-14., 1:106; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 169).\n   Stafford County\u2019s courthouse at this time stood on the south side of Potomac Creek about four miles upstream from Marlborough. During the Revolution it was moved to a site near present Stafford, Va. (watkinsC. Malcolm Watkins. The Cultural History of Marlborough, Virginia: An Archeological and Historical Investigation of the Port Town for Stafford County and the Plantation of John Mercer . . .. Washington, D.C., 1968., 115\u201318), the location shown on the map on p. 1:220\u201321.\n2. Dined at Dumfries and reachd home.\n3. At Home all day.\n4. Rid to see my Wheat at differt. Places. Doctr. Rumney came here in the afternn.\n5. Went to Muddy hole with Doctr. Rumney to see the Cradlers at work.\n6. Rid to Muddy hole and Doeg Run after Doctr. Rumney went away. When I returnd found Mr. Wm. Lee & Doctr. Lee here.\n   Arthur Lee (1740\u20131792) was the youngest of the six surviving sons of Thomas Lee (1690\u20131750), builder of Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County, and his wife, Hannah Ludwell Lee (1701\u20131749/50). He attended Eton and the\n   University of Edinburgh, where he took a medical degree in 1764, and then returned to Virginia to practice medicine in Williamsburg. Arthur and his elder brother William (1739\u20131795) were now preparing for a visit to England which would see Arthur take up the study of law and William enter the tobacco trade in London (lee [1]Cazenove Gardner Lee, Jr. Lee Chronicle: Studies of the Early Generations of the Lees of Virginia. Edited by Dorothy Mills Parker. New York, 1957., 195). During this visit to Mount Vernon the brothers probably discussed with GW the prospects for the Mississippi Land Company, in which both were deeply involved.\n7. Mr. Lee went away. Mr. Darnel & Daughter\u2014Mr. Geo. Digges & his two eldest Sisters came here & stayed all Night.\n   The Darnall (many spellings) family of Maryland descended from Col. Henry Darnall (d. 1711), who emigrated from England in 1672. This Mr. Darnall may be a great-grandson of Col. Henry, also named Henry, whose daughter Mary married Charles Carroll of Carrollton this same year (rowland [1]Kate Mason Rowland. The Life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 1737\u20131832, with His Correspondence and Public Papers. 2 vols. New York, 1898., 2:445\u201347).\n   George Digges (c.1742\u20131792) was the eldest son of William Digges of Warburton Manor. George\u2019s two eldest sisters were Theresa (Tracy) and Elizabeth (Betty).\n8. Doctr. Lee & all the rest went away & I rid to the Cradlers (cutting my Wheat at the Mill).\n9. Rid to Muddy hole, the Mill, and Doeg Run before Dinner & to the Mill afterwards\u2014where my People was harvesting.\n10. Went to Church and returnd to Dinner.\n11. Rid to Muddy hole where three white men were Cradling\u2014& then to the Mill where we were getting in Wheat. Mr. Chichester with his wife Miss S. McCarty, & Dr. Rumney came.\n   Sinah McCarty (died c.1809) was a daughter of Capt. Daniel McCarty of Mount Air and a sister of Mrs. Sarah McCarty Chichester, with whom she appears here.\n   Rumney continued his treatment of Patsy Custis by giving her two capsules of musk, which in the eighteenth century was thought to be a strong antispasmodic agent and was commonly used as a remedy for epilepsy. Four or five days later Rumney apparently sent a dose of valerian to Patsy (receipt of William Rumney, 18 Feb. 1769, ViHi: Custis Papers).\n12. Rid to Muddy hole before breakfast where all hands were harvesting the Wheat. The Company went away.\n13. Went in to the Neck where I this day began my Harvest. Colo. Fairfax & Doctr. Lee dind here and returnd.\n14. Attended in the Neck Again.\n15. Went over again & drove back by Rain about One Oclock, which continued all the Afternoon.\n16. Went by Muddy hole & Doeg Run to the Vestry at Pohick Church. Stayd there till half after 3 Oclock & only 4 Members coming returned by Captn. McCartys & dined there.\n   By Virginia law, the presence of at least 7 of the 12 vestrymen was necessary to form a quorum (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 7:303). The absence of so many members of the vestry on this occasion suggests the beginning of a new strategy by those vestrymen who disliked the location for the proposed new Pohick Church.\n17. At home all day.\n18. In the Neck with my People Harvesting.\n19. In Ditto with Ditto. Mr. Richd. Graham came here in the afternoon.\n   Richard Graham (d. 1796) was a Scottish merchant of Dumfries, Prince William County, who was heavily involved in western lands. In 1757 he\nmarried Jane Brent (b. 1738), the youngest daughter of Col. George Brent (d. 1778).\n20. In Ditto with Do. in the Forenoon. In the Afternoon went with them to cut the Wheat at Doeg Run.\n21. Went to the Harvest Field at Ditto.\n22. Rid to Ditto in the forenoon with my Wife & Patcy Custis.\n23. Rid to Ditto in the forenoon\u2014where I met with one Russel, a Tenant of mine upon the Land I bought of Carters Estate, coming down to see upon what terms he coud get the Land.\n   George Russell was a tenant on land in Fauquier County formerly owned by the late George Carter (see main entries for 10 and 17 March 1769).\n24. Went to Pohick Church.\n25. Went to Alexandria & bought a Bricklayer from Mr. Piper & returnd to Dinner. In the Afternoon Mr. R. Alexander came.\n   Michael Tracy (Treacy), probably an Irish indentured servant, was bought by GW for \u00a318 4s., a good price if Tracy was an apt bricklayer (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277). In July 1770 a Michael Tracey was advertised in the Virginia Gazette as a runaway from Andrew Wales, brewer, of Alexandria (R, 26 July 1770).\n26. Rid with Mr. Alexander to my Meadow & returnd with him to Dinner. Mr. Vale. Crawford here. They went away.\n27. Rid to the Meadow again. Vale. Crawford & his Br. Wm. both came this Afternoon.\n28. Went to the Meadow with the above two.\n29. But little Wind\u2014that Southwardly\u2014very Warm. Rid to the Meadow in the Afternn. Writg. in the Fore.\n30. Rid into the Neck and from thence to Doeg Run where we were Haymakg. Colo. Carlyle & Lady came last N. & went to Day.\n31. Went to Alexa. Church. Dind at Colo. Carlyles & returnd in the Afternoon.\n   The Fairfax vestry decided 27 Nov. 1766 to replace the parish\u2019s two church buildings with new brick structures, one near Four Mile Run called Falls Church, and one at Alexandria, later called Christ Church. The vestry advertised\nfor bids and on 1 Jan. 1767 agreed with James Parsons (d. 1785) to build the church at Alexandria for \u00a3600. Because work on the new church was not yet finished, the worship services GW attended in town today must have been held in the old building (see entry for 3 Feb. 1760; powellMary G. Powell. The History of Old Alexandria, Virginia: From July 13, 1749 to May 24, 1861. Richmond, 1928., 85\u201387).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0020-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 15. Cloudy Morning & drizling & rainy Afternoon\u2014with wind westwardly. Note this Rain continued slow till some time in the Night and with but little Wind.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0020-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n16. Clear & cool in the forenoon with thunder abt. 11 Oclock. Abt. 2 Oclock a black Cloud with Wind and Rain from the No. West & at 5 a Secd. Cloud from the same Quarter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0020-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n21. Clear & Exceeding hot till abt. 10 Oclock\u2014then a little cooler by the Wind Rising from the Southward. Note\u2014last Night & the Night before makes but the 4 or 5th. warm Night we have had this year.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0020", "content": "Title: Remarks\u2014of the\u2014Weather [July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJuly 1st. Cloudy & Cool in the Morning\u2014but clear and very warm in the Afternoon and Night.\n2. Clear and exceeding Hot with but little Wind. Night also Warm.\n3. Clear and Warm but Windy from the So. West.\n4. Cool in the Morning, warm afterwards & Cool at Night again\u2014but little Wind.\n5. Warm & Cloudy\u2014with appearances of Rain. Wind Southwardly. The Afternoon, & Evening Cool.\n6. Drizling in the Morning, & very cloudy, all day\u2014with the Wind Southwardly.\n7. Cool & clear\u2014with the Wind at No. West & westwardly.\n8. Clear & tolerably cool. Wind at So. West.\n9. Clear, warm, & still abt. Noon. Afterwards cooler Wind being risen from the Southward.\n10. Very Sultry and hot\u2014although the Wind blew fresh from So. & So. West. Clear.\n11. Wind Southwardly\u2014Warm\u2014& showery abt. 2 Oclock.\n12. Very warm and Sultry with appearances of Rain\u2014but none fell. Wind Southwardly.\n13. Warm and but little Wind\u2014& that Southwardly.\n14. Clear & Warm with a little Wind from the Southward.\n15. Cloudy Morning & drizling & rainy Afternoon\u2014with wind westwardly. Note this Rain continued slow till some time in the Night and with but little Wind.\n16. Clear & cool in the forenoon with thunder abt. 11 Oclock. Abt. 2 Oclock a black Cloud with Wind and Rain from the No. West & at 5 a Secd. Cloud from the same Quarter.\n17. Wind Westwardly and little of it. Day moderate.\n18. Warm & but little Wind. Some appearance of Rain\u2014but none fell.\n19. Clear and very warm with a small breeze from the Southward.\n20. Very warm with but little Wind and that Southwardly. Clear.\n21. Clear & Exceeding hot till abt. 10 Oclock\u2014then a little cooler by the Wind Rising from the Southward.\nNote\u2014last Night & the Night before makes but the 4 or 5th. warm Night we have had this year.\n22d. Clear & very warm\u2014with the Wind Southwardly. Last Night warm.\n23. Clear & very warm, with but little Wind & that variable. Hot Night again.\n24. Very warm notwithstanding the Wind blew high from the So. W.\nIn the Afternoon some Rain & Wind here but a good deal towards Alexa.\n25. Cool & showery in places. Very cool in the Eveng. Wind at No. West.\n26. Wind at No. West & cool & clear.\n27. Wind Westwardly, clear, & somethg. warmer.\n28. Clear & something warmer still. Wind Southerly.\n29. But little wind & that Southwardly. Very warm.\n30. Very little Wind but very hot with appearances of Rain tho none fell.\n31. Very warm, with Rain flying abt. but none fell with us. Wind fresh from the southward in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n4. Began to cut my Wheat at the Mill\u2014but upon examination, finding it too green desisted. Note, upon looking into my Wheat the Rust was observd to be more or less in it all\u2014but, except some at Doeg Run it was thought no great damage woud follow as the Wheat was rather too forward.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Jonathan Farmer coming down last Night, & examining my Wheat to day was of opinion that some of Muddy hole field was fit, at least might be cut with safety. Accordingly began it with himself 3 other White Men & 4 Negroe Cradlers letting the grain lye upon the stubble abt. 2 days to dry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n8. Began to cut the Wheat at the Mill in the field round the Overseers House which was cut, & abt. 4 Acres in the other this day by 10 and sometimes 11 Cradlers which were all that worked amounting in the whole to abt. 40 Acres.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n9. Six and sometimes 7 Cradlers, cut the remainder of the field (abt. 28 Acres) on this side to day. The Wheat at Muddy hole, was (that is all that was cut down) got into Shocks by 11 Oclock to day\u2014and abt. \u00be of the field round the Overseers House at the Mill. Pulld the Flax at Muddy hole.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11\u201312 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 11 & 12th. Pulld the Flax at home. Got in the most of the Mill Wheat but was prevented finishing by Rain. Three white Men (Cradlers) cut down abt. 10 or 12 Acres of Muddy hole Wheat. Hands Went to Muddy hole & finishd Harvesting the Wheat there\u2014that is cutting & securing it in shocks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n 22. About 2 Oclock finishd another Cut in this field being of the same Size of the last. This was also injured by Rust\u2014as well as by the frosts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n25. Finishd the last cut abt. One Oclock this day (Monday) part of wch. was much hurt by the Rust\u2014& cut down the small piece at home & securd it. Note\u2014from the most accurate experiments I coud make this year, upon Wheat siezd with the Rust before it is fully formd & beginning to Harden, it appears to be a matter of very little consequence whether it is cut down so soon as it is siezd with this distemper (I mean the parts of the field that are so)\u2014or suffered to Stand\u2014for in either case the grain perishes & has little or no flower in it. That indeed wch. is sufferd to stand may gain a little, & but a little in respect to the grain & the other in respect to the straw so that I think it is nearly equal wch. of the two methods is followed. Note also\u2014from this year\u2019s experiments, it appears certain that Wheat may be cut down (suffering it to take a day or two\u2019s Sun) much Sooner than it generally is. I took Wheat of three differt. degrees of Ripeness i.e., some whose Straw and head was green (but the grain of full size and Milky)\u2014some whose Straw from the upper joint was colouring\u2014and some that the Straw from the said joint was col[ore]d but the Knots (at the Joints) Green, & observd after they had lain 2 or 3 days in the sun that the grain of the first was but little shrunk\u2014the 2d. scarce perceptable\u2014& the last plump & full by wch. it evidently appear\u2019s that to cut Wheat Knot green is not only safe but the most desirable state it can be cut in\u2014& that where there is a large qty. the question is, whether it may not be better to begin while the wheat is colouring from the upper joint as the grain will loose but little (if any) than to cut it in an overripe state when it may loose a good deal more by shattering. For my part I am clear it is better to cut it green & shall have no reluctance to practice where the whole cannot be cut at the exact period one woud choose it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n30. Finished Do. & got into Stacks without damage.  About the 27 and 28 Sowed some Turnep Seed in Corn Ground at Morris\u2019s\u2014that is at Doeg Run Plann. Memm. On the 30th. of this Month I agreed with Jonathan Palmer to come and Work with my Carpenters; either at their Trade\u2014Cowpering\u2014or, in short at any thing that he may be set about\u2014In consideration of which, I am to pay him \u00a340 pr. Ann. allow him 400 lbs. of Meat & 20 Bushels of Indian Corn. I am also to allow him to keep two Milch Cows (one half of whose Increase I am to have) and to have Wheat for which he is to pay. He is to be allowed a Garden & I am to get the old dwelling House at Muddy hole repaird for him. I am also to take his Waggon at \u00a317, if he brings it free from damage and it is no older than he says\u2014that is about a 12 Month. Note he is to be here as early as possible in April\u2014if not in March.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0021", "content": "Title: Observations [July 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJuly 2d. Finishd going over my Corn ground in the Neck\u2014both with the Plows & Hoes.\n4. Began to cut my Wheat at the Mill\u2014but upon examination, finding it too green desisted.\nNote, upon looking into my Wheat the Rust was observd to be more or less in it all\u2014but, except some at Doeg Run it was thought no great damage woud follow as the Wheat was rather too forward.\n5. Jonathan Farmer coming down last Night, & examining my Wheat to day was of opinion that some of Muddy hole field was fit, at least might be cut with safety. Accordingly began it with himself 3 other White Men & 4 Negroe Cradlers letting the grain lye upon the stubble abt. 2 days to dry.\n   The three white cradlers were Eliab Roberts, Abner Roberts, and Andrew Jones. The text clearly reads Jonathan \u201cFarmer,\u201d but GW meant to write Jonathan Palmer, who was hired as head harvester for 10s. per day (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274, 277).\n8. Began to cut the Wheat at the Mill in the field round the Overseers House which was cut, & abt. 4 Acres in the other this day by 10 and sometimes 11 Cradlers which were all that worked amounting in the whole to abt. 40 Acres.\n9. Six and sometimes 7 Cradlers, cut the remainder of the field (abt. 28 Acres) on this side to day.\nThe Wheat at Muddy hole, was (that is all that was cut down) got into Shocks by 11 Oclock to day\u2014and abt. \u00be of the field round the Overseers House at the Mill.\nPulld the Flax at Muddy hole.\n   On this day GW paid off Abner Roberts and Andrew Jones, giving them a total of \u00a33 1s. 6d. for their work (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274).\n11 & 12th. Pulld the Flax at home.\nGot in the most of the Mill Wheat but was prevented finishing by Rain.\nThree white Men (Cradlers) cut down abt. 10 or 12 Acres of Muddy hole Wheat.\nHands Went to Muddy hole & finishd Harvesting the Wheat there\u2014that is cutting & securing it in shocks.\n   The three white cradlers were Jonathan Palmer, Eliab Roberts, and Robert Langley.\n13. Some hands went & got the residue of the Mill Wheat into the House & all the Rest with the Cradlers went into the Neck & cut down & securd little more than 20 Acres of Wheat.\n14. The hands from the Mill joind the others, & altogether finishd the Cut of Wheat (containing 50 Acres) at the Orchard point great part of which was very thick, Rank, & heavy Cuttg.\n15. Began cuttg. the Wheat next to it on the Riverside. Abt. One Oclock was stopd by Rain which continued the whole afternoon.\n16. Finishd this cut, & began the one next to the House. This day it also Raind & stopd the Harvest abt. an hour or two.\n17. Dischargd three Cradlers keepg. only Jonathan Palmer & Eliab Roberts.\n   The three discharged cradlers, each of whom was paid 5s. per day, were David Kinsey, paid for 2 days of work; William Black, for 1\u00be days; and Robert Langley, for 6 days (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 274).\n18. Nine Cradlers at work including the two white men.\n20th. About 11 Oclock finished Harvesting the Wheat in the Neck; that is cutting it down, & securing it shocks. In the whole, allowing for the time lost by Rain we were six days doing it.\nAbout 2 Oclock in the Afternoon began to cut the Field at Doeg Run containing 150 Acres with 10 Cradlers\u20143 of them sorry hands.\n21. Finishd one quarter of the above field abt. 2 Oclock.\nNote this cut was, in places, greatly injured by the Rust.\n22. About 2 Oclock finishd another Cut in this field being of the same Size of the last. This was also injured by Rust\u2014as well as by the frosts.\n23. At 12 Oclock finishd the third cut of 37\u00bd Acres at Doeg Run & clapd into the last one.\n25. Finishd the last cut abt. One Oclock this day (Monday) part of wch. was much hurt by the Rust\u2014& cut down the small piece at home & securd it.\nNote\u2014from the most accurate experiments I coud make this year, upon Wheat siezd with the Rust before it is fully formd & beginning to Harden, it appears to be a matter of very little consequence whether it is cut down so soon as it is siezd with this distemper (I mean the parts of the field that are so)\u2014or suffered to Stand\u2014for in either case the grain perishes & has little or no flower in it. That indeed wch. is sufferd to stand may gain a little, & but a little in respect to the grain & the other in respect to the straw so that I think it is nearly equal wch. of the two methods is followed.\nNote also\u2014from this year\u2019s experiments, it appears certain that Wheat may be cut down (suffering it to take a day or two\u2019s Sun) much Sooner than it generally is. I took Wheat of three differt. degrees of Ripeness i.e., some whose Straw and head was green (but the grain of full size and Milky)\u2014some whose Straw from the upper joint was colouring\u2014and some that the Straw from the said joint was col[ore]d but the Knots (at the Joints) Green, & observd after they had lain 2 or 3 days in the sun that the grain of the first was but little shrunk\u2014the 2d. scarce perceptable\u2014& the last plump & full by wch. it evidently appear\u2019s that to cut Wheat Knot green is not only safe but the most desirable state it can be cut in\u2014& that where there is a large qty. the question is, whether it may not be better to begin while the wheat is colouring from the upper joint as the grain will loose but little (if any) than to cut it in an overripe state when it may loose a good deal more by shattering. For my part I am clear it is better to cut it green & shall have no reluctance to practice where the whole cannot be cut at the exact period one woud choose it.\n26. Began to cut my Timothy Meadow.\n   GW discharged Eliab Roberts today, paying him \u00a35 13s. (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277).\n30. Finished Do. & got into Stacks without damage.\nAbout the 27 and 28 Sowed some Turnep Seed in Corn Ground at Morris\u2019s\u2014that is at Doeg Run Plann.\nMemm. On the 30th. of this Month I agreed with Jonathan Palmer to come and Work with my Carpenters; either at their Trade\u2014Cowpering\u2014or, in short at any thing that he may be set about\u2014In consideration of which, I am to pay him \u00a340 pr. Ann. allow him 400 lbs. of Meat & 20 Bushels of Indian Corn. I am also to allow him to keep two Milch Cows (one half of whose Increase I am to have) and to have Wheat for which he is to pay. He is to be allowed a Garden & I am to get the old dwelling House at Muddy hole repaird for him. I am also to take his Waggon at \u00a317, if he brings it free from damage and it is no older than he says\u2014that is about a 12 Month. Note he is to be here as early as possible in April\u2014if not in March.\n   On this day GW paid Edmund Palmer 17s. for 1 day of cradling and 4 days of mowing. He also settled accounts with his head harvester, Jonathan Palmer, who was paid \u00a36 for 18 days of cradling and 4 days of mowing, plus a bonus of \u00a31 4s. \u201cin considn. of his g[oo]d. behaviour\u201d (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277). The contract with Palmer is typical of the time: while the form is standard, the content, being the product of bargaining by both sides, reflects the particular strengths and needs of each party. Such contracts were usually annual, and their renegotiation tended to reflect the changed circumstances of one or both parties.\n   cowpering: an older spelling of coopering.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0022-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 August 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n13. The hounds havg. started a Fox in self huntg. we followd & run it after sevl. hours chase into a hold when digging it out it escapd. The Doctr. went home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0022", "content": "Title: [August 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nAug. 1st. Went to Belvoir & dined. Returnd in the Afternoon.\n2. Rid to the Mill, Doeg Run, and Muddy hole. Miss Manly dind here & Mr. Alexr. came in the Evening.\n   miss manly: probably Mary (Molly) Manley, eldest daughter of Harrison and Margaret Manley.\n3. Mr. Alexander & Miss Manly went away. Rid to the Mill & Muddy hole.\n4. Went a fox hunting in the Neck with Lund Washington & Mr. Thos. Triplet. Started nothing.\n5. Went by Muddy hole\u2014the Mill\u2014& Doeg Run Plantations to a Race at Cameron. Returnd in the Evening.\n   Cameron was the name of the neighborhood which began at the junction of several major roads leading into Alexandria, between one and two miles west of town, and thence extending several miles west along Cameron Run, the stream which fed into Hunting Creek. In GW\u2019s lifetime Cameron lent its name to a proposed town, several family homes, a mill, and an ordinary. In the sense that GW uses the name here, Cameron was probably the junction point itself, a convenient location for horse-racing fans who lived in Alexandria or in the surrounding countryside (see harrison [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 414\u201315; riceHoward C. Rice, Jr., and Anne S. K. Brown, eds. The American Campaigns of Rochambeau\u2019s Army, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783. 2 vols. Princeton, N.J., 1972., 2:89).\n6. At home all day.\n7. Ditto\u2014Ditto.\n8. Went a fox hunting but Started nothing. Visited Plantation\u2019s in the Neck & Mill.\n9. At home all day.\n10. Rid to the Mill Doeg Run and Muddy hole and returnd to Dinner.\n11. Rid to the same places as yesterday & returnd to Dinner.\n12. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run & Mill & returnd when I found Doctr. Rumney.\n13. The hounds havg. started a Fox in self huntg. we followd & run it after sevl. hours chase into a hold when digging it out it escapd. The Doctr. went home.\n14. At home. Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas came in the Afternoon.\n15. Went to Court. Mr. Igns. Digges Mr. Lee and Mr. Hill came here.\n   Ignatius Digges (1707\u20131785) of Melwood, Prince George\u2019s County, Md., was the grandson of William Digges (d. 1698), who moved from Virginia to Maryland in the late seventeenth century. Ignatius, a first cousin to William Digges of Warburton, married Elizabeth Parnham, and after her death Mary Carroll, daughter of Daniel Carroll of Duddington (1707\u20131734). His only child, a daughter Mary Digges (1745\u20131805) by his first wife, married Thomas Sim Lee (1745\u20131819), of Prince George\u2019s County, Md., who is probably the Mr. Lee mentioned here. Lee was a grandson of Philip Lee (1678\u20131718), who moved from Virginia to Maryland in 1700.\n   In the mid-seventeenth century Clement Hill settled in Maryland, where he sat on the council. Since Hill had no issue, his nephew, also named Clement Hill (1670\u20131743), inherited his uncle\u2019s lands in Maryland, migrated from England to Maryland in 1696, and eventually settled at the Woodyard, Prince George\u2019s County. This Clement had three sons, John (d. 1800), Clement (1707\u20131782), and Henry (d. 1796), and two grandsons, Clement Jr. (1743\u20131807) and Henry Jr., all of whom were alive in 1768 (mackenzie [1]George Norbury Mackenzie, ed. Colonial Families of the United States of America. 7 vols. 1907-20. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 2:310\u201317).\n16. At home with the above Gentlemen. Mrs. Fairfax & Miss Nicholas went home after Dinner.\n17. Dined at Belvoir with the above Gentlemen & returnd in the afternoon.\n18. Rid round all my Plantations after the above gentlemen went away.\n19. At home\u2014settled & paid the Sheriff.\n   Once a year the justices of each county would submit the names of three of their number to the governor and council, who would choose one of the three to be sheriff for the ensuing year. The Virginia county sheriff was more an administrator than a law officer, having the major responsibility for running elections, serving summonses, and collecting the annual levies in his county, which included those laid by the county and the parishes within the county as well as public levies set for the entire colony by the General Assembly. Much of this collecting was done by sub-sheriffs; in 1768 Sampson Darrell was sheriff of Fairfax County and Pierce Bayly was the sub-sheriff who appears here to collect the balance owed by GW for this year, \u00a31 15s. 3d. (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277).\n   For the Fairfax County levy this year GW paid for 85 tithables at 14 pounds of tobacco each. Sixty-seven of these tithables lived in Truro Parish and thus came under that parish\u2019s levy of 41 pounds of tobacco per tithable. GW also paid the public tax of \u00a31 10s. on his chariot and his chair as well as some minor fees he owed for government services. The total of the levies paid by GW in 1768 was 3,937 pounds of tobacco and \u00a33 14s. 4d. cash. Because GW no longer grew tobacco at Mount Vernon, he paid his tobacco levies in local tobacco warehouse, or transfer, notes, mostly on tobacco paid\nhim by his local Mount Vernon renters. With tobacco worth 2d. a pound, these notes were equivalent to \u00a332 16s. 2d. in currency (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 236; Truro Vestry Book, 128, 130, DLC. See also flippinPercy Scott Flippin. The Royal Government in Virginia, 1624-1775. New York, 1919., 312\u201317; sydnorCharles S. Sydnor. American Revolutionaries in the Making: Political Practices in Washington\u2019s Virginia. 1952. Reprint. New York, 1965., 68\u201370, 78; heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 7:643\u201344).\n20. Set of for my Brother Sam\u2019s & Nomomy. Crossd at the Mouth of Nangamy & went to my Brothers.\n   Mrs. Washington and Patsy Custis accompanied GW on this trip, and Jacky Custis, taking a vacation from his studies, met them today at Samuel Washington\u2019s house (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 19 Aug. 1768, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). During the family\u2019s stay in the Chotank area, GW loaned Samuel \u00a31 and apparently played cards twice, losing \u00a31 on one occasion and winning 3s. 9d. on the other (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277).\n21. At my Brothers. Colo. Lewis & my Brothr. Charles came there.\n22. Still at my Brothers with other Company\u2014his Child being Christned.\n   This child was one of several that did not live to maturity (Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 1:285n).\n23. Hauling the Sein under Mr. Lawrence Washington\u2019s shore.\n24. Imbarkd on board my Schooner for Nomomy. Lay of Captn. Laidler\u2019s.\n   John Laidler (d. 1773), of Laidler\u2019s ferry, just above Lower Cedar Point in Charles County, Md. Laidler\u2019s was the major ferry crossing to the Virginia shore on that part of the Potomac River.\n25. Hauling the Sein upon the Bar of Cedar point for Sheeps heads but catchd none. Run down below the Mouth of Machodack & came to.\n   Upper Machodoc Creek, in Stafford (now in King George) County, flows into the Potomac about 14 miles above GW\u2019s birthplace at Pope\u2019s Creek, Westmoreland County.\n26. Reachd my Brother John\u2019s at Night.\n   While the Washingtons were in Westmoreland County, Jacky Custis became \u201cmuch disorder\u2019d by an intermitting fever, attended with billeous vomittings,\u201d and Dr. Charles Mortimer of Fredericksburg was called to treat him. Jacky was soon better, but he remained so \u201cvery weak & low,\u201d that \u201chis Mamma\u201d insisted on taking him to Mount Vernon until he was fully recovered (GW to Jonathan Boucher, 4 Sept. 1768, PU; blantonWyndham B. Blanton. Medicine in Virginia in the Eighteenth Century. Richmond, 1931., 358\u201359).\n27. Hauling the Sein upon Hollis\u2019s Marsh Bar & elsewhere for Sheeps heads but catchd none.\n   Hollis Marsh was at the upper cape of Nomini Bay.\n28. Went to Nomony Church & returnd to my Brother\u2019s to Dinner.\n29. Went into Machodack Ck. fishing and dind with the Revd. Mr. Smith.\n   Lower Machodoc Creek empties into the Potomac River about two miles below Nomini Bay in Westmoreland County, forming a bay about one mile wide at its mouth. This creek is not to be confused with Jackson\u2019s Creek, also in Westmoreland County, which empties into the Potomac six miles below Lower Machodoc Creek and was sometimes called \u201cLower Machodoc\u201d (eatonDavid W. Eaton. Historical Atlas of Westmoreland County, Virginia Patents: Showing how Lands were Patented from the Crown & Proprietors of the Northern Neck of Virginia . . .. Richmond, 1942., 71).\n   The Cople Parish glebe, where Thomas Smith lived, was near the mouth of the Lower Machodoc Creek about three miles east of Bushfield (fithianHunter Dickinson Farish, ed. Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian, 1773\u20131774: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion. Williamsburg, Va., 1943., 190).\n30. Hauling the Sein on the Bars near Hollis\u2019s Marsh & other places.\n31. Dined with Mr. Jno. Smith who was marryed yesterday to the widow Lee.\n   John Smith (1715\u20131771) of Fleets Bay plantation on Indian Creek, Northumberland County, was a second cousin to GW. He had previously been married to Mary Jaquelin (1714\u20131764) of Jamestown and had lived for many years at Shooter\u2019s Hill plantation, Middlesex County. In 1767 he established a smallpox inoculation hospital at Fleets Bay, despite the fear of some Virginians that he was opening \u201ca second Pandora\u2019s Box,\u201d spreading the disease instead of preventing it. In Feb. 1768 he was accused of causing two or three outbreaks of smallpox in the colony, including one in Williamsburg, by failing to quarantine his patients long enough after inoculation (William Nelson to John Norton, 14 Aug. 1767 and 27 Feb. 1768; mason [1]Frances Norton Mason, ed. John Norton & Sons, Merchants of London and Virginia, Being the Papers from Their Counting House for the Years 1750 to 1795. 1937. Reprint. New York, 1968., 31\u201333, 38\u201340). But he persisted in offering his services as an inoculator until his death (Va. Gaz., R, 9 June 1768 and 20 April 1769).\n   the widow lee: Mary, daughter of J. Philip Smith and widow of both Jesse Ball (1716\u20131747) of Lancaster County and Col. John Lee (1724\u20131767) of Essex and Westmoreland counties. John Lee had left Mary the use, for her lifetime, of his land and slaves at Cabin Point in Westmoreland County, about 3\u00bd miles east of Bushfield near the mouth of the Lower Machodoc Creek (indenture between John Smith and Mary Lee, 30 Aug. 1768, Westmoreland County Deeds and Wills, 1768\u201373, 13\u201315, Vi Microfilm). The newly married couple were now living at Cabin Point, and it was probably there that GW dined with Smith on this day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0023-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 August 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n7. Very Warm, Wind Southwardly. Abt. 3 Oclock a slight Shower here & better at the Mill & Doeg Run\u2014to the No. Wt. & Southward the appearance of a great deal of Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0023-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 August 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n14. Wind abt. Southwest & tolerably fresh, otherwise Warm. Clouds to the Westward & thunder with a great deal of Rain upwards\u2014but none here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0025-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 September 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n6. Went in the Forenoon to the Mill\u2014Doeg Run & Muddy hole. In the Afternoon paid a visit to Majr. Fairfax (Brother to Lord Fx.) at Belvoir.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0025-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 September 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n20. Colo. Burwell &ca. went away to Belvoir\u2014& Mrs. Washington & the two Childn. went up to Alexandria to see the Inconstant, or way to Win him Acted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0025", "content": "Title: [September 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSeptr. 1. Set out from Nomony in my return to Chotanck. Lodgd on board the Vessel between Swan Point & Cedr. P.\n   Here GW must mean Lower Cedar Point, in Charles County, Md., only a few miles up the Potomac River from Swan Point and just across the river from the lower side of Chotank (now Mathias) Neck.\n2. Came up as high as Hoes ferry & Walk to my Brother Sams.\n3. Went to Mr. John Stiths & dined there. Returnd in the afternoon.\n   GW\u2019s host is probably John Stith (1724\u20131773), son of Drury and Elizabeth Buckner Stith; John married Elizabeth Wray (d. 1806) of Hampton and King George County.\n4. Went to Church. Dined at Colo. Harrison & returnd to my Brs. in the afternoon.\n   Nathaniel Harrison (1703\u20131791), of Brandon, Prince George County, was the eldest son of Nathaniel Harrison (1677\u20131727) and Mary Cary Harrison of Wakefield, Surry County. After the death of his first wife, Mary Digges Harrison (1717\u20131743), he married Lucy Carter, daughter of Robert \u201cKing\u201d Carter and widow of Henry Fitzhugh (d. 1742) of Eagle\u2019s Nest, where GW was visiting on this date.\n5. Crossd over to the lower point of Nangemoy where I met my Chariot & returnd home.\n6. Went in the Forenoon to the Mill\u2014Doeg Run & Muddy hole. In the Afternoon paid a visit to Majr. Fairfax (Brother to Lord Fx.) at Belvoir.\n   Maj. Robert Fairfax (1707\u20131793), of Leeds Castle, Yorkshire, Eng., was the younger brother of Thomas Fairfax, sixth Baron Fairfax of Cameron. Robert had recently arrived from England to visit his relatives, dividing his time between Belvoir and Lord Fairfax\u2019s home, Greenway Court, in the Shenandoah Valley. Robert preferred Belvoir, finding that Valley living placed him \u201cquite beyond the gentry . . . among the woods, with nothing but buckskins,\nviz., back-woodsmen and brutes . . . it is almost past description\u201d (quoted in brownStuart E. Brown, Jr. Virginia Baron: The Story of Thomas 6th Lord Fairfax. Berryville, Va., 1965., 160).\n7. Dined at Belvoir with Mrs. W\u2014\u2014n &ca.\n8. Went to a Ball in Alexandria.\n9. Proceeded to the Meeting of our Vestry at the New Church and lodgd at Captn. Edwd. Paynes.\n   The \u201cNew Church,\u201d built for the vestry by Edward Payne to serve the upper part of Truro Parish, was about 12 miles north-northwest of Colchester. Although the building was not quite finished at the time of this meeting, the vestrymen, \u201cunderstanding that it is the general Desire of the People in this part of the Parish to have the Church received,\u201d voted four to three to open it for use, GW voting with the majority (Truro Vestry Book, 131, DLC).\n10. Returnd home & dind at Belvoir with Lord Fairfax &ca.\n11. At Home all day.\n12. Lord Fairfax, & his Brother & Colo. Fairfax & Mr. B. Fairfax dind here. The latter stayd all Night.\n13. Went a fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax Colo. Fairfax & B. Fairfax. Catchd nothg.\n14. Mr. B. Fairfax & myself went a huntg. Started a Fox & run it into a hole but did not catch it.\n15. Dined at Belvoir with Colo. Robt. Burwell.\n   Robert Burwell (1720\u20131777), a planter from Isle of Wight County, was a member of the council 1764\u201376. Besides his home plantation in Isle of Wight, he owned land in Surry, Loudoun, Prince William, and Frederick counties (isle of wight\u201cIsle of Wight County Records.\u201d William and Mary Quarterly, 1st ser., 7 (1899): 205\u2013315., 311\u201313).\n16. Went into the Neck. Returnd to dinner.\n17. At home\u2014Colo. Robt. Burwell, Mr. Grymes & Colo. Fairfax dind here. The latter went home in the Evening.\n   In GW\u2019s lifetime the Grymes family of most prominence in Virginia descended from John Grymes (1691\u20131748), grandson of Charles Grymes the immigrant. John, who was receiver general of Virginia, 1723\u201348, bought Brandon in Middlesex County, which became the Grymes family seat. At the time of this diary entry two of John\u2019s three sons were still living: Benjamin Grymes (1725\u2013c.1776), of Smithfield, Spotsylvania County, which he represented in the House of Burgesses 1766\u201371; and Ludwell Grymes (b. 1733), of Gloucester County and by 1771 of Burlington, Orange County. John Grymes\u2019s eldest son, Philip, died in 1754; Philip\u2019s sons were Peyton, Benjamin, Charles, John (who was at Eton in 1760), and Philip Ludwell Grymes (1746\u20131805) of Brandon, a burgess for Middlesex County, 1769\u201370.\n18. Colo. & Mrs. Fairfax dind & lodgd here.\n19. Went to Court with Colo. Burwell &ca.\n   On this day the Fairfax County court formally received a new commission of the peace from the governor and the council. Dated 29 July 1768, it authorized 23 justices for the county, including all the current justices but one and adding three new members to the court: GW, Daniel French, and Edward Payne (va. exec. jls.H. R. McIlwaine et al., eds. Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia. 6 vols. Richmond, 1925\u201366., 6:345). The total number of justices varied from time to time and from county to county. The law only required that a minimum of 8 justices be appointed for each county, and the number added above that limit depended primarily on the changing population and needs of the various counties (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 5:489; sydnorCharles S. Sydnor. American Revolutionaries in the Making: Political Practices in Washington\u2019s Virginia. 1952. Reprint. New York, 1965., 79). In court today several of the old justices renewed their oaths of office according to law, but GW did not take his oaths until 21 Sept. (Fairfax County Order Book for 1768\u201370, 36\u201355, Vi Microfilm).\n20. Colo. Burwell &ca. went away to Belvoir\u2014& Mrs. Washington & the two Childn. went up to Alexandria to see the Inconstant, or way to Win him Acted.\n   The Inconstant, or The Way to Win Him, by the Irish playwright George Farquhar (1677\u20131707), was first produced in London in 1702. Although not\none of Farquhar\u2019s better farces, it became highly popular later in the century, enjoying long runs at Covent Garden and Drury Lane (farquharCharles Stonehill, ed. The Complete Works of George Farquhar. 2 vols. 1930. Reprint. New York, 1967., 1:213\u201378). GW, who accompanied his family to town today, paid \u00a33 12s. 6d. for tickets to this play and the one seen on the following day, both of which were performed by David Verling\u2019s Virginia Company (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277; rankinHugh F. Rankin. The Theater in Colonial America. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1960., 145\u201346).\n21. Stayd in Town all day & saw the Tragedy of Douglas Playd.\n   Douglas, written by John Home (1722\u20131808), a Presbyterian clergyman of Edinburgh, was produced first in Edinburgh in Dec. 1756 and opened in London at Covent Garden the following year. The play was considered one of the finest British tragedies of the period and with its medieval Scottish setting, probably drew well in Alexandria, a town founded and still heavily populated by Scots (see tunneyHubert J. Tunney, ed. \u201cHome\u2019s Douglas.\u201d Bulletin of the University of Kansas 25 (1924).).\n22. Came home in the forenoon.\n23. Went a fox hunting & catchd a Bitch Fox, after abt. 2 Hours Chase.\n24. At Home all day. Colo. Henry Lee & Lady, & Miss Ballendine came to dinner & stayd all Night.\n   Col. Henry Lee (1729\u20131787) of Leesylvania, Prince William County, was a younger son of Henry Lee (1691\u20131747) of Lee Hall, Westmoreland County, and a cousin of William and Arthur Lee. His wife was Lucy Grymes Lee,\ndaughter of Charles Grymes of Moratico, Richmond County. Colonel Lee, like GW, was first elected to the House of Burgesses in 1758 and served until the Revolution.\n   Miss Ballendine is probably Frances Ballendine (d. 1793) of Dumfries, sister of John Ballendine.\n25. At Home. The above Company went away after Breakfast.\n26. Went Fox huntg. in the Neck. Started & run a Fox or Foxes 3 Hours & then lost.\n27. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg Run, & Mill.\n28. Dined at Colo. Fairfax\u2019s and returnd in the Afternoon.\n29. Went to a Purse Race at Accatinck & returnd with Messrs. Robt. and George Alexander.\n   GW spent 12s. 6d. at the race and also paid Robert Sanford 12s. \u201cfor Pacing my Horse\u201d (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 277).\n   George Dent Alexander (d. 1780), of Fairfax County, was a younger brother of Robert Alexander.\n30. At Home all day. After Dinner Mr. Geo. Alexander went away. The other (Robt.) stayd.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0026-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 September 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n23. Cloudy, and sometime misty all day; in the afternoon a good deal of Rain. NB. These are the only Rains to lay the dust since the 17th. of August, now 36 days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0027-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 September 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n6. My Ox Cart finishd drawing in the Wheat at Doeg Run\u2014but during this time it was employd in getting home the Cyder from all the Plantation\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0027-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 September 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n17. Got done Sowing Wheat at Doeg Run. Sowed 92\u00bd Bushels. The Hound Bitch Mopsey going proud, was lind by my Water dog Pilot before it was discoverd\u2014after which she was shut up with a hound dog\u2014Old Harry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0027", "content": "Title: Observations\u2014in\u2014Septembr. [1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n6. My Ox Cart finishd drawing in the Wheat at Doeg Run\u2014but during this time it was employd in getting home the Cyder from all the Plantation\u2019s.\n14. Finishd Sowing the Second cut of Wheat in the Neck which compleated the half of the Corn Ground there.\n16. Anointed all my Hounds (as well old Dogs as Puppies) which appeard to have the Mange with Hogs Lard & Brimstone.\n17. Got done Sowing Wheat at Doeg Run. Sowed 92\u00bd Bushels.\nThe Hound Bitch Mopsey going proud, was lind by my Water dog Pilot before it was discoverd\u2014after which she was shut up with a hound dog\u2014Old Harry.\n18. My Schooner Saild for Suffolk for a load of Shingles.\n22. Spread my Flax for Rotting at the Home House.\n23. Finishd Sowing the third Cut of Wheat in the Neck.\n27. Spread Flax for Rotting at Doeg Run.\nBegan to Cut Tops at Doeg Run.\n28. Finishd Sowing Wheat at Muddy hole. The field took 106 Bushls. to Sow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0028-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 October 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nOctr. 1. Fox huntg. back of Mr. Barry\u2019s with Mr. Robt. Alexander Mr. Manley & Captn. Posey. Started & catchd a bitch Fox. Mr. Stedlar came here in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0028-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 October 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n8. Went Fox huntg. (in the Neck) in the forenoon. Started but catchd nothing & in the Afternoon went up the Ck. after Blew Wings\u2014killd 7 or 8.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0028-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 October 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n16. Went to Pohick Church. Dind at Captn. McCartys & came home at Night. Doctr. Rumney who came here last Night went away this Morning & Mr. Ramsay & Mr. Adams came here at Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0029", "content": "Title: Remarks\u2014on the\u2014Weather [October 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nOctr. 1. Clear and pleasant. Still forenoon but brisk Southwestwardly Wind afterwds.\n2. Clear, Warm, & Still in the forenoon, a small Southwardly breeze in the Afternoon.\n3. Clear & pleasant, with but little Wind & that Southwardly.\n4. Brisk Southwestwardly Wind & warm with flying Clouds.\n5. Rain in the Night\u2014& in the Morning\u2014clear abt. 8 Oclock with showers afterwards with the Wind westwardly & cool.\n6. Clear & cool. Wind brisk from West.\n7. Clear with but little Wind\u2014& that Southwardly.\n8. Clear with a fresh No. West breeze in the morning, but still afterwards.\n9. Cloudy with appearances of much Rain\u2014but none fell. Wind Southwardly in the Morng. & westwardly & cool afterwds.\n10. Cool in the Morng. Moderate Afterwds. with little Wind.\n11. A Frost this Morning to bite Fodder. Calm & warm forenoon. Brisk So. Westwardly wind & like for Rain in the Afternn.\n12. Clear and cool morning. Wind fresh at No. West. Calm afternoon & warm.\n13. Clear and cool. Wind still at No. West\u2014in the Evening Eastwardly.\n14. Calm and warm forenoon. Cloudy afternoon with appearances of Rain.\n15. Foggy & Misty Morning. Warm, clear, & still afterwards.\n16. Cloudy with the Wind Northwardly\u2014then cold & Chilly\u2014with appearances of Rain.\n17. Cold Rain & disagreeable, with the Wind abt. No. East.\n18. A severe frost this Morning\u2014but Calm clear & warm day.\n19. Calm, clear, & Warm forenoon, but lowering afternoon.\n20. Moderate Rain till abt. 2 Oclock & Cloudy & misty afterwards. Wd. North.\n21. A good deal of Rain in the Night & more or less till 9 or 10 Oclock then clear with the Wind Westwardly.\n22. Clear and pleasant with a small Southwardly breeze.\n23. Ditto\u2014Ditto\u2014Ditto.\n24. Clear with the Wind Southwardly & Warm.\n25. Foggy Morng. & Clouds\u2014with a good deal of Rain in the Afternoon & night from No. East.\n26. Clear & cool Wind brisk from the Westward.\n27. Cold & clear. Wind abt. No. West.\n28. Less cold Wind being at So. West & clear.\n29. Warmer still. Wind continuing Southwardly & the weather clear.\n30. Clear and very cool morning. Wind Westwardly. Afternoon Mild.\n31. Mild Wind Southwardly and Clear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0030-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 October 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n5. Finishd Sowing in the Neck. This field took 216 Bushels. Which makes the quantities sowed as follow\u2014Viz.\u2014 \n             Began getting Fodder at the Mill.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0030", "content": "Title: Observation\u2019s\u2014in\u2014October [1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nOctr. 1st. The hound Bitch Tipsey, was lind by the little Spaniel dog Pompey before she was shut up in the House with old Harry.\n4. Finishd Sowing Wheat at the Mill which field took 75 Bushels.\n5. Finishd Sowing in the Neck. This field took 216 Bushels. Which makes the quantities sowed as follow\u2014Viz.\u2014\nBegan getting Fodder at the Mill.\n6. Began getting Ditto in the Neck.\n11. Sowed Apple Pummice in the New Garden\u2014from Crab Apples.\n   sowed apple pummice: The pomace, a residue from cider making, contained apple seeds that would produce seedlings to use in grafting.\n15. Finishd pulling (but not securing) Fodder at Doeg Run Quarter.\nDid the same also at Muddy hole.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0031-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 November 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n12. Went Fox huntg. in the Neck. Started & was run out of hearg. of the Dogs\u2014owing to the Wind. Whether they catchd or not is not known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0031-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 November 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n25. Mr. Bryan Fairfax as also Messrs. Grayson & Phil. Alexander came here by Sunrise. Hunted & catchd a fox with them & My Lord his Br. & Colo. Fairfax all of whom with Mrs. Fx. & Mr. Watson of Engd. dind here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0034-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 December 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nDecr. 1. Went to the Election of Burgesses for this County, & was there, with Colo. West chosen. Stayd all Night to a Ball wch. I had given.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0034-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 December 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n29. Went a fox hunting. Started one but did not catch it. In the Afternoon Messrs. Dalton, Piper & Riddell came here. Also Mr. Mag[owa]n.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0034", "content": "Title: [December 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nDecr. 1. Went to the Election of Burgesses for this County, & was there, with Colo. West chosen. Stayd all Night to a Ball wch. I had given.\n   The election, held at the county courthouse in Alexandria, had been called by the new governor, Lord Botetourt. White adult males who owned a minimal amount of real property were allowed to vote. This property restriction satisfied two convictions long held in English tradition: only a man who owned property would be free from being influenced at the polls by an employer or landlord, and those who held property held the interests of the society at heart. Free Negroes and mulattoes, whether they owned property or not, lost their franchise in Virginia in 1723 (heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 4:133). Although many women in colonial Virginia owned real property in their own right (Martha Custis, for instance, while she was a widow), their sex barred them from the polls.\n   In accordance with the English belief that secrecy bred corruption, all voting was done in public. The election proceedings were the responsibility of the county sheriff. As the clerks (one provided by each candidate) sat\ntogether at a table, each voter would step forward and announce his two choices, which were then marked down by the clerks on their respective poll sheets. As each vote was given and recorded, the candidate chosen would often thank the voter, and toward the end of a close election, when every vote would elicit a round of cheering, the crowd sometimes got rather unruly. During the voting in the 1755 Fairfax County burgess poll, GW got into a violent argument over the candidacy of his friend George William Fairfax (freemanDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 2:146).\n   In this election GW and Col. John West were standing for reelection. A third candidate was GW\u2019s neighbor and fox-hunting companion Capt. John Posey, who was trying for the second time to unseat West, possibly because West\u2019s nephew, John West, Jr., was pressing Posey over an inheritance left to Posey\u2019s wife by her first husband, George Harrison, who was John West, Jr.\u2019s uncle. The final poll this day was: GW, 185; John West, 142; John Posey, 81. GW spent about \u00a325 on his election, including cakes and drink (unspecified) and \u00a31 each for his clerk, John Orr, and his \u201cfidler [at] the ball\u201d (freemanDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 2:146, 3:141; Posey to GW, 25 May 1771, DLC:GW; General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 281, 287; heningWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 4:476, 7:518). For detailed descriptions of elections in colonial Virginia, see sydnorCharles S. Sydnor. American Revolutionaries in the Making: Political Practices in Washington\u2019s Virginia. 1952. Reprint. New York, 1965..\n2. Returnd home after dinner accompanied by Colo. Mason Mr. Cockburn & Messrs. Henderson Ross & Lawson.\n   Alexander Henderson (d. 1815) emigrated from Scotland in 1756 and settled as a merchant at Colchester. He was Fairfax County justice of the peace 1770\u2014post 1785; Fairfax County representative in the House of Delegates 1781, 1783; Truro Parish vestryman 1765\u201385; and churchwarden 1769\u201370, 1779\u201380.\n3. Went a fox huntg. in Company with Lord & Colo. Fairfax Captn. McCarty & Messrs. Henderson & Ross. Started nothg. My Br. came in the Afternoon.\n4. At Home all day.\n5. Fox hunting with Lord Fairfax & his Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax. Started a Fox & lost it. Dind at Belvoir & came in the Evg.\n6. Rid to Muddy hole Doeg Run, & Mill.\n7. At home all day\u2014alone.\n8. Fox huntg. with Lord Fairfax & Brothr. & Colo. Fairfax all of whom dind here. Started nothing.\n9. Rid to Muddy hole, Doeg run, & the Mill.\n10. Went a fox hunting in the Neck & catchd a fox. Afterwards went to the Plantatin. there. Doctr. Rumney came to Dr. & Mr. Alexr. in the Eg.\n11. They went away after breakfast\u2014alone aftds.\n12. Rid to the Mill Doeg run & Muddy hole. Miss Carlyle & Miss Dalton came here.\n   Elizabeth Dalton was the daughter of John Dalton of Alexandria.\n13. Set of abt. 12 Oclock for Towlston to hunt with Mr. Bryan Fairfax. Got there in the Afternn.\n14. Stayd there all day. In the Evg. went to see his new Mill.\n15. Returnd home, by the way (that is near Muddy hole) started & catchd a Fox.\n16. At home all day. Jacky Custis came home from Mr. Boucher\u2019s.\n17. Rid out with my Gun but killd nothg. Mary Wilson came to live here as a Ho. keeper a[t] 15/. pr. Month.\n   Mrs. Mary Wilson was probably a widow. She left her position at Mount Vernon in June 1769 (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 288).\n18. At home all day. Miss Sally Carlyle & Miss Betcy Dalton went away & Mr. Stedlar came.\n19. Went up to Court & returnd at Night.\n   Although today was the third Monday in the month, the day on which the Fairfax County court normally began its monthly sessions, the court apparently did not meet today or any other day in December because of a lack of pressing business.\n   Today GW bought \u201cFish &ca. of the New Englandman,\u201d which apparently visited Mount Vernon several times (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 112, 286).\n23. Went a Pheasant Huntg. Carrd. hounds & they started & followd a Deer.\n24. Rid to the Mill & Doeg run.\n25. At home all day.\n26. Ditto\u2014Do.\u2014L. W\u2014\u2014n. set of for Staffd.\n27. Ditto\u2014Do.\u2014except Shooting between breakfast & Dinner.\n28. At home all day alone.\n29. Went a fox hunting. Started one but did not catch it. In the Afternoon Messrs. Dalton, Piper & Riddell came here. Also Mr. Mag[owa]n.\n   Mr. Riddell is probably either John or Henry. John was a merchant in Dumfries. Henry, to whom GW later wrote concerning the seating of his western lands, was a merchant at Piscataway, Md., and the chief Maryland factor for Glassford & Co. of Glasgow, Scot. (GW to Henry Riddell, 22 Feb. 1774, DLC:GW; macmasterRichard K. MacMaster and David C. Skaggs, eds. \u201cThe Letterbooks of Alexander Hamilton, Piscataway Factor.\u201d Maryland Historical Magazine 61 (1966): 146\u201366, 305\u201328; 62 (1967): 135\u201369., 61:153 n. 32).\n30. At home with them all day.\n31. Went a hunting & catchd a bitch fox\u2014the above Gentlemn. with me.\n   GW played cards on this date, losing an unspecified amount (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 286).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-02-02-0003-0035", "content": "Title: Remarks\u2014on the\u2014Weather [December 1768]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nDecr. 1st. Ground exceedg. hard froze. Weathr. very cold\u2014& Snowing at times. The Eveng. of this day was remarkably cold.\n2. Weather clear & very cold. Wind at No. West. River half froze over.\n3. Night exceeding hard\u2014but this day somewhat more moderate Wind Southwardly.\n4. Close Rain all day with the Wind chiefly at No. East\u2014but afterwards shifting to No. West & clearing.\n5. Clear & tolerably pleast. Wind abt. West. Ground hard froze.\n6. Hard frost\u2014& cool Morning\u2014but mild afternoon. Wind Southwardly.\n7. Constant slow rain all day\u2014with the Wind variable\u2014but chiefly Eastwardly.\n8. Clear, & tolerably pleasant, although the Wind was fresh from the No. West.\n9. Very cloudy & like to rain but none fell.\n10. Also Cloudy, with sometimes Sunshine & Warm\u2014being still. No frost.\n11. Again cloudy & like for rain but none fell. Wind shifting to the No. West but not cold. No frost.\n12. Lowering Morning, but clear & calm Noon. No Wind nor frost.\n13. Fine mild & warm forenoon, Wind Southwardly\u2014but lowg. afternoon wind No. Et. & Cold.\n14. Snowd the best part of last Night and till 2 Oclock this day.\n15. Snowd again this Morng. & cold Wind Northwardly. Snow 8 or 10 Inches deep.\n16. Clear & cool tho the Wind was Southwardly.\n17. Wind Southwardly yet cold & raw with great appearances of Snow.\n18. A Little rain fell in the Night & this day lowering. But mild & thawg. Wind So.\n19. Clear & pleast. forenoon. Lowering Aftern. with a good deal of Snow in the Night.\n20. Snowing best part of the day\u2014abt. 6 or 8 Inches deep.\n21. Snowing on and of all day. With but little Wind.\n22. Snowing fast the forepart of the day with the Wind at No. West. Snow very deep; I suppose 15 or 18 Inches generally.\n23. Clear & cold. Wind at No. West & fresh. Towards Evening it shifted Southwardly.\n24. More moderate. Wind Southwardly. Clear Morng. & Eveng.\u2014threatng. Noon.\n25. Clear, with the Wind moderately from the No. West and not very cold.\n26. Wind rather to the East of North and Cloudy, but not cold. Frost this Mg.\n27. No frost. Foggy & misty all day and thawing fast.\n28. Raining more or less all Night, Snow mostly gone\u2014off the open ground entirely. Good deal of Rain this day also\u2014no frt.\n29. Cloudy\u2014Misting\u2014& sometimes rain with the wind southwardly. No frost.\n30. Clear. Wind at No. West, & fresh in the Morning but incling. Southwardly in the afternoon. No frost.\n31. No frost. Wind southwardly\u2014& Cloudy\u2014but no rain. Evening clear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0041", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, January 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[January 1768]\nCash\n[January]\u2014\nTo Cash upon hand Balle of last years Acct\nContra\nBy Cards 4/\u2014Jany 12th Ditto 8/9\nBy William Skilling\nBy Bryan Allisons Acct in full\nBy Cards 3/6\u2014Club at Mr Arrols 4/8\nBy Mr Jno. Muirs Acct to the date\nBy Cards 11/3\u2014Servants 5/\nBy Servants at Colo. [George William] Fairfax", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0042", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, February 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[February 1768]\nCash\nFeby 14\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] recd of Messrs Carlyle & Adam\nTo Ditto of Mr Humphrey Peake\nContra\nFeby 10\u2014\nBy Alexander McKenzie\u2014Taylors Acct\nBy Mr Tomison Ellzey lent\nBy Lund Washington\nBy Mr Arrols Acct", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0044", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Scott, Pringle, Cheap, & Company, 23 February 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Scott, Pringle, Cheap, & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon Virga February 23d 1768.\nBy Captn Dent bound to the Madeira\u2019s (a careful honest Man) and, who will return with his Vessel to this River again, I shoud be obligd to you for sending me a Butt (of about One hundred and fifty Gallns) of your choicest Madeira Wine\u2014A Small box, not exceeding 15 or 20 lbs. of Citron\u2014And, if there is nothing improper, or inconsistant in the request a few setts or cuttings of the Madeira Grape (that kind I mean of which the Wine is made) but if in requiring this last Article there be any sort of Impropriety I beg that no notice may be taken of it. On Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. (of London) you will please to draw for Cost of these things, who shall be advertizd thereof by the first oppertunity that may offer.\nThe Butt of Wine which you sent me by Captn Montgomery in Augt 1766 came safe to hand, and will, I hope, proove good (having made no use of it yet). By coming safe to hand I woud be understood to mean that it did not appear to have undergone any kind of Adulteration; there was a good deal of ullage indeed\u2014and what I dislikd still more was, a large Tap in the head of the Cask which left me in doubt whether it was done on the Passage (which occasiond the difficiency) or was in the Cask before Shipping of it (as the Sailors, who deliverd it to me, affirmd).\nHaving the Pleasure of Mr Murrays acquaintance whilst in Virginia, I beg his acceptance of my best wishes if he is returnd to the Island\u2014and am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0045", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Gildart, 25 February 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gildart, James\nSir\nMount Vernn Virga Feby 25th 1768\nYour not sending me the Goods requird in a Letter of the 21st of July 1766, nor acknowledging the receipt, neither of that Letter, nor one of the 22d of Septr following (both of which were sent by the Fryer Captn Pollard) has given \u27e8r\u27e9ise to a suspicion (knowg he got safe home) not altogether favourable to the Character of that Gentleman\u2014which is this\u2014that he has nevr deld my Letters nor the Tobo to you for Reasons easily conceivd from the Copies of those Letters wch I now send. This is the only way I can Acct for your Silence, havg never recd a Line from you since the 22d of April 1766.\nI now Inclose you Captn Pollards Second Bill of Lading, relying on yr kind assistance in transacting the Affair for me. If my Suspicions are well founded, Captn Pollard has not only treated me very injuriously, but at the same time acted with a good deal of Ingratitude as I was amg a very few who did not take advantage of a failure of his (in point of time for his arrival) to withhold my Tobo from him, but complied strictly with my part of the Contract altho. it was inconvenient for me to do so; expecting long, very long before this, to have had the Salt and Sacks there Orderd (free from freight accordg to Engagemt) for want of wch I hitherto have, & now do, suffer exceedingly, especially for the latter, whh I now beg may be made up 50 & numberd as tho. they had Salt in them & were distinct parcels\u2014If on the other hand the Captn has deld my Letter, & Tobo & made good any damage it might have Sustaind agreeable to his promise I freely ask his pardon for my uncharitable Suspicions wch took rise from the causes aforementd. I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0046", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Gabriel Jones, 25 February 1768 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jones, Gabriel\nLetter not found: to Gabriel Jones, 25 Feb. 1768. On 3 May Jones wrote to GW: \u201cI acknowledged the receipt of your\u2019s of 25th February.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0047", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, March 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[March 1768]\nCash\nTo Ditto [cash] of Mr Magowan Balle Acct\nTo Captn Hanson Marshall for weaving\nTo Gilbert Simpson Junr weavg 8 Yds Cotton\nContra\nBy Servants\nBy Thos Bishops wife delivg Sarah\nBy Doctr Rumney\nBy Boys Expences to Essex\nBy my own Expences at Arrols\nBy my Brother\u2019s boy\u2019s ferriage at Poseys\nBy Servants\nBy Alexander Cleveland in full for his share of Hemp made in 1765", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0048", "content": "Title: Advertisement, 10 March 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTo Any of the Name of Stot, Wills, Richardson, or Smith In Durham, In England\nAlexandria Virg. March 10th 1768\nThe Executors of Colo. Thomas Collvill, late of Alexandria in Virginia, hereby intend notice to the Parties concernd, that, in the last Will of that Gentleman made Octr the 8th 1766 the following clause was inserted, and recorded in the County Court of Fairfax in the Colony aforesaid.\nAnd Whereas &ca\u2014here the whole Clause relative to the above Persons was inserted at large.\nThe Executors as yet, cannot even guess what may be the Surplus money of this Estate, when the Debts (which are of a complicated nature) and Legacies, are dischargd; but as it is more than probable there will be a residue, and there being a time limited for entering the Claims, and prooving the Relationship as above; this Second notice is given to the Parties that they may be timely advisd thereof by.\nFrances Colvill\nExecutrix\nG. Washington\nExecutors\nJohn West Junr\nNote, The above Letter I sent by Mr W. Magowan, when he went to England for Orders; with particular injunctions to put it into the hands of some Person who had corrispondants in Durham, that proper enquiry might be made after these People, and I satisfied with having dischargd my Duty as an Executor.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0049", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 10 March 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon March 10th 1768.\nThis Letter will, I expect, be delivered to you by Mr Walter Magowan, who for many years has livd in my Family a Tutor to Master & Miss Custis, and now comes to England to get admittance into Holy Orders\u2014Any little Civilities therefore which you may occasionally shew him during his short stay there, or assistance give, woud be very obliging as he is perfectly a Stranger, and may need a little Introduction, alth\u00f4 he comes provided with proper Certificates &ca to the Bishop.\nHe has Fifty pounds Sterling due to him on Acct of his last years Wages, which please to pay and charge equally to Master & Miss Custis\u2014Besides this you will please to advance him any Sum on the particular Acct of Master Custis not exceeding Forty pounds Sterlg with which he is to purchase Sundry Books &ca for the young Gentleman and other things for his Musick Master &ca who having commissiond Mr Magowan on this head desird he might have a credit to answer the purposes\u2014Whatever money therefore you may advance in consequence of this order you will please to charge as I have just directed because I shall know what Sum to Debit each party with, & what to give him Credit for, when I come to settle with Mr Magowan upon his return wch is intended to be in a very short space of time.\nHaving a very good oppertunity a few days ago directly from my own door to the Madeira & back I desird Messrs Scott,\nPringle, Cheape and Company to send me a Butt of Wine, & one or two & \u27e8other\u27e9 trifling things, and draw upon you for the amount which I hope will be paid.\nCaptn Johnstown is arrivd, but having been Sometime in York and James River I have not got my Goods by him, though hourly expect them. At present I shall add nothing more than that I am Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0050", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Stewart & Campbell, 10 March 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stewart & Campbell\nGentn\n[Mount Vernon] Virginia March 10th 1768\nThe bearer Mr Walter Magowan has an order upon you for \u00a313.0.9 being the proceeds of two Hhds of my Tobacco consignd you in the Thornton Captn McGachin in the year 1765. Please to make payment and oblige Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0051", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Stewart, 10 March 1768\nFrom: Stewart, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nKingston in Jamaica March 10th 1768\nIn my last from London I gave you a detail of the various schemes I had form\u2019d and of the great disappointments I had experienced in endeavouring to carry them into execution, I was at length appointed Comptroller of his Majesty\u2019s Customs in this place, an Office which I was inform\u2019d was a very reputable one and worth at least a thousand Sterling \u214c ann:\u2014the first part of the information I found Just, but I have the mortification to find that the value of my Office is by the openning the free Ports in this Island and by some late regulations in the Revenues diminished near a half; however even what I enjoy would in some Countries do very well for a Batchelor in my way, but in this extravagant and very expensive place where all the necessaries and most of the conveniences of Life are exorbitantly dear, it is barely sufficient to support me in a decent manner. I likewise informed you that your old Acquaintance and my very good Friend Mr Macleane had directed me to desire you would Draw upon him at sixty days sight for the amount of the money you was generously pleas\u2019d in the handsomest and most Friendly manner to advance to me, before I left N. America, for which and your invariable and polite attention to my welfare my heart will never cease to glow with the most lively ardour of the strongest Friendship and genuine gratitude, and allow me My\ndear Col. to assure you with sacred truth that few things could yield me more pleasure than opportunities of evincing that these are the sincere sentiments of a heart that will ever love and esteem you; I likewise desired that you would please address your Bills for that Sum to Lauchlin Macleane Esqr. in Queen ann Street, Cavendish Square London.\nA few days after date of my last I embarked in the Ship Trent Capt. Gillis and had a Passage of 14 weeks from Gravesend\u2014our very tedious passage was rendered doubly disagreeable, whilst in Northern Climates by a great deal of bad weather and on our getting to the Southd by Calms not less alarming from the dreadfull consequences a continuance of them would inevitably have produced\u2014We stopt near two weeks at Madeira, an African Island peopled by and under the Dominion of Portugal, that Island so well knowen by it\u2019s excellent wines is in a most delightfull Climate where extremes of heat and cold are never felt, it is covered with an eternal verdure which runs up even to the summit of its immense high Mountains, which branch out into a variety of odd Figures that, form many Vallies now converted into rich vineyards which produce no less than twenty three different species of Grapes from which nineteen thousand Pipes of wine are annually made\u2014Citrons, Lemons, Oranges, Aples, Peaches and in short most of the Tropical and European Fruits grow there to perfection\u2014It\u2019s principal Town Fench Hall stretches along a spacious Bay nearly in the form of a Crescent it is defended by a number of Forts & Batteries which the Portuguese think very formidable but in reality they are but triffling it contains near twenty thousand Inhabitants the whole number in the Island is eighty thousand (Blacks included) Their houses are quite white in the outside, in Town as well as on the many Plantations on the Face of the Mountains, the whole yields a prospect perfectly Romantic and as charming as the imagination can well conceive\u2014The British Factory chiefly composed of Scotch are about thirty Families and Live in the utmost harmony and socibility, they have Card and Dancing Assemblies, Parties to the Country, and they participate of every amusement that retired Mountanious place will admit of, By their frequent excursions to the Country and an emulation to excell, the Ladies ride their little Horses and Mules with a spirit and tranquillity, precipes that the very sight of would strike an American or\nEnglish Lady with terror and amazement. The Portuguese Ladies do not associate with our Ladies nor even with their own Gentlemen, their Churches which are open every day are the only public places at which their rigourous Customs permits them to appear, thither I sometimes went to gratify my curiosity and tho\u2019 they were generally filled, chiefly by Females, I did not see one fine woman amongst them, some of them are tolerably genteel, severals have good Eyes and Teeth and they in general have very fine hair which they dress in a taste peculiarly pleasing\u2014A few days before I left that Island a man of war arrived from Lisbon with a new Governor, all the Men in the Island were ordered under Arms to receive him, they cut but an indifferent Figure and made very awkward irregular Fires both from their Artillery and Musketry; The Govr went immediatly to the principal Fort, and his Lady to Church, she appears not above fifteen, was drest in a man\u2019s hat fiercely Cocked with a broad Gold Lace and her hair in a Bag with a Sollitaire, she was attended with an English and French Lady\u2014The next day the old Governr embarked; a venerable looking man, he was double the usual time Govr and went off poor, nor did he live splenditly but employed all his money in acts of charity and humanity, he was attended to the waterside by all the Inhabitants of the Island the whole in Tears, praying for his happiness, a sight as moving as uncommon especially in an arbitrary Governmt.\nAs you must be tired with the very tedious length of this scrawl I defer saying any thing about Jamaica till my next when I hope to be a little better qualified to write about it for at present my knowledge of it is very superficial and imperfect\u2014I beg you will do me the honr to present my respectfull Complements, in the warmest, most obliging and Affectionate terms to your Lady and beleive to be with the highest Esteem and most perfect Regard My Dear Colo. Your unalterably Affectionate & Most obliged hble Servt\nRobert Stewart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0054", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gabriel Jones, 25 March 1768\nFrom: Jones, Gabriel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nMarch 25th 1768\nI have only time to inform you, that I received your\u2019s at Frederick last Court, & have communicated the Contents to Mesrs Madison & Lewis my Neighbours, they agree with me, of\nthe right of your demand agt Mr Strother\u2019s estate, & as soon as you fix the sum paid, you may draw on me for our proportionable parts, Mesrs Henry Tyler, Francis Tyler & John Frogg are the other person\u2019s who married Mr Strothers daughters. I am with True esteem & respect Dear sir Yr most Obedt, humble Servt\nGabriel Jones", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0055", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, April 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[April 1768]\nCash\nApl \u20075\u2014\nTo Cash of Messrs Carlyle & Adam by Mr Matthew Campbell\nTo Cash of Mr Hanson Marshall\nTo Ditto of Messrs Carlyle & Adam\nContra\nApril 2\u2014\nBy William Skilling\nBy Wm Crawford\nBy a Cask of Mercers Beer pr Andw Wales\nBy Jno. Alton\nBy Robt Jones for 2 Yrs of the Maryld Gazette &ca\nBy Dinner & Club at Arrols\nBy Alexander McKenzies Acct\nBy Do Do for Jno. P. Custis\nBy Andrew Robinson Balle of Accts\nBy Mrs Washington 20/. By Jacky & P. Custis Do 17\nBy Exps. at Colchester\nBy Exps. at Aquia & Fredg\nBy Mendg Jacky Custis\u2019s 8/9. Servants 2/3\nBy Exps. at Hubbards 26/6. Do at Todds 19/\nBy Do at the Causey 21/6\nBy Doctr Lee for Patcy Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0056", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 9 April 1768 [letter not found]\nFrom: Mason, George\nTo: Washington, George\n\tLetter not found: from George Mason, 9 April 1768. The letter is listed in the Henkels catalog no. 657, item 45, 10 Dec. 1890. According to the catalog, the letter was docketed by GW on 23 Feb. 1789: \u201cThe Lines to which this letter has reference were settled by & between Col. Mason and myself the 19 of April, 1769, as will appear (if there should ever be occasion to recur to it) by a Survey thereof made on that day in his presence and with his approbation\u2014Entered among other proceedings of a like sort and tied up in a Book with a green parchment cover, which Book is deposited along with my Land Papers.\u201d\n   The lines settled by the 19 April 1769 survey were the lines between the part of the old Thompson patent owned by George Mason and a small 300\u2013acre tract, originally a part of the same patent, which GW had bought in 1757 from Sampson Darrell. See Mason to GW, 14 Oct. 1769 and note 2, Darrell to\n    GW, 28 Dec. 1757 and 9 Oct. 1759, and notes, and the map and chart: The Growth of Mount Vernon, 1754\u20131786, in DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976\u201379., 1:240\u201341. The survey has not been found, nor has the \u201cBook with a green parchment cover,\u201d but a memorandum of an agreement written in Mason\u2019s hand and signed by GW on 21 April, two days later, settling the boundary lines gives some idea of the problems involved in getting clear title to land, because of variations in surveys, missing deeds, the disappearance of identifying trees, and so forth: \u201cIt is agreed this 21st day of April 1769, between the Subscribers that an ancient mark\u2019d Line from Dogues Run to little Hunting Creek formerly run by Thomas Hooper Surveyor of Stafford County as the upper Line of Matthew Thompson\u2019s Sale to Charles Rose for three hundred Acres of Land, now in possession of the Subscriber George Washington, shall for ever be established as the dividing Line between the Subscriber\u2019s Lands in the Neck between Dogues Run & the South Branch of little Hunting Creek, the sd Line beginning upon Dogues Run side at an old stooping white Oak near two or three small sweet Gums, & a red oak now newly mark\u2019d, & a large sweet Gum formerly mark\u2019d, & running across the Neck (by a Line of ancient mark\u2019d Trees as aforesaid) N. 76 d. 30 m. Et 668 poles to two Spanish Oaks & two white Oaks now newly mark\u2019d, standing in the main South Branch of little Hunting Creek; and that the Subscriber George Mason shall make a Deed of Release unto the Subscriber George Washington for the three hundred Acres formerly sold by the sd Matthew Thompson unto the sd Charles Rose to be bounded by the said Line, notwithstanding it contains more than this Quantity; and the sd George Washington agrees to pay unto the sd George Mason twenty shillings Virginia Currency for every Acre of Land more than five hundred & twelve Acres which shall be found to be contained from the Meanders of Dogues Run & the main South Branch of little Hunting Creek between the sd Line, & the upper Line of the Land commonly called Spencer\u2019s patent, as the same was formerly established in a Suit in the General Court between Thomas Marshall plaintif & Sampson Darrell Defendant\u201d (ViMtvL).\n On 24 Oct. 1769, as the agreement provided, Mason gave GW a release for what seems to be the same 300\u2013acre tract that had previously been sold to GW by Sampson Darrell. At the same time GW paid Mason \u00a3100 for one hundred extra acres of land found to be contained in the tract. The Fairfax County Deed Book for 1769 is missing, but GW\u2019s own copy of the release of 24 Oct. 1769 from Mason was sold in the Birch sale of 1891, catalog no. 667, item 33. See also General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 61, Sampson Darrell to GW, 28 Dec. 1757, 9 Oct. 1759, and notes, and Mason to GW, 14 Oct. 1769, and notes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0057", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Gildart, 12 April 1768\nFrom: Gildart, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nLeverpoole [England] April 12th 1768\n\u27e8Mutilated\u27e9 Refering to my last of the 16th July \u214c the Oak Capt. McDaniel Since wch have not been favoured wth any of yours. as yet have only Sold one of Mr J. P. Custis\u2019s 4 hhds Tobo \u214c\nthe JnoSon & that At 2\u00bd \u214c being part mixed Stemed & leafe the price \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 advanced & now from 2\u00bd to 3\u00bd \u214c. It was luckey for my Friends I did not Sell on the Ships Arrivall As then the Cargoe would not have yielded 2d. \u214c \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 & now we sell nothing under 2\u00bd or \u215d \u214c Altho. the last years Importation was very poor & ordinary the D. P. C. are the very worst I ever had from the Estate, I can Scarce Cred. their being the growth of York River the Gentlemn that use to buy them would not look at them depend the best shall be made of them that can be[.] we had last year a la\u27e8rge\u27e9 Importn of Hemp from America but so very Ill dressed that the price has declined \u27e8many a parcell of illegible\u27e9 from Maryd Sold at \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 \u214c Ton. If your Farmers wont take more pains to Clean it I am Aprehensive our Officers will not Allow the bounty in short its not Marchanable[.] Wheat continues very high in England & likely to be so till our harvest. we are now Importing America Grain from Spain & Italy whose Marketts you have over Stocked. Some Cargoes are expected from Philad. but I hear of none from you or Maryd they would now pay extreamly well being from 6/ to 6/4 \u214c 70 Lb. & its a grain that Never heats or damages in the Passage If in good Cond. when Shipt as we have no Stocks in England It will Certainly be wanted the Next year that I wish your Country may be able to Supply us & am Respy Sir Yr Most Obt Sert\nJam. Gildart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0060", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gabriel Jones, 3 May 1768\nFrom: Jones, Gabriel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nMay 3d 1768 Winchester\nI acknowledged the receipt of your\u2019s of 25th February & recommended it to the care of Colo. F. Lewis in hopes it might meet you in your way to the Assembly in March, but whether it did I have not as yet learned. & least a miscarriage should have happened, I write this to inform you of my acquainting Mesrs Lewis & Madison with your proposal of paying what you had advanced for the deficiency of the Land purchased from Mr Strother Executor, they as well as my self do readily agree to advance our proportionable parts as soon as you let me know what it is. I am with much esteem & respect Dr Sir Yr most Obedt humble Servt\nGabriel Jones", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0061", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 5 May 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nGentn\nWilliamsburg 5th May 1768\nYour Letters to Master Custis & myself of the 10th of Decr by Captn Eston are both come to my hands and I have directed Ten Hhds of the young Gentns Tobo to be put on board his Ship to your Address; which, considering the very short crop we made last year is a larger proportion of his Tobo than you have had\nyet\u2014On this quantity you will please to Insure \u00a310 pr Hhd & carry the proceeds to his Credit. Having discontinued the growth of Tobo myself, except at a Plantation or two upon York River, I make no more of that Article than barely serves to furnish me with Goods this is the Reason therefore why I send it undivided to Messrs Cary & Co. as it is from that House I always get the necessaries wanted for my Family\u2019s use.\nI shoud be very glad if you woud make it an invariable Rule (while our corrispondance in behalf of Mastr Custis to whom I am Guardian continues) to send me in his Acct Currt once a year; this, besides the satisfaction of comparing them with my own Accts is necessary in Settling my Administration Accts annually with the Genl Court. I am Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0062", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 5 May 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nWilliamsburg 5th May 1768\nI have just time before I leave this place to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 22d of Decr by Eston and 1st of Feby by Captn Outram. By the Latter I shall send you all my own Tobo consisting of Fifteen Hhds and about Twenty-five of Mastr Custis\u2019s\u2014on both which parcels please to Insure Ten pounds pr Hhd. As the scarcity of Tobo, and high prices thereof in the Country are facts too well known to be doubted of, it consequently becomes unnecessary for me to add that unless the Sales with you are high, we shall be a considerable looser by adhering to our usual custom of assisting your Ships here, this\nwe hope you will endeavour to avoid, and make the advantages reciprocal; at least that we do not suffer by our Attachment to your House.\nHerewith you will receive a Bill of Exchange drawn by James Kirk on Messrs Crosbies & Trafford for One hundred and Seven pounds ten shillings Sterlg\u2014as also two other Bills of Mr J. Wales\u2019s drawing on Messrs Farrel & Jones of Bristol amounting together to One hundd and twenty pounds Sterg\u2014which Sums when receivd please to give my Acct credit for\u2014At present I shall only add that I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0064", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Blair, 17 May 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Blair, John\nHonble Sir\nAt present the Road from Fort Cumberland to Pittsburg is very thickly Inhabited\u2014so much so at least\u2014as to render the communication easy & convenient for Travellers, & for the transportation of Provisions &ca from the Frontiers of this Colony to the last mentioned Garrison, and to the Settlers that now are, or may hereafter be fixed on the Ohio; but if the People on the other side of the Alligany shoud be totally removed, the difficulties of that communication of consequence becomes augmented, and Our Frontier Inhabitants (by odds the most contiguous, and best adapted for the purpose of furnishing the King\u2019s Troops with Provisions & such like things) subjected to Inconveniencies the Contrary of which the People of Pensylvania enjoy in the greatest degree by having Garrisons established all along their Road: So sensible are our Frontier People of this, that several of them in talking to me upon the subject, did request, that I woud lay the matter before your Honour; hoping that, by means of your representation, Stages might be permitted (I mean some of the Inhabitants suffer\u2019d to remain only) at three or four different places along the Road (that Our Assembly levied money towards the opening of) to the end that Travellers, drivers of Cattle, Hogs, Pack Horses, &ca might be accomodated with halting Places and Provision, to sustain themselves and Cattle in a March so tedious, & often incommoded by the swelling of many large Waters which they are compeld to cross\u2014To this request I promised a compliance, in full assurance, that if the matter appeard in the same light to your honr, it does to me, you woud readily lay the Circumstances of it before his Excellency Genl Gage, whose powers, I apprehend, can regulate these matters; & who, I am perswaded, in\nconsideration of the benefits which his Majesty\u2019s Troops will derive from ready Supplies to his Garrisons, woud chearfully come into a measure of this kind; which, from its nature can give no offence to the Indians, nor any one else; unless there be People in the world, so selfish, as to aim at a Monopoly of those advantages which may follow a Trade to Pittsburg & the Country round it. I hope I shall stand excused for the liberty I have taken in laying this affair before your Honr. With great respect I remain Yr Honrs Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0065", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 17 May 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nI have sent the Boy with Mrs Washingtons things from mrs deavenports and have paid her Charge which is 27/6d.\nI like wise Saw mr Starke yesterday and he promist me to give\nhis Bond this day for me to Bring to you But when I Came to his house he was gon to Sussex Cort and left a letter which I Send to you with severall other Letters[.] the tobaco in New Kent & King William is inspected and gon on Bord of Ship the weight is very good Excepting dite Howls two hogsheds which are two Light\u2014ass soon ass I Can get the Rest inspected and Caried on Bord of Ship I will Send you an Exact List of the weights and Quantity and the ships it is gon on Bord and Ever will do my Best indeavers for your benefit and Remain Sir your most humble Servent\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0066", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 30 May 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Boucher, Jonathan\nRevd Sir\n[Mount Vernon] May 30th 1768.\nMr Magowan who lived several years in my Family a Tutor to Master Custis (my Son in law & Ward) having taken his departure for England leaves the young Gentleman without any master at all at this time I shoud be glad there fore to know if it woud be convenient for you to add him to the number of your Pupils. He is a boy of good genius, about 14 yrs of age, untainted in his Morals, & of innocent Manners. Two yrs and upwards he has been reading of Virgil, and was (at the time Mr Magowan left him) entered upon the Greek Testament, th\u00f4 I presume he has\ngrown not a little rusty in both; having had no benefit of his Tutor since Christmas, notwithstanding he left the Country in March only.\nIf he comes, he will have a boy (well acquainted with House business, which may be made as useful as possible in your Family to keep him out of Idleness) and two Horses, to furnish him with the means of getting to Church, and elsewhere as you may permit; for he will be put entirely, and absolutely under your Tuition, and direction to manage as you think proper in all respects.\nNow Sir, if you Incline to take Master Custis I shoud be glad to know what conveniencies it may be necessary for him to bring, & how soon he may come, for as to his Board & Schooling (Provendar for his Horses he may lay in himself) I do not think it necessary to enquire into, and will chearfully pay Ten or Twelve pounds a year extraordinary to engage your peculiar care of, and a watchful eye to him, as he is a promising boy\u2014the last of his Family\u2014& will possess a very large Fortune\u2014add to this my anxiety to make him fit for more useful purposes, than a horse Racer &ca.\nThis Letter will be sent to you by my Brother at Fredericksburg, and I shoud be obligd to you for an answer by the first Post to Alexandria, near to which place I live; I am Sir Yr Most Obedt & Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. If it is necessary for him to provide a Bed, cou\u2019d one be purchased in your Neighbourhood? it woud save a long carriage.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0067", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nCash\nJune 1\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] of Henry Taylor\nTo Weaving of Jno. Elliot 15 yds cotton birdeye\nTo Cash of Mr Wm Triplet for Weavg\nTo Ditto of Gilbt Simpson on Acct of Rent\nTo Ditto for 7 M Shingles\nContra\nJune 2\u2014\nBy Mr [John] Stedlar for Mastr & Miss Custis\nBy James Oram for a Horse for Mastr Custis\nBy a Sturgeon 6/\u2014By Lemons 8/9\nBy Rachel McKeaver\nBy Charity 12/\nBy Jno. Snowden \u00a37.7.6. By Charity 21/6\nBy Mr [James] Kirk Balle of Acct\nBy Exps. at Arrols 20/9. Jno. P. Custis 41/6\nBy Sundry\u2019s for the use of Mr Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0068", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Laughlin Macleane, 6 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Macleane, Laughlin\nSir,\nMount Vernon in Virginia June 6th 1768.\nIn a Letter of the 10th of March which I recd from Colo. Robt Stewart in Jamaica, he directs me to draw upon you for a sum of money which I lent him in 1763\u2014I accordingly do so in favour of Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. for \u00a3302 Sterg which was the nett amount of two Bills (exclusive of Intt wch I have no intention of charging) remitted him at that time.\nAmong the number of your Acquaintance & well wisher\u2019s, none coud be better pleased at hearing of the notice taken of your merit\u2014nor will more rejoice at yr future prosperity than Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0069", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 6 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nMt Vernon 6th June 1768\nMy old Chariot havg run its race, & gone through as many stages as I coud conveniently make it travel, is now renderd incapable of any further Service; The intent of this Letter therefore is to desire you will bespeak me a New one, time enough to come out with the Goods (I shall hereafter write for) by Captn Johnstoun, or some other Ship.\nAs these are kind of Articles, that last with care a gt number of years, I woud willingly have the Chariot you may now send me made in the newest taste, handsome, genteel, & light; yet not slight & consequently unserviceable. To be made of the best Seasond Wood, & by a celebrated Workman. The last Importation which I have seen, besides the customary Steel springs have others that play in a Brass barrel, & contribute at one & the\nsametime to the ease & Ornament of the Carriage; One of these kind therefore woud be my choice; & Green being a colour little apt, as I apprehend, to fade, & grateful to the Eye, I woud give it the preference unless any other colour more in vogue & equally lasting is entitled to precedency in that case I woud be governd by fashion. A light gilding on the mouldings (that is round the Pannels) & any other Ornaments that may not have a heavy & tawdry look (together with my arms agreeable to the Impression here sent) might be added, by way of decoration. A lining of a handsome, lively col[ore]d leather of good quality, I shd also prefer; such as green, blew, or &ca as may best suit the colr of the outside. let the box that slips under Seat, be as large as it conveniently can be made (for the benefit of Stoage upon a journey) and to have a Pole (not Shafts) for the Wheel Horses to draw by\u2014together with a handsome sett of Harness for four middle sized Horses orderd in such a manner as to suit either two Postilions (without a box) or a box & one Postilion\u2014The Box being made to fix on, and take of occasionally, with a hammel Cloth &ca suitable to the lining. On the Harness let my Crest be engravd.\nIf such a Chariot as I have here describd cd be got at 2d hand little or nothg the worse of wear, but at the sametime a good deal under the first cost of a new one (& sometimes tho. perhaps rarely it happens so) it wd be very desirable; but if I am obligd to go to near the origl cost I wd e\u2019en have one made; & have been thus particular, in hopes of gettg a handsome Char[io]t through yr direction, good taste, & managt\u2014Not of Copper how[eve]r for these do not stand the powerful heat of our sun.\nInclosd you will receive a Bill of Excha: on Laughlin Mcacleane Esqr. for \u00a3302 Sterg out of wch this Char[io]t may be paid for, & the Balle carrd to the Credit of my Acct Currt\u2014At the sametime you pres[en]t the Bill be pleasd to delivr the Letter also. I am Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. The Origl of this was sent by the Keith to Glasgow and the Copies by Captn Johnstoun.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0071", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 16 June 1768\nFrom: Boucher, Jonathan\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCaroline, June 16th 1768\nAltho\u2019 I have already return\u2019d an Ansr to yr obliging Letter of the 30th ult: by a Servt of The Revd Mr Addison\u2019s who went from hence a Day or two ago, yet as You seem\u2019d desirous to hear from Me as soon as possible, & as Collo. Lewis now informs Me that He can furnish Me wth an Oppty directly to your House, I am desirous to convince You, that I have not been inattentive to the Matter of yr Request. In my former Lr, I have inform\u2019d You of my Expectations of removing shortly to Annaps, where I propose also to continue to take Care of a few Boys, & have left it to Yrself to Judge whether, in that Case, it wou\u2019d be agreeable to You & Mrs Washington, that Mastr Custis shd accompany Me thither, as, unless He shou\u2019d, I imagin\u2019d You wou\u2019d hardly think it worth while to send Him abroad to a School, wc. may probably be broke up in a very few Months. I added also, that shd You approve of This, I shou\u2019d be glad He might come down hither, in the Manner You have propos\u2019d, immediately; which, I suppose, He may easily do, as there will be no Occasion for his making much Preparation; since, if I shd be so unfortunate as to be again disappointed in Maryland, & be obliged to remain still where I now am, it will be as Easy for You hereafter to furnish Him wth any Thing He may happen to want; and in the mean Time, it will be no Inconvenience to Me to let Him use one of my Beds &c. And This is all, or nearly all, I yet have it in my Power to give You for ansr: I sincerely wish the Uncertainty of my present Prospects wou\u2019d allow Me to speak more positively.\nEver since I have heard of Mastr Custis, I have wish\u2019d to call Him one of my little Flock, and I am not asham\u2019d to confess to You, that, since the Rect of yr Letter, I have wish\u2019d it much more. Engag\u2019d as I have now been for upwards of seven Years in the Education of Youth, You will own it must be mortifying to Me to reflect, that I cannot boast of having had the Honr to bring up one Scholar. I have had, \u2019tis true, Youths, whose Fortunes, Inclinations & Capacities all gave Me Room for the most pleasing Hopes: yet I know not how it is, no sooner do They arive at that Period of Life when They might be expected more successfully to apply to their Studies, than They either marry, or are\nremov\u2019d from School on some, perhaps even still, less justifiable Motive. You, Sr however, seem so justly sensible of the vast Importance of a good Educatn that I cannot doubt of your heartily concurring in every Plan that might be propos\u2019d for the Advantage of yr Ward: And what I am more particularly pleased with, is, the ardent Desire You express for the Cultiva[tio]n of his moral, as well as his intellectual Powers, I mean that He may be made a Good, as well as a learned & a sensible Man. That Mastr Custis may be both, is the Sincere Wish of Sir, Yr most Obedt & most Humble Servt\nJonan Boucher", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0072", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Didsbury, 20 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Didsbury, John\nSir,\nMt Vernon Virga 20th June 1768.\nYou will please to send me the following Shoes and charge them respectively\u2014I have also sent my measure for a pair of light thin Boots for Summer wear, which let come with the Shoes\u2014As it will save me the trouble of preparing a fresh measure every time I may have occasion for New Boots I shoud be glad if you woud keep the measure now sent, by you.\nOne pair of Boots as above\n4 pr of neat Shoes for myself\n6 pr of bla: Calla Pumps for Mrs W\u2014\u2014n.\nFor Mastr Custis. pr Measure sent\n6 pr of neat & strg Shoes\n4 pr of neat Pumps\n4 pr of course strg & midlg la. Shoes for his Servant\nMiss Custis. pr Meae sent\n4 pr of Leather Pumps\n6 pr bla. Calla Ditto\n1 pr bla. Sattin Do\n1 pr white Do Do\nAs Mrs Washington\u2019s Shoes (last sent) did not fit her well She now sends her measure again, and desires I will add, they were\nmade out of bad materials having no last in them. I am Sir Yr Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0073", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Lawrence, 20 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lawrence, Charles\nMr Lawrence\n[Mount Vernon] Virginia June 20th 1768.\nThis is to desire you will send me a Suit of handsome Cloth Cloaths\u2014I have no doubts but you will choose a fashionable colourd Cloth as well as a good one & make it in the best taste to sit easy & loose as Cloaths that are tight always look aukward & are uneasy to the Wearer. As I have sent you my measure once or twice I presume you can be at no loss for want of one but I think you have generally sent my Cloaths too short & sometimes too tight for which Reason I think it necessary again to mention that I am full Six feet high which may be a good direction to you as to the length and as I am not at all inclind to be corpulent you might easily come at my size even if your measure of me shoud be lost\u2014let the Breeches be made long.\nYou are also desired to send the following Cloaths for Mastr Custis\u2014to wit\u2014a handsome Suit of fashionable Cloth\u2014Also a riding dress of green Cloth\u2014and two Suits of fine Jean\u2019s\u2014the Cloaths you sent him last year fit very well except the Sleeves, whch are 4 Inches at least too short; but you must make allowe for his growg since those were made, he being now 15 Yrs of age & growing fast. Let the Jean Suits be without Linings\u2014I shoud be glad if you woud have his Breeches made rather long, and get him a pair of Leather Breeches as you can direct the size\u2014and likewise send for his Man a Suit of blew Livery\u2014the Servt is abt five feet 8 Inches high & Slender. Robt Cary Esqr. & Co. will pay the respective Acct & you must make them out distinct. I am Sir Yr Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0075-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 20 June 1768\nFrom: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nTo: Washington, George\nEsteemd Friend\nLondon June 20th 1768\nWe have now before us thy favor of 5th May the contents of which are duly noticed\u2014The Insurce on the 10 Hhds Tobacco belonging to J. P. Custis on board the Hanbury shall be made\u2014inclos\u2019d is our Letter to him left open for thy perusal to which refer respecting the state of his Account under our care\u2014If at any time thee should have Tobacco to spare, we should be\noblig\u2019d to thee for thy Consignments\u2014We avoid mentioning any thing of political matters, being too unpleasing a subject to write upon, therefore have only to add that, we are with much Esteem Thy assured Friends\nC. & O. Hanbury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0075-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Capel & Osgood Hanbury to John Parke Custis, 20 June 1768\nFrom: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nTo: Custis, John Parke\nEsteemd Friend,\nLondon June 20th 1768\nInclos\u2019d we send the Sales of thy 8 Hhds Tobacco \u214c the Hanbury, Nt proceeds \u00a3114. \u27e8Mutilated\u27e9, hope they will meet with thy approbation, of which it will give us pleasure to be inform\u2019d. We have just had the satisfaction of receiving our friend Geo: Washingtons favor of 5th May The Insurance therein directed on 10 Hhds of thy Tobacco by Capt. Esten, shall be duly made, and no endeavours of ours shall be wanting in the disposal of the Tobacco when it arrives\u2014On the other side is a sketch of thy Account as it stands in our Books, and as we are drawing out our friends Accots Currt and intend forwarding them very soon; thy regular Accot will then be sent. We are with great Esteem Thy assured Friends\nC. & O. Hanbury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0076", "content": "Title: Memorandum List of Tithables and Taxable Property, 20 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nA List of Tithables in Truro Parish\u2014Fairfax\u2014Also of the Wheel Carriages\u2014given in June 20: 1768\nGeorge Washington\nLund Washington, Willm Skilling, Thos Davis. Ho. Servants: Breechy, Billy, Julius, Harry, Schomberg, Doll, Jenny, Betty, Moll, Sall, \u27e8Phillis\u27e9, Kate, Winney, Sarah, Giles. Home Plantn: Joe, Jack, Ben, Jack, Arlington, George, Sarah, Frank, Lydia, Ph\u0153be. Tradesmen: Will, Michael, Davy, Tom, George, Sam, Ned, Jupiter, Peter, Natt, George, Lewis. Doeg Run: Morris, Matt, Essex, Ben, Jupiter, Robin, Bob, Paul, Hannah, Sue, Betty, Jone, Moll. Muddy hole: Thoms Bishop, Will, Adam, Will, Sam, Kate, Nan, Sarah, Jenny. Mill Plantn: Jno. Alton, Davy, Ned, Robin, Judy, Lucy, Jenny. In all\u201470.\nOne Chariot 20/, One Chair 10/1.\nList of Tithables in Fairfax Parish\nJames Cleveland [River Farm]\nFrederick, Ben, Natt, Will, Neptune, Abram, Walley, Schomberg, Ruth, Peg, Murria, Doll, Cloe, Nan, Daphne, Judy, Milly, Sarah. In all\u201419.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0078", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Gildart, 25 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gildart, James\nSir,\nMount Vernon 25th June 1768\nYour Letter of the 16th of July 1767 accompanied with 25 Bags of Salt came to my hands sometime in April last after I had given over all expectation of receiving this Supply from you and after I had laid in a Stock from a Liverpool Ship (in this River) abt a Month before.\nI think I have great cause to complain of this delay, but the\nmost aggravating circumstances attending the disappointment are that scarce any of the Sacks containd four Bushels (which I conceive they ought to have done) and not one of the Bags worth a Shilling, nor ever coud be so no two being alike\u2014some extreamely wide\u2014others very narrow\u2014and all, or mostly all, made of old, Slaizy, & patchd Cloth. That I was much at a loss to Acct for the detention of it from July till April (notwithstanding the Ship went to Baltimore) and for the ordinary quality of the Bags, without Marks, or numbers, when both were expressly desired; and when, to get good, exceeding good ones, was almost the sole motive which induced me to send for the Salt, is easy to be imagined, & woud readily have been admitted as sufficient Reason for rejecting the whole; however this I did not do, but have acquiesced under the disappointment and loss, in hopes I may never be subjected to the like Inconvenience again.\nI am obligd to you for the part you acted in respect to the Tobacco shipd in Pollard\u2014I expected it woud come to a poor Market, being well convinced of the damage it had sustaind in the Country; which, had I consulted my own Interest, the Captn ought to have paid for here, or taken the Tobacco upon himself, paying me the Country price for it, which woud have amounted to \u00a350 Curry (equal to \u00a340 Sterlg) instead of \u00a326.17.3\u00bd which I have got. I shoud be gla\u27e8d\u27e9 to have your Accts Currt regularly rendered, especially with Master Custis, as his are necessary to my annual Settlement with our General Court. I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servt\nGo. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0079", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 25 June 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nYorke County June 25th 1768\nour tobaco is all gon on bord of the ship Exepting the Eastern shore tobaco which is not Come over yet But I Expect it Every\nday I was told By Mr Bigges neigh bours he had three hhds of tobo and it was gon on bord of Eastin I desired Capt. outtrems people to in Quire ass \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 by the Ship and they told me it was true and I Sent all the tobo on bord of outtrems \u27e8Ex\u27e9cept Taylors 7 hhds sence that I have had a letter from Biggs and their is But two hhds by that means Eastin \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 have But nine hhds which is out of my power now to help\u2014I was in great hops of haveing a good Chance for a Crop a small while ago but sence we have had a Spel of dry Cold windy weather which has ben Very hurtful Boath to the \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 tobo the worms has Cut a great deel of the tobaco off and it perishes away and \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 the hi\u27e8ll\u27e9 and the Corn is Very low and sorry but if providence favours us with a good season soon we shall have our Crops all in a good way and if weather favours us shall be in hopes of a good Crop.\n\u27e8D\u27e9eavenport had a prittey good Chance for plants has planted a good deel of his Crop and I hope one good Season more he will get it all in Cluded.\nSir I can not do any thing with Mr Starke but hav in Closd his Letter to you I have asked him for his Rent but had very small in curagement though he sad he wod try to get it\u2014I asked the president if \u27e8he\u27e9 had a mind to Send a letter in answer to your Letter I deliverd him but he made me no Reply and I have heard no more of it.\n\u27e8I\u27e9 have no more to ad at present But Remain Sir your most Humble Sert\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0080", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Margaret Savage, 28 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Savage, Margaret\nMadam,\nJune 28th 1768\nIf the most solemn asseverations of a man are sufficient to give credit to his report\u2014If the honor and veracity of a Gentleman are things sacred enough to extort the truth, we have all the reason imaginable to conclude that Doctr Savage is entirely ignorant of the part you act in respect to the bond given in Trust to Mr Fairfax & myself for your use; because these several assurances he has given, of your willingness (if he can form any opinion from your words) to release him from the condition of it, and that it is not only with your approbation he makes the demand, but in consequence of your repeated requests that he does it. Consider then, I beseech you, the tendency of such conduct, and in what light (under these circumstances) our refusal must appear; what difficulties you throw upon Mr Fairfax & myself to account for the motives of our conduct, if the true motive, & which in fact may prove the only justifiable one, lyes longer concealed. True it is we did refuse (at our last Court) to execute a Deed of releasment which was presented to us with your privy Examination annexed; and assigned, at that time, two reasons for doing so; the one, an apprehension that the trust cou\u2019d not be legally dissolved\u2014the other, a persuasion that however things might be in appearance, yet we could not conceive that the relinquishing such a provision could be agreeable to you\u2014in short that we had some reasons to believe it was not: In answer to the latter, the Doctor appealed to the evidence of your public examination, and to the reiterated private acknowledgements which you had made him, for his belief, at least, of your willingness to give up the Bond: and to satisfy us in respect to the other point, he said Mr Mercer had already given his opinion, & offered to procure that of any other we might choose, to evince the propriety of the measure; but it was unnecessary, indeed it wou\u2019d have been very disengenuous, to run him to this expence, when we were well convinced, there was another, and more effectual bar to his desires, and therefore evaded the offer \u2019till we could inform you of our hope & expectation, that you wou\u2019d become a little more frank in your declaration to the Doctr, as it is requisite, as well for our justification, as to avoid any litigeous consequences which may follow, to let\nthe Doctor know from whence our denial proceeds\u2014Indeed it becomes more immediately necessary to do so at this time, because the first payment of the Bond being due & demandable, I have with the advice of Mr Fairfax wrote for it accordingly for the purposes therein expressed, which of course must bring things to a full explanation.\nUpon the whole, we (I say we, because I have reasons to believe that Mr Fairfax & myself are in the same sentiments) recommend to your consideration, that there are but two Plea\u2019s that can justify our holding fast this Bond\u2014if one of them be removed, and it is a natural presumption, that the Doctor (if he has already been advised by so able a judge as Mr Mercer, that it can) will spare no pains to accomplish it; the whole stress will then fall upon the other, i.e. upon your assent. how we are to act in that case, and how a conduct suspected of double dealing, or chargeable with disingenuity can stand the test of examination, your own breast is to determine, for my Share I am desireous of acting an open and consistent part throughout the whole, desirous whilst I am resisting the solicitations on one hand, to have good reasons to account for my conduct on the other. I am, Madam Your mo: Obedt Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0081", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Savage, 28 June 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Savage, William\nSir\nJune 28th 1768.\nIn compliance with the Bond given to Mr Fairfax and myself, as Trustees for the use of Mrs Savage, we think it incumbent on us to request payment of the sum therein stipulated, for the purposes therein expressed. This demand we are induced to make, on full conviction that it is not in our power to release the Bond (of which, possibly, you may hereafter be convinced) without forfeiting the Trust with which we are invested. These are also the sentiments of Mr Fairfax, and it is with his approbation and desire I now make demand of the \u00a3100 due last January. I am, Sir, Your most hble Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0082", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, July 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nCash\nJuly 28\u2014\nTo Cash recd from Valentine Crawford\nContra\nJuly\u2007\u20071\u2014\nBy grindg Razor\u2019s 1/3. Exps. to Fredg 6/3\nBy Cash pd Rachel McKeaver in Apl & neglected to be chargd\nBy Thos Bishop 50/. 1 dozn Ducks 9/\nBy Mrs Simpson bringing Lidia & Judy to Bed\nBy Charity 25/\u2014By Wm Skilling \u00a34.0.0\nBy Andw Jones & Abner Roberts for Cradling\nBy David Kinsey Cradling 2 Days\nBy Wm Black 1\u00be ditto\nBy Robt Langley for 6\u00bd days Do\nBy Mrs Washington\nBy Alexr McKenzie for self\nBy Do Do for Mastr Custis\nBy Mr Harry Piper for a Servt Michael Treacy Bricklayer\nBy Eliab Roberts for Cradling\nBy a Bricklayer\u2019s Trowell\nBy Charity\nBy Captn Wm Crawford for Land bot for me\nBy Jonathen Palmer for 18 days Cradg 5.8.0 4 days Mowg @ 3/ 12[s.] Gave Do in considn of his gd behaviour [\u00a3]1.4.\nBy Edmund Palmer 1 day cradg & 4 Mowing\nBy Edwd Williams Balle of Acct", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0084", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Margaret Savage, 4 July 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Savage, Margaret\nMadam,\nMount Vernon July 4th 1768\nYour Note without name or date to it I have just now received by your maid. The contents (knowing it to be your hand writing) I shall communicate to Mr Fairfax, & concur with him, in pursuing such measures for recovery of the money, as the Bond directs; in the mean time, I beg you will be settled in your purposes, & no longer tantalize Doctor Savage, by giving him expectations of your surrendering the Bond, when you are fully resolved he never shall possess it. This becomes absolutely necessary as, from hence forward I shall not scruple to devulge the reasons for my refusal, that my conduct may not stand the reproach of incincerity or want of candour. I am Madam Your Most hble Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0085", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 7 July 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Cary & Company\nGentn\nOn the other side you will receive Invoices of such Goods as are wanted for Mr Custis\u2019s Plantation\u2019s and mine on York River which please to send out in the usual manner\u2014to the care of Mr Joseph Valentine.\nTo the young Gentleman\u2019s Invoice for Potomack please to add a pair of Stone knee Buckles. I am Gentn Yr Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0086", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 8 July 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nyorke July 8th 1768\nI Recd yours of the 20th of June but had Rote a letter to you be fore I Recd yours with an ac[coun]t of the Crops of tobaco and what goods are wanting for the plantations and to acquaint you of the prospect of our Crops at that time although it has Ben Very seasonable in maney places yet we have not had a Rain on the plantations in yorke to wet the ground sence the first of June tel this weake we had a good Season we have planted our Crops all over and made them good again which had ben planted twice over before and disstroyed by the worms and dry weather it is all standing now and that ass stood before is a growing very well and will soon be in the top and if the weather purmits I shall have good Crops at Every place I was at King Wm plantation a monday last and I think deavenport has a better prospect of a Crop of tobaco then had ben their for severl years they have not sufferd for Rain their the plantations in New Kent are tolarable well off their Crops are planted and in a good way\u2014have sold all your Corn at K. Wm Qurt at 10/ pr Barel to Mr Thos Claiborn the money to be paid in octr next I Remain Sir your most humble Servant\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0087", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 15 July 1768\nFrom: Boucher, Jonathan\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nCaroline, July 15th 17\u27e868\u27e9\nI have just Time to put a Cover over The Enclosed, & to add to the Informa[tio]n I suppose Mastr Custis himself has given You, that He has enjoy\u2019d perfect Health ever since You left Him, exceptg two or three Days that He complain\u2019d of a Pain in his Stomach, which I at first took for the Cholic, but since think it more likely that it might be owing to Worms. As it easily went off, by two or three Medicines I gave Him, and as He has had no Returns, I did not think it necessary to consult \u27e8Dr Mer\u27e9cer; which however I shall immediately do if You \u27e8desire\u27e9 it.\nYou will oblige us by looking into yr Books for a work of Cicero\u2019s, De officiis, or his Familiar Epistles\u2014& \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Livy: & sending Them down by the first Opportunity that \u27e8of\u27e9fers.\nBe so obliging to Me as to excuse the Shortness of this Letter\u2014it shall not be long, ere I will write to You more \u27e8fu\u27e9lly\u2014The Messenger, who is to carry This to the office, now waits for Me. I am, very respectfully, yr most Obedt Hble Servt\nJona[tha]n Boucher", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0088", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 20 July 1768\nFrom: Fairfax, Bryan\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nAlexandria July the 20th 1768\nI have received Your favor of the 20th and am the more confirmed in the Opinion I had of Doctor Savage\u2019s being fully persuaded that his Wife really & sincerely desires the Relinquishment of the Bond, and therefore am not at all surprised that he should in such case desire it also. The Week before the last she sent to me desiring that I would make a demand for the money, and also that I would meet her at Green-hill; and by the return of the Messenger I wrote to Mr Savage & in plain terms told him that his Wife was averse to the giving up the Bond, and that I informed him of it to save him any further trouble about it, and that I might not be under any Necessity of giving another Refusal; at the same time making a demand for the Money due. When I met her on Thursday last she shewed me my Letter to the Dr and told me it had given her vast uneasiness, and gave me to understand that she was notwithstanding to ask me again for the Bond at that meeting; which must certainly in my opinion be her own proposal to him. I told her I wished the Bond was given up, being heartily tired of it, and again begged of her to be frank & candidly own her Sentiments, which She seemed to promise; but the manner in which she proposed to declare her Sentiments, convinces me that she will not own her real Inclination, and moreover makes me doubtful whether she will not deny that she ever expressed her Desire to keep the Bond\u2014I see nothing to blame in him about it, for it is very reasonable that he should join with her Desire to obtain it, but from some circumstances I am apt to think he looks upon me as interested, and for that reason if you have no Objection I should be glad if You would also satisfie him with regard to her real Inclination that we may be no more plagued about it. Upon proviso however that You believe with me that she is in no fear of her Life, which is the only thing that can excuse her present Conduct.\nI shall be very glad of your Company at Towlston when it is convenient to spend three or four days or more\u2014I can\u2019t say my hounds are good enough to justifie an Invitation to hunt, but out of that Regard I have always entertained & which I perceive encreases with Time I shall be extremely glad of your Company and we may then partake of that diversion or not as it may seem\nagreeable; in the former Case a Change of dress would be very necessary. I shall be at home from the 1st of August \u2019till our Court except the Monday & tuesday of Loudon Court, and if in that time it should be convenient & You should have an Opportunity of seeing Doctor Romney or any other You choose to attend You No one will be more proud of your Company than sir Yr most obedt Servt\nBryan Fairfax", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0089", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 20 July 1768 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fairfax, Bryan\nLetter not found: to Bryan Fairfax, 20 July 1768. On 20 July Fairfax wrote to GW: \u201cI have received Your favor of the 20th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0090", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 23 July 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nwhen I Rote to you Last I had a very good prospect of a Crop at Every plantation But the Case is mutch alterd now accashioned by gusts of wind and Rain & hail in sum places wich happend Last weak where I live if my Crop had Ben forrod should made very little Corn or tobo it wod ben all disstroyed by the wind and hail the wind Blew very hard and the Hail very Large and a prodegus heavey Rain with it Laid the Corn all down flat and the hail tore it all to peces had the Corn ben large a great part wod Ben Broke off it took down a great parte of my Corn field fences and one house the tobaco that was grown to any Bigness was shatterd all to peces and a good \u27e8d\u27e9eel of it Coverd up in water and Continued so a day or two I have ben at Every Quarter Sence\u2014they had no hail with them nor the wind not Excessif hard but the heavey Ranes has hurt their tobaco and Sum of the Corn at old Quarter is drownded and the tobaco\non the low grounds their is sum forrod tobo at Rockahock which I think is greatly hurt by the wet I Came from Deavenports yesterday and he has a peace of tobo that is prittey forrod and it is Quite over done with the wet in many places it is turnd yeallow and stakey and when it is so it never will make good tobo if it is accassond by the wet we had a powerful Rain last night which Coverd Sum of my Tobo under water again if their was ass mutch their I am afraid it has drownded that peace of tobaco\u2014I will let you no in a little time how those Crops are likely to turn out which at this time are but bad prospect have no more to ad Sir but Remain your Most hble Sert\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0092", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 30 July 1768\nFrom: Fairfax, Bryan\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nTowlston July the 30th 1768\nSince I wrote to You last I have received a Letter from Dr Savage wherein he says that his Wife acknowledges that she had once in a discontented Mood expressed a Dislike to parting with the Bond, but that she fully convinced me at our last meeting of her earnest desire to relinquish it: At the same time Mrs Savage also wrote to me begging a thousand pardons of You & me for the trouble she had given us, and mentions her Intention of going to Ireland immediately, and desires the Bond may be given up. I am to acknowledge Your favor of the 25th and entirely agree with You in Sentiments\u2014I have thought proper to mention the contents of the two last Letters tho\u2019 I don\u2019t know that it can make any Alteration in our proceedings to obtain the Sum due. I remain Dr sir Your most obedt Servt\nBryan Fairfax", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0093", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 31 July 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Boucher, Jonathan\nRevd Sir,\nMount Vernon July 31st 1768\nYour favor of the 15th Inst. covering Master Custis\u2019s Letter to his Mother came to hand a few days after date.\u2014In looking over the Books I find Cicero: De Officies and send it, as also his own Grammer which he forgot\u2014a Livy I cannot find.\u2014If the pain which he complained of in his stomach should return, with any other Symptoms of worms, it might be very proper for Doctr. Mercer to prescribe something to remove them, in the meantime we are much obligd to you for your own care of him, in the last complaint.\nWe should be very glad to hear how he is reconciled to an absence from home, unusual to him \u2019til now, and if there is any thing you may have discovered he wants, which we did not recollect at the time of his departure from hence; that it may provided and sent accordingly\u2014two pair of sheets he already has with him, which I forgot to mention when I had the pleasure of seeing you last and as you were obliging enough to inform me of a bed or two belonging to some of your late Pupils which might be bought, I have not looked out for one since being very willing to pay for any of them for his use.\u2014\nIt has been a matter of some concern to me since I parted with you least you should conceive that by asking your particular care of, and attention to Master Custis, I meant to bespeak any peculiar Indulgence, or partiality in respect to his manner of living\u2014this was by no means my intention; on the contrary, as he is healthy, and of a good constitution, I rather wished that he might lead a life of as little Indulgence and dissipation as should be thoght necessary to relax, and keep his spirits in their full strength and vigour; hoping that by having him more immediately under your own eye, he might be benefitted by the influence of yr. example, & restrain\u2019d from the practice of those follies & vices which youth, & inexperience, are but too naturally led into the commission of, as he is now advancing into a fit time of life to imbibe the strongest Impressions of good or evil: but herein I may have ask\u2019d too much\u2014the sollicitude of every Parent havg prompted them, I suppose, to make the same request, and therefore I beg yr. excuse for the trouble I have given you on this head.\nYour Letter to the Revd. Mr. Addison was committed to the care of Doctr. Rumney the day after I came home, who told me he could contrive it to Oxon Hill immediably from whence I suppose it could not fail of a ready passage, otherwise I should have sent a special messenger with it myself\u2014With very great esteem I am Revd Sir Yr. Most Hble Servt.\nGo. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0094", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, August 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[August 1768]\nCash\nAugt 20\u2014\nTo Cash of Far[re]l Littleton for Mr Jno. Washington\nTo Ditto won at Cards\nContra\nAugt\u2007\u20071\u2014\nBy Captn [Thomas] Dent for Freight of a Butt of Madeira Wine qty 145 Gals. 2.0.0 Duty to the Crown \u00a34 Sterg 5.0.0\nBy Charity 6/\u2014Exps. at Cameron 11/6\nBy Messrs Purdie and Dixon\u2019s Acct\nBy mendg a pr of gold Button\u2019s\nBy Jonathan Palmer\nBy Lund Washington\nBy Club at Arrols\nBy Jno. Crook for Balle of Acct\nBy Pierce Bayly\nBy Cards 20/\u2014lent my Bror Sam. 20/\nBy Rachael McKeaver 12/. Ferry at Saunders 12/\nBy Cash paid my Br. Jno. on Acct F[arrell] Littleton\nBy Servants 3/9\u2014By Cards \u00a33.5.9\nBy Doctr Mortimer for Jno. P. Custis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0095", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 2 August 1768\nFrom: Boucher, Jonathan\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSt. Mary\u2019s [Va.] August 2d 1768.\nI do not recollect that Mastr Custis has had any Return of the Pain in his Stomach, which I told You I suspected to be occasioned by Worms: but as it is but too probable that He may have a little of the Ague & Fever in This or the next Month, this Complaint it is not unlikely, may return; and if it does, in any considerable Degree, Dr Mercer shall be consulted.\nMastr Custis is a Boy of so exceedingly mild & meek a Temper, that I meant no more by my Fears, than a Doubt that possibly He might be made uneasy by the rougher Manners of Some of his Schoolfellows. I am pleas\u2019d, however, to find that He seems to be perfectly easy & happy in his new Situation; and as the first Shock is now over, I doubt not but He will continue so. You know how much the Questn has been agitated between the\nAdvantages of a private & a public Educan: & this young G\u2014\u2014 man has afforded Me Occasion to reflect upon it rather more than I had done before. His Educan hitherto may be call\u2019d a private one: & to This prhaps chiefly, He owes that peculiar Innocence & Sanctity of Manners wc. are so amiable in Him: but then, is He not, think you, more artless, more unskill\u2019d in a necessary Address, than He ought to be, ere He is turn\u2019d out into a World like this? In a private Seminary, his Passions cou\u2019d be seldom arouzed: He had few or no Competitors; and therefore cou\u2019d not so advantageously, as in a more public Place, be inured to combat those little oppositions & Collisions of Interest, wc. resemble in Miniature the Contests that happen in the grt School of the World. And let our Circumstances in the World be what They will, yet, considering the thousand unavoidable Troubles that human Nature is Heir to, This is a Part of Educan, tho seldom attended to, wc. I think of more Importance than almost all the Rest. When Children are taught betimes to bear Misfortunes & cross Accidents wth be comg Fortitude, one half of the Evils of Life, wth wc. others are dejected, afflict not Them. Educan is too generally considered merely as the Acquisn of Knowledge, & the Cultivan of the intellectual Powers: And agreeably to this Notion, w[he]n We speak of a Man well-educated, We seldom mean more than that He has been well instructed in those Languages wc. are the Avenues to Knowledge. But, surely, This is but a partial & imperfect Acct of it: & the Aim of Educan shd be not only to form wise but good Men, not only to cultivate the Understanding, but to expand the Heart, to meliorate the Temper, & fix the gen\u2019rous Purpose in the glowing Breast. But whether This can best be done in a private or public School, is a Point, on wc. so much may be said on both sides, that I confess myself still undetermined. Yr Son came to Me teeming wth all the softer Virtues: but then I thought, possess\u2019d as He was of all the Harmlessness of the Dove, He still wanted some of the Wisdom of the Serpent: And This, by the \u0152conomy of my Family, He will undoubtedly sooner acquire here than at Home. But how will You forgive Me if I suffer Him to lose in Gentleness, Simplicity, & Inoffensiveness, as much as He gains in Address, Prudence, & Resolu[tio]n? And I must assure you fm Experience, that This is a Dilemma by no means so easily avoided in Practice, as it may seem to be in Theory.\nUpon the Whole, however, I can honestly give it as my opinion (and, as it must give you & Mrs Washington much comfort & Pleasure to hear it, I Hope you will not suspect that I cd be so mean as to say so, if I did not think so) that I have not seen a Youth that I think promises fairer to be a good & a useful Man than John Custis. \u2019Tis true, He is far fm being a brilliant Genius; but This so far from being considered as a Reflexion upon Him, ought rather to giv\u27e8e\u27e9 you Pleasure. Parents are generally partial to grt Vivacity & Sprightliness of Genius in thr Children; whereas I think, that there cannot be a Symptom less expressive of future Judgement & Solidity: as it seems thoroughly to preclude not only Depth of Penetra[tio]n, but the Attenn & Applican wc. are so essentially requisite in the Acquisin of Knowledge. It is, if I may use the Simile of a Poet, a busy Bee, whose whole Time passes away in mere Flight fm Flower to Flower, witht restg upon Any a sufft Time to gather Honey.\nHe will himself inform You of the Accident He lately met with; and as He seems to be very apprehensive of yr Displeasure, cd I suppose it necessary, I wd urge You & his Mamma, to spare Rebukes, as much as He certainly deserves Them. Mrs Washington may believe Me that He is now perfectly well. He seem\u2019d to expect Me to employ a Doctr, but as He met wth the Accident by his own Indiscren, & as I saw there was no Danger, I thought it not amiss not to indulge Him. The calling in a Physician upon every trifling Occasion, I think, is too likely to render Children needlessly timorous & cowardly.\nI did not misunderstand the Meaning of yr Request, in the Matter wherein You suspect I possibly might; being persuaded that You know as well as I do, that such prticular Attention is not only unnecessary, but impracticable. He will probably inherit a much more considerable Fortune, than any other Boy here; and I thought it by no means an improper or unreasonable Request that a prticular Attenn shd be bestowd on a Youth of his Expectans. But as any Partiality to Him in the trifling Circumstances of his Diet or other Accomodans wd be rather disserviceable to Him than otherwise, I have taught Him not to expect it. The only prticular Attenn You cd wish for, I also think Him entitled to; & that is, a more vigilant Attenn to the Propriety & Decorum of his Behavr, & the restraing Him fm many Indulgences, wc. I shd willingly allow prhaps to ano[the]r Boy, whose Prospects in\nLife do not require such exalted Sentim[ents] the allowg Him more frequently to sit in my Company, & being more careful out of the Company of Those, who might probably debase or taint his Morals. Had I my Choice, believe Me, it wd be more agreeable to Me to superintend the Educan of two or three promisg Lads, than to lead a Life of the most voluptuous Indolence: but the Truth is, oblig\u2019d as I was to engage in it by Necessity, & not by Choice, I have often found myself so ill-requited & the office itself considered as so low, & so often taken up by the very lowest Fellows one knows of, that after havg laboured in it for upwards of seven years, witht havg added much either to my Fortune or Reputa[tio]n, I am almost resolv\u2019d to drop it entirely. Yet, whilst it continues to be agreeable to You to let Mastr Custis remain wth me, it will be a Pleasure [to] Me to have the Managemt of Him: nor can I indeed come to any decisive Resolun as to the other Matter, till I know more certainly the Fate of my Expectans in Maryland.\nBe so obliging as to find some speedy & safe conveyance for a Lr to Mr Addison, wc. I take the Liberty of recommendg to yr prticular Care, as it might be of much Detriment to Me, shd it fall into ill Hands, as has been the Case once before.\nI beg Pardon for this very tedious Letter, wc. I have tax\u2019d You wth the Perusal of, and, wth Mine & my Sister\u2019s Compts to Mrs Washington I am, Sr yr most Obedt & most Hble Servt\nJonan Boucher", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0096", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 5 August 1768 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stewart, Robert\nLetter not found: to Robert Stewart, 5 Aug. 1768. On 25 Jan. 1769 Stewart wrote to GW: \u201cI had the immense pleasure to receive both your Affectionate and most acceptable Favors of the 5th August via Barbados and of the 1st Novemr.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0097", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 12 August 1768 [letter not found]\nFrom: Robert Cary & Company\nTo: Washington, George\n Letter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 12 Aug. 1768. On 25 July 1769 GW wrote them: \u201cI observe what you have mentioned in a Letter of the 12th of August, last year.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0098", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 13 August 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWilliams Burg august 13th 1768\nI have Just Ben over all the plantations and give you ass true an account ass I Can of the prospect of the Crops which I hope if the weather purmits will be Tolarable good at Rockahock and old Quarter the tobo is very mutch hurt by great Rains Sum of it is drownded at old Qur and at Rockahock sum of it fires be for it Can make any thing although it is fine Large tobo but if it is dry weather I hop their will be prity good Crops at Boath places they have very fine Corn dite Howls Crop is not hurt by the Rane his tobo is a good deel of it Latter but if the weather Sutes I think he will make a good Crop and like wise the Quarters be low the Corthouse has a better prospect then has ben their for many years Deavenport has a pritty good Crop of tobaco though sum of hisen has ben over done with the great Rains purticular his forrod tobo but if the weather Sutes I think he will make a better Crop of tobo then you have Ever had their yet I think his Crop of Corn is not So good ass it was last year.\nour Crops in yorke is greatly amended Sence the wind and hail Sum of our tobo in the low bottoms is drownded but hope if weather Sutes we shall make a good Crop have no more to ad at present but Remain Sir your most hble Sert\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0099", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 19 August 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Boucher, Jonathan\nRevd Sir\nMount Vernon 19th Augt 1768.\nYour Letter to the Revd Mr Addison was sent to him immediately upon its getting to my hands\u2014Inclos\u2019d you will receive an answer to it. Being confind to Company till this moment, I mean for two or three days past, & the bearer obligd to depart (in order to meet us in time at my Brothers in Stafford) I have only time to request the favour of you, to permit Mastr Custis to meet us there also tomorrow (that is, Saturday) and if you think it will be of no great prejudice to him, to give him the further indulgence of accompanying us to Westmoreland where we shall stay (I expect) about 8 or 10 days\u2014Very respectfully I remain Revd Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0100", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, September 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[September 1768]\nCash\nSeptr 16\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] recd from Jno. Ward pr his wife\nContra\nSeptr\u2007\u20072\u2014\nBy Cash pd Robt Donaldson disabled Soldier\nBy Servants 3/9. By Jno. & M. Custis\u2019s Ferriages 15/10\nBy Saunders for Ferriages &ca\nBy Rachael McKeaver Balle of Acct\nBy Joseph Neale for Weaving\nBy a pair of Leathr Breeches for Billy\nBy Play Tickets \u00a33.12.6 By Mr [John] Baynes for 70 Bushels of Coals \u00a32.5.6\nBy Servants 1/3\u2014By Mrs Washington 24/\nBy Mr Robt Sandford for Pacing my House\nBy Expences at the Accatinok race", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0101", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 4 September 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Boucher, Jonathan\nRevd Sir,\nStafford Cty Septr 4th 1768\nMastr Custis was so much disorder\u2019d by an intermitting fever, attended with billeous vomittings, that we were oblig\u2019d (whilst in Westmoreland) to send for Doctr Mortimer to him\u2014He is now better, but not clear of slow fever\u2019s, & very weak & low (being much reduced) which induces his Mamma to take him home with us, till he is perfectly restord. His Man comes with advice of this matter, & to fetch such parts of his Cloathing &ca as he wants. Our Compliments attend Miss Boucher & yourself \u27e8mutilated Rev\u27e9d Sir \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Servt\n\u27e8Go: Washingto\u27e9n\nJacky informs us \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 he apprehended \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 were to leave Se\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 on acct of the agu\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Situation was subject \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 when they are to return & I \u27e8mutilated\u27e9able.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0103", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 10 September 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSeptember 10th 1768\nI now rite to you to let you no the affars of our Crops and how they are at this time it is almo\u27e8st\u27e9 five weaks sence we have had any Rain at all and then we had sutch a heavy Rain that it drownded our tobaco and two mutch at that time for the Corn and sence sutch a great drouth has Causd the tobaco to be very sorrey and hardley good for any thing[,] that ass was forrod fired all away and hardley worth housing and the latter is Quite perished up with the drouth so I am afraid our Crops will be very sorrey though it is not in my power to tel how they will turn out yet for moderate R\u27e8ai\u27e9n wod make a great alteration in them yet we had a greater Crop planted then Ever was on the plantations before our Corn was very likely tel now and it is perishing and Burning up with the drouth and Cant fill[.] have no more to add at this time but will do all in my power to make the best of the Crops I Can and Remain Sir your most humble Servant\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0104", "content": "Title: Invoice from Robert Cary & Company, 28 September 1768\nFrom: Robert Cary & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nLondon 28 Septr 1768.\nInvoice of Cost & Charges of Goods Shipd on board the Lord Cambden John Johnstoun Comr for Virginia upon the Acct & risque of Colo. Geo: Washington & to him consignd. Vizt\nAlexr Duning Biscuit\nWhite Bread o C. 1 Q. 22 lb. @ 28/\nCask, Package, & Waterage\nSaml Ballamy Iron\nIn a Cask\n3 M 30d. Nails at 15/\n6 Inch headg Chisls 6/\n6 \u00be Inch Do 6/\n6 \u00bd Inch Do 5/\n4 best Curry Combs & B[rushes]\n4 best sec[re]t Portmu Padlks\nIn a Cask\nJosh Middleditch Grocy\nMace \u00bc lb. 20/\nNutmegs \u00bc 9/4\nCinnamon 1/4 17/\nCloves \u00bc 12/\nWhite Ginger 2 10d.\nSalt Petre 25 10\u00bd\nRoach Allum 10 6d.\nJordan Almds 15 15\n1 Jar new Raisons 1.20 Nett 1.5 @ 60/\n1 Do Do Currts 1.7 Nett 60/\n2 Jarr\u2019s 5/ Cask 3/6\nJno. Bradshaw Sein\nOne Saine 65 fathom long 9 feet deep in the middle, 7 feet at ends, \u00be Inch Mesh in the middle 3 strand twine\n2 Coils white rope weight 1 C. o Q. 14 lb. @ 45/\n2 Cable laid deepsea lines 4/\nA Cask\nChas Brown Corks\n10 Groce Velvet Corks 2/\nChas Wilkens Oil &ca\n6 half pound bottles Mustard @ 1/\n2 Quarts fine Oil\n2 Bottles for Ditto\n4 Quarts Capers\n4 Bottles for Do\n4 Quarts of french Olives\n\u27e84\u27e9 Bottles for Do\n1 Box for the above\nFrans Nalder Cheese\nTo 1 Cheshe Cheese 59\u00bd lb. @ 5\u00bdd.\nTo 3 dble Glostr Do 56 6\nA Case to Do\nBenja. Kenton Porter\nTo 12 dozn Porter, bottled, packd & wir\u2019d at 6/6\nTo 1 Cask 5/6 Cartage &ca 3/\nWalr Humphreys Blan[ke]ts\n2 Ps. best D[utch] Blankets 87/6\n4 dozn best plad hose No. 5 14/\nPack cloth 1 Truss\nJno. Walker Sugar\n10 Single Loaves 1. 0. 8 72/\nA Cask\nJas Bryant Trunk\nTo a large str[on]g travelg lea: Chaize Trunk with oil cloth cover,\nTo Mattg & Cordg Ditto\nJno. Didsbury Shoes\n1 pr Boots s\u2019d tops & lea[the]rs\n4 pr dress shoes\n6 pr W: bla: Calla Pumps\nEliza. Nichols B[lacking] Balls\n2 Setts best Shoe Brushs\n1 dozn la: blackg Balls\nJ. Brotherton Books\nBeverley\u2019s Histy of Virga\n\u00bc lb. Sealing Wax\nSterry & Co. Leathr\n2 Grain Skins\n2 Wax ditto\n1 dozn Orap Soles\n1 dozn Butt Ditto\nRichards & Co. Hose\n1 Mans fine Hatt\n4 pr Men\u2019s large spun silk hose @ 7/\nBox for the Hat\nRobt Harrell W. Cds\nTo 4 pr Wool Cards 16d.\nPrice & Nalder Gloves\n0.7. Woms. best purple & Crim. Grain Kid Glo[ve]s & Mitts flod 24/\n0.7. Woms. best whe grain Kid Glo: & Mitts 21/\nLardner & B[aratt]y Hab[erdasher]y\n6 M best s[hor]t wt. pins 8d.\n4 M do Corkg Do 12d.\n500 do Londn Needles 8d.\n1 Gro: fine wire shirt Butns\nMary Scott & Son Cut[ler]y\n3 Gro: platd high Butns on Iv[or]y 5/\n1\u00bd gro: Do Coat 10/\n3 Setts [s]tro[n]g Pinchbeck buck. 2/6\n3 gro. bla: horn breast 10d.\n2 gro. Ditto Coat 18d.\n1 pr cuttg out Scissars\n1 pr pocket Ditto\n1 pr finer Ditto\n1 Shott Bag\nGeo. Ribright Telas[cop]e\nTo a Mahagony 5 foot 6 Glass Telascope\nA Chest, Cord, & Cording\nChas Lawrence Taylr\nTo makg yr mixture in grain Suit, & spare pr of Breech\u2019s\nTo 3\u00bd dozn of rich gold wire Coat Buttons @ 9/\nTo 4\u00bd dozn breast Do 4/6\nTo sowg Silk, Silk twist, Buck[ra]m Stays &ca\nTo fine pillow fustion for 2 pr Breechs & 2 pair of Silk Garters\nTo Dimoty to the Waistcoat Pockets to the Coat & Wastecoat & Sleeves\nLeaver Legg Cloth\n5\u00bd yds best superfine Cloth in Grain high\n6 yds fine Shalloon 2/\nWm Hallier Tinn\n12 la: Tinn Sheets\n1 plate Basket\nDennis & Co. Sadlery\n2 Very best broad Woolen Cirsingles, lind with Nt[s] leather with Steel Buckles & broad straps\n2 pieces of Spunge\nAnn Harris\nPaid for 22 yds laylock Tobine @ 9/3 pr yd\nPaid for 3 yds Persian 2/2\nPd for 4 dozn Trimgs 3/6\nMakg the Negligee & Coat\nBody, Sleeve lin[in]g & ferrt\nMaking a Stomacher\nJames Gordon Seeds\n10 lb. true turnep Cabbege\n20 lb. Burnett\n20 lb. Lucerne\n1 Peck earliest Peas\n1 Galln whe Nonparil\n1 Galln dwarf Marrow do\n1 Oz. Sugr loaf Cabbage\n1 Oz. late Do\n1 Oz. Savoy\n3 Baggs\nChest, Cord, & Cording\nJno. Stabler Linn\n3 ps. headen Rolls off 4 207 203 101\u00bd 6d.\n1 ps. Irish \u215e wide high bleachd No. 2 23 yd 15d.\n1 ps. Do yd do No. 44 25 yds: 2/\n1 ps. fine Do do No. 50 25 [yds.] 3/9\n1 ps. superfine Do 15 25 [yds.] 5/2\n1 ps. suprfine Cambk 944 \u27e8&\u27e9 Duty 80/\nBox\nMauduit & Co. Woolen\n1 ps. 6/4 light col[ore]d Duffield 26 yards @ 3/\n1 ps. 6/4 dark col[ore]d Do 25 yds @ 3/\n1 ps. Scarlt Calaman[c]a 40 yds\nRobt Cartony Tea\n3 lb. finest Hyson Tea 18/\n6 lb. fine Green Do 14/\nCanister & Box\nS. Thorpe Mill[iner]y\nA Whe Stomacher & Sleeve knots of Queen\u2019s Ribbon\nA Do of Pink Shot ribbon\nA Green Sattin Coat\nA Straw Bonnet lind rd & trimd wt. gn ribbon\n2 Band Boxes\nA Deal Box\nBevan & Son Apothy\nVenice Treacle 4/6 lb.\nDiascordium 2/6 lb.\nSpt Turpentine 1/6 lbs. 3 oz. 6\nStrong Cinnam. Water 2/8 \u27e8lbs.\u27e9 2\nGreen Phials 9d. 6 Dn\nPhial Corks 4d. 5 Groce\nBottles & Potts\nBox & Cord\n      Christr Reeves Chariot &ca\nTo a new handsome Chariot, made of best Materials, handsomely carvd, carvd anticks to middle of Pillars, & carvd scrowl Corners to top of Pillars & roof, Batten sides, Sweeps of Sides & mouldings rd the roof carvd; with dble ribings, hind batten\u2019s & fore battens archd and carvd; panneld back & Sides Japand & Polishd, & roof Japand; lined wt. green Morocco Leather trimmd with Cuffey Lace, an oval behind, a large Trunk under the Seat, the bottom coverd with red leather, & a handsome carpit to bottom: Plate Glass diamd cut, handsomely Paintd the Body & Carridge, & Whls paintd a glazd green; all the framd Work of Body gilt, handsome scrowl, shields Ornamend wt. flowers all over the Panls, body & Car[riag]e Oil varnishd; the car[riag]e wt. Iron Axletree screwd at end handsomely carvd scrowl Stand[ar]ds twisted behind & before, & Stays of foot board barrs & beads carvd with Scrowls & Paneled; Patent woorm Springs wt. brass Sockets; a boot coverd wt. lea[the]r Japand & garnishd, brass Nails, a han[dsome]e Seat cloth bd wt. brd la[ce] & 2 rows of hand[som]e fringe wt. gimp head, all compt\nTo 4 Venetion Patt. Blinds with Mahy frames\nTo 4 handsome harness, bridles, brass ornamt pieces on the Straps, brass arch\u2019d Molden Housg & Winkers, polisht Bitts all compleat\nTo 2 ridg Sadles, stirps & Girths\nTo 2 Setts of Splinters & 2 main barrs wt. Ironwork\nTo 2 brass waterg & Plates with high rings\nTo 4 high brass rings, & 2 Waterg Locks & Plates\nTo a new covr made of Green Bays\nTo a strong deal case & casing \u27e8of\u27e9 the Body\nTo Packing up the carridge & wheels\nTo Carriage to Waterside\nEntry out Searchrs fees & shipg charges\nFreight Primage & Bills of Loadg\nPremo of \u00a3320 Insd at 2\u00bd prCt & Policy\nComn @ 2\u00bd prCt\nErrors Excepted pr Robt Cary & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0106", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 11 October 1768\nFrom: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nTo: Washington, George\nEsteem\u2019d Friend\nLondon Octor 11th 1768\nInclos\u2019d we send thy Account Current to the 1st of August last the recet of which please to acknowledge & that it proves right, or if otherwise to point out the Error, and it shall be rectified.\nWe have the pleasure to advise the receipt of 9 Hhds Tobacco per Capt. Esten belonging to Master Custis, which we are using our best endeavors to make the most of, and shall forward the Sales as soon as it is in our power.\nIt would give us great pleasure to partake of thy own Consignments, in the disposal of which we should be particularly \u27e8attentive\u27e9 to thy Interest\u2014Not having any of thy favors by us unanswer\u2019d, we have only to advise that since the last Ships arrived, Tobacco has declin\u2019d in price, The buyers conceiving a very strong Opinion that the Crops of Tobacco made in Virginia & Maryland this year will turn out very large, how far they may be right in their Sentiments time only can discover\u2014the price at this time is from 3\u00bc to 3\u00be upon Export, & from 10d. to 11d. upon Home Consumption but little fetches the latter of these prices. We are wit\u27e8h\u27e9 great Esteem Thy assured Friends\nC. & O. Hanbury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0107", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 20 October 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Boucher, Jonathan\nThis Letter will be delivered to you by Jacky Custis, who has been detained from School longer than was intended, owing first to his own ill health, and then to his Mamma\u2019s; who did not care to part with him till she had got the better of an Indisposition which confined her some days. He now promises to stick close to his Book, and endeavour by diligent study to recover his lost time\u2014he will have nothing (that we know of) to interupt him till the intervention of the Christmas Hollidays, when you will please to give him leave to return home. Revd Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0108", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Gildart, 31 October 1768\nFrom: Gildart, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nLeverpool [England] Octor 31st 1768\nI received your kind favor of the 25th June \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 extreamly sorry to hear the 25 Sacks of Salt Sent you \u214c the Oak McDaniel came in such bad order and so unseason[a]bly that Ship was intendd for Geo. Town to take in a Cargoe of Grain my Agt had bought of one Mr Ballandine who disapointed him that on the Ship Arrivall at St Marys after a passage of 17 weekes, he the Agent ordered her to Baltimore, & the Stupid Ignorant Master took the Salt up with him instead of forwarding that it\nwas tumbled about for 5 months ere it Came to your hands & I put to the Lord knowns what Charge thereon As to the Sacking it was most Certain as you say very bad but give me leave to Assure you quite New from the Makers when it went from hence, I have more pleasure in getting Sacking than In All the Goods I buy & I never \u27e8bought illegible\u27e9 In my \u27e8Life wth a mutilated\u27e9 ready money for it. I have now been \u27e84\u27e9 months \u27e8in Cmutilateding\u27e9 sufficient for this Ship. & after All its errant Track \u27e8liker\u27e9 Crocus than Sacking; I blame my Self for not markg the Sacks According to your order & for wc. I begg your Pardon, herewith you have the Accot Sales of young Mr Custises four hhd Tobo recd \u214c the JnoSon Ntt Proceeds \u00a340.12.2 with my Acct Currt as you desire wch hope will be found right & that you will be pleased to Note it Accordg. Tobo are now in demand Selling from 2\u00be to 3\u00bc that I hope the small \u27e8Stocke\u27e9 we have on hand will very soon be run off & the early New Tobo come to a good Markett this has Induced me Sending the Totness for Rappk directly to take in what early Tobos my Friends incline to ship & for dispatch fill up wth wheat wch is Now from 6/ to 6/4 70 \u27e8Lb.\u27e9 our Parliamt which meet In a few days I hope will prolong the time for its Importatn duty free from America or I am Sure our Poor will be half Starved. I have seen a sample of your last Crop which was most Curious Grain a fine Colour & will feed. hope that fine Crop will enrich your farmers bravely are they are Certain of a demand from Italy &c. our Rope makers give no encouragt for your hemp Complaining of its being so Ill dressed & such a Vast Loss in the Manufac\u27e8ture\u27e9.\nI Shall \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Sen\u27e8mutilated\u27e9 small Ship for york River \u27e8tobo\u27e9 & hope for a Continuance Friendship & assistance \u27e8towd\u27e9 her loading & am with much respt Sir Yr Most Ob. Set\nJame. Gildart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0109", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, November 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[November 1768]\nCash\nNovr 5\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] of Mr [Hector] Ross\nDo\u2014\nTo Ditto of Mr Jos[ep]h Valentine\nTo Cash recd for the following Bills sold Mr Jas Gibson viz.\nGW on Hanbury sterlg\nJas Kirk on Crosbie &ca\nBland on Bland\n25 prCt Excha. on Ditto\nTo Cash of Mr Hectr Ross\nTo Ditto of Mrs Ann Washington by Mr Jno. Washington Balle Acct\nTo Cash of Miss Wade\nTo Ditto of Mrs Sheridine\nContra\nNovr 1\u2014\nBy mendg my Chair Wheels 3/. a Pencil 2/\nBy Mr [Edmund] Pendleton drawing a Deed\nBy Mr Jno. Washington to pay for 4 pr Shoes\nBy Dinner & Club 5/. 1 oz. Tarter 1/3\nBy Cards\nBy Barber 13/9. By Charity 1/3\nBy 100 Leases at the Printg Office 6d.\nBy Cash paid Mr Jas Gibson on Acct of Majr Riddicks order, in favr of Marmaduke Norfleet for Land bot of him\nBy Cash paid Do on Acct Colo. Lewis & self\nBy Do paid Do on my own Acct\nBy Mr Thos Lawson for 3571 feet of Inch Pine Plank\nBy Cards 20/\nBy Mrs Campbells Acct for board &ca\nBy Dinnr & Club 5/\u2014Servants 6/3\nBy Exps. at Kg Wm Ct Ho. 7/9. Do at Parkers 7/6\nBy Oysters 6/. Mrs Washington 20/\nBy Mrs Washington 40/. Exps. at Race 5/6\nBy Mr [John] Barry Inspection of a Hhd of Tobo\nDo\u2014\nBy Mr Alexr Henderson for Truro Parish", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0110", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 1 November 1768 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stewart, Robert\nLetter not found: to Robert Stewart, 1 Nov. 1768. On 25 Jan. 1769 Stewart wrote to GW: \u201cI had the immense pleasure to receive both your Affectionate and most acceptable Favors of the 5th August via Barbados and of the 1st Novemr.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0111", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 4 November 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Capel & Osgood Hanbury\nGentn\nWilliamsburg November 4th 1768\nOf this date I have drawn upon you in favour of Mr James Gibson for One hundred pounds Sterling which please to pay, & place to Account of Mr John Parke Custis.\nSince my coming to this place I have receivd a Letter from you by Captn Young (Inclosing another for Mr Custis, with an Acct of the Sales of some of his Tobacco) which I shall take an oppertunity of answering sometime hence. In the meanwhile I remain Gentn Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0113", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Valentine, 23 November 1768\nFrom: Valentine, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nJack now sets off from Queens \u27e8mutilated\u27e9th Taylor and \u27e8h\u27e9is family to soffolk \u27e8he also mutilated\u27e9 the negro \u27e8mutilated Sam\u27e9 & 85 lb. of wool from your Qur in K. Wm and 3 Casks of Cyder from Rockahock which is all the appels wod make[.] I am very shore th\u27e8ei\u27e9r was not half the appels ass I Saw their alittle while before they w\u27e8e\u27e9re got and people has ben \u27e8seen\u27e9 toating them\noff in the night how to prevent those things I Can\u2019t tel ass \u27e8thes\u27e9 Seen by negros. I am Very short of goods for Mr Custises people this year though I Shall get them all Cloahed with what I Can get th\u27e8em\u27e9 I shall Cloath 140 people of Mr Custises this year and you Can Judg Sir what Quantity of Cotten and linning it will take to Cloath so many people. I Remain Sir your most humble Sert\nJoseph Valentine", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0114", "content": "Title: Cash Accounts, December 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[December 1768]\nCash\nDecr 11\u2014\nTo Ditto [cash] of Mr Robt Alexander\nTo Sundry Sum\u2019s receivd of Mr Jos. Valentine at the last Apl Genl Court (1768) & omitted entring till now viz.\nContra\nDecr\u2007\u20071\u2014\nBy Jno. Orr keeping my Poll at the Election\nBy Richd Arrells Acct of Exps. on that occn\nBy Cakes to Sundries\nBy Mr Magowan Balle of Acct\nBy Servant 1/3\u2014By Bishop given him 40/\nBy renewing my Entry for L[an]d on Doeg run\nBy Barber 2/6\nBy Mr Muirs Acct \u00a31.2.7 [and] Mr Ths Price\u2019s Do 1.2.6 pr L[un]d W\u2014n\nBy Cash paid for 6 lb. Shott\nBy Do gave Betcy Dandridge\nBy Fish &ca of the New Englandman\nBy my overseer Morris gave him\nBy Mike Ditto\nBy Cards\nBy Mrs Washington\nBy Servants at Colo. Fairfax\u2019s", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0115", "content": "Title: Fairfax County Poll Sheet, 1 December 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[1 December 1768]\nColo. George Washington\nColo. John West\nCaptn John Posey\nLord Fairfax\nLord Fairfax\nSolomon Nicholas\nGeorge Fairfax Esqre\nGeorge Fairfax Esqre\nThomas Hornbuckle\nSolomon Nicholas\nDavid Thomas\nJno. Sarter\nThomas Hornbuckle\nEli Stone\nWilliam Coarts\nJohn Sarter\nGuy Broadwater\nJames Appleton\nDavid Thomas\nThoms Douglas\nJohn Gray\nWilliam Coarts\nDaniel Mills\nDrakeford Gray\nEli Stone\nZebedee Compton\nJohn Riley\nGuy Broadwater\nJno. West Junr\nZebedee Compton\nThomas Douglas\nRichard Rakestray\nRichard Rakestray\nDaniel Mills\nDavid Young\nMichael Valandingham\nJames Appleton\nRichard Lake\nJames Grimsley\nJohn Gray\nWilliam Gunnell\nDavid Young\nDrakeford Gray\nSanford Ramey\nRichard Lake\nJohn Riley\nJoseph Moxley\nJohn Reid\nJohn West Junr\nJno. Carlyle\nWilliam Rogers\nMichael Valandingham\nDaniel Talbot\nIsaac Davis\nJames Grimsley\nMichael Regan\nSanford Ramey\nJohn Reid\nJames Gray\nJoseph Moxley\nWilliam Rogers\nGerard Trammell\nWilliam Pool\nIsaac Davis\nHenry Gunnell\nRobert Mosely\nWilliam Gunnell\nRichard Sanford\nThomas Lewis\nJohn Carlyle\nFrancis Summers Senr\nAndrew Robertson\nDaniel Talbot\nJohn Dalton\nWilliam Johnston\nMichael Regan\nHarry Piper\nCharles Cornish\nJams Gray\nThomas Doudle\nWilliam Johnson Senr\nWilliam Pool\nThomas Shaw\nWilliam Burk\nRobert Mosely\nJno. Summers Senr\nSamuel Smith\nGerrard Trammell\nJno. Summers\nWilliam Spencer\nHenry Gunnell\nJoseph Bennett\nAaron Thomas\nRichard Sanford\nThomas Thompson\nBenjn King\nFrancis Summers Senr\nWilliam Summers\nAndrew Allan\nJohn Dalton\nEdward Williams\nWilliam Hardin\nHarry Piper\nBenjamin Talbot\nWilliam Barker\nThomas Doudle\nSamuel Talbot\nMoses Barker\nThomas Lewis\nWilliam Burk\nWilliam Simms\nAndrew Robertson\nDaniel Jenkins\nCharles Craig\nThomas Shaw\nRobert Davis\nWilliam Ferguson\nJno. Summers Senr\nRobert Linsay\nAugustus Darrell\nJno. Summers\nGilbert Simpson Senr\nThomas Harden\nJoseph Bennett\nDrummond Wheeler\nWilliam Keen\nSamuel Thompson\nEdward Dulin\nGervis Hammond\nCharles Cornwish\nJohn Askin\nWilliam Hawkins\nWilliam Summers\nJohn Taylor\nWilliam Williams\nEdward Williams\nThomas Grafford\nGeorge Mason Junr\nBenjamin Talbot\nGoing Lamphire\nThomas Brounly\nSamuel Talbot\nThomas Lewis Loudon\nJames Moor\nWilliam Johnston Senr\nWilliam Harden\nJacob Hall\nSamuel Smith\nJohn Barry\nJohn Aliston\nDaniel Jenkins\nWilliam Simms\nNicholas Garrett\nRobert Davis\nFlemming Paterson\nThomas Lucas\nWilliam Spencer\nThomas Lewis son of \u27e8S.\u27e9\nThomas Windsor\nAaron Thomas\nJames Wren\nWilliam Kitchen\nBenjamin King\nEdward Davis\nThomas Bailey\nAndrew Allan\nFrancis Summers\nDaniel Jennings\nRobert Lindsay\nDaniel Summers\nLewis Saunders\nGilbert Simpson Senr\nPresley Cox\nLutener Middleton\nDrummond Wheeler\nThomas Triplett\nThomas Beach\nEdward Dulin\nHarrison Manley\nJohn Cotton\nJohn Taylor\nWilliam Hawkins\nRalph Cotton\nThomas Grafford\nThomas Lester\nGeorge Winn\nGoing Lamphire\nMartin Cockburn\nThoms Hytch\nThomas Lewis Loudn\nThoms Kirkpatrick\nBenjamin Halley\nJohn Barry\nRobert Sanford\nJames Halley Junr\nWilliam Barker\nMoses Ball\nThomas Halbert\nMoses Barker\nPeregrin Magnus\nSampson Darrell\nFleming Paterson\nFranklin Perry\nMichael Gretter\nThoms Lewis Son of \u27e8S.\u27e9\nHenry Taylor\nWilliam Horseman\nCharles Craig\nJoseph Powell\nWilliam Stone\nJames Wren\nJohn Dulin\nThoms Coffer\nEdward Davis\nWilliam Tunnell\nRobert Speake\nFrancis Summers\nWilliam Munday\nNathl Popejoy\nDaniel Summers\nTounshend Dade\nPhilip Grymes\nWilliam Ferguson\nSimon Pearson\nWilliam Halley\nPresley Cox\nThomas Brounly\nCharles Alexander\nThomas Triplett\nJno. Williams\nMoses Simpson\nHarrison Manley\nMichael Hall\nJacob Hubbard\nAugustus Darrell\nThomas Alexon\nWilliam Cash\nThomas Harden\nRichard Hollansberry\nJohn Seale\nWilliam Keen\nNicholas Garrett\nEdward Blackbu\u27e8rn\u27e9\nGervis Hammond\nEdward Bates\nTyler Waugh\nThomas Lester\nThomas Windsor\nPeter Mauzey\nThoms Kirkpatrick\nWilliam Kitchen\nWilliam Carlane\nMartin Cockburn\nWilliam Ramsey\nThomas Ford\nRobert Sanford\nThomas Fleming\nJohn Martin\nBenjn Sebastian\nBryan Fairfax Esqre\nJohn Monroe\nMoses Ball\nHenry Rozier Esqre\nGeorge Martin\nPeregrin Magnus\nRobert Alexander\nin all 87\nWilliam Williams\nSampson Turley\nFranklin Perry\nWilliam Sewell\nHenry Taylor\nThomas Bailey\nJoseph Powell\nChas Broadwater\nJohn Dowlin\nDaniel McCarty\nWilliam Tunnell\nThoms Wren\nWilliam Munday\nJohn Hurst\nTounshend Dade\nJohn McClochlin\nSimon Pearson\nJames Robertson\nGeorge Mason Junr\nWilliam Wren\nJohn Williams\nPhilip Alexander\nJames Moor\nGeorge Mason\nJacob Hall\nJohn Muir\nMichl Hall\nSaml Jenkins\nThoms Alexon\nRobert Adam\nRichd Hollinsberry\nMathew Campbell\nJohn Allison\nJames Adam\nThomas Lucas\nWilliam Triplett\nEdward Bates\nJohn Hunter\nWilliam Ramsay\nThomas Monroe\nThoms Fleming\nMichl Gretter\nBryan Fairfax Esqre\nWilliam Horseman\nHenry Rozier Esqre\nJohn Anderson\nRobert Alexander\nEdward Payne\nSampson Turley\nJams Duneale\nWilliam Sewell\nJames Moor\nChars Broadwater\nMarcellus Littlejohn\nDaniel Jennings\nLewis Ellzey\nDaniel McCarty\nJohn Ramsay\nThoms Wren\nNathaniel Popejoy\nJohn Hurst\nJames Lawrie\nJohn McClochlin\nWilliam Ballinger\nLewis Saunders\nRichard Arrell\nJames Robertson\nJohn Williams\nWilliam Wren\nEdward Washington\nLutener Middleton\nPaul Turley\nThomas Beach\nBryan Alison\nJohn Cotton\nWilliam Scott\nRalph Cotton\nJohn O\u2019Daniel\nGeorge Win[n]\nCharles Thrift\nThomas Hytch\nAbsolom Thrift\nPhilip Alexander\nPeter Waggoner\nGeo: Mason\nJacob Hubbard\nJohn Muir\nThoms Moss\nSaml Jenkins\nJames Martin\nBenjn Halley\nGilbert Simpson Junr\nJams Halley Junr\nPeter Turley\nRobert Adam\nJohn Seale\nThoms Halbert\nHenry Darnes\nMathew Campbell\nEdward Blackburn\nJams Adams\nGeorge Williams\nWilliam Triplett\nWilliam Richards\nSampson Darrell\nJams Connell\nJohn Hunter\nJohn Monroe\nThomas Monroe\nin all 142\nHumphrey Peake\nJohn Anderson\nEdward Payne\nJams Duneale\nJams Moor\nMarcellus Littlejohn\nWilliam Stone\nLewis Ellzey\nThos Coffer\nJohn Ramsay\nRobert Speeke\nPhilip Grymes\nJas Lawrie\nWilliam Balinger\nRichard Arrell\nJohn Williams\nWilliam Halley\nEdward Washington\nPaul Turley\nBryan Alison\nWilliam Scott\nJohn O\u2019Daniel\nCharles Thrift\nSamuel Johnson\nCharles Alexander\nMoses Simpson\nAbsolom Thrift\nPeter Waggoner\nThomas Moss\nWilliam Cash\nJams Martin\nGilbert Simpson Jun.\nPeter Turley\nHenry Darns\nTyler Waugh\nPeter Mauzey\nWilliam Carlane\nWilliam Richards\nJams Connell\nThomas Ford\nJohn Martin\nGeorge Martin\nin all 185", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/02-08-02-0118", "content": "Title: Spinning and Weaving Records, 1768\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSpun & Wove in the year 1768 for my own use as follow\n   Viz.\nYards\nWeight\n\u27e8Price\u27e9\nLinnen\ndeduct\nWoolen\nLinsey\nCotton\nLinsey\nWoolen\nLinnen\nTotal\nA Comparison drawn, between Manufactoring, & Importing; the Goods on the otherside Viz.\nTo 509 yds of best Cottn to supply the place of 365 Yds\ns.d.\nwool and 144 yds Linsey @ 1/6\nTo 773 yds of best Ozbs. as on the otherside @ 8d.\nTo 40 yds Huc[kabac]k @ 2/\nTo 13 yds Diapr @ 3/\nTo 7 yds Jeans @ 5/\nTo 33 yds Cotton @ 2/\nCharges 12\u00bd prCt\n25 prCt diffe Excha:\nCurry\nWool to make 365 and 144 yds of woolen Cloth viz. 499 yds @ 1/3\nHemp to make the Contra cloth 800 lbs. @ 4d.\nWeavg the above Cloth that is 509 yds Woolen, 773 yds Ozgs, Cotton, &ca\nBallance\nNote. by this Acct it appears that the above Ballance \u00a328.19s.11d. is all that is to defray the expence of Spinning\u2014hire of one white Woman, & 5 Negro Girls\u2014Cloathing\u2014Victualling\u2014Wheels &ca\n         Total amt of Weavg is \u00a354.3.4\n         My own Work\nFor Sundries", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-01-02-0015", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Preston, 18 August 1768\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Preston, William\n                    I sit down to petition your suffrage in favor of a friend, whose virtues and abilities have made him such to me, and will give him equal place in your esteem whenever you have an opportunity of becoming acquainted with them. The gentleman I speak of is the Revd. James Fontaine, who offers himself as a candidate for the place of chaplain to the house of burgesses. I do not wish to derogate from the merit of the gentleman who possessed that office last, but I can not help hoping that every friend to genius, where the other qualities of the competitors are equal, will give a preference to superior abilities. Integrity of heart and purity of manners recommend Messrs. Price and Fontaine equally to our esteem; but in acuteness of penetration, accuracy of judgment, elegance of composition, propriety of performing the divine service, and in every work of genius, the former is left a great distance behind the latter. I do not ask your favor on a bare assurance of this from me, but from that knowledge of Mr. Fontaine\u2019s superiority which you will obtain on enquiring of others. I have heard as yet no argument against the preference of Fontaine, but that the other has been possessed of the office, an argument which with you will need no confutation. These small preferments should be reserved to reward and encorage genius, and not be strowed with an indiscriminating hand among the common herd of competitors. I am Dear Sir Your friend and servt,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1768", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/02-01-02-0002", "content": "Title: Memorandum Books, 1768\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n              Inclosed writ in Christian v. Patteson to sheriff of Buckingham.\n              Samson v. Wm. Winston. The trial was in April 1758 (or within a court or two of it). Search S. O. for Kimbro\u2019s depon.\n              Thompson v. Robertson. The def. is dead. Wm. Cabell has rented the land to Patr. Napier, Benjn. Thacker, & Anthony Askew. Send for escheat warrt.\n              Delivered the sheriff the sci. fa. in Hickman v. Harper and the summs. in Ford v. Millar.\n              James Martin leaves papers with me to obtain a grant of escheated lands. I am to be determined by the event of Oneal v. Hord whether to prosecute his claim or not.\n              Wm. Hayes (Bedford) v. Henry Smith, Edmund Smith, John Smith, Matthias Mouns and Mary his wife (Bedford) and James Smith (Augusta) children and distributees of Edmund Smith. Agnes wife of sd. Smith and mother of his children, took out admn. She married Wm. Hayes, who pd. debts to the amount of \u00a3136\u201316. (see acct.).\n              Wrote to John May for writs of TAB. damage 200 \u00a3 in McKain v. Patteson et al. and Crawford v. Patteson et al. for escheat warrant in Thompson v. Robertson a summs. in Johnston v. Patterson if patd. spa. for costs in Waterson v. id. et al. and to know if Pendleton has given any directions in Mill\u2019s case.\n              Wm. Winston (Albemarle) v. Moses Edger (Augusta). Petitions for 355 acres of land on the branches of Mechum\u2019s river Albemarle patd. by Charles Lynch about 30 years ago.\n              Recd. of John May writs in Crawford v. Patteson et al. and McKain v. Patteson et al. also summs. in Johnston v. Patterson for 265 acres patd. June 7th. 1764. He sais one Cabell petd. in 1766. for the land we were to have escheated in Thompson v. Robertson.\n              Alexr. McClanachan & John v. Rob. Cuningham. Should a petn. of this name be entered I am to appear for pl.\n              Ben Whitehead v. Belsches. The pl. sues in the county court for his freedom. His grandmother was an Indian brought in and sold by an Indian trader, not taken in war. He does not know the precise time when she was brought, but gives these hints. She was a girl of perhaps 6. or 7. As soon as she was a woman she brought the pl.\u2019s mother who is now 68. years old. Qu. whether an old act making Indians slaves was in force when the grandmother was sold? If there should be an appeal in this cause I am to appear for pl. who prosecutes in f\u00f4rma pauperis. In the meantime get the date of the act.\n              George Seaton junr.\u2019s case. On a marriage proposed to had between George Seaton the father and Elizabeth Watson, Seaton by deed exd. the day before the marriage settles on her\u2003\u2003of her own slaves as a jointure \u2018habend. et tenend. the sd. slaves immediately after the death of the sd. G. S. during her natural life, and after her decease, to the use of the children which shall be begotten between the sd. G. and Eliz. but in default of children they shall be at the sole disposal of sd. Eliz.\u2019 The marriage took effect but the deed by negligence of guardian was never recorded. Eliz. died leaving one child only, George, by her sd. husband G. S. the father mges. the same slaves to a creditor with whom he had contracted debts before the settlement. Eliz. dies leaving by the sd. G. one child, also named George. The dispute is whether the creditor shall takes any more right than G. S. the elder himself had, that is, an estate for life.\u2003Qu. 1. The act of ass.\u2003\u2003requires only gifts of slaves to be recorded, but was not this a purchase for good considn.?\u2003Qu. 2. If it was a gift, was a creditor before the gift settlement, and before G. S. had possn. of these negroes, such a creditor as the law intended to provide for? For the money goods &c. were not advanced on the credit of these slaves. I am to engage Mr. Wythe as auxiliary. If we conclude to bring the suit it must be in the name of George Seaton the younger by John Ware and Rob. Bolling prochein amies.\u2014Qu. may we not insist as deed was executed before marriage, that it operated so as to reserve all the property to the wife except the estate for Seaton\u2019s life, and never was more in him?\n              Should the suit of\u2003\u2003v.\u2003\u2003Gay be moved from Albemarle to the Gen. court I am appear for Gay. Recd. of Gay 5/9.\n              Daniel Southerland (Frederic) complains of unfair proceedings in an arbitration between Isaac Perkins (Frederic). He sais that at a former arbitration Perkins produced no acct. agt. him but this no award was made. At a subsequent one he trumped up an acct. and proved it by his own oath, tho no mercht. which was allowed. Judgmt. and exn. came out accordingly and Southerland was imprisoned 6 weeks, to free himself from which he gave Perkins his bond for 15\u00a3 odd, for debt and costs. Advised him to suffer suit on bond and remove it by Hab. corp. I am to consider this case. Southerland lives by Winchester. Direct to Colo. Hite.\n              Mclanahan & Alexr. Mclanahan (Augusta) v. Robert Cuningham (Hampshire). For 300 acres on South branch of Patowmack called the Crab apple bottom (Augusta). Pls. took out summs. I am to appear for them.\n              Recd. of Wm. Robertson 25/.\n              Sam Gay is to be in Wmsburgh. the 3d. Saturday of next court to swear to Injunction.\n              Inclosed writs in Crawford v. Patteson and McKain v. Patteson to sher. of Buckingham.\n              Winston v. Edger. The land was patd. in Chas. Lynch\u2019s name. It was for 400 acres. The plot &c. was dated in 1741.\n              Wm. Venable (Albemarle) v. Edmund Lilly (either in Albemarle or North Carolina). To petn. for 400 acres on the branches of the Byrd in Albemarle. The patent granted within 20 years to Edmund Lilly, but there is some doubt whether the patent was ever issued tho\u2019 the works were returned. We do not know whether these 400 acres were not part of a large tract patented at once.\n              Harrison v. Chamberlayne. Harrison tells me he was to have two shares. He was three years overseer. The first year there were 12 sharers under him, the 2d. 10, and the 3d. 12. For the articles of building Harrison advanced money for Chamberlayne.\n              Gay v.\u2003\u2003. Anna Manley is pl. in the ejectment.\n              Fry ads. Hanbury. Wrote to Fry for sp. bail.\n              To draw a deed for Grills\u2019s House Charlottesville No. 18. By a decree of Alb. court it was sold to Dr. Walker. R. Woods had got a deed of it before from Grills.\n              McKain v. Patterson et al. This pl. moving to Carolina. If any security for costs is demanded Israel Christian will be it. He also with Samuel Crawford are to be summoned as witnesses.\n              Rees v. Talford et al. Received of Wm. McAndlis 5/9 of John Sloane 5/9 of James Talford 23/.\n              John Mills (Augusta) v. James Huston (Hampshire). Bring an action of debt on a bond which Israel Christian delivered me.\n              Sunderland v. Perkins. Wrote to pl. and advised him not to sue.\n              John Jackson (Augusta) v. Mich. Havre (Augusta) and George Mountain (Augusta). To enter a caveat for about 90 acres surveied for James Thomas by him sold and regularly transferred to Michael Havre (Augusta) by whom it was again sold (but whether regularly transferred we know not) to George Mountain (Augusta) who now has it. Surveied 5 or 6 years ago and the works never returned. Recd. of Jackson 34/6.\n              Mills v. Smith. Gave Mills the injunction bill. He is to get Hayes and Baird to swear to it.\n              Wm. Hayes (Bedford) v. Henry Smith (Bedford). Hayes sold Smith a horse for which Smith was to give 8\u00a3, and Smith took without leave a mare value \u00a37\u201310. Evidences of the taking the mare will be Matthias Mouns and Nicholas Welsh. John Mills emplois me to bring the suit and answers for the fee.\n              Margaret Lewis (Augusta) v. Thomas Lewis and Andrew Lewis (Augusta). A friendly petn. to be entered for 490 acres on Meadow creek Augusta. Patented by John Dickenson Sep. 26. 1760. See post.\n              John Thompson (Augusta) v. Robert Young (Augusta). Slander or a Libel to be brought. See the libel given me by Thompson.\n              Bowan ads. Buchanan. Send up a blank spa. for def. Recd. of def. 20/. If I find the case difficult I am to employ auxiliary.\n              Lewis v. Lewis. Recd. of T. Lewis 25/.\n              Wm. McMullin (Augusta) v. Wm. McDonald (Carolina). To enter a petn. for 207 acres on Goose creek a branch of Roanoke, Augusta, being part of a tract of about 4400 acres granted to James Patten about 1750. Conveied by Patten to Erricks Bright, by him to Joseph McDonald decd. father of def., no quitrents been pd. this 10 or 12. years. Recd. of Colo. Preston 2/6.\n              Francis Smith (Augusta) ads. Wm. Woods. Appear for def. if suit should be brought.\n              Daniel Smith (Augusta) v. Robert Patteson (Carolina). Enter petn. for 300 and odd acres on a branch of Linwell\u2019s creek Augusta patd. about 16 years ago by Mary Adams. Recd. 1/6.\n              Bowan ads. Buchanan. Recd. of def. Everard\u2019s receipt of works, fees &c.\n              George Tetter (Augusta) v. George Paris (South Carolina). To enter petn. for 275 acres on N. fork of Roanoke called Goose creek patd. by James Patten about 1750. This was part of a large grant of 4400 acres. The same patt. as McMullin v. McDonald. Apply if necessary to Capt. Ingles a friend of pl.\u2019s. Recd. of Tetter 20/.\n              James Allen (Augusta) ads. Wm. Waterson (Augusta). To defend a caveat. We are to suggest the inroads of the indians as causes of the works not being returned; but this will be frail. We depend on Waterson\u2019s running away, therefore we must keep it off as long as possible. Received of Allen a guinea 26/.\n              David Moore (Augusta) v. Peter Hogg (Augusta). Delivered the Hab. corp. to Mich. Bowyer. To appear for Hogg.\n              Rutherford ads. Buchanan. Wrote to def. to summs. witnesses to prove he was drive off by Indians.\n              Drew deed Grills and Woods to Walker.\n              Abner Witt (Albemarle) v. Mary Johnston (Albemarle) Thomas Denton (Hanover). A Tract of about 400 acres on the waters of Mechunck creek Albemarle. Search S. O. to know if works have been returned and if patented. It was entered and surveied between 1723 & 1728. Bring petn. or caveat according to case.\n              Witt v. Barnet. Recd. of Abner Witt 38/6.\n              Venable v. Lilly. Pl. informs me by letter that this 400 acres were part of an entry of 900 acres in Goochland. The works returned but does not know if patt. issued. It is transferred to\u2003\u2003Dickerson.\n              Samuel Henderson (Augusta) v. James McDowel (Augusta). To bring an action for beating him. I am to employ Atty. G. as auxiliary. Recd. of pl. 52/6.\n              Should either of the McDowells sue Henderson for the libel, I am to defend and take the Atty. Gen. auxiliary.\n              Nathaniel Anderson (Louisa) agt. Thomas Swift (Hanover). Anderson built a house for Swift, for which Swift agreed to give him 132\u00a3. The articles were written and signed but not sealed by the parties. He has paid \u00a332. The remaining 100\u00a3 is paiable April 1. Issue a writ April 2 and inclose to pl. He made some additions too of about 4\u00a3 value, for which no price was fixed. Declare for this too.\n              Issued writ in Anderson v. Swift in Case Dam. 200\u00a3.\n              Thomas Turpin (Cumberland) v. Robert Goode (\u2003\u2003). Pl. emplois me to assist G. Wythe in action for a marriage portion of\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\n              Wm. Nelson (York) Richard Corbin (K. and Queen) Ben. Waller (James City) v. Francis Willis and Hierom Langford (Glocester). Appear for Willis and use every dilatory. This is an action of Debt and is removed to G. Court by Hab. corp. Send recognisance for sp. bail. Charge no fee.\n              Draw a mge. from Francis Willis jr. to\u2003\u2003as a security for mgee. who is to become his sp. bail in the above action.\n              Joseph Cabell (Buckingham) v. John Lee and Archibald Sloane (Buckingham). A caveat for 800 acres joining the lines of Sd. Lee, Samuel Stephens and John Pleasants on Slate river Buckingham. Appear for pl. He has entered it and taken out Summ.\n              Elizabeth Allen Henry Allen and William Gatewood husband of Tomazin (Essex) employ me to assist Wythe in defending them in a suit in Chancy. brought by Thomas Allen et al. (Essex). It will come on in Octob. Recd. of Gatewood 20/. Note it is an appeal, and we are pls. in Appeal.\n              Madison v. Johnson. Colo. Johnson produces to me an account v. Madison which brings him in debt. I am to shew this to Madison  mention the proofs. Gave a note to the sheriff of James city to admit him to appear without bail.\n              Philip Johnson (\u2003\u2003) v.\u2003\u2003Robinson (K. and Queen) son and heir of John Robinson esq. decd. To draw bill and answer for converting certain trust lands into money to be disposed to same purposes, and get a decree immediately, there being no opposition.\n              Recd. of Wm. Waterson 26/ in part of my fee in McCartey v. Waterson, which is to be dismd. on Waterson\u2019s paying the whole costs.\n              Mills et al. v. Hayes, Smith et al. Wrote to Mills to send bond and security to obtain his injunction.\n              Gay v. Manley. Wrote to Gay to bring bond and security to obtain his injunction.\n              Wm. Mead (Bedford) v. Richard Wamock (out of colony) and Thomas Williamson\u2019s exrs. (Lunenburgh). Prosecute caveat for pl. for 4500 acres in Bedford. He has entered caveat, I am to get spa. Recd. 5/3.\n              Henderson v. Mcdowell. Spoke to Atty. Gen. to join me for pl.\n              William Mead (Bedford) v. Nathan Williamson the heir of Thos. Williamson exrs. or admrs. (Charlotte) and Richd. Womack (run out of colony). To prosecute Caveat for pl. for 4500 acres on North side of Goose creek Bedford. He entered caveat. I am to take out summs. Recd. 5/3.\n              Entered caveat in Jackson v. Havre, took out subpa. and pd. Walthoe 5/9.\n              George Jefferson (\u2003\u2003) v. Richard Witten sheriff (\u2003\u2003). Case\u2003\u2003pounds. This is an appeal from county court of\u2003\u2003in an action on the case for distraining\u2003\u2003slaves of the pl. and work horses Aug. 1766 on a fi. fa. to replevy which he offered sufficient security, and also seisd. and sold a horse for what he pretended was due to him for supporting negroes &c. till sale.\n              These suits withdrawn.\n              Id. v. id. For riding and abusing the horse so seised.\n              Id. v. id. I discover no difference between this and the first, except that the sale of horse for support of the negroes is omitted in decln.\n              John Jefferson (\u2003\u2003) v. Witten. The same with the last mentioned of G. Jefferson v. Witten. The consent of parties to remove these causes and to try them April 1768. is certified by George Jefferson and Matthew Marable for Rd. Witten.\n              Turpin v. Goode. This is an action on the Case dam. 500\u00a3 for a marriage portion of \u00a3200 and a roan horse promised the pl. in considn. of marrying Martha Gaines. I am to draw decln.\n              Buchanan v. Bowan. Took out blank spa. for witnesses & pd. Walthoe 5/9.\n              Robert Aldridge et ux. (Frederick) ads. John Crockwell (Frederick). To appear for defs. Memm. this suit is now at the rules.\n              Mead v. Williamson et al. Took out summs. and pd. Walthoe 5/9.\n              Ford v. Millar. Returned summs.\n              John Carr and Francis his wife (K. and Queen) Mary Hunter (Gloster.) Elizabeth Guttry (K. & Queen) John Whitehorn (Sussex) v. James Guttry, John Guttry, John Kidd (K. & Queen). Writ of right. Emploied by defs. to assist Wythe. This suit is brought from K. & Queen by Certiorari. Recd. of James Guthrie 50/.\n              John Wooldridge (Chesterfeild) v. Edwd. Cox (Cumberland) &\u2003\u2003Watkins. An action for killing the pl.\u2019s negro. I am to defend Cox.\n              Took out writs in Thompson v. Young, Mills v. Huston, Henderson v. McDowell.\n              Peter Strachan (Henrico) has several suits agt. him. I am to defend appear for him. He is to give me further instructions.\n              Isaac Cole (Albemarle) ads. Richard Philips (Louisa). To defend him. T. Mason principal. Takes benefit of day given when infant.\n              Archibd. Cary (Chesterfield) ads. The King. The def. is sued as security for the late treasurer. To defend him. Wythe principal. I am to draw Special pleas for Cary and Braxton.\n              \u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003v. Peter Copeland (Halifax) Thomas M. Randolph, Walter King, & B. Waller and John Thompson attys. for sd. King. Enter friendly Caveat for 11267 acres in Halifax on Irwin river and Reedy creeks. Appear for T. M. Randolph and J. Thompson.\n              Farrar v. Randolph. Ejectmt. I am to defend, but not to charge a fee if dismd. before I have occasion to take any trouble with it.\n              Issued writs in McKain v. Patterson, McKain v. Patterson et al. Crawford v. Patterson, Crawford v. Patterson et al. All in Case dam. 200\u00a3 and in Hayes v. Smith Case Dam. 30\u00a3.\n              Gibeon Jones et al. (\u2003\u2003) v. John Blake (Middlesex). Appeal. Jones is def. in Appeal for whom I am to appear.\u2003\u2003Daniel acts for Jones and is to pay my fee. Suit is for negroes.\n              David (Richard I believe it was) Meade gives me his fathers will to consider whether the son\u2019s were to be educated out of the common stock, or out of their own estates.\n              Became bound in 50\u00a3 as security for Hayes, Mills and Baird agt. Smith et al. and obtaind. injunctn.\n              Anderson v. Swift is made up.\n              Sarah Gottee has taken out Escheat Warrant for 11. lots in Richmond formerly belonging to Doctr. Sam. Tschiffly her father (she is bastard). Sarah married Gottee who sold 7 of these lots while she was under age. These 7 were left to her, the other 4 to her mother by Tschiffly without adding \u2018heirs\u2019 so that had only estate for life. Mr. Blair as principal. It will come on in June. There was an Escheat taken out formerly by Fr. Georg Stegoe who married the widow of Tschiffly and mother of the pl.\n              Took out Summs. in Smith v. Patteson, McMullin v. McDonald, Winston v. Edger, Tetter v. Paris.\n              Recd. of Johnson by J.  Walker 40/ in Johnson v. Robinson.\n              Winston v. Edger. The def. has made the pl. a deed for the land, but we are to make Winston a codefendt. Edwd. Curd junr. is to be pl.\n              Wm. Winston (Albemarle) petitions for 400 acres on Virgin\u2019s branch of Mechum\u2019s river in Albemarle patd. by David Stockdon about 1739. now the property of\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\n              The same v. Andrew Grear (\u2003\u2003) for 400 acres on the same branch patd. by Richd. Stockdon about 1739. Davd. Kincaid (Albemarle) is atty. for def.\n              Mead v. Williamson. Joseph Williams is exr. of Thos. Williamson.\n              Thompson v. Robertson. Cabell\u2019s entry for the escheat was about 2 years ago, and has not yet taken out escheat warrt. Qu. may it not be liable to a new entry?\n              Lyon v. Dalton. This is a suit in Albemarle. Should be appeal. I am to appear for Dalton.\n              Inclosed writs in Crawford v. Patteson, Crawford v. Patteson et al. McKain v. Patteson, McKain v. Patteson et al. to sheriff of Buckingham.\n              Inclosed to Wm. Mead his summs. agt.\u2003\u2003\u2003\n              Leonard Symmonds (Augusta) desires me to return his works, to prevent a caveat which Wm. Gregg wants to enter with me. He is to pay me therefore a fee to save it, and to give me the usual fees for Gov. &c. Sec. &c. between 2 and 300 acres on N. fork of the South branch Augusta.\n              Henderson v. Mcdowell. Delivd. writ to pl.\n              John Tilleroy (Augusta) directs me to search the office to know whether works have been returned for about 300 acres on Cedar creek a branch of James river on Short hill Augusta entered by Colo. James Patten (perhaps 20 years ago). If they have enquire if Q. Rents pd. and caveat or petition accordingly. John Buchanan and Margaret his wife and Wm. Thompson and Mary his wife to be defs.\n              George Skelron (Augusta). If a Petn. should be brought agt. him for 200 acres on Jackson\u2019s river Augusta to defend him. Otherwise charge no fee. It is for want of improvements: it has been dangerous to go there because of Indians.\n              Abraham Smith (Augusta) ads. John Mclure (Augusta). Slander. Pro def.\n              James McGill (Augusta) ads. John Mclure. Slander. Pro def.\n              Wm. Herbert (Augusta) directs me to bring suit v. Byrd et al. To employ auxiliary. Recd. \u00a35. for myself and \u00a35. for auxiliary.\n              David Herbert senr. (Augusta) v. Byrd et al. lead mine com. Emploied by Wm. Herbert to bring suit for wages. Recd. \u00a33. See account.\n              Lewis v. Lewis. Recd. of A. Lewis 25/.\n              Israel Christian (Augusta) v. Wm. Bumpas (Buckingham). Directs me to bring TAB. agt. def. for assaulting him and striking him with his gun on the highway, in the fall of 1767.\n              David Herbert junr. (Augusta) v. Byrd et al. Directed by W. Herbert to bring suit for wages. See acct. Recd. \u00a33. This pl. as well as D. Herbert senr. was emploied on articles of the same tenor as those of W. Herbert\u2019s, but I am not to bring the suits till Aug. Augusta court when I am to recieve the articles.\n              Bowan ads. Buchanan. Inclosed to def. a blk. spa. for witnesses.\n              Rutherford ads. Buchanan. Send blk. spa. to def. for witnesses. Contrive to Capt. Ingles near Stone house Augusta.\n              Stuart v. Dan. Gwinn. Daniel is an infant and must defend by Patrick his father.\n              Ragan v. Cane. Recd. of Ragan 22/.\n              Hayes et al. v. Smith. Inclosed writ of spa. and injunction to John Mills having first erased the name of Agnes Hayes who was made a def. Also Israel Christian became security for injn. to relieve me.\n              Hayes v. Smith. Inclosed writ to J. Mills.\n              Henry Key (Amherst) v. John Ryan (Amherst). To bring action of Slander but as the words were not spoken within 12 months, if def. should plead act of limn. I am to charge no fee. The def. said the pl. stole a cow belonging to John Harmer his employer.\n              James Matthews (Amherst) v. John Ryan (Amherst). Bring same action for same cause. These words within a year.\n              Henry Key (Amherst) v. Zachariah Taliaferro (Amherst). An action of Slander in Amherst. Gave my advice to Key and recd. 20/.\n              Jackson v. Havre. Delivd. spa. to Skelron sher. of Augusta.\n              Smith v. Patteson. Recd. of pl. 52/6.\n              McDonald v. McMullin & Tetter v. Pearis. Delivd. Summs. to Smith Sh. of Augusta.\n              McCartey v. Waterson. Kidd assumes to pay me 24/. So I am to dismiss.\n              John Grattan (Augusta) v. Wm. Waterson (Augusta). Recd. papers to put into hands of an Atty. to recover for which I shall charge\u2003\u2003pr. Cent. I am to give Attamt. bond and G. Jones to indemnify me.\n              Woods v. Smith. The def. speaks as if he had not emploied me, therefore appear not.\n              If any suit should be brought agt. R. Woods for the escape of the prisoners May 18. 1768. I am to appear for him.\n              John Jackson (Goochland) v. Joseph Jackson (Bedford). Petn. for 400 acres on the white oak branch, one of the waters of Hardware Albemarle. Patd. by Joseph Jackson. Recd. 10/.\n              John Tazewell (Wmsburgh.) v. Nathaniel Savage (Northampton). To appear for pl. Comes on in Octob.\n              Grattan v. Waterson. Entered into bond. Took out attamt. and gave to J. Tazewell with directions to summn. James Blair &\u2003\u2003Tuning as Garnishees.\n              Give notice to W. Cabell that Mrs. Chiswell will demand dower of her husbands lands. He may continue to sell and pay 19 of money to her. Search records of Albemarle to see whether she relinquishes dower in the lands about Charlottesville.\n              Hanbury (London) v. Dandridge\u2019s exrs. and legatees. Chancery. Appear for W. Dandridge. See his letter &c.\n              Thompson v. Collier. Recd. of pl. 30/.\n              Buchanan v. Bowan. Recd. of pl. 25/9.\n              Robert Young (Augusta) ads. Wm. Waterson (Augusta). A Caveat. To appear for def. if called tomorrow. If not, to charge no fee unless spoke to by Young.\n              Emploied by Colo. Byrd to do his business generally.\n              McCartey v. Waterson. Returned bond to McCartey.\n              Jones v. Lewis. Delivered to Colo. Randolph 3\u00a3 I had recd. from Jones for him.\n              William Watkins (Cumberland) ads. Messrs. Farrel and Jones of Bristol assignees of James Legrand. Debt. Appear for def. Recd. sp. bail.\n              Frederick Burge (Brunswick) v. William Munford (Amelia). A Caveat for 800 acres in Mecklenburgh. To appear for def. It comes on today. He was and still is an infant. Besides this has a receipt for the works. Recd. of def. 50/.\n              Charles Robinson (\u2003\u2003) v. Nichs. Porter, Wm. Mcfarling, & Edwd. Watts (\u2003\u2003). A caveat for\u2003\u2003acres in Orange. To appear for pl. Recd. Memdon. from G. W. Issue N. Sum. Write to E. P. if necessary.\n              Tilleroy v. Buchanan. Cannot find whether works have been retd.\n              Ragan v. Cane, Winston Curd v. Edger, Jackson v. Jackson, Johnston v. Patterson Winston v. Grear. Took out summonses.\n              Christian v. Bumpas, Key v. Ryan, Matthews v. Ryan. Took out writs.\n              Burger v. Glenn. Inclosed copy of order of conc. to Burger.\n              Mr. Wythe\u2019s Caveat docquet delivd. to me.\n              Thomas Trueman Murphy (Albemarle) v. Sacheverel Whitebread (\u2003\u2003) and William Trigg. For 400 acres on the branches of Glover\u2019s creek Albemarle. To issue summs.\n              William Wallace (Charl. or Meckl.) v. Daniel Hix (\u2003\u2003) et. al. To issue New Summ.\n              Swinfel Hill (Mecklenburgh) (Halifax perhaps) v. Elias Wattraven (\u2003\u2003). Take out N. Sum.\n              Henry Beckham (\u2003\u2003) v. Josephus Philips (\u2003\u2003) and Nicholas Porter (\u2003\u2003). Write to E. P. if necessary. Issue N. Summ.\n              Robert Cuningham (Mecklenburgh) v. John Taylor Duke. Caveat for 300 and odd acres on the branches of Flatt and Dockerys creek Mecklenburgh.\n              Id. v. eund. For 400 acres on same creeks and county joining to Courtney, Clark, and Cuningham. New sum. taken out by Baird. To write to pl. G. W. recd. fees.\n              John Buchanan (Augusta) & Wm. Thompson (Aug.) v. John Harger. Issue N. Sum. NB. I believe Wm. Bowan intends to caveat this land and spoke to me to appear.\n              Wm. Stegal (Pittsylvania) v. George Walker (\u2003\u2003) Issue N. Summ. The def. is an uncle to G. W. so attend particularly.\n              Henry Ensminger (Augusta) v. John Brown (Augusta). Replevin for a smith\u2019s bellows, anvil, pick ax, a smith\u2019s vise, 3 hammers, a broad axe, one cow, one heifer and a yearling.\n              Young v. Waterson. See June 14. Waterson brought Caveat and got order for 150 acres of land above the head of Falling springs Augusta which Young bought and had regularly conveied from one Patterson without making Young a party. Therefore enter caveat in behalf of Young to prevent pat. on order of council.\n              Buchanan v. Bowan. The entry of the caveat in S. O. is for 60 acres. Qu. if Summs. is not for 66.\n              Young v. Waterson. I find a Caveat entered by Waterson agt. Patterson and Young for 135 acres on head of falling spring Augusta.\n              Chamberlayne v. Harris, Maddison v. Johnson, Mead v. Williamson, Frame v. Warwick, Cabell v. Lee, Jackson v. Havre. Wrote to clients for instructions.\n              Murphy v. Whitebread, Wallace v. Hicks, Beckham v. Philips, Buchanan v. Harger, Jones v. Lewis, Robinson v. Porter. Took out summs. and pd. Walthoe 35/.\n              Thomas Hardaway (Dinwiddie) v. Theodorick Bland (\u2003\u2003). An action for building a mill below the pl.\u2019s mill. To assist G. W. for the def. See Bland\u2019s letter.\n              Margaret Brown (Henrico) v. Robert Brown (Henrico). To enter a caveat agt. an escheat warrant taken out by Brown for 4 lots in the town of Richmond and\u2003\u2003acres of land adjoining formerly the property of Alexr. Brown whose widow is the pl. She is in possn. The def. is no relation nor in possn.\n              Ensminger v. Brown. Took out writ of Replevin.\n              Wrote to John May to enter last Caveat and send Summs. to sher. of Henrico and enclosed him 6/.\n              Delivd. writs in Key v. Ryan, and Matthews v. Ryan to sher. of Amherst who served them and returned them to me.\n              Inclosed writs Christian v. Bumpass and Christian v. Patterson and summs. in Murphy v. Whitebread to sheriff of Buckingham. Also summs. in Wallace v. Hicks to sheriff of Charlotte.\n              Inclosed summs. in Jones v. Lewis, Johnston v. Patterson, Curd v. Edger, and Ragan v. Cane to Mich. Bowyer. Also Writ of replevin in Brown v. Ensminger to Capt. Hogg.\n                List of balances due June 1. 1768. \u2005\u2003\u2003\u00a3\u2005\u2005\u2005/\u2005\u2005\u2005\u2005d   Archer John (Augusta)482\u00bc   + Allegre William (Albemarle)1  Aldridge Robert (Frederick)710  Allen James (Augusta)14  Allen Eliz. (Essex)5  \u2022 Burger, Manus (Augusta)2183   + Bowan Wm. (Augusta)193   Braxton, Carter (K. William)210  Baird John. (Buckingham5  Clarke, Samuel (Culpepper)2126   Chiles Micajah (Albemarle)2126   Christian, Israel (Augusta)55  Crawford Samuel (Augusta. J. Mills security)55  Cabell, Joseph. (Buckingham)210  Cox, Edwd. (Cumberland)210  Cole, Isaac (Albemarle)10  Cary, Archibald (Chesterfield)210  Donaghe, Hugh (Augusta)226   Devire, James (Augusta)526   Dinwiddie, Robert (Colo. Corbin Atty.)210  Fry, John (Albemarle)710  Ford, John (Albemarle)212  Frame, David (Augusta)523   Gwinn, Patrick (Augusta)210  id. for Gwinn Daniel, an infant210  Gwinn, John (Augusta. Patr. Gwinn, secur.)210  Galaspy Robert (Augusta)2126    Gay, Samuel (Louisa)4164   Guthrie James (K. and Queen)210  Guthrie John (K. and Queen)5  Gottee, Sarah (Henrico. Jas. Lyle secur.)210  Gatewood William (Essex)4  Hayes, Hugh (Augusta)210  Harrison, Benjamin (Goochland)210  Hickman, Edwin. (Albemarle)2126   Henry, Patrick (Louisa)85  Hamilton, Thomas (Augusta)210  Hayes, William. (Bedford. J. Mills sec.)726   Hogg Peter (Augusta)215  Johnston, Andrew (Augusta)2126   Jackson, John (Augusta)139   Johnson, Philip (Charles city)3  Jackson, John (Goochland)226   Kidd, John (K. and Queen)5  Key, Henry (Amherst)2126   Lilly, Thomas (York)210  Meriwether, Francis (Amherst)210  Meriwether, Nichs. (Albemarle)15  Moore, John (Albemarle)210  McCartey, James (to be pd. by D. Kidd, Stanton)14  McAndlis, Wm. (Augusta)243   Mills, John (Augusta)75  McKain, James (Augusta. J. Mills secur.)55  Mclanahan, John (Augusta)15  Mclanahan, Alexr. (Augusta)15  McMullin, Wm. (Augusta)210  Mead, William. (Bedford)213  Meade, Richd. Tedder (Nansemund)1  McGill, James (Augusta)210   Matthews, James (Amherst)2126   \u2022 Patteson, Charles (Buckingham)243   Price, Leonard (Goochland)210  Rutherford, William. (Augusta)210  Read, Matthew. (Augusta)210  + Ragan, Jeremiah (Augusta)1106   Randolph, Thos. Mann (Goochland)15  Smith, Francis (Augusta)210  Stockdon, Thomas (Augusta)1176   Shelton John (Augusta) see Henry, Patrick.  Smith Abraham (Augusta)210  \u2022 Sunderland, Daniel (Frederick)1  Sloane John (Augusta)243   Strachan Peter (Henrico)5  Talford James (Augusta)210  id. for Talford Jeremiah210  id. for Talford, Andrew210  \u2022 Thorpe, Francis (Bedford)210  Taliaferro, Zachariah (Amherst)2183   \u2013 Thompson, John (Augusta)55  \u2013 Tetter George (Augusta)1126   Turpin, Thomas (Cumberland)210  Thompson John (Wmsburgh.)15  Tazewell, John (Wmsburgh.)5  \u2022 Witt, John (Albemarle)115   + Walker, Thomas (Albemarle)10  Winston, William (Albemarle)55 \n              Wm. Aylet (Alb.) v. Thos. Craig (Alb.). If such a suit is brought appear for def.\n              Hickman v. Harper. Delvd. sci. fa. to Chas. Martin.\n              If a suit of Patrick Wilson (Albemarle) servt. of John Spencer (Alb.) is brot. agt. Spencer, I am to appear for def.\n              If a suit of George Freeman (\u2003\u2003) agt. Thos. Jopling (Amherst) Willm. Cox (Alb.) or Holman Freeman (Mecklenburgh) is brought I appear for def. whichever it is. A suit for negroes. Employ Wythe aux: immediately but conditionally if suit brought.\n              Lewis Stephens (Frederick) ads.\u2003\u2003Cabage (\u2003\u2003). Writ returned to April 1768. Emploied by G. W. to join him in defence.\n              John Lewis (Goochland) ads. John Mayo (Cumberland). To appear for def. Writ served a month ago.\n              Tetter Henderson v. Paris. Enquire if a caveat petn. has been entered for the same land as in Tetter v. Paris in the name of John Henderson v. Paris and appear for Paris.\n              James McDowell (Augusta) v. Wm. Gilmer admr. of\u2003\u2003Colburt decd. (Augusta). Enter 4. caveats for 100 acres on the waters of Carr\u2019s creek Augusta.\n              Waterson v. Young. Young tells me he was never summoned. He delivered to me the receipt of the works, fees &c. He says that before the caveat was entered Patterson transferred to him, and that the caveat was at first entered agt. Patterson only. Recd. of Young 20/.\n              Buchanan v. Harger. Delivd. summs. to Buchanan.\n              James McCartey (Wmsburg.) v. John Buchanan (Augusta). This is a caveat for the land which is the subject of the dispute between Buchanan & Harger.\n              Winston v. Grear. Delivd. petn. to Winston, but he tells me to drop it.\n              Tetter Henderson v. Paris. Paris agreed to sell the land to John Henderson (Albemarle) and they gave mutual bonds, but afterwards destroyed the bonds and were about a new bargain, which however they never concluded. On this Henderson has entered a caveat but petn. I am to defend Paris. I am to enquire whether Henderson\u2019s or Tetter\u2019s caveat is prior. If Tetter\u2019s, then his right is clear. If Henderson\u2019s, then I must rely on the above matter for defence.\n              Tetter\u2005}\u2005v. Paris. I have mistaken. This is a petn. TetterHenderson\n              can prove that the years in which quit rents have not been paid, there were effects enough on the land for the sheriff to distrain: so send him a summs. for witnesses. Recd. of Israel Christian for Tetter 21/6.\n              Grattan v. Waterson. Enquire how much is attad. and write to Grattan.\n              Robert Mclanahan (Augusta) v. John Grame (\u2003\u2003). A petn. for 400 acres on the mouth of the cow pasture river Augusta. This petn. was brought some time ago by the Atty. G. but he recollecting he was atty. for the def. qu. whether he has not dismissed it? If he has not, continue it for pl. If he has begin anew.\n              Long v. Young (Augusta). Canc. I advised the pl. to commence his suit in Augusta court, and remove it to Wmsburg. by appeal.\n              Alexr. White (Frederick) v. Mary Wood and James Wood (Frederick). To enter a caveat for 400 acres including the Ducking ponds on the North river of Shenandoe joining a tract of land called the Great plains Augusta. No defence to be made.\n              Id. v. Eund. A caveat for 220 acres on the N. side of the N. river of Shenandoe joining the great plains Augusta. Mr. White wrote to J. B. some time ago to enter this caveat. If not done enter it immediately. Mr. Blair auxil. in both. Recd. 51/6.\n              Direct White\u2019s letters to the care of Mr. Wm. Alison Falmouth.\n              Jonathan Douglass (Augusta) v. Robert Poage (Augusta). Enter a petn. for 240 acres on the waters of Flat run near Linwell\u2019s creek Augusta, for want of improvements only. The patent about 7 years old.\n              Archer ads. Crawford. Employ G. W. auxil.\n              Ragan v. Cane. Recd. of Ragan 30/.\n              John Buchanan (Augusta). To appear generally for him in Caveats.\n              Wm. Henderson (Augusta) v. James Anderson (on the middle river Augusta). To bring Slander for saying of pl. \u2018He was had up in Augusta court for stealing hogs and was cast and he could prove it,\u2019 another time \u2018he was catched in this court\u2019 &c. If I should think it not actionable, issue no writ and charge only 20/.\n              Rutherford ads. Buchanan. John Maddison tells me he was driven off by the Indians in 1754 or 1755 and the patent is dated June 20. 1753. Peace was concluded with the cherokees in Feb. 1762. The K.\u2019s proclamn. then came\u2003\u2003and before this time people were afraid to return. Besides this Colo. Paton of whom Rutherford bought, gave him his bond to make him a title, or to get the patent in Rutherford\u2019s name. Paton took out the patent in Rutherford\u2019s name, and never gave him notice so that he did not know quitrents were due. Qu. also as the proclamn. is still in force whether the judges will take cognisance of it. Inclosed to Rutherford a spa. for witnesses, and wrote to him the points he must support by evidence. (Qu. if they do not lie on Criple creek, a branch of Wood\u2019s river?)\n              Inclosed summses. in Robinson v. Porter et al. and Beckham v. Philips et al. to sher. of Orange. Summs. in Jackson v. Jackson to sher. of Bedford. Wrote to Wm. Herbert in Herbert and Byrd; and to Rob. Cuningham in Cungingham v. Duke.\n              Thomas Bowyer (Augusta) ads. Benjamin Temple (K. William). To appear for Bowyer. Wm. Christian owed Temple \u00a319. by bond, gaming money. Temple owed Chew: Chew owed Bowyer about \u00a318 by bond. Temple delivered (perhaps assigned) Christian\u2019s bond to Chew. Chew assigned it to Bowyer, and Bowyer thereon gave up Chew\u2019s bond, received the money on Christian\u2019s bond, and Chew gave him a receipt for the money. Temple sues Bowyer for this money as received for him. It is in Case. Dam. 40\u00a3.\n              Edward Lee (Albemarle) and John Moore (\u2003\u2003) v. Stephen Willis (Hanover). To bring a suit for bricklayer\u2019s work done for the def. See the account, amounting to \u00a312\u201311\u201311.\n              Draw a mge. William Burrass to Chas. Hudson. 195 acres on the branches of Taylor\u2019s creek Albemarle the same he purchased of David Nowling. Hudson became bound as security to Nowling for 60\u201430 \u2114 paiable June 1. 1769. 15 \u2114 in June 1. 1770. and 15 \u2114 1. June 1771. Condn. to save harmless.\n              Wrote to G. W. to appear for Dalton v. Lyons. Archer ads. Crawford. Cox et al. ads. Freeman.\n              Gave Dalton my advice in writing in Dalton v. Lyon.\n              Wrote by J. Thompson to J. Blair to enter the two Caveats White v. Wood, and inclosd. him 30/ recd. of White for him. Also wrote to J. May to enter petn. Douglass v. Poage, but not to send out summs. yet, also to issue writ in Lee v. Willis.\n              Recd. a letter from A. Donald retaining me on behalf of the sufferers by the riot in Norfolk of Aug. 27.\n              Recd. letter from John Lynch (Bedford) for my opinion in Lynch v. Key & Lynch v. Dooley and Wood.\n              Colo. Moore employs me for Chas. Harrison (Surry) ads. Benjamin Harrison (Chas. City). Augustine Claiborne to send me state of the case and my fee.\n              Gave Committed my opinion to writing in a letter to John Lynch.\n              Blake v. Jones. This cause has gone agt. Blake and he appeals. I appear for Jones. Recd. by William Tandy 20/. I must endeavor to recover a negro sold to pay a debt of 12\u00a3. The personal estate appraised to upwards of 40\u00a3. The negro (the worth 100\u00a3) sold for 22\u00a3. Blake himself becoming purchaser.\n              William Anderson (Louisa) v. Richard Dickins (\u2003\u2003). Enter petn. for 368 acres Louisa. Granted to Thomas Dickins by patent dated\u2003\u2003.\n              Michael Bowyer (Augusta) v. Charles Walker (Augusta). A petn. for 220 acres on Jackson\u2019s river Augusta. Appear for pl. Summs. retd. to October 1768.\n              John Galloway (Bedford) v. Zachariah Burnley and Thos. Bell (Orange). Move for pl. on replevy bond to have judgmt. and issue exn. immediately. Notice was given him that a motion would be made on 1st. Saturday in October court. Jas. Pleasants to send me affidavit of this. He emploied me. Recd. the bond.\n              Jas. Pleasants (Cumberland) v. John May (\u2003\u2003). Enter Caveat for 400 acres on the ridges and head branches of Elk creek and 260 acres on the ridges between Diuguid\u2019s mill creek and Elk creek Buckingham. Send the Summs. to Buckingham.\n              Jas. Pleasants (Cumberland) v. Joshua May (\u2003\u2003). Enter Caveat for 170 acres on the ridges and head branches of Diuguid\u2019s mill creek and Elk creek, Buckingham. Send summs. to Buckingham. Let there be inclusive patent for this and the other two.\n              Jas. Pleasants et ux. (Cumb.) v. John Pleasants (Henrico). My opinion on this case. John Pleasants decd. was seised of lands of his own. He was also possd. of lands and slaves under the delivery of the def. He gave his wife 300\u00a3 and three negroes by will, and does not say in lieu of dower. She accepted the legacy and demands dower. Qu. 1. whether the widow is dowable of his proper lands? 2. whether she is dowable of the lands and slaves he had under the delivery of his father? 3. whether by accepting the legacy and not renouncing within 3. months, she is not now barred?\n              Mayo v. Lewis. This a second suit, and is a branch of the same dispute as that entered Aug. 14. Appear for def.\n              Harrison v. John Bernard (Cumberland). Shew the agreement to G. W. and consult whether suit may be brought. Bernard is gone off and not \u2153 of the work done. Left exposed to the weather. N. B. the pl. will be coroner sheriff, so send to Coroner.\n              Entered petn. in Anderson v. Dickins in S. O. also caveats and took out Summs.\u2019s in Pleasants v. John May and Pleasants v. Joshua May in S. O. and C. O. Pd. Walthoe 11/6.\n              Dalton v. Lyon. Sent G. W. 20/ for his opinion.\n              John Holt (Wmsburgh.) v. James Patterson (Wmsburgh.). Patterson had verdict and judgmt. agt. this pl. in the Hustings and no decln. was filed. He applies to me to set it aside by Writ of error, or Supersedeas in the General court.\n              Hite (\u2003\u2003) v. Ld. Fairfax. Join G. W. in defence. It will come on the 3d. day of next court.\n              Archibald Gordon (Pittsylvania) v. Coatney Broyls al. dict. John Coltney Broyls (not known where). A caveat for 242. acres on the head branch of Snow creek Pittsylvania.\n              John Crawford (Southampto.) v. John Byrd junr. (Southampton). A caveat for 198 acres upon Buckhorn Southampton.\n              Id. v. eund. For 46 acres on the North side Meherrin river Southampton. He has entered and pd. fees.\n              Francis McBride (Augusta) v. John Oneal (Augusta). Enter Caveat for 27 acres on a branch of Muddy creek near Wood\u2019s land, Augusta. Mem. this is patd.\n              Id. v. eund. For 100 acres on the head of Warr or Clay lick branch, Augusta.\n              Id. v. eund. For 200 acres on the N. side of the Dry river joining the lands of Wood and Hill, Augusta. See Nov. 16.\n              Id. v. John Hughes (Augusta). For 150 acres on the waters of Shenandoe river near the land of Adam Ride, Augusta.\n              Id. v. eund. For 255 acres on a branch of Linwell\u2019s mill creek adjoining to the lands of Thomas & Joseph Bryan, Augusta.\n              Id. v. William Shaw (Augusta). For 190 acres on a branch of Linwell\u2019s creek called M\u2019Cay\u2019s Draft, Augusta.\n              Wm. Herbert v. Joseph Farrell and Wm. Jones merchts. and partners of the city of Bristol in the Kingdom of G. Britain and John Wayles and Archibald Cary. Issued spa. in Chy.\n              David Herbert senr. & D. Herbert junr. v. eosd. Issued spa. in Chy.\n              Wm. Herbert v. the Honble. W. Byrd esqr. surviving partner of the honble. F. Fauquier, John Robinson, and John Chiswell esq. Issued summs. in case. Dam. 300.\u00a3.\n              Doctr.\u2003\u2003Campbell emplois me in his suits on the Norfolk riot.\n              Wrote to W. Dalton what was to be done in his appeal.\n              Parker (Norfolk) v. Max. Calvert, Jo. Calvert Newton junr. and John Lavelling (Norfolk). Action of same kind for same cause as Doctr. Campbell\u2019s. Emploied by pl.\n              Thomas Phelps (Buckingham) v. James Lyon (Chesterfeild). A petn. for 400 acres on Wolf creek Buckingham. The petn. has been entered but the summs. never served so send to the pl. Alias Summs. Recd. 20/.\n              Anne Scott (Amelia) v. Joseph Egleston et ux. (Amelia). Removed from Amelia to this Gen. court by Certiorari. Recd. 50/.\n              Tetter v. Paris.\u2005}\u2005I find that Tetter\u2019s petn. is entered April 12. 1768. for 275 acres and Henderson\u2019s is entered April 14. for 271 acres.Henderson v. Paris.\n              Thomas Wood (Pr. Edward) v. Philemon Halcomb (Pr. Edwd.) and Leander Hughes (Pr. Edwd.). Trespass. To appear for pl. Writ retnble. to this court.\n              Grattan v. Waterson.\n              Waterson v. Young. This seems to be the case. Waterson entered Caveat April 20. 1767. agt. Rob. Patterson Junr. for 150 acres, above the head of Falling springs Augusta. He entered another June 10. 1767. agt. R. Patterson junr. and Robert Young for 135 acres on the head of Falling Spring Augusta.\n              William Hughes (Louisa) v. Matthew Johnson (Louisa). Petn. for 400 acres on Hickory creek Louisa patd. about 30 years ago for want of Quitrents. Entered the petn.\n              Thomas Ballow (Amherst) v. Benjamin Wright (Amh.). Appeal. Appear for Ballow.\n              Pd. Walthoe 11/6 caveat fees in White v. Wood.\n              v. Massey. T. Ballard Smith sais the def. expects this suit is dismd. and thinks the pl. intends to surprise him, so I will appear for Massey.\n              Isaac Bates (Buckingham) v. John Cannon (Buckingham). Employed by Mr. J. Nicholas for pl. See his memdm.\n              William Calvard (Louisa) v. Charles Thompson (Louisa). Enter petn. for 300 acres on the small branches of the Byrd and Rockey creeks Louisa being that part of a tract of 513 acres granted to the sd. Chas. Thompson by patent bearing date Sep. 10. 1755. 513 acres whereof being that part of the sd. tract which was not included in a petn. entered by the sd. William agt. the sd. Chas. and on which he obtained a certificate in 1763.\n              Francis Thorntn. (Spotsylvania) v. James Hunter (Spots.). Assist G. W. for pl. Removed here by Certiorari.\n              Richd. Reply (Buckingham) v. David Patterson (Buckingham). Case dam. 1000\u00a3. To appear for pl. He has pd. for writ.\n              Took out writ in Harrison v. Barnard. Case dam. 500\u00a3. Henderson v. Anderson. Case dam. 200\u00a3. Also Summs. in Douglass v. Poag & Anderson v. Dickins.\n              Trustees of Charles Palmer (K. Wm.) v. Roger Gregory (K. Wm.). This is to be an action of tresspass for removing a stone off lands which the pls. claim. The bounds will be the first question. The second will be on this \u2018a devise to the wife for life, after her death to the trustees to sell and divide among the children,\u2019 2 sons 2 daurs. The husbands of the daurs., and one of the sons agree in the life of the mother to give up this disputed part of about 6 acres, and whether that agreement shall bind them, they having then no title? Note the mother gave up in her life and the trustees sold to Neale who married one of the daurs. If this action is brought I am employed by Thos. Rose for pls.\n              Cuningham v. Duke. Qu. if this is not for one of the tracts caveated. G. W. tells me to appear for pl.\n              John Poage (Augusta) ads.\u2003\u2003Mclure (Augusta). Two caveats. Desired by Samps. Matthews to appear for def. Poage and recd. the patents of the land.\n              John Pasteur (Wmsburgh.) ads. George Mutter & co. Debt for 120\u00a3. Appear for pl. Recd. 3\u00a3.\n              Inclosed writ in Harrison v. Barnard to Carter Harrison. Summs. in Pleasants v. Carner to James Pleasants and sp. bail peices in Mayo v. Lewis to Jno. Lewis.\n              John Handcock (Albemarle) v. Philip Walker (\u2003\u2003) and David Staples heir of John Staples (Albemarle). To enter a caveat. J. Staples as surveior sold to the pl. Recd. 20/.\n              Thos. Carr (Albemarle) v. Joseph Smith (\u2003\u2003). To enter caveat for ninety odd acres or thereabouts on the S. W. side of the N. fork of James river the Rivanna. The def. is heir to Larkin Smith. Works never returned.\n              Inclosed Summs. in Phelps v. Lyle to sher. of Chesterfeild. Also writ in Repley v. Patterson to sheriff of Buckingham.\n              Charles Lambard (Albemarle) v.\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003. This is an old petn. of Lambard\u2019s. I am to hasten it and charge no fee.\n              Giles & Webster v. Wilkinson. Gave opinion in writing & recd. 20/.\n              Joseph Luney (Augusta) v. Charles Meets (S. Carolina) & Adam Luney (N. Carolina). Enter caveat for 127 acres on Stoney run a branch of Craig\u2019s creek Augusta. This land was taken up and surveied by Thomas Lee who died without heir having first sold to Meets, who sold to Adam Luney, and he to the present pl. but there were never any writings of conveiance except a bill of Sale from Adam Luney to the present pl. The pl. can prove this land was surveied, tho\u2019 nothing of it appears in Surveior\u2019s books. There will be no opposition. Recd. 8/3.\n              Mclanahan v. Cuningham. Delivd. Summs. to J. Mclanahan.\n              Henderson v. Anderson. Recd. 2/10\u00bd to pay for writ and am to dismiss. Shall charge no fee.\n              Delivd. Summs. in Smith v. Patteson & Tetter v. Paris to Mich. Bowyer.\n              McMullin v. McDonald & Douglass v. Poag. Delivd. Summs. to J. Bowyer.\n              Buchanan v. Rutherford. Inclosed to def. commn. and proper interrogatories to examine witnesses, by Capt. Christian.\n              Hanbury v. Claiborne et al. Wrote to Dandridge.\n              White v. Wood. Wrote to White and gave him my opinion in Rolfe\u2019s case.\n              Mclure v. Smith. Recd. of Smith 50/.\n              McCaul v. Donaghe. Recd. 42/6.\n              John Compton (Augusta) v. William Clarke and Anne ux. (Carolina). To enter petn. for 100 acres in Brock\u2019s gap Augusta patd. by William Wallin upwards of 20 years ago, by him conveied to John States by deed, who died leaving Anne his daur. and heir. Recd. of Daniel Smith for pl. 25/6.\n              Mcbride v. Oneal. For 200 acres. Daniel Smith tells me he thinks this land is patd. so to enquire and if so enter petn. for Mcbride by one Callation so to dismiss it: but\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\n              Francis Macbride v. John Oneal. For 200 acres more or less on War branch joining the land of Calation and Colwell Augusta. Quare if patd. Search record and proceed accordingly.\n              Feilder v. Reade. Recd. of Reade 50/.\n              James Cowden (Augusta) v. Blakeley Brush and Crane Brush (Augusta). Enter Caveat for 380 acres a mile from Carr\u2019s creek adjoining the lands of Robert Erwin Augusta. The works never retd. Recd. of Cowden 8/3.\n              Joseph How (Augusta) v. Samuel Pritchard (Hampshire). Should a suit be brought I am for pl.\n              James Greenlee (Augusta) v. Jacob Gray (Augusta). This is a petn. for 250 acres on the head of mill creek one of the waters of James river, being part of a tract of 92100 acres patd. by Benjamin Borden senr. Nov. 6. 1739. The pl. entered the petn. and paid 2/6 but took out no Summs. Take out Summs. and inclose it to Mich. Bowyer.\n              Israel Christian (Augusta) ads. Henry Cuyler (\u2003\u2003). This is an action on the case. The writ returned to last October court. Appear for def.\n              Francis Smith (Augusta) v. Richd. Woods (Augusta). An action of TAB. dam. \u00a3200. The writ was returnable last October, but got too late to the sheriff, so take out Al. Cap. for pl.\n              Id. v. James McDowell (Augusta). Issue writ in TAB. Dam. 200\u00a3 but keep it in my own hands till further orders from pl.\n              Wrote to John May for articles mentioned in my common memdms., see Nov. 18. and inclosed 33/ for Wathoe in Handcock v. Walker, Carr v. Smith, Luney v. Meets, & Cowden v. Brush. Wrote to G. W. as by memm. of same date.\n              George Douglass (Amherst) v. Edward Mousley (Amherst). Enter Caveat for 185 acres on the N. fork of Hickory creek adjoining the lands of the sd. George Douglass and Edward Mousley, Amherst. Surveied in April 18. 1768. Works not yet returned. Pl. is to pay fees hereafter. Wrote to J. May by Patr. Henry and inclosed 5/9 to enter it.\n              Witt v. Barnett. Recd. of Abner Witt 11/3.\n              Abner Witt (Albemarle) v. John Biby (Albemarle). Enter caveat for 323 acres on Horsley\u2019s creek Albemarle. Works not retd. Recd. 8/6.\n              J. Lynch\u2019s case. Recd. for opinion 20/.\n              James Devire and Betty ux. (Augusta) v. Reuben Daniel (Orange). To bring Slander for these words \u2018if the sd. Betty has a child it positively is not the child of the sd. James but a bastard, and tho\u2019 it is hard of me to say so of my child I really think it is so.\u2019 Note I recd. instructions a month ago but forgot to enter the memm.\n              Scott v. Egglestone. Inclosed to J. Scott by Mr. Carr a copy of order of court.\n              Pleasants v. May. 2. Caveats. Inclosed to sheriff of Buckingham by J. Harvie. Also Jackson v. Jackson. Inclosed by the same to sheriff of Bedford.\n              Michael Bowyer (Augusta) v. Alexander Buchanan (South Carolina). Enter petn. for 400 acres on both sides of Smith\u2019s creek patd. by Valentine Sevear Jan. 12. 1746.\n              Wrote by Adam Wallace of Augusta to John May as per common Memms. of Dec. 12.\n              Witt v. Biby. Inclosed to J. May 5/9 for Summs.\n              J. May writes me he cannot find patent in Mcbride v. Oneal. See Nov. 16.\n              J. May incloses me \u00a33\u201315 recovered in Grattan v. Waterson. He received \u00a34\u20137\u20136 but as he writes Wood stopped 15/ for 6 taxes omitted in my bill of October, but note he has stopped but 12/6, so Qu. as to the other 2/6 whether he may not have restored it on discovering he has charged me 3 taxes in Pleasants v. May when there are but two such caveats. I am to pay this 12/6 to Grattan.\n              Recd. from J. May as follows\n              \u2003Mclure v. McGill.\u2005}\u2005Copy decln.Stuart v. Heron.Mclure v. Smith.\n              Greenlee v. Gray. Summs.\n              Smith v. McDowell. Caps.\n              Smith v. Woods. Caps.\n              Compton v. Clarke. Summs.\n              Cowden v. Brush. Summs.\n              Luney v. Meets. Summs.\n              Carr v. Smith. Summs.\n              Handcock v. Walker. Summs.\n              Calvard v. Thompson. Summs.\n              Hughes v. Johnson. Summs.\n              Galloway v. Burnley. Ca. Sa.\n              Pleasants v. May. 2 Summs. but note of these two I will make no use, having found the others which had \n              Inclosed Summs. in Hughes v. Johnson to Hughes. Also Ca. Sa. in Galloway v. Burnley to Sher. of Orange under cover to Bell.\n              Inclosed Summs. in Calvard v. Thompson to pl.\n              Recd. Summs. in Bowyer v. Buchanan & inclosed it to Bowyer. Recd. also writ in Devire et ux. v. Daniel.\n              Delivd. summs. in Carr v. Smith to J. Marks.\n              Gave a servt. at Charlottesville 7\u00bdd.\n              Colo. C. Lewis, Wm. Tandy, John Swann, Thomas Richards, Thomas West subscribe for Rind\u2019s paper, also Wm. Lewis.\n              Purchased a mare of John Marks for \u00a311 paiable April 1.\n              Pd. a negro of Chr. Clarke\u2019s for Alberti 2/6.\n              Settled with T. Morgan, and am \u00a33\u20139/ in his debt, 10/ of which I am to pay for him to J. Morris and 19/ I give him an order for on R. Harvie. Note 40/ of this was given him for extraordinary services. His wages the following year to be the same, viz. 8\u00a3.\n              Charles Lambard, spoke to Rind to send him his papers, has not done so.\n              Undertook to pay for Alberti Val. Wood on a judgment \u00a33\u201313\u20136.\n              Borrowed of D. Carr \u00a35.\n              Assumed to pay to Robin Sharpe for J. Fretwell \u00a36\u20135 before June 1st.\n              Recd. of Charles Hudson for fiddlestrings 7/6.\n              Pd. W. Beck for oysters 4/.\n              Pd. Jack Harvie for money advanced for me at S. O. 27/6 for lawfund.\n              Borrowed of W. Hickman 5/.\n              Borrowed of Mrs. Carr 28/.\n              Pd. Wm. Moreman  Andrew Moorman on acct. of R. Harper 30/.\n              Pd. at Carr\u2019s race for bumbo 5/.\n              Recd. of Wm. Robertson for lawfund 25/.\n              (Recd. of Chas. Lambard 4/ to pay for advertisement.)\n              Pd. Jack Walker for J. Hale being due to him on an order from Joanna Collins 35/.\n              Credit W. Allegre on the assumps. of Anderson the Smith 20/.\n              Paid Joel Terril for T. West 30/.\n              Pd. Joel Terril for T. West 2/.\n              Pd. at Wm. Woods for oats 1/.\n              Pd. at Williams\u2019s for entertt. 5/3.\n              Pd. at Matthews\u2019s for bumbo.\n              Recd. of McAndles, Sloane and Talford for L. fund 34/6.\n              Recd. of Hugh Donaghe \u00a33\u201314\u20133 to pay 5 rights, 2 Secret.\u2019s fees, one governor\u2019s fee, and 5/ for law fund 7/6.\n              Recd. of J. Jackson for law fund 34/6. Recd. of Bowan for do. 20/.\n              Recd. of T. Lewis for L. f. 25/ of Colo. Preston 2/6 of D. Smith 1/6.\n              Recd. of G. Tetter for L. fund 20/ of J. Allen for do. 26/.\n              Pd. T. Bowyer for entertt. 28/6.\n              Gave Jupiter to pay a sadler in Stanton 1/3.\n              Pd. Hyde for lodging 20/.\n              Gave a servt. at T. Bowyers 2/6.\n              Gave J. Marks to pay my club of bumbo at Matthews\u2019s 1/.\n              Pd. at McClanahans 5/.\n              Pd. at Williams\u2019s for entertt. 4/8.\n              Pd. W. Beck for going to Amherst 10/.\n              Pd. at Joel Terril\u2019s for wine 2/6.\n              Recd. of George Clasby by Hugh Rose \u00a345.\n              Pd. Bennett Henderson for Val. Wood \u00a33\u201313\u20139.\n              Pd. T. Morgan which balances till Dec. 25. 1767. 10/.\n              Pd. Rob. Cobbs for making a level 2/6.\n              Spent at Orange C. House 5/7\u00bd.\n              Pd. J. Walker in exchanging spurs 5/.\n              Pd. W. Hickman for Steward Carrel \u00a32\u201311\u20137.\n              Pd. W. Carrol for sawing 247 feet Cherry 6/3.\n              Pd. Squire for canoe and two hhds. 15/.\n              Recd. of S. Henderson for L. fund 52/6.\n              Pd. Humphrey Gains for his father \u00a33\u201315.\n              Pd. a Smith in Goochland for mending chair 1/.\n              Pd. a Smith at Goochland C. H. for do. 1/.\n              Pd. for entertmt. at Vaughan\u2019s 23/.\n              Pd. at Davies\u2019s for entertt. 2/6.\n              Pd. at do. for ferriage 3/.\n              Gave at do. to ferrymen 1/3.\n              Pd. W. Smith Wmsburgh. \u00a35.\n              Gave Mrs. Chiswell\u2019s Nat 1/3.\n              Pd. Haldenby Dixon \u00a320.\n              Pd. at Coffee house 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. at Coffee house 7\u00bdd.\n              (Pd. Rind for Charles Lambard\u2019s advertt. 4/).\n              Pd. Colo. Henry half subscription money for map 15/.\n              Pd. a barber at York 3\u00bed.\n              Pd. Mitchell at York ferriage & entertt. 19/6.\n              Gave servts. at Colo. Lewis\u2019s 2/6.\n              Gave servt. at F. Willis\u2019s 1/3.\n              Gave Colo. Lewis\u2019s George 2/6.\n              Paid ferriage and gave ferrymen at York 5/.\n              Pd. for seeing an elk 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. for play tickets 30/.\n              Recd. of W. Gatewood for L. fund 20/.\n              Pd. at coffee house 3\u00bed.\n              Recd. of W. Waterson for L. fund 26/.\n              Pd. L. Savage for D. Carr\u2019s Atty.\u2019s Commn. 20/.\n              Pd. Walthoe for L. fund 5/9.\n              Gave a servt. of Dr. Carter\u2019s 1/6.\n              Gave Watermen from Rosewell 5/.\n              Pd. Walthoe for L. fund 5/9.\n              Gave servt. of J. Baker\u2019s 2/6.\n              Pd. at coffee house 1/.\n              Pd. Warren of N. Kent C. H. in full 14/.\n              Pd. at coffee house 1/.\n              Gave a servt. at Green spring 2/6.\n              Pd. at Coffee house 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. at Mrs. Vobe\u2019s for punch 2/.\n              Pd. for play tickets 22/6.\n              Pd. a man for 2 barrels of corn 19/.\n              Gave J. Walker\u2019s Titus 1/3.\n              Gave servt. of L. Burwells Gloster. 2/6.\n              Borrowed of Jack Walker 5/.\n              Gave James Hubard my bond for \u00a38\u20131\u20139.\n              Borrowed of Isaac Coles 5/.\n              Gave The. Munford \u00a310\u20135 = 8\u00a3\u20134/ sterl. to lay out in best Crown glass and 150 yds. Window line.\n              Gave Jerman Baker my bond for \u00a315\u201311\u20133.\n              (Recd. of Treasurer for J. Bolling \u00a341\u201316.)\n              Pd. treasurer for last year\u2019s dues \u00a322\u20136\u20138.\n              Gave Jupiter to pay\u2005Bramer for candles 4/Moyer for bread 7\u00bdd.Burdet for candles 2/6.\n              Gave servt. at Southall\u2019s 2/6.\n              Pd. Christ. Ayscough 5/.\n              Pd. Charles Taliaferro \u00a35\u201312\u20136.\n              Pd. J. Dixon exr. of Royle \u00a325.\n              Pd. at printg. office for blk. book for D. Carr 6/.\n              Gave Walter Lenox note of hand for \u00a35\u201314.\n              Gave Mrs. Chiswells Tom 2/6.\n              Pd. ferriage at Claiborne\u2019s 3/.\n              (Pd. J. Walker for money he had pd. to Rose on order of J. Marks for me \u00a320.\n              Recd. of J. Walker for Johnson v. Robinson 40/.\n              Pd. Quarles at Page\u2019s for entertt. 5/7\u00bd.\n              Pd. at Hanover C. H. for entertt. 5/7\u00bd.\n              Pd. J. Swann for Colo. Carter \u00a38.\n              Pd. Joel Terril in full 15/4\u00bd.\n              Pd. R. Sharpe on Order of Fretwell \u00a36\u20135.\n              Lent W. Kenney (delivd. to Ben. Bryan) 6/3.\n              Gave D. Carr my bond for 140\u00a3 being my present debt to him.\n              Agreed with Mr. Moore that he shall level 250 f. square on the top of the mountain at the N. E. end by Christmas, for which I am to give 180 bushels of wheat, and 24 bushels of corn, 12 of which are not to be paid till corn comes in. If there should be any solid rock to dig we will leave to indifferent men to settle that part between us.\n              Left with Joel Terril for John Moore \u00a33\u20135.\n              Pd. Mrs. Wallace for entertmt. 5/.\n              (Pd. Colo. A. Lewis \u00a34. from treasury.)\n              Pd. at S. Matthews\u2019s for punch 1/6.\n              Pd. for do. at do. 1/5\u00bc\u2003x recd. of Ragan for L. F. 22/.\n              Pd. at Mclanahan\u2019s for entertt. 6/6\u2003x rd. of H. Key for L. F. 20/\u2003of D. Smith for do. 53/.\n              Pd. Hyde at Staunton for lodgg. 20/.\n              Pd. Bowyer for entertt. 33/.\n              Pd. a negro for finding my horses 5/.\n              Pd. Mrs. Wallace for entertt. 2/6.\n              Pd. a mistake in my acct. with John Moore 12/6.\n              Pd. do. my expences last court 8/2.\n              Recd. of R. Adams for Deacon Craig 20/.\n              Pd. at Rutherford\u2019s for corn 6d\u2003x recd. from J. Jackson for L. F. 10/.\n              Pd. at Vaughan\u2019s for entertt. 10/.\n              Pd. Warren at N. Kent C. H. for entertt. 5/3.\n              Gave servt. there 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. Doctr. Pasteur for violin \u00a35.\n              Pd. at coffee house 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. at printing office for \u00bd quire of paper 5/.\n              Pd. Fr. Bryan admr. of J. Pullet \u00a33\u20131\u20138.\n              Pd. for play tickets 15/.\n              Pd. Cary Wilkerson for books 26/.\n              Pd. at play house for punch 3/9.\n              Pd. T. Skinner for shoes for Fr. Willis 4/.\n              Pd. do. for pine apples and oranges 12/6.\n              Pd. Jackson for velvet cap & \u00bd barrel corn 19/4\u00bd.\n              Gave Mrs. Robinson\u2019s coachman 1/3.\n              Pd. Jackson to rectify mistake 2/.\n              Borrowed of Jupiter 3\u00bed.\n              Pd. for play tickets 20/.\n              Pd. at York ferriage 3/9.\n              Gave Bob at Rosewell 2/6.\n              Pd. ferriage at York 3/.\n              Pd. at Mitchell\u2019s for ferriage, entertt. &c. 9/7\u00bd.\n              Gave Mrs. Chiswell\u2019s Tom 5/.\n              Gave Colo. Lewis\u2019s George 2/6.\n              Pd. ferriage at Gloster. 3/9.\n              Recd. of J. Thompson for L. F. 30/.\n              Pd. T. Foxcroft 46/ to purchase white clover seed in Philadelphia.\n              Recd. of W. Munford for L. fund 50/.\n              Repd. him for cash pd. Bailis for pomatum 1/3.\n              Pd. James Anderson for smith\u2019s work 24/6.\n              Gave Mrs. Robinson\u2019s coachman 1/3.\n              Pd. E. Barclay for a pr. shoes 15/.\n              Recd. of Tazewell on acct. of John Scott \u00a315\u20139.\n              Pd. at Printing office for books for D. Carr 20/.\n              Pd. at do. for quire of paper 2/6.\n              Pd. at Coffee house 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. at Concert for tickets 20/.\n              Gave Mrs. Chiswell\u2019s Nat. 2/6.\n              Pd. J. Carter for red tape 2/6.\n              Pd. W. Rind for one years gazette 12/6.\n              Pd. do. for 2 quires Sp. bail 6/.\n              Pd. Mrs. Smith for washing &c. 46/ being 3/ too much.\n              Pd. ferryage and ferrymen at York 5/.\n              Inclosed to J. May for Summs. in Brown v. Brown 6/.\n              Pd. ferriage at West point 3/.\n              Pd. breakfast in K. William 1/3.\n              Purchased of Sandy 13\u00bd qts. Goosegrass seed for 27/.\n              Pd. at Key\u2019s in Amherst for entertt. 2/6.\n              Pd. at Amherst C. H. for entertt. 6/.\n              Gave J. Walker\u2019s Michael 2/6.\n              Pd. J. Morris for T. Morgan 10/.\n              Purchased of Myrtilla 2 qts. G. grass seed for 4/.\n              Bought of N. Meriwether\u2019s Anthony 5 qts. and \u00bd a pint do. for 10/6.\n              Bought of Phill 7 qts. 3 gills G. grass seed for 15/6.\n              Gave Gill to pay for his house 6/.\n              Pd. at Tinsley\u2019s for entertt. 3/6.\n              Bot. of N. Meriwether\u2019s Anthony 2. qts. white clover seed for 4/.\n              Pd. Colo. Lewis\u2019s Davy for chickens 1/6.\n              Bot. of Harry 5\u00bd qts. G. grass seed, and 1\u00bd pints clover seed 12/6.\n              Bot. of Phill 3 qts. G. grass seed 6/.\n              Pd. Mrs. Wills\u2019s Sam. for 10 chickens 3/6.\n                 Bot. of N. Meriwether\u2019s\u2003 Patrick 2 qts. clover seed 4/   2 do. G. grass seed 4/   Anthony\u2003 2 do. clover 4/   Thom. 3\u00bd pints G. grass 3/6.  \n              Recd. of W. Kenny formerly lent 5/9.\n              Assumed to pay H. Key in Amherst whatever I may owe Julius Webb, after paying R. Woods\u2019 debt as it stands at this day, by verbal order from Webb.\n              Pd. Roger Thompson for W. Carrol 7/6.\n              Gave Harry and Myrtilla order on R. Harvie for goods to 16/6.\n              Pd. Mrs. Wallace for entertt. 5/.\n              Recd. of R. Young for Law fund 20/.\n              Pd. at S. Matthews\u2019 for entertt. 4/.\n              Pd. W. Crow for claret 4/.\n              Pd. A. Matthews sadler 7/.\n              Pd. T. Bowyer for entertt. 32/10.\n              Gave T. Bowyer for R. Mclanahan 2/6.\n              Pd. at Black\u2019s for entertt. 1/3.\n              Pd. at Read\u2019s for whiskey 6/.\n              Pd. U. Allen for spinning for E. Jefferson 3/.\n              Bot. of N. Meriwether\u2019s Anthony 5 pints clover 5/.\n              Bot. of N. M.\u2019s\u2005Patrick 17 pints clover 17/Tom 9 pints 9/.Gave N. M.\u2019sPatr. order on J. Marks\u2005for\u200525/\u2003do.Tom do.for12/6\u2003do.Anthony do.for\u20023/6.\n              Pd. Steward Carrol in full 25/.\n              Gave J. Walker\u2019s Michael 2/6.\n              Mem. I have now of clover seed 23 qts.\u2013\u00bd pint + 11. qts.\u00bd pint = 34 qts.\u20131 pint.\n              Recd. of Wm. Tandy for V. Daniel 20/.\n              Gave N. Meriwether for his Anthony 20/.\n              Pd. at Parish\u2019s for entertt. 2/.\n              Bought of T.M.R. a pr. of Didsbury\u2019s shoes.. Note this makes three pr. for which I owe him.\n              Pd. at Vaughan\u2019s for entertt. 2/3.\n              Pd. at Davies\u2019 for entertt. & ferriage 8/.\n              Pd. for T. M. Randolph for books for his daur. 12/.\n              Pd. Mrs. Rathell for 2 pr. shoes 36/.\n              Gave J. Baker to purchase things in England 3 half Jo\u2019s and 1 pistole = \u00a37\u201319\u20136.\n              Pd. ferriage at York 3/9.\n              Gave F. Willis\u2019s Frank 2/6.\n              Gave watermen from Rosewell 2/6.\n              Pd. at Hornsby\u2019s for fiddlestrings 3/.\n              Gave Mrs. Robinson\u2019s watermen 2/6.\n              Gave Colo. Moore\u2019s Phill 1/3.\n              Pd. ferriage at Claiborne\u2019s 2/10\u00bd.\n              Pd. for entertt. at Duncastle\u2019s 6/.\n              Pd. postage of letters 9/.\n              Pd. at Coffee House 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. at Hornsby\u2019s for fiddlestrings 2/3.\n              Pd. at Ayscough\u2019s for entertt. 12/.\n              Pd. Ayscough for entertt. 6/9.\n              Recd. of A. McCaul \u00a3100 for E. Jefferson.\n              Pd. James Russell for R. Anderson \u00a36.\n              Pd. a Staymaker.\n              Pd. J. Blair for Jas. Hubbard.\n              Pd. Rolph Eldridge writ taxes \u00a33\u20137\u20136.\n              Pd. Jupiter for pomatum 2/6.\n              Pd. Do. for Frances Tyler 13/9.\n              Gave Haye\u2019s Gabriel 1/3.\n              Pd. Dixon exr. of Royle \u00a315.\n              Pd. J. Blair for James Hubard \u00a38\u20136\u20133.\n              Pd. ferriage at Barret\u2019s 3/.\n              Pd. at Davies\u2019s for entertt. 3/9.\n              Pd. at Vaughan\u2019s for entertt. 5/9.\n              Recd. of P. King for W. Venable 42/.\n              Pd. Sams. Matthews\u2019s waggoner for bringing books 2/6.\n              Gave servt. at Joel Terril\u2019s 7\u00bdd.\n              Pd. at Black\u2019s for entertt. 1/3.\n              Pd. W. Bowyer for quire of paper 2/.\n              Pd. at S. Matthews\u2019s for punch 1/3.\n              Pd. Samson Matthews for 64 \u2114 butter 40/.\n              Pd. at Sams. Mathews\u2019s for punch 1/.\n              Pd. at Black\u2019s for entertt. 2/.\n              Pd. at Mrs. Wallace\u2019s for do. 5/9.\n              Inclosed J. May for L. fund 23/.\n              Pd. Sandy in full for seed 20/.\n              Pd. Micajah Clarke for T. Morgan 10/.\n              Inclosed to J. May for L. fund 5/9.\n              Borrowed of Jupiter and pd. a son of Pucket as guide 1/3.\n              Pd. a son of Pucket\u2019s as guide 1/3.\n              Pd. Peter Davie my acct. at his store 42/6.\n              Lent Chas. Lambard at Capt. Moon\u2019s muster 5/.\n              Pd. Colo. Carter for bringing up rum 16/4\u00bd.\n              Became security for Benjamin Bryan for 3\u00a3 to Wm. Agan within 3 months.\n              Recd. of\u2003\u2003Wood money lent him 5/.\n              Pd. him what expended in treating for me 5/.\n              Recd. of Chas. Lambard cash lent 5/.\n              Inclosed J. May for L. fund 5/9.\n              J. May writes me he cannot find patent in Mcbride v. Oneal.\n              Borrowed of R. Harvie 40/.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1768}
]