[
{"source_document": "", "creation_year": 1785, "culture": " English\n", "content": "IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, RELATED BY HIMSELF***\nE-text produced by Martin Schub\nA NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES\nOF VENTURE, A NATIVE OF AFRICA,\nBut resident above sixty years in the United States of America.\nRELATED BY HIMSELF.\nVENTURE SMITH\nNew London, 1798\nPREFACE\nThe following account of  the life of VENTURE, is a relation of simple\nfacts, in which nothing is in substance to what he relates himself.\nMany other interesting and curious passages of his life might have\nbeen inserted, but on account of the bulk to which they must\nnecessarily have swelled this narrative, they were omitted.  If any\nshould suspect the truth of what is here related, they are referred to\npeople now living who are acquainted with most of the facts mentioned\nin this narrative.\nThe reader is here presented with an account, not of a renowned\npolitician or warrior, but of an untutored African slave, brought into\nthis Christian country at eight years of age, wholly destitute of all\neducation but what he received in common with other domesticated\nanimals, enjoying no advantages that could lead him to suppose himself\nsuperior to the beasts, his fellow servants.  And if he shall enjoy no\nother advantage from perusing this narrative, he may experience those\nsensations of shame and indignation, that will prove him to be not\nwholly destitute of every noble and generous feeling.\nThe subject of the following pages, had he received only a common\neducation, might have been a man of high respectability and\nusefulness; and had his education been suited to his genius, he might\nhave been an ornament and an honor to human nature.  It may perhaps,\nnot be unpleasing to see the efforts of a great mind wholly\nuncultivated, enfeebled and depressed by slavery, and struggling under\nevery disadvantage.  The reader may here see a Franklin and a\nWashington, in a state of nature, or rather, in a state of slavery.\nDestitute as he is of all education, he still exhibits striking traces\nof native ingenuity and good sense.\nThis narrative exhibits a pattern of honesty, prudence, and industry,\nto people of his own colour; and perhaps some white people would not\nfind themselves degraded by imitating such an example.\nThe following account is published in compliance with the earnest\ndesire of the subject of it, and likewise a number of respectable\npersons who are acquainted with him.\nCHAPTER I.\n_Containing an account of his life, from his birth to the time of his\n                  leaving his native country._\nI was born at Dukandarra, in Guinea, about the year 1729.  My father's\nname was Saungm Furro, Prince of the Tribe of Dukandarra.  My father\nhad three wives.  Polygamy was not uncommon in that country,\nespecially among the rich, as every man was allowed to keep as many\nwives as he could maintain.  By his first wife he had three children.\nThe eldest of them was myself, named by my father Broteer.  The other\ntwo were named Cundazo and Soozaduka.  My father had two children by\nhis second wife, and one by his third.  I descended from a very large,\ntall and stout race of beings, much larger than the generality of\npeople in other parts of the globe, being commonly considerably above\nsix feet in height, and in every way well proportioned.\nThe first thing worthy of notice which I remember was, a contention\nbetween my father and mother, on account of my father's marrying his\nthird wife without the consent of his first and eldest, which was\ncontrary to the custom generally observed among my countrymen.  In\nconsequence of this rupture, my mother left her husband and country,\nand travelled away with her three children to the eastward.  I was\nthen five years old.  She took not the least sustenance along with\nher, to support either herself or children.  I was able to travel\nalong by her side; the other two of her offspring she carried one on\nher back, and the other being a sucking child, in her arms.  When we\nbecame hungry, my mother used to set us down on the ground, and gather\nsome of the fruits which grew spontaneously in that climate.  These\nserved us for food on the way.  At night we all lay down together in\nthe most secure place we could find, and reposed ourselves until\nmorning.  Though there were many noxious animals there; yet so kind\nwas our Almighty protector, that none of them were ever permitted to\nhurt or molest us.  Thus we went on our journey until the second day\nafter our departure from Dukandarra, when we came to the entrance of a\ngreat desert.  During our travel in that we were often affrighted with\nthe doleful howlings and yellings of wolves, lions, and other animals.\nAfter five days travel we came to the end of this desert, and\nimmediately entered into a beautiful and extensive interval country.\nHere my mother was pleased to stop and seek a refuge for me.  She left\nme at the house of a very rich farmer.  I was then, I should judge,\nnot less than one hundred forty miles from my native place, separated\nfrom all my relations and acquaintance.  At this place my mother took\nher farewell of me, and set out for her own country.  My new guardian,\nas I shall call the man with whom I was left, put me into the business\nof tending sheep, immediately after I was left with him.  The flock\nwhich I kept with the assistance of a boy, consisted of about forty.\nWe drove them every morning between two and three miles to pasture,\ninto the wide and delightful plains.  When night drew on, we drove\nthem home and secured them in the cote.  In this round I continued\nduring my stay there.  One incident that befel me when I was driving\nmy flock from pasture, was so dreadful to me at that age, and is to\nthis time fresh in my memory, that I cannot help noticing it in this\nplace.  Two large dogs sallied out of a certain house and set upon me.\nOne of them took me by the arm, and the other by the thigh, and before\ntheir master could come and relieve me, they lacerated my flesh to\nsuch a degree, that the scars are very visible to the present day.  My\nmaster was immediately sent for.  He came and carried me home, as I\nwas unable to go myself on account of my wounds.  Nothing remarkable\nhappened afterwards until my father sent for me to return home.\nBefore I dismiss this country, I must just inform my reader what I\nremember concerning this place.  A large river runs through this\ncountry in a westerly course.  The land for a great way on each side\nis flat and level, hedged in by a considerable rise of the country at\na great distance from it.  It scarce ever rains there, yet the land is\nfertile; great dews fall in the night which refresh the soil.  About\nthe latter end of June or first of July, the river begins to rise, and\ngradually increases until it has inundated the country for a great\ndistance, to a height of seven or eight feet.  This brings on a slime\nwhich enriches the land surprisingly.  When the river has subsided,\nthe natives begin to sow and plant, and the vegetation is exceedingly\nrapid.  Near this rich river my guardian's land lay.  He possessed, I\ncannot tell exactly how much, yet this I am certain of respecting it,\nthat he owned an immense tract.  He possessed likewise a great many\ncattle and goats.  During my stay with him I was kindly used, and with\nas much tenderness, for what I saw, as his only son, although I was an\nentire stranger to him, remote from friends and relations.  The\nprincipal occupation of the inhabitants there, were the cultivation of\nthe soil and the care of their flocks.  They were a people pretty\nsimilar in every respect to that of mine,  except in their persons,\nwhich were not so tall and stout.  They appeared to be very kind and\nfriendly.  I will now return to my departure from that place.\nMy father sent a man and horse after me.  After settling with my\nguardian for keeping me, he took me away and went for home.  It was\nthen about one year since my mother brought me here.  Nothing\nremarkable occured to us on our journey until we arrived safe home.\nI found then that the difference between my parents had been made up\nprevious to their sending for me.  On my return, I was received both\nby my father and mother with great joy and affection, and was once\nmore restored to my paternal dwelling in peace and happiness.  I was\nthen about six years old.\nNot more than six weeks had passed after my return, before a message\nwas brought by an inhabitant of the place where I lived the preceding\nyear to my father, that that place had been invaded by a numerous\narmy, from a nation not far distant, furnished with musical\ninstruments, and all kinds of arms then in use; that they were\ninstigated by some white nation who equipped and sent them to subdue\nand possess the country, that his nation had made no preparation for\nwar, having been for a long time in profound peace that they could not\ndefend themselves against such a formidable train of invaders, and\nmust therefore necessarily evacuate their lands to the fierce enemy,\nand fly to the protection of some chief; and that if he would permit\nthem they should come under his rule and protection when they had to\nretreat from their own possessions.  He was a kind and merciful\nprince, and therefore consented to these proposals.\nHe had scarcely returned to his nation with the message, before the\nwhole of his people were obliged to retreat from their country, and\ncome to my fathers dominions.\nHe gave them every privilege and all the protection his government\ncould afford.  But they had not been there longer than four days\nbefore news came to them that the invaders had laid waste their\ncountry, and were coming speedily to destroy them in my father's\nterritories. This affrighted them, and therefore they immediately\npushed off to the southward, into the unknown countries there, and\nwere never more heard of.\nTwo days after their retreat, the report turned out to be but too\ntrue.  A detachment of the enemy came to my father and informed him,\nthat the whole army was encamped not far out of his dominions, and\nwould invade the territory and deprive his people of their liberties\nand rights, if he did not comply with the following terms.  These were\nto pay them a large sum of money, three hundred fat cattle, and a\ngreat number of goats, sheep, asses, &c.\nMy father told the messenger that he would comply rather than that his\nsubjects should be deprived of their rights and privileges, which he\nwas not then in circumstances to defend from so sudden an invasion.\nUpon turning out those articles, the enemy pledged their faith and\nhonor that they would not attack him.  On these he relied and\ntherefore thought it unnecessary to be on his guard against the enemy.\nBut their pledges of faith and honor proved no better than those of\nother unprincipled hostile nations; for a few days after a certain\nrelation of the king came and informed him, that the enemy who sent\nterms of accommodation to him, and received tribute to their\nsatisfaction, yet meditated an attack on his subjects by surprise, and\nthat probably they would commence their attack in less than one day,\nand concluded with advising him, as he was not prepared for war, to\norder a speedy retreat of his family and subjects.  He complied with\nthis advice.\nThe same night which was fixed upon to retreat, my father and his\nfamily set off about break of day.  The king and his two younger wives\nwent in one company, and my mother and her children in another.  We\nleft our dwellings in succession, and my father's company went on\nfirst.  We directed our course for a large shrub plain, some distance\noff, where we intended to conceal ourselves from the approaching\nenemy, until we could refresh and rest ourselves a little.  But we\npresently found that our retreat was not secure.  For having struck up\na little fire for purposes of cooking victuals, the enemy who happened\nto be encamped a little distance off, had sent out a scouting party\nwhich discovered us by the smoke of the fire, just as we were\nextinguishing it and about to eat.  As soon as we had finished eating,\nmy father discovered the party, and immediately began to discharge\narrows at them.  This was what I first saw, and it alarmed both me and\nthe women, who being unable to make any resistance, immediately betook\nourselves to the tall thick reeds not far off, and left the old king\nto fight alone.  For some time, I beheld him from the reeds defending\nhimself with  great courage and firmness, till at last he was obliged\nto surrender himself into their hands.\nThen they came to us in the reeds, and the very first salute I had\nfrom them was a violent blow on the head with the fore part of a gun,\nand at the same time a grasp round the neck.  I then had a rope put\nabout my neck, as had all the women in the thicket with me, and were\nimmediately led to my father, who was likewise pinioned and haltered\nfor leading.  In this condition we were all led to the camp.  The\nwomen and myself being pretty submissive, had tolerable treatment from\nthe enemy, while my father was closely interrogated respecting his\nmoney which they knew he must have.  But as he gave them no account of\nit, he was instantly cut and pounded on his body with great\ninhumanity, that he might be induced by the torture he suffered to\nmake the discovery.  All this availed not the least to make him give\nup his money, but he despised all the tortures which they inflicted,\nuntil the continued exercise and increase of torment, obliged him to\nsink and expire.  He thus died without informing his enemies of the\nplace where his money lay.  I saw him while he was thus tortured to\ndeath.  The shocking scene is to this day fresh in my mind, and I have\noften been overcome while thinking on it.  He was a man of remarkable\nstature.  I should judge as much as six feet and six or seven inches\nhigh, two feet across his shoulders, and every way well proportioned.\nHe as a man of remarkable strength and resolution, affable, kind and\ngentle, ruling with equity and moderation.\nThe army of the enemy was large, I should suppose consisting of about\nsix thousand men.  Their leader was called Baukurre.  After destroying\nthe old prince, they decamped and immediately marched towards the sea,\nlying to the west, taking with them myself and the women prisoners.\nIn the march a scouting party was detached from the main army.  To the\nleader of this party I was made waiter, having to carry his gun, &c.\nAs we were a scouting we came across a herd of fat cattle, consisting\nof about thirty in number.  These we set upon, and immediately wrested\nfrom their keepers, and afterwards converted them into food for the\narmy.  The enemy had remarkable success in destroying the country\nwherever they went.  For as far as they had penetrated, they laid the\nhabitations waste and captured the people.  The distance they had now\nbrought me was about four hundred miles.  All the march I had very\nhard tasks imposed on me, which I must perform on pain of punishment.\nI was obliged to carry on my head a large flat stone used for grinding\nour corn, weighing as I should suppose, as much as 25 pounds; besides\nvictuals, mat and cooking utensils.  Though I was pretty large and\nstout of my age, yet these burthens were very grievous to me, being\nonly about six years and a half old.\nWe were then come to a place called Malagafco.  When we entered the\nplace we could not see the least appearance of either houses or\ninhabitants, but upon stricter search found, that instead of houses\nabove ground they had dens in the sides of hillocks, contiguous to\nponds and streams of water.  In these we perceived they had all hid\nthemselves, as I suppose they usually did upon such occasions.  In\norder to compel them to surrender, the enemy contrived to smoke them\nout with faggots.  These they put to the entrance of the caves and set\nthem on fire.  While they were engaged in this business, to their\ngreat surprise some of them were desperately wounded with arrows which\nfell from above on them.  This mystery they soon found out.  They\nperceived that the enemy discharged these arrows through holes on the\ntop of the dens directly in to the air.  Their weight brought them\nback, point downwards on their enemies heads, whilst they were smoking\nthe inhabitants out.  The points of the arrows were poisoned, but\ntheir enemy had an antidote for it, which they instantly applied to\nthe wounded part.  The smoke at last obliged the people to give\nthemselves up.  They came out of their caves, first spatting the palms\nof their hands together, then and immediately after extended their\narms, crossed at their wrists, ready to be bound and pinioned.  I\nshould judge that the dens above mentioned were extended about eight\nfeet horizontally into the earth, five feet in height and as many\nwide.  They were arched over head and lined with earth, which was of\nthe clay kind, and made the surface of their walls firm and smooth.\nThe invaders then pinioned the prisoners of all ages and sexes\nindiscriminately, took their flocks and all their effects, and moved\non their way towards the sea.  On the march the prisoners were treated\nwith clemency, on account of their being submissive and humble.\nHaving come to the next tribe, the enemy laid siege and immediately\ntook men, women, children, flocks, and all their valuable effects.\nThey then went on to the next district which was contiguous with the\nsea, called in Africa, Anamaboo.  The enemies provisions were then\nalmost spent, as well as their strength.  The inhabitants knowing what\nkind of conduct they had pursued, and what were their present\nintentions, improved the favorable opportunity, attacked them, and\ntook enemy, prisoners, flocks and all their effects.  I was then taken\na second time.  All of us were then put into the castle, and kept for\nmarket.  On a certain time I and other prisoners were put on board a\ncanoe, under our master, and rowed away to a vessel belonging to Rhode\nIsland, commanded by capt. Collingwood, and the mate Thomas Mumford.\nWhile we were going to the vessel, our master told us all to appear to\nthe best possible advantage for sale.  I was bought on board by one\nRobertson Mumford, steward of said vessel, for four gallons of rum,\nand a piece of calico, and called VENTURE, on account of his having\npurchased me with his own private venture.  Thus I came by my name.\nAll the slaves that were bought for that vessel's cargo, were two\nhundred and sixty.\nCHAPTER II.\n  _Containing an account of his life, from the time of his leaving\n               Africa, to that of his becoming free._\nAfter all the business was ended on the coast of Africa, the ship\nsailed from thence to Barbadoes.  After an ordinary passage, except\ngreat mortality from small pox, which broke out on board, we arrived\nat the island of Barbadoes: but when we reached it, there were found\nout of the two hundred and sixty that sailed from Africa, not more\nthan two hundred alive.  These were all sold, except for myself and\nthree more, to the planters there.\nThe vessel then sailed for Rhode Island, and arrived there after a\ncomfortable passage.  Here my master sent me to live with one of his\nsisters, until he could carry me to Fisher's Island, the place of his\nresidence.  I had then competed my eighth year.  After staying with\nhis sister some time I was taken to my master's place to live.\nWhen we arrived at Narragansett, my master went ashore in order to\nreturn a part of the way by land, and gave me the charge of the keys\nof his trunks on board the vessel, and charged me not to deliver them\nup to any body, not even to his father without his orders.  To his\ndirections I promised faithfully to conform.  When I arrived with my\nmaster's articles at his house, my master's father asked me for his\nson's keys, as he wanted to see what his trunks contained.  I told him\nthat my master intrusted me with the care of them until he should\nreturn, and that I had given him my word to be faithful to the trust,\nand could not therefore give him or any other person the keys without\nmy master's directions.  He insisted that I should deliver him the\nkeys, threatening to punish me if I did not.  But I let him know that\nhe should not have them say what he would.  He then laid aside trying\nto get them.  But notwithstanding he appeared to give up trying to\nobtain them from me, yet I mistrusted that he would take some time\nwhen I was off my guard, either in the day time or at night to get\nthem, therefore I slung them around my neck, and in the day concealed\nthem in my bosom, and at night I always lay with them under me, that\nno person might take them from me without being apprized of it.  Thus\nI kept the keys from every body until my master came home.  When he\nreturned he asked where VENTURE was.  As I was then within hearing, I\ncame, said, here sir, at your service.  He asked me for his keys, and\nI immediately took them off my neck and reached them out to him.  He\ntook them, stroked my hair, and commended me, saying in presence of\nhis father that his young VENTURE was so faithful that he would never\nhave been able to have taken the keys from him but by violence; that\nhe should not fear to trust him with his whole fortune, for that he\nhad been in his native place so habituated to keeping his word, that\nhe would sacrifice even his life to maintain it.\nThe first of the time of living at my master's own place, I was pretty\nmuch employed in the house at carding wool and other household\nbusiness.  In this situation I continued for some years, after which\nmy master put me to work out of doors.  After many proofs of my\nfaithfulness and honesty, my master began to put great confidence in\nme.  My behavior to him had as yet been submissive and obedient.  I\nthen began to have hard tasks imposed on me.  Some of these were to\npound four bushels of ears of corn every night in a barrel for the\npoultry, or be rigorously punished.  At other seasons of the year I\nhad to card wool until a very late hour.  These tasks I had to perform\nwhen I was about nine years old.  Some time after I had another\ndifficulty and oppression which was greater than any I had ever\nexperienced since I came into this country.  This was to serve two\nmasters.  James Mumford, my master's son, when his father had gone\nfrom home in the morning, and given me a stint to perform that day,\nwould order me to do _this_ and _that_ business different from what my\nmaster directed me.  One day in particular, the authority which my\nmaster's son had set up, had like to have produce melancholy effects.\nFor my master having set me off my business to perform that day and\nthen left me to perform it, his son came up to me in the course of the\nday, big with authority, and and commanded me very arrogantly to quit\nmy present business and go directly about what he should order me.  I\nreplied to him that my master had given me so much to perform that\nday, and that I must therefore faithfully complete it in that time.\nHe then broke out in a great rage, snatched a pitchfork and went to\nlay me over the head therewith; but I as soon got another and defended\nmyself with it, or otherwise he might have murdered me in his outrage.\nHe immediately called some people who were hearing at work for him,\nand ordered them to take his hair rope and and come and bind me with\nit.  They all tried to bind me but in vain, tho' there were three\nassistants in number.  My upstart master than desisted, put his pocket\nhandkerchief before his eyes and went home with a design to tell his\nmother of the struggle with young VENTURE.  He told her that their\nyoung VENTURE had become so stubborn that he could not controul him,\nand asked her what he should do with him.  In the mean time I\nrecovered my temper, voluntarily caused myself to be bound by the same\nmen who tried in vain before, and carried before my young master, that\nhe might do what he pleased with me.  He took me to a gallows made for\nthe purpose of hanging cattle on, and suspended me on it.  Afterwards\nhe ordered one of his hands to go to the peach orchard and cut him\nthree dozens of whips to punish me with.  These were brought to him,\nand that was all that was done with them, as I was released and went\nto work after hanging on the gallows about an hour.\nAfter I lived with my master thirteen years, being then about twenty\ntwo years old, I married Meg, a slave of his who was about my age.  My\nmaster owned a certain Irishman, named Heddy, who about that time\nformed a plan of secretly leaving his master.  After he had long had\nthis plan in meditation he suggested it to me.  At first I cast a deaf\near on it, and rebuked Heddy for harboring in his mind such a rash\nundertaking.  But after he had persuaded and much enchanted me with\nthe prospect of gaining my freedom with such a method, I at length\nagreed to accompany him.  Heddy next inveigled two of his fellow\nservants to accompany us.  The place to which we designed to go was\nthe Mississippi.  Our next business was to lay in a sufficient store\nof provisions for our voyage.  We privately collected out of our\nmaster's store, six great old cheeses, two firkins of butter, and one\nwhole batch of new bread.  When we had gathered all our own clothes\nand some more, we took them all about midnight, and went to the water\nside.  We stole our master's boat, embarked, then directed our course\nfor the Mississippi river.\nWe mutually confederated not to betray or desert one another on pain\nof death.  We first steered our course for Montauk point, the east end\nof Long-Island.  After our arrival there we landed, and Heddy and I\nmade an incursion into the island after fresh water, while our two\ncomrades were left at a little distance from the boat, employed at\ncooking.  When Heddy and I had sought some time for water, he returned\nto our companions, and I continued on looking for my object.  When\nHeddy had performed his business with our companions, who were engaged\nin cooking, he went directly to the boat, stole all the clothes in it,\nand then travelled away for East-Hampton, as I was informed.  I\nreturned to my fellows not long after.  They informed me that our\nclothes were stolen, but could not determine who was the thief, yet\nthey suspected Heddy as he was missing.  After reproving my two\ncomrades for not taking care of our things which were in the boat, I\nadvertised Heddy and sent two men in search of him.  They pursued and\novertook him at Southampton and returned him to the boat.  I then\nthought it might afford some chance for my freedom, or at least a\npalliation for my running away, to return Heddy immediately to his\nmaster, and inform him that I was induced to go away by Heddy's\naddress.  Accordingly I set off with him and the rest of my companions\nfor our master's, and arrived there without any difficulty.  I\ninformed my master that Heddy was the ringleader of our revolt, and\nthat he had used us ill.  He immediately put Heddy into custody, and\nmyself and companions were well received and went to work as usual.\nNot a long time passed after that, before Heddy was sent by my master\nto New-London gaol.  At the close of that year I was sold to a Thomas\nStanton, and had to be separated from my wife and one daughter, who\nwas about one month old.  He resided at Stonington-point.  To this\nplace I brought with me from my last master's, two johannes, three old\nSpanish dollars, and two thousand of coppers, besides five pounds of\nmy wife's money.  This money I got by cleaning gentlemen's shoes and\ndrawing boots, by catching musk-rats and minks, raising potatoes and\ncarrots, &c. and by fishing in the night, and at odd spells.\nAll this money amounting to near twenty-one pounds York currency, my\nmaster's brother, Robert Stanton, hired of me, for which he gave me\nhis note.  About one year and a half after that time, my master\npurchased my wife and and her child, for severn hundred pounds old\ntenor.  One time my master sent me two miles after a barrel of\nmolasses, and ordered me to carry it on my shoulders.  I made out to\ncarry it all the way to my master's house.  When I lived with Captain\nGeorge Mumford, only to try my strength, I took up on my knees a\ntierce of salt containing seven bushels, and carried it two or three\nrods.  Of this fact there are several eye witnesses now living.\nTowards the close of the time that I resided with this master, I had a\nfalling out with my mistress.  This happened one time when my master\nwas gone to Long-Island a gunning.  At first the quarrel began between\nmy wife and her mistress.  I was then at work in the barn, and hearing\na racket in the house, induced me to run there and see what had broken\nout.  When I entered the house, I found my mistress in a violent\npassion with my wife, for what she informed me was a mere trifle; such\na small affair that I forbear to put my mistress to the shame of\nhaving it known.  I earnestly requested my wife to beg pardon of her\nmistress for the sake of peace even if she had given no just occasion\nfor offence.  But whilst I was thus saying my mistress turned the\nblows which she was repeating on my wife to me.  She took down her\nhorse-whip, and while she was glutting her fury with it, I reached out\nmy great black hand, raised it up and received the blows of the whip\non it which were designed for my head.  Then I immediately committed\nthe whip to the devouring fire.\nWhen my master returned from the island, his wife told him of the\naffair, but for the present he seemed to take no notice of it, and\nmentioned not a word of it to me.  Some days after his return, in the\nmorning as I was putting on a log in the fire-place, not suspecting\nharm from any one, I received a most violent stroke on the crown of my\nhead with a club two feet long and and as large around as a chair-\npost.  This blow very badly wounded my head, and the scar of it\nremains to this day.  The first blow made me have my wits about me as\nyou may suppose, for as soon as he went to renew it, I snatched the\nclub out of his hands and dragged him out of the door.  He then sent\nfor his brother to come and assist him, but I presently left my\nmaster, took the club he wounded me with, carried it to a neighboring\nJustice of the Peace, and complained of my master.  He finally advised\nme to return to my master, and live contented with him until he abused\nme again, and then complain.  I consented to do accordingly.  But\nbefore I set out for my master's, up he come and his brother Robert\nafter me.  The Justice improved this convenient opportunity to caution\nmy master.  He asked him for what he treated his slave thus hastily\nand unjustly, and told him what would be the consequence if he\ncontinued the same treatment towards me.  After the Justice had ended\nhis discourse with my master, he and his brother set out with me for\nhome, one before and the other behind me.  When they had come to a bye\nplace, they both dismounted their respective horses, and fell to\nbeating me with great violence.  I became enraged at this and\nimmediately turned them both under me, laid one of them across the\nother, and stamped both with my feet what I would.\nThis occasioned my master's brother to advise him to put me off.  A\nshort time after this I was taken by a constable and two men.  They\ncarried me to a black-smith's shop and had me hand-cuffed.  When I\nreturned home my mistress enquired much of her waiters, whether\nVENTURE was hand-cuffed.  When she was informed that I was, she\nappeared to be very contented and was much transported with the news.\nIn the midst of all this content and joy, I presented myself before my\nmistress, shewed her my hand-cuffs, and gave her thanks for my gold\nrings.  For this my master commanded a negro of his to fetch him a\nlarge ox chain.  This my master locked on my legs with two padlocks.\nI continued to wear the chain peaceably for two or three days, when my\nmaster asked me with contemptuous hard names whether I had not better\nbe freed from my chains and go to work.  I answered him, No.  Well\nthen, said he, I will send you to the West-Indies or banish you, for I\nam resolved not to keep you.  I answered him I crossed the waters to\ncome here, and I am willing to cross them to return.\nFor a day or two after this not any one said much to me, until one\nHempsted Miner, of Stonington, asked me if I would live with him.  I\nanswered him that I would.  He then requested me to make myself\ndiscontented and to appear as unreconciled to my master as I could\nbefore that he bargained with him for me; and that in return he would\ngive me a good chance to gain my freedom when I came to live with him.\nI did as he requested me.  Not long after Hempsted Miner purchased me\nof my master for fifty-six pounds lawful.  He took the chain and\npadlocks off me immediately after.\nIt may here be remembered, that I related a few pages back, that I\nhired out a sum of money to Mr. Robert Stanton, and took his note for\nit.  In the fray between my master Stanton and myself, he broke open\nmy chest containing his brother's note to me, and destroyed it.\nImmediately after my present master bought me, he determined to sell\nme at Hartford.  As soon as I became apprized of it, I bethought\nmyself that I would secure a certain sum of money which lay by me,\nsafer than to hire it out to Stanton.  Accordingly I buried it in the\nearth, a little distance from Thomas Stanton's, in the road over which\nhe passed daily.  A short time after my master carried me to Hartford,\nand first proposed to sell me to one William Hooker of that place.\nHooker asked whether I would go to the German Flats with him.  I\nanswered, No.  He said I should, if not by fair means I should by\nfoul.  If you will go by no other measures, I will tie you down in my\nsleigh.  I replied to him, that if he carried me in that manner, no\nperson would purchase me, for it would be thought that he had a\nmurderer for sale.  After this he tried no more, and said he would not\nhave me as a gift.\nMy master next offered me to Daniel Edwards, Esq. of Hartford, for\nsale.  But not purchasing me, my master pawned me to him for ten\npounds, and returned to Stonington.  After some trial of my honesty,\nMr. Edwards placed considerable trust and confidence in me.  He put me\nto serve as his cup-bearer and waiter.  When there was company at his\nhouse, he would send me into his cellar and other parts of his house\nto fetch wine and other articles occasionally for them.  When I had\nbeen with him for some time, he asked me why my master wished to part\nwith such an honest negro, and why he did not keep me himself.  I\nreplied that I could not give him the reason, unless it was to convert\nme into cash, and speculate with me as with other commodities.  I hope\nhe can never justly say it was on account of my ill conduct that he\ndid no keep me himself.  Mr Edwards told me that he should be very\nwilling to keep me himself, and that he would never let me go from him\nto live, if it was not unreasonable and inconvenient for me to be\nparted from my wife and children; therefore he would furnish me with a\nhorse to return to Stonington, if I had a mind for it.  As Miner did\nnot appear to redeem me I went, at called at my old master Stanton's\nfirst to see my wife, who was then owned by him. As my old master\nappeared much ruffled at my being there, I left my wife before I had\nspent considerable time with her, and went to Colonel O. Smith's.\nMiner had not as yet wholly settled with Stanton for me, and had\nbefore my return from Hartford given Col. Smith a bill of sale for me.\nThese men once met to determine which of them should hold me, and upon\nmy expressing a desire to be owned by Col. Smith, and upon my master's\nsettling the remainder of the money which was due Stanton for me, it\nwas agreed that I should live with Col. Smith.  This was the third\ntime of my being sold, and I was then thirty-one years old.  As I\nnever had an opportunity of redeeming myself whilst I was owned by\nMiner, though he promised to give me a chance, I was then very\nambitious of obtaining it.  I asked my master one time if he would\nconsent to have me purchase my freedom.  He replied that he would.  I\nwas then very happy, knowing that I was at that time able to pay part\nof the purchase money, by means of the money which I some time since\nburied.  This I took out of the earth and tendered to my master,\nhaving previously engaged a free negro man to take take his security\nfor it, as I was the property of my master, and therefore could not\nsafely take his obligation myself.  What was wanted in redeeming\nmyself, my master agreed to wait on me for, until I could procure it\nfor him.  I still continued to work for Col. Smith.  Ther was\ncontinually some interest accruing on my master's note to my friend\nthe free negro man above named, which I received, and with some\nbesides which I got by fishing, I laid out in land adjoining my old\nmaster Stanton's.  By cultivating this land with the greatest\ndiligence and economy, at times when my master did not require my\nlabor, in two years I laid up ten pounds.  This my friend tendered to\nmy master for myself, and received his note for it.\nBeing encouraged by the success which I had met in redeeming myself, I\nagain solicited my master for a further chance of completing it.  The\nchance for which I solicited him was that of going out to work the\nensuing winter.  He agreed to this on condition that I would give him\none quarter of my earnings.  On these terms I worked the following\nwinter, and earned four pounds sixteen shillings, one quarter of which\nwent to my master for the privilege, and the rest was paid him on my\nown account.  This added to the other payments made up forty four\npounds, eight shillings, which I had paid on my own account.  I was\nthen about thirty five years old.\nThe next summer I again desired he would give me a chance of going out\nto work.  But he refused and answered that he must have my labor this\nsummer, as he did not have it the past winter.  I replied that I\nconsidered it as hard that I could not have a chance to work out when\nthe season became advantageous, and that I must only be permitted to\nhire myself out in the poorest season of the year.  He asked me after\nthis what I would give for the privilege per month.  I replied that I\nwould leave it wholly with his own generosity to determine what I\nshould return him a month.  Well then, said he, if so two pounds a\nmonth.  I answered him that if that was the least he would take I\nwould be contented.\nAccordingly, I hired myself out at Fisher's Island, and earned twenty\npounds; thirteen pounds six shillings of which my master drew for the\nprivilege, and the remainder I paid him for my freedom.  This made\nfifty-one pounds two shillings which I paid him.  In October following\nI went and wrought six months at Long Island.  In that six months'\ntime I cut and corded four hundred cords of wood, besides threshing\nout seventy-five bushels of grain, and received of my wages down only\ntwenty pounds, which left remaining a larger sum.  Whilst I was out\nthat time, I took upon my wages only one pair of shoes.  At night I\nlay upon the hearth, with one coverlet over and another under me.  I\nreturned to my master and gave him what I received on my six months\nlabor.  This left only thirteen pounds eighteen shillings to make up\nthe full sum for my redemption.  My master liberated me, saying I\nmight pay what was behind if I could ever make it convenient,\notherwise it would be well.  The amount of the money which I had paid\nmy master towards redeeming my time, was seventy-one pounds two\nshillings.  The reason of my master for asking such an unreasonable\nprice, was he said, to secure himself in case I should ever come to\nwant.  Being thirty-six years old, I left Col. Smith once for all.  I\nhad already been sold three different times, made considerable money\nwith seemingly nothing to derive it from, been cheated out of a large\nsum of money, lost much by misfortunes, and paid an enormous sum for\nmy freedom.\nCHAPTER III.\n_Containing an account of his life, from the time of his purchasing his\n                freedom to the present day._\nMy wife and children were yet in bondage to Mr. Thomas Stanton.  About\nthis time I lost a chest, containing besides clothing, about thirty-\neight pounds in paper money.  It was burnt by accident.  A short time\nafter I sold all my possessions at Stonington, consisting of a pretty\npiece of land and one dwelling house thereon, and went to reside at\nLong-Island.  For the first four years of my residence there, I spent\nmy time in working for various people on that and at the neighboring\nislands.  I the space of six months I cut and corded upwards of four\nhundred cords of wood.  Many other singular and wonderful labors I\nperformed in cutting wood there, which would not be inferior to those\njust recited, but for brevity sake I must omit them.  In the\naforementioned four years what wood I cut at Long-Island amounted to\nseveral thousand cords, and the money which I earned thereby amounted\nto two hundred and seven pounds ten shillings.  This money I laid up\ncarefully by me.  Perhaps some may enquire what maintained me all the\ntime I was laying up money.  I would inform them that I bought nothing\nwhich I did not absolutely want.  All fine clothes I despised in\ncomparison with my interest, and never kept but just what clothes were\ncomfortable for common days, and perhaps I would have a garment or two\nwhich I did not have on at all times, but as for superfluous finery I\nnever thought it to be compared with a decent homespun dress, a good\nsupply of money and prudence.  Expensive gatherings of my mates I\ncommonly shunned, and all kinds of luxuries I was perfectly a stranger\nto; and during the time I was employed in cutting the aforementioned\nquantity of wood, I never was at the expense of six-pence worth of\nspirits.  Being after this labor forty years of age, I worked at\nvarious places, and in particular on Ram-Island, which I purchased\nSolomon and Cuff, two sons of mine, for two hundred dollars each.\nIt will here be remembered how much money I earned by cutting wood in\nfour years.  Besides this I had considerable money, amounting in all\nto near three hundred pounds.  After this I purchased a negro man, for\nno other reason than to oblige him, and gave him sixty pounds.  But in\na short time after he run away from me, and I thereby lost all that I\ngave for him, except twenty pounds which he paid me previous to his\nabsconding.  The rest of my money I laid out in land, in addition to a\nfarm which I owned before, and a dwelling house thereon.  Forty four\nyears had then completed their revolution since my entrance in to this\nexistence of servitude and misfortune.  Solomon my eldest son, being\nthen in his seventeenth year, and all my hope and dependence for help,\nI hired him out to one Charles Church, of Rhode Island, for one year,\non consideration of his giving him twelve pounds and an opportunity of\nacquiring some learning.  In the course of the year, Church fitted out\na vessel for a whaling voyage, and being in want of hands to man her,\nhe induced my son to go, with the promise of giving him, on his\nreturn, a pair of silver buckles, besides his wages.  As soon as I\nheard of his going to sea, I immediately set out to go and prevent it\nif possible.  But on my arrival at Church's, to my great grief, I\ncould only see the vessel my son was on almost out of sight going to\nsea.  My son died of the scurvy on this voyage, and Church has never\nyet paid me the least of his wages.  In my son, besides the loss of\nhis life, I lost equal to seventy-five pounds.\nMy other son being but a youth, still lived with me.  About this time\nI chartered a sloop of about thirty tons burthen, and hired men to\nassist me in navigating her.  I employed her mostly in the wood trade\nto Rhode-Island, and made clear of all expenses above one hundred\ndollars with her in better than one year.  I had then become something\nforehanded, and being in my forty-fourth year, I purchased my wife\nMeg, and thereby prevented having another child to buy, as she was\nthen pregnant.  I gave forty pounds for her.\nDuring my residence at Long-Island, I raised one year with another,\nten cart loads of water-melons, and lost a great many every year\nbesides by the thievishness of the sailors.  What I made by the water-\nmelons I sold there, amounted to nearly five hundred dollars.  Various\nother methods I in order to enable me to redeem my family.  In the\nnight-time I fished with set-nets and pots for eels and lobsters, and\nshortly after went a whaling voyage in the service of Col. Smith.\nAfter being seven months, the vessel returned, laden with four hundred\nbarrels of oil.  About this time, I became possessed of another\ndwelling-house, and my temporal affairs were in a pretty prosperous\ncondition.  This and my industry was what alone saved me from being\nexpelled that part of the island in which I resided, as an act was\npassed by the select-men of the place, that all negroes residing there\nshould be expelled.\nNext after my wife, I purchased a negro man for four hundred dollars.\nBut he having an inclination to return to his old master, I therefore\nlet him go.  Shortly after I purchased another negro man for twenty-\nfive pounds, who I parted with shortly after.\nBeing about forty-six years old, I bought my oldest child Hannah, of\nRay Mumford, for forty-four pounds, and she still resided with him.  I\nhad already redeemed from slavery, myself, my wife and three children,\nbesides three negro men.\nAbout the forty-seventh year of my life, I disposed all my property at\nLong-Island, and came from thence into East-Haddam.  I hired myself\nout at first to Timothy Chapman, for five weeks, the earnings of which\ntime I put carefully by me.  After this I wrought for Abel Bingham\nabout six weeks.  I then put my money together and purchased of said\nBingham ten acres of land, lying at Haddam neck, where I now reside.\nOn this land I labored with great diligence for two years, and shortly\nafter purchased six acres more of land contiguous to my other.  One\nyear from that time I purchased seventy acres more of the same man,\nand paid for it mostly with the produce of my other land.  Soon after\nI bought this lot of land, I set up a comfortable dwelling house on my\nfarm, and built it from the produce thereof.  Shortly after I had much\ntrouble and expense with my daughter Hannah, whose name has before\nbeen mentioned in this account.  She was married soon after I redeemed\nher, to one Isaac, a free negro, and shortly after her marriage fell\nsick of a mortal disease; her husband a dissolute and abandoned\nwretch, paid but little attention to her in her illness.  I therefore\nthought it best to bring her to my house and nurse her there.  I\nprocured her all the aid mortals could afford, but notwithstanding\nthis she fell a prey to her disease, after a lingering and painful\nendurance of it.\nThe physician's bills for attending her during her illness amounted to\nforty pounds.  Having reached my fifty-fourth year, I hired two negro\nmen, one named William Jacklin, and the other Mingo.  Mingo lived with\nme one year, and having received his wages, run in debt to me eight\ndollars, for which he gave me his note.  I procured a warrant, took\nhim, and requested him to go to Justice Throop's of his own accord,\nbut he refusing, I took him on my shoulders, and carried him there,\ndistant about two miles.  The justice asking me if I had my prisoner's\nnote with me, and replying that I had not, he told me that I must\nreturn with him and get it.  Accordingly I carried Mingo back on my\nshoulders, but before we arrived at my dwelling, he complained of\nbeing hurt, and asked me if this was not a hard way of treating our\nfellow creatures.  I answered him that it would be hard thus to treat\nour honest fellow creatures.  He then told me that if I would let him\noff my shoulders, he had a pair of silver shoe-buckles, one shirt and\na pocket handkerchief, which he would turn out to me.  I agreed, and\nlet him return home with me on foot; but the very following night, he\nslipped from me, stole my horse and has never paid me even his note.\nThe other negro man, Jacklin, being a comb-maker by trade, he\nrequested me to set him up, and promised to reward me well with his\nlabor.  Accordingly I bought him a set of tools for making combs, and\nprocured him stock.  He worked at my house about one year, and then\nrun away from me with all his combs, and owed me for all his board.\nSince my residence at Haddam neck, I have owned of boats, canoes and\nsail vessels, not less than twenty.  These I mostly employed in the\nfishing and trafficking business, and in these occupations I have been\ncheated out of considerable money by people whom I traded with taking\nadvantage of my ignorance of numbers.\nAbout twelve years ago, I hired a whale-boat and four black men, and\nproceeded to Long-Island after a load of round clams.  Having arrived\nthere, I first purchased of James Webb, son of Orange Webb, six\nhundred and sixty clams, and afterwards, with the help of my men,\nfinished loading my boat.  The same evening, however, this Webb stole\nmy boat, and went in her to Connecticut river, and sold her cargo for\nhis own benefit.  I thereupon pursued him, and at length, after an\nadditional expence of nine crowns, recovered the boat; but for the\nproceeds of her cargo I never could obtain any compensation.\nFour years after, I met with another loss, far superior to this in\nvalue, and I think by no less wicked means.  Being going to New-London\nwith a grand-child, I took passage on an Indian's boat, and went there\nwith him.  On our return, the Indian took on board two hogsheads of\nmolasses, one of which belonged to Capt. Elisha Hart, of Saybrook, to\nbe delivered to his wharf.  When we arrived there, and while I was\ngone, at the request of the Indian, to inform Captain Hart of his\narrival, and receive the freight for him, one hogshead of the molasses\nhad been lost overboard by the people in attempting to land it on the\nwharf.  Although I was absent at the time, and had no concern whatever\nin the business, and was known to a number of respectable witnesses, I\nwas nevertheless persecuted by this conscientious gentleman, (the\nIndian not being able to pay for it) and obliged to pay upwards of ten\npounds lawful money, with all the costs of court.  I applied to\nseveral gentlemen for counsel in this affair, and they advised me, as\nmy adversary was rich, and threatened to carry the matter from court\nto court till it would cost me more than the first damages would be,\nto pay the sum and submit to the injury; which I accordingly did, and\nhe has often since insultingly taunted me with my unmerited\nmisfortune.  Such a proceeding as this, committed on a defenseless\nstranger, almost worn out in the hard service of the world, without\nany foundation in reason or justice, whatever it may be called in a\nchristian land, would in my native country be branded a crime equal to\nhighway robbery.  But Captain Hart was a _white gentleman_, and I a\n_poor African,_ and therefore it was _all right, and good enough for\nthe black dog._\nI am now sixty nine years old.  Though once straight and tall,\nmeasuring without shoes six feet one inch and an half, and every way\nwell proportioned, I am now bowed down with age and hardship.  My\nstrength which was once equal if not superior to any man whom I have\never seen, is now enfeebled so that life is a burden, and it is with\nfatigue that I can walk a couple of miles, stooping over my staff.\nOther griefs are still behind; on account of which some aged people,\nat least, will pity me.  My eye-sight has gradually failed, till I am\nalmost blind, and whenever I go abroad one of my grand-children must\ndirect my way; besides for many years I have been much pained and\ntroubled with an ulcer on one of my legs. But amidst all my griefs and\npains, I have many consolations; Meg, the wife of my youth, whom I\nmarried for love, and bought with my money, is still alive.  My\nfreedom is a privilege which nothing else can equal.  Notwithstanding\nall the losses I have suffered by fire, by the injustice of knaves, by\nthe cruelty and oppression of false-hearted friends, and the perfidy\nof my own countrymen whom I have assisted and redeemed from bondage, I\nam no possessed of more than two hundred acres of land, and three\nhabitable dwelling houses.  I gives me joy to think that I _have_ and\nthat I _deserve_ so good a character, especially for _truth_ and\n_integrity._  While I am now looking to the grave as my home, my joy\nfor this world would be full--IF my children, Cuff for whom I paid two\nhundred dollars when a boy, and Solomon who was born soon after I\npurchased his mother--If Cuff and Solomon--O! that they had walked the\nway of their father.  But a father's lips are closed in silence and\ngrief!  Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!\nCERTIFICATE.\nStonington, November 3, 1798.\nThese certify that VENTURE, a free negro man, aged about 69 years, and\nwas, as we have ever understood, a native of Africa, and formerly a\nslave to Mr. James Mumford, of Fisher's-Island, in the state of New-\nYork, who sold him to Mr. Robert Stanton, 2d, of Stonington, in the\nstate of Connecticut, and said Stanton sold said VENTURE to Col.\nOliver Smith, of the aforesaid place.  That said VENTURE hath\nsustained the character of a faithful servant, and that of a\ntemperate, honest and industrious man, and being ever intent on\nobtaining his freedom, he was indulged by his masters after the\nordinary labour on the days of his servitude, to improve the nights in\nfishing and other employments of his own emolument, in which time he\nprocured so much money as to purchase his freedom from his late master\nCol. Smith; after which he took upon himself the name of VENTURE\nSMITH, and has since his freedom purchased a negro woman, called Meg,\nto whom he was previously married, and also his children who were\nslaves, and said VENTURE has since removed himself and family to the\ntown of East-Haddam, in this state, where he has purchased lands on\nwhich he hath built a house, and there taken up his abode.", "source_dataset": "gutenberg", "source_dataset_detailed": "gutenberg -  A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa, but Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself\n"},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0004-0001-0001", "content": "Title: January 31. 1785. Monday.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Last Evening the Marquis de la Fayette, lately returned from America, called upon me, in his Way home from Versailles. He gave me, a very pleasing Account of the Commerce, the Union &c. in America, and then began to discourse of another Subject. He interrogated me, whether I had any Correspondents in Holland, whether I received Letters, from Week to Week and from Post to Post from thence? Who were the Heads of the Republican Party? Whether I knew any Thing of the Intentions of the States General to place Mr. de Maillbois at the Head of their Armies. He then talk\u2019d of Mailbois, said he had great Abilities, and that he had heard him justify himself very well in the Affair of D\u2019Etrees. Said that M. de Vergennes was his Friend.\u2014 I said that I knew it, for that I had once in 1778 heard the Comte wish that Mr. de Mailbois had the Command of our Army in America. He said that the Cte. de Broglie wished for the Command in America at the same time.\n       As he went out he took me aside and whispered, that altho he would not serve a foreign Prince, he would serve a Republick, and although he should hurt himself with the Queen and her Party to a great degree, yet if the States General would invite him, without his soliciting or appearing to desire it, he would accept the Command. Mailbois loved Money, and demanded splendid Appointments. He did not regard Money so much and would be easy about that. I was the first Mortal to whom he had suggested the Idea, he wished I would think of it, and he would call and see me again in a few days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0004-0001", "content": "Title: [January 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n      January 31. 1785. Monday.\n       Last Evening the Marquis de la Fayette, lately returned from America, called upon me, in his Way home from Versailles. He gave me, a very pleasing Account of the Commerce, the Union &c. in America, and then began to discourse of another Subject. He interrogated me, whether I had any Correspondents in Holland, whether I received Letters, from Week to Week and from Post to Post from thence? Who were the Heads of the Republican Party? Whether I knew any Thing of the Intentions of the States General to place Mr. de Maillbois at the Head of their Armies. He then talk\u2019d of Mailbois, said he had great Abilities, and that he had heard him justify himself very well in the Affair of D\u2019Etrees. Said that M. de Vergennes was his Friend.\u2014 I said that I knew it, for that I had once in 1778 heard the Comte wish that Mr. de Mailbois had the Command of our Army in America. He said that the Cte. de Broglie wished for the Command in America at the same time.\n       As he went out he took me aside and whispered, that altho he would not serve a foreign Prince, he would serve a Republick, and although he should hurt himself with the Queen and her Party to a great degree, yet if the States General would invite him, without his soliciting or appearing to desire it, he would accept the Command. Mailbois loved Money, and demanded splendid Appointments. He did not regard Money so much and would be easy about that. I was the first Mortal to whom he had suggested the Idea, he wished I would think of it, and he would call and see me again in a few days.\n   The first formal meeting of the American Commissioners to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce took place at Passy on 30 Aug., David Humphreys, secretary to the mission, being present and beginning that day a record of its proceedings. This record, preserved in a volume sometimes called \u201cMinutes of the Commissioners\u201d (PCC, No. 116), contains, besides actual minutes of their meetings, copies of the Commissioners\u2019 commissions and instructions, of their correspondence with the diplomatic agents of the powers to which they were accredited (with the accompanying treaty projets, &c.), and of their joint \u201cReports\u201d or dispatches to the President of Congress and Secretary Jay, numbered \u201cFirst\u201d through \u201cNinth\u201d (11 Nov. 1784 to 2\u201311 Oct. 1785), thus extending beyond the time when Franklin left for home and JA and Jefferson were appointed ministers plenipotentiary at London and Paris respectively, while retaining their joint commission to negotiate commercial treaties (see note on entry of 3 May, below). The original letters received by the Commissioners (with enclosures), together with drafts and originals of most of their reports to Congress, are filed in PCC, No. 86. All this documentation for JA\u2019s last joint commission in Europe is printed in a single sequence in Dipl. Corr., 1783\u20131789[William A. Weaver, ed.,] The Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States of America, from ... 1783, to ... 1789, Washington, 1837 [actually 1855]; 3 vols., 1:499\u2013600, but much more reliable texts and indispensable annotation are provided in Jefferson, Papers, ed. BoydThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., vols. 7\u20138, where these letters and papers are distributed under their dates. The best way to follow the Commissioners\u2019 work, which was arduous but only very partially successful, is to read their reports. Those that are germane to the present gap in JA\u2019s Diary are the First, Second, and Third, dated 11 Nov., 15 Dec. 1784, and [9] Feb. 1785 (sameThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., 7:493\u2013500, 573\u2013574, 646\u2013647).\n   The Comte de Maillebois, a marshal of France, assumed the command of the Dutch army, but, as JA later remarked., with little credit to himself; see JA\u2019s Autobiography under date of 29 April 1778. CFA has a learned note on Maillebois\u2019 notorious quarrel with the Mar\u00e9chal d\u2019Estr\u00e9es, alluded to above (JA, WorksThe Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, ed. Charles Francis Adams, Boston, 1850\u20131856; 10 vols., 3:389).\n            \u201cLast Night, I had a visit from the Marquis, whom I was glad to see, for a variety of Reasons. ... His views are now opening, at least in confidence to me, and his aspiring Soul aims at Objects in Europe, as grand and glorious as those he has obtained in America. ... From these Hints you may guess the whole matter. His Plan, I must say, is as laudable, as it is sublime; but I doubt the possibility of his Success\u201d (JA to Jay, 31 Jan., LbC, Adams Papers).\n          On Lafayette\u2019s interest in the situation of the Dutch Republic, which was in the midst of a crisis with the Austrian Empire over the issue of opening the navigation of the Scheldt, see Gottschalk, LafayetteLouis Gottschalk, Lafayette, Chicago, 1935\u20131950; 4 vols. [Vol. 1:] Lafayette Comes to America; [vol. 2:] Lafayette Joins the American Army; [vol. 3:] Lafayette and the Close of the American Revolution; [vol. 4:] Lafayette between the American and the French Revolution (1783\u20131789)., 4:152\u2013153.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0004-0002-0002", "content": "Title: Auteuil Near Paris March 20. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Sunday. Went early to Versailles, and found the C. De V.\u2014communicated to him my Errand and Papers. He read those in Italian, Spanish and French, and Mr. Charmichaels Letter in English. I asked him, whether the French Treaty with Algiers, was renewed? He said it was upon the Point of expiring, but he could not tell me whether it was renewed as it was not in his Department but in that of the M. de Castries. I asked him if he would be so good as to inform me, what Presents were sent annually to the several Barbary Powers, by the King, in what they consisted, and to what they amounted? He said He did not know, but if We would make an Office of it, he would communicate it to the Minister of Marine, and obtain for Us all the Information he could. I told him, I had obtained Information, authen\u00adtically from Holland, from Mr. Bisdom and Mr. Van der Hope. I asked him if he would be so good as to convey a Letter from Us to the Emperor of Morocco, by means of the French Consull. He said that I might depend upon it whenever We made an Office, it should be punctually attended to. But he said that Cadiz would be the best Place from whence to send Presents. That the Emperor of Morocco was the most interested Man in the World and the most greedy of Money.\n       He asked if We had written to Congress and obtained their Instructions. I told him We had received Full Powers to treat with Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli and all the Rest and had written for Instructions upon the Article of Money and Presents. He said that there was a frequent Communication between Marseilles and the Coast of Barbary, but that as these Things were not in his Department, We must state our Desires in Writing, which I agreed to do. I asked him if he thought it adviseable for Us to send any one to Morrocco. He said yes, but as We could neither go nor were authorized to substitute, We should write to the Emperor untill Congress could send a Consull. I asked what he thought of our leaving it by our Letter in the Option of the Emperor, to send a Minister here to treat with Us, or to wait untill We could write to Congress and recommend to them to send him a Consull. He said by no means, for the Expence of receiving his Minister here would be much greater, for We must maintain him and pay all his Expences. He said that the King of France never sent them any naval Stores. He sent them Glaces and other Things of rich Value, but never any military stores.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0004-0003-0002", "content": "Title: Auteuil May [9 or 16] 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Monday. The Posts within the Limits of the United States, not yet surrendered by the English, are\n       Oswegatchy in the River St. Lawrence\n       Oswego Lake Ontario\n       Niagara and its dependencies\n       Presqu\u2019Isle East Side of Lake Erie.\n       Sandusky Ditto.\n       Detroit.\n       Michilimakinac.\n       St. Mary\u2019s. South Side of the Streight between Lakes Superiour\n       and Huron.\n       Bottom of the Bay des Puantz \n       St. Joseph. bottom of Lake Michigan.\n        Ouitanon. \n       Miamis.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0004-0003", "content": "Title: [May 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Tuesday. At Versailles, the C. de Vergennes said he had many Felicitations to give me upon my apointment to England. I Answered that I did not know but it merited Compassion more than felicitation.\u2014Ay why?\u2014Because, as you know it is a Species of Degradation in the Eyes of Europe, after having been accredited to the King of France to be sent to any other Court.\u2014But permit me to say, replies the Comte it is a great Thing to be the first Ambassador from your Country to the Country you sprung from. It is a Mark.\u2014I told him that these Points would not weigh much with me. It was the difficulty of the service, &c.\n       I said to him, as I would not fail in any Point of Respect or Duty to the King, nor any of our Obligations to this Country, I wished to be advised, whether an Audience in particular of Cong\u00e9, was indispensable. He said he would inform himself.\n       The Duke of Dorsett said to me, that if he could be of any Service to me by Writing either to publick or private Persons he would do it with Pleasure. I told his Grace that I should be glad of half an hours Conversation with him, in private.\u2014I will call upon you at Auteuil says he, any Morning this Week.\u2014I answered that any Morning and any hour, agreable to him, should be so to me.\u2014Saturday says he at 12 O Clock.\u2014I shall be happy to receive you, says I.\u2014He repeated that if he could be of any Service, he would be glad. I said it may probably be in your Graces Power to do great service to me, and what was of infinitely more importance to his Country as well as mine, if he thought as I did upon certain Points, and therefore I thought it was proper We should compare Notes. He said he believed We did think alike and would call on Saturday. He said that Lord Carmaerthen was their Minister of foreign Affairs, that I must first wait upon him, and he would introduce me to his Majesty. But that I should do Business with Mr. Pitt very often. I asked him Lord Caermaerthens Age. He said 33. He said I should be stared at a good deal. I told him I trembled at the Thoughts of going there, I was afraid they would gaze with evil Eyes. He said no he believed not.\n       One of the foreign Ambassadors said to me, You have been often in England.\u2014Never but once in November and December 1783.\u2014 You have Relations in England no doubt.\u2014None at all.\u2014None how can that be? You are of English Extraction?\u2014Neither my Father or Mother, Grandfather or Grandmother, Great Grandfather or Great Grandmother nor any other Relation that I know of or care a farthing for have been in England these 150 Years. So that you see, I have not one drop of Blood in my Veins, but what is American.\u2014Ay We have seen says he proofs enough of that.\u2014This flattered me no doubt, and I was vain enough to be pleased with it.\n   In their First Report to the President of Congress, 11 Nov. 1784, the Commissioners stated that on 31 Aug. they had notified David Hartley and on 28 Oct. the Duke of Dorset (the British ambassador who had succeeded the Duke of Manchester in Paris) that they had powers for entering into a treaty of amity and commerce with Great Britain; but Hartley had been ordered to England and Dorset had replied that he could only notify his government (Jefferson, Papers, ed. BoydThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., 7:494\u2013495; see also p. 456\u2013457). On 24 Nov. Dorset informed the Commissioners of his government\u2019s view \u201cthat the United States should send a Person properly authorized and invested with the necessary powers to London, as more suitable to the dignity of either Power, than would be the carrying on at any third Place a negotiation of so great importance\u201d sameThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., p. 547). Dorset\u2019s letter was transmitted to Congress in the Commissioners\u2019 Second Report, 15 Dec. (sameThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., p. 573\u2013574). Before this report was received, presumably, Secretary Jay submitted to Congress a draft of \u201cInstructions for the Ministers to be sent by the United States to the Court of London,\u201d which was read in Congress on 7 Feb., debated from time to time, and exactly a month later was adopted with some omissions and the highly significant alteration of the word \u201cMinisters\u201d in the title to \u201cMinister\u201d (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774\u20131789, Washington, 1904\u20131937; 34 vols., 28:45\u201346, 123). In the meanwhile a tussle had taken place over who should be the first American minister accredited to the Court of St. James\u2019s. It turned out to be JA, who was elected on 24 Feb., but the bare result recorded in the journal (sameWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774\u20131789, Washington, 1904\u20131937; 34 vols., p. 98) conveys no idea of the length of the struggle or the views of the members who were for and against his appointment. Fortunately Elbridge Gerry, in a letter written on the day the contest ended, supplied what is wanting elsewhere. The other nominees, he told JA, were Robert R. Livingston and John Rutledge; some southern members opposed JA on the ground that he was \u201ctotally averse to the Slave Trade\u201d and would not exert himself \u201cto obtain Restitution of the Negroes taken and detained from them in Violation of the Treaty\u201d; other members thought he would not be as firm as he should be on the issue of American debts; and finally some of JA\u2019s communications to Congress, notably his \u201cPeace Journal\u201d of 1782 (see note on entry of 2 Nov. 1782, above), were cited as evidence of his vanity, \u201ca weak passion, to which a Minister ought never to be subject\u201d because it would make him vulnerable to flattery by \u201can artful Negotiator\u201d (Gerry to JA, 24 Feb. 1785, Adams Papers; Burnett, ed., Letters of MembersEdmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress, Washington, 1921\u20131936; 8 vols., 8:39\u201340).\n   JA\u2019s commission to Great Britain is in the Adams Papers, 24 Feb.; it was brought to him, with his instructions and other papers, by Col. William Stephens Smith (subsequently JA\u2019s son-in-law and referred to in this work as WSS), whom Congress had appointed on 1 March \u201cSecretary to our legation to his Britannic Majesty\u201d (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774\u20131789, Washington, 1904\u20131937; 34 vols., 28:111, 149\u2013150). On 7 March Congress gave leave to Benjamin Franklin \u201cto return to America as soon as convenient,\u201d and on the 10th Thomas Jefferson \u201cwas unanimously elected\u201d to succeed Franklin at the Court of Versailles (sameWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774\u20131789, Washington, 1904\u20131937; 34 vols., p. 122, 134). JA and Jefferson retained their joint commission to negotiate commercial treaties with European and African nations.\n   JA learned of these new arrangements toward the close of April, and on the 28th of that month he addressed a letter to Gerry expressing profound thanks for his confidential account of the election contest and commenting in a temperate manner on the objections Gerry had reported as having been raised against his appointment (LbC, Adams Papers). On the day before the present Diary entry was written JA wrote a second answer to Gerry which is one of the most remarkable letters he ever composed. It is an historical and analytical discourse on the \u201cvarious kinds of Vanity\u201d to which men have been subject\u2014the dangerous kinds that JA had had to contend with, as he explained, in his adversaries and even among his colleagues, and his own kind, which he conceded was a marked trait of his character but which was innocent and harmless. Since what appears to be the copy intended for the recipient remains among the Adams Papers, since no letterbook copy was made, and since, finally, no acknowledgment by Gerry of such a letter has been found, JA evidently decided against sending it; but happily he did not destroy it, and it will be published in its place among his papers in Series III of the present edition.\n   The state of Anglo-American relations on the eve of JA\u2019s mission to London is well summarized and documented in an editorial note on the Duke of Dorset\u2019s letter to the American Commissioners, 26 March 1785, in Jefferson, Papers, ed. BoydThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., 8:56\u201359.\n       Monday. The Posts within the Limits of the United States, not yet surrendered by the English, are\n       Oswegatchy in the River St. Lawrence\n       Oswego Lake Ontario\n       Niagara and its dependencies\n       Presqu\u2019Isle East Side of Lake Erie.\n       Sandusky Ditto.\n       Detroit.\n       Michilimakinac.\n       St. Mary\u2019s. South Side of the Streight between Lakes Superiour\n       and Huron.\n       Bottom of the Bay des Puantz \n       St. Joseph. bottom of Lake Michigan.\n        Ouitanon. \n       Miamis.\n   This memorandum, the last entry in D/JA/43 and the last written by JA in his Diary for a period of more than ten months, must have been made on either 9 or 16 May, since it was written at Auteuil on a Monday and follows an entry dated there on 3 May, and since on 20 May JA set out with his wife and daughter for London (JA to Jefferson, 22 May, NNP; Jefferson, Papers, ed. BoydThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950\u2013\u2003., 8:159\u2013160). Congress\u2019 instructions of 7 March required JA to \u201cinsist, that the United States be put without further delay in possession of all the posts and territories within their limits which are now held by British Garrisons\u201d (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774\u20131789, Washington, 1904\u20131937; 34 vols., 28:123). On 1 May JA had a conversation with Daniel Hailes, secretary of the British embassy in Paris, and he had another with Dorset on the same subject, apparently on 10 May (AA to Cotton Tufts, 2 May, Adams Papers; JA to Jay, 13 May, LbC, Adams Papers, printed in Dipl. Corr., 1783\u20131789[William A. Weaver, ed.,] The Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States of America, from ... 1783, to ... 1789, Washington, 1837 [actually 1855]; 3 vols., 1: 495\u2013498). He was to make the question of British occupation of posts on the northern lakes the first and indeed a standing order of business during his London mission, but, for reasons that were hinted at by David Hartley two years earlier and that have been very fully set forth by Mr. Bemis, the British did not evacuate them for a decade; see entry of 3 May 1783, above, and Samuel F. Bemis, Jay\u2019s Treaty, N.Y., 1923, ch. 1.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/01-03-02-0004-0004-0001", "content": "Title: [List of Visits Paid and Returned in London, June\u2013July? 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n       Le Comte de Lusi. Minister  of Prussia. Great Pultney Street. r\n       De Tribolet Hardy. Secretaire de Legation de S.M. Prussienne. r\n       Mr. De Jeanneret de Dunilac late Charg\u00e9 D\u2019Affairs of his Prussian Majesty at the British Court. South Moulton Street Oxford Street. No. 49. r\n       Lord Mahon. Downing Street. r\n       The Earl of Abbington. r.\n       The Earl of Effingham. r.\n       Mr. Cottrell Assistant Master of the Ceremonies Berners Street. r\n       Mr. Grand. Great Marlborough Street No. 54. r\n       Mr. Horn and Tooke. r\n       Mr. Brand Hollis. Bruton Street Berkley Square. 1st House on the right.\n       Mr. Bridgen. r.\n       Mr. R. Penn. Queen Ann Street, West Cavendish Square. r.\n       Mr. Strachy. Portman Square. No. 18. r\n       Lt. General Melvill Brower Street No. 30. r\n       Mr. Nicholls Queen Ann Street West. No. 42. r.\n       Sir Clement Cottrell Dormer. r. Wimpole Street. r.\n       Le Comte de Pollon, Lincolns Inn Fields. Brother of the Chevalier. Minister of Sardinia. r.\n       Mr. Winchcomber Hartley. Golden Square. r.\n       Mr. Chamberlain Palsgrave Place Strand. No. 5. r\n       Mr. Chew. Charles Street St. James\u2019s Square No. 23. r\n       Mr. Granville Penn.\n       Count Woronzow Envoy Extr. & M.P. from the Empress of Russia. r\n       Mr. Frances, at Ray\u2019s Saddler Piccadilly No. 83. r.\n       Mr. Martin New Street. Bishops Gate Street. r.\n       Mr. Middleton Bryanston Street.\n       General Stewart. Norfolk Street Strand No. 33\n       Mr. Cunningham Dto.\n       Mr. Lane, Nicholas lane.\n        Mr. Martin. New Street. Bishopsgate Street\n       Jos. & Isaac Saportas. Great Crescent Minories. No. 5.\n       Mr. Wallace Bedford Street.\n       Mr. Bordieu.\n       Jos. & Isaac Saportas. Great Crescent Minories No. 5.\n       Brigr. General Forbes, in the Service of Portugal George Street. York Buildings No. 17. r\n       Sir James Harris. Park Street. Westminster. r\n       Mr. Wallace Bedford Street.\n       I. Heard Garter. r\n       Lord Hood. r\n       Mr. Jennings. Soho. Wrights Hotel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0001", "content": "Title: January 1st. 1785. Saturday.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Compliments to the Royal family at Versailles. My father carried twenty Guineas to distribute among the servants of the great folks, a tribute every minister is obliged to pay annually.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0002", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. Variet\u00e9s; at the palais Royal. Small Th\u00e9atre, built in three weeks time. Le nouveau parvenu. Le palais du bon gout. L\u2019lntendant Com\u00e9dien malgr\u00e9 lui. Le mensonge excusable. Volange, an excellent actor for the lowest kind of Comic-plays seven or eight parts in one piece with a wonderful facility. One or two other actors, good in their way. Yet I wonder how people of any delicacy, and especially Ladies can frequent this and the other small \n        Th\u00e9atres in Paris. The plays acted have seldom much wit, and almost universally are very indecent. I know not what this People would not run to; their taste seems to be entirely corrupted. The french Th\u00e9atre is deserted, when those pieces, which do honour to the nation are represented, and these theatres are always crowded, though they present nothing but low buffoonery, and scrurrility. O tempora, O mores! Letters from America when we return\u2019d. None for me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0009", "content": "Title: 19th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Parker, went for England. Saw Mr. Waring. Breakfasted at the H\u00f4tel de Modene. Appleton and Parker set off in the diligence, at about 12 1/2.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0011", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. Dined at Mr. Jeffersons. Captn. Paul Jones told us the Marquis de la Fayette was arrived. Vrais Principes de la Langue Fran\u00e7aise, Synonimes Fran\u00e7ois de M: l\u2019Abbe Girard. Abdir, a new piece was announced for to day at the French Th\u00e9atre, but is put off to next Wednesday. Mr. Blanchard cross\u2019d from Dover to Calais in an air balloon, the 7th of the month, accompanied by Dr. Jefferies. They were obliged to throw over their cloathes to lighten their balloon. Mr. Blanchard met with a very flattering reception at Calais, and at Paris. He and his companion, have been applauded at the Th\u00e9atres. The king has given him twelve thousand livres, and a pension of 1200 livres a year. All that has as yet been done relative to this discovery, is the work of the French. Montgolfier, Pil\u00e2tre de Rozier, and Blanchard will go down, hand in hand to Posterity.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0014", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Company to dine Mr. d\u2019Asp, and another Swedish gentleman. Mr. Setaro a Portuguese gentleman in the Evening. Mr. Williams spent the evening with us. Coll. Humphreys presented to Mr. A: a copy of his Poem address\u2019d to the Armies of the United States. It appears very well written. The versification is in general noble, and easy. It is a recapitulation of some of the principal events that happened during the course of the late Revolution, and contains predictions concerning the future grandeur of the United States. May they be verified!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0015", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris in the Evening. French Theatre. Iphigenie en Aulide, of Racine, and l\u2019Aveugle Clairvoyant. Though the tragedy is perhaps the best that is acted upon the Theatre, and though they had last night several of the best players, to act it, the House was not half full. Such is the present taste in this Kingdom. Brizards in Agamemnon is not I think so good as in some other parts: though it is a very disagreeable Character to support. De la Rive, in Archilles is excellent. Mlle. Saintval in Iphigenia, Mlle. Raucourt in Clytemnestra, and Mlle. Thenard in Eriphile, are good. Fleury in the small piece was, admirable. When we returned, found 3. Letters, for me. W. Warren. C. Storer. Mr. Dumas.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0016", "content": "Title: 29th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris afternoon, alone. Mr. Jeffersons. He looks much afflicted. The last letters, brought him news of the death of one of his daughters: he has a great deal of Sensibility. Bought books.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0017", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. A. met Mr. Jefferson, at Paris, in the forenoon.\n       31 The Marquis de la Fayette was here in the evening. He appears very well satisfied with his last voyage to America.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003-0018", "content": "Title: 31st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris in the afternoon. French Theatre. Abdir, and le Roi de Cocagne. Abdir is a new piece. This was only the 2d. Representation: \u2019tis the history of young Asgill, brought upon the Stage, under feigned names. G. Britain is Nang\u00e9s. Vazercan is General Washington. Abdir is Asgill. The King of Persia is the King of France, who at the end of the Piece sends an Ambassador to the new Republic, requesting the pardon of Abdir. The Author has not given so much interest I think to the piece, as the Subject is susceptible of; and it is something so new, that I don\u2019t know by what name to call it. It is not a Tragedy: for the Hero of the piece is a private person, who is known only by that even which was produced merely by chance. It is not a Comedy, for there is not a character in it, that has any thing comic in it, and the drift of the Piece, is entirely tragic. There are however a number of excellent, and very liberal sentiments. The compliments paid to the French king and nation, are not outr\u00e9s. Much is said in praise of Liberty, and of the People that defended it. Even the British are treated in a very generous manner, as they always are upon the french Stages although the English upon their Theatres take every opportunity they can to ridicule and debase this Nation. Nol\u00e9 in Abdir, and Madame Vestris in the mother, made as much of their parts as they could. Le Roi de Cocagne, is one of the most laughable, and most absurd pieces I ever saw; Dugazon, delivered the part of the King very well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0003", "content": "Title: [January 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      January 1st. 1785. Saturday.\n       Compliments to the Royal family at Versailles. My father carried twenty Guineas to distribute among the servants of the great folks, a tribute every minister is obliged to pay annually.\n       Paris. Variet\u00e9s; at the palais Royal. Small Th\u00e9atre, built in three weeks time. Le nouveau parvenu. Le palais du bon gout. L\u2019lntendant Com\u00e9dien malgr\u00e9 lui. Le mensonge excusable. Volange, an excellent actor for the lowest kind of Comic-plays seven or eight parts in one piece with a wonderful facility. One or two other actors, good in their way. Yet I wonder how people of any delicacy, and especially Ladies can frequent this and the other small \n        Th\u00e9atres in Paris. The plays acted have seldom much wit, and almost universally are very indecent. I know not what this People would not run to; their taste seems to be entirely corrupted. The french Th\u00e9atre is deserted, when those pieces, which do honour to the nation are represented, and these theatres are always crowded, though they present nothing but low buffoonery, and scrurrility. O tempora, O mores! Letters from America when we return\u2019d. None for me.\n   JQA most likely intended to continue his Diary on 2 Jan., but \u201c4th.\u201d has been written over in its place. The fourth is probably the correct date (and hence, the entry following this is incorrect), as AA in letters she wrote between 3 and 7 Jan. makes several references to letters received on 4 Jan. (See letters by her cited in note 4, below.) On the other hand, AA2 has placed these events in her diary on 3 Jan. (Jour. and Corr.Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams,... edited by Her Daughter [Caroline Amelia (Smith) de Windt], New York and London, 1841-[1849]; 3 vols., 1:39\u201340).\n   Le nouveau parvenue, Paris, 1782, Le palais du bon go\u00fbt, n.p., n.d., but first produced in 1785, and Le mensonge excusable, Paris, 1783, all by Charles Jacob Guillemain; La f\u00eate de campagne, ou, l\u2019intendant com\u00e9dien malgr\u00e9 lui (title and subtitle are sometimes reversed), Paris, 1784, by Louis Dorvigny (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n   Maurice Fran\u00e7ois Rochet, called Volange (Lyonnet, Dict. des com\u00e9diens fran\u00e7aisHenry Lyonnet, Dictionnaire des comediens fran\u00e7ais (ceux d\u2019hier) biographie, bibliographie, iconographie ..., Paris, 1908-[1911?]; 2 vols.).\n   These included at least four letters, all dated 6 Nov. 1784: Elizabeth Cranch to AA, Adams Papers (reply, 3\u20134 Jan., in AA, Letters, ed. CFA, 1848Letters of Mrs. Adams, the Wife of John Adams. With an Introductory Memoir by Her Grandson, Charles Francis Adams, 4th edn., Boston, 1848., p. 222\u2013226); Royall Tyler to JA, and to AA2 (letters not found, but referred to in AA to Tyler, 4 Jan., Adams Papers); and Mary Smith Cranch to AA, Adams Papers (reply, 7 Jan., MWA).\n       Old Mr. Grand, and Dr. Bancroft. In the evening Mr. Chaumont and Mr. Franklin.\n   Dr. Edward Bancroft, physician, scientist, and writer, Franklin\u2019s confidential associate, and double agent during the Revolution (JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:71\u201372; Julian Boyd, \u201cSilas Deane: Death by a Kindly Teacher of Treason?\u201d WMQWilliam and Mary Quarterly., 3d ser., 16:176\u2013182, 319\u2013342, 515\u2013550 [April, July, Oct. 1959]).\n       Company to dine. The Abb\u00e9s wrote a billet to excuse themselves.\n       Variet\u00e9s. Le faux talisman, La th\u00e9atromanie; Oui ou non. Poor Stuff. A good deal of genteel Company.\n   Le faux talisman, ou, rira bien qui rira le dernier. Paris, 1782, by Charles Jacob Guillemain; La th\u00e9\u00e2tromanie. Paris, 1783, by Pierre (Baron) de La Montagne; Oui ou non, Paris, 1780, by Louis Archambault Dorvigny (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n       Paris. At the post; paid 235. livres for a parcel of packets. Walk\u2019d in the Palais Royal. Large Company. Few Ladies.\n       Paris. Italian Theatre. 1st. Representation of Alexis et Justine. Went before 5. o\u2019clock. Could not find one place high nor low. Went to the Grands Danseurs du Roi, in a fiacre, for neither Servants nor carriage were to be found. Le trousseau d\u2019Agnes. Le Qui-pro-quo de l\u2019hotellerie.Rope dancing. Sophie de Brabant, Pantomime. Just such another Th\u00e9atre as the Variet\u00e9s. Plays just calculated to please the mob. Rope dancing, is surprizing at first sight, and pleases. Placide. Le petit Diable et la jeune Anglaise, very good. Comedy of Errors all this evening. Lost Appleton, and the Ladies. We however all met at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, where my father spent the Evening. Late before we got home.\n   Alexis et Justine, Paris, 1785, by Jacques Marie Boutet de Monvel, with music by Nicolas Dez\u00e8de (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n   A vaudeville troupe founded by Jean Baptiste Nicolet, which performed \u201cau fronton de\u201d Th\u00e9\u00e2tre de Nicolet on the Boulevard du Temple. These outdoor performances or \u201cparades\u201d were used to draw a crowd, and this company, within the theater, performed comic opera from the repertoire of the Com\u00e9die Italienne. Louis XV gave the troupe its title of the Grands Danseurs du Roi in 1772. They performed the two pieces described in note 4 (Emile Campardon, Les spectacles de la foire, 2 vols., Paris, 1877, 1:384; 2:151\u2013152; Ren\u00e9 H\u00e9ron de Villefosse, Histoire de Paris, Paris, 1950, p. 225\u2013226; Journal de Paris, 17 Jan.; Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n   A small French hackney coach.\n   Le trousseau d\u2019Agn\u00e8s, ou, la veuve \u00e0 marier, an unpublished parade by Alexandre Louis Bertrand Robineau Beaunoir; Le quiproquo de l\u2019h\u00f4tellerie, Paris, 1779, by Antoine Fran\u00e7ois Qu\u00e9tant (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n   \"Placide\" was Alexandre Placide (1750\u20131812), a French ballet dancer and acrobat, who performed in London from 1780 to 1785. \"Le petit Diable was probably Placide\u2019s friend Pol; \"le jeune Anglaise, likely another member of Placide\u2019s performance troupe, has not been identified (ANB; Sylvie Chevalley, \"The Death of Alexandre Placide,\" The South Carolina Historical Magazine, 58:63 [April 1957]).\n       Ambassador\u2019s day at Versailles, every Tuesday. Mr. A. went. Alexis et Justine, succeeded very well last night at the Italians. Words, Monvel, music, de Zede, celebrated authors. Dr. Jemm dined with us. A singular Character.\n   Possibly Guillaume Jaume, of Lyons, a friend of the Abb\u00e9s Chalut and Arnoux, who advised Franklin and Col. Gabriel Johonnot on the education of their grandson and son, respectively (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols., 2:409; 4:64, 446).\n       Paris. Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Parker, went for England. Saw Mr. Waring. Breakfasted at the H\u00f4tel de Modene. Appleton and Parker set off in the diligence, at about 12 1/2.\n   John Parker Jr., a South Carolinian admitted to the Middle Temple in 1775 who later served in the Continental Congress (Edward Alfred Jones, American Members of the Inns of Court, London, 1924, p. 166; Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   Possibly Dr. Thomas Waring, who was in Europe to complete his medical education (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols., 3:69, 4:100; Joseph I. Waring, The History of Medicine in South Carolina, 1670\u20131900, 2 vols., Columbia, S.C., 1964, 1:343).\n       Mlle: Remaldi, appeared last night at the Italian Comedy, for the first time, in the part of Lyse, in le jugement de Midas, and succeeded very well.\n   By Thomas Hales, known as d\u2019H\u00e8le, Paris, 1778, with music by Andr\u00e9 Gr\u00e9try (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n       Paris. Dined at Mr. Jeffersons. Captn. Paul Jones told us the Marquis de la Fayette was arrived. Vrais Principes de la Langue Fran\u00e7aise, Synonimes Fran\u00e7ois de M: l\u2019Abbe Girard. Abdir, a new piece was announced for to day at the French Th\u00e9atre, but is put off to next Wednesday. Mr. Blanchard cross\u2019d from Dover to Calais in an air balloon, the 7th of the month, accompanied by Dr. Jefferies. They were obliged to throw over their cloathes to lighten their balloon. Mr. Blanchard met with a very flattering reception at Calais, and at Paris. He and his companion, have been applauded at the Th\u00e9atres. The king has given him twelve thousand livres, and a pension of 1200 livres a year. All that has as yet been done relative to this discovery, is the work of the French. Montgolfier, Pil\u00e2tre de Rozier, and Blanchard will go down, hand in hand to Posterity.\n   Jones was in Paris as congressional agent to recover prize money due officers and men of three ships. Shortly after his arrival in Dec. 1783, Franklin augmented Jones\u2019 authority to include the prize money due to any American ship formerly under his command. Jones\u2019 negotiations with the French minister of Marine concluded in Oct. 1784, but payment was long delayed (Samuel Eliot Morison, John Paul Jones: A Sailor\u2019s Biography, Boston, 1959, p. 336\u2013341).\n   Lafayette was returning from a short, sentimental, and successful tour of the United States begun the previous August (Gottschalk, LafayetteLouis Gottschalk, Lafayette, Chicago, 1935-1950; 4 vols. [vol. 1:] Lafayette Comes to America; [vol. 2:] Lafayette Joins the American Army; [vol. 3:] Lafayette and the Close of the American Revolution; [vol. 4:] Lafayette between the American and the French Revolution (1783 -1789)., 4:83\u2013138).\n   Gabriel Girard, Synonymes fran\u00e7ois . . . nouvelle \u00e9dition . . . augment\u00e9e . . . de notes, par M. Beauz\u00e9e, 2 vols., Paris, 1769, and his Les vrais principes de la langue fran\u00e7oise, 2 vols., Paris, 1747. These are both in JA\u2019s library at MB. A copy of Synonymes fran\u00e7ois, Amsterdam, 1766, with JQA\u2019s bookplate is at MQA; there are also three copies of Les vrais principes, two in JA\u2019s library, and another at MQA, but none bears JQA\u2019s bookplate.\n   Abdir, Paris, 1785, by Edme Louis Billardon de Sauvigny, was first produced the following Wednesday, 26 Jan., then reduced to three acts on 31 Jan., when JQA saw and described it (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.; Journal de Paris, 26 Jan.).\n   Fran\u00e7ois Blanchard (usually called Jean Pierre), the French aeronaut, and John Jeffries, the Massachusetts-born loyalist and physician to the Adamses when they later lived in London. After an initial experimental flight together on 30 Nov., Blanchard and Jeffries made their historic crossing of the Channel on 7 Jan., landing in the Forest of Guines, near Calais (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.; Mary Beth Norton, \u201cAmerica\u2019s First Aeronaut: Dr. John Jeffries,\u201d History Today, 18:722\u2013729 [Oct. 1968]; AA to Mary Smith Cranch, 25\u201327 Feb. 1787, MWA).\n       Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Short. The Marquis de la Fayette is not arrived. Mrs. Barclay.\n   William Short, private secretary to Jefferson in Paris from 1785 to 1789 (George Green Shackelford, \u201cWilliam Short, Diplomat in Revolutionary France,\u201d Amer. Philos. Soc., Procs.American Philosophical Society, Proceedings., 102:596\u2013612 [Dec. 1958]).\n       Mr. A: Paris. A Gentleman brought a Letter from Mr. Jay, which came by the Marquis de la Fayette: who will arrive this evening at Versailles.\n   John Jay to JA, 13 Dec. 1784 (Adams Papers).\n       Company to dine Mr. d\u2019Asp, and another Swedish gentleman. Mr. Setaro a Portuguese gentleman in the Evening. Mr. Williams spent the evening with us. Coll. Humphreys presented to Mr. A: a copy of his Poem address\u2019d to the Armies of the United States. It appears very well written. The versification is in general noble, and easy. It is a recapitulation of some of the principal events that happened during the course of the late Revolution, and contains predictions concerning the future grandeur of the United States. May they be verified!\n   Per Olof von Asp, secretary of the Swedish embassy at Paris (Svenskt Biografiskt Lexikon;Svenskt Biografiskt Lexikon, Orebro and Stockholm, 1857-[1907]; 10 vols. entry for 18 April, below).\n   Jonathan Williams Jr., who joined his great-uncle Benjamin Franklin in France in 1776 and served as U.S. commercial agent at Nantes (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   \u201cA Poem, Addressed to the Armies of the United States of America,\u201d New Haven, 1780, repr. Paris and London, 1785 (Dexter, Yale GraduatesFranklin Bowditch Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, with Annals of the College History, New York, 1885-1912; 6 vols., 3:417\u2013418). JA\u2019s presentation copy, presumably of the Paris edition (see AA2, Jour. and Corr.Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams,... edited by Her Daughter [Caroline Amelia (Smith) de Windt], New York and London, 1841-[1849]; 3 vols., 1:45), has not been found.\n   A red exclamation mark here was probably added after 1 Feb., when JQA began to record dates in red ink.\n       Paris in the Evening. French Theatre. Iphigenie en Aulide, of Racine, and l\u2019Aveugle Clairvoyant. Though the tragedy is perhaps the best that is acted upon the Theatre, and though they had last night several of the best players, to act it, the House was not half full. Such is the present taste in this Kingdom. Brizards in Agamemnon is not I think so good as in some other parts: though it is a very disagreeable Character to support. De la Rive, in Archilles is excellent. Mlle. Saintval in Iphigenia, Mlle. Raucourt in Clytemnestra, and Mlle. Thenard in Eriphile, are good. Fleury in the small piece was, admirable. When we returned, found 3. Letters, for me. W. Warren. C. Storer. Mr. Dumas.\n   Paris, 1674; and Paris, 1716, by Marc Antoine Legrand (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n   Jean Baptiste Britard, called Brizard (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n   Probably Jean Mauduit de La Rive or Larive; Marie Blanche Alziari de Roquefort, called Saint-val; Fran\u00e7oise Clairien, called Saucerotte, but more familiarly known as Raucourt; Marie Magdalaine Claudine Chevalier Perrin, called Thenard (sameJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.; Michaud, Biog. universelle;Biographie universelle, ancienne et moderne, Paris: Michaud Fr\u00e8res, 1811-1862; 85 vols. Lyonnet, Dict. des com\u00e9diens fran\u00e7aisHenry Lyonnet, Dictionnaire des comediens fran\u00e7ais (ceux d\u2019hier) biographie, bibliographie, iconographie ..., Paris, 1908-[1911?]; 2 vols.).\n   Abraham Joseph B\u00e9nard, known as Fleury, the celebrated French comedian (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n   Winslow Warren to JQA, 4 Jan.; C. W. F. Dumas to JQA, 21 Jan.; the third not found (both in Adams Papers).\n       Paris afternoon, alone. Mr. Jeffersons. He looks much afflicted. The last letters, brought him news of the death of one of his daughters: he has a great deal of Sensibility. Bought books.\n   Jefferson received the news of the death of Lucy Elizabeth (b. 1782), his second daughter by that name, in a letter from James Currie, 20 Nov. 1784, which was received on 26 Jan., carried by Lafayette (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 6:186; 7:441, 538\u2013539).\n   None has been positively identified.\n       Mr. A. met Mr. Jefferson, at Paris, in the forenoon.\n       31 The Marquis de la Fayette was here in the evening. He appears very well satisfied with his last voyage to America.\n       Paris in the afternoon. French Theatre. Abdir, and le Roi de Cocagne. Abdir is a new piece. This was only the 2d. Representation: \u2019tis the history of young Asgill, brought upon the Stage, under feigned names. G. Britain is Nang\u00e9s. Vazercan is General Washington. Abdir is Asgill. The King of Persia is the King of France, who at the end of the Piece sends an Ambassador to the new Republic, requesting the pardon of Abdir. The Author has not given so much interest I think to the piece, as the Subject is susceptible of; and it is something so new, that I don\u2019t know by what name to call it. It is not a Tragedy: for the Hero of the piece is a private person, who is known only by that even which was produced merely by chance. It is not a Comedy, for there is not a character in it, that has any thing comic in it, and the drift of the Piece, is entirely tragic. There are however a number of excellent, and very liberal sentiments. The compliments paid to the French king and nation, are not outr\u00e9s. Much is said in praise of Liberty, and of the People that defended it. Even the British are treated in a very generous manner, as they always are upon the french Stages although the English upon their Theatres take every opportunity they can to ridicule and debase this Nation. Nol\u00e9 in Abdir, and Madame Vestris in the mother, made as much of their parts as they could. Le Roi de Cocagne, is one of the most laughable, and most absurd pieces I ever saw; Dugazon, delivered the part of the King very well.\n   A musical comedy by Marc Antoine Legrand, Paris, 1719, with music by the actor Jean Baptiste Maurice Quinault (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.); for Abdir, see entry for 21 Jan., note 4 (above).\n   Charles Asgill, the British officer captured at Yorktown, who was selected for execution in retaliation for the hanging by American loyalists of Capt. Joshua Huddy of the New Jersey militia. His ultimate release came through the initiative of his mother, who sent an appeal for her son\u2019s life to Vergennes, who, in turn, laid the matter before Louis XVI and his queen. So moved were they by the plea, that they directed Vergennes to write to Washington, who sent the letter to the congress, which voted for Asgill\u2019s release (DNBLeslie Stephen and Sidney Lee, eds., The Dictionary of National Biography, New York and London, 1885-1900; 63 vols, plus supplements.).\n   Not identified.\n   Fran\u00e7oise Rose Gourgaud was known on stage by her married name (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n   Jean Baptiste Henri Gourgaud (or Gourgault), called Dugazon, the brother of Mme. Vestris (Lyonnet, Dict. des com\u00e9diens fran\u00e7aisHenry Lyonnet, Dictionnaire des comediens fran\u00e7ais (ceux d\u2019hier) biographie, bibliographie, iconographie ..., Paris, 1908-[1911?]; 2 vols.).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0001", "content": "Title: 3d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. In the afternoon with Mr. A. went for the books arrived from London. Not to be found. Bought other books. Weather somewhat cold. The whole month of January very mild.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0004", "content": "Title: 6th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Enter Miss A. in the evening, and cries out, \u201cCallahan is arrived, and a bushel of Letters. One for you Sir from C. Storer:\u201d and away she flew. Miss had a dozen at least: there were very few for any body else.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0007", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris Afternoon. Coll. Humphreys and Mr. Short, went with us to see Astley\u2019s equestrian exercises which, may be seen once or twice with pleasure, but which are tiresome, to one who has seen them as often as I have. Astley exhibits from October till february in Paris, and the rest of the year in London. His Amphitheatre here, is generally very full: he might make a very large fortune, but spends as much as he gains. Ce qui vient par la flute, s\u2019en retourne par le tambour say the french. This evening a contest arose between two persons about a place; one of them appeared to be a Gentleman, and was well drest. The other look\u2019d like an upper Servant: he was there to keep three places which had been taken beforehand. The Gentleman wanted to place a Lady he had with him, in one of the Places, and after a few words had passed, he called for the Officer that was to keep the Peace maintain order who immediately decided that the Gentleman was in the right: this is always the case, in France, and I believe that had the other Person, been a Chevalier de St. Louis, or a person of distinction, the Officer would have decided the matter very differently. In England they fall into the other extreme, and the Populace commit the most outrageous disorders, unpunish\u2019d. Of the two evils, the french I think is the most supportable; you are only exposed to humiliation, whereas in England, your life is really not out of danger. Mr. Jefferson informed us that he has learnt by a Letter from New-York dated Jany. 5 that Congress are sitting in that City.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0009", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s with a great deal of Company, among the rest Dr. Jeffries who lately cross\u2019d with Mr. Blanchard, from Dover to Calais. He is a small man: has not an agreeable address, but seems to be very sensible: he related his voyage: in which his intrepidity had well nigh been fatal to him: the balloon descended he says, \u00be of a mile in 2. minutes: he and Mr. Blanchard were both of them obliged to throw almost all their cloaths in the water. At one time they were not more than 20 yards above the surface. Mr. B\u2014\u2014g\u2014\u2014m who decides upon all subjects in a more positive manner than I think he would if he was versed well in any, said it was impossible for a balloon to remain steady in one place; because said he, there is nothing to resist it: Messrs. Roberts in the account they gave of their last voyage in the air say that at one time for five minutes their balloon did not stir forward: they saw the shadow of it upon the ground, and were therefore sure of what they advanced: this was alledged but Mr. B\u2014\u2014g\u2014\u2014m said M: M: Roberts were fools: this was the shortest way by which he could prove the truth of his assertion.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0010", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris, afternoon. Carried Mr. A\u2019s Letter to the Abb\u00e9 de Mably, requesting him to write a moral, and political Catechism. The Abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux read it. Went to Messieurs le Couteulx, for money, and was bad to come tomorrow. Bought the abridgement of Wolff\u2019s course of Math\u00e9matics in french.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0012", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris, afternoon. Returned to Messrs: le Couteulx, for Mr. Gs business and finished it. Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. A man of universal learning and very pleasing manners. Memorandum: borrowed 2 vols. of the Tableau de Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0014", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       All dined at the Marquis de la Fayette. There was a considerable company, mostly composed of Americans. We saw two of the Marquis\u2019s children; he has three; but the other is out at nurse at Versailles. His son is called George Washington: about 4 years old, a very pretty child: the Legislature of the State of Connecticut have lately made his father and him, citizens of that State. The Marquis\u2019s youngest daughter is named Virginia. Madame is a very agreeable woman, and has a pleasing countenance: She is extremely fond of her husband and children, which is a most uncommon circumstance: especially as when they were married, neither of them was more than 12 years old: She told my father that Mrs. Jay, did not like the french Ladies. \u201cNi moi, non plus.\u201d And that if Monsr. le Marquis goes to America again, she will go with him. The Marquis brought with him from America, a young Gentleman, of the age of about 14: his name is Colwel and his father was barbarously murdered by the British, during the War in New Jersey.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0015", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       My father went to Versailles. Mr. Short went with him to be presented at Court. Variable Weather: much Snow in the morning, fair weather at noon, and Stormy again, in the Evening. The Duke of Dorset said to my father, while they were passing from one chamber to another \u201cwhat nonsensical business all this noisy parade is!\u201d My father said it was curious that a person like him, who had from his Childhood been brought up to it, should speak in that manner of it: \u201cI have always hated it,\u201d replied the Duke, \u201cand I have avoided it whenever I possibly could.\u201d Thus it is almost universally. People who pass all their lives in Pomp and Parade, are as much averse to it, as any body; and yet they do not abolish it; and nothing is more difficult than laying aside established customs, though every body agrees, that they are absurd.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0016", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris in the morning. Mr. Williams and Mr. Franklin went with us. They breakfasted at M: de St. Olympe\u2019s. I went to Gogu\u00e9 et N\u00e9e de la Rochelle, booksellers Quai des Augustins. Bought Rollin\u2019s histoire Romaine, and Mr. Necker\u2019s book. Mr. Jefferson was not at home: nor any body at his House. Mr. Franklin has taken lessons of animal magnetism, he laugh\u2019d at it much; yet said it was a very useful discovery.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0017", "content": "Title: 25th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. At the Opera. Panurge dans l\u2019lsle des Lanternes; a new Opera. 12th time. Words, which are very indifferent M: Morel: music, which is exquisite M: Gretri. I dont know how it happens, but the more this gentleman composes, the better his music is, I think. The dancing was also admirable, Gardel, and Vestris, perhaps the two best dancers in the world, performed together; and strove to surpass one another. Mesdemoiselles Saunier, Langlois and Zacharie, were much applauded. Such magnificent Scenery, such rich dresses, such delicious music, vocal and instrumental, and such inimitable dancing, combined together, appear rather an effect of enchantment than of art: I never yet saw an Opera, with so much Pleasure. The words are very bad.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0018", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       M: de St: Olympe: Mr. Franklin and Mr. Williams dined with us. The first is a west Indian; who is going in a short time to America: Mr. Franklin has been so long in France, that he is more a Frenchman than an American: I doubt whether he will enjoy himself perfectly if he returns to America.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004-0020", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. Bought of Froull\u00e9 bookseller quai des Augustins Crevier\u2019s Histoire des Empereurs Romains. Spent half an hour with Mr. Blakely: he goes for London next monday. Mr. Pickman was not at home, nor Mr. Waring, nor any body at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s; I waited there an hour for them to return; but in vain. I passed an hour with the abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux: Abb\u00e9 de Mably was with them. This gentleman is very famous in the litterary world: he has written a great deal; upon the subject of morals and politics, and of late four letters containing Observations upon the Constitutions of America, which he addressed to my father.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0004", "content": "Title: [February 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. In the afternoon with Mr. A. went for the books arrived from London. Not to be found. Bought other books. Weather somewhat cold. The whole month of January very mild.\n   JQA began this month with the date \u201cTuesday February 1st. 1785.,\u201d but his first entry is on the third.\n   Neither set of books has been identified.\n       Snowy, stormy weather all the morning, but clear in the afternoon. Mrs. and Miss A. went to Paris, and at length got, the long expected Books.\n       Stormy Weather. Mr. A. went to Passy in the morning, and to the Marquis\u2019s afternoon. A Letter from Mr. Dana: a vessel arrived at L\u2019Orient from Boston.\n   Dana to JA, 12 Dec. 1784 (Adams Papers).\n       Enter Miss A. in the evening, and cries out, \u201cCallahan is arrived, and a bushel of Letters. One for you Sir from C. Storer:\u201d and away she flew. Miss had a dozen at least: there were very few for any body else.\n   Presumably Capt. John Callahan, Boston shipmaster; it was probably his vessel that JQA referred to in his previous entry (JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:215\u2013216).\n   Letter not found.\n   Among them probably was Mary (Smith) Cranch to AA, 6 Dec. 1784 (Adams Papers), as referred to in AA to Mary (Smith) Cranch, 20 Feb.\u201313 March 1785 (MWA). The letters to AA2 are presumably lost.\n       Dined at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. Masks in the rue de Fauxbourg St. Antoine and in the ru\u00eb St. Honor\u00e9. With reason, are the Parisians called by all the rest of the Nation badauds de Paris, for nothing can be conceived more stupid, than this Carnaval amusement. An hundred people perhaps run about the streets in masks, and there are ten thousand people without masks looking upon them: it is said however that this diversion is going much out of fashion; and that the Police, are obliged to hire a vast number of People, to set the example: two thirds of the Masks, are paid, say they. Thus does this government take every measure imaginable, to keep the eyes of the People shut, upon their own situation: and they really do it very effectually.\n   A pre-Lenten carnival culminating in a masked ball that evening (AA2, Jour. and Corr.Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams,... edited by Her Daughter [Caroline Amelia (Smith) de Windt], New York and London, 1841-[1849]; 3 vols., 1:46\u201347).\n   Idle, frivolous persons.\n       Coll. Humphreys. In the afternoon, went through Passy, to Paris. Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. Saw the Masks again, a vast number more to day than yesterday. Shrove Tuesday last day of the Carnaval. French Comedy. But could get no places. A rare thing.\n       Paris Afternoon. Coll. Humphreys and Mr. Short, went with us to see Astley\u2019s equestrian exercises which, may be seen once or twice with pleasure, but which are tiresome, to one who has seen them as often as I have. Astley exhibits from October till february in Paris, and the rest of the year in London. His Amphitheatre here, is generally very full: he might make a very large fortune, but spends as much as he gains. Ce qui vient par la flute, s\u2019en retourne par le tambour say the french. This evening a contest arose between two persons about a place; one of them appeared to be a Gentleman, and was well drest. The other look\u2019d like an upper Servant: he was there to keep three places which had been taken beforehand. The Gentleman wanted to place a Lady he had with him, in one of the Places, and after a few words had passed, he called for the Officer that was to keep the Peace maintain order who immediately decided that the Gentleman was in the right: this is always the case, in France, and I believe that had the other Person, been a Chevalier de St. Louis, or a person of distinction, the Officer would have decided the matter very differently. In England they fall into the other extreme, and the Populace commit the most outrageous disorders, unpunish\u2019d. Of the two evils, the french I think is the most supportable; you are only exposed to humiliation, whereas in England, your life is really not out of danger. Mr. Jefferson informed us that he has learnt by a Letter from New-York dated Jany. 5 that Congress are sitting in that City.\n       Mr. A. Dined in Paris at the Duke of Dorset\u2019s. Very cold weather: as much so, I think, as any, we have had this Season.\n   John Frederick Sackville, third Duke of Dorset, the English ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary at Paris, 1783\u20131789 (DNBLeslie Stephen and Sidney Lee, eds., The Dictionary of National Biography, New York and London, 1885-1900; 63 vols, plus supplements.).\n       Dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s with a great deal of Company, among the rest Dr. Jeffries who lately cross\u2019d with Mr. Blanchard, from Dover to Calais. He is a small man: has not an agreeable address, but seems to be very sensible: he related his voyage: in which his intrepidity had well nigh been fatal to him: the balloon descended he says, \u00be of a mile in 2. minutes: he and Mr. Blanchard were both of them obliged to throw almost all their cloaths in the water. At one time they were not more than 20 yards above the surface. Mr. B\u2014\u2014g\u2014\u2014m who decides upon all subjects in a more positive manner than I think he would if he was versed well in any, said it was impossible for a balloon to remain steady in one place; because said he, there is nothing to resist it: Messrs. Roberts in the account they gave of their last voyage in the air say that at one time for five minutes their balloon did not stir forward: they saw the shadow of it upon the ground, and were therefore sure of what they advanced: this was alledged but Mr. B\u2014\u2014g\u2014\u2014m said M: M: Roberts were fools: this was the shortest way by which he could prove the truth of his assertion.\n   That is, William Bingham, Philadelphia banker and land speculator, whom JQA met in London.\n       Paris, afternoon. Carried Mr. A\u2019s Letter to the Abb\u00e9 de Mably, requesting him to write a moral, and political Catechism. The Abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux read it. Went to Messieurs le Couteulx, for money, and was bad to come tomorrow. Bought the abridgement of Wolff\u2019s course of Math\u00e9matics in french.\n   Letter not found, but see Mably\u2019s reply, 25 Feb. (Adams Papers).\n   Le Couteulx & Cie., Paris merchant bankers (JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:61, 151).\n   JQA\u2019s \u201cabridged\u201d version has not been found, but JA\u2019s library contains a copy of Christian Wolff\u2019s Cours de math\u00e9matique, contenant toutes les parties de cette science... Traduit en Fran\u00e7ois, & augment\u00e9, ed. Charles Antoine Jombert, 3 vols., Paris, 1757.\n       Paris, afternoon. Returned to Messrs: le Couteulx, for Mr. Gs business and finished it. Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. A man of universal learning and very pleasing manners. Memorandum: borrowed 2 vols. of the Tableau de Paris.\n   Either Ferdinand or Georges Grand, Paris bankers.\n   [Louis Sebastien Mercier], Tableau de Paris. Nouvelle \u00e9dition corrig\u00e9e & augment\u00e9e. Jefferson had only the first six of twelve volumes, which were published in Amsterdam in 1782\u20131783 (E. Millicent Sowerby, comp., Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson, 5 vols., Washington, 1952\u20131959, 4:122\u2013123; entry for 11 March, below).\n       Dined at the Swedish Ambassadors: the Company was not very numerous: a number of Sweeds, one, who lately came from America: the Ambassador said to me: mon dieu que Mlle. v\u00f4tre soeur est jolie! j\u2019ai vu peu d\u2019aussi jolies femmes qu\u2019elle: he thought doubtless, that I should tell her what he said: he is a very agreeable man. The Gentleman lately from America, professes to be charmed with the Country: especially with NewPort in Rhode Island: he admired the Ladies very much. We had a very elegant dinner, served entirely in silver, but it was not so splendid, as I have seen at the same table: the generality of the foreign Ambassadors here live in a great degree of magnificence: the Sweedish Ambassador pays nine thousand livres a year for his house without an article of furtinure in it. Mr. Brantzen, one of the Dutch Ambassadors gives for his house, all furnished eighteen thousand livres per an: and I have heard him boast of his having it very cheap. Count d\u2019Aranda, the Spanish Ambassador gives twenty eight thousand livres every year for his house: every thing else must be in proportion; the same Count d\u2019Aranda has sixty persons in his service, and spends doubtless more than ten thousand pound sterling annually. No Ambassador at this Court spends less, I am persuaded, than 6,000 sterling.\n   Erik Magnus, Baron Sta\u00ebl-Holstein, minister plenipotentiary and ambassador extraordinary to France, 1783\u20131796, 1798\u20131799 (Repertorium der diplomatischen Vertreter aller L\u00e4nderRepertorium der diplomatischen Vertreter aller Lander seit dent Westfalischen Frieden (1648), ed. Ludwig Bittner and others, Oldenburg, &c, 1936-1965; 3 vols., p. 408).\n       All dined at the Marquis de la Fayette. There was a considerable company, mostly composed of Americans. We saw two of the Marquis\u2019s children; he has three; but the other is out at nurse at Versailles. His son is called George Washington: about 4 years old, a very pretty child: the Legislature of the State of Connecticut have lately made his father and him, citizens of that State. The Marquis\u2019s youngest daughter is named Virginia. Madame is a very agreeable woman, and has a pleasing countenance: She is extremely fond of her husband and children, which is a most uncommon circumstance: especially as when they were married, neither of them was more than 12 years old: She told my father that Mrs. Jay, did not like the french Ladies. \u201cNi moi, non plus.\u201d And that if Monsr. le Marquis goes to America again, she will go with him. The Marquis brought with him from America, a young Gentleman, of the age of about 14: his name is Colwel and his father was barbarously murdered by the British, during the War in New Jersey.\n   Anastasie Louise Pauline de Lafayette, later Comtesse de Latour-Maubourg; George(s) Washington de Lafayette, godson of Washington, and later a soldier and politician; Marie Antoinette Virginie de Lafayette, later Marquise de Lasteyrie; Marie Adrienne Fran\u00e7oise de Noailles de Lafayette, wife of the Marquis (Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776\u20131790, ed. Stanley J. Idzerda and others, Ithaca, N.Y., 1977\u2013\u2004, I:xliv-xlv, 477\u2013478; Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n   John Edwards Caldwell, son of Rev. James Caldwell of Elizabethtown, N.J., whom Lafayette had educated in a French boarding school. Caldwell later returned to the United States, where he was a philanthropist in New York city and a founder of the American Bible Society (Louis Gottschalk, LafayetteLouis Gottschalk, Lafayette, Chicago, 1935-1950; 4 vols. [vol. 1:] Lafayette Comes to America; [vol. 2:] Lafayette Joins the American Army; [vol. 3:] Lafayette and the Close of the American Revolution; [vol. 4:] Lafayette between the American and the French Revolution (1783 -1789)., 4:142, 161\u2013162; Nicholas Murray, \u201cA Memoir of the Rev. James Caldwell, of Elizabethtown,\u201d N.J. Hist. Soc., Procs., 1st ser., 3:88 [May 1848]).\n       My father went to Versailles. Mr. Short went with him to be presented at Court. Variable Weather: much Snow in the morning, fair weather at noon, and Stormy again, in the Evening. The Duke of Dorset said to my father, while they were passing from one chamber to another \u201cwhat nonsensical business all this noisy parade is!\u201d My father said it was curious that a person like him, who had from his Childhood been brought up to it, should speak in that manner of it: \u201cI have always hated it,\u201d replied the Duke, \u201cand I have avoided it whenever I possibly could.\u201d Thus it is almost universally. People who pass all their lives in Pomp and Parade, are as much averse to it, as any body; and yet they do not abolish it; and nothing is more difficult than laying aside established customs, though every body agrees, that they are absurd.\n       Paris in the morning. Mr. Williams and Mr. Franklin went with us. They breakfasted at M: de St. Olympe\u2019s. I went to Gogu\u00e9 et N\u00e9e de la Rochelle, booksellers Quai des Augustins. Bought Rollin\u2019s histoire Romaine, and Mr. Necker\u2019s book. Mr. Jefferson was not at home: nor any body at his House. Mr. Franklin has taken lessons of animal magnetism, he laugh\u2019d at it much; yet said it was a very useful discovery.\n   A French West Indian with business interests in Martinique and North America (AA2, Jour. and Corr.Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams,... edited by Her Daughter [Caroline Amelia (Smith) de Windt], New York and London, 1841-[1849]; 3 vols., 1:50\u201351; Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols., 3:168; 4:110, 116).\n   Charles Rollin, L\u2019 Histoire romaine, depuis la fondation de Rome jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la bataille d\u2019Actium . . ., 7 vols., Paris, 1738\u20131741. JQA\u2019s set mentioned here may be one of two different sixteen-volume editions at MQA, both of which bear his bookplate, and one of which also carries his autograph. Of the several works of Jacques Necker, French financier and statesman, in the Adams libraries, the only contemporary publication bearing JQA\u2019s bookplate is De l\u2019administration des finances de la France, 3 vols., [Paris], 1784.\n   William Temple Franklin, the natural son of Benjamin Franklin\u2019s natural son William, had served as his grandfather\u2019s secretary since 1776. Temple was a member of the Paris Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de L\u2019Harmonie, a group founded by the followers of Frederick Anthony Mesmer. Mesmer, a Vienna-trained physician, claimed to have discovered the property of animal magnetism, a fluid conducted by a kind of occult force in himself which contained curative powers. Owing in large part to Mesmer\u2019s great success in Paris, Louis XVI appointed Benjamin Franklin in March 1784 a member of a royal commission to examine the subject of animal magnetism, which was denounced in their report that summer. Franklin doubted its existence, and the cures claimed for it strengthened his belief in mankind\u2019s credulity (Franklin, PapersThe Papers of Benjamin Franklin, ed. Leonard W. Labaree, William B. Willcox (from vol. 15), and others, New Haven, 1959- ., 1:lxii; JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 2:356; 3:102\u2013103, 169; Claude-Anne Lopez and Eugenia W. Herbert, The Private Franklin, N.Y., 1975, p. 255\u2013258).\n       Paris. At the Opera. Panurge dans l\u2019lsle des Lanternes; a new Opera. 12th time. Words, which are very indifferent M: Morel: music, which is exquisite M: Gretri. I dont know how it happens, but the more this gentleman composes, the better his music is, I think. The dancing was also admirable, Gardel, and Vestris, perhaps the two best dancers in the world, performed together; and strove to surpass one another. Mesdemoiselles Saunier, Langlois and Zacharie, were much applauded. Such magnificent Scenery, such rich dresses, such delicious music, vocal and instrumental, and such inimitable dancing, combined together, appear rather an effect of enchantment than of art: I never yet saw an Opera, with so much Pleasure. The words are very bad.\n   A comedy by \u00c9tienne Morel de Ch\u00e9deville (sometimes Chefdeville), Paris, 1785, with music by Andr\u00e9 Gr\u00e9try; it was performed at the Acad\u00e9mie Royal de Musique (Brenner, Bibliographical List;Clarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947. Journal de Paris, 25 Feb.).\n   Probably Pierre Gabriel Gardel, \u201cle jeune,\u201d French dancer and choreographer and brother of Maximilien Joseph L\u00e9opold Gardel (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9rale;J. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols. Journal de Paris, 1 March 1783).\n   Probably Marie Auguste Vestris, son of the Italian dancer Gaetano Apollino Baldassare Vestri, called Vestris (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n       M: de St: Olympe: Mr. Franklin and Mr. Williams dined with us. The first is a west Indian; who is going in a short time to America: Mr. Franklin has been so long in France, that he is more a Frenchman than an American: I doubt whether he will enjoy himself perfectly if he returns to America.\n       Mr. Pickman brought a Letter from Mr. Tracey. Cold weather.\n   Benjamin Pickman, son of the Salem merchant of the same name. The father disapproved of the course of pre-Revolutionary Massachusetts politics and left America for England in 1775. The son was making a tour of France and returned to Boston via London with his father in the spring. Later he studied law, spending some time in Theophilus Parsons\u2019 law office with JQA; but like his father, he entered commerce (George Francis Dow, The Diary and letters of Benjamin Pickman . . . and Genealogy of the Pickman Family, Newport, R.I., 1928, p. 27\u201328, 146; Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 14:489\u2013492; entry for 23 Feb. 1788, below).\n   Letter not found.\n       Paris. Bought of Froull\u00e9 bookseller quai des Augustins Crevier\u2019s Histoire des Empereurs Romains. Spent half an hour with Mr. Blakely: he goes for London next monday. Mr. Pickman was not at home, nor Mr. Waring, nor any body at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s; I waited there an hour for them to return; but in vain. I passed an hour with the abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux: Abb\u00e9 de Mably was with them. This gentleman is very famous in the litterary world: he has written a great deal; upon the subject of morals and politics, and of late four letters containing Observations upon the Constitutions of America, which he addressed to my father.\n   This may be the twelve-volume, Paris, 1749\u20131755, edition of Jean Baptiste Louis Crevier\u2019s Histoire des empereurs romains, depuis Auguste jusqu\u2019a Constantin at MQA, which bears JQA\u2019s bookplate.\n   Observations sur le gouvernment et les loix des Etats-Unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique, Amsterdam, 1784; transl. Remarks Concerning the Government and Laws of the United States of America: In Four Letters, Addressed to Mr. Adams, London, 1784. Copies of both are in JA\u2019s library at MB.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0002", "content": "Title: 2d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris afternoon. La Servante Maitresse, and, the 20th. Representation of Richard Coeur de Lion, an Opera, at the Italian Comedy. The words are of S\u00e8daine and the Music of Gretri. It is a delightful Piece, and the music like all the rest of Mr. Gretri\u2019s compositions is admirable. We were early, but could get only very bad places; I never saw any Th\u00e9atre more crowded, and a vast number of persons could get no Places at all. Philippe play\u2019d Richard, and Clairval Blondel: this is a charming Character, and was very well acted. Mlle. Rosalie in Blondel\u2019s guide, was interesting, as also Mlle. Colomb, in the Countess of Flanders. The First Piece, is a translation of the Serva padrona, of the famous Pergolezzi, but it is a very bad one. The music, is perhaps some of the best ever composed, but the piece has no effect upon the Th\u00e9atre. There are in this Piece only two speaking Characters and one mute personage.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0004", "content": "Title: 5th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Company to dine. Mr. Bleakly took charge of some Letters for London, one for Mr. Elworthy. He goes on Monday. Mr. Pickman sets out for London too, in the Course of the next week. I dined with him last June at London, on board Captn. Callahan\u2019s ship. He belongs to Salem, and is a very agreeable young Gentleman. Mr. Waring thinks of going to America in May, about the time I shall: Indeed it is not improbable that we shall go together: though he wishes to go from London, first. Mrs. Bingham came in the evening, and spent an hour with the Ladies. She looks very unwell: has had the tooth ache, violently for almost ten days. She is going to Switzerland, and to Italy next summer. Mr. B. made a very large fortune during the War by privateering, and since the Peace, came to Europe to enjoy it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0005", "content": "Title: 7th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined at the Marquis de la Fayettes. The Chevalier de la Luzerne dined there has been in the Country for some Months past. M: de Camaran a young french gentleman who went to America with the Marquis the last time was asked by Mrs. B. what part of America he liked best. He did not know from what part she was, and answered Boston. \u201cI never was there\u201d said Mrs. B. The Gentleman was embarass\u2019d when he found she was a Philadelphian; but she added j\u2019aime beaucoup mieux l\u2019Europe que l\u2019Amerique. Mrs. B. is handsome, about 20 years of age, and her husband is supposed to be, and lives as if he was, very rich; so it is not very astonishing that she prefers Europe to her own Country.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0006", "content": "Title: 9th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. Mr. Williamos went with us to see the Gallery of Pictures belonging to the Duke de Chartres in the Palais Royal. It is one of the finest Collections in Europe. There are a great number of Pictures by the first Masters of the Art. More of Raphael, than in any Collection I ever saw. The cieling is painted in Fresco by Antony Coypel. The paintings are very fine, and it is a pity they will be destroyed as the building will soon be demolished in order to continue those, they are now erecting. Among the numerous admirable paintings in this gallery I distinguished particularly the few following. Our Saviour dead, with four women round him by Raphael. The Swiss said to us, \u201cc\u2019est le tableau le plus precieux qu\u2019il y ait dans l\u2019univers.\u201d The virgin Mary is represented in a swoon. The expression of grief in the other faces is such as one cannot conceive without seeing the painting. Inexpressible distress is seen in all. Yet the character of each is different; it is impossible to see it without being deeply affected. The colouring is still extremely fresh, though the picture is two hundred years old. A Saint John placed above the other. It is only St. John with his Gospel before him; but it is a Master Piece. A child Jesus receiving cherries from St. Joseph, by Raphael also which is admirable. The history of Constantine in a course of painting by Jules Romano and Rapha\u00ebl. A Christ appearing to Mary Magdalen, by Raphael. A judgment of Paris by Rubens. This is the only remarkable painting of that Master in the Collection. Among the Portraits, a burgermaster of Amsterdam by Rembrandt is admirable. As indeed are almost all the pictures there. There are however some so bad, that I was astonished to find them there, and some that are absurd and ridiculous. There is one where St. Joseph is at work as a Carpenter; our saviour as a child is holding a line, and the virgin Mary, devoutly sewing a shirt. In another she is washing linen, Christ is taking it as she washes it, gives it to Joseph, who hands it up to a parcel of angels: and they hang it upon the branches of a tree to dry. I am not a sufficient connoisseur in Pictures to decide whether they were good, but I know that the Ideas are groveling, despicable, and impious. There are several allegories, such as Mars and Venus tied together by Cupid. Mars is Henry the fourth, and Venus Gabrielle d\u2019Estr\u00e9es; but allegories are not the thing in Painting. Upon the whole I don\u2019t know of any Collection of Pictures I have ever seen that gave me so much Pleasure. There are in this gallery a number of models of the different trades. The Shops of the artists in each trade are compleat, and all are made at the rate of an inch per foot. The Duke de Chartres intended to have the whole Encyclopedia, thus in miniature, but his buildings in the Palais Royal have been so amazingly expensive, and he pays so high an interest for the money he borrows, that he wanted money I suppose to continue the models, he has already the joiner, Carpenter, Apothecary, Chimist, Anatomist and a number of others. It were to be wished he had completed the Collection.\n       We afterwards went to see Mademoiselle Bertin\u2019s magazin de modes. She is the Queens milliner, and the first millener in Europe. Mademoiselle Bertin is the most celebrated person in the Kingdom: the heroes that have acquired so much naval glory must all strike their flaggs before Mlle. Bertin. Their reputation lasted perhaps a month in Paris. Hers has lasted years and will last years still if she lives. She keeps her Equipage, and makes I suppose 100,000 livres a year. She has at least twenty women working in her magazine at a time. She is at this time occupied in making dresses for an Infanta of Spain aged 10 years who is to be married in a short time to a Prince of Portugal aged 12. Three hundred thousand livres have already been advanced to Mlle. Bertin. But as this sum, which is only 12000 guineas is so small a trifle, she is left at her own Discretion: and that discretion is such that she will probably go to four times the sum that has been advanced. We saw a petticoat there, which at a moderate evaluation, I suppose amounts to about a thousand guineas, and all the rest is in Proportion. All this is very pretty; but some morose, surly fellow might say, where does all this money come from. \u201cAy, there\u2019s the rub.\u201d We must be contented with admiring the magnificence of the Robes and go no further. I dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s. M: de St. Olympe was there; and M: Dusaulx a Member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres; who has published a translation of Juvenal, of which he spoke with sufficient complaisance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0007", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris afternoon. Got of Froull\u00e9 Brindley\u2019s Virgil. Went to see Mr. Pickman, at the Hotel de york. He intends setting away for London, next Monday. Spent the evening with Mr. Jefferson whom I love to be with, because he is a man of very extensive learning, and pleasing manners. Memorandum took the 4 last volumes of The tableau de Paris. Mr. Williamos, with Mr. and Mrs. Rooker, were at Auteuil in the morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0009", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Walk\u2019d into Paris in the morning. H\u00f4tel de York Rue Jacob. Mr. Pickman set away for England by the Diligence, at noon. Found Mr. Boling at the Hotel de York. He arrived in Paris only three or four days ago. Mr. West of Philadelphia, arrived from London, at the H\u00f4tel; before Mr. Pickman went away: he said he had a letter from Mr. Jackson, for my father. I went with Mr. Boling, to the hotel de Bretagne, and saw Mr. Waring, who thinks of going to England, in the Course of next week. Returned to Auteuil on foot. The walk was too long. The distance from the village to the place de Louis 15. is more than 3 miles and I did not walk less than 2. about the City. A Large Company to dine with us. Mr. Brantsen, the Dutch Ambassador extraordinary, the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Marquis and Marquise de la Fayette, Mr. and Mrs. Rooker, Miss Ramsay, Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, and Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos, &c. Mr. and Mrs. Rooker lately arrived in Paris and propose staying here about a fort\u2019night. They came in a very dull time for, the Theatres were shut up last Sunday, for Three weeks, as they are yearly. The only public amusements open during that time are at the foire St. Germain, and three concerts a week at the Chateau des Tuileries.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0010", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris in the afternoon, with Mr. A. Got of Froull\u00e9, the Horace and Ovid of Brindleys edition. While I was in the Shop, we heard a little bell in the Street; immediately every body in the shop, but myself, fell on their knees, and began to mutter prayers and cross themselves. It was a priest, carrying le bon dieu, to a dying man. This is one of the most revered ceremony of the Romish Religion. Whenever this bell rings, (which is to inform People, that god is passing by) every man woman and child fall upon their knees and remain so till it has passd quite by. Every carriage that meets it, even the kings, is obliged to stop; and the persons in it bend the knee: formerly they were obliged to get out of the carriage and kneel in the street: but this is no longer customary. The Priest that performs this ceremony is called porte-dieu. (The word is to revolting for me to translate it.)\n       Louis 15 revenant du palais de la justice, ou il venait d\u2019exercer un acte d\u2019autorit\u00e9 envers le parlement de Paris, rencontra au bas du Pont Neuf le viatique de la paroisse Saint Germain l\u2019Auxerrois. Tout son cort\u00e8ge royal s\u2019arr\u00eata; il descendit pr\u00e9cipitamment de son carrosse, se mit \u00e0 genoux dans les boues, et le pr\u00eatre sortant de dessous son dais, jadis rouge, lui donna la b\u00e9n\u00e9diction. Le peuple \u00e9merveill\u00e9 de cet acte pieux, oublia l\u2019acte d\u2019autorit\u00e9 qui lui d\u00e9plaisait, et se mit \u00e0 crier vive le roi! Et tout le long du jour il r\u00e9p\u00e9ta: il s\u2019est mis a genoux dan les boues!\n       Le porte-dieu \u00e0 qui cette bonne chance arriva, eut une pension de la cour.\n       Tableau de Paris vol: 4: ch: 28. title porte-dieu\n       Went to see Messrs. les abb\u00e9s. Abb\u00e9 Arnoux told me that Beaumarchais was set at Liberty. I imagine he will be pretty humble, after this lesson. We spent all the evening with Mr. Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0012", "content": "Title: 17th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s with a considerable large Company. Mr. Brillon, an old french gentleman very gay and talkative. Young Mr. Chaumont who goes to America by the April packet from l\u2019Orient. Mr. Boling, a descendent of an Indian Queen, of somewhat a dark complexion, and his manners, are not perfectly pleasing to the Ladies. Mr. Norris, an American Quaker, turned Catholic. His turns of mind seems rather melancholic, and while Mr. B. gave himself up to unbounded laughter at the wit of our old french guest, Mr. N. did not relax one feature of his face: he hardly spoke a word the whole time. Mr. Dalrymple, Secretary to Mr. Crawford the British Commissary, for making a Treaty of Commerce with France. The Treaty of Commerce, is said to be just as far advanced as it was, when Mr. C. left England, which was about 9 months ago. In the meantime Mr. C. is determined to be of some service to his Country and has been employing his time in forming a project, to pay off the national debt of G. Britain which he proposes to accomplish by borrowing more money. He pretends that his scheme will suit as well for America as for England; and in that he is very right. This project has nothing in common with my dining at Dr. Franklin\u2019s, but the anecdote is so curious that I cannot help taking notice of it, here. But it must be known that Mr. C. is a great partisan for Mesmer, who he says, has, mended his health very materially. I think however, that a few grains of hellebore, would be of still more use to him. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, and Commodore Jones, Coll. Humphreys\u2019, and Mr. Williamos, and several other gentlemen dined at the Doctor\u2019s. The old gentleman, is perfectly well, except the Stone, which prevents him from riding in a Coach, and even from walking; he says he is determined to return to America this Spring. The motion of a Vessel, would not, he thinks, be painful to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0014", "content": "Title: 20th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       My father went to Versailles in the morning to see the Count de Vergennes, upon the subject of a Treaty between the U. States, and the Powers of Barbary. The Emperor of Morocco has taken an American vessel belonging to Mr. Fitz Simmons of Philadelphia. He has made the Master and the crew prisoners; but has not suffered them to be made slaves. He has ordered his People not to take any more untill Congress may send a Consul to him: and he offers to treat with us, upon the same footing that he does with all the Powers of Europe. This matter gives the American Commissioners, a great deal of trouble at present. Mr. West, Mr. Norris, Mr. Waring and Mr. Boling dined with us. I promised Mr. West to introduce him to the Marquis de la Fayette, someday this week. Mr. Boling sets off for London tomorrow. The Foire St. Germain closed last evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0015", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris. Hotel de york, rue Jacob: for Mr. West. I went with him and presented him to the Marquis de la Fayette, and afterwards to Mr. Jefferson. Walk\u2019d after that, in the Palais Royal. This place furnishes a vast fund of entertainment to an observer. It is the most frequented walk in Paris. At every hour of the day, and of the night too, you will never fail of finding company there, and it is very curious to see the different dresses and appearances of the People you find there. Dined at the hotel de York with Mr. Rooker. In the afternoon the Ladies went to Auteuil, and I went with Mr. West, to the The\u00e2tre des Variet\u00e9s, to see le sieur Pinettiprofesseur de Physique, Math\u00e9matiques, &c. perform his Experiences. Le sieur Pinetti, is a very great quack, and his Experiences, are nothing but a parcel of jugglers tricks, which every mountebank of a fair, performs as well for 12 sols, as he does for 6. livres. He had not much Company this evening; I suppose on account of the promenade de Longchamps, which began this day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0018", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Paris afternoon. Froull\u00e9, books upon astronomy. Went to see Mr. West and Mr. Waring but neither was at home. Messieurs Van den Yver bankers Ru\u00eb Royale, Butte St. Roch. Spent part of the evening with the abb\u00e9s. While I was there a Gentleman came in, who was a great partisan, for animal magnetism, that he very strenuously defended. Speaking of Dr. Franklin, he said j\u2019aime beaucoup M: Franklin, c\u2019est un homme de beaucoup d\u2019esprit et de g\u00e9nie; je suis seulement fach\u00e9 pour lui, qu\u2019il ait sign\u00e9 ce rapport des Commissaires. He spoke this with so much na\u00efvet\u00e9 that I could not help smiling. When he went away the abb\u00e9s told me he was a man, worth 50,000 livres a year, of an exceeding benevolent disposition, and that he does a great deal of good: a sensible man, but very firmly persuaded of the reality of animal magnetism. Mesmer the pretended discoverer, has certainly as yet, behaved like a mountebank, and yet he has persuaded a great number of People, and some persons of great Sense and learning, that he has made an important discovery. An extraordinary System, a great deal of mystery, and the art of making People, pay a hundred louis d\u2019ors for a secret which no body receives, have persuaded almost half this kingdom, that Mesmer really has the secret that he pretends to have.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0019", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Sunday. Mr. Adams dined with Mr. de St. Olympe\u2019s and spent the evening at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. At about seven o\u2019clock in the evening the Queen, was delivered of a Son, who is Monseigneur le Due de Normandie: this is one of the most important events that can happen in this kingdom; and every Frenchman has been expecting it, as if the fate of his life depended upon it. One would think that after having a Dauphin they would be easy, and quiet, but say they, the Dauphin is young and may die; and tho\u2019 the king has two brothers one of whom has several children, yet the Capital point is that the crown should pass down eternally from father to Son: insomuch that they would prefer being governed by a fool or a tyrant, that should be the Son of his predecessor, than by a sensible and good prince, who should only be a brother. The Canons announced to us the birth of the Prince. The Queen was taken ill only an hour before her delivery, a Circumstance which must have been very agreeable to her, for a few minutes before she is delivered, the doors of her apartment are always opened, and every body that pleases is admitted, to see the child come into the world, and if there had been time enough, all Paris would have gone pour voir accoucher la Reine. The name of the young Duke of Normandy, is not yet known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0020", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Snow in the morning sufficient to cover the ground. Dined at the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s. When I arrived there the Marquis was not returned from Versailles, where he went last evening immediately upon hearing of the Queen\u2019s delivery, but could not get there soon enough to be present at the Christening. He told me a curious Circumstance. The Queen was so large, that it was suspected she might have twins, and Mr. de Calonne, the controuler general had prepared two blue ribbands, in case two Princes should be born, for the kings children must be decorated with those badges, immediately after they come into the world. The Count and Chevalier de la Luzerne dined with us. After dinner I went with Mr. West to see Mr. and Mrs. Rucker, and afterwards we took a walk together in the Palais Royal. It is curious to hear the sagacious reflections and remarks upon the event of yesterday, made by the badauds: and it is pleasing to see how joyful how contented they look. All take the title given to the Prince, as a doubtless presage, of his future Conquests, and are firmly perswaded that it was expressly given him, that England may be a second time subdued by a Duke of Normandy: if they dared, they would mention another point, in which, the pretended, conqueror may resemble the real one. The Palais Royal, the Spanish Ambassador\u2019s hotel, the H\u00f4tel des Invalides, the Ecole militaire, and several other buildings were illuminated in the evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0021", "content": "Title: 29th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dr. Franklin\u2019s early in the morning. Coll. Humphreys breakfasted with us, and went with Mr. Adams to Versailles, where they were presented for the first time, to the new born Prince, who received them in bed: there were half a dozen ladies in the chamber. There were three beds joining each other, and in the middle one laid M: le Duc. Probably that in the night one of the Ladies sleep in each of the other beds to prevent Monseigneur from falling out. The king was exceedingly gay, and happy, and his brothers appeared so too.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0022", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Adams dined at the Spanish Ambassador\u2019s, Count d\u2019Aranda, an old man 70 years of age, who married, last year a young woman of 20. Peace be with him!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005-0023", "content": "Title: 31st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Madame de la Fayette sent a Card to offer us places for the Te Deum, which is to be sung tomorrow at N\u00f4tre Dame, when the king is to be present. Mr. Adams dined at Count Sarsfield\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0005", "content": "Title: [March 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Tuesday March 1st. 1785.\n       Coldest weather we have had this year. Reaumur\u2019s thermometer at 8 degrees below the freezing point. Abb\u00e9 de Chal\u00fbt told me last evening, that neither he nor his brother, (and they are both turned of seventy,) remember ever to have experienced so cold weather in the beginning of March.\n       Paris afternoon. La Servante Maitresse, and, the 20th. Representation of Richard Coeur de Lion, an Opera, at the Italian Comedy. The words are of S\u00e8daine and the Music of Gretri. It is a delightful Piece, and the music like all the rest of Mr. Gretri\u2019s compositions is admirable. We were early, but could get only very bad places; I never saw any Th\u00e9atre more crowded, and a vast number of persons could get no Places at all. Philippe play\u2019d Richard, and Clairval Blondel: this is a charming Character, and was very well acted. Mlle. Rosalie in Blondel\u2019s guide, was interesting, as also Mlle. Colomb, in the Countess of Flanders. The First Piece, is a translation of the Serva padrona, of the famous Pergolezzi, but it is a very bad one. The music, is perhaps some of the best ever composed, but the piece has no effect upon the Th\u00e9atre. There are in this Piece only two speaking Characters and one mute personage.\n   By Pierre Baurans, Paris, 1754, with music by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n       Letters from America as late as January 1st. by the way of England: One from Mr. Jay at New York, of Jany 14th to the Ministers, informing them of his having accepted the place of Minister for foreign affairs.\n   These included: Cotton Tufts to JA, 1 Jan., not found; Tristram Dalton to JA, 21 Dec. 1784 (Adams Papers); and probably Francis Dana to JA, 12 Dec. 1784 (same).\n   \u201cJany. 14th\u201d was written over a date in December (day illegible), which accounts for the inconsistency with the first clause in this entry. The letter is printed in Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 7:606.\n       Company to dine. Mr. Bleakly took charge of some Letters for London, one for Mr. Elworthy. He goes on Monday. Mr. Pickman sets out for London too, in the Course of the next week. I dined with him last June at London, on board Captn. Callahan\u2019s ship. He belongs to Salem, and is a very agreeable young Gentleman. Mr. Waring thinks of going to America in May, about the time I shall: Indeed it is not improbable that we shall go together: though he wishes to go from London, first. Mrs. Bingham came in the evening, and spent an hour with the Ladies. She looks very unwell: has had the tooth ache, violently for almost ten days. She is going to Switzerland, and to Italy next summer. Mr. B. made a very large fortune during the War by privateering, and since the Peace, came to Europe to enjoy it.\n   JA to James Elworthy, 5 March (LbC, Adams Papers).\n       Dined at the Marquis de la Fayettes. The Chevalier de la Luzerne dined there has been in the Country for some Months past. M: de Camaran a young french gentleman who went to America with the Marquis the last time was asked by Mrs. B. what part of America he liked best. He did not know from what part she was, and answered Boston. \u201cI never was there\u201d said Mrs. B. The Gentleman was embarass\u2019d when he found she was a Philadelphian; but she added j\u2019aime beaucoup mieux l\u2019Europe que l\u2019Amerique. Mrs. B. is handsome, about 20 years of age, and her husband is supposed to be, and lives as if he was, very rich; so it is not very astonishing that she prefers Europe to her own Country.\n   Anne C\u00e9sar, Chevalier de La Luzerne, the masterful French minister to the United States, 1779\u20131784, described by Bemis as having \u201cexercised a more complete ascendency over the Government of the United States than any foreign envoy since his time.\u201d JA and JQA had first become acquainted with La Luzerne on their return from France in 1779. On board La Sensible JQA taught English to the French minister, who was impressed with young Adams\u2019 mastery of the language (Samuel Flagg Bemis, The Diplomacy of the American Revolution, N.Y., 1935, p. 102\u2013103; JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 2:385).\n       Paris. Mr. Williamos went with us to see the Gallery of Pictures belonging to the Duke de Chartres in the Palais Royal. It is one of the finest Collections in Europe. There are a great number of Pictures by the first Masters of the Art. More of Raphael, than in any Collection I ever saw. The cieling is painted in Fresco by Antony Coypel. The paintings are very fine, and it is a pity they will be destroyed as the building will soon be demolished in order to continue those, they are now erecting. Among the numerous admirable paintings in this gallery I distinguished particularly the few following. Our Saviour dead, with four women round him by Raphael. The Swiss said to us, \u201cc\u2019est le tableau le plus precieux qu\u2019il y ait dans l\u2019univers.\u201d The virgin Mary is represented in a swoon. The expression of grief in the other faces is such as one cannot conceive without seeing the painting. Inexpressible distress is seen in all. Yet the character of each is different; it is impossible to see it without being deeply affected. The colouring is still extremely fresh, though the picture is two hundred years old. A Saint John placed above the other. It is only St. John with his Gospel before him; but it is a Master Piece. A child Jesus receiving cherries from St. Joseph, by Raphael also which is admirable. The history of Constantine in a course of painting by Jules Romano and Rapha\u00ebl. A Christ appearing to Mary Magdalen, by Raphael. A judgment of Paris by Rubens. This is the only remarkable painting of that Master in the Collection. Among the Portraits, a burgermaster of Amsterdam by Rembrandt is admirable. As indeed are almost all the pictures there. There are however some so bad, that I was astonished to find them there, and some that are absurd and ridiculous. There is one where St. Joseph is at work as a Carpenter; our saviour as a child is holding a line, and the virgin Mary, devoutly sewing a shirt. In another she is washing linen, Christ is taking it as she washes it, gives it to Joseph, who hands it up to a parcel of angels: and they hang it upon the branches of a tree to dry. I am not a sufficient connoisseur in Pictures to decide whether they were good, but I know that the Ideas are groveling, despicable, and impious. There are several allegories, such as Mars and Venus tied together by Cupid. Mars is Henry the fourth, and Venus Gabrielle d\u2019Estr\u00e9es; but allegories are not the thing in Painting. Upon the whole I don\u2019t know of any Collection of Pictures I have ever seen that gave me so much Pleasure. There are in this gallery a number of models of the different trades. The Shops of the artists in each trade are compleat, and all are made at the rate of an inch per foot. The Duke de Chartres intended to have the whole Encyclopedia, thus in miniature, but his buildings in the Palais Royal have been so amazingly expensive, and he pays so high an interest for the money he borrows, that he wanted money I suppose to continue the models, he has already the joiner, Carpenter, Apothecary, Chimist, Anatomist and a number of others. It were to be wished he had completed the Collection.\n       We afterwards went to see Mademoiselle Bertin\u2019s magazin de modes. She is the Queens milliner, and the first millener in Europe. Mademoiselle Bertin is the most celebrated person in the Kingdom: the heroes that have acquired so much naval glory must all strike their flaggs before Mlle. Bertin. Their reputation lasted perhaps a month in Paris. Hers has lasted years and will last years still if she lives. She keeps her Equipage, and makes I suppose 100,000 livres a year. She has at least twenty women working in her magazine at a time. She is at this time occupied in making dresses for an Infanta of Spain aged 10 years who is to be married in a short time to a Prince of Portugal aged 12. Three hundred thousand livres have already been advanced to Mlle. Bertin. But as this sum, which is only 12000 guineas is so small a trifle, she is left at her own Discretion: and that discretion is such that she will probably go to four times the sum that has been advanced. We saw a petticoat there, which at a moderate evaluation, I suppose amounts to about a thousand guineas, and all the rest is in Proportion. All this is very pretty; but some morose, surly fellow might say, where does all this money come from. \u201cAy, there\u2019s the rub.\u201d We must be contented with admiring the magnificence of the Robes and go no further. I dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s. M: de St. Olympe was there; and M: Dusaulx a Member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres; who has published a translation of Juvenal, of which he spoke with sufficient complaisance.\n   Charles Williamos, an intimate of the Jefferson-Adams circle in Paris in 1784\u20131785, who was described by AA after his death as \u201cthis curious adventurer, who possesst Benevolence, without conduct, and learning without sense.\u201d Swiss by birth, he served with British forces in America in the late 1750s and traveled widely there, becoming an expert on Indian affairs and a correspondent with British cabinet officers. Jefferson severed relations with him in July after learning that he was quite likely a spy for the British or at least in their pay. \u201cHe tarried in Paris,\u201d AA later wrote to JQA, \u201cuntill he could not leave it, for debt; and he had borrowd of every American there; untill he could get no further credit\u201d (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 8:269\u2013273; AA to JQA, 16 Feb. 1786, Adams Papers).\n   Antoine Coypel, painter for the Duc d\u2019Orleans, who was placed in charge of the interior decoration of the Palais Royal (B\u00e9n\u00e9zit, Dict, des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs).\n   The Palais Royal was of course not demolished.\n   This painting may be a copy of The Entombment. The original was painted in 1507 and is now at the Galleria Borghese in Rome (Luitpold Dussler, Raphael: A Critical Catalogue of His Pictures, Wall-Paintings and Tapestries, London, 1971, p. 23\u201324).\n   Possibly Raphael\u2019s Saint Jean au desert (Casimir Stryienski, La galerie du R\u00e9gent Philippe Duc D\u2019Orleans, Paris, 1913, p. 158\u2013159), but JQA\u2019s descriptions are usually too vague to identify particular paintings.\n       Paris afternoon. Got of Froull\u00e9 Brindley\u2019s Virgil. Went to see Mr. Pickman, at the Hotel de york. He intends setting away for London, next Monday. Spent the evening with Mr. Jefferson whom I love to be with, because he is a man of very extensive learning, and pleasing manners. Memorandum took the 4 last volumes of The tableau de Paris. Mr. Williamos, with Mr. and Mrs. Rooker, were at Auteuil in the morning.\n   Opera, London, Brindley edn., 1744, and inscribed with JQA\u2019s name (MQA).\n   Mr. and Mrs. John Rucker, who became intimate with the Adamses when they moved to London later in the year. Rucker was a partner in Robert Morris\u2019 New York commercial house. In 1787 he got into difficulties which caused him to leave England under a cloud and required JA to journey to Holland at two days\u2019 notice to sign bonds for a new loan so that the interest on the Dutch loan could be paid (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols., 3:210; AA2 to JQA, 10 June\u201316 July 1787, Adams Papers).\n       Paris afternoon with Mrs. A. upon some business for Mrs. Hay, who is at Beaugency. Mr. Graff au magazin de dentelles Rue des deux portes St. Sauveur. Beaumarchais the author of the too famous Comedy la folle journ\u00e9e ou le mariage de Figaro was taken up the other day, immediately after supper, and carried to St. Lazare where he is imprisoned. I ask\u2019d of somebody what reasons were given for the measure. That is the beauty of the french government, said the gentleman; to lock up a Man without saying why nor wherefore. It is supposed that it was because Beaumarchais wrote a song upon a mandement of the Archbishop of Paris, which warned his People, not to go to see the Comedy, and not to buy the edition of Voltaire that Beaumarchais is printing, or because in a Letter which he printed some days since in the Journal de Paris, he boasted of having surmont\u00e9 tigres et Lions pour faire jouer sa piece. By tigers and Lions he meant the king and his ministers who were very averse to Figaro\u2019s being acted: but the Queen who favoures it extremely prevailed, and the success the piece had is wonderful. It has run through 74. representations, and unless this event occasions its being stopp\u2019d, it will probably be played a number more times. However that may be, Beaumarchais is not in an agreeable situation now. It is not an easy thing to get out of those prisons.\n        ............\u201cfacilis descensus Averni\n        Sed revocare gradum, superasque evadere ad auras.\n        Hoc opus, hic labor est.\u201d\n       His friends it is said, are not sorry that he is taken up; but are very much offended at his being put into St. Lazare, where none but low fellows are sent: had he been conducted to the Bastille, they would have been quite silent.\n   A bishop\u2019s letter or mandate.\n   \u201c. . . easy is the descent to Avernus . . . but to recall thy steps and pass out to the upper air, this is the task, this the toil!\u201d from Virgil\u2019s Aeneid, Bk. VI, lines 126, 128\u2013129 (Virgil, transl. H. Ruston Fairclough, 2 vols., N.Y., 1930, 1:514\u2013515). Despite some errors in copying, JQA doubtless used the Brindley edition (p. 177), which he had purchased the day before.\n   \u00a0JQA\u2019s account of Beaumarchais\u2019 outspoken attack is essentially correct. On reading Le mariage de Figaro, Louis XVI determined never to allow it to be played, but was forced by court pressure and by the persuasion of his wife, Marie Antoinette, to allow a private performance in Sept. 1783. This was followed a year later with a public production, which proved an instant success, especially effective in its assault upon the ancien r\u00e9gime and the censorship of the press. Beaumarchais\u2019 replies to his critics at this time offended a prince of the blood, who asked Louis to arrest him. Finally, after public outrage, the French playwright was released from St. Lazare on 15 March (Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universelPierre Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universel du XlXe si\u00e8cle ..., Paris, [1865]; 15 vols, and supplements.; entry for 15 March, below). On 16 April JQA bought a copy of Beaumarchais\u2019 play (n.p., 1785), which is now in the JQA pamphlet collection at MBAt.\n       Walk\u2019d into Paris in the morning. H\u00f4tel de York Rue Jacob. Mr. Pickman set away for England by the Diligence, at noon. Found Mr. Boling at the Hotel de York. He arrived in Paris only three or four days ago. Mr. West of Philadelphia, arrived from London, at the H\u00f4tel; before Mr. Pickman went away: he said he had a letter from Mr. Jackson, for my father. I went with Mr. Boling, to the hotel de Bretagne, and saw Mr. Waring, who thinks of going to England, in the Course of next week. Returned to Auteuil on foot. The walk was too long. The distance from the village to the place de Louis 15. is more than 3 miles and I did not walk less than 2. about the City. A Large Company to dine with us. Mr. Brantsen, the Dutch Ambassador extraordinary, the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Marquis and Marquise de la Fayette, Mr. and Mrs. Rooker, Miss Ramsay, Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, and Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos, &c. Mr. and Mrs. Rooker lately arrived in Paris and propose staying here about a fort\u2019night. They came in a very dull time for, the Theatres were shut up last Sunday, for Three weeks, as they are yearly. The only public amusements open during that time are at the foire St. Germain, and three concerts a week at the Chateau des Tuileries.\n   See entry for 16 March, note 1 (below).\n       Paris in the afternoon, with Mr. A. Got of Froull\u00e9, the Horace and Ovid of Brindleys edition. While I was in the Shop, we heard a little bell in the Street; immediately every body in the shop, but myself, fell on their knees, and began to mutter prayers and cross themselves. It was a priest, carrying le bon dieu, to a dying man. This is one of the most revered ceremony of the Romish Religion. Whenever this bell rings, (which is to inform People, that god is passing by) every man woman and child fall upon their knees and remain so till it has passd quite by. Every carriage that meets it, even the kings, is obliged to stop; and the persons in it bend the knee: formerly they were obliged to get out of the carriage and kneel in the street: but this is no longer customary. The Priest that performs this ceremony is called porte-dieu. (The word is to revolting for me to translate it.)\n       Louis 15 revenant du palais de la justice, ou il venait d\u2019exercer un acte d\u2019autorit\u00e9 envers le parlement de Paris, rencontra au bas du Pont Neuf le viatique de la paroisse Saint Germain l\u2019Auxerrois. Tout son cort\u00e8ge royal s\u2019arr\u00eata; il descendit pr\u00e9cipitamment de son carrosse, se mit \u00e0 genoux dans les boues, et le pr\u00eatre sortant de dessous son dais, jadis rouge, lui donna la b\u00e9n\u00e9diction. Le peuple \u00e9merveill\u00e9 de cet acte pieux, oublia l\u2019acte d\u2019autorit\u00e9 qui lui d\u00e9plaisait, et se mit \u00e0 crier vive le roi! Et tout le long du jour il r\u00e9p\u00e9ta: il s\u2019est mis a genoux dan les boues!\n       Le porte-dieu \u00e0 qui cette bonne chance arriva, eut une pension de la cour.\n       Tableau de Paris vol: 4: ch: 28. title porte-dieu\n       Went to see Messrs. les abb\u00e9s. Abb\u00e9 Arnoux told me that Beaumarchais was set at Liberty. I imagine he will be pretty humble, after this lesson. We spent all the evening with Mr. Jefferson.\n   Horace, Opera, London, 1744; Ovid, Opera, 5 vols., London, 1745; both are inscribed \u201cJ.Q. Adams, Paris, March 15, 1785\u201d (Catalogue of JQA\u2019s BooksWorthington C. Ford, ed., A Catalogue of the Books of John Quincy Adams Deposited in the Boston Athenaeum. With Notes on Books, Adams Seals and Book-Plates, by Henry Adams, Boston, 1938.).\n       Mr. West, came out, and brought to Mr. Adams, two letters from Mr. Jackson.\n   Jonathan Jackson to JA, 25 Feb. (Adams Papers); the other letter has not been found and is not mentioned in JA\u2019s reply of 18 March (LbC, Adams Papers).\n       Dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s with a considerable large Company. Mr. Brillon, an old french gentleman very gay and talkative. Young Mr. Chaumont who goes to America by the April packet from l\u2019Orient. Mr. Boling, a descendent of an Indian Queen, of somewhat a dark complexion, and his manners, are not perfectly pleasing to the Ladies. Mr. Norris, an American Quaker, turned Catholic. His turns of mind seems rather melancholic, and while Mr. B. gave himself up to unbounded laughter at the wit of our old french guest, Mr. N. did not relax one feature of his face: he hardly spoke a word the whole time. Mr. Dalrymple, Secretary to Mr. Crawford the British Commissary, for making a Treaty of Commerce with France. The Treaty of Commerce, is said to be just as far advanced as it was, when Mr. C. left England, which was about 9 months ago. In the meantime Mr. C. is determined to be of some service to his Country and has been employing his time in forming a project, to pay off the national debt of G. Britain which he proposes to accomplish by borrowing more money. He pretends that his scheme will suit as well for America as for England; and in that he is very right. This project has nothing in common with my dining at Dr. Franklin\u2019s, but the anecdote is so curious that I cannot help taking notice of it, here. But it must be known that Mr. C. is a great partisan for Mesmer, who he says, has, mended his health very materially. I think however, that a few grains of hellebore, would be of still more use to him. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, and Commodore Jones, Coll. Humphreys\u2019, and Mr. Williamos, and several other gentlemen dined at the Doctor\u2019s. The old gentleman, is perfectly well, except the Stone, which prevents him from riding in a Coach, and even from walking; he says he is determined to return to America this Spring. The motion of a Vessel, would not, he thinks, be painful to him.\n   M. de Jouy Brillion, receiver-general of trusts of Parlement, who lived at Passy and was a friend of Franklin (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols., 5:42; JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:46\u201347).\n   Jacques Le Ray de Chaumont, also known as James Le Ray, was the son of Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, the commissary of the American fleet and landlord of Franklin at Passy. Young Chaumont was about to begin a tour of America; he returned in 1790 representing European land speculation interests in northern New York, where he lived for the next forty years (Franklin B. Hough, American Biographical Notes . . ., Albany, 1875, p. 254; JA to John Hancock, 14 April, LbC, Adams Papers).\n       Paris afternoon. Went to see Mr. and Mrs. Rooker and Mr. West, but neither were at home. Walk\u2019d an hour in the Palais Royal: met Mr. Waring there: he tells me that Beaumarchais has written to the king, to complain for his having been sent to St. Lazare. I got of Froull\u00e9, the Juvenal with Monsr. Dusaulx\u2019s translation.\n   Satires de Juv\u00e9nal, traduites par M. Dusaulx, Paris, 1770 (MQA).\n       My father went to Versailles in the morning to see the Count de Vergennes, upon the subject of a Treaty between the U. States, and the Powers of Barbary. The Emperor of Morocco has taken an American vessel belonging to Mr. Fitz Simmons of Philadelphia. He has made the Master and the crew prisoners; but has not suffered them to be made slaves. He has ordered his People not to take any more untill Congress may send a Consul to him: and he offers to treat with us, upon the same footing that he does with all the Powers of Europe. This matter gives the American Commissioners, a great deal of trouble at present. Mr. West, Mr. Norris, Mr. Waring and Mr. Boling dined with us. I promised Mr. West to introduce him to the Marquis de la Fayette, someday this week. Mr. Boling sets off for London tomorrow. The Foire St. Germain closed last evening.\n   For this incident and its significance for relations between the United States and Mediterranean powers, see JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:173\u2013174 and references there.\n   A Paris fair devoted more to amusements than to business and trade, which began on 3 Feb. and ended on the Saturday before Palm Sunday; its popularity destroyed by the Galeries du Palais Royal, it closed in 1786 (Jacques Antoine Dulaure, Histoire civile, physique et moral de Paris, 10 vols., Paris, 1825, 8:197\u2013199).\n       Paris. Hotel de york, rue Jacob: for Mr. West. I went with him and presented him to the Marquis de la Fayette, and afterwards to Mr. Jefferson. Walk\u2019d after that, in the Palais Royal. This place furnishes a vast fund of entertainment to an observer. It is the most frequented walk in Paris. At every hour of the day, and of the night too, you will never fail of finding company there, and it is very curious to see the different dresses and appearances of the People you find there. Dined at the hotel de York with Mr. Rooker. In the afternoon the Ladies went to Auteuil, and I went with Mr. West, to the The\u00e2tre des Variet\u00e9s, to see le sieur Pinettiprofesseur de Physique, Math\u00e9matiques, &c. perform his Experiences. Le sieur Pinetti, is a very great quack, and his Experiences, are nothing but a parcel of jugglers tricks, which every mountebank of a fair, performs as well for 12 sols, as he does for 6. livres. He had not much Company this evening; I suppose on account of the promenade de Longchamps, which began this day.\n   Doubtless, the conjurer Giuseppe Pinetti de Willedal, author of Amusemens physiques, et diff\u00e9rentes exp\u00e9riences divertissantes, compos\u00e9es & ex\u00e9cut\u00e9es, tant \u00e0 Paris que dans les diverses cours de l\u2019Europe, Paris, 1784.\n       Mr. Adams and the Ladies went to the church of St. Sulpice, and afterwards to Longchamps. This day the king washes the feet of 12 poor children in imitation of our Saviour\u2019s washing those of the apostles. The kings brothers serve those children at dinner, and they have some peculiar privileges; such as being pardoned twice for crimes for which any other persons would be hang\u2019d &c. Some of the great noblemen, follow the example of the king; and the archbishop of Paris performs the same ceremony at the Church of N\u00f4tre Dame.\n       Good Friday. Went in the afternoon to Longchamps. This is the last Day. Every year; the wednesday, thursday, and friday, of the week preceding Esther, which is called Semaine Sainte, there is a kind of procession in the Bois de Boulogne, and it is called Longchamps. There are perhaps each of those Days a thousand carriages, that come out of Paris to go round one of the Roads in the wood one after the other. There are two rows of carriages, one goes up and the other down so that the People in every carriage, can see all the others. Every body that has got a splendid carriage, a fine set of horses, or an elegant Mistress, send them out on these days to make a show at longchamps. As all the Th\u00e9atres, and the greatest part of the public amusements, are shut all this week, the concourse is always very considerable for those, that cannot go there to be seen, go to see, and as it commonly happens upon the like occasions, there are always twenty to see for one there is to be seen. It is very genteel, for there are always there some of the first people in the kingdom. The hours are from five to seven, by which time very few carriages remain there; for they all go off together, so that one quarter of an hour before the place is entirely deserted, the concourse is the greatest. The origin of this curious custom, was this. There is a convent of women called Longchamps, somewhere near the Bois de Boulogne, where formerly, there was some very fine music, performed on these days, which drew a vast number of Persons out from Paris to hear it: but one year there was an uncommon concourse, and some disorders happened, which induced the Archbishop of Paris, to forbid this music on these days, but the Public, who had commonly taken a ride round part of the wood after hearing the music, continued taking the latter part of the amusement, when they were deprived of the first, and the custom has been kept up, to this day.\n       After it was over we went and drank tea with Dr. Franklin. Saw Mr. Dalrymple there. The weather is very cold and disagreeable yet.\n       Paris afternoon. Froull\u00e9, books upon astronomy. Went to see Mr. West and Mr. Waring but neither was at home. Messieurs Van den Yver bankers Ru\u00eb Royale, Butte St. Roch. Spent part of the evening with the abb\u00e9s. While I was there a Gentleman came in, who was a great partisan, for animal magnetism, that he very strenuously defended. Speaking of Dr. Franklin, he said j\u2019aime beaucoup M: Franklin, c\u2019est un homme de beaucoup d\u2019esprit et de g\u00e9nie; je suis seulement fach\u00e9 pour lui, qu\u2019il ait sign\u00e9 ce rapport des Commissaires. He spoke this with so much na\u00efvet\u00e9 that I could not help smiling. When he went away the abb\u00e9s told me he was a man, worth 50,000 livres a year, of an exceeding benevolent disposition, and that he does a great deal of good: a sensible man, but very firmly persuaded of the reality of animal magnetism. Mesmer the pretended discoverer, has certainly as yet, behaved like a mountebank, and yet he has persuaded a great number of People, and some persons of great Sense and learning, that he has made an important discovery. An extraordinary System, a great deal of mystery, and the art of making People, pay a hundred louis d\u2019ors for a secret which no body receives, have persuaded almost half this kingdom, that Mesmer really has the secret that he pretends to have.\n   Van den Yver Fr\u00e8res was the Paris agent for W. and J. Willink, Amsterdam bankers. On this day JA drew an order of 4,800 livres on the firm for JQA (Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:172).\n       Sunday. Mr. Adams dined with Mr. de St. Olympe\u2019s and spent the evening at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. At about seven o\u2019clock in the evening the Queen, was delivered of a Son, who is Monseigneur le Due de Normandie: this is one of the most important events that can happen in this kingdom; and every Frenchman has been expecting it, as if the fate of his life depended upon it. One would think that after having a Dauphin they would be easy, and quiet, but say they, the Dauphin is young and may die; and tho\u2019 the king has two brothers one of whom has several children, yet the Capital point is that the crown should pass down eternally from father to Son: insomuch that they would prefer being governed by a fool or a tyrant, that should be the Son of his predecessor, than by a sensible and good prince, who should only be a brother. The Canons announced to us the birth of the Prince. The Queen was taken ill only an hour before her delivery, a Circumstance which must have been very agreeable to her, for a few minutes before she is delivered, the doors of her apartment are always opened, and every body that pleases is admitted, to see the child come into the world, and if there had been time enough, all Paris would have gone pour voir accoucher la Reine. The name of the young Duke of Normandy, is not yet known.\n   Louis Charles de France (1785\u20131795), later Louis XVII (Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universelPierre Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universel du XlXe si\u00e8cle ..., Paris, [1865]; 15 vols, and supplements.).\n       Snow in the morning sufficient to cover the ground. Dined at the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s. When I arrived there the Marquis was not returned from Versailles, where he went last evening immediately upon hearing of the Queen\u2019s delivery, but could not get there soon enough to be present at the Christening. He told me a curious Circumstance. The Queen was so large, that it was suspected she might have twins, and Mr. de Calonne, the controuler general had prepared two blue ribbands, in case two Princes should be born, for the kings children must be decorated with those badges, immediately after they come into the world. The Count and Chevalier de la Luzerne dined with us. After dinner I went with Mr. West to see Mr. and Mrs. Rucker, and afterwards we took a walk together in the Palais Royal. It is curious to hear the sagacious reflections and remarks upon the event of yesterday, made by the badauds: and it is pleasing to see how joyful how contented they look. All take the title given to the Prince, as a doubtless presage, of his future Conquests, and are firmly perswaded that it was expressly given him, that England may be a second time subdued by a Duke of Normandy: if they dared, they would mention another point, in which, the pretended, conqueror may resemble the real one. The Palais Royal, the Spanish Ambassador\u2019s hotel, the H\u00f4tel des Invalides, the Ecole militaire, and several other buildings were illuminated in the evening.\n   C\u00e9sar Henri, Comte de La Luzerne, administrator and brother of the Chevalier de La Luzerne (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n   Common speculation was that the young duc might be a bastard like William the Conqueror, his predecessor to the title. From 1783 to 1787 there was a liaison between Marie Antoinette and Count Axel de Fersen, colonel commandant of the Royal Swedish Regiment in the French army. While rumors abounded, there is no hard evidence that the Duc de Normandie was Fersen\u2019s son (Philippe Huisman and Marguerite Jallut, Marie Antoinette, London, 1971, p. 156\u2013157).\n       Dr. Franklin\u2019s early in the morning. Coll. Humphreys breakfasted with us, and went with Mr. Adams to Versailles, where they were presented for the first time, to the new born Prince, who received them in bed: there were half a dozen ladies in the chamber. There were three beds joining each other, and in the middle one laid M: le Duc. Probably that in the night one of the Ladies sleep in each of the other beds to prevent Monseigneur from falling out. The king was exceedingly gay, and happy, and his brothers appeared so too.\n       Mr. Adams dined at the Spanish Ambassador\u2019s, Count d\u2019Aranda, an old man 70 years of age, who married, last year a young woman of 20. Peace be with him!\n       Madame de la Fayette sent a Card to offer us places for the Te Deum, which is to be sung tomorrow at N\u00f4tre Dame, when the king is to be present. Mr. Adams dined at Count Sarsfield\u2019s.\n   Not found.\n   A social and intellectual friend of the Americans in Paris, Guy Claude, Comte de Sarsfield, was a French military officer of Irish extraction, who lived in Paris and traveled frequently between the Netherlands, London, and Paris, where he was often in JA\u2019s company (JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 2:381).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0003", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       All the family dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, who entertains all the Americans every Monday. There were however very few there this Day. Le Chevalier de la Touche, General Armand, and some other french gentlemen dined there. Mr. Williamos promised to get me a ticket for the Session of the Academie des Sciences on Wednesday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0007", "content": "Title: 10th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Jefferson came out to Auteuil in the morning. Count Sarsfield walk\u2019d out. Fine weather though somewhat cold. Some rain too is wanted very much, there has been none these four months, and very little Snow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0008", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined with Mr. Adams at the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s. There was not much American Company: M: le Marquis de St. Simon, who has served in America. Mr. Grandchamp, Capitaine de Vaisseau, and M: le Marquis de Rosanbot premier president au Parlement de Paris. Mr. Ruston was there. This is the first comfortable day we have had this Season: the roads are exceedingly dusty for want of Rain. Madam Helvetius, one of our neighbours is very ill. Mrs. A. sent to know how, she was, and received a curious handbill for answer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0011", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Went to Paris in the morning with Mr. A. At the Pont Royal, I got out of the Carriage, and went to see my friend Mr. West. He has been ever since Tuesday, afflicted, with an inflammatory Rheumatism: what makes it insupportable, is that he has it in his right hand, which is very much swelled: and though he is here upon business, and has received several letters of consequence, which require immediate answers, he cannot do any thing. I sat with him sometime, and from the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, Rue de Richelieu, where he is I went on foot to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, who was out: found my father there; and as Mr. Jefferson, did not return, we came away, after staying, half an hour.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0013", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. D\u2019Asp, the secretary of the Swedish Ambassy, came out and dined with us en famille. After dinner I went into Paris. Mr. West is still very ill: his hand is swolen amazingly: his spirits were very low when I went there: but before I came away he began to be quite sociable. He spoke of Mr. B\u2014\u2014g\u2014\u2014m; who with his Lady left Paris, Sunday the 10th. instn. Mr. W: seems to have of Mr. B. very nearly the same opinion I have, that he is very ignorant, very vain, and very empty. He is very rich: but if he acquired his riches in the manner Mr. W. tells me he did; he is hardly authorised to plume himself upon them as much as he does. That he is extremely ignorant, I think the following anecdote which is litterally true, will sufficiently prove. I was with him one evening last winter at the French Comedy. La mort de C\u00e9sar a Tragedy of Voltaire\u2019s was acted. After it was over the following Conversation, took place between him and me; exactly as it is here.\n       Mr. B. Oh; how much Superior to this is Shakespeare\u2019s Julius Caesar! to this!\n       A.\u00a0 Voltaire to be sure was not comparable to Shakespeare in point of genius, but his play is more regular.\n       B.\u00a0 Regular! Why he has not introduced the Battle of Philippi; nor does he bring Augustus upon the Stage.\n       A. But if I remember right the Battle of Philippi did not happen till more than a year after the Death of Caesar, and has nothing to do in that event. So that all three unities must be broken through to introduce it. Nor could Augustus appear for the same reason.\n       B. What do you mean by unities.\n       A. You know very well Sir, that plays upon the french Stage, are confined, to 24 hours for time, to one and the same place, and to one plot for action, and. . . .\n       B. Oh, you are entirely mistaken! Why do you think Shakespeare did not know the rules of the Stage, and yet he brings Augustus, and the action at Philippi on, in his piece. Besides, Voltaire supposes that Brutus was the Son of Caesar, which is contrary to history; and would it not be absurd to be so strict upon such trifles as you are speaking of, and yet take such licences as to suppose Brutus to be the Son of Caesar.\n       Finding it would be in vain to say any thing more of the Rules of the Drama, I was determined to see if he was as well inform\u2019d upon the Subject of History so I replied You know that several historians hint, that Caesar was supposed to be the father of Brutus, and that he supposed so himself: and any Poet has a right to make use of any such Circumstances, and to give for a certainty, what in fact was only a supposition.\n       B. No Sir, not one historian mentions any such a connection between them.\n       A. I think Suetonius says, that when Brutus stab\u2019d Caesar, among the rest, Caesar said in greek Are you with them, my Son? We have no better authority than Suetonius, for there are very few original historians of that period, remaining.\n       B. He certainly did not speak in Greek: he said et tu Brute. I don\u2019t know what Suetonius may say, but Rollin, in his Roman history does not mention a word of it; and do you think he could have omitted so important a circumstance, if there had been any truth in it? As you say there, are not many original historians of that period extant. I think there are only Suetonius, and LIVY, and Plutarch and HERODOTUS.\n       Here our conversation finish\u2019d. I was amazed to see a man, with so many pretensions to great knowledge, as Mr. B. had, entirely ignorant of the rules of the Drama: and in a point of Roman History quote the authority of Rollin, against that of Suetonius. But I have since found that he spoke without knowledge, even on the Subject of Rollin: for that author speaking of Brutus, says, that notwithstanding his conduct, Caesar loved him, as the Son of Servilia, and perhaps as his own. If a boy of 18 years old, can detect Mr. B. in such gross errors, in Questions so plain, and so universally understood: how empty must he appear before a person, of ripe Judgment, and deep knowledge.\n       Should anyone see this he might say what has Mr. B. done to you to make you treat him so? I answer, nothing but what he does to every body else. He is as vain and self sufficient as he is ignorant: and assumes airs of superiority, not only over me (which would not perhaps be improper) but over persons of much more real merit than he is, or than he ever will be, if I am not much mistaken. He has never done me any harm; nor has he ever had it, (thank god) in his power to hurt me, but I have no obligations to him, nor ever will, if I can help it. The only knowledge he appears to possess well, is Commercial: of that he has had sufficient to make a very considerable fortune, which has turn\u2019d the little brains he had.\n        Those who their ignorance confest\n        I ne\u2019er offended with a jest.\n        But laugh to hear an idiot quote\n        A verse from Horace learnt by rote.\n       When I came home from Paris, I found Letters for me from Mr. Dumas and C. Storer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0014", "content": "Title: 19th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Went all to dine with Mr. Jefferson. The two abb\u00e9s Dr. McMahon and Dr. Ruston, were there. After dinner I walk\u2019d to the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, and found Mr. West better, though his hand is still very much swelled. Dr. Ruston appears to be a man of learning; very well versed in English reading.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0016", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. A. received in the morning a Card from Dr. Franklin informing him that a person who came in the Packet had called upon him last evening: and told him he had a pacquet for my father addressed at the Hague. My father immediately went to Dr. Franklin\u2019s, and from thence to the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orleans, where he found two gentlemen who came in the Packet. Mr. Jervais, an American, and Mr. Lefevre, a French man, whom I saw two years ago at Hamborough. I left Mr. A. at the Place de Louis Quinze and went on foot to the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, where I found Mr. West, who is much better, though his hand is as much swelled as ever. When I had been there about \u00bd an hour, Mr. A: came and took me up. We went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. Mr. A. received a Letter from Mr. Gerry and a packet from Mr. Jay, by Mr. Jarvis, Who came out with Mr. Lefevre and spent the evening at Auteuil.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0017", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       In the afternoon I went into Paris. Saw Mr. West and Dr. Ruston who propose going to England, next week. I afterwards went to see for a Cabriolet; I saw several, but they ask 120 livres for the hire of one, from this place to L\u2019Orient. Spent the evening with Mr. Jefferson, who is a great admirer of Ossian\u2019s poems: which he thinks are indisputably genuine.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0019", "content": "Title: 25th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The Ladies dined with the Marquis de la Fayette. We went there before dinner. Mr. Williamos tells me the Abb\u00e9 de Mably is dead. He was very old; not less I think, than 78. Yet although it is probable, that had he lived many years longer, I should not have seen him, above once more, still I was much affected at the news, because he was not only a man of great genius, and learning, but was one of the best men in the world.\n        A wit\u2019s a feather, and a chief\u2019s a Rod,\n        An honest man, is the noblest work of God\n       He has written a number of works, that are published, and he has left several to appear after him. 2. vols. of Observations upon the History of France, a Treatise, sur le beau, and another on the Course of Passions in Society are ready for the Press.\n       We dined at Count Sarsfield\u2019s, where there was a small, but chosen Company. He shew us some of the drawings of Countess Spencer, which were exceedingly well done. In the evening, we went and took up the Ladies at the Marquis\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0020", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I went in the morning to the Sweedish Ambassador\u2019s H\u00f4tel to go with Mr. d\u2019Asp, and see the Abb\u00e9 Grenet, but I was too late and Mr. d\u2019Asp was gone out, I went to see Mr. Jarvis: and afterwards Count d\u2019Ouradou, at the h\u00f4tel de Nassau, Ru\u00eb de la Harpe. We agreed to go together to l\u2019Orient. Went to see West, but did not find him at home. Walk\u2019d in the Palais Royal, where I met Mr. Williamos; and as I had sent our carriage back to Auteuil and, it was too late to walk home, I went with him and dined at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. A few minutes after Dinner, Some Letters came, in from America, and I was inform\u2019d by Mr. J. that the Packet le Courier de L\u2019Orient, which sail\u2019d from New York, the 23d of March, is arrived: Mr. J. and Coll. Humphreys had Letters from Genl. Washington, and a Letter from Mr. Gerry, of Feby. 25th. says, Mr. Adams, is appointed Minister to the Court of London. I believe he will promote the Interests of the United States, as much as any man: but I fear his Duty will induce him to make exertions which may be detrimental to his Health: I wish however it may be otherwise. Were I now to go with him, probably my immediate Satisfaction, might be greater than it will be in returning to America. After having been travelling for these seven years, almost all over Europe, and having been in the world and among Company for three: to return and spend one or two years in the Pale of a College, subjected to all the rules, which I have so long been freed from: then to plunge into the Dry and tedious study of the law; for three years, and afterwards not expect, (however good an Opinion I may have of myself), to bring myself into Notice, under three or four years more; if ever: it is really a Prospect some what discouraging for a youth of my Ambition (for I have Ambition, though I hope its object is laudable).\n        But still ... Oh! how wretched\n        Is that poor Man, that hangs on Princes favours.\n       or on those of any body else. I am determined that as long as I shall be able to get my own living, in an honorable manner, I will depend upon no one. My father has been so much taken up all his lifetime, with the Interests of the public, that his own fortune has suffered by it: So that his children will have to provide for themselves; which I shall never be able to do, if I loiter away my precious time in Europe; and shun going home untill I am forced to it. With an ordinary share of common Sense, which I hope I enjoy, at least in America, I can live independent and free, and rather than live other wise, I would wish to die, before, the time, when I shall be left at my own Discretion. I have before me a striking example, of the distressing and humiliating Situation a person is reduced to by adopting a different line of Conduct and I am determined not to fall into the same error.\n       I came out to Auteuil in the afternoon, with Mr. Jefferson, in his Carriage. Found Mr. Jarvis there. Dr. Franklin has a Letter by the last packet, dated March 22d.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0021", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       In the afternoon I went into Paris with the Ladies; left them before the Jardin des Tuileries. Walk\u2019d to the Hotel de Bretagne; West was out. Walk\u2019d some time in the Palais Royal; and met Mr. Ruston, and soon after Mr. West. His arm is much better but still swolen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006-0023", "content": "Title: 29th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We expected to have had a large Company to dine with us; but Mr. Hailes brought the excuses of the Duke of Dorset; who was this morning sent for at Versailles; and could not therefore come. M: de Gouvion, has also excused himself, and Coll. Humphreys\u2019s illness prevented him from coming, so that we were reduced to eleven only. Marquis de la Fayette and Lady: Count Sarsfield, M: de la Bourdonnais, Mr. Hailes, Mr. Williamos and Mr. Jarvis. The Marquis brought us a number of American News Papers, as he receives them very regularly. Mr. A.s appointment to England, is in one of the New York Gazettes of march 3d. Coll. William Smith, of New York, who has been heretofore Aid de Camp to Genl. Washington, is appointed Secretary to the Legation.\n       Memorandum: Count Sarsfield made me promise him, I would write him a Letter in french the 29th. of next October.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0006", "content": "Title: [April 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Friday April 1st. 1785.\n       The Marchioness appointed two o\u2019clock for us to be at her H\u00f4tel. We dined at half after twelve, and were in the Rue de Bourbon at two, but it was too early. Mrs. Rucker, Mr. Jefferson, Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos, Mr. West, went all with us. At about half past three we went from the Marquis\u2019s h\u00f4tel and by the time we got to the Pont Royal, both sides of the quay were so amazingly crowded with People, that there was but just space sufficient for the carriages to pass along: and had there not been guards placed on both sides at a distance not greater than ten yards from one another, there would have been no passage at all for coaches. For as it was, the troops had the utmost difficulty to restrain the mob: we pass\u2019d along, on the Quai des Augustins till we came to the Pont Neuf, went over part of that, turn\u2019d down onto the Isle de N\u00f4tre Dame; and then proceeded on in a direct line to the Church. We were placed in a gallery that commanded the choir, and were in as good a place as any in the Church, which we owed to the Politeness of Mme. de la Fayette. In the middle of the choir below us were several rows of benches, upon which the kings train sat when he came, while he and his two brothers were before all the benches, and directly opposite the altar. When we arrived we found the Parliament setting in the Choir on the right side, in scarlet and black Robes; the Chambre des Comptes were seated in the same manner on the left Sides, in black and white Robes. The Foreign Ambassadors were in an enclosure at the right of the alter, and between them and the parliament, was a small throne upon which the archbishop of Paris officiated. Soon after we got there the bishops arrived two by two. There were about twenty five of them. They had black Robes on, with a white muslin skirt which descended from the waste, down two thirds of the way to the ground; and a purple kind of a mantle over their shoulders. The Archbishop of Paris had a mitre upon his head. When the king came, he went out to the Door of the Church to receive him: and as soon as his Majesty had got to his place and fallen upon his knees, they began to sing the Te Deum, which lasted about half an hour, and in which we heard some exceeding fine music. The voices were admirable. The Archbishop of Paris sung for about a Couple of Minutes, near the end, that it might be said, he had sung the Te Deum. His voice seems to be much broken. As soon as the singing was over the king and the Court immediately went away.\n       What a charming sight: an absolute king of one of the most powerful Empires on earth, and perhaps a thousand of the first personages in that Empire, adoring the divinity who created them, and acknowledging that he can in a moment reduce them to the Dust from which they sprung. Could we suppose their Devotion real and sincere, no other proof would be necessary to demonstrate the falsity of the supposition that religion is going to decay. But oh! if the hearts of all those persons, could have been sounded, and everything that was lurking there while the exterior appeared offering up prayers to god, could be produced to light; I fear the rigid moralist, would have a confirmation of his fears. The reflection of the Chevalier de Gouvion shew he was of this opinion. I don\u2019t know said he, whether all this will be very acceptable to God almighty: but very few persons came here for him. I was however vastly pleased with the Ceremony; and should have been so, if it was only, that it gave me an opportunity to see so numerous an assembly of men, of the first rank in the kingdom. The king and all the court were dress\u2019d in cloaths vastly rich but in no peculiar form.\n       After the Ceremony was finished, we had to wait a long time for our Carriages and could not at last get them all; so that we were obliged to go away, five in one Charriot. We returned to the H\u00f4tel de la Fayette, and drank tea with Madam. A number of Houses, were considerably illuminated, but nothing to be compared to what there was six years ago, when the kings first child was born, although it was only a Princess. We returned home at about nine, and were more than half an hour getting over the Pont Neuf, such was the crowd of Carriages: in the passage of the Cours la Reine, we saw a number of fellows, throwing up the sand, to see if there were no 12 sols pieces remaining for upon these occasions, when the Mob cry out vive le Roi, he throws out of his Coach handfuls of small pieces of money, and is thereby the cause of many a squabble, and some broken heads, though the Police is so attentive that few such misfortunes happen.\n       The title of Duke of Normandy, has not been borne, by any person, for more than three hundred years, untill the birth of the young Prince.\n   Doubtless, Jean Baptiste de Gouvion, a military engineer who served in the Continental Army; after Yorktown, he resumed his military career in France (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.; Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toilesAndre Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toiles (1775-1783), Macon and Paris, 1935; 2 vols., 1:234\u2013237).\n       Mrs. and Miss Adams, went into Paris in the evening: and went with young Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Hewson to the Concert Spiritual.\n   Mary (Polly) Hewson, daughter of Benjamin Franklin\u2019s London landlady, Margaret Stevenson. In 1770 she married Dr. William Hewson, who became a respected London physician and anatomist, but he wounded himself during a dissection in 1774 and subsequently died. Shortly thereafter, Franklin urged Polly, with whom he had a long and warm friendship, to settle in America, but he did not succeed in his efforts until 1786. She was visiting him in Passy with her family in 1784\u20131785 (Franklin, Papers,The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, ed. Leonard W. Labaree, William B. Willcox (from vol. 15), and others, New Haven, 1959- . 8:122; DNBLeslie Stephen and Sidney Lee, eds., The Dictionary of National Biography, New York and London, 1885-1900; 63 vols, plus supplements.).\n   That is, a concert, composed largely of religious music, given during Holy Week when the theaters were closed (Littr\u00e9, Dict, de la langue fran\u00e7aiseEmil\u00e9 Littre, Dictionnaire de la langue fran\u00e7aise..., Paris, 1881-1884; 4 vols, and supplement.).\n       All the family dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, who entertains all the Americans every Monday. There were however very few there this Day. Le Chevalier de la Touche, General Armand, and some other french gentlemen dined there. Mr. Williamos promised to get me a ticket for the Session of the Academie des Sciences on Wednesday.\n   Louis Ren\u00e9 Madeleine Le Vassor, Comte de La Touche-Tr\u00e9ville, who briefly served as commander of the French West Indian squadron during the American Revolution, was director, under the Marquis de Castries, of the Ministry for the Marine Department; Armand Charles Tuffin, Marquis de La Rou\u00ebrie, known in America as Col. Armand, was a highly commended volunteer in American service during the Revolution (Jonathan R. Dull, The French Navy and American Independence: A Study of Arms and Diplomacy,1774\u20131787, Princeton, 1975, p. 221\u2013222; Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 10:221; Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toilesAndre Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toiles (1775-1783), Macon and Paris, 1935; 2 vols., 2:454\u2013462).\n       Went and dined in Paris with Mr. Jefferson. Immediately after dinner Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos and myself went to the Louvre, where the Academy were setting, but we were so late that we could not get places, to sit, and the Room was much crowded. Several memoirs were read, but all in such technical expressions that I could not understand much of them. There was also read an \u00e9loge of some German, I did not perfectly make out his name. It is an established custom in this Academy, that at every Session the Secretary reads a short account of the Life, and of the productions, of the Members of the Academy, that died since the preceding Session. Coll. Humphreys finding there was no good place, went immediately away: Mr. Williamos and I stay\u2019d till about five o\u2019clock: and then retired, as we saw no Prospect of getting in a better situation, and as we were not quite at our ease on account of the crowd. We afterwards went to the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, Rue de Richeslieu, where we found Mr. West. Mr. Williamos soon after returned to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, and I went with West to the Th\u00e9atre des Variet\u00e9s in the Palais Royal. Fausses Consultations; \u00e0 bon vin point d\u2019Enseigne. Boniface Pointu et sa famille: Les p\u00eacheurs Proven\u00e7aux a ballet. The last piece but one, is the best I have seen upon this Stage: I was much surprized to find but very little Company in the House, which was not above half full: but the public are very capricious. After the  entertainment was over we walk\u2019d half an hour under the arcades.\n   Louis Fran\u00e7ois Archambault Dorvigny, Les fausses consultations, Paris, 1781; A bon vin point d\u2019enseigne, Paris, 1781, by Phillippe Alexandre Louis Pierre Plancher-Valcour, called Aristide Valcour; Charles Jacob Guillemain, Boniface Pointu et sa famille, Paris, 1782; Anon., Lesp\u00eacheurs proven\u00e7aux, first performed at the Vari\u00e9t\u00e9s Amusantes the previous evening (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n       Mrs. Hewson, and her children Mr. Franklin, Mr. Ruston, Mrs. Barclay, and Mr. West dined with us. Mrs. Hewson, goes next week for England.\n   Dr. Thomas Ruston, who practiced medicine in London and Exeter and wrote numerous essays on American finance. He was briefly visiting Jefferson and Franklin in Paris before his permanent return to Philadelphia later in the year (James McLachlan, Princetonians, 1748\u20131768: A Biographical Dictionary, Princeton, 1976, p. 402\u2013407).\n       In the afternoon went into Paris. Carried 21. Louis d\u2019ors to Mrs. Barclay. Got of Froull\u00e9 an Eutropius, and a Historiae Augustae Scriptores; called at Mr. West\u2019s lodgings but he was not at home. Walked half an hour in the Palais Royal. Not much Company. Met Captn. Paul Jones, and Mr. Starke, who offered to take any thing for the Hague. He goes on Monday. Went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s and spent the evening there. They are all ill with Colds: Mr. Williamos was not there: the Marquis de la Fayette came in while I was there. He is going into the Country in a short time. He talk\u2019d upon various subjects; and among others concerning the Dukes and Peers, he said, he did not believe that upon the face of the Earth, an order of men could be found, so numerous, in which there are so few men of Sense: they are a parcel of fools, said he and in the whole band there are not more than five or six men of any tolerable understanding. The only privilege of any consequence attached to their title is, the right to take a seat in Parliament: where if they had any ambition and abilities, they might serve to counterpoise in some manner the power of the king: but he gives them to understand, that he wishes they would not go to the Parliament and in true Courtiers they give up this precious right. \u201cI am continually spurring them up, (continued he) and I tell them, it is folly in them not to assert their rights, but all without effect, and among all those I know, the only one of knowledge and abilities, I am acquainted with is the Duke de la Rochefoucauld: he is a true patriot; but is not an eloquent man, and being entirely alone, he can do nothing.\u201d I thought the Marquis spoke somewhat openly and freely for a french nobleman: especially for one so nearly allied as he is to two or three Dukes. Perhaps he thought that among Americans, he could freely speak his mind without any danger.\n   Flavius Eutropius, Breviarium Historiae Romanae, Leyden, 1762 (Catalogue of JQA\u2019s BooksWorthington C. Ford, ed., A Catalogue of the Books of John Quincy Adams Deposited in the Boston Athenaeum. With Notes on Books, Adams Seals and Book-Plates, by Henry Adams, Boston, 1938.); Historiae Augustae Scriptores VI Aelius Spartianus, Julius Capitolinus, Aelius Lampridius, Vulcatius Gallicanus, Trebellius Pollio, et Flavius Vopiscus, Leyden, 1661. Both are now at MQA.\n   Possibly Edward Stack, an Irish officer attached to the French navy on Jones\u2019 Bonhomme Richard (Augustus C. Buell, Paul Jones, Founder of the American Navy: A History, 2 vols., N.Y., 1902, 2:2\u20133; A Calendar of John Paul Jones Manuscripts in the Library of Congress, comp. Charles Henry Lincoln, Washington, 1903, p. 191\u2013192).\n   Quotation marks have been editorially supplied.\n   Louis Alexandre, Due de La RocheGuyon and La Rochefoucauld d\u2019Enville, who took an active interest in French science and learning and politics (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.).\n       Mr. Jefferson came out to Auteuil in the morning. Count Sarsfield walk\u2019d out. Fine weather though somewhat cold. Some rain too is wanted very much, there has been none these four months, and very little Snow.\n       Dined with Mr. Adams at the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s. There was not much American Company: M: le Marquis de St. Simon, who has served in America. Mr. Grandchamp, Capitaine de Vaisseau, and M: le Marquis de Rosanbot premier president au Parlement de Paris. Mr. Ruston was there. This is the first comfortable day we have had this Season: the roads are exceedingly dusty for want of Rain. Madam Helvetius, one of our neighbours is very ill. Mrs. A. sent to know how, she was, and received a curious handbill for answer.\n   Probably Claude Anne de Rouvroy, Marquis de Saint-Simon-Montbl\u00e9ru, commander of the army from the West Indies, who was at Yorktown (Howard C. Rice Jr. and Anne S. K. Brown, transls. and eds., The American Campaigns of Rochambeau\u2019s Army, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, 2 vols., Princeton, 1972, 1:325\u2013326).\n   Anne Catherine de Ligniville d\u2019Autricourt Helv\u00e9tius, widow of the philosopher Claude Adrien Helv\u00e9tius, was a close friend of Franklin, and neighbor and social acquaintance of the Adamses (AA to Lucy Cranch, 5 Sept. 1784, AA, Letters, ed. CFA, 1848Letters of Mrs. Adams, the Wife of John Adams. With an Introductory Memoir by Her Grandson, Charles Francis Adams, 4th edn., Boston, 1848., p. 199\u2013200).\n   Not found.\n       Mr. Williamos came out in the morning, and went with Mr. A, to Versailles. Good weather: very mild; but rain is much wanted.\n       Marquis de la Fayette and his Lady, Count and Countess d\u2019Ouradou the Abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux dined with us. M: d\u2019Ouradou, is a french nobleman, of Auvergne who possessed a very considerable estate, but has lately been almost ruined, by the loss of a lawsuit, which after he had gained twice, was finally, unjustly decided against him: Moliere says somewhere, with great truth: nothing is so unjust as the justice of this Country. The Count intends at present to go to America, and with the wreck of his fortune, which will amount, to 100, or 150 thousand livres, he means to buy an estate in Virginia, and settle there, as mediocrity of fortune, can be more easily borne, there than in this Country. He leaves his title here, and as he has a Son; if he or any of his descendents acquire a fortune, sufficient to support the title; they may return here and resume it again. M: Hailes the secretary of the English Embassy, dined with us also. Count Sarsfield came, and spent some time with us after dinner: I received a Card from Mr. West, who is very ill. In the morning I went to Passy, and carried some Letters of Introduction to M: Le Rey de Chaumont, who goes to America, by this Months Packet, and who set off for L\u2019orient this day. The February packet, that sailed from New York the 19th. is at length, arrived, but no body as yet has any Letters, except the Marquis de la Fayette.\n       Went to Paris in the morning with Mr. A. At the Pont Royal, I got out of the Carriage, and went to see my friend Mr. West. He has been ever since Tuesday, afflicted, with an inflammatory Rheumatism: what makes it insupportable, is that he has it in his right hand, which is very much swelled: and though he is here upon business, and has received several letters of consequence, which require immediate answers, he cannot do any thing. I sat with him sometime, and from the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, Rue de Richelieu, where he is I went on foot to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, who was out: found my father there; and as Mr. Jefferson, did not return, we came away, after staying, half an hour.\n       Went with Mrs. A into Paris in the afternoon. Got a book of Pissot, and Brindley\u2019s Terence, la folle journ\u00e9e, and Vossius de hist. grae: of Froull\u00e9. Left the Ladies, on the quai des Augustins, and went to see Mr. West, whose hand is still very much swelled. The Ladies came, in the evening, and took me at the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne.\n   Pissot, a publishing firm in Paris. The book has not been identified.\n   Terence, Comoediae sex, London, J. Brindley edn., 1744 (at MQA); Gerard John Vos, De Historicis Graecis libri quatuor, The Hague, 1624. For La folle journ\u00e9e, see entry for 12 March, note 3 (above).\n       Mr. D\u2019Asp, the secretary of the Swedish Ambassy, came out and dined with us en famille. After dinner I went into Paris. Mr. West is still very ill: his hand is swolen amazingly: his spirits were very low when I went there: but before I came away he began to be quite sociable. He spoke of Mr. B\u2014\u2014g\u2014\u2014m; who with his Lady left Paris, Sunday the 10th. instn. Mr. W: seems to have of Mr. B. very nearly the same opinion I have, that he is very ignorant, very vain, and very empty. He is very rich: but if he acquired his riches in the manner Mr. W. tells me he did; he is hardly authorised to plume himself upon them as much as he does. That he is extremely ignorant, I think the following anecdote which is litterally true, will sufficiently prove. I was with him one evening last winter at the French Comedy. La mort de C\u00e9sar a Tragedy of Voltaire\u2019s was acted. After it was over the following Conversation, took place between him and me; exactly as it is here.\n       Mr. B. Oh; how much Superior to this is Shakespeare\u2019s Julius Caesar! to this!\n       A.\u00a0 Voltaire to be sure was not comparable to Shakespeare in point of genius, but his play is more regular.\n       B.\u00a0 Regular! Why he has not introduced the Battle of Philippi; nor does he bring Augustus upon the Stage.\n       A. But if I remember right the Battle of Philippi did not happen till more than a year after the Death of Caesar, and has nothing to do in that event. So that all three unities must be broken through to introduce it. Nor could Augustus appear for the same reason.\n       B. What do you mean by unities.\n       A. You know very well Sir, that plays upon the french Stage, are confined, to 24 hours for time, to one and the same place, and to one plot for action, and. . . .\n       B. Oh, you are entirely mistaken! Why do you think Shakespeare did not know the rules of the Stage, and yet he brings Augustus, and the action at Philippi on, in his piece. Besides, Voltaire supposes that Brutus was the Son of Caesar, which is contrary to history; and would it not be absurd to be so strict upon such trifles as you are speaking of, and yet take such licences as to suppose Brutus to be the Son of Caesar.\n       Finding it would be in vain to say any thing more of the Rules of the Drama, I was determined to see if he was as well inform\u2019d upon the Subject of History so I replied You know that several historians hint, that Caesar was supposed to be the father of Brutus, and that he supposed so himself: and any Poet has a right to make use of any such Circumstances, and to give for a certainty, what in fact was only a supposition.\n       B. No Sir, not one historian mentions any such a connection between them.\n       A. I think Suetonius says, that when Brutus stab\u2019d Caesar, among the rest, Caesar said in greek Are you with them, my Son? We have no better authority than Suetonius, for there are very few original historians of that period, remaining.\n       B. He certainly did not speak in Greek: he said et tu Brute. I don\u2019t know what Suetonius may say, but Rollin, in his Roman history does not mention a word of it; and do you think he could have omitted so important a circumstance, if there had been any truth in it? As you say there, are not many original historians of that period extant. I think there are only Suetonius, and LIVY, and Plutarch and HERODOTUS.\n       Here our conversation finish\u2019d. I was amazed to see a man, with so many pretensions to great knowledge, as Mr. B. had, entirely ignorant of the rules of the Drama: and in a point of Roman History quote the authority of Rollin, against that of Suetonius. But I have since found that he spoke without knowledge, even on the Subject of Rollin: for that author speaking of Brutus, says, that notwithstanding his conduct, Caesar loved him, as the Son of Servilia, and perhaps as his own. If a boy of 18 years old, can detect Mr. B. in such gross errors, in Questions so plain, and so universally understood: how empty must he appear before a person, of ripe Judgment, and deep knowledge.\n       Should anyone see this he might say what has Mr. B. done to you to make you treat him so? I answer, nothing but what he does to every body else. He is as vain and self sufficient as he is ignorant: and assumes airs of superiority, not only over me (which would not perhaps be improper) but over persons of much more real merit than he is, or than he ever will be, if I am not much mistaken. He has never done me any harm; nor has he ever had it, (thank god) in his power to hurt me, but I have no obligations to him, nor ever will, if I can help it. The only knowledge he appears to possess well, is Commercial: of that he has had sufficient to make a very considerable fortune, which has turn\u2019d the little brains he had.\n        Those who their ignorance confest\n        I ne\u2019er offended with a jest.\n        But laugh to hear an idiot quote\n        A verse from Horace learnt by rote.\n       When I came home from Paris, I found Letters for me from Mr. Dumas and C. Storer.\n   Published in Amsterdam, 1735 (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n   JQA\u2019s ellipsis.\n   The Storer letter is probably that of 12 April (Adams Papers), while the only extant Dumas letter to JQA for this period is 1 April (Adams Papers), probably too early to be referred to here.\n       Went all to dine with Mr. Jefferson. The two abb\u00e9s Dr. McMahon and Dr. Ruston, were there. After dinner I walk\u2019d to the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, and found Mr. West better, though his hand is still very much swelled. Dr. Ruston appears to be a man of learning; very well versed in English reading.\n   Dr. I. MacMahon was apparently an Irish physician living in France whom Franklin met in Paris shortly after the beginning of the Revolution; he became a member of the American minister\u2019s social circle, a source of some American news, and a partisan for both America and his native Ireland (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.,I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols. index).\n       In the morning Coll. Humphreys, and Mr. Williamos, called upon me, and I went out with them as far as St. Germain en Laye where James the 2d. held his Court after he was driven away from England; and where Mr. Short, has been these 6 weeks learning the french Language. We went through the Bois de Boulogne, and over the Pont de Neuilli. The distance from Paris to St. Germain is about 12 miles. We go along by the side of the Seine, almost all the way: the Lands are either cultivated in wheat, or in Vines for the most Part. The road is very good. St. Germain, is situated, on the top of a hill, which is not very steep, but which I suppose to be a mile long. I should imagine it contains about 10,000 inhabitants but may be much mistaken, as I guess only from the apparent extent of the town: a great number of them are the descendents from those british families that follow\u2019d the fortunes of James the 2d. The Castle which he inhabited belongs as I was told, to the King, and has a charming terrass before it. We descended at the Prince de Galles tavern, and went immediately to Mr. Shorts lodgings but found he was out: we then walk\u2019d about the place, which is very agreeably situated. From the terrass you may see Mont Calvaire, Montmartre, and the Church of the Invalids. In a clear day I suppose part of Paris may be also seen from thence. Mr. Short came to us, and dined with us. Mr. Williams, is gone to Paris, to set off for England. His Lady and the Alexander family live in the Castle, but were not to be seen this day: on account of the Death of a friend. After dinner we walk\u2019d again, in the Gardens of the Mar\u00e9chal de Noailles, grandfather of the Marquise de la Fayette, who owns here a fine house and a good Estate. Mr. Short is vastly pleased with St. Germain, and thinks it a very excellent place for learning the Language. If we may judge from him it is certainly so: for he has made a wonderful proficiency in the short space of time he has been there. We left him about five, and as we return\u2019d we look\u2019d at the Machine de Marli, which is very famous, but which appears to me very clumsy; and it is very complicated so that I could not understand any thing in it. The principle is very simple. The current of the river sets a number of mills going; they put in motion a quantity of pumps which transport water from that place to Versailles about 2 leagues distant from it. But this machine was built more than a century ago, and has been very much celebrated; if it were to be built at present, it would be considered in a ridiculous light. When we return\u2019d we found Mr. and Mm. d\u2019Ouradou getting into their Carriage, to return: they had been some time here. Mrs. and Miss A. were gone to Paris. Mr. Jefferson was with my father. Young Mr. Franklin is very ill of a fever. It seems to be a sickly Time.\n   Mariamne Alexander, wife of Franklin\u2019s grandnephew Jonathan Williams Jr., daughter of William Alexander, and granddaughter of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh of the same name (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.,I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols. 5:5; Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 7:256).\n   Louis de Noailles, Duc d\u2019Ayen from 1737, Duc de Noailles from 1766, and Mar\u00e9chal de France, 1775 (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. g\u00e9n\u00e9raleJ. C. F. Hoefer, ed., Nouvelle biographie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale depuis les temps les plus recul\u00e9s jusqu\u2019\u00e0 nos jours, Paris, 1852-1866; 46 vols.; Dict. de la noblesseFran\u00e7ois Alexandre Aubert de La Chesnaye-Desbois and \u2014\u2014 Badier, Dictionnaire de la noblesse, 3d edn., Paris, 1863-1876; 19 vols.).\n       Mr. A. received in the morning a Card from Dr. Franklin informing him that a person who came in the Packet had called upon him last evening: and told him he had a pacquet for my father addressed at the Hague. My father immediately went to Dr. Franklin\u2019s, and from thence to the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orleans, where he found two gentlemen who came in the Packet. Mr. Jervais, an American, and Mr. Lefevre, a French man, whom I saw two years ago at Hamborough. I left Mr. A. at the Place de Louis Quinze and went on foot to the H\u00f4tel de Bretagne, where I found Mr. West, who is much better, though his hand is as much swelled as ever. When I had been there about \u00bd an hour, Mr. A: came and took me up. We went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. Mr. A. received a Letter from Mr. Gerry and a packet from Mr. Jay, by Mr. Jarvis, Who came out with Mr. Lefevre and spent the evening at Auteuil.\n   Not found.\n   \u00a0James Jarvis was described by Elbridge Gerry as \u201clately of Boston, but formerly of this City New York, Son in Law to Mr. Samuel Broom.\u201d Jarvis had been a New York merchant before the Revolution (Gerry to JA, 14 Feb., Adams Papers; Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 8:178, 247).\n   Gerry to JA, 14 Feb. (Adams Papers); Jay to JA, 11 Feb. (Adams Papers).\n       In the afternoon I went into Paris. Saw Mr. West and Dr. Ruston who propose going to England, next week. I afterwards went to see for a Cabriolet; I saw several, but they ask 120 livres for the hire of one, from this place to L\u2019Orient. Spent the evening with Mr. Jefferson, who is a great admirer of Ossian\u2019s poems: which he thinks are indisputably genuine.\n   The Poems of Ossian, Edinburgh, 1762, were allegedly translated from authentic Gaelic by the Scottish poet James Macpherson. Dr. Samuel Johnson, among others, thought that they were traditional elements blended together and passed off as an ancient poem, a verdict generally agreed upon after Macpherson\u2019s death. Jefferson had maintained a strong interest in the work for years (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 1:96\u201397; 100\u2013102).\n       Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Lefevre, came out and dined with us. Mr. Jarvis offers me the carriage they came in from L\u2019Orient: but it is at Versailles.\n       The Ladies dined with the Marquis de la Fayette. We went there before dinner. Mr. Williamos tells me the Abb\u00e9 de Mably is dead. He was very old; not less I think, than 78. Yet although it is probable, that had he lived many years longer, I should not have seen him, above once more, still I was much affected at the news, because he was not only a man of great genius, and learning, but was one of the best men in the world.\n        A wit\u2019s a feather, and a chief\u2019s a Rod,\n        An honest man, is the noblest work of God\n       He has written a number of works, that are published, and he has left several to appear after him. 2. vols. of Observations upon the History of France, a Treatise, sur le beau, and another on the Course of Passions in Society are ready for the Press.\n       We dined at Count Sarsfield\u2019s, where there was a small, but chosen Company. He shew us some of the drawings of Countess Spencer, which were exceedingly well done. In the evening, we went and took up the Ladies at the Marquis\u2019s.\n   \u201cAn Essay on Man,\u201d Epistle IV, lines 247\u2013248.\n   Mably\u2019s Observations sur l\u2019histoire de France, first published in 2 vols., Geneva, 1765, was continued by Claude Caroloman de Rulhi\u00e8re and published in 4 vols., in Kehl, Germany, 1788.\n   Mably\u2019s essays \u201cDu Beau\u201d and \u201cDu Cours et de la march des passions dans la soci\u00e9t\u00e9\u201d both appear in Oeuvres completes . . ., 16 vols., London, 1789\u20131795.\n   Lavinia Bingham, wife of the second Earl Spencer, was a leader of London society, befriending a large number of eminent men in politics and the arts; she was a painter and etcher (Thieme and Becker, LexikonUlrich Thieme and Felix Becker, Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Kiinstler, von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart, Leipzig, 1907-1950; 37 vols.).\n       I went in the morning to the Sweedish Ambassador\u2019s H\u00f4tel to go with Mr. d\u2019Asp, and see the Abb\u00e9 Grenet, but I was too late and Mr. d\u2019Asp was gone out, I went to see Mr. Jarvis: and afterwards Count d\u2019Ouradou, at the h\u00f4tel de Nassau, Ru\u00eb de la Harpe. We agreed to go together to l\u2019Orient. Went to see West, but did not find him at home. Walk\u2019d in the Palais Royal, where I met Mr. Williamos; and as I had sent our carriage back to Auteuil and, it was too late to walk home, I went with him and dined at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. A few minutes after Dinner, Some Letters came, in from America, and I was inform\u2019d by Mr. J. that the Packet le Courier de L\u2019Orient, which sail\u2019d from New York, the 23d of March, is arrived: Mr. J. and Coll. Humphreys had Letters from Genl. Washington, and a Letter from Mr. Gerry, of Feby. 25th. says, Mr. Adams, is appointed Minister to the Court of London. I believe he will promote the Interests of the United States, as much as any man: but I fear his Duty will induce him to make exertions which may be detrimental to his Health: I wish however it may be otherwise. Were I now to go with him, probably my immediate Satisfaction, might be greater than it will be in returning to America. After having been travelling for these seven years, almost all over Europe, and having been in the world and among Company for three: to return and spend one or two years in the Pale of a College, subjected to all the rules, which I have so long been freed from: then to plunge into the Dry and tedious study of the law; for three years, and afterwards not expect, (however good an Opinion I may have of myself), to bring myself into Notice, under three or four years more; if ever: it is really a Prospect some what discouraging for a youth of my Ambition (for I have Ambition, though I hope its object is laudable).\n        But still ... Oh! how wretched\n        Is that poor Man, that hangs on Princes favours.\n       or on those of any body else. I am determined that as long as I shall be able to get my own living, in an honorable manner, I will depend upon no one. My father has been so much taken up all his lifetime, with the Interests of the public, that his own fortune has suffered by it: So that his children will have to provide for themselves; which I shall never be able to do, if I loiter away my precious time in Europe; and shun going home untill I am forced to it. With an ordinary share of common Sense, which I hope I enjoy, at least in America, I can live independent and free, and rather than live other wise, I would wish to die, before, the time, when I shall be left at my own Discretion. I have before me a striking example, of the distressing and humiliating Situation a person is reduced to by adopting a different line of Conduct and I am determined not to fall into the same error.\n       I came out to Auteuil in the afternoon, with Mr. Jefferson, in his Carriage. Found Mr. Jarvis there. Dr. Franklin has a Letter by the last packet, dated March 22d.\n   The congress appointed JA minister on 24 Feb., and he received his commission on 2 May (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Washington, 1904-1937; 34 vols., 28:98; Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:177).\n   King Henry VIII, Act III, scene ii, lines 366\u2013367.\n   JQA\u2019s allusions to financial independence and his decision to leave Europe suggest that he is referring here to William Temple Franklin. See also JQA\u2019s comment about the younger Franklin in his entry for 26 Feb. (above).\n       In the afternoon I went into Paris with the Ladies; left them before the Jardin des Tuileries. Walk\u2019d to the Hotel de Bretagne; West was out. Walk\u2019d some time in the Palais Royal; and met Mr. Ruston, and soon after Mr. West. His arm is much better but still swolen.\n       Mr. West came out to Auteuil and dined with us. After dinner I went into Paris, with him: we went to meet Dr. Ruston and then proceeded all together to the Italian Comedy, where we saw Theodore, a new Opera Comique, acted for the first time, with l\u2019heureuse Erreur, this evening. Theodore, had not a brilliant success, but a tolerable one. The Subject, is as old, as the Theatre I believe. A Man who proposes marrying his daughter to one of his friends of his own age, instead of which she marries the young man she loves, is the whole plot. Nothing new is introduced, but there are some pretty good sallies, and some excellent Sentiments (which by, the by, the french don\u2019t consider as ornaments to a dramatic performance, especially in the Comic Pieces). The Music, is I am told the first performance of Mr. Davaux, in this way: its success was pretty much like that of the Words: there was however one arriette which began thus.\n        Le Coeur d\u2019une fillette\n        Est assez souvent\n        Comme une girouette\n        Que tourne au moindre vent.\n       That was encored, and another,\n        La tendresse\n        Ne Vaut pas la sagesse\n        Mais encore, elle a son prix,\n       was very highly applauded. After the play was over I went and met my father at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s. Coll. Humphreys, was this morning suddenly taken very ill. He has been twice bled this day, and is at present much better than he was, although he has yet a fever upon him.\n   Th\u00e9odore, ou, le bonheur inattendu, an unpublished musical comedy by Beno\u00eet Joseph Marsollier des Viveti\u00e8res, with music by Jean Baptiste Davaux. It was first performed at Fontainebleau on 4 March (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n       We expected to have had a large Company to dine with us; but Mr. Hailes brought the excuses of the Duke of Dorset; who was this morning sent for at Versailles; and could not therefore come. M: de Gouvion, has also excused himself, and Coll. Humphreys\u2019s illness prevented him from coming, so that we were reduced to eleven only. Marquis de la Fayette and Lady: Count Sarsfield, M: de la Bourdonnais, Mr. Hailes, Mr. Williamos and Mr. Jarvis. The Marquis brought us a number of American News Papers, as he receives them very regularly. Mr. A.s appointment to England, is in one of the New York Gazettes of march 3d. Coll. William Smith, of New York, who has been heretofore Aid de Camp to Genl. Washington, is appointed Secretary to the Legation.\n       Memorandum: Count Sarsfield made me promise him, I would write him a Letter in french the 29th. of next October.\n   William Stephens Smith (1755\u20131816), designated as WSS by the Adams Papers, was appointed by the congress without the prior knowledge of JA, who initially had some doubts about his suitability. WSS, who had received a certificate of commendation from Washington for his military service, was a member of the Society of Cincinnati, a distinction that both AA and JA thought incompatible with republicanism; but they were mollified by his high sense of honor and modesty of demeanor and soon came to like him. AA2, having rejected her suitor Royall Tyler, became en\u00adgaged in due course to WSS, and they were married on 11 June 1786. The marriage was not a happy one. None of the variety of offices which WSS subsequently held turned out well for him; his ambition, extravagant habits, and unwise investments led to desperate straits, and AA2 had to endure periods of drunkenness and desertion (JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:183\u2013184 and sources cited there; AA to Mercy Otis Warren, 10 May 1785; JA to CA, 31 Jan. 1795; and M/LCA/6, p. 147, all in Adams Papers).\n   If written, not found.\n       I went into Paris in the morning, and called upon Mr. d\u2019Asp the secretary of the Sweedish Embassy, and we went together, to the Abb\u00e9 Grenet\u2019s, a professer of the College of St. Jean de Beauvais, who has invented a curious sort of Sphere, with brass circles round it, by which he shows the motion of the Sun, and moon, and by means of which he has made some, astronomical observations, unknown before. He has also published an Atlas, which is extremely usefull in Schools, and for all persons that Study the Classic authors, he has made double maps, of all those parts of the world that were known in Antiquity: one side represents the Country as the ancients knew it, and the other shows the same, in its present State. He is at present employ\u2019d in making detailed maps of the kingdom of France, which will also, be a very interesting work. I took a Copy of his Atlas. Went to see a painter in the Louvre. Walk\u2019d in the Tuileries with Mr. d\u2019Asp. Went to Mr. West\u2019s and to Mr. Ruston\u2019s lodgings but neither was at home. Late before I got out to Auteuil.\n   Atlas portatif \u00e0 l\u2019usage des coll\u00e8ges, pour servir \u00e0 l\u2019intelligence des auteurs classiques, [Paris, 1779\u20131782?]. JQA\u2019s copy is at MHi.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0001", "content": "Title: Sunday May 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Jarvis came out and dined with us at Auteuil. In the afternoon, Mr. Jefferson came out; he drank tea with us. No Rain yet: the drought is very great: the verdure is but small, tho\u2019 the trees are covered with Leaves.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0002", "content": "Title: 2d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. A and myself went and dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, Comte and Chevalier de la Luzerne, Comte de la Touche, General du Portail: A Letter was brought after dinner to my father from Dr. Franklin, informing him that Mr. Randallarrived from New York in the last Packet, and that he has Letters from Mr. Jay for my father. We went immediately to the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orl\u00e9ans Rue St. Anne, and found Mr. Randall out, but he had left the Packets for my father, to be given to him, in case he should call for them. They contained two Vols, of the Journals of Congress, A Commission, Credentials, and Instructions for the Court of St. James\u2019s. We went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, and spent an hour there; he has received a Commission for this Court, and the resignation of Dr. Franklin is accepted. Congress have resolved to send a Minister to Holland, and one to Spain, but as yet, none is appointed.\n       We went to see the Abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux, and found them in affliction for the Death of their friend the Abb\u00e9 de Mably. Abb\u00e9 Chal\u00fbt has written the following epitaph for him.\n        Hic jacet\n        Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, Delphinas\n        Juris naturae\n        Indagator audax, felix, indefessus:\n        Dignitatis humani generis labefactatae vindex\n        Rectae rationis assecla tenacissimus\n        Ad Respublicas instituendas, restituendas, stabiliendas\n        Ad Populos sanandos, politiarum errores profligandos\n        Quae indesinenter scripsit\n        Orbis utriusque suffragio, plausu comprobata.\n        Assidu\u00e2 historiarum meditatione\n        E variis gentium institutis, moribus, regiminibus\n        Praeteritorum eventuum causas latentes detexit,\n        futuros praenuntiavit.\n        Strictae semper addicta veritati\n        Mens flecti nescia\n        Honores, divitias, omnimoda servitii vincula\n        In re tenui\n        Constanter aspernata est.\n        Vita Innocu\u00e9 elaps\u00e2, avitae religionis cultor sapiens\n        Sacris vitibus accurat\u00e9 servatis\n        \u00c6quissimo animo\n        Obiit, 23d. die Aprilis 1785, ineunte aetatis anno 770.\n        Amici moerentes P. C.\n       The abb\u00e9 was a character, that would be uncommon at any time, but almost unknown at present in this Kingdom. Every thing that he has left, as I am told will not amount to two hundred louis d\u2019ors. The two abb\u00e9s his friends are his executors, and he begs of them to accept his library which is composed of about 250 volumes. Of all the Literati in Paris, he owned the least books: but he used to borrow those he wanted; from the bibliotheque du Roi, and made extracts from them: his works are less known than they ought to be, because he was neither an Academician nor a Courtier: But he always maintained the Reputation of a good Man, which is preferable, to any that either Courts or Academies can give. Return\u2019d home at about 10. in the evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0004", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       In the afternoon I went into Paris alone: went to the Griffon, Rue de Bussy and bought some Stationary. To the H\u00f4tel de Nassau Rue de la Harpe, to see Mm. la Comtesse d\u2019Ouradou, but she was not within. Bought me a Couple of Trunks. Went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s: he tells me, that the Count, thinks of not going in the next Packet. I fear Mr. Williamos, after failing me, himself, has been endeavouring to persuade the Count to do so too, which I do not think is very polite. Mr. Jefferson, spoke concerning Virginia, a State, which he knows very particularly as it is his native Country. The blacks, he tells me, are very well treated there; and increase in population, more in proportion, than the whites. Before the War, he says the negroes, were to the whites, in the proportion of 3 to 4. Now they are as 10 to 11. which is a very material difference. He supposes about 500,000 souls in the State. He disapproves very much the Cultivation of Tobacco, and wishes, it may be laid entirely aside. He thinks wheat would be much more advantageous, and profitable, much less Laborious, and less hurtful to the ground: he is a man of great Judgment.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0005", "content": "Title: 5th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       All dined at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, with Marquis and Marquise de la Fayette, Count and Countess d\u2019Ouradou, Chevalier de la Fayette another french gentleman, Mr. Short, who this morning arrived from St. Germains, Mr. Bowdoin from Virginia, Mr. Jarvis, &c. I there learnt that Mr. West and Dr. Ruston, were not gone for England: after dinner I went with Mr. Jarvis, to the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orleans, Rue St. Anne, to see Mr. Randall, who dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s to day. I went to West\u2019s lodgings, but he was out. Saw Dr. Ruston, who does not go, till next week. Mr. Jarvis, brought me out as far as the Barriere de la Conference, where I luckily found our Carriage which was just passing by.\n       The weather has been exceeding fine, for a long time, but the drought is very great. All the Roads, are very inconveniently dusty, and daily Church processions are made to obtain Rain from Heaven. Grain, and Hay are extravagantly dear so that numbers of farmers, have been obliged to kill their Cattle, that they might not Starve to Death. Butter is 2 livres a pound, whereas, in the depth of winter, it is not commonly higher than 30 Sols, and in short if the present weather continues, I know not what will be the consequence the ensuing Fall and Winter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0008", "content": "Title: 8th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Randall, Mr. Short, Mr. Jarvis, Dr. Ruston, Mr. Williamos, and Mr. Bowdoin, dined with us.\n       The drowth continues, and there is as yet no appearance of Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0009", "content": "Title: 9th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Walk\u2019d into Paris in the morning, to the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s; to go with him to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s upon the subject, of the Importation of our whale oil, into this Country. I was told the Marquis was gone out of Town, on horseback. Call\u2019d upon Mr. Williamos and from thence went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, where I waited till past noon for the Marquis, but, as he did not come then, I walk\u2019d back again to Auteuil: was very much fatigued as it was exceeding warm. All the family, but myself dined at the Marquis\u2019s, and did not return till late in the evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0010", "content": "Title: 10th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. A: went to Versailles, to take leave, of the Court. Mr. Carnes came out. Was all day preparing for my departure, in the evening Mm. de la Fayette, with two of her Children, came out: and Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Randall.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0011", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This Day, the King made his grand review, on the Plaines de Sablons. Mr. A. and the Ladies dined at the Sweedish Ambassadors; I had so much to do, that I could not. Early in the morning I had a remise, and went first to Dr. Franklin, to take his Commands and ask for a Passport; which I could not get, because, M: de la Motte his secretary, was gone to the Review. Went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s who was also gone; the whole road to Paris was strow\u2019d with Carriages. I got an order for Horses at the Post Office. Went to Mr. Grand\u2019s and to the Abb\u00e9s: but found nobody. Cross\u2019d the river to the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s and saw Madam; Called at the Hotel d\u2019Orleans, R. des p: Augustins, at that du Roi George, Rue du Colombier for Mr. Chew and Mr. Chamberlaine, who brought me letters from my friend Murray in England, but every body was gone to the Review. Went to Froull\u00e9 my Bookseller, and got a number of Books of the Brindley Edition. Paid him his account. Walk\u2019d half an hour in the Palais Royal, and met Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Short, Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Williamos, and Mr. Randall; who were all to dine with Mr. Jefferson: we walk\u2019d till four o\u2019clock, and then went together, to the Cul de Sac Taitbout, where we found the Marquis de la Fayette, Mr. Norris and Mr. Carnes, who dined there also. After dinner I went with Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Randall, and walk\u2019d half an hour in the Palais Royal. Return\u2019d and took leave of Mr. Jefferson, and his family: on my way home I stopp\u2019d at Dr. Franklin\u2019s, and saw his grandson, who is ill: he told me that the Dr. had some thoughts of going to Boston; and from thence to Philadelphia by water: as he cannot bear the motion of a land Carriage. He talks of going in July or August.\n       About an hour after I got home, the Count d\u2019Oradour, came, and told me that two large trunks, could not go on my Cabriolet, and that it would be therefore impossible for him to go with me. I desired him to bring the matter to a certainty, and in case he could not come, to send me the Carriage as early in the morning as possible.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0013", "content": "Title: May 13th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At four in the morning I left Dreux, and rode, till 9 in the evening without stopping at all: But was then so much fatigued as my Carriage goes very hard, and the roads being very dusty I determined to go no further than Pr\u00e9z en Pail, which is 16 posts from Dreux, the country is mountaneous, and the roads are not so good as might be wish\u2019d. This place is in the Province of Maine which forms part of Normandy. The produce of this province, is for the most part in grain. The fields of grass look miserably. In the morning, I met an whole village, men, women and children, with the curate at their head, going out in procession to implore rain of the virgin Mary. I have got into a very indifferent house: they tell me, they can give me nothing to eat because it is Friday; and no good Catholic ever eats meat on fridays.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0016", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I went to bed immediately on my arrival; rose at about 10 in the morning, sent a man to find out Mr. Barclay. He return\u2019d and told me he was vis-\u00e0-vis la maison de Ville. I went and found him very unwell: he had meant to leave L\u2019Orient four or five days ago; but has been very ill with an humour in his head; but he is now much better, and thinks to set off next Thursday. I found Mr. Champion there, who went with me to Mr. Rucker\u2019s lodgings. I found him, and Mr. Grub a Gentleman from Carolina. They accompanied me to the man who sold my Cabriolet, to Mr. Randall; he was much more reasonable, than I expected he would be, for notwithstanding all the damage, which the heat of the Sun, and the badness of the roads have done to the Carriage, he gave me 25 louis d\u2019ors for it: and took it just as it was. His name is Soret. I think I can recommend him to any person who might want to hire or to buy a carriage at L\u2019Orient. Dined with Mr. Barclay. After dinner, I went with Mr. Champion, to Mr. Mazois the director of the Packets, and paid him 500 livres for a passage, on board the Courier de l\u2019Amerique, Captain Fournier. I was much astonished to hear that the Packet will sail tomorrow if the wind remains as it is. It is very extraordinary that Mr. le Couteulx himself, the director of the Packets at Paris, should not know when the Packets sail: he tells every passenger who goes to him, that they are obliged to wait for the Post that arrives from Paris Wednesday morning. A Gentleman who will pass with us, depending upon this, arrived 6 hours too late for the last Packet, and has been obliged to wait an whole month at L\u2019Orient. I saw the Captain who gave me a respite; he will not go till to morrow evening, but I depend only upon a change of wind, for all the Letters which I expect by the next Post. It is very disagreeable to be thus disappointed by the unpardonable negligence, of those very persons, on whom, we depend the most.\n       I bought My bedding, viz: a matrass, a pair of sheets: so large that one will be sufficient at a time, a pillar, and two pillar Cases. I brought with me from Paris a Coverlid, and half a dozen napkins, all these articles a person must necessarily have: on board the Packet you are furnished with every thing else, as I am told.\n       Spent the evening and Supp\u2019d at Mr. Barclay\u2019s; with Mrs. Moylan, Miss Fermier her Sister, and Mr. Nesbitt. Return\u2019d to my Hotel at about 12. at night.\u2020.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0017", "content": "Title: 17th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Immediately after breakfast I went to Mr. Barclay\u2019s. The wind has changed, so that we shall not sail this day. This gives me pleasure, as I expect a number of Letters, by the Post that arrives to morrow morning: I went with Captain Fournier to the H\u00f4tel of Mr. Thevenard the Commandant, but he was not at home. Saw him upon the place of Parade. Dined with Mr. Grub and Mr. Champion at Mr. Barclay\u2019s. After dinner my Captain came, and took me in his barge, on board the Packet. Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Williamos were kind enough to write a fortnight ago to the Captain, informing him of my design to go with him: so that the round house has been kept for me. It is by far the best apartment in the Packet, except those of the Captain and officers. The Rooms below the deck are very inconvenient, so small that two persons cannot easily fit together in one of them. They have no windows in them, which makes them so dark that it is impossible to read without a candle and must render the air extremely unwholsome. But the roundhouse has a large window and two small ones that open and being upon the deck it is not subject to the bad air that reigns continually below. Remained on board a couple of hours. Returned and spent the evening with Mr. Barclay. Mm: Cardan, and her two Daughters supped there. Return\u2019d home, at 11. o\u2019clock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0018", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       In the morning I went to the Post office, and enquired if there were any Letters for me; there were none. I immediately went to Monsr. Mazois, to whom I supposed my Letters would be addressed, but he had none for me neither. I don\u2019t know how it happens. I can only suppose that they were put in the Post Office, so late that they failed, coming by the Saturday Post; and even if that is the Case, I shall lose them, unless we are retained here by contrary winds, till friday, which I cannot expect. Early in the morning I went on board the Packet, with my trunks. One of them was carried down into the magazine: the other, I had placed in my Room.\n       Mr. Mazois invited me to sup with him this evening. Dined with Mr. Barclay. Mr. Grub was there. I went with him to see Mr. McCarty. At about 7. in the evening I felt much fatigued and unwell. Took leave of Mr. Barclay, who leaves this place tomorrow for Paris. Return\u2019d home, and went immediately to bed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0020", "content": "Title: 20th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I went down into the Port at about 10 o\u2019clock in the morning. Met Mr. Grub who told me, that Mr. Thevenard, had a packet of Letters for me. I immediately went to his H\u00f4tel, and he gave me the packet: it was from the Marquis de la Fayette and inclosed a number of Letters for America, with a sheet of the Leyden gazette which says that 20,000 Imperial troops have taken possession of Bavaria, in the name of the Emperor, and that the elector has left his Capital with his guards, and all his Court, with the intention to go to the low Countries. If this is true, the exchange, between the Emperor and the Elector of Bavaria, so much talk\u2019d of, and so positively denied by the parties, has really taken place; the Marquis writes, that although the news is by no means certain; he thought the sooner it is known in America, the better. As I was returning home I met Mr. M\u00f6lich in the street, and told him the news, which was peculiarly interesting to him, as it is to his Country. We went to the Caff\u00e9 de la Comedie, and afterwards took a walk out of the town. Went to the Chambre de Literature; remained there till 2 o\u2019clock. Mr. M\u00f6lich then went with me, and dined at my lodgings. Just as we had done dinner Captain Fournier came in, and delivered a packet, he received this morning from Mr. Williamos. It contained all the Letters that I expected from Paris: they must have been put into the Post office at Paris too late to come by the Saturday post.\n       Went in the afternoon, and spent a couple of hours with Mr. Rucker. Return\u2019d home, and wrote all the evening to my Sister. The Wind changed this afternoon, and is now quite fair for us to go out.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0022", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       When we rose in the morning, we were out of sight, of Land. We have nothing now but the ocean and the sky around us. The weather being very fine none of us was very sick: but almost all the passengers felt such qualms as prevented them from eating any thing all day: myself among the rest.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0023", "content": "Title: 25th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We have had fine weather on board ever since we left L\u2019Orient, but have not in general been able to enjoy it on account of sea sickness. We begin now to stand a little firmer upon our legs. The Events that happen on board a Vessel are very seldom interesting, and the life we lead is very lazy and tiresome. Our Company on board is very gay and sociable, but is not in general such as I should have wished.\n       Captain le Fournier is an excellent Seaman; he is 37 years old and has pass\u2019d more than half that time at Sea; no one could wish to be with a better Captain. He is only 1st. Lieutenant, but commands the packet, because the Chevalier d\u2019Abouville, is now in America, building another packet, which he is to command. Captain Fournier expected to receive a Commission as lieutenant of a Frigate, but such is the delay that the Ministers cause before they grant the least favour, that he did not receive it: it will probably come to him by the next Packet: he will then have the command of this Vessel. I heartily wish he may succeed: for he is not only a good Seaman but an excellent man. If such men had the command in the french Navy, they would not be so often exposed to lose their fleets as they are, but in France, few persons of merit can make their way in the military profession; without credit at Court. A Man must have an education as a fine gentleman, must be a Courtier and an intriguer to obtain any rank. The exceptions to this rule are few. They would be numerous if the Event was consulted. Monsr. de la Motte Piquet, one of the best officers in the French Navy had nothing but his merit to recommend him, and certainly among their noble Seamen they can find none that behaved better in the course of the last war. Very few did their duty so well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0024", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Still the same scene fine weather, little wind. At about noon, we spoke to an English brig, Coming from Cadiz, and bound to Ordin\u00e9, a small town, in the british Channel.\n       Mr. Le Bel our first Lieutenant is a man of about 35 years; who is also an excellent Seaman. I believe he has pass\u2019d a great part of his Life at Sea. His Character is much that of a mariner who has lost by the life he has lead all the tender feelings that form in my opinion the charms of Life. He has all the exteriors of Complaisance but he is a perfect egoist, so far as to declare in Conversation that he cares not what happens to the whole Universe, when he is once dead. His principles are always such as his Interest requires, and he makes no mystery to declare it publicly. He was a prisoner in England during the war, and was in America, with the french fleet; he was married there, to an American. It does not give me pleasure to see my Countrywomen form such connections: but as he will never settle in America, the harm is not so great. I shall endeavour to keep upon good terms with all the officers, and passengers during the voyage, but this is not certainly the person whose company I shall regret losing after our arrival at New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007-0025", "content": "Title: 31st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       High Wind, directly contrary. The Vessel roll\u2019d so much that most of the passengers were sick. We saw yesterday a great number of Porpoises, which according to the opinion of Seamen in general, is always a certain sign of much wind. We have made very little progress as yet.\n       Mr. Halley our second Lieutenant is a young man, under 20. He has pass\u2019d a great part of his time at Sea, and is much of a gentleman. The Character I have found this person to possess is for me, a lesson which has been often repeated to me, never to judge any one from his first appearance; had my opinion been ask\u2019d concerning our officers, I should have supposed Mr. Halley, had a hard Character, and was very inflammable, whereas he is the most agreeable of the 3 officers on board; he has been in this packet ever since the Institution: consequently, this is his fourth Voyage to New-York. He tells me we shall in all probability have a passage of at least 50 days. This packet has never had a shorter one from L\u2019Orient to New York. The Captain has determined to go down for the trade Winds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0007", "content": "Title: [May 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Sunday May 1st. 1785.\n       Mr. Jarvis came out and dined with us at Auteuil. In the afternoon, Mr. Jefferson came out; he drank tea with us. No Rain yet: the drought is very great: the verdure is but small, tho\u2019 the trees are covered with Leaves.\n       Mr. A and myself went and dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, Comte and Chevalier de la Luzerne, Comte de la Touche, General du Portail: A Letter was brought after dinner to my father from Dr. Franklin, informing him that Mr. Randallarrived from New York in the last Packet, and that he has Letters from Mr. Jay for my father. We went immediately to the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orl\u00e9ans Rue St. Anne, and found Mr. Randall out, but he had left the Packets for my father, to be given to him, in case he should call for them. They contained two Vols, of the Journals of Congress, A Commission, Credentials, and Instructions for the Court of St. James\u2019s. We went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, and spent an hour there; he has received a Commission for this Court, and the resignation of Dr. Franklin is accepted. Congress have resolved to send a Minister to Holland, and one to Spain, but as yet, none is appointed.\n       We went to see the Abb\u00e9s de Chal\u00fbt and Arnoux, and found them in affliction for the Death of their friend the Abb\u00e9 de Mably. Abb\u00e9 Chal\u00fbt has written the following epitaph for him.\n        Hic jacet\n        Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, Delphinas\n        Juris naturae\n        Indagator audax, felix, indefessus:\n        Dignitatis humani generis labefactatae vindex\n        Rectae rationis assecla tenacissimus\n        Ad Respublicas instituendas, restituendas, stabiliendas\n        Ad Populos sanandos, politiarum errores profligandos\n        Quae indesinenter scripsit\n        Orbis utriusque suffragio, plausu comprobata.\n        Assidu\u00e2 historiarum meditatione\n        E variis gentium institutis, moribus, regiminibus\n        Praeteritorum eventuum causas latentes detexit,\n        futuros praenuntiavit.\n        Strictae semper addicta veritati\n        Mens flecti nescia\n        Honores, divitias, omnimoda servitii vincula\n        In re tenui\n        Constanter aspernata est.\n        Vita Innocu\u00e9 elaps\u00e2, avitae religionis cultor sapiens\n        Sacris vitibus accurat\u00e9 servatis\n        \u00c6quissimo animo\n        Obiit, 23d. die Aprilis 1785, ineunte aetatis anno 770.\n        Amici moerentes P. C.\n       The abb\u00e9 was a character, that would be uncommon at any time, but almost unknown at present in this Kingdom. Every thing that he has left, as I am told will not amount to two hundred louis d\u2019ors. The two abb\u00e9s his friends are his executors, and he begs of them to accept his library which is composed of about 250 volumes. Of all the Literati in Paris, he owned the least books: but he used to borrow those he wanted; from the bibliotheque du Roi, and made extracts from them: his works are less known than they ought to be, because he was neither an Academician nor a Courtier: But he always maintained the Reputation of a good Man, which is preferable, to any that either Courts or Academies can give. Return\u2019d home at about 10. in the evening.\n   Louis Le B\u00e8gue de Presle Duportail, French military engineer in American service who later became French minister and secretary of state for war (Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toilesAndre Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toiles (1775-1783), Macon and Paris, 1935; 2 vols., 1:272\u2013277).\n   That of 2 May (Adams Papers).\n   Paul Randolph Randall, a New York lawyer, who later participated in the unsuccessful negotiations with Algiers and other Barbary powers (John Jay to JA, 8 March (bis), Adams Papers; Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 8:544, 610\u2013611; 10:649\u2013651).\n   Jay to JA, 8 March (bis), 15 March, 18 March (Adams Papers).\n   Jay\u2019s letter of 18 March included JA\u2019s instructions, dated 7 March; JA\u2019s commission, dated 24 Feb., is also among the Adams Papers.\n   The congress elected Jefferson on 10 March 1785, and Franklin notified Vergennes on 3 May that the congress had permitted him to return (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Washington, 1904-1937; 34 vols., 28:134; Franklin, Writings, ed. SmythThe Writings of Benjamin Franklin, ed. Albert Henry Smyth, New York and London, 1905-1907; 10 vols., 9:321).\n   To God the Best and Greatest. Here lies Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, of Dauphin\u00e9. A bold enquirer, successful, unwearied, of the Law of Nature: Defender of the damaged integrity of the human race, most tenacious servant of right reason in establishing states, restoring them, stabilizing them, in leading peoples, and casting down the errors of political treatises. What he unceasingly wrote has been approved by the vote and applause of both worlds. By assiduous meditation on history, from the varied institutions of peoples, their customs, their governments, he uncovered the hidden causes of past events, and foretold the future ones. Ever devoted to strict truth, his mind, uninfluenced by his humble estate, constantly spurned honors, wealth, and all sorts of bonds of slavery. After having spent his life doing no harm to anybody, and wisely fostering his ancestral religion, he died with the most tranquil mind on the 23rd day of April 1785, as the seventy-seventh year of his life was beginning. This monument his grieving friends have erected.\n       Mr. A: went to Versailles, it being Ambassador\u2019s Day. As he was passing through an entry at the Count de Vergennes\u2019s, a Servant presented him a small canister, containing perhaps a little more than half a pound of tea, and ask\u2019d him if he did not want some very excellent tea, that had come through Russia, by land from China; my father could not Refuse it, and enquired the price. Un Louis, Monsieur, said the fellow very coolly; and in that manner he put every one of the foreign Ministers to contri\u00adbution, even in the House, of the King of France\u2019s prime Minister. I don\u2019t know whether such practices correspond, with their ideas of dignity; if so they are very different from mine.\n       In the afternoon I went into Paris alone: went to the Griffon, Rue de Bussy and bought some Stationary. To the H\u00f4tel de Nassau Rue de la Harpe, to see Mm. la Comtesse d\u2019Ouradou, but she was not within. Bought me a Couple of Trunks. Went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s: he tells me, that the Count, thinks of not going in the next Packet. I fear Mr. Williamos, after failing me, himself, has been endeavouring to persuade the Count to do so too, which I do not think is very polite. Mr. Jefferson, spoke concerning Virginia, a State, which he knows very particularly as it is his native Country. The blacks, he tells me, are very well treated there; and increase in population, more in proportion, than the whites. Before the War, he says the negroes, were to the whites, in the proportion of 3 to 4. Now they are as 10 to 11. which is a very material difference. He supposes about 500,000 souls in the State. He disapproves very much the Cultivation of Tobacco, and wishes, it may be laid entirely aside. He thinks wheat would be much more advantageous, and profitable, much less Laborious, and less hurtful to the ground: he is a man of great Judgment.\n       All dined at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, with Marquis and Marquise de la Fayette, Count and Countess d\u2019Ouradou, Chevalier de la Fayette another french gentleman, Mr. Short, who this morning arrived from St. Germains, Mr. Bowdoin from Virginia, Mr. Jarvis, &c. I there learnt that Mr. West and Dr. Ruston, were not gone for England: after dinner I went with Mr. Jarvis, to the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orleans, Rue St. Anne, to see Mr. Randall, who dined at Dr. Franklin\u2019s to day. I went to West\u2019s lodgings, but he was out. Saw Dr. Ruston, who does not go, till next week. Mr. Jarvis, brought me out as far as the Barriere de la Conference, where I luckily found our Carriage which was just passing by.\n       The weather has been exceeding fine, for a long time, but the drought is very great. All the Roads, are very inconveniently dusty, and daily Church processions are made to obtain Rain from Heaven. Grain, and Hay are extravagantly dear so that numbers of farmers, have been obliged to kill their Cattle, that they might not Starve to Death. Butter is 2 livres a pound, whereas, in the depth of winter, it is not commonly higher than 30 Sols, and in short if the present weather continues, I know not what will be the consequence the ensuing Fall and Winter.\n   The Barri\u00e8re de la Conf\u00e9rence, one of twenty-four principal barriers ringing Paris at the time, was a customs post where goods were taxed and traffic was examined for contraband (Robert de Hesseln, Dictionnaire universel de la France . . ., 6 vols., Paris, 1771, 5:110).\n       After dinner the Ladies went into Paris: I left them at the Place de Louis 15. and went to Mr. West\u2019s lodgings: he had been out to Auteuil in the morning with Mr. Bowdoin, and had promised to meet me in the afternoon at his lodgings, but did not. I walk\u2019d from 5. o\u2019clock till 9 in the Palais Royal. Met M: de Gouvion there, and walk\u2019d with him, about an hour and an half. He was much averse to the Packets, coming round from L\u2019Orient to Le Havre, which has at length been determined upon; but they have been so slow and dilatory about it, that the time for the May Packet to go round has been lost, and I shall still be obliged to go down to L\u2019Orient. M: de Gouvion says it will lengthen the Passage very considerably, and increase the danger. That besides, the greatest part of the Passengers in those Packets come from Marseilles, Bordeaux, and Nantes, and don\u2019t come to Paris. All those, says he, will rather go home in Merchant Vessels, than, go so far as Le H\u00e2vre. But Mr. de Gouvion, does not consider that great numbers of Americans, that cross the Atlantic from England, in merchants vessels, or the English packet, will in future, prefer to either the french Packet, as it will be so near, and much less expensive: I reminded him of this, and he agreed it was true.\n       Met Messrs. Jefferson, Short and Williamos: the Ladies made me wait so long, that I had well nigh taken a fiacre, to return home. Ten o\u2019clock before we got to Auteuil.\n       Went into Paris early in the morning. Called at the H\u00f4tel d\u2019Orleans, Rue St. Anne. Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Warburton, were going for England at Noon. Hotel d\u2019Orleans, Palais Royal: Dr. Ruston found West there, and accompanied him, to the Diligence, Rue Montmartre; at 12 o\u2019clock they all went off. I walk\u2019d with Mr. Jarvis in the Palais Royal, and afterwards went and dined with him, at the hotel d\u2019Orleans, Rue des Petits Augustins. After dinner I called upon Mr. Randall, at the Hotel de l\u2019Union, Rue St. Thomas du Louvre, and bought of him, the Carriage, in which he came from L\u2019Orient. Gave him 20 louis d\u2019or\u2019s for it. Called upon the abb\u00e9s and Mr. Grand, but did not find them.\n       Mr. Randall, Mr. Short, Mr. Jarvis, Dr. Ruston, Mr. Williamos, and Mr. Bowdoin, dined with us.\n       The drowth continues, and there is as yet no appearance of Rain.\n       Walk\u2019d into Paris in the morning, to the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s; to go with him to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s upon the subject, of the Importation of our whale oil, into this Country. I was told the Marquis was gone out of Town, on horseback. Call\u2019d upon Mr. Williamos and from thence went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, where I waited till past noon for the Marquis, but, as he did not come then, I walk\u2019d back again to Auteuil: was very much fatigued as it was exceeding warm. All the family, but myself dined at the Marquis\u2019s, and did not return till late in the evening.\n   Lafayette had lent his diplomatic and political skills to help gain for Boston and New England merchants engaged in the whale oil trade an important French market after they had lost their largest customer, Great Britain, as a result of the war. He negotiated an arrangement with M. Tourtille Sangrain, who had a contract to light the streets of Paris, to buy about a thousand tons of oil from American merchants. Returning to America, JQA carried with him Sangrain\u2019s proposals, copies of government passports, samples of oil, and letters from Lafayette to Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford and Samuel Breck of Boston (Louis Gottschalk, Lafayette,Louis Gottschalk, Lafayette, Chicago, 1935-1950; 4 vols. [vol. 1:] Lafayette Comes to America; [vol. 2:] Lafayette Joins the American Army; [vol. 3:] Lafayette and the Close of the American Revolution; [vol. 4:] Lafayette between the American and the French Revolution (1783 -1789). \u20194:116\u2013117, 165\u2013167; Lafayette to JQA, 14 May, Adams Papers).\n       Mr. A: went to Versailles, to take leave, of the Court. Mr. Carnes came out. Was all day preparing for my departure, in the evening Mm. de la Fayette, with two of her Children, came out: and Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Randall.\n   Burrill Carnes, a merchant at Nantes, appointed American agent there in 1786 by Thomas Barclay (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 9:303).\n       This Day, the King made his grand review, on the Plaines de Sablons. Mr. A. and the Ladies dined at the Sweedish Ambassadors; I had so much to do, that I could not. Early in the morning I had a remise, and went first to Dr. Franklin, to take his Commands and ask for a Passport; which I could not get, because, M: de la Motte his secretary, was gone to the Review. Went to Mr. Jefferson\u2019s who was also gone; the whole road to Paris was strow\u2019d with Carriages. I got an order for Horses at the Post Office. Went to Mr. Grand\u2019s and to the Abb\u00e9s: but found nobody. Cross\u2019d the river to the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s and saw Madam; Called at the Hotel d\u2019Orleans, R. des p: Augustins, at that du Roi George, Rue du Colombier for Mr. Chew and Mr. Chamberlaine, who brought me letters from my friend Murray in England, but every body was gone to the Review. Went to Froull\u00e9 my Bookseller, and got a number of Books of the Brindley Edition. Paid him his account. Walk\u2019d half an hour in the Palais Royal, and met Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Short, Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Williamos, and Mr. Randall; who were all to dine with Mr. Jefferson: we walk\u2019d till four o\u2019clock, and then went together, to the Cul de Sac Taitbout, where we found the Marquis de la Fayette, Mr. Norris and Mr. Carnes, who dined there also. After dinner I went with Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Randall, and walk\u2019d half an hour in the Palais Royal. Return\u2019d and took leave of Mr. Jefferson, and his family: on my way home I stopp\u2019d at Dr. Franklin\u2019s, and saw his grandson, who is ill: he told me that the Dr. had some thoughts of going to Boston; and from thence to Philadelphia by water: as he cannot bear the motion of a land Carriage. He talks of going in July or August.\n       About an hour after I got home, the Count d\u2019Oradour, came, and told me that two large trunks, could not go on my Cabriolet, and that it would be therefore impossible for him to go with me. I desired him to bring the matter to a certainty, and in case he could not come, to send me the Carriage as early in the morning as possible.\n   A hired carriage.\n   JQA\u2019s passport, signed by Franklin and dated 1 May, is in the Adams Papers.\n   William Vans Murray to JQA, 27, 28 April (Adams Papers). JQA met Murray shortly after the Marylander had become a student at the Middle Temple in the spring of 1784; they next saw each other in 1797 when Murray became JQA\u2019s successor as minister resident at The Hague (JQA to JA, 15 June 1784, Adams Papers; JQA, Memoirs,Memoirs of John Quincy Adams, Comprising Portions of His Diary from 1795 to 1848, ed. Charles Francis Adams, Philadelphia, 1874-1877; 12 vols.   1:189).\n   While JQA\u2019s library contains copies of the works of Caesar, Tacitus, Juvenal, Persius Flaccus, Nepos, and Lucan in the Brindley edition, only the works of Sallust, London, 1744, and Phaedrus, London, 1750, in addition to those already cited in notes, show evidence that they were purchased at this time.\n      Thursday May 12th. 1785.\n       At about 9 o\u2019clock the Cabriolet arrived, and the postillion brought me a Letter from the Countess d\u2019Oradour, by which she informs me that the Count cannot go with me, as it is impossible to fix two large trunks upon the Carriage; so that I shall finally be obliged to go down to L\u2019Orient alone, after having been led to expect the Company of three different persons. I suspect that Mr. W. has used his influence, to perswade the Count to wait for the next Packet: though I know not what reason he has to wish the Count would go with him. One thing is certain, which is, that it would be far more advantageous for the Count to go in the May Packet.\n       Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Carnes came out and gave me Letters for America. Mr. Jefferson sent out his Letters with two bottles of oil, in two cases, which are to serve as samples for oil to be imported from America. The Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s servant arrived with his Letters only a quarter of an hour before my departure. I took leave of my Parents and my Sister, and got into my Carriage, at \u00bd after 12, with such feelings, as no one that has not been seperated from Persons so dear, can conceive. My Postillions drove me very well, so that at \u00bd past 8 in the evening I was at Dreux, which is 9 \u00bd posts or 57 Miles from Paris. The roads are very good on this route. On leaving Versailles, you enter into the Province of Normandy, which extends more than half the way to L\u2019Orient. This Province produces no Wine, but a great deal of Cyder, and the best in France; it furnishes also very considerable Quantities of grain; the fields of grass look now as dry and as yellow as in the month of January, for want of Rain: those of grain are in a better condition but look very thin. Between Paris and this place you pass through Versailles, the royal residence: not far from thence is the famous abbaye de Saint Cyr, founded by Madame de Maintenon, in order to educate a number of young Ladies of noble family and small fortune. Verneuil is the most considerable town on the road.\n   Not found. The Count sailed on a later packet and was in Virginia during the fall and winter. Virginians noted his disappointment with the lands, which were more expensive than he had imagined, and with Americans, whom he had assumed all spoke French. Nevertheless, he made \u201ca considerable tramontane purchase,\u201d before returning to France (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 8:147; 9:3, 93, 251; 10:616).\n   Charles Williamos; see entry for 4 May (above).\n   See note for entry of 9 May (above), and Lafayette: A Guide to the Letters, Documents, and Manuscripts in the United States, ed. Louis Gottschalk and others, Ithaca, N.Y., 1975, p. 84.\n       At four in the morning I left Dreux, and rode, till 9 in the evening without stopping at all: But was then so much fatigued as my Carriage goes very hard, and the roads being very dusty I determined to go no further than Pr\u00e9z en Pail, which is 16 posts from Dreux, the country is mountaneous, and the roads are not so good as might be wish\u2019d. This place is in the Province of Maine which forms part of Normandy. The produce of this province, is for the most part in grain. The fields of grass look miserably. In the morning, I met an whole village, men, women and children, with the curate at their head, going out in procession to implore rain of the virgin Mary. I have got into a very indifferent house: they tell me, they can give me nothing to eat because it is Friday; and no good Catholic ever eats meat on fridays.\n       At 5 in the morning I was in my Cabriolet, and never stopp\u2019d anywhere untill I arrived at Rennes, which was at 11. at night. By coming through a cross road I shortened the Journey 3 posts; so that I came only 13 \u00bd or 81. miles. The roads were so bad that I could not ride more speedily. I trembled whenever I saw a town before me: for they are all paved in such a manner, that it seems done on purpose to break every Carriage that passes through them: mine with the heat of the Sun, and these dreadful roads is split in several places. At 7 posts from Rennes I entered into the Province of Britanny: I expected to be visited very strictly; but was agreeably disappointed: a Custom house officer, came, and ask\u2019d if I had anything in my baggage, contrary to the king\u2019s ordinances: on my answering no; he told my postilion to drive on, without any further searching: and what surprised me most was that he did not beg a half crown piece. At Rennes my postilion first drove me, to the sign of the sheep, (au mouton) which by all accounts is a very good house: but there was not one empty room in the house: he then brought me, to such a tavern, as has not I really believe its equal in France. When I went into the house a dirty, ill looking woman, led me up a rotten pair of stairs, into a room, where there were a few remnants of paper hangings, which had formerly decorated it, a table, which was as good as tables in France commonly are, a chair, in which I dare not sit at ease, lest it should fall to pieces, a bed stead, that is of a piece with the rest, and numberless cobwebs\n        Where half starv\u2019d spiders, feed on half starv\u2019d flies\n       compose the furniture of this apartment. I enquired whether there was any provisions in the house, and was answered, that I might have some bread and butter. I was glad to get any thing and ask\u2019d for any thing they could find, but when they had made me wait an hour, they discovered that they had no butter in the house: I determined to go to bed but when I endeavoured to lock the door of my Chamber, I found it impracticable. I heartily wish\u2019d myself out of the house, and went to bed, endeavouring to keep awake, as much as possible, notwithstanding, I was so much fatigued.\n       Left the Hotel d\u2019Artois, at about 5 in the morning, and was determined not to stop again before I arrived at L\u2019Orient; for I had no Inclination to lodge in another house like those at Rennes and at Pr\u00e9z-en-Pail. At Josselin a small village, about half way between Rennes and L\u2019Orient I saw a mountabank, curiously dress\u2019d riding about in the Streets on horseback beating a drum, with a number of Peasants following him. He made a stop, in a square, and began to harangue the assembly. I was in my Carriage at the Post office, and while they were changing horses I was near enough to hear the speech of the Quack. He had the honour to inform the gentlemen and Ladies that he was the greatest man in the world at slight hand, that he had exhibited before, the kings of France, Spain and Holland, to their astonishment and admiration. He continued a considerable time in the same style, and concluded by saying, that he should this evening give the first representation of Ovid\u2019s Metamorphoses, and as it was merely out of regard for them, and from no motive of inter\u00adest that he meant to exhibit, his first places should be only 2 sous each. I could not help laughing heartily to see the fellow go on in that manner while all the peasants round him stood in admiration of his talents\n        Grands yeux ouverts, bouche b\u00e9ante.\n       At about 6 o\u2019clock I arrived at Locmin\u00e9; which is 6 \u00bd posts from L\u2019Orient. They gave me a Postillion who was so drunk that he could hardly keep on his horse. Before he got out of the town he run one of the wheels, against the corner of an house, with so much violence, that I expected the wheel was broke: but luckily it was not. I was in continual fear of being overset and having my Carriage, if not my bones broke. I got however safe to the End of my Post: owing more to my good fortune than any thing else: for the roads were very bad. I rode all night and at 4 o\u2019clock Monday morning arrived at L\u2019Orient. I went to the Ep\u00e9e Royale, and to the Hotel d\u2019Artois, but there was no Chamber vacant in either. The Postillion then brought me to the Hotel de la Marine, which is not a good house, but is a Palace in comparison with those I stopp\u2019d at on the way. The roads between Rennes and this Place, are very hilly and rough, but are not I think, so bad as those, between Alen\u00e7on and Rennes. The Country looks very poor; and the fields seem to produce nothing: but the Country people look neater and gayer than in any other part of France, and I saw less beggars than I have commonly met with. What it is owing to I cannot say; but this Province boasts of enjoying peculiar privileges, and of having a greater portion of liberty than any other. The Bretons say that their Parliament is the firmest and most respectable in the kingdom: how far this is true I know not, but it is certain, that the Parliament of Rennes have distinguished themselves, upon several occasions, when the others did not show the same courage.\n       The Expenses of a single person from Paris to L\u2019Orient, in a Cabriolet, the carriage that is commonly made use of in France, for travelling, are as follows.\n      Hire of a Cabriolet\n      60 posts. 2 horses at 30 sols per post, each\n      the 3d. horse, about 12 posts\n      Postillions 1 livre per Post\n      Lodging on the road, and the 2 posts Royal\n      Total.\n       If two persons travel together they take only three horses, and the expences being thus divided, will not amount to more than 300 livres each. The first thing a traveller should purchase, when he arrives in France, is a Post Book. They are published every six months and contain every information relative to travelling Post, necessary. They are to be found at every bookseller\u2019s shop.\n   Punctuation supplied.\n       I went to bed immediately on my arrival; rose at about 10 in the morning, sent a man to find out Mr. Barclay. He return\u2019d and told me he was vis-\u00e0-vis la maison de Ville. I went and found him very unwell: he had meant to leave L\u2019Orient four or five days ago; but has been very ill with an humour in his head; but he is now much better, and thinks to set off next Thursday. I found Mr. Champion there, who went with me to Mr. Rucker\u2019s lodgings. I found him, and Mr. Grub a Gentleman from Carolina. They accompanied me to the man who sold my Cabriolet, to Mr. Randall; he was much more reasonable, than I expected he would be, for notwithstanding all the damage, which the heat of the Sun, and the badness of the roads have done to the Carriage, he gave me 25 louis d\u2019ors for it: and took it just as it was. His name is Soret. I think I can recommend him to any person who might want to hire or to buy a carriage at L\u2019Orient. Dined with Mr. Barclay. After dinner, I went with Mr. Champion, to Mr. Mazois the director of the Packets, and paid him 500 livres for a passage, on board the Courier de l\u2019Amerique, Captain Fournier. I was much astonished to hear that the Packet will sail tomorrow if the wind remains as it is. It is very extraordinary that Mr. le Couteulx himself, the director of the Packets at Paris, should not know when the Packets sail: he tells every passenger who goes to him, that they are obliged to wait for the Post that arrives from Paris Wednesday morning. A Gentleman who will pass with us, depending upon this, arrived 6 hours too late for the last Packet, and has been obliged to wait an whole month at L\u2019Orient. I saw the Captain who gave me a respite; he will not go till to morrow evening, but I depend only upon a change of wind, for all the Letters which I expect by the next Post. It is very disagreeable to be thus disappointed by the unpardonable negligence, of those very persons, on whom, we depend the most.\n       I bought My bedding, viz: a matrass, a pair of sheets: so large that one will be sufficient at a time, a pillar, and two pillar Cases. I brought with me from Paris a Coverlid, and half a dozen napkins, all these articles a person must necessarily have: on board the Packet you are furnished with every thing else, as I am told.\n       Spent the evening and Supp\u2019d at Mr. Barclay\u2019s; with Mrs. Moylan, Miss Fermier her Sister, and Mr. Nesbitt. Return\u2019d to my Hotel at about 12. at night.\u2020.\n   Probably Henry Champion, a merchant at Lorient (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 8:448; 10:87; 11:112, 173, 582\u2013583).\n   James Grubb, a Virginia merchant at Lorient. Thirty years later JQA employed Grubb as his private secretary in London. \u201cHe was then in the 1780s flourishing in Youth and Prosperity,\u201d JQA wrote to his mother, \u201cbut has since been unfortunate, and now with a wife and six children, even the employment that I give him is a relief to him\u201d (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols., 2:450; 3:97; JQA to AA, 24 Aug. 1815, Adams Papers).\n   18 May, two days hence.\n   Jonathan Nesbitt, a merchant banker at Lorient since 1775, and brother of John Maxwell Nesbitt, the Philadelphia Revolutionary leader and merchant (The Papers of Robert Morris, 1781\u20131784, ed. E. James Ferguson and John Catanzariti, Pittsburgh, 1973\u2013 , 3:298, 520; Blanche Taggart Hartman, A Genealogy of the Nesbit, Ross, Porter, Taggart Families of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, 1929, p. 7, 8).\n   JQA\u2019s cross mark probably refers, as others have, to letters he wrote which were gleaned from his Diary entries. In this case it is undoubtedly his letter to AA2, 12\u201317 May 1785, Adams Papers, in which he describes his journey from Dreux to Lorient.\n       Immediately after breakfast I went to Mr. Barclay\u2019s. The wind has changed, so that we shall not sail this day. This gives me pleasure, as I expect a number of Letters, by the Post that arrives to morrow morning: I went with Captain Fournier to the H\u00f4tel of Mr. Thevenard the Commandant, but he was not at home. Saw him upon the place of Parade. Dined with Mr. Grub and Mr. Champion at Mr. Barclay\u2019s. After dinner my Captain came, and took me in his barge, on board the Packet. Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Williamos were kind enough to write a fortnight ago to the Captain, informing him of my design to go with him: so that the round house has been kept for me. It is by far the best apartment in the Packet, except those of the Captain and officers. The Rooms below the deck are very inconvenient, so small that two persons cannot easily fit together in one of them. They have no windows in them, which makes them so dark that it is impossible to read without a candle and must render the air extremely unwholsome. But the roundhouse has a large window and two small ones that open and being upon the deck it is not subject to the bad air that reigns continually below. Remained on board a couple of hours. Returned and spent the evening with Mr. Barclay. Mm: Cardan, and her two Daughters supped there. Return\u2019d home, at 11. o\u2019clock.\n       In the morning I went to the Post office, and enquired if there were any Letters for me; there were none. I immediately went to Monsr. Mazois, to whom I supposed my Letters would be addressed, but he had none for me neither. I don\u2019t know how it happens. I can only suppose that they were put in the Post Office, so late that they failed, coming by the Saturday Post; and even if that is the Case, I shall lose them, unless we are retained here by contrary winds, till friday, which I cannot expect. Early in the morning I went on board the Packet, with my trunks. One of them was carried down into the magazine: the other, I had placed in my Room.\n       Mr. Mazois invited me to sup with him this evening. Dined with Mr. Barclay. Mr. Grub was there. I went with him to see Mr. McCarty. At about 7. in the evening I felt much fatigued and unwell. Took leave of Mr. Barclay, who leaves this place tomorrow for Paris. Return\u2019d home, and went immediately to bed.\n   Probably William McCarty, an American merchant at Lorient engaged in the importation of whale oil and tobacco (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 9:330\u2013331, 537\u2013538; 10:195).\n       At about 6 o\u2019clock, the Captain of the Packet, and Mr. Salvius, a Sweedish Gentleman, who intends to go with us, called upon me, to go on board and put all our things in order, so as to be ready at an hours warning. We first went and took with us a Dutch Gentleman named M\u00f6lich who was to sail in the last Packet, but having been misinform\u2019d by Monsr. le Couteulx, arrived here 6 hours too late, and has been waiting here ever since. We went all together on board, in the Captain\u2019s barge. I placed all my linen, and whatever I supposed would be necessary for the voyage, in the draws, in my apartment: we dined on board at twelve o\u2019clock, and immediately after dinner return\u2019d on shore. I went with Mr. M\u00f6lich to the Chambre de Literature. This is a considerable Library supported by subscription. Every subscriber has a right to introduce, a friend, and a stranger being once introduced may go whenever he pleases. Remained there till 4 o\u2019clock. Mr. M\u00f6lich then return\u2019d to my lodgings with me. Was dress\u2019d, and then went with him to the Comedy, where we saw le Sorcier, with les femmes veng\u00e9es. The actors are very indifferent, though we were told that they play\u2019d the second piece uncommonly well. Supped with Mr. M\u00f6lich at the Ep\u00e9e Royale. Returned home at about 11. o\u2019clock. I called in the afternoon at Mr. Barclay\u2019s house. He set off for Paris this morning at 7 o\u2019clock.\n   Le sorcier, Paris, 1764, by Antoine Alexandre Henri Poinsinet, with music by Fran\u00e7ois Andr\u00e9 Danican, called Philidor; Les femmes veng\u00e9es, ou, les feintes infid\u00e9lit\u00e9s, Paris, 1775, by Michel Jean Sedaine, with music by Philidor (Brenner, Bibliographical ListClarence Dietz Brenner, A Bibliographical List of plays in the French Language, 1700-1789, Berkeley, 1947.).\n       I went down into the Port at about 10 o\u2019clock in the morning. Met Mr. Grub who told me, that Mr. Thevenard, had a packet of Letters for me. I immediately went to his H\u00f4tel, and he gave me the packet: it was from the Marquis de la Fayette and inclosed a number of Letters for America, with a sheet of the Leyden gazette which says that 20,000 Imperial troops have taken possession of Bavaria, in the name of the Emperor, and that the elector has left his Capital with his guards, and all his Court, with the intention to go to the low Countries. If this is true, the exchange, between the Emperor and the Elector of Bavaria, so much talk\u2019d of, and so positively denied by the parties, has really taken place; the Marquis writes, that although the news is by no means certain; he thought the sooner it is known in America, the better. As I was returning home I met Mr. M\u00f6lich in the street, and told him the news, which was peculiarly interesting to him, as it is to his Country. We went to the Caff\u00e9 de la Comedie, and afterwards took a walk out of the town. Went to the Chambre de Literature; remained there till 2 o\u2019clock. Mr. M\u00f6lich then went with me, and dined at my lodgings. Just as we had done dinner Captain Fournier came in, and delivered a packet, he received this morning from Mr. Williamos. It contained all the Letters that I expected from Paris: they must have been put into the Post office at Paris too late to come by the Saturday post.\n       Went in the afternoon, and spent a couple of hours with Mr. Rucker. Return\u2019d home, and wrote all the evening to my Sister. The Wind changed this afternoon, and is now quite fair for us to go out.\n   14 May (Adams Papers), which contained documents and the account from the Leyden Gazette, discussed below, but no mention of \u201cletters for America,\u201d and possibly, though not likely, his letter of 18 May (Adams Papers). Probably the latter never reached JQA before he sailed on 21 May.\n   Not found. The Gazette was reporting rumors. Although Emperor Joseph II had schemed to round off his Austrian dominions and acquire Bavaria in exchange for the troublesome Austrian Netherlands and the title of King of Burgundy, no war or invasion of Bavaria to effect the exchange took place (The Cambridge Modern History, A. W. Ward and others, 13 vols., Cambridge, England, 1902\u20131911, repr. 1969, 6:646\u2013647; Paul P. Bernard, Joseph II and Bavaria, The Hague, 1965).\n   Dated 14 May (Adams Papers), which included a letter of introduction to Col. Burr, presumably Thaddeus Burr, to whom JQA delivered a letter on 17 Aug.\n   According to JQA\u2019s letter to his sister started on the 17th and completed on the 20th (Adams Papers), referred to later in the entry, these letters included: one from AA2 (not found); David Humphreys ([ca. May 1785], Adams Papers, enclosing four letters of introduction for JQA, none identified, though perhaps one to Gov. Jonathan Trumbull); and \u201cLetters from Miss Nancy, and from her Parents\u201d (not found).\n      Saturday May 21st. 1785.\n       At 6 o\u2019clock in the morning a person came from the Captain, to inform me that the wind was fair, and that I must be on board at 9 o\u2019clock. I went to Mr. M\u00f6lich\u2019s lodgings. Called at Mr. Barclay\u2019s house and breakfasted with Mr. Champion. Bought four pieces of Nankin at 6. lis: 10 sols: the piece. Saw Mr. Lanchon a merchant of Reputation of this Town. He took charge of my Letter for my Sister. At 9 o\u2019clock Mr. Champion came on board the Packet with us. Immediately they began to weigh our anchors, but before we could get clear of the harbour, the winds changed, so that we were obliged to anchor, before Port Louis. At about 11. o\u2019clock, an American Ship came into the harbour: and as I supposed, it might bring some news, that I might be glad to know, I ask\u2019d leave to go on board. Mr. Cuyler, a young American who came in this Packet last March, Mr. M\u00f6lich and myself, went on board, but found it was a vessel from Baltimore, that had been 50 days out.\n       We returned on board our Packet, and dined. After dinner I went on shore at Port Louis, with our Captain. We walk\u2019d about the place, till near 6 o\u2019clock, when the Captain perceived that the wind had come round again. We immediately return\u2019d on board, weigh\u2019d our anchors and set sail. At 11. o\u2019clock we had got clear of the island of Groix and were at Sea. I felt very disagreeably, and went immediately to bed: but I could not sleep; on account of the noise that was made all night, on the deck.\n   Of Lanchon Fr\u00e8res & Cie., a commercial house at Lorient and Le Havre (Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 11:546).\n   After the following day\u2019s entry, JQA wrote irregularly in his Diary throughout the voyage.\n       When we rose in the morning, we were out of sight, of Land. We have nothing now but the ocean and the sky around us. The weather being very fine none of us was very sick: but almost all the passengers felt such qualms as prevented them from eating any thing all day: myself among the rest.\n       We have had fine weather on board ever since we left L\u2019Orient, but have not in general been able to enjoy it on account of sea sickness. We begin now to stand a little firmer upon our legs. The Events that happen on board a Vessel are very seldom interesting, and the life we lead is very lazy and tiresome. Our Company on board is very gay and sociable, but is not in general such as I should have wished.\n       Captain le Fournier is an excellent Seaman; he is 37 years old and has pass\u2019d more than half that time at Sea; no one could wish to be with a better Captain. He is only 1st. Lieutenant, but commands the packet, because the Chevalier d\u2019Abouville, is now in America, building another packet, which he is to command. Captain Fournier expected to receive a Commission as lieutenant of a Frigate, but such is the delay that the Ministers cause before they grant the least favour, that he did not receive it: it will probably come to him by the next Packet: he will then have the command of this Vessel. I heartily wish he may succeed: for he is not only a good Seaman but an excellent man. If such men had the command in the french Navy, they would not be so often exposed to lose their fleets as they are, but in France, few persons of merit can make their way in the military profession; without credit at Court. A Man must have an education as a fine gentleman, must be a Courtier and an intriguer to obtain any rank. The exceptions to this rule are few. They would be numerous if the Event was consulted. Monsr. de la Motte Piquet, one of the best officers in the French Navy had nothing but his merit to recommend him, and certainly among their noble Seamen they can find none that behaved better in the course of the last war. Very few did their duty so well.\n       Still the same scene fine weather, little wind. At about noon, we spoke to an English brig, Coming from Cadiz, and bound to Ordin\u00e9, a small town, in the british Channel.\n       Mr. Le Bel our first Lieutenant is a man of about 35 years; who is also an excellent Seaman. I believe he has pass\u2019d a great part of his Life at Sea. His Character is much that of a mariner who has lost by the life he has lead all the tender feelings that form in my opinion the charms of Life. He has all the exteriors of Complaisance but he is a perfect egoist, so far as to declare in Conversation that he cares not what happens to the whole Universe, when he is once dead. His principles are always such as his Interest requires, and he makes no mystery to declare it publicly. He was a prisoner in England during the war, and was in America, with the french fleet; he was married there, to an American. It does not give me pleasure to see my Countrywomen form such connections: but as he will never settle in America, the harm is not so great. I shall endeavour to keep upon good terms with all the officers, and passengers during the voyage, but this is not certainly the person whose company I shall regret losing after our arrival at New York.\n       High Wind, directly contrary. The Vessel roll\u2019d so much that most of the passengers were sick. We saw yesterday a great number of Porpoises, which according to the opinion of Seamen in general, is always a certain sign of much wind. We have made very little progress as yet.\n       Mr. Halley our second Lieutenant is a young man, under 20. He has pass\u2019d a great part of his time at Sea, and is much of a gentleman. The Character I have found this person to possess is for me, a lesson which has been often repeated to me, never to judge any one from his first appearance; had my opinion been ask\u2019d concerning our officers, I should have supposed Mr. Halley, had a hard Character, and was very inflammable, whereas he is the most agreeable of the 3 officers on board; he has been in this packet ever since the Institution: consequently, this is his fourth Voyage to New-York. He tells me we shall in all probability have a passage of at least 50 days. This packet has never had a shorter one from L\u2019Orient to New York. The Captain has determined to go down for the trade Winds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0001", "content": "Title: Wednesday June 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Small wind. The Season for Calm weather is coming forward, and I am afraid we shall have a long passage; in the afternoon we saw a ship and pass\u2019d within a mile from her but the weather being dark and foggy we could not see her distinctly. Towards night the wind freshened.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0002", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Our Wind has been very low for several days. 15 or 20 leagues a day is the utmost extent of our route.\n       Mr. Well de Singler is a youth 18 years old, consequently he cannot be a good Seaman; this is only his second voyage. His first was to India. His manners are by no means agreeable. He has some reading, and was two or three years in a College at Paris. He is full of his knowledge, and does not doubt but he is the most learned man on board though the youngest. He commonly engroces the conversation wherever he is, and maintains his opinion in the most positive manner, upon any subject whatever. His principles are to fight with every body, and upon the most trivial occasions; he even gives to understand, that if opportunities fail, he takes care to create them. He pretends to be of noble birth and affects to despise every body who is not noble. In short I think it an unlucky circumstance that I am obliged to remain with him during 50 days. I cannot conceive how the lives of 50 or 60 persons can be sported with so far as to place a boy commanding officer on board a kings ship, but so it is, and every thing in France depends upon protection at Court. I don\u2019t wonder their marine has never been able to resist the English Navy. Very luckily for us, there is another officer on board who keeps the watch with Mr. Singler; so that I am not anxious as I should be if a person who knows very little more than I, of the Sea was in bad weather alone to command on deck.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0003", "content": "Title: 8th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Continual calms, and contrary winds. We are now at about 38 degrees of Latitude, and are not far from the western Islands. Consequently we have not yet run 400 leagues. We saw in the forenoon a brigg and in the afternoon, she pass\u2019d about 2 leagues from us, and hoisted an English flag. It is a common custom when 2 vessels meet at Sea, they hoist the flag of their respective nations: in peace I mean; for in war it is different.\n       Mr. Le Breton of about 32 years, has been a Seaman at least 20. During the late war he commanded a privateer from Dunkirk and another from Zierikze\u2019e. He was sometime prisoner in England. He is on board this Packet as a subaltern officer, but pays the Captain, to live at his table. The reason of this is, that Mr. Le Breton has a vessel building for him to command, when he has his campaigns. The Undertakers in France, will never insure a merchant vessel unless her Captain, has serv\u2019d as officer in the kings service, at least two campaigns of three months each, and this is called to have their campaigns, and is what Mr. Le Breton is performing. He is one of the most agreeable persons on board. He sings very prettily, and entertains us highly almost every evening with his songs. He always keeps the watch with Mr. de Singler, which relieves me from a vast deal of anxiety.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0004", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This day being Captain Fournier\u2019s, jour de f\u00eate, he gave us an excellent entertainment on board: and when his health was drank at the desert, 5 guns were fir\u2019d in his Honour. As there was a more considerable space of time between the fourth and fifth than between the others Mr. Le Bel was very much irritated: fearing that the fifth would not be fired; a salute in an even number is English, and of course the odd number, is French. But an even number on board a french vessel, and an odd one on board an Englishman, are equally look\u2019d upon as an insult. I had in the evening a disagreeable dispute with Mr. Singler, who is some times really insupportable. Calm weather still all day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0005", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Last Evening the wind freshened considerably, and we have now a very fine breeze. It began to be necessary, for the continual calm, that has reign\u2019d, almost all the time, since we left L\u2019Orient have lengthened our Voyage very much. I have now no hopes of being less than 50 days at Sea. I fear more. By coming for the trade winds, the passage may be much longer than to go northward of the western islands, but, it is commonly much surer. By the other way a vessel in this Season, may be 3 or 4 months at Sea, which very seldom happens when they take this route.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0007", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Our wind is still good but is almost all gone, and we have not run more than 20 or 25 leagues, within the last 48 hours. This forenoon we saw something at Sea, but we could not distinguish what. Some said it was a very large piece of wood. Others, were of opinion, that it was a boat overset. It pass\u2019d at a small distance, and amused us for half an hour. At Sea, such is the continual sameness of the surrounding objects that the smallest trifle becomes interesting, and is sufficient to excite our curiosity and occupy our attention.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0008", "content": "Title: 20th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Continual calms. Our passage will I fear be a very long one. We have fine weather, but we would willingly agree to have less Sun, and more wind. The weather begins to be very hot and we are in the Latitude of 26d. 30m. But the Sea air makes the warmth more supportable. This evening, as we were near the tropic one of the officers, according to the custom universally established, of wetting all the persons on board who have not cross\u2019d the tropic, sprinkled us with a little water: one of the passengers, who is fond of such amusements; as the french in general are; returned the officer\u2019s Compliment, with an whole bucket of water. This was as a signal to us all; we immediately form\u2019d two parties, and we were all, officers and passengers, wet from head to foot before we ended. I believe more than 200 buckets of water were spilt upon the deck in the course of the evening. One of the passengers alone receiv\u2019d thirty buckets. Such a diversion is not very instructive nor very agreeable, but may be pass\u2019d over for once: I hope it will not be repeated.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0009", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We have been for several days in the trade winds: But have had calm weather till yesterday morning, since when we have had a breeze, which makes us run 40 leagues in 24 hours. This is St. John\u2019s day, a great holiday, wherever the Roman Catholic Religion is dominant. O! grand Saint Jean c\u2019etait alors ta f\u00eate!\n       Mr. M\u00f6lich, is a young merchant of Amsterdam, 23 years old. Since the Peace he has in society with one of his Countrymen, set up a commercial house in Charlestown, under the firm of Schmidt & M\u00f6lich. He is now going to join his partner, and proposes going by Land from New York to Charlestown. I believe his journey, will not be a very agreeable one. He has travelled almost all over Europe, and has been twice to the West Indies. He has by this means acquired a considerable knowledge of the world, and a genteel appearance. His manners are pleasing, and he possesses a virtue which is met with oftener in Holland than in France; that of sincerity: He is serious as the Dutch in general are: and is subject to absence of mind very often, in so much, that we tell him he is deeply in love; and I really believe he is. A good quality but which leads him now and then into error is a fondness for his Country, which cannot bear that any one should speak slightly of it. He is the person on board with whom I am the most intimate, and whose Sentiments agree the most with my own.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0010", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Fine Wind, and good weather. We have for several days run between 40 and 50 leagues every day. In the evening we spoke to an american brig from New London, bound to Santa Cruce loaded with horses. Her Longitude, was 55 from the meridian of London. Ours was 56d. 30m. from that of Paris, so that the difference was very small. We saw another vessel to day, and a sail yesterday, but at a considerable distance.\n       Mr. Fontfreyde, is a frenchman by birth, but he has pass\u2019d several years in America; and he is settled at Albany. He was formerly an officer in the french army. All things considered I believe this gentleman is the most accomplished person on board. His manners are very soft and agreeable. He has received a very good education, and to the Complaisance natural to all the French Nation, his knowledge, of the world has united a Candour, which is not so often to be found among them. 36 years have tempered the vivacity of his youth, and though a person of the strictest honour he has a character of the most pacific kind. In short if all the officers and passengers on board were like this gentleman, the passage would have appeared, much shorter, and much more agreeable to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008-0011", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The weather is very good, but the winds begin to be very variable as we approach to the term of the trade winds: by our observation we are now about an hundred leagues from the Bermudas. We have had calm weather all day, extremely warm, so that no body could bear a coat. These seas are subject to very frequent squalls, and thunder storms, which are sometimes dangerous: we must expect to meet with three or four: but the mariners have been so often taught by cruel experience to be prudent that they now always begin to lessen their Sail before the Storm gets to them, and they are in general prepared for it when it comes.\n       Mr. Huron Du Rocher is a merchant from Nantes, about 34 years old. He has form\u2019d a commercial house in Philadelphia since the war, but has suffered as so many other persons have. He is now going over to America, in order to settle his affairs there. He proposes to remain there, about an year. He has received a liberal education, and has a great deal of wit, with a character a little inclined to Satyrical observations. His reflections, under the mask of gaiety are biting and severe; and have the more effect because it is impossible to take them ill. He does not however make a bad use of the Talent he is endow\u2019d with: which when kept within proper bounds is useful and agreeable: but which becomes: very hurtful and dangerous if the person who has it cannot restrain it on many occasions. Mr. Huron does not intend to remain any time at New-York; but to set out for Philadelphia, the day we shall go on shore.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0008", "content": "Title: [June 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Wednesday June 1st. 1785.\n       Small wind. The Season for Calm weather is coming forward, and I am afraid we shall have a long passage; in the afternoon we saw a ship and pass\u2019d within a mile from her but the weather being dark and foggy we could not see her distinctly. Towards night the wind freshened.\n       Our Wind has been very low for several days. 15 or 20 leagues a day is the utmost extent of our route.\n       Mr. Well de Singler is a youth 18 years old, consequently he cannot be a good Seaman; this is only his second voyage. His first was to India. His manners are by no means agreeable. He has some reading, and was two or three years in a College at Paris. He is full of his knowledge, and does not doubt but he is the most learned man on board though the youngest. He commonly engroces the conversation wherever he is, and maintains his opinion in the most positive manner, upon any subject whatever. His principles are to fight with every body, and upon the most trivial occasions; he even gives to understand, that if opportunities fail, he takes care to create them. He pretends to be of noble birth and affects to despise every body who is not noble. In short I think it an unlucky circumstance that I am obliged to remain with him during 50 days. I cannot conceive how the lives of 50 or 60 persons can be sported with so far as to place a boy commanding officer on board a kings ship, but so it is, and every thing in France depends upon protection at Court. I don\u2019t wonder their marine has never been able to resist the English Navy. Very luckily for us, there is another officer on board who keeps the watch with Mr. Singler; so that I am not anxious as I should be if a person who knows very little more than I, of the Sea was in bad weather alone to command on deck.\n       Continual calms, and contrary winds. We are now at about 38 degrees of Latitude, and are not far from the western Islands. Consequently we have not yet run 400 leagues. We saw in the forenoon a brigg and in the afternoon, she pass\u2019d about 2 leagues from us, and hoisted an English flag. It is a common custom when 2 vessels meet at Sea, they hoist the flag of their respective nations: in peace I mean; for in war it is different.\n       Mr. Le Breton of about 32 years, has been a Seaman at least 20. During the late war he commanded a privateer from Dunkirk and another from Zierikze\u2019e. He was sometime prisoner in England. He is on board this Packet as a subaltern officer, but pays the Captain, to live at his table. The reason of this is, that Mr. Le Breton has a vessel building for him to command, when he has his campaigns. The Undertakers in France, will never insure a merchant vessel unless her Captain, has serv\u2019d as officer in the kings service, at least two campaigns of three months each, and this is called to have their campaigns, and is what Mr. Le Breton is performing. He is one of the most agreeable persons on board. He sings very prettily, and entertains us highly almost every evening with his songs. He always keeps the watch with Mr. de Singler, which relieves me from a vast deal of anxiety.\n       This day being Captain Fournier\u2019s, jour de f\u00eate, he gave us an excellent entertainment on board: and when his health was drank at the desert, 5 guns were fir\u2019d in his Honour. As there was a more considerable space of time between the fourth and fifth than between the others Mr. Le Bel was very much irritated: fearing that the fifth would not be fired; a salute in an even number is English, and of course the odd number, is French. But an even number on board a french vessel, and an odd one on board an Englishman, are equally look\u2019d upon as an insult. I had in the evening a disagreeable dispute with Mr. Singler, who is some times really insupportable. Calm weather still all day.\n       Last Evening the wind freshened considerably, and we have now a very fine breeze. It began to be necessary, for the continual calm, that has reign\u2019d, almost all the time, since we left L\u2019Orient have lengthened our Voyage very much. I have now no hopes of being less than 50 days at Sea. I fear more. By coming for the trade winds, the passage may be much longer than to go northward of the western islands, but, it is commonly much surer. By the other way a vessel in this Season, may be 3 or 4 months at Sea, which very seldom happens when they take this route.\n       Still a fine wind. Yesterday, we ran 50 leagues, and in all probability we shall not do less to day. By yesterday I mean the Solar day from noon to noon, the manner in which all nations compute time, at Sea. At about noon we saw a sail at a considerable distance, but we did not remain long in sight of one another. In the evening our wind fell a little.\n       Mr. Bouchant the surgeon of the Packet is about 30 years old. The surgeons on board all the vessels belonging to the King of France are called chirurgiens majors and in conversation they are address\u2019d monsieur le major, so that I have been obliged to day to ask his name: he appears to be a very good man, and to be well versed in his profession. He affects no pedantry, and is an excellent Companion, as well as a good surgeon. These are the officers on board the Packet, who keep the Captains Company, and live at his table. On board their frigates and men of war the officers are in greater number and there is commonly a chaplain in addition to the rest at the Captain\u2019s table. On board the English ships, the Captain has his own table, and the officers a seperate one. There is in the English Navy, a much greater distance between the Captain and the officers, than in the French. I don\u2019t know which custom is preferable but in case of an action, in war, you hear much oftener the french officers complain of their orders being disobey\u2019d, than among the English. I don\u2019t know but it is owing to this manner of affecting a great distance between the rank of their officers. The old maxim familiarity creates contempt is certainly a very good one, and is almost always true.\n       Our wind is still good but is almost all gone, and we have not run more than 20 or 25 leagues, within the last 48 hours. This forenoon we saw something at Sea, but we could not distinguish what. Some said it was a very large piece of wood. Others, were of opinion, that it was a boat overset. It pass\u2019d at a small distance, and amused us for half an hour. At Sea, such is the continual sameness of the surrounding objects that the smallest trifle becomes interesting, and is sufficient to excite our curiosity and occupy our attention.\n       Continual calms. Our passage will I fear be a very long one. We have fine weather, but we would willingly agree to have less Sun, and more wind. The weather begins to be very hot and we are in the Latitude of 26d. 30m. But the Sea air makes the warmth more supportable. This evening, as we were near the tropic one of the officers, according to the custom universally established, of wetting all the persons on board who have not cross\u2019d the tropic, sprinkled us with a little water: one of the passengers, who is fond of such amusements; as the french in general are; returned the officer\u2019s Compliment, with an whole bucket of water. This was as a signal to us all; we immediately form\u2019d two parties, and we were all, officers and passengers, wet from head to foot before we ended. I believe more than 200 buckets of water were spilt upon the deck in the course of the evening. One of the passengers alone receiv\u2019d thirty buckets. Such a diversion is not very instructive nor very agreeable, but may be pass\u2019d over for once: I hope it will not be repeated.\n       We have been for several days in the trade winds: But have had calm weather till yesterday morning, since when we have had a breeze, which makes us run 40 leagues in 24 hours. This is St. John\u2019s day, a great holiday, wherever the Roman Catholic Religion is dominant. O! grand Saint Jean c\u2019etait alors ta f\u00eate!\n       Mr. M\u00f6lich, is a young merchant of Amsterdam, 23 years old. Since the Peace he has in society with one of his Countrymen, set up a commercial house in Charlestown, under the firm of Schmidt & M\u00f6lich. He is now going to join his partner, and proposes going by Land from New York to Charlestown. I believe his journey, will not be a very agreeable one. He has travelled almost all over Europe, and has been twice to the West Indies. He has by this means acquired a considerable knowledge of the world, and a genteel appearance. His manners are pleasing, and he possesses a virtue which is met with oftener in Holland than in France; that of sincerity: He is serious as the Dutch in general are: and is subject to absence of mind very often, in so much, that we tell him he is deeply in love; and I really believe he is. A good quality but which leads him now and then into error is a fondness for his Country, which cannot bear that any one should speak slightly of it. He is the person on board with whom I am the most intimate, and whose Sentiments agree the most with my own.\n   That is, Charleston, S.C. The firm is listed in Jacob Milligan\u2019s The Charleston Directory, Charleston, [1790].\n       Fine Wind, and good weather. We have for several days run between 40 and 50 leagues every day. In the evening we spoke to an american brig from New London, bound to Santa Cruce loaded with horses. Her Longitude, was 55 from the meridian of London. Ours was 56d. 30m. from that of Paris, so that the difference was very small. We saw another vessel to day, and a sail yesterday, but at a considerable distance.\n       Mr. Fontfreyde, is a frenchman by birth, but he has pass\u2019d several years in America; and he is settled at Albany. He was formerly an officer in the french army. All things considered I believe this gentleman is the most accomplished person on board. His manners are very soft and agreeable. He has received a very good education, and to the Complaisance natural to all the French Nation, his knowledge, of the world has united a Candour, which is not so often to be found among them. 36 years have tempered the vivacity of his youth, and though a person of the strictest honour he has a character of the most pacific kind. In short if all the officers and passengers on board were like this gentleman, the passage would have appeared, much shorter, and much more agreeable to me.\n   Probably Saint Croix, also known as Santa Cruz, the largest of the Virgin Islands.\n   Probably John (Jean Baptiste?) Fontfreyde, a merchant who purchased a freedom from the corporation of Albany in 1781, that is, his right to the privileges of the town (Joel Munsell, The Annals of Albany, 10 vols., Albany, N.Y., 1850\u20131859, 10:153; Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toilesAndre Lasseray, Les fran\u00e7ais sous les treize \u00e9toiles (1775-1783), Macon and Paris, 1935; 2 vols., 1:218).\n       The weather is very good, but the winds begin to be very variable as we approach to the term of the trade winds: by our observation we are now about an hundred leagues from the Bermudas. We have had calm weather all day, extremely warm, so that no body could bear a coat. These seas are subject to very frequent squalls, and thunder storms, which are sometimes dangerous: we must expect to meet with three or four: but the mariners have been so often taught by cruel experience to be prudent that they now always begin to lessen their Sail before the Storm gets to them, and they are in general prepared for it when it comes.\n       Mr. Huron Du Rocher is a merchant from Nantes, about 34 years old. He has form\u2019d a commercial house in Philadelphia since the war, but has suffered as so many other persons have. He is now going over to America, in order to settle his affairs there. He proposes to remain there, about an year. He has received a liberal education, and has a great deal of wit, with a character a little inclined to Satyrical observations. His reflections, under the mask of gaiety are biting and severe; and have the more effect because it is impossible to take them ill. He does not however make a bad use of the Talent he is endow\u2019d with: which when kept within proper bounds is useful and agreeable: but which becomes: very hurtful and dangerous if the person who has it cannot restrain it on many occasions. Mr. Huron does not intend to remain any time at New-York; but to set out for Philadelphia, the day we shall go on shore.\n   This may be Lawrence Huron (see following entry), listed as a Philadelphia merchant in 1785. In addition to interests in Philadelphia, Lawrence was involved with his brother, Jean Baptiste, in landholdings in several Kentucky counties (Macpherson\u2019s Directory for the City and Suburbs of Philadelphia..., Philadelphia, 1785; Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S.,I. Minis Hays, comp., Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1908; 5 vols. 4:358; Jefferson, PapersThe Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd and others, Princeton, 1950- ., 9:49\u201350).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0003", "content": "Title: 7th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At length we have reason to hope that an end is put to the calms with which we have been almost incessantly tormented, and which has kept us already, nearly fifty days at Sea: with 200 leagues still before us. This morning we had a small breeze that carried us about 3 knots an hour but it lasted only a short time and fell again into the same insipid state of nullity it had been in for a week past. At 11 o\u2019clock another breeze came, which continued longer, and carried us more than 4 knots. The air was however still very heavy, and the atmosphere seemed crowded with thunder clouds. At about 6 in the evening it began to lighten and before 8 o\u2019clock the rain pour\u2019d down like a torrent. 5 or 6 storms from different parts of horizon pass\u2019d over our heads, and burst one after the other. One clap of thunder was very heavy, and fell at a small distance from the ship. I cannot imagine a more striking situation than that of a vessel at Sea, at midnight, with no moon, having five or six such storms around her. At about 10 o\u2019clock the air which had been all the evening intolerably warm, grew suddenly very fresh, but the storms continued almost all night, and at two o\u2019clock in the morning it rain\u2019d almost as hard as ever. I then went to bed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0004", "content": "Title: 9th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The air was so effectually cleared by the breaking up of the storms which occupied the atmosphere, that we have had since yesterday morning, a fine breeze, which has sometimes made the ship run 8 knots an hour. In the last 24 hours we have shortened our voyage 53 leagues. Yesterday morning we saw a sloop, which pass\u2019d about \u00bd a league starboard of us. She had no topmast. I wish\u2019d the Captain to bear down, and speak to her, in order to be more certain where we are: but there is among mariners an unbecoming vanity, which induces them, to think, they must trust to their own point alone, and that it is dishonourable to be obliged to consult any other person. Such trivial passions seem to be in possession of the heart of man; every profession has some such false point of honour, which is productive of much harm, and of no good, but such is the force of prejudice, that few persons have force sufficient to surmount it. We suppose ourselves now about 150 leagues from New York. Such weather would carry us there in a very short time. I wish it may continue as it is.\n       Mr. Salvius is a Sweedish merchant about 24 years old: I have spoken of all the other passengers on board before him, because his character is the most extraordinary of all. The moon has certainly a considerable influence on his mind. Upon the whole he has I believe a good heart: but he will quarrel with a person without any reason at all. His passion immediately vents itself, in terms, which one would be obliged to resent, if they were made use of by any other person, but which are not to be taken notice of coming from him: an hour afterwards, he will come and ask your pardon for what he has said, and yet, will begin again with as little reason as before. His head is full of plans and projects, which have not a shadow of comonon Sense; yet he has had a good education and often talks upon different subjects very sensibly and with much knowledge. Politeness and cleanliness seem excluded from his System of life; and one of our witty passengers wrote these four lines which form a curious epigram.\n        Salvius ce nom me parait admirable\n        A qui le porte il ne convient pas mal\n        Car en le voyant soit au lit soit \u00e0 Table\n        Chacun s\u2019ecrie, ah! bon dieu qu\u2019il est Sal,! vius &c.\n       He sail\u2019d about 15 months ago from Hamborough for Philadelphia and pass\u2019d in this Packet, last February: he remained from that time till we sail\u2019d; at L\u2019Orient, and he owns himself that he had nothing to do there. He now returns to America, and it would not be extraordinary, if he should sail with this Packet again for France, in August. He is so mysterious and mistrusting, that he tells nobody who or what he is: and never lets a word slip that may hint what are his intentions of any kind. He is not an agreeable companion, and I would not be obliged to live with him, upon any account.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0006", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Yesterday at about 8 o\u2019clock in the morning, we spied a sail, at our windward; her course was nearly the same with ours. We sailed swifter than she, and gained ground so fast that at 6 in the evening she was not more than a league distant from us, to the leward. The night coming on, made us lose sight of her. In the evening we had about the ship at least a dozen of small birds of the size of a swallow, which the french call Alcides; I don\u2019t know the English name. They are black all, except in the hind part of the back, which is white: they made a very disagreeable, and a very clamorous noise. The mariners, who find presages and omens, in almost every object they see, pretend, that they never appear except before, or after bad weather. I must however own that in this case their prognostics happen to be true. This morning at day light, we found the sloop within gun shot of us at leeward, and at about 7 o\u2019clock we made two other sail at windward. At 2 o\u2019clock afternoon the sloop came, and spoke to us. She was from Charlestown bound to New port, and supposes herself 45 leagues from land. From the number of persons we saw on deck, we supposed it was the Packet. Our weather has been very variable for these four or five days. We have run one day with another from 20 to 25 leagues. We have sounded at midnight these three last nights but without success.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0007", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning with a fine breeze and good wind, we sounded and found bottom, at about 35 fathom of water: we were from thence convinced that the vessel we spoke to yesterday had deceived us with respect to our distance from land, or was very much mistaken, for so little water as 25 fathom is not to be found more than 15 or 20 leagues from the coast. We sail\u2019d directly North, to get into our Latitude and at noon were at 39d. 45m. The wind had fallen, and became unfavourable, but it did not last so long. We found bottom at 18 fathom, in the afternoon; but at about 5 o\u2019clock, a very threatning thunder storm arose; the Captain wishing to keep clear of the coast in case of a storm directed the ship towards the N. E. At about 7. o\u2019clock, the gust came, upon us in a very sudden, and a very violent manner: the wind was exceeding high, and the rain pour\u2019d down in showers. It did not last more than an hour, and then the wind abated considerably. At 5 o\u2019clock we found 40 fathom of water, and at 7. 25.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0008", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning at 7 \u00bd o\u2019clock the weather, which had been all night very cloudy, began to clear up and a sailor came from the top of the mast and told us he had made land in the N. N. W. As we had yesterday a false alarm, we did not at first believe it: some of our officers, went to the mast head, and ascertained the reality of the fact. The land which extended a considerable way, was the coast of the Jerseys, as far, as the heights of Neversunk Neversink. By noon we were within 5 leagues of land, and we fired several guns for a pilot to come, on board: at about 1: we had one, and we were in hopes of getting up to New York this evening, but by 3 o\u2019clock, the breeze fell away, and the wind came round to the west: so that the tide being also against us, we could not proceed, and we anchored about a league from the light house on sandy hook. We remained there till 10 at night, when the tide became favourable to us: we then again set sail and with some difficulty got into North River. At about 12 o\u2019clock at night we pass\u2019d by the Martinique, the french packet; the Captain hail\u2019d us, and inform\u2019d ours that he intended to sail early in the morning for France: he sent his boat on board, and I had just time to write a Line to my mother, to inform her of my arrival.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0009", "content": "Title: Sunday July 17th. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At four in the morning we came to anchor, and weigh\u2019d it again at eight o\u2019clock: we sailed up the North River, and pass\u2019d by the ruins of the forts built by the British while they were in possession of New York. Upon Staten Island they are numerous. The Entrance of this river furnishes a number of very beautiful prospects; and the Situation of a number of country Seats upon Long Island is exceeding fine. At about noon we arrived directly before the City, and anchored near the shore. All the other passengers immediately went on shore. I waited to have my trunks cleared, and at about 2 went on shore at Long Island and dined with Monsr. de Marbois the french Consul. He has from his house, (which stands on an elevation, and commands at once the City, the river, Staten and Governor\u2019s Islands, and the harbour) one of the finest prospects I ever saw. After dinner I went with the Captain, over to the City, and walk\u2019d about with him. Took a lodging at Cape\u2019s tavern, which appears not to be a good one, but is said to be the most tolerable in town. We met Mr. Sears at the Coffee house, and went with him, to his house: set half an hour with him, and then we again return\u2019d on board, where I preferred passing the night (as my trunks were there,) rather than at Capes. Found Mr. Salvius and Mr. Fontfreyde, on board, for the same reason that I was there.\n       The french packets are certainly an excellent institution, but they are extremely expensive to the french government. The six packets do not cost the king less than 200,000 livres a year: for this reason it is said there are to be only four which will sail every two months. Every passenger pays five hundred livres for his passage, and it is customary to give about 2 louis d\u2019ors among the Servants on board and the ships Crew. You live at the Captains table, and have a small apartment on board, to yourself. You must provide whatever refreshments you may be in need of: and must find your own sheets, and pillows and napkins. You are allow\u2019d one matrass, and you may embark with you 2 trunks of four feet cube; if you have any thing more you pay freight. All the french packets are ships. The Courier de l\u2019Amerique, has 96 feet of keel, and bears about 200 tuns. The others are nearly of the same size.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0010", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 9 in the morning, I went on shore with my trunks, which were search\u2019d, so that I almost thought myself in Europe again. I went to Cape\u2019s, and after I had put all in order, went immediately to Mr. Jay, N: 8. Broadway. I then went to his office, which is at the corner of Dock Street, and found him there. I deliver\u2019d to him all the Letters I had for him, and remain\u2019d with him half an hour. I then return\u2019d and visited Mr. van Berkel the Dutch Minister. Dined with Mr. Jay and after dinner, went immediately, to see Mr. Gerry (N: 61. King Street). Spent some time with him, and then went with him and Mr. King, and was introduced to the president of Congress, to Mr. Hardy, and Mr. Monroe of the Virginia delegation and to several other gentlemen. I went to governor Clinton\u2019s, but he was not within. We walk\u2019d round the rampart, and waited upon Mr. Gardoqui the spanish charg\u00e9 des affaires. He was not at home. We met Mr. Ellery and Mr. Howell of the Rhode Island delegation, and Mr. McHenry of the Maryland. Spent part of the Evening with Mr. Osgood, and return\u2019d to my lodging at about 9 o\u2019clock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0011", "content": "Title: 19th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. The President of Congress, who was there was so kind as to offer me, a room in his house. I delivered almost all the remainder of my Letters for this place. Saw Coll. Wadsworth, and delivered to him a Copy of the proposals concerning whale oil, which I received from the Marquis de la Fayette. Dined with the President of Congress, in company with General Howe. After dinner I carried to General Webb, a letter from Coll. Humphreys. Walk\u2019d in the mall, and met Mr. Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia. Went to his house, sat half an hour, and return\u2019d to my lodgings. Mr. M\u00f6lich came in soon after, and told me he intended leaving New York early to-morrow morning, upon business, and to return here on Saturday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0012", "content": "Title: 20th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. M\u00f6lich went away at about 6 o\u2019clock. In the forenoon, I delivered the remaining Letters, I had still on my hands. Saw Mr. Searle, with whom I was formerly acquainted in Holland. Dined with Mr. Leroy. Mr. Chabanel his Cousin, is to sail for Europe, in the course of three weeks. Drank tea at Mr. Ramsay\u2019s and found a considerable company there. Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Gardoqui, and Mr. Randon, his secretary, who it is said is shortly to marry Miss Marshall. I received a Card from the president offering me again an apartment in his House; I have endeavoured to excuse myself: but it is offered again with so much kindness and politeness that I do not think I can refuse it. I promised to  wait upon the president in the morning. Paid a visit to Mrs. Price.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0013", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At 7 o\u2019clock in the morning I left Cape\u2019s tavern, and went to carry one of my trunks, to Water Street N: 7. where Mr. Fontfreyde lives, as I intend to send the trunk by the first opportunity to Boston, and I preferr\u2019d leaving it with a friend, to taking it with me. Dr. A. Lee, arrived last night; and lodges with the president, his brother. I went and delivered a letter to Governor Clinton, who inform\u2019d me, that the English packet came in last night. I immediately went with the governor\u2019s Nephew to Mr. Jay, and inquired if there was any account from my father. He had just sent the Letters to Congress. The 1st. of June my father was presented to the King of England, and was pretty well receiv\u2019d. I met Mr. Curson at the Coffee house. He saw my father the last day of May, but did not bring me any Letters. O! my dear Sister! do you already forget your promise? Dined with the delegates from Massachusetts. They live with a Mrs. Mercer. Miss Mercer, is a very fine young lady, and I believe a most amiable character. She appears very young, and though not a perfect beauty, the sweetness, that is to be seen in her countenance, is in my eyes preferable to it. I met Mr. Fontfreyde at 7 o\u2019clock, and we went and bathed together in the river a little ways out of town. Went in the evening to see Mr. Salvius but found him not at home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0014", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Waited upon Mr. Salvius in the morning. He is in a disagreeable situation here; his trunk having been seized by a custom\u00adhouse officer. I applied to the delegates of Massachusetts, to know if any thing was to be done for him, and Mr. King was so kind as to go with me, to two other gentleman: but nobody, could assist him: I am really sorry for what has happened to him, and wish I could assist him; but in this Country the laws are superior to every thing, and I fear Mr. Salvius will lose his trunk. I walk\u2019d an hour with Mr. Osgood, went home and was dress\u2019d. Dined with Mr. van Berkel, where I met with Major L\u2019Enfant, who appears to be a sensible man. Drank tea, at Mr. Secretary Thomson\u2019s. A number of ladies were present: one very handsome. Visited Mr. Sears in the Evening. Saw his Lady, he himself, was not at home. The weather has been uncommonly hot to day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0015", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       After breakfast I went to see Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, of the Virginia delegation. Call\u2019d upon Mr. Fontfreyde. Lounged about untill near two o\u2019clock, and then return\u2019d again to N (189) where the gentlemen of the Virginia delegation lodge. Mr. Gerry, Mr. King, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Smith, and myself, went all in the president\u2019s Carriage, to General Knox, who lives about 2 miles out of town. There was a considerable company at dinner. Miss R. Sears, was remarkable among the Ladies, and was exceedingly pretty. She has lately been ill, and is a little pale, but had she sufficient colour, she would I think be a compleat beauty.\n       Mr. Hardy, advised me to spend sometime in Virginia, with Mr. Wythe, who has form\u2019d a sort of a law academy, which, he as well as Mr. Jefferson, and the president think a most usefull institution. Mr. Hardy wishes that there may be much intercourse between the different States, in order to increase, our Union. And for that purpose he thinks that it would be very useful for the youths of one State, to be educated in another.\n       Went in the Evening to the Coffee house and at about 9 o\u2019clock returned home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0016", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Went in the forenoon to St. Paul\u2019s church and heard Mr. Doughty preach a sermon upon a text in Corinthians, concerning the knowledge of ourselves. He spoke to the general satisfaction of the Congregation. I afterwards went with the Captain on board our packet, and dined there. Saw Mr. B. Jarvis who invited me to go over next Sunday to Long Island. We went and engaged a Pha\u00e8ton at Brooklyn, a small town on the island, opposite to N. York. Return\u2019d to the City, and drank tea with Mr. Smith. Walk\u2019d with Mr. Jarvis, on the batteries, till about 9 o\u2019clock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0018", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I stroll\u2019d about the town almost all the forenoon; dined with Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, from Virginia. Mr. A. Lee left town in the afternoon. I walk\u2019d with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King till 7 o\u2019clock, when I went and called on Mr. M\u00f6lich who returned last evening from his trip into the Country. Sat with him till about 9.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0019", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry in Company, with Mr. S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m the Sweedish Consul at Boston who arrived here lately. Went with Mr. M\u00f6lich and visited Mr. van Berkel, and Mr. Le Roi; Dined at Mr. Ramsay\u2019s in Company with Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Randon, General Howe, General Knox, Miss Susan Livingston for whom I had a Letter, and several other persons. Miss L. appears to me to be a great talker, but says very little. Somewhat superficial, if I am not mistaken; which must always be pardoned in a Lady. Miss Marshall, is much more pleasing to me. Perhaps I judge wrong. Major L\u2019Enfant is a true frenchman. I don\u2019t know what to make of Don Francisco.\n       It was between five and six o\u2019clock, when we sat down to dinner, and it was near nine, before I came away.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0020", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dr. Crosby came and paid me a visit in the morning. I went to see Mr. Jay, and staid about an hour with him. Dined at Cape\u2019s tavern with the Captain and officers of the Packet. The stage for New Haven leaves this place every Monday, and thursday; it goes from Cape\u2019s: I wish much to get away by next monday but fear I shall not be able to. Saw Major L\u2019Enfant, and Mr. van Berkel in the Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0022", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Called upon the Massachusetts delegates in the morning, and afterwards upon those of Virginia. Dined with a large Company, at the president\u2019s. He entertains three times a week, and has commonly about 25 persons at his table; all men. I was introduced to Captain Kortright who it is said has two fine Sisters. I went and spent the evening with Mr. M\u00f6lich who leaves this place to morrow for Philadelphia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009-0023", "content": "Title: 31st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 10 in the morning I cross\u2019d the river with Mr. B. Jarvis and found his brother Charles at Brooklyn. We went from thence to Jamaica which is 12 miles from the ferry. It is a beautiful island though the soil is very sandy. After dining at the Tavern we went to Church, where we saw Mr. Harrison, Miss S. Sears. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Bordieu. After Church we went to a Mr. Ogden\u2019s, where, Miss Jarvis lives: she is very fair but Miss Ogden is a beauty. I went with Messrs. Jarvis to see the Mother and Sisters of Coll. Smith who is now in London, Secretary to the Legation. There are five or six young Ladies in the family, one only of which is handsome. Her name is Sally. Mrs. Smith has had Letters from her Son dated as late as the 30th. of May.\n       We return\u2019d from thence to Mr. Ogden\u2019s, and remain\u2019d there about half an hour. Mr. C. Jarvis and I then return\u2019d in the shay to the ferry. His brother remain\u2019d all night at Jamaica. It was past nine in the evening when we got to the ferry, and it was then so late, that none of the ferrymen would carry us over. We lodg\u2019d at a tavern in Brooklyn.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0009", "content": "Title: [July 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Friday July 1st. 1785.\n       Calm weather all day. In the evening it began to lighten, and our thunder spire was fix\u2019d; this is a small chain, fastened at the mast head; the other end of which hangs in the water, but as it is made, I believe in case of a thunder storm, it must be rather hurtful than of service. For the chain is so small, that I cannot think it would conduct much lightening; besides which it touches to a great number of ropes, and to the hull of the ship itself; which I believe, must infallibly take fire in case, the lightening should fall on this spire. The evening was extremely warm and the passengers, all except Mr. Huron and myself, went early to their chambers. We remained on deck till 3 o\u2019clock in the morning. At about one, the air was very heavy, the weather was as calm as possible. The darkness of the night, was heightened, by a number of black threatening Clouds, that surrounded us, and by the flashes of lightening, which were very frequent, and sharp. I was observing to Mr. Huron what a profound calm reign\u2019d in the atmosphere, when a gust of wind sufficient to blow a hat from ones head, came as if on purpose to give me the lye. Immediately Mr. Halley who had the watch ordered all the sails except the four largest, to be lowered: the wind from North west changed in an instant to West, and for half an hour were not five minutes at the same point. The squall pass\u2019d at a small distance from us and we felt but little of it. At 2 o\u2019clock, the weather was as calm as it had been all the evening. These squalls and thunderstorms, which are very frequent in these Seas; are what mariners dread very much. Such a leap in the wind when the vessel has all sail out, and a storm of this kind falls suddenly upon it may often dismast it: so that a great deal of precaution is necessary, in order to be prepared for the reception of these gusts. Very few Vessels pass near the Bermudas, without meeting with more or less of this kind of weather.\n       Calm weather continually: and so warm that it is almost insupportable. We still esteem ourselves 50 leagues East of the Bermudas. I wish\u2019d very much to arrive in America before this day, which is the greatest day in the year, for every true American. The anniversary of our Independance. May heaven preserve it: and may the world still see\n        A State where liberty shall still survive\n        In these late times, this evening of mankind\n        When Athens, Rome and Carthage are no more\n        The world almost in slavish sloth dissolv\u2019d.\n   JQA\u2019s quotation is from \u201cBritannia,\u201d lines 195\u2013199, by James Thomson, a particular favorite of AA, who committed some of his work to memory. In Thomson\u2019s poem, the first line given above actually reads: \u201cA state, alone, where Liberty should live\u201d (The Complete Poetical Works of James Thomson, ed. J. Logie Robertson, London, 1908, p. 477; Adams Family CorrespondenceAdams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- ., 1:391).\n       At length we have reason to hope that an end is put to the calms with which we have been almost incessantly tormented, and which has kept us already, nearly fifty days at Sea: with 200 leagues still before us. This morning we had a small breeze that carried us about 3 knots an hour but it lasted only a short time and fell again into the same insipid state of nullity it had been in for a week past. At 11 o\u2019clock another breeze came, which continued longer, and carried us more than 4 knots. The air was however still very heavy, and the atmosphere seemed crowded with thunder clouds. At about 6 in the evening it began to lighten and before 8 o\u2019clock the rain pour\u2019d down like a torrent. 5 or 6 storms from different parts of horizon pass\u2019d over our heads, and burst one after the other. One clap of thunder was very heavy, and fell at a small distance from the ship. I cannot imagine a more striking situation than that of a vessel at Sea, at midnight, with no moon, having five or six such storms around her. At about 10 o\u2019clock the air which had been all the evening intolerably warm, grew suddenly very fresh, but the storms continued almost all night, and at two o\u2019clock in the morning it rain\u2019d almost as hard as ever. I then went to bed.\n       The air was so effectually cleared by the breaking up of the storms which occupied the atmosphere, that we have had since yesterday morning, a fine breeze, which has sometimes made the ship run 8 knots an hour. In the last 24 hours we have shortened our voyage 53 leagues. Yesterday morning we saw a sloop, which pass\u2019d about \u00bd a league starboard of us. She had no topmast. I wish\u2019d the Captain to bear down, and speak to her, in order to be more certain where we are: but there is among mariners an unbecoming vanity, which induces them, to think, they must trust to their own point alone, and that it is dishonourable to be obliged to consult any other person. Such trivial passions seem to be in possession of the heart of man; every profession has some such false point of honour, which is productive of much harm, and of no good, but such is the force of prejudice, that few persons have force sufficient to surmount it. We suppose ourselves now about 150 leagues from New York. Such weather would carry us there in a very short time. I wish it may continue as it is.\n       Mr. Salvius is a Sweedish merchant about 24 years old: I have spoken of all the other passengers on board before him, because his character is the most extraordinary of all. The moon has certainly a considerable influence on his mind. Upon the whole he has I believe a good heart: but he will quarrel with a person without any reason at all. His passion immediately vents itself, in terms, which one would be obliged to resent, if they were made use of by any other person, but which are not to be taken notice of coming from him: an hour afterwards, he will come and ask your pardon for what he has said, and yet, will begin again with as little reason as before. His head is full of plans and projects, which have not a shadow of comonon Sense; yet he has had a good education and often talks upon different subjects very sensibly and with much knowledge. Politeness and cleanliness seem excluded from his System of life; and one of our witty passengers wrote these four lines which form a curious epigram.\n        Salvius ce nom me parait admirable\n        A qui le porte il ne convient pas mal\n        Car en le voyant soit au lit soit \u00e0 Table\n        Chacun s\u2019ecrie, ah! bon dieu qu\u2019il est Sal,! vius &c.\n       He sail\u2019d about 15 months ago from Hamborough for Philadelphia and pass\u2019d in this Packet, last February: he remained from that time till we sail\u2019d; at L\u2019Orient, and he owns himself that he had nothing to do there. He now returns to America, and it would not be extraordinary, if he should sail with this Packet again for France, in August. He is so mysterious and mistrusting, that he tells nobody who or what he is: and never lets a word slip that may hint what are his intentions of any kind. He is not an agreeable companion, and I would not be obliged to live with him, upon any account.\n       A fresh breeze, and good wind, at about 11 o\u2019clock, we spy\u2019d a sail, and at \u00be after 12 we spoke to her. Found her to be an English Schooner from New York, bound to Jamaica. She left New York five days ago, and they suppose her at 69d. 40m. Longitude meridian of London which is two degrees, thirty minutes, west from Paris. Our Captain supposes us, at 72d. 55m. from Paris: which makes 45 minutes, or 16 leagues difference. \u00bc of an hour after we spoke to her we saw another sail, which was a large ship. She pass\u2019d about a league windward of us. At about 3 o\u2019clock we made a third, and as the wind blew very fresh in an hour\u2019s time she was as far behind us as she was when we first perceiv\u2019d her. It was a large brig, and seem\u2019d going directly opposite to our course. At about 6 o\u2019clock, the wind blew hard, and for a quarter of an hour we ran at least at the rate of 10 knots. In the evening: it lightened so sharp and so frequently that the horizon appeared all in a flame. At midnight, it blew a storm, notwithstanding which we sounded but found no bottom.\n       Yesterday at about 8 o\u2019clock in the morning, we spied a sail, at our windward; her course was nearly the same with ours. We sailed swifter than she, and gained ground so fast that at 6 in the evening she was not more than a league distant from us, to the leward. The night coming on, made us lose sight of her. In the evening we had about the ship at least a dozen of small birds of the size of a swallow, which the french call Alcides; I don\u2019t know the English name. They are black all, except in the hind part of the back, which is white: they made a very disagreeable, and a very clamorous noise. The mariners, who find presages and omens, in almost every object they see, pretend, that they never appear except before, or after bad weather. I must however own that in this case their prognostics happen to be true. This morning at day light, we found the sloop within gun shot of us at leeward, and at about 7 o\u2019clock we made two other sail at windward. At 2 o\u2019clock afternoon the sloop came, and spoke to us. She was from Charlestown bound to New port, and supposes herself 45 leagues from land. From the number of persons we saw on deck, we supposed it was the Packet. Our weather has been very variable for these four or five days. We have run one day with another from 20 to 25 leagues. We have sounded at midnight these three last nights but without success.\n   A ducklike sea bird; in this case, JQA appears to be describing a guillemot (Paul Robert, Dictionnaire alphab\u00e9tique et analogique de la langue fran\u00e7aise, 9 vols., Paris, 1951\u20131964).\n       This morning with a fine breeze and good wind, we sounded and found bottom, at about 35 fathom of water: we were from thence convinced that the vessel we spoke to yesterday had deceived us with respect to our distance from land, or was very much mistaken, for so little water as 25 fathom is not to be found more than 15 or 20 leagues from the coast. We sail\u2019d directly North, to get into our Latitude and at noon were at 39d. 45m. The wind had fallen, and became unfavourable, but it did not last so long. We found bottom at 18 fathom, in the afternoon; but at about 5 o\u2019clock, a very threatning thunder storm arose; the Captain wishing to keep clear of the coast in case of a storm directed the ship towards the N. E. At about 7. o\u2019clock, the gust came, upon us in a very sudden, and a very violent manner: the wind was exceeding high, and the rain pour\u2019d down in showers. It did not last more than an hour, and then the wind abated considerably. At 5 o\u2019clock we found 40 fathom of water, and at 7. 25.\n       This morning at 7 \u00bd o\u2019clock the weather, which had been all night very cloudy, began to clear up and a sailor came from the top of the mast and told us he had made land in the N. N. W. As we had yesterday a false alarm, we did not at first believe it: some of our officers, went to the mast head, and ascertained the reality of the fact. The land which extended a considerable way, was the coast of the Jerseys, as far, as the heights of Neversunk Neversink. By noon we were within 5 leagues of land, and we fired several guns for a pilot to come, on board: at about 1: we had one, and we were in hopes of getting up to New York this evening, but by 3 o\u2019clock, the breeze fell away, and the wind came round to the west: so that the tide being also against us, we could not proceed, and we anchored about a league from the light house on sandy hook. We remained there till 10 at night, when the tide became favourable to us: we then again set sail and with some difficulty got into North River. At about 12 o\u2019clock at night we pass\u2019d by the Martinique, the french packet; the Captain hail\u2019d us, and inform\u2019d ours that he intended to sail early in the morning for France: he sent his boat on board, and I had just time to write a Line to my mother, to inform her of my arrival.\n   That of 17 July (Adams Papers).\n      Sunday July 17th. 1785.\n       At four in the morning we came to anchor, and weigh\u2019d it again at eight o\u2019clock: we sailed up the North River, and pass\u2019d by the ruins of the forts built by the British while they were in possession of New York. Upon Staten Island they are numerous. The Entrance of this river furnishes a number of very beautiful prospects; and the Situation of a number of country Seats upon Long Island is exceeding fine. At about noon we arrived directly before the City, and anchored near the shore. All the other passengers immediately went on shore. I waited to have my trunks cleared, and at about 2 went on shore at Long Island and dined with Monsr. de Marbois the french Consul. He has from his house, (which stands on an elevation, and commands at once the City, the river, Staten and Governor\u2019s Islands, and the harbour) one of the finest prospects I ever saw. After dinner I went with the Captain, over to the City, and walk\u2019d about with him. Took a lodging at Cape\u2019s tavern, which appears not to be a good one, but is said to be the most tolerable in town. We met Mr. Sears at the Coffee house, and went with him, to his house: set half an hour with him, and then we again return\u2019d on board, where I preferred passing the night (as my trunks were there,) rather than at Capes. Found Mr. Salvius and Mr. Fontfreyde, on board, for the same reason that I was there.\n       The french packets are certainly an excellent institution, but they are extremely expensive to the french government. The six packets do not cost the king less than 200,000 livres a year: for this reason it is said there are to be only four which will sail every two months. Every passenger pays five hundred livres for his passage, and it is customary to give about 2 louis d\u2019ors among the Servants on board and the ships Crew. You live at the Captains table, and have a small apartment on board, to yourself. You must provide whatever refreshments you may be in need of: and must find your own sheets, and pillows and napkins. You are allow\u2019d one matrass, and you may embark with you 2 trunks of four feet cube; if you have any thing more you pay freight. All the french packets are ships. The Courier de l\u2019Amerique, has 96 feet of keel, and bears about 200 tuns. The others are nearly of the same size.\n   Fran\u00e7ois Marbois, later Comte and Marquis de Barb\u00e9-Marbois, a French diplomat long involved in American affairs, beginning in 1779 as secretary to the French minister, the Chevalier de La Luzerne, then as charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires a year later, and finally consul general in 1783. Marbois and the Chevalier de La Luzerne had sailed to America with the Adamses on La Sensible in 1779 and learned English from JQA during the voyage. The Frenchmen were \u201cin raptures with my Son,\u201d JA commented, who was, they insisted, the \u201cMaster of his own Language like a Professor.\u201d After the completion of the voyage, Marbois wrote to the elder Adams, encouraging him to take JQA back to France where the young man could obtain educational advantages unequaled in America (Howard C. Rice, \u201cFrench Consular Agents in the United States, 1778\u20131791,\u201d The Franco-American Review, 1:369 [Spring 1937]; JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 2:385; Marbois to JA, 29 Sept. 1779, Adams Papers).\n   Isaac Sears, the New York merchant who had emerged as a leader of the Sons of Liberty during the Stamp Act crisis and was one of the earliest in New York to call for a general congress of the colonies. Sears was serving in the state legislature and the chamber of commerce (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n       At about 9 in the morning, I went on shore with my trunks, which were search\u2019d, so that I almost thought myself in Europe again. I went to Cape\u2019s, and after I had put all in order, went immediately to Mr. Jay, N: 8. Broadway. I then went to his office, which is at the corner of Dock Street, and found him there. I deliver\u2019d to him all the Letters I had for him, and remain\u2019d with him half an hour. I then return\u2019d and visited Mr. van Berkel the Dutch Minister. Dined with Mr. Jay and after dinner, went immediately, to see Mr. Gerry (N: 61. King Street). Spent some time with him, and then went with him and Mr. King, and was introduced to the president of Congress, to Mr. Hardy, and Mr. Monroe of the Virginia delegation and to several other gentlemen. I went to governor Clinton\u2019s, but he was not within. We walk\u2019d round the rampart, and waited upon Mr. Gardoqui the spanish charg\u00e9 des affaires. He was not at home. We met Mr. Ellery and Mr. Howell of the Rhode Island delegation, and Mr. McHenry of the Maryland. Spent part of the Evening with Mr. Osgood, and return\u2019d to my lodging at about 9 o\u2019clock.\n   Elbridge Gerry and Rufus King were Massachusetts delegates to the congress, 1776\u20131781 and 1782\u20131785, and 1784\u20131787, respectively (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate 1774\u20131780, 1784\u20131787, and president from Nov. 1784 for one year (same; JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Washington, 1904-1937; 34 vols., 27:649).\n   Samuel Hardy, Virginia member of the congress 1783\u20131785 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   George Clinton, governor of New York, 1777\u20131795 (same).\n   Diego de Gardoqui, the Spanish charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires, 1785\u20131789, the son of Joseph de Gardoqui of Bilbao, whom JA and JQA visited in Jan. 1780 and whose firm, Gardoqui & Sons, was the chief conduit of military stores to America for the Spanish court during the Revolution (Repertorium der diplomatischen Vertreter aller L\u00e4nder,Repertorium der diplomatischen Vertreter aller Lander seit dent Westfalischen Frieden (1648), ed. Ludwig Bittner and others, Oldenburg, &c, 1936-1965; 3 vols. p. 445; Samuel Flagg Bemis, Pinckney\u2019s Treaty: A Study of America\u2019s Advantage from Europe\u2019s Distress, 1783\u20131800, Baltimore, 1926, p. 71\u201373).\n   William Ellery and David Howell, delegates 1776\u20131781 and 1783\u20131785, and 1782\u20131785, respectively (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   James McHenry, member 1783\u20131786, and later secretary of war, 1796\u20131800 (same).\n   Samuel Osgood, Massachusetts delegate, 1780\u20131784, had been elected commissioner of the United States Treasury by the congress earlier in the year and lived in New York (same; Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates,John Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- . 17:412\u2013419).\n       Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. The President of Congress, who was there was so kind as to offer me, a room in his house. I delivered almost all the remainder of my Letters for this place. Saw Coll. Wadsworth, and delivered to him a Copy of the proposals concerning whale oil, which I received from the Marquis de la Fayette. Dined with the President of Congress, in company with General Howe. After dinner I carried to General Webb, a letter from Coll. Humphreys. Walk\u2019d in the mall, and met Mr. Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia. Went to his house, sat half an hour, and return\u2019d to my lodgings. Mr. M\u00f6lich came in soon after, and told me he intended leaving New York early to-morrow morning, upon business, and to return here on Saturday.\n   Jeremiah Wadsworth, a Connecticut merchant, who had served as deputy and commissary general of the Continental Army, 1777\u20131779, and also as commissary for Rochambeau\u2019s forces until the end of the war (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   Robert Howe, commander of the Southern Department of the Continental Army, 1777\u20131778, was appointed by the congress the following month to work on boundary negotiations with the western Indians (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.; JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Washington, 1904-1937; 34 vols., 29:620).\n   Samuel Blachley Webb of Connecticut, stepson and private secretary of Silas Deane and Continental officer during the Revolution (Correspondence and Journals of Samuel Blachley Webb, ed. Worthington Chauncey Ford, 3 vols., N.Y., 1893\u20131894, 3:254, 261, 386).\n   Abraham Baldwin, delegate, 1785\u20131788 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n       Mr. M\u00f6lich went away at about 6 o\u2019clock. In the forenoon, I delivered the remaining Letters, I had still on my hands. Saw Mr. Searle, with whom I was formerly acquainted in Holland. Dined with Mr. Leroy. Mr. Chabanel his Cousin, is to sail for Europe, in the course of three weeks. Drank tea at Mr. Ramsay\u2019s and found a considerable company there. Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Gardoqui, and Mr. Randon, his secretary, who it is said is shortly to marry Miss Marshall. I received a Card from the president offering me again an apartment in his House; I have endeavoured to excuse myself: but it is offered again with so much kindness and politeness that I do not think I can refuse it. I promised to  wait upon the president in the morning. Paid a visit to Mrs. Price.\n   Not found.\n       At 7 o\u2019clock in the morning I left Cape\u2019s tavern, and went to carry one of my trunks, to Water Street N: 7. where Mr. Fontfreyde lives, as I intend to send the trunk by the first opportunity to Boston, and I preferr\u2019d leaving it with a friend, to taking it with me. Dr. A. Lee, arrived last night; and lodges with the president, his brother. I went and delivered a letter to Governor Clinton, who inform\u2019d me, that the English packet came in last night. I immediately went with the governor\u2019s Nephew to Mr. Jay, and inquired if there was any account from my father. He had just sent the Letters to Congress. The 1st. of June my father was presented to the King of England, and was pretty well receiv\u2019d. I met Mr. Curson at the Coffee house. He saw my father the last day of May, but did not bring me any Letters. O! my dear Sister! do you already forget your promise? Dined with the delegates from Massachusetts. They live with a Mrs. Mercer. Miss Mercer, is a very fine young lady, and I believe a most amiable character. She appears very young, and though not a perfect beauty, the sweetness, that is to be seen in her countenance, is in my eyes preferable to it. I met Mr. Fontfreyde at 7 o\u2019clock, and we went and bathed together in the river a little ways out of town. Went in the evening to see Mr. Salvius but found him not at home.\n   Arthur Lee, Scottish- and English-trained physician and lawyer, commissioner to France in 1776 and Spain in 1777, and congressional delegate from Virginia, 1781\u20131784 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   Probably Alexander Clinton, eldest son of James Clinton, the Revolutionary general; Alexander was his uncle\u2019s private secretary until his unexpected death two years later (E. Wilder Spaulding, His Excellency George Clinton: Critic of the Constitution, N.Y., 1938, p. 161).\n   In addition to Elbridge Gerry and Rufus King, the Massachusetts delegation included Samuel Holten and George Partridge, who had been elected a delegate but apparently was not present in New York at this time (JCCWorthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, Washington, 1904-1937; 34 vols., 27:642; Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n       Waited upon Mr. Salvius in the morning. He is in a disagreeable situation here; his trunk having been seized by a custom\u00adhouse officer. I applied to the delegates of Massachusetts, to know if any thing was to be done for him, and Mr. King was so kind as to go with me, to two other gentleman: but nobody, could assist him: I am really sorry for what has happened to him, and wish I could assist him; but in this Country the laws are superior to every thing, and I fear Mr. Salvius will lose his trunk. I walk\u2019d an hour with Mr. Osgood, went home and was dress\u2019d. Dined with Mr. van Berkel, where I met with Major L\u2019Enfant, who appears to be a sensible man. Drank tea, at Mr. Secretary Thomson\u2019s. A number of ladies were present: one very handsome. Visited Mr. Sears in the Evening. Saw his Lady, he himself, was not at home. The weather has been uncommonly hot to day.\n   Pierre Charles L\u2019Enfant, French volunteer in the American army, had become since the war\u2019s end well-known in New York for his artistic and architectural designs. He later employed his talents in redesigning for the new federal congress what became Federal Hall in New York city and was responsible for the plan of the federal city along the Potomac years later (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress during its entire existence (sameAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n       After breakfast I went to see Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, of the Virginia delegation. Call\u2019d upon Mr. Fontfreyde. Lounged about untill near two o\u2019clock, and then return\u2019d again to N (189) where the gentlemen of the Virginia delegation lodge. Mr. Gerry, Mr. King, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Smith, and myself, went all in the president\u2019s Carriage, to General Knox, who lives about 2 miles out of town. There was a considerable company at dinner. Miss R. Sears, was remarkable among the Ladies, and was exceedingly pretty. She has lately been ill, and is a little pale, but had she sufficient colour, she would I think be a compleat beauty.\n       Mr. Hardy, advised me to spend sometime in Virginia, with Mr. Wythe, who has form\u2019d a sort of a law academy, which, he as well as Mr. Jefferson, and the president think a most usefull institution. Mr. Hardy wishes that there may be much intercourse between the different States, in order to increase, our Union. And for that purpose he thinks that it would be very useful for the youths of one State, to be educated in another.\n       Went in the Evening to the Coffee house and at about 9 o\u2019clock returned home.\n   Probably Melancthon Smith, New York delegate, 1785\u20131788 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   Henry Knox had been appointed by the congress in March secretary at war, in which position he continued to serve until the formation of the government under the federal constitution (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   George Wythe, judge of Virginia\u2019s chancery court, was appointed in 1779, while Jefferson was governor, to the first chair of law in America, at William and Mary College (same).\n       Went in the forenoon to St. Paul\u2019s church and heard Mr. Doughty preach a sermon upon a text in Corinthians, concerning the knowledge of ourselves. He spoke to the general satisfaction of the Congregation. I afterwards went with the Captain on board our packet, and dined there. Saw Mr. B. Jarvis who invited me to go over next Sunday to Long Island. We went and engaged a Pha\u00e8ton at Brooklyn, a small town on the island, opposite to N. York. Return\u2019d to the City, and drank tea with Mr. Smith. Walk\u2019d with Mr. Jarvis, on the batteries, till about 9 o\u2019clock.\n   Benjamin Jarvis was the brother of Charles Jarvis and Mary (\u201cPolly\u201d ) Jarvis Bowden, mentioned in later entries (entries for 31 July, 16 Aug., below).\n       Waited upon Major L\u2019Enfant in the morning; gave him a Letter for le Chevalier d\u2019Antroches. The President dined at the french Consul\u2019s on Long Island. I went in the afternoon to see Mr. Salvius, and found the officers of the packet with him. Called upon Mr. Jay who was not at home.\n       I stroll\u2019d about the town almost all the forenoon; dined with Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, from Virginia. Mr. A. Lee left town in the afternoon. I walk\u2019d with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King till 7 o\u2019clock, when I went and called on Mr. M\u00f6lich who returned last evening from his trip into the Country. Sat with him till about 9.\n       Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry in Company, with Mr. S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m the Sweedish Consul at Boston who arrived here lately. Went with Mr. M\u00f6lich and visited Mr. van Berkel, and Mr. Le Roi; Dined at Mr. Ramsay\u2019s in Company with Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Randon, General Howe, General Knox, Miss Susan Livingston for whom I had a Letter, and several other persons. Miss L. appears to me to be a great talker, but says very little. Somewhat superficial, if I am not mistaken; which must always be pardoned in a Lady. Miss Marshall, is much more pleasing to me. Perhaps I judge wrong. Major L\u2019Enfant is a true frenchman. I don\u2019t know what to make of Don Francisco.\n       It was between five and six o\u2019clock, when we sat down to dinner, and it was near nine, before I came away.\n       Dr. Crosby came and paid me a visit in the morning. I went to see Mr. Jay, and staid about an hour with him. Dined at Cape\u2019s tavern with the Captain and officers of the Packet. The stage for New Haven leaves this place every Monday, and thursday; it goes from Cape\u2019s: I wish much to get away by next monday but fear I shall not be able to. Saw Major L\u2019Enfant, and Mr. van Berkel in the Evening.\n   Ebenezer Crosby was the son of Joseph Crosby, a Braintree justice of the peace. From 1785 until his death, Crosby was professor of midwifery at Columbia (Joshua Chamberlain, Universities and Their Sons: History, Influence and Characteristics of American Universities with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Alumni and Recipients of Honorary Degrees . . . , 5 vols., Boston, 1898\u20131900, 4:332).\n       Dined with the president and Mr. Harrison, Mr. Osgood was so kind as to give me a Letter for Mr. Clarke at Providence, to whom I can send my trunk. Drank tea at Mrs. Sears\u2019s. Harrison appears to be much attached to Miss Becca. Went on board the Packet in the evening, and spent a couple of hours there. She is to sail the 15th. instant the british Packet will sail the 4th.\n       Called upon the Massachusetts delegates in the morning, and afterwards upon those of Virginia. Dined with a large Company, at the president\u2019s. He entertains three times a week, and has commonly about 25 persons at his table; all men. I was introduced to Captain Kortright who it is said has two fine Sisters. I went and spent the evening with Mr. M\u00f6lich who leaves this place to morrow for Philadelphia.\n       At about 10 in the morning I cross\u2019d the river with Mr. B. Jarvis and found his brother Charles at Brooklyn. We went from thence to Jamaica which is 12 miles from the ferry. It is a beautiful island though the soil is very sandy. After dining at the Tavern we went to Church, where we saw Mr. Harrison, Miss S. Sears. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Bordieu. After Church we went to a Mr. Ogden\u2019s, where, Miss Jarvis lives: she is very fair but Miss Ogden is a beauty. I went with Messrs. Jarvis to see the Mother and Sisters of Coll. Smith who is now in London, Secretary to the Legation. There are five or six young Ladies in the family, one only of which is handsome. Her name is Sally. Mrs. Smith has had Letters from her Son dated as late as the 30th. of May.\n       We return\u2019d from thence to Mr. Ogden\u2019s, and remain\u2019d there about half an hour. Mr. C. Jarvis and I then return\u2019d in the shay to the ferry. His brother remain\u2019d all night at Jamaica. It was past nine in the evening when we got to the ferry, and it was then so late, that none of the ferrymen would carry us over. We lodg\u2019d at a tavern in Brooklyn.\n   Margaret Stephens Smith (1739\u20131812), wife of John Smith (d. ca. Feb. 1785), a New York merchant (Marcus D. Raymond, \u201cColonel William Stephens Smith,\u201d N.Y. Geneal. and Biog. Rec.,The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. 25:153 [Oct. 1894]; NYHS, Colls., 1904, p. 100\u2013101).\n   Sarah Smith (1769\u20131828), married CA in 1795.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0001", "content": "Title: Monday August 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Return\u2019d to the City at 7 in the morning. Breakfasted with Mr. Jarvis in William Street. Mr. Harrison did not return before noon. Dined with Mr. Constable, but found him at dinner when I went there. Drank tea there too, in Company with a number of ugly Ladies. I went in the evening to see Mr. Gerry but found him not at home. Walk\u2019d on the batteries about an hour, and then return\u2019d to the President\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0003", "content": "Title: 3d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Was all the morning writing for the Packet. Dined with the Delegates from Virginia. Coll. Monroe, was a little indisposed: he and Mr. Hardy, intend in a short time to take a tour to Boston. In the afternoon I carried my Letters to Mr. Church, who sails in the packet tomorrow morning. I then went and visited Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. There, was a number of persons at Mrs. Mercer\u2019s. Two Miss Bostwick\u2019s and Miss Alsop. Miss Mercer shew me, some lines intended as a Satire upon the young Ladies in the City, but the receipt for a wife, has neither wit, pleasantry, nor truth, in short it is not worth speaking of. Yet it has turn\u2019d me poetaster. I am trying to see if I can say something not so bad in the same way. And although I see I have no talent at-all at versifying, yet like all fathers, I have a partiality for my own offspring however ugly they may be.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0004", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The british Packet sailed at about 10, in the morning. The weather was rainy, so I did not go out till almost noon. I then went with Mr. Harrison, and was by him introduced to Mrs. Swift and Miss Rich\u00e9, from Philadelphia. Dined at Mr. Osgood in a pretty large Company. Young Mr. van Berkel said his Sister had arrived, somewhat sooner than he expected she would. The minister is gone to Philadelphia, to meet her, and she is expected here to-morrow or the next day. I made a very foolish mistake at dinner. At about 6 \u00bd in the evening, I went to drink tea with Mrs. Sears. There was a numerous Company. Miss Rich\u00e9 sung and Miss Eccles play\u2019d on the harpsicord: the first sings with much grace, though she has not a clear nor a strong voice; and what I admire her for, is that she sings without requiring to be urged as some Ladies do: for I prefer hearing a person sing ill if it is requested, than to hear a good song extorted from any one. \u201cOne fond kiss before we part\u201d is a favourite song with Miss R. and she sung one of her own Composition, the words of which appeared very pretty. Miss Eccles, plays the best on the harpsichord, of any Lady in Town: I don\u2019t know of ever having heard any person who consider\u2019d music only as a diversion, perform better. She has certainly acquired great perfection in the art.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0005", "content": "Title: 5th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I went and spent some time with Mr. Fontfreyde, in the forenoon. Dined with a large Company at the President\u2019s. It was his musical day, for once a week, he has Company, some of whom sing after dinner. Mr. Young, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Sayre, Mr. Read and General Howe, all sung. The first is the best singer, but I was wishing to be gone, for a long time after dinner. It was however between 7 and 8 o\u2019clock before we could get away. We then went, and drank tea, with Miss Eccles, who again play\u2019d admirably well upon the harpsichord. Miss Rich\u00e9 sung again the two songs, she favoured us with last evening: she sung so prettily that when I return\u2019d home, instead of continuing my Satirical lines, I immediately began upon the most insipid stile of panegyric: but a few days will cure me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0006", "content": "Title: 6th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Visited young Mr. Chaumont in the morning, who arrived a few days since from Philadelphia. I went with him to introduce him to the delegates from Massachusetts but they were gone upon Long Island, and are not expected back untill Monday. Dined at the president\u2019s in Company with Coll. Cropper from Virginia. In the afternoon Mr. Harrison went to accompany the Ladies, an employment of which he and they are very fond. I went and spent part of the evening with the officers of the packet; went on board and supped with them; after supper Mr. Le Bel and Mr. Le Breton came as far as shore with us.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0008", "content": "Title: 8th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I went out with Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Swift, and Miss Rich\u00e9, to Content to see Lady Wheate, who is one of the most reputed beauties in the Town. I own I do not admire her so much as I expected to, before I saw her. She is like too many, of the handsome Ladies here, very affected. The most pleasing Characters here, are of those who are pretty without enjoying any share of beauty. When shall I see a beauty without any conceit? Dined at the Presidents with a large Company among others Genl. Greene, Governor Clinton, Mr. Osgood and Mr. W. Livingston. In the evening I went and drank tea, at Miss S. Livingston\u2019s, where there was a large Company of Ladies. Miss Rich\u00e9, sung again and repeated the former songs. Notwithstanding the admiration my friend Harrison has for her, I think upon closer examination, that she is not free from that affectation which some Ladies here seem to take for grace.\n       I endeavoured to excuse myself to Miss Livingston for not having waited on her before, but she said I should do better if I made no apology at all. Madam de Marbois too appeared very cold, and I fear I have offended many persons by not waiting on them, which I have not been able to do. Miss van Berkel was sociable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0011", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Breakfasted on board the Packet, which is to sail for L\u2019orient next monday; from thence I went a shore on Long Island, and paid a visit to Madam de Marbois, which I ought to have done before. People here are much more attached to ceremony and etiquette than I expected to find them. I found Mr. Chaumont there and we read part of Phedre together. Mm. de Marbois speaks french very prettily: I return\u2019d from the island with her husband. They were to dine at Genl. Knox\u2019s. Dined at Mr. Gerry\u2019s, \n         and at five o\u2019clock went with Mr. Chaumont and visited Genl. Knox; who was vastly polite: told me he would have sent me a Card had he not supposed I was gone to Boston, and said I should have come without ceremony, and dined. There was a great deal of company there. Baron Steuben, a number of the delegates, and the president of Congress, the Dutch, Spanish, and French Ministers &c. Miss S. Livingston, is a wild girl. Mr. Chaumont went with Mr. de Marbois, and I return\u2019d to town in his chaise; after which I went and spent the evening with several of our officers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0012", "content": "Title: 12th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning Mr. Chaumont came, and proposed to me, to buy an horse, so that we might go to Boston together. I have a great inclination, and have been advised by many friends to go from hence by land to Boston, in order to form some opinion of the Country, and make some acquaintances which may be of use to me hereafter. If I go by the stage, I shall see very little of the Country, as they go over it so fast and the carriages are very close: I am told too that they are very dangerous as the drivers ride very carelessly, and frequently overset: I suppose however that more is said of this than is really the fact: upon the whole I agreed to look out and see if I could find a proper horse, and if I could upon good terms, to buy one. I went to see a number but found only one that pleased me, and him I thought too fine and too costly a one for me. He belongs to the Dutch minister who demands 50\u00a3 for him. Upon the whole I believe I had best go by the Stage next monday. Paid a visit to Mr. Jay but he was not at home. Dined at the President\u2019s, with about a dozen persons: Mr. Harrison is very unwell. In the afternoon I saw Mr. Chaumont, who went over to Mr. de Marbois to pass the night there. I sent to Mr. van Berkel and offered him 40\u00a3 for the horse, but he would not accept it. Spent part of the evening at Dr. Crosby\u2019s. I was told that Dr. Gordon had called to know if I would go in the Packet on monday, to Providence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0013", "content": "Title: 13th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning the President intended to take a sail down to Sandy-Hook, for the recovery of his Health, but found himself so unwell, that he could not go; the Virginia Delegates went, and Mr. Harrison went down also with his uncle, who came from England in the last British Packet, but finding his Estate here confiscated, sails for England this day. I went early in the morning to Mr. de Chaumont\u2019s lodgings; but he was not return\u2019d from Long Island. Breakfasted with Mr. King, and return\u2019d to the New York Hotel, where Mr. Chaumont return\u2019d at about 10 o\u2019clock. I then agreed to send and offer 45\u00a3 for Mr. van Berkel\u2019s horse, and if he would not take that, Mr. C agreed to go in the Packet to Providence with me. The minister accepted, and I immediately prepared every thing for our departure. I sent my large trunk on board the packet, and took a small one, with Cloaths and linen sufficient for the Journey. I was much surprised to meet Mr. Huron at the N. York H\u00f4tel. He has just return\u2019d from Philadelphia, and is going again to France in the Packet. I dined with them there, having previously taken my leave of the President, and thank\u2019d him for all his civility and kindness to me, during my stay at New York; at about 4 o\u2019clock we set out, Mr. Chaumont\u2019s two horses being tackled in his Chaise, one before the other, and his servant rode my horse: but whether through the stupidity of the rider, who is not used to riding, or any fault in the horse, I don\u2019t know, we had not rode two miles before the horse fell and threw the man; I was then fully sensible how imprudent I had been, in buying the horse, and determined to return to N. York, and desire Mr. van Berkel to take back his horse; which I suppose he will do, since the horse proves to be a bad one, though he sold him as a good one, and said himself he was no horse jockey. I sent as soon as I got back, but there was only his son at home, who said his father would not wish any person should lose by a bargain with him but added he himself was much surprised to hear that the horse had fallen, as they had never seen any fault in him though his father had own\u2019d him two years. To\u2019morrow I shall see what the father says. Mr. de Chaumont continued his journey, but will wait for me part of the day to\u2019morrow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0014", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       After several attempts to see Mr. van Berkel, he was at length found at home, and declined taking back the horse, though he de\u00adclared he had never discovered any fault in him. The son said he was sorry his father persisted in refusing. At about 4 afternoon I again mounted the horse, and rode him ten miles as far as Mr. Hall\u2019s tavern, which is a very elegant one; and where I found Mr. de Chaumont: who has been waiting for me all day. He had concluded to change his plan, in case I did not return, and go directly to Albany, where his father owns an Estate; but he has now agreed to go on with me to Boston. My horse stumbles considerably, but I hope will not fall again nor throw his rider.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0018", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       In the morning I went to pay a visit to Mr. Platt, and found my old friend Brush there. He introduced me to Mr. Broome, for whom I had Letters from his son in law Mr. Jarvis. He immediately went up with me to our lodgings and I introduced Mr. de Chaumont to him. He insisted upon our going, both of us and staying at his house while we remain here. I was in great hopes of seeing Mrs. Jarvis, but she was at Huntington, and is not expected home under a month. Miss Betsey Broome is here, but is not at all sociable. In this she does not resemble her father, who is a sincere, open-hearted good man. He lives in a most agreeable Situation: his house is upon an eminence just opposite the harbour, so that the tides come up, within ten rods of it. Mr. Platt lives near him in the same position. Broome, Platt, and Brush have been partners in trade, but have now dissolv\u2019d their connection. We dined at Mr. Broome\u2019s. After dinner we were going to see a cave, a few miles out of town, famous for having been the shelter of two of the regicides, in the time of Charles the 2d. but a violent thunder shower arose, and prevented us. It did not last more than half an hour; but for that time the wind blew like an hurricane, the rain shower\u2019d down, and there were several of as heavy peals of thunder as I ever remember to have heard: we saw the lightning fall, into the water, about 20 rods from us. After it was over we went and drank tea with Mrs. Platt. Mr. Chaumont lodg\u2019d at Mr. Broomes, and I at Mr. Platt\u2019s house.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0019", "content": "Title: 19th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning I went with Mr. Brush, and delivered the Letters I had for this place. Mr. Chancey for whom Coll. Humphreys gave me a Letter went with me, to Dr. Stiles the President of the College; who is a curious character. Mr. Jefferson once told, me, he thought him an uncommon instance of the deepest learning without a spark of genius. He was very polite to me, and shew me, the Library, and the apparatus of the College: he has a few natural curiosities; but nothing very extraordinary. We dined at Mr. Platt\u2019s, and afterwards went to see Coll. Wadsworth, who arrived in town this day; and leaves it to-morrow morning for Hartford. Mr. Chaumont and myself afterwards went to the Ball. There has been for these last two months a dancing master here and has given a ball once a fort\u2019night. He had not a very large number of scholars, and there were more ladies than gentlemen. The master of the school does not appear to be a good dancer himself; and do not think his pupils in general have made any great progress for the time they have been learning: there were a few very genteel young Ladies; a great many appear to have been favoured by nature, but not by the graces. At about 11. o\u2019clock, Mr. Chaumont and myself retired, as we intend to leave this place early in the morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0021", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At six in the morning, we all left Middleton: and rode on to Hartford, where we arrived at about 9. The distance is 14 miles. For several miles on this side of Middleton, we rode along by the side of the river: and after we left it, we had from the top of an hill a most elegant prospect. Indeed there are a number in this Country, which looks as prosperous, and as fertile, as any I remember ever to have been through. We had some thoughts of stopping at Weathersfield, which is 3 miles from Hartford; and going to meeting there: this State is very famous for psalm singing, and Weathersfield is peculiarly distinguish\u2019d: but we thought best upon the whole to go forward directly to Hartford. I was much fatigued when I arrived, and took a nap; after which I went and visited Coll. Wadsworth, who arrived in town last evening. We dined at our tavern, and after dinner, went to the meeting. Mr. Chaumont was struck with, the singing: he is a connoisseur in music, and was surprised to find so much harmony here. After Meeting I went and delivered a letter from my father to Mr. Trumbull, the author of McFingal, who formerly studied law with him. I sat about 2 hours with him, and had some conversation with him, mostly upon the french poets, in which he is well versed. He is not very partial to Voltaire, and in that I agree perfectly in opinion with him. We afterwards went and Drank tea with Coll. Wadsworth, who lives in a very elegant manner: he made a very large fortune, by being agent for the french army, with Mr. Carter, or rather Church: he has two fine daughters. Harriot, is not handsome, but very genteel. Betsey is only 11. years old, but promises to be a Beauty. After tea, we went and took a walk round the town, and on the banks of the river which is about 15 feet deep here but there is a bar at some distance from this place, which prevents large vessels from coming up to the town except in the spring when the river overflows. This is considered as the capital of the State, though New-Haven, has some pretensions to that title, and in a commercial view is better situated. We spent the Evening at Coll. Wadsworth\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0022", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 9 this morning, Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, left us and set out to return to New-Haven. Breakfasted with Coll. Wadsworth, who afterwards went with us three or four miles out of town, to shew us his farm. We saw there a couple of the largest oxen I ever beheld; and a number more uncommonly stout. This place is celebrated over the Continent for producing exceeding fine oxen, and it furnishes the New York and Boston markets with great quantities of Beef. The Coll. shew us his fields of grain and of grass, and his orchards. We return\u2019d a little before noon: and left the Coll. for a short time. I went into a bookseller\u2019s shop, and there found a new publication, called the Conquest of Canaan, an american epic Poem, in eleven books, by Mr. T. Dwight. It is but lately that it was printed, and I have heard a very high Character of it, which induced me, to purchase it. Mr. Wadsworth was so kind as to give me a copy of McFingal, and these are the two pieces in which americans have endeavour\u2019d most to soar as high, as European bards. McFingal is generally agreed to be equal, if not superior to Hudibras. Of the serious poem, no criticism has appeared; owing I suppose, to its being so lately publish\u2019d.\n       I met just before dinner with my old fellow scholar, Deane, who came from Weathersfield this morning. I was told he was in New London: had I known he was at Weathersfield, I should have stop\u2019d there, on purpose to see him. For there is nothing I think more shameful, than to forget our old acquaintance. We all dined with Coll. Wadsworth, and at about 4 Mr. Chaumont, and myself, left them, and set away from the inn, about half an hour, afterwards. We rode only 16 miles this afternoon, to Captain Cox\u2019s tavern and it was after 9 in the evening when we got there. We could travel, but slowly, as the weather though cloudy, was very warm, and the horses were somewhat galled.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0023", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       It was almost seven o\u2019clock before we got under way this morning. We rode about 10 miles and then cross\u2019d Connecticut River; which serves there as a boundary between that State and Massachusetts. Two miles after we had cross\u2019d the river we came to Springfield. We breakfasted there, and stopp\u2019d about an hour; after which we proceeded on our Journey about 14 miles further before dinner. The mistress of the tavern where we dined, told me my name, and said she knew me from my resemblance to my father who had passed several times this way. At 4 o\u2019clock we again set out, and found the roads so very bad, that it was almost ten before we got to East Chester Marlborough which was only 12 miles. Hills and rocks seem to have been the only things we have this day come across. I cannot recommend the roads of Massachusetts as a model.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0024", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       One of the breast plates was broke, and we were obliged to send it a mile and half to be mended this morning, before we could proceed on our journey; so it was past eight when we left our tavern. Before one, we came to a very good inn: the best I think, that we have found on the road except Mr. Hall\u2019s. We had come 16 miles without stopping, and therefore we concluded to dine there. Between 3 and 4 we went again, and rode about 15 miles to where we arrived at about 8, in the Evening; our roads have been much better and the weather more agreeable than what we have had in general since we left N. York. We are now only 42 miles from Boston, and hope to get there to-morrow; as we are told the roads are upon the whole pretty good.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0025", "content": "Title: Thursday. August 25th. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       St. Louis\u2019s day, a great holiday all over France, because it is the f\u00eate of their king\u2019s patron. Dupr\u00e9 called me up at three o\u2019clock, being determined that we should not set out too late to day. Before 4. we were in the carriage, and rode 14 miles to Marlborough before 9. We breakfasted there; and dined at Waltham, which is 12 miles further. It was almost 5 when we finally set off upon our last Stage; and we got into Boston at about 9 o\u2019clock; we first went to Bracket\u2019s tavern, but there was not a vacant apartment in the house. We then went to Mrs. Kilby\u2019s in State Street, where we found one chamber for us both. We were obliged to take up with this for the present: for we were extremely fatigued, both of us: and could not think of seeking any further at 10 o\u2019clock at night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0028", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended Mr. Wibird\u2019s meeting forenoon, and afternoon. His voice and look was as familiar to me, as if I had not been absent. Among the People that were grown up before I went away, there were few or no new faces in the house: but there were but few young People, that I could recollect, 6 years have very little effect upon the appearance of men, and women, but a surprising one, upon that of Children. But of all the persons I have seen none have so compleatly altered as my Cousin W. Cranch. I never can realize the idea, of his being the same little boy I left in 1779, and I am told that I myself have alter\u2019d nearly as much. When the afternoon service was over I went with Mr. Tyler down to my father\u2019s house, and no object ever brought to my mind such a variety of different Sensations. It reminded me of the days of my Childhood, most of which were past in it, but it look\u2019d so lonely, and melancholy without its inhabitants, as drew a deep sigh from my breast. I paid a visit to the Library, and found it in pretty good order.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0029", "content": "Title: 29th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 9 o\u2019clock I set off for Boston, and stopp\u2019d half an hour, at my uncle Adams\u2019s. Saw my Grandmother. I had agreed with Mr. Tyler, to wait for him at Genl. Warren\u2019s, half an hour. I stay\u2019d more than an hour but he did not come. Mrs. Warren surprized me very much by informing me that Mr. Otis, with whom I dined on Saturday; had failed that evening. She said it was a very unexpected stroke to the family themselves. I believe before long every merchant in Boston will fail: for they seem all, to be breaking, one after the other. Charles Warren is to sail the latter end of this week for Cadiz. He was worse to day than common. It was noon before I got to Boston. I dined at Mr. Breck\u2019s in Company with the french Consul Mr. Toscan, and Mr. Appleton the brother of the gentleman I was acquainted with in England and France. It rain\u2019d hard in the afternoon, so that we were obliged to stay; all the afternoon. At about 8 o\u2019clock I left them all there, just ready to sit down to Cards. I thought if once I sat down there would be no getting away till very late. I found Deacon Smith and his family at Dr. Welch\u2019s. They all look\u2019d very dull: the old gentleman especially appeared very much affected, Mr. Otis married his Daughter, and his failing, was very unexpected to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010-0031", "content": "Title: 31st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning Mr. Chaumont came to the College, with Mr. Toscan, and two other french gentlemen, Mr. Issotier, and Mr. Serano. We went and saw all the curiosities belonging to the Col\u00adlege, which are not very numerous. There are several exceeding fine pictures done by Mr. Copley, all portraits. The library is good, without being magnificent. We all paid a visit to Mr. Willard the president of the College. The other gentlemen left me with him, and after he had made enquiries concerning my acquisitions: he advised me to wait till next spring before I offer: and then enter for three months in the junior Sophister Class. I left him and return\u2019d to the gentlemen. We went back to Boston, and got there at about 11. I paid a number of visits, and dined with Deacon Storer. After dinner I went with Mr. Chaumont and visited Mr. Cushing the lieutenant Governor: but he was not at home. I met Mr. Appleton, and went with him to his father\u2019s house. Return\u2019d in the evening to Mr. Storer\u2019s, and supped there. Rec\u2019d a letter from my Sister, through N. York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0010", "content": "Title: [August 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Monday August 1st. 1785.\n       Return\u2019d to the City at 7 in the morning. Breakfasted with Mr. Jarvis in William Street. Mr. Harrison did not return before noon. Dined with Mr. Constable, but found him at dinner when I went there. Drank tea there too, in Company with a number of ugly Ladies. I went in the evening to see Mr. Gerry but found him not at home. Walk\u2019d on the batteries about an hour, and then return\u2019d to the President\u2019s.\n       Remain\u2019d at home all the morning, writing Letters for Europe, as the british Packet is to sail the day after tomorrow. Dined with Doctor Crosby, and spent the evening with Mr. Searle. Return\u2019d at about 9 o\u2019clock.\n   JQA to AA2, 1\u20138 Aug. (Adams Papers), is the only extant letter written (in part) on this date.\n       Was all the morning writing for the Packet. Dined with the Delegates from Virginia. Coll. Monroe, was a little indisposed: he and Mr. Hardy, intend in a short time to take a tour to Boston. In the afternoon I carried my Letters to Mr. Church, who sails in the packet tomorrow morning. I then went and visited Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. There, was a number of persons at Mrs. Mercer\u2019s. Two Miss Bostwick\u2019s and Miss Alsop. Miss Mercer shew me, some lines intended as a Satire upon the young Ladies in the City, but the receipt for a wife, has neither wit, pleasantry, nor truth, in short it is not worth speaking of. Yet it has turn\u2019d me poetaster. I am trying to see if I can say something not so bad in the same way. And although I see I have no talent at-all at versifying, yet like all fathers, I have a partiality for my own offspring however ugly they may be.\n   Probably JQA to JA, 3 Aug. (Adams Papers).\n   Undoubtedly Mary Alsop, daughter of New York merchant and Continental Congress delegate John Alsop; she married Rufus King the following year (The Life and Correspondence of Rufus King: Comprising His Letters, Private and Official, His Public Documents, and His Speeches, ed. Charles R. King, 6 vols., 1894\u20131900, 1:130\u2013131; JQA to AA2, 1\u20138 Aug., Adams Papers).\n   Parts of this poem are quoted in JQA\u2019s letter to AA2, 1\u20138 Aug. (Adams Papers).\n       The british Packet sailed at about 10, in the morning. The weather was rainy, so I did not go out till almost noon. I then went with Mr. Harrison, and was by him introduced to Mrs. Swift and Miss Rich\u00e9, from Philadelphia. Dined at Mr. Osgood in a pretty large Company. Young Mr. van Berkel said his Sister had arrived, somewhat sooner than he expected she would. The minister is gone to Philadelphia, to meet her, and she is expected here to-morrow or the next day. I made a very foolish mistake at dinner. At about 6 \u00bd in the evening, I went to drink tea with Mrs. Sears. There was a numerous Company. Miss Rich\u00e9 sung and Miss Eccles play\u2019d on the harpsicord: the first sings with much grace, though she has not a clear nor a strong voice; and what I admire her for, is that she sings without requiring to be urged as some Ladies do: for I prefer hearing a person sing ill if it is requested, than to hear a good song extorted from any one. \u201cOne fond kiss before we part\u201d is a favourite song with Miss R. and she sung one of her own Composition, the words of which appeared very pretty. Miss Eccles, plays the best on the harpsichord, of any Lady in Town: I don\u2019t know of ever having heard any person who consider\u2019d music only as a diversion, perform better. She has certainly acquired great perfection in the art.\n       I went and spent some time with Mr. Fontfreyde, in the forenoon. Dined with a large Company at the President\u2019s. It was his musical day, for once a week, he has Company, some of whom sing after dinner. Mr. Young, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Sayre, Mr. Read and General Howe, all sung. The first is the best singer, but I was wishing to be gone, for a long time after dinner. It was however between 7 and 8 o\u2019clock before we could get away. We then went, and drank tea, with Miss Eccles, who again play\u2019d admirably well upon the harpsichord. Miss Rich\u00e9 sung again the two songs, she favoured us with last evening: she sung so prettily that when I return\u2019d home, instead of continuing my Satirical lines, I immediately began upon the most insipid stile of panegyric: but a few days will cure me.\n   Possibly Stephen Sayre, a New York merchant and banker, who was a diplomatic agent in Europe during the Revolution (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   Possibly Jacob Read, a delegate to the congress from South Carolina, 1783\u20131786 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   Not found.\n       Visited young Mr. Chaumont in the morning, who arrived a few days since from Philadelphia. I went with him to introduce him to the delegates from Massachusetts but they were gone upon Long Island, and are not expected back untill Monday. Dined at the president\u2019s in Company with Coll. Cropper from Virginia. In the afternoon Mr. Harrison went to accompany the Ladies, an employment of which he and they are very fond. I went and spent part of the evening with the officers of the packet; went on board and supped with them; after supper Mr. Le Bel and Mr. Le Breton came as far as shore with us.\n       Went in the morning to Church: Mr. Harrison who is always with the Ladies squired them there\n        \u201cE\u2019en Churches are no Sanctuaries now.\u201d\n       A gentleman preach\u2019d from a text in the Psalms. He spoke well, but was so slow that the first part of a phrase was lost before he finish\u2019d the last. After Church I paid a visit with Mr. D. Le Roi and Captain Kortright, to Miss van Berkel, who arrived two days agone; she was not within, and to Miss Alsop, who is a little too much the Coquet, and injures her appearance by affectation. Dined with Mr. Le Roi. At 7. in the evening I went and drank tea with Miss Marshall: there was a considerable party there, and I was introduced to Miss van Berkel whom I had formerly seen in Holland. She cannot be called handsome but has that affability which is to me much more agreeable in a Lady than Beauty alone. She complains much of her misfortune in not speaking the Language, and is fearful that she appears awkward and ill bred, because she does not speak: and really, no person can, have an idea, how disagreeable it is to be in a Country, and not speak the Language; without having been himself in that predicament. Here it is worse than anywhere else, because there are fewer persons who speak any foreign Language: and the few Ladies, that can speak a little french, are so bashful, that there is no persuading them to talk. Miss Susan Livingston pleases me much better now than she did the first times I was in Company with her. We walk\u2019d in the evening half an hour on the mall, in Broad way, after which I waited upon Miss van Berkel home.\n   Daniel Le Roy, son of New York merchant Jacob Le Roy and younger brother of Herman Le Roy (Alexander Du Bin, ed., Le Roy Family and Collateral Lines . . ., Phila., 1941, p. 6).\n       I went out with Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Swift, and Miss Rich\u00e9, to Content to see Lady Wheate, who is one of the most reputed beauties in the Town. I own I do not admire her so much as I expected to, before I saw her. She is like too many, of the handsome Ladies here, very affected. The most pleasing Characters here, are of those who are pretty without enjoying any share of beauty. When shall I see a beauty without any conceit? Dined at the Presidents with a large Company among others Genl. Greene, Governor Clinton, Mr. Osgood and Mr. W. Livingston. In the evening I went and drank tea, at Miss S. Livingston\u2019s, where there was a large Company of Ladies. Miss Rich\u00e9, sung again and repeated the former songs. Notwithstanding the admiration my friend Harrison has for her, I think upon closer examination, that she is not free from that affectation which some Ladies here seem to take for grace.\n       I endeavoured to excuse myself to Miss Livingston for not having waited on her before, but she said I should do better if I made no apology at all. Madam de Marbois too appeared very cold, and I fear I have offended many persons by not waiting on them, which I have not been able to do. Miss van Berkel was sociable.\n   The eighteen-year-old widow of Sir Jacob Wheate, a sixty- or seventy-year-old British officer who left for the West Indies shortly after his marriage and there died. \u201cContent\u201d was the name of their country seat, located about three miles out of town (JQA to AA2, 1\u20138 Aug., Adams Papers).\n   Walter Livingston, a New York delegate to the congress in 1784 and 1785, who was appointed commissioner of the United States Treasury in 1785 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n       Dr. Witherspoon visited the President in the morning. I went with Mr. S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m out of town about a mile, to Mr. Bayard\u2019s, who has two fine Daughters, the eldest, to whom I was introduced last evening by Miss Livingston, was gone to Town; the other was there. I see with much pain that the connections of almost all the finest girls in and about N. York, were of the british party during the late war. It has been said that women have no Country at all; I hope, for the friendship I bear to them that this odious reproach is not true; I am sure it is not universally so. But their Sentiments must naturally depend upon those of their Connections: and I therefore think the Ladies here are excusable, for having sided with the British: their fathers, husbands, and brothers are not so.\n       Dined at the Presidents with Mr. Harrison, Mr. Heuston and Mr. de Chaumont. The President himself dined out. After dinner I took a ride with Mr. Chaumont about 3 miles out of town. Drank tea with Mrs. Smith, with a considerable Company. I there saw the two Miss Thomson\u2019s who appear to me to have more celebrity than Beauty. Congress this day adjourned till next monday: as there are only 8 States on the floor; which is not sufficient to do business.\n   John Witherspoon, Presbyterian minister, president of the College of New Jersey from 1768, and delegate to the congress from that state, 1776\u20131782 (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   Probably William Houstoun, delegate from Georgia, 1784\u20131787 (Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n   One was probably Ann, daughter of New York merchant James Thompson, who married Elbridge Gerry the following year {Massachusetts Spy, 26 Jan. 1786).\n   That is, 15 Aug.\n       In the forenoon I went, and sat about an hour with Mr. King. Mr. Gerry was sitting at the grand Committee of Congress in the City Hall. I left 50 french louis d\u2019ors, which Mr. Gerry wishes to have for bank Bills on Boston. Dined at the Presidents in a large Company, Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Jay, Mr. Paine, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Witherspoon, &c. After Dinner young Mr. van Berkel, and Major L\u2019Enfant, went out to drink tea with the Miss Bayard\u2019s. Mr. Harrison went and introduced me to the two Miss Kortright\u2019s, who I find, are the Sisters of Mrs. Heiliger, whom I was well acquainted with in Copenhagen, and to whose Husband I was under many obligations, while I was there. These young Ladies are very agreeable, and the youngest (Eliza) is beautiful. I afterwards left Mr. Harrison, and pass\u2019d the evening in Company with the officers of the Packet and Mr. Fontfreyde, who intends to leave town to-morrow at noon, for Albany where he is settled.\n   Thomas Paine, who was living in Bordentown, N.J., and New York until his return to Europe in 1787 (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   William Gordon, historian of the Revolution, who had left England in 1770 out of sympathy for the American cause and returned there in 1786 (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   Elizabeth Kortright, daughter of New York merchant Lawrence Kortright, married James Monroe in Feb. 1786 (Edward T. James and others, eds., Notable American Women, 1607\u20131950: A Biographical Dictionary, 3 vols., Cambridge, 1971).\n       Breakfasted on board the Packet, which is to sail for L\u2019orient next monday; from thence I went a shore on Long Island, and paid a visit to Madam de Marbois, which I ought to have done before. People here are much more attached to ceremony and etiquette than I expected to find them. I found Mr. Chaumont there and we read part of Phedre together. Mm. de Marbois speaks french very prettily: I return\u2019d from the island with her husband. They were to dine at Genl. Knox\u2019s. Dined at Mr. Gerry\u2019s, \n         and at five o\u2019clock went with Mr. Chaumont and visited Genl. Knox; who was vastly polite: told me he would have sent me a Card had he not supposed I was gone to Boston, and said I should have come without ceremony, and dined. There was a great deal of company there. Baron Steuben, a number of the delegates, and the president of Congress, the Dutch, Spanish, and French Ministers &c. Miss S. Livingston, is a wild girl. Mr. Chaumont went with Mr. de Marbois, and I return\u2019d to town in his chaise; after which I went and spent the evening with several of our officers.\n   Presumably Racine\u2019s Ph\u00e9dre (1677).\n   Baron von Steuben became a prominent and popular social figure in New York in the years after the Revolution (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n       This morning Mr. Chaumont came, and proposed to me, to buy an horse, so that we might go to Boston together. I have a great inclination, and have been advised by many friends to go from hence by land to Boston, in order to form some opinion of the Country, and make some acquaintances which may be of use to me hereafter. If I go by the stage, I shall see very little of the Country, as they go over it so fast and the carriages are very close: I am told too that they are very dangerous as the drivers ride very carelessly, and frequently overset: I suppose however that more is said of this than is really the fact: upon the whole I agreed to look out and see if I could find a proper horse, and if I could upon good terms, to buy one. I went to see a number but found only one that pleased me, and him I thought too fine and too costly a one for me. He belongs to the Dutch minister who demands 50\u00a3 for him. Upon the whole I believe I had best go by the Stage next monday. Paid a visit to Mr. Jay but he was not at home. Dined at the President\u2019s, with about a dozen persons: Mr. Harrison is very unwell. In the afternoon I saw Mr. Chaumont, who went over to Mr. de Marbois to pass the night there. I sent to Mr. van Berkel and offered him 40\u00a3 for the horse, but he would not accept it. Spent part of the evening at Dr. Crosby\u2019s. I was told that Dr. Gordon had called to know if I would go in the Packet on monday, to Providence.\n   Terminal punctuation supplied.\n       This morning the President intended to take a sail down to Sandy-Hook, for the recovery of his Health, but found himself so unwell, that he could not go; the Virginia Delegates went, and Mr. Harrison went down also with his uncle, who came from England in the last British Packet, but finding his Estate here confiscated, sails for England this day. I went early in the morning to Mr. de Chaumont\u2019s lodgings; but he was not return\u2019d from Long Island. Breakfasted with Mr. King, and return\u2019d to the New York Hotel, where Mr. Chaumont return\u2019d at about 10 o\u2019clock. I then agreed to send and offer 45\u00a3 for Mr. van Berkel\u2019s horse, and if he would not take that, Mr. C agreed to go in the Packet to Providence with me. The minister accepted, and I immediately prepared every thing for our departure. I sent my large trunk on board the packet, and took a small one, with Cloaths and linen sufficient for the Journey. I was much surprised to meet Mr. Huron at the N. York H\u00f4tel. He has just return\u2019d from Philadelphia, and is going again to France in the Packet. I dined with them there, having previously taken my leave of the President, and thank\u2019d him for all his civility and kindness to me, during my stay at New York; at about 4 o\u2019clock we set out, Mr. Chaumont\u2019s two horses being tackled in his Chaise, one before the other, and his servant rode my horse: but whether through the stupidity of the rider, who is not used to riding, or any fault in the horse, I don\u2019t know, we had not rode two miles before the horse fell and threw the man; I was then fully sensible how imprudent I had been, in buying the horse, and determined to return to N. York, and desire Mr. van Berkel to take back his horse; which I suppose he will do, since the horse proves to be a bad one, though he sold him as a good one, and said himself he was no horse jockey. I sent as soon as I got back, but there was only his son at home, who said his father would not wish any person should lose by a bargain with him but added he himself was much surprised to hear that the horse had fallen, as they had never seen any fault in him though his father had own\u2019d him two years. To\u2019morrow I shall see what the father says. Mr. de Chaumont continued his journey, but will wait for me part of the day to\u2019morrow.\n       After several attempts to see Mr. van Berkel, he was at length found at home, and declined taking back the horse, though he de\u00adclared he had never discovered any fault in him. The son said he was sorry his father persisted in refusing. At about 4 afternoon I again mounted the horse, and rode him ten miles as far as Mr. Hall\u2019s tavern, which is a very elegant one; and where I found Mr. de Chaumont: who has been waiting for me all day. He had concluded to change his plan, in case I did not return, and go directly to Albany, where his father owns an Estate; but he has now agreed to go on with me to Boston. My horse stumbles considerably, but I hope will not fall again nor throw his rider.\n       Rose at about 6 o\u2019clock in the morning; and tried my horse in the Chaise before one of Mr. Chaumont\u2019s: but we could not make him go at all, so we were obliged to go on as we first set out. Before we got to Kingsbridge, which was 6 miles from Mr. Hall\u2019s, we took a wrong road and proceeded more than two miles out of our way: this delay\u2019d us so much that we did not get to East Chester, which is 21 miles from N. York till after 10 o\u2019clock. We were obliged to stay there, till 3 o\u2019clock it was so intensely hot: and we were then obliged to go so slow that we got no further than Rye, before dark: we were so unlucky as to mistake the roads twice. We put up for the night at Rye, which is near the boundaries of the State of N. York, and 32 miles from the City. This has been I think the hottest day I have felt since I arrived.\n       We were going this morning by 5 o\u2019clock, and proceeded as far as Stamford, 12 miles from Rye; 5 miles from which there is a small river, which seperates the States of N. York and Connecticut, at a place called Horseneck. The roads from Rye, are some of the worst I ever saw. The crops of hay and of grain are all very fine this year, except those of indian corn, which have not had hot weather enough. The State of N. York produces Wheat, rye, barley and all sorts of grain as all the Northern States do. Connecticut produces in addition large quantities of flax. We got to Stamford at about 9 o\u2019clock, and found the heat so powerful, that we could not proceed any further before dinner. I had a letter from Coll. Humphreys, to Major Davenport in Stamford, but he was gone to the Court which is now sitting at Fairfield. At 3 o\u2019clock we again set off, and went till about 8 when we arrived at Norwalk 12 miles from Stamford. Mr. B. Jarvis gave me a letter for his brother in law, Mr. Bowden, the minister at Norwalk; but it was so late; when we got there that I did not carry it. Mr. Chaumont and I went and bath\u2019d in the river, and found ourselves greatly refresh\u2019d by it.\n   The Byram River.\n   John Davenport, known as a major from his service in the commissary department of the Continental Army, was a lawyer and representative from Stamford in the Connecticut legislature, 1776\u20131796 (Dexter, Yale Graduates,Franklin Bowditch Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, with Annals of the College History, New York, 1885-1912; 6 vols. 3:376\u2013378).\n   John Bowden, Episcopal minister and later a professor at Columbia (Joshua L. Chamberlain, Universities and Their Sons: History, Influence and Characteristics of American Universities with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Alumni and Recipients of Honorary Degrees . . ., 5 vols., Boston, 1898\u20131900, 2:103\u2013104).\n       At 5 o\u2019clock we were going, and reach\u2019d Fairfield by 9. I there delivered my letters to Mr. Burr and Major Davenport: We were obliged to stay there to dinner; through the extreme heat of the weather. At four in the afternoon, we again set out, and rode 10 miles to Stratford. We waited there about half an hour, and set out again. 3 miles from Stratford we cross\u2019d Connecticut River, and rode about 11. miles after; besides more than 2 miles in a wrong road, we were obliged to proceed so slowly, in the dark that it was near 12 o\u2019clock when we arrived at New-Haven; and when we got there nobody, in the place was up, so that it was with great difficulty that we got to an indifferent inn. Mr. de Chaumont\u2019s horses, are both badly gall\u2019d. We could get but one apartment for both of us, and found some difficulty even to get one.\n   Presumably Thaddeus Burr, owner of several large inherited estates in the Fairfield area, former representative in the Connecticut legislature, and holder of local offices (Charles Burr Todd, A General History of the Burr Family in America. With a Genealogical Record from 1570 to 1878, N.Y., 1878, p. 76\u201379).\n   A mistake for the Housatonic River.\n       In the morning I went to pay a visit to Mr. Platt, and found my old friend Brush there. He introduced me to Mr. Broome, for whom I had Letters from his son in law Mr. Jarvis. He immediately went up with me to our lodgings and I introduced Mr. de Chaumont to him. He insisted upon our going, both of us and staying at his house while we remain here. I was in great hopes of seeing Mrs. Jarvis, but she was at Huntington, and is not expected home under a month. Miss Betsey Broome is here, but is not at all sociable. In this she does not resemble her father, who is a sincere, open-hearted good man. He lives in a most agreeable Situation: his house is upon an eminence just opposite the harbour, so that the tides come up, within ten rods of it. Mr. Platt lives near him in the same position. Broome, Platt, and Brush have been partners in trade, but have now dissolv\u2019d their connection. We dined at Mr. Broome\u2019s. After dinner we were going to see a cave, a few miles out of town, famous for having been the shelter of two of the regicides, in the time of Charles the 2d. but a violent thunder shower arose, and prevented us. It did not last more than half an hour; but for that time the wind blew like an hurricane, the rain shower\u2019d down, and there were several of as heavy peals of thunder as I ever remember to have heard: we saw the lightning fall, into the water, about 20 rods from us. After it was over we went and drank tea with Mrs. Platt. Mr. Chaumont lodg\u2019d at Mr. Broomes, and I at Mr. Platt\u2019s house.\n   Jeremiah Platt, a New York merchant, was the business partner and brother-in-law of Samuel Broome, mentioned below, who had moved to New Haven in 1775 (Frederic Gregory Mather, The Refugees of 1776 from Long Island to Connecticut, Albany, 1913, p. 664, 680; Donald Lines Jacobus, Families of Ancient New Haven, 8 vols, in 3, Baltimore, 1974, 2:344\u2013345).\n   Amelia Broome Jarvis, daughter of Samuel Broome and wife of James Jarvis of New York (Jacobus, Families of Ancient New Haven, 2:344\u2013345).\n   William Goffe and his father-in-law, Edward Whalley, had been military leaders in the English Civil War and had signed the death warrant of Charles I. With the return of the monarchy a decade later, both men refused to surrender and were exempted from pardon. They fled England for Boston, and in 1661 went to New Haven, where they camped out in a cave that summer. The pair settled in Hadley, Mass., three years later (Isabel MacBeath Calder, The New Haven Colony, New Haven, 1934, p. 221\u2013226).\n       This morning I went with Mr. Brush, and delivered the Letters I had for this place. Mr. Chancey for whom Coll. Humphreys gave me a Letter went with me, to Dr. Stiles the President of the College; who is a curious character. Mr. Jefferson once told, me, he thought him an uncommon instance of the deepest learning without a spark of genius. He was very polite to me, and shew me, the Library, and the apparatus of the College: he has a few natural curiosities; but nothing very extraordinary. We dined at Mr. Platt\u2019s, and afterwards went to see Coll. Wadsworth, who arrived in town this day; and leaves it to-morrow morning for Hartford. Mr. Chaumont and myself afterwards went to the Ball. There has been for these last two months a dancing master here and has given a ball once a fort\u2019night. He had not a very large number of scholars, and there were more ladies than gentlemen. The master of the school does not appear to be a good dancer himself; and do not think his pupils in general have made any great progress for the time they have been learning: there were a few very genteel young Ladies; a great many appear to have been favoured by nature, but not by the graces. At about 11. o\u2019clock, Mr. Chaumont and myself retired, as we intend to leave this place early in the morning.\n   Undoubtedly Charles Chauncy, New Haven lawyer, town officer, and representative in the legislature, who later served on the superior court (The Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles, D.D., LL.D. President of Yale College, ed. Franklin Bowditch Dexter, 3 vols., N.Y., 1901, 2:407; 3:107, 111, 351, 354).\n   Ezra Stiles, president of Yale, 1778\u20131795 (Edmund S. Morgan, The Gentle Puritan: A Life of Ezra Stiles, 1727\u20131795, New Haven, 1962). JQA presented to Stiles letters of introduction from JA and David Humphreys at this time (LbC, Adams Papers; Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles . . ., ed. Dexter, 3:177).\n       We tried my horse this morning in Mr. Chaumont Chaise, but could not make him go at all: so we put him before one of his horses and Dupr\u00e9, his servant mounted him, in that manner he went very well. Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, who are so kind as to keep us Company as far as Hartford rode in a Chaise of their own. We went only sixteen miles before dinner. The weather is still very warm notwithstanding, the late thunder shower. After dinner we rode 12 miles further to Middletown. Dr. Johnson whom I met at Fairfield, gave me a letter for Genl. Parsons, one of the aldermen of this City. About 18 months agone five towns in this State, New-Haven, Hartford, New-London, Norwich and Middletown, form\u2019d themselves into Corporations, and are now called Cities. Genl. Parsons told me, he was three years in College with my father, and was then very intimate with him. It gave me peculiar pleasure to meet with so old a friend of my fa\u00adther, and that circumstance greatly increased my reverence for the person.\n       We walk\u2019d about the City which is one of the smallest of the five. But is very pleasantly situated on Connecticut River. The views from some parts of it are enchanting; and the river is a very beautiful one. In the evening Mr. Chaumont, Mr. Brush, and myself, went and bath\u2019d in it. The general spent some time with us.\n   William Samuel Johnson was a Connecticut lawyer, pre-Revolutionary political leader, but loyalist after independence was declared. He served later as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and as president of Columbia College, 1787\u20131800 (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   Samuel Holden Parsons, brigadier, and later, major general in the Continental Army (Heitman, Register Continental Army,Francis B. Heitman, comp., Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution, new edn., Washington, 1914. p. 9\u201310). Parsons was a correspondent of JA\u2019s in the early stages of the war.\n       At six in the morning, we all left Middleton: and rode on to Hartford, where we arrived at about 9. The distance is 14 miles. For several miles on this side of Middleton, we rode along by the side of the river: and after we left it, we had from the top of an hill a most elegant prospect. Indeed there are a number in this Country, which looks as prosperous, and as fertile, as any I remember ever to have been through. We had some thoughts of stopping at Weathersfield, which is 3 miles from Hartford; and going to meeting there: this State is very famous for psalm singing, and Weathersfield is peculiarly distinguish\u2019d: but we thought best upon the whole to go forward directly to Hartford. I was much fatigued when I arrived, and took a nap; after which I went and visited Coll. Wadsworth, who arrived in town last evening. We dined at our tavern, and after dinner, went to the meeting. Mr. Chaumont was struck with, the singing: he is a connoisseur in music, and was surprised to find so much harmony here. After Meeting I went and delivered a letter from my father to Mr. Trumbull, the author of McFingal, who formerly studied law with him. I sat about 2 hours with him, and had some conversation with him, mostly upon the french poets, in which he is well versed. He is not very partial to Voltaire, and in that I agree perfectly in opinion with him. We afterwards went and Drank tea with Coll. Wadsworth, who lives in a very elegant manner: he made a very large fortune, by being agent for the french army, with Mr. Carter, or rather Church: he has two fine daughters. Harriot, is not handsome, but very genteel. Betsey is only 11. years old, but promises to be a Beauty. After tea, we went and took a walk round the town, and on the banks of the river which is about 15 feet deep here but there is a bar at some distance from this place, which prevents large vessels from coming up to the town except in the spring when the river overflows. This is considered as the capital of the State, though New-Haven, has some pretensions to that title, and in a commercial view is better situated. We spent the Evening at Coll. Wadsworth\u2019s.\n   Dated 28 April (LbC, Adams Papers). John Trumbull, the Connecticut poet and lawyer, had studied with JA in 1773\u20131774. He published the first part of his widely popular poem McFingal in 1775. Consisting of four cantos in Hudibrastic verse, it described the blunders of British leaders during the Revolution (Victor E. Gimmestad, John Trumbull, N.Y., 1974).\n   John Barker Church, an Englishman who came to America under the assumed name of John Carter, was Wadworth\u2019s business partner during the war (P. H. Woodward, One Hundred Years of the Hartford Bank, Now the Hartford National Bank of Hartford, Conn., Hartford, 1892, p. 32\u201333).\n       At about 9 this morning, Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, left us and set out to return to New-Haven. Breakfasted with Coll. Wadsworth, who afterwards went with us three or four miles out of town, to shew us his farm. We saw there a couple of the largest oxen I ever beheld; and a number more uncommonly stout. This place is celebrated over the Continent for producing exceeding fine oxen, and it furnishes the New York and Boston markets with great quantities of Beef. The Coll. shew us his fields of grain and of grass, and his orchards. We return\u2019d a little before noon: and left the Coll. for a short time. I went into a bookseller\u2019s shop, and there found a new publication, called the Conquest of Canaan, an american epic Poem, in eleven books, by Mr. T. Dwight. It is but lately that it was printed, and I have heard a very high Character of it, which induced me, to purchase it. Mr. Wadsworth was so kind as to give me a copy of McFingal, and these are the two pieces in which americans have endeavour\u2019d most to soar as high, as European bards. McFingal is generally agreed to be equal, if not superior to Hudibras. Of the serious poem, no criticism has appeared; owing I suppose, to its being so lately publish\u2019d.\n       I met just before dinner with my old fellow scholar, Deane, who came from Weathersfield this morning. I was told he was in New London: had I known he was at Weathersfield, I should have stop\u2019d there, on purpose to see him. For there is nothing I think more shameful, than to forget our old acquaintance. We all dined with Coll. Wadsworth, and at about 4 Mr. Chaumont, and myself, left them, and set away from the inn, about half an hour, afterwards. We rode only 16 miles this afternoon, to Captain Cox\u2019s tavern and it was after 9 in the evening when we got there. We could travel, but slowly, as the weather though cloudy, was very warm, and the horses were somewhat galled.\n   JQA\u2019s copy, Hartford, 1785, is at MQA. Timothy Dwight was minister at Greenfield Hill, Conn., at this time and was president of Yale from 1795 to 1817. The Conquest of Can\u00e4an, Dwight\u2019s first important literary production, is filled with allusions to contemporary persons and events (Dexter, Yale Graduates,Franklin Bowditch Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, with Annals of the College History, New York, 1885-1912; 6 vols. 3:321\u2013333).\n   JQA\u2019s copy has not been found.\n       It was almost seven o\u2019clock before we got under way this morning. We rode about 10 miles and then cross\u2019d Connecticut River; which serves there as a boundary between that State and Massachusetts. Two miles after we had cross\u2019d the river we came to Springfield. We breakfasted there, and stopp\u2019d about an hour; after which we proceeded on our Journey about 14 miles further before dinner. The mistress of the tavern where we dined, told me my name, and said she knew me from my resemblance to my father who had passed several times this way. At 4 o\u2019clock we again set out, and found the roads so very bad, that it was almost ten before we got to East Chester Marlborough which was only 12 miles. Hills and rocks seem to have been the only things we have this day come across. I cannot recommend the roads of Massachusetts as a model.\n   JQA is, of course, mistaken.\n   Possibly JQA dined at Scott\u2019s Tavern in Palmer, fifteen miles from Springfield, whose owner and wife had been described as \u201cgreat Patriots\u201d by JA when he lodged there in Nov. 1774 (Fleet\u2019s Pocket Almanack and Massachusetts Register, 1786A Pocket Almanack...Calculated Chiefly for the Use of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...To Which is Annexed, The Massachusetts Register [title varies], Boston: T. and J. Fleet, 1779-1800; 22 vols.; JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 2:160).\n   Neither location is correct; they probably stayed in either Western [now Warren] or Brookfield, Mass., that night.\n       One of the breast plates was broke, and we were obliged to send it a mile and half to be mended this morning, before we could proceed on our journey; so it was past eight when we left our tavern. Before one, we came to a very good inn: the best I think, that we have found on the road except Mr. Hall\u2019s. We had come 16 miles without stopping, and therefore we concluded to dine there. Between 3 and 4 we went again, and rode about 15 miles to where we arrived at about 8, in the Evening; our roads have been much better and the weather more agreeable than what we have had in general since we left N. York. We are now only 42 miles from Boston, and hope to get there to-morrow; as we are told the roads are upon the whole pretty good.\n   Left blank in MS; JQA was probably in Shrewsbury, Mass.\n      Thursday. August 25th. 1785.\n       St. Louis\u2019s day, a great holiday all over France, because it is the f\u00eate of their king\u2019s patron. Dupr\u00e9 called me up at three o\u2019clock, being determined that we should not set out too late to day. Before 4. we were in the carriage, and rode 14 miles to Marlborough before 9. We breakfasted there; and dined at Waltham, which is 12 miles further. It was almost 5 when we finally set off upon our last Stage; and we got into Boston at about 9 o\u2019clock; we first went to Bracket\u2019s tavern, but there was not a vacant apartment in the house. We then went to Mrs. Kilby\u2019s in State Street, where we found one chamber for us both. We were obliged to take up with this for the present: for we were extremely fatigued, both of us: and could not think of seeking any further at 10 o\u2019clock at night.\n        A tous les coeurs bien n\u00e9s que la patrie est chere\n        Qu\u2019avec ravissement je revois ce s\u00e9jour.\n       No person who has not experienced it can conceive how much pleasure there is in returning to our Country after an absence of 6 years especially when it was left at the time of life, that I did, when I went last to Europe. The most trifling objects now appear interesting to me: in the morning I went to see my uncle Smith, but he was not at home. I saw my aunt and Mr. Smith, who went with me to the Treasury office, where I found my uncle Cranch. I was introduced to a number of gentlemen, and met several of my old acquaintances. I delivered a Letter to Mr. Breck from the Marquis. Dined at Mr. Cranch\u2019s lodgings, where I found my Cousins Betsey and Lucy. In the afternoon they went to Cambridge, and I followed them there with Mr. Smith. At College I met my Cousin, and brother Charles, who entered about 6 weeks agone. We spent an hour with them, and were then obliged to return to Boston. I lodged at Deacon Smith\u2019s.\n       I shall not attempt to describe the different Sensations I experienced in meeting after so long an absence, the friends of my childhood, and a number of my nearest and dearest relations. This day will be forever too deeply rooted in my Memory, to require any written account of it. It has been one of the happiest I ever knew.\n   Voltaire, Tancr\u00e8de, Act III, scene i (Oeuvres compl\u00e8tes de Voltaire, 72 vols., Kehl, Germany, 1784\u20131801, 4:391).\n   Elizabeth Storer Smith (1726\u20131786), wife of Isaac Smith Sr., and aunt of AA.\n   William Smith (1755\u20131816), a Boston merchant and son of Isaac Smith Sr.\n   Richard Cranch (1726\u20131811) married Mary Smith, the sister of AA, in 1762. Cranch was at this time employed in the commonwealth\u2019s treasury office in Boston.\n   Samuel Breck Sr., a prominent Boston merchant, maritime agent of Louis XVI, and representative of the town in the legislature, 1782\u20131788 (NEHGRNew England Historical and Genealogical Register., 17:180 [April 1863]).\n   Elizabeth Cranch (1763\u20131811), called Betsy by her family, was the daughter of Richard and Mary (Smith) Cranch, and married Jacob Norton, minister at Weymouth, in 1789.\n       Brother Charles came to town this morning. I paid a number of visits and dined, at Deacon Smith\u2019s, with Mr. Otis and his family. At about 4 o\u2019clock I mounted on horseback: and Mr. Chaumont in his Chaise with Mr. Toscan the french Consul; we went out and stopp\u2019d first at Mr. Swan\u2019s house in Dorchester, where the former governor Mr. Hancock lives, at present. He is much afflicted with the gout, and has it at this time. After spending about half an hour with him We went to Mr. Hichborne\u2019s Summer seat and drank tea. We found there the lieutenant governor with his Lady, and Mr. and Mrs. Swan. I left the Consul and Mr. Chaumont, and went as far as Genl. Warren\u2019s at Milton. He introduced me to his four sons, one of whom, Charles, is to sail in a few days for Europe: he means to spend the Winter at Lisbon, where his brother Winslow is: But I fear very much he will never reach Europe, I don\u2019t know that I ever saw a person look more wretchedly. He has been consumptive for a long time, and went last fall to the West Indies, where he recover\u2019d his health in some measure, but lost it again by return\u00ading here in the spring. If he lives to reach Lisbon, I hope the Climate of Europe, which is so much better than that of St. Domingo, will restore him entirely. I left Milton between 7 and 8 and before I got to Mr. Cranch\u2019s, I again stopp\u2019d at my uncle Adams\u2019s, and there saw my aged Grandmother, who enquired much after my Parents, and wishes them to return. I at length arrived at the end of my journey, at about 9 o\u2019clock, and was welcomed by my aunt; I also found Mr. Tyler there and was introduced to him.\n   Samuel Allyne Otis, a Boston merchant and son-in-law of Deacon Isaac Smith (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 14:471\u2013480).\n   James Swan, a Boston merchant and speculator, and Revolutionary officer (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).\n   John Hancock was governor of Massachusetts (except for the years 1785\u20131787) from 1780 to 1793 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 13:416\u2013446).\n   Benjamin Hichborn, Boston lawyer and Revolutionary officer, was well known to JA as carrier of his letters that were intercepted by the British (sameJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 17:36\u201344; JA, Papers, 3:90, 255\u2013257).\n   Thomas Cushing, a moderate revolutionary who lost his place in the congress, was lieutenant governor, 1780\u20131788 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 11:377\u2013395).\n   James Warren, who served briefly as paymaster general in the Continental Army and major general in the militia, was on the Navy Board, 1777\u20131782, and was in and out of Massachusetts politics throughout his life (sameJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 11:584\u2013606).\n   Charles died in Spain in November. Winslow, for whom JA was to seek an appointment as consul in Portugal, was a merchant in Lisbon at this time; he returned permanently to America later in the year (Mrs. Washington A. Roebling, Richard Warren of the Mayflower and Some of His Descendants, Boston, 1901, p. 28; Winslow Warren to JQA, 13 July 1784; JA to John Jay, 3 Dec. 1785, LbC, Adams Papers).\n   Peter Boylston Adams (1738\u20131823), JA\u2019s younger brother, a militia captain and Braintree officeholder.\n   Mrs. John Hall (1709\u20131797), formerly Susanna Boylston Adams, who lived with her son Peter Boylston after the death of her second husband in 1780 (Adams Family CorrespondenceAdams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- ., 4:3).\n   Mary (Smith) Cranch (1741\u20131811), AA\u2019s sister and wife of Richard Cranch.\n   Royall Tyler, a Braintree lawyer and later an important early playwright and novelist. Tyler had been courting AA2 before her departure for Europe with AA in 1784. Subsequently the romance cooled, owing to Tyler\u2019s failure to answer her letters and to stories about his behavior sent to the Adamses by Mary Cranch, in whose house Tyler lived. For a full account, see JA, Earliest DiaryThe Earliest Diary of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1966., p. 18\u201330.\n       Attended Mr. Wibird\u2019s meeting forenoon, and afternoon. His voice and look was as familiar to me, as if I had not been absent. Among the People that were grown up before I went away, there were few or no new faces in the house: but there were but few young People, that I could recollect, 6 years have very little effect upon the appearance of men, and women, but a surprising one, upon that of Children. But of all the persons I have seen none have so compleatly altered as my Cousin W. Cranch. I never can realize the idea, of his being the same little boy I left in 1779, and I am told that I myself have alter\u2019d nearly as much. When the afternoon service was over I went with Mr. Tyler down to my father\u2019s house, and no object ever brought to my mind such a variety of different Sensations. It reminded me of the days of my Childhood, most of which were past in it, but it look\u2019d so lonely, and melancholy without its inhabitants, as drew a deep sigh from my breast. I paid a visit to the Library, and found it in pretty good order.\n   Rev. Anthony Wibird, minister at the First Church of Braintree (later Quincy) from 1755 until his death in 1800 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 12:226\u2013230).\n   This house on Franklin Street in Quincy is known today as the John Quincy Adams Birthplace and was JA\u2019s and AA\u2019s home from the time of their marriage in 1764. JA had given Tyler access to his law library in the house during his absence (JA, Earliest DiaryThe Earliest Diary of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1966., p. 25\u201326). For an illustration of the house and the John Adams Birthplace next to it, see JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 1:facing 256; a description of the two houses is in HA2, \u201cThe Birthplaces of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts,\u201d Old-Time New England, 26:79\u201399 (Jan. 1936). The two houses are now part of the Adams National Historic Site administered by the National Park Service.\n       At about 9 o\u2019clock I set off for Boston, and stopp\u2019d half an hour, at my uncle Adams\u2019s. Saw my Grandmother. I had agreed with Mr. Tyler, to wait for him at Genl. Warren\u2019s, half an hour. I stay\u2019d more than an hour but he did not come. Mrs. Warren surprized me very much by informing me that Mr. Otis, with whom I dined on Saturday; had failed that evening. She said it was a very unexpected stroke to the family themselves. I believe before long every merchant in Boston will fail: for they seem all, to be breaking, one after the other. Charles Warren is to sail the latter end of this week for Cadiz. He was worse to day than common. It was noon before I got to Boston. I dined at Mr. Breck\u2019s in Company with the french Consul Mr. Toscan, and Mr. Appleton the brother of the gentleman I was acquainted with in England and France. It rain\u2019d hard in the afternoon, so that we were obliged to stay; all the afternoon. At about 8 o\u2019clock I left them all there, just ready to sit down to Cards. I thought if once I sat down there would be no getting away till very late. I found Deacon Smith and his family at Dr. Welch\u2019s. They all look\u2019d very dull: the old gentleman especially appeared very much affected, Mr. Otis married his Daughter, and his failing, was very unexpected to him.\n   Thomas Welsh (1752\u20131831), a Boston physician and an army surgeon at the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill. His wife, Abigail Kent (1750\u20131825), was a niece of Deacon Isaac Smith and a cousin of AA.\n   Deacon Smith\u2019s daughter Mary (1757\u20131839) married Samuel Allyne Otis, a second marriage for both, in 1782.\n       This day the Supreme Judicial Court met, and I went and heard the chief justice, Mr. Cushing deliver the charge to the grand Jury. He spoke with much dignity, and animadverted peculiarly upon the neglect, which many of the towns in the Commonwealth, have shown of late with respect to public schools. After the charge was deliver\u2019d Mr. Thatcher was called upon for a prayer, and although he had not a minute\u2019s warning spoke very well, and without the least embarassment. I dined at Deacon Smith\u2019s, and after dinner waited upon Miss Betsey Cranch, to her lodgings. I afterwards mounted my horse, and went to Cambridge where I shall pass the night with my brother. I was caught in the rain, on the road and was almost wet through and through. Charles is much pleased with his situation; and has acquired an additional importance since he enter\u2019d College.\n   William Cushing, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1777 and later an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court for twenty-one years (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 13:26\u201339).\n   Peter Thacher, well-known for his orations and addresses during the Revolutionary era, was pastor of the Brattle Street Church from 1785 to 1802. He recorded in his diary this day that he gave a \u201cprayer unexpectedly in the Supreme Court\u201d (same, 17:237\u2013247; MHi:Thacher Papers).\n   JQA probably is commenting upon CA\u2019s good fortune in acquiring a college room and showing promise as a scholar since entering Harvard earlier in the month. He elaborated to AA2 that \u201cCharles is very much pleased with his situation here: and comes on well with his Studies. His Class is one of the most numerous of any that have entered\u201d (JQA to AA2, 29 Aug.\u20137 Sept., Adams Papers). Unlike many of his classmates who were forced to live in town, CA roomed in Hollis Hall, where \u201ccousin Billy\u201d also lived (Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 14 Aug.\u201315 Sept., Adams Papers). JQA seemed pleased with CA\u2019s \u201cChambermate,\u201d Samuel Walker, \u201ca youth, whose thirst for knowledge is insatiable. . . . I am perswaded it will afford peculiar Satisfaction to our Parents, who well know how much benifit is derived from the Spur of Emulation\u201d (JQA to AA2, 20\u201328 Aug., Adams Papers).\n       This morning Mr. Chaumont came to the College, with Mr. Toscan, and two other french gentlemen, Mr. Issotier, and Mr. Serano. We went and saw all the curiosities belonging to the Col\u00adlege, which are not very numerous. There are several exceeding fine pictures done by Mr. Copley, all portraits. The library is good, without being magnificent. We all paid a visit to Mr. Willard the president of the College. The other gentlemen left me with him, and after he had made enquiries concerning my acquisitions: he advised me to wait till next spring before I offer: and then enter for three months in the junior Sophister Class. I left him and return\u2019d to the gentlemen. We went back to Boston, and got there at about 11. I paid a number of visits, and dined with Deacon Storer. After dinner I went with Mr. Chaumont and visited Mr. Cushing the lieutenant Governor: but he was not at home. I met Mr. Appleton, and went with him to his father\u2019s house. Return\u2019d in the evening to Mr. Storer\u2019s, and supped there. Rec\u2019d a letter from my Sister, through N. York.\n   Joseph Willard, president of Harvard, 1781\u20131804. Willard advised JQA to study Greek and Latin, two studies in which he needed further preparation, with his uncle John Shaw in Haverhill (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 16:253\u2013265; Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 14 Aug.\u201315 Sept. 1785, Adams Papers).\n   Ebenezer Storer, a Boston merchant, treasurer of Harvard College since 1777, and deacon of the Church in Brattle Square (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 12:208\u2013214).\n   AA2 to JQA, 13 June, not found.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0001", "content": "Title: Thursday September 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Went and sat with Mr. de Chaumont a couple of hours, and afterwards accompanied him, and Mr. Toscan &c to Concert hall; to see Mr. Turner\u2019s scholars dance. Once every fortnight, there is such a forenoon ball, from 1. o\u2019clock to three. There were a number of minuets and country dances performed pretty well: and all the beauties of Boston seem\u2019d to be assembled there in one bright constellation. At about 2 \u00bd, we retired, and waited upon Mr. Cushing the L. Govr. to dinner. There was not a large Company: perhaps a dozen or 14 persons. After dinner we went to pay a visit to Mr. Swan but we met him in the Street going for his Lady. We accompanied him, and sat an hour at Mr. Deneufville\u2019s. I do not admire to see this man\u2019s wife go into the best Company in this City: I think the people here, should have a Sense of their own Dignity; and not suffer their hospitality to overcome their delicacy. In Holland no Gentleman or Lady would have kept Company with this woman: and I think it would be better if it was so here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0002", "content": "Title: 2d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Chaumont intended to set out early in the morning for Philadelphia (or rather Albany,) but it rain\u2019d so hard that he was obliged to postpone it till the afternoon. I went to his lodgings at about 9 o\u2019clock, and stay\u2019d till about noon. We then went to a billiard table, and play\u2019d a game. I dined at Mr. Smith\u2019s. After dinner I return\u2019d to Mr. de Chaumont\u2019s lodgings, and found him, making preparations for his departure. At about 4 o\u2019clock he set out in his Chaise with the Consul: Mr. Issotier Mr. Serane, and myself accompanied him on horseback. Mr. Toscan, went only to the neck, and then left us. The rest of us, went about 4 miles further and at 5 o\u2019clock or thereabouts we took our leave of Mr. Chaumont who proposes going as far as Waltham to night. I spent the evening at Mr. Foster\u2019s house, with my uncle Cranch, and Dr. Tufts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0006", "content": "Title: 6th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 9 o\u2019clock in the morning I again tackled my horse into my uncle\u2019s Chaise, and we put every thing into it, and set out, and arrived at Boston at about 11. I immediately went to my uncle Smith\u2019s store, and enquired after the missing trunk. I found it was in one corner of the Store. I then went to his House and found there a Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette: I also received Letters from My father, mother and Sister dated as late as June 27th. Waited on Mr. Breck with a paper upon the subject of refining oil. Dined at Mr. Foster\u2019s and immediately after dinner had the horse again tackled in the Chaise. By 3 \u00bd o\u2019clock we were ready, and as the wind was somewhat high my aunt did not incline to cross the ferry: so we went round, over the neck. We stopp\u2019d at Mr. Gannett\u2019s, the steward of the College. We at first intended to go as far as Lincoln, to night, but have been perswaded to remain here. My Brother and Cousin drank tea with us, and I spent the evening with them, at the College.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0007", "content": "Title: 7th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We breakfasted early and were on our way by 8 o\u2019clock. We stopp\u2019d at Captain Brookes\u2019s house in Mystic, four miles from Cambridge, and about a quarter of a mile. We then rode 10 miles further; after which we stopp\u2019d an hour to rest our horse. So far we found the roads very good: but the next 6 miles, to Mr. French, (the minister at Andover)\u2019s house are very sandy and heavy. We dined there: Mr. French was not at home. At 3 o\u2019clock, we left Andover and at about 5 \u00bd got to the river which runs by Haverhill. The roads were not good, being sometimes sandy, and sometimes very hilly. We cross\u2019d the river in a flat bottom\u2019d boat, and at 6 o\u2019clock arrived at Mr. Shaw\u2019s; where I found my brother Tom, who when I left him was not 7 years old, and is now 13. Mr. Thaxter too who sailed in the first french Packet immediately after the Peace is here, and spent the evening at my uncle\u2019s. He is practising the Law and has a good run of business.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0008", "content": "Title: 8th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I went in the morning down to Mr. Thaxter\u2019s office, and spent all the forenoon with him, talking over, old matters. He dined with us, at my uncle\u2019s; and spent part of the afternoon here. I am told he is paying his addresses to a Miss Duncan, who is reputed the greatest beauty in Haverhill, but he will not own it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0010", "content": "Title: 10th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We all dined this day at Mr. White\u2019s. The only other strangers present, were Mr. Smith, the minister of the other meeting house in this place, and Mr. B. Bartlett, a merchant. Mr. Smith proposes going into the Jersies, and to set out in the beginning of next week. A Vessel belonging to Mr. White was launch\u2019d in the afternoon, but we missed seeing it, as it went sooner than was expected.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0011", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended Mr. Shaws meeting; forenoon, and afternoon. Took a walk down by the side of the river; with Mr. Thaxter. The Situation of the town is very agreeable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0012", "content": "Title: 12th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Spent part of the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter at his Office. At 12 o\u2019clock, we went, to a Collation, given by Dr. Woodbury who is building an house, and who moreover was yesterday first published for marriage; it seems that upon both these occasions it is Customary here, for a man to invite all his male friends, to an entertainment of this kind, and I as a visitor at Mr. Shaw\u2019s was ask\u2019d. After dinner, I went out with my brother and a gun, but could meet with no game. A solitary Robin, was all we brought, back. We found Company when we return\u2019d. Mr. Collins, the minister of a neighbouring town. Miss Hazen thinks he is not sufficiently attentive to his wife, and I am of her opinion. His looks I think are enough to chill one in a hot day. I should rather take him for a dutchman, than an American.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0013", "content": "Title: 13th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 9 this morning we left Haverhill, cross\u2019d the river, and stopp\u2019d first at Mr. Symmes\u2019s, and afterwards at Mr. French\u2019s, but a few minutes at each. After we had rode, about a mile beyond Mr. French\u2019s house, we turn\u2019d away from the road we came to Haverhill by, and took the Lincoln road: but I was very much surprised, to see that very few persons knew, any thing about Lincoln, although it is not more than 22 miles distant from Andover: I met a man whom I judg\u2019d by his appearance to be turn\u2019d of sixty: when I enquired of him the road to Lincoln; his answer was, that he knew of no such place: how many mortals,\n        On the self same spot,\n        Are born, take nurture, propagate, and rot,\n       entirely ignorant of every thing that lies ten miles beyond it? But in this Country, where every man has an opportunity of displaying the talents he possesses; and where the education of the People, is so much more attended to, than in any part of Europe, or perhaps of the world, I did not expect to find beings of that sort.\n        rich  poor  august\n        How great! how low! how abject! How sublime!\n        How wonderful! how complicate is man!\n       We rode through about 8 miles of sand, and 4 of rocks, after which the road was better: at about 6 o\u2019clock, we arrived at Lincoln, and immediately went to my aunt Smith\u2019s. She has five children with her, and one at Mr. Shaw\u2019s. Billy, Louisa, Polly, Isaac, and Charles are here. The eldest is not more than 14 years old: the youngest is about 6. Oh! it almost makes my heart, shrink within me; when I look on these fine Children; to think of the Prospects before them: entirely the effects of extravagance in a father: what a Lesson! Surely providence makes sometimes use of these means, to terrify those who can be actuated by no other principle, into the performance of their duty.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0014", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined at Lincoln, and immediately after dinner we again proceeded on our journey and by 5 o\u2019clock, got to Cambridge, which is 12 miles: we came through Concord, and Lexington which 12 years ago were of no note, but which have been since rendered ever memorable, by being the place, where the first martyrs in the glorious cause of American Liberty, bled, (April 19th. 1775). Posterity will revere this spot of Land, more, than the Dutch do the place where Egmont and Horn, suffered; which is at Brussels.\n       We drank tea at Cambridge, and at about 6 we set out for Boston. We cross\u2019d the ferry at about dusk; and got to Mr. Cranch\u2019s lodgings, just in good Season. We found Miss Betsey had been very unwell, but recovering. Mr. I. Smith, came in a few minutes after we got there: and I went with him to a Club of which he was member. I found there Dr. Welch, Dr. Dexter, Dr. Appleton, and Mr. Brewster. It was at Mr. Clarkes house; this gentleman is collegue to Dr. Chauncy, in the Ministry, and bears a good Character as a preacher. At about 9. I went home with Mr. Smith. His father and mother yesterday left the Town, with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and their Ladies to go to Princeton, to Mr. Gill\u2019s Seat. He gave me a Letter from my friend Brush, in New Haven.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0015", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning my brother Charles and Cousin Cranch, came from Cambridge to see us. I at length went, and got my sword and hat, which have been at Mrs. Kilby\u2019s, ever since I arrived here first: Dined with Mr. Smith; I intended to go to Braintree in the afternoon, but was deterred, by an appearance of bad weather, but as it cleared up at about 5 o\u2019clock, I rode, over the neck with my Cousin Betsey. When we got to Roxbury we turn\u2019d back again. Spent some time with my uncle Cranch, and then return\u2019d to Deacon Smith\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0016", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 9 this morning I went to Mr. Foster\u2019s, and found my Cousin Betsey Cranch ready to go with me. We then set out in the Chaise, and at about 11. got to Braintree where we found only Mr. Tyler, and cousin Lucy. She had a letter from Miss Hazen which I had a great curiosity to see; but could not prevail upon her to show it me. Mr. Tyler came up from Boston last Evening. Parson Wibird was here in the evening but I did not see him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0017", "content": "Title: 17th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Great part of the day was spent in reading; and writing to my friends in Europe; a vessel is to sail e\u2019er long. At about 4 o\u2019clock, Mr. and Mrs. Cranch return\u2019d home. Mr. Tyler too, went out early in the morning and did not return till the evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0018", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The weather in the morning look\u2019d stormy, and was showery at different times all day. I attended however Mr. Wibird\u2019s sermons forenoon and afternoon; he was this day remarkably short, and did not either time keep us more than an hour and an half: A shower fell just as the afternoon meeting, was over; and Mr. Tyler and myself went over the way, to Mrs. Church\u2019s. We borrow\u2019d her Chaise of her, and went down first to Mrs. Quincy\u2019s. We found Mr. and Mrs. Guild there; they both appear in an ill State, of health; they have been unfortunate of late, but bear it with exemplary firmness. Mrs. Quincy is an agreeable old Lady, and Nancy, has always the Complaisant smile on her Countenance. She is small, and fat, consequently not a beauty: yet, considering the amiable Character she bears, and her fortune which is in this Country, far from being mean, I wonder she has not yet got married: her time is not come say the girls. After drinking tea we left Mrs. Quincy\u2019s House, and on our road home, stop\u2019d at Mr. Alleyne\u2019s and spent half an hour there. We found Mr. Boice Miss Hannah Clark\u2019s admirer: it is said they are to be married ere long. We return\u2019d home at about 8 o\u2019clock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0022", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning I sent down a Cart with my two trunks that are going to Haverhill. I intended to go myself in the forenoon, but at length resolv\u2019d to go and dine with Mrs. Quincy, and from thence go forward to Boston. My two good Cousins went in the Chaise; I walk\u2019d it, with Mr. Tyler. We were not expected, and somewhat late: we found Parson Wibird there, who ask\u2019d me abundance, of questions, mostly concerning the Women of the different Countries I had been in. I observed this to him, and he said, \u201cYes I always inquire about the best things first\u201d an honourable testimony in favour of the Ladies, as it comes from an old Batchelor; who I believe would have spent his days much more pleasantly than he has, had he taken to himself, one of these best things thirty five years ago. Of all negative happiness, I think, that attending the life of an old batchelor is the most insipid.\n        On some fond breast the parting soul relies,\n        Some pious drops the closing eye requires.\n       After dinner Mr. Tyler, and I mounted our horses, and trudg\u2019d on towards Boston: at Milton, we stopp\u2019d for half an hour at Genl: Warren\u2019s, and found Mrs. Otis there. At about 5 o\u2019clock, we got to the neck: there Mr. Tyler left me, and went to Jamaica Plains where his mother lives. When I got to my uncle Cranch\u2019s lodgings, he told me, that the Stage between this and Haverhill, will not go this week; so that my trunks cannot be sent. Went to my uncle Smith\u2019s. Mrs. Otis and Mrs. Welch spent the evening there, and I was obliged to take a hand at whist, which is never very agreeable to me, but which I always think myself obliged to do, when a party cannot otherwise be made.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0023", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At 9 this morning I went to see about getting my trunks to Haverhill: Mr. Cranch told me; they have been put on board a vessel, that will sail in two or three days for Newbury Port and from thence, a conveyance will easily be found for sending them to Haverhill. I visited Mr. Toscan; and was afterwards introduced to Mr. Hughes, Mr. Lincoln, and Mr. Gardiner, all three Lawyers. The last, on the 4th. of July, pronounced the most curious, blank verse discourse, that I ever read. He shows beyond all dispute that he is a great admirer of blank verse. Some critics pretend that blank verse is the most noble, and most perfect, in English Poetry. Mr. G: opinion on that subject seems to go further still. He seems to think that it is preferable even upon common occasions to prose, and when I was introduced, I expected to hear him break out into some Raphsody.\n       Dined at the French Consuls, and in the afternoon went with him and visited the Governor, and Mr. Russel: I there saw Mr. Seaver who arrived yesterday in a vessel from St. Petersburg. He inform\u2019d us that the Russian Army in time of Peace was composed of 450,000 men. This was a piece of news to me, and would be I fansy to a Russian: I went with the Consul and Mr. Serane, and drank tea at Mr. Tudor\u2019s, who was very polite. Mr. Serane, sung, play\u2019d on the violin, and on the guittar; this gentleman, though only nineteen years old, is quite a virtuose. I spent the evening, and supped at Mr. B. Austin\u2019s. I was again, unwillingly obliged to play all the evening at Whist. I used formerly to be very fond of cards, and could spend evening after evening at play. Whence my present aversion to them arises I know not: but wish it may continue; for I think, that if playing cards is excusable in a woman, it is, for a man, but a miserable loss of time at best. When we rose from Supper it was so late, that I supposed Deacon Smith\u2019s family would be in bed: and went with Mr. Tyler who lodges at Mr. Palmer\u2019s. It was 12 before we retired.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0024", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This forenoon I was present at the marriage, of Mr. Nash and Miss Apthorp. They were married in the Chapel by Mr. Parker, as Mr. Freeman, the minister there, not having receiv\u2019d orders, cannot perform the Ceremony. He was however present and in the Pulpit, where he was kind enough to give me a place. Mr. Tyler, who is intimate with him, introduced me to him. Mr. Nash was dress\u2019d in his uniform, plainly, as becomes an Officer, and a gentleman. Miss Apthorp, was elegantly dress\u2019d, though the colour of her gown appear\u2019d to me, sober for the occasion. The old man look\u2019d happy, as if he was giving his Daughter to a member of the British royal family. The mother appeared dejected, nor can any person, who considers the consequences of this event, wonder at it. The poor girl herself, as the ceremony was performing, trembled like a leaf\u2014and for my heart I could not help trembling for her too. Her prospects are not, I think to be envied. Her father may think it, an honour for her to be connected with a british officer.\n        Mais sans argent l\u2019honneur n\u2019est qu\u2019une maladie.\n       The gentleman\u2019s father is purser on board a king\u2019s ship. He himself is 1st. Lieutenant on board another; his fortune independent of his pay, is not large I am told, and surely if an officer\u2019s pay is scarcely sufficient to maintain him alone, it must fall short when he has a wife and family to support. But what with many People, would be a still greater objection to their union, is that this pair 3 months ago were perfect strangers to each other. Tinder, is but too often the emblem of a sudden passion: I wish it may not be in this Case. I sincerely hope, that the maxim audaces fortuna juvat, may prove just, and that every sort of Happiness may attend them through Life.\n       Dined at Mr. Palmer\u2019s, and sent an excuse to Mr. Russel, who had invited me. The weather was disagreeable all the morning, and at about noon it began to be hazy. It continued so, all the afternoon; but I intended notwithstanding that, to go out this evening as far as Genl. Warren\u2019s. I had my horse saddled and bridled, when the rain began to shower down in such a manner, that I determined at length to remain in town. I went with Mr. Tyler, and spent the evening with Mr. Gore, a lawyer. He spoke of a Mr. le Washington, who arrived here in the last vessel from London; a traveller greatly improved in the art of fiction. Slept again at Mr. Palmer\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0026", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Tyler, was to return last evening, but did not. My two Cousins went last Saturday to Boston and will not return this week. My uncle, went this afternoon to Boston so that my aunt and I are now at home quite alone. In the forenoon, I went out with my gun; and took a long walk: but found no game of any kind. In the afternoon I went down to our house, and looked over many of the things. I can never feel gay in this house, while its owners are absent, and this evening my aunt accused me of being melancholy; a reproach I am very seldom loaded with. I had a disagreeable head ache, and really felt very dull.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0027", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Tyler came from Boston last evening; was pretty busy in the forenoon; I went and paid a visit to Mr. Apthorp, next door neighbour to my uncle: he came from Boston this morning and is going back this afternoon: he is a man of Sense, and much reading, but he has a certain wildness in his eyes, which indicates something extraordinary, in his character, which I am told is really the case. He has an extravagant fondness for England, and for everything that is English: he talks sensibly upon diverse subjects, but as I had heard his Character before I saw him, I purposely spoke in the highest terms, of the french Nation and their Country: he never said he was of a different opinion, but he observed that though the beauties of England were not of the same kind, they were very great, and like a true Englishman contrasted, french politeness and outward accomplishments, to English dignity and Sincerity. I did not think it was necessary to contest any point, and therefore humoured him in his Admiration for Britain; in which, however I am very far from joining with him. After dinner I went down with Mr. Tyler, and drank tea with my uncle Quincy, and from his house saw the tender, which came lately from Hallifax, to carry back Mr. Nash, and his new bride.\n       I intended to go as far as Milton this evening, but it was so late when we return\u2019d from my uncle\u2019s, that I could not. As we were walking home, I had with Mr. Tyler some very curious conversation, on a subject as curious. We smoked a sociable pipe in the Evening at his office: and there continued it. He was somewhat in a prophetic mood, but I imagine, he will never have occasion to say\n       Cet oracle, est plus s\u00fbr que celui de Chalcas Calchas.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0028", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Doctor Tufts went by in the morning, and took with him, a small trunk for me, to Boston. At about 10 I went for my horse, to Mr. Veasy\u2019s. Mr. Tyler went with me. At the meeting house he left me, and I went to Milton. Stopp\u2019d half an hour at Genl: Warren\u2019s. Their only son now at home is James: Harry yesterday stopp\u2019d in at my uncle\u2019s, on his road to Plymouth. Mrs. Warren has been ill; and is not yet entirely recovered. It was near one afternoon, when I got to Boston. Upon Change I met Dr. Waterhouse; and found him the same man, he was four years, ago, when I was acquainted with him in Holland. Dined at Mr. Foster\u2019s: and after Dinner went to Deacon Smith\u2019s: as I had not been there, since last Friday morning; and did not know when I came out of the house, that I should not return that day: they all said they thought I had been cast away; and could not find the way to their house. Received a letter from Mr. Brush, with, le mariage de Figaro. Went and spent an hour with Dr. Waterhouse, at his lodgings, and at about dusk, cross\u2019d the river, and went to spend this night and to-morrow, with my Cousin Cranch and my brother. It was near 8 o\u2019clock before I got to Cambridge. Weather quite cool. A fire very comfortable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0011-0030", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning at 7 o\u2019clock I cross\u2019d Charlestown ferry. At about 8 I got into a Chaise with a Mrs. Webster a lady, that I never saw but who has de grands talens pour le silence. We went through Cambridge, but the horse was so restless, that I could not get out to speak to my brother or Cousin. We stopp\u2019d and dined about 16 miles from Haverhill. Had an exceeding good Dinner, and at a very moderate charge, which I have seldom found in my own Country. It was about 6 in the evening when, we got to Haverhill; in the whole day, there was about the value of a quarter of an hour\u2019s conversation pass\u2019d between us. How much more agreeable would my journey have been, had I come with My Cousin. I was heartily glad when I got to my Uncle\u2019s house.\n       My Aunt was drinking Tea at Mrs. Payson\u2019s, and I went over there with Mr. Shaw. In the Evening I delivered Lucy Cranch\u2019s message, with the wedding Cake to Miss Hazen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0001", "content": "Title: Saturday October 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I have been arguing with myself, whether I had best continue my Journal, or break it off at present. The events for the future will probably be a continual repetition one of the other: and will contain nothing that even I myself may desire to Remember. But I have thought that I shall surely have often observations to make upon diverse subjects, which it may be proper to commit to Paper. And I can again employ the Resource of sketching Characters, which however imperfect, and however unlike they may be, yet will serve in future to remind me of the opinion I shall have formed, of the respective persons. My Journal till now has almost entirely consisted in an account of my peregrinations: with very few reflections or observations. My Plan will now be very different. Little narrative, and the most part of what I write will be observations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0002", "content": "Title: 2d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. In the evening I took a walk with Mr. Thaxter. Return\u2019d home early and wrote a Letter to Mr. Tyler. Mr. Shaw had a number of persons to spend the evening with him. Sunday evenings in this Country, the minister of the Parish, commonly has Company. To-morrow Mr. and Mrs. Shaw set out on a Journey for near three weeks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0003", "content": "Title: 3d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The Weather was so disagreeable in the morning, that my uncle, and Aunt were undetermined whether to set out, or wait till to\u2019morrow, but it cleared up, and at about 10 they went away. I this day began upon my Studies, and found it by no means an agreeable thing to learn grammar by heart. If I only read twice or thrice over a thing that pleases me, I can commonly retain it in my memory: but when there is nothing but words, my head seems determined not to receive them, and I am obliged to beat them into it. But it must be so, and it is quite useless to complain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0005", "content": "Title: 5th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Thaxter came and dined with us, to day, the first time he has been to see us, since Mr. Shaw went away. In the evening Miss Nancy had Company to Visit her. Mr. W. Osgood, who is said to be her very humble Servant, and something like a Mr. Hickman, to a Miss Howe. Mr. Caleb Blodget, who bears the same title, but if fame be true, with still less Success. I am afraid she either treats her admirers too well or too ill. Miss B. Duncan, Mr. Thaxter\u2019s reputed flame, she is in my opinion the greatest beauty in Haverhill: at least of the Ladies I have seen. Her hair alone is sufficient to justify the admiration of the ancients for golden locks. Her face is very pretty, and her eye sparkles with Vivacity, and good nature, without that wildness which indicates want of thought. She is as Fielding says, too tall for a pretty woman, and too short for a fine Woman: that is no one can wish her an inch taller or an inch lower. Her shape, is inferior to none I ever saw, and her taste in dress is elegant, with the utmost simplicity. If her mind is equal to her Person, I hope she is destined, to complete the happiness of a Person for whom I have the greatest Esteem and Affection. Her Sister Peggy was here too this evening, and Miss Debby Perkins, of whom I shall speak all in good time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0006", "content": "Title: 6th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Was invited to Drink tea at Judge Sargeants. But was obliged still to plead the excuse I have already mentioned. I say obliged, because, this is one of the families I would wish to be acquainted with the most. My Brother was gone all the afternoon after nuts. Just before dark I went out with the gun, for half an hour, but saw no game. Miss Nancy Spent part of the Evening at Judge Sargeants. The judge himself is now absent riding the Circuits, and is so more than 6 months in 12, but he is expected home soon. He has two Sons and five Daughters, One only of whom I have seen: her name is Tabitha. Quite a patriarchical name; and a Lady that pleases me mightily. She is uncommonly tall, for a woman, but well proportioned; her countenance is rather agreeable than handsome, and it has an appearance of prudence, and solidity, which I wish I could perceive in all the other young Ladies here. She behaves with a propriety which I think might serve as an example to others.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0007", "content": "Title: 7th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Last Evening Betsey Cranch arrived, and came this morning to see us. She came with Mr. Ben Blodget, the youngest of that family. She is to live at Mr. White\u2019s, at least a great part of the time she will stay in Haverhill. I cannot help wishing she was to spend more of the time in this House, for several Reasons.\n       I went down and spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his Office; He told me he thought B. Duncan, the girl of the most Reason, and good Sense in Haverhill: this was enough for a friend but not sufficient for a Lover. He spoke of several other girls in this Place, but not with the most favourable partiality. Dined at home, Miss Perkins favoured us with her Company. She is about as tall as Miss Duncan, and her shape is nearly as fine. Her face is perhaps as pretty, and her hair is more adapted to the taste of mankind at this day: but there is something in the other Lady\u2019s Eye, that window of the Soul, which must I think determine the generality of mankind in her favour. Miss Perkins, appears very young; I doubt whether she is yet seventeen: And she shows all the levity which commonly distinguishes girls at that time of Life. I would call her a Romp, but her pretty face forbids me to; I would say that she has too much of\n        The loud laugh, that speaks the vacant mind.\n       but, a pair of dangerous eyes, threaten me with Revenge, if I dare be guilty of such a crime.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0008", "content": "Title: 8th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Thaxter spent half an hour with us in the forenoon; after dinner my Brother and myself went gunning, from 3 o\u2019clock till dark. The only game to be found here, are Larks and Robins, and black birds: there were great numbers of them. We brought home 17 and should probably have had many more, had I been as good a marksman as my brother. At length the long expected trunks are come; and Mr. Peabody, to whose care they were addrest, says they have been here ever since, Tuesday, but he has not been able to find them out; I believe the plain fact is, he forgot to leave any body, to deliver them, in Case, they came, while he was at Boston, and since his return has not thought of them till now. I am however very glad to have them at last safe. One of the trunks was wet in the bottom: and the clothes in it were somewhat moist.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0009", "content": "Title: 10th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       At about 12 o\u2019clock, I went down to Mr. Thaxter\u2019s Office. And soon after I went with him, and paid a visit to Judge Sargeant, who return\u2019d last Friday. He and his Lady were, both of them very polite: and invited me to come often to their house. Mrs. Sargeant, has in her countenance, all that placid mildness, which so much becomes a Lady at that time of Life. If I mistake not, I also perceived in it, a small degree of Melancholy, which always strikes me, and makes a person more interesting to me. Dined at home. Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and Evening out, as indeed she always does. I intended to have gone down to Master White\u2019s; but a thunder shower came up a little before dark, and prevented me. It lasted about two hours, and the lightening was exceeding sharp, though, the Thunder was not hard. Mr. Ben Blodget came home with Nancy, but staid only a few minutes. I am apt to believe he is another admirer of her Charms, and I tell her she has the gantlet to run through that family. Indeed she seems to have ingrossed the attentions of almost every youth in Haverhill. The girl has surely something bewitching in her, for she treats them all very ill.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0010", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The weather begins to grow Cold: and the winter is advancing with hasty strides. In the afternoon I went down to Mr. White\u2019s, but they were all gone out: Went and spent half an hour at Mr. Blodget\u2019s, then return\u2019d home. I accompanied the inseparables Nancy, and Debby, to Judge Sargeants, where we remain\u2019d all the evening. Those two girls in particular, ate such a quantity of peaches, as astonished me. I should not have thought that five persons could devour so many in one Evening. From thence we went to see Miss Perkins home, and after staying there a quarter of an hour, retired to our Respective Stations. Mr. Osgood accompanied Miss Nancy home, and I Miss T. Sargeant, who spends a great part of her time with Mrs. Payson her Sister, who is in poor Health. I expect to hear to morrow that Miss Nancy cannot leave her Chamber. Oh! Prudence, what a charming virtue art thou! But how few are so happy as to possess thee!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0011", "content": "Title: 12th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       There were not those effects which I expected from last Night\u2019s frolic. Though Miss Nancy was not perfectly well to day. In the afternoon I went with her, down as far as Mr. Duncan\u2019s, left her there, and went myself down to Mr. White\u2019s. They all complain\u2019d of my not having been more to see them since I arrived here. They expect their Son home to-morrow. They have some thoughts of his going to London, in the first vessel, that sails; if he should be able to obtain Leave from the government of the College. The young Ladies are learning to play upon the harpsichord, and play\u2019d a number of tunes. This family is an exceeding agreeable one; Mrs. White appears to be exceedingly fond of her family, and to possess those virtues which in this Country are most peculiarly requisite, but which our young Ladies seem too fond of shaking off. In short I think our matrons in general, must strike an impartial person, in a more amiable light than most of our maiden toasts. A warm affection for her family, and an humane and benevolent heart for the rest of the world, are in my opinion a woman\u2019s greatest ornaments. Miss Peggy is about 20 years old, and is called a Beauty. Her face has a great deal of Dignity, perhaps a little Severity in it; but when adorn\u2019d with a smile is extremely pleasant. Last Winter, she was in a very unfortunate State of mind: a melancholy seiz\u2019d her, which greatly distress\u2019d her Parents; but she recovered in the Spring, and has since that time enjoyed a most uncommon flow of Spirits. When a scale is weigh\u2019d down on one side, it is extremely difficult to lighten it immediately just as much as is necessary to make the balance just; the danger is that the other side, should in its turn weigh down. Her brother Leonard is my Cousin Cranch\u2019s Chamber mate at College: and has studied with him these three years.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0013", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined this day at Judge Sargeants. Mr. Payson, his Son in Law, Mr. Thaxter, and my brother were there. The judge will set out to-morrow, to ride the Circuit again; the manner in which three quarters of his time are taken up. Spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his office, and he then went with me to our House, where we found a number of Ladies at tea. They soon after went away: as there were a number of Ladies and no gentlemen, I offer\u2019d to wait upon two of the Ladies, and had before the end of the evening reason to repent for my Complaisance. We first, all went down to Mr. Blodget\u2019s, and after staying there about a quarter of an hour, to Mr. Bartlets. We were there, 14 or 15 persons in a small Room, gazing at one another, and making I think as silly a figure, as was necessary. There we sat two long hours, and I was weary\u2019d to Death. However for one Comfort, I had a little dish of Scandal with Betsey Cranch, who was as much fatigued as I. At length we all return\u2019d to our Respective homes; for which I was not a Little thankful.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0014", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We had this day, two young Gentlemen, to dine with us. Mr. Saml. Brooks from the Academy, at Exeter, where they have at present a vacation for three weeks; and Sam: Walker, my brother Charles\u2019s Chum, at College: their vacancy will not begin till next Wednesday, but he has obtained leave to come home already. Leonard White too, was here in the afternoon. He came home on Wednesday, returned on Thursday to Boston, and came back last Evening. The Government of the University, would not give him leave of absence, so that he will not go to England at present. We had this afternoon some of the most extraordinary weather, I remember ever to have known. At about 3 o\u2019clock afternoon, the Clouds look\u2019d uncommonly yellow, and it grew so dark, that I could with difficulty read a small print: and although it was quite cold, it began to thunder. It call\u2019d to the memory of most persons, the famous dark day, which happened in 1780, but which was much more remarkable than this. It cleared up however in some measure before Sun set, and the weather in the Evening was not disagreeable.\n       N.B. Miss Nancy did not go out of the House, once during the whole course of this day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0015", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We had no minister to day, at our meeting house. Nancy went to the other in the forenoon, and Tommy in the afternoon. I stayd at home all day. Miss Hazen, has been very unwell, for some days past, and had this afternoon, one of her teeth drawn. I wish she could be persuaded to take care of them: The want of proper attention to the teeth, is an universal failing in this Country, and is very hurtful both to the beauty, and the Health of our Ladies.\n       Mr. Thaxter last night, promised to come, and dine with us to day, but, went over, to meeting at Bradford. I forgot last Sunday to mention, that we had Mr. Moody of Pelham, to preach here, and I attended forenoon, and afternoon. A very sober preacher, who made use of a vast Quantity of Quotations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0016", "content": "Title: 17th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       There happened a very considerable alteration in the weather, during the course of the last Night. Yesterday the weather was uncommonly warm, and has been to day very cold; more like winter than any we have yet had. In the afternoon, Leonard White came up, and waited upon Miss Nancy down to his father\u2019s house. I went soon after, and drank tea, there: Mrs. and Miss Williams the professor\u2019s Lady and Daughter, were there upon a visit. Miss Williams, is tall and pretty, that is all I can say, of her, after so transient a view: an intimate friend of Nancy\u2019s: they appear\u2019d both very much pleased to see one another. There was in the Evening considerable Company; who they were is easily guess\u2019d. At eight o\u2019clock I return\u2019d. Miss Hazen spent the remainder of the Evening at Mr. Duncan\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0017", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning I rose about half an hour before the Sun, and walk\u2019d two or three miles before breakfast. Spent half an hour, with Mr. Thaxter at his office. After breakfast went down to Mr. White\u2019s and there agreed with them in what manner to go to Newbury. Dined with them, and at about half after two, Mr. J: Duncan, set out with Miss White, I with my Cousin and Leonard, on horse back. We cross\u2019d the ferry about 3 miles off, and at about 5, we got to Newbury; we went to Mr. Dalton\u2019s, who was not then at home. We found it exceedingly cold on the road, and both Leonard, and I had forgot our Surtouts, for which we suffer\u2019d, and I dare say this Circumstance, will teach us more prudence another time, more effectually than a sermon would. Mr. Dalton return\u2019d to tea, and we spent the Evening there. His eldest Daughter, Ruth, is the fattest Person of her age I ever saw. Moderately speaking I suppose, her circumference equal to her height, and she is not short. She is but little turn\u2019d of 18 years. Mr. Dalton has three other Daughters, one of whom is unwell. I have not for a long while seen a family, that has struck me so agreeably, as this. Mr. Dalton, was my father\u2019s classmate at College, and has been his friend ever since. He is universally affable and polite, and unites to an high degree the gentleman with the scholar. His wife has something in her Countenance, which would authorize any one at first sight, to pronounce, her amiable and benovelent.\n        Of manners gentle, and affections mild.\n       The Children all seem to inherit, the soft, placid turn of mind which distinguishes both the parents. Who after seeing such a family, as this can relish the idle Pomp and Pageantry of a Court. He who could must have ideas of happiness, very different from mine.\n       We all slept, at Mr. Dalton\u2019s. Mr. Duncan, Leonard and I in one Chamber.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0019", "content": "Title: 20th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Spent the whole day at home. Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Duncan\u2019s. In the beginning of the Evening my uncle and Aunt arrived, although they were not expected before to-morrow. I am rejoyced at it, for the time they have been gone has appeared long to me, and somewhat dull. My Aunt brought me Letters from London, as two vessels have arrived. I have two from my Mother, which excite my curiosity to an high degree; and it cannot be gratified without those from my Sister, which I hope will come by the Post to morrow. I know not, that I was ever so impatient, and I cannot Reason myself out of it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0020", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Stormy weather all day. It is a very lucky circumstance, that Mr. and Mrs. Shaw return\u2019d yesterday, as they would have had a very disagreeable time to day. In the morning I went down to Mr. White\u2019s with the Chaise, for my Cousin, who came to spend the day, and will not return this Night, as the Storm rather increases than otherwise.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0021", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The weather has been all day, pretty much the same as it was yesterday, an high wind, with incessant rain. It begins however this evening to abate in some measure. My Cousin was troubled very much all this afternoon, with the Head-ache a Complaint she is much subject to. I have been struck with the contrast between the two young Ladies that are now under this Roof. Eliza, is about 21. Her complexion is dark, and her face, though not beautiful, has a sweetness, and benign candour in it, which my gothic taste prefers vastly, to that insipid thing called beauty. Her eye expresses the exquisite Sensibility of her heart. Perhaps this is too great for her own happiness, but although I think that feeling so keenly for the distress of others, may be productive of pains without which a person would be happier, yet I believe that this quality, (especially in a Lady) is the most amiable of all those in the human heart. Her imagination has much vivacity, but has not been spoilt by unmeaning novels, or immoral plays. She is fond of reading, but of that reading which tends to cultivate, and improve, as well as to entertain and delight the mind, and she knows how to improve what she reads. Her affability and good nature, endear her to those who are acquainted with her, and must always be pleasing to a Stranger. This would be thought a panegyric, not a Character, by any person unacquainted with her, but I shall not be accused of partiality by those, who have an opportunity of examining into the truth of it.\n       Nancy, is only 17. She had the misfortune of losing her Father, while she was very young indeed. She is not a regular beauty, but has one of the most expressive Countenances, I have ever seen; her shape is uncommonly fine, and her eye seems to have magic in it. She boarded, for a considerable time with Mrs. Sheaffe in Boston, and there, had a great number of admirers, when she was too young to distinguish between the sincere friend, and the pretended Lover. She acquired unawares a fondness for being admired, which I am mistaken if she has entirely thrown off. By seeing a great deal of Company, she has been brought to believe she cannot be contented at home, and to desire to shine in a large circle. She asserts in the most positive manner that her heart is entirely free from any engagement, yet she suffers the world to suppose, and to publish that she is upon the point of being connected with a gentleman in this place, and I am perswaded it would give her pain, was he to pay his addresses to any other Lady. Yet her heart is kind, tender and benevolent; and was she sensible of the pain she causes, she would be the first to condemn herself. She will listen with attention to advice, and hear her conduct censur\u2019d without being offended. With a large share of wit, she has an inexhaustible fund of good Nature; she has an uncommon flow of Spirits, but can be properly serious if an occasion requires. She reads much, but I fear not with so much advantage, as she would, had she not been drawn so young into the stream of Dissipation. When time shall convince her, of those errors, which she has unavoidably fallen into, she will I am perswaded free herself from them, and then she will be an honour and an ornament to her sex.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0022", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. After tea, I went down with my Cousin to Mr. White\u2019s. We met Leonard at the door; he was just coming up to my uncle\u2019s, but went back when we got there. Staid but a few minutes there, and when I return\u2019d found Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Redington there: the Storm subsided in the Course of the last night, but the weather to day has been hazy, and disagreeable. I never saw in Europe, saw it Storm and reign 48 hours at a time, with incessant violence. It is however not uncommon in this Country: especially at this Season of the year.\n       The river is exceeding high, and will probably rise much higher still, in the Course of a day or two. There was yesterday a man belonging to this town, drown\u2019d between here and Newbury.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0024", "content": "Title: 25th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The river begins at length to fall, but rose, continually, till this morning; and was much higher than it ever was before. A shop on the banks, was yesterday carried off, run a foul, of a vessel on the stocks, and dismounted her. Much damage has been done by this uncommon freshet.\n       I this day concluded the greek Grammar, for which I am heartily thankful. I shall immediately begin upon the Greek testament.\n       This afternoon, Lucy, and Billy Cranch, and my brother Charles, arrived here. There is a vacancy now at the University, for a fortnight, and my brother will spend the remainder of it here. My Cousins stopp\u2019d at Mr. White\u2019s, and I went down there to meet them. We soon return\u2019d back all together, and spent the evening. I had not been with both my brothers together, these six years. The meeting was a very happy one; it made me wish for another. Miss Nancy went out yesterday morning to spend the week.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0026", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning Miss Nancy return\u2019d, upon hearing Lucy Cranch, was here, as they are very intimate together; not from a similarity of character however, for Lucy, has still more gravity and seriousness in her disposition, than her Sister. Every person I believe has, in some measure, a double Character; the one implanted by nature, and the other form\u2019d by education. A Character naturally vicious, may by proper training, be led in the right path, and a mind originally excellent, may be injured, by an erroneous method of raising it. How fortunate are those, who enjoy both the blessings! and I know of nobody who has them to a greater degree, than both of my Cousins. They have been taught to admire, and to know, what is useful, and durable, and not to spend three quarters of their time thinking, how they shall do, to be stared at the fourth. Mr. Thaxter and Leonard White dined with us; in the afternoon, Mr. Shaw, and the Ladies went down and drank tea at Doctor Saltonstall\u2019s. We went out on a gunning party, but had not, any great success. Spent part of the evening at Mr. White\u2019s, and part, at Mr. Duncan\u2019s, where I had not yet been. Felt very dull all the evening, owing to a number of circumstances. Mr. Duncan supped here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0027", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       This morning My two Cousins left us, to return to Braintree, at about 9. Nancy, and Cousin Betsey, went down to Mr. White\u2019s; So that our house was very considerably thinn\u2019d. Mrs. Shaw spent the afternoon out. In the Evening Charles and myself went and stayd an hour at Mr. Duncan\u2019s. Found Mr. Thaxter there. The weather is uncommonly mild for the Season; I was obliged to make a fire last Fall, in France, by the middle of this month, and I have, not as yet felt the necessity of one, here, although the Season is further advanced and the winters are colder, than there.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012-0029", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended the meeting forenoon and afternoon; in the morning Cousin Betsey came, here, and spent the day with us. I return\u2019d with her after tea, and found nobody at home, at Mr. White\u2019s. Nancy and Charles went in the afternoon to the other meeting-house. Mr. Smith, after an absence of near two months, return\u2019d home, a day or two since. Mr. Hunt spent the evening here; a gentleman from Boston, who it is said comes to take one of the ladies from Haverhill. Miss Becca White is the person; Common fame, gives to Mr. J: Duncan the title of his rival; But common fame, is so fond of making matches, that there is no knowing how to depend upon it.\n       Rain in the Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0012", "content": "Title: [October 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Saturday October 1st. 1785.\n       I have been arguing with myself, whether I had best continue my Journal, or break it off at present. The events for the future will probably be a continual repetition one of the other: and will contain nothing that even I myself may desire to Remember. But I have thought that I shall surely have often observations to make upon diverse subjects, which it may be proper to commit to Paper. And I can again employ the Resource of sketching Characters, which however imperfect, and however unlike they may be, yet will serve in future to remind me of the opinion I shall have formed, of the respective persons. My Journal till now has almost entirely consisted in an account of my peregrinations: with very few reflections or observations. My Plan will now be very different. Little narrative, and the most part of what I write will be observations.\n       Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. In the evening I took a walk with Mr. Thaxter. Return\u2019d home early and wrote a Letter to Mr. Tyler. Mr. Shaw had a number of persons to spend the evening with him. Sunday evenings in this Country, the minister of the Parish, commonly has Company. To-morrow Mr. and Mrs. Shaw set out on a Journey for near three weeks.\n   Letter not found.\n       The Weather was so disagreeable in the morning, that my uncle, and Aunt were undetermined whether to set out, or wait till to\u2019morrow, but it cleared up, and at about 10 they went away. I this day began upon my Studies, and found it by no means an agreeable thing to learn grammar by heart. If I only read twice or thrice over a thing that pleases me, I can commonly retain it in my memory: but when there is nothing but words, my head seems determined not to receive them, and I am obliged to beat them into it. But it must be so, and it is quite useless to complain.\n       I began this day to translate the Eclogues of Virgil. What a difference between this Study, and that of a dry barren greek Grammar. But without sowing the grain there certainly can be no harvest, and there is no Rose, without a thorn. I have been invited to several places, but as yet have had to plead, as an excuse, that my trunks are not come, and I have no Clothes to appear decently in. Although I am much in want of my trunks, yet I should be glad if I could make the excuse serve, longer, than I shall be able to: for I feel every day the desire of forming new Acquaintances, diminishing. I have been for these eight years continually changing my Society: as soon as I have been able to distinguish good Characters from bad, and have obtained any friends, I could have any Confidence in, I have been obliged to leave them, probably never to see them more. My heart instead of growing callous by a frequent repetition of the same pain, seem\u2019d to feel every seperation more than, any of the former ones. I am really weary of this wandering, strolling kind of Life, and now I wish to form few new acquaintances, have few friends, but such as I may\n        Grapple to my heart with hooks of steel.\n   JQA\u2019s translation of Virgil\u2019s Eclogues, mentioned here, is undoubtedly the undated MS, M/JQA/43 (Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 238), which contains only the first four eclogues. Two years earlier he had copied all ten of the eclogues in Latin, each (except the last) followed by Dryden\u2019s English translation (4 vols., London, 1782, at MQA). The Latin text used here is uncertain; JQA had bought the Brindley edition, London, 1744 (at MQA), in Paris on 11 March 1785, but there were at least two other editions of Virgil\u2019s works previously purchased by JQA, now also at MQA, which may have been in his possession at this time ([Christian Lotter], Inventory of JQA\u2019s books, 6 Nov. 1784, Adams Papers).\n   \u201dGrapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,\u201d Hamlet, Act I, scene iii, line 63.\n       Mr. Thaxter came and dined with us, to day, the first time he has been to see us, since Mr. Shaw went away. In the evening Miss Nancy had Company to Visit her. Mr. W. Osgood, who is said to be her very humble Servant, and something like a Mr. Hickman, to a Miss Howe. Mr. Caleb Blodget, who bears the same title, but if fame be true, with still less Success. I am afraid she either treats her admirers too well or too ill. Miss B. Duncan, Mr. Thaxter\u2019s reputed flame, she is in my opinion the greatest beauty in Haverhill: at least of the Ladies I have seen. Her hair alone is sufficient to justify the admiration of the ancients for golden locks. Her face is very pretty, and her eye sparkles with Vivacity, and good nature, without that wildness which indicates want of thought. She is as Fielding says, too tall for a pretty woman, and too short for a fine Woman: that is no one can wish her an inch taller or an inch lower. Her shape, is inferior to none I ever saw, and her taste in dress is elegant, with the utmost simplicity. If her mind is equal to her Person, I hope she is destined, to complete the happiness of a Person for whom I have the greatest Esteem and Affection. Her Sister Peggy was here too this evening, and Miss Debby Perkins, of whom I shall speak all in good time.\n   Hickman and Howe are characters in Samuel Richardson\u2019s Clarissa Harlowe.\n       Was invited to Drink tea at Judge Sargeants. But was obliged still to plead the excuse I have already mentioned. I say obliged, because, this is one of the families I would wish to be acquainted with the most. My Brother was gone all the afternoon after nuts. Just before dark I went out with the gun, for half an hour, but saw no game. Miss Nancy Spent part of the Evening at Judge Sargeants. The judge himself is now absent riding the Circuits, and is so more than 6 months in 12, but he is expected home soon. He has two Sons and five Daughters, One only of whom I have seen: her name is Tabitha. Quite a patriarchical name; and a Lady that pleases me mightily. She is uncommonly tall, for a woman, but well proportioned; her countenance is rather agreeable than handsome, and it has an appearance of prudence, and solidity, which I wish I could perceive in all the other young Ladies here. She behaves with a propriety which I think might serve as an example to others.\n   Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant, justice of the Supreme Judicial Court (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 12:574\u2013580).\n       Last Evening Betsey Cranch arrived, and came this morning to see us. She came with Mr. Ben Blodget, the youngest of that family. She is to live at Mr. White\u2019s, at least a great part of the time she will stay in Haverhill. I cannot help wishing she was to spend more of the time in this House, for several Reasons.\n       I went down and spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his Office; He told me he thought B. Duncan, the girl of the most Reason, and good Sense in Haverhill: this was enough for a friend but not sufficient for a Lover. He spoke of several other girls in this Place, but not with the most favourable partiality. Dined at home, Miss Perkins favoured us with her Company. She is about as tall as Miss Duncan, and her shape is nearly as fine. Her face is perhaps as pretty, and her hair is more adapted to the taste of mankind at this day: but there is something in the other Lady\u2019s Eye, that window of the Soul, which must I think determine the generality of mankind in her favour. Miss Perkins, appears very young; I doubt whether she is yet seventeen: And she shows all the levity which commonly distinguishes girls at that time of Life. I would call her a Romp, but her pretty face forbids me to; I would say that she has too much of\n        The loud laugh, that speaks the vacant mind.\n       but, a pair of dangerous eyes, threaten me with Revenge, if I dare be guilty of such a crime.\n   Oliver Goldsmith, \u201cThe Deserted Village\u201d [line 122] (Poems, Plays and Essays . . ., Boston, 1854, p. 90).\n       Mr. Thaxter spent half an hour with us in the forenoon; after dinner my Brother and myself went gunning, from 3 o\u2019clock till dark. The only game to be found here, are Larks and Robins, and black birds: there were great numbers of them. We brought home 17 and should probably have had many more, had I been as good a marksman as my brother. At length the long expected trunks are come; and Mr. Peabody, to whose care they were addrest, says they have been here ever since, Tuesday, but he has not been able to find them out; I believe the plain fact is, he forgot to leave any body, to deliver them, in Case, they came, while he was at Boston, and since his return has not thought of them till now. I am however very glad to have them at last safe. One of the trunks was wet in the bottom: and the clothes in it were somewhat moist.\n       At about 12 o\u2019clock, I went down to Mr. Thaxter\u2019s Office. And soon after I went with him, and paid a visit to Judge Sargeant, who return\u2019d last Friday. He and his Lady were, both of them very polite: and invited me to come often to their house. Mrs. Sargeant, has in her countenance, all that placid mildness, which so much becomes a Lady at that time of Life. If I mistake not, I also perceived in it, a small degree of Melancholy, which always strikes me, and makes a person more interesting to me. Dined at home. Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and Evening out, as indeed she always does. I intended to have gone down to Master White\u2019s; but a thunder shower came up a little before dark, and prevented me. It lasted about two hours, and the lightening was exceeding sharp, though, the Thunder was not hard. Mr. Ben Blodget came home with Nancy, but staid only a few minutes. I am apt to believe he is another admirer of her Charms, and I tell her she has the gantlet to run through that family. Indeed she seems to have ingrossed the attentions of almost every youth in Haverhill. The girl has surely something bewitching in her, for she treats them all very ill.\n   In the MS, \u201c10th\u201d appears to be marked over \u201c9th\u201d; JQA\u2019s letter to AA2, 1\u201322 Oct. (Adams Papers), under the part written on 12 Oct., confirms the former date.\n   Mary Pickering Leavitt Sargeant, sister of Timothy Pickering, who was later secretary of state, and mother of Mrs. Sarah Leavitt White Payson, also of Haverhill (Harrison Ellery and Charles Pickering Bowditch, The Pickering Genealogy: Being An Account of the . . . Pickering Family of Salem, Mass. . . ., 3 vols., Cambridge, 1897, 1:112\u2013118, 133).\n       The weather begins to grow Cold: and the winter is advancing with hasty strides. In the afternoon I went down to Mr. White\u2019s, but they were all gone out: Went and spent half an hour at Mr. Blodget\u2019s, then return\u2019d home. I accompanied the inseparables Nancy, and Debby, to Judge Sargeants, where we remain\u2019d all the evening. Those two girls in particular, ate such a quantity of peaches, as astonished me. I should not have thought that five persons could devour so many in one Evening. From thence we went to see Miss Perkins home, and after staying there a quarter of an hour, retired to our Respective Stations. Mr. Osgood accompanied Miss Nancy home, and I Miss T. Sargeant, who spends a great part of her time with Mrs. Payson her Sister, who is in poor Health. I expect to hear to morrow that Miss Nancy cannot leave her Chamber. Oh! Prudence, what a charming virtue art thou! But how few are so happy as to possess thee!\n       There were not those effects which I expected from last Night\u2019s frolic. Though Miss Nancy was not perfectly well to day. In the afternoon I went with her, down as far as Mr. Duncan\u2019s, left her there, and went myself down to Mr. White\u2019s. They all complain\u2019d of my not having been more to see them since I arrived here. They expect their Son home to-morrow. They have some thoughts of his going to London, in the first vessel, that sails; if he should be able to obtain Leave from the government of the College. The young Ladies are learning to play upon the harpsichord, and play\u2019d a number of tunes. This family is an exceeding agreeable one; Mrs. White appears to be exceedingly fond of her family, and to possess those virtues which in this Country are most peculiarly requisite, but which our young Ladies seem too fond of shaking off. In short I think our matrons in general, must strike an impartial person, in a more amiable light than most of our maiden toasts. A warm affection for her family, and an humane and benevolent heart for the rest of the world, are in my opinion a woman\u2019s greatest ornaments. Miss Peggy is about 20 years old, and is called a Beauty. Her face has a great deal of Dignity, perhaps a little Severity in it; but when adorn\u2019d with a smile is extremely pleasant. Last Winter, she was in a very unfortunate State of mind: a melancholy seiz\u2019d her, which greatly distress\u2019d her Parents; but she recovered in the Spring, and has since that time enjoyed a most uncommon flow of Spirits. When a scale is weigh\u2019d down on one side, it is extremely difficult to lighten it immediately just as much as is necessary to make the balance just; the danger is that the other side, should in its turn weigh down. Her brother Leonard is my Cousin Cranch\u2019s Chamber mate at College: and has studied with him these three years.\n   Leonard White, who became one of JQA\u2019s most intimate friends in Haverhill and later at Cambridge, where they were classmates. White held numerous public offices in Haverhill throughout his life and served a term as representative in the state legislature in 1809 and as a member of the congress, 1811\u20131813. After his return from Washington, he became cashier of the Merrimack Bank of Haverhill from 1814 to 1836 (Essex Antiquarian, 11:37 [Jan. 1907]; Biog. Dir. Cong.Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, Washington, 1950.).\n       Miss Nancy, My Brother and myself dined with Mr. Dodge, to day: Mr. Thaxter was there. He went two or three days ago to Newbury and return\u2019d last night. Mr. Dodge is a person of extensive reading, and is fond of enquiring, which is always very agreeable to a traveller. In the afternoon I went with Mr. Thaxter to Mr. Osgood\u2019s Store, and afterwards to his own office. We return\u2019d and drank tea at Mr. Dodge\u2019s: after that return\u2019d home: Miss Hazen spent the Evening out. Cold weather.\n   Isaac Osgood, a Haverhill merchant in West Indian goods and the London trade (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 11:472\u2013473).\n       Dined this day at Judge Sargeants. Mr. Payson, his Son in Law, Mr. Thaxter, and my brother were there. The judge will set out to-morrow, to ride the Circuit again; the manner in which three quarters of his time are taken up. Spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his office, and he then went with me to our House, where we found a number of Ladies at tea. They soon after went away: as there were a number of Ladies and no gentlemen, I offer\u2019d to wait upon two of the Ladies, and had before the end of the evening reason to repent for my Complaisance. We first, all went down to Mr. Blodget\u2019s, and after staying there about a quarter of an hour, to Mr. Bartlets. We were there, 14 or 15 persons in a small Room, gazing at one another, and making I think as silly a figure, as was necessary. There we sat two long hours, and I was weary\u2019d to Death. However for one Comfort, I had a little dish of Scandal with Betsey Cranch, who was as much fatigued as I. At length we all return\u2019d to our Respective homes; for which I was not a Little thankful.\n       We had this day, two young Gentlemen, to dine with us. Mr. Saml. Brooks from the Academy, at Exeter, where they have at present a vacation for three weeks; and Sam: Walker, my brother Charles\u2019s Chum, at College: their vacancy will not begin till next Wednesday, but he has obtained leave to come home already. Leonard White too, was here in the afternoon. He came home on Wednesday, returned on Thursday to Boston, and came back last Evening. The Government of the University, would not give him leave of absence, so that he will not go to England at present. We had this afternoon some of the most extraordinary weather, I remember ever to have known. At about 3 o\u2019clock afternoon, the Clouds look\u2019d uncommonly yellow, and it grew so dark, that I could with difficulty read a small print: and although it was quite cold, it began to thunder. It call\u2019d to the memory of most persons, the famous dark day, which happened in 1780, but which was much more remarkable than this. It cleared up however in some measure before Sun set, and the weather in the Evening was not disagreeable.\n       N.B. Miss Nancy did not go out of the House, once during the whole course of this day.\n   For accounts of the \u201cdark day,\u201d see Adams Family CorrespondenceAdams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- ., 3:355\u2013356, 386\u2013388.\n       We had no minister to day, at our meeting house. Nancy went to the other in the forenoon, and Tommy in the afternoon. I stayd at home all day. Miss Hazen, has been very unwell, for some days past, and had this afternoon, one of her teeth drawn. I wish she could be persuaded to take care of them: The want of proper attention to the teeth, is an universal failing in this Country, and is very hurtful both to the beauty, and the Health of our Ladies.\n       Mr. Thaxter last night, promised to come, and dine with us to day, but, went over, to meeting at Bradford. I forgot last Sunday to mention, that we had Mr. Moody of Pelham, to preach here, and I attended forenoon, and afternoon. A very sober preacher, who made use of a vast Quantity of Quotations.\n       There happened a very considerable alteration in the weather, during the course of the last Night. Yesterday the weather was uncommonly warm, and has been to day very cold; more like winter than any we have yet had. In the afternoon, Leonard White came up, and waited upon Miss Nancy down to his father\u2019s house. I went soon after, and drank tea, there: Mrs. and Miss Williams the professor\u2019s Lady and Daughter, were there upon a visit. Miss Williams, is tall and pretty, that is all I can say, of her, after so transient a view: an intimate friend of Nancy\u2019s: they appear\u2019d both very much pleased to see one another. There was in the Evening considerable Company; who they were is easily guess\u2019d. At eight o\u2019clock I return\u2019d. Miss Hazen spent the remainder of the Evening at Mr. Duncan\u2019s.\n   Jane Kilbourn Williams and Jane, the wife and daughter of Prof. Samuel Williams, Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Natural and Experimental Philosophy, 1780\u20131788 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 15:134\u2013146).\n       This morning I rose about half an hour before the Sun, and walk\u2019d two or three miles before breakfast. Spent half an hour, with Mr. Thaxter at his office. After breakfast went down to Mr. White\u2019s and there agreed with them in what manner to go to Newbury. Dined with them, and at about half after two, Mr. J: Duncan, set out with Miss White, I with my Cousin and Leonard, on horse back. We cross\u2019d the ferry about 3 miles off, and at about 5, we got to Newbury; we went to Mr. Dalton\u2019s, who was not then at home. We found it exceedingly cold on the road, and both Leonard, and I had forgot our Surtouts, for which we suffer\u2019d, and I dare say this Circumstance, will teach us more prudence another time, more effectually than a sermon would. Mr. Dalton return\u2019d to tea, and we spent the Evening there. His eldest Daughter, Ruth, is the fattest Person of her age I ever saw. Moderately speaking I suppose, her circumference equal to her height, and she is not short. She is but little turn\u2019d of 18 years. Mr. Dalton has three other Daughters, one of whom is unwell. I have not for a long while seen a family, that has struck me so agreeably, as this. Mr. Dalton, was my father\u2019s classmate at College, and has been his friend ever since. He is universally affable and polite, and unites to an high degree the gentleman with the scholar. His wife has something in her Countenance, which would authorize any one at first sight, to pronounce, her amiable and benovelent.\n        Of manners gentle, and affections mild.\n       The Children all seem to inherit, the soft, placid turn of mind which distinguishes both the parents. Who after seeing such a family, as this can relish the idle Pomp and Pageantry of a Court. He who could must have ideas of happiness, very different from mine.\n       We all slept, at Mr. Dalton\u2019s. Mr. Duncan, Leonard and I in one Chamber.\n   James Duncan Jr., son of the Haverhill merchant and brother of Betsy (James Duncan Phillips, \u201cJames Duncan and Son: Merchants, Capitalists, and Chain Store Operators,\u201d Essex Inst., Hist. Colls.Essex Institute Historical Collections., 89:51 [Jan. 1953]).\n   Tristram Dalton, a Newburyport merchant and member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 1782\u20131788, later served briefly as a U.S. senator. Dalton and JA corresponded over many years (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 13:569\u2013578; JA, Earliest DiaryThe Earliest Diary of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1966., p. 67\u201368).\n       We went out between 9 and 10 this morning, in order to take, a walk, and look at the troops, for this day there happened to be a regimental muster here, and training day for the militia. When we went out we had no idea of being gone more than an hour, but it was near two before we return\u2019d. 10 Companies from Newbury, march\u2019d about two miles out, and met 7 others from Almesbury Amesbury. There were in all, I imagine about a thousand men under arms. All the officers and the artillery Company composed of 39 men, were in a dark blue uniform, faced with scarlet: the troops were not in any uniform. They paraded tolerably well, all things consider\u2019d, though it would take I imagine considerable time to make Prussian troops of them. The Coll. Lieutt. Coll. and Adjudant were on white horses. There was none of the officers that appeared so much to advantage as the adjutant, a joiner by trade, named Herriman. Many officers who have from their childhood brought up in regular armies, would not appear more graceful or show more dignity at a parade, than this person did. Some men whatever their Station in Life may be, have a natural grace and elegance, which never leave them; others though possess\u2019d of the highest advantages, and train\u2019d from their Infancy to the Science of politeness, can never acquire that easy agreeable manner which has so great a tendency:\n        To make men happy and to keep them so.\n       When the two parties had join\u2019d after a short pause, they march\u2019d all together back into the town, and we left them. We dined at Mr. Dalton\u2019s, but he was so unwell, that he could not favour us with his Company. He caught yesterday a bad cold, at New town, a seat which he owns, about half way between this and Haverhill. Mr. Symmes dined with us, a young Gentleman, whose manners are very easy and agreeable. At about 4. we proceeded in the order we went yesterday, to return home; we got to Mr. White\u2019s house, just before dark. I came from the ferry on horseback. Spent the Evening very agreeably, there, and return\u2019d home, at about 9 o\u2019clock. Found Mr. Thaxter there, but he soon after went away.\n   Horace, Epistles, Bk. I, Ep. vi, line 2 (Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, transl. FaircloughHorace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica with an English Translation, by H. Rushton Fairclough, Cambridge, 1947., p. 286, 287).\n   William Symmes, an Andover lawyer and son of Rev. William Symmes (John Adams Vinton, The Symmes Memorial. A Biographical Sketch of Rev. Zechariah Symmes . . . with a Genealogy and Brief Memoirs of Some of His Descendants . . ., Boston, 1873, p. 59\u201361).\n       Spent the whole day at home. Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Duncan\u2019s. In the beginning of the Evening my uncle and Aunt arrived, although they were not expected before to-morrow. I am rejoyced at it, for the time they have been gone has appeared long to me, and somewhat dull. My Aunt brought me Letters from London, as two vessels have arrived. I have two from my Mother, which excite my curiosity to an high degree; and it cannot be gratified without those from my Sister, which I hope will come by the Post to morrow. I know not, that I was ever so impatient, and I cannot Reason myself out of it.\n   AA to JQA, 11, 23 Aug.; also received was one from William Vans Murray to JQA, 2 Aug., all in Adams Papers (JQA to AA2, 1\u201322 Oct., Adams Papers). JQA knew some decision had been made about Royall Tyler, but not yet exactly what. In the first of AA\u2019s letters to her son, she wrote that he would be surprised by the contents of some of the letters arriving in packets, but added that \u201cat the same time you will approve the wise conduct of the writer [AA2] who has shewn a firmness of mind and prudence which do her honour. Be Silent! We are all rejoiced because it came of her own accord free and unsolicited from her, and was the result I believe of many Months anxiety as you were witness.\u201d For AA2\u2019s letter, which was being concluded as AA wrote, see entry for 29 Oct. (below). AA2 wrote a one-sentence letter to Tyler breaking the engagement, returning his miniature and letters, and asking that he give hers to Richard Cranch (JA, Earliest DiaryThe Earliest Diary of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1966., p. 27).\n       Stormy weather all day. It is a very lucky circumstance, that Mr. and Mrs. Shaw return\u2019d yesterday, as they would have had a very disagreeable time to day. In the morning I went down to Mr. White\u2019s with the Chaise, for my Cousin, who came to spend the day, and will not return this Night, as the Storm rather increases than otherwise.\n       The weather has been all day, pretty much the same as it was yesterday, an high wind, with incessant rain. It begins however this evening to abate in some measure. My Cousin was troubled very much all this afternoon, with the Head-ache a Complaint she is much subject to. I have been struck with the contrast between the two young Ladies that are now under this Roof. Eliza, is about 21. Her complexion is dark, and her face, though not beautiful, has a sweetness, and benign candour in it, which my gothic taste prefers vastly, to that insipid thing called beauty. Her eye expresses the exquisite Sensibility of her heart. Perhaps this is too great for her own happiness, but although I think that feeling so keenly for the distress of others, may be productive of pains without which a person would be happier, yet I believe that this quality, (especially in a Lady) is the most amiable of all those in the human heart. Her imagination has much vivacity, but has not been spoilt by unmeaning novels, or immoral plays. She is fond of reading, but of that reading which tends to cultivate, and improve, as well as to entertain and delight the mind, and she knows how to improve what she reads. Her affability and good nature, endear her to those who are acquainted with her, and must always be pleasing to a Stranger. This would be thought a panegyric, not a Character, by any person unacquainted with her, but I shall not be accused of partiality by those, who have an opportunity of examining into the truth of it.\n       Nancy, is only 17. She had the misfortune of losing her Father, while she was very young indeed. She is not a regular beauty, but has one of the most expressive Countenances, I have ever seen; her shape is uncommonly fine, and her eye seems to have magic in it. She boarded, for a considerable time with Mrs. Sheaffe in Boston, and there, had a great number of admirers, when she was too young to distinguish between the sincere friend, and the pretended Lover. She acquired unawares a fondness for being admired, which I am mistaken if she has entirely thrown off. By seeing a great deal of Company, she has been brought to believe she cannot be contented at home, and to desire to shine in a large circle. She asserts in the most positive manner that her heart is entirely free from any engagement, yet she suffers the world to suppose, and to publish that she is upon the point of being connected with a gentleman in this place, and I am perswaded it would give her pain, was he to pay his addresses to any other Lady. Yet her heart is kind, tender and benevolent; and was she sensible of the pain she causes, she would be the first to condemn herself. She will listen with attention to advice, and hear her conduct censur\u2019d without being offended. With a large share of wit, she has an inexhaustible fund of good Nature; she has an uncommon flow of Spirits, but can be properly serious if an occasion requires. She reads much, but I fear not with so much advantage, as she would, had she not been drawn so young into the stream of Dissipation. When time shall convince her, of those errors, which she has unavoidably fallen into, she will I am perswaded free herself from them, and then she will be an honour and an ornament to her sex.\n       Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. After tea, I went down with my Cousin to Mr. White\u2019s. We met Leonard at the door; he was just coming up to my uncle\u2019s, but went back when we got there. Staid but a few minutes there, and when I return\u2019d found Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Redington there: the Storm subsided in the Course of the last night, but the weather to day has been hazy, and disagreeable. I never saw in Europe, saw it Storm and reign 48 hours at a time, with incessant violence. It is however not uncommon in this Country: especially at this Season of the year.\n       The river is exceeding high, and will probably rise much higher still, in the Course of a day or two. There was yesterday a man belonging to this town, drown\u2019d between here and Newbury.\n       The river has risen higher than was ever known, Insomuch that the great Street is in many places full of water. I have been twice down to day to see it. The Current is very swift, and wafts down a greater number of stumps of trees, and logs of wood. There are a number of boats continually going out, and bringing back this wood. If the piece is not mark\u2019d it is entirely the perquisite of the Person who gets it. If there is a mark on it, only one quarter belongs to the finder. Many People up in the Country send down trees in this manner, to have boards made here. One quarter is deducted for the recoverer of the log, and one quarter for the miller who saws it so that one half remains for the original possessor. This is the cheapest way of sending, the trees, but great numbers, pass by without being caught, and are carried out to sea. This afternoon, there was another man drown\u2019d near here.\n       Went and spent an hour at Mr. White\u2019s. The more I see of this family the more I am pleased with it. It would inspire a Courtier with fondness for domestic happiness. They are at present uneasy because Mrs. White is very unwell: we did not see her. We left Betsey and Peggy Duncan there and Mr. Thaxter, at about 7 and return\u2019d home. The Weather has been chilly the greatest part of the day, but grew very warm in the Evening. At about 11. at night there was a thunder shower, with a great deal of hail, but the thunder was not heavy.\n       The river begins at length to fall, but rose, continually, till this morning; and was much higher than it ever was before. A shop on the banks, was yesterday carried off, run a foul, of a vessel on the stocks, and dismounted her. Much damage has been done by this uncommon freshet.\n       I this day concluded the greek Grammar, for which I am heartily thankful. I shall immediately begin upon the Greek testament.\n       This afternoon, Lucy, and Billy Cranch, and my brother Charles, arrived here. There is a vacancy now at the University, for a fortnight, and my brother will spend the remainder of it here. My Cousins stopp\u2019d at Mr. White\u2019s, and I went down there to meet them. We soon return\u2019d back all together, and spent the evening. I had not been with both my brothers together, these six years. The meeting was a very happy one; it made me wish for another. Miss Nancy went out yesterday morning to spend the week.\n       I was greatly disappointed to find, that neither of my Cousins nor my brother had any Letters for me from Europe. Surely my Sister did not let both opportunities slip. I began to day upon the Testament but shall not I fear proceed far this week. Company in the afternoon to drink tea.\n       This morning Miss Nancy return\u2019d, upon hearing Lucy Cranch, was here, as they are very intimate together; not from a similarity of character however, for Lucy, has still more gravity and seriousness in her disposition, than her Sister. Every person I believe has, in some measure, a double Character; the one implanted by nature, and the other form\u2019d by education. A Character naturally vicious, may by proper training, be led in the right path, and a mind originally excellent, may be injured, by an erroneous method of raising it. How fortunate are those, who enjoy both the blessings! and I know of nobody who has them to a greater degree, than both of my Cousins. They have been taught to admire, and to know, what is useful, and durable, and not to spend three quarters of their time thinking, how they shall do, to be stared at the fourth. Mr. Thaxter and Leonard White dined with us; in the afternoon, Mr. Shaw, and the Ladies went down and drank tea at Doctor Saltonstall\u2019s. We went out on a gunning party, but had not, any great success. Spent part of the evening at Mr. White\u2019s, and part, at Mr. Duncan\u2019s, where I had not yet been. Felt very dull all the evening, owing to a number of circumstances. Mr. Duncan supped here.\n       This morning My two Cousins left us, to return to Braintree, at about 9. Nancy, and Cousin Betsey, went down to Mr. White\u2019s; So that our house was very considerably thinn\u2019d. Mrs. Shaw spent the afternoon out. In the Evening Charles and myself went and stayd an hour at Mr. Duncan\u2019s. Found Mr. Thaxter there. The weather is uncommonly mild for the Season; I was obliged to make a fire last Fall, in France, by the middle of this month, and I have, not as yet felt the necessity of one, here, although the Season is further advanced and the winters are colder, than there.\n       I began to give over all hopes of receiving any Letters from my Sister by the last Vessels, but this morning while we were at Breakfast A large packet came in from Boston; inclosing me a very long Letter, with the account untill the 15th. of August. The pleasure I received was enhanced, by having it when it was unexpected. But it has not satisfied me, upon one subject, which gives me still a great deal of anxiety. Doubts, hopes, and fears alternately rise in my Breast, and I know not what to Conclude. The subject is of great importance to me, as it regards the happiness of a Sister, for whom I have the tenderest and sincerest affection. Between 12 and 1 I went down to Mr. White\u2019s, and read my Letter to the Ladies. Stay\u2019d and dined there. Spent part of the afternoon with Mr. Thaxter: he gave me a piece of information which surprised me very much, but which I sincerely hope to be true. Nancy came home, this Evening. I have been endeavouring for some time past, to climb, up some steps upon the hill of the muses but, Boileau says with great truth\n        C\u2019est en vain qu\u2019au Parnasse un t\u00e9m\u00e9raire auteur\n        Pense de l\u2019art des vers atteindre la hauteur\n        S\u2019il n\u2019a re\u00e7u du ciel, l\u2019influence secrete,\n        Si son astre en naissant ne l\u2019a form\u00e9 Poete.\n       The hill I fear is by far too slippery for me.\n   This is AA2\u2019s 32-page letter dated 4 July\u201311 Aug. (Adams Papers), but it contains no mention of her breaking the engagement with Royall Tyler.\n   Nicholas Boileau-Despr\u00e9aux, \u201cL\u2019Art poetique,\u201d from Oeuvres choisies, 2 vols., Paris, 1777, 2:[3], a copy of which is at MQA with JQA\u2019s bookplate and MS signature with the date 1781. JQA quotes the first four lines of the first song, line three of which should read: \u201cS\u2019il ne sent point du ciel.\u201d\n       Attended the meeting forenoon and afternoon; in the morning Cousin Betsey came, here, and spent the day with us. I return\u2019d with her after tea, and found nobody at home, at Mr. White\u2019s. Nancy and Charles went in the afternoon to the other meeting-house. Mr. Smith, after an absence of near two months, return\u2019d home, a day or two since. Mr. Hunt spent the evening here; a gentleman from Boston, who it is said comes to take one of the ladies from Haverhill. Miss Becca White is the person; Common fame, gives to Mr. J: Duncan the title of his rival; But common fame, is so fond of making matches, that there is no knowing how to depend upon it.\n       Rain in the Evening.\n   Rebecca White, daughter of \u201cSquire\u201d Samuel White, married James Duncan Jr. in 1790 (Daniel Appleton White and Annie Frances Richards, The Descendants of William White, of Haverhill, Mass. . . ., Boston, 1889, p. 27).\n       Mr. Allen, and Mr. Quarles, two clergymen, dined here to day. In the afternoon Charles went over to Bradford, to visit Walker, his Chum: We spent the Evening, and supp\u2019d at Mr. White\u2019s; there were several ladies and gentlemen from Boston there: Charles made it so late before he came from Bradford that he did not go with us. It was about 10. when we return\u2019d home. The Company at Mr. White\u2019s propose returning to-morrow to Boston; One of the Ladies appeared very impatient to be gone, and I believe had particular Reasons, for wishing it.\n       The Weather is still very mild for the Season. I do not find a fire necessary as yet.\n   Jonathan Allen was minister at Bradford, Mass.; probably Francis Quarles, minister at Hamilton, Mass. (MH-Ar:Quinquennial File; Historical Catalogue of Brown University, 1764\u20131904, Providence, R.I., 1905).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0001", "content": "Title: Tuesday November 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Walker came over, and dined here to day. In the afternoon all the family, except my brother Tom, and myself went to Mr. Redington\u2019s. They pressed me to go too, but I wish to go as little into Company, while I am here as possible. An hundred things which I can neither foresee, nor prevent, draw me away from my studies and delay them: but where I can help it, I will not suffer them to be interrupted. Time, is too precious a thing to be trifled with, and I have already lost but too much.\n       This morning Mr. Thaxter set out, for Salem, where the Court is now setting: he will not return before next Saturday.\n       Betsey Cranch spent the day with us.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0002", "content": "Title: 2d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Young Mr. Symmes lodged here last Night. This morning before breakfast My Brother Charles left us, for Cambridge, as the fall vacancy ends to day. He went with Leonard White, and Walker, and several other Gentlemen and Ladies who were going to Boston. I have lost in Leonard and Charles two good friends who in my leisure hours were great sources of pleasure to me; but the separation from them is necessary, and from that I must derive my Consolation. Finished the first chapter of John. I hope I shall not continue to proceed as slowly as I have done; and I believe it is in Learning Languages, as the french proverb says, il n\u2019y a que le premier pas qui co\u00fbte. Cloudy, chilly weather all day; in the Evening it rain\u2019d considerably. Very stormy in the Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0004", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Reading over the Salem paper to day, I found an account of the death, and funeral of Mr. Hardy, a delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia, a gentleman, from whom I received the politest treatment while I was in New York, but what is of Consequence, a firm and steady friend to his Country, a mild Republican, and a worthy man. In the evening Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d from Salem, where he heard of the decease of my aunt Tufts, whose excellent Qualities endeared her, to her relations and to all her acquaintance: The continual occasion which every person has to reflect upon the slender thread of life, has drawn from great and ingenious minds every observation, that can be made respecting mor\u00adtality: happy is it in this aweful seperation from those that are near to us, when we have only to grieve for our own sakes. What a source of Consolation in these Circumstances, is the perswasion, that our friends, have gained in the Change, an advantage incomparably greater than our loss. Ah! what can the reflections of an Atheist be, at the death of a dear friend; (if a mind of that cast is capable of friendship) what Idea, can support him: the mind which contributed once so greatly to his happiness; he supposes to be annihilated with the body, it animated, and he can derive no soothing thoughts from resignation to a Providence the existence of which he denies. Just Heaven! whatever misfortunes it may be my lot to be afflicted with hereafter, grant, that the frenzy of infidelity, may never be of the number! Mrs. Tufts died on Sunday the 30th. of last month. A few days before, when not only she herself, but all those around her were in hourly expectition of her dissolution, her only Son to whom she has always been the tenderest, the most affectionate of mothers set off on a journey: and has nature given to any human hearts, the coldness, and the hardness of marble, who, that is blest with the smallest degree of Sensibility, would not shudder at the idea, of abandoning a dying parent, was it for the dominion of the world? Heaven, be praised! I know only this Character in this family, that is deprived, of every amiable virtue of the heart.\n       Mr. Hardy died October 17th. and in him these States have lost, a patriot, from whose virtues, they would I doubt not, have derived great advantages, had the all wise ruler of Events, thought proper to continue him longer in the world. The respect shown him, after his death by the august body, of which he was a member, proves how much he was esteemed and beloved by them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0006", "content": "Title: 6th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended the meeting, forenoon, and afternoon. Went home with my Cousin. Was employ\u2019d all the Evening, in writing to my Sister.\n       The Weather somewhat chilly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0009", "content": "Title: 9th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Drank tea at Mrs. West\u2019s, where our ladies spent the afternoon. I afterwards went home with Eliza; went in to Mr. White\u2019s. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were there. This Lady, in Consequence, of a fit of sickness, has for these two or three months been deprived of her Reason: a little before 7 she went home with her husband; about half an hour after, Mr. J Duncan, came in, and enquired if she was there: we were immediately alarmed, and I went up with Miss Peggy, to Mr. Duncan\u2019s. The whole neighbourhood was stirring in a short time, and she has been fruitlessly search\u2019d after, for three hours. The Circumstances of her disappearing, are very singular; Mr. Duncan had not been 2 minutes from her, when she was first miss\u2019d, and she went off without any Cloak. It is generally feared that she went to the River with the intention to put an end to her existence; as she has already attempted it twice. The hopes conceived are but small: the whole family, are deeply affected, and in a State of Suspense, more dreadful than a certainty of the worst could be: Mrs. White, who is the Lady\u2019s Sister, is in great distress. Peggy fears the worst, and is prepared for it. If she is gone, said she to me, as we were going up the hill, there is a god, who rules all with infinite Wisdom; we must hope for the best, and submit to whatever he may inflict upon us. Such Reflections, are often made by persons when their passions are cool, but such philosophical and Christian resignation is not common in so young a mind, when it receives a sudden, and violent shock like this. I admired it exceedingly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0010", "content": "Title: 10th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       My Uncle, went out, early this morning, and when he return\u2019d put an end to our hopes with Respects to Mrs. Duncan, and realized our fears. She was found dead, in the River, near the shore, in a place where there is not more than two foot of water. In this distressing Calamity, it is in some measure a consoling circumstance that she was found: the family must necessarily have suf\u00adfered beyond measure, had she never been heard of after she disappeared. I never felt my Spirits so depress\u2019d, as they have been all this day. A Sentiment of Humanity in general, always makes me feel, for a disaster of this sort, but I was never before witness to one, when my attachment to an Amiable family in particular, has heightened the natural feelings to such a degree.\n       The God, who disposes every thing, for the best, when he bereaves an human creature thus of its Reason, does it perhaps with a view to make the rest sufficiently sensible of the inestimable blessing he has bestow\u2019d upon them. For such is the mind of man, that it can never be grateful for the gifts it possesses, unless it sees the dreadful Consequences attending the want of them; and it is adversity that makes the good man.\n        The ways of Heaven, are dark and intricate,\n        Puzzled in mazes, and perplex\u2019d with errors.\n       My Aunt, and Nancy spent the day at Mr. Duncan\u2019s. Mrs. Shaw, was greatly affected, but her conduct proved, this was not the first time, her Sensibility, had been thus called forth. Nancy was distress\u2019d to a great degree: she could not contain her grief; it has heightened my opinion of her: the heart that feels so keenly for other\u2019s woes, may be led into errors, but never can be unamiable.\n       Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d to day from Salem. He is deeply interested in this misfortune; and bears it with the fortitude, for which he is distinguished, and which he has often, been called upon to exert.\n       He left Salem this morning, and the jury upon the affair, had not then given their Verdict. He seems to be of opinion that they were not guilty of Piracy; but thinks it probable they will be condemned.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0011", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Attended Mrs. Duncan\u2019s funeral, in the afternoon: Mr. Smith made a prayer, very proper and adapted to the Circumstances. There were as I imagine, about 40 couple attending. As we return\u2019d, several couple went out of the row as they came to their Respective homes. I was with my Cousin, and went in to Mr. White\u2019s; where I spent a couple of hours. Mrs. McKinstry, a Sister of Mrs. Duncan, was there: and it was a solemn, mournful time with them. Most of the Company returnd to Mr. Duncan\u2019s house. My Aunt spent the evening with Mrs. Payson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0012", "content": "Title: 12th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       All day at home. Miss Nancy came in the Evening, but did not stay more than half an hour: she has been since Thursday morning, at Mr. Duncan\u2019s, and proposes staying there, all next Week. Though I cannot conceal from myself, that this gives me pain at present, yet I can sincerely say, I wish she would in this manner keep away, week after week from this house, untill I leave it: In the Evening, I was reminded, of the great disadvantages, a youth must labour under, who suffers himself to be subdued by the tender passion. I needed not the Caution; and shew that I was fully sensible of it. I consider it the greatest misfortune; that can befall a young man to be in Love. Does not Reason alone suffice to show that, when the Passions are high and the blood is warm, it is impossible to make a Choice, with the prudence necessary upon such an occasion. Do we not see daily men, of great Sense and experience, and at an age when discretion should guide all their actions, fall into fatal errors, in this case, how much more exposed then, is a person incapable of Reflection, and led on by passion. May it be my lot, at least for ten years to come, never to have my heart exclusively possessed by any individual of the other sex. A man courting appears to me at any time of life, much below his natural dignity; but in a youth it is exceedingly absurd and ridiculous.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0013", "content": "Title: 13th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The late misfortune, was the subject of our afternoon sermon. Nobody from the family was present, as they attend Mr. Smith\u2019s meeting. My Cousin, was at ours the latter part of the day, and dined with us. Mr. Redington, spent part of the Evening, here. Mr. Shaw was called out, upon two occasions, very different from one another. To attend three persons in one family, at the point of death, and to marry a couple: thus it is, while one part of the world, are crumbling to dust, others, are feasting and rejoying and hastening to the same situation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0014", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I pass\u2019d half an hour before dinner at Mr. Thaxters office: at home all the rest of the day, with the same scene perpetually renew\u2019d: A person that passes the days in study and the nights in sleep knows little of variety. The rules of the house, are exceedingly regular, and must be strictly attended to. Breakfast at 8. dinner at 1: prayers at 9 and retirement a short time after, are the Laws: and as I think every person ought to pay due respect to the Regulations of the house he is in, I have never been out of this after 10 at night, since I have been, here: but once after 9. Severity in this article, is absolutely necessary in a Clergyman\u2019s house: such is the attention every gentleman of that profession, must pay to the prejudices of ignorance, and enthusiasm. In short the discouragement every person, inclined to the study of divinity must meet with in this Country has restrained many of late years from following that line of life, and will lessen the number very greatly in a little Time. The laws exclude them from any civil employment, the Salaries allow\u2019d them are very small, and in many places miserably paid; so that one can have no hopes of gratifying, ambition or prospects of fortune, yet they are subjected to every ill natured reflection, that envy or malice can invent. Every individual seems to think he has the direction, and superintendency of their Conduct. In this land of freedom, they are the only persons that enjoy it not; and they have not like the Roman Vestals, the Satisfaction of having uncommon Respect paid them; as a reward for, all these disagreeable Circumstances. I think proper care ought to be taken, to prevent the Clergy, as a body from growing too rich or too powerful; but I think it both false and unjust policy, to make odious distinctions between them, and other Citizens.\n       Weather quite cold to day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0015", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       All day at home. My Uncle, was applied to last Saturday by a man, to do a little jobb for him, as he term\u2019d it, which was to marry him. So he went in the afternoon: My Aunt and Eliza went in the Chaise.\n       I made in the Evening a few reflections, which I had not time to write down, now, but, must remember to do it some other day. The weather begins to grow cold, and it is probable, we shall have Snow very soon; it is now full time, for there is often snow on the ground here, by the middle of October.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0016", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Two persons in the town, died in the Course of this day. A young Woman by the name of Bradly, and a Grandson of Dr: Cast, a boy about 11 years old. He was one of my brothers Companions, and died in Consequence, of having leapt from too great an height.\n       Eliza dined here, and went in the afternoon with my aunt to see Mr. Adams a neighbouring minister. I pass\u2019d the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. There was some Company there: Mrs. White is still somewhat Melancholy. Peggy in as good Spirits as could be expected. Upon the whole it was an agreeable evening. When I got home, I found Mr. Allen, at the house; he will lodge here, this night. Mr. Thaxter went this day to Newbury, and return\u2019d. I saw him at Mr. Duncan\u2019s as I came by the house.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0017", "content": "Title: 17th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The weather was very stormy, all the morning; but began to clear up, at about noon, and in the afternoon it was pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, attended the funeral of the youth that died yesterday morning; my brother went as bearer: Mr. Thaxter, called, in the afternoon, but made only a short stay; he cannot spare but a few minutes at a time, and it is not to be wondered at. The Salem Paper, mentions a Vessel arrived from London in Boston. I hope for Letters.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0018", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       There was Company lodged here last night, but went early in the forenoon away. Eliza, dined, and passed the afternoon, here. Mr. Shaw attended the funeral of the young woman, lately dead. Several Ladies were here in the afternoon, and Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0020", "content": "Title: 20th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       We had two sermons to day, upon a text from Proverbs: 19th. Chap: 20:v: Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. The several instances of death, that have lately occurred in this town were not passed unnoticed. Two persons, both promising to be useful in the spheres assigned them, had been cut off in the bloom of youth; the divinity, often took from the world in this manner, those whose Characters were universally loved and esteemed, yet suffered others, that were entirely useless, or perhaps the bane of society, to continue. Those impious fools who pretend to disbelieve an over ruling providence, considered this as an argument in their favour. But what else was this than supposing, the author of Nature had as contracted views, and ideas, as their\u2019s. In truth I have often wondered how it happened, that a being whose mind is so exceedingly weak, that it cannot comprehend why a pebble thrown into the air should fall to the ground, can pretend to raise a doubt, whether there was a being, more wise, more exalted more powerful than himself. Any man will think, it impertinent and absurd in another to pronounce judgment, upon the plainest subject, if he does not understand it: and is it not still more ab\u00adsurd to deny, what Nature cries aloud in all her works: when we must, all acknowledge, ourselves, entirely ignorant, of the secret springs that keep the machine of the world in play.\n       Mr. Shaw was absent a great part of the Evening; he was called to marry Dr. Woodbury to Miss Hannah Appleton. My Aunt attended the wedding. After meeting I went to Mr. White\u2019s and spent half an hour with them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0021", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       My Aunt and Eliza, went and took a ride in the afternoon. They drank tea at Judge Sargeant\u2019s, and I spent about an hour there. Went home with my Cousin, and stay\u2019d the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. His Lady is very unwell, and has been so a considerable time. She was recovering, when the fatal accident of her Sister happened; and I fear it has tended to occasion a relapse. She is possess\u2019d of great Sensibility, and the disaster, must have been in a peculiar manner weighty to her. Mr. Thaxter came in soon after I did, and at about 8 in the Evening, came home with me, and pass\u2019d half an hour here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0023", "content": "Title: 23d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The weather has look\u2019d snowy, for several days past, but has remained, in Statu quo, till this evening; Which is pretty stormy.\n        The cherish\u2019d fields\n        Put on their winter robe of purest white.\n       I am not fond of seeing this Robe; there is something so dreary so gloomy, to me, in looking, all around, to see a dull lifeless sameness, every where, that the first appearance of snow, is quite disagreeable to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0024", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Thanksgiving day in the State of New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw spent it in the upper Parish: the meeting house of which, being, one half in this State, and one half in the other they keep both. Ours will be three weeks from this day.\n       I spent the whole evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Miss Priscilla McKinstry was there, a very pretty, agreeable young Lady. I read to them 2 or three of Mrs. Aikin\u2019s Poem\u2019s. I have seen, verses, not better than these from illustrious pens; but I saw little, that I thought soar\u2019d much above mediocrity. Corsica, has some very pretty thoughts in it, but often falls into prose, which must be the case, when the Emphasis cannot be laid on the last syllable of the line. But Ladies ought to be, exempted from the severe scrutiny of Criticism, and we should be willing, only to praise and admire the productions of their Apollo; the groans of the tankard, is either above or beneath Criticism, I will not say which. Mrs. White is yet much indisposed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0025", "content": "Title: 25th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The Rev\u2019d. Mr. True dined here: a person of a peculiar Character I am told, and from what I have seen of him to day I should have judg\u2019d as much. At about 4 in the afternoon, my Uncle came in, and handed me, a noble Packet of Letters; 3 from My Mother 2 from my father, a long one from my Sister, and several others. It has made me as happy, (I will not say as a king,) as I can be. One Letter from Mamma, dated, as late as Octr. 5th. I went down in the Evening, and read them to My Cousin and Peggy White. I greatly regret that I have not time to write to my Parents, and my Sister so often as I should wish to. My Studies necessarily take up almost all, and I have not enough left for necessary relaxation, exclusive of all the writing, I should do. In short it appears to me, that was every minute, I have, an hour I should not be at a loss to employ it. And at this very minute the Bell rings for nine of Clock, when I had no Idea, of its being yet 8. Snows and storms, highly this Evening: winter is coming forward with hasty stride.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0026", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Finished the book of John, in the Testament, and was the Rest of the day, employ\u2019d in answering my Letters. Inclosed the Marquis\u2019s letter to Mr. Breck, and wrote to Mr. Chaumont. Mr. Thaxter and Eliza dined with us. A fine day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0027", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The forenoon discourse was upon Revelations, III. 15 and 16. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art luke-warm, and neither cold, nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. A very good Sermon was delivered, to inculcate a proper Zeal for Religion, and to show, the evil Consequences, of a lukewarm disposition. In the afternoon the text was in James IV: 17th. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. There is an Idea, which I cannot imagine to be a just one, in any Case, but which seems to possess every religious sect, more or less. It is not carried so far, in what is called the Protestant religion as in most others, but I cannot but wish, it was wholly erased from all. We are the chosen few, is repeated continually, and I believe equally unreasonably by all. I will freely own, that the divinity, has wisely thought fit to involve himself in an obscurity impenetrable to mortals. But it is in my mind, a settled maxim that every Idea, tending to excite a doubt, of the perfect benevolence, of the supreme being, is a false one, and from this I draw the Conclusion, that any human creature, who seeks the general welfare of the Society he belongs to, does all the good, and as little harm, as is possible, and adheres to what he has been taught from his Infancy to be his duty, can never be exposed to the resentment of a good and wise god, whatever the mode of his worship may be.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0028", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       In the forenoon I, began, upon Xenophon\u2019s Cryopaedia, and in the afternoon, upon the book of Matthew; closed in the Evening my N: 9 to my Sister. I have for about a month past, recited in the morning, with my brother in Virgil, and it is rather to me a relaxation, than a study. It is a general Observation, that mankind have too exalted ideas, of those goods they do not possess, and too low an opinion of them, when attained. But I believe, with Respect to Science, this maxim must be reversed. It is most commonly despised by the ignorant, but is well appreciated by those, who have overcome, the difficulties, that occur in the road to it. A youth seldom takes pleasure, in the first pursuit of those Studies, which afterwards afford him, the highest Entertainment. When I first went through Virgil, I was struck with many Beauties, which it is impossible to overlook, but the difficulty of understanding the passages, often overbalanced the Satisfaction, I then derived from them: but whenever I read over any part of this Author again I am abundantly rewarded, for all the pains I ever took, in becoming acquainted with him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0029", "content": "Title: 29th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The Ladies, went in the afternoon, to pay what is called, the wedding visit to Mrs. Woodbury: a mere ceremony, this, and I believe a very unmeaning one: there were four or five and twenty persons, there, to stare, at one another, for an hour, and then return home, to be the objects of each others observations: I did not go. Spent the evening at Mr. Dodge\u2019s, in Company with Mr. Audlin, a gentleman from Exeter, who looks, as if he was not to continue long in this world, a sociable, person, and of agreeable manners; Mr. James Duncan, Mr. Bil: and Mr. T. Osgood. The first is said to be a very sensible young man, and has something very soft in his looks and address: the other at least in his personal appearance, is somewhat in the other way, but I neither know, nor have heard much said as to his Character. Mr. D. Tyler, at times, and in particular this Evening, an easy, good-natured laughing person, who observed that it was wrong in a gentleman to swear; Miss Abial (I think it is) Osgood, of whom I could make, neither this nor that, for in the course of the whole evening she opened her lips twice, to answer Questions: my good Mr. Thaxter, and the charming Nancy. Upon the whole it was as agreeable an Evening as I have spent for a long time. There was sociability and good humour, and no Cards. Between 9 and 10 we retired, and I found at home, a long Letter from my Sister, coming down to the 2d. of October. My obligations to write to her increase thus daily, and when I shall be able to fulfill them I know not.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013-0030", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The Ladies were out the afternoon. I spent the whole Evening with Mr. Thaxter, at his Office; and I regret I cannot spend more time with him than I do. Supped, at his lodgings; at Mrs. West\u2019s, a very good woman, as fond of hearing herself talk as other people are. Mr. Bil: Blodget was there, a droll, or who at least aims at being thought so: and his Conversation will divert one for half an hour, if not longer. He has been at Gofstown, some miles to the north of this, and says the Snow is four inches, deeper than it is here. The weather grows cold; and is now very clear. Mr. Thaxter came home with me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0013", "content": "Title: [November 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Tuesday November 1st. 1785.\n       Walker came over, and dined here to day. In the afternoon all the family, except my brother Tom, and myself went to Mr. Redington\u2019s. They pressed me to go too, but I wish to go as little into Company, while I am here as possible. An hundred things which I can neither foresee, nor prevent, draw me away from my studies and delay them: but where I can help it, I will not suffer them to be interrupted. Time, is too precious a thing to be trifled with, and I have already lost but too much.\n       This morning Mr. Thaxter set out, for Salem, where the Court is now setting: he will not return before next Saturday.\n       Betsey Cranch spent the day with us.\n       Young Mr. Symmes lodged here last Night. This morning before breakfast My Brother Charles left us, for Cambridge, as the fall vacancy ends to day. He went with Leonard White, and Walker, and several other Gentlemen and Ladies who were going to Boston. I have lost in Leonard and Charles two good friends who in my leisure hours were great sources of pleasure to me; but the separation from them is necessary, and from that I must derive my Consolation. Finished the first chapter of John. I hope I shall not continue to proceed as slowly as I have done; and I believe it is in Learning Languages, as the french proverb says, il n\u2019y a que le premier pas qui co\u00fbte. Cloudy, chilly weather all day; in the Evening it rain\u2019d considerably. Very stormy in the Night.\n       Mr. Shaw went to the lecture of a neighbouring brother, and dined out; I was pretty close, all day, and did not go out of the house. Events cannot be interesting, when one is in this Situation, and few Reflections can be made, by one entirely employ\u2019d in acquiring those of others.\n       I feel a degree of Melancholy which may be owing to my having been so much confined these three or four days, but I rather imagine proceeds from another Cause. When our Reason is at variance with our heart, the mind cannot be in a pleasing State: I have heretofore more than once, been obliged to exert all my Resolution, to keep myself free from a Passion, which I could not indulge, and which would have made me miserable had I not overcome it. I have escaped till now more perhaps owing to my good Fortune, than to my own firmness, and now again, I am put to a trial. I have still more Reason, than I ever had, to repress my feelings; but I am also perswaded, that I never was in greater danger; one Circumstance there is, which gives me hopes; and if it takes place, will put an end to my danger and my fears.\n       Reading over the Salem paper to day, I found an account of the death, and funeral of Mr. Hardy, a delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia, a gentleman, from whom I received the politest treatment while I was in New York, but what is of Consequence, a firm and steady friend to his Country, a mild Republican, and a worthy man. In the evening Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d from Salem, where he heard of the decease of my aunt Tufts, whose excellent Qualities endeared her, to her relations and to all her acquaintance: The continual occasion which every person has to reflect upon the slender thread of life, has drawn from great and ingenious minds every observation, that can be made respecting mor\u00adtality: happy is it in this aweful seperation from those that are near to us, when we have only to grieve for our own sakes. What a source of Consolation in these Circumstances, is the perswasion, that our friends, have gained in the Change, an advantage incomparably greater than our loss. Ah! what can the reflections of an Atheist be, at the death of a dear friend; (if a mind of that cast is capable of friendship) what Idea, can support him: the mind which contributed once so greatly to his happiness; he supposes to be annihilated with the body, it animated, and he can derive no soothing thoughts from resignation to a Providence the existence of which he denies. Just Heaven! whatever misfortunes it may be my lot to be afflicted with hereafter, grant, that the frenzy of infidelity, may never be of the number! Mrs. Tufts died on Sunday the 30th. of last month. A few days before, when not only she herself, but all those around her were in hourly expectition of her dissolution, her only Son to whom she has always been the tenderest, the most affectionate of mothers set off on a journey: and has nature given to any human hearts, the coldness, and the hardness of marble, who, that is blest with the smallest degree of Sensibility, would not shudder at the idea, of abandoning a dying parent, was it for the dominion of the world? Heaven, be praised! I know only this Character in this family, that is deprived, of every amiable virtue of the heart.\n       Mr. Hardy died October 17th. and in him these States have lost, a patriot, from whose virtues, they would I doubt not, have derived great advantages, had the all wise ruler of Events, thought proper to continue him longer in the world. The respect shown him, after his death by the august body, of which he was a member, proves how much he was esteemed and beloved by them.\n   Cotton Tufts Jr. (1757\u20131833), AA\u2019s cousin and longtime postmaster of Weymouth, whom JQA later described as \u201ca man who has lived nearly to the age of four score; having had a liberal education, but never emerged from obscurity and retirement\u201d (JQA, Diary, 6 May 1833).\n       Eliza Spent the day with us. I accompanied her home, in the Evening, and spent half an hour at Mr. White\u2019s. Miss Betsey Duncan, return\u2019d this Evening from Boston, and brought me a Letter from my Cousin Cranch. He attended Mrs. Tufts\u2019s funeral last Tuesday, and very justly admires the Doctor\u2019s Behav\u00adiour upon the occasion: it was that of a Christian, and of a Philosopher. He had always lived in an uninterrupted union with his Lady; and though fully Sensible of his loss, he did not show it, by tears, or by any outward manifestation. He was not dressed in black, considering a mourning suit but as the trappings and the suits of woe.\n   Not found.\n   Hamlet, Act I, scene ii, line 86.\n       Attended the meeting, forenoon, and afternoon. Went home with my Cousin. Was employ\u2019d all the Evening, in writing to my Sister.\n       The Weather somewhat chilly.\n   Letter not found; undoubtedly the same to which he refers on 8 Nov. (below).\n       Mr. Thaxter went again this morning to Newbury, to attend the trial of a number of Pirates, lately taken. I wish\u2019d much to go with him, on that account, and for several other Reasons; but, I was afraid of interrupting my Studies, which at this Time, cannot suffer any loss of time; and they must be attended to, before every thing else. N. B. Guardian N: 49.\n   Several men who had taken possession of the schooner Amity off the Essex co. coast in mid-August were captured and indicted a month later. In mid-November two were convicted of robbery and felony; three were declared not guilty (Massachusetts Spy, 8, 22 Sept., 17, 24 Nov.).\n   An essay on the \u201cnatural\u201d and \u201cfantastical\u201d \u201cpleasures which constitute human happiness.\u201d JQA may have used the two-volume edition of The Guardian, London, 1745, 1:213\u2013217, listed among his books in 1784 and now at MQA ([Christian Lotter], Inventory of JQA\u2019s books, 6 Nov. 1784, Adams Papers).\n       My Aunt spent the afternoon at Mr. White\u2019s. I was not outside of the gate once. Closed my Letter to my Sister N:8. But I shall not be able to send it before next Week.\n   Letter not found. Extant letters to his sister suggest that his reference here is misnumbered and might have been letter thirteen. Letter eight was dated 29 Aug.\u20137 Sept. (Adams Papers), and JQA had sent at least four other letters to AA2 by this time. For another inexplicable instance of misnumbering, see entry for 28 Nov. (below).\n       Drank tea at Mrs. West\u2019s, where our ladies spent the afternoon. I afterwards went home with Eliza; went in to Mr. White\u2019s. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were there. This Lady, in Consequence, of a fit of sickness, has for these two or three months been deprived of her Reason: a little before 7 she went home with her husband; about half an hour after, Mr. J Duncan, came in, and enquired if she was there: we were immediately alarmed, and I went up with Miss Peggy, to Mr. Duncan\u2019s. The whole neighbourhood was stirring in a short time, and she has been fruitlessly search\u2019d after, for three hours. The Circumstances of her disappearing, are very singular; Mr. Duncan had not been 2 minutes from her, when she was first miss\u2019d, and she went off without any Cloak. It is generally feared that she went to the River with the intention to put an end to her existence; as she has already attempted it twice. The hopes conceived are but small: the whole family, are deeply affected, and in a State of Suspense, more dreadful than a certainty of the worst could be: Mrs. White, who is the Lady\u2019s Sister, is in great distress. Peggy fears the worst, and is prepared for it. If she is gone, said she to me, as we were going up the hill, there is a god, who rules all with infinite Wisdom; we must hope for the best, and submit to whatever he may inflict upon us. Such Reflections, are often made by persons when their passions are cool, but such philosophical and Christian resignation is not common in so young a mind, when it receives a sudden, and violent shock like this. I admired it exceedingly.\n   Possibly Joanna Kast, wife of Henry West, a Haverhill merchant (Haverhill, Vital Records;Vital Records of Haverhill, Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, Topsfield, 1910-1911; 2 vols. Essex Inst., Hist. Colls.Essex Institute Historical Collections., 71:91\u201392 [Jan. 1935]).\n   Elizabeth Leonard Duncan was the second wife of James Sr. and stepmother of the Duncan children (James Duncan Phillips, \u201cJames Duncan and Son: Merchants, Capitalists and Chain Store Operators,\u201d Essex Inst., Hist. Colls.Essex Institute Historical Collections., 89:51 [Jan. 1953]).\n       My Uncle, went out, early this morning, and when he return\u2019d put an end to our hopes with Respects to Mrs. Duncan, and realized our fears. She was found dead, in the River, near the shore, in a place where there is not more than two foot of water. In this distressing Calamity, it is in some measure a consoling circumstance that she was found: the family must necessarily have suf\u00adfered beyond measure, had she never been heard of after she disappeared. I never felt my Spirits so depress\u2019d, as they have been all this day. A Sentiment of Humanity in general, always makes me feel, for a disaster of this sort, but I was never before witness to one, when my attachment to an Amiable family in particular, has heightened the natural feelings to such a degree.\n       The God, who disposes every thing, for the best, when he bereaves an human creature thus of its Reason, does it perhaps with a view to make the rest sufficiently sensible of the inestimable blessing he has bestow\u2019d upon them. For such is the mind of man, that it can never be grateful for the gifts it possesses, unless it sees the dreadful Consequences attending the want of them; and it is adversity that makes the good man.\n        The ways of Heaven, are dark and intricate,\n        Puzzled in mazes, and perplex\u2019d with errors.\n       My Aunt, and Nancy spent the day at Mr. Duncan\u2019s. Mrs. Shaw, was greatly affected, but her conduct proved, this was not the first time, her Sensibility, had been thus called forth. Nancy was distress\u2019d to a great degree: she could not contain her grief; it has heightened my opinion of her: the heart that feels so keenly for other\u2019s woes, may be led into errors, but never can be unamiable.\n       Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d to day from Salem. He is deeply interested in this misfortune; and bears it with the fortitude, for which he is distinguished, and which he has often, been called upon to exert.\n       He left Salem this morning, and the jury upon the affair, had not then given their Verdict. He seems to be of opinion that they were not guilty of Piracy; but thinks it probable they will be condemned.\n       Attended Mrs. Duncan\u2019s funeral, in the afternoon: Mr. Smith made a prayer, very proper and adapted to the Circumstances. There were as I imagine, about 40 couple attending. As we return\u2019d, several couple went out of the row as they came to their Respective homes. I was with my Cousin, and went in to Mr. White\u2019s; where I spent a couple of hours. Mrs. McKinstry, a Sister of Mrs. Duncan, was there: and it was a solemn, mournful time with them. Most of the Company returnd to Mr. Duncan\u2019s house. My Aunt spent the evening with Mrs. Payson.\n   Mrs. Priscilla Leonard McKinstry, widow of loyalist Dr. William McKinstry, of Taunton, was the sister of both Mrs. Elizabeth Duncan and Sarah LeBaron White, the second wife of John White Sr., of Haverhill (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 6:326; William Willis, \u201cGenealogy of the McKinstry Family, With A Preliminary Essay on the Scotch-Irish Immigrations to America,\u201d NEHGRNew England Historical and Genealogical Register., 12:325\u2013326 [Oct. 1858]).\n       All day at home. Miss Nancy came in the Evening, but did not stay more than half an hour: she has been since Thursday morning, at Mr. Duncan\u2019s, and proposes staying there, all next Week. Though I cannot conceal from myself, that this gives me pain at present, yet I can sincerely say, I wish she would in this manner keep away, week after week from this house, untill I leave it: In the Evening, I was reminded, of the great disadvantages, a youth must labour under, who suffers himself to be subdued by the tender passion. I needed not the Caution; and shew that I was fully sensible of it. I consider it the greatest misfortune; that can befall a young man to be in Love. Does not Reason alone suffice to show that, when the Passions are high and the blood is warm, it is impossible to make a Choice, with the prudence necessary upon such an occasion. Do we not see daily men, of great Sense and experience, and at an age when discretion should guide all their actions, fall into fatal errors, in this case, how much more exposed then, is a person incapable of Reflection, and led on by passion. May it be my lot, at least for ten years to come, never to have my heart exclusively possessed by any individual of the other sex. A man courting appears to me at any time of life, much below his natural dignity; but in a youth it is exceedingly absurd and ridiculous.\n       The late misfortune, was the subject of our afternoon sermon. Nobody from the family was present, as they attend Mr. Smith\u2019s meeting. My Cousin, was at ours the latter part of the day, and dined with us. Mr. Redington, spent part of the Evening, here. Mr. Shaw was called out, upon two occasions, very different from one another. To attend three persons in one family, at the point of death, and to marry a couple: thus it is, while one part of the world, are crumbling to dust, others, are feasting and rejoying and hastening to the same situation.\n       I pass\u2019d half an hour before dinner at Mr. Thaxters office: at home all the rest of the day, with the same scene perpetually renew\u2019d: A person that passes the days in study and the nights in sleep knows little of variety. The rules of the house, are exceedingly regular, and must be strictly attended to. Breakfast at 8. dinner at 1: prayers at 9 and retirement a short time after, are the Laws: and as I think every person ought to pay due respect to the Regulations of the house he is in, I have never been out of this after 10 at night, since I have been, here: but once after 9. Severity in this article, is absolutely necessary in a Clergyman\u2019s house: such is the attention every gentleman of that profession, must pay to the prejudices of ignorance, and enthusiasm. In short the discouragement every person, inclined to the study of divinity must meet with in this Country has restrained many of late years from following that line of life, and will lessen the number very greatly in a little Time. The laws exclude them from any civil employment, the Salaries allow\u2019d them are very small, and in many places miserably paid; so that one can have no hopes of gratifying, ambition or prospects of fortune, yet they are subjected to every ill natured reflection, that envy or malice can invent. Every individual seems to think he has the direction, and superintendency of their Conduct. In this land of freedom, they are the only persons that enjoy it not; and they have not like the Roman Vestals, the Satisfaction of having uncommon Respect paid them; as a reward for, all these disagreeable Circumstances. I think proper care ought to be taken, to prevent the Clergy, as a body from growing too rich or too powerful; but I think it both false and unjust policy, to make odious distinctions between them, and other Citizens.\n       Weather quite cold to day.\n       All day at home. My Uncle, was applied to last Saturday by a man, to do a little jobb for him, as he term\u2019d it, which was to marry him. So he went in the afternoon: My Aunt and Eliza went in the Chaise.\n       I made in the Evening a few reflections, which I had not time to write down, now, but, must remember to do it some other day. The weather begins to grow cold, and it is probable, we shall have Snow very soon; it is now full time, for there is often snow on the ground here, by the middle of October.\n       Two persons in the town, died in the Course of this day. A young Woman by the name of Bradly, and a Grandson of Dr: Cast, a boy about 11 years old. He was one of my brothers Companions, and died in Consequence, of having leapt from too great an height.\n       Eliza dined here, and went in the afternoon with my aunt to see Mr. Adams a neighbouring minister. I pass\u2019d the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. There was some Company there: Mrs. White is still somewhat Melancholy. Peggy in as good Spirits as could be expected. Upon the whole it was an agreeable evening. When I got home, I found Mr. Allen, at the house; he will lodge here, this night. Mr. Thaxter went this day to Newbury, and return\u2019d. I saw him at Mr. Duncan\u2019s as I came by the house.\n   Phineas Adams, minister of the Haverhill Third or West Church, 1771\u20131801 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 15:150\u2013151).\n       The weather was very stormy, all the morning; but began to clear up, at about noon, and in the afternoon it was pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, attended the funeral of the youth that died yesterday morning; my brother went as bearer: Mr. Thaxter, called, in the afternoon, but made only a short stay; he cannot spare but a few minutes at a time, and it is not to be wondered at. The Salem Paper, mentions a Vessel arrived from London in Boston. I hope for Letters.\n       There was Company lodged here last night, but went early in the forenoon away. Eliza, dined, and passed the afternoon, here. Mr. Shaw attended the funeral of the young woman, lately dead. Several Ladies were here in the afternoon, and Evening.\n       The whole day at my studies as usual. In the afternoon I read in Watt\u2019s Logic, as my Saturday afternoon\u2019s, are employ\u2019d in reading English. I began this, last week, and am pretty well pleased with the work, though I have not as yet made any great progress in it. There are a number of observations which were quite new to me, and the most of them indisputable: some few I could not well comprehend although they may be equally clear. In the Evening Mr. Thaxter and Eliza Cranch, paid a short visit. Mr. Thomas went out with his gun, a very favourite amusement with him. The Post brought me no Letters, last Evening; there came none by the vessel that arrived lately at Boston. Eliza, had a large Packet from her friends in the Town, and was sit quite in a flutter. Nancy was to come home this Evening, but has determined to stay a few days longer.\n   Isaac Watts, Logick: Or, The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth . . ., London, 1725. No early editions of this work are in any of the Adams libraries.\n   Presumably TBA.\n       We had two sermons to day, upon a text from Proverbs: 19th. Chap: 20:v: Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. The several instances of death, that have lately occurred in this town were not passed unnoticed. Two persons, both promising to be useful in the spheres assigned them, had been cut off in the bloom of youth; the divinity, often took from the world in this manner, those whose Characters were universally loved and esteemed, yet suffered others, that were entirely useless, or perhaps the bane of society, to continue. Those impious fools who pretend to disbelieve an over ruling providence, considered this as an argument in their favour. But what else was this than supposing, the author of Nature had as contracted views, and ideas, as their\u2019s. In truth I have often wondered how it happened, that a being whose mind is so exceedingly weak, that it cannot comprehend why a pebble thrown into the air should fall to the ground, can pretend to raise a doubt, whether there was a being, more wise, more exalted more powerful than himself. Any man will think, it impertinent and absurd in another to pronounce judgment, upon the plainest subject, if he does not understand it: and is it not still more ab\u00adsurd to deny, what Nature cries aloud in all her works: when we must, all acknowledge, ourselves, entirely ignorant, of the secret springs that keep the machine of the world in play.\n       Mr. Shaw was absent a great part of the Evening; he was called to marry Dr. Woodbury to Miss Hannah Appleton. My Aunt attended the wedding. After meeting I went to Mr. White\u2019s and spent half an hour with them.\n       My Aunt and Eliza, went and took a ride in the afternoon. They drank tea at Judge Sargeant\u2019s, and I spent about an hour there. Went home with my Cousin, and stay\u2019d the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. His Lady is very unwell, and has been so a considerable time. She was recovering, when the fatal accident of her Sister happened; and I fear it has tended to occasion a relapse. She is possess\u2019d of great Sensibility, and the disaster, must have been in a peculiar manner weighty to her. Mr. Thaxter came in soon after I did, and at about 8 in the Evening, came home with me, and pass\u2019d half an hour here.\n       I have been very steady all day at My Studies, and have at length been able to go through an hundred verses in the Testament. The book is exceeding easy: the only difficulty I find is being obliged, to look words which takes up time. This Evening Miss Nancy at last made her appearance; Mr. Thaxter and Miss Betsey Duncan were here a few minutes in the Evening.\n       The weather has look\u2019d snowy, for several days past, but has remained, in Statu quo, till this evening; Which is pretty stormy.\n        The cherish\u2019d fields\n        Put on their winter robe of purest white.\n       I am not fond of seeing this Robe; there is something so dreary so gloomy, to me, in looking, all around, to see a dull lifeless sameness, every where, that the first appearance of snow, is quite disagreeable to me.\n   James Thomson, \u201cThe Seasons: Winter,\u201d lines 232\u2013233 (Poetical Works, ed. J. Logie Robertson, London, 1908, p. 194).\n       Thanksgiving day in the State of New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw spent it in the upper Parish: the meeting house of which, being, one half in this State, and one half in the other they keep both. Ours will be three weeks from this day.\n       I spent the whole evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Miss Priscilla McKinstry was there, a very pretty, agreeable young Lady. I read to them 2 or three of Mrs. Aikin\u2019s Poem\u2019s. I have seen, verses, not better than these from illustrious pens; but I saw little, that I thought soar\u2019d much above mediocrity. Corsica, has some very pretty thoughts in it, but often falls into prose, which must be the case, when the Emphasis cannot be laid on the last syllable of the line. But Ladies ought to be, exempted from the severe scrutiny of Criticism, and we should be willing, only to praise and admire the productions of their Apollo; the groans of the tankard, is either above or beneath Criticism, I will not say which. Mrs. White is yet much indisposed.\n   \u201cCorsica\u201d and \u201cThe Groans of the Tankard\u201d were written by Anna Letitia Aikin Barbauld (Works, 2 vols., London, 1825, 1:1\u201311, 23\u201328).\n       The Rev\u2019d. Mr. True dined here: a person of a peculiar Character I am told, and from what I have seen of him to day I should have judg\u2019d as much. At about 4 in the afternoon, my Uncle came in, and handed me, a noble Packet of Letters; 3 from My Mother 2 from my father, a long one from my Sister, and several others. It has made me as happy, (I will not say as a king,) as I can be. One Letter from Mamma, dated, as late as Octr. 5th. I went down in the Evening, and read them to My Cousin and Peggy White. I greatly regret that I have not time to write to my Parents, and my Sister so often as I should wish to. My Studies necessarily take up almost all, and I have not enough left for necessary relaxation, exclusive of all the writing, I should do. In short it appears to me, that was every minute, I have, an hour I should not be at a loss to employ it. And at this very minute the Bell rings for nine of Clock, when I had no Idea, of its being yet 8. Snows and storms, highly this Evening: winter is coming forward with hasty stride.\n   These probably included: JA to JQA, 31 Aug., 9 Sept.; AA to JQA, 6, 12 Sept., 5 Oct.; and AA2 to JQA, 26 Aug.\u201313 Sept. (Adams Papers).\n       Finished the book of John, in the Testament, and was the Rest of the day, employ\u2019d in answering my Letters. Inclosed the Marquis\u2019s letter to Mr. Breck, and wrote to Mr. Chaumont. Mr. Thaxter and Eliza dined with us. A fine day.\n       The forenoon discourse was upon Revelations, III. 15 and 16. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art luke-warm, and neither cold, nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. A very good Sermon was delivered, to inculcate a proper Zeal for Religion, and to show, the evil Consequences, of a lukewarm disposition. In the afternoon the text was in James IV: 17th. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. There is an Idea, which I cannot imagine to be a just one, in any Case, but which seems to possess every religious sect, more or less. It is not carried so far, in what is called the Protestant religion as in most others, but I cannot but wish, it was wholly erased from all. We are the chosen few, is repeated continually, and I believe equally unreasonably by all. I will freely own, that the divinity, has wisely thought fit to involve himself in an obscurity impenetrable to mortals. But it is in my mind, a settled maxim that every Idea, tending to excite a doubt, of the perfect benevolence, of the supreme being, is a false one, and from this I draw the Conclusion, that any human creature, who seeks the general welfare of the Society he belongs to, does all the good, and as little harm, as is possible, and adheres to what he has been taught from his Infancy to be his duty, can never be exposed to the resentment of a good and wise god, whatever the mode of his worship may be.\n       In the forenoon I, began, upon Xenophon\u2019s Cryopaedia, and in the afternoon, upon the book of Matthew; closed in the Evening my N: 9 to my Sister. I have for about a month past, recited in the morning, with my brother in Virgil, and it is rather to me a relaxation, than a study. It is a general Observation, that mankind have too exalted ideas, of those goods they do not possess, and too low an opinion of them, when attained. But I believe, with Respect to Science, this maxim must be reversed. It is most commonly despised by the ignorant, but is well appreciated by those, who have overcome, the difficulties, that occur in the road to it. A youth seldom takes pleasure, in the first pursuit of those Studies, which afterwards afford him, the highest Entertainment. When I first went through Virgil, I was struck with many Beauties, which it is impossible to overlook, but the difficulty of understanding the passages, often overbalanced the Satisfaction, I then derived from them: but whenever I read over any part of this Author again I am abundantly rewarded, for all the pains I ever took, in becoming acquainted with him.\n   The Greek writer whose Cyropaedia, a historical novel in eight books, used Cyrus the Elder as a model statesman. The work, a staple of 18th-century college education, focuses on the maintenance of law and authority and political organization. There are several copies of the work in the Adams libraries at MB and MQA.\n   No letters written by JQA to AA2 between 29 Oct. 1785 and 15 March 1786 have been found. JQA has misnumbered this letter in his Diary, for no. 9 was his of 8\u201318 Sept. 1785 (Adams Papers).\n       The Ladies, went in the afternoon, to pay what is called, the wedding visit to Mrs. Woodbury: a mere ceremony, this, and I believe a very unmeaning one: there were four or five and twenty persons, there, to stare, at one another, for an hour, and then return home, to be the objects of each others observations: I did not go. Spent the evening at Mr. Dodge\u2019s, in Company with Mr. Audlin, a gentleman from Exeter, who looks, as if he was not to continue long in this world, a sociable, person, and of agreeable manners; Mr. James Duncan, Mr. Bil: and Mr. T. Osgood. The first is said to be a very sensible young man, and has something very soft in his looks and address: the other at least in his personal appearance, is somewhat in the other way, but I neither know, nor have heard much said as to his Character. Mr. D. Tyler, at times, and in particular this Evening, an easy, good-natured laughing person, who observed that it was wrong in a gentleman to swear; Miss Abial (I think it is) Osgood, of whom I could make, neither this nor that, for in the course of the whole evening she opened her lips twice, to answer Questions: my good Mr. Thaxter, and the charming Nancy. Upon the whole it was as agreeable an Evening as I have spent for a long time. There was sociability and good humour, and no Cards. Between 9 and 10 we retired, and I found at home, a long Letter from my Sister, coming down to the 2d. of October. My obligations to write to her increase thus daily, and when I shall be able to fulfill them I know not.\n   AA2 to JQA, 24 Sept.\u20131 Oct. (Adams Papers).\n       The Ladies were out the afternoon. I spent the whole Evening with Mr. Thaxter, at his Office; and I regret I cannot spend more time with him than I do. Supped, at his lodgings; at Mrs. West\u2019s, a very good woman, as fond of hearing herself talk as other people are. Mr. Bil: Blodget was there, a droll, or who at least aims at being thought so: and his Conversation will divert one for half an hour, if not longer. He has been at Gofstown, some miles to the north of this, and says the Snow is four inches, deeper than it is here. The weather grows cold; and is now very clear. Mr. Thaxter came home with me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0001", "content": "Title: Thursday December 1st. 1785.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Several of the Ladies, and Gentlemen, went in a party to Methuen, about 10 miles distant, in slays. It being lecture day we had Mr. Adams, a minister of another parish in the town, Mr. True, and Mr. Parker, the present schoolmaster here, to dine. Mr. True preach\u2019d the Sermon, and spoke well, though he was somewhat long. After lecture Miss Betsey and Miss Sukey Redington, came and drank tea with my Aunt; the first is tall, and pretty; rather an harsh Countenance, fond of scandal, I believe, as well as her Sister, but does not take such pains to conceal it. The other is older and has perhaps seen the Necessity of practising a little dissimulation. They seem to have directly opposite ways to express the same Sentiments. Sukey\u2019s appearance, would at least denote good nature. She is very fat.\n       After waiting on them home, I step\u2019d into Mr. Thaxter\u2019s office, and pass\u2019d an hour there. From thence I went to Mr. White\u2019s, where most of the Company, that have been slaying were. I was much pleased with Mr. Bartlett\u2019s Conversation; I have heard, he is a person, of much knowledge, and extensive reading. I wish I could profit oftener by his Company. The cold has increased very considerably to day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0002", "content": "Title: 2d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       I have got through in four mornings, the preface to the Cyropaedia, but it is a crabbed piece of business. The Stile of this author is said to be Beautiful: a person who understands as little of it as I do, cannot discover the graces, that fine language, communicates to Ideas. I can only perceive a very great simplicity; which it would not be proper for an author at this day to adopt. My Aunt and Nancy spent the afternoon out; Mr. Thaxter was up, here at about 9 o\u2019clock; very much affected, by having just heard, that Dr. Levett an intimate acquaintance of his at Hingham, had drown\u2019d himself. This is the third instance of suicide within these three weeks in this State, I never heard of so many in proportion, any where. I am equally surpriz\u2019d and griev\u2019d to find so much weakness, of mind, so frequently among my Countrymen that it argues an absolute deprivation of Reason, I will not say, but that it proves, a most cowardly, unmanly Spirit, there is no proof of. The Romans, are often brought to prove that it does not show a want of proper firmness and fortitude: but let it be remembered that their great Poet has said of those that hasten their own end\n        ................... quam vellent aethere in alto\n        Nunc et pauperiem et duros perferre labores!", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0003", "content": "Title: 3d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Eliza dined here, and Mr. Mores, a relation of Miss Nancy\u2019s. Mr. Thaxter and Miss Duncan, drank tea. In the afternoon I continued reading Watts\u2019s logic, but to read such books, with much improvement, I believe a calmer state of mind is requisite, than I now possess. They require the deepest attention, and the most settled Reflection: and of this at present I am not capable. When I reason with myself and ask why I am not happy?, I cannot find an Answer. Such is humanity; when it is not depressed by real Evils, it must necessarily frame to itself imaginary ones: and such is the kindness of Providence, that when it afflicts us with the real, it commonly frees us from the others. Thankful am I, that all my present disagreeable feelings, arise from my own fancy, and those I fear are too small a balance, for the real goods I am blest with. My meaning here, must be obscure, to any one but myself; but I shall never be at a loss with respect to it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0004", "content": "Title: 4th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Snowy weather, a great part of the day. My Aunt quite unwell. The Ladies did not attend the meeting. Sacrament day. The forenoon Sermon was adapted to the occasion. Hebrews VIII, 6th. But now he hath obtained a more excellent ministry, by, how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises. The afternoon text was in John XII. 26. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my father honour. I have often wondered how a preacher, can continually produce two Sermons a week, without repeating almost perpetually the same thing: the sphere, in which they are limited being so contracted, and morality for the most part, the Subject they must speak upon. The fertility of the brain is as inconceivable a thing as the faculty of thinking itself. Rain\u2019d all the Evening, and probably all the snow that fell in the morning, will be dissolv\u2019d by to morrow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0006", "content": "Title: 6th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Miss Betsey Cranch came and stay\u2019d here all day. Miss Nancy went out to day, and will spend the rest of the week, with some of her friends. Went with my Cousin to Mr. White\u2019s in the Evening. Mr. Ben: Blodget was there; but soon took his leave. There is something in this person that makes me, and Eliza smile, whenever we look at him. I don\u2019t doubt however but he is a very good sort of a youth.\n       I feel in much better spirits, than I have for a considerable time, and I hope, the gloom that has oppressed my mind, for some weeks, is now entirely dispelled. I have not that I know of, been ever, more contented, and happy, than I now feel myself; and I am now fully satisfied, that I have nothing to fear from a Quarter, which has given me a great deal of anxiety.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0008", "content": "Title: 8th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       A colder day, than I have experienced, for nearly these three years. It froze very hard in the night, and if this weather continues, we shall have very fine slaying. The cold has ruin\u2019d my horse; for it is put him in such a situation, that I have no expectation that he will be alive three days hence. Immediately after dinner Eliza, went home; between 5 and 6. I went down to Major Bartlett\u2019s, and spent the Evening there. The two Miss Duncan\u2019s, P. White, E. Cranch, and N. Hazen; Mr. B. Osgood, J. Duncan, B. Mores, and myself, were all the Company. We play\u2019d a rubber of whist, and yet I kept awake: the Evening was otherwise agreeably spent. I never saw Nancy Coquet it, quite so much; she seem\u2019d really determined to outstrip herself. I really believe I have form\u2019d too favourable an opinion of this girl: let me not however too hastily conceive prejudices against her. To judge Characters with impartiality, is by no means an easy task. Affection or Resentment, will almost always misrepresent things. These passions are the Jaundice of the mind, for they show every thing of the same colour. I wish to free myself from them, in as great a measure as I possibly can. At about 8 I came away, and waited on Miss B. Duncan home. Went into the house, and remained about half an hour there. The Weather seems to be a little more moderate now, than it has been in the Course of the day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0009", "content": "Title: 9th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The air is very temperate, in Comparison to that of yesterday. The river, was froze over in such a manner, that it was almost sufficient to bear a man\u2019s Weight: but it is now so different, that Mr. Peabody, came over this Evening in a boat: the closing of this River, is always a sudden affair. Mr. Duncan, and Mr. Payson, were here, in the Evening; and Mr. Ben Willis, a youth, about 17 years, old, who has so much sedateness, and steadiness, in his looks and manners, that he goes by the name of the young Captain: I received a Horace, by the Post, from my Brother, to whom I sent for it last Week. I began upon the Odes, and went through the two first.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0011", "content": "Title: 11th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Shaw went over to Bradford, in the morning, to preach for Mr. Allen, and Mr. Smith supplied his place here. The forenoon discourse, was from CXIX Psalm. 165. Great Peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them. In the after\u00adnoon, it was from Genesis VIII. 22. While the earth remaineth, seed time, and harvest, and cold, and heat, and summer and Winter, and day, and night shall not cease. I was much pleased with both; there were several persons, that attended to day, whom I have never seen there before. There are a number of gentlemen in Town, who, make it a Rule, never to attend divine Service here, if Mr. Shaw preaches. What narrow illiberal prejudices attend us, almost in every Circumstance of our lives. Closed my letter to my Sister in the Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0013", "content": "Title: 13th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Went in the afternoon, with an Intention to visit Mr. Soughton, but stopping in at Mr. White\u2019s, was told he, and his Lady were spending the afternoon at Judge Blodget\u2019s: found Eliza, somewhat unwell. Mr. Sears, Mr. Burges, and Mr. Marquand, were at Mr. White\u2019s all the evening; and Mr. Osgood and Mr. Duncan. Mr. Sears I take to be between 30 and 35 years old; has made an handsome fortune in the late war: his manners are easy, and agreeable: his Principles not so rigid and severe, as are required in this Country. Mr. Burges, is an Englishman: plain in his Countenance, dress, and manners: though he says some things, that I cannot easily reconcile, with certain Circumstances. Mr. Marquand, is a Merchant from Newbury, who is not I imagine in danger of losing the use of his Tongue. He did not suffer the Conversation to grow languid; from the manner in which he related a number of things, I imagined, he preferred adding a few supernumerary Circumstances, which might create wonder, to giving a plain unadorned account of things. Peggy called some of his expressions flummery, I called them Puffs. Either may express the proper Idea. Miss Nancy, finally return\u2019d home this Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0014", "content": "Title: 14th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Remained at home all day. Just at dusk Eliza came, up, and Leonard White with her. He brought me a Couple of Letters from my Cousin and brother. He came, only to keep Thanksgiving, for the winter Vacation, will not begin, before the first Wednesday in January.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0015", "content": "Title: 15th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Thanksgiving Day, a day of feasting throughout the State. Custom (and I know not but law also) has established, that towards the End of the year, the Governor, should appoint a certain day, for returning thanks to the supreme being for his favours during the course of the year, and the Custom is, universally, to have something extraordinary on that day, to feast upon. We had a sermon in the forenoon, upon the occasion, from Exodus. XXIII. 15. 16. and none shall appear before me empty; And the feast of the harvest, the first-fruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown, in the field: and the feast of the in-gathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Mr. Shaw who has been ill of a cold for some time, and was very hoarse, wish\u2019d Mr. Porter to preach for him, but he refused, because, sometime ago, just before the thanksgiving day in New Hampshire, upon his applying to Mr. Shaw to preach for him, he answered that Every Minister ought to preach his own thanksgiving. Mr. Soughton, with his Lady and Daughter dined here, and our Eliza. We had a very abundant Entertainment. We spent the evening at Mr. White\u2019s. The usual Circle, were present; and Mr. Johnny White (as they call him here, for distinction sake) and his Lady. We play\u2019d cross Purposes, and I know not what. We laugh\u2019d at one another all the Evening, and at about 9 in the Evening retired respectively, in good humour.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0016", "content": "Title: 16th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Dined at Mr. White\u2019s. His Son and Mr. Soughton with their Ladies, were there. Spent all the afternoon; and when I return\u2019d home, I found, B. Duncan, and her two Brothers with, our sweet Nancy, who play\u2019d with James, as amiably and as innocently, as if they were both in their first or second lustre. Betsey was reading, the Night Thoughts, and I recommended to her perusal the 5th and 6th. Satires of the Love of fame the universal Passion. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw went over in the afternoon, and paid the wedding visit to Mrs. Allen, who is in high spirits, as indeed she well may be for if Expectation makes the blessing dear she has had enough of it. Mr. Porter spent the Evening with Mr. Shaw.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0017", "content": "Title: 17th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d from his journey this Evening. He had a very disagreeable time to-day; as the greatest part of it, has been very Rainy. But with such special calls as he has here the Weather must be no impediment to travelling: he brought a number of Letters from Braintree, and some books for me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0018", "content": "Title: 18th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Both our Sermons were from the Psalms. In the morning, LXXVIII. 52. But made his own People to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. After Dinner XVI. 8. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. There are two sorts of preaching: the one, doctrinal, the other, practical. The latter is generally considered as the most useful, and I believe really is. The abstruse points of religion, have so long been disputed upon, that it is probable every argument that can be of any use on either side, has been repeatedly offered; and the preacher can do little more than give his own opinion. But of our moral duties we can never be too often reminded, and for the most part, we require to have them continually told us. Spent part of the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Mr. Thaxter, Mr. T. Osgood, and the young Captain were there. Mr. Osgood, and I were very sociable together; it was the first Time, I have had any Conversation with him. I was told my friend W. Warren, had return\u2019d from Lisbon, and arrived at Boston last Wednesday.\n       Mr. White had a Vessel in at Newbury Port from the West Indies.\n       Leonard goes for Cambridge to-morrow morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0019", "content": "Title: 19th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Finished the first book of Horace\u2019s Odes.\n       I went in the afternoon, and pass\u2019d the Evening, at Mr. Johnny White\u2019s. Besides his father\u2019s family, there were, in the course of the Evening Sukey Sargeant, Sally Bernard, Debby Perkins, and Ben Blodget. Mrs. White\u2019s Sister Sally also, who is not handsome, but agreeable. I am more pleased with Debby, than I have been, and think, she might be made something very Clever: poor Benny, is somewhat unfortunate, for in the short stay, he has made in the town, he has afforded subject of mirth for the young Ladies, but they are not always the best judges of real merit. Mr. White has something curious in his Character. He very frequently complains, of being rude before Ladies, and sometimes proves it immediately: Miss Sukey, I am going to be very unpolite, and I believe this is the first time, you have found me so: I want to see, that Sweet heart of your\u2019s. The Lady answered with great Propriety; but it would certainly have exposed many girls to have made, either an unmeaning or an insincere one.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0021", "content": "Title: 21st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       All day at home. I am often at a great loss, what to say at the End of a day, in this Journal, of mine: I would place my thoughts upon Persons and things: but Persons I do not often see, and when I am in Company with a new Character, and recollect my Observations upon it, they are for the most part either such as I am afraid I should in future consider as partial and ill natured, or wholly insignificant; and my time is so entirely taken up, in other employments, that I make very few reflections upon things. However this scene of perpetual sameness, which does not agree perfectly with my disposition, will not last very long. The family I am in, presents as perfect a scene of happiness, as I ever saw: but it is entirely owing to the disposition of the persons. A life of Tranquility is to them a life of bliss. It could not be so to me. Variety is my Theme, and Life to me is like a journey, in which an unbounded plain, looks dull and insipid; while it affords greater pleasure to be surrounded by a beautiful valley, altho\u2019 steep and rugged mountains must be overcome, before it can be got at. I know not whether my Choice is the wisest: and it is possible I may live to change it; but such it is, at present.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0022", "content": "Title: 22d.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The snow was entirely gone from the ground, and the three first days in this week, were such as might be expected in April, or May, but are not common, at this Season of the year: Last Night some new snow fell again: but it is not very cold now. In the Evening I read to my Aunt for about an hour. I began and went through the first book of the Conquest of Can\u00e4an. The Versification is very fine. Many of the Ideas are noble, and all such as highly become a republican pen; the following are a specimen.\n        Mine be the bliss, the bliss supreme to see\n        My long-lov\u2019d nation bless\u2019d, and bless\u2019d by me:\n        Let others rule; compar\u2019d with this pure joy,\n        A throne\u2019s a bubble, and the world a toy.\n       It will not be easy I believe to find, more excellent thoughts, and better express\u2019d in the best of the british Poets. These lines also I think need only to be read, to be admired.\n        Of all the sympathy, that woes impart\n        To the soft texture of the good man\u2019s heart,\n        Departed friendship, claims the largest share,\n        And sorrow in excess is virtue there.\n       Mr. Wibird who borrow\u2019d the book when it was at Braintree, read it, and was very much pleased with it. He says, the author of it, is the american Pope, as he calls the author of McFingal, our Butler, and Belknap who has written an history of New Hampshire, our Robertson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0024", "content": "Title: 24th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Eliza, spent the day here. Received some books from Braintree. Studied Watts\u2019s logic, in the afternoon, and have now got upon the subject of Syllogisms, which I do not as yet perfectly understand, but believe I shall with another reading. This method of Syllogism, is not the most perfect kind of rhetoric. Anything may be proved by it according to the rules: though nothing can be proved in fact but what the adversary chooses to grant.\n       It snow\u2019d hard, all day. Wrote a letter in the Evening to my Mamma.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0026", "content": "Title: 26th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Exceeding cold Weather all day. Such as I have not felt these three years. Went and pass\u2019d the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Eliza, has been unwell since Saturday, but is recovering. The Ladies play\u2019d several tunes on the harpsichord, and make considerable proficiency.\n       Peggy, is a fine girl, and her case claims the Compassion of every body that knows her. The Unhappy state of mind which she laboured under last Winter, seems an hereditary disorder: her Mother has been in the same Case; Mrs. Duncan, whose dreadful fate has been mentioned was Mrs. White\u2019s Sister, and a brother not long since, put an end to himself; in the same state of Mind. This must necessarily be a disadvantage to her, for her future settlement in Life. And although she has recovered, and is in good Spirits, yet a great curiosity, and a continual absence of mind, are evident proofs, that some traces of her disorder still remain: she was one of the most promising young Ladies in the Town; with an high Spirit, such as every female, at her time of Life should be possessed of, and a cheerful agreeable disposition; I sincerely wish every consequence of her former disorder, may, as most of them already have, gradually disappear, and that she may wholly recover her first state of mind, not to lose it again. She seems to have inherited none of her father\u2019s qualities. He appears to have a great deal of the dutchman in him. If he has none of the delicious enjoyments that proceed from deep Sensibility, neither is he exposed to the painful Sensations, which it often causes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0027", "content": "Title: 27th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Was at home all day. The Cold, has in some measure abated, but is still severe. The Ladies pass\u2019d the afternoon out. In the evening I read the 3d. Book of our Epic Poem, which does not please me, quite so much as the two first. The Characters of Hezron, Irad, and Selima, are drawn with a masters hand; and the scene of the mutiny, with the death of one of the rebelling chiefs has a vast deal of force and spirit in it. But I did not so much admire, the dialogue between Irad, and Selima, concerning the justice of the War. It was not perhaps necessary to suppose, that any person among the Isra\u00eblites doubted the righteousness of their Cause, and it is a digression which seems to leave the action of the Poem languishing. The author cannot be accused as Virgil is of being partial against the female sex. The Characters of Mina and Selima, would rather lead one, to suppose he had too exalted an opinion of them. If he errs that way it is a failing, much more amiable and excusable than the other.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0028", "content": "Title: 28th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       The sharpest day we have had, this Season. Dined at Mr. Duncan\u2019s, in Company, with Miss P. White, E. Cranch, and Nancy, Mr. Moores, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Thaxter, Mr. Tyler and his brother. Spent the afternoon and part of the Evening there. I wonder, how it happens, that almost every kind of Conversation, that may be of any use to persons, is excluded from polite Companies every where; is it because the children of ignorance and folly, are so much more numerous than those of thought and science, that these must submit to imitate them. There were this day in Company several persons, who were able to afford us much improvement and entertainment; if they had conversed upon subjects that were susceptible of it; yet by the tyrannical law of Custom, they were obliged to talk Nonsense. When I returned home, I read the 4th. Book. I know not whether the Critic might not find considerable fault with it: there are a number, of beautiful detailed descriptions, which seems to be peculiarly the author\u2019s talent. That of Eleazer, with which the book opens is admirable: but he marries Elam and Mina rather suddenly. She had been in Gibeon but very few days, in which time she had not it seems been idle; she had converted a Nation, and made a Conquest of the Kings Son. Is not this proceeding with a little too much dispatch. But this Circumstance, produces, a very just and excellent observation. He represents Mina, after her marriage, as rather impatient to return, with her husband to Gibeon, and says.\n        In love\u2019s kind heat, like ice in summer\u2019s ray,\n        All former ties, dissolving, pass away;\n        To new found friends the soul oblivious flies\n        New objects charm us, and new passions rise.\n       The story of Helon, which is something like that of Nisus, and Euryalus in the \u00c6neid, is pretty, and affecting.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0030", "content": "Title: 30th.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Snow\u2019d hard all day. The weather very chilly and disagreeable. I finish\u2019d the first book of the Cyropaedia; to admire the beauties of this book I must be much more acquainted with the Language, it is written in, than I am at present. The Events related in what I have gone through, are in themselves small, and not very interesting; related with a simplicity of style, adapted to them: the Conversation between Cambyses and Cyrus, which concludes the book, may perhaps be of great service to military Characters. In the Evening I read the 5th. Book of our Poem. This too seems to be entirely Episodic; and has no tendency to advance the Action, of the Poem; but it is in itself charming, and perhaps, if a Poem, is moral, instructive and entertaining it is not necessary that it should be confined to the severe rules of a phlegmatic, cold-blooded Critic. The Character and history of Irad appears to be an Imitation of that of Pallas, in Virgil, and the additional Circumstance of his being in Love, is not amiss. The Reflections upon the first fall, are noble, and pleasing, the different effects that the intention of Irad to join in the war, has upon Hezron, and Selima, are proper and natural. The Sentiment of Irad\n        But doom\u2019d to fall, should Heaven my life demand\n        And death betide me from a heathen\u2019s hand,\n        I fall in Virtue\u2019s cause. Far happier doom,\n        In that bless\u2019d path, to find a speedy tomb!\n        Than, lost in sports, or sunk in shameful ease,\n        To drag a worthless life, and swell inglorious days.\n       ought to be that of every youth, who wishes for the applause of his Country, and the Esteem of mankind.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014-0031", "content": "Title: 31st.\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n       Finish\u2019d Watts\u2019s logic. Which I have been a long time, about, but have never look\u2019d in it except Saturdays in the afternoon. What I this day read were rules to guide our Reason, and I was much pleased with them. The Ladies went in the afternoon, down to Mr. White\u2019s to see Eliza, who has again been very much indisposed.\n       And now the year has come to a close; one half hour more, and probably before I shut this book, a new one, will be ushered in, and the present added to the number of those that have performed their course, and are never more to appear, unless in the annals of past Time. A large portion of the Life of man, has elapsed, since I began, this volume; and can I boldly say to myself, that my improvements have been in proportion to the moments that have flown? I dare not search into my heart, for an answer, Time steals gradually, and imperceptibly away; so that we are not sensible how important it is to employ it well, untill it is gone too far to be retrieved. Moment after moment passes off, and seems as nothing; but when millions of those nothings, have collected into a year, and we see it gone, cruel Reflection rushes upon us, and undeceives us of our Error. One minute to come, is worth a thousand years past; which can only serve, to teach us how to make a proper use of it. But I still esteem myself as happy, that I can this night lay me down and sleep with this Consolation, that whatever errors, or foibles, may have misled me in the course, of the past or of the preceding years, at least I have not to reproach myself with Vice, which it has always been my principle to dread, and my Endeavour to shun. May it always be so, and may my Conscience, at the time, when the unerring hand of Death, shall be laid on me, clear me, as it now does.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/03-01-02-0007-0014", "content": "Title: [December 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: \n      Thursday December 1st. 1785.\n       Several of the Ladies, and Gentlemen, went in a party to Methuen, about 10 miles distant, in slays. It being lecture day we had Mr. Adams, a minister of another parish in the town, Mr. True, and Mr. Parker, the present schoolmaster here, to dine. Mr. True preach\u2019d the Sermon, and spoke well, though he was somewhat long. After lecture Miss Betsey and Miss Sukey Redington, came and drank tea with my Aunt; the first is tall, and pretty; rather an harsh Countenance, fond of scandal, I believe, as well as her Sister, but does not take such pains to conceal it. The other is older and has perhaps seen the Necessity of practising a little dissimulation. They seem to have directly opposite ways to express the same Sentiments. Sukey\u2019s appearance, would at least denote good nature. She is very fat.\n       After waiting on them home, I step\u2019d into Mr. Thaxter\u2019s office, and pass\u2019d an hour there. From thence I went to Mr. White\u2019s, where most of the Company, that have been slaying were. I was much pleased with Mr. Bartlett\u2019s Conversation; I have heard, he is a person, of much knowledge, and extensive reading. I wish I could profit oftener by his Company. The cold has increased very considerably to day.\n       I have got through in four mornings, the preface to the Cyropaedia, but it is a crabbed piece of business. The Stile of this author is said to be Beautiful: a person who understands as little of it as I do, cannot discover the graces, that fine language, communicates to Ideas. I can only perceive a very great simplicity; which it would not be proper for an author at this day to adopt. My Aunt and Nancy spent the afternoon out; Mr. Thaxter was up, here at about 9 o\u2019clock; very much affected, by having just heard, that Dr. Levett an intimate acquaintance of his at Hingham, had drown\u2019d himself. This is the third instance of suicide within these three weeks in this State, I never heard of so many in proportion, any where. I am equally surpriz\u2019d and griev\u2019d to find so much weakness, of mind, so frequently among my Countrymen that it argues an absolute deprivation of Reason, I will not say, but that it proves, a most cowardly, unmanly Spirit, there is no proof of. The Romans, are often brought to prove that it does not show a want of proper firmness and fortitude: but let it be remembered that their great Poet has said of those that hasten their own end\n        ................... quam vellent aethere in alto\n        Nunc et pauperiem et duros perferre labores!\n   Martin Leavitt, naval surgeon in the Revolution and physician in Hingham, Mass. (History of the Town of Hingham, 3 vols. in 4, Hingham, 1893, 1, pt. 2:317).\n   Aeneid, Bk. VI, lines 436\u2013437. JQA owned several copies of Virgil\u2019s works at this time. In Joseph Warton\u2019s Latin and English edition (4 vols., London, 1778, purchased by JQA in 1783 and now at MQA) the lines are rendered \u201cOh! with what joy the wretches now would bear pain, toil, and woe, to breathe the vital air!\u201d (3:186\u2013187).\n       Eliza dined here, and Mr. Mores, a relation of Miss Nancy\u2019s. Mr. Thaxter and Miss Duncan, drank tea. In the afternoon I continued reading Watts\u2019s logic, but to read such books, with much improvement, I believe a calmer state of mind is requisite, than I now possess. They require the deepest attention, and the most settled Reflection: and of this at present I am not capable. When I reason with myself and ask why I am not happy?, I cannot find an Answer. Such is humanity; when it is not depressed by real Evils, it must necessarily frame to itself imaginary ones: and such is the kindness of Providence, that when it afflicts us with the real, it commonly frees us from the others. Thankful am I, that all my present disagreeable feelings, arise from my own fancy, and those I fear are too small a balance, for the real goods I am blest with. My meaning here, must be obscure, to any one but myself; but I shall never be at a loss with respect to it.\n   Benjamin Moores, a Revolutionary officer and later a local official in Plattsburg, N.Y. (Chase, Hist. of HaverhillGeorge Wingate Chase, The History of Haverhill, Massachusetts, from Its First Settlement, in 1640, to the Year 1860, Haverhill, 1861., p. 389, 640\u2013641).\n       Snowy weather, a great part of the day. My Aunt quite unwell. The Ladies did not attend the meeting. Sacrament day. The forenoon Sermon was adapted to the occasion. Hebrews VIII, 6th. But now he hath obtained a more excellent ministry, by, how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises. The afternoon text was in John XII. 26. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my father honour. I have often wondered how a preacher, can continually produce two Sermons a week, without repeating almost perpetually the same thing: the sphere, in which they are limited being so contracted, and morality for the most part, the Subject they must speak upon. The fertility of the brain is as inconceivable a thing as the faculty of thinking itself. Rain\u2019d all the Evening, and probably all the snow that fell in the morning, will be dissolv\u2019d by to morrow.\n       After passing all the day, at pretty Close Study, I went and spent the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Mr. Osgood, and Major Bart\u00adlett, with their Ladies, were there: I had at length, an Invitation from the former, to go to his House. The terms that subsist between his family and Mr. Shaw\u2019s, are such, that, I did not expect any notice from him: nor had I any right to expect it: but as a man possess\u2019d of liberal Sentiments, his enmities do not extend further than persons. He is acknowledged to be a very Sensible, as well as an hospitable man; and Mr. Shaw often laments, that a reconciliation cannot take place. Found Mr. Thaxter here, when I return\u2019d home: he is to set off on a journey to Boston, and Hingham, to-morrow morning. Mr. Marsh was here too. He is the eldest of 12 Children, of an old Lady in town, and it is remarkable, that 11 of the 12, are uncommonly Sensible, for the few advantages of education they have enjoy\u2019d, as they are all mechanics. This man is between 60 and 70 years old. He was mentioning a person, who had an opinion of some religious point, different from his own. Now says he, he is very wrong.\n       Perhaps, said Mr. Shaw, he thinks you are wrong.\n       Ay, but I know he is.\n       If such a degree of certainty, is not Philosophical, at least a man is perhaps the happier for professing it. When I see People, says some French author, adoring the Image of a Saint, for its miracles, I pity them, and yet wish, I believed as firmly as they.\n   Probably Israel Bartlett, Haverhill goldsmith and Revolutionary officer, cousin of Bailey Bartlett (Chase, Hist. of HaverhillGeorge Wingate Chase, The History of Haverhill, Massachusetts, from Its First Settlement, in 1640, to the Year 1860, Haverhill, 1861., p. 620\u2013621).\n       Miss Betsey Cranch came and stay\u2019d here all day. Miss Nancy went out to day, and will spend the rest of the week, with some of her friends. Went with my Cousin to Mr. White\u2019s in the Evening. Mr. Ben: Blodget was there; but soon took his leave. There is something in this person that makes me, and Eliza smile, whenever we look at him. I don\u2019t doubt however but he is a very good sort of a youth.\n       I feel in much better spirits, than I have for a considerable time, and I hope, the gloom that has oppressed my mind, for some weeks, is now entirely dispelled. I have not that I know of, been ever, more contented, and happy, than I now feel myself; and I am now fully satisfied, that I have nothing to fear from a Quarter, which has given me a great deal of anxiety.\n       It snow\u2019d all day; in the Evening it clear\u2019d up, and grew very cold. Eliza, came in the morning, and on account of the Snow that has fallen, stays here to-night.\n       A colder day, than I have experienced, for nearly these three years. It froze very hard in the night, and if this weather continues, we shall have very fine slaying. The cold has ruin\u2019d my horse; for it is put him in such a situation, that I have no expectation that he will be alive three days hence. Immediately after dinner Eliza, went home; between 5 and 6. I went down to Major Bartlett\u2019s, and spent the Evening there. The two Miss Duncan\u2019s, P. White, E. Cranch, and N. Hazen; Mr. B. Osgood, J. Duncan, B. Mores, and myself, were all the Company. We play\u2019d a rubber of whist, and yet I kept awake: the Evening was otherwise agreeably spent. I never saw Nancy Coquet it, quite so much; she seem\u2019d really determined to outstrip herself. I really believe I have form\u2019d too favourable an opinion of this girl: let me not however too hastily conceive prejudices against her. To judge Characters with impartiality, is by no means an easy task. Affection or Resentment, will almost always misrepresent things. These passions are the Jaundice of the mind, for they show every thing of the same colour. I wish to free myself from them, in as great a measure as I possibly can. At about 8 I came away, and waited on Miss B. Duncan home. Went into the house, and remained about half an hour there. The Weather seems to be a little more moderate now, than it has been in the Course of the day.\n       The air is very temperate, in Comparison to that of yesterday. The river, was froze over in such a manner, that it was almost sufficient to bear a man\u2019s Weight: but it is now so different, that Mr. Peabody, came over this Evening in a boat: the closing of this River, is always a sudden affair. Mr. Duncan, and Mr. Payson, were here, in the Evening; and Mr. Ben Willis, a youth, about 17 years, old, who has so much sedateness, and steadiness, in his looks and manners, that he goes by the name of the young Captain: I received a Horace, by the Post, from my Brother, to whom I sent for it last Week. I began upon the Odes, and went through the two first.\n   In addition to reading Horace\u2019s Odes, JQA very likely began, but never completed, a translation. See the undated document in M/JQA/44, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 239, which contains a prose translation of the first three odes.\n       Mr. I. Smith came over before dinner. He is to preach to-morrow at Bradford for Mr. Allen, who is gone to Boston, as he says himself, for special purposes, that is; to be married. In the afternoon I went with him, and visited Mr. Osgood. This was the first time I had been, in that house; and he said when I came out of it, Come, we have not been neighbourly: you must come, in, and see us often.\n       Dreadful Complaints of the times: Decay of Trade, scarcity of money &c. but these are grown mere Common place Observations, and do not make so deep impression, as if real distress, was seen attending them. Went into Mr. White\u2019s. Mrs. Soughton, was there; arrived this morning from Boston. Ran into Judge Blodget\u2019s, for a few minutes, found Nancy there, and Miss Sally Perkins, a young Lady I have not seen before. Bil Blodget squeaked a few tunes, on the violin: return\u2019d and drank tea at Mr. White\u2019s. Paid a few Compliments to Miss Peggy, which surprized her very much. She had thought before, I made it an invariable Rule, never to make Compliments. I rather did it, with a View to receive a few less, myself: she is very fond of making them.\n   The following day Rev. Jonathan Allen married Elizabeth Kent (1747\u20131821), first cousin of AA and daughter of Ebenezer and Anna (Smith) Kent of Charlestown (Boston Record Commissioners, 30th ReportCity of Boston, Record Commissioners, Reports, Boston, 1876-1909; 39 vols., p. 71; Thomas Bellows Wyman, The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1629\u20131818, 2 vols., Boston, 1879, 2:571).\n       Mr. Shaw went over to Bradford, in the morning, to preach for Mr. Allen, and Mr. Smith supplied his place here. The forenoon discourse, was from CXIX Psalm. 165. Great Peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them. In the after\u00adnoon, it was from Genesis VIII. 22. While the earth remaineth, seed time, and harvest, and cold, and heat, and summer and Winter, and day, and night shall not cease. I was much pleased with both; there were several persons, that attended to day, whom I have never seen there before. There are a number of gentlemen in Town, who, make it a Rule, never to attend divine Service here, if Mr. Shaw preaches. What narrow illiberal prejudices attend us, almost in every Circumstance of our lives. Closed my letter to my Sister in the Evening.\n   Letter not found.\n       I am exceedingly pleased with what I have done in Horace; and have come across many very noble Sentiments. One of those in the 9th. Ode, which I read this morning, comes, very near to one, that proceeded from the Saviour of the World. Matthew VI. 34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Horace Ode IX. 13.\n        Quid sit futurum cras, fuge quaerere; et\n        Quem fors dierum cumque dabit, lucro\n       The writer, that has ideas, so correspondent to those uttered by the mouth of god, and that without the real inspiration, must very justly hold his rank among the greatest authors. Mr. Smith set out in the afternoon to return to Boston.\n   \u201cCease to ask what the morrow will bring forth, and set down as gain each day that Fortune grants!\u201d (Horace: The Odes and Epodes, transl. C. E. Bennett, Cambridge, 1952, p. 28\u201329 [lines 13\u201315]). The long series of spaced periods are JQA\u2019s; he failed to include the next line from Horace: \u201cNor in thy youth neglect sweet love nor dances, whilst life is still in its bloom and crabbed age is far away!\u201d (same).\n       Went in the afternoon, with an Intention to visit Mr. Soughton, but stopping in at Mr. White\u2019s, was told he, and his Lady were spending the afternoon at Judge Blodget\u2019s: found Eliza, somewhat unwell. Mr. Sears, Mr. Burges, and Mr. Marquand, were at Mr. White\u2019s all the evening; and Mr. Osgood and Mr. Duncan. Mr. Sears I take to be between 30 and 35 years old; has made an handsome fortune in the late war: his manners are easy, and agreeable: his Principles not so rigid and severe, as are required in this Country. Mr. Burges, is an Englishman: plain in his Countenance, dress, and manners: though he says some things, that I cannot easily reconcile, with certain Circumstances. Mr. Marquand, is a Merchant from Newbury, who is not I imagine in danger of losing the use of his Tongue. He did not suffer the Conversation to grow languid; from the manner in which he related a number of things, I imagined, he preferred adding a few supernumerary Circumstances, which might create wonder, to giving a plain unadorned account of things. Peggy called some of his expressions flummery, I called them Puffs. Either may express the proper Idea. Miss Nancy, finally return\u2019d home this Evening.\n       Remained at home all day. Just at dusk Eliza came, up, and Leonard White with her. He brought me a Couple of Letters from my Cousin and brother. He came, only to keep Thanksgiving, for the winter Vacation, will not begin, before the first Wednesday in January.\n   Letters not found.\n       Thanksgiving Day, a day of feasting throughout the State. Custom (and I know not but law also) has established, that towards the End of the year, the Governor, should appoint a certain day, for returning thanks to the supreme being for his favours during the course of the year, and the Custom is, universally, to have something extraordinary on that day, to feast upon. We had a sermon in the forenoon, upon the occasion, from Exodus. XXIII. 15. 16. and none shall appear before me empty; And the feast of the harvest, the first-fruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown, in the field: and the feast of the in-gathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Mr. Shaw who has been ill of a cold for some time, and was very hoarse, wish\u2019d Mr. Porter to preach for him, but he refused, because, sometime ago, just before the thanksgiving day in New Hampshire, upon his applying to Mr. Shaw to preach for him, he answered that Every Minister ought to preach his own thanksgiving. Mr. Soughton, with his Lady and Daughter dined here, and our Eliza. We had a very abundant Entertainment. We spent the evening at Mr. White\u2019s. The usual Circle, were present; and Mr. Johnny White (as they call him here, for distinction sake) and his Lady. We play\u2019d cross Purposes, and I know not what. We laugh\u2019d at one another all the Evening, and at about 9 in the Evening retired respectively, in good humour.\n   Huntington Porter, minister at Rye, N.H. (Langdon B. Parsons, History of the Town of Rye, New Hampshire, From Its Discovery and Settlement to December 31, 1903, Concord, N.H., 1905, p. 498).\n   John White Jr., Haverhill merchant and shopkeeper and older brother of JQA\u2019s future classmate Leonard (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 17:672\u2013673).\n       Dined at Mr. White\u2019s. His Son and Mr. Soughton with their Ladies, were there. Spent all the afternoon; and when I return\u2019d home, I found, B. Duncan, and her two Brothers with, our sweet Nancy, who play\u2019d with James, as amiably and as innocently, as if they were both in their first or second lustre. Betsey was reading, the Night Thoughts, and I recommended to her perusal the 5th and 6th. Satires of the Love of fame the universal Passion. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw went over in the afternoon, and paid the wedding visit to Mrs. Allen, who is in high spirits, as indeed she well may be for if Expectation makes the blessing dear she has had enough of it. Mr. Porter spent the Evening with Mr. Shaw.\n   Edward Young, The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts on Life, Death, and Immortality, London, 1745, and his Love of Fame, The Universal Passion, In Seven Characteristic Satires, London, 1728. The fifth and sixth satires are \u201con women.\u201d\n       Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d from his journey this Evening. He had a very disagreeable time to-day; as the greatest part of it, has been very Rainy. But with such special calls as he has here the Weather must be no impediment to travelling: he brought a number of Letters from Braintree, and some books for me.\n   Letters to JQA, if any, have not been found.\n       Both our Sermons were from the Psalms. In the morning, LXXVIII. 52. But made his own People to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. After Dinner XVI. 8. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. There are two sorts of preaching: the one, doctrinal, the other, practical. The latter is generally considered as the most useful, and I believe really is. The abstruse points of religion, have so long been disputed upon, that it is probable every argument that can be of any use on either side, has been repeatedly offered; and the preacher can do little more than give his own opinion. But of our moral duties we can never be too often reminded, and for the most part, we require to have them continually told us. Spent part of the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Mr. Thaxter, Mr. T. Osgood, and the young Captain were there. Mr. Osgood, and I were very sociable together; it was the first Time, I have had any Conversation with him. I was told my friend W. Warren, had return\u2019d from Lisbon, and arrived at Boston last Wednesday.\n       Mr. White had a Vessel in at Newbury Port from the West Indies.\n       Leonard goes for Cambridge to-morrow morning.\n       Finished the first book of Horace\u2019s Odes.\n       I went in the afternoon, and pass\u2019d the Evening, at Mr. Johnny White\u2019s. Besides his father\u2019s family, there were, in the course of the Evening Sukey Sargeant, Sally Bernard, Debby Perkins, and Ben Blodget. Mrs. White\u2019s Sister Sally also, who is not handsome, but agreeable. I am more pleased with Debby, than I have been, and think, she might be made something very Clever: poor Benny, is somewhat unfortunate, for in the short stay, he has made in the town, he has afforded subject of mirth for the young Ladies, but they are not always the best judges of real merit. Mr. White has something curious in his Character. He very frequently complains, of being rude before Ladies, and sometimes proves it immediately: Miss Sukey, I am going to be very unpolite, and I believe this is the first time, you have found me so: I want to see, that Sweet heart of your\u2019s. The Lady answered with great Propriety; but it would certainly have exposed many girls to have made, either an unmeaning or an insincere one.\n       After studying, all day, as usual, I went in the Evening to Mr. Duncan\u2019s. Our time pass\u2019d in chatting, laughing, romping, and dancing. Young Squire White, (for there are so many persons of that name in this Town that they are known only by their nicknames) humm\u2019d and whistled a number of Country dances. This is another of the young Ladies\u2019 playthings here, but it is his own fault for suffering it. He seems to talk childish now and then, but he is not yet five and twenty; his youth may be his excuse. Studied late, as I most commonly do. Twelve or half after is my hour for retirement of late. I do not admire it much; but it is quite Necessary; and I therefore submit to it.\n   Samuel White Jr., son of Squire Samuel White, prominent Haverhill merchant and farmer and first cousin of John White Sr. (Daniel Appleton White and Annie Frances Richards, The Descendants of William White, of Haverhill, Mass. . . ., Boston, 1889, p. 9\u201312, 16, 22\u201323, 27, 53).\n       All day at home. I am often at a great loss, what to say at the End of a day, in this Journal, of mine: I would place my thoughts upon Persons and things: but Persons I do not often see, and when I am in Company with a new Character, and recollect my Observations upon it, they are for the most part either such as I am afraid I should in future consider as partial and ill natured, or wholly insignificant; and my time is so entirely taken up, in other employments, that I make very few reflections upon things. However this scene of perpetual sameness, which does not agree perfectly with my disposition, will not last very long. The family I am in, presents as perfect a scene of happiness, as I ever saw: but it is entirely owing to the disposition of the persons. A life of Tranquility is to them a life of bliss. It could not be so to me. Variety is my Theme, and Life to me is like a journey, in which an unbounded plain, looks dull and insipid; while it affords greater pleasure to be surrounded by a beautiful valley, altho\u2019 steep and rugged mountains must be overcome, before it can be got at. I know not whether my Choice is the wisest: and it is possible I may live to change it; but such it is, at present.\n       The snow was entirely gone from the ground, and the three first days in this week, were such as might be expected in April, or May, but are not common, at this Season of the year: Last Night some new snow fell again: but it is not very cold now. In the Evening I read to my Aunt for about an hour. I began and went through the first book of the Conquest of Can\u00e4an. The Versification is very fine. Many of the Ideas are noble, and all such as highly become a republican pen; the following are a specimen.\n        Mine be the bliss, the bliss supreme to see\n        My long-lov\u2019d nation bless\u2019d, and bless\u2019d by me:\n        Let others rule; compar\u2019d with this pure joy,\n        A throne\u2019s a bubble, and the world a toy.\n       It will not be easy I believe to find, more excellent thoughts, and better express\u2019d in the best of the british Poets. These lines also I think need only to be read, to be admired.\n        Of all the sympathy, that woes impart\n        To the soft texture of the good man\u2019s heart,\n        Departed friendship, claims the largest share,\n        And sorrow in excess is virtue there.\n       Mr. Wibird who borrow\u2019d the book when it was at Braintree, read it, and was very much pleased with it. He says, the author of it, is the american Pope, as he calls the author of McFingal, our Butler, and Belknap who has written an history of New Hampshire, our Robertson.\n   Same, Bk. I, lines 497\u2013500.\n   Jeremy Belknap, the Dover, N.H., minister whose literary reputation rests chiefly on his History of New-Hampshire . . ., 3 vols., Boston, 1784\u20131792.\n       Mr. Thaxter return\u2019d from Exeter Court, (where he went last Tuesday) and dined with us. Mrs. Shaw was out, all the afternoon and evening. This morning I finish\u2019d the 2d. book of Horace\u2019s Odes, and had one, which pleased me, as much, or more than any I have met with yet. It is the 16th. All those that Compose, this book are very fine, and I remember I have heard my father who is very fond of the author, speak, in a peculiar manner of it.\n       Eliza, spent the day here. Received some books from Braintree. Studied Watts\u2019s logic, in the afternoon, and have now got upon the subject of Syllogisms, which I do not as yet perfectly understand, but believe I shall with another reading. This method of Syllogism, is not the most perfect kind of rhetoric. Anything may be proved by it according to the rules: though nothing can be proved in fact but what the adversary chooses to grant.\n       It snow\u2019d hard, all day. Wrote a letter in the Evening to my Mamma.\n   Probably the letter dated 28 Dec. (Adams Papers).\n       Christmas day. Among the Roman Catholics and the followers of the Church of England it is a great and Important day, but it is not observed in this Country, nor any where I believe by the dissenters. We had a couple of doctrinal Sermons to day. One from Isaiah XLIV. 23. Sing, o ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the Earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains o forest and every tree therein; for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. The other from John XIII. 8. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.\n       The weather has been very pleasant. Eliza is unwell and was not at meeting. In the Evening I read to the Ladies, the 2d. book of the Conquest of Can\u00e4an; it is not inferior to the first, but the hero has nothing to do in it, and it consists all in relation, as the 2d. and 3d. Books of the \u00c6neid. The hymn to the Sun, is beautiful. Mina\u2019s account of the Creation, and the subsequent history, is as concise, and comprehensive, as any thing of the kind I have read: the observation she makes concerning the Sun,\n        Yon orb, whose brightness claims thy raptur\u2019d praise,\n        Is but a beam of his unbounded blaze.\n       is admirable, but the author must have supposed that the Educa\u00adtion of young Ladies, at the time he writes of, was much more excellent, than is given them in this age of the world. It is probable, that the reading of history has since been replaced by that of novels and plays, which were not invented then; young Ladies now, would be much more expert at giving an account of some high flown Romance, than of any history, even that of their own Country.\n   A Sunday.\n       Exceeding cold Weather all day. Such as I have not felt these three years. Went and pass\u2019d the Evening at Mr. White\u2019s. Eliza, has been unwell since Saturday, but is recovering. The Ladies play\u2019d several tunes on the harpsichord, and make considerable proficiency.\n       Peggy, is a fine girl, and her case claims the Compassion of every body that knows her. The Unhappy state of mind which she laboured under last Winter, seems an hereditary disorder: her Mother has been in the same Case; Mrs. Duncan, whose dreadful fate has been mentioned was Mrs. White\u2019s Sister, and a brother not long since, put an end to himself; in the same state of Mind. This must necessarily be a disadvantage to her, for her future settlement in Life. And although she has recovered, and is in good Spirits, yet a great curiosity, and a continual absence of mind, are evident proofs, that some traces of her disorder still remain: she was one of the most promising young Ladies in the Town; with an high Spirit, such as every female, at her time of Life should be possessed of, and a cheerful agreeable disposition; I sincerely wish every consequence of her former disorder, may, as most of them already have, gradually disappear, and that she may wholly recover her first state of mind, not to lose it again. She seems to have inherited none of her father\u2019s qualities. He appears to have a great deal of the dutchman in him. If he has none of the delicious enjoyments that proceed from deep Sensibility, neither is he exposed to the painful Sensations, which it often causes.\n   Abiel Leonard committed suicide in 1777 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates,John Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- . 14:450\u2013455).\n       Was at home all day. The Cold, has in some measure abated, but is still severe. The Ladies pass\u2019d the afternoon out. In the evening I read the 3d. Book of our Epic Poem, which does not please me, quite so much as the two first. The Characters of Hezron, Irad, and Selima, are drawn with a masters hand; and the scene of the mutiny, with the death of one of the rebelling chiefs has a vast deal of force and spirit in it. But I did not so much admire, the dialogue between Irad, and Selima, concerning the justice of the War. It was not perhaps necessary to suppose, that any person among the Isra\u00eblites doubted the righteousness of their Cause, and it is a digression which seems to leave the action of the Poem languishing. The author cannot be accused as Virgil is of being partial against the female sex. The Characters of Mina and Selima, would rather lead one, to suppose he had too exalted an opinion of them. If he errs that way it is a failing, much more amiable and excusable than the other.\n       The sharpest day we have had, this Season. Dined at Mr. Duncan\u2019s, in Company, with Miss P. White, E. Cranch, and Nancy, Mr. Moores, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Thaxter, Mr. Tyler and his brother. Spent the afternoon and part of the Evening there. I wonder, how it happens, that almost every kind of Conversation, that may be of any use to persons, is excluded from polite Companies every where; is it because the children of ignorance and folly, are so much more numerous than those of thought and science, that these must submit to imitate them. There were this day in Company several persons, who were able to afford us much improvement and entertainment; if they had conversed upon subjects that were susceptible of it; yet by the tyrannical law of Custom, they were obliged to talk Nonsense. When I returned home, I read the 4th. Book. I know not whether the Critic might not find considerable fault with it: there are a number, of beautiful detailed descriptions, which seems to be peculiarly the author\u2019s talent. That of Eleazer, with which the book opens is admirable: but he marries Elam and Mina rather suddenly. She had been in Gibeon but very few days, in which time she had not it seems been idle; she had converted a Nation, and made a Conquest of the Kings Son. Is not this proceeding with a little too much dispatch. But this Circumstance, produces, a very just and excellent observation. He represents Mina, after her marriage, as rather impatient to return, with her husband to Gibeon, and says.\n        In love\u2019s kind heat, like ice in summer\u2019s ray,\n        All former ties, dissolving, pass away;\n        To new found friends the soul oblivious flies\n        New objects charm us, and new passions rise.\n       The story of Helon, which is something like that of Nisus, and Euryalus in the \u00c6neid, is pretty, and affecting.\n       Young Lakeman, who studies with us, came over the river in the morning upon the Ice. The river closed last Night. In the afternoon, I went over with Mr. Thaxter, and paid a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Allen. They look as domestic, and as much settled as if they had been keeping house, these ten years. They both seem to have attained at least the summit of the hill of Life; and they will now be able to go down, hand in hand, which is much better than travelling alone. Mr. Thaxter came up, in the Evening, and supped with us. I wish I could see him pair\u2019d also; and if I can judge from the apparent alteration, which has lately taken place in his sentiments concerning marriage, it will not be long before he too will get entangled.\n   Probably Nathan Lakeman, of Boxford, who later practiced medicine in Hamilton and Gloucester, Mass. (Sidney Perley, \u201cThe Dwellings of Boxford,\u201d Essex Inst., Hist. Colls.Essex Institute Historical Collections., 29:120 [Jan.\u2013June 1892]; Russell Leigh Jackson, \u201cPhysicians of Essex County,\u201d same, 84:87 [Jan. 1948]).\n       Snow\u2019d hard all day. The weather very chilly and disagreeable. I finish\u2019d the first book of the Cyropaedia; to admire the beauties of this book I must be much more acquainted with the Language, it is written in, than I am at present. The Events related in what I have gone through, are in themselves small, and not very interesting; related with a simplicity of style, adapted to them: the Conversation between Cambyses and Cyrus, which concludes the book, may perhaps be of great service to military Characters. In the Evening I read the 5th. Book of our Poem. This too seems to be entirely Episodic; and has no tendency to advance the Action, of the Poem; but it is in itself charming, and perhaps, if a Poem, is moral, instructive and entertaining it is not necessary that it should be confined to the severe rules of a phlegmatic, cold-blooded Critic. The Character and history of Irad appears to be an Imitation of that of Pallas, in Virgil, and the additional Circumstance of his being in Love, is not amiss. The Reflections upon the first fall, are noble, and pleasing, the different effects that the intention of Irad to join in the war, has upon Hezron, and Selima, are proper and natural. The Sentiment of Irad\n        But doom\u2019d to fall, should Heaven my life demand\n        And death betide me from a heathen\u2019s hand,\n        I fall in Virtue\u2019s cause. Far happier doom,\n        In that bless\u2019d path, to find a speedy tomb!\n        Than, lost in sports, or sunk in shameful ease,\n        To drag a worthless life, and swell inglorious days.\n       ought to be that of every youth, who wishes for the applause of his Country, and the Esteem of mankind.\n       Finish\u2019d Watts\u2019s logic. Which I have been a long time, about, but have never look\u2019d in it except Saturdays in the afternoon. What I this day read were rules to guide our Reason, and I was much pleased with them. The Ladies went in the afternoon, down to Mr. White\u2019s to see Eliza, who has again been very much indisposed.\n       And now the year has come to a close; one half hour more, and probably before I shut this book, a new one, will be ushered in, and the present added to the number of those that have performed their course, and are never more to appear, unless in the annals of past Time. A large portion of the Life of man, has elapsed, since I began, this volume; and can I boldly say to myself, that my improvements have been in proportion to the moments that have flown? I dare not search into my heart, for an answer, Time steals gradually, and imperceptibly away; so that we are not sensible how important it is to employ it well, untill it is gone too far to be retrieved. Moment after moment passes off, and seems as nothing; but when millions of those nothings, have collected into a year, and we see it gone, cruel Reflection rushes upon us, and undeceives us of our Error. One minute to come, is worth a thousand years past; which can only serve, to teach us how to make a proper use of it. But I still esteem myself as happy, that I can this night lay me down and sleep with this Consolation, that whatever errors, or foibles, may have misled me in the course, of the past or of the preceding years, at least I have not to reproach myself with Vice, which it has always been my principle to dread, and my Endeavour to shun. May it always be so, and may my Conscience, at the time, when the unerring hand of Death, shall be laid on me, clear me, as it now does.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0012", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 3 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\n      My dear Betsy\n      Auteuil, January 3, 1785\n     I am determined not to neglect my pen for so long an interval as I did before your last Letters; for then I always go to it with reluctance. Mr. Appleton came here this Day week; from London, and as he thinks he shall return before Captain Young sails, I am induced to proceed to the fulfilment of my promise, and attempt a Description of the French Theater. I have from time, to time, survey\u2019d it with as much accuracy as I am capable of, that I might be able to render my account intelligible. If I fail in architecture, your lively imagination must supply my deficiency.\n     This superb Building, the French Theater, is situated near the Palace of Luxembourgh, and was Built by Messrs. De Wailly and Peyre the ablest Architects of the King. This Monument is open on every side, and is in the form of a parallelogram (for this figure see the Preceptor, plate 1st in Geometry, Figure 9, B.D.). This is surrounded with porticos which form galleries, by which means you go up and come down under cover. The front, where you first enter, is simple but noble, and announces its Majesty by a perystyle, or a circular range of pillars jutting out, Decorated with Eight collumns in the Doric order, you ascend to it by nine large stone stairs. The back is ornamented with partitions, and the whole is covered by an Attic, which term signifies having the Roof concealed, and is a peculiar kind of base, used sometimes in the Ionic and Doric orders. Under this porch there are three doors, each of which introduce you into a Hall, decorated with collums in the Tuscan order (for this order see the Preceptor). These sustain an arched roof. In front of the middle Door; and at the bottom of the Hall, there is a marble statue of Voltaire. The doors which open upon both sides of this statue, serve as an entrance into a large entry, which was designd as a safe retreat in case of fire. Accordingly it communicates with the highest Galleries as well as the pit, the orchestra and the stairs of all the Boxes. In this entry you are presented with two great flight of stairs opposite each other, which conduct you equally to the first stage or two galleries in Collonade, a series of pillars disposed in a circle, which communicate with the entry of the first Boxes, and through them into the great public retiring room. This Room is\n     decorated in the doric order of a new invention. It represents a Hall in the Italian form square at the bottom and octagon (which is a plain figure consisting of Eight equal sides and angles), at the first entablature (that is at the first frieze and cornice of the pillars,) and circular at the top which supports the cupola, which signifies a dome, the hemispherical summit of a building. This Hall is concecrated to the memory of the great Men, who have renderd the French Theater illustrious; accordingly you find their Marble Busts placed round it. Moliere, as the Father of commedy, has his seat over the Chimny, and upon the right hand is Piron and Voltaire, Racine and Regnard, upon the left Crebillon, Nericault Destouches, Pierre Corneille, Dufresny. Over the Doors are the medallions of Plautus, Terence, Sophocle, and Euripides. This hall is enlightned by six large Lustures, each of which holds 50 lights, they are of great service to the entry which communicates with it. To compare great things with small, imagine yourself in the gallery of the cupola of Dr. Coopers meeting House, and this cupola under the covering which I have described. It has as many small doors just large enough for one person to enter at a time: as there are boxes within, open one of them, and it introduces you into the first Boxes of the great Theater. Look above you and you will see 3 galleries divided into Boxes in the same manner as the first. Look below you, and you will see what is called the Amphitheater, in which are two rows of benches, advanced sufficently forward to give the spectators an equal chance of seeing. You must never loose sight of the perfect circular figure of the House and that taking off a quarter part of your circle for the Theater, you leave the other three quarters, for the spectators who all necessarily face the theater; below the Amphitheater, is the pit upon the first floor; and here are rows of benches, that every person may sit down; between the pit and the theater; is the orchestra. The Musisians when sitting, have their heads just even with the floor of the Theater. The inside of the Boxes are coverd with green velvet, and cushions of the same. The first Boxes will hold six persons, but 4 are sufficient for comfort. The front of the Boxes, which resembles the Gallery of a meeting house, is ornamented with Drapery, and the second galleries, which are advanced a little forward of the first, are adornd with garlands of flowers, and fruits in Relievo, which you know is the seeming prominence of a figure in sculpture. Above the uppermost Boxes are 12 bendings in the vault, which is supported by 12 pilasters. The 12 signs of the Zodiac ornament these arches, which are all in arabesk sculpture. Before the scene are four pillars adorned, with Caryatides, as large as life. This is an order of columns under the representation of women, cloathed in long robes and serving to support entablatures; for a figure of this kind, look in the Preceptor to the Corinthian order, and for the arabesk which adorns the vault, look to the composite order against the term foliages, a a. Over the top of the stage is the Lyre of Apollo, supported by Melpomene, who represents the tragick Muse, and holds a dagger in her hand, and Thalia, the Comick Muse, who has a mask in hers. These figures are in sculpture and large as life. The inside of this Theater is painted a sky blue, and the ornaments are all white. From the middle of this vault hangs a prodigious Lustre, containing I imagine two hundred lights. There is over this Lustre in the arch of the Ceilling, a circle, prehaps 40 foot in circumference which is inlaid with some shining metal and reflects back the lights in such a manner that I have easily read the finest print as I set in the Box. The floor of the stage is lighted by two rows of lamps which are placed upon it just before the orchestra; and are so constructed as to be drawn below it, whenever the part acted requires that it should be night. Fancy, my dear Betsy this house filled with 2000 well drest gentlemen and Ladies! The house is large enough to hold double the number. Suppose some tragedy to be represented which requires the grandest scenery, and the most superb habits of kings and Queens, the parts well performed; and the passions all excited, until you imagine yourself living at the very period; and witnessing what you see represented, or, in the Words of Pope,\n      \u201cLive o\u2019er the scene, and be what you behold.\u201d\n     Can you form to yourself a higher repast, or one more agreeable to your taste? To my dictionary and the Preceptor I am indebted for the explanation of the terms of Architecture; and, like many other preceptors; whilst I have endeavourd to instruct, I have found my own knowledge increased, for I should never have comprehended half the Beauties of this Theater, if I had not attempted a description of them to you.\n     Since I began this Letter, yours of November 6 reached me. You was at Germantown assisting a worthy family whose various and complicated distresses would furnish sufficient materials for a tragick muse. The Book of fate is wisely closed from the prying Eye of man, or \u201cwho could suffer Being here below.\u201d My affectionate regards to them. My paper calls upon me to close, and to assure you, whilst I have sufficient space of the affection of your Aunt,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0013", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Charles Storer, 3 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Storer, Charles\n      My dear Charles\n      Auteuil Janry 3. 1785\n     You bring me much deeper in Debt than I was aware of, but thus it often happens to those who are irregular in their accompts: nor is it in my power to detect you in a wrong Charge as my Receipts are all in America; I will therefore submit to your statement, and plead insolvency. There is not a little due to you too, on the score of acknowledgment for your adroitness in executing the several comissions with which I have charged you since my arrival here. I can only say to you come to Auteuil and the Cordial reception you shall meet with here; shall testify to you how much I esteem and Love you. The House indeed is not calculated for a winter Habitation, and the present unrepaired state in which it now is, proclaims the poverty of its owners. Before we came here, we were assured that every necessary repair should be made to our satisfaction, but from week to week the promises failed, and last week we were requested to pay no more Rent to the owners as the House was attached, and taken by execution, so that this once elegant Building will not bear the term which you apply to it, for neither House or furniture in its present state is really fit for a publick minister to live in. I have had one Chamber furbishd up for you some time ago. We do not want for House Room such as it is, and such as it is, you will be welcome to a part of it.\n     As to my observations upon the Beau Mond, which you request of me, they are such I suppose as accrue to every person who thinks and reflects. Objects appear different, according to the different positions in which they are placed, or the point from which you view them. Dukes and Duchesses, Lords and Ladies, bedizened with pomp, and stuck over with titles, are but mere flesh and Blood, like their fellow worms, and sometimes rather frailer. He who possesst the greatest riches, and what was far better, the most extensive knowledge, who had exhausted Nature and art in the gratification of all his passions, pronounced upon the whole: vanity of vanities, all is vanity! Nor have any of his successors been able to make a more judicious estimate of the whole circles of pleasures. Their are many customs in this Country worthy a transplantation to the Soil of America and there are others which would lead me to repeat in the words of the Church Service, \u201cGood Lord Deliver us\u201d \u201cGood Lord save thy people.\u201d\n     I enclose to you a Letter which I beg you to forward by the first vessel which sails for America. My best Regards to Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, whose Friendly kindness towards me whilst in London is not forgotton by me. I am sorry to hear Mrs. Atkinson is so unwell, I hope the air of her native Soil will prove more favourable to her. The Great folks upon Your Side the Water, keep us yet in uncertainty. I rather begin to think that we shall be saved the trouble of a winter journey, for which I have no realish. The Duke of Dorset who is vastly civil to Mr. A. gave him to understand that he hourly expected a replie.\n     I have often heard it said, that their is more art in concluding a Letter genteelly than in writing one handsomely. If I can make no pretentions to either of these, I can to the Sincerity with which I subscribe myself affectionately Your Friend.\n      Abigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0014-0001", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 3 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n       Dear Sir\n       Autieul Jan\u2019ry 3 1785\n      In a Letter which Mr. Tyler wrote me not long since he informd me that Mr. Alleyne was about parting with his House and Farm and that he would sell it reasonably, but did not Say for what Sum. If Mr. Alleyne is really in earnest, and means to part with it, Mr. Adams requests You to see it, and to estimate what you think, to be the real Worth of it, to inspect the House; and buildings &c and if it falls within or about two thousand pounds Sterling, he empowers you to Close the Bargain for him and draw Bills upon him for the payment, but if it is not to be had for that Sum, or under, we must give up the thoughts of it, and content ourselves to return again to our small Cottage. If it is not to be had Mr. Adams would be glad that no mention may be made of his intention respecting it. I am very desirous of having it, and have; I own persuaded Mr. Adams to attempt it. \u201cIt is a bold Stroke for a Wife.\u201d Mr. Adams has Some Money due to him; which he was able to save when Congress allowd him 25 hundered a year, and he has some furniture at the Hague which is or ought to be very valuable; and which I had much rather he should part with; than not be able to pay for this place. As to saving any thing upon the present establishment, I find it impossible, unless we submit to meannesses which neither of us are inclined to whilst a copper of the Salary remains unexpended: it is rather hard that a person should be placed in such a situation, as to be necessitated to expend all his income without regard to old age which is approaching fast, or to a family whose circumstances would have been very different in all probability, if private business had not been relinquished for publick service. Dr. Franklin has really been in a less expensive department than Mr. Adams, for he has been fixd to one spot, where as Mr. Adams has been obliged to make no less than ten different journeys to and from France since he came last abroad. No person who has never travelled 500 miles upon paved roads can form any Idea of the injury which it is, both to a Carriage and baggage. Mr. Adams purchased a Carriage in England perfectly New and made for travelling, the wheels of which lookd firm enough to stand for Years, Yet we had not been here a month before we were obliged to have intire new wheels.\n      Last Saturday was New Years Day. As we experienced I will give you a short history of the parade of the Day. The Secratary of the King sends notice to all the Ministers that his Majesty holds a Court to receive the Compliments of all the Foreign ministers. Upon this occasion also all officers civil and Military pay their compliments to all the Royal family every branch of which are with their train, in different appartments. This however is allways the case, so that upon every twesday the ministers have to make the tour of the whole Court. There is a high Mass held in the Chappel upon this day where all the Royal family attend, with the Chevaliers of the order of the St. Esprit, in their Robes. His Majesty Creates these Knights upon this day which Ceremony is perform\u2019d by the Kings putting a blue ribbon over their necks and shoulder. Their Robes are immensely rich, one of them told Mr. Adams that his Robe cost him sixteen thousand livres. Upon this occasion there are Etrennes as they are termd to all the servants, and for the curiosity of it I enclose you a list, which every minister has as regularly as if they were all his creditors, as indeed they are. Yet here is one amongst a thousand other expences of which our Countrymen have no Idea, but which habit and custom have made as absolute as the Laws of the Meads and Persians. Therefore of what avail would it be to complain? or execrate and detest the Custom? If you Should chance to omit or forget one of these Harpies, he will follow you to Auteuil or to Paris and demand his due. Besides these: there are all the Servants of ones own family; the Clerk of the Parish; the Newspaper Carrier. In short I know not yet where it is to end.\n      I know not whether I shall be able to content myself to tarry out my two years, my Heart and Soul is more American than ever. Yet we are a family by ourselves. We do not even see so much Company as would be agreeable to me, that is provided I could See it in my own way, in a rational Conversable Friendly Stile. But every Country has its customs and manners peculiar to it. You inquire how commercial matters proceed? There has nothing very material taken place Since Mr. Adams wrote you. The Loan which Mr. Adams procured in Holland is the only resource which Supports the Faith and credit of the united States, for he is obliged to draw from thence money to pay the interest which is due to this Court and for which they are continually dunning Dr. Franklin. And tho Congress expected that Mr. Jefferson and Col. Humphries would receive their salaries here, let me whisper it to you, that neither of them could get a Farthing and Mr. A has been obliged to draw upon his Bankers in Holland to supply them, even he who once wrote it as a criminal Charge against a certain person to Congress, that \u201che had said he would go to Holland and see if he could not make the united states less dependent upon France,\u201d and who during the times of our greatest distress in that Country; threatned to with hold the Salary which was then paid here. This Same Gentleman is now obliged to apply for his own from that very Country and through that Same person: which I think is a little sweet and innocent revenge. Will our Country make any provision for the payment of their Foreign debt, do they not feel that interest is a Canker Worm? And do they not feel for those who in their Names have become responsible for them? If the Foreign debt was once consoladated and the interest paid, we might have credit enough in Holland to procure the principal which is due to this Court, and which the politician of America and the independant Spirits Say, they would do as soon as it becomes due. But if our Countrymen will do nothing towards collecting where with to pay even the Interest, but are remitting millions of dollors to England for mere trumpery, where in future can they look for credit?\n      I hoped my dear sir to have heard from you before now. Letters from my Friends are a cordial to my Soul. Are you like to Settle any body with You? I feel an interest in and a Regard for a people over whom my dear and honourd parent so happily presided for many years. How do my sable Tennants, and my white ones too. I am so habituated to talk in the singular stile, that I forget it should be plural, but if we should be so happy as to procure the place I wish for, I will use my utmost endeavours to prevail upon my Friend; and convince him that Agriculture is the only thing for him the remainder of his Life. The commercial commissions compleated, I will most joyfully quit Europe for ever. If they should be equally fortunate with the treaty of peace, perhaps Congress may be induced to reward their ministers by a vote of thanks, which they have never yet done. The only recompence afforded them for the extensive territory secured to them; and their fisheries, was to curtail their Salleries 500 pounds.\n      Sir do you envy an American Minister his Station? It has but one Charm for me; that of doing good to ones Country, and virtue in this as in many other departments must be its own Reward.\n      My best Regards to my worthy Aunt. How is her Health? And to your son be so good as to present my Love and tell him I advise him to get married, for a Man makes but a poor figure solo.\n      Mr. Adams my son and daughter desire to be affectionately Rememberd to your family. Believe me Dear Sir most affectionately Yours\n       Abigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0015", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Royall Tyler, 4 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tyler, Royall\n      My Dear sir\n     Half the pleasure of a Letter consist in its being written to the moment and it always gave me pleasure to know when and Where Friends received my Letter. Know then sir that this fourth of Janry 1785 of which I give you joy, I was sitting by my fire side at one end of a table and at the other my best Friend studying his favorite Author Plato. I was a reading a French comedy called the, procurerer which I saw acted a few evenings ago and was at that part in which Aristes who is the Attorney says,\n      D\u2019ailleurs, j\u2019ai voulu voir Si, Sous ce v\u00eatement,\n      Un homme ne pouvoit aller droit un moment,\n      Si cette Robe etoit d\u2019essence corruptible\n      Si l\u2019honneur avec etoit incompatible\n     when John Brisler entered with two large packets in his hand, upon which I cried from America I know from America and seizd my sizer to cut them open. Emelia and her Brother went to Paris this afternoon and have run away to some play I fancy by their not being yet returnd, so that we had the reading of our Letter wholy to ourselves. Hers I have tuckd away with an intention of teazing her a little. This packet is dated November 6th. and is the second received from you since my arrival. I wrote to my Friends about 10 days since, but only a few line to you as I wished to set down and write you a long Letter, but the receipt of this 2d Letter has determined me to Seaize my pen this very moment and thank you for both your excellent Letters. To discribe to you the pleasure that a packet from America gives me, I must take a theatrical Stile and Say it is painted upon my face it Sparkles in my Eyes and plays round my Heart. News that is not what I want, politicks well enough by the by. I Love to hear every domestick occurrence then I live with you tho absent from you, and your paper of occurrences I approve much. It is not my fault that Cap. Lyde did not take my Letters, I sent them to London with orders to be put on board of him, but Mr. Tracy gave them to some other Captain. London is the best and only way of safety by which you may convey Letters or to Amsterdam. I write by no other way than London; direct there to Mr. Cranchs Friend Mr. Elworthy.\n     You and the rest of my Friends seem to think me engaged in a round of pleasures and amusements. I have pleasures and I have entertainments but they are not what the Beau Mond would esteem such. I never was more domestick or studious in my Life. I will tell You how, and give you a journal not in the stile of Swift, but of my own. We rise in the morning, not quite so early as I used to when I provided the turkies and Geese we used to Feast upon, but as soon as my fire is made and my room cleaned I then repair to Emelias Chamber and rouse her, from thence knock at my sons door, who always opens it with his Book in his hand: by that time we are all assembled to Breakfast, after which Mr. A sets down either to writing or reading, I to prepareing work for my Chamber Maids or sewing myself, for I still darn stockings, my son retires to his Chamber to his studies and translations of Horace and Tacitus, Emelia to her room to translating Telemack. In this manner we proceed till near 12 oclock when Mr. A takes his cain and hat for his forenoon walk which is commonly 4 miles, this he compleats by two. The Ladies at 12 repair to the toilite where some Author employs their dressing hour. At 2 we all meet together and dine, in the afternoon I we go from one room to an other sometimes chat with my son or make him read to me. Emelia in the same manner works reads or plays with her Brother which they can do together in a game of Romps very well. The afternoon here are very short and tea very soon summons us all together. As soon as that is removed the table is coverd with mathamatical instruments and Books and you hear nothing till nine oclock but of Theorem and problems besecting and desecting tangents and Sequents which Mr. A is teaching to his son; after which we are often called upon to relieve their brains by a game of whist. At 10 we all retire to rest, and this is the common method in which we spend our time varying sometimes by receiving and sometimes by going into company. Ten oclock and these young folks not returnd, a dark stormy night too, but then there are Lamps from Paris here which enlightens the road. This is a very pretty ride in agreeable weather, for upon your right hand you have the River Sein; Ceasar barks and the gate bell rings which announces the return of the Carriage. Now for a little pleasure of which you shall have the whole History. Enter Miss A, \u201cWhat are you cold?\u201d Enter Mr. JQA with a set of Mathamatical instruments, \u201cPray what Spectacle have you been at to Night?\u201d \u201cA Variety, into the palais Royal. I have seen the du palais du bon go\u00fct l\u2019Intendant comedien malgre lui; le Mensonge excusable, et le nouveau parvenu.\u201d Now what had I best do, give her these letters to night which will keep her up till 12 or give them for her Breakfast to morrow morning? \u201cHem, come take of your Cloak and I will give you an etrennes\u201d; which in plain english signifies a new Years Gift. Off went the Cloak in an instant, then I delt out the letters one by one, at every one Miss calling out for more, more untill I had exhausted the bugget; but so secret and so affraid that one can hardly get a peep at a single line. I believe you will think by my thus trifling that I am tinctured with the frivolity of the Nation. Manners are very catching I assure you, and dissagreeable as I found many customs when I first came here, 5 months habititude have made them less so. For instanc when I dine abroad I am not so grosely offend at seeing a Gentleman take a partridge by the leg and put it to his Nose to see if it is in a condition to offer to the Ladies, because I have learnt that this is politeness instead of incivility. Nor do I look with so much amazement when I see a Lady wrapturously put her Arms round a Gentleman and Salute him first upon one cheeck and then upon the other, I consider it as a thing of mere course. I can even see that the Rouge gives an additional splendour to the Eyes: I believe however there are some practices which neither time nor Custom will ever make me a convert to. If I thought they would, I would fly the Country and its inhabitants as a pestilence that walketh in darkness and a plague that waisteth at noon day. I believe you need be under no apprehension respecting a young Lady of your acquaintance, who has never yet found her self so happy in Europe as America, and who I dare say will ever find in herself a preference to the manners of her Native Country. She has had an ernest desire to spend half a Year in a celebrated Convent in Paris for the purpose of acquiring the Language perfectly, but her Father entertained not so favourable an opinion of those abodes as some who have placed their Children there, and thought that the advantages arising from speaking the Language perfectly would never compensate for one less strickt Idea either of Modesty or Manners. I pretended not to judge in this Case. There is a certain saying not the less true for being often repeated, that habit is second nature. The Phythagorian doctrine of Reverenceing thyself is little practised among the Females of this Nation; for in this Idea if I comprehend it aright is included an incorruptable virtue joined to the strickest modesty. There is so little Regard paid here to the conjugal union that it naturally introduces every kind of licentiousness. The distinction of families is the corrupt Source from whence the pestilential Streems issue. The affections of the Heart are never traced. The Boy of 12 14 or 13 15 is married to the miss of 10 or 11, he is sent upon his travels and she confined in a convent. At 20 or 21 he returns and receives his wife; each of them perhaps cursing their shackels. Dispositions and inclinations varying, he seeks a mistress more pleasing, and she a Gallant more affectionate and complasant. Or if it is thought necessary to perpetuate the family titles and estate perhaps a year or twos fidelity is necessary upon the Ladys part, and it is esteemed a sad misfortune when more than two or 3 children fall to the share of a family. The young Ladies of a family are gaurded like the Hesperian fruit and never sufferd to be in company without some watchfull dragon. They have no Idea of that sure and only method of teaching them to reverence themselves which Prior so beautifully discribes\u2014\n       Let all their ways be unconfined\n      Be to her faults a little blind,\n      Be to her virtues ever kind\n      Let all her ways be unconfine\u2019d\n      And clap the padlock on her mind.\n     Yet dissolute as the manners of this people are said to be they Respect virtue in the Female Character almost to Idolating and speak of a Lady whose Character is unblemished and some such there are even here, as the Phoenix of the age. A Gentleman carries his Galantry to such a pitch here that altho he knows that his Lady has her Lover, yet if any person dares to insinuate the least reflextion upon her honour, nothing but blood can wash it out. I have had a Rouncounter related to me which happend last year at the opera where they frequently have Mask Balls. The Count D Artois the kings youngest Brother taking a fancy to a Lady in a Mask and supposeing her a Lady of pleasure used some familiarity with the Lady which she resented. Feeling his Rank he gave her a Box on the ear, upon which he was instantly seizd and his Mask torn of. The Lady proved to be the sister of the Duke de Bourbon. This being an offence for which even the kings Brother could not repair attone by asking pardon, he was challenged by the Duke they fought and the Count was wounded. Are not these things lessons to our Country to avoid family titles and every distinction but those which arise from Superiour Merit and Virtue: to cut of the Hydra headed Cincinnati and every appendage which pertains to it. The Heraditary Monster is already distroyed routd, but who sees not others which in time may grow to be equally distructive? The most fatal poison is that Secreet kind which distroys without discovery.\n     I can offer you no advise, at this distance but such as you already have upon paper and if as you are pleased to say you feel disposed at all times to attend to it, I flatter myself it has ever been of that kind which will promote both your honour and Reputation, for which you may be assured I am not less solicitious when I view you with more confidence as the person to whose care and protection I shall one day resign a beloved and only daughter. Industery integrity frugality and honour are the Characteristick Virtues which will recom\u00admend and ensure to you parental Regard and Fraternal affection and which will continue to you the Friendship the Esteem and the Maternal Regard of\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0016", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Lucy Cranch, 5 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch\n      My dear Lucy\n      Auteuil, 245January, 1785\n     I Hope you have before now received my letter, which was ordered on board with Captain Lyde, but put on board another vessel, because it was said she would sail first. By that you will see that I did not wait to receive a letter from you first. I thank you for yours of November 6th, which reached me last evening; and here I am, seated by your cousin J.Q.A.\u2019s fireside, where, by his invitation, I usually write.\n     And in the first place, my dear Lucy, shall I find a little fault with you? A fault, from which neither your good sister, nor cousin Abby, is free. It is, that all of you so much neglect your handwriting. I know that a sentiment is equally wise and just, written in a good or bad hand; but then there is certainly a more pleasing appearance, when the lines are regular, and the letters distinct and well cut. A sensible woman is so, whether she be handsome or ugly; but who looks not with most pleasure upon the sensible beauty? \u201cWhy, my dear aunt,\u201d methinks I hear you say, \u201conly look at your own handwriting.\u201d Acknowledged; I am very sensible of it, and it is from feeling the disadvantages of it myself, that I am the more solicitous that my young acquaintance should excel me, whilst they have leisure, and their fingers are young and flexible. Your cousin, J.Q.A., copied a letter for me the other day, and, upon my word, I thought there was some value in it, from the new appearance it acquired.\n     I have written several times largely to your sister, and, as I know you participate with her, I have not been so particular in scribbling to every one of the family; for an imagination must be more inventive than mine, to supply materials with sufficient variety to afford you all entertainment. Through want of a better subject, I will relate to you a custom of this country. You must know that the religion of this country requires abundance of feasting and fasting, and each person has his particular saint, as well as each calling and occupation. To-morrow is to be celebrated, le jour des rois. The day before this feast it is customary to make a large paste pie, into which one bean is put. Each person at table cuts his slice, and the one who is so lucky as to obtain the bean, is dubbed king or queen. Accordingly, to-day, when I went in to dinner, I found one upon our table. Your cousin Abby began by taking the first slice; but alas! poor girl, no bean, and no queen. In the next place, your cousin John seconded her by taking a larger cut, and as cautious as cousin T\u2014\u2014 when he inspects merchandise, bisected his paste with mathematical circumspection; but to him it pertained not. By this time, I was ready for my part; but first I declared that I had no cravings for royalty. I accordingly separated my piece with much firmness, nowise disappointed that it fell not to me. Your uncle, who was all this time picking his chicken bone, saw us divert ourselves without saying any thing; but presently he seized the remaining half, and to crumbs went the poor paste, cut here and slash there; when, behold the bean! \u201cAnd thus,\u201d said he, \u201care kingdoms obtained;\u201d but the servant, who stood by and saw the havoc, declared solemnly that he could not retain the title, as the laws decreed it to chance, and not to force.\n     How is General Warren\u2019s family? Well, I hope, or I should have heard of it. I am sorry Mrs. Warren is so scrupulous about writing to me. I forwarded a long letter to her some time since. Where is Miss Nancy Quincy? Well, I hope. We often laugh at your cousin John about her. He says her stature would be a great recommendation to him, as he is determined never to marry a tall woman, lest her height should give her a superiority over him. He is generally thought older than your cousin Abby; and partly, I believe, because his company is with those much older than himself.\n     As to the Germantown family, my soul is grieved for them. Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Would to Heaven that the clouds would disperse, and give them a brighter day. My best respects to them. Let Mrs. Field know, that Esther is quite recovered, and as gay as a lark. She went to Paris the other day with Pauline, to see a play, which is called \u201cFigaro.\u201d It is a piece much celebrated, and has had sixty-eight representations; and every thing was so new to her, that Pauline says, \u201cEst is crazed.\u201d\n      Affectionately yours,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0017", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 7 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My Dear Sister\n      Auteuil Janry 7 1785\n     Your kind Letter of November 6, I received the 4 of Jan\u2019ry. I hope you have received my September Letters which were so unfortunate as to be put on Board a vessel which Mr. Tracy thought would convey them sooner than Lyde, but which I find had not reach\u2019d you when you wrote me; by Mr. Jackson who left Paris in December I wrote 12 Letters which were to be put on Board Captain Young, one of the packets addresst to Mr. Cranch, in which was a peice of sattin for you; and Some Money which I requested you to dispose of, I desired Captain Young by a card, which I wrote to him; to put that into his trunk and to deliver it himself: which I hope he has done. Mr. John Appleton has ben here for 3 weeks, and I expect him with other Company to dine with us to day: he will go on twesday to London and I am very desirious of getting my letters ready to send by him.\n     I wrote you so lately that I have nothing material to entertain you with: even the common topick of conversation, the Weather, were I to discribe it as I find it, would rather Serve to make you gloomy than Cheerful, yet the present Beautifull Sunshine which invigorates my Heart, almost tempts me to pass over, the last ten days of fog and clouds and rain, and the ten which will probabily succeed according to the custom of the present Winter, this one Days clear Sky. I think I had rather feel our severe frosts, and see our hills and Feilds glittering and sparkling with Snow; in the clear Sun beams; and the delightfull azure which paints our Sky; than this more temperate climate; which has so much more Shade than light. The parisians have certainly a better excuse for continually seeking amusements; than our Country will be ever able to produce. The suicide which is so frequent in London I have heard attributed to the everlasting fogs of that Island. There is no object in nature so exhilarating to the Spirits, or so invigorating to the animal as well as the Natural World, as that Glorious Luminary which was worshiped by the Heathens as a deity, and is truly one of the most magnificent productions of the Great architect.\n     I am sorry to find that there is such a prodigious Dearth of Clerical Genius in our Country as to tempt, one church to rob an other. I have no personal acquaintance with the Gentleman who is called to set in the seat of the late Dr. Cooper, to supply his place will be no easy matter. There are some stars which shine best in their own Hemisphere, and I rather think from the Character I have heard of that Gentleman, that his wisest course would be to imitate those stars which are fixed. The Church over which our dear parent so happily presided, have my good wishes for their prosperity, and I feel an affection towards them, not for having my birth amongst them but because they are the Sheep of a Shepherd who was every way dear to me.\n     With those Letters which went by Captain Young was one to Mr. Cranch; from the Dutch Merchants; which they enclosed to Mr. Adams with bitter complaints; that they had not received any letters from Mr. Cranch for a long time: they had received remittances; but they know not the state of their affairs: what goods remained unsold, nor what best suited the American Market. Mr. Cranch will look into these matters and satisfy them; as soon as possible. There is such a crumbling to pieces of the merchants every where, that I suppose they feel allarmed. Unless the price of goods rise with you, they that have the least to do with trade are the best off. I should think myself very well off to purchase goods here as I could in America. Every article which goes into Paris pays a heavy Duty. From thence I am obliged to supply myself. In the Seaports and the manufacturing towns I suppose they are more reasonable. The few articles I left at home, I am very glad I did not part with.\n     Mr. Adams desires to be rememberd both, to Mr. Cranch and the rest of the family. Continue to write to me by every opportunity, and believe me most tenderly and affectionately Your Sister\n      Abigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0018", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 11 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\n      My Dear Sister\n      Auteuil January 11 1785\n     I was doubly rejoiced to receive a Letter from you not only on account of the pleasure which I usually enjoy from your pen: but because it informd me of your recovery from a dangerous illness. In a Letter which I wrote you the latter part of December, I have given you a long lesson respecting your Health: which altho it might savor something of the Quack, and a little of the Authority of Eldership, Spoke not my Heart, if it manifested not the tender solicitude of a Sister anxious for the Health of one deservedly Dear to her. I must therefore repeat to you; not to encumber your family beyond your Strength. A life of ease, and gentle excercise, is absolutly requisite for you: a tranquil State of mind, which has much to hope and nothing to fear. A different Situation would remove you, much sooner than Your Friends wish, to a state greatly Superiour to that which you now possess. I own myself so selfish that tho I doubt not of your qualifications for it, I hope to see you remain many years subject to the incident infirmities of Mortality, and like your fellow Mortals grow Grey and wrinkled here, before you Bloom afresh in the regions of immortality. I am not a little rejoiced that my Letters proved so benificial to you as you describe, and that I was capable of serving you, tho so far removed from you. A sudden exhilaration of the spirits, has proved of vast service in many disorders. I have experienced the benifit myself. Your family narrative afforded me pleasure because it related those calamities which were happily past, and displayd a more pleasing picture.\n     I am rejoiced to find that my Sons have been bless\u2019d with so large a share of health since my absence, if they are wise they will improve the rigor of their early Days, and the Bloom of their Health in acquiring such a fund of learning, and knowledge, as may render them usefull to themselves, and benificial to Society, the great purpose for which they were sent into the World. That knowledge which is obtaind in early Life becomes every day more usefull, as it is commonly that which is best retaind. To be Good, and do Good, is the whole Duty of Man, comprized in a few words; but what a capacious Field does it open to our view? And how many Characters may grow from this root, whose usefull branches may shade the oppressd; May comfort the dejected: may heal the wounded: may cure the sick, may defend the invaded; may enrich the poor. In short those who possess the disposition will never want employment.\n     How justly did you describe my Ideas; when you said \u201ca parents thoughts flew quick.\u201d Mine, I own, had outstriped that passage; I would not, that a son of mine, should form any sentiments with respect to any female, but those of due decorum, and a general complasance, which every Youth acquainted with good manners, and civility will practise towards them, untill years have matured their judgment, and learning has made them wise. I would; that they should have no passion but for Science, and no mistress but Literature: \u201cso shall discretion preserve them and understanding keep them. If they incline their ears to wisdom and apply their Hearts to understanding.\u201d\n     The age of the Young Lady relieved me from some anxiety, especially as I have since heard that she has much older admirers. Charles\u2019s disposition, and sensibility will render him more liable to female attachments, than the Young Hercules who sits beside me, and who like many other Youths pretends to brave the danger which has never assaild him; but who in time, like that Hero, may find an Omphalia to bring him to the distaff, but who, at present is much better occupied with his Horace and Tacitus.\n     I thank you for all your kind Maternal care towards my sons. I hope they will be both sensible of it; and gratefull for it, and that both their uncles and your advice to them will not fail to have a due influence upon their conduct.\n     I suppose every Letter I write; you will expect that I should give you some account of the amusements I have; and the curiosities I see; there are enough of each in Paris to employ my pen. But of the amusements, the theaters are those only which have yet occupied me; the description of which I must reserve for my Young correspondents. As there are a variety of cuorisities I shall endeavour to adapt the account of them to the different tastes of my Friends; I am going this afternoon to visit the Enfans trouv\u00e9s, which at my return I will recount to you because I know your Benevolence will lead you to rejoice in an institution calculated to save from Death and wretchedness, those helpless Indigent Beings brought into existance by criminality; and owned by no one.\n     I have returned from my visit to the Hopital des enfans-Trouves, and truly it is a painfull pleasing sight. This House was built in the Reign of Louis 14th. in the year 1747. It was built by a decree of the king and is under the direction of Eight administrators, and is Superintended by Nuns, or charity sisters as they are call\u2019d. We were shewn into a Room Large and airy which containd about a hundred cribs, cradles they call them, but they are more properly cribs, as they are fixd all round the room and are not moveable. Through the middle of the appartment are two more rows the length of the Room, which was I am almost tempted to say the cleanest I have seen in France. Every bed was white linnen, and every child in them appeard neat, and with cloathing that lookd comfortable. I observed too; the large quantitys of necessary linnen which hung at fires in the different rooms, which like every thing else which I saw here; was very white and clean. The rooms too were sweet, which was an other proof of the attention of the Nurses. There were numbers in the Arms; great numbers a sleep; and several crying, which you will easily credit, when I tell you; that this is but the Eleventh day of the Month, and the Charity sister who appeard an intellegent well bred woman informd us; that two hundred had been brought in since the year commenced. Whilst I stood talking with her there was one brought in which appeard to be 3 months old. They generally receive at this House Six thousand a year, (there is an other House of the same kind.) Last year she told us that five thousand five hundred were lodged there, and that House had sent into the provinces 15 thousand which were now at nurse: they keep them out untill they are 5 years old. Children are received here at any hour of the Day, or Night, in the day they are brought in at the door, and in the Night the Nuns watch to receive them. There are certain parts of Paris which are appropriated to this purpose, and small Boxes which may be drawn out from under a cover; in which the child is deposited, and the person who finds it Carries it to this House; where they are received without any further form or declaration from the Commissary of the quarter than naming the place the Day and Hour when the child was found. The person is not obliged to relate any other circumstance. They have always four wet nurses in each appartment for the youngest and weakest of the children: but as fast as they can provide accommodations for them in the Country, they are sent there: where the Air is purer and better than in Paris. The Governess told us that about a third of them died, notwithstanding all their care and attention, that they were sometimes so chill\u2019d with the cold; and so poorly clad that they could not bring them to any warmth, or even make them swallow.\n      \u201cWhere can they hope for pity, peace or rest\n      Who move no softness in a parents Breast.\u201d\n     The H\u00f4pital de la piti\u00e9 which joins upon this is the place where they are received when they return from the Country. There they are taught to read and write, the Boys to knit, and the Girls to sew and make lace. When they have made their first communion which is from 10 to 12 years of age they are put to trades. They have a church which belongs to the Hospitals, but I had not time to see it. Whilst we approve the Charatable disposition, and applaud the wise institution which alleviates the fate of helpless innocence; can we draw a veil over the Guilty Cause, or refrain from comparing a Country grown old in Debauchery and lewdeness with the wise Laws and institutions of one wherein Mariage is considerd as holy and honourable, wherein industry and sobriety; enables parents to rear a numerous ofspring, and where the Laws provide a resource for illegitimecy by obliging the parents to a maintenance; and if not to be obtaind there, they become the charge of the town or parish where they are born: but how few the instances of their being totally abandoned by their parents? Whereas I have been credibly informd that one half the Children anually born in that immense City of Paris, are enfans trouv\u00e9s.\n     Present my Regards to Mr. Shaw, to whom I will write if I have time. Pray has Mr. Allen carried home his Lady yet?!\n     I believe Mr. Thaxter has forgotton that I was formerly a correspondent of his, but I design soon to remind him of it. I hear of his success with pleasure; you will not fail to remember me to your Venerable Neighbour at the foot of the Hill, and all her Worthy family. I feel for the sore calimity of Mrs. White: by how many instances are we taught, not to place our affections too firmly upon earthly objects. How doatingly fond was this good Lady of her children, and she had reason to be fond, for they were both amiable and good. To Judge Sergant and family present my Regards. Honest, Modest Mr. Flint shall not be forgotten by me. The air of Haverhill Hill is too keen for him, he should live below it. Mr. Adams by me, presents his affectionate Regards to Mr. Shaw and my worthy Sister, to whom I tender the compliments of the New Year. May this and many succeeding ones find her happy is the ardent wish of her affectionate Sister\n      Abigail Adams\n      Will my sister accept a peice of sattin for a peticoat, which if I can smuggle into England in the form of a large Letter; will I hope go safe to her hand. There is a trunk of Cloaths sent from the Hague for the Children which you will be so good as to let me know when they arrive. Whatever is out grown you will dispose of as you think best and if there is any thing which will serve Mrs. West, who prehaps may be more needy than some others, you will be so good as to give them to her but dont mention my name, as they are all at your disposal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0020", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Shaw, 18 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Shaw, John\n      Auteuil Janry. 18 1785\n     I find Sir, what I never doubted; that you are a Gentleman of your word: I thank you for the agreeable proof which you have given me of it, and that I may not be wanting in punctuality I have taken my pen to discharge the debt which I acknowledge is due to you. Amongst the publick Edifices which are worthy of notice in this Country are several Churches. I went a few days Since to see three of the most Celebrated in Paris. They are prodigious Massess of Stone Buildings, and so surrounded by Houses which are seven story high that the Sun seldom enlightens them. I found them so cold and damp that I could only give them a very hasty and trancient Survey. The Architecture, the Sculpture, the paintings are Beautifull indeed, and each of them would employ my pen for several pages, when the Weather will permit me to take a more accurate and critical inspection of them. These Churches are open every day, and at all times of the Day, so that you never enter them without finding preists upon their knees, half a dozen at a time, and more at the Hours of confession. All kinds of people and all ages, go in without Ceremony, and regardless of each other, fall upon their knees, cross themselves say their pater nosters, and ave Marias, silently and go out again without being noticed, or even seen by the priests whom I found always kneeling with their faces towards the Alter. Round these churches (for they have not pews and Galleries as with us; Chairs alone being made use of) there are little Boxes, or closets, about as large as a Centry Box, in which is a small grated window, which communicates with an other closet of the same kind. One of them holds the person who is confessing, and the other the confessor, who places his ear at this window, hears the crime, absolves the transgressor, and very often makes an assignation for a repetition of the Same Crime, or prehaps a new one. I do not think this a breach of Charity, for can we suppose that of the many thousands whom the Religion of the Country obliges to Celibacy, one quarter part of the number can find its influence sufficently powerfull; to conquer those passions, which nature has implanted in Man, when the gratification of them will cost them only a few livres in confessions. The Priest who is known to betray his trust, or devulge any thing committed to him in confession; is punished with Death.\n     I was at the Church St. Rock about ten oclock in the morning, and whilst I was there, about three hundred little Boys came in from some Charity Seminary which belongs to that Church; they had Books in their Hands. They followed in each other in regular order, and fell upon their knees in rows like Soldiers in rank and file. Their might be 50 other persons in the Church at their devotion. Every thing was still and Solemn throughout this vast edifice. I was walking with a slow pace round it, when all at once, the drear Silence which Reignd was suddenly broken by all these Boys at one instant Chanting; with loud voices which made the dome ring; and me spring, for I had no apprehension of any Sound. I have never been to any of these Churches upon a Sunday, when the weather is warmer I design it, but their Churches seem rather calculated to damp Devotion than excite it. I took such a cold there; as I have not had since I have been in France before. I have been several times to the Chaple of the Dutch Ambassador; and should go oftner, if I could comprehend the discourses which are all in French. I believe the American embassy is the only one to which Chaplings are not allowed. Do Congress think that their Ministers have no need of Grace? Or that Religion is not a necessary article for them. Sunday will not feel so to me, whilst I continue in this Country. It is High Hollyday for all France.\n     We had a visit the other day from no less a personage than Abbe Thayer in his Habit, who has become a convert. His visit I suppose was to me, for he was a perfect stranger to Mr. Adams. He told us that he had spent a year at Rome, that he belonged to a Seminary of St. Sulpice in Paris; that he never knew what Religion was untill his conversion, and that he designd to return to America in a year or two, to see if he could not convert his Friends and acquaintance. After talking sometime in this Stile he began to question Mr. A. if he believed the Bible, and to rail at Luther and Calvin, upon which Mr. A took him up pretty short, and told him that he was not going to make a Father confessor of him, that his Religion was a matter that he did not look upon him self accountable for, to any one but his Maker, and that he did not chuse to hear either Luther, or Calvin treated in such a manner.\n     Mr. Abbe took his leave after some time, without any invitation to repeat his visit.\n     With respect to our interest at Medford what ever is necessary to be done for our mutual benifit, you will be so good as to direct performd. I am glad that the old Tennant did not go off, untill death removed him. The account you give of your Nephews is vastly pleasing to their, and Your affectionate Friend.\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0024", "content": "Title: Katherine Hay to Abigail Adams, 7 March 1785\nFrom: Hay, Katherine Farnham\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Madam\n      Beaugency March 7th. 1785\n     I intended writing you before this but have been waiting very impatiently for letters from Mr. Hay, (but hitherto in vain) as they will fix the time of my leaving France. I have expected my next letter to you wou\u2019d be to ask the favour of you to take a lodging for me, but I am now under the Necessity of troubling you very unexpectedly upon an affair that has given me a good deal of uneasiness.\n     It was fix\u2019d when I came to this Country that I shou\u2019d draw a Bill on my Freind in England, if I shou\u2019d want more Money than I brought with me. January last I found I shou\u2019d be Oblig\u2019d to Draw for Money by February, at that time a quarter wou\u2019d be due for my Board accordingly. I try\u2019d to get Money here for my Bill on London, but it was impossible. Mr. Mather advis\u2019d me to write to a Mr. Graff in Paris, and get him to Negociate the Bill for me. This Mr. Graff Mr. Storer recommended to me for Cambrick or laces and every Article in the Linin way; we lay\u2019d out some Money at his Magazin, and he appeared much of the Gentlemen, was very polite to us while in Paris. He came every Day to see us, and offer\u2019d his service for any commission when we got into the Country. From this knowledge of Mr. Graff, without any doubt, I drew a Bill on my friend in London payable to Mr. B Graff for \u00a330. Sterling at 7 Days sight, enclos\u2019d it to Mr. Graff, desiring him to get me the Money for it, and send it to me, by a rescription on the financier of this place. He immediately answer\u2019d my letter with all possible politness and attention, and told me he had taken the Bill himself, and wou\u2019d send me the Mony in the way I propos\u2019d or some other way very soon. In about a Week after he wrote me a friend of his that was a going to Bordeax had taken charge of 30 louis d\u2019Or, and would pay them to me at this place and desir\u2019d me to acknowledge the receipt of them in due time;\u2014I waited 10 or 12 Days and heard nothing of his friend nor Mony (in the mean time I receiv\u2019d a letter from my friend in London acquainting me he pay\u2019d my Bill the 30th. Janry.). I then wrote to Mr. Graff acquainting him that I had not receiv\u2019d the Money and I was in want of Money, and wou\u2019d be much Oblig\u2019d to him to send it as soon as possible. I every Day expected an Answer. I waited 10 Days without hearing a Word. I then wrote the second letter, this is the 8 Day and I have not heard a word of him.\n     Mr. Mather thinks that he heard your son say he knew him, however I must beg the favour of you to Intercede for me with your son, and get him to go to Mr. Graff and know if he is alive, for I cannot help thinking he is Dead; if he is in existance, will he be so good as to let him know that I have not receiv\u2019d the Money and have wrote him two letters to that purpose, that perhaps have miscarried (tho\u2019 it is hardly possible that two letters shou\u2019d miscarry) and that the delay has put me into a very disagreeable situation. I am reduc\u2019d to my last Crown for pocket Money. I have been Oblig\u2019d to ask Mr. Mather to pay my Board for me that was due last Month. Six Weeks has elaps\u2019d since I first sent him the Bill, and I suppos\u2019d I shou\u2019d have reciev\u2019d the Money in 8 or 10 Days.\n     Shou\u2019d their be any trouble or difficulty. . . matter, (which I hope not and am ready to think its oweing to something that I cou\u2019d not foresee,) will you be so good as to shew Mr. Adams the letter Ask his advice what steps I shou\u2019d take. I wish Mr. Graff wou\u2019d pay your son the Money and he wou\u2019d give him a receipt for it. If I cou\u2019d get it, into your hands I shou\u2019d be quite contented. I would give a Bill upon Paris for it. Will you be so good as to write me my Dear Madam as soon as you know what is the Difficulty.\n     I must rely on your goodness and candour to excuse the frequent favours I ask of you. I can only say I shall ever be ready to serve you or yours. My Best respects to Mr. Adams Miss Adams and Mr. A\u2014\u2014Junr. in which Mr. and Mrs. Mather Joine.\n     With great esteem Dear Madam your Oblig\u2019d freind and Servt.\n      Mr. Graffs Direction Magazin de Dentelles Rue de Deux Portes St Sauveur.\n      PS This Week receiv\u2019d a letter from Mrs. Atkinson, she has been in very bad Health all the Winter and in a way of having an addition to her Family.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0025", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\n      My Dear Betsy\n      March 8th. 1785 Auteuil\n     There is a Gentleman by the Name of Blakney a Philadelphian who is with other company to dine here to day and on Monday is going to England. I think to charge him with a Letter or two, tho I know not of any present conveyance unless Young is yet there, who has been going every week, ever since December, and who has, as my Friends will find, Letters on board written in that month, which is very discouraging. I could write by way of New York monthly, but I am loth to load my Friends with a postage. If Mr. Gerry continues there I shall some times take the freedom of covering a Letter to him, and getting him to forward it by a private hand. And my Friends may in the same manner enclose at any time under cover to Mr. Jay who is minister for foreign affairs directed to your uncle which Letters have a right to come as far as the packet, without postage, and from thence will not be more expensive nor indeed so much so, as those which come by way of England. Never omit writing for want of Subjects, every thing and every object is interesting to me, ten thousand times more so than any thing which I can write you from hence, because I had almost Said I love; every thing and every body in that Country. Tell me when you begin to garden. I can brag over you in that respect, for our flower pots were set out in February and our garden began to look smilling. The orange Trees were not however brought out of the House, and it was very lucky they were not, for since this month commenced came a nipping frost very unusual at this season, and stiffend all our flower roots. I really fear they are kill\u2019d. O Betsy how you would delight in this Garden. As to the House it is large and with 20 thousand livers expence in repairs and furniture would be very elegant and fit for a minister to live in, but as it is, let it pass, it is as good as we can afford, and is a fine clear air. The Garden too is much out of repair and bespeaks the too extravegent provision of its owners who are not able to put it in order. The Garden is however a fine walk in summer and the beautifull variety of flowers would tempt you to tan yourself in picking and trimming them. The garden has a number of statues and figures, but there is none which pleases me more than one of a Boy who has robed a bird of her nest of young; which he holds in one hand and in the other the old bird, who has laid hold of his finger with her Bill and is biteing it furiously, so that the countanance of the lad is in great distress between the fear of loosing the young and the pain of his finger.\n     Cousin Nabby says Mam, the company are come some of them. Well then go down and entertain them, for I will finish my Letter to Betsy. There is amongst them a Mr. Pickman of Salem, to whom Mr. Tracy gave a Letter of introduction. Do you know him? I have never seen him yet. He calld and left his Name one Day and his address. Your cousin Jack returnd his visit but not being at home, he also left a card, and we sent him an invitation to dine here to day. That is the form and process in this country. There is a Mr. Williamos here who was in Boston after I left it. He is a Swiss by Birth, a very clever sensible obligeing man, who is a very great intimate at Mr. Jefferson\u2019s, which alone would be sufficient to recommend him. He dines here to Day and Col. Humphries our Secretary, a Mr. Waren a Carolianian and Miss Jefferson from the Walls of her convent does us the favour of a visit to day. Those form our Society for this day. O, could I transport you and your Dear family how much it would enhance the pleasure. Mr. T\u2014\u2014r too should assist at table as he is very handy that way, but his Carveing abilities would be almost useless here as the provision seldom wants any thing more than shaking to peices. I have got a long Letter begun to your Mamma and I have had some thoughts of changing the address and sending it to you, only I owe her one and not you. Tell Lucy I would give a great deal for one of her Cats. I have absolutely had an inclination to buy me some little Images according to the mode of this country that I might have some little creatures to amuse myself with, not that I have turnd worshiper of those things, neither.\n     There is not one creature of you that will tell me a word of our good parson. How does he do? Alass he deserves it, for being a simple individual. I will however remember him and tender him my Respects.\n     I design to get my other Letters ready to send on, about the middle of the week, but if this should have the Luck to get a passage as soon as it arrives in England, why it may possibly travel along accompanied only, with one to Dr. Tufts and an other to Mrs. Feild which is all I have had leisure to get ready. Your cousin John thinks very much of it that none of his Friends have written to him. Remember me to all my dear Friends. I can name none in particular but your good Parents. I have vanity enough to think it would take all the rest of my paper to enumerate them.\n     I have written you all this, to shew you how to triffle and as it is unworthy of a copy and written in great haste I must apoligize for its inaccuracy.\n     Believe my dear Girl affectionately yours,\n      I darnt send my Elder Sister such a hasty scrip, besides I may venture to triffel with the daughter when her Mamma requires a steadier pen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0026", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n      My Dear Sir\n     Mr. Adams received last Evening a Letter from you dated January 1st, in which you inform him of some little purchases which are very agreeable to him. I wrote you by his consent in January respecting Mr. Alleynes Farm. I suppose my Letters have not yet reachd America, as Captain Young has been detained Months in England longer than was expected. We are a little alarmed at the Hazard we have run, because we find it impossible upon the present Establishment to save any thing from it. I believe I mentiond to you that with the assistance of my son I had kept a Regular account of all our expences. And I am sure you will suppose that we live very differently from what we really do, when I assure you that I am obliged to Economize not to be in debt at the close of every Month; if Congress would place us where we were at first, we might get through the purchase of the place, but as that is yet dubious and our sons are going into College which will be attended with a large expence, we are fearfull of being involved in difficulties, and tho it is an object very desirable to us, we fear we shall be obliged to give up the Idea of it. If Mr. Alleyne however should be as dilatory as he has hitherto been, I will not dispair, if our former request have not reachd you so as to have taken decisive measures. You will go no further at present than to make inquiries what it may be had for, and what you really think the value of it, which you will be so kind as to transmit to us. I recollect a story of a minister of Queen Elizabeths whom she one day visited, and observed to him that he had a very small and indifferent House. May it please your Majesty said the minister, the House is big enough for the Man, but you have made the Man too big for the House.\n     As to the Medford Farm you will be so kind as to have every thing done which will be for the benifit of it. We have so perfect a confidence on your judgment with regard to all these matters that we scarcly wish to direct about them, and Mr. A has been so long a statesman that I cannot get him to think enough upon his domestick affairs. He loves to have every thing as it should be, but does not wish to be troubled about them. He chuses I should write and think about them and give directions. Tho I am very willing to releive him from every care in my power, yet I think it has too much the appearence of weilding instead of sharing the Scepter.\n     I cannot Sir give you any very promising account with Regard to the Treaties of commerce. Prussia have compleated theirs all to signing. As to England they appear as much infatuated as ever, no answer has been as yet sent to the information which our ministers gave them in December, that they were ready to go to England and treat with them. I have heard that our Merchants are very Angry that the ministers do not Treat, and that they reflect upon them. What more can be done than to inform the Courts of their powers, and to offer them term of treatys. They cannot compel nations into treaties. England is very sour and bitter haughty and imperious, and I hear abuses America upon every occasion. Time was you know Sir, when an amicable treaty might have been made with England very favourable to America, and you know to what intrigues it was oweing that the Commercial powers were taken from the person in whom they were first invested; but Time past, can not be recalled, as our Country Men now feel, and as was then predicted.\n     Mr. Jays acceptance as minister for Foreign affairs gives us hopes that his wisdom and integrity will have a happy influence upon our affairs. Mr. Adams\u2019s Colleigue Mr. Jefferson is an Excellent Man. Worthy of his station and will do honour to his Country. He has been sick all winter and is now far from being well. Dr. Franklin goes not out at all. Remember me sir to my dear good Aunt and to your son and Neice. My Heart always overflows when I think of all my dear Friends in America, in the first of that Number I hold you and yours and such I hope you will ever consider your affectionate\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0027", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Thaxter, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Thaxter, John\n      My Dear Sir\n      Auteuil March 20. 1785\n     To what cause shall I attribute your silence, that not a line has reachd me since I arrived in Europe? Altho I have not written to you since my arrival, yet as a Friend and former correspondent I feel myself entitled to your remembrance. I have heard from others of your welfare and pleasing prospects, in which be assured no one more sincerely rejoices than your Friend.\n     My son too complains that altho he has repeatedly written to you, and other Friends, he has not received a line in reply. He hopes soon however to refresh the memory of them, by his return to America, where he flatters himself he shall be kindly and cordially received notwithstanding their failure in literary testimonies of remembrance.\n     It is with no small regret that I see the day speedily hastning, which is again to seperate me from this Branch of my family, but I do not consult my own pleasure or satisfaction which must necessaryly suffer a diminution; but the future benifit and prospects of a Youth just Launching into the world. An American breize will be more likely to set him forward on his Voyage with less danger to his passage than the European gales, which too often wreck the adventurous Passenger, and always hazard his safety.\n     But to quit Allegory, it is in complience with his own requests, that both his Parents have consented to his return. A Year spent at Harvard with diligent application may qualify him to commence the study of the Law, and prepare him for a usefull Citizen in his native Country. You and the rest of our Friends I hope will aid him, by your advice and counsel, and from his present disposition and inclinations, I think he will not willingly give them any cause of displeasure.\n     You may posibly think it much out of season, if I should now congratulate you upon your return to your native Country, but I never before could do it, with such a firm persuasion of the utility of it, or paint to myself the amaizing difference which subsists between those Countries which have passt the Zenith of their glory, saped by Luxury, and undermined by the rage for pleasure, and a Young a flourishing a free, and I may add, a virtuous Country uncontrouled by a Royal Mandate, unshackled by a military police, unfearfull of the thundring anathamas of Ecclesiastic power, where every individual possest of industery and probity, has a sure reward for his Labour, uninfested with thousands of useless virmin, whom Luxery supports upon the Bread of Idleness, a Country where Virtue is still revered; and modesty still Cloaths itself in crimson. But you have lived too long in Europe to require any description from my pen, and I dare say have too often contrasted the difference not to wish a long long youth to America.\n     Do you expect from my pen a detail of politicks? I can only tell you, that neither England or Spain will enter into any treaty here; Prussia is the only power with whom a final treaty is closed. Other Courts move so slowly that no buisness is yet concluded with them. We hear daily and bitter complaints of the British temper and disposition towards America, but it is not the Mercantile Clamour of a people which designates the sense of the Cabinet. We suffer for want of a Minister there. You know it is the policy of .... to prevent an exchange of ministers with the British Court, but the invitation from St. James to Congress to send a minister and the late appointment of Mr. Temple as consul General, are proofs that they are not so indifferent with regard to a connection with America as Refugees and others pretend. You are too well acquainted with Courts not to know, that you must look behind the scenes to discover the real Characters of the actors, and their naturel appearence, whilst the World see no further than the Stage, without once conceiving that all Courts are James\u2019es.\n     The ministers have received Authentic accounts that an American vessel has been Captured by one of the Emperor of Morocas Corssairs. He has not sufferd the Men to be enslaved, as those which are taken from other Nations are, but has informed the Ministers that he will release them as soon as Congress will send a person to treat with him, and that he is ready to enter into an alliance with America upon the same footing with other Nations, which you know is with Cash in hand, but as the Ministers here have no Authority upon that score, they are much perplexed what course to take. Some are for making war upon these people as pirates, but England France and Holland treat and pay, would it not be folly and madness in America to Wage War? Mr. A\u2019s dutch loan has succeeded so well that there is cash enough to treat with, provided Congress think proper. The words which were once represented as so reprehensible, viz. \u201cI will go to Holland and see if I cannot make America less dependant upon France,\u201d have been literally accomplishd, in more instances than one, for not a single stiver is to be had any where but in Holland, even the interest due to this Court is drawn from thence. But what does our Country design. Interest is a canker worm which will knaw to the vitals, and to borrow abroad even for the payment of interest they will find very bad policy.\n     On Monday last I dined with the Dr. Franklin who has always been vastly social and civil to me. He looks in good Health, but is much afflicted with his disorder which prevents his riding or walking. He tells me that he is fully determined to go out to America in the spring, but I think whatever his inclination may be, his infirmities will prevent him. Mr. Jefferson too has been sick these four months. Mr. A is very happy in him. As to Col. Humphries he looks Built for duration.\n     Pray make my affectionate Regards to all your family and tell me how they do. I cannot in future suffer either Courts or Writs to Rival me in your Regards, nor will I give place to any female but a wife. Be not alarmed at the word, Since you will find the reality a very necessary ingredient in your future portion of happiness. At least that is the opinion of one who has had twenty Years experience in the Connubial State. A greater felicity than a happy union cannot therefore be wished you by your affectionate Friend\n      Abigail Adams\n      Be so good as to present my Respects to Judge Sergent and family. Emelia joins in affectionate Remembrance to you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0028", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1785\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Cousin\n     I have not received any Letter either from Mr. Adams or from you since Yours, just after your Arrival at Passy. We are solicitous to hear, from You\u2014and I flatter myself that We shall for the future have more regular Intelligence. We have had much to do in the Electioneering Way. So far as we can judge from Accounts from different Parts of the Country, Mr. Bowdoin will be elected Governor. Am doubtful whether the Lt. Governor is elected by the People. Had Your nearest Friend been here, No Struggle would have arisen who should have been the first Magistrate. I think there would have been a Unanimity. Mr. Hancock and his Adherents struggled hard to introduce Mr. Cushing.\n     Bror. Cranch and Sister, Betsey and Lucy are all well. Mr. Palmer is reduced to a deplorable Scituation as to Estate. German Town is advertised for sale and he still possesses his State for planning. His Daughter Betsy is I fear in a Hectic State. I had no expectation of writing a Line to you, But Mr. Smith presenting to me this Letterand informing me that Col. Norton who will probably be the Bearer of this, will not go on Board untill half an hour hence I could not resist the Impuls of writing. Love to Cousins. More hereafter. Your Affectionate Frd. & Kinsman\n      Cotton Tufts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0030", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 19 April 1785\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Cousin\n      Weymouth April 19. 1785\n     It is now a violent Snow Storm (PM) and I hope it will be the last for this Spring, for the Snow has been on the Earth through the Winter and from January to the first Instant the Sledding has continued; on the 26th. of March I rode to Abington, from Mr. Williams\u2019s Meeting House, in one of the Roads for near two Miles the Snow was level with the Walls and the Crust so hard as to bear my Horse, the Snow supposed to be 2 \u00bd Feet upon a Level at that Time. On the 10th. of this Month Your Sister Shaw writes, Ice continues in our River over which People pass and repass &c. The Weather however has not been so cold through the Winter as in some former Seasons.\n     Last Week Mr. Smith handed me a Letter from a Mrs. Fitch of Jamaica directed to You and informed me what he supposed it related to. I took the Liberty to open it, write a few Lines in it sealed it and as Col. Norton was just then going to Europe committed it to him. I found Mrs. Fitch as an Expression of Gratitude for the Kindness and Civilities shewn by Mr. Adams to Mr. Fitch and herself when in Europe had sent you some Sweet Meats and Cuhen. I advised Mr. Smith to distribute them among Your Friends, but afterwards finding that they consisted of several Parcels, packed up in great order and no Danger of spoiling, Your Sister Cranch thought it best to let them laiy untill We had Your Directions and She will accordingly write to You therefor.\n     I have wrote both to Mr. Adams and to You 3 or 4 Letters since You left America. Cap. Young arrived last Wednesday and brot sundry Letters for Haverhill and Braintree also One for me from Mr. Adams of Dec. 15. 1784 in which he makes no Mention of his or Your having received any from me. Should some Things be repeatedly mentioned Youll excuse it, as I am in doubt whether my Letters reach my Friends and for want of some sure Conveyance I think it prudent to withhold many Things which I wish to communicate.\n     I just received Yours of January 3d. which affords me much entertainment and Pleasure. Your Scituation methinks is Curious, to be obliged to appear in high Life in Europe (and indeed almost any where else) and submit to all its Follies is I suspect laying Nature upon the Wreck but as You justly observe when Necessity calls it is best to obey with Patience.\n     I received a Letter from your Brother Shaw the other Day. Your two Sons are in Health. They have besides their Studies attended a Singing and Dancing School through the Winter. I took Occasion upon Mr. Shaws consulting me with respect to their attending the dancing School, to express some sentiments relative to Master Charles\u2019s Attention being engaged to his Studies, the Expectation of his entring at our University next Commencement and my Wish that He might be so fitted as to enter with Honor to his Instructor and to himself. I received an agreable Answer Viz. \u201cIf Master Charles has his Health and pursues his Studies as Well as he has done I doubt not but he will enter College with Reputation to himself and his Instructor.\u201d I am pleased with the Intention of Mr. Adams\u2019s sending Master John to our University, I am of Opinion, the sooner he sends him the greater will be the Advantage. If there is any particular Branch of Learning that he may be unacquainted with and necessary for his Admission to an advanced Station, he may be placed under some of the Professors or some eminent Instructor for a short Time previous thereto if thought best. I cannot but urge the Expediency of his residing a Year and an half or two Years at the University, he may be of great Service to his Brother Charles and he will have the Company of his Cousin Cranch, a sober amiable and studious Youth.\u2014It is reported here that Miss Nabby is to return with Your Son. Would it not be best for her to defer it untill You return which I presume will not exceed another Year for I am pretty Certain You will by that Time be well tired of Europe. And by that Time I hope Mr. Adams will have compleated the necessary Treaties in Europe and that We shall once more have the Pleasure of seeing You all at Braintree.\n     I last Week went to Medford, leased the Farm at \u00a340 Per Annum to Benj. Teal a Nephew of the Old Tenant. The Farm Buildings and Fences are all in bad Order. Repairs must soon be made. The House at Boston I have contracted with a Carpenter to take down the Roof (which is rotten) and raise it one Story higher. Belcher is going out of the House at Braintree. Turner the Stocking Weaver is coming in. I know not what to do with this House, the South End of it is going to Wreck and Ruin. Real Estates in the Country are Sunk greatly in Value, they afford but little Profit. This is a Subject if Time permits I shall enlarge upon in some future Letter.\n     Pheobe and Abdy is still in your House, she takes good Care of it. Notwithstanding her Attention, somethings will suffer. I call\u2019d in this Week and took a general View. Some of the Woollen Articles, and especially some of Mr. Adams Cloaths, that will not answer for the Children, had they not better be disposed of? However Your Sister will write You more fully upon this. I have now and then a little Trouble to keep down the Spirit of the African and reduce it to a proper bearing, but upon the whole I generally succeed.\n     The Farm under the Care of Mr. Pratt is conducted as heretofore. I have made an Addition to it of 20 Acres bott of James Thayer and between 2 & 3 Acres of Salt Marsh bott of Davd. Bass of which I suppose You have received Information by this Time as I drew a Bill on the 5th. January on Mr. Adams for \u00a350, in favour of Mr. Elworthy on Account of the Purchases. On Settling with Mr. Pratt he claimed a Remission of such Part of the Town Taxes as exceeded the ordinary Taxes of the Town, this he said You agreed to, and as I had hitherto found him honest, I allowed it, But wish You to write in Your next what lies in Your Mind with respect to it.\n     I have not had an Opportunity to negociate any thing relative to Allens Farm, but shall attend to it as Opportunity presents.\n     You kindly enquire after the State of our Parish. I wish I could give You a pleasing Account, but we are still unsettled. We have made several unsuccesful Attempts. Two have been called and have re\u00adfused, Viz. Mr. Shuttleworth, and a Mr. Packard. Their Refusal perhaps, may prove in the Issue advantageous. But Time must settle the Minds of contending Parties and I hope Time and Patience will bring us a good Man.\n      May 1. Sunday Evening 12\u00b0\n     I need not tell You my Letters are wrote in haste, they sufficiently shew it, besides my Eye sight is so weak that I suffer much by writing. I can only add that Mrs. Tufts presents her Love to You Mr. Adams and the Children, a Turn of the Cholic kept her Low through the fore part of the Winter but she is now in her former State, begins to think of getting into her Chaise and take an Airing. Lyde I am informed will sail to Morrow and hope to forward this seasonably in the Morning, and trust it will reach You in London. With Love and Affection to Mr. Adams, Yourself and Children I am Yr Affectionate Kinsman\n      C. Tufts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0031", "content": "Title: John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 24 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n      Dear Sir\n      Auteuil April 24. 17845\n     It was yesterday only that I received your Favour of Nov. 26, which contains many Things which you mentioned in a posteriour Letter which I have answered.\n     I am glad you purchased the Pasture and Marsh. I accepted your Bill at sight and it was paid to Mr. Elworthy at sight fifty Pounds. I wish you to repair the House in Boston, and to go on purchasing Bits of Marsh and Wood, if you can find them at moderate Prices, but I am not zealous about this. You may draw upon me, to the amount of Three hundred Pounds when you please, and also to pay for Veseys Place if he will sell it reasonably, and provided you can obtain a good Profit upon Exchange. With this purchase I Stop my Land Projects, but poor as it is, it lies so situated that I wish it added to my little territory.\n     My Son John Quincy will embark in the Packet at L\u2019Orient, for New York, and will be with you before Commencement I hope, perhaps he will deliver this.\n     Charles as well as John I hope will enter Colledge this summer and I hereby place them both under your Superintendence. I pray you to pay all their Bills and draw upon me for the Moneys necessary. It is my Intention that both of them shall be accountable to you for their Expences of every kind, and receive nothing but by your Order. They must be as frugal as possible, otherwise I shall find the Utmost difficulty to get along with them.\n     Dr. Franklin has been soliciting for Years, to get his Grandson appointed a Minister abroad, Supposing no doubt that his own Services, would prevail: I know too well the Character of my Countrymen, to believe that they will thus impute the Merit of the Parent to the Offspring, and therefore instead of proposing my son for publick Employments, I am Sending him to qualify himself for private ones. I might retain him as my private Secretary, But I will not educate him in such a state of Dependence upon Congress nor my self. He shall Stand on his own Legs, place himself on a Level with the Youth his Contemporary Countrymen, and become a Town Meeting Man first, if he ever wishes for public Employment.\n     You ask my Opinion concerning the 4th Article of the Treaty of Peace. I wish to avoid being quoted upon these Points. I cannot See the Propriety of the Legislatures interfering. If a Jury determine the Interest to be a bona fide debt, there is no Remedy. An Explanation will never be obtained unless a Minister should be sent to London, if then. We have written and demanded long since, but have no Answer from the British Ministry. In short they are determined not to treat in France. These Interferences of the Legislatures will be construed Violations of the Treaty and the great Posts upon the Frontier will be pretended to be held against Treaty for this Reason. But the little Interests of Individuals in such Governments as ours, will if We are not cautious, disturb publick Interests of infinitely greater Magnitude, and involve our Reputation and even our public Faith.\n     Whether England and France can import Timber and Lumber from Denmark cheaper than from America I know not. I dont believe they can. But if they could they should consider how they are to pay. There is a great difference between paying Cash and paying in Produce and Manufactures.\n     Shewing what I had written to Madam she has made me sick of purchasing Veseys Place. Instead of that therefore you may draw upon me, for two hundred Pounds at as good an Exchange as you can obtain and lay it out in such Notes as you judge most for my Interest, so that the Interest may be a little Fund for assisting you in paying the Expences of the Education of my Children. Indeed if you See a Prospect of making any considerable Advantage in this Way, for me, you may draw upon me for more.\n     My regards to you Lady & son, and believe me with great Affection your Friend\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0033", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Sister\n      Braintree April 25th 1785\n     I reciv\u2019d your September Letters a little while after I sent off my November ones, and a Feast they were to me. Mr. Storer inform\u2019d us of your leaving England, any thing further was all conjecture. We have not had one chance of Sending to you this winter except by the way of Amsterdam last week: but as I thought you would get a Letter sooner from England, and Capn. Lyde was to sail soon, I would wait and Send by him. Doctor Tufts met with Colln. Norton in Boston who was going Passenger in the Amsterdam Vessal and was to be landed or left in the Downs. By him he wrote a short Letter he had not time for more. I should have done the same had I known of the opportunity in Season.\n     Your December and January Letters we reciev\u2019d the 13th. of this month. I need not decribe the pleasure we felt upon being inform\u2019d of your welfair after a tedious interval of Six month. Had you been in England we could have heard from you often. There have been many Letters from thince in the course of this winter. We reciev\u2019d your December Letters almost a week before we knew we had later ones on board the Ship. Mr. Tyler reciev\u2019d only one from Emelia, Dated September in the first Pacquit. He look\u2019d very cross. It was nothing but a scolding Letter he said. I told him I was very glad of it. Such an one was all he deserv\u2019d, and that had my Cousin possessed my Spirit he would not have had one. I told him also that my last date was the 12th of December. That Captain Scot had arriv\u2019d, and that you had receiv\u2019d the Letters sent by him, but I refused to read him that part of your Letter in which you so Picturesquely decribe the reception of them. Ask\u2019d him whether after setting such an example of neglect and exerciseing the Power he knew he had to give Pain, He thought he ought to expect any more. He was nettled and I design\u2019d he should be. I had no doubt but he had more on Boad ship, but it was hard, that one should suffer so long Such Cruel Suspence and the other none. He was gone to Plymouth Court when we reciev\u2019 his Pacquit, and did not come home till the last of the Week. He stay\u2019d at home and pouted away all Sunday. Monday morning He sent a messanger to Deacon Storers to inquire if he had not reciev\u2019d a Pacquit for him. The man return\u2019d about Noon with a volume of Letters for him and several for others. I gave him yours to him Which was inclosed in Mr. Cranchs. I have read both Mr. Adams\u2019s and yours, and have heard parts of Emelias, and you may if you please assure her that he never fails of reading that part in one of them, wherin She tells him that Mrs. Hall told her Papa that Mr. T. was a very handsome Man.\n     We thought for a long time that you were in England. We had some accounts that made it probable you would be there, and concluded you were ingag\u2019d in a round of company and amusements, but by your Letters I find that Some of our Social evenings would have been a cordial to you. This winter has been indeed a Solotary one to me. There never has been a time since I liv\u2019d in Braintree, when I should have miss\u2019d your Company so much as since you left us. Your Supporting presence and kind assistance, through the goodness of Providence, I have not needed as in times past. I have had much of the Rhumatism this winter but have not been confin\u2019d to my Chamber above three or four Days. Betsy has had her Health much better than usual, not one turn of the pain in her Stomach that used to afflict her so.\n     Mr. Cranch has been as usual in Boston except Sundays all winter. Billy at College and Betsy or Lucy have been either at Weymouth or Germantown. Mr. T but little at home.\u2014He is very fond of being drove about in a Sliegh you know, and we never had finer roads for it than the last winter, nor did it ever continue longer. The poor Cattle and Horses would tell us so if they could speak, both Beast and Man were tir\u2019d of it. Mr. T has been rather unlucky in his plans for the sleighing season. In the beginning of it, he took a Gay Horse of Thomson Baxters to keep for the use of the Sleigh. He had not used him above three times before he lamed him so much that he could not use him again the whole winter and was oblig\u2019d to keep him, and hire another, for the Sleigh could not go with one: and ours made so poor a Figure by the side of his, that he would not do by any means. But this is not all. About the middle of March the lame Horse was thought well enough to be return\u2019d, and Mr. T was very loth to be at the expence of keeping him so long for nothing. He was determin\u2019d to have one ride with him before he put him home. He invited us Ladies to go to Germantown with him. The Horse was so fat and so Gay that we were affraid: but Mr. T could not think there could be any danger. We Ventur\u2019d. The Snow was in some places quite gone tho much bankd in others. We got as far as Deacon Webbs Bridge. It was bare. The Horses were obstinate and would not draw. It was a dangerous place. We got out, and left Mr. T and John in. Mr. Vessy happen\u2019d to be ingag\u2019d. They whip\u2019d but all to no purpose. They got out. Mr. T whip\u2019d and John push\u2019d behind, and we three stood in the wet to see what the result would be. After much Flagilation they started and went like the wind. Mr. T being out, had no command of the Horses. The Lane between Mr. Mashes Marshes and Mr. Vesseys was much bank\u2019d. The Sleigh was immediately overset. The Horses ran Scraping the Top of it against the Fence till they tore it all to peices. Thus ended the Sleighing for the winter. The Glass lamps happen\u2019d not to be on and the Glasses in the Back and Sides were not broke. Mr. T had depriv\u2019d the Sleigh of its Gloomy appearence by rendering it light both by day and night.\n     I am really greiv\u2019d that your Friend Should Sacrifice his Health and spend all the best of his days in the service of his Country and yet not be able to lay up enough to admit him to spend the evening of them in retirement and repose. Dearly as I love you and much as I miss you I most Sincerly wish you had been with him from his first going abroad. I dare say he is now more than ever sensible how necessary you are to his Health and Happiness. The more important the Business is in which a Man is ingag\u2019d the more he stands in need of a Sensible prudent and discreet companion, and he never will make so good a Figure without as with such an one. Turn your thoughts to our worthy Parson. I need not bring an other Instance.\n     Mrs. Hall looks in fine Health considering her age. I told her soon after you went a way that if She wanted any thing and would be so good as to apply to me I had orders to supply her. She said she did not want any thing. I sent Betsy one day this winter to bring her to dine with me. As she was comeing she told Betsy She heard you had left orders with Doctor Tufts to give your poor Neighbours and a number of widows something at Thanksgiving. She took it very hard that She was not among the number. She was sure nobody was poorer than she was. That she had nothing that she could command, \u201cThat every thing she had was in Mr. A\u2019s Hands.\u201d Betsy told her that the Doctor would have thought he should have insulted her if he had done it in that way. That she knew I had orders to supply her with every thing she wanted, and that she was Sure that her uncle and aunt wish\u2019d her to have every thing for her comfort. I did not know of this till after she was gone or I should have talk\u2019d with her upon the matter. As soon as I reciev\u2019d your Letters I went to see her, and told her I had again reciev\u2019d orders to supply her with any thing She might want and ask her to let me know what she wish\u2019d for. She said as before, that she did not want any thing. I did not tell her, you had sent me money to lay out for her, for the reason you gave for not sending it immediately to her. She was very warm. She said she thought very hard of it that you did not leave her something when you went away that she could have commanded and done what she pleas\u2019d with. That Mr. A had all she was worth in the world in his Hands. That she had not ask\u2019d for any Interest for twenty four years. That she could not now earn her living. That she was a burthen upon her son, not that he complain\u2019d She said, but she was sure she was. That you was very kind to her while you was here. That you did not let her want for any thing. But to ask for any thing of Doctor Tufts or me, was so like beging that She Could nor would not. I ask her why she did not tell you so before you went away. She did not think You would have gone so soon. I told her I knew you wish\u2019d her to have every thing in that way that would make her happiest. That I should let you know her mind. I thought it would be best to give her the money you sent, taking a recept for it. I did not give it to her then, thinking it best to wait till I should recieve another Letter, and then tell her that you had sent it to her. I ask\u2019d the Doctors advise. He thought so too. I have now reciev\u2019d another and shall give it to her as soon as I can see her and shall wait your orders before I offer her any thing further.\n     I shall dispose of the money for Louisia as I think best. She is well and so they were all. We have no very good accounts of her Papa. Some people from the place where he is say that he is out of business and does not behave well.\n     I had a Letter from Sister Shaw last week. She is well. Your Sons also. They are very good children. Cousin Charles will enter College without doubt Mr. Shaw thinks. Tommy pulls up his uncle says.\n     I shall be gratified, when they are where I can be of use to them and repay some of the obligations I am under to their Parents. I fear you will think Cousin John so necessary to your Happiness that you will not part with him. From the accounts I have of him I do not wonder you wish to detain him with you, but our own pleasures are soon given up when we cannot enjoy them without injuring our children. To know that they are great and good will give us the most Satisfaction, be they where they will. I want more than I can express to see him, Sweet Youth! I could have shed Tears at your description of his walking away a little morftified upon not finding any Letters for him among those he had taken so much pains to procure. It shall not be so again. He will have enough this time to make up his dissapointment. I shall thank him for mine. His uncle is much pleass\u2019d with those to him and will not fail to answer them. His cousins will remember him also. If I have time I shall write to Cousin Nabby. Dear Girl she does not know how anxious I am for her Happiness.\n     I fear my dear sister your Health will suffer greatly for want of exercise. I hope soon to hear you are in England. You will be then able to walk, as tis the Fashon to do so there, unless your rank Should render your Feet useless. There are a thousand things which I want to ask you, and want to tell you that the distance renders improper, as Letters are so liable to be open\u2019d. When you get to London we shall do better. Mr. A mentions his design of returning to his own country Soon, but I suppose he did not then know of his appointment to the Court of Great Britain. This I fear will retard your return but if you are there I shall feel as if you were half way home.\n     Thank you my dear sister for the sattin you sent me. Tis a beautiful colour. I shall never veiw it but as a Token of the Tender affection of my sister. Uncle Quincy has been confind to his chamber with the Rhumatism in his hip and Leg ever since the beginning of November. He came down Stairs last week but has not been out of the House yet. He has been very sick part of the time. My visits when I was able to go out have been divided between him and the distress\u2019d Family at Germantown. The latter have been so long the Tool-ball of fortune that they are almost wore out. The Farm The Great House and all the Land except thirty acres, Has by Some negotiations have fallen into the Hands of Major Swan. The remainder Mr. Guild attach\u2019d as Mr. Parkers property and they have been all advertiz\u2019d for Sale. The Family have been in expectation of being oblig\u2019d to move they knew not where this whole winter. What will yet be done they know not. Mr. Guilds affairs are so involv\u2019d with Mr. Parkers, that every thing he has in the world is attach\u2019d, all the Furniture, and all her fortune in the Hands of the Executors. I hope she has not been so romantick as not to secure it. She was advis\u2019d to do it before she was married, but she would not. Poor Creature, I went to see her last week; she looks as if she would sink into the earth. She lays in, this month. Mrs. Quincy is with her. She has charming spirits you know. Nancy will pine all the Flesh off her Bones.\n     The Doctor wrote you that Mrs. Fitch had sent you a Box of Sweetmeats from the West Indias, and that he had desir\u2019d uncle Smith to divide them among your Friends. He told me of it and desir\u2019d me to see to its being done, but when I came to unpack the Box I found a Pot holding about two Quarts, mark on the cover Green citron and two others holding one Quart mark\u2019d I know not what. They were rub\u2019d out\u2014and two pint Bottles of Cayenne. I did not open them as I thought it best to let them remain unopen\u2019d till I heard from you. They are so well secur\u2019d that I think they will keep a long time. Had they been articles that would have perish\u2019d soon I should not have scrupled useing them, but as they are not, I chuse you should have the direction of them your self. Billy is under great obligations to his uncle, for the kind present of Books which he has made him. Be so kind as to present him my thanks also, but as he is not in present want of any, we shall wait till Mr. Adams returns. He will recieve them with double pleasure from the Hands of his uncle. At present we hardly know what will be of the most advantage to him. If he should Study Law as he now seems determin\u2019d too do, Law Books would be most acceptable.\n     The Violin cousin John is so kind as to give Billy is gone a Voyage to Cape Francois. Whether it will be benifited by it I cant say. I ask\u2019d to borrow it till Mr. Cranch could meet with one for Billy as I supposed he would not carry it with him when he went, but his mama thought it would be an amusement to him and advis\u2019d him to take it. \u201cThen let me Buy one mama.\u201d I found how the matter Stood so said no more about it. I thought you would have been as willing I should have it as that it should go a voyage.\n     Aunt Smith would take it kind in you to write to her. She Says her Hands are too lame to hold a pen or she would write. Uncle open\u2019d the Pacquit directed to him and was almost affronted that he had not one line. He talk\u2019d of Sealing the cover and Sending it back a Blank paper.\n     Our Neighbour Mrs. Bass has been confin\u2019d the whole winter by bad managment of the shingles which she had in the beginning of it. She was in Boston. Was taken with a pain in her hip, thought it was the Rhumatism, advis\u2019d with a Doctor. He order\u2019d a Blister upon it. She came home, her Hip Broke out. She did not know what it was. She put on the Blister in the midst of them, but a dreadful peice of work she had with it. The irrupttion spread half round her and a great Blister as big as your hand besides did not help the naturaler Irritabillity of her Temper. She was seizd as soon as they began to heal with such Spasms in that side as if possible exceeded Betsy Winstows Winslows. They lasted a month. I had no expectation of her Life, but she is now much better, I think. I have seen enough of this dissorder to dread it.\n     Mrs. Field is made quite happy by hearing from Ester. She is well and so are all your Nieghbours.\n     Captain Brackit has lost that pale delicate little Daughter of his. Scattering the Kings-Evil which she had in her neck was the cause. Fanny Nash we fear will not live long. She is in a consumtion. Captain Jo. Baxter is going to marry Deacon Arnolds Widdow, much against her Friends advice, but of how little avail is this in such cases. But tis very hard when we think we see our Friends connecting themselves in a manner that will make their future Days unhappy, to be silent.\n     I have heard so much of the fine climate of France, that the account you give me of the Gloom appearence of the winter Surprises me. Give me a warm House and an american winter I say.\n     There are a number of things in your House which I think will be usefull for your Sons at college. They will want Sugar and Tea. There is one cannester unoppend and a little Breakfast-Tea in another. The Bag of Pepper Doer. Tufts thinks had better be sold. It will loose its strength. We find it necessary to open and shake the woolen Cloaths in your House very often. The Moths have got into the Hair of the trunks. We have order\u2019d them to be keept Brush\u2019d. I have at present a violent cold but as soon as tis better, I shall make a thorough rummage and pin all the woolens up close in Sheets. There is no other way to preserve them. Are there none of those cloaths that will do to be alter\u2019d for Cousin Charles? The Fashon may alter so much, that Mr. Adams will not chuse to wear them. Cousin Charles is grown very tall I am told. I bought three pair of stockings for him last winter. Sister Shaw Says they must have more this Spring. I cloth\u2019d them in Lamb-Skin for winter. Sister writes me that they did not put on their new Shirts till January, but that the Linnen was so poor that by the Time they had been wash\u2019d twice or three times she had to mend them from one end to the other. I have I think got them a very pretty Piece of Linnin, and have sent for their measure. The children will make them as soon as they recieve them. I disign to take care of Cousins washing when he becomes a Collegian. I can then mend them in Season.\n     Mr. Thacher is settled at Doctor Coopers, and is become quite an old story. Many of the People are gone to the old Brick. By the way they have made a very elligant house of it and have got an organ in it. Have you read Doctor Chauncys Book, which was publish\u2019d in England last Summer? It has been much talk\u2019d of there. It has been republish\u2019d here, but instead of making a noise as it was thought it would, it has silenc\u2019d every body. There has not been one attempt to answer that I can hear off. True or not, tis most admirable done.\n     Weymouth are in an unsettled State yet and like to be so for any thing that appear at present. They have behaved oddly this winter, and treated the Doctor Shamfully, and all because he would not vote for a man he did not like.\n     I hear that Lyde is to sail next Sunday. Mr. T would not write till the Court which began to set excepting two days last week this week was over, so that unless he writes in Boston which I should think he may, he will not write by this vessel. I dont know how it is with you, but I had rather have a Letter by every vessel than a volume at a time, and that but seldom. I wish you could see him when he is writing. Shut up in his chamber for a week together with about forty Books round him: I told him one day, that one Letter warm from the Heart and sent in Season was worth all of them. I ask\u2019d him also what excuse he could make for his neglect. He said he should make none. I confess I felt too much to answer him. I will not take another Sheet. Som thing shall be left for the next vessel. Love to Mr. Adams and cousins. Adieu, may you be happy prays your affec Sister\n      M Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0035", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n      Dear Sir\n      Auteuil 26 April May 2d. 1785\n     It was not untill the 21 of April that your Letter of December 1st. reach\u2019d me, tho forwarded by Mr. Elworthy the 2 of Feb\u2019ry. Where it has lain ever since I cannot divine, as many letters from all quarters come to us weekly. The contents of yours were not so political as to have made it necessary to have detaind them so long, four hundred and fifty thousand livres anual Salary to the intendant of posts for decyphering and Copying Letters one would think a sufficient Sum to render them expert at the buisness.\n     This Letter I trust will be deliverd you by my son whose departure from hence will be Soon. You will easily believe that we make a Sacrifice of our present enjoyment in consenting to his return without us. Indeed he has been so usefull that I know not what his Father will do without him, as close application to writing is become so injurious to him that he never applies himself a few hours together to his pen without Suffering for it, and there is So much Copying to do for a person in publick Life, that I think he cannot do without a secretary. But neither Mr. Adams or I are willing that our Sons should be brought up without a regular Education and some profession or Buisness by which they may honestly earn their Bread. For this purpose we have thought it best, that he should return to America and pass a Year or more at Colledge, and by obtaining a degree there be able to rank amongst his fellow citizens. Altho so long in Europe I think I may with confidence Say, that he will carry Home neither the vices or Fopperies of it. Tho he has been a Witness to the pomp and Splendour of Courts, he is I hope Republican enough to leave these Ideas in their native Soils, and to exhibit an example of prudence and frugality which he knows to be very necessary for him in order to the compleation of his and his Brothers Education. I recommend him Sir to your Friendship your care and patronage, as well as his Brother who I Suppose will enter Colledge this Year. Mr. Adams has written you upon this Subject and requested you to take the charge upon you of Supplying their expences and drawing upon him for the discharge of them. I am sensible it is an important Charge, because merely paying their Bills is not all we ask of you. We beg you to counsel and advise them as Children of your own, and we hope and trust that they will not give you any unnecessary trouble. I know that your Family is not calculated to receive them at the vacancies. I have therefore requested Mr. and Mrs. Cranch to let them make their House their Home, and Mrs. Cranch will be kind enough to take care of their linen and cloathing, for I would not over burthen one Friend. It is uncertain whether my son JQA, will be admitted to Colledge this year. The Gentlemen who examine him will judge of his qualifications and advise him with regard to his Studies, which we think if he does not enter colledge at present, he had better persue at Haverhill under the care of his uncle. You will find by conversing with him, that in many branches of knowledg he has few superiours of his age, and he has a habit of Study and application which I hope will not quit him by a Change of climate.\n     With regard to our family affairs Mr. Adams has written you upon them, he has however directed me to enlarge to you upon the subject of Bills, and to request you to invest 3 or four hundred pounds sterling in them, and in that kind which you shall judge most for his advantage. I should think it might not be amiss to invest one hundred pounds in the Army certificates which tho not so valuable at present, will become so in time. But all this we leave to your judgment. I see by the publick papers that there had been some frauds practised in alterations of figures. You will not let that matter escape you I dare say. And you will be so good as to inform Mr. Adams whether it would be best to make larger purchases if he should find himself able. But of that I despair unless Congress should see fit to place the Salaries upon the former footing, nor then neither if as I have reason to apprehend Mr. Adams should be sent to England, where it is Still more expensive liveing than here. If we had a private fortune which we could afford to add, to what Congress allow, we might then be in Some measure upon a footing with the publick ministers of other powers, but it would then be, as it is now, a dissagreable Life to me. My happiness has ever been in a domestick State, in the Society of my Friends, rather than the World. In these European Countries you must either engage in a Life of dissipation and amusement, company and play continually, or you must live a retired one without any intimates, and See company only in a ceremonious Way. There are very few Foreign Ministers here who do not expend their Salarys their private fortunes and run deep into debt besides, unless like the Count d\u2019Aranda the Spanish minister, they have the income of a prince. Judg you Sir whether Seperate from the Idea of serveing ones Country, any satisfaction or pleasure is to be derived to persons feeling, and thinking as we do. Few Ministers it is true have ever met with more Success than has Crownd Mr. Adams\u2019s endeavours for the publick Service, but I wonder now, much more than I did before I came abroad; how he has lived through the perplexing Scenes he has had to encounter: twice it has very nearly cost him his Life, and if he should be as I fear he will appointed to England he will not have a less thorny road to tread than those which he has already past. There are many difficulties and perplexities to adjust in order to bring England and America yet together even in a commercial intercourse. The passions of both Nations instead of being cooler, appear more irritable every day: Greivious words Stir up Wrath, and perhaps our Countrymen are not sufficently aware that it is the wish of some other nations to keep us still at varience, or that the Friendship of Nations is only an other Word for interest. Mr. Adams has been so long abroad, and so largly engaged in the Field of politicks, so accustomed to \u201clook quite through the deeds of Men,\u201d and haveing himself no other views or desires, but those of promoteing the welfare of his Country, and laying a foundation for its permanant Glory and happiness that I think he would be more likely to succeed in England than a New Hand. I cannot therefore oppose it should he be appointed, but at the same time I must solicit to return to America next Spring unless some important unfinishd negotiation Should oblige us to a longer Stay. I think from the conversation which Mr. Adams had yesterday with Mr. Hales the British Charge des affairs that if he was in England he would be like to Succeed in obtaining the Frontier Posts, and bringing matters upon a more amicable footing. Here neitheir England or Spain will treat, and no great object can be accomplishd. If he does not Succeed in England, America will know better than now; what course to take. Mr. Adams met Mr. Hales at dinner at Count Sarsfields and fell designedly into conversation with him upon the Subject of the Frontier Posts. He ask\u2019d him what could be the reason of the delay to surrender them. Mr. Hales replied that he could not pretend to say precisely, but he had no doubt it was the private interest of some individual officer or Trader which had heitherto studied pretences, and excuses for delay, but that he might depend upon it, there were no thought at Court, or in the Nation, of holding these posts; he said Mr. Pit was a man of the most perfect Moral Character, and of the highest Sense of publick and private honour, and would abhor every Idea of voilating the National Faith. He askd Mr. Adams if he did not think Mr. Pit a wonderfull young Man? He replied that he did, and that he had often seen with Surprize his firmness and coolness and his perfect command of himself, qualities in which he had shewn him self superiour to all his Rivals, that he seem\u2019d to be the Man for the Salvation of the Nation if it was yet in a Salvable State, but that he did not appear to be sufficiently sensible how large a share America must have in assisting him to Save it, that he would finally miss his object, and fail in all the great projects if he did not place the intercourse with America upon a proper footing. Mr. Hales laughd and said it was very true; and as soon says he as we have Settled with Ireland, we will take you in Hand, and settle with you, upon honest and generous terms, but it is dangerous attempting too many things at once. This Mr. Hales appears to be a well informd sensible Man, he supports a good Character here. His Grace the Duke of Dorset I have not yet seen, but expect that honour soon, as he is to dine here this week, together with Mr. Hales and other company. Mr. Adams has dined with the Duke several times who has always been very civil and gracious to him. He lives very magnificiently here, the British court allow him a salary of nine thousand some say ten a year, but tis said he spends that, and his private fortune too. He keeps a publick table twice a week, and tho a sensible Man is a lover of pleasure, and some say, of Play too.\n     Company comeing in I broke of my writing, last evening. Mr. Jefferson came in from Paris and informd us that the March packet had arrived and that he had received some Letters, one of which from Mr. Gerry informd acquainted him that Congress had appointed Mr. Adams Minister to London. This is an event tho not unexpected, from the late Letters which have been received, yet an event which will load with cares and anxieties the Head and Heart of my Friend, subject him I suppose to many censures, and no small share of ill nature. I hope each State will do all in their power to render the burden as light as they can, by stricktly adhereing to the National Faith and honour pledged by the Treaty, that they will suffer no undue warmth to prevail, or the intrigues of any Nation to blind their eyes to the prejudice of their own.\n     The Spring is opening now in great Beauty, and Auteuil begins to look Charming. The exchange of climate must be for the worse. I shall regreet that, and the loss of Mr. Jeffersons Society. In some respects I shall find myself happier in England. I expect that we shall necessarily be subject to much more company, and concequently more expence, but I will not be over anxious. Our Country will not forget their best Friends, and our Children I hope will be qualified to earn their Bread.\n     What ever you find necessary to be done in our private affairs, you will do, tho you have not immediate opportunity to inform us of it. With Regard to Mr. Pratt, you will do what you think just and reasonable. And be so good as to add to the list of the poor the wife of John Hayden, the old Man who lives by the meeting house. 2 dollors to her, but at different seasons of the Year. I wish it was in my power to enlarge the sums, and increase the number. I reflect upon this trifle with more pleasure than all the Sums I am necessatated to spend here.\n     My most affectionate Regards to my Aunt and cousins. Pray sir continue to write to me. Writing to my Friends and Receiveing Letters from them; is one of the highest pleasures I enjoy here. I know not when we shall be obliged to leave this Country, as no official account has yet reachd us, nor any commission, but I suppose Congress see so fully the necessity of adjusting their affairs in England, that they will not delay the Matter. Your next Letters you will address to London and to Mr. Adams as Minister there. Nabby sends her duty to you and my Aunt. She is well, and a Good child. I hope she will ever be a happy one, and to this purpose sir I wish you to give advise to a Young Friend of hers, when ever you see it necessary. I was not without anxiety, as every thoughtfull young person must be, when they are going to connect themselves for Life, when I changed a Single for a Married State. I need not say to you Sir that my own union has been of the happiest kind, but I am not the less desirious that my daughters should prove so too, tho I have had more fears and more anxieties for her than ever I felt for myself. This Sir is between ourselves. I will leave my Letter open untill my Son goes and possibly I may fill my paper.\n     Mr. Adams has received his commission and we must hasten to arrange our affairs as soon as possible. We talk of going the 20th. I hope however not quite so soon, tho the nature of the Buisness is such as requires an immediate attention, and we shall make no unnecessary delay. Mr. Adams is full of anxiety. If he does not succeed it will not be oweing to any want of application or endeavours for the publick service. The Duke of Dorset has been so polite as to tell him, that either in a publick or private capacity he should be happy to serve him. Mr. Smith the Secretary of Legation has not yet arrived. Dr. Franklin has received leave to return and talks of going out in july, but with his disorder I cannot conceive how he will bear a voyage.\n     By my son I have sent you 50 pounds Lawfull Money, part of which is money which I brought with me, but not passing neither here or in England I thought it best to return it, to America. With this money which I call mine I wish you to purchase the most advantageous Bills and keep them by themselves. If hereafter I should be able to add to it, I may establish a little fund for my pensioners.\n     My Son will give you all the politicks of the Day. Yours\n      PS. As there is a communication between the Medical Society of Paris and Boston I thought it might not be amiss for the improvement of one of its members to communicate the inclosed, as a Specimen for his future practise. It is usual for Physicians when they attend any person of character to write daily as you see, and very particularly the Symptoms of their paitients. A Lady who is my Neighbour being very sick, I sent frequently to inquire after her and have a collection of such kind of Billets in replie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0037", "content": "Title: Catharine Louisa Salmon Smith to Abigail Adams, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Smith, Catharine Louisa Salmon\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Sister\n      Lincoln April 27 1785\n     Your kind Letter of the 15th. December came to me last week, and should I pretend to describe the innate Plesure I felt on the perusal, words would be wanting in the description. I most ardently wish to see you, and hope it will not be many years before I shall have that pleasure.\n     I realy wish that those customs you speak of were indeed adopted here. I have more reason to wish it than many others, haveing been too much used to be considered as a Species apart from the Lords of the Creation. There are very few but what wishes it, yet have not resolution to bust those Magick fetters which that tyrant Custom has shackeled them with.\n     You must not expect news from the shades of Lincoln. I know but very little of what passes in the gay world. My imployments or diversions do not often extend beyond the little circle at my own fire side. I am indeed so vain as to think that nothing I can say will afford more satisfaction to you than to tell you we are in fine Health, my little Girls and Boys are very good, and I have had nothing to interrupt my Domestick peace and tranquility. I have the inexpressible happiness to see my little tribe reward and justify my cares, by paying a strict attention to what I injoin upon them. I look forward with many pleasurable ideas. You may judg with what pleasure I go through the task of instructing them (for I have no schools to send them to) when I hear them commended for their good behaveour by every mouth. You will say I write with the partiality of a fond mamma, but you I hope will excuse it.\n     We have had the most severe Winter and Spring that I ever remember\u2014the Snow so deep that the Roads have been impassable for two months past. Never was such a time known in this part of the Globle before. Yesterday I went to Concord, the first time I have been in a Chaise for more than Six months.\n     Mr. Smith I have seen but once since I came to Lincoln. It grieves me to say that fame speaks him to be the same he has been for many years.\n     Judg Russell and the Ladies I saw last Sunday. They Present their regards. The Children send their most humble Duty.\n     Remember me to Mr. Adams Miss Nabby and Mr. John and beleive me ever Your most obliged and affectionate Sister\n      Catharine L. Smith\n      Louisa is grown very tall, and has injoyed a good state of health ever since she has been here, excepting now and then a pain in her side and shoulder.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0038", "content": "Title: Mercy Otis Warren to Abigail Adams, 30 April 1785\nFrom: Warren, Mercy Otis\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Milton Hill April 30th. 1785\n     After long Expecting that Pleasure I was Gratifyed about four days since by the Receipt of a very agreable Letter from my Friend. I have so long answered in the Negative, when in all Company, the question is asked \u201cNo Letter from Mrs. Adams, your particular Friend,\u201d that I have been obliged to make many apologys for your silence, to prevent some unfavorable Construction.\n     I find by yours that you are not yet a European Lady, that the splendor of a Court dos not obliterate the undissembled Pleasure of sociallity in a Private Circle of Friends. You seem to wish for the afternoon interviews of your Country, which Custom has rendered an agreable hour. I assure you we miss you much at the little tea parties. This is a pleasure Ridiculed by Frenchmen. Yet perhaps it is as Rational an amusement as a Rope Dancing, a puppet show or an opera.\n     In the Ramblings of the Vissionary slumber, I often Visit the European shores where I have an Interest seperate from my Friends at Auteiul. But I more frequently transport them all to the summit of Milton, or its Neighbouring hills. When I awake I wish to Realize the Phantom. Yet I acknowledge more for my own than for their sakes.\n     I think you must be Exceedingly happy, though I beleive more from your Domestic than your Public Connexions. The affections of the Former are strengthened by time, while the Parade of the latter Fatigues and the Glare of Grandeur pall, upon the Eye, and after a Certain age Even Novelty dos not posses Charms sufficient to wean us from the local Attachments of Earlier life.\n     I do not wonder you are pleased with the Theatrical Entertainments. The Refined and Elegant Compositions must improve the Taste, while the lively Representation of Character, and the Exhibition of Great Historical Events lay open a wide Field of amusement to the Reflecting mind. And I think your situation has been peculiarly advantagous, as you Could retire to the sequestered Villa, without the interruption of thought by the bustle of a Crowd to push away the agreable images.\n     I Expect your next will be dated from England. I think it must be more agreable to you in many respects than France. I dare say you will be very happy there, though that Nation have not discovered Either a wise or a Friendly disposition towards the Americans in General since the Conclusion of the Peace. Perhaps the treaties of Commerce may put the two Countrys on a more amicable Footing. I beleive it unfortunate that this was not done Earlier. I wish we were wise Enough to render ourselves wholly independant. But the foolish passions of mankind will forever prevent. You know it has long been my opinion that the Human Race were made for slaves, for in all ages whatever advantages Valour Virtue or Fortune throws into their our hands, they are Generally bartered away for the Gratification of our own Vanity, or the agrandizement of a few individuals who have not Enough to Facinate the undistinguishing Multitude.\n     I fear the Conduct of our own Country will stand upon record as a striking Example of the truth of this Observation. We have Goverments of our own Forming, Magistrates of our own Electing, but without Confidence in their abilities, or Energy and Decission on their part to acquire or sucure it. The Bostonians are wrangling with British Factors, Yet runing mad for their Commodities. The Narrow scale of their Politics is a Contrast to the spirit of this People previous to the Late Hostilities.\n     But why do I touch on a Political subject in a Letter to a Lady who has announced her determination, to Relinquish the Theme. I will ask Pardon for introducing it, when I have told her I know of another, who most ardently wishes that neither she or her Connexions had Ever been Engaged in the thorny Path. It is doubtless best for man that he cannot look into the Page of Futurity. A kind of apathy might overspread the World that might be Fatal to the Exertions of the mind. Yet few Revolutions that take place are Favorable Either to the Virtue or the Happiness of Mankind, and Even in those singuler instances when salutary Effects have resulted to the Public, most of the leading Characters who Early Embarked in the struggle have been rendered miserable, Either by the sacrifice of Fortune and Friends, the Fickleness and ingratitude of their Country, or the Machinations of a few individuals who would never have been brought into Consideration but from the Convulsions of the times. This is not a trait peculier to America. It is the story of Man. Past ages bear testimony of its authenticity, and Future Events will Convince the unbeleiving. But I hope my dear madam that Neither you nor yours will Ever Reallize it from painful Experience.\n     I thank you for your Friendly inquiries after my sons, and as you particulerized all but one, I will take them in the same order. The youngest is a very diligent student under the tuition of Mr. Strong of Northhamton. Harry I beleive is not too Gay for his years. Enjoys tolerable Health, but thinks it is necessary to Get into bussiness, in order to be thrifty Either in purse or in flesh. He is at present at home, waiting the Return of his Brother Charles from Cape Francois Cap-Fran\u00e7ais, where he has spent the winter with much advantage to his Health. If, as we flatter ourselves his Recovery should be perminent, these two youths mean to take the manssion, the stores &c. &c. go into Bussiness at Plimouth, as that Decayed Village begins again to hold up its Head. The unfortunate wounded officer thanks Every one who inquires after him, and desires particuler respects to Mr. and Mrs. Adams.\n     There is yet one whom you have seen several Months since I had that pleasure. But we hear often from Lisbon where he means to Reside Yet for a time, but with a preference to his Native Country that gives me Pleasure, and an attachment unusual in a young Gentleman who has lived so long in the European World. He loves both the People and the Manners of America, better than those of any other Place. I hope None of my Friends Either young or old will stay abroad long Enough to be weaned.\n     Are the Ladies in England all Gamblers, and the Gentlemen all pleased with the accomplishment: It is a new thing to us for any one who has a Claim to Character, to Go from the Dining, to the Card table, and sit till Near midnight Painfully agitated least she rises with fewer Guineas in her poket than when she set down. It is not many years since such a Conduct would have been deemed almost unpardonably disgracful in the heedless Youth of the other sex.\n     You will have so many letters to read from sisters Neices sons &c. that a protraction of this Can very well be dispenced with. Yet I shall Claim a full share in the returns.\n     Mr. Warren would like very well to take a Veiw of the agricultural improvments in England. But rather think it is too late for him to Visit Europe. Though he sometimes talks of running to Lisbon to spend a few weeks with a Beloved son, but this is the sugestion of a fond Moment, that I believe will never be Executed.\n     Mr. John I understand is Coming to America. My love to Him. Tell him he must by no means make himselve a stranger at Milton, but Consider it as one of his homes at least.\n     It seems as if you was Rather nearer by Coming to England. If it appears so to you we shall have the Pleasure of Hearing oftener from you. Do you think it will be saying too much if I tell you none will be more Gratified with this Circumstance than your affectionate Friend\n      M Warren", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0039", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Mary Smith Cranch, 30 April 1785\nFrom: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My Dear Sister\n     I have but a moments time to write you a Line, and send you by Mr. Allen the measure of Charles and Thomas Shirts. If you make them 2 now, each, it will be sufficient. I have indeed been made happy by receiving 2 Letters from my Sister, but we have none from my Cousin Nabby. I really commiserate her Situation\u2014look round on every side, and infelicity must be her present portion.\n     I suppose Sister, nor Cousin has any thoughts of returning at present to America. Time may do much upon both sides. A State of probation we are all in, if we act our parts with fidelity, we shall receive an ample reward. I should think this would be a motive, to excite us to great Circumspection.\n     You have my Sister a critical, delicate, part to act. You are at all times apprized of the necessity of Candor, and impartiality in our inquires respecting persons, and things. It is not sufficient to hear only upon one side. I know not anything of the merits of the Cause. Your own prudence, and goodness of heart, will direct you in the Path of Duty.\u2014And I sincerely hope it will ultimately tend to the Peace, Satisfaction, and happiness of all our Families.\n     Alas, how I lament the unhappy Situation of General Palmer. It seems as if Misfortune had marked him for her own\u2014Those fair Possessions\u2014But when these fail us we must look to the bright realms above, and even in the midst of every earthly Enjoyment, it is there we must fix our eye, our affections, and it is there we may place our trust.\n     The length of Charles Shirt, is a yard and Thomas about 2 inches shorter. I have no time now to say more than that I hope soon to see you here, but if not I hope to come myself the latter part of May, if it ever grows warm enough to settle the ways.\n     My Love to all\u2014Ever Yours\n      E Shaw", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0041", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 8 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My Dear Sister\n      Auteuil May 8th ante 5 1785\n     Can my dear sister realize that tis near eleven Months since I left her. To me it seems incredible, more like a dream than a reality. Yet it ought to appear the longest ten Months of my Life if I was to measure the time by the variety of objects which have occupied my attention. But amidst them all my Heart returns like the Dove of Noah and rest only in my native land. I never thought myself so selfish a being as since I have become a traveller, for altho I see Nature arround me in a much higher State of cultivation than our own Country can boast, and elegance of taste and manners in a thousand forms, I cannot feel intrested in them. It is in vain for me, that here\n      \u201cKind Nature wakes her genial power\n      Suckles each herb, & nurtures every flower\u201d\n     Tis true the garden yeilds a rich profusision, but they are neither plants of my hand, or children of my care. I have bought a little Bird lately, and I realy think I feel more attached to that, than to any object out of my own family animate, or inanimate. Yet I do not consider myself in the predicament of a poor fellow who not having a house, in which to put his Head, took up his abode in the stable of a Gentleman; but tho so very poor he kept a Dog, with whom he daily divided the small portion of food which he earnd. Upon being ask\u2019d why when he found it so difficult to live himself, he still kept a Dog, What Says the poor fellow part with my Dog! Why who should I have to Love me then? You can never feel the force of this replie unless you were to go into a foreign Country without being able to Speak the language of it. I could not have believed if I had not experienced it, how strong the Love of Country is in the humane mind. Strangers from all parts of America who visit us, feel more nearly allied than the most intimate acquaintance I have in Europe. Before this will reach you, you will have learnt our destination to England. Whether it will prove a more agreeable situation than the present, will depend much upon the state of politicks. We must first go to Holland to arrange our affairs there and to take leave of that Court. I shall wish to be moveing as soon as my family lessens, it will be so lonesome. We have as much company in a formal way as our Revenues will admit, and Mr. Jefferson with one or two Americans visits us in the Social friendly way. I shall realy regreet to leave Mr. Jefferson, he is one of the choice ones of the Earth. On Thursday I dine with him at his house, on Sunday he is to dine here, on Monday, we all dine with the Marquis, and on Thursday we dine with the Sweedish Ambassador, one of the most agreeable Men and the politest Gentleman I have met with, he lives like a prince. I know you Love to know all my movements which make me so particular to you.\n     I wrote to you by the last pacquet which sailed for New York in which letter I requested you to take upon you the care of Charles, after he shall have enterd Colledge, and let him make your House his Home in vacancies &c. Will you also give your Elder Nephew that leave too? At the same time we mean to pay their Board, and every other expence which they may occasion to you. I know however there are many for which you will not be pay\u2019d only by the pleasure you take in doing good, and in sisterly kindness and affection. I hope Charles will be placed with a good Chamber mate, as much depends upon that. I do not desire that you should attend to having their washing done in your family, only be so good as to see that they have a good place at Cambridge for it, provided they should both be in colledge at the same time, which I scarcly expect will take place this year.\n     I have many affairs upon me at present, what with my sons going away, my own adjustments for a final leave of this Country, many things must pass through my hands. But I am the less anxious to write as your Nephew will tell you all about us. You will think I ought to have written you more now, but I am almost sick of my pen, and I know you will see what I write to others. I will not however close untill the day before he quits this House.\n     Tomorrow morning, My son takes his departure for America, and we go next week to England. I have nothing further to add than my Regards to Mr. Cranch and a desire that you would let me hear from you by every opportunity. I shall lose part and the greatest part of American intelligence by quitting France, for no person is so well informd from all the states as the Marquis de la Fayette. He has Established a correspondence in all the states and has the News Papers from every quarter.\n     Adieu my dear sister and be assured I am most affectionately yours,\n      A Adams\n      My Regards to Madam Quincy and daughter to Mr. Wibird to Mr. Alleynes family, and my duty to unkle Quincy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0042", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Lucy Cranch, 5 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch\n     I presume my dear Lucy would be dissapointed if her cousin does not deliver her a line from her Aunt. Yet it is hardly fair to take up an exhausted pen to address a young Lady whose eager serch after knowledge entitles her to every communication in my power.\n     I was in hopes to have visited several curiosities before your cousin left us; that I might have been able to have related them to my friends; but several engagements in the company way, and some preparation for his voyage; together with the necessary arrangements for our own journey; have so fully occupied me that I fear I shall fail in my intentions. We are to dine to day with Mr. Jefferson. Should any thing occur there worthy of notice it shall be the subject of my Evening pen.\n     Well my dear Neice I have returnd from Mr. Jeffersons; when I got there I found a pretty large company: it consisted of the Marquis and Madam de la Fayette, the Count and Countess Douradou, a French Count who had been a General in America, but whose name I forget; Commodore Jones, Mr. Jarvis an American Gentleman lately arrived, the same who married Amelia Broom, who says there is so strong a likeness between your cousin, and his Lady that he is obliged to be upon his gaurd least he should think himself at Home and make some mistake. He appears a very sensible agreeable Gentleman. A Mr. Bowdoin, an American also. I ask the Chevalier de Luzerns pardon I like to have forgot him. Mr. Williamos of course as he always dines with Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Short, the one of Mr. Jeffersons family. As he has been absent some time I name him; he took a resolution that he would go into a French family at St. Germains and acquire the language, and this is the only way for a foreigner to obtain it. I have often wisht that I could not hear a word of English spoken. I think I have mentiond Mr. Short before in some of my Letters. He is about the statue of Mr. Tudor a better figure, but much like him in looks and manners. Concequently a favorite of mine. They have some customs very curious here. When company are invited to dine, if 20 Gentlemen meet, they seldom or ever set down, but are standing or walking from one part of the room to the other, with their Swords on and their Chapeau de Bras, which is a very small silk hat, always worn under the Arm. These they lay asside whilst they dine, but reassume them immediately after. I wonder how this fashion of standing crept in, amongst a Nation who realy deserve the appellation of polite; for in winter it shuts out all the fire from the Ladies. I know I have sufferd from it many times. At dinner the Ladies and Gentleman are mixed, and you converse with him, who sets next you, rarely speaking to a person across the table; unless to ask, if they will be served with any thing from your side; conversation is never general as with us; for when the company quit the table, they fall into tete a tetes of two, and two, when the conversation is in a low voice and a stranger unacquainted with the customs of the Country, would think that every body had private buisness to transact.\n     Last Evening as we returnd, the Weather being very soft, and pleasent, I proposed to your uncle to stop at the Tuiliries and walk the Garden: which we did for an hour: there was as usual a collection of four or 5 thousand persons in the Walks. This Garden is the most celebrated publick walk in Paris. It is situated just opposite to the River Seine, upon the left hand as you enter Paris from Auteuil. Suppose that upon Boston Neck one side flows the River Seine and on the other hand the Garden of the Tuiliries. There is a high Wall next the street, upon which there is a terace which is used as a winter walk. This Garden has six large Gates by which you may enter. It is adornd with noble rows of Trees straight, large, and tall, which form a most beautifull shade. The populace are not permitted to walk in this Garden, but upon the day of Saint Louis; when they have it all to themselves. Upon one side of this Garden is the Castle de Tuiliries, which is an immence pile of Building, very ancient. It is in one of these Chateaus that the concert spiritual is held. Upon the terrace which borders this Chateau, are six Statues and 2 vases. These vases are large circular spots of water, which are conveyed there from the Seine by leaden pipes under ground. Round the great vase which is in the midst of the parterre are four Groups of white Marble; one represents Lucretia, the story I know is familiar to you. The Parissians do well to erect a statue to her, for at this day there are many more Tarquins than Lucretias. She is represented as plunging the dagger into her Bosom in presence of her Husband. There is an other statue Anchises saved from the flames of Troy, by his son Aeneas who is carrying him out upon his shoulders, leading Ascanius his son by his hand. The 3d. is the Rape of Oryth\u2019a Oreithyia the daughter of Erectheus king of Athens by Boreas, and the fourth the ravishment of Cybele by Saturn. The two last very pretty ornaments for a publick Garden. At the end of the Great Alley fronting the largest water peice, which is in the form of an octogone, are eight more marble statues. Upon the right is Hannible counting the rings which were taken from the Chevaliers who were kill\u2019d in the battle of Cannes Cannae. Two Seasons Spring and Winter are upon the left hand, and a very beautifull figure of Scipio Africanus, near which are the two other Seasons, Summer and Autumn, and a statue of the Empress Agripina. Over against these are four Rivers Collossus represented sleeping, viz. the Seine, the Loire, the Tiber and the Nile. At the end of the two terraces are two figures in Marble mounted upon winged Horses. One is Mercury and the other Fame, who as usual is blowing a Trumpet. In very hot weather the Alleys are waterd. Under the Trees are Seats and chairs which you may hire to set in for a Sou, or two. There are many plots of Grass intersperced.\n     Thus you see I have scribled you a long Letter. I hope my description will please you. This is my Eleventh Letter and I have yet several others to write. So adieu my dear Lucy and believe me most affectionately Yours\n      Abigail Adams\n      PS. I have sent by your cousin a peice of silk for your sister and you a Gown of which I ask your acceptance. There are 17 yard/2. I would have had a yard half more if I could, but it was all: being 3 quarters wide I believe it will answer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0043", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Elizabeth Cranch, 6 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\n      Auteuil May 6 1785\n     I have now before me your two last Letters by my Dear Eliza received by Capt Calliham which I mean to answer before my Brother departs, and this will be in a very few days. You cannot wonder that is an event that I am not at all gratified with. I think of it as little as possible for tis hard to  the  that he is to be with us by anticipating the lonesomeness of our situation when he Shall be gone. The hope that it is promoting his advantage renders it less Painfull and the idea that he is going home and to all our friends and relations is much less disagreeable than if he were going to a land of Strangers. You have promised to admit him as a fourth Brother. I doubt not that you will find him deserving your regard friendship and esteem.\n     If you could Eliza be transported into our garden at this time, I think you would enjoy much satisfaction, and I am sure you would confer upon me a great degree of pleasure. At the bottom of it there is a thicket of Lilacs and jasmines, planted to attract the Birds in the spring. They will in a few days be out in blossom, and there is already a Number of Nightingales who have taken their residence in the bushes and every Morning and evening when the weather is warm enough to admit, they Sing to us most beautifully. The scenes I am sure would enchant my Dear Cousin, I never go into the garden without thinking of her. My fancy often places her by my side, and I sometimes even Listen to her raptures upon the surrounding scenes.\n     But I am going to call your imagination from this rural and romantic picture to a description that will afford ample scope to your fancy. It is of an Opera which has lately appeard and which I have seen, the title is Panurge dans l\u2019Isle des Lanternes. It appears that the Lovers in this Island cannot unite themselvs but under the good pleasure of the Goddess who they adore under the name of Lignobie. The actions begins the day consecrated to the fete of the Goddess. She is invoked by the whole People to consent to the Marriage of two of the principle inhabitants of the Island who are beloved by their Misstresses as much as they themselvs love them, and replys by the mouth of her Preist that she approves the double marriage, and that they shall be happy, if without ceasing to be faithfull to their Lovers the two Misstresses become equally beloved by a stranger which a tempest shall throw upon their shore. Dispair seizes the minds of every one, not only because it is a new delay but also because that Thunder was never known in their climate and the accomplishment of the oracle appears impossible.\n     Nevertheless in the midst of their universal discouragement, the Heavens become obscure and they hear at a distance the begining of the tempest. From their particular situation hope springs in every heart, and the joy of the inhabitants augments more and more in proportion as the Storm increases. They discover an unhappy wretch tossing upon the Waves in a frail boat, but his crys only excite their curiossity. They determine finally to retire; he declares in arriving that his name is Panurge. The Lovers interested to bring about the accomplishment of the oracle, load him with caresses. Panurge natureally possessing a good opinion of himself attributes to his Personal attractions the flattery they bestow upon him. He appears in the 2d. act dresst in the fashion of the Country. Tenire one of the two Lovers interested to please him, receives him and makes him many compliments. Panurge not only takes them as serious but is persuaded that they are from the mouth of the young Lanternaise a true declaration of Love, and he begins himself to find them amiable. The tete a tete is interrupted by Agarenne the second Misstress sister to Tenire, who feigns to be jealous for a moment, and finishes by affecting a great share of indifferance and gaiety. Panurge attracted by the vivacity of Agarenne thinks that she may have more regard to become agreeable to him. Finally the two sisters agree between themselvs, to demand Panurge to explain himself and make a choice. Panurge cannot determine, and they quit him to return to the Ball.\n     Poor Panurge when left alone complains to Love for not having rendered him less amiable or less amoureux. Clim\u00e9ne Wife of Panurg, who the corsaires had taken in the voyage that she had made to meet her husband, and who they had sold as a slave and who served in this capacity the two sisters beloved by Panurge, had a Project to punish the vanity of her husband and at the same time to indeavour to remind him of his first attachment, disguised herself as the Master of the ceremonies, instructs him in what manner he must conduct himself at the Ball, and engages him to decide. Panurge allways uncertain when he sees the two Misstresses together cannot pronounce. He at last determines to follow the Consell of Climene and goes to consult the Sibylle. Climene agrees with the four Lovers to change herself with the character of the Sibylle. Panurge in the third act renders himself to the place appointed; he sees the little Lutins who reply to him only by ridiculous gestures from which he can comprehend nothing; he interrogates the Sibylle, she even, replys to him at first while concealed from his eyes only by pronouncing the last monosyllable of his demand. She appears finally and recalls to him his first engagements. Panurge cannot deny them, but declares that he determines to break them because that his Wife was Wicked and ennuyeuse. The Sibylle takes the part of Climene, brings to the remembrance of Panurge his first promises, and tells him that she has no more those faults which he reproaches her with. She finally discovers herself to him, and Panurge embrases with avidity the occasion which so natureally presents, to dispence with his making a choise that he considered as impossible. The Oracle being accomplished in every point, the Goddess appears in a Great Lanterne and Consents to the marriage of the Lovers, which they celebrate by a general feast.\n     \u201cThe Plan of this peice and the situations are very comique. It has been received with great applause, and has had a great success. The Principle Parts are those of Panurge and of Climene his Wife; that of Panurge is much the most dificult as he is allways in a situation Comique, and as it is necessary to avoid rendering it low by addapting too much buffoonery. Mademoiselle St. Huberti a celebrated actress at the Opera, excelles in the two kinds, which seem to exclude each other. She is as natureally placed in the Part of the Wife of Panurge who amuses herself with the foolishness of her husband, as in that of the Queen of Carthage, in which she has been so generally crowned.\u201d\n     Thus my Dear Cousin I have given you an account of a peice which is much admired, in Paris. I hope it will please you. The scenery and dresses were very curious, as you may suppose in the Island of Lanterns. When a celebrated peice appears at either of the Play houses, there is very soon some Hat or Cap, comes out named after it. Panurge appears in a very large hat as large as an umbrella, and it was not a week before the Milliners had made a hat, which is calld Chapeau \u00e0 la Panurge; it is a straw hat striped with black.\n     The dansing was superior to any thing you can have an idea of, without having seen it. There were four of the best dansers, all dansing at a time, \u201ceach in their kind seemd to dispute the Palm of their art.\u201d But I am very sure the Dansing upon the Stage here could not please you at first, for tho it is carried to the greatest Perfection, it is nevertheless divested of every idea of female delicacy and modesty. An American Lady who came to Paris with American ideas of delicacy, told me, and it was my own observation upon myself also, that when she first went to the Opera and saw the dansing, She wanted to conceal herself. But in a very little time she could see it with the rest of the World and admire it as they did.\n     Be so good my Dear Cousin as to Present my Duty and respects to all my friends to whom they are due. Particularly to your Pappa and Mamma, and beleive me at all times your friend\n      Amelia", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0045", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 8 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\n      Auteuil May 8 1785\n     Yes my dear Neice, it was a Ceremony that one must study Some time to find out either utility or pleasure in it. I own tho I made one in the procession I could not help feeling foolish as I was parading first up one side of a very wide road, for a mile and half and then turning, and following down a vast number of Carriages upon the other as slow as if you was attending a funeral. By this adjustment you see, one row of Carriages are constantly going up, whilst the others are comeing down, so that each calvicade have a fair view of each other, and this is call\u2019d going to Long Champs.\n     About the 3d of Feb\u2019ry the Carnival begins. During this time there is great festivity amongst the Parissians, the operas are more frequent, and Mask\u2019d Balls succeed them. The Theaters are crowded, and every place is gay. But upon the 27 of March, or the Sunday upon which the celebration of the passion of our Saviour commences, the Theaters are closed, and continue so during 3 weeks. Lent lasts six weeks, all of which is fill\u2019d up with Church ceremonies, one of which is the Kings washing the feet of a dozen poor Boys, and the Queen as many Girls, after which they give them a dinner in the Palace at which their Majesties and the princiss of the Blood, attend them at table, the princes and Lords carrying the plates. There is an other ceremony which is call\u2019d the day of Branches. The people go very early to mass, before day light and continue a long time at it, after which the Priests go forth preceeded by some Church officer, with a large picture of our Saviour, and an other with a silver cross. The people follow two, and two, Men Women and Children with Branches in their hands, and Books chanting their prayers. They go to kneel and pray before the crusifix one of which is placed upon the Road in every villiage. There are 3 days also when a peice of the Real and true Cross, as they say is shewn in the holy Chapel of Paris, and every good Catholick kisses it. Then comes holy Sunday when every body goes to Church and the Night it begins the Clergy make a solemn procession into the Halls of the palace at 3 oclock in the morning, and as nothing is performed here without the assistance of the Military, the Commandant of the Watch sends two Companies to escort this procession. But neither the Concert Spiritual which is held three times a week in the Ch\u00e2teau des Tuileries, nor all the ceremonies of the Church can compensate with the sad Parissians for the absence of the Plays. To fill up the time and vary the Amusement, this parade at Long Champs was invented. It continues 3 days. The place is about one mile from hence. It is a fine plain upon each side of which are rows of trees, like Germantown Woods. Here the Parissians appear with their Superb equipages drawn by six fleet Coursers, their Horses and servants gayly drest. All kinds of Carriages are to be seen here, from the clumsy fiacre to the gilded Chariot, as well as many Gentleman on horse Back and swarms of people on foot. The city Gaurds make no small part of the shew, for the Mar\u00e9 Chaussee as they are call\u2019d are placed along in rows between the Carriages, and are as despotick as their Master. Not a Coach dares go an inch from its rank, nor one carriage force it self before an other, so that notwithstanding there are many thousands collected upon this occasion, you see no disorder. But after all it is a senseless foolish parade, at which I believe I shall never again assist.\n     Your Cousin who I hope will have the happiness to deliver you this will tell you so much about us, that less writing will be necessary for me than on many other occasions. He cannot however say, that I feel myself happier here than I used to, at the Humble Cottage at the foot of the Hill. I wish the dimensions of that was enlarged, because I see no prospect of a more convenient one; and I hope to rejoice there with my Friends in some future Day. I think I am not unlike the Nun who used once a year to be permitted to make an excursion into the World, half of the Year she diverted herself in recounting the pleasures she had met with and the other half in those which she expected.\n     I shall have some regret I assure you in quitting Auteuil, since I must leave it for London instead of America, that being the destination which Congress has assignd us. The trees in the Garden are putting on their verdure, and the flowers springing into Life. The Song of the Nightingale too regales me as I walk under the trees whose thick branches intwin\u2019d, form a shade which secures you from the rays of the Sun. I shall mourn my garden more than any other object which I leave. In many respects I think I shall feel myself happier in London, but that will depend much upon our reception there, and the Course which politicks take. If that is not agreable we shall return so much the sooner to America.\n     It is a long time Since I had a line from you, and I believe I have brought you very deep in debt.\n     I have sent you some flower seeds. You will not get them early enough for the present Season, but plant and preserve them next year that I may find them blooming when I return, and be so good as to give some of them to Mrs. Warren. Believe me my dear Girl most affectionately Yours\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0047", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Isaac Smith Sr., 8 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, Isaac Sr.\n      Dear Sir\n      Auteuil May 8th. 1785\n     Your Letter by way of Bilboa dated February 25, did not reach me until the 2d. of this Month, yet it was 2 Months later date than any I have received from my Friends, and I feel myself much obliged to you for your information. We had heard by way of New York of the resignation of your Governour, and we have had many conjectures, who amongst all the Canditates will succeed him. We rather thing it will fall upon the Gentleman you named especially if the late Governour gives him his influence. Mr. Adams has written you by this opportunity, and my son will give you all the News. We shall set for London as soon as we possibly can, but what success Mr. Adams will meet with time can only determine; the mission is a very delicate and difficult one.\n     You did not write me wheather you was a Grandfather. I suppose by this time I may congratulate you upon that event. We have had a mild winter here, but a very dry Spring. There has been no rain worth mentioning for more than 3 Months, which has brought upon this County a serious calamity and such a scarcity of Herbage that the poor people in many places have been obliged to kill their cattle to prevent them starving. But as it must be an ill wind which blows no good to any one, the drought will contribute to silence the provinces and the Clamours which they are making against the commerce of America with the French West India Islands. Supposing that they could supply them themselves, the price of provision is much raisd by the dry season. We should have been very glad of some of the fat Turkies you mention, for a fat one I have not seen since we left America. Geese Ducks and Turkies are very indifferent here, but poor as the latter are we have given more than a Guiney a peice for them stuft with truffels which is the only fashionable way of dressing them here. Poultry and fish are excessive high here as well as in London. We have given three Louisdore\u2019s for a turbut, and 10 livres for an Ell. The Capons and poulards of this Country are the best in world. Vegetables and fruit are not so high as in London, but all enormus when compared to Boston Market. The expences of persons in publick Life in Europe even upon the frugal plan in which we live, are beyond the conception of those who have not tried it, and what is worse is, that the importanc of persons is Estimated by the show they make. The inquiry is not, whether a person is qualified for his office, but how many domesticks and horses does he keep? If he is not able to support an army of them, all of whose buisness it is to rob and plunder, he is considerd as a very small person indeed.\n     Mr. Brantzin the Dutch Minister dined here not long since. He was himself the plainest drest of all the company, but he had an Equipage of six Horses and 5 liveried servants to attend him. An attendance upon Courts cannot be done in the small way, unless a person will submit to be the object of universal Ridicule.\n     I have no ambition for a Life of this kind and I am sure our Country can have no Idea of the expences. It is my wish to return to America, where frugality and oconomy are, or ought to be considerd as virtues.\n     Pray sir present my duty to my Aunt in whose better Health I rejoice, and my Regards to My cousins, as well as to Mr. Otis\u2019s family and believe me most affectionately Yours\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0048", "content": "Title: Charles Adams to William Cranch, 9 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Charles\nTo: Cranch, William\n      Dear Cousin\n      Haverhill May the 9th. 1785\n     I receiv\u2019d your letter of the 27th. of April sometime last week, and as your Chum is going to Cambridge next Wednesday I here see fit without more ceremony to give you a small scroll; and you will please to think that you have been at College allmost a year and an half and that between us both four letters have been the production of our Correspondence; now as to your thought\u2019s about this matter I do not know them: but for myself I feel quite ashamed, but I shall come and see you one of these days but I beleive not before Commencement, if I get in then I shall be glad. What do you think of it? Why say you how should I know any thing about it in the first place, tell how far you have got. Why I been through Virgil and Tully twice and have got as far as the second of Corinthians. We are all well here and we study in the bedroom as usual two young fellows from Bradford being added to our number, One of whom will be my chum if we get in and who I should be very glad to introduce to you. I shall either send your slate by Leonard or by the post. Now I must leave you and so farewell dear Cousin. Amen \u0391\u03bc\u03b7\u03bd \u0391\u03bc\u03b7\u03bd \u03bb\u03b5\u03b3\u03c9 \u03c3\u03bf\u03b9 Amen from\n      C Adams to W Cranch\n      PS Errors excepted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0049", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 10 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Warren, Mercy Otis\n      Dear Madam\n     I cannot let my son return to America without a few lines to you, nor will I doubt their being acceptable altho it is nine months since I left Home during all which time neither Mr. Adams or I have had the honour of receiving a line either from the General or your Ladyship, altho we have repeatedly written to you. Your Son who is resident in Lisbon and mine who has inhabited France have regularly corresponded by which means I have had the pleasure of knowing that there was one Branch of the Family yet on this side the land of forgetfullness. I left America not a little anxious for the Health of my two young Friends Mr. Charles and Henery, and tho I have heard from them by way of my Braintree Friends, it would have been more agreeable to me to have received the account from the Hand of their Mama. My son has made a wise choice I think in prefering to return to his own country and compleat his education at Harvered that he may become acquainted with the Youth of his own Standing and form connextions in early life amongst those with whom he is to pass his days. An acquaintance and intimacy in your family will be an object with him, and as you and I Love to praise our children and why when deserving should we not? I think you will find him as intelligent as most young Men of his age, and as little tincturd with the vices and follies of Europe. He loves his Studies too well to be much addicted to any thing else. Having spent ten years abroad uncorrupted, I hope he will not be less cautious in his own country where there is little less danger than in Europe. But as he is yet young the advice and Friendship of the ancient Friends of his Parents will ever be usefull to him.\n     You will hear before this reaches you of the completion of an ancient prophecy of yours, but I do not recollect whether you auguerd good or evil from it. At present there are so many Clouds to peirce, some of them armd with thunder and lightning that I query whether the Electrical Phylosopher himself could devise means to secure a person from the burning flashes. I think too it has been said that when clouds meet from opposite directions the severest tempest ensues. What then can a person expect who stands unshelterd beneath so inclemnant a hemisphere?\n     But to quit Allegory we are destined to England. An embassy I dare say in which your penetration discovers many difficulties, some aris\u00ading from one side of the Atlantick and Some on the other. I never could find either sufficient honour or profit to balance the anxiety which I have both seen and felt in the various employments to which my friend has been call\u2019d. His Success and the benifit derived to our Country from that, has given me great pleasure. Whether his usual good fortune in negotiation will follow him in this embassy time must unfold, but it has brought a weight of care and a load of anxiety upon him. I shall feel some Regreets at quitting so agreeable a climate and the delightfull Garden which is just unfolding all its Beauties. My acquaintance with French Ladies is rather small and none that I value much save Madam da la Fayette, who is a Lady with whom you would be much pleased. Her high Rank and family have not made her like most others forget eitheir the Maternal or Domestick Character. She said to me in conversation one day that she dissaproved very much the Manner in which the conjugal connection was formed in this Country. I was married said she before I was capable of Love. It was very happy for me that my friends made so wise a choice. I made it the Study of my Life to perform my duty and I have always been so happy as to find my pleasures result from the performance of my duty. I am happier says she and I have more reason to be so than many others of my sex and country. They seek their pleasures in dissapation and amusement, they become insipid to them; and they have no resource in Domestick Life. She is passionately fond of America and she has reason to be so, for America has shewn itself passionately fond of her family. The Marquis you know. He is dangerously amiable, sensible, polite, affible insinuating pleasing hospitable indefatiguable and ambitious. Let our Country Gaurd let them watch let them fear his virtues and remember that the summit of perfection is the point of declension. This Gentleman has had the offer of going to America in the quality of minister Plenipotentiary, but he would not accept it because it would forfeit him the right of citizenship. The Apotheose of the ancient Romans is not yet introduced into our Country, but it may follow the Knights of Cincinnatus, as regularly as Statues &c., and these are honours which are paid only to Military Characters, that the people may look to them, and them only as the preservers of their Country and the supporters of their freedom. That they have deserved well of their Country no one will dispute. But no Man or body of Men can Merit the sacrifice of the Liberties of a people for the agrandizement of them or their families. It is not a little mortifying that both the Secretarys of Legation are knights of the order. Col. Humphries is a sensible worthy Man, and I believe abhors the Idea which those who have more maturely traced concequences fear from these family distinctions, but tis dissagreeable laying aside a Badge of Merit, which he sees and feels give him weight and distinction here. Col. Smith is a perfect stranger to us. Col. Humphries gives him a good Character and so does the Marquiss of whose family he has been.\n     We are told here that Governour Hancok has resignd the Chair!!!\u2014 and are much at a loss for his Successor out of the many candidates which will no doubt be upon the list. I hope our state will not get so divided as to fall into unhappy parties. I hear Mrs. Macauly says that she does not find so much Republicanism as she expected. She went there ten years too late. Yet let her serch whatever part of the Globe she pleases, it is not probable that she will find a larger Proportion of it else where. Pray make my Respectfull compliments to her, and remember me to all my Friends of your family. Be assured Dear Madam that frequent communication with you will give real pleasure to your Friend and Humble Servant\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0051", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 12 \u2013 17 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n     You will perhaps be surprised, to see that in less than 8 hours I have come 9 \u00bd posts. But the Roads, as far as this place, are excellent, and the horses, exceeding sprightly, because, they have very little to do: I did not expect myself, to get to this place, to-night, when I left Auteuil, but my first horses served me much better than, I had hoped. I could have gone with ease, another post and half; but should have found no house to put up at: had I proceeded I must have gone all night, which I did not think necessary.\n     The roads from Paris here, are vastly agreeable; the ground has not yet, the true tincture of green; but almost all the trees are in blossom, and exhale a fragrance, which would perhaps have had a poetical influence upon me, if my Spirits had not been too low: the dust, was not so inconvenient, as I had feared. Luckily, the wind, blew it all before me, so that very little came into the Carriage. My Cabriolet has held out as well as possible till now: I have not been obliged to have any thing done to it, and I think it is a very good, strong Carriage. It is none of the easiest, and if you see Mr. Randall, present my best Compliments to him, and tell him, I believe, he and his fellow travellers did not want for exercise, after riding a day, in this vehicle: he will understand you, I am sure. Upon the whole, I don\u2019t know of any Journey I ever made, that pleased me more, than this would have done, had not all my enjoyments been poisoned by Recollection. You know by experience, what it is to leave, for a long, we know not how long, a time those we love. I shall not there fore describe you my feelings upon this Occasion: you will however easily imagine, that I shall never set down this day, as one of my happy days.\n     The only remarkable place, you pass by between Auteuil and this, except Versailles, is the Abbaye de Saint Cyr, which was founded by the famous Madame de Maintenon, who died there in the 84th. year of her age. She was of noble birth, but very poor, so that her Education was not so perfect as perhaps it might have been: when she became the Wife of Louis the 14th. she made this institution, in order to be of service to the young Ladies that might be in the same predicament, that she had been in herself. A Number of young Ladies, are educated in this place at the Expence of the king: in the compleatest manner: but they must be noble: and their Parents must be so poor as not to be able, to give them a proper Education, at their own Expence.\n     At 4. in the morning I shall depart from this: and, God willing, to-morrow night I will add something to this Letter: which I shall send you immediately on my arrival at L\u2019orient.\n     Pr\u00e9z-en-Pail May 13th. 8. in the evening\n     At 4 \u00bd in the morning, I left Dreux, and have rode to day 16 Posts. I am now 50 leagues from Paris, and should have gone on further but the Carriage goes so terribly hard, and the roads, are so exceeding Rough, that I am really very tired. To-morrow the moon will be higher, and I shall more easily ride in the night, if it should be necessary. The roads have been much inferior to day, to those I had yesterday, and the dust has been much more inconvenient as the Wind drove it into the Carriage.\n     By what I can learn from the Postillons &c. I have been all day in the Province of Normandy: I am not sure of it however: for I have no map about me, and the Postillons, are some of the most ignorant, beings in the Creation: Real Yahoos: their horses have much more merit than they themselves. I have seen no Vines on the whole Rout; but grain of diverse kinds, some grass, (which is not an inch high,) and a great number, of orchards, with all the Apple trees in blossom. This is I think, the only Province in France, which produces Cyder, a bottle of which I now have upon my Table, (I drink your health:) \u2019tis nothing but water Cyder, and this is I think, the worst house I ever was at in France. When I came in they ask\u2019d me, if I meant to faire maigre: as I had eat nothing all day except, from the Provision, I brought with me, I told them I would eat some meat. Well, they had du Veau frais and de la Sallade. But they were determined I should not transgress, and have brought, me, only a couple of ribs without any meat: so that I shall breakfast dine and sup to day upon some sallad.\n     I did not sleep above three hours last night, and am so fatigued that I must go to bed immediately. My Cabriolet, though it goes, too hard, holds out very well as yet. I have however been obliged, to have one of the wheels mended to day.\n     Rennes May 14th. 11. at night\n     Worse and worse! I think I never was at such a tavern in my life: there is a very good one in town, and I went to it, but there was not one bed vacant. They have nothing to give me here, and I have eat nothing since 9 in the morning; though I have swallowed dust enough, to take away all my appetite.\n     I have come only 13 and \u00bd posts to day. I came a different road from the ordinary, and thereby shortened my Journey, three posts; I have had most horrid roads, and trembled at the sight of every town: for they are all paved in such a manner, that one would think it had really been done, with a design to break Carriages all to pieces: never in my life was I so banded about: my poor Cabriolet too is dreadfully injured: what with the heat of the Sun, and the badness of the Roads, the pannels are split in a number of places; and I think I shall be very lucky if I get 15 guineas for it: I hope it will be taken for that.\n     I came several leagues more through Normandie, cross\u2019d through the Province of le Maine, and about 7 Posts back, entered into Bretagne: but something very extraordinary, and unexpected, was that when I came on the frontiers of this Province, a custom-house officer appeared, and ask\u2019d me whether I had nothing contrary, to the kings orders: and upon my answering, I had only, my baggage necessary, he replied it was well, without demanding to search my trunks; or a sou of money; he told my Postillion to proceed: so that I have nothing to fear for your silks nor for Esther\u2019s Dols.\u2014The Country all along, looks dreadfully for want of Rain. Grain is the product of the fields in general, and there are a great number of orchards; much Cyder is made in this Province, as well as in Normandy and le Maine; though it has not so high a reputation.\n     I have eighteen posts from this to l\u2019Orient, and shall not stop on the road, for I am determined, not to lodge again in such houses, as this and the one I was in last night.\n     L\u2019Orient Monday morning 4 o\u2019clock may 16th\n     Just arrived here, and have got again into a very indifferent house: I will continue in the evening for I must now go to bed.\n      Tuesday Morning May 17th\n     At about 11. o\u2019clock yesterday morning I went to see Mr. Barclay who has bean detained here several days, by illness: he is not yet well by any means, but proposes leaving this place for Paris to-morrow morning: (you will not let Mrs. Barclay know that he is unwell.) He will be at Paris, very near as soon as the Post, and I shall therefore send this by him: What think you was my astonishment when he told me, that all the packets have positive orders to sail on the 3d. Tuesday of every month: and that they never wait for the mail from Paris that arrives here, wednesday morning, unless they are detained by contrary winds. Is it not abominable that Monsr. le Couteulx the director of the Packets, should not know this: he told Mr. Chaumont that he would be here soon enough if he left Paris on Saturday: he depended upon this, and would have arrived here a day too late, had not the last packet been detained 24 hours by a bad wind. Unless the same happens now, (which is not probable, for the wind is quite fair) I shall lose all the Letters that will come by to-morrow\u2019s post; as the Captain has positive orders, to sail to day. When I went to Monsr. de Mazois; (the director of the Packets here) to pay for my Passage: I told him how disagreeable it would be for me to lose the Letters that will come to me to-morrow: he was very polite, and said, that if he had the power of ordering the packet for a day, he would do it: but if he was to do this, and the wind should become contrary on wednesday, he should be responsable for the detention of the packet: so my only hope now is that the wind may stop us one day. I saw the Captain, who told me Mr. Williamos, had written him on my Subject: and that he had kept the round house for me: Present my best Compliments to Mr. Williamos, and let him know how much I feel myself obliged to him for this and all past favours: tell him I have thought of nobody since I left Paris more than of him: my Imagination has very often represented to me how much more agreeably I should have performed gone thro\u2019 this Journey, had it bean with him: and on the voyage I shall have equal Reason to regret him.\n     I went yesterday to the man, who sold the Cabriolet to Mr. Randall: he appeared very glad to find it so soon returned, and said he would give the 30 louis as he agreed: but when he saw it and found all the damage, that had happened to it, his face lengthened very considerably. Mr. Rucker and Mr. Grubb were with me, and we prevailed upon him to give me 25 louis d\u2019ors, for it, as it was: which upon the whole was very reasonable: besides the repairs I had done to it, and a trunk which I have bought to put the things the imperial contained, in, I am still a gainer, of about 3 louis d\u2019or\u2019s in this bargain; so that my Speculation has turn\u2019d out very well.\n     I have not yet been to see Mr. Thevenard, the commandant, but think of going to day. I shall write to your Pappa, if I can find any time, but I am much hurried by the Packet\u2019s sailing to day. You will present my respectful Compliments to all our friends in Paris; but especially to Mr. Jefferson and Coll. Humphreys. I regret exceedingly, the Letters of Introduction, that the Coll. was so kind, as to promise to send by the Post. I promised myself much entertainment, and instruction, from the acquaintances, they would have enabled me to form. Mr. Jarvis will I suppose be gone before this reaches you: if not, remember me to him: and present my hearty thanks to him, for his very obliging letters: I must not forget Mr. Randall, who will hear with Pleasure, that I have been so successful, with respect to the Cabriolet.\n      Your very affectionate brother.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0053", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Charles Storer, 18 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Storer, Charles\n      Dear Charles\n      Auteuil May 18th 1785\n     I received your Letter this Day when I was in Paris\u2014for the last time! I took my leave of it, but without tears. Yet the thought that I might never visit it again gave me some pain, for it is as we say a dieing leave when we quit a place with that Idea.\n     But now with regard to the appartments, I shall wish to be supplied with dinner. Supper, we eat none. Breakfast and tea in the afternoon we shall find ourselves. One of the Adelphia Buildings at which I lookd when in London and I think the next to that which I had, was of the kind I mentiond. It had all the appartments I wish for, but was not supplied with linnen. I shall only want table linnen perhaps for a week untill ours arrives and I should rather have appartments in which we could be wholy to ourselves and only supplied with our dinners from without. Bed linnen I have with me. I have lived here in so large a house and so good an air that I dread being pent up. We expect to set of the 20th. I know not how long we shall be in reaching nor where we shall alight. I believe it shall be at my old Lodgings the Adelphi untill I can see or here from you. Congress oblige us to oconomize. We must do as well as we can, but upon this Score, Silence. Your Friend and my son left us the 12th. We have not since heard from him. Your Cloaths are pack\u2019d and your Books will come with our things, for which we have a permit, and the Duke of Dorset has been so obliging as to write to Mr. Pitt to give orders to the custom houses that we be admitted without Search, and has himself written to Dover for us. His Grace is vastly obliging. You see my haste, a thousand things are upon my hands and mind. Adieu remember me to your Sister. Yours", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0054", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 18 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, John\n      Dear Sir\n      L\u2019Orient May 18th: 1785\n     After a very warm and dusty Journey, setting out early, and riding late, I arrived here on Monday the 16th. instant at about 4. o\u2019clock in the morning. As soon as I had taken a little rest, I enquired for Mr. Barclay; and immediately went for him. He would have been in Paris, before now, had he not been retained by illness: he is not yet well but seems determined to go for Paris to-morrow morning: as Auteuil will be in his way, I desired him to stop there before he goes into Paris, and he will do so, if he arrives in the day Time: he has been exceedingly kind and serviceable to me, and was even so obliging as to offer me a Chamber in his House here: but I thought it would be best to remain at the Inn, as it was very probable that we should sail yesterday: the wind is now directly contrary, which for me is a lucky Circumstance, as it will enable me to receive the Letters, which I expect from Paris, this morning. I have got an excellent, and very airy birth, which I owe to the kindness of Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Williamos, who were so kind good as to write to the Captain in my favour: I have this morning been on board with my trunks; and as soon as the wind changes, if it is only 3 points, we shall certainly sail.\n     With Respect to my Cabriolet, I have been much luckier than I expected: as the wood of which it is made was quite new, the heat of the Sun, had split the pannels in a number of places, and it was otherwise much damaged: yet the man who sold it to Mr. Randall agreed to take it back for 25 louis d\u2019or\u2019s, which was much more reasonable than I had hoped: I have received the money, and the Carriage has been delivered. The Imperial was of vast Service to me, for the Linen that came in my Trunk, was very considerably rubb\u2019d, while every thing, that was put in the Imperial, arrived here without any damage at all.\n     Please to present my best respects to Mr. Jefferson, Coll. Humphreys, and all our friends in Paris. If you see the Marquis, you will inform him, that his Dogs are on board, and shall be well kept, if my attention to them has any Effect.\n     Believe me to be, your dutiful Son.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0055", "content": "Title: Charles Storer to Abigail Adams 2d, 24 May 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n       Woodford 24 May 1785\n     I wrote you this, Amelia, in answer to yours, No. 8, received a day or two ago, for which accept my thanks. I had really begun to think our correspondence had, to use a common phrase, \u201cseen its best days,\u201d as you had suffered so long a time to pass without improving it. Now I hope other things. The number of this I cannot give you, as, being in the country, I have not my memorandum book near. But \u2019tis time I had put some date to my letter, that you may know when and where I write. \u2019Tis the 24th of May, and I write you from Woodford, a mile or two beyond Epping-Forest, from town. Here I have been some time, but mean to return to London again tomorrow. The Spring in this country is delightful\u2014that is, the months of May and June\u2014and this is a most charming spot. Hill and dale, lawn and grove, are upon each side of us; and melody is there without end, from every tree. Here is the noble prospect, seats, temples, castles, the river, villages, &c.; and here, too, are scenes where\n      \u201cNature wantons as in youthful prime,\n      And plays at will her virgin fancies.\u201d\n     This is being quite romantic, you\u2019ll say. This is the season, Amelia, and here the place. But I quit these pretty scenes, to reply to your letter, and change as far as change can carry me: I mean from hence to a court drawing-room.\n     You ask my advice respecting the dress necessary at Court. I of myself know nought about it, but have made some little inquiry. They tell me that the queen appears always in silk, and very plain, except on the king\u2019s birth-day. The princesses, too, generally appear in silk. The nobility dress variously. The last year muslin was much wore, worked with gold sprigs, flowers, &c., and may be worn this year also; \u2019tis worn over pink, lilac, and blue silk. The laces that are used are what the French term spring and summer laces, as I believe point is only worn in winter. But all join in telling me that you had not only better provide yourself in every common dress, laces, silks, &c., before you come here; but had also better make up a fashionable court dress, such as is worn at Versailles, which will just be the ton here; as fashions here are most all borrowed. This going to court will be very expensive. You must go upon all public days, and cannot appear twice or above twice, in the same suit. So you see the worst is not the presenting. This, to be sure, will be disagreeable\u2014not, however, on account of being before their Majesties. You have too much good sense to be afraid of a king and queen. But the court all have their eyes upon one, and are too apt to make their remarks, sometimes aloud. This is very unpleasant, especially where there are\u2014and there will be many, I believe\u2014ill-natured observers. I should like, however, to bear you company, was it only to see how the king would receive your father.\n     How a certain young man will bear his late change, I cannot say. It will require some philosophy, and he has much good sense. As to the Knight of Cincinnatus, I know but little; I wish, however, they were as coolly received in America as they will be here.\n     And Mrs. Jaris is at Paris? I had not an idea of her coming to Europe. Please to return her my best compliments, and assure her I shall be very happy to wait upon her, on her arrival here.\n     To your papa and mamma you will not fail to present my best respects. I wrote him a few posts ago respecting his lodgings, and hope to have his instructions by to-day\u2019s post. I shall do my best to get him good accommodations. I hope you will inform me dans quell endroit vous proposez descendre, that I may be ready to receive you.\n     Adieu! mais sans adieu! Qu\u2019il vous puisse arriver tout ce que vous pouvreiz desirer, avec un bon voyage! Yours,\n      Eugenio", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0056", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 25 May \u2013 17 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n     You have doubtless received before this, my Letter by Mr. Barclay, and you will have my N:2 in a day or two. I address\u2019d it under cover to Mr. Jefferson, in case it should arrive after your departure.\n     The morning after the date of my last, our Captain, ordered me to go on board, and at about 10 o\u2019clock we weigh\u2019d our anchors and set sail, but before we could get clear of the Harbour, the wind changed, and we anchored before Port Louis: a small town opposite l\u2019Orient, which in the time of Louis the 14th. before l\u2019Orient existed was a very considerable place. Its Citadel was built by Vauban, one of the greatest engineers that France has produced: but it has much fallen into decay, since l\u2019Orient was built for the East India Company. In the evening our wind came round again, and at about 7 o\u2019clock, we finally set sail, and in the morning when we rose we had nothing but the Sea, and the azure vault bespangled with Stars, within our Sight. We have had very good weather ever since but my hopes of a short passage, are much diminished: for we have already had two days of calm weather and I fear much that we shall have many more. The Captain is determined to go for the trade winds, which lengthens the voyage more than 200 leagues: but it is said the passages are much more certain, than when we go to the North of the western Islands.\n     Our agreement when we parted was, never to let a day pass without adding something to the Letter which we were to be continually writing. This arrangement is too favorable to me, for me to fail fulfilling it: but the time I am at Sea, will not, I hope be comprised. Sea sickness has already prevented me for several days from putting pen to paper. You have been at Sea: you know the Sterility of Events, on board ship. I will need not therefore tell you that I have not every day, something interesting to say to you. I will not however be lazy. We have had very little wind these several days. We have not yet got into the trade winds. When we sail\u2019d I did not expect to be more than 40 days at Sea: I now fear we shall be at least 50, which will be a very disagreeable Circumstance to me: for in the number of officers and passengers on board, there are two or three disagreeable Characters: I shall speak of them some future day.\n      July\n      June 1st\n     Yesterday we had a great deal of wind; but it was contrary. To day we have little which is fair. We expect in a few days to be in the Latitude of the trade winds. This afternoon we saw a large ship at about half a league\u2019s distance, but the weather being foggy, we could not well distinguish, what Nation she belonged to.\n     By this time I suppose you are in London, and in a more agreeable situation than you was at Auteuil: for several days past I have often calculated imagined, where you was at different times. Now you was before the door of the post house, with half a dozen beggars around you, now stopping at a public house, and at sight of the floor, and of the furniture; making comparisons, not very advantageous to France; Now at Monsr. Dessein\u2019s waiting for a wind: and now, arrived safe in London. There is a real pleasure in thinking of our friends when absent, and the greater the illusion is, the more satisfaction we enjoy. I have here half my time when I have nothing else to do: for the rolling of the Ship prevents me from reading or writing much at a time: and in the evening no body is suffered to have any light: although this order is troublesome to me I cannot help approving it, because it is very possible, that in the number of passengers that sail in these packets there may be some whose imprudence, might be cause of a misfortune; and nothing certainly is more dreadful than a fire at Sea.\n     Calm weather still. We do not certainly run more than 15 or 20 leagues a day, which is but slow travelling. We have continually the same scene, before us, and have seldom the small satisfaction, of being in sight of another vessel, which would at least furnish a little variety. Our Captain Mr. le Fournier is an excellent Seaman, and a good man. He has been a Seaman these thirty years. He has not all the politeness of a courtier, but what is much better, he is open hearted and sincere.\n     The second in command, is also a very good Seaman, but a man without any Principles, and as such I have no esteem for him. He is the person who displeases me the most on board.\n     The third is a young man of about 20. I should like him very well: if he was a little older, and had a little more experience: he is certainly too young to command a watch in a stormy weather, but in this Season he may do very well.\n     The fourth, is a boy, just let loose from a College, full of his knowledge, which is not very deep; and as proud, as if he was descended from the Royal family of France: yet nobody knows who he is. He knows very little more of the Sea, than I do. Very luckily there is a good Seaman on board, who keeps the watch with him: if it was not so, I should not sleep very sound in bad weather.\n     The surgeon, is a good man: who understands his profession very well, which is a very agreeable circumstance on board a ship: as nothing is more disagreeable at Sea, than to have a number of sick people on board, and the extreme hot weather which commonly reigns in summer, in these parts, is very unwholsome. I will speak of the passengers, another day.\n     Contrary winds, and calm weather seem to have conspired together against us. We suppose ourselves now not far from the Western Islands, which according to the course we have taken is not more than a quarter of the passage. If we continue at this rate we are to be 70 days at Sea. I hope however we shall be more fortunate in future. At about noon we saw a large brigg, which pass\u2019d about 2 leagues from us, and hoisted an English flag.\n     Was I to write something every day, I should have nothing to say, unless I was to repeat continually, calm weather. From 8 to 15 leagues a day, has been the utmost extent of our navigation, for a week, but last night the wind freshened considerably, and we now run between 6 and 7 knots an hour. We are now in the trade winds which will carry us as far as the Bermudas. We shall then have two hundred leagues more to run; and shall be more exposed to calm weather than we have been till now so that I have but very little hopes of a shorter passage, than 55 days; and think it very probable we may be 2 months.\n     We are five passengers on board. A French gentleman, who went to America early in the war, and is settled at Albany. He is very much of a gentleman and a person of much information. I wish all the other passengers and the officers were like him. . . . A Merchant from Nantes who has established a house in Philadelphia, and is going there to settle his affairs. He is a great wit, and a connoisseur in french poetry. But I am not so much disposed to talk upon this subject at Sea, as when I am on shore. A Dutch merchant, who has a commercial house in Charlestown: A true Dutch man, except in two capital points: one, is that he never smokes, and the other that he sleeps 12 or 14 hours in the 24. which makes him so absent that we tell him he is in Love. He is a great traveller, and yet he has not lost the Character attached to that people. Every nation seems to have a peculiar Characteristic, which nothing can efface: whether it is owing to Education, or to the nature of the different climates, I cannot tell. I rather think to both.\n     But the most curious character on board is a Sweed who came from America in this Packet, when Mr. Jarvis cross\u2019d; remained a month at l\u2019Orient where, he says himself, he had nothing to do: and is now going back to New York. I never saw in one person such a mixture of good and ill nature, of folly, and of good Sense. He has receiv\u2019d a liberal education, and will at times reason upon different subjects very pertinently. But at other times he is really out of his head. When the moon is full there is really no living with him.\n     Still the old Story over again. I don\u2019t know when it will end. I was in hopes, when I wrote last, that we should keep the fine breeze we had: but it departed the day before yesterday, after having pushed us about 150 leagues. This day at about noon we saw something about \u00bd a mile from us, an object which immediately became a subject of discussion. About half a dozen spyglasses, were fixed upon it, and some said it was a boat overset; others a rudder others a part of a mast, and others a mere huge piece of wood. It did not pass far from us, but the question after all was not decided. All this will appear very trivial to you, but at Sea, the least object, that can form a variety in the midst of the most insipid uniformity, becomes interesting. For that reason we are never happier on board than when we have a vessel in sight, because, it makes diversity, and causes among us a vast number of speculations. In war time the effect produced by the same cause is quite different. Whenever a sail is seen, the first question, is, can she take us? The second: can we take her? And according, as those questions are decided, one vessel flies and the other pursues.\n     This morning, we were again favoured with a breeze, after a week of calm weather we are now as far Southward as we shall go. Our Latitude is 26 degrees 30 minutes. The weather is extremely warm, and would be intolerable, were it not for the Sea air, which makes it a little less disagreeable. We have now been 33 days out and are not more than half way. We can hardly hope to be less time performing the other half; for the worst part of the voyage, is from the Bermudas, to the Coast, about 250 leagues.\n     Since I wrote last we have had very fine winds, and have run upon an average 45 leagues a day. We spoke this afternoon to an American brig, from New London to Santa Cruce, loaded with horses. Her estimation agrees very well with ours and we suppose ourselves about 400 leagues from the american Coast.\n      July 8th\n     We have again had upwards of a week without any wind, and such extreme heat, that we can bear no cloaths. We have not since the first of this month, proceeded 100 leagues. We have been not at a great distance from the Bermudas, and consequently under skies continually subject to thunder storms and gusts of wind. We had seen a number pass at a small distance from us, and had often prepared to receive them in case they should come to us. But they had only threatened untill, last evening, when five or six thunderstorms burst about our heads, one after the other. We had in the course of the day more air, than we had been favoured with for near ten days, but at about 6 in the evening, the weather darkned on every side, and the lightened flash\u2019d in many quarters at the same time, from the blackest Clouds, I ever saw. The storms were violent and the thunder fell at a short distance from our vessel. The weather remained the same almost all night but this morning it cleared up and has left us a noble breeze, which I heartily wish may continue: we are much in want of it: for our fresh provisions, begin to be very scarce, and we have still 250 leagues at least to run: I have now made up my mind to a passage of 2 months: and I wish it may not be longer.\n     In the morning we spied a sail which did not pass more than 2 miles from us, and we might with great ease have spoken with her. I wishd it much in order to ascertain more positively where we are; but our Captain did not chuse to. There is among mariners a false point of honour, which induces them, never to trust any estimation but their own, and a Captain thinks it almost dishonourable to be obliged to ask the opinion of another. This is one of the most absurd punctilio\u2019s that exist, for it is utterly impossible to know the space you have run through at Sea, especially after being near 50 days out of sight of Land. Many causes may concur to lead them into considerable errors; yet such is the power of prejudice, they prefer being mistaken, to being right by the information of another. Such are the pitiful passions that possess the breast of man. Don\u2019t laugh at me for moralizing: it is excusable after having been 50 days at Sea, between Europe and America, and not near arriving, to be a little misanthropic.\n     Our fine weather continues still: and at length the Captain has been so modest as to speak to a schooner, that we spied this morning. She had been 5 days out of New York, was bound to Jamaica, and supposed we were about 120 leagues from the nearest land. This makes an error of about 15 leagues in the best calculation on board, which is the Captain\u2019s. 15 leagues is but a small error in this case, but it is of considerable importance, when a vessel arrives on the coast. The wind increased all day, and in the evening we have it very high. The weather looks very threatning. The heat lightening is so frequent, that the heavens appear in a blaze. If we had a painter or a writer of Romances, he would make much of the scene now around us.\n     Your birth day, and consequently a jour de f\u00eate for me. I have thought of you still more to day than I do commonly. You will doubtless pass the day much more agreeably than I have, though it has not been unpleasant to me. At two this afternoon we spoke to the Packet from Charlestown S. Carolina, bound to New Port. She has been 7 days out and tells us we are 45 leagues from land. The weather has been fine all day.\n     Sounded this morning at 4 o\u2019clock and found bottom at about 35 fathom. Very little wind all day. In the afternoon a most tremendous thundergust appeared to arise. It mounted by degrees, until about 7 o\u2019clock, when it attack\u2019d us all on a sudden, with an amazing violence.\n     The thunder rumbled, and the tempest frown\u2019d.\n     It lasted about an hour, after which the wind abated considerably, but it was still so high, that our Captain chose to lay to, all night, in order not to be driven too near the land, which was a very prudent precaution.\n     At half after 7 in the morning, a sailor came from the head of the mast and gave information that he had discovered land. We went immediately up to ascertain the fact, and found it real. Before noon we fired a number of guns for a pilot to come on board. At about 1. o\u2019clock, we had one on board, and at 4 the wind, and tide being both against us we anchored, about a league from the light house on Sandy Hook. In the night we again sailed. I was obliged to remain on deck all night in order to translate the Pilot\u2019s orders. Form to yourself an idea how I was puzzled to translate English Sea terms that I did not understand into french Sea terms, which I knew no better. However I did as well as I could; at about midnight we pass\u2019d by the other french packet; which had sailed from N. York in the morning; and was then at anchor, waiting for a tide. They sent their boat on board our vessel, and I had just time to write three lines to inform you of our arrival, but the boat did not stay long enough for me to compleat and seal up this Letter. Mrs. Macauley with her husband, goes passenger in this packet. I fancy she leaves the Country with a less exalted idea of our virtues, than she had when she came to it. Young Chaumont came in this packet and had only 37 days passage. May, is too late for short passages from Europe.\n      Sunday July 17th\n     At length we are at anchor before New York and we shall all go on shore to dine. I will here close this Letter, which contains the account of my voyage alone. One of the numerous reasons for which I am rejoyced at arriving, is that for the future I shall not be obliged incessantly to speak of myself. I shall immediately begin another Letter, and I hope it will not be so insipid as this.\n      Your ever affectionate brother\n      J. Q Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0059", "content": "Title: John Thaxter to Abigail Adams, 4 June 1785\nFrom: Thaxter, John\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Madam\n      Haverhill 4th. June 1785\n     I had a few days since the pleasure of your favor of the 20th. of March last. Your reproofs are always accompanied with so much delicacy, that the reproved forget the Censor in the Friend. I confess I have been strangely inattentive to my friends on your Side of the Atlantic, and that I am entitled to a large Share of their Remembrance. \u2019Tis but an indifferent Apology to say, that I seldom write unless upon business\u2014yet it is nevertheless true. My Aversion to Letter writing has become almost invincible. My long Silence must be imputed to that Cause, not to premeditated design. My friends have the same Share of my Remembrance and affectionate Regards as ever, altho\u2019 they have had but few epistolary Testimonies of the same on my part for a long time.\n     Your Picture of the old World is an exact Resemblance, and just such an one as I expected from you, who must have seen and most sensibly felt the Difference between the two Countries in contrasting them. When a Nation has reduced to Cultivation the last Inch of its Soil, it has passed the Zenith of its Virtue. I contemplate with pleasure the vast Extent of our back Territory, and view it not only as a Mine of Wealth but a future Nursery of hardy and virtuous Citizens. Agriculture must be one of our Bulwarks. The more we cultivate our Lands, the more free and independent will be our Country. \u2019Tis an honorable Profession, and to him who reaps in peace the fruit of his Labor, an independent one, more exempt from dangerous Temptations and those fascinating Vices, which hold up in appearance a substantial good but in reality leave us a substantial Evil to combat with.\n     You tell me not to expect a detail of politicks from your Pen. I was very sorry to find that Clause in your Letter, as I expected much useful Information with a few Cabinet Secrets accompanied with your ingenious Observations upon them. Let me intreat you, Madam, not to deprive me of such a Source of Happiness. I am much obliged however by the short detail you sent me. Mr. A. has a knotty perplexed Negotiation to go through before a Commercial Treaty is formed with England. I can hope every thing from his diplomatic Talents and Experience in Negotiation, but from my knowledge of his past sufferings and difficulties, from a consideration of the present temper of the English Nation; from the false friends and disguised Enemies that he must detect and will detect in every stage of his progress, I say, from a consideration of these matters, I cannot but feel for him most sensibly. It must be a work of time. The golden opportunity for this business is past. The Year 1783 opened the best prospect of a liberal Treaty. The English are now possessed of an Idea that we cannot do without them, and I confess our own Conduct has too much favoured and confirm\u2019d such a Sentiment. We have verified their predictions, that all the Trade of America would return to its antient Channel after the peace. Indeed they courted it back by their large and long Credits, and some of them will find that the poverty of their Debtors will last much longer than the Credit of their Creditors, and of Course meet with disappointments, that they did not expect from what they supposed to be a masterpiece of policy. But they have done with Credits to this Country. For one I rejoice, and believe it will produce the best effects eventually. It will be a long time before our Merchants pay day comes. Their present Debts will remain for a very considerable time unpaid, not from a want of disposition, but from inability. We have swallowed their Bait and left the Hook bare. They have sent us their Luxuries, and we can remit nothing but ardent wishes for more with complaints of poverty and inability to pay for what we have already recieved. Our Importations have been a peaceable kind of privateering upon them, and will prove so in the end, if they don\u2019t alter their System. They may laugh at and deride what they call our Miserable situation since our Seperation from them\u2014but let them laugh that win. Time will shew whose Calamity is to be laughed at, and who are to mock when fear cometh.\n     Whenever your Son returns, you may be assured, Madam, that Inclination and Duty will equally induce me to render him all that Assistance, and to furnish him with such Advice and Council, as may be in my power. His Genius and Application will ever secure the Attention and Advice of his Friends, and enable him to make a distinguished figure in whatever profession he engages in. I am persuaded, it is Mr. A.s Ambition, that he should study the Law, after spending some time at our University. It is natural for Parents to wish to see their Children distinguishing themselves in a profession in which they have shone with a peculiar Lustre. Children become more endeared to their Parents. It often reminds me of what Thomson says of the smiling Offspring of the happy pair\u2014\u201cand every day Soft as it rolls along, shews some new charm, The Father\u2019s Lustre, and the Mother\u2019s Bloom,\u201d whenever I see a promising Youth. Parents renew their Age, and go through life as it were a second time in that of their Children.\n     This is certainly the best Country for our own Youth to be educated in. I have no very exalted Opinion of foreign Schools, Acadamies, or Universities or whatever other name they are called, for the Education of American Youth. They advertise with great Pomposity, and promise to teach every thing, while few of their Scholars learn any thing of Consequence. Fidling, Dancing, Fencing and Horsemanship are the Accomplishments of a fine Gentleman, but are not the substantial benefits for which our Youth ought to be sent to Schools and Universities. They engross too much time, are too captivating and too consonant to the Volatility of Youth and the Warmth and Activity of that age period to be so much indulged in this Country as in the old World.\n     The Words, \u201cI will go to Holland and see if I cannot make America less dependent upon France,\u201d I very well remember, as you suppose. It is sound Doctrine, and has stood the Test in more Instances than one. It was founded in a most laudable Ambition and supported with as much Ability as Integrity. It was genuine Policy, as it is increased our Reputation at the same time that it divided a Dependence that one Power wished to engross. It demonstrated to all Europe, that altho\u2019 America might boast of one Philosopher who could guide the Thunder bolts and disarm the winged Lightning of their fatal shafts, yet could She exult in another, who atchieved more noble exploits still, one who had softened and conquered the prejudices and guided the temper of a whole Nation, and counteracted the plots of a second two more. You will readily perceive, that I allude to the Treaty with Holland, and to the Opposition of two great Nations. I shall ever reflect with pleasure upon the progress and close of that Negotiation, and that all the plots, difficulties, Objections, dissuasives and even threats that were conjured up by open and disguised enemies to thwart and obstruct it, were eventually counteracted in the formation of a liberal Treaty. I saw and felt so much, that I could not but rejoice at the disappointment of some Enemies. And tho\u2019 we are forbid to rejoice when our Enemy falleth, yet there is no Law against it when his devices are confounded, or at least in acquiesing in the determinations of Providence.\n     You have forbid Courts, Writs and females to rival me in your Regards. You except a Wife\u2014a solemn Exception. As it does not apply to me, nor never will I believe, there will be no necessity for that Exception. You tell me not to be alarmed at the Word, \u201cWife.\u201d The Idea makes me shudder. Courtship in this place is systematic. It begins with Attentions, then follows Addresses which is succeeded by Courtship and Matrimony. I am only in the first stage of this Labyrinth, and if all Accounts are true, I have made a rapid progress\u2014but common fame is a common Liar. I am slow of belief in these matters. Confidence is of slow growth in a Batchelors bosom. I die daily unto the Sin of Courtship, and am more and more alive unto the righteousness of a single life. But still I am no Enemy to the fair Sex. I cannot live without a female friend\u2014there however I must stop. I dare not \u201csoothe the Ear with more than friendship.\u201d To mention \u201cLove\u2019s suspected name\u201d would \u201cstartle\u201d me, if not one of the fair. I am so ignorant of the mode of proceeding in these matters, that I am persuaded I should faulter, stammer, stutter and never give Utterance to that dreadful Word Love. I don\u2019t think I am faint hearted, and yet there is something in the popping of the question so called, that strikes me with more terror, than addressing a large Assembly. What is the Reason of it? I wish I knew of a good Receipt to fortify the Heart. If I was sufficiently bold, I cannot say what would take place shortly. You will think by all this, that I would be serious if I could. Be not decieved. I am at a great remove from Matrimony, I assure you. But of this enough.\n     You will please to remember me very affectionately to Amelia. I esteem her sincerely, tho\u2019 She thinks I have forgotten her. She judges me too hard.\n     With unfeigned Respect, I am, Madam, your most humble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0060-0001", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n       Dear Sir\n       London Bath Hotel Westminster June 6. 1785\n      Mr. Adams has already written you that we arrived in London upon the 27 of May. We journey\u2019d slowly and sometimes silently. I think I have somewhere met with the observation that nobody ever leaves Paris but with a degree of tristeness. I own I was loth to leave my Garden because I did not expect to find its place supplied. I was still more Loth on account of the increasing pleasure, and intimacy which a longer acquaintance with a respected Friend promised, to leave behind me the only person with whom my Companion could associate; with perfect freedom, and unreserve: and whose place he had no reason to expect supplied in the Land to which he is destinied.\n      At leaving Auteuil our domesticks surrounded our Carriage and in tears took leave of us, which gave us that painfull kind of pleasure, which arises from a consciousness, that the good will of our dependants is not misplaced.\n      My little Bird I was obliged, after taking it into the Carriage to resign to my Parissian Chamber Maid, or the poor thing would have flutterd itself to death. I mourn\u2019d its loss, but its place was happily supplied by a present of two others which were given me on Board the Dover pacquet, by a young Gentleman whom we had received on Board with us, and who being excessively sick I admitted into the Cabin, in gratitude for which he insisted upon my accepting a pair of his Birds. As they had been used to travelling, I brought them here in safety, for which they hourly repay me by their melodious Notes. When we arrived we went to our old Lodgings at the Adelphia, but could not be received as it was full, and almost every other hotel in the city. From thence we came to the Bath hotel where we at present are, and where Mr. Storer had partly engaged Lodgings for us, tho he thought we should have objections upon account of the Noise, and the Constant assemblage of Carriages round it, but it was no time for choice, as the sitting of parliament, the Birth Day of the King, and the celebration of Handles Musick had drawn together such a Number of people as allready to increase the price of Lodgings near double. We did not however hesitate at keeping them tho the four rooms which we occupy costs a third more than our House and Garden Stables &c. did at Auteuil. I had lived so quietly in that Calm retreat, that the Noise and bustle of this proud city almost turnd my Brain for the first two or three Days. The figure which this city makes in respect to Equipages is vastly superiour to Paris, and gives one the Idea of superiour wealth and grandeur. I have seen few carriages in Paris and no horses superiour to what are used here for Hackneys. My time has been much taken up since my arrival in looking out for a House. I could find many which would suit in all respects but the price, but none realy fit to occupy under 240 \u00a3. 250, besides the taxes, which are serious matters here. At last I found one in Grovenor Square which we have engaged.\n      Mr. Adams has written you an account of his reception at Court, which has been as gracious and as agreeable as the reception given to the Ministers of any other foreign powers. Tomorrow he is to be presented to the Queen.\n      Mr. Smith appears to be a Modest worthy Man, if I may judge from so short an acquaintance. I think we shall have much pleasure in our connection with him. All the Foreign Ministers and the Secrataries of Embassies have made their visits here, as well as some English Earls and Lords. Nothing as yet has discoverd any acrimony. Whilst the Coals are coverd the blaize will not burst, but the first wind which blows them into action will I expect envelop all in flames. If the actors pass the ordeal without being burnt they may be considerd in future of the Asbestos kind. Whilst I am writing the papers of this day are handed me. From the publick Advertiser I extract the following. \u201cYesterday morning a Messenger was sent from Mr. Pitt to Mr. Adams the American plenipotentiary with notice to suspend for the present their intended interview.\u201d (absolutely false.) From the same paper.\n      \u201cAn Ambassador from America! Good heavens what a sound! The Gazette surely never announced anything so extraordinary before, nor once on a day so little expected. This will be such a phenomenon in the Corps Diplomatique that tis hard to say which can excite indignation most, the insolence of those who appoint the Character, or the meanness of those who receive it. Such a thing could never have happened in any former Administration, not even that of Lord North. It was reserved like some other Humiliating circumstances to take place\n       Sub love, sed love nondum\n       Barbato\u2014\u201d\n      From the morning post and daily advertiser it is said that \u201cMr. Adams the Minister plenipotentiary from America is extremly desirious of visiting Lord North whom he Regards as one of the best Friends the Americans ever had.\u201d Thus you see sir the begining Squibs.\n      I went last week to hear the Musick in Westminster Abbey. The Messiah was performd, it was Sublime beyond description. I most sincerely wisht for your presence as your favorite passion would have received the highest gratification. I should have sometimes fancied myself amongst a higher order of Beings; if it had not been for a very troublesome female, who was unfortunately seated behind me; and whose volubility not all the powers of Musick could still.\n      I thank you sir for the information respecting my son from whom we received Letters. He desires to be remembered to you to Col. Humphries and to Mr. Williamos. My Daughter also joins in the same request. We present our Love to Miss Jefferson and compliments to Mr. Short. I suppose Madam de la Fayettee is gone from Paris. If she is not be so good sir as to present my Respects to her. I design writing her very soon. I have to apoligize for thus freely scribling to you. I will not deny that there may be a little vanity in the hope of being honourd with a line from you. Having heard you upon some occasions express a desire to hear from your Friends, even the Minutia respecting their Situation, I have ventured to class myself in that number, and to Subscribe myself, Sir Your Friend and Humble Servant\n       A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0060-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Extracts from Newspapers, 6 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      The publick Advertiser\u2014\n      Yesterday Lord Gerge Gordon had the Honour of a long conference with his Excellency John Adams, (honest John Adams) the Ambassador of America, at the hotel of Mons. de Lynden Envoye extraodinaire de Leurs Hautes Puissances.\n      This is true, and I suppose inserted by his Lordship who is as wild and as enthusiastic as when he headed the Mob. His Lordship came here but not finding Mr. Adams at home was determind to see him, and accordingly follow\u2019d him to the Dutch Ministers. The conversation was curious, and pretty much in the Stile of Mrs. Wright with whom his Lordship has frequent conferences.\n      An other paragraph from the same paper\u2014\u201cAmongst the various personages who drew the attention of the drawing-room on Saturday last, Mr. Adams, minister plenipotentiary from the States of America was not the least noticed. From this Gentleman the Eye of Majesty and the Court glanced on Lord\u2014; to whose united Labours this Country stands indebted for the loss of a large territory and a divided and interrupted Commerce.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0062", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 21 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n     I have received duly the honor of your letter, and am now to return you thanks for your condescension in having taken the first step for settling a correspondence which I so much desired; for I now consider it as settled and proceed accordingly. I have always found it best to remove obstacles first. I will do so therefore in the present case by telling you that I consider your boasts of the splendour of your city and of it\u2019s superb hackney coaches as a flout, and declaring that I would not give the polite, self-denying, feeling, hospitable, good humoured, people of this country and their amability in every point of view, (tho\u2019 it must be confessed our streets are somewhat dirty, and our fiacres rather indifferent,) for ten such races of rich, proud, hectoring, swearing, squibbing, carnivorous animals as those among whom you are; and that I do love this people with all my heart, and think that with a better religion a better form of government and their present governors their condition and country would be most enviable. I pray you to observe that I have used the term people and that this is a noun of the masculine as well as feminine gender. I must add too that we are about reforming our fiacres, and that I expect soon an Ordonance that all their drivers shall wear breeches unless any difficulty should arise whether this is a subject for the police or for the general legislation of the country, to take care of.\n     We have lately had an incident of some consequence, as it shews a spirit of treason, and audaciousness which was hardly thought to exist in this country. Some eight or ten years ago a Chevalr. was sent on a message of state to demand the princess of\u2014of\u2014of (before I proceed an inch further I must confess my profound stupidity; for tho\u2019 I have heard this story told fifty times in all it\u2019s circumstances, I declare I am unable to recollect the name of the ambassador, the name of the princess, and the nation he was sent to; I must therefore proceed to tell you the naked story, shorn of all those precious circumstances). Some chevalier or other was sent on some business or other to some princess or other. Not succeeding in his negociation, he wrote on his return the following song.\n      Ennivr\u00e9 du brillant poste\n      Que j\u2019occupe r\u00e9cemment\n      Dans une chaise de poste\n      Je me campe fierement:\n      Et je vais en ambassade\n      Au nom de mon souverain,\n      Dire que je suis malade,\n      Et que lui se porte bien.\n      Avec une joue enfl\u00e9e,\n      Je debarque tout honteux:\n      La princesse boursouffl\u00e9e,\n      Au lieu d\u2019une, en avoit deux;\n      Et son altesse sauvage\n      Sans doute a trouv\u00e9 mauvais\n      Que j\u2019eusse sur mon visage\n      La moiti\u00e9 de ses attraits.\n      Princesse, le roi mon maitre\n      M\u2019a pris pour Ambassadeur;\n      Je viens vous faire connoitre\n      Quelle est pour vous son ardeur.\n      Quand vous seriez sous le chaume,\n      Il donneroit, m\u2019a-t-il dit,\n      La moiti\u00e9 de son royaume\n      Pour celle de votre lit.\n      La princesse \u00e0 son pupitre\n      Compose un remerciment:\n      Elle me donne une epitre\n      Que j\u2019emporte lestement,\n      Et je m\u2019en vais dans la rue\n      Fort satisfait d\u2019ajouter\n      A l\u2019honneur de l\u2019avoir vue\n      Le plaisir de la quitter.\n     This song ran thro all companies and was known to every body. A book was afterwards printed, with a regular license, called \u201cLes quartres saisons litteraires\u201d which being a collection of little things, contained this also, and all the world bought it or might buy it if they would, the government taking no notice of it. It being the office of the Journal de Paris to give an account and criticism of new publications, this book came in turn to be criticised by the redacteur, and he happened to select and print in his journal this song as a specimen of what the collection contained. He was seised in his bed that night and has been never since heard of. Our excellent journel de Paris then is suppressed and this bold traitor has been in jail now three weeks, and for ought any body knows will end his days there. Thus you see, madam, the value of energy in government; our feeble republic would in such a case have probably been wrapt in the flames of war and desolation for want of a power lodged in a single hand to punish summarily those who write songs.\n     The fate of poor Pilatre de Rosiere will have reached you before this does, and with more certainty than we yet know it. This will damp for a while the ardor of the Phaetons of our race who are endeavoring to learn us the way to heaven on wings of our own.\n     I took a trip yesterday to Sannois and commenced an acquaintance with the old Countess d\u2019Hocquetout. I received much pleasure from it and hope it has opened a door of admission for me to the circle of literati with which she is environed. I heard there the Nightingale in all it\u2019s perfection: and I do not hesitate to pronounce that in America it would be deemed a bird of the third rank only, our mockingbird, and fox-coloured thrush being unquestionably superior to it.\n     The squibs against Mr. Adams are such as I expected from the polished, mild tempered, truth speaking people he is sent to. It would be ill policy to attempt to answer or refute them. But counter-squibs I think would be good policy. Be pleased to tell him that as I had before ordered his Madeira and Frontignac to be forwarded, and had asked his orders to Mr. Garvey as to the residue, which I doubt not he has given, I was afraid to send another order about the Bourdeaux lest it should produce confusion. In stating my accounts with the United states, I am at a loss whether to charge house rent or not. It has always been allowed to Dr. Franklin. Does Mr. Adams mean to charge this for Auteuil and London? Because if he does, I certainly will, being convinced by experience that my expences here will otherwise exceed my allowance. I ask this information of you, Madam, because I think you know better than Mr. Adams what may be necessary and right for him to do in occasions of this class. I will beg the favor of you to present my respects to Miss Adams. I have no secrets to communicate to her in cypher at this moment, what I write to Mr. Adams being mere commonplace stuff, not meriting a communication to the Secretary. I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem Dear Madam\n      Your most obedient & most humble sert\n      Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0063", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Mary Smith Cranch, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      London June 22d. 1785\n     The flattering mark of attention which I yesterday received from my Dear Aunt demands my earliest acknowledgments. Be assured Madam it has not arrisen from want of respect to you, or doubting your interest in my happiness that I have not long ere this addressed you, but from the fear of increasing the Number of my correspondents so far as to render my Letters uninteresting to those who flatter me with their attentions, and from being very sensible that a Person who writes a great deel must either be possessd of a great fund of knowledge to communicate or unavoidably expose themselvs the to the just observations of the judicious and sensible. I have never closed a packet of Letters but I have wished after they were gone that it was in my Power to recall and Burn them, but my friends are partial enough to me to acknowledge some pleasure derived from my scribling and from it I am induced to continue. There are very few who can sufficiently Guard their minds upon every side against the influence of flattery especially when presented under the pleasing veil of commendations from those whose judgment we respect and whose good opinions we are happy to attain, upon this score I am influenced by my Dear Aunt to continue an account of myself and whatever I shall meet with worthy a relation.\n     My Brother who I hope will arrive before this Letter possibly can, will give you an account of us, till the Period of his Leaving us which was a Painfull event to me particularly having lost in him a good Brother an agreeable companion and friend. Since my arrival here I regret it more than ever and cannot sometimes avoid wishing that he had been induced to stay\u2014but upon reflection every selfish principle is overballanced by the idea and assureance that it was an important event as it respects himself, being fully convinced that if he is to spend his Life in America it was time for him to go there, for by so long an absence and at so early a period of his life, he had never acquired or greatly lost just ideas of the Country, People, manners, and Customs. He will acquire a taste and disposition for them all I doubt not. Yet the difference in the manner of Life in Europe and America is so very great that one should not be too long accustomed to the one if they propose happiness to themselves from the other. For myself I have no fears. My early Education and the example of many Good friends had formed in my Mind such Principles sentiments dispositions and taste, as I think will never be shaken by dissipation Gaiety or the Glitter Pomp and Show of this or any other Country\u2014in all of which this Place equals every other Perhaps in the World.\n     To say that I am greived and sorry for the unhappy State of our friends at Germantown is only repeating what I have often said and long felt, as it can afford them no relief it seems as if it were not enough to say. I hope your kind attention to our friend Eliza will be the means of recovering her health. She and the Whole family have my sincere wishes for their Prosperity and happiness.\n     I have just heard of an opportunity to forward Letters to America and could not omit to make my earliest acknowledgments to you my Aunt for your kind favours. Mamma will write largely I suppose, if I have time I shall certainly write to my Cousins But I am told tho the Ship will sail a thursday. If I should not you will be so good as to excuse me to them. I shall write frequently as opportunities Present often to Boston and shall hope for the continueance of your Letters. Be so good Madam as to Present my respects to my Uncle and regards to my Cousin Billy.\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0064", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Lucy Cranch, 23 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch\n      London June 23d. 1785\n     Disappointment upon Disappointment, Mortification upon Mortification My Dear Lucy shall no longer be subjected to, if it is in my Power to sheild her from them. You will before this Letter reaches you I hope receive from my Brother a long Letter from me which will dissipate every unfriendly idea of forgetfullness, neglect, &c &c. I have indeed so many correspondents that I must acquire a considerable Share of Vanity to suppose it is in my Power to gratify them all tho I were to address a Letter to each. I have it is true the best disposition in the World to please them\u2014but I may fail of success. My Cousin may be assured I have none that I think more worthyly of than herself or who are entitled to my earlier attentions.\n     Your gentle spirit must have been wounded by so many scenes of unhappiness and distress as you have been witness to in the Good family at Germantown. I Pitty them from my heart, but alas how unavailing is Pitty, it seems to mock Misfortunes like theirs. They are indeed an example from which one may derive many Lessons for future Life, and Learn to act with that resignation and Patience which distinguishes them. I am happy to hear that Eliza is better, they all have my sincerest wishes for Health and happiness.\n     Your list of adventures was as you intended agreeable and your efforts to please will never fail of success with your Cousin.\n     You talk of comeing to see us in a Balloon. Why my Dear as Americans sometimes are capable of as imprudent and unadvised things as any other People perhaps, I think it but Prudent to advise you against it. There has lately a most terible accident taken place by a Balloons taking fire in the Air in which were two Men. Both of them were killed by their fall, and there limbs exceedingly Broken. Indeed the account is dreadfull. I confess I have no partiallity for them in any way.\n     My Brother will not disappoint you. He is gone\u2014alas to my sorrow\u2014for I lost in him all the Companion that I had\u2014and it is not possible his place should be supplyd. I doubt not but he will answer the expectation of his friends, and contribute to their happyness.\n     You wish to Visit the Theatres. I should be very happy if you could accompany me to them for I am sure you would be pleased. I think a good Tragedy well acted is a rational amusement. I never derived\n     so much sattisfaction from any other. I have been twice to the Play since I have been in London. There is such a difference between French and English Theatres that one would scarce be led to suppose that they merited the same title. The first peice I saw here was the School for Scandal, and I fear there never was a more just picture of real life. I think I have within my own knowledge some Persons of simular characters tho Perhaps they may not have arrived at so great a height of folly. The second time I went they gave a Tragedy of Thomsons Tancred and Siggismundi, which you well remember I dare say. The characters were very well supported in general and Tancreds in particular. They gave a very Laughable peice after it, which is all ways the Case, but I was too much interested in the Tragedy to be pleased, with so oposite an entertainment. You know I was never fond of very Laughing characters. I dont know why it is for I am sure I prefer seeing People happy rather than otherwise.\n     I think the People, generally; do not discover so much judgment at the Theatres here as in Paris. In seeing a good Tragedy acted at the Comedy Francaise you will hear ever good sentiment applauded highly, even by the Partarre, but here it is the action rather than the sentiments which they applaud.\n     I considered myself a little unfortunate in not arriving soon enough to see the universally Celebrated Mrs. Siddens whose fame has extended to so many parts of the World, and of whom every Person without exception, I beleive, are equally delighted. She has lately appeard in Comedy and tho She is allowed Great Merit from the manner in which she acquitted herself, I think she was too eager after reputation not to be contented with the share She had acquired in Tragedy, but I have not yet seen her in either Character. When I have my Cousin shall know my opinion, but she may be assured beforehand that I shall not dare to disent from all the World. My father whose Judgment we may depend upon says, She appears to have understood human Nature better than the Author whose peices She acts. A proof of this May be drawn, from the manner of her Leaving Bath where she had been first received as an actress, and the Managers objected to her going when she had acquired some reputation. She told the Company one Evening that She had three very powerfull reasons for Leaving them, to go to London. They were sufficient in her own Mind and she hoped they would sattisfy them all. If the Company would permit She would offer them the Night following. The Next Eve the House was much crouded when the Curtain was drawn up. Mrs. Siddens came upon the stage Leading in her three Children, made a Curtsey to the Audience and retired amid the general Applause of the Company who were so much pleased with this Compliment Paid to their sensibility and generossity that they made no objections to her Leaving them so much for her own advantage.\n     Adeiu my Dear Lucy. Remember me to all my friends, and write often to your affectionate Cousin\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0066", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My dear son\n      London Bath hotel Westminster june 26 1785\n     I have not written you a single line since you left me. Your sisters punctuality I saw would render my pen unnecessary and I have resignd to her all the minutia, as her leisure is much greater and her cares fewer. Capt. Dashood is to sail in a few days for America, and tho as you may well imagine I have much upon my hands, and miss your assistance not a little, I have determined to write you a short Letter, and I know not but that it will turn out a very long one, for my pen will always run greater lengths than I am aware of when I address those who are particularly dear to me and to whom I can write with unreserve.\n     I hope you had an agreeable passage and that this will find you safe in your native Land, that you are now fix\u2019d in persueing those studies which we have so often talkd over together in your Chamber at Auteuil. I doubt not that you met with as friendly a reception from our Friends as I ensured you: I shall be anxious to hear from you and every circumstance which respects you, tho you forgot even to mention me in your Letters to your sister. I suppose she has written you every thing respecting our quitting Auteuil, our journey and our arrival here. We could not continue at Lodgings here as no such thing is practised here, even by those Ministers who have no families. We have procured a house in Grovenor Square and we hourly expect our furniture. Lotter comes with it, to see it safe here. The General Idea here is that the United States find a house and furnish it like other powers, but we know the contrary to our cost. The wages of servants house rent and every other article is much higher than in France. The constant Letters petitions and applications from every quarter is incredible, and the fees to the Court Servants the same as in France, only they come to your house here and demand them as the perquisites of their office. After presentation, and a new Years day you have the same to go over again. We have got through with the payment of 23 Guineys. Your sister I suppose has acquainted you with our being obliged to attend court here. We were presented last thursday at a very full drawing room, and stood more than four hours. You will easily conceive that we were sufficently fatigued. I own I had some dissagreeable feelings upon the occasion. His Majesty had got over his worst, in the presentation of your Father whom however he received with much civility. He therefore look\u2019d very jovial and good humourd when I was presented to him. Her Majesty was evidently embarassed and confused. She however spoke to me with politeness, and askd me if I had got into my House, and how I liked the situation. The two princesses, had something to say both to me and your sister, in an obliging familiar Stile. But their task is not to be Coveted, to attend these circles once a week, except in the summer, when they hold them only once a fortnight, and to have to go round to every person and find something to say to all, is paying dearly for their Rank. They do it however with great affability, and give general satisfaction, but I could not help reflecting with myself during the ceremony, what a fool do I look like to be thus accutored and stand here for 4 hours together, only for to be spoken too, by \u201croyalty.\u201d The Ministers from all the Courts had visited your Father immediately after his presentation, and since mine they have several of them repeated the visit to me. The Baron de Linden whom you know I believe, is often here and is very civil. Count Sasfeild too often visits here. They were both at court, so was Lord Mount Mon\u2019s whom we saw in Paris. They all paid their compliments to me there; which took of some of the dissagreeable feeling of being known by no one. Lord Carmathan was introduced to me there and Sir Coteral Dormer, who tho he had attended your Pappa, I had not seen before. A Sir John Hoart and two or 3 others got themselves introduced and the Countess of Effingham I have found vastly obliging, so that I had my share of conversation and notice, and was not stuck up quite such an object to be gazed at as I feard. I found the Court like the rest of Mankind, mere Men and Women, and not of the most personable kind neither. I had vanity enough to come a way quite self satisfied, for tho I could not boast of making an appearence in point of person or richness of attire with many of them\u2014the latter I carefully avoided the appearence of, yet I know I will not strike my coulours to many of them. We have no reason to complain of any want of politeness or attention at Court. The Newspapers Scriblers complement us with their notice, but we despise their ribaldary. No Tory so bitter that I hear of, as old treasurer Gray, who I hear declares now, that he would hang your Father if it was in his power. As to success in negotiation time will disclose it, but more time may be necessary than perhaps our Country will immagine. There are many prejudices to remove, and every wheel is in motion to spin the threads stronger, but they must take care they do not make it into a Gordeon knot least it should like that, require the sword to cut it. Col. Smith from the acquaintance I have had with him fully answers the kind things the Marquis said of him. He appears to be a man of an independant spirit, high and strict sentiments of honour, Much the Gentleman in his manners and address, no cincinatus advocate the badge of which he has never worn and I have ever reason to think from conversation with him that he wishes the order totally annihilated.\n     This is Sunday, the forenoon of which we went to Hackney all of us to hear Dr. Price. This is the 3d Sunday we have attended his meeting, and I would willingly go much further to hear a Man so liberal so sensible so good as he is. He has a Charity which embrases all mankind and a benevolence which would do good to all of them. His subjects are instructive and edifying.\n     Give my Love to your Brothers and tell them and the rest of my Friends that I will write to them as soon as I get a little setled. Write me my dear Son and write me with freedom your sentiments respecting a Friend of your sisters. Cover those Letters which you wish me only to see to Col. Smith but do not address them, in your handwrit\u00ading. I will some time or other take occasion to mention to him that if he should receive any letter addrest to me, to give it me alone.\n     Mr. Lotter is arrived with our things. I shall not have an other moments leisure. Poor Pelitir Rozier I dont know whether I spell the name right, is dead blown up by the ballon catching fire. You will read the account in the Papers. Adieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0067", "content": "Title: John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My dear son\n      Bath Hotel Westminster June 26. 1785\n     I hope, that before this day you are Safely arrived at New York, and that in another Month, I shall receive a Letter from you dated from that City. Before this reaches you I Suppose you will be at Boston or Cambridge, or Braintree or Haverill or Weymouth. Let me hear from you as often as you can.\n     We have taken a House in Grosvenor Square, at the Corner of Duke Street, and hope to get into it in a Week. We have gone through all the Ceremonies of Presentations and Visits, which are more tedious I think at St. James\u2019s than at the Hague or at Versailles. You will see by the Papers that the despicable Spight, of the old Boston Tories, Still bears an honourable Testimony to your Fathers Integrity and faithfull Perseverance in the Cause of his Country. I have met, however with a very different Reception at Court.\n     Your Brother Charles I hope will enter Colledge this Year, and that you and he will be very happy together.\n     Let me know how Mr. Thaxter succeeds in Business, and whether he is a Speaker at the Bar,\u2014the same of Mr. Tyler.\n     My Love & Duty where due. Your affectionate Father\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0068", "content": "Title: Charles Williamos to Abigail Adams, 27 June 1785\nFrom: Williamos, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n      Paris 27th. June 1785\n     I had the pleasure of writing to Mr. Adams four or five days after your departure to acquaint you of your son\u2019s safe arrival at l\u2019Orient, and as I did not know your proper adress, I enclosed my letter to Mr. Clarke at Counsellor Brown\u2019s, Chancery Lane, with very particular charge to wait on you immediately on your arrival. Mr. Clarke has not wrote to me since, and by Miss Adams\u2019s note I am led to think my former letter has miscarried, be kind enough therefore to excuse my apparent neglect, a thing, far, very far indeed from my thoughts; I then mentioned that my letter from the Captain and officers of the Packet gave me every hope that your son would meet with every attention and find thereby his passage less Irksome.\n     I was very happy in seeing Mrs. Hay but should have been much more so if I could have rendered her stay here as agreable as possible. Mr. Carnes Joined with me in every endeavour. But large towns are such a bore to the true pleasures of Society that I fear she did not relish Paris much; I was much surprised after parting with her the evening before, that when I called the next morning I was told of her departure; Your mantua maker behaved so very Ill that altho\u2019 I went to her, and to Mrs. Barclay\u2019s on purpose, and sent my man several times to her, she would not finish your things till many days after Mrs. Hay went away. I am looking every where for a safe opportunity to send them.\n     The June Packet sails from L\u2019orient. I have sent Miss Adams\u2019s letter to a friend at New York with particular directions to deliver, or forward it, the next packet, and some merchant vessels are certainly to go in the Course of next month from Havre. I shall sail in the very first, doctor Franklin proposes doing the same if possible; we are all very well here but feeling every day more and more the loss of our most valuable Auteuill friends. How does, the Change of places, manners and things agree with them? but with such minds as they possess can they but be happy every where?\n     Mr. Jefferson has some letters ready many days since, which only wait for a Safe Conveyance. They are not often met with.\n     The May packet is not arrived yet, all our american news which appear important are by the way of England.\n     Can I flatter myself Madam that if my feeble services can be of any use on this or the other side of the Atlantick you will Command them freely.\n     Nothing could render me more truly happy than opportunities of rendering agreable the unfeigned respect and most sincere regard  which I have the honor to be perfectly\n     Madam your most obedient devoted servant\n      C: Williamos\n      My best respect ever truly attend Mr. and Miss Adams; I am very happy to hear Col. Smith is arrived Safe and well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0069", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Isaac Smith Sr., 30 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, Isaac Sr.\n      Dear Sir\n      London Bath hotel Westminster june 30th 1785\n     You obligeing favour I received by Captain Lyde and thank you for its contents, which assured me of your kind remembrance of me, and your politeness at the same time: in being the first of our American Friends who crost the water to visit us in Stile. Many English Lords and Noblemen have visited us in the same way, but as it is not in our power to return the visit untill we happily reach the American Shore, you will in the mean time accept my thanks in this way. Be assured Dear Sir that I wrote you by my Son and that I should have written to you oftner if I had thought I could have entertaind you, and that my omission has been neither oweing to want of Respect or affection.\n     The magnifying glass is still made use, of by Englishmen in looking at America, and every little commotion there, is represented as a high handed Roit, and it is roundly asserted that their is neither Authority or Government, there. I was in company the other day and heard these observations, but as they were not addrest to me, I did not think myself Authorised to enter into a political dispute.\n     When the shop tax past here the other day, the shops throughout the city were shut up, some hung in black, and the statue of Gorge the 2d put into deep mourning. Upon the shops was written shops to be let, inquire of Mr. Pitt. Upon others no Pitt, no shop tax, damn Pitt. In Several places he was hung in Effigy. In the Evening every body was apprehensive of a Mob, as they threatned very much to assail the House of Commons, the Militia and city Gaurds were all under Arms, and had enough to do to keep the Mobility in order. If such an opposition to Authority had taken place in America, it would have been circulated in the highest coulouring as far as British Newspapers could carry it.\n     The disposition amongst the mercantile part of this Nation is not very favourable to America, and the Refugees are very desperate bitter and venomous, and none more so that I hear of than the former Treasurer of Boston. Some of them I believe are wretched enough, but it does not work conviction in them, that they have erred and strayed like lost\u2014not Sheep, but Wolves\u2014for they would devour us yet if they could. Some Merchants say they can have our trade without any treaty, others what is a trade good for with a people who have nothing to give in return? Others that we are not united enough to take any resolutitions which will be generally binding and that Congress has no Authority over the different states.\n     Time will discover whether this system is to opperate in the Cabinet. The civil and polite reception given to the American Minister and his family, from the Court, does not ensure to America justice in other respects, but so far as forms go; America has been treated in her Representitive with the same attention that is shewn to Ministers from other powers.\n     If you should have an opportunity to send us a Quintel of good salt fish we should be much obliged to you. It may be addrest to Mr. Rogers. Dr. Tufts will pay for it.\n     Be so good sir as to present my duty to my Aunt to whom I will write as soon as I get setled in my house to which we shall remove this week in Grovenor-Square. My Love to all my cousins. I visited Mr. Vassels family this week at Clapham, they inquired after you, and Miss Hobart particularly desired her regards to you and my Aunt.\n     My daughter desires her duty and Love may be presented to all her Friends and relatives. Mr. Adams will write as soon as he can get time. Believe me Dear Sir most affectionately Your Neice\n      Abigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0071", "content": "Title: Mary McCann to John Adams and Abigail Adams, 2 July 1785\nFrom: McCann, Mary\nTo: Adams, John,Adams, Abigail\n     May it please your Excellency\n     Madam\n     Having humbly presumed to wait on you to solicit the honor of serving your Excellency\u2019s Family with Cream and Milk, and had the honor to give you at the Hotel last Fryday, a Recommendation from his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador\u2019s Steward, you was pleased to order me to wait at your House in Grosvenor Square Yesterday Morning with Cream and Milk, which I accordingly did; but may it please your Excellency, I am humbly to inform you, that a Woman in the Care of the House refused taking either from me, tho\u2019 I told her I came by your Excellency\u2019s Order: thus refused by her, I beg leave with all Humility to address your Excellency with these few lines, humbly to solicit the honor of serving your Family.\n     As I have Madam the honor of serving now His Excellency the Spanish Ambassador, and likewise had the same honor to serve Prince Caramanico, and Count Pignatelli when here, I presume to hope my Conduct is always approved off; and if your Excellency will permit me to hope for the honor of receiving your Commands, it shall be my pride and Study to merit the honor of your Excellency\u2019s Countenance and protection, and in Duty I shall be bound to pray!\n      Mary McCannNo. 1 Great Quebec St.Portman Square", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0072", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 4 July 1785 \u2013 11 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      London Grosvenor Square July 4th. 1785\n     Every day, hour, and minute, your absence mon chere frere, pains me more and more. We left last saturday the Hotell and have got settled in peace and quiettness in our own House in this Place. The situation is pleasant. I would walk, my Brother is gone. I would ride, my Brother is gone. I would retire to my chaimber. Alas, I meet him not there. I would meet him in his appartment\u2014but\u2014where is it? I would set to my work, and he would read to me\u2014but alas, this is Passed\u2014and I am to draw the comparison between Auteuil and Grosvenor Square and sigh, and\u2014and, wish to recall, the former. No. I do not wish to recall the former. I only wish for you and I should esteem myself happy. We shall live more as if we were a part of the World; than when in France. And we already find ourselvs, better pleased. But I have much to regret in thee. More than you can Judge\u2014with all your knowledge of yourself. The Colonel has taken Lodgings. He is civil and your father is pleased with his Principles and sentiments as they respect His appointment with Him. You know what they must be.\n     Least you should tax me for want of particularity, I will give you a description of my appartment. A Bed, on one side, three chairs of Green velvet\u2014you know them I dare say, a bureau, and dressing Glass, one of the secretaries of which the Covers Shut in, at which I am now writing. On the top of it there is placed, my secret Box. The Book cases which Contain Bells Edition of the British Poets which my father has made me a Present of, with a few other Books. Over it I have hung a picture intended for yourself, of which you have heretofore spoken to me. I would not mortify you by saying I think it a likeness nor Pay so Poor a compliment to my own judgment. However as it was intended for you I shall look upon it for you, and derive some satisfaction from it, and at the same time wish it were better.\n     From this day my narative shall commence. We hope you by this time arrived at New York, if not in Boston, but many weeks must pass before we hear from you. Our family is not yet quite arranged. I dont know what will become of us. We are obliged to have more servants here than in Paris\u2014and their wages, is much more. Instead of 11 Guineas to Petito we are obliged to give a Person in the capasity of a butler 30. Guineas, but out of Livery, to a foot man with a Livery 18, to a Cook 15. For Horses and Coachman we have engaged to give 110. Guineas a year, or 11 Guineas by the Month\u2014which is less than we gave in Paris, a little. We have had our Coach fitted up, and it answers. The C\u2014\u2014keeps a Carriage. There is not one expence Lessend here, but every one augmented.\n     Pappa and the C\u2014\u2014 dined to day with Mr. Bridgen, perhaps you may recollect him. He Married the Daughter of the celebrated Richardson but she is Dead lately. He has been to see your father several times. General Oglethorp who called upon Pappa when he was in London before, appointed a day to call upon him a week or two ago, and came accompanied by Mr. Paradise. Your Pappa returnd His visit, and the Last week he died. A surprising Man he was an hundred and two years oald, and the oaldest General in the Kings service and also the oaldest in the Emperiors. Since I have heard of His Death I have regreted that I did not see him when he visitted my father. I have heard he was sprightly and chearfull, to a very surprising degree for His age, and was perfectly possessed of His reason and senses. He was the first Governor of Georgia and a friend to America.\n     To day being the anniversary of the independence of America there was a Large Party dined together out of Town. Your father was invited but was engaged before. Mr. Storer came and dined with us, and after dinner went with your Mamma and myself to some Shops. By way of anecdote let me tell you that when we first arrived in London, it was necessary to take immediately a Carriage and Horses. For the former we sent to Mr. Foster of whom you purchased our Coach. He furnished us with a handsome Chariot till he could repair our own Carriage, and your Pappa took Horses and Coach Man from another Person, who was recommended Perhaps not sufficiently\u2014to discriminate is a dificult matter in these Countries where every one offers their services, and never lack sufficient recommendations from themselvs. However we soon found that we had a drunken Coachman, but as he had been several days in our service, and your father many visits to return upon his first arrival, he thought it best not to Change till we should go to our own House and take a Coach Man into the family as is the Custom in this Country. One afternoon Pappa went out to return some visits, and while he was drinking tea with a Gentleman, the Coach Man being drunk got asleep upon His Box, fell down, broke the two front Glasses, and split the fore part of the Carriage. But as nought is never in danger he received no Hurt himself, by His fall. This is a matter of about six pounds\u2014but we nevertheless, continued Him in service till we got to this House, where we have taken a fellow, who, except talking amaizingly fast, has every appearance of being what we shall want Him to.\n      Tuesday\n     Pappa dined with Mr. S. Hartly, Cousin of Mr. David Hartley, the latter has been to see us. Mr. Hammond has not.\n      Thursday\n     Pappa went to the drawing room, and we had four American Gentlemen to dine with us. Coln. Norton who is again here, a Mr. from New York, a Mr. Noise from Boston, and a Mr. Remington from Watertown. Tis true we were not in the best order imaginable to receive company, but Pappa thought not of that you know when he invited them. However we did very well, with the assistance of a servant of the Coln. for our own butler has not yet come. We have a foot Man besides John Brisler who is in very Poor Health, but he is a German and does not understand English perfectly and seems to be an honnest, quiet, stupid, kind, of a Creature. After we had dined Mamma and myself went to take a ride, intending to Call upon Mrs. Temple and take her with us. Just as we were in the Carriage Coln. Smith came up in his Carriage with a General Stewart from America, who is a very handsome Man. Mamma told the C\u2014 that She intended to have asked Him to accompany her, but he had company. He ordered the Door opened and in jumpt telling his Companion that he would find Pappa at Home. He went on and we rode off. Perhaps you will say the Coln sacrifised politeness to Gallantry. We proceeded on our way to Mrs. Temples, but soon overtook her with Mr. Trumble and a Mr. and Mrs. Wheelright going to walk in Kensington Gardens. We concluded to accompany them and joined them at the entrance of the Gardens where we walkd for some time and returned Home.\n      a Wedensday\n     The Baron de Linden called upon us at about eight oclock in the Evening and told us he had just come from Breakfasting with the Dutchess of Bedford, to which he was invited for four oclock. Ridiculous, beings these are. I was told the other day of an invitation which a Gentleman had to dine with the Duke and Dutchess of Devonshire at Eleven oclock at Night. In time it is to be hoped they will come to be reasonable in this matter of aranging their time. By such continued changes, they must inevitably sometimes come right, however they may indeavour to avoid it.\n      Pappa is not much pleased with the Foreign Ministers here. They have all visitted him and are very sivil, but he thinks them much less respectable as individuals, than those in Holland or France. There is but one Court which is represented by an Ambassador here, which is France. He has arrived within a few days from Bath, and is said is going soon Home to His own Country upon account of His Health.\n      Fryday\n     We have received a third visit to day from Mrs. and Miss Paradise and an invitation to dine with them next thursday. They tell us that they had the pleasure to know you. Therefore any description or account of either of the Ladies is needless, and I am sure I should be at a Loss to know how to give you an idea of them. The only observation that I could make upon Mrs. Paradise when I first saw her was, that I had never seen any thing like her before. She appears to me to be a singular Character. But I will Leave her, to describe to you a young Lady who called upon us to day, with Her Uncle, a Mr. Hamlington from Philadelphia. He has brought this his Neice over to this Country to give her an education, suitable to a fortune which he intends to give her. She is now at a boarding school, her Name is Miss Hamlinton. She is I should Judge 15 or 16 years oald, not very tall an agreeable size, good complexion not remarkably fair, brown Hair, good Eyes, and tolerable teeth, a good share of animation in her countenance, her Manners easy delicate and pleasing. I think you would have thought her pretty. Pray what think ye of Miss Hazen. Is she all your friend, Winslow Warren told you of Her.\n     Mr. Storer has called upon us, this afternoon and says that He shall Leave this Country and embark for America certainly this Month with His sister and Her family. I shall continue my narative till it is necessary for to seal my packet for Him. When you receive it you must not be unmindfull of your Prohibitions to me. Sentiment you could get from Books therefore I was to avoid them. You wanted only a Plain relation of facts as they should take place in the family, which I shall indeavour to fullfill to the best of my knowledge and ability. I could sincerely complain an Hour of your being absent, but this you do not want to be told again to beleive, I trust. The next packet I shall expect Letters from you and I am well assured that I shall not expect to be disappointed, if you arrive safe by that time and Heaven Grant you may is the sincere wish of your affectionate sister.\n      July 14th. thursday\n     Pappa Mamma and myself, went agreeable to the Letter of our invitation at four oclock to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Paradise but unfortunately were two hours too early. The company did not collect till near six, consequently we did not dine till that Hour. I will give you the circle at table. Mrs. Paradise your Mamma, Coln. Smith, your sister, Dr. Price, a French Gentleman Mr. Paradise another French Gentleman Miss Paradise, Mr. de Freire, Charge des affairs from Portugal, my Lady Hawk and your Father, in this way we were seated. I had the pleasure and honour of being seated next to Dr. Price . . but Wise Men you know are allways silent in mixed companies. The Dr. I have heard seldom enters upon any important subject in company, he however paid attention enough to me in this way as to sattisfy me. But in truth I dont recollect one thing said at table worth relating. Our dinner was a la Francaise la tout, and every civility was paid to us, that we could wish or expect. When we returnd to the drawing room we found several Gentlemen, who had not been of our diner party, the company increased, and we were expected to spend the Eve. Several Gentlemen and Ladies were invited we were told, upon our account, but your Pappa and Mamma came away before tea, and did not see all the company, I feard at the risk of haveing offended the People we visitted, however you know that seven years hence, it will be all one.\n      Fryday 15th\n     We drank tea with Mrs. Temple where we met Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Vassall. We are upon very civil terms\u2014that is, sufficiently distant. Mrs. T is a Lovely Woman, but we are to loose her soon, for they assert that their passages are taken to go out to America this Month.\n      Saturday 16th\n     Dined with Mr. and Mrs. Roggers, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Temple Mr. Granvile Temple, and Coln. Smith. I dont know a Man who can please more than this said Mr. T when he indeavours to be agreeable, and how ever one may be prejudiced against Him, his manner of behavour, dispells it all.\n      Sunday 17th\n     We went to Hackney to Hear Dr. Price. He has been giveing his People his sistem of religion, in a Course of sermons. We have been to Hear them all. This day forghtnight he proposes to conclude. I think you would have been pleased to have been of our party. We have been treated with respect to seats with the utmost civility and politeness.\n     Mamma and myself rose before six o clock, and went out to take an early Breakfast with Mrs. Atkinson. The rain we had yesterday had made the air sweet and has given or rather renewed in some measure the verdure, and our ride was cleaver, enough. Mr. Atkinson talks of going out in August. Charles will go with them and I expect this Letter will be handed you by this Mr. Charles Storer, if he should not conclude and preconclude the ensueing season in the same way as he did the last with respect to visitting France. He postpones his journey thence, for some time, but however I beleive, hopes it may arrive some time or other. Pappa and Coln. Smith dined with Mr. Vaugn, for the 2d. time, to day, and the Spanish Minister came and drank tea with us. His Name is le Chevalier del Campo, he speaks English well, for a Foreigner. I see nothing in his favour, but that he is a very ugly Man. His eyes are squint very black, and sharp enough to be agreeable.\n      Wedensday 20th\n     Mrs. Hay came to town from Hampstead and spent the day with us. Pappa went to the Levee. His Majesty is very sociable, in general, and your father says, sometimes utters very good things. He disapproves the arangment of the day, and recommends, order and regularity, says he allways, rises at six oclock, and in winter is the first Person up in the Palace and generally makes his own fire, for he says a Man who is not capable of helping himself is a Slave. He shaves himself also, as he asserts, and sometimes wears his scratch Wig to the Levee, so much for His Majesty. All the World are gone into the Country. The Levees and drawing rooms are very thin at present and one may easily dispence with going to Court at this season. We have not yet been since we were presented. Perhaps her Majesty will think we were offended at her reception\u2014it was better suited to the Present season than to the Winter, is very true, but it is not in the Power of the Smiles or Frowns of Her Majesty to affect me, either by confering pleasure or giveing Pain. I was wholy incapable of takeing the place She seemed to assign me when I was presented to Her. I suppose she assented to the assertion made by some Persons in this Country that there were no People who had so much impudence as the Americans, for there was not any People bred even at Courts who had so much confidence as the Americans. This was because they did not tremble, Cringe, and fear, in the Presence of Majesty.\n     Coln. Smith has not been to Court since he was presented. He says he does not Love them and he will see as little as possible of any belonging to them. His aversion is I beleive quite equal to Coln. Humphreys. He does not express, so great a degree, however. He desired me to day to present his compliments to you when I should write you and, to tell you that he had wished to become acquainted with you before he left America, from the account he had heard of you, and he now regrets your absence\u2014in which I can sincerely join him, for I mourn at it\u2014and yet think you acted right in going home. By this time we hope you are arrived in Boston.\n      Fryday 22d\n     To day Mr. Charles Bullfinch has called upon us. He arrived a day or two since in Scot, and has brought us, some Letters. We dined by invitation this day with Mr. and Mrs. Copely, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Roggers, Mr. West Mr. Clark, and Mr. Whiteford. The latter was seated next me at table, and after haveing lookd at me through his spectacles, which you know he all ways wears and haveing diverted the company with a few puns, for which you also know he is famous, if not in, he began by telling me how very disappointed he was by your not haveing come here with your father, and by enquiring whether you should return here soon. I told him that you had gone with the intention of setling in America. \u201cWhat said he, then I suppose he is going to be married.\u201d I told him of your design of entering Colledge, and could sincerely join with him in whatever regret he might express on account of your absence. He talked about France, and said many things respecting the French which I could only reconcile, from his being an Englishman. I am not surprised when I hear People who have never been out of this Island, perhaps not out of the Town of London, expressing such iliberal sentiments upon other Nations, which one from charity would attribute to the score of ignorance. But when I hear a Man who has travelled, who has seen Mankind and had an opportunity of judging and whom one might suppose was not unreasonably prejudiced, express, a contempt for any particular Class of People, I only Pitty those principles which prevent him from discovering and doing justice to real merit wherever it is to be found in whatever Country or Climate. \u201cOne would scarce beleive it possible that a distance of seven Leagues, for its is absolutely no farther says Yorick,\u201d the character of the two People should be so strongly marked, and that so constant a communication, should not have worn off some of those illiberal prejudies, which discover themselfs in every mind on this side the Water. I have absolutely discoverd, disapprobation in the countenances of almost every person who has asked me, how I was pleased, with France, after I answered them that I found it agreeable, and that the General Manners of the People pleasd me much. They will be satisfied with nothing less than a studied preference in favour of their Country, which I cannot nor will not ever give them at the expence of my cincerity. Mrs. Bingham says she made many enemies by giving the preference to the French. If I have been truly informed she did it not in the most delicate manner or the most polite. She has been in London lately and they set of this day for Spar, from thence propose going to Brusells, and spend the first Part of the Winter in Paris, come over here, in February perhaps \u201cbefore the Birth day,\u201d and go to America in the Spring. I have been so fortunate as never to have seen Mr. B. but once. Mrs. B. has made us three very agreeable visits.\n      Sunday July 24th\n     The weather is very warm, at present. It is said that a season like the present has not been known in Europe for many years, if ever. In France they have scarce had any rain since you left it and you know, well how much it was wanted when you was on the road. There has been but two or three rains since we arrived here, and none thought sufficient for the fruits of the Earth, by People of reason and Common sense. Yet such is the dispossition of the People that the papers often assert that rain is not wanted and that the season is very promising, on this Island.\n      Tuesday July 26th\n     I had like to have set down this Eve and to have complained of not having any thing to communicate to you, but recalling to mind your injunction \u201cbe punctual and let no circumstance however trivial escape your Pen\u201d I have tax\u2019d myself with not having fullfilled it, in many respects and now determine to make up all Past deficiencies at least in this respect. Indoubtedly you well remember Grosvenor Square, as it is said to be the finest in this Capitall. We have some respectable Neighbours, at least they inherit every title to which the World afix the Ideas of respectability, and many of them some are perhaps so) entitled to the epithet from their own merit. Lord Carmarthen, lives about five houses from us, but not upon the same side of the Square. He is said to be a worthy Man. You know I suppose what his title is. When we first came into this House, the Man of whom we hired and who furnished Mamma with some few articles of furniture, is a singular kind of a Body, very sivl, not intirely ignorant, and his business, leads him to some knowledge of these great Folks, it being what is here called upholster and undertaker. We made some few inquiries of him by whom we were surrounded and I must give it you as he told it us. Upon the right hand said he is Lady Tacher and on the left Lady Lucy Lincoln sister to the Famous Conway and there is my Lord Norths and there a House formerly belongs to the Duke of Dorset, but he has sold it. Such a House belongs to the Dutchess of Bedford who ran over to France the last Winter\u2014and in such a one, lives, Lady, what do you call her whose husband ran a Pen through her Nose the other day, &c. &c. &c.\n     You are sattisfied I suppose by this with an account of our Neighbours. Lady Lincolns Parlores Window makes one side of the square and, our drawing room windows the other thus, so you see we have a chance of looking at each other, an opportunity we each have already taken advantage of. She peeps at us, and we  can not do less you know than return the compliment. The English may call the French starers but I never saw so little civility and politeness in a Stare in France as I have here. In short I beleive the French are the politeest People in the World and take them for all in all, I neer expect to Meet their like again. Our house stand at the Corner of Duke Street. The situation is much in its favour. It is a descent House, a little out of repairs, but such a one as you would not blush to see, any of the Foreign Menisters in. The front doer is a little in the corner. At the entrance there is a large Hall, with a large Stair Case, all of Stone. On the left Hand, is the dining room, which will hold 15 Persons with ease, and, next to it is a littel room, more retired in which we usually dine, when we have no company, and from this you go into a long room of which Pappa has, made an office, for doing Publick business. The Kitching is blow Stairs. Above, over the dining room is the drawing room, as large as the room below and from it a little room of which Mamma has mad a Common setting Parlour, to breakfast and drink tea if we choose and out of it is another long room in which Pappa has put his Library, and in which he writes usually himself. This is a very descent suit of rooms, and we have another very small one which servs to breakfast and set in at this season. Our Chaimbers are upon the 3d. floor, of which there are four besides a dressing room. Mamma took one of the front Chaimbers to herself, the other she has appropriated for to Stand empty for a spare bed, to which you will be perfectly well come if you will come and spend the Night with us. I have a chaimber over the small setting room. It looks only into a little peice of a yard with which we are favourd. It\u2019s so situated that the sun does not approach it any part of the year, and I have a most extensive prospect from it, of the tops of all the Houses which surround us, and I can count an hundred Chimneys from it\u2014and see Norths etc etc. Dont you envy me the Prospect. The Chaimber is very tidy and cleaver. Over the Library is Esters room, out of mine, and above are chaimber for the servants. Now you know every room in the House, and were you set down blind fold at the Corner of Duke Street Grosvenor Square, you would be at no loss, where to find my chaimber I suppose.\n     To day, is the first time that we have pretended to see company to dine. We had a company of fifteen. Mr. and Mrs. Temple and their son Mr. Granvile Temple, Mr. and Mrs. Roggers, Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, Mr. Storer, Dr. Price, Mr. Charles Bullfinch, Coln. Smith, and ourselvs. You know not how much we I missd you and how much I wished for you. The Customs of different Countries are different, and even when one knows how to Conduct in the one, you may be ignorant of the next you visit. You often meet here with an imitation of the French, customs, especially, at diner, and Courses are as Common allmost here as in France, but they do not arange matters so well. Were I to follow my will, I would Introduce the Whole Custom of dining in the French Stile here. In the first place, in this Country when your dinner is said to be on table, instead of the gentleman of the House Gallantly handing, the first Lady in company in to diner and every other Gentleman following his example, the Lady of the House rises and desires the Lady in company who happens to be the Greatest stranger or higest rank to walk to dinner, and every one follows accordingly, then the Gentlemen, like a flock of Sheep one by one, not yoked in Pairs. When you get to the table the Ladies must all sit in a cluster, and the Gentlemen by themselvs. And, now every one is thus seated why they must all set quietly with their hands before them till, the Gentleman or Lady of the House and yore served a Whole circle of 20 and said Pray Mam or Pray Sir will you be helpd so and so\u2014and to be sure every Person in Company, will make choise of one dish, that one Person may have the extreme felicty of setting quite Starved till every one at table is helpd, then all must begin together, and when every one has their Plate changed and the cerimony is to perform over again, through every dish at table, nor will they eat if you leave it to themselvs to make a choise. Ridiculous formality. Then there must be, every two minutes, Mam will you do me the favour to drink a Glass of Wine with me, which obliges some to say, with pleasure, when in reallity they never drink any thing but Water and had rather be excused. And then the additional formality of drinking Health and toasts which above all things I detest, and will not now nor henceforward for ever more do it. In short one cannot consult their ease and pleasure but must be enslaved with fashion and customs. And another thing I dislike, that I mean of the Ladies rising from table and the Gentlemen, continueing seetting, but it is quite the fashion here to go from the dining table to the Card table. I am told, I have not dined any where yet where I have seen it done. By this time you will laught at me, I doubt not and tell me what you used to foretell has come to pass\u2014of the preferance, I should have for France when I got here. True it is I give the preferance, to many customs amongst that People to what I find here, but it is such a priveledge, to be able to talk that it allmost over ballances every other consideration. But I am sure, you would find yourself much happier here than you were in France. Yet I hope you will be still more so where you are\u2014and I will not doubt it.\n     Our company was large enough to be agreeable, and had every one consulted his own ease and that of his Neighbour, we should have been much pleased at least I shold. It is the department of the Butler to change the Course and put every thing upon table. We have a cleaver fellow in this capacity. He has more solemnity and not so much alertness as Petit, and he is thought to be perfectly honnest. Our Cook, gave us a good dinner. Pappa is not so pleased with the English Cookery as the French. He says Now we shall all soon be sick with eating raw meat and I confess, I am partial to the Country I have left\u2014at least to its rationallities. And I veryly beleive there is less of what one may Call folly there than here, however the People here may affect to despise their Neighbers.\n     Oh one peice of News\u2014Mamma had a Letter from Mr. Williamos, who is Still in Paris and who still waits for an opportunity more eligable than by way of Lorient, that informed her that Dr. Frankling had arrived at Rouen, in Health on his way to the Isle of Whight from which he is to embark in a Ship commanded by Capt. Truxton for Philadelphia. The King of France sent the Dr. his picture set in diamonds of Greet vallue, and two letters from the Comte de Vergenes !!!!!!! Mrs. Williams has gone out with the Dr.\n     By the way, I must not omit to tell you, what a rage for Painting has taken Possession of the Whole family. One of our rooms has been occupied by a Gentleman of this profession, for near a forghtnight, and we have the extreme felicity of looking at ourselvs upon Canvass. The Paper yesterday had this paragraph \u201cSir J. Reynolds is employd in takeing a portrait of Lady Dungannon. Copely and Brown are exerting their skill upon their illustrious Country Man Mr. Adams the American Ambassador.\u201d I expect it will be next that Mr. Brown is painter to the American Ambassadors family. He was very sollicitous to have a likeness of Pappa, thinking it would be an advantage to him, and Pappa Consented. He has taken the best likeness I have yet seen of him, and you may suppose is very Proud, when so many have failed before him. Mamma has set for hers, and I, followed, the example. It is said he has taken an admirable likeness of my Ladyship, the Honble. Miss Adams you know. It is a very tasty picture I can assure you, whether a likeness or not. Pappa is much pleased with it, and says he has got my character, a Mixture of Drolery and Modesty. I wish we could have the other three, yourself and Charles and Thomas. I think we should make a respectable Group. He has a good likeness of Mamma, too.\n      Sunday July 31st\n     This Morning Mamma and myself went out to hear Dr. Price, it being the last sermon, he is to Preach for some time, as he tells me he allways makes a practice of going into the Country in the Month of August. Dr. Jebb, who has visitted your father several times since we arrived, and who is of his opinions I beleive in Politicks, brought his Lady to see Mamma this Morning. She is also a great Politicianess, which consequently pleased Mamma. The American War, Present dispute with Ireland, and the Propositions which have just passed, and which are now sent over to Ireland to be accepted or refused, furnished this Lady with subject of conversation. She was of opinion that the propositions would pass, the House of Commons, in Ireland, but that the People will not accept them. Your father thinks if they are accepted, that he shall have no chance of succeeding in his treaty of Commerce, with this Country, as the fourth proposition, is intended to bring the Irish to join this Country in all their Commercial arangments, so that we feel ourselvs much interested in the matter.\n     Now do not Laugh at me, for, writing Politicks to you, and tell me I am a dunce, for I assure you that all I mean is to indeavour at giving you some little information respecting us. If I fail, you will not refuse me what is due for right intentions.\u2014The Parliament were sitting till Tuesday the 2d. of August and then adjourned till October. Mr. and Mrs. Temple invited us to go to the House, of Commons, if the King\n     came to make his speach, upon the adjournment of the House, but, he did not meet them, so we consequently did not go to see him in his robes of State and Crowned.\n      Wedensday\u20143d. of August\n     This Morning as I was setting at work in my room, Mamma came and told me there was a Gentleman below, who wished to see me. I not a little surprised at being inquired for, went down, and who should it be but Mr. Short just arrived from Paris. His comeing was not unexpected, neither, his business I dont know. I beleive however it was to bring some Papers of consequence safe. We were very much pleased to see him, and he brings us accounts of the Health of all our friends there, which will give you pleasure to hear I know. Do you recollect Mr. Adams that this day, twelvemonths we went to Richmond, together, and walkd in Popes Gardens, &c. We were then Strangers almost and we are nearly so again I fear. But we know, a little more of each other and by constant and unreserved communications I hope we shall not loose the Knowledge we mutually gained in the last twelvmonths of each others sentiments and dispositions. It is a very unpleasing Idea to me, that a Whole family, should grow up, Strangers to each other, as ours have done, yet it has been unavoidable, and will tis probable Still continue so.\n      Thursday 4th\n     This Morning Mr. Short came and Breakfasted with us, and before we had finished Mrs. Wright, came in, as Crazy as usual, \u201cwith such a Budget,\u201d was her term. You know her figure. Pappa introduced Mr. Short to her as an American and friend of Mr. Jeffersons. I expected she would have saluted him as usual, but she dispenced with this ceremony, and said, her Countryman did her great honour to be sure\u2014by way of compliment. She visits Colln. Smith very often, and there is no such thing as getting rid of her. She came with a particular account to day, of the affront which has been offered to the English flag, by the French. The account in the papers, is as follows\u2014Why now the Paper is lost, and I cant recollect the paragraff, so you must excuse me, for Leaving this space blank.\n      August 11th\n     You will not surely complain of me for not having written enough, this time. I only fear that you will say you can find nothing in it all. Tell me if this is the Case and I\u2019ll abridge.\n     Adieu.\n     Colln. Smith received a letter from his friend Colln. Humphreys who informs him that he is writing another Poem, which is to be much longer than the address to the Army, and he assures him will have equal merit. He wishes to get some Person to Print it here and suggests that he thinks he may expect it will furnish him with the means of visitting this Country. An hundred and fifty Gunieas he proposs himself from it. We dont know what the subject is, and Mr. Short declares he cannot inform us. The King of France has accepted the dedication of the Vision of Columbus, and subscribed for a Number of Coppys, upon this Condition that the Count de Vergennes should be permitted to examing it to be assured there is nothing too severe against this Nation nor the Spainairds, in it. What think you of this Condition?\n     Before you receive this Letter, I suppose you will have arrived, in Boston, been received by all our Friends, visitted them as much as your time will permit, taken the opinion of some respecting the preparation necessary for your entering the university, and perhaps set yourself down for a few Months, in Mr. Shaws family, with application and diligence to accomplish your design. And now permit a sister who feels herself, greatly interested in every event in which you may be engaged, to inquire how you are pleased and gratified, whether contented and happy, from the idea of intending right, or from, the sattisfaction which you find resulting from your decisions. Tell me all that I am entitled to know, of what passes within your own Mind, from what scources you derive pleasure, and from what you receive Pain. No one can more sincerely rejoice in the one, regret the other and participate in Both than a sister, and a sister who is often influenced by them, herself. Tell me also, all that you wish to, respecting myself or others. Remind me of all my errors, mistakes, and foibles, and convince my judgment, Guide my opinions, and may you also approve of all past present and future decisions. If I ever take any important Step, contrary to your judgment, it will be because you are not present to give it.\n     Tell me also, if I am too particular in writing you, or whether I am not enough so\u2014whether you find yourself informed by my scribling, of things which you wish to know. When I know what will gratify you, I shall indeavour as far as my ability will enable me to contribute to this Gratification. You will not say I am mistaken when I suppose it in my Power. If you should, you must suppose this error founded, upon a wrong judgment, which originated from anticipating the pleasure I shall receive from your Communications.\n     I want much to know, whether your disposition for rambling has left you. If it has, I beleive you bequeathed it to me, not as a blessing I fear. I have as much the wish, to wander, as a certain American Lady. But necessity prevents its appearance. For my part I should like above all things to make one of a Party to go round the World. When this proposal, is put in execution we will, take you with us, provided you should be as, unreasonably inclined as, those who will undertake it. But to be serious, I cant see why People who have the inclination (and ability) which to be sure is the most essential of the two, should not gratify themselvs, by indulging it and seeing as many and curious parts of the World as it should Lead them to visit. If they are possessed of proper Principles, it will not injure them, but make them Wiser and better and happier. Pray dont you feel a great deel Wiser, than if you had never been outside the limits of the State of Massachusetts Bay, which tho a very respectable place, one may gain a little knowledge in other Parts. And then you know with a little Policy, one may be thought nearly more Respectable, for the People of our Country have a Wonderfull liking to those who can say, \u201cI have been in St. Pauls Church. I have seen the Lions, Tigers, &c. in the Tower. I have seen the King, and what is more have had the extreme honour of being saluted by him. What the King? Yes by George the Third King of Great Britain France and Ireland, defender of the Faith &c. And I have seen the Dancing Dogs, Singing Duck, and little Hare which beats the Drum, and the Irish Infant, feet high, but not yet the Learned Pig.\u201d The Tumblers of Sadlers Wells, have made great objections that the Learned Pig, should be introduced upon the Stage and have I beleive left it.\n      Thursday August the 11th. 1785\n     Mr. Storer has just now informed me that there is an opportunity to convey Letters tomorow, to Boston. Altho I had intended to send this Letter by him, I will take advantage of this conveyance as it is a forghtnight sooner than, he will sail, and as I would not fail of punctuallity to you, or give you reason to suppose me capable of it. I have not the pleasure to hear yet of your arrival at New York, but the packet is expected dayly and I hope soon to have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of long Letters from you. Mamma has written you this Morning, and we are going this afternoon to Hampstead with Mrs. Roggers, to visit Mrs. Hay, and are to Leave the Letters at the New England Coffee House to go tomorrow. I must wish you Health happiness and peace and hasten to subscribe myself your affectionate sister\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0073", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n     I had the honour of writing you on the 21st. of June, but the letter being full of treason, has waited a private conveiance. Since that date there has been received for you at Auteuil a cask of about 60. gallons of wine. I would have examined it\u2019s quality and have ventured to decide on it\u2019s disposal, but it is in a cask within a cask, and therefore cannot be got at but by operations which would muddy it and disguise it\u2019s quality. As you probably know what it is, what it cost, &c. be so good as to give me your orders on the subject and they shall be complied with.\n     Since my last I can add another chapter to the history of the redacteur of the Journal de Paris. After the paper had been discontinued about three weeks, it appeared again, but announcing in the first sentence a changement de domicile of the redacteur, the English of which is that the redaction of the paper had been taken from the imprisoned culprit, and given to another. Whether the imprisonment of the former has been made to cease, or what will be the last chapter of his history I cannot tell.\u2014I love energy in government dearly.\u2014It is evident it was become necessary on this occasion, and that a very daring spirit has lately appeared in this country, for notwithstanding the several examples lately made of suppressing the London papers, suppressing the Leyden gazette, imprisoning Beaumarchais, and imprisoning the redacteur of the journal, the author of the Mercure of the last week has had the presumption, speaking of the German newspapers, to say \u201ccar les journaux de ce pays-la ne sont pas forc\u00e9s de s\u2019en tenir \u00e0 juger des hemistiches, ou \u00e0 annoncer des programes academiques.\u201d Probably he is now suffering in a jail the just punishments of his insolent sneer on this mild government, tho\u2019 as yet we do not know the fact.\n     The settlement of the affairs of the Abb\u00e9 Mably is likely to detain his friends Arnoud and Chalut in Paris the greatest part of the summer. It is a fortunate circumstance for me, as I have much society with them.\u2014What mischeif is this which is brewing anew between Faneuil hall and the nation of God-dem-mees? Will that focus of sedition be never extinguished? I apprehend the fire will take thro\u2019 all the states and involve us again in the displeasure of our mother country.\n     I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem Madam your most obedt. & most humble servt.\n      Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0074", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n       July 17th. 1785 1. o\u2019clock in the morning\n     We are now sailing up North River; and have met the french packet about 6 leagues from New York: she will sail to morrow morning; and has sent her boat on board, while we are at sail. I profit of the only minute instant I have to inform you, that after a tedious passage of 8 weeks, we expect by noon to be at New York. I have not even time to seal the Letter I have prepared for my Sister, and must request she, and my Father, will excuse me if the peculiarity of the circumstance prevents me from writing to them.\n      Your ever affectionate Son.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0075", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 17 \u2013 31 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      New York July 17th. 1785\n     I went on shore upon Long Island with our Captain, and visited Monsr. de Marbois, who has taken a house there for the summer. He received me with politeness, invited me to dine with him, and enquired concerning my father in as friendly a manner, as he could have done had he wish\u2019d him well. Madame de Marbois, may be called a pretty, little woman. She was a quaker, but appears not to have retained any of the rigid tenets of that sect. As this is Sunday, I have not as yet delivered any of my Letters; and have done nothing but walk about the town.\n     I have delivered a number of my Letters, and have acquired some information, but which you will doubtless know before this reaches, you. Messrs. Jackson and Tracey, arrived in Boston, the 18th. of last may, after a passage of only 20 days. Poor Temple took the small pox in Ireland, and died on the passage. Mr. Bowdoin is present governor of Massachusetts and increases, in popularity every day. Mr. Hancock, being too infirm, to act as Governor of Massachusetts, is chosen as Member of Congress for the next year, and will probably take his rest, in the President\u2019s seat, next November. This is escaping Scylla to fall into Charybdis; or is rather like a man I have read of; who being offered a glass of wine: answered, that he could not take a glass, but that he would take a bottle. The other delegates in Congress from Massachusetts for next year, are Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. King, Mr. Holten, and Mr. Dane. (not Mr. Dana).\n     I waited upon the Massachusetts\u2019 delegates before I went any where else, except to Mr. Jay\u2019s. Mr. Gerry was glad to see me, on account of his friend, and Mr. King was very polite. They went with me and introduced me to the president, who enquired very particularly concerning my father. I also waited upon the Governor, and upon Don Diego de Gardoqui, who had about a fortnight since, his public audience of Congress, and who shows away here to an high degree. He made a speech when he had his audience; and I believe, I may affirm confidently, that he tired none of his auditors. You will see the speech in the Papers.\n     The President of Congress this morning, at breakfast at Mr. Gerry, invited me to take an apartment in his house. I endeavoured to excuse myself as well as I could: but at dinner at his house, he repeated his invitation. I again offered my excuses, but he press\u2019d it on me, with so much politeness, that I did not know how to refuse. Such attentions, embarass me, yet they give me more, pleasure, than they would, if I was myself the object of them.\n     I met Mr. Church this morning: he sails the 4th. of next month in the british Packet, and has offered to take any Letters for me. You will receive my N:3. and probably this by him.\n     At tea, this afternoon, at Mr. Ramsay\u2019s, for whom Mrs. Rucker, was kind enough to give me Letters, I met Mr. Gardoqui, and his secretary Mr. Randon, who, if common report says true, is soon to marry Miss Marshall (Mrs. Rucker\u2019s Sister.) Much good may do her, with the swarthy Don: his complexion and his looks: show sufficiently, from what country he is. How happens it, that revenge stares through the eyes of every Spaniard? Mr. Gardoqui was very polite, and enquired much after my father, as did also Mr. van Berkel the Dutch minister. Governor Livingston was appointed some time ago minister for Holland, but did not accept. Mr. Rutledge, governor of S. Carolina, is now appointed: but will it is presumed also decline.\n     Doctor Mather, you will see by the Boston Papers, is dead. I have a Letter from your Pappa to him, and a small packet from his Son. I don\u2019t know who I shall give them to.\n     Mr. Dana has been appointed a judge of the supreme Court in our State, and is now riding the Circuit.\n     I moved this morning to the President\u2019s house. I determined upon this with some reluctance, not knowing whether it would meet with your Pappa\u2019s approbation. But the President repeated his invitation with so much politeness, and Mr. Gerry and Mr. King whom I consulted on the subject, being of opinion I could accept of it without impropriety, I thought I could not do otherwise.\n     Hearing in the morning, that the british June Packet had arrived, last night, I immediately went to Mr. Jay, and enquired after you. He had received Letters from my father; and had sent them to Congress. I was certain, there were some for me: I then went and found out Mr. Curson, who inform\u2019d me he had seen you, the last day of May: but he had not a line for me. I was much surprised. I had supposed that your Pappa was so much engaged in business, that he had no time to write, but I could not conceive, why I had not one word from Mamma, nor from you. Perhaps you supposed I should have left New York before, the packet would arrive. I cannot account otherwise for your silence.\n     Mr. van Berkel, with whom I dined to day, begins to expect his Daughter: he has certain information that she sail\u2019d, from Amsterdam, the 2d. of May, in a Dutch vessel. She has now been nearly 12 weeks out, and consequently it is almost time for her to arrive. It is observed that there is here now a Dutch vessel, that sailed from Amsterdam 3 days before the ship that returned lately from China, sailed from Canton, and arrived here three days after her. I Drank tea this afternoon with Mr. Secretary Thomson.\n     We were a dozen or 14 to day, who dined at General Knox\u2019s. He lives about 4 miles out of the City. The Virginia and Massachusetts delegations Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Lady Duer, a Daughter of Lord Stirling, Miss Sears, Mr. Church, Coll. Wadsworth and Mr. Osgood, form\u2019d our Company. You know almost all these persons. Lady Duer is not young, nor handsome. I saw but little of her: not enough to say any thing concerning her. Miss Sears has been ill, and looks pale, but is very pretty. She has the reputation of being witty, and sharp. I am sure she does not look m\u00e9chante.\n     I am very impatient to hear from you. The french packet for June will soon he expected. I hope you will not neglect that, as you did the English one: especially, if Mr. Williamos comes out, in her. The Day before yesterday, Mr. Gerry moved in Congress, that, Mr. Dana\u2019s expences for a private Secretary, while he was in Russia, be allow\u2019d him, and Congress resolved that those Expences should be paid.\n     I have been strolling about the town, almost all day. The weather here, has been exceeding fine, all this Season: no extreme, heat; plenty of rain, and not too much. The Crops will be excellent, and if those in Europe, turn out as bad, as it was supposed they would when I came away, we may profit, very considerably, by ours. Fruit has not been so successful, as there has not been sufficient hot weather.\n     I dined with the Delegates of the State of Virginia; Mr. Arthur Lee, left this Town in the afternoon. He was this day chosen, by Congress, to be one of the commissioners of the Treasury. Mr. Osgood is now in Town; and does not find it an easy matter to get clear, from the Confusion in which the late financier left the office.\n     I breakfasted with Mr. S\u00f6derstrom the Sweedish Consul, at Mr. Gerry\u2019s house. He arrived in town only a day or two ago, from Boston: all your friends there were well, when he left it. Dined at Mr. Ramsay\u2019s with a large Company. General Howe, Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Randon, Miss Susan Livingston &c. Miss Livingston passes for very smart, sensible young Lady; she is very talkative, and a little superficial I think. I cannot say I admire her. Miss Marshall is very agreeable: I cannot help pitying her, when I am told she is about to marry, that swarthy Don.\n     At length after a passage of a little more than 12 weeks, Miss van Berkel, arrived two days ago at Philadelphia. Her father is gone to meet her. The young Ladies here are all very impatient to see her, and I dare say, that when she comes, remarks, and reflections, will not be spared on either side. The Beauties of this place, will triumph, but I hope with moderation.\n     I have had a visit this morning from Dr. Crosby: he tells me he has received lately a letter from uncle Quincy, who was ill, almost all last winter, and is now only recovering. All the rest of our friends are well. The weather is much warmer than I have for many years been accustomed to: yet I hear every body say that there has been no hot weather this year. There is almost every day a morning, and an evening breeze, that are very refreshing, and temper agreeably the heat of the day.\n     I expect to stay here about a week longer: but I am not yet determined whether to go in a packet to Rhode Island, and from thence by Land; or to go all the way by land through Connecticut. In the heat of the Season, a Journey by land would be more disagreeable than a voyage by water, and it would certainly be longer: but I am very desirous to see the fine Country between this and Boston. And there are many persons that I wish to see too. Upon the whole I rather think I shall go, by Land. We are in a great dearth of news: nothing of any Consequence is going forward. The merchants complain very much that trade is continually dying away, and that no business is to be done.\n     The President had a large Company to dine with him: all gentlemen; he entertains three times a week, but never has any Ladies because he has none himself. His health is not in a very good state way, and I believe the Duties of his place, weary him much. He is obliged in this weather to sit at Congress from eleven in the morning, till near 4 afternoon, which is just the hottest, and most disagreeable part of the day. It was expected that Congress would adjourn during the dog days at least: but there is at present little appearance of it: they have so much business before them, that a recess, however short would leave them behind hand.\n     I went with Mr. Jarvis, a brother of the gentleman you know, to Jamaica, upon Long Island; 12 miles from the town. We there had the pleasure of seeing Coll. Smith\u2019s mother and Sister\u2019s. I spent the day very agreeably. Mrs. Smith, has had Letters from her Son, since he arrived in London, in which he mentions having already seen you all. I am really very impatient to hear from you. Your Brother\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0076", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 July \u2013 7 August 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Sister\n      Braintree July 19th 1785\n     I have been waiting till I am out of all patience to hear that you are returnd to England. One or two vessels have sail\u2019d for London without taking Letters for you. I did not know they were going till it was too late to write. I sent you a hasty line by Mr. Charles Bulfinch which I hope you receiv\u2019d and to tell you the truth I have written you two letters Since, which I thought proper to commit to the Flames when I had done. There are many things which would do to be said, that it would not be prudent to commit to writing. We have been expecting Cousin John every day above a week past: There is a vessel in from France the capt. of whom says he Saild four days before him. I hope soon to welcome him to his native country. Tomorrow is commencment: our children are all gone to Boston to day, to be ready for an earley ride in the morning. Cousin Charles\u2019s Heart beats thick I dare say. His trial comes on next Friday. Billy says, he is exceedingly well fitted and has no need of any fears. Billy will look him a good room, and will give him all the Brotherly advice that he may need. He will have enough to spring upon him if he does not stand firm in the begining. He or you will repent it, if he does not. He shall not need any Friendly counsel that I will not give him. I will gain his Love and confidence if Possible. I shall then be sure of influence.\n      Friday 22d\n     I have been very ill ever since I wrote the above, with a pain across my Breast. The Rhumtism the Doctor says. I am better but very weak. The children are returnd and a fine day they had. Mr. Shaw and Cousin Charles were there. He will return with his uncle and come next week if he is accepted, and there is no doubt but he will be. Cousin John will be here I hope by that time. I am prepair\u2019d to doat upon him. May nothing happen to interrupt the Harmony and happiness of our dear Boys. I am indeed happy at present in my children. From every thing that I can see and hear Billy behaves just as I could wish him too. Betsy is in Boston very attentive to her Harpsicord and is in better health than I have known her for many years. Lucy is at home affording her mama all the assistance she is able too, and if her Soul is not tuned to Harmony it is to Science. Had she been a Boy she would have been a Mathamatition. Billy plays prettily both upon the violin and Flute, and when he joins them to his Sisters instrument they form a Sound very agreable to the Ears of us who have not heard the finer musick of your opereas. Betsy wishes Cousin Nabby to learn the musick of France, that she may bring her home some new tunes.\n     Aunt Tufts is in a very poor way. Her Feet and ancles are much swell\u2019d and turn purple and black and every dissagreable colour. You know she never could bear the Bark, and it seem now to be more than ever necessary for her. I am very much affraid of a mortification if She cannot take it.\n     Uncle Quincy was confin\u2019d to his House from the 25th of November to the beginning of July With the Rhumatisim in his Hip. He is much better but not well. Our Germantown Friends are all of them in a poor weak State. The general himself very feeble. Cousin Betsy is better but her cough is still troublesome. Miss Paine is very spry, can dress and undress very well, has spent a week or two with me lately, is now at Germantown but next week goes to her Brothers for a home as she supposes.\n     As to Mr. Palmers Family Mr. Tyler must give you an account of them. He knows more about them than any one else. Madam Quincy and Miss Nancy are well. Miss Nancys fortune has not yet procur\u2019d her a Husband. Mrs. Quincy desires to be most affectionately remember\u2019d to you. Mrs. Guild has spent a week with her little Boy at Braintree. She is not well by any means, but looks chearful and behaves exceeding well under her dissapointment. She has sold all the Furniture of her best room and chamber and remov\u2019d into that end of a House which Miss H. Otis liv\u2019d in. What a reverse of Fortune in one year! Mr. Guild looks as if he was going into the Grave soon. His pale Face is paler than ever. His countenance excites pity from every eye. No alteration has taken place in your Neighbourhood that I know of. Mr. Adams Family are well, your mother Hall is upon a visit at Abington. She was here a few days since and was well. Turtius Bass and wife are parted. He has sold the House and land which his Sons liv\u2019d in and divided his Estate into four parts, given his wife one fourth part, one half to his two Sons. The remainder he has taken to support himself and Nell Underwood in their Perigrinations to the Eastward whither he is going he says to settle. And as he is going into a new country, tis proper he should take a young person to help People it, and her abbillity to do it She has given ample proof off by presenting somebody (she swore them upon Leonard Clevverly) with a pair of Twins last winter. She liv\u2019d in Mr. Bass\u2019s Family\u2014but as they both dy\u2019d she was at Liberty to pursue her Business as Housekeeper in some distant part of the State as well as at Braintree, and who would be Maid when they might be mistress? Mr. Bass was so generious to the Girl, that he keept her in his house to lay in, and gave Mr. Tyler a handsome Fee as Counsel for her in case Mr. Cleaverly should deny the charge which he did most solemnly. In this case the woman has the advantage in law. He was oblig\u2019d to enter into Bonds, but the children dying, and Mr. Tyler not appearing, he took up his bonds and Mr. Bass was oblig\u2019d to bear all the charges. Mrs. Bass is in great trouble. Seth is mov\u2019d into the House with her, and the other Son with his wife and child are mov\u2019d seventy mile into the country out of all the noise of it\u2014so much for Scandle.\n     Capn. Baxter is married to Mrs. Arnold and is gone to live in her House. Mrs. Arnolds eldest Son is married to Deacon Adams eldest Daughter and lives in the House that Mr. Bass sold. Our Parson visits us as usual, but forgot this year that it was Election day till it was half gone. He ought to have had his grandchildren about him beging for coppers to bye them an election cake.\n     I once mention\u2019d to you a clergemans Family who were in our House at Weymouth. He has a Son almost eighteen, who tho he is a portrait Painter has not sacrificed much to the Graces. He made several attempts to take the Face of our cousin Lucy Jones, but could never acquire stediness enough in his hands to do it. In short her fine Form had made such an impression upon his mind and Lucy all-together had taken such possestion of his Soul, that when he endeavourd to decribe a single feature he found it impossible. The tremor was communicated to his Tongue and his speech also fail\u2019d him. Poor youth what would he have done if it had not been for the blessed invention of Letters, by which medium he could pour out all his soul and save his Blushes\u2014but alass this was only to insure his dispair, for she treated them with such neglect and contempt that it almost depriv\u2019d him of his reason. In the silent watches of the night, when the Moon in full orb\u2019d Majisty had reach\u2019d her nocturnal height, He left his Bed and upon the cold ground told her his tale of woe, in accents loud and wild as wind.\u2014Forgive the Stile my dear sister. No common one would do to relate this extraordinary affair in. It has caused us much amusement. They are both so young they did not know how to manage the matter. He all Passion. She full of Coquettry and at present without any kind of attachment to him is playing round the Flame without any aprehension of danger. There are some symptoms however of either Vanity or Love that make their appearence. She dresses more than usual and parades before the windows opposite to those he sets at. The other day she dress\u2019d herself in white and walk\u2019d into Capn. Whitmans Coppes set herself upon a rock under a fine spreading oak and was excited by the melody of a variety of Birds that were perch\u2019d upon almost every bough, to add her note to theirs. The sighing swain was raking Hay at a little distance. The pleasing sound soon reach\u2019d his ears. He left his Rake and pursu\u2019d it, and (she says) was close by her before she perciev\u2019d him but she like a nimble-footed Dauphne was out of his sight in a moment and was as pale aunt says when she enter\u2019d the House as if she had been pursu\u2019d by a snake.\n      July 30th\n     I give you joy my dear sister. Cousin John I hear is arriv\u2019d at New York after a Passage of 56 days. He will be with us soon I hope. Mr. Cranch sent me word of it last monday. The same day he found a Letter from you to me in the Post-office. I find by it that a Mr. Chaumont brought it, but I cannot hear that he is in Boston. I am mortified that you are still in France. What is become of Mr. Adams commission for the court of London. I wish you were at home every soul of you. I fear your expences must have been greatly increas\u2019d by the dryness of the season. Our news Papers say you have had almost a Famine in Europe occationd by it. Here we never saw a finer season. The best of English Hay has been sold in Boston for two shilling a hundred and some as low as one and four pence. Meat is high, but vegetables very plenty. We have fine crops of english grain, and the Indian looks finely. Your Gardens yeald plentifully. Your sable Tenants almost maintain themselves by selling the produce of them. Betsy is return\u2019d to spend the Dog-days with us. Will go again in the Fall to take a few more Lessons. Billy has tun\u2019d the old Spinnet at home, by which means she will not loose any time.\n     Betsy and Lucy spent a forenoon this week over-looking the things at your House and picking out furniture for master Charles chamber, who is become a student at Harvard college. He is hear and very well. Mr. Shaw offer\u2019d another schooler, who is a very cleaver Fellow and is to be his chambermate. I could have wish\u2019d the two Brothers might have liv\u2019d together. Upon some accounts it would be less expencive. Cousin John comes I dare say impress\u2019d with a sense of the importance of eocomimy. I have been telling Cousin Charles He must begin right, and that his Papas Station in Life will subject him to many inconvenincs if he is not upon his Guard. I have consulted with Doctor Tufts in every thing that I have done with regard to the children and shall continue to do so. I have pursued that plan you mention with regard to money matters already as I thought it would be the simplest, and be assur\u2019d my dear Sister so far as I am capable I will do every thing in my Power to supply, the place of a mama to them. I hope to gain their confidence and esteem. They feel like my own children and if I can but gain as much of their Love as you have of my childrens I shall feel very happy.\n     As soon as Cousin John comes I will write more with regard to him. I hope to have many Letters by him. I do not suppose that our April Pacquet reach\u2019d you before he imbark\u2019d. I wish it might have done so for many reasons. The letters for him will not be half so acceptable to him here as if he had reciev\u2019d them in France.\n     Aunt Tufts remains very Ill. The Doctor seems quite discourag\u2019d about her. Her Legs and Feet grow worse. She is in great pain and wasts fast. I fear she will not continue thro the Dog-days. Tis true she bears the Bark but she has such a constitution as I think cannot hold out long unless she is suddenly reliev\u2019d.\n     Old Mrs. Tullur dy\u2019d about six weeks ago very suddenly. Was well in the morning and dead before night, and this afternoon Fanny Nash is bury\u2019d. She has been in a consumtion all winter.\n      August 1d\n     I have just heard of Mr. Adams presentment at the court of London. Mr. Cranch writes me that he has seen an account of your arrival in England. He saw it in a New York paper. Cousin John is not yet got to town. What is he doing with himself? He does not know that every moment seems an hour till he arrives. Charles and Billy are here waiting with impatience. I feel as if you were half way home at least. I shall now be able to write oftner and with greater Freedom. England must I think be more agreable to you than France for many reasons. Your being able to converse will be a great addition to your Happiness and seeing so many of your old acquaintance and Friends will make you feel as if you was half an american at least, but are you not almost sick of Parade? To have been made happy by show and equipage your mind should have been less cultivated, and yet tis only to such, that these things can do no harm. A Scientific mind, will be pleas\u2019d only with their novelty and the useful observations it helps them to make upon Men and Manners.\u2014\u2014But this Embassa of three years\u2014what shall I say to it? Will it be necessary that you should stay so long. Cannot the Business be compleated before that time. How does cousin Nabby like the Idea. She would not wish to come without you I dare say, unless every thing here was fit to receive her. Money is very hard to be got where it is due, and where there is the greatest attention and puntiallity in business what is procur\u2019d by it, must be very prudently us\u2019d or it Will not buy Farms and Houses, repair them Handsomely, and maintain a Family genteelly. You conclude your last Letter by saying that \u201cyou hope\u2014\u2014is very busy and to great purpose.\u201d I hope soo too, but I know very little about him for he is very seldom in Braintree and when he is, very little at home. He has attended the courts in Boston the last winter and this summer, and does not come home till the Sessions are over.\n     Mrs. Hunt is here and desirs I would give her most affectionate Love to you, and beg you to come home for she longs to see you and that she cannot bear to pass by your House. She visits us often and is better than for years back. She works forever, has spun and knit above eighty pair of stockings since you went away.\n     You mention Mr. Adams\u2019s having receiv\u2019d a Letter from the Amsterdam merchants, complaining that they had receiv\u2019d no accounts of the sales of their goods. I forgot to write about it in my Spring Letters. Mr. Cranch wrote them last winter a state of their merchandize such as what goods remain\u2019d unsold, and the custom of giving six months credit. The Difficulty of selling for ready money, and the danger of trusting The Bill of Sale he could not then send because Mr. Austen who you know had the care of dispossing of them had remov\u2019d to Casco-Bay in the beginning of the winter, and by accident carried all the Papers with him, and the season was so severe that we never could get them till this spring, when he came up and brought them himself. Mr. Cranch has put what remain\u2019d unsold into the Hands of Mr. Greenlief & Foster Vendae Master, to be dispos\u2019d of at private Sale in the best manner they can. Mr. Cranch has had a great deal of trouble with them. Most of them were very unsalable articles, and too high charg\u2019d for the inundation of Goods that were soon roled in after the peace upon the country.\n      August 3d\n     Cousin John not come yet. I hear there is a vessel to Sale in ten days for London. If I keep writing I shall swell my Letter too a volume, for I am continually thinking of something which I want to communicate. I cannot bear to seal my Letter till I have seen my cousin, and yet I fear if I do not send it to town the vessel will slip away without it.\n      August 7th\n     It is just as I fear\u2019d. I hear a vessel sal\u2019d for England this morning, and I was told she would not go this week. Cousin John not yet come. Several People are come from New York who have seen him, and say he will be here in a few days. You may easily judge how impatient I am, but I am determin\u2019d to wait no longer, but send this to be put into the Bag and write again if he should come before the next chance.\n     Aunt Tufts sinks fast. She has had a Dissentery, which tho it has abated has wasted her much. Her Feet and ancles are very bad, all manner of colours, much swelld and very painful. I have seen the last Week. You would scarcly know her. She appears calm and resign\u2019d, has no expectation of Living. She will be a great gainer by the exchange for she is indeed a very good woman. The poor will loose a great benefactor. Her Family also will feel her loose for tho she could not do much she look\u2019d well to her household. Lucy will a second time loose a mama, and she seems very sensible of it. O my sister one more removal and Weymouth will loose all its charms. Every Freind departed makes me wish more for your return. Three years is a great while to look forward too. Many very many may be the changes that may take place before that period arrives. I dare not trust myself with the thought. Resignation to the will of Heaven is what I am constantly seeking after. I have been very unwell myself for above a month but I hope I am geting the better of my dissorder. I am weak yet the Feverishness has not left me, but salt of wormwood which I take every two or three days will I hope kill it.\n     Cousin Charles is in fine Health and spirits, and rejoices over and feasts as heartily upon a large Whorttle Berry Pudding as you can at any of your great entertainments. Would not a Dish of Green Corn relish &c. be acceptable to you? We are all Busy fixing your Son for college. The piece of Linnin which I got for them made seven shirts for Charls and four for Tom.\n     Miss Paine desires I would not forget her Love to you all.\n     I depend upon it that you will not expose my writing to any one not even to my dear Brother, to whom present my Love and best wishes and tell him tis a sad world we live in and that the more merit he has, the better mark he will be for Envy to shoot at\u2014but she cannot sting him.\n     Charles Warren yet Lives, but look like death. He is planing a voyage to Lisbon, he thinks he cannot stand our cold winters. I do not beleive he will live to reach it. Mrs. Warren is much destress\u2019d to know what to consent too.\u2013Did you ever find her Letters which you thought you had lost. She thinks you have. Do not forget to tell me.\n     The distresses of our Germantown Friends will never have an end. Last week Tom Feild cut his Back and Shouldar in a dreadful manner with a scythe. The wound is two feet long and very deep in some places. The Doctor put fourteen stiches in it. He has lost a great deal of Blood, but is in a good way, and unless a Fever should set in, will tis thought do well.\n     Adieu my dear Sister and believe me your ever affectionate\n      Love to cousin Nabby.\n      M. Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0077", "content": "Title: Charles Williamos to Abigail Adams, 21 July 1785\nFrom: Williamos, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Paris 21st. July 1785\n     It is with much pleasure my dear Madam that I hear of your safe arrival in London and that you are once more fixed in a house of your own, the situation of which altho\u2019 not quite so pleasant as Auteuill is not without much merit.\n     Whatever base rancour and malice may invent, I am very sure that you will on all occasions meet with every Mark of respect which are every ways your due. Yet I do not suppose, that the Court Notwithstanding its politeness will be very often graced with your and Miss Adams\u2019s Company.\n     Paris is not the livelier I can assure you Madam since you left it. Passy is deserted also\u2014and we have accounts of the doctor\u2019s very safe arrival at Rouen from whence he was to proceed immediately to Havre\u2014the King sent him his Picture most elegantely set in diamonds of great value, with two very polite letters from Count de Vergennes.\n     The peculiar honor and satisfaction I had in opportunities of paying my very Sincere respects to Mr. Adams yourself and family will ever be recollected as one of the most agreable events of my life and I shall never think myself happier than in opportunities to renew it. I am very sorry to have failed hitherto in every attempt to send your things. I went to Mr. Hailes\u2019s who desired his best respects and assured me it was out of his power to forward any thing larger than a packet of letters as the messenger goes no further than Calais where the master of the British packet takes charge of the letters.\n     This I communicated to Mrs. Barclay who agreed in thinking it best to wait for Doctor Bancroft who is to go in 8 or ten days but if an opportunity offers sooner we will not fail to improve it. Mr. Harison takescharge of the lace by which means there are only gowns. Mr. Storer has some books with a Mr. Graff but Mr. Barclay thinks that as he is going to America they had better be sent there to him than trouble any one with them.\n     Mr. Jefferson and the other Gentlemen are very well. Col. Humphreys has wrote to Col. Smith. The June Packet is arrived but not all the letters. I am still waiting for a better opportunity than by L\u2019orient, but fear much that I shall be obliged to take that rout. Whenever I go and where ever I am I shall allways retain sentiments of highest respect and ever be Madam your most obedient devoted servant\n      C. Williamos\n      Be Kind enough to present my best respects to Mr. and Miss Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0078", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch?, July \u2013 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My dear sister\n     I wrote you by Captain Dashood just when I was about removeing from the Bath Hotel to Grovsnor Square, since which I have had a buisy time getting my House in order and procuring a thousand little necessaries for different countries have different fashions and what suits in one will not answer in an other. For instanc my kitchen furniture was made for a hearth fire none of which could be used with grates and then the coars ware belonging to a family is never worth a remove so that I found I had many things to purchase.\n     Then the great and important article of servants was to be arranged. Of Ester I made what is here calld Ladies Maid, her Buisness is more imediately about my person. She always dresses my Hair and your neices and is a great proficient in that most important Buisness. She take care of all the Linnen, delivers it out and receives it in. The remainder of her time is employded at her needle. The person who works with her is the Buttler. His Buisness is to take care of the wine, to market for the family, to keep the weekly accounts, to see the table and side Board in order to attend as overseer of the table, to take care of the Plate and to have a general care of the lower servants. He is allways calld Mr. I hope we have been fortunate in the choise of ours. He appears a very civil well bred Man. The House maid is next. She makes beds cleans the house taking it from the top of the kitchen stairs and going up. The two footmen go behind the carriage wait at table rub the table and chairs of the dining room and attend the door, for there is no entrance into a house in this Country but by wrapping or ringing a Bell which is with out side the door. No door is permitted one moment to be left open, you could have no security for any thing within, if it was. The cook is next in order who prepares the victuals and the kitchen maid takes the House from the kitchen stairs and goes down to the kitchen pantrys, housekeepers room, Buttlers room and servants Hall as it is calld. She washes dishes, cleans knives and candle sticks &c. &c. The coachmans buisness is to take care of his carriage and horses.\n     You will think I suppose that I have got a comfortable number, but with less I could not get the necessary buisness of the family done, not because there are not more than sufficient, but because none of them will do any thing but in their particular department. A House keeper a Laundry Maid and a Porter are 3 more which they would be very glad that I would add, but I am determined against it, as I cannot but think 3 Americans would do the whole work of the Eight and think they had no hard task. The work of the family here is by no means so much as Mrs. Newcomb has herself done in my family at Braintree for my washing is all put out, and we have no company to sup. But in a country crowded with inhabitant they get as many of their poor supported in this way as possible and every news paper is filld \u201cwith wants a place.\u201d Yet are the wages of those who are good for any thing very high. So far from feeling myself in a more desirable situation than when I moved in the small sphere of my lowly Braintree Cottage, I assure you I look to it as an envyable situation. Fewer cares and less anxiety attended my rising up and sitting down, my Friends all smiled upon me and met a hearty welcome under the lowly roof.\n     My Habitation here is in one of the pleasentest squares of London. We are in the same Row if not in the same Box of most of the great people in this Country, opposite however to Lord North. A near Neighbour to Lord Thurlow and the Marquis of Carmarthan. Yet the street as well as city is quite deserted, for nobody lives here in the summer who can go into the country. In the middle of the square which is very spacious is a circuleer inclosure in which clumps of trees are planted which look like shubbery as the trees are small and close together. Round them is the hedge which when cut has a very rural appearence. In the middle is the King on horse back. The whole is laid out into walks and those who live in the square have a key to one of the gates which you may make use of for to walk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0079", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 1 \u2013 8 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      Monday New York August 1st. 1785\n     In my last I just mentioned having been over upon Long Island, and paid a visit to Mrs. Smith, the Colls.s Mother: she was very polite to me, and appeared to miss her Son, much. All the family are in mourning for the old gentleman who died about 9 months ago. There is one Son here now, and if I mistake not, 6 daughters. Sally strikes most at first sight: she is tall; has a very fine shape, and a vast deal of vivacity in her eyes, which are of a light blue; she has the ease and elegance of a French Lady, without their loquacity. Her conversation I am told is as pleasing as her figure: but of that I only speak, from hearsay.\u2014There is also on this island a celebrated beauty by the name of Miss Ogden: she looks I think, something like Mrs. Bingham: she is not so tall, nor so red, although I believe she has more colour.\n     I have been writing a letter to your Pappa; but it is full of politics. I don\u2019t know whether he will not think I meddle too much with them: but there are some things he may wish to be inform\u2019d of, and at many places where I go into company I hear nothing else: so that I am obliged bongr\u00e9, malgr\u00e9, as the french say, still to dip a little in that subject: but I don\u2019t care how soon, I leave it off entirely. Mr. Church goes on Thursday.\n     I dined to day with Doctor Crosby, who came the other day, as soon as he knew I was in town, to see me. I imagine he thinks me a very cerimonious being: for, the day that he first saw me, he ask\u2019d me to drink tea with him that afternoon. I promised I would: but I happened to dine in a Company where I was kept till it was too late, to wait upon the Doctor. The next day I went to his house to make an apology, but he was not at home: and yesterday I received a card containing a most formal invitation to dine to day. I find it a very nice matter here, to take a just medium between Ceremony and ease. If a person is formal he is laugh\u2019d at, and if otherwise he often offends. It is exactly the fable of the miller and his Son.\n     I have been spending the evening with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. Mr. Gerry writes to your Pappa, by Mr. Church who is to sail to morrow morning, and to whom I have given 2 letters for you; and one for your Pappa. I have not been able to find time for writing to Mamma. You will present my duty to her, and make an apology for me.\n     I was shown this evening a poem in manuscript, called a receipt for a wife: it is a catalogue of the celebrated beauties in this town, abusing some, and commending others. I would send you a Copy of it, but it is really such a pitiful performance, that it would not probably furnish you any entertainment. I am told of another piece in the same way; if I find it better I will give you some extracts from it, in case I can get a copy of it.\n     Mr. Church sail\u2019d in the Packet this morning with my letters: they will show you that I have not been forgetful of my promises. I dined with a large Company at Mr. Osgood\u2019s. I was introduced this morning to a Miss Rich\u00e9 lately arrived from Philadelphia; and was this evening in Company with her at Mr. Sears\u2019s. She is a great beauty, but if I mistake not has a good deal of Affectation. She sings, plays upon the harpsichord, and writes songs herself: consequently she must be witty; but she is affected.\u2014The Miss Sears\u2019s, you know I believe. Polly was married last spring to Mr. Bordieu. Sally, some say, is soon to be married to a Mr. Gamble; but fame has not yet disposed of Becca, the prettiest of them all.\n     I have got a Copy of the poem I yesterday talk\u2019d of. It speaks of Miss Becca as follows.\n      If Becca would but learn to walk\n      And not be so afraid to talk\n      With greater lustre she would shine\n      In other eyes as well as mine.\n      Praise her for elegance of form\n      Which would the coldest marble warm\n      Praise her for sprightliness of wit,\n      Her Character you\u2019ll justly hit.\n      She\u2019s tender, virtuous and mild\n      But walks, as if she was a child.\n     You know, that part of our agreement is to give each other our opinion upon Characters; but I trust you will allow me to quote from other People, especially, when it is in verse. I am told the author of this piece is partial, in favour of Miss Sears when he says she is witty: as she is not much celebrated as a wit. Of this I cannot decide, for although I have been several times in Company with her, I don\u2019t know that four words have ever pass\u2019d between us.\n     The President has a large Company of 20, or 25 persons to dine with him, three times a week: but as he has no Lady himself, he entertains none but gentlemen. Once a week, he has a musical Entertainment, as it is here called, that is, he invites a number of persons among his Company, that sing songs after dinner, and, there was one to day. Among the singers the most curious was Genl. Howe, of whom you have often heard. He is you know not less famous for cracking the bottle, than for singing a song. Being requested to day to sing, he endeavoured once or twice to begin but found something wanting. At last he cried out, \u201cgive me that Madeira to revive me, for I have been flattening my voice by drinking Burgundy.\u201d And after drinking his glass he sung, \u201cOnce the gods of the greeks,\u201d very well.\n     I went this Evening, with the President to a Mr. Eccles\u2019s. Miss Eccles, is the most perfect at the harpsichord, of any Lady in the City, or perhaps on the Continent. I must again quote from the same poem, which speaks of this Lady thus.\n      Miss Eccles now my lay commands,\n      Her mind harmonious as her hands.\n      Six hours in every twenty four\n      For nine revolving years or more\n      (Some rigid moralist may say)\n      Is too much time to spend at play.\n      I own the observation true,\n      But still admire the music too\n      For he that hears her must forget\n      The time she lost in learning it.\n     I am sure my Sister would never agree to purchase perfection in the art of music upon such conditions, and I should be very sorry if she would.\n     Young Chaumont, who has been at Philadelphia, almost all the time since he arrived, return\u2019d here a few days since, and is going shortly to Boston. Perhaps we shall go both at the same time. When he first arrived here he presented a memorial to Congress, requesting that, they would order all the paper money, which french merchants had received in the course of the war, or which now lies in their hands, to be paid in hard money, dollar for dollar. This will surprise you probably as much as it did every body on this side the water. Yet Chaumont really presented his memorial with hopes of succeeding. Congress have not given any answer, and he begins to think that the plan will not take. He tells me he will show me his memorial, and says, I shall then own that his pretensions, are absolutely just, and equitable.\n     I attended Church this morning at St. Paul\u2019s, for we have a St. Paul\u2019s here, as well as you in London, but it is something like Alexander the great, and Alexander the Copper smith. This is however the largest and most frequented Church in New York, and is more consistent with the smallness of the City than it would be if it vied in grandeur and magnificence with its namesake in London. After Church I left a card at Miss van Berkel\u2019s; she arrived here two days ago, from Philadelphia. She had a passage of 13 weeks (in a Dutch vessel) and yet her brother, who had been informed of the time of her sailing, by the arrival of other vessels; told me, that she arrived before he expected her.\u2014I paid a visit too this forenoon to Miss Alsop. Her father is acquainted with our\u2019s. She is called a Coquet.\n      Why is not Alsop often told\n      That coquetry is grown quite old?\n      That nothing is more out of date\n      Than affectation, and conceit?\n      The eye half shut, the dimpled cheek\n      And languid look, are arts too weak,\n      To win the heart of any youth,\n      Who loves simplicity and truth.\n     These lines have not however cured her of her fault: for the 5th. and 6th. are an exact description of her appearance, as it was to day, and I am told she is always so. She is fair, and pretty, but injures her appearance much by those simpering airs.\n     I was at a party at tea this afternoon, and Miss van Berkel was present. There were only two or three persons in Company that could speak to her, so, I was obliged to converse with her, near two hours together. And here I must tell you, that I believe more and more firmly, that what a certain Friend of mine said of her, is a most infamous falsehood. She behaves as well, as any young lady I know of, and I believe if her brother knew what that coxcomb said of her, he would make him repent it heartily. She complains of not understanding the language, as bitterly, as you did when you first arrived in France. She says she had no idea, how awkward one appears in a large company, where one can neither hear what is said nor speak one\u2019s self. You have had sufficient proofs of the truth of this observation: tho\u2019 you was not often subjected to the inconvenience.\n     I went out this morning with some Company to Content, a seat, about 3 miles out of town, where Lady Wheate lives. She is one of the most celebrated belles in the City. As for Sense, her conduct has shewn her not overstock\u2019d with that. About two years ago she married Sir Jacob Wheate, a british officer between 60 and 70 years old; she herself was not 16. Sir Jacob before he had been married a week, went to the West Indies and there died. He left her an handsome fortune; and it is said she is now soon to marry a Captain Cochran, son to Lord Dundonald, a scotch Nobleman. The author of the aforesaid Satirical poem appears quite enraged in speaking of her.\n      If Wheate should live till she be old\n      She will not marry then for gold\n      When Nature took such special care\n      To form her so divinely fair\n      She gave her not those matchless charms\n      To bless a dotard\u2019s gouty arms.\n      \u201cA title, and a vast Estate\n      May purchase love, and conquer hate.\u201d\n      The person may be bought I own\n      But barter\u2019d love was never known.\n      The girl that weds for money\u2019s sake\n      A titled fool a batter\u2019d rake\n      Deserves as much a bad renown\n      As any woman of the town.\n     This is carrying the matter too far: though I cant say I admire any person who makes fortune the only object in marriage. Miss S. Smith was with Lady Wheate, and has spent about a week at Content. I am vastly pleased with this Lady. The contrast between her manners and those of Lady Wheate is highly in her favour, and very striking.\n     I dined to day in Company with Genl. Greene, at the president\u2019s. He arrived in town only a few days since, and he will make but a short stay, here. He is going to settle I am told, in Georgia, where he has a very large landed Estate.\n     My Paper bids me close, but I take my leave of you only till tomorrow. Mean time I am as ever, your\u2019s.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0080", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 3 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, John\n      Dear Sir\n      New York August 3d. 1785\n     Mr. Church proposes to embark on board the british Packet, which is to sail to-morrow. He has offered to take my Letters, and I suppose, he will be the bearer of dispatches from Congress.\u2014Our Passage, though it was not a stormy one, was very tedious. Of eight weeks, that we were at Sea, we had at least four of such calm weather as not to proceed more than 8 or 10 leagues a day. As we were coming up the River, we met the other Packet, which was sailing for France. I had only time to write a Line, and inform you of my arrival: I hope she has by this time performed a large part of her voyage, and that three weeks hence, you will receive my Letter. I shall remain here some days longer than I expected, when I left you; as it was too late when I arrived here, for me to be at Boston before Commencement, I thought there was less necessity of my being in haste to go. The President has been polite to me, even beyond what I could have expected; he has given me an apartment in his House, where I have been these ten days. Mr. Jay was so kind before I came here to make me the same offer.\n     The Politicians here, wait with great impatience to hear from you. Matters seem to be at a Crisis. The British instead of delivering up the Posts, have lately sent there a reinforcement of troops. I have heard from merchants here, that the fur trade from which we are thus precluded, by an open breach of the Treaty of Peace, is worth annually 50,000 pounds Sterling. This may be overrated; but the reluctance the British shew to leave the Posts, is sufficient proof that it is an important object. It is supposed that your next Letters, will give information on the Subject, and let us know what is to be depended upon.\n     The Duties laid on imported goods, by many of the States, and the prohibition of all English vessels in Massachusetts, are another subject of much Conversation. Merchants, who often adopt the proverb, that Charity begins at home, endeavour to demonstrate that the Country will suffer very much, by these regulations. They say that all foreign nations, will be discouraged from bringing us any goods while, they are encumbered with such heavy imposts; and if we go for them ourselves, they will sell them only for money, which we have not. Many of them are still very much afraid of Great Britain: they dread a war; and in case she be not able to carry one on, they tremble lest she should shut her ports upon us and stop our trade with her West India Islands. They say own that those Islands cannot subsist without us, but they think we could not hold out, if we had no market to carry our productions to, so long as they could without them. You will easily see that this is the reasoning of a merchant who fears present Losses, and does not consider future advantages. Fortunately the Spirit of the People is different, and I doubt not, in Case Great Britain should persist in her present Conduct, sufficient firmness will be shown, on this side the water. The State of Massachusetts have already prohibited all british vessels to come in their Ports. A frigate appeared since the act was pass\u2019d, but was not suffered to enter.\u2014The States have not yet given to Congress the power of regulating their trade: but it is almost universally considered here, a necessary measure. The President of Congress is however much against it. He has written you by this opportunity, and perhaps he has given you his opinion upon the subject.\n     You doubtless know before this, that Mr. Bowdoin, was elected governor of Massachusetts, at the last election, in the place of Mr. Hancock, who was chosen Member of Congress for the next Session. The parties shew some rancour and acrimony at the Time, but since the Election, every thing has subsided, and the present governor is very popular. It is generally supposed here; that Mr. Hancock, will next year be seated in the chair of Congress. I don\u2019t know however, whether he has accepted the appointment.\n     Mr. Osgood, Mr. Walter Livingston, and Mr. Arthur Lee, are the Commissioners of the Treasury. Mr. Lee was chosen a few days since: and has accepted. The board could not be composed of persons more universally respected.\n     Mr. de Marbois it is said will in a short time leave America; and Mr. Otto, formerly, a secretary to the Chevalier de la Luzerne, is to succeed him: I believe he will not regret this Country: nor do I think he will be much regretted himself. The Chevalier is supposed to be much more friendly to the Country, and is much more respected here. Many persons wonder why a Minister is not sent from the Court of France.\n     After reading this Letter, you will perhaps think I had better be at my Studies, and give you an account of their progress, than say so much upon politics. But while I am in this place I hear of nothing but politics. When I get home I shall trouble my head very little about them. I propose leaving this next monday the 8th. instant and shall certainly be in Boston by the 20th.\n      I am your dutiful Son.\n      J. Q. Adams\n      P.S. Please to present my duty to my dear Mamma: I will write if I can find time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0081", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 9 \u2013 19 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      New York August 9th. 1785. Tuesday\n     Mr. S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m, the Sweedish Consul, has been here about a fortnight. I went this morning about a mile out of town with him, and was introduced to a Mr. Bayard. He has two Daughters that are among the toasts; one of them I think very pretty. Mr. Bayard I hear was in the late war violent on the wrong side of the Question. It is the case with a great number, of the most reputable families in the place. But those differences are in a way to be forgot, and families of both parties are sociable together.\n     Dr. Johnson, a delegate from Rhode Island Connecticut, went out of town a few days ago. Mr. Ellery from Rhode Island lately sprain\u2019d his ancle, and cannot attend Congress, so that there are now only 8 States on the floor: very little or no business can be done, when there are no more present: and therefore this day Congress adjourned till next Monday. It is expected, that before that time, Doctor Johnson will return, and Mr. Ellery will recover. And there is a delegate expected daily from North Carolina; this will make up eleven States. There has not been a fuller representation since the Confederation was form\u2019d.\n     I dined to day in company with Mr. Paine, the author of common Sense; with Dr. Witherspoon, and Dr. Gordon, who arrived here a few days since.\u2014Wherever I go I hear a repetition of the same questions, how you all do? How you like Europe? What Country you prefer? When you will return? and a hundred other such. I am almost wearied to Death with them, and I sometimes think of writing a list of the Questions with the answers, and whenever a person begins to make any Questions, I would give him the Paper, and so content him at once. I expect the evil will rather increase than diminish, when I get to Boston. But there will be an end to it.\n     Since my arrival here, Every moment of my time has been taken up, and yet I have had little or nothing to do. I had a great number of Letters, as you know, and have been wholly employ\u2019d in paying visits and going into Company. I have been introduced at different times to almost all the Members of Congress, and to a great number of the Inhabitants of the City. I have every where been treated with a great deal of politeness and complaisance and it has been peculiarly pleasing, because upon many occasions I knew attentions were paid me, for my father\u2019s sake. I have spent more time than I expected to when I arrived; several circumstances have detained me, from day to day, but is now high time for me to think seriously of being gone: and of this you may be sure, that if I am in good health, I will not be in New York, after next Monday the 15th. instant.\n     I have at length been over to Long-Island, and paid my visit to Madam de Marbois. I ought to have done it long before now: for I don\u2019t know any place where People are more attach\u2019d to a certain etiquette, (that of visiting) than here. Madam, is a spruce, pretty, little woman; and speaks french very well. There was a very sumptuous entertainment to day at Genl. Knox\u2019s. Near thirty persons present. I there saw the Baron de Steuben for the first time: he lives at a Country seat near the City, which he calls his Louvre. What a name, for a Republican! Such a trifling incident sometimes discovers the real sentiments of a man, more than important actions. However we must never form an opinion rashly upon any subject.\n     I am much at a loss how to go from here. If I go by water, I shall lose an opportunity of seeing the Country; and probably another will not present itself for many years; if ever. If I go by the stage, it is so close, a carriage, and goes I am told so fast, that I shall have little opportunity of seeing any part of the Country I shall go through: and it is an expensive way of travelling. I have been advised to buy an horse, and go in that manner: I am told that I may sell him when I get to Boston, near as much if not quite, what one will cost me here: and go in that way at least as cheap as I go in the Stage. But then I am exposed to twenty chances, and am not sure of selling him, if I should get safe home. I am quite in a dilemma: and much in want of advice: I have been looking at several horses: and have found only one, that would be proper: he belongs to the Dutch Minister: but he asks 50 \u00a3 this currency for him. This sum frightens me, and I believe I must after all go in the Stage, next Monday.\n     Mr. Chaumont left Town this afternoon, and will wait for me to morrow, at a place 10 miles distant from the City, for I have at length determined, for the sake of going with him, to buy the horse as Mr. van Berkel has agreed to take 45 \u00a3 for him. Mr. Chaumont goes in a Chaise, with two horses. I shall ride, alternately in the Chaise with him and on my own horse, and I hope in ten days time to be at Boston.\n     The president is in a very ill state of health; and his present Situation, is certainly not the thing for recovering it. He intended to sail down to day to Sandy Hook, and try if the Sea air, would not be serviceable to him. But he found himself so unwell this morning that he could not go. Why is it the lot of great men to call with justice their lives a long disease? And why cannot one person be blest, with health of body, and strength of mind?\n     14th. Hall\u2019s tavern 10 miles from New York\n     This afternoon I came here, and found Mr. Chaumont waiting for me; to-morrow we shall proceed on our journey. I am afraid our Parents will think this is an imprudent, headless scheme of mine, and I now almost wish I had either gone by water or by the Stage to Boston. But I chuse they should know every thing I have done. I may commit faults, but I will not add to them, by concealing them.\n     This is one of the most elegant tavern\u2019s I know of. I have never seen any in England superior to it. It is a very large house situated upon a small hill, and commands a most beautiful prospect. Parties of Company often come from the City, to spend a day here: and the master of the house owns the stage that goes to Boston. To morrow we are told we shall have bad roads: those from N. York here are very good.\n     We have been able to come only 22 miles to day. The roads have been very bad, and this is the hottest day, we have had since I arrived. We are here but 5 miles distant from the rivulet which seperates the States of N. York and Connecticut. So that I shall be to morrow, in the midst of the yankee Country.\u2014This State you know, formerly was settled by the Dutch. It seems as if that people, had a mortal aversion, to every piece of ground that was not a bog. Their settlements on the coast of Africa, are all low lands like their own Country. Their islands in the West Indies, lie almost all of them level with the water or very near it. And in this State, which belonged to them, the lands are very low. They are however in general very good, and their produce is for the most part, the same, with that in the New England States. The crops this year are uncommonly fine; all, except those of indian corn, which has not had rain, enough. This may be of great advantage to us, if the drowth in Europe continued after I sail\u2019d.\n      Norwalk. Connecticut\n     We are now only 54 miles from New York. The Sun, has been still more powerful to day than it was yesterday, and we have rode only 21 miles. We are absolutely necessitated to lay by 5 or 6 hours, in the middle of the day, and can only ride mornings and evenings.\u2014I can perceive a great alteration in the manners of the People already. There is a bluntness, and an assurance here, which does not exist in the State of New York. The manners of the People there are much more similar, to those of the Europeans. Their ancient form of government, was not so free as those of New England. Their extensive manors, which descended by law entirely to eldest sons, promoted an aristocratic spirit, which was very contrary to Liberty. The Legislature of the State are so fully sensible of this that they have pass\u2019d laws, permitting the Proprietors of the manors, to dispose of them as they please, and divide them in as many parts as they please. This will probably have an excellent effect, but the People have not yet acquired that Republican Confidence, which wise Laws, and a longer enjoyment of their Liberty, may inspire them with, and which the inhabitants of N. England possess in an high degree.\n      New-Haven\n     I could not write a word yesterday, because, in order to get here, we rode till almost midnight; for this is 38. miles from Norwalk, and that, with this weather, and these roads, and the same horses, is a very long days journey. This is one of the Capitals of Connecticut, and was about 18 months ago made a City: five towns, Hartford, New-Haven, New London, Norwich, and Middleton, were form\u2019d into Corporations, so that this State has five Cities, while poor Massachusetts has not one, for there they could not form a corporation even at Boston.\u2014I had a number of Letters for this place, and among the rest, those of Mr. Jarvis for his Lady, and for Mr. Broome. I have deliver\u2019d them, and Mr. Broome, has been polite beyond my expectation. But unfortunately I shall not be able to see Mrs. Jarvis, who is now at Huntington on Long Island, and will not be here in less than a month\u2019s time. Mr. Broome lives in a charming situation. His house is on an hill, directly opposite the harbour, and the tide comes up within 20 rods of it. Mr. Platt lives a few doors from him on the same hill, and with the same prospect. I have met with my friend Brush here too. He sail\u2019d from Marseilles a few days before I did from l\u2019Orient, and had a much longer passage. He has been here about a fortnight. It is said he is an admirer of Miss Betsey Broome; I wonder at it much, if it is true, for their characters appear to me to be very dissimilar. He is full of vivacity, and life, and she seems to be as phlegmatic, and cool, as a Dutchman. He is quite sociable, and from her, it is with the utmost difficulty you can draw from her the assenting particles yes and no. But when she goes so far as to say \u201cthat is true,\u201d and \u201cit is so,\u201d it is quite a miracle. Do not think this a precipitate judgment. I own I cannot be myself a competent judge, as I never saw her before to day: but this is her reputation every where: and Brush himself has given me nearly this Character of her. You know Mr. Broome has two twin sons. Yesterday, they were both of them taken ill together, and were so, all night: to day they are both much better: this is a very singular circumstance, and it has already happened once before. We dined at Mr. Broome\u2019s to day, and were going in the afternoon, about 2 miles out of town to view a Cave famous for having served as a shelter for two of Charles the 1sts. Judges. But a thunder shower prevented our going. It was a most tremendous one, while it lasted, which was not more than half an hour. We had some as heavy claps as any I remember ever to have heard and the lightning fell once in the water about 30 rods from Mr. Broome\u2019s door.\n     I this morning paid a visit to Mr. Stiles the President of the College here. He was very civil, and shew me all the curiosities belonging to the University. The library is neither as large nor as elegant, as your Pappa\u2019s, and the natural curiosities, as well as artificial are but few. There are however a number of stones found in the Country, which would not disgrace an European Cabinet. They were more interesting to me, on account of their belonging, to the natural history of my own Country.\n     To morrow morning we shall again set out to proceed on our journey, and Mr. Broome and Mr. Brush will go with us as far as Hartford. I am very impatient to get home to Boston: both because I wish to see my friends there; and because I expect to find letters there from you. I shall continue my relation as I have done till now; although I very much fear it will look dull and insipid to you. Your Candour is all on which I depend. Your Brother.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0082-0001", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n       Dear Sir\n      The Want of a sufficient Power in Congress to regulate the national Concerns of the United States is now pretty generally seen and has been severely felt. In the opening of the last Session of the Gen Court, the Governor in his Address to both Houses among other Things laments that Congress had not been authorized to regulate their foreign Trade, and suggests the Necessity of further Powers being given to that Body. The Legislature took the Matter into Consideration and prepared Letters to the several States, to the President of Congress and to their own Delegates proposing a Convention for the purpose of revising the Confederation and of curing the Evils felt and apprehended. But untill that could be effected, Measures were adopted and Laws enacted to prevent the Excess of Importations and to counteract the operation of those Laws of Great Britain which more immediately affect our Commerce\u2014as You will find by the enclosed Papers.\n      I have enclosed an Account of the Transaction of your Affairs to the 21st. Ultimo which Mr. Cranch has examined.\n      Master Charles has entered College. Mr. John has arriv\u2019d at New York. I expect him dayly. In a few Days I shall probably draw upon You for \u00a350 or 100\u00a3 as I apprehend the encreasing Expence of the Education of Your Children will make it necessary. I wish You equal Success at London, as heretofore at the Hague, And Am with sincere Regard Yours\n       Cotton Tufts\n       P.S. I shall write more fully to Mrs. Adams upon Your domestic Concerns.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0082-0002", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Account, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\nThe Honble. John Adams Esq. to Cotton Tufts as His Attorney \n      To Cash pd. Nath. Austin 19/6\n      To Nath. Willis 30/9\n      To Cash pd. Jno. Gill 24/ 1/2 qe Paper 9d\n      To Thos. Russell Esq for 16 years Rent of Verchilds Land\n      To Elkh. Thayer for ditching 30/ pd for Glass & Putty 9/\n      Octob.\n      To Saml. Eliot for Cloathing for yr. children\n      To half a Day at Braintree in adjusting Accounts &c\n      To Revd. Jno. Shaw 40/ To Sundry Persons by ordr. of Mrs. Adams 72/\n      To Revd. Jno. Shaw 60/ To Jona Marsh for a pr. Boots to Charles 27/\n      To 1/2 Day at Boston 7/6\n      To 1/2 Day at Braintree 6/\n      To Cash pd. for recordg. Will. Adams Deed 2/6 for Searchg Records of 2 1/2\n      To Do. paid David Bass for Salt Marsh bought of him\n      To 1 Day at Braintree settling the Survey Purchase &c\n      To Cash pd. for recordg Deed 3/\n      To 1 Day myself & Horse 12/ To Cash pd. James Thayer for Land \u00a360\n      To Cash pd. for Cloathing for Mast. Charles & Thos\n      To Revd. Jno. Shaw \u00a36. To recordg James Thayers Deed 2/6\n      March\n      To pd for a Singing Book 6/ Wards Grammar 3/ for Thos\n      To 1/2 Day at Braintree 6/\n      To pd for 2 Crevats 8/2\n      To 1/2 Dy. at Boston 7/6\n      To Gayus Thayer for Your own and Farm Rates\n      April\n      To Andw. Newell 8.3.0. To part of a Day at Boston 7/6\n      To Cash pd. Elias Burdett in Advance for Building\n      To a Journey to Medford to give Lease for Medford Farm &c\n      To Revd. Jno. Shaw 90/\n      To part Journey to Boston 6/\n      To Cash for 1 pc. Linnen for Children 84/\n      To Davd. Marsh\u2019s Bill for Shoes 57/4\n      To Revd. Jno. Shaw 71/10\n      June\n      To Mrs. Shaw to purchase Cloathg. 8.4.0\n      To Revd. Jno. Shaw Quarty Bill 14.8.0 To Register 1/ 2 1/2 To Phoebe 8/\n      To. Ebenz. Burdett in full for Building as Pr. Agreement\n      To Thos. Russell Esq 1 Yrs. Rent for Verchilds Land 48/\n      To Willm. Homer for Repairs of House at Boston\n      To Cash for Charles a Hat and Cravats\n      July\n      To Cash now on hand to Ballance\n      June\n      By a Ballance of Cash left in my Hands by Mrs. Adams\n      By Cash recd. of Mrs. Smith left in her Hands by Do\n      By Do. recd. of the Executors of Revd. Willm. Smiths Will\n      By Do. recd. of Andw. Newall 1 qr. Rent\n      Octob.\n      By Do. recd. of Matthew Pratt for Yoke of Oxen\n      By Do. recd. of Phoebe 36/2\n      Andw. Newall 1 qr. Rent 15\u00a3\n      By Do. recd. of Matthew Pratt for Farm Produce\n      By Do. recd. of Alexr. Hill on Ballance of Acctts\n      By Do. recd. of Benj. Guilds in full of his Note\n      By do. recd. in part for Certificates for Intt. on Continl Notes\n      By Do. recd. of Phoebe 12/10\n      March\n      By Thos. Pratt on Acct. 16/6\n      By my Bill of Exchange in favour of James Elworthy for \u00a350 stg. 5 P. Ct. above par is 52.10.0\u2014Lawful Money\n      March\n      By Cash recd. of Matthew Pratt. Ballance of Farm Acctts\n      By Do. recd. of Royall Tyler Esq for Debts collected\n      April\n      By Do. recd. of Andw. Newall 1 qr. Rent\n      Do. recd. of Mrs. Otis for Dorset Alley 1 Yr\n      June\n      By my Order in favour of James Elworthy for \u00a311. 12. 0 sterg Exchange 6 P. Ct.\u2014in Law My\n      By Andw. Newall 1 qr Rent to the 30 Apr. last\n      July\n      By Cash recd. for Interest\n      By Do. recd. of Matthew Pratt on Farm Acct.\n       Weymouth July 4. 1785\n       Errors Excepted Per Cotton Tufts\n      Weymouth: July 21st. 1785. At the Request of the Honble. Cotton Tufts Esq. I have particularly gone over and examined the foregoing Account, and find it right cast and properly Vouched in all its Parts.\n       Richard Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0083", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 11 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My dear son\n      London August 11th. 1785 Grosvenor Square\n     I went from my own little writing room below stairs just now into your Pappas; where Mr. Storer was writing for him. Col. Smith having set of upon a Tour in order to see the Prussian Review which takes place upon the 20 of this Month, Mr. Storer whilst he remains here; has offerd to supply his Place. Upon my going into the room he told me that a vessel would sail for Boston tomorrow, which is the first I knew of the Matter. Lyde is expected to sail in a few days and by him I design to forward Letters to my Friends, but tho as usual I have several partly written none are compleat. I however told Mr. Storer that I would take my pen and write you a few lines, just to tell you that we are all well and are now quite settled, that we wait with impatience to hear from you. Mr. Short came here last week from Paris upon Buisness, he sets of tomorrow for the Hague. Mr. Jefferson Col. Humphries Mr. Williamos &c. are all well. Mr. W is waiting as usual for the moveing of the waters. If you get the English news papers you will think that the Father of Liars is turnd Printer. Not a paper which has not some venom. I hope the Scripture Benidiction will be fullfilld upon those who are falsly accused and persecuted. They however do not often attack us personally, only as the Representitive of America &c. I was not displeased with one paragraph provided it would have a proper effect upon our Country. It was this \u201cthe American minister has not yet paid his Way, that is given a diaplomatick dinner to the Ministers, because Congress Paper will not pass here.\u201d If it was expensive living in France, it is much more so in London, but I trust our Country will either consider us, or permit us to return.\n     The King of France has publishd an Arret prohibiting British Manufactories under severe penalties, in concequence of which 8 thousand Gauze and Muslin looms have stoped working here. I will inclose to you two or 3 News papers.\n     Captain Lyde will take Letters. The contents of some of them, you will be surprizd at, but, at the same time you will approve the wise conduct of the writer who has shewn a firmness of mind and prudence which do her honour. Be Silent! We are all rejoiced because it came of her own accord free and unsolicited from her, and was the result I believe of many Months anxiety as you were witness.\n     Remember me to all my Friends your Brothers in particular. I have not time to add an other line. I do not know whether your sister writes by this vessel to you. Let me hear from you by every opportunity. I have given Mr. Storer a Letter from Mr. Murray for you. Mr. and Mrs. Temple sail next week for New York. Tis near four and I must dress for dinner. Once more adieu. Your sister and I miss you much. We want you to walk and ride with us, but we know and hope you are much more usefully employd. I am going with your sister this afternoon to Hamstead to drink tea with Mrs. Hay, who resides out there. I shall call and take Mrs. Rogers to accompany us. We all went last week to accompany Mr. Short to the Hay Market, but who can realish the English after having been accustomed to the French Stage? A Siddons may reconcile me to it, but I believe nothing else will.\n     I never know when to leave of, once more adieu and beliee me most tenderly Yours.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0084", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to Royall Tyler, 11 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Tyler, Royall\n     Herewith you receive your letters and miniature with my desire that you would return mine to my Uncle Cranch, and my hopes that you are well satisfied with the affair as is", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0088", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My dear sister\n      London Grosvenor Square August 15 1785\n     When I wrote you by Captain Dashood, I was obliged for want of time to break of before I had noticed certain parts of your Letter, some of which gave me anxiety, particularly that which related to a certain Gentleman, of whose present affairs, or future intentions we know nothing of. I had written to you upon this Subject but not having time to transcribe more than half my Letter, that part was omitted. I am not now sorry that it was, as neither he or his affairs in future will be of any material importance to us, for when this reaches you it will accompany a final dismission of him. I have for sometime observed a more than common anxiety in the appearence of your Neice, which I sometimes attributed to the absence of her Brother, but several times she had dropt hints as if returning to America soon, was not an object near her Heart and I knew that nothing had taken place here to attach her. A few days since, something arose which led her in conversation to ask me, if I did not think a Gentleman of her acquaintance a Man of Honour? I replied yes a Man of strict honour, and I wisht I could say that of all her acquaintance. As she could not mistake my meaning, instead of being affected as I apprehended she said, a breach of honour in one party would not justify a want of it in the other. I thought this the very time to speak. I said if she was conscious of any want of honour on the part of the Gentleman, I and every Friend she had in the world, would rejoice if she could liberate herself.\n     Here ended the conversation, she retired to her Chamber and I to mine. About two hours after she sent me a Billet, with the copy of two Letters, which she desired me to communicate if I thought proper. In the Billet she asks if her Father was included in the Friends I mentioned. If he was, she should be deliverd from a state of anxiety she had long known. She adds that she dreads his displeasure, and will not in future take a step unapproved by him. Thanks Heaven that her mind is not in so weak a state as to feel a partiality which is not returnd. That no state of mind is so painfull as that which admits, of fear, suspicion, doubt, dread and apprehension. \u201cI have too long\u201d says she \u201cknown them all\u2014and I am determined to know them no longer.\u201d You may be sure I did not fail of communicating the whole to her Father, the result of which was a conversation with her. He told her that it was a serious matter, and that he hoped it was upon mature deliberation she acted, that he was a perfect stranger to the Gentleman, that his Character had been such as to induce him to give his consent not so freely as he could wish: but because he conceived her affections engaged. But if she had reason to question the strictest honour of the Gentleman, or supposed him capable of telling her that he had written Letters when he had not, he had rather follow her to her Grave, than see her united with him. She has not received but one Letter since last December, and that a short one, and by what I can learn only four since she left America. In that by Lyde he says that he had written to her and to her parents by way of Amsterdam. I doubted it when she told me, tho I kept silence, but I find now she is of the same opinion. She request that neither the Name or subject may ever be mentiond to her, and I hope none of her Friends will be so unwise as to solicit for him. The Palmers will be the most likely, but the die is cast.\n     It is not worth his while to make a Bustle. I dont think it will kill him. He would have been more solicitious to have kept his prize, if he had known the value of it. It is a maxim in a favorite Author of his, that a woman may forgive the man she loves an indiscretion, but never a neglect. But it is not merely a want of proper attention you well know my Dear sister which has been the source of anxiety to me, or to her either. I have always told him, that he was his own greatest enemy. Such he has proved. She appears much more cheerfull since she has unburthend her mind. There is however a degree of delicacy necessary to be preserved, between persons who have thought favourably of each other, even in their seperation. I do not wish that a syllable more may be said upon the subject, than just to vindicate her, and I believe very little will do that, in the Eye of the world.\n     We are agreeably enough situated here in a fine open square, in the middle of which is a circle inclosed with a neat grated fence; around which are lighted every night about sixty Lamps. The border next the fence is grass, the circle is divided into five grass plots. One in the midle is a square upon which is a statue of Gorge 2d. on horse back. Between each of the plots are gravel walks and the plots are filld with clumps of low trees thick together which is calld Shrubbery, and these are surrounded with a low Hedge, all together a pretty effect. I have got a set of servants which I hope are good, but time must prove them. I shall lose a very agreeable companion in Mrs. Temple. She goes out this week. I have had more intimacy with her than with any other American, as she has been situated near to me, and has been very sociable. Mrs. Rogers is benevolence itself, it is impossible to know her without feeling a sisterly regard for her. I regret that she is 3 miles distant from me. Mrs. Atkinson too is agoing out in a few days, as well as Mr. Storer whom we shall greatly miss. Mrs. Hay resides at Hamstead about 4 miles out. Mrs. Copely is an agreeable woman whom I visit. Mrs. West also; wife to Mr. West the celebrated painter, is a friendly sensible Lady in whose company I expect a good deal of pleasure. Mr. Vassels family who reside at Clapham I have both visited, and received visits from. There is a Mrs. Johnson Lady to a Gentleman from Philadelphia who is setled here in Buisness that I have some acquaintance with. There are several others who have visited me, but almost everybody is out of Town. I am not however so solitary as at Auteuil. They tell me I shall get attached to England by and by, but I do not believe it\u2014the people must Love my country and its inhabitants better first. They must discover a more amicable temper towards us. Yet there are worthy good individuals here whom I Esteem.\n     What you wrote with respect to my Mother gave me uneasiness. I am sorry she had not spoken her mind before I went away. I know Mr. Adams has written to her desireing her to call upon the dr for what she may want. As to Mr. Adams\u2019s having every thing which belong\u2019d to her in his Hands, I know not the meaning of it. The estate which was left him by his Father which did not amount to more than 30 acres of land; I know she had her thirds in, and it was never divided; but the income of it could not amount to much deducting taxes. I will send by Mr. Storer 2 Guineys to be given to you for her, which you will take a receit for, and I will take some opportunity to mention it to Mr. Adams and take his orders about it. I should have done it before now, but he has been so engaged with publick buisness and private applications that I hated to worry him as I knew this would. And then there were at the time, other things in the Letter, that I did not wish to trouble him with.\n     I hope my son has arrived before now, tho the French Consul who calld yesterday upon us with Letters from some of Mr. Adams friends in Boston brought no news of the May pacquet tho he left Boston the fourth of july. I have not yet got a line by Capt. Callihan. I cannot but think I must have some letters from some of you.\n     I have been to Mr. Elworthys in hopes to find Letters but not one can I hear of. From thence to the post office. Mr. Storer got his on Saturday, this is tuesday and I hear nothing of any. The servant came yesterday to me for two Guineys and half to pay the postage of a packet of Letters from America. Well now thought I we have got a fine Bugget. I ran and got the money, and down I went in full expectation, and when I came, behold it was a pacquet from New York for Col. Smith, who being gone a journey had orderd all his letters to be left here. One of the Bundles contains the New York papers up to 6 of july, but alass no mention of the arrival of the May pacquet, which makes me not a little anxious: for supposing all well it must have been at sea for more than six weeks.\n     I have sent by Captain Lyde a few Books amongst the children which you will see distributed as directed. What letters I cannot get ready to send by him Mr. Storer will take. Continue my dear sister to write me particularly tell me all, and every thing about my Friends my Neighbours, &c.\n     If an opportunity should offer I wish you to send me a doz. of Chocolate, it must be put in some captains chest.\n     Esther is well now tho she has been very sick since she came to England. I keep her intirely about my person so that she has no hard work of any kind to do. She sews and dresses my hair and Nabbys. She has not even to sweep a chamber, as that falls into the department of the House maid, and is considerd as beneath a Ladies Maid. I do not say this because she is not willing to do it, or any thing else, but as there was one person whom I must have in that capacity; I chose it should be she. They are more particular here I think than in France.\n     Remember me to every body who inquires after me. Mrs. Temple is to visit me to day for the last time before she goes out.\n     I shall endeavour to write by every opportunity. Love to Mr. Cranch and my dear Neices to whom I shall write if I have time. Let me know how Charles succeeded! Adieu. We have company to dine to day, and I must quit my pen to dress.\n     Believe me most tenderly & affectionately Yours\n      A Adams\n      Mr. Bulfinch was well a few days since when he calld here. He has been here several times. I met Master George Apthorp in Kensington Gardens the other day, he was so grown that I did not know him at first. My compliment to his Mamma and sisters.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0089", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 15 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\n      My dear sister\n     I have been situated here for near six weeks. It is one of the finest squares in London. The air is as pure as it can be so near a Great city. It is but a small distance from Hide Park, round which I sometimes walk, but oftner ride. It resembles Boston Common, much larger and more beautified with Trees. On one side of it is a fine river. St. James Park and Kensington Gardens are two other fashonable walks which I am very sensible I ought to improve oftner than I do. One wants society in these places. Mrs. Temple is the only person near me with whom I can use the freedom of calling upon to ride or walk with me, and she to my no small regret I am going to lose. Mrs. Rogers is an American and one of the most Benevolent women in the world: but is 3 miles distant from me. A sister of hers is like to be setled near you I hear. Visit her my sister, she is the counterpart of the amiable Mrs. Rogers. I have some acquaintance with her, she is the Friend and correspondent of your Neice. Mrs. Rogers and she too, have too much of \u201cthe tremblingly alive all over\u201d to be calculated for the rough Scenes of Life. Mrs. Hay resides out at Hamstead about 4 miles from London. We visit, but they have such a paltry custom of dinning here at night, that it ruins that true American Sociability which only I delight in. Polite circles are much alike throughout Europe. Swift\u2019s journal of a modern fine Lady tho written 60 years ago is perfectly applicable to the present day, and tho noted as the changeable sex; in this Scene of dissapation they have been steady.\n     I shall never have much society with these kind of people, for they would not like me, any more than I do them. They think much more of their titles here than in France. It is not unusual to find people of the highest rank there, the best bred and the politest people. If they have an equal share of pride, they know better how to hide it. Until I came here, I had no idea what a National and illiberal inveteracy the English have against their better behaved Neighbours, and I feel a much greater partiality for them than I did whilst I resided amongst them. I would recommend to this Nation a little more liberality and discernment. Their contracted sentiments leads them to despise all other Nations: perhaps I should be chargable with the same narrow sentiments if I give America the preference over these old European Nations. In the cultivation of the arts and improvement in manufactories they greatly excell us, but we have native Genious capacity and ingenuity equal to all their improvements, and much more general knowledge diffused amongst us. You can scarcly form an Idea how much superiour our common people as they are termd, are to those of the same rank in this country. Neither have we that servility of Manners which the distinction between nobility and citizens gives to the people of this Country. We tremble not, neither at the sight or Name of Majesty. I own that I never felt myself in a more contemptable situation than when I stood four hours together for a gracious smile from Majesty. Witness to the anxious solicitude of those around me for the same mighty Boon. I however had a more dignified honour as his Majesty deigned to salute me.\n     I have not been since to the drawing room, but propose going to the next. As the company are chiefly out of Town the ceremony will not be so tedious.\n     As to politicks, the English continue to publish the most abusive bare faced falshoods against America that you can conceive of. Yet glaring as they are, they gain credit here, and shut their Eyes against a friendly and liberal intercourse. Yet their very existance depends upon a friendly union with us. How the pulse of the Ministry beat, time will unfold, but I do not promise or wish to myself a long continuance here. Such is the temper of the two Nations towards each other, that if we have not peace we must have war. We cannot resign the intercourse and quit each other. I hope however that it will not come to that alternative.\n     Captain Callihan arrived last week from Boston which place he left 4 of july. I was not a little mortified in not receiving a single Letter by him. I sought for them in every place where I thought it probable they might be. I am not without hope that the Captain himself may yet have some in his private care as the letters in the bag generally are landed at Dover and sent by land several days before the ship gets up, but as Captain Lyde sails directly I must finish my Letters and send them this afternoon.\n     I am not a little anxious for my son, as we have the News papers from New York up to july 6th and he was not then arrived. He sailed the 21 of May, and must have a very tedious passage. I shall wait very impatiently for the next packet. I had hoped that he was in Boston by that time.\n     How did Charles succeed, I want very much to know? And how Tommy comes on. I have sent him a Book and one to each of my neices and Nephews. I wish it was in my power to do more for my Friends, but thus it is. We did not bring the last year about upon our anual allowence, and very far were we from being extravagent.\n     Remember me kindly to Mr. Shaw, Mr. Thaxter and all our Friends and believe me most affectionately\n      Your sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0091", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      MiddletonAugust 20th: 1785\n     This morning we left Hartford New Haven, accompanied by Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, who wishing to take a ride to Hartford, took this opportunity, which is a very agreeable Circumstance to us. We at first intended to have gone directly to Hartford this day. But as I had a Letter for Genl. Parsons, one of the aldermen of this City, and as we were told it was worth our while to use this road, which is only 2 miles longer than the other, we determined to go no further than this, to-day: it is only 28 miles from New Haven. This is a much smaller place than that, but I think full as agreeably situated. It stands upon the side, of an hill on the banks of the Connecticut River, which deserves the poet\u2019s lays as much as ever the Rhine, the Danube, or the Tiber did. Many parts of the Country through which we have past, and especially the banks of this River, are highly cultivated, and I was never so much delighted with the appearance of any Country, probably because, I never felt so much interested, in any of those I have travell\u2019d through. Genl. Parsons spent the Evening with us. I feel a peculiar veneration for him, because he told me, he was three years at Harvard College, with my father, and was at that time intimate with him. We proceed to-morrow, for Hartford.\n      Hartford\n     It is only 14 miles from hence to Middleton, so that we got here, before 9 o\u2019clock this morning. Part of the road, is along by the side of the River, but some times you leave it, to ascend an hill from whence there are some of the most beautiful Prospects I ever beheld. There are several such on this Road. Three miles before this we came through, the town of Weathersfield, which is greatly celebrated for the Singers, it produces. Indeed all over Connecticut, they pay great attention to their singing at meeting. Mr. Chaumont went with us this afternoon; and as soon as the Service was over, he told me he had been struck with the singing. I own I was very agreeably, although I had already been told, of the fact. Here I have seen Coll. Wadsworth, with whom I suppose you are not acquainted, and Mr. Trumbull, with whom I had a great deal of Conversation this afternoon. I wish I could have an opportunity of forming a nearer acquaintance; but cannot be gratified, as we propose leaving Hartford to-morrow.\n     We have rode 16 miles this afternoon: for we did not leave Hartford till 4 o\u2019clock. Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, left us in the morning, and return\u2019d to New Haven. We went in the forenoon out with Coll. Wadsworth, to his farm, 2 or 3 miles out of the City. He there shew us a number of the largest oxen we ever saw: they really appeared monstrous to us, yet, Cattle of this size, are not uncommon, we are told in this State. What such an amazing difference, in the same kind of animals, is owing to I cannot conceive. We dined with Coll. Wadsworth, and were not able to ride further this afternoon, on account of the weather which is very warm.\n     Thirty six miles nearer home, than yesterday, and at length arrived into the State itself. At about 9 this morning, we cross\u2019d Connecticut River, near Springfield, where it serves as a barrier between the two States. Two days more will carry us I hope to the town Boston. The roads in this State, are much rougher, and more disagreeable than the greatest part of those in Connecticut. I have been known at two or three taverns, by my resemblance to my father, who has travelled these roads more than once.\n     We have proceeded, only 31 miles to-day owing to several circumstances; we shall have 42 to-morrow, an hard days work, but I hope we shall perform it, if the weather is good. The roads as we are told, and as we may naturally suppose, grow better as we come nearer to the Capital. We came through Worcester this afternoon, and are now but 6 miles from it. This I think is where your Pappa studied Law, and the appearance of the town pleased me very much; I wished to stop there this Night, but it would have made our Journey of to-morrow, too long.\n     Thursday, August 25th: Boston\n     The heart of the most loyal frenchmen, has not felt this day, so great, and so real a pleasure as mine has. Our motives are certainly very different. Their\u2019s because it is the jour de f\u00eate, de Son bon Roi; (all kings of France you know are bons Rois) mine, the idea, of being after a seven years absence, return\u2019d to my own dear home, and amidst the friends of my Infancy, and those who are dear to me by the ties of blood. My Satisfaction cannot be now complete. The absence, of two of the best Parents in the World, and of a Sister on whose happiness my own depends, can certainly be compensated by nothing; but I will think as Little of this as possible, and turn all my ideas to pleasing Subjects. I have not yet told you how I got here. This morning, before 4 o\u2019clock, we got under way, and by riding till about 9 this evening, we got to Bracket\u2019s tavern. There was no lodging to be had there: the house, was full, as there are now a great number of foreigners in town. We then came down, to a Mrs. Kilby\u2019s in State Street, where we have obtained one Room between us both. It is now eleven o\u2019clock, and I am much fatigued: so I must lay down my pen for the present.\n     The first thing I did this morning, was to go to Uncle Smith\u2019s. Betsey came to the door, and as you may well suppose I knew her immediately: but she did not know me. Your uncle was at his Store; and Mr. William set out this morning, on a journey to the Eastward. Your Aunt ask\u2019d abundance of Questions about you. I went down to Uncle Smith\u2019s store. He knew me as soon as he saw me, and immediately enquired when I arrived. Upon my telling him, last night, I suppose, said he, you could not find the way to our house. I found here all my trunks, both those that were sent from Holland, and those I embark\u2019d at New-York. But I enquired in vain for Letters from you: none were to be found, so I am now obliged to set out on fresh hopes; and though I have received but four short pages from you, since I left Auteuil, yet I have no doubt but you have been as punctual as myself; and I am sure, if all I have written, affords you half the pleasure, one of your Letters does to me, I shall never regret my time. I Dined with Uncle Cranch, Lucy and Betsey were both in town. We sat, and look\u2019d at one another; I could not speak, and they could only ask now and then a Question concerning you. How much more expressive this Silence, than any thing we could have said. I am glad to see you, will do for a Stranger, and a person quite indifferent to us; but may I always find a silent reception from my real friends. Don\u2019t think I am grown too sentimental; I felt so impatient to see my brother that I would not wait till to-morrow, and went in the afternoon with Mr. Smith and your Cousins, to Cambridge. Charles and your Cousin, are both well; but I spoilt Charles for Conversation by giving him your Letters; he was so eager to read them, that he was employ\u2019d a great part of the time we were there. He comes on well in his Studies, and, what is of great advantage, to a Student, has for his Chambermate, a youth, whose thirst for knowledge is insatiable. His name is Walker. He studied was about six months in Mr. Shaw\u2019s family, and it will be sufficient to say that all our friends, are much pleased with their being together at College. And I am perswaded it will afford peculiar Satisfaction to our Parents, who well know how much benifit is derived from the Spur of Emulation. I hope I shall be as fortunate as my Cousin, and brother have been, when I enter College, myself. To-morrow we go to Braintree.\n     Augt. 27th. Braintree\n     At length all the ideas, which have been for so long a time been playing upon my imagination, are realized, and now I may truly say,\n      A tous les coeurs bien n\u00e9s que la patrie est chere!\n      Qu\u2019avec ravissement, je revois ce s\u00e9jour!\n     I left Boston early in the afternoon, but stopp\u2019d on the road at several places; so that it was eight before I got here. Mr. Toscan, (the Vice, as you used to call him) and Mr. Chaumont came 4 or 5 miles out of town with me. You remember your Pappa gave Mr. Chaumont a Letter for the former governor, Who has occupied, Mr. Swan\u2019s house in Roxbury, all this Summer. He deliver\u2019d it this afternoon. And I thought this might be a proper time to pay him my visit too. He is at this time troubled with the gout, but not enough to prevent his seeing Company. From thence we went and drank tea at Mr. Hichborne\u2019s, Summer Seat, (for Summer Seats are high in vogue now). He was not at home himself, so that I saw only his Lady. There was considerable Company. There I left the gentlemen, and proceeded to Genl. Warren\u2019s. There I was cordially received. Poor Charles, is going again to try if he can recover any portion of Health. He went last Winter to the West Indies, and found himself much better, but has pined away again since he return\u2019d, and intends now to sail in the Course of the Week for Europe: he proposes spending the Winter at Lisbon. My wishes for him are much greater than my hopes. My last Stage, was at Uncle Adams\u2019s, there I saw our aged honour\u2019d Grandmamma, and I am perswaded, I have been more heartily welcomed by no person. The Question, which is so often repeated to me, When will they return? was one, of the first she ask\u2019d me. I could only answer with a sigh, which she understood as well, as if I had spoken. May she live to see the joyful day! It will be an happy one to her, and then may she never wish for your return again! When I arrived here, I perceived that I had left your Packet for Mr. Tyler, and the letters for your aunt, at Boston in my trunk. I was sorry it happened so; but the Circumstance was to my own Advantage, for it made them all more sociable, than they would have been; for as one of our Cousins told me, they have now time enough to talk with me, but your Letters will not last so long, and therefore when they have them, they must make as much of them as they can. Miss Eunice Paine, has spent some weeks here, and Cousin Betsey has spent a great part of the Summer in Boston; where she is learning to play upon the harpsichord.\n     I have attended the meeting twice to-day. I could not have supposed that the parson\u2019s voice, and looks and manner, would seem so familiar to me. I thought while he was preaching, that I had heard him every week ever since I left Braintree. As I look\u2019d round the meeting house every face, above 30, I knew; scarcely one, under 20. This did not at all surprize me, as I had already made the same observations with Respect to persons of our own family. As for Billy Cranch: I might have been an hundred times in Company with him, without having the most distant suspicion who he was, though I should at first sight, have known his father and mother, wherever I might have seen them. This afternoon I went down, and view\u2019d the well known habitation. My Sensations on this occasion cannot be described, but they were such that I did not stay two minutes in the House, nor would it give me the least pain, was I forbidden to enter it again, before your return. I went to the Library, and look\u2019d over the books, which are in good Condition; only somewhat musty and dusty, which shows that their owner is not with them.\n     My Paper bids me close, but it shall not be for long. Compliments, are useless to those we love. Your\u2019s.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0092", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Dear sir\n      London Grosvenor square August 21 1785\n     The Gentleman who is so kind as to convey this to you is from Carolina, his Name is Smith. He is a distant relation of mine, tho I have not the pleasure of much acquaintance with him. He has resided in England some time, and bears a Good Character here. Give me leave sir to introduce him to your notice.\n     Mr. Short left us last twesday for the Hague, I did myself the honour of writing to you by him.\n     I find by the last papers from New York that Mr. Rutledge is appointed Minister at the Hague; in the room of Mr. Levingstone who declined the embassy. There is no mention made of a Secretary.\n     You will probably see our Massachusetts Navigation act before this reaches you; it has struck the hireling scriblers dumb. There has been less abuse against the Americans in the papers since the publication of it; than for a long time before.\n     Ireland has exerted herself, and Pharoah and his host are overthrown. The Courier of Europe will doubtless give you the debates. The july packet arrived last week. Tho she left New York the seventh of july, she brought not a line of publick dispatch. A private Letter or two for Col. Smith, the contents of which we cannot know; as he is absent upon a Tour to Berlin.\n     I was much dissapointed to find that my son had not arrived when the packet saild. As the French packet sails sometime after the English, I am not without hopes that I may hear by that, and I will thank you sir to give me the earliest intelligence if she brings any account of the May packet.\n     Be so good as to present my Regards to Col. Humphries. Mr. Short gives us some encouragement to expect him here this winter. My Love to Miss Jefferson, to whom also my daughter desires to be rememberd. Our good old Friends the Abbes, I would tender my Regards. If I could write French; I would have Scribled a line to the Abbe Arnou.\n     I think Madam Helvitius must be very melancholy now Franklin as she used to call him is gone. It is said here by a Gentleman lately from Philadelphia, that they determine to elect the doctor president upon his arrival, as Mr. Dickinsons office expires in october.\n     In my Letter by Mr. Short I had taken the Liberty to request you to procure for me two or 3 articles, and to convey them by Col. Smith who talks of returning by way of Paris. But if he should not visit you, Mr. Smith when he returns will be so good as to take charge of them for me. But this I shall know in the course of a few weeks, and will take measures accordingly.\n     I am sir with Sentiments of Esteem Your Humble Servant\n      Abigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0093", "content": "Title: John Adams to Richard Cranch, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Cranch, Richard\n      My dear Brother\n      Grosvenor Square Westminster Aug. 22. 1785\n     I have received your kind Letter of June 3. and rejoice to hear of the Health and Welfare of our Friends.\n     The County did themselves Justice, when they put you into the Senate, and the State did itself Honour when it placed Mr. Bowdoin in the Chair. I think you must be happy and prosper under his Administration.\n     The Massachusetts, wise as it often has been, never Struck a more masterly Stroke, than by their Navigation Act. I hope they will persevere in it, with inflexible Firmness. This is playing a sure Game. It will compell all the other States to imitate it. If they do not, the Massachusetts will soon get so much of their carrying Trade as will richly compensate her, for any present Inconvenience. But I hope You will not Stop. Go on. Lay on heavy Duties upon all foreign Luxuries especially British and give ample Bounties to your own Manufactures. You will of course, continue to do all these Things upon the condition to continue in force only untill they Shall be altered by a Treaty of Commerce, or by an Ordinance of Congress.\n     My oldest son is with you, I hope, the Second is at Colledge and the third in good Health at Haverhill. Mrs. A. and Miss are with me, in Grosvenor Square in the Neighbourhood of Lord North.\n     We have a very good House, in as good an Air as this fat greasy Metropolis, can afford: But neither the House nor its furniture nor the manner of living in it, are Sufficiently Showy for the Honour and Interest of that Country, which is represented by it. If I ever do any Thing or carry any Point it will not be by imposing upon any Body by the Splendor of my Appearance. An American Minister should be able to keep a Table, to entertain his Countrymen, to return the Civilities of his Friends, to entertain People whose Aid is necessary to his political Purposes, and to entertain the foreign Ambassadors: But as the People of America, choose to place their Pride in having their Ambassadors abroad despized, or rather as they choose to be despized themselves, let them have their Choice. It is their Affair. I wish I was out of it.\n      Your affectionate Brother\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0094", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My dear son\n      London August 23 1785\n     I hope this will find you upon terra firma, tho in vain I searcht the New York papers of july 7th. to find you, since which I have been very anxious. Your passage I hope has been safe tho long and tedious.\n     I have written to you twice before since you left me and I believe you have a steady and faithfull correspondent in your sister, who having substituded you as her correspondent in lieu of her Lover hopes to find more punctuality in the return, than it seems she has met with else where. But this between ourselves.\n     I know you will be anxious to hear how the treaty is like to Succeed. You know the progress of courts, and that during a whole twelvemonth only one has concluded a treaty. The propositions are before the ministry. I have reason to think a conference will be held upon them this week. What will be the result time must unfold, the temper and disposition of the people does not look very favourable.\n     You will hear the fate of the Irish propositions, labourd with so much Zeal here as to keep the Parliament setting untill this month. The Irish however have made short work of them. You will also see the Arrets of his most Christian Majesty prohibiting the use of British Manufactories, which has turnd out of employ the english Newspapers say twenty thousand hands already. They are vastly angry with that seditious state of Massachusetts for their late navigation act. Mischief always begins there, they say, but they deceive themselves with the hopes that the states will be divided. Talk of prohibiting any American vessel from comeing here, that is the mercantile threaten, but they look very serious and I dare say the act will operate greatly for our Benifit.\n     Pray what do you think is become of that Said Captain Lambe who was sent out 3 months ago, with papers &c. You know upon what buisness. He has not arrived neither here nor in France. Mr. Jefferson and your Father are very anxious. Neither of them have yet had any acknowledgement of a single Letter writen for a whole twelvemonth past, nor has any packet brought them any publick dispatches except the commission to this court.\n     I do not know what Congress mean by such proceedings, or rather by no proceedings. Did you hear any talk of supporting us here. I should be glad they would recall us, or put us in such a situation that we need not, nor our Country be squib\u2019d at for not being able to give a dinner now and then to the Ministers. And it is most certain if we do that we must live very meager all the rest of the Year, and my poor Lads at home suffer for it. I suppose such a system of occonomy will now get into their Heads, that they will rather think of curtailing more. Let them use at Home occonomy where it is a virtue, but do not let them disgrace themselves abroad by narrowness. Mr. Temples Sallery as consul I am informd is equal to what our country allow their ministers. Besides fitting him out, he has taken out 5 different Sorts of carriages with him. Yet of a consul it is not expected that they live in splendour\u2014but enough of this.\n     Write me very particularly, if you want any thing in my power, let me know, you know how limited they are, so your wants will be in proportion. Remember me to your Brothers and be assured that I am at all times Your ever affectionate Mother\n      Your Friend Murry dined here last week. West I believe is in the Country. I have not seen him a long time. Appleton was here a few days since. Why does not he go home? Captain Lyde says he shall be here in the winter again. Be sure you write largely by him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0095", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Welsh, 25 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Welsh, Thomas\n      My dear sir\n     Your obliging favour of April 25 came to hand by Captain Lyde just after my arrival here. The important affairs of Court Etiquette and prepareations for shewing myself at St. James occupied my time so fully that I could not write you as I wished by Captain Dashood who saild soon after. When this great epocha of my Life was past, I had to seek a habitation and to see it put in order for my the reception of the family. After much inspection and serching not for the Grandure of the Building but for an airy situation, I very fortunately lit of one in the most reputable and prettyest Squares in London. If I could feel myself elated by my vicinity to Nobility I might boast the greatest share of it, of my square in London, but I am too much of a republican to be charmd with titles alone. We are however still opposite to Lord North. We have not taken a side with Lord North but are still opposite to him.\n     The sedition of Massachusetts is much the topick of conversation at present, and your late Navigation act is termed a ruining of yourselves. So tender are these good people of their Dear American Friends that they tremble at your rash passion, for say they the other states will never come into it, and Massachusetts will be intirely shut from our ports. But those who see beyond the present moment view the Massachusetts in concequence of it, rising into power and greatness should this nation be mad enough to continue on its present System. It will soon make the American states a formidable Naval power. It will force upon them frugality, oconomy, industery and give a spring to manufactorys which would otherways lag on for years without any considerable improvements. A few temporary inconveniencies will be felt at first which will creat some discontents. Excellence is never granted to man but as the Reward of Labour, but those who persevere in habits of industry however slow their advances will meet a sure reward in recompence in the end. A few temporary inconveniencies will be felt at first, which will create disgust in some, but they are the only measures which can be persued to bring this country to reasonable terms with ours. And should those fail we shall certainly reap the benifit, for we shall be improveing and advancing our National prosperity whilst Britain is diminishing hers. Mr. A. had yesterday a conference with Mr. P. and he appears to see much further than the avoued dispisers of America, but he is under the weight of Irish resentment and British Bilingsgate. His Friends tremble for him, least the opposition should tumble him from his seat, but his private Character is so good, and his application and assiduity so constant that however unpopular the Irish propositions have made him, I rather think they will not be able to Shake him. But whether he will have courage to encounter British prejudices against America time only can determine.\n     It was a saying of king Richards \u201cthat God helps those who help themselves.\u201d I should think our Countrymen have too often experienced this doctrine not to see their path plain before them.\n     Having set before you my dish of politicks I will inquire a little respecting domestick fare. Pray how does Mrs. Welch and the Young Brood? Tell her I desire to have so much respect for my Name if she will not for her own as to Name the next daughter for me. Is cousin William like to be married yet? Tell him to wait a little longer and who knows but that I may have the Honour of calling him son yet?!\n     When you write tell me all about your good Towns folks, whose married whose born and whose dead? There is not a cat if it is American, but what I have a value for.\n     This is a delightfull country and with cash enough one may enjoy every comfort and conveniency of Life aya and misery too. I wish it was in my power to see more of it. The load of taxes is so enormous that it destroys much of the Beauty and Harmony of the Whole. to make the tour of it. All the vilages round London are like so many gardens, but the people groan and justly under the loads of taxes which are enormous. Two3 5 additional taxes have taken place since my comeing here, one upon shops one upon pedlars and one upon gloves\u2014in short you can scarcly name an article but what is taxed. They may talk of the lawless Americans and the disturbances which they magnify here into annihilation of Government, but there is more twice the real discontent in this Nation which subsists in any part of America.\n     But I am running on in great length yet have many others to write to. My best regards to Mrs. Welch and the children, Love to cousin Betsy. Tell her I often reflect upon the many pleasant hours we have spent together with much delight. Mr. Adams joins me in affectionate remembrance to all our worthy Friends. We hope our son is with you before now. Let me recommend him to you as a Youth not altogether Ignorant of Men or Books who I hope will deserve the good will and esteem of Gentleman of Learning and abilities and the Friendship of those particularly allied to Sir your Friend and Humble Servant\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0096", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 26 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      Grosvenor Square August 26th. 1785\n     Lyde sailed the 24th. with a long Letter for you from me, and I have now commenced N 6, which I propose giving to the Care of Mr. Storer he talks of going next week. If so, this will be but short. But alas my Brother 14 weeks have elapsd since you left us, and we not yet any account of your arrival. Hopes and fears alternately possess my mind, and I can not banish anxiety upon your account. May you be safe, and happyly settled with your friends ere this. I think of you continually\u2014our days are dull, and our Evenings very lonesome. Tis then I miss you most. You know not what a Winter I have in anticipation, the weather horrible, little society, no associates, no Brother, to enliven the scenes. Ah, I wish you were here. But I must indeavour to recollect the few event which have taken place since I closed my last. For this I must turn to my journal. It tells me that a fryday the 11th. your Mamma and myself and Mr. Storer called upon Mrs. Roggers and took her with us, to make a visit to Mrs. Hay at Hamsted, but there was not any thing took place worthy a relation.\n     Early in the Morning I heard a strange Noise about the House like the ringing on a warming Pan. Upon inquiry when I went down to Breakfast found from the servants that it was a set of People who Stile themselves Marro bone and cleavers, belonging to the Prince of Wales, who had assaulted the House because it was his Highnesses Birth day, and demanded mony as due to them from all the Foreign Ambassadors. However as Pappa had been deceived by the same People when he first arrived who called themselvs His Majestys Marro bone and cleavers\u2014to whom he gave a gunia, and afterward found that they were not in the list of those who had a right to demand any thing\u2014he did not give them any thing. When we first arrived we were applied to dayly, allmost Hourly by the People of the Kings Household, with their Books, with the Names of all the Foreign Ministers with sums given by each. These were Porters footmen Bell ringers under Porters, and the duce knows wholl all. Some demanded one Gunia and others 2, the whole sum which Pappa was obliged to give was not less than 25 or 30 Gunieas. This is a Custom of Courts, and you know one might as easily attempt to alter the course of the flowing of the sea, as to refuse them. Pappa has had a thrille fortior this year. He gave Etrennes to you know what amount in France. Mr. Lotter Dumas was applyd to at the Hague, and Paid the usual sum, on your father account, and here he has Paid it upon being Presented, and at Cristmass, it will be demanded again. The whole will not amount to less I suppose than an hundred Guineas. Congress think not of these kind of demands. Perhaps some of them would rather think they ought to be refused\u2014let them try.\n      Saturday 13th\n     Mr. Storer came to town from Hampstead and told us of the arrival of Calliham. He had received Letters we have none yet.\n     In the Morning Monsieur le Tombe called upon us just arrived from Boston, in Calliham. He brought Letters for Pappa but Mamma nor myself have received a single line.\n     We dined to day by invitation with Dr. Jebb and Lady. The company was not large. No Ladies except ourselvs. Dr. Jebb is an Irishman for which reason he is so greatly interested in the Present Commercial arangements with that Country. There were 4 Gentleman of the Party. Dr. Brocelsby, is an Englishman, the redness of whose face and the blackness of his habit did not form that pleasing contrast which sometimes pleases us. He is Said however to be a very sensible Man and Great in his Profession. He was moderate. There was one flaming son of St. Partrick. He had got his dinner some where else, and when we went to table had nothing to do but talk, and so improved his faculty of speach that he stund the rest of the company. Such Prejudices against the French Nation, I never heard. The Country its Government Laws, manners, customs &c. were atacked by him without reason Prudence or good sense. He was very voilent upon the American War also. He approved the independance of America because it could not be avoided by this Country but attributed to the fault of their Generals that we were not conquered. He would have granted the independance at first, and then have attacked the French. He could bear to see America independant but he could not support it, that France should be at peace. Every Englishman and Irish Man too I suppose thinks he has a right to Condemn or oppose the measures adopted by the rulers, as they seem fit in his Eyes. My Lord North Mr. Fox, &c. were condemd without Jury. In fine there was nothing that did not receive his disapprobation in the line of Politicks. When your father was speaking or appeard as if going to speak, he was all attention. I feard he would sometimes make Poppa warm, by his ignorance of our Country, and at the same time giving his Wise opinions respecting the War. There was another Irish Gentleman Present who seemd more reasonable. He did not say much.\n     The 4th. Gentleman was an Englishman, a Mr. Remain. He was young, and appeard to be possessd of a degree of Modesty bordering upon diffidence. He said but little. What he did discovered good sense but not unprejudicd opinions. He was Silent while diner but at the desert found his tongue. I was seated next him at table, and he began by inquiring how long I was in France. He had been there, but viewed every thing I found with an Eye of prejudice. Paris was not so fine a City as London, the French Ladies he was sure could not be agreeable in the Eyes of the English, and in all he found a preference to this Country. I had like to have been in the sittuation of the Chevelier, who thought Mrs. Bingham belonged to Boston when he gave the preference to that part of the Continent to any other, for before I sat down to table I had conceived an opinion that this gentleman was a Native of France but had been long in this Country. From his Name, complexion, and manners I was led to Judge thus, and I thought myself perfectly safe in the preference I shold give to that Country. But I soon found that I had a rong idea, for he was veryly English. Both the Dr. and Mrs. Jebb, spoke highly in his Praise of his abilities good sense Judgment &c., and I was willing to beleive them. Thus you have some account of the company. Were I to attempt a description of Mrs. Jebb, I should find myself unequal to the business. Perhaps you never saw just such a looking Woman. If you have seen Miss Polly Palmer you have seen good Nature, softness, and sweetness of Countenance when compared to this Lady, but dont show Miss P\u2014\u2014 P\u2014\u2014 this. The Dr. is said to be a very Wise sensible Man, that he is an agreeable one, I can assure you. He says he wants to go to America and does not think it impossible that he may make the tour of America. Poor Man looks as if he was not intended long as an ornament to Learning, or Science: his Health is very Poor.\n      Monday 15\n     My journal says, thus. Alas how frequently have we cause to observe upon what slender foundations we have raised our hopes of happiness and yet no sooner than the Ilusion of one prospect vanishes than we are building upon their ruin our future hopes, and this from a full confiction that it is necessary to cheat ourselvs thus. For three Months past I have been looking forward to the arrival of the July packet in hopes that it would bring the pleasing account of the arrival of my Brother. For three weeks past the anticipation of this and the hopes of receiving Letters from him have employd most of my thoughts wishes and expectations\u2014but the packet has arrived without any account of my Brother. Thus at one moment all my pleasing prospect vanishes, and I have now to build other hopes and anticipate from other scources this pleasure.\n     Mortifying reflection that we are not permitted to look forward with any degree of certainty even to the next hour. Blind unthinking ignorant beings we are, yet Proud Vain selfsufficient arrogant and presuming. What is happiness? what is misery? How Poor a title have we to the former, and yet how little do we think of the latter.\n      Monday Tuesday 16\n     We had a company of Gentlemen only to dine with us. Mr. David Hartly, dressed as usual. Pappa asked him what he thought of the Massachusetts Navigation act. He said if the two Countries wished to be at variance he thought it very well. He would venture to Prophesy, that it would be the means of destroying every all Navigations acts whatever. He would not venture to say it would be done either one two or three years, but he firmly beleived that it would eventually be the effect of it. Pappa proposed to him in a banter that they shold undertake to repeal them, as his Commision for making a treaty of Commerce still existed. But he said that depended upon the higher Powers. He was willing however.\n     Mr. Barthelemy the Charge des affaires, from France, was one of the company. Tho he has been in this Country a year and an half he does not pretend to speak English. His appearance has nothing very striking in it. His dress and Manners are Englasied. There is nothing very pleasing in them. Dr. Jeb, and Dr. Brocelsby dined with us, and your friend Mr. Murry. He seems to be in Poor Health and his spirits appear affected I think by it. He does not talk so much, nor discover so great a portion of vivacity as when I saw him last year. We talked about you, hoped you had arrived, yet wished you were here. Mrs. Temple and her Daughter drank tea with us. Mrs. T\u2014is not gratified with the prospect of going out to America at all. They sail, the next week. I do not wonder at her reluctance at all.\n      Monday 22d\n     There is a new Play lately given at the Hay Market called (Ill tell you what). Much has been said in its Praise. It was written by a Lady two which you may be sure, in the Eyes of all Persons of discernment, is in its favour. Mr. Short said he should have returnd to France with a Poo opinion of the English Stage if he had not seen this Peice. Mis Farren Play as Principle character in it and Mr. S\u2014observed she was the only Woman he had seen in England who knew she had Eyes. He was much pleased with her. I think she is the best actress I have seen upon the Theatre stage. They are in General, terrible. I often think of Mrs. Binghams comparing the Actors and Actresses upon the English stage to the stormitans\u2014and must acknowledge that when compared with the French they appear nearer to resemble the former. Pappa went this Evening to see the New Commedy. It is rather what the French call a drame, some scens are said very affecting and others very comic. A Gentleman who had seen it told me that if one went to see it with an intention of becomeing critick they mingt find many faults, for he said, only think it was written by a Poor Woman, but if one went to see it and be pleased, he had found no peace which had given him so much pleasure.\n     A Letter from Mr. Jefferson, came by the Post to day. He writes in sypher, and when there is nobody elce to desyper I have the agreable task. I am paid perhaps for my trouble by knowing what is written. \u201cHe say the Cardinal Prince of Roan is confined to his Chamber under Guard for reflection on the Queen, who was present in Council herself on his examination the first time She was ever there\u2014and the first instance of so high an eclesiastical character under acted force.\u201d\n     They are propagating reports here that American Ships are capturd by the Algerines, but whether true or false is not known or whether to raise the insureance is not known. Your father thinks the latter is the Plan. He has no accounts of any. Mr. Lamb, who was sent by Congress to go to Algiers has never been herd of, this side the Water. Your father and Mr. Jefferson think it so necessary that something should be done that they think of sending some other Person. Mr. Barcley offers to go, but whether he is accepted I dont know.\n      Tuesday 23d\n     To day we had a large company to dine of Gentlemen and Ladies. The Baron de Linden, an old Womanish kind of a Man this, and a Dutchman. I have often heard that every thing was clean in a Dutchmans house but his Wife. Were I to form a judgment from this Man, I should think that the Husband ought also to be accepted for I never saw him decent in my Life. He goes to Court with a beard that looks as if it had not felt a razor for a week\u2014and his ruffles look as if he did not often pay for their washing. I think one may easily discover strong traits of the character attributed to his Country Men in General perhaps universally for one may easily discover by little things the ruling Principles of the Mind and those which influence the Conduct of People. Mr. Mrs. and Miss Paradise, were a part of our company. Mrs. P\u2014\u2014discovered as many traits of singularity as ever. I beleive the Womans head is a little turnd. She has a Wondrous knowledge of Great Folks. Charles Storer was quite diverted with her. She had a great deel of conversation with him, and her manners were so particular that he says, he dreampt of her all Night. She inquired of him who was comeing as Ambassador from France in the place of Count D\u2019adamar whose health will not permit his return. He told her the papers mentiond Monsieur la Baron de Bretuil. Bretuil, Bretuil\u2014Breteuil, remember Bretuil said She to her Daughter who sat next her, and turning to him again and said, I am going to ask you a very impertinent question and hope you will not be affronted. Pray what was the Name of that Gentleman who is said to be comeing Ambassader from France? The Baron de Bretuil, answerd he again, and She repeated it as many times. But her manners and actions are so singular that you must see her to have any idea of them.\n     Mr. and Mrs. Copely, Mrs. Church, and a Mr. James Smith, from Carolina, a distant relation of Mammas who is going to France to pass a twelvemonth, Mr. Trumble and Dr. Bancroft made the company. The Dr. has just arrived from Paris, where he has been ever since we arrived here. Tis not the Custom in this Country for the Company to Leave you as soon as diner is over as it is in France. For sociability I prefer the Custom here, for ceremony I shuld choose the French Custom. But you know one must give in to all these kind of fashions, in every Country, for you can neither invite them to stay longer in France nor desire them to go sooner here. They parted about ten oclock. There are a kind of assemblys here called routs, were the name changed I should not dislike them. A Lady sets apart a particular day in a week when She is to be found at home and her acquaintance who wish to see her, call upon her that Evening, or She sends invitations to whatever Gentlemen or Ladies She pleases. Cards are usualy introduced after tea and those Play who choose. Others who do not, let it alone. And at ten or Eleven the company Leaves her. The Lady of the House never Plays herself, and it is a kind of rule that if you Play at one House, you must at every one, at which you visit in this Way. This Mrs. Paradise has a Musical Part every sunday Eve. Miss P\u2014\u2014 Plays, and she has a Number of Gentlemen and Ladies of her acquaintance who sing and Play, who visit her that Evening. She has no Cards. She has often told Mamma and myself that she is allways at home of a sunday Eve, but we have not yet ever visitted her, nor I dont suppos ever Shall.\n      Fryday 26th\n     A Monday last Count Sarsfeild called upon Pappa. He has lately returnd from the Country, where he has been with some of his friends. Pappa asked him to dine with him a tuesday, but he was engaged but proposed dining with us this day, upon which Pappa invited the Baron de Linden and Mr. Barthelemy to dine with him. We received afterwards a Card to dine with a Mr. and Mrs. Smith who Live at Clapham. He is a Member of Parliament, and Married a Miss Capes. A Brother and two sisters of this Lady Live also at Clapham. They have all visitted us, and seem to wish for an acquaintance. This is the second invitation to dine which we have had and been obliged to refuse. I was sorry, that it so happened to day, because I shuld like to visit every Person who invited me, but it was unavoidable. The Baron de Linden did not come. Count Sarsfeild and Mr. B dined with us, quite in a sociable way. A Mr. Crew from Virgina and Mr. Charles Bullfinch were all the company. The Count is allways in good spirits and very entertaining you know. He was more so to day than I ever saw him, for he was not under any restraint from Company. Mr. B\u2014\u2014 felt quite at home too, and was very clever. The other and the enclosed Letter is from a friend of yours we suppose. It was sent us by Mr. Roggers. Pappa has inquird of Mr. Bartlemey and Count Sarsfeild, if they know the French Minister at Naples, but they did not seem to feel themselvs authorised to give any Letters. If you wish to write him I will put your Letters, into the Care of Mrs. Roggers.\n      Fryday September 1st 2nd\n     This Morning Mrs. Wright came and breakfasted with us. I never heard her converse so rationally in my Life. She asked if we had heard of your arrival and sayd to Mamma do you know that I predict great things of your son\u2014and spoke much in your praise. I shall like her better for the future, I need not tell you what, but save your vanity. The Mrs. Smith, from whom we had an invitation to dine, called upon your Mamma, but she being dressing I went down. There was with her a Mis Brailsford\u2014and they provoked me by their ignorance of us. Which Country, said Miss B\u2014\u2014 do you like best France or this. I told her I preferd some things in each\u2014but surely said She you prefer this Country to America. Indeed Miss answerd I, I do not. You must think this the finest Country, the Cultivation is greater and every thing superior. That may be, but I have friends and Connections in America that will ever make it dear to me. Tis not merely the place which I regard, tis what friends and acquaintancees I find.\n      september 5th. Monday Morning\n     Last Night I wrote you thus far, but had not spirit to proceed. This Morning just as I went down to breakfast one of the servants came up with a huge packet, with Mr. Churchs Compliments. I was so rejoiced as I cannot tell you how. Your hand writing was first sought for, and as soon as found the seal broke, where I found your two Letters N 3, and 4, and such a feast as it was, no one thought of tea toast or bread and butter, for an hour, quite sattisfied with the food for the mind. And now I have perused, them and gained a little and got a little over the agreeable flutterations and heart beetings I am prepared to acknowledge their receipt to thank you for your punctuallity to chide you for not having been more particular to excuse you for this time, and to give you a little sisterly advice, and many more things which Shall follow. 1st. Monday Morning sep. 5th. 1785. Nine oclock, received from Mr. Church your Letters, after a passage of only 1 Month, which heightend their vallue, much. 2d. Your punctuallity in writing on Ship Board, leads me to hope you will never forget your promises, and that I shall know something of you every day, and thus encourage me to pursue my diary, which sometimes I fear is too minute, but you shall determine its continuance. 3dly. to Chide you for not having told me more about the folks you became acquainted, than their Names. I wanted to hear your comparisons, and your remarks, upon every one, in Short I wished you only to have thought aloud, to me. I was a little surprised to hear Miss Sears termed a Wit. She was not called so in Boston I beleive. My idea of her was that she possessed a simplicity, more amiable than smartness. I wished to have heard your remarks upon Mr. R\u2014\u2014. I have seen him but have not the slightes personal acquaintance with. I have heard his character, perhaps not justly described, but I can excuse you because I know when one first arrives, in a strange place, we feel, puzled, hurried. The attentions we receive demand much of our time and attention. Now for my advice. As I feel myself so much interested in your following it I hope you will excuse it. You are a young Man, with a warmpth of temper which you leads you to judge rather prematurely and to condemn without sufficiently considering the for and against. Think this not a harsh accusation. You supposed I had neglected you when you found Mr. Cursen had no letter for you\u2014the Gentleman had seen me, and it was quite unpardonable that I did not write. Now, you must have given place in your mind to an Idea disadvantageous to me, and as it was not just I must feel myself injured by it. Appearances were in your favour I\u2019ll allow, but as I wish you to avoid the painfull idea of my inattention to you, I must beg in future that you would weigh possibilities in future, and Ill tell you whathow it happend that Mr. C. Carred you no Letter. The unsettled situation we were in the Continued visits made us, and the Whole suit of adventures enough to puzzle the Brain of a Philosopher, did not prevent me from writing. I had finished my Letter and seald it for Mr. Cursen, but Colln. Smith who had promised to deliver it to him happend to forget it, and he Curson left town, without it. Now, please to retract as I know it is not plasing to retract, I will excuse you provided you will consider the next time before you condemn. The letter I forwarded immediately to Mr. Williamos to go in the June packet and he informs me that he inclosed it to a friend, who would deliver it if you were at N. York when the packet should arrive and if you were gone on, would forward it to you. In a few days I wrote you again and Colln. Smith inclosed my Letter to Mr. King, since which I have written too long letters besides this\u2014which is N 6.\n     I fear your Passage was long and disagreeable, your passengers not the most agreeable, neither. I know well how painfull a Life on Ship board is, even where every one indeavours to make it tolerable. The insipid sameness, which must forever reign, must be tiresome, and an impatient disposition must suffer more than I can have an idea of. But you are safe landed, Heaven be praised, and in health. Take care to preserve it. Great attention will be necessary, for you. I am happy that you found so many friends, and were shewn so much attention, for nothing is so pleasing, whether it arrises from our own merit or our connection with People of merit. I have sometimes thought that we are better pleased with those attention which we receive upon account of our friends than those paid merely to ourselvs. In some cases, I have been assertaind of the preference, and beleive it will allmost pass for a general rule. Why is it that our American Ladies, are so fond of connections with foreignors? I confess it does not strike me in an agreeable point of view. There are no People, easier deceived than we are, I beleive nor, none more easily daizled by Glitter and Show. But they should remember that\n      Not all that tempts your wandring Eyes\n      And heedless hearts, is lawfull prise,\n      Not all that Glissters Gold.\n     The National Characters are very strongly impressed upon most People, yet I would not venture to pass upon any without exception, for there are Men from every Nation untinctured by the Characteristick vices, or foibles of it. Tho ninety Nine in an hundred, Dutchmen May be Misers, avaricious, and, mean spiritted, and the same proportion of Englishmen, surly Ill Natured, prejudiced and self Drunkards, the Spainish Jealous and revengefull, the French, flighty inconstant and insincere, yet I would not venture to affirm that either of these Characters were universal in their Different Countries, for the one in an hundred may posess the virtues of each, and be exempt from any real vices.\n     Your Father wishes that some person would except the embassey to Holland, for something or other is continually presenting to teise him, which an Minister there would releive him from. Tis hard that he should be tormented with so many perplexities which the attention of Congress might releive him from.\n     You will hear accounts of the season from the Papers. The drought has been excessive, especially in France. They endeavourd to furnish themselvs with fodder from this Country, but, it was obliged to be prohibitted here. Count Sarsfeild said the other day, that he knew not what to do, the ensueing Winter. If he stayd in Paris, he should be put to it to keep his horses, and if he went into the Country it would be worse, and added that a great Number of Cattle must be killed, for want of provender. Every thing here is dearer than usual, on account of the drought. Tho the late, plentifull rains have been of vast service, fruit here is Scarce and dear as well as far from being Good. We have given, sometimes half a Guniea for a Mellon, and sixpence a peice for every peach. This must sound very surprising with you Now.\n     Miss Van Berkel, must have had a disagreeable time I think. The Ladies, make remarks, and perhaps triumpth, if there is opportunity. They had better appear conspicuoes for their Candour, for their is not a more amiable principle trait in the Character of a Lady, and, prove themselvs superior, by their behavour towards her, than a greater degree of beauty could render them.\n      Tuesday september 13th\n     Charles Storer procastinate from day to day his departure. He now says he shall go tomorrow certainly but it may be the latter part of the week. I am very glad that I set my last by Lyde. I am sure he may make half his passage before, this young Man sails. The last week nothing took place to tell you of, except what Mamma has writen you, that Mr. Barcley and Mr. Franks, are going to Algiers, and that the latter is here at present, waiting for his instructions from your father. Very unfortunately the day after his arrival, your father was seized with a violent inflamation in his Eyes, that rendered writing all most impracticable. And Mr. Smith has not yet returnd from his tour. But perhaps I have never yet told you where he has gone, and I now inform you, to Berlin to be present at the King of Prussias reveiw. We expect him soon.\n     We fear that you will not have so frequent opportunities to write us from Boston as we shall wish to hear from you, therefore request that you will write by the Packet send your Letters to some Member of Congress, and desire them to be forwarded by the English packet. Dont fail. You know how very sollicitous we shall be to hear frequently from you, and, you also know how apt People who get to America are to be inattentive. Let us not suppose it universall.\n     I have sent you by Mr. Storer a box containing a pd of sealing Wax. I think it is good. You will see from whence it came, and think it a Modest way of begging. When we first arrived we had continual applications of this kind. They are at present less frequent. Your Books and watch Chain I have also put into the Care of Mr. Storer. If there is any thing which you want and it is in my Power to send it you, write for it. In return I request, a lock of your hair, which I forgot to have before you left us. I dont mean, Sampsons locks, nor, a lock from your Eye brows, and hope you will not demand mine in return.\n     I do not recollect at present any news, or any thing interesting to communicae. And as my Letter I fear is already so long as will tire your patience I shall haste to subscribe myself your affectionate sister\n      A Adams\n      I thank fortune we are not dependant upon the favours nor Smiles of Majesty, nor think ourselvs servilely dependant upon their customs, so we will act as we like, and bid them defiance not fearing Mob or any thing else. Your father says he observes a fear in every one of the Foreign Ministers of being known to have any intimacy with him least they should be mob\u2019d. One would not like to be in danger to be sure. I should as willingly put myself at the Mercy of so many savages as to the Mobility in this Country. But all this is high treason so keep it to yourself.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0097", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Lucy Cranch, 27 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch\n      My dear Lucy\n      London, (Grosvenor Square,) 27 August, 1785\n     I have not yet noticed your obliging favor of April 26th, which reached me by Captain Lyde, whilst I was at the Bath Hotel. I had then so much upon my hands, that I did not get time to write but to your mamma and cousin, who I hope is with you before now. By him I wrote many letters, and amongst the number of my friends, my dear Lucy was not omitted.\n     If I did not believe my friends were partial to all I write, I should sometimes feel discouraged when I take my pen; for, amongst so large a number of correspondents, I feel at a loss how to supply them all.\n     It is usual at a large entertainment, to bring the solid food in the first course. The second consists of lighter diet, kickshaws, trifles, whip syllabub, &c.; the third is the dessert, consisting of the fruits of the season, and sometimes foreign sweetmeats. If it would not be paying my letters too great a compliment to compare any of them to solid food, I should feel no reluctance at keeping up the metaphor with respect to the rest. Yet it is not the studied sentence, nor the elaborate period, which pleases, but the genuine sentiments of the heart expressed with simplicity. All the specimens, which have been handed down to us as models for letter-writing, teach us that natural ease is the greatest beauty of it. It is that native simplicity too, which gives to the Scotch songs a merit superior to all others. My favorite Scotch song, \u201cThere\u2019s na luck about the house,\u201d will naturally occur to your mind.\n     I believe Richardson has done more towards embellishing the present age, and teaching them the talent of letter-writing, than any other modern I can name. You know I am passionately fond of all his works, even to his \u201cPamela.\u201d In the simplicity of our manners, we judge that many of his descriptions and some of his characters are beyond real life; but those, who have been conversant in these old corrupted countries, will be soon convinced that Richardson painted only the truth in his abandoned characters; and nothing beyond what human nature is capable of attaining, and frequently has risen to, in his amiable portraits. Richardson was master of the human heart; he studied and copied nature; he has shown the odiousness of vice, and the fatal consequences which result from the practice of it; he has painted virtue in all her amiable attitudes; he never loses sight of religion, but points his characters to a future state of restitution as the sure ground of safety to the virtuous, and excludes not hope from the wretched penitent. The oftener I have read his books, and the more I reflect upon his great variety of characters, perfectly well supported, the more I am led to love and admire the author. He must have an abandoned, wicked, and depraved heart, who can be tempted to vice by the perusal of Richardson\u2019s works. Indeed, I know not how a person can read them without being made better by them, as they dispose the mind to receive and relish every good and benevolent principle. He may have faults, but they are so few, that they ought not to be named in the brilliant clusters of beauties which ornament his works. The human mind is an active principle, always in search of some gratification; and those writings which tend to elevate it to the contemplation of truth and virtue, and to teach it that it is capable of rising to higher degrees of excellence than the mere gratification of sensual appetites and passions, contribute to promote its mental pleasures, and to advance the dignity of our natures. Sir Joshua Reynolds\u2019s observations with respect to painting may be applied to all those works which tend to refine the taste, \u201cwhich, if it does not lead directly to purity of manners, obviates, at least, their greatest depravation, by disentangling the mind from appetite, and conducting the thoughts through successive stages of excellence, till that contemplation of universal rectitude and harmony, which began by taste, may, as it is exalted and refined, conclude in virtue.\u201d\n     Why may we not suppose, that, the higher our attainments in knowledge and virtue are here on earth, the more nearly we assimilate ourselves to that order of beings who now rank above us in the world of spirits? We are told in scripture, that there are different kinds of glory, and that one star differeth from another. Why should not those who have distinguished themselves by superior excellence over their fellow-mortals continue to preserve their rank when admitted to the kingdom of the just? Though the estimation of worth may be very different in the view of the righteous Judge of the world from that which vain man esteems such on earth, yet we may rest assured that justice will be strictly administered to us.\n     But whither has my imagination wandered? Very distant from my thoughts when I first took my pen.\n     We have a large company to dine with us to-day, and I have some few arrangements to make before dinner, which obliges me to hasten to a conclusion; among the persons invited, is a gentleman who married the only daughter of Richardson. She died about six months ago. This gentleman has in his possession the only portrait of her father which was ever taken. He has several times invited me to go to his house and see it. I design it, though I have not yet accepted his invitation.\n     Write to me, my dear Lucy, and be assured I speak the words of truth and soberness when I tell you that your letters give real pleasure to Your affectionate aunt,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0098", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Storer Smith, 29 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Storer, Elizabeth,Smith, Elizabeth Storer\n      My dear Madam\n      August 29 1785 London\n     Mr. Storer your worthy Nephew will be the Bearer of this Letter. I congratulate his Friends upon his return to them, after several Years absence, tho we shall essentially feel his loss, being as much attached to him as if he was our own. The appointment of a secretary of Legation prevents Mr. Adams from taking any other, which he realy stands in need of. If he had been allowed one, Mr. Storer would have had the preference, and we should have had much pleasure in keeping him in our family. I hope by returning to America he will be able to do better. A Young Gentleman at his time of Life, ought to be establishing himself in some profession, whereby he may serve himself and his generation. It was a thorugh conviction of this truth, that induced us to part with our Son, who I hope is safe arrived before this time in his Native Country, where by application and industry he may be sure of obtaining his Bread.\n     The more my dear Madam that I see of Europe the more I am attached to the method of Education persued in the state of Massachusets. If our Youth have not all those opportunities for improvement in some branches of Literature, and the fine Arts, which these old countries can boast, they have sufficient to qualify them for any departments they may be called to fill. An acquaintance with foreign Countries, is no doubt a benifit when properly improved, as it tends to improve remove prejudices, and enlarge the mind. But I question much whether out of the many Youth who come Anually from all parts of America, more of them do not return with corrupted morals, and a distaste to the purer manners of our own Country, than with improved understandings or wiser Heads. As to civility of behaviour, politeness of Manners, true Hospitality and Benevolence, this Country have much more need of going to America to learn them, than our Country has of any embelishment this can bestow. I have seen and heard more narrow prejudice, more Illiberality of Sentiment, not merely with regard to America, but every other Country and its inhabitants; since my residence here, than I ever Saw or heard in America in my whole Life. And all the contracted Sentiments which we ever possesst with respect to other Countries, we imbibed from this, when we Reverenced her and her sentiments as our parent. But as soon as we came to think and act for ourselves, we broke the shackles.\n     I have never been in company since my return from France without being immediately ask\u2019d which Country I prefer? This I should esteem as mere words of Course if I did not see how quick it touches them to have the least preference in any respect given to France; tho on many accounts I like this Country best, and have in my heart a greater fondness for it, I have been often tempted to shew the Contrary, on purpose to mortify the pride of this people, who realy in point of civility to strangers, and good Breeding, are not to be compared with their Neighbours whom they so contemptably despise. You will think I fear that I am desplaying those very prejudicies which I condemn; but I will appeal to the judgment of all my Countrymen who have visited the two Countries.\n     Dr. Price has the most liberal sentiments of any Gentleman I have heard converse since my residence here, he is indeed one of the best of Men, but the dessenting Clergy in this Country appear a very different set of Men from those which inhabit ours. They are cramped contemned and degraded, they have not that independant appearence, and that consciousness of their own worth which gives an Air of dignity to the whole deportment. Dr. Price notwithstanding his literary fame, and his great abilities, appears like a Man who has been brow beaten. In America he would be revered and caresed, as his merit deserves.\n     We had a visit the other day from Mr. Tom. Boylstone. He appears to have an affection for Boston and his old Friends, tho he will not allow that there are any honest folks there, my good uncle excepted. He appears to wish for an amicable settlement between the two Countries, tho he says he shall not live to enjoy it. He has had a severe fever which he says has left him weak as a Child in Body and Mind. His Nerves are much affected. You will easily believe he is allarmed when I tell you that he keeps a Pheaton and pair, and rides every day. He talks of going to the South of France for the winter.\n     I have been once to see Mrs. Hollowell since I returnd, she seems much broke since last I saw her. If I was not here in a publick Character, I should visit her more, and cultivate our old family Friendship, but there are persons who will belie one, and say things which were never meant or thought of, so that there is no safety but in keeping quite clear. Many of the Refugees appear to have lost all Idea of truth, and even those who are well disposed too readily credit their assertions.\n     I visit Mr. Vassels family, and have seen there, a Mrs. Hobart, who always kindly inquires after you.\n     I shall miss Mrs. Atkinson and am very sorry to part with her. Mrs. Hay and She are to dine with me to day. You will be so good as to remember me kindly to Mr. Otis and Lady to all my cousins and be assured Dear Madam that I am most affectionately Yours\n      Nabby desires her duty and Love to all her Friends.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0099", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 29 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      August 29th. 1785 Boston\n     I came into Boston this morning, and shall probably spend the week here, in order to pay all my visits, and see all those persons, that it will be necessary to show myself to. Stopping at Milton, I was very much surprized, when Mrs. Warren inform\u2019d me, that Mr. Otis shut up last Saturday Evening: had the news come from any other Person, I should not at that time have believ\u2019d it, for I was introduced to him, Saturday on the exchange, and dined at Uncle Smith\u2019s, in Company with him and his family. But it was as I have been told to day in town, a Circumstance, which happened in the afternoon, that obliged him finally to Close. Uncle, and Aunt Smith, and their family, are as you may well suppose, very much affected by this Event, which I imagine, was unexpected, even to them. There is a visible dejection in their Countenances, and I heartily sympathize with them. I saw Harry pass in the Street to day. Nobody I believe feels the misfortune, more than he does. I Dined to day at Mr. Breck\u2019s, in Company with Mr. Toscan, Mr. Tom Appleton, the brother of the gentleman now in England, Mr. Chaumont, Mr. L. Austin, and his brother, and two other french gentleman; and a Mrs. Shepherd, an English Lady; (I must beg her pardon, and your\u2019s for not introducing her first.) She is about twenty five I imagine, very fair, well shaped, and the only objection I have to her, is that she has what I call Italian eyes. I don\u2019t know whether you will understand me, without an explanation. I mean no defect, but something very piercing, and rather harsh, that I have most commonly observed in the eyes of the Italians I have been acquainted with, there is something disagreeable to me, in it, and if I am whimsical, I must claim indulgence. Mr. Appleton I suppose you know at least as much of as I do: so I say nothing of him. It Rain\u2019d in the afternoon, so that most of the Company stayd. The sight of cards drove me off early in the evening, for of late I have a great aversion for them, and should be perfectly contented never to touch another: pack. I spent the Evening at Dr. Welch\u2019s. Uncle Smith and his family were there; all in very low spirits, which you will easily account for.\n      August 30th. Tuesday\n     The Supreme Judicial Court, met to day: I went and heard the Chief Justice, deliver the Charge to the grand Jury. I never heard either Lord Mansfield, Lord Thurlow, or Lord Loughborough (and I have heard them all,) speak with more dignity: they never spoke upon a more important subject; for it was almost entirely upon the Education of youth. I was very sorry to hear him Complain, that many towns in the State have neglected to maintain the public Schools: and I sincerely hope, what he said may be productive of good effects. Mr. Thatcher afterwards was called upon for a prayer, and made, one, extempore, very well adapted to the occasion. Mr. Dana for the first time fill\u2019d one of the judge\u2019s Seats.\n      Cambridge\n      9 at night\n     I came here this afternoon, and shall return to morrow. You have heard doubtless of the Bridge, they are building over Charlestown ferry: it was a great undertaking; and is carried on with a vast deal of Spirit. It was not begun till the latter end of May, and will be about half finished before the Winter comes on. If the Ice does not destroy it, (and I am told every possible Caution has been used to protect it) by the middle of next Summer it will be compleated; and if it stands, it will be a great saving in the End to the public, and will turn out, vastly to the advantage of the undertakers. Charles is very much pleased with his situation here: and comes on well with his Studies. His Class is one of the most numerous of any that have entered.\n      Boston August 31. Wednesday\n     Mr. Chaumont went to Cambridge this morning, and saw the Library and the museum, belonging to the University. I waited upon President Willard and deliver\u2019d your Father\u2019s Letter. Upon the account I gave him of myself, he s and upon my telling him I intended to wait till the next Commencement, he advised me rather to enter in the spring, so that I might have the benifit of two lectures upon natural Philosophy. So it is now decided that I am to go and spend some months at Mr. Shaws, though I do not expect to get there finally before the beginning of October. I return\u2019d here with Mr. Chaumont, and as I was standing in the Street before the door of the Post Office with Mr. Tyler, a letter was handed to me from it; my hopes were immediately raised, I broke the seal, and found a very polite Letter from Mr. King, enclosing your N:3. June 13th. from the Bath H\u00f4tel. I never received but one Letter that gave me more Pleasure, and that was about 14 months ago from my friend Murray. You begin with a Caution which I am sorry to have given Cause for, but for which I sincerely thank you. It is a great Consolation, when we are Sensible of having failed, to have friends, who can kindly reprove us. Let me request you my Sister, that you will continue to be my monitor when I may fall into other errors, and I am sure that will correct me if any thing can. Your N:2 I wait impatiently for. I hear not a word of Mr. Williamos, though you was mistaken? misinform\u2019d as to there being no packet to sail in June from France, for she is arrived at New York after a passage of 52 days from l\u2019Orient. What this second change, in the place of departure, is owing to I cannot imagine. Not to the influence of Mr. W. I believe.\u2014I am very sorry to find you are not more pleased with your present Situation, than you was when at Auteuil: but I hope, you will, be more pleased after a Residence of some time: the first months are most commonly disagreeable, in a new place; because a person has not had time to form a society sufficient to pass pleasantly the leisure hours: but a number of Circumstances combine, to make your acquaintance more extensive than it was in France, and I dare say, by this time you relish your Situation much better, than you did the former. I am sufficiently sensible of your partiality for me, readily to believe, that you in some measure miss me. Had I consulted my present feelings, I certainly could not have been induced to leave you; but there is no necessity for me to inform you, of my motives; you know them and approved of the measure, as being the most advantageous for myself, that I could take. Was I now placed in the Situation I was in six months ago; although I might be still more sensible than I was, then, how much I should suffer, by a seperation from the best of Parents, and of Sisters, yet should I again follow the same course that I have pursued. My preferring to return home, has surprized a number of my young acquaintance here; much more than it would probably, if they had seen as much of Europe as I have. As for the diversions, and the splendor of those Countries, I have not bestow\u2019d so much as one regret upon them: and if I ever do it will be because I shall be at a loss, what to do, and I am not afraid of that ever being the Case.\u2014Do not think my Sister, that any thing coming from you, can ever be by me considered as ridiculous or trifling; I have been in my former Letters often so minute, that I was afraid it would be tiresome; but I now hope otherwise, and am certain it cannot be so, if I judge of your feelings from my own.\u2014I have seen in the London Papers some Specimens of british (or rather refugee) politeness; but all those paragraphs are like certain fowling pieces, which instead of wounding the game they are pointed as at, as Mc:Fingal says,\n      Bear wide, and kick their owners over.\n     I am not afraid of seeing any thing of the kind, directed against any of you, that will give me a minutes pain. The most ineffable contempt is the only Sentiment, they will ever raise in my breast. I want very much to hear how you went through the Ceremony of the presentation; with proper dignity and assurance, I dare say: but what I want are the minutiae. What will the King say, what the Queen &c., &c., &c. I suppose some trite, common place, things, which will be ennobled by coming from those who are the fountains of honour and dignity. The mighty of the Earth, seem to be conscious of their inferiority to the rest of the world; and therefore they chuse to envelope themselves in all the majesty of obscurity. Perhaps had I gone with you, I might also have enjoy\u2019d the felicity of a presentation to his Majesty; but it cannot be and I must endeavour to bear my misfortune as firmly as possible.\u2014I am glad to find you have engaged an house in so fine a Situation as Grosvenor Square, and I hope, that before now you are finally settled in it. And I am very glad to hear, that you will have the Dutch furniture. By the bye; perhaps Madam Dumas, will send my watch by that opportunity to you; if she does you can send it by Charles Storer to me, for the one I have does not go so well as I wish. If it should not be sent to you before this reaches, I wish you would send for it by the first good opportunity, and you will, I suppose find some body, that will take charge of it, for me; I little thought of such a seperation from it, when I left it at the Hague.\u2014I have read in several of the London Papers that the Earl of Effingham, was to come here as Minister from that Court: you do not mention any thing upon that Subject in your Letter; but by the visit you had from the Countess I suppose the Intentions of the Court are really in that Case, as the Papers represent them. Mr. Temple has been expected as Consul, at New York, these four months. I expected to have found him there on my arrival; Many Persons have enquired of me, whether he had sailed, and many here seem to doubt of his appointment: I have not been able to give any information on the Subject; and your Letter does not say a word concerning him. His Daughter, the great Toast of this town, is generally supposed to be about preparing a Treaty of alliance with Mr. Tom Winthrop: and it is said the Preliminaries are agreed on by all the parties interested. I have waited on the Governor, but have not yet had the good fortune of seeing Miss Temple.\u2014There is a passage in your Letter which puzzles me very much: I cannot imagine what Character it is you allude to, and whose baseness has drawn a few misanthropic reflections from your pen. I read the passage of your Letter to Mr. Tyler, and ask\u2019d him if he could explain it in any manner; he thinks you must mean the husband of a Lady who is said to resemble you so much; he that was at Auteuil the day I left you: he tells me there is a story, very much to his disadvantage, and supposes you was inform\u2019d of it after I came away: I was exceedingly surprised at this, and I cannot believe there is any truth in it. In one of my former Letters you will see an account of my reception in Consequence of a Letter from that person; but I did not tell you that he was enquired after by all the family, with as much apparent affection, as if he had been an own son, and Brother. And is it reasonable to suppose, that the parents and the Sister of an injured Lady, would show such a degree of fondness for the person who is supposed to have done her the harm: from the time I left you to this day I have never had Reason, to form one Suspicion against his Character, and I have often consider\u2019d myself under obligations to him, as the Letters he gave me, have made me acquainted with a number of agreeable persons; and if he is the person you mean to speak of, I sincerely hope, you are mistaken as to his Character. I ask\u2019d Mr. Tyler if he had written you this anecdote he told me of, and he says no: perhaps after all you was speaking of some other Character. I wish you would in your first Letter to me, after the reception of this, write me, how the matter is.\u2014\u2014 I think with you, it was paying you but a poor Compliment, to find so great a Resemblance between you and me. But there are certain features, which I suppose every family have peculiar to themselves, and consequently a person of Mr. West\u2019s profession, who is obliged to study physiognomy, may perceive a likeness, which a man in any other, would not think of.\u2014I perceive, that I have run on these six pages in replying to your Letter, and I am very glad you have at length furnished me with subjects to write on; for I was quite ashamed to have nothing to say but what related to myself. But now I will again proceed in my narrative. I dined to day at Mr. Storer\u2019s in Company with Uncle Smith\u2019s family and Mr. Green\u2019s. There was nobody present, that you are not acquainted with, so that there is no necessity of my giving you my Opinion, concerning any person there. This afternoon I paid a visit to Mr. Cushing the lieutenant Governor, but he was not, ch\u00e9z lui. Drank tea at Mr. Appleton\u2019s, though I did not see him. Charlotte, has been for a long time in ill health, and is supposed to be in a Consumption. She is pretty, but I think not equal at present to her Sister Betsey; I am thought here, some what peculiar in my taste: Ideas of Beauty are often local; and it is probable I have in Europe, corrupted mine. This Lady is not considered as extraordinary here; and I have been much less struck by several, whose Reputations, for personal Charms, are much higher. Her shape has been form\u2019d by Nature such as the Ladies in Europe, take so much pains to acquire; like a Wasp, as your Mamma used to say. Her manners are very easy, and she is properly sociable. I have seen very few young Ladies since my arrival, whose first sight has been so pleasing to me: and now my dear Sister, I must bid you good night, for I have written so much to day, that I have fairly tired myself out, and I am afraid you too. But I will make no apology lest it should induce you to shorten your Letters.\n      Thursday September 1st\n     We went to the forenoon ball at Concert hall. There were very few Gentlemen there, but I should have supposed, every young Lady, in the town. At any rate there was more than an hundred, high and low, short and tall, plain and pretty, all in a jumble. Dined at Mr. Cushing\u2019s. The Company was not large. There were two young Ladies present, but I had no Conversation with them, and I do not know their names, though I believe they are nieces to Mr. Cushing. I have been paying as many visits as I possibly could all this week, for visits, I am obliged to pay; and not a few, I hope however by Saturday, to have nearly finished with Boston.\n      Friday 2d\n     Mr. Chaumont, was obliged to leave town to day, having made but a very short stay here. He went in the afternoon, and I went as far as Roxbury with him. He is pleased with his Reception in Boston, as every foreigner must be, and proposes returning and spending some weeks here in the Course of the Winter or of the next Spring. The forenoon was very rainy so that I have not been into any Company to day. I spent the Evening with Dr. Tufts and Uncle Cranch. Aunt Tufts has been very ill, of late, and her life was despaired of; but she is now in a fair way of Recovering: her Son, I have not yet seen, though he has been in Boston all this week: this will not surprise you.\n      Saturday 3d.\n      Braintree\n     I left Town this morning at about 11 o\u2019clock, and dined at Genl. Warren\u2019s. Mrs. Warren, went to Boston This forenoon, with Charles, who sails in the beginning of the Week, for Cadiz, from whence he proposes to go and join his brother at Lisbon. But I fear greatly he will never get there: I have but little hopes of ever seeing him again: though I sincerely wish I may be mistaken. The Genl. with the three other Sons, dined at home. He talks of selling that place, and returning to Plymouth. I have been told he has lately been offered 2000\u00a3 for the house, and farm, at Milton, but he will not take less than 2500. But the Price of Lands has fallen of late, and will it is supposed fall still more, so that it is doubted whether any body, will come to his price. I drank tea at Uncle Adams\u2019s, and found them all well. I did not get here till near 7 o\u2019clock. It took me the whole day to Come from Boston here.\n      Tuesday 6th.\n      Cambridge\n     Sunday, and yesterday I spent at Braintree. This morning, aunt Cranch and I set out together for Haverhill. We dined in Boston, and as the Wind was pretty high, aunt was not fond of crossing the ferry, so we took the round about way, and made it so late before we got here, that we thought best not to proceed any further, this Evening, and we are now at Mr. Gannett\u2019s, whom I suppose you know. I found in Boston to day, Letters from you, and our dear Parents. I miss very much your N.2. without which I cannot but lose entirely the thread of your Relation; I wonder Mr. Williamos to whom you say you sent it, did not forward it by the last French Packet, if as I shrewdly suspect, he did not come himself. But I will wait with patience, and in the mean time reply to your N.4.\u2014I am not at all surprised at your preferring the French Stage to the English; Every person of taste and delicacy, cannot I think avoid it, unless blinded by national prejudice, and I have met with English men, and there are Writers, who are sufficiently candid to acknowledge the Superiority of their neighbours in that respect. Tancred is a very tragical Story. I admired the original tale, when I read it, in Gil Blas, from whence Thomson took it. But I know not for what Reason, I never admired this authors Dramatic pieces; the Representation may give them more interest, than we should suppose they have, when we only read them. As they inculcate Virtue and Morality they have great merit, and it must be remembered they are the productions of an Author who never wrote\n      One line which dying he might wish to blot.\n     Wednesday the 22d June say you, Pappa went to dine with Mr.\u2014. Perhaps you intended I should fill up the name; but it is not a matter of very great importance. Your account of the presentation, was exactly such as I wish\u2019d for; it is sufficiently minute to make me attend you in my imagination, through every step, from the morning till the joyful instant when you went into your Coach, to return home; for if I am not mistaken that was the most pleasing Circumstance that you met with in the Course of the day. That the whole Ceremony, as all those of Courts are, was beyond measure Ridiculous, is as true, as that it was absolutely Ridiculous Necessary for you to go through it. Was Heraclitus himself present at such assemblies, he could not, I believe, refrain from laughing. I think that since they are obliged to go through this Drudgery so often, they might make the matter still more Systematical, and never say but one thing which they might repeat upon every occasion, and to every body. But mankind can be brought by constant use, to relish almost every thing, and perhaps these very levees to which we should consider it as a misfortune to be subjected, are an enjoyment to those, who have been bred to them. The different speeches of the Royal personages, were such as I expected. Why her Majesty should be confused I cannot imagine, but there seems to be some meaning, in what she said, though by the Way, you seem in your answer to have hit exactly the Court Style; a Compliment, though at the expence of your real opinion. And I own you could not with propriety have given the preference to your own Country upon that Occasion. You will I suppose often attend the drawing Room, and although I suppose it will never be agreeable, to you, yet I imagine, it will never give you so much uneasiness again, as it did the first Time.\n     It was certainly very impolite in the Gentleman, whoever he was, that suffered a Servant to say he was at home: and I think the apology very proper. I think That custom of being absent when you please, is the best invention possible, both to avoid importunate visits, and to dispatch those that are necessary; and I think it a pity the King, cannot have the priviledge, of being out too.\n     They have been very civil with Respect to your furniture; but you have not said any thing about the Wine, which you mentioned in your last: I want to know, how that matter ended. Your next I suppose will be from Grosvenor Square, and I hope you will be then finally settled. I shall expect quite a minute detail of matters, and conceive great hopes for the future from your former punctuality. Charles Storer is shortly expected, and I shall doubtless have a fine packet by him. Aunt Cranch had from Mamma a particular account of your presentation; so that we do not want for information on that Subject.\n     Haverhill Wednesday 7th\n     We intended when we left Braintree, to lodge at Lincoln, last Night, and come here to day. But as We did not come further than Cambridge, yesterday, we determined, to wait till we return\u2019d before we went to Lincoln. We came by the shortest Road; dined at Andover at Mr. French\u2019s. He was not at home. We got here some time before Sunset; and found all our Friends well. Tommy was at his Studies, when we got here. So my Uncle took me, to the Chamber, where he was, and said, Here\u2019s somebody wants to see you; we stood two or three minutes without saying a word, either of us. At last Mr. Shaw ask\u2019d Tommy, don\u2019t you know this person. I believe I do says Tom, I guess tis brother John: so you see I could not remain long incog. Mr. Thaxter of Course knew me; You know it is said he is courting. Fame seems now pretty obstinate, and rather increases than otherwise. He is there every day, and was proceeding that way, when we met him in the Street. A propos, since I am talking of courting; you know Cousin B.K. is or is not going to be married near here; the problem is as great as ever.\u2014Miss Hazen is still here. Her person answers all the expectations, which had been raised by the descriptions of yourself, and my friend at Lisbon. I will wait till I be more acquainted with her, before I give you my opinion of her Character. Yours as ever\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0101", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cranch, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\n      My dear Betsy\n      London Sepbr 2 1785 Grosvenor Square\n     At the Bath hotel I received my dear Neices Letter of April. I have told your Sister and other Friends why I did not write then, but I should have no excuse to give if I omitted so good an opportunity as now offers by Mr. Storer.\n     This day two months ago we removed here, where I should be much delighted if I could have my Sisters my Cousins and connections round me, but for want of them every Country I reside in, lacks a principal ingredient in the composition of my happiness.\n     London in the Summer season is a mere desert, no body of concequence resides in it, unless necessitated too, by their Buisness. I think the Gentry quite right in every view to retire to their Country seats, residing upon them is generally a great benefit to the propriater. Many noble Men expend vast sums anually in improveing and Beautifying their estates. I am told that one must visit some of these Manors and Lordships to form a just estimate of British Grandeur and Magnificence.\n     All the Villages which I have seen round London are mere Gardens, and shew what may be effected by Culture, but we must not expect for many Years to see America thus improved. Our numbers are few in comparison with our acres, and property is more equally distributed which is one great reason of our happiness; Industery there, is sure to meet with its recompence and to preserve the Labourer from famine from Nakedness and from want. The Liberal reward which Labour meets with in America is an other Source of our National prosperity, population and increasing wealth result from it. The condition of our Labouring poor is preferable to that of any other Country, comparatively speaking. We have no poor except those who are publickly supported. America is in her early vigor, in that progressive state, which in reality is the Cheerful and flourishing state to all the different orders of Society. It is so to the humane constitution, for when once it has reachd the meridian it declines towards the Setting Sun. But America has much to do e\u2019er she arrives at her Zenith. She possesses every requisite to render her the happiest Country upon the Globe. She has the knowledge and experience of past ages before her. She was not planted like most other Countries with a Lawless Banditti, or an Ignorant savage Race who cannot even trace their origon, but by an enlightned a Religious and polished people. The Numerous improvement which they have made during a Century and half, in what was then but a howling Wilderness, proves their state of civilisation. Let me recommend to you my dear Girl to make yourself perfect mistress of the History of your own Country if you are not so allready; no one can be sufficiently thankfull for the Blessings they enjoy, unless they know the value of them.\n     Were you to be a witness to the Spectacles of wretchedness and misiry which these old Countries exhibit, crouded with inhabitants; loaded with taxes, you would shuder at the sight. I never set my foot out, without encountering many objects whose tatterd party coulourd garments, hide not half their Nakedness, and speak as Otway expresses it \u201cVariety of Wretchedness,\u201d coverd with disease and starving with hunger; they beg with horrour in their countanances; besides these, what can be said of the wretched victims who are weekly Sacrificed upon the Gallows, in numbers Sufficient to astonish a civilized people? I have been credibly informd that hundreds of Children from 4 years and upwards, sleep under the trees fences and Bushes of Hide Park nightly, having no where else to lay their heads, and subsist by day; upon the Charity of the passenger. Yet has this Country as many publick institutions for charitable support of the infirm, as any country can Boast. But there must be some essential defect in the Government and Morals of a people when punishments lose their efficacy and crimes abound.\n     But I shall make you sick with my picture of wretchedness. Let it excite us to thankfulness my Dear Girl that our lives have fallen to us in a happier Land, a Land of Liberty and virtue, comparatively speaking. And let every one so far as there Sphere of action extends, and none so contracted as to be without Some influence, Let every one consider it as a duty which they owe to themselves to their Country and to posterity to practise virtue, to cultivate knowledge and to Revere the deity as the only means, by which not only individuals, but a people or a Nation can be prosperous and happy. You will think I have turnd preacher. I know I am not writing to a thoughtless, but to a reflecting Solid young Lady, and that shall be my excuse.\n     How have you advanced in your musick. The practise of Musick to those who have a taste and ear for it, must be one of the most agreeable of Amusements. It tends to soften and harmonize the passions, to elevate the mind, to raise it from earth to Heaven. The most powerfull effects of Musick which I ever experienced, was at Westminister Abbey. The place itself is well calculated to excite solemnity, not only from its ancient and venerable appearence, but from the dignified Dust, Marble and Monuments it contains. Last year it was fitted up with seats and an organ loft sufficienly large to contain six hundred Musicians, which were collected from this and other Countries. This Year the Musick was repeated. It is call\u2019d the celebration of Handles Musick. The sums collected are deposited, and the income is appropriated to the support of decayed Musicians. There were 5 days set apart for the different performances. I was at the peice call\u2019d the Messiah, and tho a Guinea a ticket, I am sure I never spent one with more satisfaction. It is impossible to describe to you the Solemnity and dignity of the Scene. When it came to that part, the Hallelujah, the whole assembly rose and all the Musicians, every person uncoverd. Only conceive six hundred voices and instruments perfectly chording in one word and one sound! I could scarcly believe myself an inhabitant of Earth. I was one continued shudder from the begining to the end of the performance. Nine thousand pounds was collected, by which you may judge of the rage which prevaild for the entertainment.\n     How do all my good Friends and old Neighbours. Let me hear as often as possible from you. Never conceive that your Letters are trifling, nothing which relates to those I Love appears so to me. This Letter is to go by Mr. Storer, as I told you in the begining; a smart youth for some of you; and what is better a virtuous and good Young Man. We are sorry to part with him, for he is quite Domesticated with us, but we hope he will be benifited by the exchange. It is time for him to be some way fixed in a profession for Life. He thinks of Divinity, and now I am talking of Divinity I will inquire after my Friend Mr. Wibird and chide you all for never mentioning him\u2014for I have seen him twenty times Since my absence come up your yard, and enter the house, and inquire (after having thrown aside his cloak) \u201cWell, have you heard from your Aunt? What does She say, and how do they all?\u201d\n     I hope you have seen your cousin before this time and in your next you must tell me how you like him. You must cure him of some foibles which he has. He will take it kindly of you, for he is a good youth only a little too possitive. My paper only allows me to say that I am Yours", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0102", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Lucy Quincy Tufts, 3 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Lucy Quincy\n      My Dear Aunt\n      London Sepbr 3d. 1785\n     And why my dear Madam have you not written a few lines, and tuckt into a corner of my good uncles Letters when he has favourd me with one? Perhaps you think I ought first to have adrest you. I knew I was writing to both, whenever I scribled to my honourd Friend, and that my sisters and Neices would communicate to you their Letters whenever there was any thing worthy your notice.\n     I know Madam that you Live a Life so retired and are now so frequently seperated from your worthy companion that I flatter myself a few lines from me will not be unacceptable to you: tho I were to amuse you with what is the Ton of London, The learned pig, dancing dogs, and the little Hare that Beats the Drum. It is incredible what sums of Money are nightly lavishd upon these kinds of Amusements, many of them fit only to please children. The Tumbling and rope Dancing is worth seeing once or twice, because it gives you an Idea of what skill agility and dexterity the Humane frame is capable of, and of which no person can form an Idea without having seen it. The House where these wonderfull feats are exhibited is calld Sadlers Wells and is accomodated with Boxes and a Stage in the manner of a play House. Upon the Stage two machines are fixed upon which a rope is extended about 15 foot from the floor. Upon this the Dancers mount drest very neat with a Jocky and feathers and a silk Jacket and Breaches, the Jacket very tight to the waist and a sash tied round the Jacket. He bows to the company; upon which a person who stands near him gives him a long pole made thick at each end. With this pole which serves to Balance him, he commences his dance to the Musick which he keeps time with. He will run backwards and forwards poise himself upon one foot, kneel jump across the rope, spring upon it again, and finally throws down the pole and jumps 6 foot into the air repeatedly, every time returning upon the rope with the same steadiness as if it was the floor, and with so much ease, that the spectator is ready to believe he can perform, the same himself. There is one man who is stilled the little devil, who dances with wooden shoes, and I have seen him stand upon his head with his feet perpendicular in the air. All this is wonderfull for a Man, but what will you say, when I assure you I have seen a most Beautifull Girl perform the same feats! Both in Paris and England. Why say you what could she do with her peticoats? It is true that she had a short silk skirt, but she was well clad under that, with draws, and so are all the female Dancers upon the stage, and there is even a law in France that no woman Shall dance upon the stage without them; But I can never look upon a woman in such situations, without conceiving all that adorns and Beautifies the female Character, delicacy modesty and diffidence, as wholy laid asside, and nothing of the woman but the Sex left.\n     In Europe all the lower class of women perform the most servile Labour, and work as hard with out door as the Men. In France you see them making hay, reaping sowing plowing and driveing their carts alone. It would astonish you to see how Labourious they are, and that all their gain is coars Bread and a little ordinary wine, not half so good as our cider. The Land is all owned by Marquisses Counts and Dukes, for whom these poor wretches toil and sweat. Their houses through all the villages of France consist of thatched roof Huts, without one single pane of glass. When they have any buisness which requires light, they set out of Door, and this they usually do through the whole season, for Heaven has blesst them with an admirable Climate, and a soil productive of every necessary and delicacy that Luxery can pant for. But there Religion and Government Mar all heavens Bounty. In Spain I have been told that it is much worse. I believe in England the common people live more comfortably, but there is wretchedness and oppression enough here, to make a wise Man mad.\n     If I was not attached to America by a Naturel regard, as my native Country, when I compare the condition of its inhabitants, with that of the Europeans, I am bound to it by every feeling of phylanthropy, and pray that the Blessings of civil and Religious Liberty, knowledge and virtue may increase and shine upon us, in proportion as they are clouded and obstructed in the rest of the Globe, and that we may possess wisdom enough to estimate aright our peculiar felicity.\n     I will not close untill I have inquired after your Health and that of your Son and Neice to whom present my Love. Mr. Adams and your Neice also tender you their regards. As I esteem a good domestick I would not forget them in the number of your family, or any of my Towns folks who may think it worth while to inqure after Your affectionate Friend and Neice\n      Abigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0103", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n     I was honoured with your letter of Aug. 21. by Mr. Smith who arrived here on the 29th. I am sorry you did not repeat the commission you had favoured me with by Mr. Short as the present would have been an excellent opportunity of sending the articles you wished for. As Mr. Short\u2019s return may yet be delayed, will you be so good as to write me by post what articles you desired, lest I should not otherwise know in time to send them by either of the Mr. Smiths. The French packet brought me letters from Mr. Jay and Dr. Ramsay only. They were dated July 13. They do not mention the arrival of your son. Dr. Ramsay\u2019s letter was on a particular subject, and Mr. Jay\u2019s letter was official. He may have arrived therefore tho these letters do not mention it. However as he did not sail till June, and Westernly winds prevail in the summer I think the 13th. of July was too early to expect him to have arrived. I will certainly transmit you information of his arrival the moment I know it.\n     We have little new and interesting here. The Queen has determined to wear none but French gauzes hereafter. How many English looms will this put down? You will have seen the affair of the Cardinal de Rohan so well detailed in the Leyden gazette that I need add nothing on that head. The Cardinal is still in the Bastille. It is certain that the Queen has been compromitted without the smallest authority from her: and the probability is that the Cardinal has been duped into it by his mistress Madme. de la Motte. There results from this two consequences not to his honour, that he is a debauchee, and a booby. The Abb\u00e9s are well. They have been kept in town this summer by the affairs of the Abb\u00e9 Mably. I have at length procured a house in a situation much more pleasing to me than my present. It is at the grille des Champs Elysees, but within the city. It suits me in every circumstance but the price, being dearer than the one I am now in. It has a clever garden to it.\n     I will pray you to present my best respects to Miss Adams and to be assured of the respect and esteem with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam Your most obedient & most humble servt.\n      Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0106", "content": "Title: William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My dear Madam\n      Berlin 5th. September 1785\n     Your benevolence I know will excuse the particularity of this address, when you confide in the assurance of its proceeding from a sincere heart nourishing the most exalted sentiments of the virtue and sensibility of yours. Accept of my thanks for the reply to my note, I feel myself complimented by your confidence and beleive I am not capable of abusing it. I hope for an advocate in you, should Mr. Adams think my absence long. Tell him, that\u2014what will you tell him? Can you say with Stern that it is a quiet Journey of the heart in pursuit of those affections, which make us love each other, and the world better than we do ?, or will you say he is flying from\u2014? Hush, madam, not a lisp\u2014but I will not dictate, say what you please. Whatever you say and whatever you do (confiding in the spring of your actions) I will subscribe to it.\n     Mr. A, I hope, received my Letters from Harwich and Amsterdam. I dare not permit my pen to enter upon my journal, least I should tire you. I\u2019ll reserve the tales for winter Evenings, when I dare say I shall at least receive your thanks for sharpening your appetite for your pillow, that you may form an Idea of the channel thro\u2019 which they\u2019ll run. I shall only hint, that I have visited the Cabinets of the Curious both natural and artificial, Palaces, Libraries, Arsenals, fields of Battle, Monuments on those fields, Cathedrals, and have descended with a taper into the sepulchre\u2019s, of monarchs\u2014\u201cI took a turn amongst their tombs\u2014to see where to all Glory comes\u201d\u2014and find Royalty cuts but a poor figure here. And from the humble Cottage of the impovrished Peasant where he shared with me his peas and his beans, I have crept silently up to the throne of Majesty. Crept Did I say? No Madam. I walked firmly up to it, marking the stages to the last Step of the ascent, from whence with an Eye of compassion, I reviewd the vale thro\u2019 which I had passed and with the aforementioned favourite author I asked heaven only for health and the fair Goddess of Liberty as my Companion and all beyond let wild ambition grapel for, and gain. I shall not envy it. Pretty tolerable rant this, you\u2019ll say. Well I\u2019ll check a Little.\n     We have been favoured with seven day\u2019s steady rain, but this did not stop us. But now I\u2019ll tell you what did. In the Centre of a Plain in the dominions of His Prussian Majesty, exactly two Sabbath day\u2019s Journey from a house either way, the perch of our carriage broke, exactly one inch and a half from the centre. You would have laughed at the solemnity with which we got out of it, and gaped at each other, but the worst is yet to be told. The Postilion could speak nothing but German. Miranda, my Servant and your most humble Servant, colectively, could boast of English, French, Italian, Spanish and of cracking Joak\u2019s with monks in Latin, but all this Madam would not do, for the Postilion knew nothing but German, and perhaps this was the case for a Circuit of 10 Miles. Now I know you pity me. I cannot expect you will form any right conjectures how we extricated ourselves from this difficulty, and if I were to Attempt to tell you now, I might spoil a good story by endeavouring to bring it within the compass of this sheet. For the present you must therefore only know we were relieved by two Ladies, who by a Kind Stroke of smiling chance were Journeying the same way. Their conduct on this occasion has heightned (if possible) the favourable opinion I have alway\u2019s nourish\u2019d relative to the sex, and convinces me we should cut but a silly figure on this stage without them. Notwithstanding great exertion, it was two in the morning before we got in motion again. It is well that those actions which proceed from generosity and benevolence, carry their reward with them. As soon as I was seated, the carriage moved and the Ladies bid us adieu. I could not help exclaiming\u2014Peace, happiness and pleasantry attend your steps ye tender productions of your makers works. May no rough Line, ever cross your path\u2014nor interrupting Obsticle check your passage down the stream of Life. May benevolence alway\u2019s greet you with a welcome, and hospitality extend her Arms to receive you. After this, the obligation Sat easier. It was the only return I could make.\n     The badness of the roads and the delay occasioned by the fracture\u2014(for the assistance we had recieved only enabled us to move with sobriety to a neighbouring Village) put it out of our power to reach Bresleau within the destined Period. And Philosophers may as well hope that the transit of Venus will be postponed untill they are prepared to make their observations, as that Frederic will on account of wind or weather delay an hour in the execution of a Military Order. By the Letter to Mr. Adams which this accompanies you will see he is not a man of words, whatever he may be of deeds.\n     I this morning entered the field\u2014as at a Military school. I shall be a constant attendant from 6 to 12 every day untill the business is over when I shall haste to pay my respects to you. I hope both as a young Politician and as a Soldier (casting a veil upon every thing else as much as possible) to be richly repaid for this excurtion. May I hope, that a Letter will be deposited, with my Versifying Friend David at Paris, acknowledging the receipt of this, and informing me how you all do in Grosvenor Square, by the time I arrive there? Yes I will expect it\u2014and as I find I am drawing insensibly to the last page of the sheet, I shall make this period comprehend my best wishes for the uninterrupted happiness of every branch of your family and expressive of the sincerity with which I shall alway\u2019s acknowledge myself\u2014Your most obliged Friend and Humble servt.\n      W. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0107", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 6 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My Dear Son\n      London Sepbr 6. 1785 Grosvenor Square\n     Yesterday being Sunday I went with your papa to the Foundling Church, Dr. Price whom we usually attend being absent a few weeks in the Country. When I returnd from Church I went into my closet and took up my pen with an intention of writing to you; but I really felt so trist at not having heard of your arrival that I could not compose myself sufficently to write to you, so I scribled to your Brothers. By the time I had finishd my Letters, I was call\u2019d to tea. Mr. Brown the painter came in and spent part of the Evening. I read a sermon in Barrow upon the Government of the Tongue, and went to Bed with one of my old impressions that Letters were near at Hand. This Morning went below to Breakfast, the Urn was brought up Boiling, the Chocolate ready upon the table, Enter Mr. Spiller the Butler, who by the way is a very spruce Body, and after very respectfully bowing with his Hands full \u201cMr. Churchs compliments to you Sir, and has brought you this pacquet, but could not wait upon you to day as he was obliged to go out of Town.\u201d Up we all jumpt, your Sister seized hold of a Letter, and cry\u2019d my Brother, my Brother. We were not long opening and perusing, and I am so glad, and I am so glad, was repeated from one to an other. Mamma did not fail remarking her old impression. The Chocolate grew cold, the top of the tea pot was forgotton, and the Bread and Butter went down uneaten, yet nobody felt the loss of Breakfast, so near akin is joy and grief that the effect is often similar.\n     Your Pappa had a prodigious quantity of writing to do before, and his packets from Congress just received has increased it much. I know not what he would have done if Mr. Storer had not lent him a hand, and copied his Letters for him. Yet it is a little hard upon him, as he is very buisy in preparing for his voyage. The Prussian Review which was to commence upon the 20th of last Month, was drawing together all the great Military Characters in Europe. It was like to prove an object of vast importance as it was to consist not only of the best troops, but of the greatest number, and to be reviewd by the most celebrated military Sovereign now living. Col. Smith considerd it as an object which merited his attention, and requested leave of absence for a few weeks. Your Pappa readily granted his request, as at that time there was little prospect of Buisness, but it has so happend that from Holland from France, America and here, there has been much to do, and much yet remains undone. Dispatches must be got ready for Mr. Storer who is to sail in a few days. The Col. has been gone a month, we have received two Letters from him and may I think look for his return daily. He does not live with us, he has appartments in Leiscester Fields, he always dines with us. I like him much, but I do not rely wholy upon my own opinion. I will quote your pappas words writing of him to the President of Congress. \u201cCol. Smith has been very active and attentive to Buisness, and is much respected. He has as much honour and spirit as any Man I ever knew. His principals are those of his Country, and his abilities are worthy of them. He has not the poetical Genius of Humphries, but he has much superiour talants, and a more independant temper as a politician. In short you could not have given me a Man more to my taste.\u201d I may further add that he is sedate, not too much given to amusement, and a mind above every little mean thought or action. He appears formed for a Military Life, and will figure at the Head of an Army should we have occasion for him. I assure you I am not without apprehensions that such an event is not so far distant as I once hoped: the temper and disposition of this People is as hostile towards us, as it was in the midst of the War. Pride envy and Revenge rankles in their Hearts and they study every method in their power to injure us, in the Eyes of all Europe by representing us as Lawless, divided amongst ourselves, as Bankrupts. Every hireling Scribler is set to work to vilify us in the most reproachfull terms, and they refuse to publish any thing of a contrary tenor unless you will bribe them to. Much of this bilingsgate is circulated in order to prevent Emigrations from Ireland. If your Pappa had attended to the Letters he has received, and would have given any encouragement, he might have settled whole States, but he has always refused to do any thing upon the Subject. There is scarcly a day passes without applications.\n     Our Countrymen have most essentially injured themselves by running here in Shoals after the Peace, and obtaining a credit which they cannot Support. They have so shackld and hamperd themselves that they cannot now extricate themselves; merchants who have given credit, are now Suffering, and that naturally creates ill will, and hard words. His Majesty and the Ministry shew every personal respect and civility which we have any right to expect. \u201cThe Marquiss de la Fayette, writes that he had always heard his Majesty was a great dissembler but he never was so throughly convinced of it, as by the reception given to the American Minister.\u201d I wish there conduct with regard to our Country was of a Peice with that which they have shewn to its representitive. The Marquis of Carmathan and Mr. Pitt, appear to possess the most liberal Ideas with respect to us, of any part of the Ministry. With regard to the Negroes they are full and clear that they ought to be payd for, but as to the posts; they say, the relinquishment of them, must depend upon certain other matters, which you know they were not at liberty to explain in private conversation. But it is no doubt they mean to keep them, as a security for the payment of the Debts, and as a rod over our Heads. They think we are as little able to go to war, as they are. The Bugget has not yet been offically opend. A Generous Treaty has been tenderd them, upon which they are now pondering and brewing. The fate of the Irish propositions has thrown weight into the American Scale, but there are so many Bones of contention between us, that snarling spirits will foment into rage, and cool ones kindle by repeated Irritation. It is astonishing that this Nation Catch at every straw which swims, and delude themselves with the Buble that we are weary of our independance, and wish to return under their Government again. They are more actuated by these Ideas in their whole System towards us, than any generous plans which would become them as able statesmen and a Great Nation. They think to Effect their plans by prohibitary acts and heavy duties. A late act has past prohibiting the exportation of any tools of any kind. They say they can injure us; much more than we can them, and they seem determined to try the experiment. Those who look beyond the present moment foresee the concequences, that this Nation will never leave us untill they drive us into Power, and Greatness that will finally shake this kingdom. We must struggle hard first, and find many difficulties to encounter, but we may be a Great and a powerfull Nation if we will; industery and frugality, wisdom, and virtue must make us so. I think America is taking Steps towards a reform, and I know her Capable of whatever she undertakes. I hope you will never lose sight of her interests, but make her welfare your study, and spend those hours which others devote to Cards and folly in investigating the Great principals by which nations have risen to Glory and eminence, for your Country will one day call for your services, either in the Cabinet or Feild. Qualify yourself to do honour to her.\n     You will probably hear before this reaches you of the extrodanary affair respecting the Cardinal Rohan. It is said that his confinement is in concequence of his making use of the Queens name to get a diamond Neclace of immence value into his Hands. Others say it is in concequence of some reflections cast upon the Character of the Queen. Others suppose that the real fact is not known. I send you one Newspaper account of the matter, and have not room to add more than that I am your affectionate\n      Please to remember I have not a single Line from you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0108", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Dear sir\n      London Sepbr 6 1785\n     I cannot omit by this opportunity acquainting you that on sunday the August packet arrived in which came Mr. Church and brought us Letters from our Son to our no Small joy. He arrived the 17 of july after a very tedious passage. He was however in good Health and spirits. Mr. Adams has at Length received Some Letters from the President from Mr. Jay and a private Letter from Mr. Gerry, together with some Newspapers and journals of Congress. The papers contain nothing very material. Mr. Osgood Mr. Walter Levingston and Mr. Arthur Lee are the commissioners of the Treasury. Mr. Lee was chosen a few days before the Sailing of the packet and was just gone from New York. It is said that the commissioners will have a difficult task to bring order out of the confusion in which the late financierer left the office. Mr. Rutledge had not accepted his appointment when the gentlemen wrote. Mr. Jay writes that about the 29 of May Lambe sent for the papers from Congress that they were sent, and that he saild soon after.\n     They are very anxious in America with respect to the Posts especially since a reinforcement of troops have been sent out. The Merchants say that the trade is worth Annually 50,000 pounds sterling.\n     From the present movements here, there is no great prospect of obtaining them by fair means. The prospect here, is not the pleasentest in the World. But I must recollect this is to go by the post. Mr. A. is very buisy writing to New York as Mr. Storer is going out in a few days. He desires me to inform you that he would take any dispatches you may have, provided you could trust them here. Mr. Storer was formerly private Secretary to Mr. Adams. I will tuck this in one corner of Mr. A.s Letter. Yours, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0109", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 7 September 1785\nFrom: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Sister\n      Haverhill August September 7th. 1785\n     The long looked for, the modest, the manly, the well accomplished Youth, is come at last. And had he needed any thing to have made him doubly welcome to our House, but his own agreeable Behaviour, the evident Credentials he bears in his Eyes, about his Mouth, and in the Shape of his Face of being the Son of my excellent, and much loved Brother and Sister, would alone have gained him a most hearty Reception.\n     I must beg your pardon Mr. Adams, for looking at you so much.\n     Indeed my Aunt said he, I must ask the same Favour for myself.\n     Never was a youth that bore a greater resemblance to both Parents.\n     \u201cThe Father\u2019s lustre and the Mothers bloom.\u201d His looks, and some particular Actions, strongly recall to my mind the happy Days I spent with you, when you first kept House. Before my Brother had assumed the Austerity, and dignity of the Statesman, and the Republican.\n     I hope my Cousin Charles has informed you himself of his favourable, and gracious acceptance at the University. He promised me he would write to you the first Opportunity. As he was now conscious he should obtain his parents favour, he thought he should write with a better grace, and with greater ease, than he could while a matter of so much importance to his Happiness was depending. When Mr. Shaw and my Cousin Charles, returned from Cambridge, they put on long Faces, and attempted to look very trist when they rode into the yard, but I could easily discern by their? Countenances, (which seldom fails of being the medium of Truth) that Joy, and satisfaction, played sweetly at their Heart. Samuel Walker thinks Mr. Shaw his best Friend, for paying so much attention to him, as to gain him honorable admitance, and he is now the Classmate and the Chum of your Son. They have obtained the Chamber they pettioned for, and I hear are very happy together. They are both at present pleasant and lovely in their Lives, and I hope, will be kept pure, and unspotted from the guilty World. I miss them both exceedingly. Tommy dear Boy, I know must be lonly. But he is of such a pleasant Temper, and happy turn of Mind, that he is loth to own it. He is really an exceeding good Child, and we all love him and his obliging Temper, will forever gain the esteem, and good wishes of every-body.\n     Mr. JQA has been soliciting Mr. Shaw to undertake the direction of his Studies. However pleasing it may be to have so amiable a Youth as he appears to be in his Family, yet he feels fearful, how he may acquit himself of the Charge. To qualify a young Gentleman to enter the University as Junior Sophister, is not what is commonly practiced in the Schools, and must needs peculiar application, and attention, both in the Pupil, and in the Preceptor. By my Cousin Billy\u2019s dili\u00adgence he was advanced half a year, and so escaped Six months freshmanship. The Books he was? Mr. Shaw was then obliged to look into, will make it much less dificult for him now to teach my Cousin John. And should he engage in it, I believe I may venture to say, that no one would with greater fidelity, and pleasure discharge their Office.\n     As to me, I feel no Qualms of Conscience, that I have not done for your Children, what in an exchange of Circumstances, I could have wished for mine. Indeed I take a particular pleasure in serving them, as I consider it, as a medium, through which I am happy to convey my Love, and Gratitude.\n     I have now my Dear Sister to acknowledge the Receipt of yours dated May the 8th. and 10th. handed me by your Son Yesterday. My Sister and he, are both here, and intend spending a Week with us, and I have stolen from their Loved company to write a few Lines to you, by a Vessel which was built in our River, and is to sail very soon. I will wish it good speed, as it will convey to you an account of your Children, and will bear a testimonial of my Love. What though I cannot give you a Discription of Kings, Queens, Counts, and Countesses, which afford me so much entertainment, yet I can inform you, of that, which is of ten-fold more importance to your Happiness\u2014the Health, and good Behaviour of your Children.\n     I think Mr. Adams has conffered great Honour upon the University at Cambridge, by chusing his Son should complete his Education there. I wish that all his Sons by their application to their Studies, their amiable, and virtuous Deportment, may follow the Example of their Father, and do likewise.\n     My Cousin says he will go back with his Aunt, and visit a few of his Friends, and return here as soon as possible. We have a very easy, and fine Conveyance in our Haverhill Post Coach, for him, or for any baggage he may chuse to bring. He need not fear any black Dust, nor the woeful Consumption of an elegant band Box\u2014which to a mind a little less improved than yours, might have produced a fatal Catastrophe.\n     My paper is so bad, and the Time is so short that I have to write, that I hope you will excuse its ill Look. I shall send this Letter by James Wilson, who was brought up in Master Whites Store, whom if you see, you will treat as an American, I dare say. If I can possibly get time before Mr. Whites\u2019s Vessel sails I shall write to my Cousin. Mr. Shaws and my kindest wishes ever attend you all.\n      Eliza Shaw\n      The Lace you was so kind as to procure, is a very nice one, and much cheaper than I could get in Boston\u20148 Dollars is given credit for.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0110", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 8 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      Haverhill September 8th. 1785\n     All this day has been employ\u2019d in answering Questions respecting you, and all is not over yet. I must mention one Circumstance, although it may appear too trifling. You may Remember, that in your Letters by me, you gave an Account of the Ceremony at N\u00f4tre Dame. All the family, were very much entertained, by your Relation, but there was a Question arose to day, what, the Ring was. One supposed the Ring, was a technical term, meaning the Court; another, that it was a band of music, and another, that it was some great personage, present at the time. While the debate lasted I could not conceive what the Subject of Conversation was. At length I was applied to, to inform what the Ring you mentioned was. When I came to see the letter I found it was only a mistake of the R. instead of the K. but had I not been used to your hand writing, I should certainly have read it Ring too. It needed no further explanation to perceive what was meant, by the Ring\u2019s being dressed so and so, walking, somewhat, carelessly &c. Mr. Thaxter has been with us a great part of the day. Business and so forth, has dried up all his epistolary ink.\n     I went in the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter, and was by him introduced to Mr. White, and his family. We can seldom, at first sight form an opinion of any thing more, than the outward appearance of a Person: You have seen more of this family, than I have as yet; so that I can only say what my thoughts are, after such a transitory glance. Mr. White appears a very hospitable man; and has much more of the reality, than the show. Benevolence, and Politeness are written too plainly in the Countenance of Mrs. White, to leave any doubt, of their being a Characteristic of her. Peggy did not answer my expectations, as a Beauty. She is uncommonly fair, and has a good set of features, but there is something harsh, if I mistake not in her Countenance. She has grown very fat of late, and is perfectly recovered, of the melancholy disorder she was afflicted with last Summer, and now enjoys it is said, a fine flow of Spirits. A number of young Ladies, were here at tea, and part of the Evening. Among the rest Miss Duncan, Mr. Thaxter\u2019s reputed belle. She is celebrated for her personal and mental accomplishments. But I shall wait before I give you my opinion of any of the Ladies here, till I have a better acquaintance with them.\n     We dined at Mr. White\u2019s, in Company with Mr. Smith the Minister, of the Baptist Congregation here, and Mr. Bartlett. We propose leaving this place in the beginning of the Week, and I hope to be here again by the first of next Month.\n      12th. Monday\n     This forenoon I was invited and went to an Entertainment, which was quite a Novelty to me, and I know not by what name to call it. Dr. Woodbury of this town, was yesterday publish\u2019d, to Miss Hannah Appleton, (I suppose you know neither of the persons,) and in Consequence of this, was given this breakfast, or dinner, or whatever it is. There were a great number of People, there, all men, but I knew only two or three persons present: I was out a great part of the Evening Afternoon, when I return\u2019d, I found Mr. Thaxter, the two Miss Duncan\u2019s, and Mr. Allen, here. They were engaged in curious Conversation. Mr. Collins the Minister of a neighbouring Town, with his wife, have been here all the Afternoon; it seems one of the young Ladies, thought he had not paid sufficient attention to his wife; he had been the whole afternoon with her, and had not said a single word to her, nor so much as look\u2019d at her. Mr. Thaxter thought he had with great propriety taken no Notice of her; there were many things said on both sides, concerning the proper attentions due to a wife; but it was observed that Mr. Allen, suddenly rose, in the midst of the Conversation and took his leave. Mr. Collins soon after return\u2019d, and will lodge here to Night. He appears to me, to be at least of a very phlegmatic, cold, dutchman like disposition, incapable of feeling the pleasures that are derived by persons of sensibility from those minute attentions, which it seems he makes but little use of.\n      13th. Tuesday.\n      Lincoln\n     Your aunt and I, left Haverhill, this morning between 8 and 9. About 7 miles this side the River we stopp\u2019d a few minutes at Mr. Symmes\u2019s, one of the ministers of Andover. You have perhaps been at the house. His wife is one of the sprucest, nicest tidiest persons I have seen this long while. I almost thought myself in Holland, when I went into the house. A little further forward we stopp\u2019d at Mr. French\u2019s, and there was a contrast. Mr. French as soon as I was introduced to him asked me, how the Doctor did; I knew not what he meant, and was going to ask him, what Doctor; but he repeated his question immediately how does Doctor Adams. He is very solicitous that the title should be given him, for the honour of our University, and never calls him otherwise himself, than Doctor Adams.\n     After riding, till near 6 this evening, through, very tedious disagreeable roads, we at length arrived at Aunt Smiths where we now are. They are all well; but what think you were my feelings, when I saw those five charming Children, and reflected upon the Prospects before them. I must not dwell upon this subject; it would only raise useless sighs, upon Circumstances, which have too often already pained you.\n      14th. Wednesday\n      Boston\n     We dined to day at Lincoln and soon after, continued our Journey, drank tea at Cambridge with our brother and Cousin, and got in Town just at Dusk. You know on this Road, you pass through Lexington and Concord. These places will be looked upon with great veneration by Posterity; and if ever the Spirit of Pilgrimage seizes our Country men, I hope, these will may be the places, they will resort to. Si l\u2019apoth\u00e9ose est d\u00fb \u00e0 l\u2019homme, (says the Abb\u00e9 Raynal, who has often noble thoughts) c\u2019est \u00e0 celui qui combat pour defend sa patrie.\n     Charles and our Cousin are both well, and happy in their Situation. I intended to visit Mr. Dana, but he is not at home now. Your Cousin Betsey has been very unwell since, we went from here but is now recovering. Uncle and aunt Smith went yesterday, with the Governor, Lieutt. Governor, and their Ladies, to Mr. Gill\u2019s seat at Princeton, about 50 miles from town. I have been with Mr. Isaac Smith this Evening to a Club; there were present, Dr. Welch, Dr. Dexter, Dr. Appleton, and Mr. Brewster. It was at Mr. Clarke\u2019s; the Colleague of Dr. Chauncy. This gentleman, has a reputation as a speaker in the Pulpit, and is called a man of genius and learning: you know him perhaps; he holds his head I think about 3 inches too high. Dr. Appleton, is not so handsome a man, as either of his brothers, but has something in his Countenance, and in his Conversation very pleasing; Dr. Dexter you are acquainted with, and used to like him hugeously I am told. The old gentleman does not appear to have such designs as you supposed, or at least if he has does not pursue them with great ardour. I shall not have that rival to fear, I believe. You will perhaps be surprized to see I have found out who the old Gentleman is: but such things will happen now and then. So you see my Prospect of success is much better than you would have thought; strange things may happen yet, and you must be prepared for such. The other gentlemen that were present, you know.\n      Boston Thursday\n     I intended to have return\u2019d this day to Braintree; but it threatened to rain, and I was advised to stay. Charles and William, have been in town all day, but we did not dine together. We spent the afternoon at Dr. Welch\u2019s. Mrs. W. has not said a word to me, about french fashions, or indeed any other fashions, so I have not yet had an opportunity to display my learning on that subject. The fondness for show, and dress, here, is carried to a greater pitch, than I had an Idea of, but I imagine it will decrease, for although the will is by no means wanting, the power is, and that is a Capital point: Not a few persons have been like the silk worm, first a mean insect, then a tawdry butterfly, and at length again, a worm of the dust. I hope a reform will take place, but absolute Necessity alone can bring it about.\n      Braintree. Friday\n     Cousin Betsey came up from Boston with me to day. The air of a City does not agree with her, and she has been very unwell for several days. She is much better now, and I doubt not but the clear unpolluted element, that is breathed here will soon entirely recover her health. She has spent most of the Summer in Boston, to take Lessons at the harpsichord. We found Cousin Lucy all alone; she had been so the whole week.\n      17th. Saturday\n     I have been all day reading, and writing, without stirring out of the house; Uncle and Aunt return\u2019d from Boston this Evening, as did also Mr. Tyler. I have been looking over all the books that were sent from the Hague. They were very carefully put up, and none of them are damaged at all. I perceive there is one wanting, or perhaps I forgot to send for it. It is a Plautus. If I mistake not there is only one, in your Pappa\u2019s Library in Europe, and there is none, in the one here.\n      18th. Sunday\n     After attending Mr. Wibird twice to day, I went down with Mr. Tyler to pay my devoirs to Madam Quincy, and afterwards, at Mr. Alleyne\u2019s, we found Mr. and Mrs. Guild, with the former: they both look very much out of health. They have been very unfortunate; but I know of no persons in the same situation, that are so universally well spoken of. Mrs. Guild, has behaved upon the occasion, admirably, and what commonly greatly injures persons, in the opinion of the world seems to have been attended with effects directly contrary, with regard to her. Mrs. Quincy inquired particularly concerning Mamma and you: and Miss Nancy often smiled with all imaginable sweetness. At Mr. Alleyne\u2019s we found Mr. Boyce, the admirer of Miss Hannah Clarke, and an old gentleman, by the name of Hutchinson; but that is all I know of him. I was ask\u2019d, as I often am what part of Europe, I prefer\u2019d to the rest. I think this Question is not fair, in a mixed Company. It has several times embarassed me; for fear I might offend some person present; you remember, how the Chevr. de Caraman, looked, when after he had declared his partiality for Boston, Mrs. B. told him she had never been there. I am often exposed to the same danger, but I generally either give an evasory answer, or own my fondness for France, observing, that as it is the part of Europe, which I have seen the most of, my partiality may be owing to that. As yet I hope I have offended no body, and I wish I may always have the same success. Adieu my Sister, Adieu,\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0112", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 11 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My dear sister\n      London Septr 11th. 1785\n     I have enjoyed very good Health ever since I came to London, untill ten days past. I had about a week since a small attack of the Fall disorder which I hoped I had got the better of. The next seizure was such a swiming in my Head when I laid down in the Bed, as to throw me almost into convulsions. It finally produced a violent puking which relieved me of that, tho I cannot say I feel well. You know I am accustomed to ill turns in the Fall, and I fear this damp climate will not be any service to me. The great distance of time which we pass in this country between meals, is unfavourable to Health. I have got wholy out of the Habit of more than two meals a day. We generally Breakfast at Nine, or before, and dine at four when we have no company, otherways not till Six. You must expect to receive visits and pay them from one till four or 5. I have however set a part one day, which is every tuesday to be at Home for company, by which means I know who and who wishes to find me at Home, by their visiting upon that day.\n     I wrote you by Captain Lyde who saild a fortnight ago. Since that we have been made very happy by hearing of the safe arrival of our son! He is with you I dare say before now, and very happy to find himself in his Native Country. I hope he will be cautious with respect to His Health as he has not experienced so hot a climate for many years.\n     Charles I presume has commenced studient at Harvered College, where I hope he will never give pain to his Friends by any misconduct. How little do Children know the solicitude and anxiety of a Parents Heart, or how tenderly their conduct affects them. Our poor unhappy connexion, whose Life has been one continued Error, gives me pain. How difficult to recover the right path when the feet have once wandered from it. How much resolution is necessary to overcome evil propencities? More particularly a habit of intemperence. I never can think of the closing scene of our dear venerable Fathers Life but with an anguish I cannot express; breathing out his last breath and Labouring in the agonies of Death for the reformation and salvation of the prodigal.\n      \u201cThe sweet remembrance of the just\u201d\n      \u201cShall flourish when they sleep in dust\u201d\n     How dear to me is the remembrance of my Parents how sweet the recollection of their virtues, how forcible their example? There is a pleasure arising from a connexion with virtuous Friends and relatives, which neither power wealth or titles can bestow without it. This month my mind is always particularly impressd with the recollection of my dear parents.\n     How carefull ought young people to be, when they are about entering into connections for Life, to look to the Heart of those to whom they bind themselves. If that is false and deceifull towards the Deity, they can have little hopes of fidelity towards themselves. In short their is nothing binding upon the Humane mind, but Religion.\n     I hope our sister S-h Smith conducts with prudence and discretion becomeing her critical situation and that the Children will prove comforts to her and their Friends. I felt most dissagreeaby the other Day at a circumstance which took place. Col. Smith came in and told me that he had received a very extrodanary Letter from a person whom he never saw or heard of before. He took it from his pocket and began to read it. The purport of it was, that he, the writer had heard of his late arrival in this Country, and of his appointment. Conceiving him to be in an Eligible Situation, he had taken the liberty to request the payment of a debt which he must remember he owed him in such a year, at the time he faild in buisness and fell into misfortunes. As he had never given him any trouble about it, he would consider him so much of a Gentleman as to suppose he would make no difficulty of answering the inclosed order to the House of Champion & Dickenson. He concluded by signing his Name Gorge Erving. The Col. had not gone half through his Letter before I was sensible who was meant, and he would have seen my agitation if he had look up; I did not know what to say, whether to let him know his mistake, or suffer him to marvel at the matter. He had pend his answer and went on reading to me his replie which exprest his surprize at receiving a Letter of that kind from a person wholy unknown to him. That he was quite insensible to the misfortunes he alluded to, as well as to the Debt, for that he was conscious he never owed any person a quarter the Sum mentiond in his Life. That so far from being in Buisness the year mentiond, he was a studient at College. But that if Mr. Erving wish\u2019d any further explanation, he was to be spoken with at his Lodgings in Leister feilds any hour after ten in the morning. When I had a little recoverd myself, I told him I could explain the matter to him; upon which he was not less surprized than before, never hearing a Brother mentiond before. He was a good deal embaressed at having read the Letters, and giving me pain as he saw he had, but there was no fault on either side. I only wish there had never been occasion for such a demand.\n     Captain Lyde expects to return here in the winter. You will not fail writing me very particularly by him. You know there are certain Matters which I shall be very anxious to know the event of. I mentiond to you sending two Guineys by Mr. Storer for my Mother Susanna Boylston Adams Hall, but upon second thought, I will write to Dr. Tufts to pay her Anually 20 dollars which will be more independent. There is also a black russel peticoat which I never wore but once or twice. I would have you take it and give it to her. If the Dr. has advanced any thing let that go as a part of the 20 dollars. I wish however that she might be benifitted by it. Sister Shaw wrote me that she had carried some things of Tommys to Boylstone. I would not have any thing given there, but what is pretty good. There is (between you and I) more pride than she may be aware of. But if any thing can be of service without the Idea of there being old Cloaths, I wish he may have them. I know between all S they must have many things which will serve somebody. Let them be disposed of where they cannot give offence. And an other thing I wish which is that any little matter I may send to my Sisters or Neices may be silently received, that I do not want them to say Aunt or sister sent it to me. I wish it was in my power to send them any thing worth notice, but they know the will is good. I should be loth the Moths should devour what I left behind, yet I feel unwilling to have the things disposed of. I hope to come home and use them ere long.\n     My Love to Mr. Cranch and duty to uncle Quincy, with remembrance to all my old Neighbours who I flatter myself remember me with the same affection which I do them.\n     How does Pheby. Does her income make her comfortable. If it does not, I would willingly contribute towards her support. Advise my dear sister and believe me most tenderly yours\n      Abigail Adams\n      I must quit my pen to dress. Captain Callihan dines here to day and Col. Franks. Mr. Storer will tarry with us till he sails which he expect in a few days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0113", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My dear son\n     Mr. Storers departure is delayed from day to day so that I fear he will have a dissagreeable time upon our Coast. It gives me an opportunity of adding a few more lines to you. Col. Franks arrived here on Saturday with dispatches from Mr. Jefferson. The Ministers not hearing a Syllable of Lamb, and reports growing every day more serious, tho many of them are really false, yet they have the effect of raising ensurence and greatly obstructing trade. In concequence of which it is determined to send Mr. Barclay without further delay and Col. Franks goes Secretary upon the Buisness which Lambe was Charged with. It is of importance that this matter be kept from this Court, and that occasiond Col. Franks comeing with the dispatches.\n     Your old acquaintance Stockdale is bought up by the Ministry and receives a pension of 4 hundred per Year. It is said he is quite a different Man from what he was when you knew him. Not a single paragraph can be publishd in favour of America, suppose it only six lines under 3 or 4 Guineys. They have offerd a Bounty here of 500 to the British whale man who shall take the largest Quantity this Season, 400 to the next, 300 to the 3d, 2 to the fourth and one to the 5th. In concequence of this a Number of vessels have saild from hence. They take the Mates of the American vessels here and give them the command of a good Ship for this purpose. They have pickd up all the Negroes who were stragling about and starving, and engaged them in this buisness. The Ministry secretly allow any American vessel which comes here to go out in the whale fishery and bring their oil in here free of duty. This is done in order to intice our Whale Men here. At the same time they are prohibiting under the severest penaltys any artificer from going to America and prohibiting all hardware tools. The Court Scriblers publishd last week that your the American minister had been closeted with the king in a long conference. The concequence was an Immediate rise of stocks. This Manuver was on purpose to try what Effect it was probable might be produced by a treaty.\n     Mr. Jefferson writes me that the Queen of France has agreed in future to wear only French Gauze, that Cardinal Rohan is Still in the Bastile, and that it appears he was the dupe of his Mistress Madam la Mote.\n     I have nothing further to add but that I found two or 3 stocks Night caps &c which I have sent by Mr. Storer and a pair of Buckles which I have had mended for you. Adieu. Yours &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0114", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith Shaw, 15 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\n      My Dear Sister\n      London Septr 15 1785\n     Mr. Storer says the ship in which he is to embark will go down to day and that he shall go on Board tomorrow. I cannot let him depart without a few lines to you tho I wrote you so lately by Captain Lyde that I have nothing New to add. I have not been lately either to Court or the Play. I have made some visits into the Country to a couple of families who have been very polite to us. When we first came they got introduced to us, and have twice invited us to dine. Both times we were unfortunatly preengaged. The Gentleman Name is Smith he is a Member of Parliament, and he married into the other family whose Name is Copes. They are very agreeable people and live about 4 mils from Town at a very pretty village call\u2019d Clapham. Next week I propose going to Court as it is the aniverssary of his Majestys Coronation. I may probably find some entertainment for you from that quarter.\n     This week the Theatre at Covent Garden opens and Mrs. Siddons appears in the Tradigy of Othello in the Character of Desdamony. We have sent a Week before to engage places. I promise myself high entertainment from this admired and celebrated actress, but heitherto I have seen nothing that I can realish since my comeing from Paris. Of the Theatrical kind I should say.\n     If I had come to this Country with high expectation I should have been dissapointed, but as I have no taste and passion for Routes, and gameing, tables, &c. I cannot string over to you such a Night at my Lady H\u2019s Ball and such a night at the Countess C\u2014\u2014s Route or the Dutchess ofs, Card party. I am so little Qualified for my station and so old fashiond as to prefer the Society of Dr. Price, Dr. Jebb, and a few others like them to the midnight Gamblers, and the titled Gamesters, and I am so impudent, impudent the English call it, as to take a pride in acknowledging my Country despightfully as this people treat it. I am neither ashamed of it, or the great actions which dismemberd it from this empire. Some of our Countrymen who mix much with this people, have confessd to me; that they secreat their Country, and pass themselves for Natives to avoid being insulted\u2014but I am loth to part with the Scripture Benidiction, \u201cblessed are Ye when Men persecute and revile you falsly.\u201d\n     I know they abuse America because they fear her, and every effort to render her unpopular is a proof of it. They go on deceiving themselves, thinking they can keep us low and poor, but all the time they are making us industerous, frugal wise and Great I hope.\n     I have sent to Mr. Shaw a little Treatise upon Education which was presented to Mr. Adams by the Author, tho unknown to him. Mr. Adams thought it might be more usefull to Mr. Shaw than it could be to him, as it lay more in his particular department and accordingly directed me to send it to him.\n     I hope all your little family are well, and that you have only exchanged one Nephew for an other.\n     My best regards attend all my good Friends at Haverhill, to Madam Marsh in particular if the Good Saint is not yet gone to Heaven. Dr. Johnson used to make a practise of praying for his departed Friends. This is rather singular for a Protestant, who universally believe that Death excluds their friends both from the good or evil of those who survive.\n     But I must bid you adieu as I am going to take a little ride. I have been very unwell for several Days. I am very sensible I want excercise. O that I could go and see my sisters, my Aunts, my cousins.\n     Once more adieu. Most tenderly yours", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0116", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\n      Dear sir\n     Col. Franks being detained to day by an accident gives me the opportunity of replieing to your kind Letter last evening received; Col. Forrest had inclosed them to Mr. Adams and we were not a little rejoiced to hear from you after an interval of 4 weeks in which we had spent many conjectures where you was at one time, and where you was were at an other. Mr. Adams received your Letter from Amsterdam but knew not where to address to you, and we began now to look every day for your return.\n     Mr. Adams has not been impatient tho he has sometimes wished for you, for as luck would have it, he has been obliged to write twice as much since you left him, as for any Space of time since he came here before. But Mr. Storer has been very good and helpfull to him, or I know not what he would have done, as writing only one evening about a week ago brought on an inflamation in his Eyes for several which obliged him almost to lay asside his pen. But his dispatches are now all finish for New York, and for the Barbarians. Do not mistake me Sir, I mean the Algerines and not the English. He will be more at leisure than for some weeks past. Mr. Storer left us on thursday morning to our no small regreet. He lamented that he had not Letters and dispatches from you as he Saild directly for New York, but I have the pleasure of assureing you that your Mamma and Friends were well in july. My son after a tedious passage of 55 days was arrived. He mentions visiting your family upon Long Island, and that your Mamma had received Letters from you since your arrival in England. I have here a Number of Letters and bundles of Newspapers for you and if I was sure Col. Franks would find you in Paris I would send them on to you. But if he should not it would accumulate a weight of postage all ready too heavy. You must write to your News paper correspondents never to seal them up for then they are sent and paid for as Letters. What do you think of having to pay for 60 or 70 News Papers as Letters?\n     You have found a Letter from me if you have reachd Paris. I wrote by Mr. Short. Prudence dictates silence to me, take a draught of Lethe and all will be as it ought. There are entanglingment as Lady G. terms them from which Time the great solacer of Humane woe only can relieve us. And Time I dare say will extricate those I Love from any unapproved Step, into which inexperience and youth may have involved them. But untill that period may arrive Honour, Honour, is at Stake\u2014\u2014a word to the wise is sufficient.\n     I depend much upon the cherefull Social converse during the long winter evening which are now fast approaching, many of which we have already spent quite alone wishing for a Friend to enliven the Scene. You know we are not those kind of people who delight in Gambling and Routes and go seldom to the Theater. I was last Evening however at Drury Lane and Saw for the first time Mrs. Siddons.\n      Grace was in all her steps heaven in her Eye\n      And every Gesture dignity and Love.\n     She appeard in the tradegy of Othello, and acted the part of Desdemona. Othello was represented blacker than any affrican. Whether it arises from the prejudices of Education or from a real natural antipathy I cannot determine, but my whole soul shuderd when ever I saw the sooty heretik? More touch the fair Desdemona. I wonder not that Brabantio thought Othello must have used Spells and magick to have won her affections. The Character of Othello Through the whole play is that of a Noble Generous open Manly the Character of Othello is Manly open generous and noble, betrayed by a most artfull villan and a combination of circumstances into an action that his Soul abhored. but I So powerfull was prejudice that I could not seperate the coulour from the Man and by which means\n     That most incomparable Speach of Othellos lost half its force and Beauty, because I could not Seperate the coulour from the Man. Yet it was admirably well spoken.\n      O now, for ever\n      Fare well the tranquil Mind! fare well content\n      Fare well the plumed troop, and the big warss\n      That make ambition virtue! O fare well\n      Fare well the Neighing steed, and the shrill trump,\n      The spirit stiring Drum, the ear piercing fife\n      The Royal banner; and all quality,\n      Pride pomp and circumstance of glorious War!\n      And O you mortal engines, whose rude throats\n      The immortal Jove\u2019s dread clamours counterfeit,\n      Fare well! Othello\u2019s occupation gone.\n     You will no doubt visit all the theatres in Paris during your Stay. I think you will be pleased with them. I have been told that your companion is quite an antigallican. I however do not regard these Speaches. A Gentleman of understanding such as I esteem him to be, who has travelld merly to remark Men and Manners, will never be indiscriminate either in Praising or Blameing Countries or people collectively. There is something I dare say esteemable in all, and the liberal mind regards not what Nation or climate it spring up in, nor what coulour or complexion the Man is of.\n     It is Sunday and I have just returnd from Hackney. The good Dr. Price inquired kindly after you. When I hear from you in Paris, I shall suppose you be soon returning. Daniel is vastly impatient, and a few days ago sent by my maid to inquire if I had heard from you. I believe he behaves very well during your absence. He is very often here. I have had occasion to send for him sometimes and Daniel is always to be found at home. Col. Franks will tell you that he has been very serviceabl to him since he has been in London. I shall have an aditional article or two which Mrs. Barclay will deliver you or send to Mr. Jeffersons for me, in addition to those I have already named, and of which I request your care. As to politicks Col. Franks can tell you all and I am not enough in Love with them to mix them here. Mr. Adams I suppose will write you. I have only room to add my compliments and regards to all my Paris Friends and to assure you you have the good wishes of the family for your prosperity and happiness.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0117", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      Braintree September 19th. 1785\n     I have been in a manner cheated out of this day by the library; for in looking over the books, and sometimes dipping into one, the fleeting hours (as the poets say) have disappeared; and night in her sable chariot, has performed a considerable part of her course. Your Uncle, went this morning to Boston, as he regularly does, and Mr. Tyler, has been very closely engaged all day.\n      Tuesday 20th\n     In the afternoon I went over, with both our Cousins, to pay a visit to aunt Tufts, who has been dangerously ill, but is now in a fair way of recovering. She ask\u2019d abundance of Questions about you, and I felt no small pleasure in answering them. By the way, do you know that Lucy Jones, has an admirer, whose passion seems to outstrip every thing, that Romance can produce; absolutely an Orlando furiosos. The son of Mr. Haslet, was suddenly (and to be sure violently) smitten with her charms: he did not, sit like patience, on a marble monument: smiling at grief. But called the Earth; the Sun, moon, Stars, and every other planet, to witness, that she was the fairest, noblest, sweetest, most beauteous damsel, that was ever beheld by mortal eyes. In short he was nearly raving. And it has been thought necessary, to keep him, out of her sight, that he might not have a relapse, which would be very disagreeable. While we were gone, Mr. Nash, and Miss Lucy Apthorp, were at your Aunts. And who is Mr. Nash, perhaps you will say. He is the 2d. lieutenant on board his Majesty\u2019s ship, Mercury, and was bearer, of some infamous letters to the governor, which you will see in the Papers, (this however is nothing to his disadvantage). While the ship was in Boston harbour, he formed an Acquaintance with Mr. Apthorp\u2019s family, and is now returned here on Purpose, to take the Lady. Her father is highly gratified with the honour of such a Son in Law, and I am told, Miss Lucy said it was should be just as Pappa pleased. So you see, she has at least been taught the obedience, with regard to marriage; which her illustrious birth requires. In all this transaction, there appears only one favourable Circumstance for her in the Eyes of the world; the gentleman, bears a respectable, and an amiable Character. I am sure she will need such an one, for I fear many trying scenes await her. They are to be married next Saturday.\n      Thursday 22d. \n      Boston\n     I was all day yesterday, packing up my trunk, and preparing every thing to send to Haverhill. This morning I forwarded them here, and wish\u2019d to come myself, to see them put into the stage, that goes to-morrow. But we had an Invitation from Madam Quincy, to dine with her to day, and after a long deliberation upon the matter, I concluded to wait on her. Your Cousins went in a Chaise. Mr. Tyler and I march\u2019d it. We were too late, and as is usual, excuses were made on both sides, though there was no necessity for them on either. Parson Wibird was there: this was the first time, I had seen him, out of the meeting house. Well! you have been in Russia; how do you like the Ladies there? As soon as I had answered he enquired about the French, Spanish, and Dutch and in short of the Ladies in every part of Europe I had seen. At length I said to him, You seem, Sir, to enquire of nothing, any where but the Ladies. Why; to be sure says he, I always make it a Rule, to enquire for the best things, first: and then laugh\u2019d heartily. He was very merry, and now and then paid a Compliment, but as often let fall a Sarcasm, on the fair sex, which is always the way with an old batchelor. Soon after dinner we left them, (I mean Mr. Tyler and myself) and, proceeded this way. We stopped in at Genl. Warren\u2019s. Mrs. Otis was there: looked solemn; but you know she has a vast deal of aequinimity. Mrs. Warren has not enjoy\u2019d for a considerable time past, good health, and looks quite unwell now. When I got here between 6 and 7 this Evening (for it commonly takes me, an whole day, to get from Braintree, to Boston) I was told the post would not go to-morrow, as Mr. Peabody, has broke his Carriage. So I have concluded to send them by a Vessel, which is to sail in the beginning of next week; and I shall go with him next week.\n     I have been playing Cards, this Evening for the first Time since I arrived: it is not the most agreeable way of spending time, to me: you may remember I was not so fond of it before I left you, as in the beginning of the Winter; and my aversion has rather increased than otherwise. I shall not lose much time, very soon I imagine with them.\n     I was introduced this forenoon, to three gentlemen in the Profession of the Law. Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Hughes. The second of these gentlemen pronounced the Oration, upon Independence day. You may have seen the performance. It is one of the most curious thing of the Kind, that I have seen, for a long Time. He has a particular attachment to blank verse, for the whole work if divided into ten syllable lines, would form quite a swelling Poem. Mr. H you are perhaps acquainted with. He is said to be a little Sarcastic, and in a miserable farce, called Sans-souci, from a Club, who made last winter a great deal of noise, and that went by that name, he is represented under the Character, of Jemmy Satirist.\n     I dined with Mr. Toscan, and after dinner went with him to pay my Respects to the Governor, but he was engaged in business; I then paid a visit to Mr. Russel, and saw there, Mr. Seaver, who arrived yesterday, from Russia. Quite a smart young man; and I fancy a traveller. Mrs. Russel desired I would present you her Compliments; and said she had been disappointed, in not receiving, any Letters from you, since you left America. I told her I had always thought, you had written her twice at least, but she said she had not received a line. Mrs. Vaughan, and her daughters were there, but I did not know who they were, untill after we came away Mr. Toscan told me. From thence we went and drank tea with Mr. Tudor. There was a large Company, but of persons I was not acquainted with. Mr. and Mrs. T, were very Polite, as usual you know. He desired I would make his house, as much my home, as he had formerly my father\u2019s. How much that was I do not recollect; we had a sort of a Concert, a young french Gentleman was present, who is exceeding fond of music; and quite a virtuose. He sung and play\u2019d on several instruments. From thence I went and pass\u2019d the evening and supp\u2019d, at Mr. B. Austin\u2019s: who was married in the Summer; his Lady\u2019s name I don\u2019t know. Mr. Ben: Cutler Mr. James Lovel, Mr. Hughes, Mr. L. Austin, and Mr. Tyler, form\u2019d the Company. Mr. Cutler, is a very handsome man, and is fully Sensible of it. Somewhat affected; which is not uncommon, in a person celebrated for personal advantages, especially a Man. Mr. Lovel, is perhaps somewhat in the same predicament, though with less Reason. Mr. Hughes told us a few stories, and discovered a little of the disposition, I have already mentioned. He is short sighted: and when he looks steadily at anything, there is always a contraction about the eyes, that is quite laughable. Mrs. Austin, is not handsome, rather otherwise, genteel, talks but Little. The evening was agreeably spent except, that we play\u2019d Cards: we must endeavour in matters of little Consequence, to conform, to the customs of the world, enough to preserve us from the reproach of singularity.\n      24th. Saturday\n     Mr. Nash, and Miss Apthorp were married in the morning, at the Chapel. There was a large Crowd present; for you know marriages in a Church, are a great Rarity here. I never saw upon any stage, more strikingly express\u2019d, the different passions that are excited in different breasts by the same Event. Here indeed it was real, and the expression was consequently not so deep, but more affecting. The old man, held up his head; look\u2019d as happy, and as exalted, as he could if he was created peer of G. Britain: very differently from what he did upon a former occasion of the same kind; and in the general opinion he was equally wrong, both times. The mother was exceedingly dejected; I feared she would faint. She leaned against a pew, and hung down her head. I pity\u2019d her, very much. The bridegroom was dress\u2019d plainly in his uniform, and his Countenance display\u2019d a proper mixture of joy, and solemnity. The bride was in a dark colour\u2019d lutestring, her hair very elegantly dress\u2019d: she looked like a victim led to the altar, and trembled, like one in an ague fit. And now the matter is over, and there is no going back: but indeed I have great doubts as to the happiness of this match. Can an acquaintance of less than three months, give any two persons sufficient insight, into each others Characters, to assure them, that they may trust to each other their happiness for life? Can a lieutenant of a Man of War, with little, or no private fortune, (as the case is here I am told) maintain a family as handsomely, as this Lady expects? Can a young Lady, who leaves every friend and every Connection she has in the world, never to see them more, and goes into a Country, where every body will be a stranger to her, be happy? If these three Questions can be affirmitively answered, Mrs. Nash bids as fair for happiness, as any body I know. Excuse me my Sister, if I thus run on in the Sentimental way, which was in some measure excluded from our agreement, but it comes upon me sometimes unawares, and I often write on a long time before I remember the engagements.\n     I intended to have gone this evening as far as Milton, and spent the day there to-morrow, but it began to storm about noon, and rained so hard in the Evening, that I was obliged to stay in Town; I went with Mr. Tyler, and spent the Evening at Mr. Gore\u2019s. Mrs. Gore is a very sociable little woman, comely; not handsome. Mr. Gore told us some anecdotes concerning a Mr. le Washington, who arrived in one of the last Vessels from England. This man, is either a very great knave, or is wanting in Common Sense. With a settled serious Countenance, he tells the most extravagant Stories I ever heard of; People here stare at him, and wonder at his Proficiency in the art of fiction. But if he supposes he excites their Admiration, he is exceedingly mistaken. For I know of no People, disposed more to doubt a traveller\u2019s Veracity, than my Countrymen, and I am sometimes afraid to tell real facts, lest I should, gain the Reputation of dealing in fiction too.\n      Sunday 25th. \n      Braintree\n     As the storm continued as violent as ever, in the morning, I staid in Boston; and went to Church at the Chapel. Parson Freeman, preach\u2019d a very short Sermon, as he always does. He has adopted the anti trinitarian System, and makes use of a new form of Prayer. Many People have followed this new innovation, and I don\u2019t see, but there are as many Contests upon religious Points, as in any other-part of the world, although it is not carried to so great lengths. Mankind, will forever dispute whether the egg shall be broke, at the great or at the small end.\n     After Church, as the Storm had in a great measure abated, I left town and came here. It was about meeting time; when I got to the meeting house so I stopp\u2019d in, and heard our Parson, whose manner of speaking is as familiar to me, as if I had heard him every Sunday since I went from America.\n     Genl. Palmer and his Lady where here, about an hour, after meeting was over.\n      Monday 26th\n     Your Aunt and I, are quite alone, as Uncle went this morning to Boston. Mr. Tyler is there too, and our two Cousins who went last week to see Lucy Apthorp married, and will remain in Boston till Betsey goes to Haverhill, which is to be next Friday, with me. She is going to spend two or three months there, with Peggy White, and to learn to play on the harpsichord.\n     This afternoon I went down to our house, and stay\u2019d there two or three hours. There is something to me, awful in the look of it now. All within is gloomy, and sad, and when it will look more pleasant\u2014oh! I must not think of that. I very much fear, it will be yet a long, long time before, I shall see you again. I dare not tell our friends here, my real thoughts on the Subject.\n      Tuesday 27th\n     Mr. Apthorp, came this morning from Boston: but return\u2019d in the afternoon; all the family are there, and will spend all this week there. He had invited me, and I had promised to go and see him, so I took this forenoon. He was very glad to see me; ask\u2019d me what passage, I had &c, and soon came, to the Question, of which I complained in my last Letter to you; what part of Europe, did I like best? I told him, I had been most in France, and that might be the Reason, that I was most pleased with it.\u2014Why yes; he believed that France, and the French, were really better than they had been represented. They were certainly a great Nation; and had many good Qualities: but they were not sincere: they would make great Professions; without any meaning. Don\u2019t you think now said he, that the genuine English plain heartedness, and real Benevolence, though not accompanied with so many exteriors of Complaisance, are much more noble and manly. I could not answer in a negative way decently, and I could not, with propriety in the affirmative so I turn\u2019d it off as I could. But what is your Opinion of England. Do you not admire that Country very much? I thought the best would be, to let him have his own Way, and I agreed with him, as far as I could. Upon other subjects I thought he spoke sensibly, but whenever he came upon the Topic of England; his gratitude, and fondness absorbed every other sentiment.\n     In the afternoon, I took a walk down with Mr. Tyler, and drank tea at uncle Quincy\u2019s: I have every day Reason to say more and more, it is not good, that the man, should be alone. A single life in this Country, cannot I think be an happy life. But do not you be afraid my Sister, that I shall be so fond of a connected life, as to have too soon any desire, to enter, in it myself. I well know that Study for years and years to come, is to be my only mistress, and my only Courtship that of the Muses. These sentiments, which my Parents, and dearest friends, have always, inculcated in me, and which my own Reason, and Inclination confirm, will, I have no doubt be lasting. To-morrow I leave Braintree finally for this Winter: and indeed probably I shall not come here again, before next Commencement; for I suppose I shall go directly from Haverhill to Cambridge, in the Spring.\n      Wednesday 28th.\n      Cambridge\n     I left Braintree between 9 and 10 o\u2019clock this morning, and got to Boston a little before one. I met on the exchange, Dr. Waterhouse, who has been at Providence these 6 weeks, delivering lectures upon natural Philosophy. He did not know me at first, and I was obliged to introduce myself to him. As soon as he found me out, he was as sociable as ever. I spent part of the afternoon with him. This Evening, I came here, and shall stay here till to-morrow afternoon, with our brother, Who is well contented, with his Situation here, and behaves in such a manner as has gained him the friendship of his Classmates, and given Satisfaction to his Tutor.\n      Thursday 29th. \n      Boston\n     In the morning I went and paid a Visit to Mr. Tracey, but he was not at home. Mr. Dana, (or to speak more properly, Judge Dana) is riding the Circuit, so that I could not visit him. At about noon I had a billet from Miss Eliza. Cranch, to inform me, that I must certainly be in town before dinner in order to go with Mr. Peabody to Haverhill. I was to go in a Chaise, and she could not go, because, another Lady, had engaged the remaining place. Off I posted immediately, and when I got here, I found the plan alter\u2019d again. We are to go to-morrow morning at 7. o\u2019clock. I have had nothing to do this afternoon but stroll about the Streets. Spent the Evening at Dr. Welch\u2019s. Mr. W. Smith return\u2019d from a Journey, last Evening. He has been gone ever since, I first arrived: I don\u2019t hear much said about his being married. Perhaps his time is not yet come.\n     Friday 30th. Haverhill\n     Here I am at length and am now at my Journey\u2019s end. At about 6? 8 this morning, I was placed by the side of a Mrs. Brewster? Webster, in a Chaise; I am not over froward in beginning Conversation, with a person, I am not acquainted with. We rode two or three miles without saying a word. At length I made some common place Observation, upon the weather: Yes Sir, No Sir, I think so, was every thing I could draw from her, so upon the whole, I thought I had as good be silent too, and we jogged on from 8 in the morning till 5 afternoon, without saying six words, on either side. I often regretted the Company of our Cousin, with whom I should have been all sociability.\n     I found all our friends here well; send abundance of Compliments: and Aunt will write I suppose from Boston; where she is going, next Week. And now having brought you to Haverhill, and to the end of the month; I must for the present bid you adieu. Your affectionate brother\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0118", "content": "Title: Lucy Cranch to Abigail Adams, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Braintree Sep. 19. 85\n     Indeed my ever honoured Aunt I should have been much disapointed if my Cousin had not brought me a letter from you. Your pen Madam is never so far exhausted that every sentence that falls from it does not yeild pleasure or instruction. In your letters indeed those qualities are so happily blended that we cannot take from the one without distroying the other.\n     I hope before this you have heard the pleasing news of the safe arival of your son at Newyork. Many must have been the anxieties of the parents and the sister for the safety of a son and a Brother so deservedly loved. We heard of my Cousin at Newyork six weeks before he arived here. We waited with impatience for him during the vacation which my Brother and Cousin Charles spent here. We heard of him every week. Charles grew so impatient at last that he said if he did not come within a week he would not be glade to see him: I told him he would have a hard task to help it.\n     I wonder not my dear Aunt that you was unwilling to part with your son. The attachments of nature must be hieghtened on both sides where the Virtues which draw each to the other are so great. He is indeed worthy of his parents, and an honour to them.\n     Your Orphan Children as my Uncle calls them will recieve every attention that is in the power of their friends to render them and as far as is in their power they will supply the place of their parents.\n     What ever little services it is in my power to do them will ever add to my happiness. It is by those alone that I shall ever be able to show my gratitude to you.\n     Mama will write and give you all the information you wish for with regard to Charles, who is now commenced Collegian.\n     Your last letters gave us great entertainment. Your descriptions of Ranelaugh and several other places you reserve for the young folks. Then Madam I hope your neice may come in for a share. The pleasure which I always recieved in reading your Letters, makes me ever feel sorry when a pacquet comes without one for me. Though I see all, yet it does not feel so good, as to have one paticularly for myself. But hush presuming me thinks girl you will say, do you expect to be favoured, so much more highly than those that are in every respect so much your superiors. I own the rebuke is just, and will be silent.\n     Except my muched Loved Aunt my sincerest thanks for the silk. My obligations to you are more than I shall ever be able to cancel. A greatful heart is all the return I can make for your many favours: from your own heart you will recieve your reward.\n     Be assured Madam of my warmest wishes for your happiness and of my Uncles. And believe me to be with every sentiment of Love and Gratitude your Niece.\n      L Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0119", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n       Saturday Septr. 24th. 1785\n     Last fryday I closed my Last to you and Mr. Storer sailed on Monday from Graves End so that it is now on its way to Greet you with health peace and Contentment I hope. A saturday the 17th. we went to see Mrs. Siddons, in the Character of Desdemona. Altho I saw her under many disadvantages, the part not being such as I shold have chosen, and her present situation renders it impossible for her to Play so well, as formerly, yet I think She answered my expectations. I did not go into fits, nor swoon, but I never was so much pleased with any person I ever saw upon any theatre. Her Countenance is certainly expressive of every thing it ought to be and She has the most perfect command of it. Her voice is inexpressibly Swet and harmonious. In Short she approaches nearer to perfection than any Woman I ever saw. Colln. Franks had stayed allmost on purpose to see her and was, much Gratified. This is a Curious Genious, I assure you. We saw him in Paris you know, and I recollect you did not approve him. He has a great portion of vivacity and appearant good nature, which amused us very much. At breakfast and dinner he kept us all upon the Laugh. Even Pappas Gravity was often amused.\n      Sunday 18th\n     In the Morning we went out to hear Dr. Price, at Hackney, the first time since his return from the Country, where he has been for a few weeks. We had four Gentlemen to dine with us, all Americans. A Mr. Beverly from Virgina resembles a little Mr. Short. Mr. Chew, you know his sons in Paris. He is a very great Man in his own opinion and very affectd. I dont like him much. Mr. Waring you know. He took his Leave of us, and sails soon for Carolina. And Mr. Randal who you also know. He is quite a favourite with me. I assure you there is something in his manners and behavour that pleases me. I dont mean that he is sans pareil. He proposes going out to New York early in the Spring. He says he thought he shold be the cleaverest fellow in the World, by comeing to Europe but he is monstrously disappointed for he finds no alteration in him self at all, and all he wishes for is to get home.\n      Monday 19th\n     Colln. Franks set off for Paris. I had forgot to tell you that a Saturday Eve Pappa received a Letter from Colln. Smith dated at Berlin. He sends your father a Coppy of his Letter to the King of Prussia, and His Majestys answer. His Letter was to ask permission to be present at the reveiw, every officer being obliged to have Leave from the King. The King, tells him he shall be very happy to see Monsieur la Colln. Smith at his reveiw, and that the permission he has requested is Granted, that he will Pray the Boon Deiu Prier le Bon Dieu for the health of Monsieur la Colln. Smith, and, that is his answer. The reveiw was to be finished the 20th. We do not expect Monsieur la Colln. Smith home, till the begining of next Month as he is going by way of Paris to Pay his respects to his friend Monsieur le Colln. Humphreys.\n      Wedensday\n     Your father dined with the Baron de Lynden, after the Levee, and Mr. Trumble and Copely Spent the Evening with us. Mr. West has lately Gained a Great Prise at a sail of old Pictures, which had lain a long time in a picture cleaners Garret. He purchased a picture which to every appearance was a ruind painting, being totally disguised by dirt paint &c. The picture had been ordered to be sold for thirty Gunieas, and if it could not fetch that for fifteen. Mr. West observed some parts of it were well painted and, Gave twenty Guneas, for it but upon having it cleaned it proves to be a Painting of the famous Titian. The subject is the Death of Actaeon, and he has been offered a thosan Gunias for it already. It was formerly in the Collection of King Charles, and it appears very evident that it was purposely disguisd for it is now said to be as perfect as, ever.\n      Thursday\n     Being the Anniversary of his Majestys Coronation we all went to Court. There was a full drawing room at least I thought it so, for I was excessively fatigued. The King and Quen Prince of Wales, Princess Royal Augusta and Elisabeth were Present. This is such a ridiculous ceremony that I allways feel provoked when I am Present, to see so many, People, waiting in expectation to be spokent to by the Royal Family, and eagerly sollicitous for their Smiles. Ill tell you what\u2014I like the King better than the Queen. At Least he dissembls better. She is a haughty Proud imperious Dame\u2014and I beleive feel excessivly Mortified to see our family at her drawing room, for which reason, I shold choose to go often and once atten for pleasure no one can ever attend, unless it is such a spighfull pleasure as I shold enjoy. Her Countenance is as hard and unfeeling as if Carved out of an oak knot. It nevertheless expresses her sentiments with respect to us, and we may easily see, that She does not forgive us. Peace be with her. I thank Heaven, that I am not dependant upon her frowns or smiles. The Princess Royal is the handsomest of any of the family that I have yet seen. When she smils She is really pretty, but there seems a great vacancy, in her Countenance, and in all the rest of them. The Prince was very well dressed. He is called in general handsome, but it is a tribute that is payd to fashion I am inclined to beleive rather than spoken from sincerity. He is very fat and looks flushd, report says, it is not (with all honourable virtues).\n     Pappa dined with Lord Carmarthen and in the Eve Mrs. and Miss Paradise made us a visit.\n      Fryday, 23d\n     To-day We have been waiting in expectation of receiving Letters from our friends in Boston by Capt. Folgier, who has just arrived. He called upon us this afternoon but and brought me one Letter. I received another from Betsy Palmer from Mr. Elworthy and these are all that have yet come to hand.Tis as We find our very family had heard of your arrival at New York, and were anxiously expecting to see you hourly. They thought I suppose that the instant you arrived you wold post of to Boston, and they seem as sollicitous for your arrival as if the fate of the Continent depended upon it. Their expectations forerun all reason. I beleive they were tyred a looking for we supposed you not to arrive in Boston before the begining of September, after we heard from you.\n     Your reception at New York was such as, I am sure must have been extremely pleasing to you, in particular, \u201cfor you know that we all form opinions of Persons according to their Conduct with respect to ourselvs,\u201d is a maxim of yours my Brother and has been a favourite one of mine, also, but I must confess to you that I begin to suspect the Justice of this sentiment. Was the World Honnest, and every one sincere in their proffers of civility Politeness and Friendship, we might have no cause to fear or to arm oursells with such sheilds as suspicion and distrust. But alas it is far other wise.\n     But I beleive there are many really Honest People remaining. I will not yet turn misanthrop.\n      Saturday Eve, 24th\n     This Morning I had set down and given you a detail of matters thus far, intending to send my Letter by Capt. Davis, but your Mamma came in and told me that some body from the City had just told her that Davis had sailed. The Morning was really fine and she proposed going to ride. We dressed and rode to Clapham. The sun shone very pleasant and the Country was beautiful. That rich verdure which I so much admire appeard in full perfection. We first made a visit to Mrs. Smith and Miss Copes, and then to Mrs. Vassall, where we spent an hour. Mrs. V is a little Lofty, but she put on more affability than usual. She is one of those kind of Folks that I should not wish to be mine enemy. The young Ladies, are agreeable enough. There is but one that has any title to beauty and she Miss Margret is really Pretty, but a little possitive. They were all very pleasing this Morning.\n     Before we went out Count Sarsfield called on your Pappa and they went together to visit Dr. Price. The Count is generally in the Country but comes occasionally to town. Whenever he is here for a few days, he asks Papa which day it is that he is to be his Guest. You know the friendship he professes banishes all kind of ceremony, as it certainly ought. I dont know any Person whose Life is more agreeable than this mans. A fortune sufficient to follow the dictates of his inclination which Leads him to travell, to spend one summer in England a second in Holland a third in Spain if he pleases, and known to all Persons of Rank and Character wherever he goes, and universally respected and beloved.\n     We returnd home about three oclock. Mr. Tom Boilstone dined with us: would you beleive that he intends going soon to France and proposes spending the Winter there. He says he is very much out of health and he looks so, I think. He only wants to Live ten or fifteen years longer and then he thinks he shall die Content but you may be sure that interest is at the Bottom of this excursion. And he seems as sollicitous to affect his plans of trade as if he was not worth a hundred pounds.\n     Pappa received a Packet from Mr. Jay to day, from N York, so late as the 26th of august. Now how well may I retalliate complaints that you did not write one line. But I learn from the Papers that the French June Packet had a fifty two days passage, and a Vessel1 from this place eight weeks, both of which I suppose had Letters for you. I fear you did not receive them before you set off for Boston. We Mamma received one day this week your Letter by the French July packet, which informs us of your arrival. It would have given us great pleasure if we had not have known it three weeks agone.\n     To day as we were setting at Dinner. We received a Card from Capt. Hay, who has just arrived from the West Indies, and a Present of a Turtle weighing about an hundred weight. This came very opportunely as, your father had invited all the Foreign Ministers and my Lord Carmarthen to dine with him next fryday, and such a Dish as this will not be improper, upon such an occasion. I shall not be able to give you any account of the Folks, as your Mamma nor myself shall not be at home upon the occasion. We have a most admirable friend in Exeter. The week before last we received a Basket containing two fine large salmon, directed to Pappa, and the Porter who brought it told us that it came in the stage from Exeter which was all we could find about it, there being no Letter nor any thing but a simple direction to Pappa.\n     And the Last week a Porter brought a Box, from the same Place under the same direction which upon opening we found to Contain a Dozen Partriges, but no Letter. We have been upon the round of Conjecture and have concluded they must come from Mr. Jack Cranch. He does not intend to be known, to be sure. These kind of attentions are very flattering, but the obligation one feels under for them is not very light, especially when one knows of no good way to return them.\n     The day we had the salmon Colln. Franks dined with us. He drunk the Health of the Doner in a Bumper, and entitled him Fish Monger to the United States of America. It was the finest I ever tasted, and the Partriges were very fine. They are called Game here you know, and the laws are very strict against those persons that buy it. Indeed a Person who purchases Game is subject to a penalty. It often happens that People of whom it is purchased will give information of the purchasers, and the penalty is severe, so that those People who have not Parks, are obliged to receive it throught the Courtesy of their friends, if they have it at all. Pappa says he intends to rally Mr. Jefferson upon the civilities he receives here, but says I must not let Congress know it for they will asseredly Leessen my salary, and to be sure they have no reason to do that.\n     By the Way I have forgot to tell you that Mr. Jefferson has, changed his Hotell for one, just out of the Barrier at Challiot, near the Champs Elys\u00e9es, not far from the Spanish Ambassadors. He found his first Hotell too small, and too far from the Pub Walks, of which he is very fond. Petit lives with him and he likes him very much, but Petit would willingly come to London to us, if we would but give Leave. Paulina, soon got into service, and advantageously for herself. The Lady she is with gives her a year. She says however that she should prefer Living with us.\n     Lamb has at last arrived, but as Mr. Barclay was engaged to go to Moroco, he agrees to go to Algiers, as two a person to each is necessary. Mr. Barclay will I suppose set off soon. Poor Mrs. Barclay, will have another tedious Winter. They have given up their House at Mount Parnassus, and are at Present in an Hotel. Mrs. B. talks of a Convent while Mr. B. is absent. Mrs. Montgomery and her son Bob, have arrived in Paris. Mrs. M. I hear from those who have long known her is as Sprightly as ever but it is thought that she will only be talking of the Education of her son, till he is too oald for to receive an Education. At Present he is under the Care of Mr. Noris who you have not forgot I dare say.\n     Colln. Franks says he was at Renelagh in the Bois de Bologne, where you may recollect you were with me last summer, the week before he left Paris, and the Queen with Madam Elisabeth and Madame de Paliniach, honourd it with their Presence. Her Maj\u00adesty has determined to wear none but French Gauze. If you see the English Papers you will see a great deal respecting the Cardinl de Roan, and Madame de la Motte, and some Diamond. That he has been taken up, and Confined is true. It has made much Noise in Paris, but what has been the reall cause, does not appear certain. I wrote you about this in a late Letter.\n     Paul Jones, is undertaking a voyage to Kamskatta. The English News Papers say that he is fitting out two Vessels at his own Expence, and that he is enabled to do this by the Prise Money he has lately received. That he has such a project Dr. Bancroft says, who is his friend you know, and he is Enterprising and resolute.\n      Thursday septr. 29th\n      sunday septr. 25th\n     We went out to meeting at Hackney, and had a violent storm to come home in, which continued all day and night.\n      Monday\n     Mr. Paradise came and spent the Evening. You would be pleased with this Man as a visitor. He is a Member of the royal society, and proposes, to present your father, provided he is first sure of his reception, and he says he has no doubt of it. The form of receiving a Member is this. At a meeting of the society, two members offer, any A person they wish to become one, and his Name is hung up, for twelve weeks. At the thirghteenth week they choose  by Ballot. All Persons except Crownd heads, Princes and Ambassadors are received in the above manner. The latter may be chosen without hanging twelve weeks. Mr. Paradise, seems to have been acquainted with all the Litterati of his age. He told us this Evening some curious anecdotes of Dr. Johnson. But in the midst of his Conversation Mrs. Wright came in with such a Budget, and wanted so much private confab, which nobody was to hear except your father, not Wives to be admitted She said, that she kept Pappa an hour hearing her Story.\n      Wedensday\n     Now what a Chance for making your fortune have you lost young Man. How say you? Is it not to be retreived? No never. Why I\u2019ll tell you. Mr. Boilstone is going to France about his Cargo of oil, that he has just received, and by which he hopes to get an admittance into France in future. Now if you was here, from the Natural benevolence of his Character it is easy to suppose that he wold not object to making you a present of half of it, to go with him and assist him by your knowledge of the Language, to persuade the Ministers there to receive it in future. But do not distress yourself at having lost this opportunity\u2014because you might not have found him even so genrous as to propose it.\n     Your Mamma and myself went this Morning to make some visits. 1st. we called upon Madame de Pinto Lady to the Minister from Portugal but according to the fashion she was not at home. We left our Cards and called upon Mrs. Smith a Carolin Lady lately arrived here. She came for her health, is sister to Mr. Rutledge, and her husband Brother to Mr. James Smith, lately gone to France. She is not handsome but there is something agreeable in her manners. She is to dine with us next Tuesday. We called upon Mrs. Church and upon Miss Hamilton of whom I spoke to you in a late Letter. She is to dine with us also a tuesday and I will tell you more about her. Mr. Short fell in Love with a picture taken of her, in Philadelphia tho he had never seen the original, and says this was the Love affair that used to trouble him so much last Winter and made him so Melancholy.\n      Thursday\n     You know not how much I wish you were here. We are so inanimate and stupid without you, that I expect you will hear of me from Bedlam next, as a Melancholy Mad one. I declare I wish you had not gone home. Here you have been gone allmost five months and I have not heard from you but once. As soon as I find you negligent I promise you I will write no more, and perhaps you may rejoice at my determination. You taxed yourself with my Correspondence upon such terms as I cannot avoid fullfilling. If I tire your patience tell me so, and I shall not continue to. I am really in earnest, for I really fear that you will be sick of my Letters. I have not been more entertained a long time. Count Sarsfeild came an dined with us sans ceremony and he was perfectly unreserved in the afternoon very sociable and entertaining.\n      Fryday 30th\n     To day is the important day. I can only give you the names of the Gentlemen expected. Mamma and myself are going to spend the day with Mrs. Roggers.\n      Fryday Eve\n     We went and found Mrs. Roggers in trouble having lately heard of the account of her Mammas death. She is an excellent little Woman. Her kindness and sollicitude to send in all the assistance to her friends that is in her Power must ensure to her the esteem of all who are acquainted with her.\n     We returned about Nine oclock. The Gentlemen were not all gone. However we did not see them. My Lord Carmarthen told your father he should have been very happy to have dined with the Ladies. Every thing was conducted with propriety and order. Our butler on whom every thing you know depends on such an occasion, is very well acquainted with his business, and gives general sattisfaction. Indeed we at present seem to be well suited with servants. They are all Steady prudent People, which is very essential, you well know, and there is as much harmony as one can expect amongst them. There never will be a perfect agreement unless they are all in one Box.\n      Saturday october 1st 1785\n     You have not I dont beleive a finer sun Shine clearer air or more delightfully clear Sky than we have had this day. It has been quite an American day. I have been sitting at my Desk Writing all day, and getting my letters ready for Calliham who dines with us tomorrow, and is to sail the begining of the week. I shall give this and two or three other Letters to his Care.\n     About 3 o clock Colln. Franks arrived from Paris again. It was found necessary to make some alteration in the Commissions instructions &c. after Lamb arrived. From Colln. Franks, and other People accounts, he does not appear very well adapted to the business he is going upon they say. He can Speak no Language, for he does not speak even his own English with any degree of propriety, that he seems to have neither knowledge Judgment or Prudence, all of which are very essential for if it should be made Public, it is supposed that the influence of this Country will be made use of to obstruct the making a treaty on any accomodations with those Barbarians. Mr. Jefferson thinks it very necessary that some person should go with Lamb, who can be perfectly confided in and, who possesses what he lacks of qualities for the business. Charles Storer, if he was here would be a likely person, it is thought, as he was willing to go, but this is now impossible. Several persons have been mentiond but no Person applied to as yet. I dont know how it will be determined. Congress seem not to have made a Wise choise in sending him. Your father receivd a Letter under the signature of a Capt. of an American Vessell from Philadelphia from Algiers who had been taken sometimes in July. He at first thought it a forgery but Mr. Jefferson has another which he knows comes directly from Algiers, and he thinks that it is without doubt that some Ships have been taken by them. The week before last there was a Letter in the News Paper signed by Capt. Truxton, which said that he was taken on the 22d. of July and Carried into Algiers, and that the next day after the date of his Letter they were to be sent to slavery, that Dr. Frankling bore it surprisingly. This Letters in a day or two was proved to be a fogery, and indeed there are so many and various means made use of here to deceive and mislead People that we know not what to beleive or when to credid what they had asserted.\n     Madam de Pinto called upon us just now. She was going to the Play, and could not make us a very long visit. She had never seen Mrs. Siddons. This Eve She appears in the Character a Lady Mackbeth. It is said she appears well in this Character. I wish very much to see her in a Character where she will appear to most advantage.\n     I requested in my last Letter that you would write us by way of New York, and I must again sollicit you to, for I am sure we shall hear very seldom from Boston, from present appearances at Least. I suppose the Trade will become less and less, while the present measures are held. Your father has laid every thing necessary before Mr. Pit and has had a conference with him. But he has not received a single answer of any kind or notice of them. The King is advised by People of his Party from America to retain his Navigation act, in its full rigeur tho he has been so effectually deceived by following the opinions of this kind of People heretofore. Yet he does not seem to be any more inclined to disbeleive them than ever. What it will all end in we know not. Your Pappa does not expect they will give him any answer till the Parliament set again which is not to be till February, so that nothing can be done till Spring, Should they be disposed to. The American Merchants will be impatient, before that time, but it is not to be avoided they must know if they know any thing. Many will Judge and condemn without proper reflection it is to be expected.\n     Not knowing when I might meet with so safe a conveyance for your Watch as by Mr. Short, I wrote to him after he went to Holland, and desired him to take it and send it to me from France. I wrote to Miss Dumas, requesting her Mamma to deliver it which She did, but Insisted of having a receipt of Mr. Short. Colln. Franks, has brought it to me and I shall wait your orders respecting it. I thought it had as well be in my possession as in Madame Dumas.\n     Poor Lotter who I beleive is as honnest a fellow as ever Lived, has by the intrigues of this Woman your Dear friend been turned out of the House. By Willinks he had requested to have His Livery in some part of it for taking care of it, and keeping it clean, and your father had given his Consent but this Woman used her influence to get him turnd out, after the Poor fellow had given up his sold some of his things, and had no place to go to.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0122", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 1 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My dear sister\n      October 1. 1785 London\n     I told you in my last, that I was going to dine with my Friend Mrs. Rogers. You must know that yesterday the whole Diplomatick Choir dinned here, that is his Lordship the Marquiss of Carmarthan and all the Foreign Ministers 15 in all, and to day the Newspapers proclaim it. I believe they have as many Spies here as the Police of France. Upon these occasions no Ladies are admitted, so I wrote a card and beg\u2019d a dinner for myself and Daughter of Mrs. Rogers where I know I am always welcome.\n     It is customary to send out cards of invitation ten days before hand. Our cards were gone out, and as good luck would have it, Captain Hay returnd from the West Indies and presented us with a noble Turtle weighing a hundred and 14 pounds which was drest upon this occasion. Tho it gave us a good deal of pain to receive so valuable a present from them; yet we could not refuse it without affronting them, and it certainly happend at a most fortunate time. On tuesday they and a Number of our American Friends and some of our English Friends, for I assure you we have a chosen few of that number, are to dine with us.\n     This afternoon I have had a visit from Madam Pinto, the Lady of the Portugal Minister. They have all visited now, and I have returnd their visits, but this is the only Lady that I have seen. She speaks english tolerabely and appears an agreeable woman. She has lately returnd to this Country from whence she has been 5 years absent. The Chevelier de Pinto has been Minister here for many years. Some years hence it may be a pleasure to reside here in the Character of American Minister, but with the present sallery and the present temper of the English no one need to envy the embassy. There would soon be fine work if any notice was taken of their Bilingsgate and abuse, but all their arrows rebound and fall Harmless to the ground. Amidst all their falshoods, they have never insinuated a Lisp against the private Character of the American Minister, nor in his publick Line charged him with either want of abilities honour or integrity. The whole venom has been leveld against poor America, and every effort to make her appear ridiculous in the Eyes of the Nation. How would they exult if they could lay hold of any circumstance in Either of our Characters to make us appear ridiculous.\n     I received a Letter to day from Mr. Jefferson who writes me; that he had just received a parcel of English Newspapers. They \u201cteem says he with every horrour of which nature is capable; assassination Suicide thefts robberies, and what is worse than thefts Murder and robbery, the blackest Slanders! Indeed the Man must be of rock who can stand all this. To Mr. Adams it will be but one victory the more. It would have illy suited me. I do not love difficulties, I am fond of quiet, willing to do my duty, but irritable by slander and apt to be forced by it to abandon my post. I fancy says he it must be the quantity of Animal food eaten by the English which renders their Character unsusceptible of civilisation. I suspect that it is in their kitchens and not in their Churches, that their reformation must be worked, and that missionaries from hence would avail more than those who should Endevour to tame them by precepts of Religion or Philosophy.\u201d\n     But he adds, what do the foolish Printers of America mean by retailing all this Stuff in our Papers, as if it was not enough to be slandered by ones Enemies without circulating the Slanders amongst ones Friends too?\n     I could tell Mr. Jefferson that I doubt not that there are persons in America equally gratified with them as the english, and that from a spirit of envy. But these open attacks are nothing to the secret and subtle Enemies Mr. A. has had heretofore to encounter. In Mr. Jefferson he has a firm and faithfull Friend, with whom he can consult and advise, and as each of them have no object but the good of their Country in view, they have an unlimited confidence in each other, and they have only to lament that the Channel divides their more frequent intercourse.\n     You ask me whether I must tarry out three years? Heaven only knows what may be the result of one if any probabity appears of accomplishing any thing. Tis likely we may tarry. I am sure that it will be a Labour if not of Love yet of much perplexity, and difficulty. The immense debt due from the Mercantile part of America to this Country, sours this people beyond measure and greatly distresses thousands who never were or ever will be Polititians. The Manufactures who supplied the Merchants, and depend upon them for remittances, indeed I pitty their situation. At the same time I think our Countrymen greatly to blame for getting a credit, that many of them have taken no Pains to preserve, but who have thoughtlessly rioted upon the Property of others.\n     And this amongst other things makes our Situation dissagreeable and the Path very difficult for negotiation.\n     You make an other inquiry too, how your Neice will like to tarry. I can assure you, and all those whom it ever concernd that I have not seen her half so happy and contented since she left America, as she has been for six weeks past, and I am persuaded she has no particular attachment there more than we all have in common. The last vessels brought her no Letters but from a female Friend or two. A few lines only have found their way across the vast ocean since last December, and them through the utmost hazard of Barbarians Algerines &c. Who would dare to trust a Letter? But enough I will say nothing, as she wishes every delicacy may be used with respect to a Person whom once we thought better of. But you cannot wonder that she rather wishes to remain some time in Europe than for a speedy return.\n     Your Nephew you have had with you before now. As he did not arrive soon enough for commencment, he wished to see many Person in New York to whom he had Letters, and as he received much civility there, he did not leave it so suddenly as his Nothern Friends expected. He had permission to remain there a fortnight or more as he found it proper and convenient. I believe he is fully sensible of the necessity of oconomy. I never saw any inclination in him to unnecessary expence. He was my Book keeper all the time I resided at Auteuil and perfectly knows what our expences were; he will be very sensible they are not lessned by our residence in London, where we are more exposed to Company, and obliged to an attendance at Court. It mortifies me that I have it not in my Power to send amongst my Friends many things which I should rejoice to, as there are now so many articles restricted. If any particular thing is wanted by you or yours which I can put into the private trunk of a Captain, let me know it, and you shall have it.\n     I would have you write me by way of New York during the winter. Cover your Letters either to Mr. King or Gerry; which address will Frank them to New York and they will forward them to me. I shall take the same method; as it is not likely any other opportunitys but by the Pacquet will offer. My Paper calls upon me to subscribe your affectionate Sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0123", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 1 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      Haverhill October 1st. 1785. Saturday\n     I am now settled down for the Winter, and shall be obliged to pay an unremitting attention to my Studies. I am told I have much more to do, than I had any Idea of; in order to gain an admittance with honour, next Spring in the junior Class at the University. In the Greek I have to go from the beginning to learn the Grammar, which is by no means an agreeable task; to study the new Testament nearly or quite through; between 3 and 4 books in Xenophon\u2019s Cyropaedia, and 5 or 6 books in Homer\u2019s Iliad. In Latin I have little else to go thro\u2019 but Horace, part of which I have already done. In English, I have to Study Watts\u2019s Logic, Locke, on the human understanding, and something in Astronomy. But what good is it to me, to know all this? perhaps you will say. Not much I grant; but it is only the preface, to a request, which I am obliged to make, much against my Inclination; it is, that you would relax from the Strictness of our Engagement untill I get to Cambridge. I shall go into very little Company here, there will probably be a Continual sameness, in every Event that will happen, so that I shall have little to write you that may be very interesting. However, two days Every week I will set apart half an hour, to write something to you. If you claim the same indulgence I own I cannot in justice refuse it; and if you have the same Reason, I would not desire to. It would be a mortification to me, to hear from you less frequently, than I do, and I sincerely hope, you will continue to write as fully as you have done; but from the Impossibility I am in of fulfilling entirely my Engagement with you, I must now leave it entirely at your own option how often you will write. When I get to Cambridge, I shall not be obliged to study so much as I shall while here, and then I shall probably be able to renew the rule of writing something every day.\n      Wednesday 5th\n     Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, the day before yesterday set out, on a journey to visit their friends at Braintree, Bridgwater &c. They are to be absent near three weeks. I suppose you will be curious to know my opinion of the young Lady, that boards here. She is in stature Rather short, but exceedingly well proportioned; a fine shape; a most expressive Eye, and very fair complexion: she is not a beauty but has in her Countenance, something, uncommonly interesting. As to her Character, I have not seen enough of it to give it you, exactly: you shall have what I have collected from other Persons, and the little I have observed; and when I become more acquainted with it, I will write you my Sentiments again. She lost her father when she was very young, which has been her great misfortune. She boarded for a considerable time at Mrs. Sheaffe\u2019s in Boston, and was drawn very young into the stream of dissipation. I have been griev\u2019d since I return\u2019d home, to see the Education, given to numbers of the young Ladies in Boston. We talk of the follies and fopperies of Europe; but I think we go much further, than they do; we have no Theatres, nor Masquerades I own; but there are assemblies, and Concerts, and Balls, and visits which appear to me, the most ridiculous method of killing time, that was ever Invented. In Europe, you commonly see that Even young Ladies of fortune, have an excellent Education given them, before they are introduced into the world; and they may afterwards make what use of it they please: But here, young Ladies, without fortunes to support show, without titles the dignity of which they are bound to maintain, think it beneath them, to know any thing but to dance, and talk scandal. In this last particular they have attained great perfection. They are carried into Company, while they are by far too young, and are taught, that if they can talk nonsense very fluently, and sit very straight and upright, five hours together in one Chair, they will be most accomplished women; you will think I am too severe; but it is certainly too often the case with our young women educated in the Capital. It has been an essential injury to Miss Hazen: she has a fine natural genius; but it has been so long employ\u2019d upon trifles, that they have almost become natural to it. Had she always been taught that prudence, and oeconomy, were qualities absolutely necessary for young People in this Country; that some knowledge in Literature, and especially in history, was a much greater ornament than a pretty face, and a fine shape; I doubt not but she would be much more universally admired than she is: she has been too much celebrated, by a parcel of fops, and if I am not much mistaken, Vanity is her ruling passion. This however must be said that Nature has been liberal to her in mind, and person, but that her foibles are probably owing to Education. She has worn off many, I have been told since, she came here, and I hope the rest will gradually disappear. Do not mention my opinions concerning Characters, any where out of the family. When I write to you; I endeavour to give you the Sentiments of my heart as they rise. To any body else, I should give a much more advantageous Character of this Lady, and yet speak nothing, but what I believe. But to you, I mean to speak not the truth only, but all the Truth.\n     I have not as yet paid any visits. My trunks, which were sent by water, did not arrive till this Evening. Our Cousin Eliza, arrived the day before yesterday, and stays at Mrs. White\u2019s, where she will have an opportunity of continuing to learn, music, with Miss Peggy. She will spend some months here, which will be a great addition to my happiness.\n     I have seen here since my arrival a number of young People; you shall have my Sentiments concerning them, one by one; it was if you remember, part of our agreement. Miss Debloy Perkins, is about 17. an Orphan, and niece to a Mr. Blodget, you may have seen in London, whose father lives in this Town. She is of a middling Stature, a charming shape, a beautiful complexion, and if not the first beauty in Haverhill, at least the second. Had her eye, more expression in it, she would undoubtedly bear the bell; but amazingly wild. When she, and Nancy get together, it would make Heraclitus laugh, to see them. Yet it is enough to make any one weep to see natures gifts so abused: they both require the severe eye of a Parent to make them completely amiable.\n      Wednesday 12th\n     On Monday I went and paid a visit to Judge Sargeant, and spent the last Evening there. Our Company was composed of the Miss Sargeant\u2019s, Miss Perkins, Miss Hazen, Mr. W. Osgood, W. and Ben. Blodget, and your brother. Miss Sukey Sargeant I take to be about 21, tall, not handsome, but looks as if her Countenance was lasting: that is that 15 years hence she will look very much as she does now, behaves with propriety; and has none of the wildness, conspicuous, in the two last Characters I have drawn. Mr. H. Porter, the minister of a neighbouring town in N. Hampshire, is paying his addresses to her, and it is said that all the parties are agreed, upon the match. Her sister Tabitha, (a patriarchical name) is about 18, tall, and large, but an agreeable countenance; there is a propriety, in her behaviour which all young Ladies do not possess; I have lately conceived a great aversion to romping, and it is very pleasing to me, to see young Ladies, that do not pride in it.\n     I have spent part of this Evening, at Mr. White\u2019s, very agreeably. This family has paid more attentions to my brothers, and since my arrival, to me, than any other in town, and if our old maxim be true that it is according to the Treatment we receive from persons, that we form our opinions of them, I ought to have a very high opinion of them; and so indeed it is. Mrs. White is, I believe, an excellent woman. Peggy is very agreeable, and has more reading, than many of our divinities in this Town.\n      Saturday 15th\n     Thursday, we dined with Mr. Dodge. There was only Mr. Thaxter, Miss Nancy, and brother Tommy. Mr. Dodge, has not had what is called a Classical Education, but has always been very fond of reading, and is a man of extensive knowledge, in his own Language. He is very fond of enquiring, which flatters the Vanity of a traveller, more, than perhaps you know. It is as agreeable to give Information, as to receive it, and is more pleasing to our amour propre.\n     Yesterday, I dined at judge Sargeant\u2019s. There was besides his family, only Mr. Thaxter, Mr. Payson, and your brothers. Mr. Payson married last Spring, a daughter of Mrs. Sargeants. She, is in some measure the arbiter of Taste here, and is said to be very severe in her remarks, upon Persons whose dress does not meet with her approbation, or who has the misfortune of making a faux-pas in a Dance. She coquetted it for a long time, before she married this gentleman, and now it is certainly her own fault if she is not happy with him.\n     I pass\u2019d the Evening, in a large Company at Major Bartlett\u2019s. This is a family, which I suppose you never visited. They have always been upon very indifferent terms with Mr. Shaw, whose settling here, they opposed violently. I have notwithstanding had an Invitation to visit them. Among the Company was a Mr. Stoughton, an Englishman, who has lately settled in this Town, and expects, his Lady here soon, from England. A Man of easy and agreeable manners, though an Englishman, but it must be observed that he has been a great traveller.\n     We had this day a Phenomenon, something, like that of the dark day, which you doubtless remember. It was not to so great a degree; but at 3 o\u2019clock this afternoon, I could not read a common print without a Candle; the clouds were thin, and of a yellowish colour, and they were driven along very fast. At four o\u2019clock it was quite light, again.\n      19th. Wednesday\n     Drank tea, and pass\u2019d the Evening, on Monday at Mr. White\u2019s. Mrs. and Miss Williams, the Lady and Daughter of the Professor, of natural Philosophy, and Mathematics, at Cambridge, were there, on a Visit; the latter is a very intimate friend of Miss Hazen\u2019s; tall, rather large, but genteel and very pretty. But since I came home, I am grown more indifferent still to beauty, than I ever was. It is so common a thing, here, that, it loses half its value. Oh! that our young Ladies, were as distinguish\u2019d, for the beauty of their minds, as they are for the charms, of their Persons! But alas! too many of them, are like, a beautiful apple, that is insipid, or disgusting to the taste. Stop, stop, young man, methinks I hear you say. It ill becomes you, at your age, to set up, as censor of the conduct of the Ladies: rather attend to your own. True my Sister, I will own I am wrong, and had I not made a resolution, to give you, my most secret thoughts, I would restrain the Indignation, which I cannot prevent from rising in my breast, when I see, the best gifts of Nature neglected or abused. But all this is a digression, and has nothing to do with Miss Williams, whose accomplishments may be very great, and whose foibles, if she has any, are entirely unknown to me. There were two Mr. Osgood\u2019s there. Perhaps you have seen them: though their family, and this, are very cool with one another. The youngest, Bil: bears a very good Character, and is said to be a great admirer of Miss Hazen. This was the third or fourth time, I have seen them in Company together, and I think I have at least perceivd that she loves to teize him. They called to my mind Mr. Hickman, and Miss Howe; but I dont know that Miss Howe, is any where represented as a Coquet. The gentleman has a great deal of softness, and Modesty in his behaviour; but some unreasonable ill natured creatures have said, that these are not the Qualities requisite for gaining a Lady\u2019s heart. (but no general rule without Exceptions.)\n     Yesterday I dined at Mr. White\u2019s; and immediately after dinner, Mr. James Duncan, Leonard White, Peggy, our Eliza, and myself, set out for Newbury. We arrived there just at Dusk, and all went immediately to Mr. Dalton\u2019s. He was not at home, but came in soon after the rest of the family were there, and your friend Ruth (who is fatter than ever) inquired after you. We spent the evening agreeably as Cards, will permit, and all lodg\u2019d there. This day there was a regimental muster for training, about 900 men, were under arms, from about 9 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon, I was following their motions: They did not it is true perform their Evolutions, as the King of Prussia\u2019s troops do, but would not in Time of war, I believe, be less formidable.\n     We dined at Mr. Dalton\u2019s, in Company with Mr. Symmes, a young Gentleman, who is studying law, very agreeable, and pleasing in his manners. This afternoon we all return\u2019d again, and I spent a very sociable evening at Mr. White\u2019s. I believe you never was at Newbury, though Pappa\u2019s carriage, was often so politely offer\u2019d. I assure you, I have not met with a more agreeable family, any where. Mr. Dalton, is much of a gentleman. He has a great deal, of that easy Politeness, which serves so much To make men happy, and to keep them so. A talent, which most men cannot acquire, whatever pains they may take, but which some possess, naturally, and will show it, in whatever station of Life they may be placed. It has been observed that Mrs. Dalton resembled your Mamma. This is a sufficient elogium of her, and nothing, more is necessary to be said in her favour. Ruth, is a picture of Satisfaction and Content: her uncommon bulk, does not appear to give her, any anxiety, and her mind seems to be in a continual Calm: the Children, have all been brought up to do something in the Course of their Lives, and not to consider, that Idleness is the dignity of human Nature.\n      Saturday 22d\n     Thursday Evening, our Uncle, and Aunt returned from their Journey, and brought me, two Letters from Mamma, and one from, my friend Murray, but not a line from you. I will not complain, even, if I finally receive none; because you have taught me, patience: but I still hope, there is a letter from you somewhere in Boston. I will write to Murray, if I can possibly find time, for I am so press\u2019d for want of it, that, I have been obliged to neglect answering many Letters.\n     I was in great hopes, of receiving a letter from you, by the Post, which came from Boston yesterday, but none appeared. Patience! Patience! as an old french Officer, on board the Boston, used to say. The weather yesterday, and today, has been exceeding stormy; it was a very lucky Circumstance, for Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, that they got home, on Thursday, for they could not have travelled, in this terrible weather.\n     Mamma\u2019s Letters mention that you had not when they were written, (their dates are Augt. 11th. and 23d.) heard of my arrival. I imagine, she must have received soon after that a line which I wrote before I landed, by the french Packet, which sailed, the day I arrived at New-York. And you have I hope, long ere this my Letters by Mr. Church.\n     Eliza, has been here, yesterday and this day. What an amiable disposition! She in some measure supplies your place, as a Sister, and if any body could make me forget your being absent, it were she. But that is impossible. I believe that absence, always has a tendency of rivetting the ties of friendship, more closely, as we cannot properly conceive the value, of any good thing untill we are deprived of it. When I shall see you, and my ever dear and honoured Parents again; alas! I know not. The Ocean is again between us! The Interests of a Nation keep, you on that side, and the Duty of an Individual keeps me, on this. But the hope, that some day will come, when we shall all meet again together, still cheers and encourages me, though it is like trees in the dusk, which seem lengthening as you go.\n     It is most probable, that none of us, will ever again see our Aunt Tufts. She has, as I believe I have mentioned in a former Letter, been ill, during the greatest part of the Summer. When I arrived in Boston, she was supposed to be recovering; and was at one time, well enough to see Company; but she soon relapsed, and has since that been continually growing weaker. It is the Opinion, of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, who saw her but a few days agone, and of the Doctor himself, that she will continue in this World, but a short Time. She is one of the few, who can, look back with pleasure, on a life well Spent, and can submit cheerfully to the will of Providence, whatever it may be.\n     Good Night; my dear Sister! Or rather good morning for the Clock has struck one. Present my dutiful regards to our Parents. I wrote, about a fortnight since to Mamma. The vessel sailed a few days since, and has also two or three Letters for you.\n      Your ever affectionate Brother.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0124", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      My dear son\n      London October 5th 1785\n     I began a Letter to you yesterday which I designd to have finishd last evening, but as we had a great deal of company, many of them Ladies who staid the evening, I could not command my time, and Captain Callihan wrote us a card last evening that he should go by nine this morning, so that I have only time to write you a few lines, to tell you about a fortnight after the arrival of Mr. Church, your first Letter by the French pacquet came to hand. Col. Franks is here again as express from France. That strange Creature Lambe is arrived at last in France. He is going to Algiers and Mr. Barclay and Col. Franks to Moroco. No time is now to be lost as we are now certain that there are two or 3 vessels taken. Had Lamb come in season probably this would not have happend. If Mr. Storer had not saild just as he did, he would have been sent as he wisht, for upon Lamb arrival, they were much put to it to find a proper person to accompany him. He wants somebody of abilities and Education to supply. Franks gives a curious account of him. As they chuse to keep this matter silent as possible, some trust worthy person was necessary. After much consultation with respect to the Americans here, Mr. Randle is fixd upon, the Gentleman from Newyork who visited us often at Paris. He has finally consented, tho it seem he is under a matrimonial engagement, and was soon to have been married to a Miss White from Philadelphia. He has negotiated the matter with her, by this time, tho he was under much embaressment what to do, whether to go without or entrust the Secreet to her. He applied for my advise. I was by all means for his telling her; and your Pappa, gave the same. Col. Franks and he will set of for France on fryday. How they will succeed time must determine. The insurence here is very high.\n     At Length the Peace is signd between the Emperor and the Dutch. The particulars you will see in the papers. Mr. Dumas inquires after you in his last Letters.\n     Mr. Williamos has been very sick of a fever and is just recovering. I wrote a few lines in your Aunt Shaws Letter to you. I will repeat one injunction, which is for you to write to Mr. Jefferson, as he has no correspondent in the Massachusets. I know your information from time to time would be agreeable to him, and you know his great Literary merit, and that you may avail yourself of much knowledge from him.\n     Your Pappa is overwhelmd with writing. I know not what he would do if it was not for Your sister who copies for him. So much writing and to so little purpose, is very mortifying. Col. Smith has not yet returnd.\n     Write me by way of New York this winter. Cover your Letters either to Mr. Gerry or King who will forward them. Remember me to your Brothers & believe me most tenderly yours\n      You see my haste I cannot copy. I hope the Algerines will not take this. Storer saild a fortnight ago.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0125", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 5 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n      Dear sir\n      London October 5th 1785\n     Captain Callihan sails sooner than we expected so that we have not time to write to several of our Friends, and indeed we have all written so lately by Mr. Storer, that nothing worth communicating has since occurd. Mr. Adams has written to Mr. Higinson which letter I dare say he will communicate to you and that will give you a detail of politicks here, as well as inform you of the troubles which delays have brought us in; with respect to the Algerines.\n     Ever since last March Lamb has been intrusted with Papers which ought to have been here in May at furthest. But suppose our funds in Holland exhausted as they soon will be, can our Country expect to continue to Borrow money with their debt still unfunded? With their credit sinking, where will they get presents to Bribe these Barbarians? Or forces to encounter them. How difficult does our country render their foreign embassies by difficulties which uninimnity and virtue publick Spirit and some proper confidence might releive them from?\n     But I must quit politicks as I have only a moment. Mr. Adams received a few lines from you by Captain Folger inclosing an account, which meet our approbation at the same time we heartily thank you for your kind care and attention.\n     My dear Aunt how does she? I am grived at the account I have received respecting her, and almost dread to receive a Letter from my Friends. I pray heaven still to spair her Life and to restore her to health and to her Friends.\n     Believe me Dear sir most affectionately yours\n      A Barrel of shag Barks would be very pleasing to us if they could be procured.\n      I forgot to mention that by Mr. Storer we sent you Mr. Neckers works of which we request your acceptance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0126", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n      Haverhill Octr. 6th. 1785\n     I am afraid my dear Mamma, will accuse me again of neglect for not having written to her, since I left her, before now; several Circumstances have concurred to prevent me; and among the rest, the want of an opportunity to convey any Letters; the stagnation of commerce, has of late been so great; that no vessel since my arrival, at Boston has sailed from thence to any port in Great Britain, and that by which I hope you will receive this, was advertised to sail by the 10th, of last month. It has been waiting ever since that time, without freight; nor do I think it probable she will sail less than ten days or a fort\u2019night.\n     I now have the Satisfaction of informing you that I am at length settled here, for some months, and shall be able to pursue my studies with more steadiness, than I ever could before. I hope to be able by the next spring to enter College, in the class where my Cousin Cranch is. I have been advised to enter then, rather than wait till Commencement, in order to have the benefit of two Courses of lectures on natural Philosophy, which are delivered by Professor Williams. If I do not mistake, it is the same Course repeated annually, but upon so important a subject, it is certainly advantageous to hear the same things twice. I feel very happy, that I have now nothing to draw my attention from my studies: and I could not have found a more agreeable place to follow them in. I shall at present particularly attend to the greek Language, the point in which I am the most deficient: though I hope, by the time I enter the University to be able to stand the test also, on that score: of the rest I am not so anxious.\n     I arrived here this day week, and last Monday, My uncle, and aunt, left us for about a fortnight, to pay a visit to their friends in Boston, Braintree and so on. Your house too they would wish to visit; but it is now deprived of all its attractions. While I was at Braintree, I went there two or three times, and at the first time, I felt the strangest sensations, of pleasure and pain mingled together, that I ever knew of. The first sight of it, brought to my mind the years I had past in it, and many little circumstances which I had entirely forgot but which then were peculiarly pleasing. When I entered in it, my feelings were very different. Bereft of its former inhabitants, it appeared to me, in a gloomy, unpleasant light. Every time I go into it, the involuntary sigh, rises in my breast, and ever must untill the return of those, who will renew its attractions. I believe I have heard you say, you don\u2019t want Sentiment in your Letters from America, but surely on this occasion it is excusable in me. And I know not that I am apt to be over-Sentimental.\n     We receiv\u2019d about 3 weeks ago, your favours by Captn. Dashwood; and the account of your presentation, you will find acknowledged in My aunt Cranch\u2019s Letters. My Sister will receive my thanks for hers by this or the next vessel. I have not as yet had reason to complain of her punctuality; nor she I hope of mine.\n     Braintree has lately lost another of its Belles. Last Saturday Se\u2019ennight, Miss Lucy Apthorp, was married in the Chapel at Boston, to Mr. Nash, the 1st. or 2d. Lieutenant on board the Mercury, whose Captain wrote some very impudent Letters to the governor of this State. The vessel arrived if I mistake not, sometime in last July. While the frigate was in Boston Harbour; Mr. Nash became acquainted with Mr. Apthorp\u2019s family. And was so expiditious that he proposed himself before, he sailed: he had a conditional promise of the parents Consent: and return\u2019d to Hallifax, proposing to be at Boston, next Winter; but having obtained from Charles Apthorp, who had served several years in the same ship with him, a proper Letter of recommendation, he immediately came back, and is in a few days going with his bride again to Hallifax. It was observed that the father was much better pleased with the present match, than with a former one: I am sure in that case his opinion is different from that of all the rest of the world; for this young Gentleman, has neither a fortune nor a prospect for one; as I am inform\u2019d. His father is purser on board one of the king of G.B.\u2019s ships. So that not even the favourite idea of family, could be much gratified. This family pride is surely much more ridiculous here than in any part of Europe. I heard an anecdote the other day, which made me laugh; Miss B. de Blois, has refused several very handsome offers, because the gentlemen were not of families sufficiently respectable; to mix with hers. But when her brother sometime since, paid his addresses to another Miss Apthorp, grand Daughter to Sheriff Greenleaf, and his consent was requested, for the marriage, he said, \u201che knew nothing against the gentleman personally; but he could not think of a connection, between that family and his own:\u201d so that we have our ladder from the mud, to the skies, as well as all the European Nations.\n     I do not know of any news to tell you. The Papers, which you probably see frequently in London; will give you every thing of a public Nature. Of the private kind, your Letters from your other friends, and mine to my Sister, will I hope give you sufficient accounts. I have not yet form\u2019d many acquaintances in this place. I do not feel inclined to go much into Company, and my studies will take up so much of my time that I shall have but little to spare. Judge Serjeant, is riding the Circuits, so that I have not seen him yet. I have been several times to Mr. White\u2019s House: Mrs. White enquired much about you: Miss Peggy is perfectly recovered from her illness, and is as gay, as any young Lady I have seen here (and this is saying a great deal.)\n     Tommy, is very well. I have been endeavouring to perswade him to write you, but cannot prevail on him. He says he knows not what to write, except that he is well, and that I can as well do for him. Cousin Betsey Smith, and the Children, are also pretty well.\n     Your Dutiful Son.\n      J. Q. Adams\n      P.S. Will you please to present my Duty to my dear father. I will write to him if I can by this opportunity. I have already put into the bag two Letters to my Sister.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0127", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 6 October 1785\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n      My Dear Sr\n      Weymouth Octobr. 6. 1785\n     On the 6th. Ultimo I drew on You for \u00a3100 sterling in Favour of Mr. Samuel Eliot, payable at 30 Days Sight of whom I received 5 Per Cent above Par. The Exchange has been somewhat higher, up to 7 Per Cent, but has fallen, and it is thought will be still lower. Part of the Money received I have let out for a few Months on private Security that I may if Occasion should call, have wherewith to answer any particular Demands that may arise. The Remainder I have vested in Government Securities to the amount of \u00a3300 Nominal Value.\n     Yours of March the 5th. and April 17. I have received, the latter by your Son, who is now with Mr. Shaw. The President advised Him to pursue his Studies especially in Latin and Greek untill April next and then to offer himself. We thought it would be best for your Son to be well skilled in the Languages, previous to his Admission (in other Respects he is fully qualified) and We have taken our Measures accordingly. I am exceedingly pleased with his Modest Behaviour, not less with his Judgment and Learning which I think are such as to afford You a most pleasing Prospect. The Trust You have committed to me I feel the Weight and Importance of, it shall however be my Endeavour to execute it with Fidelity.\n     Master Charles is now at the University, and conducts with Propriety. On his Entrance, I informed him of the Necessity of Diligence, a wise Choice of Company and of Oeconomy\u2014that with respect to his running Expences, He must from Time to Time advise with his Uncle Cranch as to the Sum wanted, that I should in general make it a Rule not to advance Money without his first approving of the Quantum &c. As Mr. Cranch has a Son now at College and is more immediately acquainted with the necessary Charges, I conceived that he must be a better Judge than myself, that such a Rule might be useful, and hope it will meet with your Approbation.\n     I wrote to You June 4th. and Aug. 10, in the Latter I enclosed my Accountt to July the 21. last and some News Papers. Since then We are assured of Your appearing at the Court of Gt. Britain. I know not the present Temper of that Court but I cannot conceive that the British Ministry can long persue any System, apprehending that the Nation is become a Prey to Parties and Party Men and that this in some Degree unavoidable while a System of Venality and Corruption prevails and a continued Load of Debt subsists, giving Occasion to all to complain and being such as to leave no Ray of Hope for the Discharge of it. Such a Scituation will afford ample Matter for Fermentation and there will not be wanting active Spirits to set it in motion. Their Passion for Commerce is great. They may feel the Effects of their injudicious Restrictions on American Produce and Commerce. As soon as these are felt, the Tide will turn, and I flatter myself that You will succeed. But a want of Vigor, Union, and a fained Adherence to National Faith on our Side will perhaps embarrass You. I much disrelish our meddling with sundry some matters and our Negligence in taking up some others. But I have not Time to dwell on this Subject now; and shall only add that the Sentiments disclosed in your last with respect to the 4th. Article of Treaty will remain with me as all others that You may communicate that You would not be willing should be known. The same Caution I wish some others had observed. A Letter You wrote to Dr. G\u2014\u2014n a Year or two past, was communicated to one and another at a Time, when a popular Rage against the Tories prevailed and Your Authority quoted in favour of Indulgence to them, about the same Time yours and Dr. Franklins to Congress on the same Subject were published. Congress refuted this and I presume have taken Care to prevent the like for the future. The Bona fide Debts I think ought to be punctually paid. I have no Idea of severing the Interest from the Principal, and if the Treaty made the Debt valid and demandable, it must make the Interest also unless specially excepted. I forgot whether I informed You that by an Act or Resolve of the General Court Judgment may be recovered for the Principal, and Execution go out accordingly, but not for the Interest untill Congress shall have signified their Explan Sense of the 4th. Article (for which Application has been made to them). Our General Court will meet again the of this Month and will be chiefly taken up in settling the Valuation. I expect not to attend but a small part of the Sessions. The low state in which Mrs. Tufts has lain for some Months past has detained me much at home and will at least for some Time to come. Brother Cranch will inform You of what goes on at Court. Adieu My Dear Friend my best Wishes attend You & Mrs. Adams & Daughter to whom I beg to be remembered and Am Yours\n      Cotton Tufts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0128", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 7 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Dear sir\n      London October 7th. 1785\n     Your very polite favour was handed me by Col. Franks. I am much obliged to you for the execution of the several commissions I troubled you with. Be assured sir that I felt myself Honourd by your commands, tho I have only in part executed them, for I could not find at any store table Cloths of the dimensions you directed. The width is as you wisht, but they assure me that four yds and three quarters are the largest size ever used here, which will cover a table for 18 persons. To these Cloths there are only 18 Napkins, and to the smaller size only twelve. I was the more ready to credit what they said, knowing that I had been obliged to have a set of tables made on purpose for me, in order to dine 16 or 18 persons. These rooms in general are not calculated to hold more and it is only upon extraordinary occasions that you meet with that number at the tables here. The Marquis of Carmarthan who occasionally dines the Foreign Ministers, and has a House found him by his Majesty, cannot entertain more than 15 at once, and upon their Majesties Birth days, he is obliged to dine his company at his Fathers the Duke of Leeds. The person where I bought the Cloth offerd to have any size made, that I wisht for, and agreed to take eight pounds ten shillings for 20 Napkins and a cloth 5 yds long. I gave seven for this which I send, and shall wait your further directions. I took the precaution of having them made and marked to secure them against the custom House, and hope they will meet your approbation. I think them finer than the pattern, but it is difficult judging by so small a scrap. I have also bought you two pair of Nut crackers for which I gave four shillings, we find them so convenient that I thought they would be equally so to you. There is the article of Irish linen which is much superiour here to any that is to be had in France, and cheeper I think. If you have occasion for any you will be so good as to let me know. It cannot easily pass without being made, but that could be easily done, only by sending a measure. At the rate of 3 shilling & six pence pr yd by the peice, the best is to be had. As we are still in your debt, the remainder of the money shall be remitted you or expended here as you direct. Mr. Adams supposed there might be something of a balance due to him in the settlement of a private account with Mr. Barclay, which he has orderd paid to you. He will also pay the money here for the insurence of Mr. Hudons Life, by which means what ever remains due to you can be easily settled.\n     Haveing finishd the article of Buisness, I am totally foild at that of Compliment. Sure the air of France, conspired with the Native politeness and Complasance of the writer to usher into the World such an assemblage of fine things. I shall value the warrior Deity the more for having been your choise, and he cannot fail being in taste in a Nation which has given us such proofs of their Hostility; forgiveness of injuries is no part of their Character, and scarcly a day passes without a Boxing match; even in this square which is calld the polite and Court end of the city. My feeling have been repeatedly shock\u2019d to see Lads not more than ten years old striped and fighting untill the Blood flow\u2019d from every part, enclosed by a circle who were claping and applauding the conquerer, stimulating them to continue the fight, and forceing every person from the circle who attempted to prevent it. Bred up with such tempers and principals, who can wonder at the licentiousness of their Manners, and the abuse of their pens. Their arrows do not wound, they rebound and fall harmless to the ground. But amidst their boasted freedom of the press, one must bribe Newspapers to get a paragraph inserted in favour of America, or her Friends. Our Country has no money to spair for such purposes; and must rest upon her own virtue and magninimity. So we may too late convince this Nation that the treasure which they knew not how to value, has irrecoverably past into the possession of those who were possesst of more policy and wisdom.\n     I wish I might flatter myself with the hope of seeing you here this winter. You would find a most cordial welcome from your American Friends, as well as from some very distinguished literary Characters of this Nation.\n     My best regards to Miss Jefferson to Col. Humphries to Mr. Short, or any other Friends or acquaintance who may inquire after Your Friend and humble servant\n      A Adams\n      My daughter presents her respectfull regards to you and compliments to the rest of the Gentleman.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0129", "content": "Title: Royall Tyler to Abigail Adams, 7 October 1785\nFrom: Tyler, Royall\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Madam\n     I am equally pleased with your Letter of the Ninth of May and the very Delicate Friendly Motives which Induced you to Write it. Whilst I Continue to regard your Amiable Daughter, the Esteem of her Parents, independent of their Merit, will be ever dear to me: and whilst the human Mind is ever most Anxious for what it holds most Dear, I shall have my \u201cApprehensions\u201d and feel gratefull toward those who are kind enou to quiet them.\n     You Prophecied truly respecting the British Newspaper Scurrilities: I do not know how they may affect you, whether you either Despair or Disregard them. But for myself I think I should be but little moved by the Aspersions of a People, whose Characteristick, is,  the most Billinsgate Latitude with the most Respectable Characters: whose National Representatives, in the same Publications, are Peculators, whose Ministers are Boys or Knaves, and whose King is an obstinate Numskull\u2014Oh! Faugh\u2014it is a very Vile Bird.\n     You mention some where in your Letters, that you prefer News to Sentiment, and that when you recieve Packets from America you always hury over the Sentimental and hasten to the Narrative. Now this is very Unfortunate For me, who am very apt to obtrude my Sentiments upon my Friends, who write unpremeditately and with the same unreserve as I Talk to those who share my highest Confidence. I will Confine myself to mere News in this Letter, and I Assure you that it is the only Restraint I ever Subjected myself to when writing to a Lady I so highly Respect and Esteem.\n     The Praises of your Son you Undoubtedly hear bruited from all your Correspondents. I have not been long enough Acquainted with him to Delineate his Character, and can only say, that the First impressions he made upon me were much in his Favour. He was present with me at the opening of the Supreme Judicial Court at Boston. As he was the only person, who set within the Bar, beside the Gentlemen of the Profession; he was naturally conspicuous. I dined in Company the same day with the Bench and Bar and was Inquired of by most of the Older Gentleman, whether the Young Person who was with me at Court was not a Son of Mr. Adams? as those Gentleman who had practiced with his Father declard they immediately concluded from his Countenance.\n     Mr. Pearsen, Precepter of Philipses Academy, is married to Miss Sally Bromfield; and was a few days since chosen by the Corporation of Harvard College, \u201cHollisian Professor of the Oriental Languages &c.\u201d He will accordingly be presented to the Overseers, who will doubtless Confirm the Election. This appointment is Acceptable to the People at large, very pleasing to the Bromfield Family, and peculiarly so to Mrs. Pearson, as she very much Disliked Andover.\n     The Salary will be two hundred pounds pr: An: with some Perquisites.\n     I am but very Superficially acquainted with Commerce or Financiering, But from the little Insight I can obtain, I scarce think it prudent to Communicate the particular State of either in this Country, to you in Europe.\n     The Land Tax &c. is Collected with great Difficulty, whilst the Impost has driven many Vessels, with the most valuable Cargoes; from the Entrance of our Ports, to the other States. The Failure of the Merchants Traders &c. is so common at Boston that it has Ceased in great Measure to be Disreputable. Scarce a Week passes without one or more persons shutting their Doors against their Creditors; and no man will venture to Scandalize that Situation, which may be his own or his most Intimate Friends on the morrow. I could add to these assertions and observations, and prove them just by the most Incontestable Examples. But I may have err\u2019d in Writing even thus generally upon Subjects of this Nature.\n     I shall however particularize Two persons of your Acquaintance who have lately faild.\n     The one is Mr. S: Barret commonly called Bishop B\u2014\u2014. This happen\u2019d upon the Seventh of this month. I have not obtained the particulars, only that his principal Creditors are English Merchants.\n     The other is Mr. S: A: Otis Father to Harry O: who studies the Law under Mr. Lowell. He failed about Six Weeks past to the great suprize of his Friends and the Publick. His Debts are owed chiefly in England, and it is said amount to Forty Thousand pounds Sterling. I have seen a List which may be depended upon that carries them, to Thirty Thousand pounds Lawfull money. This List only included the Large Demands. It is said, however, that he has charged upon his Books to the amount of Ten Thousand pounds Lawfull money more than sufficient to Discharge his Debts. He will, I dare say, think that he does well if he can Ballance his Accompts even with the World and begin anew. The United States are Indebted to him Eight Thousand Pounds being the Ballance of his C\u2014\u2014s Accompts. Your Uncle has not sufferd by him as I can learn. His Brother at B[arnsta]ble, has Failed in Consequence of his Failure. But his Sister has secured herself, by attaching His Property in her possession. Her Patrimony was in his hands and it was by great good Fortune that she was not Involved in his Ruin. She shut her Shop for a few Weeks, But by a legal transfer of the Property attached, she is enabled to prosecute her Bussiness as Usual.\n     Mr. Nash, who the Newspaper will Announce to you, is married to Miss Lucy Apthorp, is the same Gentleman who was the Bearer of Capt. Stanhopes Letters to his Excellency, our Govenour. The Young Couple sailed on the third of this month for Shelburn where they Intend spending the Winter.\n     Miss Betsey Apthorp it is said, is to be married with Mr. Pearse, son to a Mr. Pearse of Cape Ann, a person who has Accumulated a large Estate during the War.\n     The original of the Letter from Kentucky, in the Boston Magazine for September, is by Mr. Perkins and was wrote to your Cousin Betsey Cranch.\n     You will perceive in the Newspapers, I send Mr. Adams, an Extract of a Letter from London, giving an Account of Mr. Adams\u2019s Private Audience and Introduction to the King of G: Britain. This Extract was communicated by Governour Bowdoin at his Table and declared to be written by Mrs. Temple to himself, or her Mother, I could not determine which as I set at some Distance.\n     The match it is said is settled between Miss Temple and Mr. Winthrope, the Gentleman who Formerly courted Miss Derby.\n     Mr. Adams\u2019s private Audience is a matter of much speculation. Congress have not Published an official Account, and the Members are not very Communicative as to this Event. I do not mean that they are peculiarly reserved in this Instance. But it is held Indelicate to Inquire of a member of Congress concerning any official Communications which they do not Chuse to Insert in the Publick Papers.\n     The People are some what Anxious to have Mr. Adams\u2019s Relation as they do not seem to Relish the British Insinuations, That he was put into a Deadly Freight by the Awfull Presence of the Royal Personage.\n     I wrote the above a few days since and endeavourd to Imagine myself in your Parlour at the Foot of Pens Hill, and all those questions which in a Cursory Chit Chat I supposed you might ask me I have answerd. I can not say it looks altogether pleasing on paper. I never subject my Correspondents to restrictions, but you will readily concieve what I mean. I Receved a letter from your Son Yesterday. He is well-pleased with his Situation and Expects to make Great Progress in his Studies. Your Sister Shaw is now at Bridgwater and will be at Braintree on Sunday next. Mr. Barret\u2019s Confinement was only Temporary and his affairs are Retrevable. Congress have made a Requisition for a large Sum of money from the States. The People are daily more Convinced of the Necessity of Extending the Powers of Congress and every day more averse to the measure. The Family at Germantown, are as healthy as Usual, as to pecuniary affairs, Involved and Deploraple. Easters Family is well. Fanny Nash, daughter to the Boatman, Dead. Young Mr. Palmer, is upon a Tour of Bussiness at the Eastward. I reside with them when in Boston. Our Family Consist at Present of Mrs. Clark and Son, Mr. Frazier and the Celebrated Dr. Moyes, who is now delivering a Course of Lectures upon Natural History. You are Sensible I Trust Madam that notwithstanding haste and Inaccuracy I am with Respect your Friend\n      R Tyler", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0130", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 8 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Cranch, Mary Smith\n      My Dear Aunt\n      Haverhill. Octr. 8th. 1785\n     Mr. Thaxter will want a horse in a short time, to go a journey, and I should be glad, if mine is not wanted, that Charles should come with him; as he desires to. He will then be of some service and of no expense; if Uncle Tufts thinks proper, Charles can ride the horse here, when he comes. But if he does not think it for the best, will you favour me with a Line that I may inform Mr. Thaxter.\n     Cousin Betsy arrived here on Thursday evening, but Miss White will not let her come to keep house for us; but when Aunt returns she will spend some time here. Her being here affords me great pleasure. For I feel every day my aversion for forming new acquaintances, increase, and my affection for my old ones, take deeper root. I have seen no body since my arrival, and have been no where out of this house, excepting once at Mr. Thaxter\u2019s Office. Whenever I get settled in to my Studies, I feel as if I could live Hermit like: and I hope I may always preserve such Disposition to a degree.\n     All here, are well: Miss Hazen has as much gaiety, sociability and good nature as ever, Cousin B. Smith, as much solidity, prudence, and complaisance. Do you not think that these two Characters, which are both of them very amiable, form a striking contrast? It has often amused me to observe it.\n     Tommy does not study quite so hard as probably he would, was his uncle at home, and perhaps he may retort the charge, upon me. He attends however the writing school, very punctually.\n     Will you be so kind as to present my Respects and Compliments wherever they may be due, and especially to remember me to my uncle.\n     I am, my dear Madam, with every Sentiment of Respect, your Nephew\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0131", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Cranch to Abigail Adams, 9 October 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Elizabeth,Norton, Elizabeth Cranch\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My dear Aunt\n      Haverhill October 9th. 1785\n     You will percieve by the date of this that I am at H\u2014\u2014: last thursday I arrived here. My Visit is to Miss White. She has spent the Summer in Boston, and has been attempting to learn Musick, like myself. She has brought her instrument to H\u2014\u2014 and sent me an invitation to come and pass a few months with her, and learn of her Master, who is a Man acquaintd with Musick, but not with much beside. He is poor, and thinks our employing him a favour. He is not so perfect a Master as Mr. Selby, but is so much more reasonable in his demands, that, we rather chose to make trial, for a little time.\n     Uncle and Aunt Shaw, are gone upon their Annual Visit, to Braintree &c &c. A young Man, belonging to Mr. Whites family, who was brought up in it, and is a very worthy member of it, will hand you this. His name is James Wilson. He came from England, a child. His father upon his return thither was unfortunately drowned. He has some relations there. In consequence of the death of one of them, who has left him a Legacy, he now makes this voyage, in a Ship belonging to Mr. William White of Boston. He sails in the course of this week. He is publishd to a worthy young Woman of this town, and will return in the Spring. Mr. White desired me to write by him. You will find a number of Letters from me in the same Ship, wrote a month since, so that I can not say much at this time. We form a sweet agreable society here. Mr. Thaxter and My Cousin John, make to me a pleasing part of it, tho, I rather say this by anticipation, than from real enjoyment. Cousin J A, has been in town a fortnight, and has not yet made one Visit in it. I have been to see him. His Trunks did not arrive till yesterday, from Boston, and he was rather in a Dishabille for want of them. He will be very studious I doubt not. I wonder if his heart is invulnerable to the charms of the fair and beautiful, my dear Aunt? Not that I think it has yet recieved any impressions, but living in the house with a charming Girl,sprightly witty and handsome, might have some effect upon one less firm, than my Cousin. Will you insure him? I think you would. But tis rather a dangerous situation I believe. He tells me his heart is wonderfully Suceptible, that he falls in Love one moment and is over the next. If so, I\u2019ll venture him\u2014but I do not know him yet.\n     The matter is actually settled between Mr. Thaxter and Miss Duncan, at present, untill his bussiness is better, he will not be married. She is a fine Girl, and I believe he will never repent of his choice.\n     Our good Aunt Tufts has relapsed again into her late disagreable complaints, and we fear that she will not, cannot, struggle thro\u2019 them. I am sure that you will feel, with us, the breach such a loss would make in our connexions. But a change for her I doubt not would be happy.\n     Charles, Billy and Lucy, are coming to see us in the course of the vacation which begins next week. If Cousin Nabby was here she would compleat the company. All your Children and Mama\u2019s excepting her, will be here together. O how happy should we feel with that addition! I long to have more Letters from you, my dear Aunt. I am never satisfied, as soon as one Pacquett is read I am impatient for another. Continue to gratify me Madam by your kindness and attention in sending me those charming discriptions which from your Pen, have power to please almost equally, with the sight of them. You have another House, Gardens &c. to make me acquainted with, and I have an unbounded curiosity, to gratify.\n     Cousin Tommy is well and does well. I sent to know of them if they would not write by this opportunity, but they have already written. I thought, the later the Letters were the better, upon some accounts.\n     Please to remember most respectfully, & affectionately to my Uncle & Cousin, & accept this triffling scrawl, only as a proof of the most dutiful affection of your ever obligd & grateful\n      E Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0132", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n     Your favor of the 7th. was put into my hands the last night and as I received at the same time dispatches from Mr. Adams which occasion a great deal to be done for Congress to be sent by the Mr. Fitzhughs who set out tomorrow morning for Philadelphia as Mr. Preston the bearer of this does for London, I have only time to thank you for your kind attention to my commission and your offer of new service. Your information as to the shirt linen draws a new scene of trouble on you. You had better have held your tongue about it: but as it is, you must submit to what cannot now be prevented and take better care hereafter. You will think it some apology for my asking you to order me a dozen shirts of the quality of the one sent, when I assure you they made me pay for it here 10 livres & a half the aune, which is at the rate of 6/6 sterl. the yard. I will pray you to chuse me linen as nearly as possible of the same quality because it will enable me to judge of the comparative prices of the two countries. There will probably be Americans coming over from London here in the course of the winter who will be so kind as to bring the shirts to me, which being ready made will escape the custom houses. I will not add to your trouble that of a long apology. You shall find it in the readiness and zeal with which I shall always serve you. But I find that with your friends you are a very bad accountant, for after purchasing the table linen, and mentioning the insurance money on Houdon\u2019s life, you talk of what will still remain due to me. The truth is that without this new commission I should have been enormously in your debt. My present hurry does not permit me to state the particulars, but I will prove it to you by the first opportunity. And as to the balance which will be due from me to Mr. Adams should he have no occasion of laying it out here immediately I will transmit it by some safe hand. I have not yet seen the table linen you were so kind as to buy for me, but I am sure it is good. The merchant here promises to shew me some of a new supply he has, which will enable me to judge somewhat of the two manufactures and prices. The difference must be considerable tho\u2019 to induce me to trouble you. Be so good as to present my respects to Miss Adams & to accept assurances of the esteem & respect with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam your most obedient & most humble sert.\n      Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0137", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 19 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Dear sir\n      London October 19 1785\n     Mr. Fox a young Gentleman from Philadelphia who came recommended by Dr. Rush to Mr. Adams, will have the Honour of delivering you this Letter. We requested him to call upon Mr. Stockdale for your papers &c. Mr. Adams is unwell, and will not be able to write you by this opportunity. I am to acquaint you Sir that Dr. Price has transacted the buisness respecting Mr. Hudon. The Money is paid, but the policy is not quite ready but the Dr. has promised that it shall be sent in a few days, when it will be forwarded to you.\n     In your English papers you will find an extract of a Letter from Nova Scotia, representing the abuse said to be received by a Captain Stanhope at Boston, the Commander of the Mercury. The account is as false\u2014if it was not too rough a term for a Lady to use, I would say false as Hell, but I will substitute, one not less expressive and say, false as the English.\n     The real fact is this. One Jesse Dumbar a native of Massachusetts, and an inhabitant of a Town near Boston and one Isaac Lorthrope were during the War taken Prisoners, and from one ship to an other were finally turnd over to this Captain Stanhope Commander of the Mercury, who abused him and the rest of the Prisoners, frequently whiping them, and calling them Rebels. The ship going to Antigua to refit, he put all the prisoners into Jail and orderd poor Jesse 2 dozen lashes for refusing duty on Board his ship. This Mr. Dumbar felt as an indignity and contrary to the Law of Nations. Peace soon taking place Jesse returnd Home, but when Stanhope came to Boston, it quickened Jesses remembrance and he with his fellow sufferer went to Boston, and according to his deposition, hearing that Captain Stanhope was walking in the Mall, he went theither at noon day and going up to the Captain asked him if he knew him, and rememberd whiping him on Board his Ship. Having no weapon in his hand, he struck at him with his fist, upon which Captain Stanhope, stept back and drew his sword. The people immediately interposed and gaurded Stanhope to Mr. Morten Door. Dumbar and his comrade following him, and at Mr. Mortens door he again attempted to seize him. But then the high sheriff interposed and prevented further mischief, after which they all went to their several homes. This Mr. Stanhope calls assassination and complains that the News papers abuse him. He wrote a Letter to the Govenour demanding protection. The Govenour replied by telling him that if he had been injured the Law was open to him and would redress him, upon which he wrote a very impudent abusive Letter to Mr. Bowdoin, so much so that Mr. Bowdoin thought proper to lay the whole correspondence before Congress. And Congress past some resolves in concequence and have transmitted them with Copies of the Letters to be laid before Mr. Stanhopes Master.\n     Dumbars Deposition was comunicated in a private Letter by Mr. Bowdoin himself to Mr. Adams, so that no publick use can be made of it, but the Govenour was sensible that without it the truth would not be known.\n     Is Col. Smith in Paris? Or have we lost him? Or is he so mortified at the King of Prussias refusing him admittance to his Reviews, that he cannot shew himself here again? This is an other English Truth, which they are industriously Circulating. I have had however, the pleasure of contradicting the Story in the most positive terms, as Col. Smith had enclosed us the Copy of his own Letter and the answer of his Majesty, which was written with his own hand. How mean and contemptable does this Nation render itself?\n     Col. Franks I hope had the good fortune to carry your things safely to you, and that they will prove so agreeable as to induce you to honour again with your Commands your Friend & Humble Servant\n      Abigail Adams\n      Compliments to the Gentlemen of your family and Love to Miss Jefferson. Mr. Rutledge has refused going to Holland. I fancy foreign embassies upon the present terms are no very tempting objects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0138", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 23 October 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My dear Sister\n      Braintree ca. 23 october 1785\n     I hope my dear Sister you have receiv\u2019d the Letter You was looking for in Callahan. I think I did not send it till the next Ship Saild. I have put a very long letter aboard this Ship a month since, supposing she would sail in a few days. Last night I receiv\u2019d your Letter of the i6th of august and am not a little surpriz\u2019d at the contents.\n     My dear Niece has acted with a Spirit worthy of her Parents. We have been for a long time very anxious for her Happiness. I have been so affraid of making mischief that I know not if I have done my duty towards her. As it has turn\u2019d out I am thankful I have said no more, but dear girl what a time she has had of it ever since she has been in Europe. I hope she will now enjoy herself, and that you my Sister will have more tranquil moments than I am sure you have had for these three years. She may assure herself of the approbation of every Friend she has. You need not fear any thing from general Palmer\u2019s Family: she will have nothing else there. I will give you the reason some other time, at present the least that is said will be best. I have not seen him, for a month. He boards at Mrs. Palmers at Boston.\n     Aunt Tufts my dear Sister has almost exchang\u2019d this world for a better. She discovers great fortitude patience and resignation. She cannot continue many days I think. She has been like a Parent to us. Tis hard parting with such dear Freinds.\n     Mr. Shaw and Sister went from here last week. She looks better than I have seen her some time. Your Sons were well. I had a charming Letter from Cousin John. Betsy he says has made him very happy by making her visit at Haverhil while he is there. He is very studious. Cousin Charles is here, \u2019tis their Fall vacancy. He behaves well at college, loves his Tutor exceedingly. This is a very good Sign; He Loves his Aunt too, I believe, and that is another good sign. You know not my dear Sister how attach\u2019d I feel myself to these children.\n     Your mother Hall is well and I believe contented. I have heard nothing since. I shall deliver her the money when it arrives.\n     Esters Friends are all well, all your Neighbours are so except Eben. Belchers wife who I believe has almost kill\u2019d herself with Rum. She is very sick and poor not a shift to her Back nor a Blanket to cover her.\n     Mr. Cranch deliver\u2019d your compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Apthorp, soon after they sent in, the inclos\u2019d Billit. I send it as I could not express their Sentiments so well.\n     Cousin Betsy Kent is here and desires me to give her Love to you all. I have the same request from so many (uncle Quincy and Mr. Wibird in particular) that my paper will not hold their names. Miss Hannah Clark is publish\u2019d. That Family are among the number who remember you with affection. Huldy Kent, Hannah and Sally Austin are thinking about matrimony.\n     Lucy has already written you but desires her Duty. Billy is at home and sends his. Mr. Cranch will send you some chocolate if he can find any that is good, and can get the capn. to take it in his chest. He desires his Love to you. He has sent a Long Letter to Mr. Adams and all the news papers since the first seting of the Court to this day.\n     My most affectionate regards to him if you please & believe me your affectionate Sister", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0139", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      London October 25 1785\n     I should not so soon have ventured to interrupt your more important avocations by an other Scrible, having writen you a few Days since, if it was not to inform you of the loss of your Letters by Mr. Preston. He says that when he landed at Dover, he was very sick, and that he could not accompany his trunk to the Custom House, into which for security he had put his Letters, but upon his arrival here he found he had lost them; so that unless your Letter should contain any thing for the English News papers I fear I shall never know its contents. The Gentleman deliverd me a little bundle, by the contents of which I conjecture What you design, but must request you to repeat your orders by the first opportunity, that I may have the pleasure of punctually fulfilling them.\n     A Dr. Rogers from America will convey this to you with the News papers, in which you will see the Letters I mentiond in my last, between Govenour Bowdoin and Captain Stanhope. Lord Gorge Gordon appears to interest himself in behalf of his American Friends, as he stiles them, but neither his Lordships Friendship or enmity are to be coveted.\n     Mr. Adams writes you by this opportunity. I have directed a Letter to Mr. Williamos to be left in your care, am very sorry to hear of his ill state of Health.\n     We hear nothing yet of Col. Smith, know not where he is, as we find by the Gentlemen last arrived that he is not at Paris. I am sir with sentiments of Respect & Esteem Your &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0140", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 26 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      Haverhill, October 16th 26, 1785\n     We have had the most considerable freshet in the river that has ever been known. I mentioned in my last that it had rained for two days without intermission. The storm lasted longer up in the country, and the river being the final receptacle of all, has been continually swelling till last night. The main street has been full of water, so that at some places boats have been necessary to go from house to house. A blacksmith\u2019s shop on the banks seems to have taken a fancy for a sailing party, and on its way knocked a vessel off the stocks. The damage done has been considerable.\n     Last eve, William and Lucy Cranch and Charles arrived here. The fall vacation began last week, but was only for a fortnight. I expected a letter from you by them, but was disappointed. I fear I shall have none, which shall not, however, prevent my writing, but if my letters are, henceforth, still more insipid than those I have already written, you must excuse me, for I have very little subject, and very little time. Now do not think that I am fishing for a compliment. I request you would not reply to this passage. If your affection and candor are such that you can receive any entertainment from such scrawls as I can afford, I have abundantly fulfilled my purpose.\n      Thursday 27th.\n     Our three cousins, two brothers, with Mr. Thaxter and Leonard White, (a youth of an exceedingly agreeable disposition and manners,) dined here to-day. The three brothers had not been together before for seven years. I felt in such spirits, as you have sometimes seen me in, when you thought I was half mad; and yet, every now and then, the rising sigh would betray, that something yet was wanting; and I assure you I was not the only person present who recollected you, with painful pleasing sensations. Our cousins leave us to-morrow to return to Braintree. Charles remains here till the end of the vacation. Lucy and Nancy are very intimate together, not, however, from any similarity of character\u2014you know how serious, how prudent, how thinking your cousin is. Nancy is as gay, as flighty, and as happy, as you could wish to see a person; both their natural dispositions are very good, and that, I suppose, is enough to establish real friendship, though in many points there may be an essential difference.\n      Saturday 29th.\n     At length I have got your fine packet, which was more agreeable, if possible, as I had given over all hopes of receiving any by this opportunity. Indeed, you do not know how much I was gratified; such parts as I thought might be communicated I read here, and afforded much entertainment to persons that you love and esteem. As I shall have probably nothing of great consequence to say of myself, I will draw my future subjects from your letters.\n     I am very glad to perceive you are so well pleased with your situation. Speaking the language, and being in the city, are circum\u00adstances that must contribute greatly to your satisfaction, and so large a library of books that you can read, will serve to pass over the leisure hours more agreeably than when you were in France.\n     I remember the Mr. Bridgen you mention; he told me once, that all eldest sons ought to be hanged, it was not levelled at me, but against the accumulation of estates, for he is a very high republican. The breakfasts at 6 in the eve and dinners at midnight, are ridiculous enough, but of no great consequence. Nature demands food at some time of the day, but how much that may be varied, as well as the name given to the meal, is, I fancy, quite indifferent.\n     I am not a little pleased to find your judgment of persons conformable with what I thought of them, when I saw them. Mrs. P. has a Grecian for her husband; he has studied his countryman, Plato, and perhaps has now and then to practise some of the precepts of Socrates. Miss Hazen I have mentioned before; her form is very pretty, her wit agreeable, her ruling passion vanity.\n     By the papers of yesterday, I was informed of the death of Mr. Hardy, a friend of Mr. Jefferson, to whom I had letters. Also the death of our aunt Tufts; these two events coming to me together, have made me quite sober; reflections upon mortality have been so often made, and are so often introduced into the mind of every one, that it could be no entertainment to you to give you my thoughts at present.\n     The fact is, a man of great knowledge cannot talk upon interesting subjects in mixed companies, without being styled a pedant; many people, and those perhaps the most fond of hearing themselves talk, would be excluded from conversation, and would call nonsense what they themselves could not understand. His majesty, to be sure, says very good things, and this I can say, he is not the only king I have heard of that could talk well and act ill; the sentiments he professes, I think, confirm what has been said of him, that as a private man, he would have acted his part much better than as sovereign of an empire.\n     I was very much gratified with the kind notice of Col. Smith. Attentions from persons whose character we respect, although not personally acquainted with them, are very pleasing; be kind enough to present my respects to him. My duty to our parents, and compliments where they will be acceptable.\n     Yours,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0141", "content": "Title: Catharine Louisa Salmon Smith to Abigail Adams, 26 October 1785\nFrom: Smith, Catharine Louisa Salmon\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Sister\n      Lincoln Octobr. 26th 1785\n     My heart has dictated many Letters to you since the recept of yours, but my time has been so wholy taken up in my famely, (haveing no Schoole to send my little tribe to) that not a moment could be spared even for so necessary and incumbant a Duty.\n     Your kind letter was handed me by your Son, who I had long been most ardently wishing to see. He is indeed ten times welcome to this Section of the Globe again. I should feel myself happy if it were in the power of me or mine to render him any service and suply in any way the place of a Mama and Sister to him. But alas! my power is circumscribed within a narrow compass, and I fear I must set myself down contented with only wishing that I could be useful to my Friends. If you will point out any way wherein I can be serviceable to you, or yours, be assured that my utmost abilities shall be exerted for that purpose. My little Girls are tolerably notable with their Needles, and if you will oblige them with any commands of that sort they will execute them with pleasure, and you will confer an additional obligation on them and on their Mamma.\n     Young Mr. Adams is both in person and mind just what the fond heart of a Parent could wish, and were I not writeing to his Mamma I would say, he is the most ameable, and accompleshed young Gentleman I have ever seen. Your other sons I have not seen since I came from Weymouth, but I had the pleasure of hearing from them last Evening, and they were well.\n     It is now almost two years since I have seen you. Had I been told when I parted with you at your Gate in Braintree that we should not meet again for such a length of time I should have been truely unhappy. Heaven for very wise purposes keeps the Book of fate fast locked that we may not unfold its leaves and see what is in the Bosom of futurity. What a scene of Misery would this World be to many of its inhabitants were it permited that we should know but the one half of the ills we must suffer as we pass down the Stream of Life! In every Calamity the hopes of something better which we have in prospect keeps the Spirit from sinking, I speak experimentally for I have lived upon hope for many years past. I set and please myself with illusions, with dreams\u2014and if it were not for treading so much on this enchanted ground I should dispair\u2014but I will not suffer this enemy to happiness to approach me. I cultivate all in my power a Chearful dispossition. Tis a duty I owe my Children for how could I otherwise inspire them with a chearful gratitude to him whose sentence governs eternity and whose goodness is over all his Creatures, were they to see anxiety painted on my brows.\n     Judge Russel\u2019s famely are removed to Charlestown. The Judge has built a very elegant House on the same Spot where his other stood. There are a number of handsome buildings erected in Charlestown, and a Bridge is almost compleated across the ferry, which will be of great advantage to that formerly poor place. It begins already to make quite a smartish appearance. I\u2019ll assure you it gives me pleasure to see so great a number of the inhabitants again settled in their own peaceful habitations. May no enemy molest them and may they have nothing to make them affraid.\n     I feel the loss of Mr. Russel\u2019s famely very sensibly, it is like looseing a kind parents House. I have ever received the same friendly treatment from all the famely as if I had been a member of the same. Mr. Chambers R\u2014\u2014I has purchased the Estate in Lincoln and lives upon it. He wishes me to come to the House with the same freedom as when his father and Sisters were there, but he has no Lady nor is there a probability that he will have one soon. So I have never been to visit him. Their might be an impropriety in it in the Worlds Eye, and I have ever made it a fixed rule never to do a thing if I have the least shadow of a doubt concerning the propriety of it, and flatter myself that I find my account in being thus circumspect, in preferring my Reputation unsullied by the wicked breath of Malice, or the censor of an ill Judgeing world, who cannot always know our motives for doing a thing however laudable they may be, but must Judge by the appearance untill the Event justifies or condemns the Action.\n     Louisa is all Joy, and gratitude for your kind letter and other testimonies of your kindness, and you will permit me to join my thanks with hers, for I feel myself as highly obliged. She is grown quite a great girl as tall as her mamma, and begins to look a little plumper not so gauky and holds up her head like a Miss in her teen\u2019s.\n     Mr. Smith has not been in this part of the Country for almost two years. I seldom hear from him and when I do the intelegence is not what I could wish. Poor unhappy man! He has my prayers for his reformation and restoration to virtue and to his famely, and I hope they will reach him. With what a heart felt Satisfaction would I take the unhappy wanderer by the hand and lead him back into the path of rectitude and to a reconcileation with his God. It is yet in his power to add much to the happiness of his famely, and ensure to himself a comfortable evening of Life.\n     I hope before this time you have received a letter from me and one from Louisa which were wrote last Spring I forget the date. If you have not you surely think me very negligent.\n     My little folks all send their duty. My most affectionate regards attend Mr. Adams and Miss Nabby. I will write to her as soon as I can get time.\n     Adieu my dear Sister. I ought to apologize for the length of this. I am with the liveliest sentiments of Gratitude your affectionate Sister\n      Catharine L Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0142", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Cranch, William\n      Haverhill Novr. 1st. 1785\n     My two Brothers, Leonard and Charles, will leave us tomorrow for Cambridge, and you would perhaps strike me from your books, was I to let them go without writing something: and as my inclination and my interest, are in this case, both on one side of the Question, I will say some thing, though it may not be worth your reading.\n     You know not how often I have thought of you, and wish\u2019d for you, since you left us; and now I am about to be entirely forsaken; Leonard and Charles, who have been since they arrived two sources of great pleasure, and amusement to me, will be gone to morrow and I shall have for my Consolation little else, but my studies; one or two families I can visit in the only manner which can give me any pleasure; I mean without form or Ceremony: and with their kindness and that of the family I am in, I shall spend the Winter as agreeably, as the impatient State of my mind, will permit.\n     How do you come on with the hymn of Cleanthes? I shall insist upon it, that you send me your translation, as soon as it is finish\u2019d, and you shall have mine at the same time; you will remember, to give it the book to Johonnot with my Love when you have done with it. I wish to see his skill try\u2019d too, on the same Subject.\n     I have had a most noble feast since you left us: a Letter from my Sister of 32 pages; I am sorry it did not come before you went, that you might have read it. The latest of the dates is August 15th.\n     You will not forget my request concerning a Chum\u2014a sober, studious youth, of a good moral and literary Character, is what I wish for, and I hope, you may find such a one.\n     Your affectionate Cousin.\n      J. Q. Adams\n      A Very different Letter this, from that, I wrote you last; I endeavoured before I began, to write; but my? be merry, but I cannot; put content in my face, or on my Paper, when I have it not at heart. My next perhaps, will be like the last. Adieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0143", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to William Cranch, 6 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Cranch, William\n      Haverhill Novr. 6. 1785.\n     I received on Saturday evening your kind favour of the day preceding, and although I was then far, very far from being in a pleasant State of mind: yet I could not help smiling at your geometrical proof that if you shared my sorrows with me, they would not be so great. I had been much affected the day before, when Mr. Thaxter returning from Salem inform\u2019d us of our aunt\u2019s Death. I had read the same day in the Salem Paper, an account from New York of the funeral of Mr. Hardy, a gentleman I was well acquainted with and for whom I had the Sincerest esteem and Respect. Your own Sensibility will make you readily believe, that either of these Events was sufficient, to make any person very pensive, but coming both together, the Effect must be greater. But excepting these Circumstances I have regain\u2019d entirely my peace of mind, which was for a few days a little ruffled; Few Persons I believe enjoy a greater share of happiness, than I do; and indeed I know few persons who have more Reason to be happy. Health, and the mens conscia recte, two inestimable blessings, I as yet enjoy; and a person cannot be very unhappy I believe, with them.\n     I admire with you the conduct of our Uncle, upon so trying an Occasion. It called to my mind a beautiful passage in Hamlet who speaking of mourning cloaths says.\n      These indeed seem,\n      For they are what a man may put upon.\n      But I have that within, which passeth show.\n      These but the trappings and the suits of woe.\n     Was I now to tell you my heart is at ease, you would with justice think me criminal. Oh! my friend! I have been witness to a scene of distress, which would call sympathy from a colder heart than your\u2019s or mine. Not all the comparisons that wits or Poets have ever made, can give a sufficient idea of the frailty of human life, and happiness. Experience alone, can shew it us. Wednesday evening, I was down at Mr. White\u2019s, the only house in Town, which I visit often and one, in which it is impossible to pass time disagreeably. At about 7 o\u2019clock Mr. J. Duncan, came in and enquired for his mother. She had disappeared, about a quarter of an hour before. You will probably, before this reaches you, have seen a particular Account of the Event, with all the Circumstances, attending it. It will therefore be enough for me to say, that after a fruitless search all night, she was found early yesterday morning, never to be lost again. This afternoon we followed her to the grave. The affliction of the different branches of that amiable family, is easily conceived; not expressed. But they bear it with that fortitude, and resignation, so becoming to Christians. They have only to grieve for themselves: the God who pleased in that manner to take her from the world, imputes not the evil to her, and we have no Reason to doubt but she is completely happy.\n     Adieu, my friend, let me hear from you as soon as possible: remember me, affectionately to Leonard. I fear this Event will affect him deeply, but I am perswaded his good Sense, will inspire him with proper firmness. My Love to Charles, and compliments to his Chum. I wonder Charles has not written a word since he left us. I would write to him, but have not a minute of time to spare.\n      Your\u2019s\n      J. Q. Adams\n      P.S. Novr. 15th. This will go by Peabody, I have not found any body going to Boston, since I wrote it. I intend to go to see Mr. White\u2019s family and your Sister this Evening. They are all well and their affliction begins to lose its sharpest edge. We have had a dull time here, for a week, and countenances have not yet wholly lost the melancholy that was cast over them. Reason is troublesome, when the Passions are violently moved, but must inevitably resume after a short interval, its sway, over the human Breast.\n      Let me know your Progress in the noble Hymn of Cleanthes: don\u2019t wait till you have finish\u2019d it, but communicate the Verses as you write them: be persuaded that I have friendship enough for you, to criticise freely, whatever I shall think, lends to criticism, and I only request you would serve me with the same candour.\n      Remember me again to your Chum. I look forward with great Pleasure, to the five weeks, he will be here in the Winter, and wish, I could form the same hopes with Respect to you.\n      I dont know how long I should run on in this manner, had I time; but I think I have already sufficiently exercised your Patience, and can will only say add I am your\u2019s", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0144", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Smith Shaw to Abigail Adams, 6 November 1785\nFrom: Shaw, Elizabeth Smith,Peabody, Elizabeth Smith Shaw\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Haverhill Novemr. 6th. 1785.\n     Your Son, My Dear Sister has been a Member of our Family for these five Weeks, almost three of those I suppose he will tell You, Mr. Shaw and I were absent upon our southern Journey. He came a Friday in Peabody\u2019s Coach, and we began our Rout the next Monday. His Uncle spent Saturday in giving him Directions about his Studies, and what he could wish him to pursue till his Return. Greek seemed to be the grand Object which ought to claim his greatest Attention, he was therefore desired to learn the Grammer. Upon our Return We found he had not been idle, but like a truly ambitious Youth, endeavoured to do more than was required. He was as steady to his Studies as a Philosopher. He was out but three or four times while we were gone, and then only by an Invitation to dine, at Judge Seargants, Master Whites, and Mr. Dodges. Indeed he searches out Knowledge as if it was his Meat, and Drink, and considered it as more precious than choice Gold. When I was at Braintree, I drank Tea with Mr. Wibird. You know he was always very inquisitive. In the course of Conversation Your Son became the Subject. I asked him if he did not think Mr. Adams exceedingly like his Father.\u2014Yes\u2014\u2014 walking across the Room, but at my Question, took his stand before me, his Head inclined on his left Shoulder, one Eye half shut, and his right Hand in his Breeches Pocket. I could not said he, when I saw him, for my life, help thinking of what Addison puts in the Mouth of Syphax. \u201cCurse on the Stripling how he Apes his Sire.\u201d\n     There is not a Day passes but what I think of it, but not without wishing the imprecation transformed into a thousand\u2014thousand Blessings.\n     We had a very pleasant and agreeable visit to Bridgwater, Plimouth, Marshfield, and Hingham, for we found all our Friends well there. But alas! when I came to Weymouth, what bitter ingredients were thrown into my Cup of Pleasure. Our dear amiable Aunt Tufts was laid upon the Bed of Sickness, unable hardly to lift her languid Head\u2014fixed, and piercing were those Eyes which used to beam Benevolence on all. Almost closed were those Lips, upon which forever dwelt the Law of Kindness. Cold, and deathful were those liberal Hands that scattered Blessings, and delighted in seeking out, and relieving the Wants of the Poor, and necessitous. Indeed my Sister the Scene was too\u2014too distressing. I could not speak a word, my Heart felt as if it would have burst its bounds, and would no longer submit to its inclosure. But She is now no longer lingering, trembling, hoping, dying. This painful Scene has closed, and I trust Heaven has opened to her view. When I left her, I thought she could continue but a few Days. And Yesterdays Post has brought us intelligence of her Death. Her emancipation rather. Yes we may\u2014we ought to drop a Tear over our Aunt\u2014for she loved us next to her own Child, and we repayed it with equal tenderness and affection, for she was to us, but one remove from our excellent and much revered Mother. Sweet is the Memory of the just. May their Virtues live in us. May we catch the Mantle, and imbibe a double Portion of their Graces.\n     The good Dr behaves like a true Christian. He neither despises the chastening, nor faints under the afflictive Dispensations of Providence. His most sincere and devoted Friend, and Lover is indeed put far away. But Love cemented by Religion ends not here.\n      \u201cNor with the narrow bounds of Time,\n      The beauteous Prospect ends,\n      But lengthened thro\u2019 the Vale of Death,\n      To Paradise extends.\u201d\n     The Day I came out of Boston, Capt. Lyde arrived. Mr. Shaw went eagerly to the Post Office for Letters, but could find none, only for JQA. Mr. Gardner said he had a number in his Trunk, but could not get it on Shore. So we were obliged to Trudg home to Haverhill, without any particular Information of your Welfare. Your Sons both looked so happy to see us return, that I shall always love them the better for it. I knew I had insured a hearty welcome by the Letters I had brought.\n     Curiosity if directed in a right Line, and fixed upon proper Objects may lead to great Acquisitions. But such a curiosity as some People are possessed of\u2014Pray did you never discover that your Sons was almost unbounded.\n     I never saw Mr. Tyler in the whole course of my Journey, which to me was a matter of Speculation. For I supposed we were upon good Terms. I know not of anything that should have made it otherways unless it was because I gave him in the gentlest manner the greatest Proof of my Friendship. Such neglects to such affection and to such a Person, was what I could not silently nor patiently see. It was too much for Sensibility to bear. \u2014And now I have nothing to do but admire, at the Wisdom, the Fortitude and the Magnimity of that Lady, who would not suffer the voilence of Passion to blind her Judgment, and misguide her Reason, and I must place, certain Decissions among the misterious Revolutions of an all wise Providence.\n     Your kind Letter accompanied with presents to the Children, came safe to hand the 29th. of October. Accept my dear Sister of mine, and their Thanks. Betsy Q. says she has told all the Misses in the School that Aunt Adams lives in London, and sent her a beauty Book and Gown. Billy and Betsy Quincy speak very plain, and read very well. Billy was up in the Morning before it was light, got a candle, and set down to read his Book which he had received the night before from his Aunt Adams.\n     I brought home from Braintree a Suit of Cinnamon couloured Cloathe for Cousin Thomas which came from Holland, and last Week we devoted to turning the Coat, and fixing the little Gentleman up, and I assure you he looked quite smart to Day.\n     Cousin Betsy Cranch is in Town, keeps at Mr. Whites, and learns Musick upon Miss Peggys Forte Piano. I wish we owned one, and then we should not lose the pleasure of her company. Story informs us of the Force, and power of Musick. Orpheous with his Lyre put inanmate nature in Motion, and brought Euridice even from the Realms below. But the power of Melody is now so lessoned, that should this lovely Maid strike the softest, sweetest Notes in nature, I fear they would not charm? bring you back to your native Land. Duty with you has a more powerful Charm.\n     Adieu my ever dear Sister, and believe me to be with the tenderest Love, Your affectionate Sister\n      Eliza. Shaw", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0146", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 16 November 1785\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Cousn\n     When I wrote to You by Capt. Cushing informed You of my Fears with respect to Mrs. Tufts\u2019s Illness. The Event which I then feared, has since taken Place. Heaven has executed its Will. The Partner of my Life is gone to Rest, She expired about 7 oClock on the 30th. of Octob. in the Evening, after a long and painful Sickness.\n     Amidst the various Tryalls of Life, it is sometimes a Consolation that they will one Day terminate. It may be such when the Prospect is near, but when distant and the Suffering great, it is but a feeble Support, especially if the Idea of a future Existence be excluded, but when We Can look through present Sufferings to a future State of Ease and Tranquillity accompanied with real Joy that will not only exceed our Wishes in Degree, but our Conceptions in Duration, it affords some solid Support, alleviates our Distresses and spreads over the Wound an healing Balm. Though of all Tryalls of Life that of the Loss of so near a Connection is perhaps one of the greatest, yet I am not without Consolation when I reflect upon that Patience Christian Fortitude and happy Temper of Mind which She discovered through the whole of her sickness and that Readiness which she manifested to obey the Call of Heaven and close the Scene. She has Weathered the Storm and is I trust arrived safe in the Haven of Felicity where May We my Dear Friend one Day meet and associate with those of our departed Friends and Relations. With Love to Mr. Adams and Cousin Nabby.\n     I am Yr. affectionate Friend & Uncle\n      Cotton Tufts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0147", "content": "Title: Richard Cranch to John Adams, 19 November 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Richard\nTo: Adams, John\n      Dear Bror.\n      Boston Novr. 19th. 1785\n     I have just received the within Letters, and as I hear Capt. Young is to sail tomorrow I take the liberty of inclosing them to you. By Capt. Cushing who sailed a few Weeks ago I sent you the News-Papers from last May, and by Capt. Young I have sent the Papers since and a Register for 1786. I have also sent a little Bundle for Sister Adams.\n     I wrote you largely by Capt. Cushing, and have wrote you again a few days ago by Capt. Young, who will wait upon you. He is related to (your) Mr. Tudor\u2019s Wife. I hope this will meet you under agreeable Circumstances, and that your Dear Lady and Daughter are well. Master Charles was with me to day and dined with Mrs. Cranch at Uncle Smith\u2019s; he is very well and behaves well at Colledge: your Sons at Haverhill were well this Week, as were also Brother Shaw and Family, and Mr. Thaxter. Your Honoured Mother, and your Brother were well last Sunday. I have recommended your Brother to the Governor for a Justice of the Peace, and the Governor has promised me that he shall be appointed. The movement of mine is yet wholly unknown to your Brother, and I intend it shall be so untill I carry him his Commission. I am with the highest Esteem, your affectionate Brother\n      Richard Cranch\n      Please to give my kindest Regards to your dear Wife and amiable Daughter.\n      Many Friends will write to you and Sister by this Conveyance. We have just heard of the arrival of Mr. Chs. Storer and his Sister &c. at N: York on the 8th. Instant all well. The Letters by him are not yet arrived.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0150", "content": "Title: Charles Storer to Abigail Adams 2d, 21 November 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\n      New-York, November 21st, 1785\n     My word I mean always to keep, Amelia, so I write you from this place, though my letter may be barren of subjects to entertain or interest you. One thing, however, there is, which I hope, and am willing to be sure, is not indifferent to you, and that is the information of our safe arrival here. It is a matter of no little joy and satisfaction to me, be assured; your participation, as it will prove your friendship, will be no small addition to it.\n     Seven long weeks were we upon the ocean, during all which time the winds seemed to have conspired against us, yet one week ashore quite effaced the past trouble; so soon are our griefs forgot when their object ceases to be present; not so with our friends, Amelia. The sweetest ingredient of happiness is the esteem we bear them. This is a sentiment we can reflect ever upon with pleasure: nor can absence, or distance, pain, or sorrow, deprive us of it. The first part of my voyage, I felt forcibly the attraction of Europe, and many a thought centered there. In the mid-ocean, view me, on a balance, duty and affection in equipoise; still a little further and home preponderated. That moment gave birth to feelings exquisitely pleasing, and every thought came crowded with satisfaction. The nearer I approach, my impatience (as gravity increases the rapidity of a body the nearer it comes to the earth, in falling) increases. Yet, Amelia, great as my pleasure is on this occasion, I am not unmindful of those friends in Europe, who in their turns now are absent. I feel my heart dilated; my feelings expand, so as to embrace you all. Peace and happiness be with you. Remember Eugenio, and be assured in so doing you add much to his happiness in return.\n     Perhaps you little think, that you are much the subject of conversation here. There are many ladies who envy you your present situation. \u201cIs not Miss A. very handsome?\u201d says one. Yes, madame, she is called the American beauty. \u201cShe must be very accomplished; she has every opportunity she could wish to improve herself; the best of masters; the best of every thing.\u201d Ah! Amelia, I could not say much on the score of masters; but such qualifications of the mind and heart, as I knew you possessed, and which, seriously considered, are the best accomplishments; these I assured the many inquirers Miss A. was eminent for. You will not be angry with me for this; for what I said was only what I could say with justice. Going abroad, I find, gives one some consequence. When you return you must, therefore, prepare to be looked up to as a pattern for every thing. I advise you now, then, to learn a little assurance; that reliance on yourself that can only make you independant of others. But I beg pardon for dictating to you thus.\n     A Preliminary, Amelia, though here at the close of my letter. There is a certain gentleman in your family, who I imagine, may be inquisitive in regard to our correspondence; my request is\u2014but without telling him so\u2014that he be not permitted to know what I write.\n     Adieu! Yours,\n      Eugenio", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0151", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Grosvenor Square Novr. 24th. 1785\n     I hope if the Marquiss de la Fayette is returned to Paris he may be able to give us some account of Colln. Smith for whom we are not a little anxious, having no intelligence from him since the begining of September when he wrote that he should tarry at Berlin till the reviews were over which would be by the 20th. of that month and then should make the utmost expedition to Paris where his stay would be six days or six Hours according to the intelligence he should meet with there from Mr. Adams. Ten weeks have since elapsed and not a Line or Syllable respecting him has come to hand, in all that time we have been daily and hourly expecting his return. We should have been still more anxious, if the Spanish Minister had not informed us that by a Letter which he received from Colln. Miranda early in Septemr. he wrote him that he had some thoughts of going to Vienna. Colln. Miranda\u2019s friends are allarmed about him and have been here to inquire if we could give any account of him. We are now daily more and more anxious because we cannot account for Coll. Smiths long absence but by sickness or some disaster, and even then we ought to have heard from him or of him. You will be so good Sir as to give us every information in your Power as soon as may be.\n     We suppose you have made an excursion to Fontainbleau by our not having heard from you for a long time. Mr. Preston found the Letters he supposed to have been taken out of his Trunk, amongst his Linnen ten days after his arrival. Your orders shall be executed to the best of my abilities.\n     Inclosed is a Letter which I found a few days ago respecting the Wine which you was so kind as to take. Mr. Adams is uncertain whether he requested you to Pay to Mr. Bonfeild on his order 319 Livres for a Cask of Wine which he procured for him and of which he never received any account untill his arrival here. If Mr. Barclay has not done it Mr. Adams would be obliged to you to pay it for him.\n     A Vessell arrived this week from New York and brings papers to the 16 15 of Octr. They contain nothing material. A Letter from Mr. Jay informs us that no Minister was yet appointed to the Hague, but that Mr. Izard and Mr. Madison were in Nomination, that the rage for New states was very prevalent, which he apprehended would have no good affect. He wished the Ministers abroad to bear testimony against it in their Letters to Congress.\n     In this Country there is a great want of many French comodities. Good sense, Good Nature, Political Wisdom and benevolence. His Christian Majesty would render essential service to His Britanick Majesty if he would permit Cargoes of this Kind to be exported into this Kingdom against the next meeting of Parliament.\n     The Treaty lately concluded between France and Holland and the Conduct of England with respect to America proves Her absolute deficiency in each Article.\n     Compliments to the Gentlemen of your Family from Sir your Humble Servant\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0153", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 29 November 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My dear Sister\n      Braintree November 29th 1785\n     How provoking it is to be told that a vessel is to sail next week with our Letters and then have it stay in the Harbour six Weeks. I thought till yesterday that Capn. Young was half way to London at least, and behold he will not leave Boston this week. The Letters will be so old, that they will lose much of their value, but tis no fault of mine.\n     I have been waiting some time without writing for those Letters you promiss\u2019d me by Mr. Storer. He is not yet come from New York. I have very unexpectadly receiv\u2019d two by Capn. Callahan for which I thank you most sincerly. I am so gratified that mine give you any pleasure, that I feel determin\u2019d to keep you well supplyd. If you have reciev\u2019d all I have sent, you will think I have done my part as to quantity pretty well, especially if you knew how little time I can get from my Family affairs to write, and how unable I was last summer to write at all. I did not then Love to tell you how sick I was, nor how much it hurt me to write. I had a Rhumatick complaint across my stomack such as I used to have in my neck and shoulders. It is much better but I have enough of it yet to be troublesome.\n     I am glad to find you so well prepair\u2019d to receive the account of our dear aunt Tufts\u2019 death. In my September Letter I wrote you that she was better, but alass! it was only a revival. We flatter\u2019d ourselves for a little while that she would get through the winter, but the last attack was too voilent for her feeble Frame. The last month of her Life was a very distressd one, but she bore all her sufferings without a murmer or complaint and was only affraid that she should be too desirous to depart.\n     When I stood at her grave and saw her deposited by the sides of my dear Parents, surrounded by the multitude of weeping Friends and acquaintance which her benevolenc had gain\u2019d her, O my sister! whither did my thoughts carry me. Far far beyond this vale of Tears to those blest abodes where I trust the souls of our dear departed Friends are receiving the rewards of their well spent Lives, and exedling to their utmost wishes those benevolent dispositions, for which they were so remarkable while here. May they not be ministering spirits to those who are most deserving the care of Heaven?\n     When I think of the closing Scene of our dear Fathers Life, Labouring with such ardour as he did for the salvation of a soul very dear to him: that he seem\u2019d almost insensible to the pains and agonies of Death although they were as severe as Flesh could bear, I feel an anguish which is only exceeded, when I reflect how little the unhappy Prodigal has profited by it. I have not mention\u2019d him in any of my Letters because I could not tell you any good of him, and I do not love to give you pain.\n     This winter is likely to be as lonely to me as the last and more so upon many accounts. Weymouth is become more melancholy to me than ever. Betsy is yet at Haverhill and will not return till Spring if the wishes of her Friends there can prevent it. The unhappy end of Mrs. Duncan the circumstances of which Betsy will I suppose tell you, has (sister Shaw says) made her company almost necessary to the happiness of Mrs. White and Peggy. Their greif occation\u2019d by this melancholy event has been excessive, especially Mrs. Whites. She had been very sick some time before and was less able to bear such a shock than she would have been at some other time. Betsy writes me that she has been full of fears that their reasons would have been again affected but they had not been a moment depriv\u2019d of it. I have been anxious least such distressing Scenes should hurt her health, but she says she was never better, in her life. Her uncle and aunt would have had her with them, but Peggy would not let her stir from her side. Although greatly shocked she was not so nearly connected but she could reason and Sooth and you know her gentle spirit is just fitted for such an imployment. I know not how to spare her and yet I cannot take her away while Mrs. White so earnesly petitions me \u201cnot to take from her one of the greatest comforts she has untill time shall have a little softend their affliction.\u201d\n     It is not the dissapated gay Companion which we wish for my dear sister in such an Hour as theirs. It is the chearful Freind who by gentle Soothings can calm the ruffled Passions and point us to those comforts and consolations which Religion only can afford.\n     Sister Shaw and your sons will write for themselves so that I need not say any thing more about them than that Sister is as well as usual and your sons are very good and behave well. Betsy says in one of her Letters to me \u201cIt forms a very great part of my happiness that I have my Cousin John Adams with me here. He spends much of his time when absent from his Studies at Mrs. Whites, and we are all fond of having him do it. I take more pleasure in conversing one hour with him, than in whole days spent with any other youth of his age. May nothing deprive us of him nor him of his shining Talents.\u201d Tommy is a good child and Cousin Charles behaves well, and is very prudent as to expences. I take the same care to provide for him, as I do of my own son. His washing and mending is done as regularly as Billys. His cloths will last longer than if they were put out at Cambrige. They might be as well wash\u2019d, but they would suffer for want of a stich in time. I have taken the Sugar you left in your Seller to make cake for Charles. It had contracted such a dampness, by being so long there, that it is as dark as the brownest of sugar.\n     I rejoice to find you have so many good Friends around you. As to the abuse of the refugees it cannot hurt you, but I think with Mr. Jefferson that it is very silly in our printers to publish it, and your Freinds will do what they can to prevent it.\n     We do every thing in our Power to keep the moths from eating your things and I believe nothing will be much hurt. Mr. Adams has a number of old Black coats wastcoats &c that I am sure he will never wear again nor any of your children will they fit. They may make cousin Tommy some wastcoats, may we take them for this up. I often long to take your advice, but hope I shall meet with your approbation.\n     Adieu for the present. I shall write more. Yours affectionately\n      M. Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0154", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams 2d to John Quincy Adams, 5 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail (daughter of JA and AA)\nTo: Adams, John Quincy\n      London Monday Eve December 5th. 1785\n     This Morning I wrote you that we were going to the play with Mrs. Church. At six oclock we called upon her, and went to the Theatre of Drury Lane, where was performed the Confedrecy, a Comedy, which I took to be as great a satire upon the manners, of high Life, as could have been written. It was not however any thing new. The entertainment was the Jubilee of Shakespear, which is well worth seeing onc, the scenery is magnificent, and there is a procession of the Principles characters and a representation of the Principle scenes of every one of his Plays, which is very well-done, and at the close, they all appear upon the stage at one time. The Whole is very cleaver. But the Length of the amusements here render them allmost tiresome, to be kept five hours to any one particular thing is too much. Was it ever so good one would get tired of it. Miss Farren playd a principle part in the first peice, and She is my favourite Comic actress. They speak much of Mrs. Abington Mrs. Crouch, and Mrs. Jordon, but of the 3 first I prefer Miss F. Mrs. Jordon I have not yet seen. We got home just at Eleven, and had scarce set down before Colln. Smith puts his Head into the room, and exclaimd\u2014dare I see you Sir\u2014to Pappa\u2014and well he might have some fears of his reception for his Long absence, but who should present himself with him but Colln. Humphreys. We wellcomed them to London, and we sat down. Colln. S. told Pappa he had brought His friend as a peace offering. He was too well grown to stille him a Lamb. They informed us all our friends in Paris were well. Poor Williamos, died about three weeks ago. His dissorder was the Gout in his stomach. Many have lost a friend, for he was certainly of a benevolent disposition and as far as his ability enabled him he rendered every one assistance. Mr. Jefferson I think I have allready told you in a former Letter had moved. They say he has a very fine situation\u2014but exclaim mos teribly about his salery, declared he is 2 thousand in debt, and that He shall be ruind. This you know is entre Nous. Lamb and Randall have been sett off some time for Algiers. Mr. Barclay and Franks are not yet gone. Pettit has got the Place of Maitre D\u2019Hotell, to one of the first Bankers in Paris Mr. C. The Baron de Stearl St4\u00ebl is soon to be married or is allready, to Mademoise Neckar, Daughter to the Famous Mr. Necker, and it is said to His Milrenary Daughter it seems the Baron is not rich, nor was he Nobly Born, but by beeing a favourite of the Ladies was, given the Tittle of Baron, and the embassy of Ambassador, out of the usual forms of Etiquette. It is said he is a favrite of the Queen of France, and I am sure he must be of every body. This I have given you some account of our Parisian Friends. I have not perhaps assended in just degrees. It might be dificult to determine them, but one thing more of them. Mademoiselle Lucille is to be married to Monsieur Deville first secretary to the Comt de Vergennes. The King has given him le place of Farmer General. Monsieur Challut lent his House at St. Cloud, to the King this summer for the accomodation of the Dauphin when he had the small Pox. The Court has been lately to Fointainbleau, but have returnd.\n      Tuesday the 6th\n     We had a large Company to dine both Gentlemen and Ladies. Mr. and Mrs. Chaning, from Carolina, they have been in England many years, but have allways been of the right side as it is called. Mrs. Channing is a Worthy sensible Woman, but Poor Lady, is Griveing to Death for the Loss of an only Daughter, who I have heard was as fine a Girl as any in the World. Mrs. C. had taken great Care in her education, and She was according to the English frase perfectly accomplished. Your Pappa was much pleased with Mr. C. Mr. Blake another Carolinian, his Lady was indisposed, and prevented comeing. He was in Boston he tells me the september after we left it, and is vastly pleased with it. He prefers N Y and Boston to any other part of the Contiment. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan you know as well as Mr. W. Vaugan who has without exception a head the most like a fish, and an Haddock too, of any human being I ever beheld. I dont mean in the shape or outward appearance except his eyes. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who if I recollect aright I have mentiond before to you. Mr. S\u2014\u2014 is a Member of Parliament, and Mrs. S\u2014\u2014 is a Cleaver agreeable Little Woman. Her Brother Mr. Copes Coape, was in Boston last fall, and has now gone out to settle in Carolina. They have I may with justice say, payd us more attention than any other Family, that we have become acquainted with since our residence here. They Live at Clapham. We have had several invitations to dine there, but it has so happend that we have never had it in our Power to accept of but one. Mrs. Smith was very polite and gave me an invitation to go with her to the Assembly which they have monthly, during the Winter. Tho I was obliged by her attention I could not accept it, for I have ever avoided and ever shall during my residence here, such parties. Indeed I was never attached to them in America and in our own circle where every one is known to each other, and you cannot wonder that I do not wish to go into them here. If I had been blest with a sister who would have joind me in such amusements I beleive I should have been more pleased with them. But whenever I go into company I feel a kind of sollitude and lonesomeness, which has ever been painfull, and I am convinced my happiness lies not in that path. I had rather spend 3 hours in writing to you than in any Ball assembly Pat Party or what ever name is or may be given to Twenty Forty People meeting together for their own amusement. I used to like the Assemblys at Boston very well, because I had many friends and acquaintances amongst the circle. But I had like to have forgot the rest of our Company. Mr. Mrs. and Miss Paradise. Mr. Copes Brother to Mrs. Smith. Colln. Humphreys and Coln. Smith compleated our Party. The formers, is amaizingly alterd, there seems to be a Gloom upon his Countenance, and a sedateness of manners that I dont remember in Paris. Perhaps tis the loss of his knight Hood, his friend has prevailed upon him to leave off the badge, while he resides here, and Ill venture to say he is lessened in his own estimation by quitting it. The Marquis indeaverd to persuade Colonel Smith to wear his at Berlin but without affect. The King of Prussia rallyd the Marquis about his order, and asked him if his eagle had two Heads. All the French officers appeard with it. Duke of York was there and many other English officers. The Duke, disliked the American Uniform and expressd his disapprobation to some of his Friends who. His Character does not appear more worthy than His Brothers the Prince of Whales, it is said. Our company to day, were seventeen, seven Ladies and ten gentlemen and every one were dressd in Black. Indeed all London, I may say all England are in Mourning for the Queens youngest Brother, who died lately and there has not been known so General a Mourning for a Long time. It is a compliment every one seems to feel due to her Majesty, and must to her be very pleasing proff of the affection of her subjects.\n      Wedensdy 7th\n     Mr. Joy and Mr. Bulfinch called upon us in the Morning, the former to inform your Father that he should not go in the Packet but in the Ship Morton which will sail next week. I have seald my, Letter N 9, I shall give it to him, and convey this to Boston.\n     This Morning or this day about 3 o clock we received our Letters from Mr. Barret which we feard were lost. They were to be sure as Wet as they could be, but very fortunately not so damaged as to injure the writing. I have now the happiness to acknowledge the receipt of a Letter from you from Boston but I am not sattisfied. No sooner had I finishd my two sheets, but I wanted to follow you farther, and to hear your observation upon folks and things. In short I dont feel content when an hour day has pasd after the date of your Last to the Departure of the Ship. I might complain of the Shotness of your letters when compared to the Prolixity of mine but I seem to be enough sensible that your 4? 2 Sheats contain as much as my 12 or more. Therefore I must only regret that my stile and manner is not so Laconic. I shall submit it to your correction, nevertheless craving your Mercy. Continue your Letters my Dear Brother. Do not led one opportunity of conveyance escape you. If you could know how pleasing and sattisfactory they are to me, you would not deny me this scource of happiness. I shall wish for April, and hope then you will come to Cambridge, for I shall then seem nearer. You will receive my Letters as soon as they arrive, and I fear you will not where you are.\n      Thursday 8th\n     Your Pappa went to Court, where there was a full drawing room, but there was I suppose nothing extrordinary. Colln. Smith dined with us, and read to your Mother some Letters from his family. In one of them you are mentiond as visitting them, which you told me of long ago. I shall show your encomiuns upon Miss Sally to Her Brother. Belinda seems to be the favorite with him I think. Count Sarsfeild called and took one cup of tea if I wuld make it very weak. You know him, he is allways pleasant. Mamma told him that when she came from the Play on Monday Pappa told her that he had been Quarrelling with Count Sarsfeild. Oh yes, we had a quarell, saide he. I dont Love to expose this Man to his Family, but he is sometimes a little week\u2014dans la tette. I love his pleassantry very much. He was going to an Assembly, and on Monday setts off for France. Next May twelve months says he, the second dinner I eat in this Town shall be in this House. Pappa told him he did not know who he would find Living here.\n      Fryday 9th\n     Mamma and myself went out this Morning a shopping, that business you used to Love so well in Paris, but we are so indipendant here having the free use of our Tongues, that we are not under obligation to any body for talking for us. A happiness indeed. We stopped at the N England Coffe House to Leave a Card inviting Capt. Cushing to dine with us on sunday, and then we heard that a Ship is to sail for Boston on sunday. I shall indeavor to get this Letter on Board, some how or some how. Tomorrow we are to have a large company to dine, all Americans, and an Americain Dinner salt Fish. I tell you who they are. Mr. and Mrs. Hay, Mr. and Mrs. Rucker Miss R. Mr. and Mrs. Roggers. Mr. Trumble Mr. Parker Mr. Ward Boylstone Mr. Molsby an Englisman, Dr. Bancroft Colln. H and Mr. Smith. It is now half after twelve the Watchman have just called. I am going to drink some Lemonade, as we used to do at Auteul. I wish you could sip with me now. I shall give my Letter to some body tomorrow to put into the Bag for me, so I shall not have time to add any thing more. Present my Love to Aunt Shaw, and my Brothers.\n     Yours affectionately\n      A Adams\n      I was going to complain to you of the weakness of my Character but my time has all been taken up in narative.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0155", "content": "Title: William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n       Tuesday Morn\u2019g. 10 oClock 6 December 1785\n     The three Letters which Mrs. Adams honoured me with were received at Paris, and should have been answered, had an oppertunity offered. Permit me to pass an encomium on that prudence which dictates silence on painful Subjects, and to assure her while honour guides my actions and is my ruling star thro\u2019 Life\u2014I shall alway\u2019s endeavour to appear as if I had taken the deepest draught from the stream recommended. Indeed I am now a little surprized at myself for seeking it at such a distance\u2014when reflection would soon have pointed it out as flowing from the mount of honour, any deviation from which can never give me satisfaction or lay a proper foundation for me to risk my happiness upon\u2014for I should alway\u2019s doubt the purity of that mind, which could sacrifice the smallest particle of it on any shrine whatever. With these sentiments my friends must feel themselves shelt\u2019red from a troublesome assiduity which is sometimes connected with similar Circumstances.\n     Give me your friendship and believe\u2014W. S. Smith\u2014capable of gratitude.\n      Dr. Madam\n     I intended to ask for my small trunk when I begun this note, but found it full sooner than I expected. I shall be obliged if Mr. Spiller will send it by the bearer. I shall soon pay my respects to Mr. A\u2014\u2014s and put my shoulder to the wheel.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0156", "content": "Title: Lucy Cranch to Abigail Adams, 8 December 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Lucy,Greenleaf, Lucy Cranch\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Aunt\n      Braintree Dec. 8. 1785\n     I last week recieved your invaluable favour of August 27. by Mr. Storer. I wish it was in my power to return you any thing that would be any way equivelent to it, if there are any of your Letters Madam, (which I am very sure there is not) that will bear to be ranked with Whiped Sulububs Flumery &c. in what rank must mine be placed. Far very far below them. Believe me Madam your Letter to me was a dish of very solid food dressed in a manner the most elegant that was possible. And it must be high cultivation added to a naturally rich soil to produce fruites rich as your Letters are.\n     I felt flattered by your encomiums upon Richardsons works as it is what I have often thought. He was always a favourite author of mine. I think I never read any Romances, that taken alltogether were equal to his. Too many of them, if they do not directly lead to Vice, tend to eneveate the mind and robs it of the strenght which is nessesary to make it stem with resolution the torrent of folly, which too often prevails.\n     Yes my Dear Aunt I think it reasonable to suppose that those who shall make the highest attainments in virtue while here, and who most improve the talents alloted them by the supreme Being, will have the most elevated seats in the blissful mansions above, and even there shall we not be making constant progression toward greater perfection, and though always rising we shall yet be at an infinite distance from the infinitely perfect God.\n     Our dear good Aunt Tufts is now no more. She has bid an eternal adieu to this vale of tears, and has gone to take her seat with the blessed. The universal benovelence of her heart and her undesembled piety had long fited her for their company. As her Life had ever been that of virtue, and as far as in her power of ussfulness, she was able to look forward to another state with satisfaction. She bore her sickness with the resagnation of a Christion yet longing to be released from that frail tenement which had always been a sourse of pain to her. The Doctor feels his misfortune as a man and bears it as a Christion. I have not seen Mr. Storer yet, his friends in Boston cannot spare him long enough to come as far as Braintree.\n     My sister is now at Haverhill and has been there for two months past. She will write. Cousin JQA is there following his studies with the utmost ardour. Cousin Charles is very well, and very good. Tommy improves fast in body and mind. They all feel like Brothers to me. Charles Billy and his Chambermate L. White will keep Thanksgiving with us next week.\n     I often my dear Aunt indulge myself in thinking of your speedy return: the idea gives me pleasure. I fear I must satisfy myself with that at present. I often think of the many happy hours we shall pass when you shall once more be fixed down in your peaceful habitation, on your native land, when Aunt Adams shall again spend the long winter evening with us and entertain her Neices with the relation of her adventures. How many pleasing anecdotes will she have to make the time pass cheererly away: how pleasing is this (at present) vissionary scene. Many years I hope will not pass before it is realised.\n     I think I ought to ask pardon for encroaching so long upon your time by my scribling. I will not increase my fault by making apoligies but will hasten to conclude with assureing you my ever dear Aunt of the resspectful gratitude and affection of your Niece.\n      L Cranch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0157", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My dear Sister\n      Braintree December 10th 1785\n     Mr. Storer is arriv\u2019d and I have got my Letter and am very sorry to hear you have been so sick. If I had receiv\u2019d this Letter before those by Callahan I should have been very uneasey till I could have heard again. I Will hope you are by this time perfectly recover\u2019d.\n     You will see by mine of November 29th that our thoughts in September and October were imploy\u2019d about the same melancholy subjects. I felt for you as I read your account of Mr. Erving Erwin mistaking Colln. Smith for another of the same name. I pity\u2019d you both. We have been trying to learn what is become of this unhappy connection but we have not been able to learn any thing certain. When we can, you shall be inform\u2019d what it is. It is said he has fled upon being suspected of making or being concern\u2019d with those who did make counterfit money. I dread to hear least he should be brought to publick disgrace.\n     Your Neighbours are well and desire to be kindly remember\u2019d. I do not believe you feel more affection for them than they do for you if I may Judge from their expressions. Mrs. Field says she would give all the money in London if she had it, only to see you. It is a strong way of expressing herself, but I do not doubt her sincerity. Mr. Thaxter came here last friday from Haverhill and is gone to keep Thanksgiving with his Freinds. Next thursday is the day your son Charles and mine and his chum are to keep it with us. Mr. Thaxter says that all our Freinds are well at Haverhill, but he poor man goes home with a melancholy Heart. His Friend and companion Doctor Levitt Brother to Mrs. Rice drown\u2019d himself in the mill Pond at Hingham about ten days past. He has been wild and delirious for some time. It is a dreadful shock to the Family. Mr. Thaxter is greatly affected. By what I hear there was a connection forming between his sister Betsy and this Gentleman. What misarable creatures are we when depriv\u2019d of our Reason.\n     I am greatly surprisd at hearing that no more Letters have past the vast ocean as you term it from a certain gentleman. I knew he did not write for the first four months. He took care to tell of that himself sufficiently for every body to know it. But since that I thought he had written by every ship and that largly. He wanted to get all her correspondents to give him their Letters that he might have the pleasure of inclosing them in his. I heard him say that he always put the last Letter aboard intimating that he writ to the last minnet, and I did not know but he did. I knew he did not write above three of or four times at home. We could not help knowing it when he does, he makes such a bustle about it always. But as he has stay\u2019d the greatest part of his time in Boston, I thought he was writing there. I am not very apt to be deceiv\u2019d by him you know, but I certainly have been in this instance. The Doctor wished to keep the matters he had to transact a secret till they were finish\u2019d but he could not do it. The matter has been delayed as I expected it would be. Mr. Storer is come and \u201cthe cat has jump\u2019d out of the Bag,\u201d the Docr. says, but tis known yet to but few. I beleive he thinks I know nothing of it. At least that I did not till Mr. Storer came I am told. He says he is going immediately to London and shall settle every misunderstanding. He says also there has been foul play some where. Will he be a welcome visiter? I cannot concieve he can be in earnest when he talks of coming. What can he propose by it? Will my dear Niece again subject herself to those \u201csuspicions doubts and fears\u201d which have so long robb\u2019d her of her peace of mind. Indeed my sister I have been long convinc\u2019d that whoever should be connected with him would have them to incounter through Life. True Love my dear sister always seeks the Happiness of its object and nothing can be a greater proof of its absence than a disposition to give pain.\n     A Satirical Lady of our acquaintance told me that when Lyde came in the Gentleman was in company where she was and was very uneasey that the Letters did not come ashoar so soon as he wish\u2019d them too. He was in a perfect Tear about it. Some gentlemen present told him That as The Captain could not get any other Freight he was detaining them till he could find out what he ought to charge for them. \u201cHe was sure his Letters were not upon Business. He imported nothing but Love and that ought not to be detaind for a price.\u201d She now knows there purport and if it would not be to cruil she should ask him If the goods came to his mind or whither his Bills came Back protested. I think I need not tell you who this is like.\n     News News my sister. Cousin Betsy Kent is to be married this night and to go home tomorrow morning. I most sincerly wish her happy. She is very deserving of it.\n     The Germantown Family will write for themselves and tell you how they do. Mr. Wibird is well, uncle Quincy also. They are to dine with us on the thanksgiving day. But my pen. o! my pen I will not write another page till I can get a better. I have not time to copy what I write. I trust no Eyes but yours behold them and should wish you would only read such parts of my Letter to cousin as will please her. I trust every thing however to your prudence.\n     My Love to Mr. Adams and my Neice tell her, that her cousin say she shall not want any intelligence they can give her for the future. They suppos\u2019d it had been done by an abler hand. Adieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0158", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n     Expecting Baron Polnitz to call every moment, I have only time to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Nov. 24. and to answer you on the subject of the bill for 319 livres drawn by Mr. Adams in favor of Mr. Bonfeild. I had never heard of it before, and Mr. Barclay calling on me this morning I asked of him if he knew any thing of it. He says that such a bill was presented to him, and he desired them not to send it back but to let it lie till he could write to Mr. Adams. He wrote. Not having Mr. Adams\u2019s answer in his pocket he can only say that from that he was discouraged from paying it by Mr. Adams\u2019s expressing a doubt whether he had not desired me to pay it. The bill therefore went back without my having ever heard a tittle of it. I told Mr. Barclay I would write immediately to Mr. Bonfeild to send it to me on an assurance that I would pay it on sight. But he desired I would not; that he would immediately see to the paiment of it, and that it would be a convenience to him to be permitted to do it, as he had a balance of Mr. Adams\u2019s in his hands. I could have urged the same reason, but he had the regular authority. Between us therefore you may count on the settlement of this matter, and always on me for that of any other with which you will please to entrust me, and which may give me an opportunity of proving to you the sincere esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Madam your most obedient humble servt.\n      Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0159", "content": "Title: Mary Palmer to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Palmer, Mary\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Germantown Decr. 11th. 1785\n     This is the fourth attempt my Dear Madam that I have made to reply to your unmerited favour of the 30th. of April last, long since reciev\u2019d, but ill health and dejection of Spirit have hinder\u2019d me from writing, for what cou\u2019d I write that cou\u2019d give you half the entertainment, that excellent Letter gave us? Nothing certainly; I will not therefore attempt it. Your recollection of the Scenes of our Youth does me honour as it then gave me pleasure. We are apt perhaps to look back on those Scenes which Youth and Novelty made pleasing, as if there was nothing left equally agreable. Yet I believe there are pleasures fitted for every state of life if we had but the patience to seek for them and the humility to enjoy them; that we are not what we were, gives us unnecessary pain and aggravates our real distresses to a monstrous bulk. Perhaps this has been too much the case with your poor friend, but to be essteem\u2019d by Mrs. Adams will lighten the burden and give me better Spirits.\n     Your descriptions of the Churches of France and their admirable Architecture, Statues, Paintings, Lights &c, are beyond my simple imagination grand; I could wish to see them and to hear the heavenly harmony with which on certain Occasions they are fill\u2019d. The Masses and other Ceremonials of the Romish religion must tend to solemnize the heart, while they are new, but when used to them who so indifferent As the votarys of that Church; if we may believe what History tells us, that there are more unbelievers in the dominions of those who profess that religion than in all the other Christian Countrys. Yet I dare say there are many good pious People among them, who will do honour to the Christian religion by their practise. Thank God the religious Inquisition is not establish\u2019d in France, tho\u2019 the political one is, what a tyranny! Your Account of the unhappy Lady who suffer\u2019d by it affected us much, poor lady! Did you ever hear any more of her? Those dreadful engines the Letters de Cachet, make me tremble at the Idea of Arbitrary Power. It is for the honour of the present Monarch that he has mitigated their rigour, their absolute disuse might be still more for his honour; how glorious is it for a King to trust solely to the Affection of his people for the Safety of his person and Authority? But I suppose the Change must be by degrees, for a people born to Slavery and crouching under their burdens, if set too soon at liberty wou\u2019d run into absurd licenciousness and really need those fetters to restrain them from Anarchy. Perhaps by education of the Youth and by gently relaxing the reins of Government, they may in time be as free as the rights of human Nature require and if America can Set the example of freedom to all Mankind and will do it by ceasing from enslaving the Africans, She will have a glorious boast. The whole world may then thank and applaud the virtuous people, who young as they are, cou\u2019d thus give freedom to the Bondslaves of every Nation. At the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain such were, or seem\u2019d to be the wish of us all. At this time the fashion seems to be, each one to oppress his Neighbour, the People Suffer, and the Lawyers thrive by fomenting divisions. Compassion and forbearance are out of taste. Yet in the year 74 and 5 we had no need of law, and every body paid their debts as soon as they cou\u2019d, and seem\u2019d more honest than they are now.\n     Our taxes come very heavy upon us, Our Money is very Scarce and every one is pressing, so that with reputed freedom we are really Slaves to each other. But I correct myself, I ought by no means to write politicks to a lady so greatly my superiour.\n     Your Discription of Notre Dame, made me wish to see it, but for all the curiosities of the Old countries, I wou\u2019d not Suffer the fatigue of crossing the Sea, not even to see the King of France in the Ceremonials of giving thanks for the Birth of Prince Charles-Louis.\n     My health and spirits wou\u2019d not allow me to take that pleasure in those grand parades, that I shou\u2019d if well and easy, for I am far from pretending to despise those scenes of pageantry. You Say well my dear Madam that \u201cMajesty derives a Grace from State.\u201d It must be so for what insignificant individuals wou\u2019d most Monarchs be in the eyes of the Multitude if they were not thus royally attended.\n     It is time for me to come pretty soon to a conclusion as the letters must go I suppose tomorrow. Mr. Storer favor\u2019d us with a visit yesterday, he bro\u2019t his sister with him, they dined with us. Mr. Thaxter and Cousn. Lucy came in another Chaise but were engaged to dine at their Uncle Quincys so we saw but little of Mr. Thaxter, this was his second visit to us since he return\u2019d from Europe. He seems entirely engaged at Haverhill, perhaps some fair Nymph has him fast in her chains. He was told so and did not deny it. He appear\u2019d just as easy and agreable as he used to be and far enough from finical.\n     Mr. Storer I say nothing of, as you are fully acquainted with his amiable character. His Sister is a fine young lady, very tall and extremely industrious at her needle\u2014too much so I shou\u2019d think for her health, as she abridges herself of exercise and sleep to accomplish what she supposes to be her duty. Mr. Storer spoke highly of Miss Adams. My or rather Our Opinion of her left us no room to doubt of his praises being her due.\n     Master Adams I have not seen since he first went to France and I dare say shou\u2019d not know him again, but by all accounts he bids fair to make a shining figure in the World.\n     Master Charles has often favour\u2019d us with his visits in company with his Cousin Billy, in the vacations, and seems quite delighted with fishing, tho\u2019 I think both of them are liable to bad luck. They came one Morning and were to catch fish enough for our Dinner and enough to carry home besides for Supper. The wind and tide were both unfavourable, so we tho\u2019t fit to get something else for dinner, and sent for them at half past one. They had caught nothing fit to eat and had excellent Appetites for our homespun Dinner.\n     Master Tommy I have not seen for a long time,  he is very promising, and exceedingly playful .\n     Our Own particular family is much as it was.\n     Becky Leppington has been with us near 5 Months as ly visitor and has been of Signal Service to us, for soon After she came our Tommy Field was as it was then tho\u2019t Mortally wounded with a Scythe. The Doctor was bro\u2019t to him in less than an hour after the Accident but gave us little hopes of his life. Miss Becky constantly attended him and dress\u2019d his Wounds for many weeks. He was unable to do any labour for 10 Weeks, but as he had no fever and was careful in his Diet he is happily recover\u2019d, and gone to a ship Carpenters trade. He had been gone about 6 Weeks.\n     I am glad that John makes so good a Servant, he was always faithful while with us, I hope his health may be re-establish\u2019d. I am really oblig\u2019d to conclude abruptly as my paper is out. My love to Miss Adams, when I can I will write to her. Every one here esteems & loves all your family. I am Madam, your obliged\n      Polly Palmer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0160", "content": "Title: John Adams to Royall Tyler, 12 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Tyler, Royall\n      Grosvenor Square Decr. 12. 1785\n     I have received, your instructive and entertaining Letter of the 15. of October, and although a Change of Circumstances has rendered it improper for me, to say any Thing in answer to the first part of it, I am not the less obliged to you, for the rest.\n     The Pamphlets you inclosed are great Curiosities, and merit the Consideration of the Publick in Europe as well as in America. The Coin, I have presented, together with an Extract of your Letter, to the Society of Antiquaries. It has occasioned a Sensation among the learned, and all heads are employed to discover whether the Figures are Phoenician, Carthaginian or what. If they are found to be ancient, they will bring into fresh Reputation, the Accounts of Diodorus Siculus and Plato, of an Atlantic Island, and will confirm the Suspicions of many curious Persons, that the Mariners Compas, was not an Invention of the fourteenth Century, but borrowed from the Arabs in the twelfth, and that the Arabs had it from the Pheenicians. I wish We could have had more of the 300 Coins here; but I make no doubt that the Society of Arts and Sciences at Boston, will publish in their Transactions, a particular Account of the whole. The Antiquaries complain of the Injury done to the Coin by rubbing off the rust, which they wish to have entire, as they are able by its thickness and Colour, Sometimes to compute the Age of it. Every Particular, which you can communicate to me, relative to this Discovery, will be gratefully acknowledged, and will redound to your Reputation. It is of Importance to Mankind to ascertain the Fact, whether Arts, Sciences and Civilization have existed among ancient Nations, inhabiting Countries, where few Traces of them remain: because the Progress of the same moral and political Causes, which have desolated Tire Tyre and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, may again restore Europe to a forest, the residence of Savages. And indeed if Luxury and Vice should increase for a Century to come, as they have for two Centuries past, there is nothing incredible in the supposition, that Europe might become again in time, a howling Wilderness. America I hope however will contribute to stay the Torrent both at home and abroad. When Nations are corrupted to a certain Point, Arts and Civility decline and Barbarity succeeds.\n     The Abby De Mablys Letters, and the Answer to Gibbons, I will endeavour to send you with this. I am very happy to learn that my Sons Behaviour has been pleasing to his Countrymen, and I hope that in time he will be a valuable Man. &c.\n      P.S. my Bookseller informs me, that the Answer to Gibbons is out of Print. He will look out and procure me one if it is to be had.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0162", "content": "Title: Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Dear Sir\n      Grosvenor Square Decemr. 20th. 1785\n     Your favours by Colln. Smith and by the Baron Polintz came safe to hand. As you have justly estimated the Worth and merit of the former, you will easily suppose we were very glad to see him, and equally so to wellcome Colln. Humphryes upon English Ground. I hope his reception here will be as agreeable to him as he expected. He will inform you I dare say that he has seen both the Lions, and His Majesty.\n     You will find by the publick Papers what favourites we are at Court. The Prince of Wales supping with us, Mr. Adams holding frequent conferences with His Majesty, and yesterday going to Windsor for the same purpose. It is said by some that these are Ministerial manvoeures to keep up the stocks. A Paragraph of this kind has certainly been attended with that effect. Others say it is to feel out the minds of the People with respect to a Treaty with America, of which if I dared to give my opinion; I should say that some simptoms have lately appeard tending to that point. But this is said in confidence Sir, as I must not betray secrets.\n     The affair of Capt. Stanhope has been officially taken up and his Conduct much disapproved of by the Lords of the Admirality, as Congress are informed by an official reply to them. Mr. A has also received an answer to his Demand of the Citizens of the United States sent to the East Indies, \u201cthat orders were immediately issued for their discharge.\u201d It is not probable that any thing very material will take place till the meeting of Parliament.\n     The Pacquet arrived last week from New York, in which came Passenger Monsieur Houdon. He returns to Paris the latter End of this week. There were no official Dispatches, and only a private Letter or two to the second of November. But as Mr. A writes you I will leave Politicks with which I really have no business, and talk of that which more properly belongs to me.\n     The Commission you honourd me with will be compleated to send by the return of Colln. Humphryes. I received my Plateau safe about ten days since. It is a very Good one and I am much obliged by your kind attention to it. The Deities however showed that they were subject to Humane frailty and got a few Limbs dislocated in their Tour.\n     If Mr. Barclay will be so good as to settle with Mr. Bonfeild, Mr. Adams will be obliged to him. Coll. Smith delivered me the Louis\u2019s you sent by him, and when Colln. Humphryes returns I will forward you the account of my stewardship.\n     Compliments to Mr. Short. We are sorry to hear of his indisposition. I once found Great benefit in the Dissorder which he complains of by taking an oz. of Castile soap and a pint of Bristol Beer, dividing it into three portions; and takeing it three Mornings, fasting.\n     I wish you could make it convenient to let Miss Jefferson come and pass a few Months with us here. I do not yet dispair of seeing you in England and in that Case you will certainly bring her with you.\n     I am Sir your most obedient servt.\n      A Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0163", "content": "Title: Charles Storer to Abigail Adams, 21 December 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n      Boston. 21st. December. 1785\n     I am persuaded you will be pleased with this letter, if you were not ever before with one from me, because in the first place, it will inform you of my safe arrival among my friends, and at the same time may give you some information respecting yours. I write you therefore with pleasure on my part. Our arrival here be assured was attended with much satisfaction on all sides. I need not paint to you a Parent\u2019s tears on such an occasion. Suffice it to say he pressed us to his heart. Nor were a Sister\u2019s or Brother\u2019s feelings unmoved on the occasion. In a mutual embrace we joined in one thanksgiving. Since my return my time has not been mispent. From our nearest Connections we first received the flattering welcome, and since from very many others. You will readily suppose this was not unpleasing, as beleive me it was not. How shall I write you of every particular one of our friends? \u2019Twould be a little history. Yet I know, (for I have felt the same curiosity more than once myself,) you wish some account. But I must adopt the expression my friends have hitherto made use of to me and say \u201cyour friends are all well,\u201d or else, as I do to those who want me to tell them off ahand, at once, every thing I have heard, or seen since I left home, say ask me what questions you please and I will answer them if I can. But I must not omit telling you of one person whom I have not yet heard or seen, yet to whom I am indebted for kindness since my return, and as it comes to me thro\u2019 you, \u2019tis highly proper you should be made acquainted with it. I mean your Sister, Mrs. Shaw. She has been kind eno: to give me an invitation, from Haverhill, to make her a visit, assuring me that, having been so long one of your family, she cannot look upon me with indifference. This is a friend unexpected, and as I am indebted to you therefor I have to thank you accordingly. Betsey Cranch is and has been with her at Haverhill sometime and what is quite new to me is learning to play on the Harpsichord. They say she makes great proficiency, as Mrs. Shaw mentions that John and Thomas do also in their studies. John attends so closely he has not yet found time to write me since my arrival, tho\u2019 I wrote him from N York soon after I landed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cranch I have seen once and again: they made many enquiries about you and the family; as did Dr: Tufts. Billy Cranch and your Son Charles I have not yet seen. From Braintree I went to Germantown. The family there are distressed. Mr. Palmer thinks he may be obliged even in his old age to retire to the settlements on the Ohio. He thinks he may set up the Salt works in that Country to much advantage. Mr. Perkins writes him encouragingly on this head. Mrs. Quincy and Nancy live quite retired at the Farms, having let their farm to their  Overseer. Mr. and Mrs. Allen remain the same they were when America. Dr. and Mrs. Welsh made many enquiries about you. They have a house full of Children, who are like young Giants. I see no change either in Aunt, Uncle, or Cousins Isaac and Willm: Smith. Cousin Betsey is grown, as are all the younger of the folks in town. Many are grown quite out of my knowledge. The younger part of our family is grown also very much. As to the appearance of the town, I find it changed for the better. I mean the houses; which have been repaired and painted. But trade is extremely dull and folks are complaining. There is not therefore by any means that extravagance and dissipation I expected to find, and which there was about a twelvemonth after the peace.\n     But my paper bids me say no more than desire you to write me as often as you can, and confidentially when you can, as I love to know what\u2019s doing, and to assure you that I am with much esteem, Yrs. &c. &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0164", "content": "Title: Mary Smith Cranch to Abigail Adams, 23 December 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Mary Smith\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      My Dear Sister\n      Braintree December 23d. 1785\n     I wonder whether Mr. Shaw ever wrote you an account of the good woman who was so much offendid that you were not treated with more civillity when you went to see the King and Queen. \u201cWhy I hear they did not so much as ask them to set down, but keept them standing four hours without offering them any thing to eat or drink. I thought such great Folks knew what good manners was, better than to treat such good People as Mr. and Mrs. Adams in such a manner.\u201d \u201cI think sir you married a Daughter of Mr. Smith too?\u201d \u201cYes madem.\u201d \u201cAnd dont you think you was dreadful lucky? I have heard She was a fine woman.\u201d This conversation was in Mr. Tafts Parish. The good Lady felt a respeect for you for having cloathed her Parson. The worthy man inquires very affectionatly after you whenever he sees any of us.\n     I have just reciev\u2019d a Letter from Betsy. She Says Her uncle Shaws Family were all well, your Sons in particular. Cousin Charles and his chum came the day before Thanksgiving and stay\u2019d till the monday after. It would have gratified you to have Seen how charmingly they injoy\u2019d themselves feasting away upon Plumb Pudding and Pyes. I furnish\u2019d our sons with Plumb-cake and cheese enough to last them till their winter vacancy begins.\n     Tis a high day with you in England this day. Poor Braintree cannot get a Parson to officiate at the Church. You must send me word how and where you spent the Day? I last night reciev\u2019d a Letter from Sister Shaw. She says She has been unwell, but is better, excepting her Eyes. She has an inflamation in one of them which is very troublesome. Your sons were well. She tells me she has been making Mr. and Mrs. Allen a visit, and that she never saw more happiness discover\u2019d in any Persons Countinance than in hers, and she manifested a great degree of Contentment. Her House and every thing about it had an air of neatness and eleganc which was very pleasing. I have not a doubt but he will learn to esteem as he ought a Person who sincerly Loves him and studies to make him happy. If her mind is not so improv\u2019d as he could wish, She has those Quallifications without which, if she had all the Learning that ever a woman possessed, she could not make a good wife for him. She is not too old for improvment. I should think it would be a pretty amusement for him in a winter evening to imploy himself in teaching her the different meaning that is affix\u2019d to certain words. That exceed, does not mean succeed, nor Rebillious, Billious, nor distinguish extinguish notwithstanding the sound is some what alike. These are things easily taught and tho they are little matters, they will mortify a man of sensibility. We ought ever to distinguish between Faults and misfortunes. It has been hers not to have had in earley life any care taken to give her a tast for any kind of Learning, but She may make as good a wife, tho not so entertaining a Companion for a man of Letters, as if she had.\n     Betsy is invited to stay a week or two with them and will before she returns. \u201cOf all things in the World she says she loves to stay with young married People. They do look so happy.\u201d It makes her quite in Love with the State. She desires I would not send for her till march. I know not how to spare her so long. The change of air Seems to have mended her Health much, but we lead a solitary kind of a Life, but not a dissagreable one. I only wish for my dear Sisters Family.\n     I have repeatedly told you that I know but little of the affairs or Business of \u2014\u2014. Ever since you went away he has carefully secreted every thing he could from this Family. I sometimes hear of them abroad. The sleigh is I am told put into elegant repair and that he is going to carry Doctor Moyes five hundred mile in it as soon as the roads will admit of it. The Doctor boarded at Mrs. Palmer at Boston where he also did all the Fall. He has been a constant attendend and assistant to Doctor through a course of Lectures upon natural Philosophy which he has deliver\u2019d in Publick. By his manoeuvres since he reciev\u2019d his Letters by Lyde I have thought he was going to change his Lodgings in B\u2014\u2014 and yesterday I heard that he designs too. He has not told us so yet, but I have no doubt he designs it. It is true either he or his man V-s-y ought to have a Boy to take care of his stock which he keeps in their Barn. Three Horses a yoke of oxen and a Cow, will require a Boy or a man to look after them well. He has therefore provided a Boy, who he keeps at Mrs. V-s-y for the purpose. He has also placed a Negro woman there, and is to go himself soon. All this I hear from our Neighbours, who you know are intimate there. Every body wonders for his dismission is yet unknown here, exceept in one or two Familys, and We say nothing. You will wonder how he came by so much Stock. He took some of them for debts, where he could not get any thing else. The Horses are poor things all, but his old one, and the oxen are old. If he must keep them till spring, it would have been almost as well to have left them where they were. Not one of the Horses will do to go in a carriage with his, that which tore his sleigh last winter was never return\u2019d, Major Miller told me, till about six weeks ago. All this may be right but it has an odd appearence. The Philedelphia chaise has made its appearence Since Lydes arrival, but all possible care has been taken that it should not come up our yard, I know not why. What a pity it is that it cannot be made to become invisible at pleasure. His dismission does not seem to trouble him much. I never saw him gayer in my Life. I write this in confidence that you will not let any mortal see it but your self, and if you should ever find it necessary to mention haveing reciev\u2019d such intiligence, let it not be known to come from me. I thought you would be glad to know some little matter about him expecially as he is so soon to visit you, but tis a wonder if the dread of sea sickness which he so often deprecates and the horrible Idea of the Algerines catching him does not make him pospone his voyage for a few years. Pray my sister do not wound my dear Neice with a word of this. She may depend upon his being treated with all imaginable delicacy by all of us.\n     I have taken a Black cloth wastcoat of Mr. Adams and made cousin Charles one. I thought I had better do it than by a new. I have taken the cinnamin for your childrens use, the other Spice we have put into cannesters, which will I hope secure them from harm. Mr. Adams Gown cousin Charles Says he must have next winter. The wine you left in the Seller cousin John says he shall make very free with when he goes into college as it will soon spoil.\u2014If there is any thing you would wish to have done with or about your things you must let me know it. I sometimes fear I shall not do right.\n     Do you not take Some of the magazines. I wish when you have done with them you would send them here to amuse us in a lonely hour. We will take care of them for you against you return.\u2014We have given Cap. Lyde a dozen of chocalate and mark\u2019d it JA. The Nuts my dear sister we have not been able to get. I hope we shall meet with some before Callahan sails, which will be soon. I shall write by him. I suppose Sister will write you particularly about your Sons and cousin John writes largly himself, I dare say. Pray my sister write often and largly. I am Sure I have not been deficient. Remember me tenderly to Mr. Adams and my Niece, tell her I have written so much to you that I cannot find any thing to say to her but that the more I reflect upon her conduct the more I am charm\u2019d with her prudenc and discretion, and that I wish not my own Daughters more happiness than I do her.\n     Adieu my dear sister and believe my yours affectionatly\n      M Cranch\n      No copying for me. I hate it. I had rather write another and yet I sometimes wish to know what I have written.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0166", "content": "Title: John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 28 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John Quincy\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n      Dear Madam\n      Haverhill December 28th. 1785\n     It is mortifying to me, to be again obliged to offer an excuse, for not having written more frequently to you, and to my father however conscious I may be, of its having been out of my Power, yet the Idea, of your suspecting me of neglecting you, worries me very much. But it has been and still is absolutely necessary for me, to apply myself with unremitting attention to my studies. About ten hours every day, are devoted to them: you will easily suppose from this, that I do not go much into Company. Many of the families in Town, have been very polite, and have given me repeated Invitations to see them often: But excepting Mr. White\u2019s, where I often pass two or three hours in the Evening, I have scarce been any where. Indeed I do not go out quite as much as I could wish too, but that would prevent me from writing at all.\n     The dissolution, of a certain Connection, which you have been kind enough to hint in your Letters to me, and which I have also collected from other Quarters, has afforded me, as well as almost all our Friends, real consolation. My anxiety was not small before I left you, but it was greatly augmented after my return home. In Obedience to your Injunctions, I will give you with the utmost sincerity and impartiality, an account of what I have heard since my arrival concerning the Gentleman. I have no personal pique against him. I saw but little of him while I was in Braintree or in Boston, but he behaved to me in the most friendly manner; and as a transient acquaintance, I should have considered him, as a very agreeable Person. But many things I heard of him, from respectable authorities, and all agreeing perfectly, excited in my mind such fears, as I never wish to feel again, for any person, much less dear to me, than a Sister. And I cannot express how much I was relieved, when the news came, so unexpectedly, of her having so happily freed herself from an Inclination, which I considered as very dangerous. When my father\u2019s Letter came, (you know the one I mean) he not only shew it about, but in some places triumphed, at his succeeding with so many of her relations and friends against him: he rather prided than otherwise, in writing so seldom as he did. He kept many of the Letters to her friends, which were inclosed to him, several months, and when he was ask\u2019d the Reason why? he begg\u2019d to be excused from giving any Reasons. Since the last Letters, he has said that it was wholly owing to foul Play, that every one of her friends here, had agreed to write against him; she had been thus deceived, but that he intends in a short Time to sail for Europe, and has no doubt, but that he shall bring all to rights again. For these nine months, he has spent three quarters of his Time at Boston, and from the 1st: of October to the middle of November, was not at Braintree at all.\u2014Some of these facts are undoubtedly true: for the rest I trust to the Veracity of persons, whose honour I have not the least Reason to doubt. He Complains that all her friends are combined in a league against him. But should it be enquired, how it happened, they are so universally averse to his being connected with her, and rejoyced at her late determination, I know not what answer he would give.\n     I have received several Letters from you. One, as late as October 5th: which came in Callahan. Accept my warmest, and sincerest thanks, my dear Mamma, for those kind attentions. It shall be the study of my Life, to follow the Instructions and the Example of my Parents, and the nearer I come to them, the greater share of happiness I shall enjoy. Three or four months more; and then I shall have time enough, to write often; but never sufficient to express my love and gratitude to them.\n     As to Politics, this is not the place to know any thing of them; and of the public affairs even of this State, I know not so much as I did, when I was in Europe; and I should not regret it, if it did not deprive me of the Pleasure of communicating them to you. The Merchants groan sadly of the decay of trade, and failure after failure seems to justify their Complaints. Within these last Three weeks however, I hear it whispered about that Times are growing better, and I hope their misfortunes will in the End, prove of great Service to themselves, and to the Public.\u2014But I can tell you a piece of private News, which will not I hope, be too sudden, and unexpected to you. On Sunday the 11th: Instant Mr. Allen, and Miss Kent, were married at Boston, and on Monday they arrived at Bradford, at the seat of Empire. She is in high Spirits, and Mr. Thaxter says, as much pleased as a child can be with a rattle: though by the bye, he is verging towards the same State himself; and is now got so far, that he has done boasting the superlative happiness of a single Life, and begins to hint, that it is not fit for man to be alone. He has made choice of a most amiable young Lady, whose least praise is, to be the prettiest girl in Haverhill.\n     I am as contented with my Situation, as I can be, when absent from three of the dearest Persons on Earth. If the place of Parents possibly could be supplied to me, it would be, here. And my Cousin Eliza, who has been in town ever since I came, is a Sister to me: she does not live here, but at Mr. White\u2019s, whose family have been as kind, and attentive, to me, as they always have been to my brothers: I pass many very agreeable hours, at that house. Miss Hazen, is still a boarder in this family. She has many amiable Qualities, but you have no reason to fear that she will ever prove an Omphale to your Hercules.\n     The Winter Vacation at College, begins this day week. Charles will probably spend the greater part of it here; I heard from him a few days since, when he was at Braintree to keep Thanksgiving. Tommy desires I would send his Duty. He would write, but does not know what to say. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw desire to be affectionately remembered; Aunt, has had an inflammation in her Eyes, which prevents her from writing. Mr. Thaxter is so entirely absorb\u2019d with the present, that he almost forgets the absent, and I have no great Expectations that he will write again to you before the Spring. He desires however to be remember\u2019d.\n     It is now quarter of an hour after mid-night, which, as well as my Paper, bids me to subscribe myself, your dutiful and affectionate Son.\n      J. Q. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0167", "content": "Title: Richard Cranch to John Adams, 29 December 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Richard\nTo: Adams, John\n      Dear Bror.\n      Boston Decr. 29th. 1785\n     When the Senate was last sitting I desired the Honble. Mr. Goodhue\u2260 of Salem, to answer your Request to me about the Cod-Fishery, and give you a Statement of it\u2014and I learn by Capt. Geo: Williams that a Letter he deliver\u2019d me a few Days ago (which I herewith send you) contains his Observations on that Subject. The Hon: Peleg Coffin Esqr. of Nantucket, the Senator for that County, also promised me to give you a particular account of the present State of the Whale-Fishery, which I suppose you will receive from him. I have been trying to get an account of the Distilleries Sugar-baking Business within this State, and hope e\u2019er long to send you an Estimate of them. There is at present a new Valuation in hand; and, as \u201cTruth is not to be spoken at all times,\u201d I find some Difficulty arising from that Quarter. I have sent you the Continuation of the Newspapers, and some Letters inclosed. The Letter to Mr. Elworthy I wish might be carefully deliver\u2019d as soon as possible.\n     Your Hond. Mother, and your Brother and Family are well. I had the Pleasure of sending your Brother a Commission for the Peace, about a fortnight ago. He knew nothing of it untill it was deliver\u2019d to him. Your Sons at Haverhill were well a few Days since, and behave so as to give you Pleasure, and do honour to their Parents and Instructors. Your dear Charles and his Chum (Mr. Walker from Bradford) kept Thanksgiving with us the Week before last, and staid untill Monday following. I keep a constant Look-out on them, and have Cousn. Charles and Billy to see me almost every Week at my Lodgings in Boston. I cannot hear that they have ever departed from the Line of Conduct that we should wish them to follow. I hope Mrs. Cranch and I have a good Share in their Confidence and Friendship; and we shall endeavour to cultivate it more and more, as, without that, Advice looses a great part of its Effect. Mrs. Cranch will write to her Sister more particularly by this Conveyance (Capt. Lyde). I thank her for her most valuable Letters to our Family, they do Honour to her Sex and to Human Nature. Please to give my most affectionate Regards to her and to my amiable Niece, and believe me to be, with the highest Esteem and most cordial Friendship, your obliged Brother\n      Richard Cranch\n      P.S. I have desir\u2019d Capt. Lyde to take a Dozn. Pound of Chocolate among his Ship-Stores. If he can be permitted to present it to Sister Adams, I beg the favour of her to accept it. The maker says it is good.\n      I wish to hear from you what is like to be done (if any thing) in the way of Commerce &c. Your Letters will always be esteemed by me as invaluable.\n      \u2260Mr. Goodhue is a Merchant largely concerned in the West India Trade. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, and is an active Member of the Senate. He was the Father of our Navigation-Act, and wishes to be more acquainted with you. I wish you would write to him. He was graduated in the Year 1766.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/04-06-02-0168", "content": "Title: William Stephens Smith to Abigail Adams, 29 December 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, Abigail\n       Thursday Decr. 29th. 1785\n     An anxiety to preserve a consistancy of Character in the opinion of Mrs. Adams (in whose favourable sentiments I feel myself more and more interested) induces me to say, that I have some reason to believe, that the late Connection, which appeared an insurmountable Obstacle to the accomplishment of the Wish nearest my heart\u2014exists no longer. And from the opinion I have of the Lady, I am persuaded, that nothing dishonourable on her part could have occasioned it.\n     Strongly impressed with sentiments which induce a sacred attention to the Laws of hospitality, and a lively sense of Moral Obligation, I cannot postpone informing her, that her Amiable Daughter, is the only Lady of my acquaintance, either in Europe or America, that I would connect myself with for Life. With a Mind deeply impressed with her Virtues, apparently established by the principles of her education, Mrs. Adams will not be surprised at my anxiety to gain her confidence, and to lay a proper foundation for a future Connection, which must insure me all the happiness I can wish, provided it should meet with her wishes, and the approbation of her friends.\n     I have no inclination, My dearest Madam, to be precipitate on this Subject, but I should feel Guilty, whenever I entered your Doors, If I did not give you the earliest information of my wishes and intention. It now rests with you Madam, and her honoured Father to Object in the early stages of it, if at all, and be assured, your decission will greatly influence my Conduct. You once charged me with precipitancy, but believe me Madam, I did not merit it, as I can fully convince you, should you think proper to Converse on the Subject.\n     This Communication, (perhaps,) you may think, ought to be made to Mr. Adams, but I feel more easy in the communication with you. And as I do not Know that he is acquainted with my sentiments respecting the Lady, (as well as you are Madam), it would render a long and formal Letter necessary, while perhaps this mode may answer every end, as I suppose you will be in a great measure governed by his sentiments on the Subject, it is probable, you will submit this to his perusal.\n     I feel myself under every disadvantage. I am almost a stranger\u2014and it might appear strange were I to say nothing of myself, but strange as it may appear, delicacy checks my pen. I can only say, my family are neither Obscure, nor unknown, and in whatever relates to them, or myself I submit freely to your investigation and you may take what time you please to satisfy yourself on the Subject. However, I shall neither appear the Child of fortune nor the offspring of Illustrious Ancestors, but such as I am, I seek your friendship, and aspire to your Daughters Love.\n     What has been my Conduct, and what the Lines which have marked my Character, since I entered into Life, will be better explained to you and perhaps more to your satisfaction, by the papers which accompany this, than if I were to become my own Panegyrist. After the perusal of these papers, I wish it to be recollected, that altho\u2019 \u201cit is better to marry a Gentleman alway\u2019s involved in business, than one who has no Profession at all,\u201d that I have some claim to indulgence on that point; having sacrificed that important Period of my Life in my Country\u2019s Service, which others have (perhaps more wisely) spent in their private concerns and arrangements. If Mrs. Adams knew the situation of my family before the war, she would be satisfied, that a fixed profession, was not at that time considered absolutely necessary for my support, or to enable me to move in that Circle which my Education, Conduct and Connections have hitherto entitled me to.\u2014The Papers will convince you, that I may without presumption boast of the honourable Profession of Arms, which I have followed with success and have received my Country\u2019s acknowledgement with such assurances as the Nature of our Goverments will admit of, of Mention thro\u2019 Life.\n     Seperate from this, I feel myself competent to an honourable Profession, suited to the peaceful walk of Life, which with my very small fortune and moderate Abilities, will enable me to live in content and retirement, whenever I chuse to make the experiment with a friend, detached from the follies and vices of society.\n     It now rests with you Madam and Mr. Adams to determine whether I shall confine myself to the duties of my station, or whether I may be permitted to cultivate the further friendship of your family.\n     I am, Madam, in relation to you and Yours all that honour and inclination can make,\n      W. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0242-0006", "content": "Title: V. From the Baron von Thulemeier, 24 January 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: Adams, John\n            Monsieur\n          Vous recevr\u00e9s, Monsieur, par un Courier Hollandois adress\u00e9 a Messieurs de Berckenrode, et Brantzen un paquet sous Votre enveloppe et celle de Messieurs Francklin et Jefferson. Il renferme les observations du Roi sur le Contre-Projet du Trait\u00e9 de Commerce, qui m\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 remis de V\u00f4tre part, au mois de Novembre de l\u2019ann\u00e9e derni\u00e8re. Agr\u00e9ez qu\u2019en qualit\u00e9 de V\u00f4tre ancien Coll\u00e8gue, toujours reconnaissant de l\u2019amiti\u00e9 que Vous m\u2019av\u00e9s temoign\u00e9e pendant V\u00f4tre sejour a la Haye, je prenne la libert\u00e9 de Vous parler avec qu\u2019elque franchise. Les Observations sur les Articles 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 10. et 12. du Contre-Projet sont envisag\u00e9es a Berlin, comme trop essentielles, pour qu\u2019on puisse se departir des changemens, et additions propos\u00e9s. Je ne Vous dissimulerai point m\u00e8me Monsieur, qu\u2019a en juger par mes Instructions la Conclusion du Trait\u00e9 en dependra selon toute apparence. Les remarques post\u00e9rieures contribueront uniquement a donner pl\u00fbs de clart\u00e9 et de pr\u00e9cision a quelques Articles. Daignes, Monsieur envisager tout ceci non comme une declaration Ministerielle, mais simplement comme un temoignage de ma confiance, et du desir dont je suis anim\u00e9 d\u2019assurer le succ\u00e8s de nos Soins communs, et d\u2019eloigner tout ce qui pourroit faire naitre des obstacles trop essentiels, pour que je puisse esp\u00e9rer de les surmonter. Un mot de reponse de Votre part me feroit grand plaisir. Agr\u00e9ez les assurances de la Consideration la pl\u00fbs distingu\u00e9e avec laquelle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00e8tre / Monsieur, / V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant / serviteur\n            de Thulemeier\n          TRANSLATION\n          You will receive by a Dutch courier addressed to Messrs. Berkenrode and Brantsen a packet in your pouch and that of Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson. It contains the king\u2019s observations on the counterproject of the\ntreaty of commerce, which was sent to me by you in November of last year. Please accept that in my role as your former colleague, always grateful for the friendship you showed me during your stay at The Hague, I take the liberty of speaking to you quite frankly. The observations on Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 12 of the counterproject are viewed at Berlin as too essential to dispense with the proposed changes and additions. I will not even conceal, sir, that judging from my instructions, the successful conclusion of the treaty will depend on them, according to all appearances. The later remarks will contribute only to making some articles clearer and more precise. Please be so kind, sir, as to envision all this not as a ministerial declaration but simply as a token of my trust and the desire that motivates me to ensure the success of our common labors and to remove all that could give rise to substantial obstacles, so that I might hope to surmount them. A response on your part would give me great pleasure. Please be assured of the most distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant \n          de Thulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0242-0007", "content": "Title: VI. The Baron von Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, with the Prussian Observations on the Draft Prussian-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, 24 January 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: American Commissioners\n            Messieurs,\n          Le Roi mon Ma\u00eetre ayant trouv\u00e9 bon de m\u2019autoriser \u00e0 faire passer en Vos mains, Messieurs, quelques Observations sur le Contre-Projet du Trait\u00e9 de Commerce \u00e0 conclure pour l\u2019avantage r\u00e9ciproque de Ses Sujets, et celui des Citoyens de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, tel que Vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de me l\u2019adresser en date du 10. de Novembre d\u00e8rnier, et entr\u00e9 \u00e0 la Haye par un Courier Hollandois le 26. du m\u00eame mois, je ne diff\u00e8re point de m\u2019acquitter des Ordres de Sa Majest\u00e9. Un Expr\u00e8s charg\u00e9 de D\u00e9p\u00eaches pour Messieurs les\nAmbassadeurs de Hollande \u00e0 Paris me fournit aujourd\u2019hui une occasion s\u00fbre et prompte. La langue Angloise n\u2019\u00e9tant pas famili\u00e8re \u00e0 la Chancelerie Prussienne, aussi peu qu\u2019au Roi et \u00e0 Son Minist\u00e8re, j\u2019ai d\u00fb m\u2019occuper d\u2019une traduction fran\u00e7oise, et pour constater son exactitude, je l\u2019ai fait placer \u00e0 c\u00f4t\u00e9 des Observations ci-jointes. J\u2019ose me flatter que ces derni\u00e8res Vous paro\u00eetront, Messieurs, dict\u00e9es par cet esprit de justice, d\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 et d\u2019humanit\u00e9 qui caract\u00e9rise toutes les d\u00e9marches du Monarque que j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de servir. Ce sera avec le z\u00e8le le plus, vif que je m\u2019employerai \u00e0 consolider une n\u00e9gociation dont l\u2019issue ne peut qu\u2019\u00eatre infiniment avantageuse aux deux nations, et je ne doute aucunement que le contenu de la premi\u00e8re lettre dont Vous m\u2019honorerez, ne me facilite les moyens de mettre de concert avec Vous, Messieurs, la derni\u00e8re main \u00e0 ce Trait\u00e9.\n          J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, / Messieurs, / V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant / Serviteur \n          de Thulemeier\n          ENCLOSURE\n          Observations sur le Projet du Trait\u00e9, trac\u00e9 par les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires Americains, et adress\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019Envoye Extraordinaire du Roi \u00e0 la Haye.\n            Articles II. & III.\n            En adoptant en entier ces deux articles, il est essentiel d\u2019ajouter \u00e0 la fin de l\u2019un et de l\u2019autre: \u201cse soumettant n\u00e9anmoins dans les lieux o\u00f9 ils voudront faire les commerce, aux loix et usages y \u00e9tablis, et auxquels sont soumis les Citoyens des Etats-Unis (les Sujets de S. M. le Roi de Prusse), et les n[ations] \u00e9trang\u00e8res les plus favoris\u00e9es.\u201d Il est d\u2019autant plus indispensable d\u2019insister sur cette clause, que les Etats de S. M. Prussienne sont compos\u00e9s de Provinces dont la pl\u00fbpart ont des loix propres et des us[ages] particuliers. On ne sauroit abolir des [loix] de police communes \u00e0 toutes les Nations de l\u2019Europe, ni \u00f4ter sans injustice des [an]ciens droits des Soci\u00e9t\u00e9s, Communaut\u00e9s [ou] Corps. La Ville de K\u00f6nigsberg a un droit d\u2019Etape, suivant lequel un marchand \u00e9tranger ne peut vendre directement \u00e0 [un] autre Etranger sur la place; nous avons dans diff\u00e9rens ports, des Soci\u00e9t\u00e9s qui en[tre]tiennent des all\u00e8ges pour d\u00e9charger \u00e0 la rade une partie des marchandises et les conduire dans les ports, o\u00f9 les gros vaisseaux ne peuvent entrer tout charg\u00e9s; nous avons en quelques endroits un Corps de porte-faix, lesquels \u00e0 des prix fixes\naident \u00e0 d\u00e9charger les vaisseaux, &c. Tout ceci ne doit ni ne peut effrayer l\u2019autre partie Contractante. La pl\u00fbpart de ces r\u00e9glemens sont \u00e9tablis pour l\u2019avantage et [la] commodit\u00e9 m\u00eame des Etrangers, lesquels \u00e0 l\u2019arriv\u00e9e dans nos ports ne sauroient se passer de l\u2019assistance des pilotes et autres personnes habiles, et sans nos r\u00e9glemens de police se trouveroient expos\u00e9s \u00e0 leur avidit\u00e9 et chicanes. Toutes les Nations de l\u2019Europe ont de pareils usages, et aucune ne se plaint des n\u00f4tres.\n            Cet Article exige des changemens et \u00e9claircissemens tr\u00e8s consid\u00e9rables:\n            1o/ Il faut biffer n\u00e9cessairement la clause, \u00e0 bord de ses propres b\u00e2timens, qui est dans l\u2019esprit de l\u2019Acte de Navigation de l\u2019Angleterre, mais point du tout dans le n\u00f4tre. Le but principal de ce Trait\u00e9 est un commerce r\u00e9ciproque entre les deux Nations, et un d\u00e9bit s\u00fbr et facile de leurs marchandises. L\u2019intention du Roi est moins de donner une plus grande \u00e9tendue \u00e0 la navigation de Ses Sujets dans des parages \u00e9loign\u00e9s, que d\u2019animer l\u2019industrie nationale, et de faciliter l\u2019exportation des productions des fabriques Prussiennes; de sorte que la clause de n\u2019accorder les avantages stipul\u00e9s m\u00eame aux marchandises qu\u2019autant qu\u2019elles seront import\u00e9es par nos vaisseaux, choque directement nos principes, et rendroit presque nuls pour nous les avantages que ce Trait\u00e9 doit procurer r\u00e9ciproquement.\n            2o./ La libert\u00e9 de vendre et d\u2019acheter, stipul\u00e9e par cet article, est si g\u00e9n\u00e9rale, qu\u2019elle ne laisse pas m\u00eame l\u2019id\u00e9e de quelque denr\u00e9e ou marchandise, dont l\u2019importation ou l\u2019exportation pourroit \u00eatre d\u00e9fendue, d\u2019autant plus que l\u2019Art: IV. de notre Projet trac\u00e9 au mois de Mars de cette ann\u00e9e, est enti\u00e8rement omis dans le Contre-Projet. Le Roi ne peut donc se dispenser d\u2019insister que l\u2019Art: IV. soit minut\u00e9 de la mani\u00e8re suivante: \u201cEn particulier chacune des deux nations aura le droit d\u2019importer ses propres productions, manufactures et marchandises dans toutes les parties des Domaines de l\u2019autre, de les y vendre librement, et d\u2019acheter et charger en \u00e9change les productions, manufactures et marchandises de l\u2019autre Nation. Toutes ces productions, manufactures et marchandises, soit qu\u2019elles soyent import\u00e9es ou export\u00e9es par les propres vaisseaux de l\u2019une des deux Nations, ou sur les b\u00e2timens de toute autre Nation quelconque, ne payeront \u00e0 l\u2019entr\u00e9e et \u00e0 la sortie d\u2019autres ni de plus forts imp\u00f4ts que payent les produits, manufactures et marchandises de la Nation la\nplus favoris\u00e9e. Cependant le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique se reservent la libert\u00e9 de prohiber dans leurs pays respectifs l\u2019importation ou l\u2019exportation de toute marchandise quelconque, d\u00e8s que la raison d\u2019Etat l\u2019exige. En ce cas les Sujets et Citoyens d\u2019une des Parties Contractantes du pr\u00e9sent Trait\u00e9 ne pourront importer ni exporter les marchandises prohibees par l\u2019autre. Mais si l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes permet \u00e0 quelqu\u2019autre Nation d\u2019importer ou d\u2019exporter ces m\u00eames marchandises, les Sujets de l\u2019autre Partie Contractante jouiront tout aussit\u00f4t d\u2019une libert\u00e9 pareille.\u201d L\u2019Article XI. de notre Projet, portant que tous les avantages accord\u00e9s dans la suite en fait de commerce et de navigation \u00e0 d\u2019autres Nations, deviendront aussit\u00f4t communs aux Parties Contractantes, trouveroit encore ici sa place convenable; mais comme le Contre-Projet en fait un Article s\u00e9par\u00e9, XXVI, il est assez indiff\u00e9rent que cet article soit plac\u00e9 ici, ou plus bas.\n            Le raisonnement qui a motiv\u00e9 la clause \u00e0 ajouter aux Articles II. et III. rend enti\u00e8rement superflu l\u2019Article V du Projet, dont cependant on peut sans difficult\u00e9 conserver le dernier passage, portant que \u201cles marchands &c: des deux nations ne seront pas forc\u00e9s de d\u00e9charger aucune sorte de marchandises dans d\u2019autres vaisseaux, ni de les recevoir \u00e0 bord de leurs propres navires, ni d\u2019attendre leur chargement plus longtemps qu\u2019il ne leur plaira.\u201d\n            Article VIII:\n            Cet Article pourroit \u00eatre adopt\u00e9 en entier, sans l\u2019expression \u201cque les vaisseaux qui quitteront le port sans avoir decharg\u00e9, ne payeront aucun imp\u00f4t &c.\u201d Cela ne peut souffrir aucune difficult\u00e9 d\u00e8s qu\u2019il est question des marchandises, ou d\u00e8s que le vaisseau reste \u00e0 la rade. Mais d\u00e8s que le vaisseau est entr\u00e9 dans le port, il paro\u00eet qu\u2019il doit \u00eatre assujetti aux droits \u00e9tablis pour l\u2019entretien m\u00eame du port et de diff\u00e9rens arrangemens n\u00e9cessaires pour rendre l\u2019entr\u00e9e et la sortie des vaisseaux d\u2019autant plus s\u00fbre. (Par exemple, droits de port, de pilote-c\u00f4tier, et de fanal.) Il conviendra donc de minuter la fin de cet Article ainsi qu\u2019il suit: \u201cet sans \u00eatre oblig\u00e9s de rendre compte de leur cargaison ou de payer aucuns impots, charges et droits quelconques, except\u00e9 les droits \u00e9tablis sur les vaisseaux une fois entr\u00e9s dans le port, et destin\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019entretien du port m\u00eame ou d\u2019autres \u00e9tablissemens qui ont pour but la s\u00fbret\u00e9 et la commodit\u00e9 des Navigateurs, lesquels droits cependant ne se payeront que sur le m\u00eame\npied qu\u2019ils sont acquitt\u00e9s par les Sujets et Citoyens m\u00eame de l\u2019Etat o\u00f9 ils sont \u00e9tablis.\u201d\n            Il sera tr\u00e8s analogue aux principes humains qui font la base de plusieurs Articles de ce Projet, d\u2019ajouter \u00e0 la fin de celui ci: \u201cl\u2019ancien et barbare droit de naufrage sera enti\u00e8rement aboli \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard des Sujets des deux Parties Contractantes.\u201d\n            Cet Article revient \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s \u00e0 l\u2019Article VIII de notre Projet. Mais comme dans celui-ci on exempte r\u00e9ciproquement les droits de d\u00e9traction, et qu\u2019on reserve la vigueur aux Ordonnances pass\u00e9s ou futures du Roi contre les \u00e9migrations, il faudra retablir en entier notre Article VIII. et le mettre \u00e0 la place de l\u2019Article X. du Contre-Projet.\n            Article XII.\n            Cet article ne sauroit \u00eatre adopt\u00e9 en entier; [le] dernier point surtout, portant: \u201cque les vaisseaux ennemis rendent les m[ar]chandises neutres confiscables sans distinc[tion.\u201d] Les principes que la Cour de Berlin a adopt[\u00e9s] dans plusieurs Ecrits publics, et en particulier dans la D\u00e9claration Circulaire du 30 Avril 1781. se trouveroient en contradiction directe avec les stipulations indiqu\u00e9es. Messieurs [les] Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires Am\u00e9ricains, anim\u00e9s de [cet] esprit philosophique d\u2019humanit\u00e9 et d\u2019\u00e9qui[t\u00e9] qui a dict\u00e9 plusieurs Articles du Contre-P[ro]jet, se d\u00e9partiront vraisemblablement volontiers d\u2019une pareille clause, et consentiront [\u00e0] y substituer la suivante: \u201cque les effets et marchandises apparten[ants] aux Sujets de la Partie Contractante Neutre, except\u00e9 les munitions de guerre, qui [se] trouveroient \u00e0 bord d\u2019un vaisseau ennemi, seront rendus aux Propri\u00e9taires, ou du moins pay\u00e9s suivant des prix justes et raisonnables.\u201d En tout cas on pourroit omettre tout ceci, et ins\u00e9rer simplement le dernier passage \u00e0 commencer des mots: D\u2019un autre c\u00f4t\u00e9 jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la fin, et laisser cette question ind\u00e9cise, ainsi que cela s\u2019est pratiqu\u00e9 dans la convention pour la Neutralit\u00e9 Arm\u00e9e, pass\u00e9e par le Roi et par d\u2019autres Puissances.\n            Article XIII.\n            Il n\u2019y a pas de difficult\u00e9 d\u2019adopter en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral cet Article. Cependant comme l\u2019expression de compensation raisonnable pour les pertes qui auront \u00e9t\u00e9 occasionn\u00e9es par une saisie, est un peu ind\u00e9termin\u00e9e, il seroit \u00e0 souhaiter qu\u2019on p\u00fbt s\u2019expliquer plus pr\u00e9cis\u00e9ment sur cette\ncompensation. Et comme il y a des cas o\u00f9 un navire neutre, dont toute la cargaison seroit compos\u00e9e de marchandises non suspectes, auroit \u00e0 son bord une pacotille de munitions de guerre destin\u00e9e pour l\u2019ennemi de l\u2019autre Partie Contractante, cas dont parle l\u2019Art: XV. de notre Projet il seroit tr\u00e8s convenable d\u2019ins\u00e9rer \u00e0 l\u2019Article XIII. du Contre-Projet la clause: \u201cque dans les cas \u00e9nonc\u00e9s, si le Patron du navire pr\u00e9f\u00e9roit de livrer la pacotille suspecte au vaisseau qui en auroit fait la d\u00e9couverte, le navire marchand ne pourroit plus \u00eatre arr\u00eat\u00e9 mais aur[oit] toute libert\u00e9 de poursuivre sa route.\u201d\n            Article XIX.\n            De m\u00eame que les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique par la teneur d\u2019un Trait\u00e9 de plus ancienne date, se trouvent dans l\u2019obligation d\u2019excepter les prises faites sur les Sujets du Roi de France de l\u2019entr\u00e9e dans leurs ports, il peut y avoir des cas o\u00f9 ce seroit compromettre le Roi, que de recevoir dans ses ports des prises faites sur d\u2019autres nations. Par cette consid\u00e9ration, il vaudra mieux r\u00e9tablir cet Article tel qu\u2019il a \u00e9t\u00e9 minut\u00e9 dans nos r\u00e9ponses aux observations de Mr Adams, envoy\u00e9es au Ministre du Roi en Hollande au mois de Mai de cette ann\u00e9e, savoir: \u201cque les vaisseaux arm\u00e9s de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes ne pourront conduire les prises qu\u2019ils auront faites sur leurs ennemis dans les ports de l\u2019autre, \u00e0 moins qu\u2019ils n\u2019y soyent forc\u00e9s par temp\u00eate ou p\u00e9ril de la mer: en ce dernier cas elles ne pourront \u00eatre arr\u00eat\u00e9es ni saisies, mais on les fera ressortir le plut\u00f4t possible;\u201d ce qui rend l\u2019exception des vaisseaux pris sur la France enti\u00e8rement superflue.\n            Article XXI.\n            Ad 4./ Apr\u00e8s les mots: dont le Preneur est Sujet, on pourroit ajouter pour plus de clart\u00e9: \u201cmais par la Justice du lieu o\u00f9 la prise aura \u00e9t\u00e9 conduite.\u201d\n            Article XXV.\n            A la fin de cet Article, et pour le rendre [ana]logue aux Articles II. et III. avec leurs a[ddi]tions propos\u00e9es, il sera indispensable d\u2019ajouter la clause: \u201cque lorsque les Consuls voudront fa[ire] le commerce, ils seront soumis aux loix et usages des lieux, o\u00f9 ils voudront [le] faire.\u201d\n            Tous les autres Articles du Contre-P[ro]jet, dont il n\u2019est pas fait mention en termes expr\u00e8s dans ces Observations, pourront \u00eatre adopt\u00e9s sans addition ni changement.\n          TRANSLATION\n            Gentlemen\n          My lord the king, having thought fit to authorize me to deliver you, gentlemen, some observations on the counterproject of the treaty of commerce to be concluded for the reciprocal advantage of his subjects and the citizens of America, which you directed to me on 10 November and which a Dutch courier delivered to The Hague on the 26th, I will not delay at all carrying out His Majesty\u2019s orders. An express charged with dispatches for the Dutch ambassadors at Paris furnishes me with a safe and swift opportunity today. As the English language is not familiar to the Prussian chancellery and no more so to the king and his minister, I had to see to a French translation, and to verify its accuracy, I had it placed alongside the enclosed observations. I flatter myself that the latter will appear to you, gentlemen, dictated by the spirit of justice, equity, and humanity that characterizes all the endeavors of the monarch whom I have the honor to serve. It will be with the greatest zeal that I will exert myself to conclude a negotiation the result of which can only be infinitely advantageous to the two nations, and I do not doubt in the least that the first letter that I receive from you will make it easy for us to work together, gentlemen, to put the finishing touches on this treaty.\n          I have the honor to be with the most distinguished consideration, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant\n            de Thulemeier\n          ENCLOSURE\n          Observations on the proposed treaty drawn up by the American plenipotentiaries and addressed to the king\u2019s envoy extraordinary at The Hague.\n            Articles II and III\n            In adopting in their entirety these two articles, it is essential to add at the end of each: \u201csubmitting themselves nevertheless, in the places where they would do business, to the laws and usages there established and to which are submitted the citizens of the United States (the subjects of His Majesty the King of Prussia) and the citizens and subjects of the most favored foreign nations.\u201d It is even more indispensable to insist on this clause because the dominions of His Prussian Majesty are composed of provinces, the majority of which have laws and customs of their own. We could not annul the police laws common to all the nations of Europe or take away without injustice the ancient rights of companies, communities, or guilds. The city of K\u00f6nigsberg has a law of intermediation, by which a foreign merchant there may not sell directly to another foreigner. In several ports, where large vessels cannot enter fully loaded, we have companies that maintain lighters for unloading cargo in the roadstead and carrying it in. In some places we have guilds of stevedores, who for a fixed price help to unload vessels, etc. All this should not and cannot alarm the other contracting party. The majority of these regulations were established for\nthe advantage as well as convenience of foreigners, who when they arrive in our ports could not manage without the assistance of pilots and other skilled persons, and without our police regulations would find themselves exposed to greed and chicanery. All the nations of Europe have similar practices, and no one has complained of ours.\n            Article IV\n            This article requires very considerable changes and clarifications:\n            1. It is necessary to strike out the clause \u201cin their own vessels,\u201d which is in the spirit of the British Navigation Act but not at all in ours. The main goal of this treaty is a reciprocal commerce between the two nations, and the safe and easy flow of their goods. The king\u2019s intention is less to enlarge his subjects\u2019 trade in distant seas than to stimulate national industry and facilitate the exportation of the products of Prussian workshops, so that the clause, by not according the stipulated advantages to all our goods in the same way as those imported by our vessels, directly collides with our motives and renders practically null for us the advantages that this treaty should secure reciprocally.\n            2. The freedom to sell and buy, stipulated by this article, is so general that it does not admit the possibility of a commodity or type of merchandise the importation or exportation of which might be forbidden, and what is more, Article IV of our draft drawn up in the month of March of this year is entirely omitted from the counterproject. The king must therefore insist that Article IV be revised in the following manner: \u201cMore especially each party shall have a right to carry their own produce, manufactures, and merchandise to any parts of the dominions of the other, there freely to sell them and to purchase and take in exchange the produce, manufactures, and merchandise of the other nation. All such produce, manufactures, and merchandise, whether they are imported or exported by vessels belonging to one of the two nations or on ships of any other nation whatsoever, shall pay on entering and on leaving no higher duties than are paid for the produce, manufactures, and merchandise of the most favored nation. Nevertheless the king of Prussia and the United States reserve to themselves the liberty to prohibit in their respective countries the importation and exportation of all merchandise whatsoever when reasons of state shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of either of the contracting parties to the present treaty shall not import nor export the merchandise prohibited by the other, but if one of the contracting parties permits any other nation to import or export this same merchandise, the subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.\u201d Article XI of our draft, stipulating that all advantages in matters of commerce and trade accorded to other nations in the future will be shared by the contracting parties immediately, would also find its rightful place here, but as the counterproject draft makes it a separate article, XXVI, it is quite immaterial whether this article is placed here or below.\n            The reasoning that motivated the clause to be added to Articles II and III renders entirely superfluous Article V of the draft, of which, however, one can without difficulty retain the last passage, stipulating that \u201cThe merchants, etc., of either party shall not be forced to unload any sort of merchandise into any other vessels, nor to receive them into their own, nor to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.\u201d\n            Article VIII\n            This article could be adopted in its entirety without the phrase \u201cthat the vessels that leave port without having unloaded will pay no duties, etc.\u201d This cannot present any difficulty when it is a question of merchandise or when the vessel is in the roadstead. But once the vessel has entered into port, it seems that it must be subject to the duties established for the maintenance of the port itself and for the various arrangements necessary to make the entry and departure of vessels safer (for instance, port fees, pilotage, and beaconage). It is therefore fitting to revise the end of this article as follows: \u201cand without being obliged to render account of their cargo or to pay any duties, charges, or fees whatsoever except the fees established for vessels entered into port and appropriated to the maintenance of the port itself or of other establishments for the safety and convenience of navigators, which fees nonetheless shall only be paid on the same footing as in the case of the subjects and citizens themselves of the country where they are established.\u201d\n            Article IX\n            It would be very much in line with the humane principles that form the basis of several articles of this draft to add to the end of this one: \u201cThe ancient and barbarous right to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished with respect to the subjects of the two contracting parties.\u201d\n            This article is pretty nearly equivalent to Article VIII of our draft. But as in this one the right of detraction is reciprocally exempted, and the force of past or future ordinances against emigration is reserved to the king, it is necessary to restore our Article VIII in its entirety and put it in place of Article X of the counterproject.\n            Article XII\n            This article could not be adopted in its entirety, above all the last point, stipulating \u201cthat enemy vessels make neutral goods confiscable without distinction.\u201d The principles that the court of Berlin has adopted in several public statements, in particular in the circular declaration of 30 April 1781, directly contradict the designated stipulations. The American plenipotentiaries, inspired by the philosophic spirit of humanity and equity that has dictated several articles of the counterproject, will no doubt voluntarily give up such a clause and consent to substitute the following: \u201cthat the\neffects and merchandise belonging to the subjects of the neutral contracting party, except for munitions of war, that are found on board an enemy vessel, will be returned to their owners or at least paid for according to just and reasonable prices.\u201d In any case, one might omit all this, simply insert the final passage, beginning with the words \u201cOn the other hand\u201d until the end, and leave this question undecided, as was done in the convention on the Armed Neutrality approved by the king and by other powers.\n            Article XIII\n            In general there is no difficulty in adopting this article. However, as the expression \u201creasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion\u201d is a bit vague, it would be desirable to define this compensation more precisely. And as there are cases where a neutral vessel whose entire cargo is composed of merchandise that is not suspect has on board a mariner\u2019s private cargo of munitions of war destined for the enemy of the other contracting party, a case noted in Article XV of our draft, it would be very fitting to insert in Article XIII of the counterproject the clause \u201cand in these stipulated cases, if the owner of the vessel would prefer to deliver the suspected private cargo to the vessel that discovered it, the merchant vessel could no longer be detained but would have complete liberty to continue its voyage.\u201d\n            Article XIX\n            Just as the United States of America, by the terms of an earlier treaty, finds itself obligated to allow prizes taken by the subjects of the king of France to enter their ports, there may be cases where it might compromise the king to receive in his ports prizes made against other nations. Because of this consideration it would be better to restore this article to the form that it took in our responses to the observations of Mr. Adams sent to the king\u2019s minister in Holland in May of this year, to the effect \u201cthat the armed vessels of the contracting parties shall not conduct the prizes they shall have taken from their enemies into the ports of the other, unless they are forced to enter therein by stress of weather or danger of the sea. In this last case they shall not be stopped nor seized but shall be obliged to go away as soon as possible,\u201d which renders the exception of the vessels taken from France entirely superfluous.\n            Article XXI\n            Addendum 4. After the words \u201cto which the captor belongs,\u201d one might add for greater clarity: \u201cbut by the judicatures of the place into which the prize shall have been conducted.\u201d\n            Article XXV\n            At the end of this article and to make it consistent with Articles II and III with their proposed additions, it will be indispensable to add the clause \u201cthat when the consuls shall exercise commerce they shall be submitted to the laws and usages of the places where they shall do so.\u201d\n            All the other articles of the counterproject, which are not specifically\nmentioned in these observations, may be adopted without additions or changes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0242-0008", "content": "Title: VII. To the Baron von Thulemeier, 13 February 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\n            Auteuil near Paris Feby: 13. 1785.\n          Your Favour of the 24th: of Jany. did not reach me, untill two Days ago. I communicated the Observations, inclosed in it, immediately to my Colleagues, who will transmit you our Answers, as soon as Health, and other Circumstances will admit. I have communicated to them also, your personal and confidential observations to me. They will have great Weight as they ought to have.\n          I am weary of the slow Motions of other Courts and States, as much as I admire the Dispatch, Intelligence, and Decision of that of Berlin, and as much as I am charmed to find the King do us the Honour to agree to the Platonic Philosophy of some of our Articles, which are at least a good Lesson to Mankind, and will derive more Influence from a Treaty ratified by the King of Prussia, than from the writings of Plato, or sir Thomas More.\n          You may depend upon it, I will do every thing in my Power to\nbring this Treaty to a speedy Conclusion, and to conform in every thing, as far as I can consistently with my Instructions, to his Majesty\u2019s Observations.\n          This Answer, you perceive is not Ministerial, any more than your Letter. But I hope to have the honour of signing the Treaty with you, if I should not have that of residing near you at the Hague, which I wish in a short Time.\n          With great Respect &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0286", "content": "Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 6 January 1785\nFrom: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje\nTo: Adams, John\n        In conformity to our Promise of last Thursday, we have now the Honour to advise your Excellency, that the Ballance of the Account of the United States now in our Hands amounts to. . \u0192 1301760. 4 \u2013\n            from this must be deducted the following\n            Sums for Payments, which are at hand\n            Intrest of the last Loan due 1th feb\u0303:\n            Accepted drafts of Mr. Morris . . . . . . . .\n        So it appears from this that there is still to the disposition of Congres a Capital of nine hundred Seventy three thousand Florins Current Money.\n        The Sums that at present are in the Hands of each House or their Bankers amount to, viz.\n            together the abovementioned Ballance of . . . . . . .\n        The whole number of Bonds, which are at present unsold in our Hands is 252 of the 5 per Co. Loan of 5 Millions, viz\n            Wilhem & Jan Willink have in their possession . . . . . . .\n        We hope Sir, that this very particular Account of the State of Business of the United States trusted to our Care will give you Satisfaction, and we now expect your orders, whether you desire that\nwe shall put the whole Ballance or part of it into the Bank of Amsterdam or not, in the meantime we have the Honour to Subscribe ourselves, with a Sincere Esteem / Sir / Your most humble & Obedient Servants\n          Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.de la Lande & Fynje\n          The sum that exceeds the neat amount in our hands as last adviced proceeds from the obligs. that Since were delivered to the undertakers, whch. have entirely liquidated the engaged Sums with Messrs. Willink, also with Messrs. de La Lande & fynje but those liquidating with Messrs. van Staphorst must in the two following month yet receive of them 127 Obt. so your Excelly in disposing the Money in Cash will be pleased to give direction also abt. the sums, whch. will be received, if we had not happily Contracted With the undertakers before the differences with the Emperor, it should not succeed at present, and the remainder 125 Obt will not soon be disposed on acct. of our present political circumstances.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0288", "content": "Title: John Adams to the president of Congress, 10 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: President of Congress\n          Auteuil near Paris January 10. 1785.\n        I have the Satisfaction, to inform Congress that by Letters from our Bankers, in Amsterdam, I am informed, they have in Hand, near a Million of Gilders, and consequently, that the two Loans I have opened, amounting in the whole to Seven Millions of Guilders are almost full. This is full proof of the amelioration of our Credit, since January 1784, when I was obliged in a very tender State of Convalescence, and an uncommonly rigorous Season, to undergo, the hardships and Dangers of a Voyage and Journey in Packet Boats, Ice boats and Boors waggons, to obtain money, to save Mr: Morris\u2019s Bills from being protested. This is a very fortunate Circumstance for us, at this time, both as it furnishes us the means of treating with the Barbary Powers, if Congress should authorise us to make the necessary Presents, upon which Point we wait their Instructions; and as it will enable Congress to pay the Interest of their Debt to France. Four Letters upon the Subject of this Interest, have been communicated to his colleagues, by Dr: Franklin, one from the Comte de Vergennes, and three from Mr: Grand, and no doubt transmitted to Congress. Dr: Franklin has sounded me, several Times to know if I was willing to pay the Salaries of the Ministers, and Mr: Carmichaels Salary, Mr: Dumas\u2019s Salary, and Coll: Humphreys\u2019s. in short, there is no Money in Europe, at present, but what has been obtained in Holland by my signature, and is supposed, to be under my Inspection: I shall there fore be very soon embarass\u2019d as there will be many Applications to me for Money, and I shall not\ndare, to advance it without Orders. I therefore pray for the explicit Instructions of Congress upon this Subject. your Ministers in Europe must not starve on the one hand, and I must not on the other, presume to appropriate Money unappropriated by Congress, without necessity. it it should be the Pleasure, of Congress, that I should draw for necessary Monies, upon the Certificate of their Ministers here, or that they should draw upon my Bankers in Amsterdam this would relieve me from a great Anxiety. at all Events, it is absolutely necessary that Congress should communicate to me their Commands.\n        I wish also to know, whether it is the Expectation of Congress, that I should open a new Loan, as one of the old ones is full, and the other very near it. I confess it grieves me, to put my Hand, to an Obligation, as it always brings home to my heart the Reflection, that I am burthening the Industry and labour of my fellow Citizens and Countrymen, with an heavy Load: and when Demands are laid before me, for Millions of Livres for Interest already due, I cannot help wishing that I might never have Occasion to sign another Obligation. it will nevertheless be absolutely necessary as I believe, to borrow somewhat more, but it behoves the People to consider the necessity they are under of exerting themselves in Season, to provide for the Payment of their foreign Debt, and especially to avoid as much as possible the Necessity of increasing it. They will find it very impoverishing to send annually out of their Country such large Sums for the payment of Interest. an enormous Bulk of the Produce of the Country must go to make these Sums, and we shall find the drain very exhausting to our Patience if not to our strength.\n        With great Respect &c\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0289", "content": "Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 10 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje\n          Gentlemen.\n          Auteuil near Paris January 10: 1784. [1785]\n        I have received, with much Pleasure, your Letters of the 20th: and 30th: of December; give me leave to congratulate you, on the flouishing State of your Treasury, which furnishes a very good proof, that the Credit of the United States has much ameliorated since January. 1784 when I was obliged to undertake and undergo all the Hardships and Inconveniences of a Winter Voyage, and Journey, in Packet Boats, Ice boats, and Boors Waggons, in extreme cold weather to prevent Mr: Morris\u2019s Bills from being protested. It is a great Satisfaction to me to reflect, that I have been able, with your assistance to obtain in Holland a Loan of Money for my Country of near Seven Millions of Gilders, a sum very nearly equal to all that was ever lens us by France. Our debt to France, is thirty four Millions of Livres, ten Millions of which were borrowed in Holland, on the Warranty of the States General. you see therefore, that the whole national Debt of the United States in Europe is less than two Millions Sterling. if a Capitalist in Holland compares this with the national Debt of England, or France, or any other Power, and at the same time considers the number of Inhabitants, the Extent, and fertility of Territory, the Advantages for Trade, and above all the rapid Increase of Population, Industry, Agriculture, Commerce, and fisheries, he will soon think his Money safer in the Hands of the United States and American stock, superior to any other.\n        For my own Part, I confess, I wish that Congress would borrow Money in Holland to pay off their Debt to France, that they might not owe a shilling any where, but in Holland. This however I say without Authority and it is certain, that Congress will not borrow\nMoney upon higher Terms, than they pay at present in France, to pay off the French Debt.\n        I wait to know how many obligations you have on hand. I have no orders from Congress to open a new Loan, and I fancy I shall never have any to open another upon any other, at least higher Terms, than the first five Millions. But I should be glad to know your Sentiments, whether there is a good Prospect of Success.\n        There is one subject, which concerns myself personally, which I beg leave to propose to your Consideration. My Salary at present is so low that it is with the utmost difficulty, that I can live upon it in any kind of Proportion to the public Character I sustain, and therefore I cannot afford to pay a Commission of one per Cent, of Mr: Van den Yver in Paris and Mr: Puller in London, as those Bankers have heretofore charged, and Congress perhaps may be displeased to be charged with such a Commission merely for my Convenience of receiving my Money in London or Paris. You know, Gentlemen that of all the Immense sums that I have borrowed upon my signature for the United States, not one farthing of Benefit accrues to me, and you know how parsimonious I have been of Orders for Money even for necessary public services. So that I should be obliged to you for your advice, whether there is not any Method, by which I may receive my salary and disbursements in Paris or London, as may be most convenient to my Affairs, or whether it will not be better for me to draw Bills upon you, in favour of Bankers or Merchants in London or Paris.\n        I accept with a Sensible Pleasure, Gentlemen your kind Compliments of the Season, and in Return, my family joins with me in wishing you and your families all Health, Wealth, and Honour, not only for the year ensuing but for a long course of years after it.\n        I remain with sincere sentiments, &c\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0290", "content": "Title: John Jay to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: American Commissioners\n          Office for Foreign AffairsNew York 14th: January 1785\n          Gentlemen,\n        On the 21st: Ultimo I accepted the Place of Secretary for foreign Affairs. All the foreign letters which had been received during the\nrecess of Congress were then and are still in the hands of a Committee to whom they had been referred\u2014none have since arrived.\u2014\n        The adjournment from Trenton to this Place necessarily occasioned delay in business\u2014 Congress yesterday made a House, and I expect that some of these more important measures will soon be matured. By the next opportunity I flatter myself with having the pleasure of writing to you more particularly. Judges are nominated and will doubtless be appointed to decide the interfering claims of Massachusetts and New York. Advices just received give reason to apprehend an attack of the Cheroquees on Kentucky, a settlement which encreases with a degree of rapidity scarcely credible. It is rumored but not ascertained that the Spaniards encourage them.\u2014\n        I have the honor to be / Gentlemen / Your most Obt. & hum\u0303: servt:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0291", "content": "Title: James Erwin to John Adams, 17 January 1785\nFrom: Erwin, James\nTo: Adams, John\n          Mogadr: South Barbary the 17 Jany. 1785\n        Tis with the utmost grief. I Acqt. you: the Accident which as befallen me. at my departure from Cadix. to Tereniffe. were I was bound to. but unfortunately taken by one of the Emperor of Moroccos Cruzers. and Carried into Tangier. were my Vessel lays. afterwards myself & people. with many fatigues obliged to proceed to Morocco. to the Emperor. with whom I spoke to. & notwithstanding Replied He was in peace with our Nation. still ordered us to this place. Suspended till an Embassador of the united States of America. appears. not doubting but Congress. will take the case in Concideration to prevent further misfortunes. being assured. will not end with me. if an American Embassador. does not come to Reconcile matters hopeing will be soon. in order to Release us from this place. Craveing most Earnestly. that you\u2019ll interfere. thereon as I am\nan American Subject. & fought for my Country & Liberty. and above all. to Caution. my brother Seamen that they may not become the same prey. & afterwards will be with much more difficulty to come to a Reconciliation. if I can be so happy as to merit yr. Answer on the Subject. will ever make me duty bound to you. and giveing me Leave to tender my Sincere Respects to you. I Remain with all Regard / Your Excelencies / Mt. Obt. Hble. Servt.\n          James Erwin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0292", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to the Baron von Thulemeier, 21 January 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\n        We have received the letter you did us the honour to write us on the 10th day of December last.\n        We supposed that the principles contained in the project of a Treaty, which we had the honour to transmit you, were a virtual answer to the requisition in the last lines of your letter of the eighteenth of October. By the second & third Articles, the citizens & subjects of each power may frequent all the coasts & countries of the other and reside & trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures or merchandises paying no greater duties than the most favoured nation. By the fourth Article each party shall have a right to carry their own produce, manufactures & merchandise in their own vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all the subjects or citizens of that other party to purchase them; and thence to take the produce, manufactures and merchandise of that other, which all the said citizens or subjects shall in like\nmanner be free to sell them, paying in both cases such duties, charges & fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation.\n        But if by a city for the commerce of exchange between the merchants of the two nations, be meant a port more free than any intended in the said second third or fourth Articles, that is to say a port absolutely free from all duties and charges, or a port, where merchandize may be landed & stored and afterwards reembarked & exported without paying any imposts or duties, we submit to your consideration whether it will not be for the interests of Prussia that both Emden & Stetten at least should be made such: however should it be thought otherwise and we be still desired to elect one of the two ports, we should ask for time to communicate the proposition to Congress and to receive their instructions thereon.\n        We have the honour to be / With great consideration / And esteem / Your Excellencys / Most obedient and / Most humble Servants\n          John AdamsB FranklinT Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0294", "content": "Title: Luigi Pio to the American Commissioners, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Pio, Luigi\nTo: American Commissioners\n          Messieurs\n          \u00e0 Paris ce 22 janvier 1785.\n        Ayant eu lhonneur de mettre sous les yeux du Roi mon ma\u00eetre Votre lettre du 27 7bre. 1784 et Sa Majest\u00e9 ayant fait m\u00fbrement \u00e9xaminer les propositions et les offres qu\u2019elle contient, \u00e0 l effet de l\u2019engager \u00e0 conclure avec les Etats unis un trait\u00e9 d\u2019amiti\u00e9 et de commerce, m\u2019a charg\u00e9 de Vous assurer que rien ne peut lui faire un plus grand plaisir, puisqu\u2019elle donne tous ses soins \u00e0 l\u2019agrandissement du commerce de son Royaume, tant int\u00e9rieur qu\u2019ext\u00e9rieur. C\u2019est m\u00eame dans cette Vue que sa Majest\u00e9 a derni\u00e8rement ouvert et \u00e9tabli \u00e0 Messine en sicile un port franc, dont toutes les nations sont invit\u00e9es \u00e0 profiter, avec d\u2019autant plus d\u2019assurance qu\u2019elles y seront re\u00e7ues et accueillies tr\u00e8s favorablement, et certaines d\u2019y jouir de toute sorte de privil\u00e9ges et imm\u00fbnit\u00e9s, comme l\u2019\u00e9dit \u00e0 joint Vous le prouvera. Je Vous prie, Messieurs, De Vouloir bien \u00e9saminer les avantages qui peuvent r\u00e9sulter pour Vos compatriotes en fr\u00e9quentant ce nouveau port.\n        Je suis en outre charg\u00e9, Messieurs, de Vous faire au nom de sa Majest\u00e9, une d\u00e9claration formelle que tous les b\u00e2timens marchands, avec pavillon des \u00e9tats unis, seront re\u00e7us \u00e0 Messine avec les marques de la plus sinc\u00e8re amiti\u00e9, et qu\u2019ils y \u00e9prouveront les effets de la plus grande hospitalit\u00e9; Que pareillement dans tous les autres\nports de sa domination, ils seront trait\u00e9s avec tous les \u00e9gards possibles; qu\u2019on Viendra toujours \u00e0 leur secours, en leur fournissant tout ce dont ils auront besoin, et qu\u2019ils auront la libert\u00e9 d\u2019y Commercer, tant sur les productions de leur pays que sur les marchandises provenantes de leurs manufactures et de celles des autres nations.\n        Le Tabac \u00e9tant la partie la plus essentielle du commerce de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, comme Vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait l\u2019honneur de me l\u2019observer dans un de nos entretiens particuliers; je dois Vous pr\u00e9venir, Messieurs, que cette plante est devenue maintenant dans les \u00e9tats du Roi mon ma\u00eetre un genre de commerce libre, par l\u2019abolition de tous les droits auxquels elle \u00e9tait ci devant sujette. \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard des autres productions, Vous Aur\u00e9s non seulement toute la libert\u00e9 de les introduire dans ses \u00e9tats, et en aussi grande quantit\u00e9 que le porteront les demandes des Napolitains, mais encore celle d\u2019y faire Venir pour le reste de l\u2019Italie, du Levant et de toute autre contr\u00e9e, la quantit\u00e9 de marchandises que selon Vos sp\u00e9culations Vous juger\u00e9s n\u00e9cessaire; que Vous jouir\u00e9s des m\u00eames libert\u00e9s et facilit\u00e9s pour exporter du Royaume de Sicile de l\u2019huile, du Vin, des Soieries et toute autre production que les Siciles pourront vous fournir et qui seront pour Vous des objets d\u2019utilit\u00e9 et d\u2019agr\u00e9ment.\n        Le Roi mon ma\u00eetre n\u2019a pas Voulu diff\u00e9rer davantage \u00e0 Vous donner, Messieurs, les marques les plus convaincantes du desir qu\u2019il a d\u2019avoir des liaisons avec les Etats unis, et \u00e0 leur prouver sa bonne volont\u00e9 a entrer le plut\u00f4t possible en relation de commerce avantageux pour les deux nations; se r\u00e9servant sa Majest\u00e9 de prendre telles delib\u00e9rations et r\u00e9solutions qu\u2019il conviendra pour conclure dans toutes les formes un trait\u00e9 de commerce, Selon que Vous avez paru le desirer par Votre lettre.\n        En attendant que ma cour puisse \u00e9xaminer et peser m\u00fbrement tous les objets qui sont \u00e0 r\u00e9gler dans un trait\u00e9 de cette nature, je crois, Messieurs, qu\u2019il serait tr\u00e8s avantageux aux Am\u00e9ricains de commencer d\u00e8s \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent \u00e0 fr\u00e9quenter les ports des Siciles, et particuli\u00e8rement celui de Messine, Pour y \u00e9tablir toujours des relations de commerce, sur lesquelles on pourra ensuite stipuler plus pr\u00e9cis\u00e9ment dans le trait\u00e9 \u00e0 faire.\n        Permettez, Messieurs, que je Vous observe encore que pour \u00e9tablir et exercer un commerce de telle etendue qu\u2019il soit, et dans tel pays que ce puisse \u00eatre il n\u2019est pas n\u00e9cessaire d\u2019\u00eatre primitivement autoris\u00e9 par un trait\u00e9: il suffit que les \u00e9trangers y soient accueillis avec amiti\u00e9 et prot\u00e9g\u00e9s par les loix et par le gouvernement. La preuve en est que toutes les nations qui font maintenant le\ncommerce le plus \u00e9tendu dans les Siciles, tels que les Anglais, les Francais, les G\u00e9nois, les V\u00e9nitiens, les Ragusiens, les hambourgeois, n\u2019ont avec ma cour aucun trait\u00e9 de commerce; et quoiqu\u2019il n\u2019y ait entr\u2019elle et la France qu\u2019un commencement de trait\u00e9, les Fran\u00e7ais n\u2019en attendent point la conclusion, pour y faire un commerce des plus \u00e9tendus et des plus avantageux.\n        J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus / distingu\u00e9e, / Messieurs, / Votre tr\u00e8s humble / et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur\n          de Pio, charg\u00e9 des Affairesdu Roy de Naples\n        TRANSLATION\n          Gentlemen\n        I had the honor of putting before my lord the king your letter of 27 September 1784 inviting him to conclude a treaty of amity and commerce with the United States. His Majesty, having maturely examined the proposals and offers that it contains, has authorized me to assure you that nothing would please him more, as he gives all his attention to increasing the trade of his kingdom, internal as well as external. It is with this same view that his majesty recently opened and established a free port at Messina in Sicily by which all nations are invited to profit, the more so with assurance that they will be received and welcomed there very favorably and will be certain to enjoy all sorts of privileges and immunities, as the enclosed edict will demonstrate to you. I ask you, gentlemen, please to examine the advantages that can result for your countrymen from frequenting this new port.\n        I am further charged, gentlemen, with making to you a formal declaration, in the name of His Majesty, that all merchant vessels under the flag of the United States will be received at Messina with marks of the most sincere friendship and impressions of the greatest hospitality, that they will be treated similarly in all the other ports under his dominion with all possible regard, that we will always come to their aid and furnish them with all that they might need, and that they will have liberty to trade produce of their own country as well as goods of their own manufacture and those of other nations.\n        Tobacco being the most essential part of American trade, as you did me the honor of observing during one of our private interviews, I must inform you, gentlemen, that this plant has now become in the dominions of my lord the king an item of free trade by the abolition of all duties to which it had previously been subject. With regard to other items of produce, you will have complete liberty not only to bring them into his dominions, and to do so in quantities as great as demand among Neapolitans will bear, but also to take merchandise from there to the rest of Italy, the Levant, and all other countries, in quantities that you, according to your own estimation,\njudge necessary. You will enjoy the same liberties and ease in exporting from the kingdom of Sicily oil, wine, silks, and all other produce that the Sicilians can furnish to you and that you might find of use or appeal.\n        My lord the king did not want to delay any longer giving to you, gentlemen, the most convincing indications of his desire to have close connections with the United States and to prove to them his goodwill in entering as soon as possible into commercial relations advantageous to both nations, His Majesty reserving the right to take such decisions and resolutions as he sees fit in order to conclude with all due ceremony a treaty of commerce, as you seem to desire from your letter.\n        While waiting for my court to examine and weigh maturely all the objects to be settled in a treaty of this nature, I believe, gentlemen, that it would be very advantageous for Americans to begin from this moment to frequent the ports of Sicily, particularly that of Messina, in order to establish forever commercial relations, which we can afterwards stipulate more precisely in the treaty to be concluded.\n        Permit me, gentlemen, to observe to you as well that to establish and carry on commerce of whatever extent it may be and in whatever country it may be, it is not necessary for it to be authorized beforehand by a treaty; it is sufficient for foreigners to be greeted with friendship and protected by law and by government. The proof is that all the nations that now conduct the most extensive trade in the Sicilies, such as the English, the French, the Genoans, the Venetians, the Ragusans, the Hamburgers, have no treaty of commerce with my court. Between it and France there are only the beginnings of a treaty, but the French are not at all waiting for it to be concluded in order to conduct a most extensive and profitable trade there.\n        I have the honor of being with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant\n          de Pio, charg\u00e9 d\u2019affairesof the king of Naples", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0295", "content": "Title: James Warren to John Adams, 28 January 1785\nFrom: Warren, James\nTo: Adams, John\n          My dear Sir.\n        I Received your favour of the 27th. August. sometime ago. & Intended before this to have wrote to you. but want of direct Conveyance. & some Other Circumstances have prevented.\n        I am very Glad to find my Friends so agreably situated at Auteuil. at the same time the preference given to the Hills of Penn. &\nNeponsit give me An Additional pleasure. by Affording a prospect of once more seeing them in their Neighbourhood. I always feel your Mortification, when the reduction of your Salaries took place. the measure was unexpected. & astonishing. I had never heard of a proposal of the kind. & I Considered it. as a finess under the popular Masque of oeconomy to answer perticular purposes. which General. & good policy would not warrant. my Enquiries have Convinced me of the Justness of my own Sentiments. I suppose it originated from the then Premier. the King. or Grand Monarch of America. & was designed to get rid. of those Men who were Employed Abroad. & could not be brought into a support of foreign Measures. & those of the Aristocracy here. which were closely United. & made A Common Cause, in support of which the most refined Intrigue has been practised. & at Times. & in some Instances deceived. & duped some very good Men. I presume our Friend Gerry was in Opposition to this measure. because his Penetration. & rectitude has Always secured him against their Artifice. but this is Conjecture I have never heard the matter from him. but I hope this matter will be reconsidered. & all honest Men have Justice done them. Congress seems at present to be well disposed. they have got Clear of that sink of Corrupt Influence which so long Contaminated some of their Measures. and God be thanked. have substituted A Board of Treasury in the stead of the super Intendant of Finnance. An Office which made rapid strides to Dominion. & if the Cautious Wisdom of R. Island. by Negativeing the proposed Impost. had not prevented, would soon have found A King for us. and this Board too is Guarded by A rotation. that best if not only security (in this stage of Manners more perticularly) for public Liberty\u2014 Every thing that relates to the Movement of Congress. you will have more Compleately from the place of their residence than I can give You from here. In this place The System of Politics remains much as it has been. the same Imbecility. the same servility. & the same Inattention still prevail. & are likely to Continue. Money is the only Object Attended to. & the only Acquisition that Commands respect. Patriotism is ridiculed; Integrity & ability are of little Consequence Foreign Commerce has Extended itself beyond its Natural supports. & by its Extravagant Imports greatly Exceeding the Exports. drained off all the Money. Embarrassed itself. & every Other resource of the Country. while Luxury keeps pace with the manners of older. & more Affluent Countrys. some Check by the denial of Credit in Europe may give time to the riseing Fisheries. & other Staples of\nthe Country to form a Ballance to the Evils we now suffer. The Bank here has not been of any service to us. it has rather faciliated the Exportation of Money & Increased the Exorbitancy of Interest. or rather of Usury. which had before reached such a Stage of Enormity as would have disgraced the Jewish Usurers in any Country of the world. & must in a Short time. put An End both to Trade & the Cultivation of Lands. I am always happy to receive your Letters. & shall be obliged by any Informations of what is passing on the great Theatre of Europe. I shall readily Embrace any Oppertunity to Inform you of any thing you wish to know from here. & shall do it with the Fidelity of the Friendship I profess. Mrs. Warren Joins me in Compliments to you & Mrs. Adams. & in Love to Nabby. & her Brother. I am your / Friend & Humbl. Servt\n          our first Magistrate has this day made a formal Resignation. where we shall get another without A New Creation I Can\u2019t tell.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0296", "content": "Title: Francis Dana to John Adams, 30 January 1785\nFrom: Dana, Francis\nTo: Adams, John\n            My dear Friend\n          I receiv\u2019d your favour of the 4th: of last Novr: two days ago, by the way of New-York. This is the first I have been honoured with from you since I left Russia. Of this I have no just ground to complain as I never wrote you after my return home, till the 12th: of last Month, by a ship from Boston for L\u2019Orient\u2014 Your letter wou\u2019d have found me at Congress agreably to your expectation, had our State, in your own words, made their Delegates more comfortable and more honourable: but the contrary having been the Case, I found myself under the necessity of resigning my seat in Congress for the currt: Year. The last year our Delegates had their expences defrayed, and\nwere allowed 20/ a day during the time they were actually engaged in that service. The present year their whole allowance, if I mistake not, is five & an half Dollrs: a day, a sum not more than sufficient for their expences. None therefore can attend Congress but such as have independent fortunes (and among the few we have of this sort, I know not one, all things considered, fit to be entrusted with that office) young ambitious Gentlemen who have not yet formed their political characters, or others who are free from the incumbrance, if I may be allowed the expression, of a Family. Yet such is the state of things that we can only lament the effects of this misplaced \u0153conomy, and cannot promise ourselves that our Genl: Assembly will be brought to see the ill policy of it. It is but of a piece with the \u0153conomy of Congress itself, in reducing the salaries of their Ministers abroad. I have spoken freely against this last measure, which must be attributed to our late Financier as the proposition came from him, because I cou\u2019d do it from certain knowledge, and with disinterestedness. The same kind of Man as I have mentioned above, will alone be willing to sustain those important stations. I call them important meerly because we think proper to continue them: but there is nothing clearer in my opinion than that our Interests will be more injured by the residence of foreign Ministers among us, than they can be promoted by our Ministers abroad. The best way to get rid of the former, is not to send out the latter. And therefore let those already appointed die off, or resign as fast as they may, I never wish to hear of another being sent to any Country or Court in Europe, after we shall have settled our commercial Treaties with them. Consuls will then answer our purposes, that of protecting our Citizens in the full enjoyment of their Rights under such Treaties. Speaking of Consuls brings to my mind our Convention with France respecting them, which I cannot but reprobate. We have not only granted that Sovereign a right of appointing Consuls & Vice Consuls without limitation, but have agreed that these shall be dignified by enjoying the peculiar immunities of Ambassadors, such as the absolute freedom of person, House, and even of domestics. This extraordinary convention, which I am sensible was transmitted by Congress to their Minister who concluded it, was attended with some curious circumstances in its progress thr\u00f4 that body, has not yet been ratified by it: And I hope it never will be. It is a question in my mind whether they had a right to enter into stipulations which exempt those characters from all jurisdiction both criminal & civil, of the particular State in which they shall reside, and set them above all\nLaw. Whether it should be ratified or not, I hope our present Ministers abroad, for negotiating Commercial Treaties, will be cautious how they grant similar privileges to the Consuls &c, of any other Nation, either by express stipulations, or under the common clause of their enjoying all the benefits of the most favoured Nation. To do this, wou\u2019d be to plant petty Ministers, or in other words, Spies and Instruments of Corruption all over our Country; who will not fail to create parties, & to blow up Factions, destructive of it\u2019s peace, and growing Greatness. I wish to say much more to you upon this subject, but your penetration probably anticipates every thing I can wish to say upon it. In one word, May we be constantly upon our guard against foreign Influence, from whatever quarter, in our publick Councils &c &c. We have a World to ourselves; and if we do not know how at present, we shall learn to govern it as well at least as any part of the Globe is governed, and sooner and better without foreign interference than with it.\n          You will find before this reaches you, that the anxiety expressed in my last about the return of Congress into the City of Philadelphia, and the failure of the New Arrangements of the Treasury putting it into Commission, must be removed, by their seatg: themselves down in New-York untill their F\u0153deral Town shall be ready to receive them. This Station, I flatter myself, will put an end to the influence of our political Monster. His Retreat, as you stile it, deserves another Name, and I beleive it will not long retard our fiscal arrangments. The Impost has not yet been acceeded to universally; and it is pretty certain that if other objections had been removed, it never wou\u2019d have been, under his Administration of our Finances. Congress you are sensible have no right in virtue of the Articles of Confederation, to require such an assessment. At the time it was in agitation in Congress, it was objected to by the most commercial States as an inequal Tax upon them, the proceeds thereof not being to be carried to the credit of the State in which they shou\u2019d be collected. To make that palatable to these, a Supplementary Revenue was agreed upon in aid of that, apportioned upon the States, to be raised in their own way, and to be carried to the credit of the State paying the same. Now altho\u2019 almost all the States in the Union (Georgia & Rhode Island only excepted) have acceeded to the Impost, yet several of these have never granted the Supplementary Revenue. This is the most plausible ground, in my opinion, upon which Rhode Island have rejected the Impost. And I am strongly inclined to believe that if all the other States shall agree to the\nImpost & the Supplementary Revenue, that Rhode Island will do the like. This I mention as some sort of an apology for the conduct of that State in withholding her consent to the Impost, th\u00f4 personally I disapprove & lament it. Yet let us not execrate them too bitterly, or hasten to place the sword in the hands of Congress, in order to compel them to a compliance with their Recommendation of the Impost. Some among us, and with a view to this very matter, are constantly crying out that it is necessary to enlarge the powers of Congress. They have indeed a similar sentiment from the Abby de Mably, & that good man Dr: Price. I have read the Observations of both these eminent Writers, but I cannot adopt their opinions in this respect. For suppose Congress to be vested with the power of coercing by Force of Arms a Minor and, if you please, the weakest part of the States, to a compliance with their Requisitions of a Revenue for example, and to be mad en\u00f4 to attempt the execution of such a power; and that in consequence of this, the Minor part come to an open resistance. Will the Issue, think you, depend upon the relative strength of the contending States alone? Besides that we are told that the battle is not always to the Strong &c, are there no Powers in the world who foresee, & begin to be apprehensive of our certain and rapid progress, while we are at peace among ourselves, to a state of National Force and Grandeur not inferior to the most powerful of them all? Wou\u2019d not some of these, especially those of them who have Colonies in our vicinity, rejoice at an occasion afforded to rend this Empire in twain? Wou\u2019d they not to this end, support the weakest, and continue the contest untill it shou\u2019d be effected? Is it not infinitely better to leave it to time, & reflection, to open the way for an universal compliance with the recommendations or requisitions of Congress, which will not fail to take place, if they are founded in clear justice & equity and sound Policy? Th\u00f4 we feel ourselves vexed at the present opposition of Rhode-Island to the Impost, yet God forbid we shou\u2019d wish to have recourse to the ultima ratio for their conviction. Let it be remembered it was to her single opposition, we owe the defeating of a scheme to obtain a perpetual Revenue at the unrestrained disposition of Congress, and under a mode of collection derogatory to the dignity and Sovereignty of the particular States.\n          Mr: Jay\u2019s conduct since his return, has charmed the Men after your own heart. He is indeed said to enter fully into our views and system. He speaks in the highest terms of you, & I believe is your sincere Friend & Advocate &c We flatter ourselves New-York will\nfollow his example, as soon as our respective claims of Territory shall be settled: which are now in a proper train for the purpose.\n          A short time before the receipt of your letter I had sent you an Account of the Cash advanced to your Son, & told you I shou\u2019d not draw upon you for it without your direction. In that, you desire me to draw upon you for it, unless I can persuade Congress to allow it to me. Having already settled my Accounts at the Treasury for my Salary, I have not any sanguine hopes of obtaining an allowance for that purpose. Yet, as I shall soon transmit an Account for some extra expences I will subjoin an article of such charge, & try what may be done. Mr: Osgood will shortly go from hence for Congress, he being lately chosen one of their Commissioners of the Treasury. I will put my account into his hands, & give him every necessary information respecting the point in question: besides this, I will write to our common friend Mr: Geary, & enclose him the proper extracts from your letter.\n          I thank John for the regard he has expressed for me to you. I have much for him, & if it is in my power, shall endeavour to convince him of it. He is capable of any thing; and cannot fail to cultivate his good natural abilities under so able an Instructor.\n          Mrs: Dana joins me in presenting the warmest regards to Mrs: Adams, yourself, your Son & Daughter\u2014\n          In full hopes that you will from time to time give me some account of the progress of your new War, I shall close this with assurances of the sincerity with which I continue to be / Your Friend / & obedient humble Servant\n            P.S. I shall not draw upon you till I shall receive your answer to this letter.\n          Govr: Hancock resigned the chair on the 17th: inst: A few days before, he appointed me to a seat in our Supreme Judicial Court. A measure perhaps not purely his own. I am undetermined whether to accept it.\u2014 There are many Candidates for the Chair: so that it seems probable there will not be an election at large, but by the Assembly in failure thereof\n          Yours as above", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0297", "content": "Title: John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 31 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n          Auteuil near Paris Jan. 31. 1785\n        I learn with much Pleasure, that you are again in Congress, at the head of a respectable Delegation, and that the States in general are\nSo well represented. Experience will Show the Necessity of having that Assembly composed of the best Men, by whom I mean Men of the most Experience, the best Talents and greatest Virtues. it is by these alone that f\u0153deral Principles and Feelings, can be made general and popular at the Expence of partial Views and contracted Prejudices. I See the People have not lost Sight of their old Friends. They have not cut away the Scaffolds on which they erected the Building; but the Same Pill[ar]s which upheld it in the storm, Support, it, in more beauty and Majesty in fair Weather. I really feel an earnest desire to be one of you. But when will that be possible?\u2014 it is more agreable, to be at home among ones equals, and to enjoy some degree of Respect and Esteem among those We feel a regard for, than to be admired by Strangers. But to be in a foreign Country, among Strange Faces, manners, Languages, and looked at with Terror rarely finding a Person who dares to Speak to one as has been my Case Mr Danas Mr Jays and others, for Years together is horrible. Oh! tis horrible! it is better now, but Still We are among Strangers, and We cannot live in Character, nor see that Company which Strangers in our Stations ought to see.\n        Will you let me know what We are to do in the Article of Money. My Colleagues Dr Franklin, & Mr Jefferson and our Secretary Coll Humphreys, as well as Mr Charmichal and Mr Dumas will be dependent upon me, or at least upon my Bank, for their daily bread. This is an humiliating Idea that I beg may not lie upon their Minds one Moment. in order to prevent it, I hope Congress or their Financiers will give instant Orders to me or to their Bankers in Amsterdam, to furnish the Money upon demand. it will be best perhaps that the Money should be furnished to Mr Grand, as usual, to be drawn out of his Hands, by Dr Franklin & Mr Jefferson as usual.\u2014\n        Spain and England will certainly not treat with Us here. England Seems, Sure of our Trade, without a Treaty, and therefore chuses to be unbound, and her Ministers choose to avoid the Clamour that would arise against any Treaty. What Shall be done? there are but two Things, either to Send a Minister to London according to the Kings polite Invitation, and try what can be done there, or commence immediately the Sour Work of Retaliation.\u2014 Will the States agree to exclude British ships from their Ports, and British Manufactures or any of them? and can Such Prohibitions be executed or high Duties be levied.\u2014 Suppose E.G. you lay a heavy Duty upon every British Vessell, or upon British Manufactures to retaliate for the duty on Oil, &c can you go through with it.\u2014 We have no\nAnswers to any of the many Things We have proposed to the British Ministry through the Duke of Dorset, and I really think nothing will ever be done, but by an Exchange of Ministers.\n        Dr F. shew me Yesterday a Letter from Mr Jay, in which he says, \u201cthat the Dr Letter requesting Leave to return to America was committed, and not reported on.\u201d You can judge best, from his Letters whether he is Sincere in his Request. if he is, you will make a new Arrangement. he may be, Sincere, for a Voyage Seems to be the only chance he has for his Life.\u2014 He can now neither walk nor ride, unless in a Litter, but he is Strong and eats freely, So that he will soon have other Complaints besides the Stone, if he continues to live as entirely without Exercise as he does at present. whether it is his increasing Pain and Infirmity, or whether it is his disappointment in his vain Imaginations for himself and his son, that has Softened him I know not, but he Seems much less insolent than he has been, and I have too much Compassion for his Melancholly Situation to think of reminding him of his past faults to me, So that We go on very smoothly.\n        Mr Mo[rr]is has been So entirely trusted with Money Matters that I know not whether he has ever informed Congress of the immense Sums of Money that I have paid, upon his Bills of Exchange, but I think it is time the People knew that they have a gross Interest to pay for near Seven hundred Thousand Pounds sterling that I have borrowed for them and they have received, in Dollars or in Cash for Bills sold by Mr Morris at advantageous Rates.\n        your Friend\n          John Adams.\n          Mr Morris has been enabled to do his great Things chiefly by the Money I have sent him. You know best Whether he has done me Justice or not in America.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0298", "content": "Title: John Adams to John Jay, 31 January 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n          Auteuil January 31. 1785.\n        Last Night, I had a visit from the Marquis, whom I was glad to see, for a variety of Reasons: his Representations of the Commerce, the Union, and the other Circumstances of our Country are very flattering and as he has so lately seen so many Parts, he was able to give more Information, than the generality of other Travellers. His views are now opening, at least in confidence to me, and his aspiring Soul, aims at Objects in Europe, as grand and glorious as those he has obtained in America. You may be surprized, that he should make me his first Confident, as he declares to me he has; because that I, any more than you, never flattered him so much as some others. But if I had your Cypher, which I pray you, to remember, I would explain to you enough, to convince you, that what he declares is not surprizing, because it would appear to you, that I am the only Man in France, to whom he ought naturally to open himself the first. from these Hints you may guess the whole matter. His Plan, I must say, is as laudable, as it is sublime; but I doubt the possibility of his Success.\u2014 I thank you for your Letter of the 13. Decr: which was brought by him.\u2014 surrounded as you are, by so many experienced Men, your friends, you are much to be envied. I find myself sometimes disposed to write Elegies and Jeremiads upon my Exile in imitation of Ovid and Cicero, but to avoid such thoughts as much as possible, I make a little America of my own Family.\n        You make me happy in the hope, that all Claims are soon to be settled, between Mass: & N: York. Let brotherly Love continue, and all Jealousies be done away. from the general Air of Things, I expect to hear that Congress, are fixed in some part of New York.\n        What are we to do? you know it to be impossible to live upon what is now allowed us, without disgracing our Country, and obstructing its\u2019 service, and Interests. what am I to do, too, in another affair. I alone of all your Servants, in Europe, have any Money. Franklin you know, has had none, these two Years, almost, but what he was obliged to my bank for, and out of this he has paid Carmichael and Dumas. But now Mr: Morris\u2019s orders to my Bankers, to advance Money, to Mr: Grand are out, what shall I do? I have no orders to advance any Money. I hope Congress, or their\nCommissioners of the Treasury, or their Financier, will give Authority and orders to me, or to their Bankers in Amsterdam to advance the necessary Sums, and determine how much, and to whom, to pay the Interest to this Court, too, which is already due. And let me know whether I am to open a new Loan, in Holland. of those already opened, that of two millions of Guilders, being full, and the other of five millions of Guilders very nearly so.\n        I am happy in my old Friend Jefferson, and in my young one Humphreys. We do Business at Passy, because the Dr: is wholly confined to his house. his stone has grown So painful, when he walks or rides that he has wholly renounced both. I learn from his Cousin Williams, and his Grandson, that he can no longer Walk, his hour in his Chamber as he used. He appears otherwise well, and strong, but the loss of his Exercise, must soon affect his Health in other Particulars.\n        The Business we are about is slow Work. many Courts discover an aversion to treat here, or on any other Champ de Bataille, but their own Dominions or those of the U. States.\u2014 What shall we do with the Barbary Powers? brave them, or treat? if the latter, where shall we get Money? The English Papers tell a Thousand lies, to excite a Panic, but there is some real Danger. The friendly Principles of an Oswald had lost their Influence, before his Death, and excepting a good humoured New Year\u2019s Ode, and an Invitation to Congress to send a Minister to London, I have seen no symptom of them for a long time.\n        Your friend sincerely\n          My Family joins with me in respects to Mrs: Jay.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0300", "content": "Title: Ratification of the Second Dutch Loan, 1 February 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: \n          Duplicate\n        Be it remembered that the within Contract or engagement entered into by the Honourable John Adams Esquire Minister Plenipotentiary of the United states of America to their High Mightinesses the Lords\u2014the States General of the United Netherlands, in behalf of the said states with Messieurs Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob Van Staphorst and de la Lande & Fynje and their Successors and assignees for a Loan of Two Millions of Guilders dated at the Hague, March the ninth 1784 hath been read in Congress, approved and ratified and declared obligatory on the United States of America.\u2014\n        Done in the City Hall in the City of New York by the United States in Congress assembled this first day of February in the Year\nof our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty five, and in the Ninth Year of our Sovereignty and Independence.\u2014\n          Richard Henry Lee. P.Cha Thomson secy:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0301", "content": "Title: Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje to John Adams, 2 February 1785\nFrom: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje\nTo: Adams, John\n          Amsterdam the 2d. Feb. 1785\n        Last week we have received your much esteem\u2019d Favour of 10 January, and observed with much pleasure your Satisfaction on the flourishing State of the Treasury of the United States into our Hands. Your Excellency desires our Opinion, whether the Prospect of making new Loans for the Congress would be favorable. In answer to this we heartily Wish that we may not very Soon be charged to try it, and that before it may become necessary, Congress may be put in the Situation, by a unanimous Consentment of all the American States of the Confoederation, to point out a Sufficient Fund for the punctual payment of the Capital and Intrest, which as you know has not been the Case with the two first Loans, and which at present would absolutely be required, because People in this Country knows that the States have not agreed upon this capital Point. a\nCircumstance that certainly occasions that the Credit of the United States cannot be carried to the Point, which we believe it deserves in consequence of the inward Solidity, and promising Prospect of the Sources of her welfare. Besides this we are daily questioned about the Ratification of the last Loan, and we are at a loss what we shall Answer, having not received any Letters from the Office of Finance since the Time, when Mr. Morris resign\u2019d.\n        But Sir, whenever our wishes in these points Should be fullfilled, which certainly would Strenghen greatly the American Credit, we should not advise to try another Loan for some Time, because we know that a great Number of Bonds of both of the former remain still into the Hands of the Undertakers, which as you know is the Second Hand, and there is no great prospect that they\u2019ll Sell their Shares so soon, on occasion that we have every day new Loans opened here, as for instance one of 7 Millions in favor of the East India Company, one of twelve hundred thousd. florins for the States of Zeeland, one of two Millions for Sweden, and we expect every day a Loan for our Province; added to this, large Sums are employed in the french Loan, and you\u2019ll easily conclude that Money becomes very Scarce, which we hope will not be the Case next Year, and if then Congres might wish to pay off the Loans in France, and raise the Money in this Country, it would give us much Pleasure to give her again Satisfaction with our Endeavours, and at the Same Time to observe an unlimited Confidence with our Countrymen.\n        We observe Sir, what you are pleased to mention about the Commission, which our Bankers charge upon the Sums, which they pay you on account of your Salary. It is our Opinion that properly this Commission should be bonified by Congress, and even that they indemnified your Excellency for the Trouble and Hardships you had on their behalf, would not be amiss. But it being out of our Line to decide any Thing of that kind, we\u2019ll only Say that in case the Said Commission is Charged by Congress to your account, we will in future give such orders that you\u2019ll have no reason to complain about it. We beg to return our Compliments to your worthy Family and remain most sincerely / Sir / Your most humble & Obedt. Servts.\n          Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.de la Lande & F\u00ffnje\n          We had the honour of addressing us the 6 Jany., to your Excelly. with a full information of the Sums of money and of the Obligations\nin the hands of each of the Houses, and continuing with your reply, we are in hope of receiving in Short your answer abt. it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0302", "content": "Title: The Conte Ponte di Scarnafigi to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1785\nFrom: Ponte di Scarnafigi, Conte Filippo Maria Giuseppe Ottone\nTo: American Commissioners\n          Messieurs\n          a Paris ce 2. Fevrier 1785.\n        Ayant donn\u00e9 connoissance dans son tems \u00e0 ma Cour de la lettre, que vous m\u2019avez, Messieurs, fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019\u00e9crire le 22. 7.bre de l\u2019ann\u00e9e pass\u00e9e, pour me notifier que Vous \u00e9tiez autoris\u00e9s par les Etats Unis d\u2019Amerique de traiter avec Sa Majest\u00e9 le Roi de Sardaigne relativement \u00e0 des Etablissements de commerces entre les deux Nations, j\u2019aurai celui de vous dire, que le Roi verra avec grand plaisir que les Batiments des Etats Unis fr\u00e9quentent le Port franc qu\u2019il a \u00e0 Nice, o\u00f9 ils seront toujours tr\u00e8s bien re\u00e7us; et que si par la suite il se pr\u00e9sente quelque occasion d\u2019\u00e9tablir des liaisons de commerce, qui puissent etre d\u2019une convenance et d\u2019une utilit\u00e9 reciproque, il prendra avec les Etats Unis tous les arrangements qui seront necessaires pour en assurer la stabilit\u00e9.\n        J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec respect / Messieurs / Votre tr\u00e8s humble / et tr\u00e8s Obe\u00efssant Serviteur\n          De Scarnafis\n        TRANSLATION\n          Gentlemen\n          Paris, 2 February 1785\n        Having informed my court in due time of the letter that you, gentlemen, did me the honor of writing to me on 22 September of last year to notify me that you were authorized by the United States of America to negotiate a treaty with His Sardinian Majesty relative to the establishment of commerce between the two nations, I hereby inform you that the king will regard it with great pleasure if the ships of the United States would frequent the free port that he has at Nice, where they will always be very well received, and if subsequently an occasion presents itself to establish commercial relations that could be mutually convenient and useful, he will make all the arrangements with the United States that will be necessary to ensure stability.\n        I have the honor of being with respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant\n          De Scarnafis", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0303", "content": "Title: Eliphalet Brush to John Adams, 4 February 1785\nFrom: Brush, Eliphalet\nTo: Adams, John\n        Count de Montauto Governor of this City has informed me of the Commissioners having made propositions to the Court of Tuscany respecting a Treaty of Commerce between this Country and America:\n        The Governor requests me to inform the Commissioners, that he has lately received instructions from the Grand Duke relative thereto, which leaves him no doubt but a commercial Treaty may be formed to the satisfaction of both parties, particularly as it is exceeding Agreeable to the Sovereign, who has ordered that all American Vessels coming hither shall have the same protection &c as those of the Rep. of Holland.\n        Perhaps your Excellency may conceive it officious in me to address you on a subject of a public nat\u00fcre; however my only View in doing it, is to render service to my Country, being well persuaded that great advantages might accrue to America from mercantile connections with this Country.\n        Leghorn is the emporium of every Species of merchandize coming from the Levant, as well as from Italy, Sicily & Barbary\u2014 the Oil made at Florence is better calculated for our market than any other\u2014 The Hemp that is exported from hence is good and cheap\u2014 Various Silk Stuffs proper for our market are made in the Neighbourhood Very Cheap\u2014 But what will make a trade here advantageous to us, is the Vending the principal products of our Country\u2014 Codfish, Spermecitie, wheat, flour Tobacco, & indigo will sell well in this City\u2014 Vessels from the East & every part of the Mediterranian Supply themselves here with those articles.\u2014\n        It is the opinion of the first men here, that there would be no dificulty in Settleing a treaty of Amity with the Algeriens &c, provided, application was made to them, by Congress or the Commisioners in Europe\u2014 It is clear to me that it is against the interest of France & Holland, for us to have a free & unmolested Navigation in the Medeterranian Sea, therefore their exertions in our favour cannot but be feeble.\u2014 I leave this Tomorrow for Florence, where I shall have an interview with the Grand Duke, and if I can give him any\ninformation relative to our Commerce, which may aid Your Negociations, I shall do it wth peculiar pleasure.\n        I beg to present my best Compliments to your Lady and Family, and am with Respect Your Excellency\u2019s / Most Obt. Huml Sert\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0304", "content": "Title: John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n          Private\n          Auteuil near Paris Feb. 8. 1785\n        It was with very great Pleasure, that I learn\u2019d your Return to Congress, and Election to the Chair. indeed So many names that are familiar to me make me wish myself with you. a Congress So respectable as the present must have great Weight both at home and abroad. it is only by Sending to that Assembly, the best Men and most respectable Characters, that the People can expect to have their Union cemented, and Authority Supported as it ought to be\n        Our joint Letter will inform Congress of the State of our Negotiations under our new Commissions, and whatever I may say Seperately Should pass for nothing. But I really dont expect that any of the great Powers will treat with Us, here. Spain and England, to be sure will not, and I dont believe the Empires will. Prussia will. Denmark and Portugal possibly may if the Gout or the Lethargy dont remain too long upon their Ministers.\n        The Barbary Powers, I presume would make no difficulty, which their Eagerness for money would not Soon get over.\u2014 Will Congress order Us to advance Money enough? and may We use, what remains in my Bank at Amsterdam? Or has Mr Morris drawn for all of that? I expect every day the Ratification of my last Loan, and orders what to do with the Cash in Bank, and also orders whether I am to open a new Loan.\n        Will you be so good as to convey the inclosed to your Brother, with my best Respects to Francis Lightfoot &c\n        With the greatest Respect and Esteem / I am dear sir your most obedient / sert\n          John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0305", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 9 February 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: President of Congress\n        In our last of Decr. 15 we had the honour of communicating to Congress our letter to the Ambassador of Portugal which accompanied the draught of the treaty of Amity & Commerce proposed on our part. Since that date he addressed to us the letter No. 1. acknowledging the receipt of ours & informing us that he had forwarded it to his court.\n        The Baron de Thulemeier also, the Prussian Minister at the Hague has given us similar information in his letter No. 2. herewith enclosed: he therein also desires as he had done in his letter of Octr. 8 that we would make choice of some port within the dominions of His Sovereign at which the commerce between the two countries might be carried on. We supposed that we had answered this by proposing in our draught of the treaty that all places in the dominions of either party should be open to the subjects or citizens of the other for the purposes of commerce. As he thought proper however to repeat the desire of the King that we would make choice of some place, we wrote him an answer of which No. 3. is a copy, and have now to ask of Congress their instructions as to the choice of a place for the purposes proposed.\n        The Baron de Walterstorff who had been formerly appointed by the court of Denmark to negotiate a treaty with the United States of America, & to whom we had notified our full powers for that purpose, called on us separately a few days ago & informed us that he had obtained permission from his court to make a visit to Copenhagen where his private affairs required his presence, and that the Minister had at the same time instructed him to ask from us our propositions that they might be considered during his stay at Copenhagen, and the sentiments of his court thereon be fully made known to him. This he afterwards communicated more particularly in the letter No. 4. to which an answer was returned of which No. 5.\nis a copy, inclosing a draught of a treaty similar to the one we had the honour to communicate to you in our letter of Decr. 15.\n        We have also since our last received an answer from the court of Naples through their charg\u00e9 des Affaires & from that of Turin through their Ambassador at this court: (the answer of Naples is accompanied by a printed ordinance establishing the privileges of Messina as a free port) which we now enclose, distinguished by the Nos. 6. &. 7. to these we do not propose to make any reply unless future overtures from them or other circumstances should render it necessary or proper.\n        With great respect / We have the honour to be / Your Excellencys / Most obedient & / Most humble servants\n          John AdamsB. FranklinT. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0306", "content": "Title: John Jay to John Adams, 11 February 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          Office for foreign Affairs New York 11th: Feby: 1785\n        I have now the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed a Ratification made 1st Feby: instant of the contract or Engagement which you entered into as Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to their High Mightinesses the Lords, the States General of the United Netherlands, in Behalf of the said States, with Messrs. Wilhelm & Jan Willink & others for a Loan of two Millions of Guilders the 9th of March 1784.\n        As the Letters received from you, between my Predecessors Resignation and my acceptance of this Office, are yet in the Hands of a Committee of Congress, I am not in Capacity to say any thing of their Dates or Contents.\n        On the 14th Ult. I wrote a Short Letter to you Doctr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson.\n        Congress have Resolv\u2019d to send a Minister to the Court of London, and I flatter myself with being soon enabled to write to you particularly on this Subject.\n        It would give me great Pleasure to hear from you frequently, and to be favored not only with such Information as you may think interesting, but also with such Remarks and Opinions on Affairs in this Department, as may the better enable me to discharge the Duties of it.\n        Mr. De Marbois in pursuance of the Orders of his Court, has demanded that Mr. Longchamps be delivered up. I wish that matter had not been pressed\u2014 I have laid the Requisition before Congress and shall inform you of the Result of their Deliberations on the Subject. It is in Contemplation to appoint a Minister for Spain, and we are informed that an Envoy from that Court may daily be expected here.\n        I have the Honor to be with great Esteem & Regard / Dear Sir / Your most obt. & very hble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0307", "content": "Title: Elbridge Gerry to John Adams, 14 February 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\n          My dear sir\n        This will be delivered by Mr Jarvis lately of Boston, but formerly of this City, Son in Law to Mr Broom, whom You probably know.\n        I have but two of your Letters unanswered; one of the 27th of June last, the Objects of which have I think been fully complied with, & the other of Novr 4, in which I find no Mention of a Letter I wrote You from philadelphia in July last.\n        Congress met in November at Trenton, but the Legislature of New Jersey being there at the same Time, & the Members of Congress badly accomodated, the Struggle was renewed respecting an adjournment to Philadelphia, & finally terminated in an Ordnance to appoint Commissioners, Vizt General Schuyler Mr R Morris & General Dickinson, to purchase a District of two Miles square on the Banks of the Delaware not more than eight Miles above or below Trenton, for a f\u0153deral Town, & to erect Buildings for the Use of Congress & their Executive officers: & New York is to be the temporary place, or rathar the place of temporary Residence for Congress, till the Buildings are erected\u2014 each State, it is supposed will provide Buildings for its Delegates\u2014\n        the Controversy between Massachusetts & New York respecting their western Claims, is to be determined by a f\u0153deral Court, which is to hold it\u2019s Session at Williamsburg, & by Agreement of the Agents to consist of Judge Smith & Mr patterson Attorney General of N Jersey, Mr Reed of Delaware, the late Governor Johnson, And Mr Harrison cheif Justice of Maryland, Mr Wythe, Colonel Grayson & Colo Monroe of Virginia & Mr John Rutledge of So Carolina\u2014 June is the appointed Time for holding the Court\u2014\n        Mr Jay has taken the Oaths of Secretary of foreign Affairs, & Mr osgood of Massachusetts Mr Walter Levingston of this City & Mr Gervais of Charlestown So Carolina are elected Commissioners of the Treasury. & General Knox or Colo pickering will probably be at the Head of the War Department\u2014\n        With Respect to foreign Affairs, a Report is before Congress, for\naccepting agreable to his repeated Request, Doctor Franklins Resignation. Mr Jefferson will I think be his Successor, You & Governor Rutledge are in Nomination for the Court of London, & I presume the prospect is not in Favour of the Election of the latter. Who will be sent to Madrid I know not, possibly Mr Rutledge.\u2014 the last Loan of Holland is ratified & I presume You will receive by this Conveyance official Information thereof\u2014 how far it it possible to seperate foreign from domestic Debts so as to give a preference to the paymt\u2014 of the Interest of the former, I know not, but an Attempt of the Kind would produce a great Clamor. the States to the Southard of Delaware would gladly adopt the Measure & perhaps would then avoid Contributions to pay the domestic Interest, because they have very little in the f\u0153deral Funds; but the Citizens of the other States would probably be so dissatisfied as to withhold Taxes or apply them to the payment of the Interest due to themselves\u2014 We are greatly embarrassed with the Conduct of Spain & Great Britain but our Ministers to those Courts, with the Instructions of Congress on the interesting Subjects of their respective Measures will I hope disperse the Clouds which at present surround Us\u2014 I am not of your Opinion respecting either the policy or Necessity of having Ministers perpetually at any of the Courts of Europe. I cannot be of that Opinion because, the Reason of it is not within my perception. I never Wish to see Congress surrounded by foreign Ministers. I never shall I hope see the vicious policy of foreign Courts introduced to ours, nor the latter, distracted in their Councils & Duped by the artful Representatives of foreign powers, instead of being the wise & united Representatives of united States. the Subject is copious, I wish not, in a Letter to my Friend, to discuss a Matter that I find is disagreable to him, & therefore shall let it rest for the present\u2014\n        The question respecting Salaries was agitated in Congress upon a Remonstranc from Massachusetts, respecting their Keep, & they were reduced on the principle that Articles of Subsistence, since the peace were also reduced. how far the proportion is just I cannot determine, but think it would not be easy to enhance them at present.\n        Pray give my Regards to Mr Jefferson & inform him that I wrote him a Letter from Boston in July last by the Way of London\u2014\n        Governor Hancock has resigned, Thanks be to \u2014\n        our Friend Mr Reed late Governor of Pen\u00f1 is dangerously ill\u2014\n        My Respects to the Ladies & be assured I / am on every occasion your Friend / sincerely", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0308", "content": "Title: Bid\u00e9 de Chavagnes to John Adams, 15 February 1785\nFrom: Chavagnes, Bid\u00e9 de\nTo: Adams, John\n          Mon cher monsieur\n          a nantes ce 15e. fevrier 1785\n        Depuis bien du temps jay fait des recherches inutiles sur la partie de la terre que vous habitiez, on m\u2019avoit m\u00eame dit que vous etiez retourn\u00e9 a boston, mais mon beaufrere qui est a paris depuis un mois et que javois charg\u00e9 de prendre des informations en consequence vient de me mander que nous avions le bonheur de vous posseder encor en france et que vous habitiez auteuil, je mempresse D\u2019avoir lhonneur de vous y ecrire pour vous reiterer mon souvenir lattachement que vous, votre aimable famille et vos compatriottes avez si bien sceus m\u2019inspirer, les voeux enfin que je forme pour votre conservation et parfait bonheur, tous ces sentiments loin destre alterez chez moy par le temps et leloignement ne peuvent que s\u2019accroitre par la decoration flatteuse que je nay receu qu\u2019au mois de decembre, quoy que la lettre de mr. le comte Destaing qui mannoncoit la faveur destre associ\u00e9 a lordre de cincinnatus, fut du mois D\u2019aout: je vous prie destre bien persuad\u00e9 du prix que jy mets, jeus et\u00e9 d\u2019autant plus mortifi\u00e9 de navoir pas eu ainsi que bien Dautres cette grace dont je fais plus de cas que quique ce soit, et si je ne suis plus dans le cas de rendre des services militaires a votre patrie je me croirois bien heureux destre a m\u00eame de deployer un c\u0153ur qui vous est devou\u00e9 en pouvant un jour vous estre utile ou a vos chers enfants ou a vos compatriottes en quelquechose mde. De chavagnes\nqui ainsi que moy se porte tres bien partage ces sentiments, nous menons une vie douce et tranquille, ayants besoin lun et lautre de bien du menagement pour vous, mon cher monsieur vous estes un heros de sacrifices votre patrie doit vous en scavoir grand gr\u00e9 car ayant le bonheur de connoitre les thresors que vous avez laiss\u00e9 a boston il seroit bien doux pour vous de les aller rejoindre quand vous leur ecrirez je vous prieray de leur presenter mes respects, hommages et v\u0153ux. jen fais de bien sinceres pour que vous mettiez une fin prompte et heureuse a vos grandes et belles entreprises, pour votre conservation et parfaite sant\u00e9, je vous demande la continuation de votre souvenir et amiti\u00e9 en vous priant de ne point douter des sentiments du sincere et respectueux attachement avec lesquels jauray toutte ma vie lhonneur d\u2019estre / Mon cher monsieur / Votre tres humble et tres / obeissant serviteur\n          Bid\u00e9 de chavagnes,ancien capne. des vaux. Du roy de france\n          Si vous aviez occasion de faire passer mes respects et mon souvenir a mr. dena joserois presenter ces lers. a mr. franklin.\n        TRANSLATION\n          My dear sir\n          Nantes, 15 February 1785\n        For quite some time I have made fruitless inquiries to find out what part of the world you inhabit. I was even told that you had returned to Boston, but my brother-in-law, who has been at Paris for a month and whom I accordingly charged with making inquiries, just sent me word that we have the good fortune to have you still in France and that you are living at Auteuil. I hurry to write to you there in order to relive my memories with you. The affection that you, your kind family, and your countrymen so deeply inspired in me, the wishes that I at length make for your preservation and perfect happiness, all these feelings, far from being altered in me by time and distance, can only increase with the flattering decoration that I received only this past December, though the letter from the Comte d\u2019Estaing that informed me of the honor of admission to the Society of the Cincinnati was from the month of August. Please be fully convinced of the value that I place on it. I would have been so much the more mortified not to have had, the same as many others, this honor, which I prize more than anyone. Even if I am no longer in a position to render military service to your country, I would consider myself very fortunate to be able to deploy a heart that is devoted to you, to have it in my power some day to be useful to you or your dear children or your countrymen in some way. Madame de\nChavagnes, who is very well, just as I am, shares these feelings. We lead a sweet and tranquil life, both of us needing much solicitude. For your part, my dear sir, you are a hero of sacrifice. Your country must be extremely grateful to you. Having the good fortune to be acquainted with the treasures that you left at Boston, I know that it would be very pleasant for you to go and rejoin them. When you write to them, I beg you to give them my respects, compliments, and prayers. I offer very sincere ones for a quick and happy end to your great and noble enterprises and for your preservation and perfect health. I ask you to keep me in your memory and friendship and not to doubt at all the feelings of sincere and respectful affection with which I will have the honor my entire life of being, my dear sir, your very humble and very obedient servant\n          Bid\u00e9 de chavagnes,late post captain of the king of France\n          If you have an opportunity, pass along my respects and my regards to Mr. Dana. I would be so bold as to present the former to Mr. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0309", "content": "Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 16 February 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje\n          Gentlemen.\n          Auteuil near Paris Feby: 16. 1785.\n        I have received your favour of the 6th: of January and that of the second of February and am much obliged to you for the particular Account of the State of the Cash and Obligations in your Hands. By all that I have learnt from your Letters, as well as by Enquiry in Conversation it seems to be so possible and indeed so probable, that the United States might be exposed to a loss of several hundred Thousand Guilders, by a sudden fall of the Agio, that I have not been able to resolve upon giving you Directions to put the Cash on\nHand into the Bank, especially as I have every Day expected, and still expect, not only the Ratification of the last Loan, but Orders from Congress, or their Commissioners of the Treasury what to do with the whole Sum.\n        I still expect every moment, to receive the Orders of Congress, and therefore shall not venture as yet to give orders for putting the Money into the Bank. But as you are on the Spot, and are better informed, than I am, I must leave it to your Judgments to do what you shall think most for the Interest of the United States, either by putting the whole, or a Part, or none of the Money into the Bank.\n        But, Gentlemen, let me above all Things recommend it to you, to keep the Congress constantly informed of the State of their Affairs in your Hands. You may address your Letters either to the President, his Excellency, Richard Henry Lee Esqr, or to the Office, of Finance; Perhaps it would be best to address Duplicates, one to the President and the other to the Commissioners of the Treasury.\n        I thank you, Gentlemen, for what you say about my Salary: But would it not be a saving for me, to draw Bills upon you and sell them here? as to an Indemnification to my for \u201cmy Troubles and Hardships\u201d I have no Idea of asking, or even wishing for such a Thing. exclusive of all these, it would require a larger Sum, perhaps, than you imagine to indemnify me for my Losses. This too I neither expect nor desire. indeed while the War continued and all was at Stake, I never thought about Trouble, Hardships, Losses, or savings. But as Peace is made and Danger to the Public is no more, I should think myself bound to Oeconomy for the sake of my Family if I were not necessitated to it, in order to pay, my daily Expences, as at present I am literally.\n        With much Esteem &c\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0310", "content": "Title: John Adams to Charles Sigourney, 17 February 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Sigourney, Charles\n        I have received your favour of 21 Decr. and congratulate you on your arrival, My health which you are so obliging as to inquire after is so much better than it has generally been for the four last years, that I begin to hope I Shall get the better of those obstinate\nDisorders with which you saw me tormented in Holland. My family, is I thank God in perfect Health\n        we have no commercial Treaty with England nor do I see any Prospect of any. the Court of London declines Treating in any other place than at home\u2014or Perhaps in America, and Probably will decline sending an Ambassador to Congress, untill that August Assembly Shall send one to them, and there are reasons which have hitherto discouraged Congress from sending; how long these reasons will continue I know not, much too long I fear for the good of either Country, I wish that too nice notions of Etiquette or the little Feelings of ill humour may not on both sides prevail over considerations of lasting Interest and Prosperity.\n        The British Ministry Should know that we cannot continue to Trade, but in proportion as we are able to pay, and that by excluding our articles of Remittance, they will soon exclude our Purchasers if our Oil cannot be allowed the Honour of Enlightening London we must endeavour to procure it an opportunity of illuminating Paris, and other Cities.\n        My regards to Mr Rogers and his family & / Mr Bromfeild,\n        With much esteem I am sir your most / obedient. &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0312", "content": "Title: John Adams\u2019 Commission as Minister to Great Britain, 24 February 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n        The United States of America in Congress assembled.\n        To our trusty and well beloved John Adams Esquire Send Greeting\n        We reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity Prudence and Ability have nominated constituted and appointed and by these Presents do nominate constitute and appoint you the said John Adams our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the Court of His britannic Majesty and do give you full Power and Authority there to Represent us, and to do and perform all such Matters and Things as to the said Place or Office doth appertain, or as may by our Instructions be given unto you in charge. This Commission to continue in Force for the space of three Years from this Day unless sooner Revoked.\n        In Testimony whereof We have caused the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed Witness His Excellency Richard Henry Lee our President at the City of New York this Twenty fourth Day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty five, and of our Sovereignty and Independence the Ninth.\n          Richard Henry Lee. P.Cha Thomson SecyJohn Jay\u2014Secretary for the Departmt. of foreign Affairs\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0313", "content": "Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 25 February 1785\nFrom: Dumas, C. W. F.\nTo: Adams, John\n          Monsieur\n        La copie ci-jointe de la r\u00e9ponse de Mr. le Conseiller Fiscal de l\u2019Amiraut\u00e9 van der Hoop, aux questions que j\u2019avois propos\u00e9es de la part de l\u2019honble. Com\u0303ission par une note, \u00e9toit faite d\u00e8s Samedi dernier; & je l\u2019aurois envoy\u00e9e Mardi \u00e0 V. E. avec une Lettre pour le Congr\u00e8s, tr\u00e8s int\u00e9ressante sur les affaires internes de cette Rep., si l\u2019\u00e9tat de mon Epouse, d\u00e9j\u00e0 fort indispos\u00e9e depuis plusieurs jours, n\u2019avoit pas empir\u00e9 de maniere \u00e0 nous allarmer extr\u00eamement. Actuellement encore nous ne som\u0303es pas rassur\u00e9s. Sa maladie est une fievre bilieuse. Nous pr\u00e9sentons nos respects \u00e0 Mesdames Adams. Dieu veuille qu\u2019un changement favorable, me laisse la libert\u00e9 d\u2019esprit n\u00e9cessaire, pour vous \u00e9crire plus en d\u00e9tail la semaine prochaine. Mes respects, S\u2019il vous plait, \u00e0 Messieurs Vos Collegues, De Votre Excellence le tr\u00e8s-humble & tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur\n          Cwf Dumas\n        ENCLOSURE\n            Fait \u00e0 La Haie ce 19 Fevrier 1785\n          Le Soussign\u00e9, Conseiller Fiscal du College de l\u2019Amiraut\u00e9 d\u2019Amsterdam, ayant conf\u00e9r\u00e9 avec Monsieur Bisdom, Conseiller Fiscal de l\u2019Amiraut\u00e9 de la Meuse, sur le contenu de la Note de Mr. Dumas, en date du 31 D\u00e9cembre dernier, qui leur fut conjointement remise,\u2014a l\u2019honneur de remettre ci-joint \u00e0 Mr. Dumas la r\u00e9ponse aux questions, qui font l\u2019objet de la dite note, pour l\u2019Information de la Com\u0303ission Pl\u00e9nipotentiaire des Etats-Unis \u00e0 Paris; pendant qu\u2019il peut l\u2019assurer, tant en son nom, qu\u2019en celui de Mr. Bisdom, qu\u2019ils ont l\u2019un & l\u2019autre saisi avec empressement cette occasion de pouvoir lui \u00eatre de quelque utilit\u00e9 /sign\u00e9\n              R\u00e9ponse \u00e0 la 1e. Question\n              1. Quels pr\u00e9sens L. H. P. donnerent l\u2019hiver dernier \u00e0 l\u2019Empereur de Maroc, & \u00e0 Son Ambassadeur?\n              L. H. P. ont donn\u00e9 \u00e0 cette occasion tout l\u2019Equippement pour deux Fr\u00e9gattes de guerre; dix Pieces de canon de bronze, de 24 Livres de balle, & dix de 18 Livres: & ont en outre fait remettre \u00e0 l\u2019Ambassadeur de Sa Maj. Impe. deux Montres, quelques Pieces de Drap de diff\u00e9rentes couleurs, de la Mousseline, du Th\u00e9, du Sucre, de la Porcelaine, &c. \u00e0 la disposition de Mr. l\u2019Ambassadeur; pour avoir de quoi se rendre plus agr\u00e9able \u00e0 son retour aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019Empereur.\n              2. Qu\u2019ont-Elles \u00e9t\u00e9 dans l\u2019usage de donner?\n              L. H. P. ont envoy\u00e9 de temps \u00e0 autre une Montre richement mont\u00e9e. Il y a quelque temps qu\u2019Elles ont fait remettre un pr\u00e9sent d\u2019un Poignard, enrichi de Diamants, de la valeur de 45,000 florins; & en dernier lieu deux-mille fusils, qui avoient co\u00fbt\u00e9 environ 18,000 florins.\n              \u00e0 la troisieme.\n              3. Quelles sont les som\u0303es que la R\u00e9publique donne annuellement \u00e0 Alger, \u00e0 Maroc, \u00e0 Tunis, \u00e0 Tripoli, \u00e0 tout autre Etat pareil?\n              Il n\u2019y a rien de fix\u00e9 \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard par rapport au Maroc, \u00e0 Tunis, Tripoli, & d\u2019autres Etats pareils. On y envoie de temps en temps quelques pr\u00e9sents pour les obliger.\u2014 Quant \u00e0 Alger, L. H. P. sont dans l\u2019usage d\u2019y envoyer chaque ann\u00e9e pour la valeur de cinquante \u00e0 soixante mille florins en Agrets & en Poudre \u00e0 Canon.\u2014 C\u2019est ce qu\u2019on appelle les Pr\u00e9sents ordinaires.\u2014 Les pr\u00e9sents extraordinaires s\u2019y envoient outre cela tous les deux ans, & consistent en \u00e9toffes, Draps, Porcelaines, Sucre, & montent chaque fois \u00e0 environ 17,000 florins d\u2019Hollande.\n              R. \u00e0 la quatrieme Q.\n              4. Quelle est la maniere de traiter avec ces Etats-l\u00e0?\n              Toutes les N\u00e9gociations avec les Etats susdits se font par les Consuls que la R\u00e9publique envoie \u00e0 ces diff\u00e9rentes Puissances, & qui y r\u00e9sident constamment: ou bien aussi par les dits Consuls, assist\u00e9s par quelque Capitaine de Vaisseau de la R\u00e9publique: ou bien aussi, en cas de guerre & d\u2019absence des Consuls, par le Com\u0303andant d\u2019Escadre ou de Vaisseau, qui sont toujours munis dans ce cas-l\u00e0 de Lettres de L. H. P.\n          Copi\u00e9, & collationn\u00e9 avec les Originaux, qui sont entre mes mains, par moi-m\u00eame. A La Haie le 22 Fevrier 1785.\n        TRANSLATION\n          The Hague, 25 February 1785\n        The enclosed copy of the response of Mr. Van der Hoop, comptroller of the admiralty, to the questions that I posed in a note on behalf of the honorable commission has been in hand since last Saturday, and I would have sent it to your excellency on Tuesday with a very interesting letter for Congress concerning the internal affairs of this republic, if the condition of my spouse, who had already been very indisposed for several days, had not worsened in a way that alarmed us in the extreme. Even now we are still not reassured. Her illness is a bilious fever. We send our respects to the Adams ladies. May God grant that a change for the better will give me the peace of mind necessary to write to you in greater detail next week. My respects, please, to your esteemed colleagues. Your excellency\u2019s very humble and very obedient servant\n          Cwf Dumas\n        ENCLOSURE\n            Done at The Hague, 19 February 1785\n          The undersigned comptroller of the College of the Admiralty of Amsterdam, having conferred with Mr. Bisdom, comptroller of the Admiralty of\nthe Meuse, on the contents of Mr. Dumas\u2019 note, dated 31 December last and referred to them jointly, has the honor of herewith remitting to Mr. Dumas, for the information of the plenipotentiary commission of the United States at Paris, their response to the questions that are the object of the said note, assuring Mr. Dumas, not only in his own name but also on behalf of Mr. Bisdom, that both of them eagerly seized this occasion to be useful to him. Signed\n              Response to the first question:\n              1. What presents did Their High Mightinesses give last winter to the emperor of Morocco and to his ambassador?\n              Their High Mightinesses gave on this occasion all the equipment for two frigates of war, ten bronze twenty-four pound cannon and ten eighteen pounders, and in addition gave to the ambassador of his imperial majesty two watches, several pieces of cloth of different colors, muslin, tea, sugar, porcelain, etc., placed at the ambassador\u2019s disposal so that he might have the means of making his return to the emperor more pleasant.\n              Response to the second question:\n              2. What are they in the habit of giving?\n              Their High Mightinesses have sent from time to time a richly appointed watch. Some time ago they made a present of a dagger adorned with diamonds, valued at 45,000 florins, and most recently two thousand rifles, at a cost of approximately 18,000 florins.\n              3. How much does the republic give annually to Algiers, Morocco, Tunis, Tripoli, and all other similar states?\n              There is nothing fixed in this respect regarding Morocco, Tunis, Tripoli, and other similar states. From time to time they send presents to oblige them. As for Algiers, Their High Mightinesses are in the habit of sending there each year from 50,000 to 60,000 florins worth of cannon tackle and powder. That is what they call ordinary presents. Extraordinary presents are sent as well every other year, consisting of fabric, cloth, porcelain, sugar, and they amount each time to about 17,000 Dutch florins.\n              Response to the fourth question:\n              4. How do they negotiate with those states?\n              All negotiations with the above-mentioned states are done by consuls that the republic sends to the various powers and who reside there all the time, or by the said consuls assisted by some captain of a ship of the line, or in case of war where consuls are not present, by a commodore of the squadron or senior captain, who for this reason are always provided with letters from Their High Mightinesses.\n          Copied and collated with the originals, which are in my possession, by myself. At The Hague, 22 February 1785.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0315", "content": "Title: Abb\u00e9 Gabriel Bonnot de Mably to John Adams, 25 February 1785\nFrom: Mably, Abb\u00e9 Gabriel Bonnot de\nTo: Adams, John\n          paris ce 25 fevrier 1785\n        je r\u00e9ponds bien tard, Monsieur, \u00e0 la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 14 de ce mois; c\u2019est que j\u2019esperois de vous porter moi m\u00eame ma r\u00e9ponse. je me suis flatt\u00e9 de cette douce esperance, mais de jour en jour la fortune \u00e0 rompu nos projets. Tantot le temps a \u00e9t\u00e9 trop d\u00e9testable pour oser se mettre en route, et tantot Mrs les Abbes de Chalut, arnoux et moi nous avons \u00e9t\u00e9 condamnes par quelque indisposition \u00e0 garder la chambre. j\u2019espere qu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019avenir nous serons moins contraries, mais je ne veux plus me confier \u00e0 des esperances qui pourroient encore me tromper. rien n\u2019est plus\nglorieux pour Moi, Monsieur que l\u2019invitation que vous avez la bont\u00e9 de me faire. je ne balancerois point \u00e0 entreprendre la Cat\u00e9chisme moral et politique dont j\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de vous parler dans les lettres qui vous sont adress\u00e9es; si je croyois que ce nouvel ouvrage f\u00fbt de quelque utilit\u00e9 \u00e0 votre pays, si le premier ne produit aucun fruit, le second auroit le m\u00eame sort; et ce n\u2019est pas la peine de travailler de chercher, d\u2019arranger et de disposer des v\u00e9rites qu\u2019on ne voudra pas entendre. quand j\u2019ai invit\u00e9 le Congr\u00e8s cet ouvrage, je n\u2019ai point pr\u00e9tendu que tous les membres de cet illustre Corps y travaillassent \u00e0 la fois; c\u2019est une chose tres impossible. mais j\u2019aurois voulu qu\u2019apr\u00e8s avoir charg\u00e9 un de ses membres de cette besoigne, il en e\u00fbt fait l\u2019examen, et apr\u00e8s l\u2019avoir approuv\u00e9 l\u2019eut fait paroitre sous son nom. c\u2019est ainsi qu\u2019en usent nos parlamens et les autres cours souveraines quand elles ordonnent des remontrances. vous conviendrez qu\u2019une cat\u00e9chisme fait et present\u00e9 de cette maniere au public, ouvroit un beaucoup plus grand poids, et produiroit sans doute un grand bien. je suis occup\u00e9 actuellement \u00e0 corriger un ancien ouvrage que je veux faire imprimer. je ne vous fatiguerai pas par un plus long griffonnage, et je me reserve le plaisir de vous parler de tout cela la premi\u00e8re fois que j\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur de vous voir. j\u2019attends ce moment avec impatience, et je vous prie d\u2019agr\u00e9er d\u2019avance les assurances du tendre et respectueux attachement avec lequel j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre, / Monsieur, / votre tres humble et tres / obeissant serviteur\n        TRANSLATION\n        I am responding quite late, sir, to the letter that you did me the honor of writing to me on the 14th of this month; it is because I was hoping to deliver my response to you myself. I deluded myself with this sweet hope, but day-by-day fate shattered our plans. Sometimes the weather was too wretched to venture setting out, and sometimes the Abb\u00e9s Chalut, Arnoux, and I were compelled by some indisposition to keep to our rooms. I hope that in the future we will be less vexed, but I do not want to rely on hopes that could again betray me. Nothing is more glorious to me, sir, than the invitation that you were so good as to extend to me. I would not hesitate at all to undertake the moral and political catechism that I had the honor of telling you about in the letters that I addressed to you, if I believed that this new work would be of some use to your country. But if the first bears no fruit, the second would share the same fate, and it is not worth the trouble to find, arrange, and set out truths that people do not want to hear.\nWhen I urged this project on Congress, I did not pretend that all the members of that illustrious body would take it up together; that is a completely impossible thing. But I would have liked it to charge one of its members with this task, to examine and approve the work, and to publish it under its own name. That is how our parliaments and other sovereign courts operate when they draft remonstrances. You would agree that a catechism drawn and presented to the public in this manner would have much greater weight and would no doubt produce great good. I am currently busy correcting an old work that I want to have printed. I will not fatigue you with more scribbling, and I am saving for myself the pleasure of speaking to you about all this the next time that I have the honor of seeing you. I await that moment impatiently, and I pray you to accept in advance my assurances of the tender and respectful attachment with which I have the honor of being, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0317", "content": "Title: The Baron von Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: American Commissioners\n          Messieurs,\n        Les Ordres du Roi dont je me trouve actuellement muni, me mettent \u00e0 m\u00eame de r\u00e9pondre plus amplement \u00e0 la lettre dont Vous m\u2019avez. honor\u00e9, Messieurs, en dernier lieu, et dont je Vous ai accus\u00e9 l\u2019entr\u00e9e par la mienne du 11. Fevrier. Sa Majest\u00e9 Se persuade que l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019un ou de deux ports francs seroit absolument inutile, d\u2019apr\u00e8s la r\u00e9flexion tr\u00e8s juste que Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires Am\u00e9ricains ont faite, que les Articles 2. et 3. du Contre-Projet accordent r\u00e9ciproquement aux deux Nations, dans tous les ports o\u00f9 ils voudront faire le commerce, les avantages dont jouissent les nations les plus favoris\u00e9es. Cette observation \u00e9puise la question, d\u2019autant plus que les intentions du Roi ne sont aucunement de borner le commerce des Citoyens de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique Conf\u00e9d\u00e9r\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019un ou l\u2019autre de Ses ports. Dans le cas o\u00f9 l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019un port franc paro\u00eetroit cependant de quelque utilit\u00e9, on s\u2019y pr\u00eateroit sans beaucoup de difficult\u00e9 quant \u00e0 Emden, mais plusieurs raisons s\u2019opposeroient \u00e0 une pareille concession \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard du port de Stettin. La lettre\nde Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires ayant \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e9crite avant l\u2019entr\u00e9e des Observations sur le dernier Contre-Projet dont la mienne du 24. Janvier de l\u2019ann\u00e9e courante \u00e9toit accompagn\u00e9e, il est \u00e0 pr\u00e9sumer que des \u00e9claircissemens ult\u00e9rieurs paro\u00eetroient plus ou moins inutiles. Je me flatte que la premi\u00e8re lettre que j\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur, Messieurs, de recevoir de Votre part, me facilitera les moyens de donner de concert avec Vous \u00e0 la n\u00e9gociation qui a fait l\u2019objet de nos soins communs, la consistance d\u00e9sir\u00e9e. Le succ\u00e8s de cette transaction r\u00e9pondra, tant \u00e0 mes voeux, qu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat commun de nos deux Nations.\n        J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, / Messieurs, / V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n          de Thulemeier\n        TRANSLATION\n          Gentlemen\n        The orders of the king with which I am now supplied enable me to respond more amply to the last letter with which you honored me, gentlemen, and the receipt of which I acknowledged in my letter of 11 February. His Majesty is convinced that the establishment of one or two free ports would be absolutely useless, after the very cogent remark made by the American plenipotentiaries that Articles 2 and 3 of the counterproject reciprocally grant to the two nations, in all the ports where they would like to engage in trade, all the advantages enjoyed by the most favored nations. This observation exhausts the question, all the more as the intentions of the king are not in the least to limit the commerce of the citizens of the American confederation to one or the other of his ports. In case the establishment of a free port would seem, however, to be of some use, the one that would lend itself to that without much difficulty would be Emden, but several reasons would prevent a similar concession with regard to the port of Stettin. The letter of the plenipotentiaries having been written before the arrival of the observations on the last counterproject, which accompanied my letter of 24 January, it is supposed that the latest clarifications would appear more or less useless. I flatter myself that the first letter that I have the honor of receiving from you, gentlemen, will make it easy for me to work with you to give the treaty, which has been the object of our common care, the desired coherence. The success of this transaction will fulfill my own wishes as well as the common interest of the two nations.\n        I have the honor of being with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant\n          de Thulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0318", "content": "Title: John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 5 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dalton, Tristram\n          Auteuil near Paris March 5. 1785.\n        I had last night the Pleasure of your Letter of Decr: 21. I cannot, indeed Sir flatter myself at present that the Nation will receive, \u201cthe greatest Benefits\u201d from any of my Labours in a public Line. It is a Consolation to me under all discouragements, to reflect upon services, which I have now & then had Opportunities of rendering. But such Occasions rarely occur: public Life is like a long Journey, in which we have immense Tracks of waste Countries to pass through, for a very few grand and beautiful Prospects. at present, I scarcely see a possibility of doing any thing for the public worth the Expence of maintaining me in Europe.\n        England and Spain seem determined, not to treat at all with us in France. The former proposes that we should send a Minister to London to treat there. such a Minister decently supported, would be a Protection to our Countrymen there: would keep up the Countenances of our Friends, and would hold in some degree of awe, our Enemies\u2014 Such are the habits of European Minds, that the bare presentaion to the King, and the mere Appearance at Court and among the Diplomatic Body of an american Minister would have a great Effect upon the Sentiments of the Nation. He would be a Center of Union, & would form acquaintances with foreign Ministers, which would have weight at Court, in the City, and in the Country. He would be able to contradict and discredit a Thousand lies with which the public Papers are filled, which prejudice and sour the Minds of the People. In short it appears to me, that we ought to try this Experiment, and if it does not succeed, we cannot be worse. America will probably then unite in measures to do herself Justice; We have the means in our Power. Duties sufficiently\nhigh upon even \u201cGew gaws and Luxuries\u201d would probably answer the end.\n        At present we hear but one side of the Question. The foreign Ministers at the Court of Versailles, who represent sovereigns, friendly to the House of Bourbon, are the only ones who are in any degree unreserved to the American Ministers. The Ambassadors from all the Courts which are jealous of that House are totally on the Reserve.\u2014 The Ambassadors from Sweeden, Prussia, Holland will be sociable but those from the two Empires, and from the most of the States of Germany, are buttoned up. They are afraid of our observing a Look or a Word and communicating it to the French Ministers. An American Minister in London would be in a contrary predicament. and it is there if any where that the other half of Europe would be laid open to Congress. We should preserve our friendship with France, but we may depend upon it, that while we maintain our neutrality, the better Terms, we appear to be upon with the other Powers of Europe, the more friendly to us will both the French and English be.\n        Congress however are the best Judges of this Measure and they may have reasons against it, that I am not aware of.\n        I think your apprehensions of the English compleating their Settlements in Nova Scotia so far as to supply their Islands with Fish and Lumber, and themselves with Oil, can never be realized. I have heretofore, and lately had several Conversations with the Marquis and with several other Noblemen on the subject of our Oil, and Pot ash, and Fish, and I doubt not that our Merchants might find a Market here for large Quantities of those Articles if they would open Correspondences. But while the English give Credit, our Merchants look no further. Mr Tracey and Mr: Jackson I believe collected some Information upon these subjects. We are much less in the Power of the English than either they or we imagine, as a little time will show. Why dont our Merchants speculate in Italy, every Port of which would be glad to see them? are they terrified by the Lies told in the English Papers of the Vessels taken by the Algerines?\n        yours affectionately.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0319", "content": "Title: Elbridge Gerry to John Adams, 5 March 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\n          My dear Mr Adams\n          New York 5th March 1785\n        Since my last, informing You of the Circumstances of your Appointment to the Court of London, Congress have elected Colo Smith of this State, Secretary to the Legation. several Candidates were presented to Congress, & my Friend & Collegue, Mr King of Newbury port (whom I shall hereafter speak of, & whom I wish to introduce to your Confidence & Friendship) was of Opinion with myself, that it was indispensibly necessary to support such a person only, as might be relied on for supporting the Dignity & preserving (by an Attachment to & Respect for the principal) the Tranquility of the Embassy. We therefore previous to the Appointment, conferred with Colo Smith on the Subject, & candidly informed him, that confiding in his Integrity & Honor, & on his prudence in avoiding every Thing that might savour of Intrigue against the Minister of the Legation, as well as on his firm Determination to discharge his Trust in fulfilling the reasonable Desires & supporting the Dignity of his superior in office, We should use our Endeavours to promote the Appointment mentioned; and should likewise continue our Endeavrs. to Support the Secretary, whilst he continued to evince the good Disposition We expected\u2014 And We further informed him, We should certainly be firmly opposed to him, should he ever contrary to our present Expectations evince a different Disposition. Colo Smith was so far from being displeased at this frank Conduct, that he appeared to be much satisfied with it, & gave such Assurances as from a Man of Honor are to be relied on, And as leave Us no Apprehensions of the Want of Your highest Approbation of his Appointt.\u2014 The military Character of Colo Smith stands high, insomuch that no officer of his Rank in the American Army stood fairer I believe with the General, than this Gentleman. he has had a liberal Education, is a sensible Man & a polite one, & I cannot doubt that You will find him a Man of Honor, a good Companion, & one that merits your fullest Confidence.\n        My Friend Mr Rufus King studied under Mr parsons of Newbury port, is at the Age of about thirty eminent in the Law, has in a Year or two as a Member of the General Court of our State, so established his Reputation as to be appointed a Member of Congress, & in this Character, by a well informed firm & sensible Mind, an agreable person, & an elegant Address has already made progress in\nestablishing a considerable Influence.\u2014 he is a true Republican in principles & is in a System of politics that I have no Doubt Will in all essential points correspond with your own. I think You will be much pleased in opening a Correspondence with him, & that he will be very happy in continuing it. adieu I am yours sincerely", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0322", "content": "Title: John Adams\u2019 Instructions as Minister to Great Britain, 7 March 1785\nFrom: \nTo: Adams, John\n        Instructions for the Minister Plenipotentiary appointed to represent the United States of America at the Court of Great Britain\n        You will in a respectful but firm Manner insist that the United States be put without further Delay into Possession of all the Posts and Territories within their Limits which are now held by british Garrisons; and you will take the earliest Opportunity of transmitting the Answer you may receive to this Question.\n        You will remonstrate against the Infraction of the Treaty of Peace by the Exportation of Negroes and other american Property contrary to the Stipulations on that Subject in the seventh Article of it. Upon this Head you will be supplied with various authentic Papers and Documents particularly the Correspondence between General Washington and others on the one Part, and Sir Guy Carleton on the other.\u2014\n        You will represent to the british Ministry the strong and necessary Tendency of their Restrictions on our Trade to incapacitate our Merchants in a certain Degree to make Remittances to theirs.\u2014\n        You will represent in strong Terms the Losses which many of our and also of their Merchants will sustain, if the former be unseasonably and immoderately pressed for the Payment of Debts contracted before the War. On this Subject you will be furnished with Papers in which it is amply discussed.\u2014\n          Chas Thomson secy..", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0324", "content": "Title: John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 9 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n          My dear Sir\n          Auteuil near Paris March 9. 1785\n        You will See, by our joint Dispatches, that The Pope, Sardinia and Naples, by their Answers, have politely invited our Vessells into their Ports, but have not accepted the Proposition of Treaties of Commerce. His Holiness has gone as far I believe, in his Complaisance to Us as his Maxims will allow, there being as I believe no Example of a Treaty, between his Court and any Protestant Power. Naples probably waits for Spain. The Motives of Sardinia, who has two Daughters near the Throne of France, although he has ancient Attachments to England, are not So obvious.\n        Prussia will probably agree with Us, or We Shall agree with him as the Points in discussion, are not essential, although some of them are of Some importance. from Portugal, Denmark and the Emperor We have no decisive Answers, nor from Russia any Answer at all.\u2014 Spain and England, will continue, I Suppose to refuse treating here. Mr Hales, the British Charge des Affairs told me, that his Court were determined never to treat here, and this Declaration agrees with every Information and all the Circumstances, that have come to our Knowledge. I think the Invitation to send a Minister to London should be accepted, as it is undoubtedly our Place, to Send first, and as the Neglect of exchanging Ambassadors, will forever be regarded as a Proof of Coldness and Jealousies, by the People of England, the People of America, and by all the Courts and Nations of Europe. it is in vain to expect of Us Treaties of Commerce with England, While She will not treat here and Congress will not treat there. We cannot force them to treat: and it is not expected We should petition them. Petitions, would be neglected now as much as ever. We can do nothing with the Barbary States, without Money and orders to apply it.\u2014 You know best whether it is worth while to give fifty or Sixty Thousand Guilders a Year to Algiers, besides occasional Presents to the others.\n        France Holland and Sweeden, I Suppose will act in concert, and neither agree to Terms more favourable than the others. Such is the\nopposition in France to the \u201cArr\u00eat du Conseil D\u2019Etat du Roi concernant le Commerce \u00e9tranger dans les Isles Francoises de L\u2019Amerique, du 30 Ao\u00fbt 1784,\u201d that I despair of perswading the Ministry to venture farther in our favour. There is a general Cry of the Merchants against that Ordonance. The Commerce of Marseilles, Bourdeaux, Nantes, Rochelle, St Maloes and Havre de Grace, have remonstrated against it in Strong and warm Terms. The Parliament of Bourdeaux too has joined in the Clamour, and the States of Bretagne, came very near it. The Minister will Stand firm to this Ordonnance, it is Said, but I fear will be discouraged from extending his Liberal Sentiments Still further.\n        We have my Friend a delicate and difficult Part to Act towards the Powers of Europe. Our Safest Course lies in a perfect Impartiality to all. Predilections and Attachments to any, will be narrowly watched, will be perceived, and will endanger our Tranquility and Neutrality. Spain France and England, will interest Us and endanger Us the most.\u2014 I wish that no Means of Settling all disputes, with the first and last may be neglected, and therefore I advise the sending a Minister to each. if he Succeeds, well, if not, We Shall have nothing to reproach to Ourselves. We Shall have done our Duty, and all that was in our Power.\n        I wait with Impatience, for the Ratification of my last Loan in Holland, and for Orders what to do with near a Million of Guilders, in the Hands of your Bankers at Amsterdam. You will remember, I have run you in debt, near Seven hundred Thousand Pounds Sterling, that you have received in Dollars, or drawn Bills for it at an advantageous Exchange. I hope you have Spent it wisely. But whether you have or not, you ought to take Measures to pay the Interest. My Dutch Friends will throw me into one of their Canals if you dont fullfill my Engagements.\n        My Respects to your Colleagues, and believe me / your faithfull Friend & very humble / servant\n          John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0325", "content": "Title: John Adams to John Jay, 9 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n          Auteuil near Paris 9. March 1785\n        Permit me to congratulate the United States, upon the Acquisition of a Minister of foreign Affairs, whose long Services have So justly acquired their Confidence and whose Experience as well as his Talents, so fully qualify him for this important Trust.\n        The joint Dispatches of their Ministers here will inform Congress of the Slow Progress of the Negotiations entrusted to their Care. These delays are owing to the ordinary Character of the Deliberations of Courts, and are in no measure occasioned by any Inattention or Inactivity on our Part, and as they are irremediable must be Submitted to with Patience.\n        I must beg Leave to repeat a request mentioned in Several of my late Letters, that Congress would be pleased to transmit the Ratification of my last Loan which I opened a Year ago in Holland and is long Since full. The Delay of the Ratification has an ill Effect.\u2014 Congress will be pleased too to give Orders if it is not yet done as I hope it has been, concerning near a Million of Guilders, which remain in the Hands of their Bankers at Amsterdam, as appears by Some Extracts of Letters inclosed\n        I have lately enquired of the Baron de Stael, the Sweedish Ambassador, and of Mr D\u2019Asp, the Sweedish Charg\u00e9 des Affairs, an old Acquaintance at the Hague who has been lately removed to this Court, concerning the Presents given by their Court to the Barbary Powers. Both very obligingly promised to write to Stockholm for full Information, upon this Subject. I have written to Mr Dumas, to apply to Mr Bisdom and Mr Van der Hope, to learn the Sums given by the Republick. The Answers of those Gentlemen I have\ncommunicated to my Colleagues, and Copies of them will be transmitted to Congress by, Mr Humphreys in the joint Dispatches. If We can avoid, this humiliating Tribute, I Should wish it with all my Heart, but am afraid We must Sooner or later Submit to it. I cant find it in my Heart, to wish ill Success to the two Empires, if they really have, as they are Suspected to have, the Project of driving wholly out of Europe, the Turkish Empire, because the Barbary Powers and their hatefull Piracies would probably come to an End at the sametime. We wait for Orders relative to these States, thinking it dangerous Saying a Word to Morocco, before We are ready to treat with all.\n        There is at this Time So intimate a Connection, between France Sweeden and Holland, that I fancy, We Shall Scarcely perswade either of the latter to agree to any Supplementary Treaties unless the former Should Set the Example, which We cannot expect, considering the Opposition the Ministry meets with from the Merchants of the Sea Port Towns and even from Some Souvereign Courts. The ordonnance of 30 of August 1784, which moderates the rigour of the Letters Patents of October 1727 and admits Foreigners to the Commerce of the Colonies under certain Restrictions, has excited Remonstrances from the Merchants of Marseilles, Bourdeaux Rochelle, Nantes, St. Maloes and Havre de Grace, and the Parliament of Bordeaux, has remonstrated, and that of Bretagne, was very near it. The Marshall de Castries, is yet unmoved, but this Opposition will I fear discourage him from going further.\u2014\n        These Remonstrances attack, every Part of the first Article[;] They oppose the Free Ports, or \u201cEntrepots,\u201d They oppose the Liberty, to Strangers to import, Timber Coal, even Live Stock, but especially Salt Beef, Salt Fish, Rice, Indian Corn, Vegetables, Leather tanned or in the Hair, Pitch Tar, Turpentine. they are eager for reviving, the Regulation of 1727, and totally excluding all Foreigners from their Islands. in Short I see that french Merchants, consider their Colon[ies] and Colonists as English Merchants considered Us twenty Years ago. it is true that all have not been equally extravagant. Some have gone in their Remonstrances no farther, than against Salt Beef and Fish.\n        Merchants whether French, English or Dutch are very bad Rulers of Colonies at a Distance, and their Mistakes if not firmly corrected by their Governments will make a Serious common Cause, between Americans northern and Western.\n        The French Fisheries, in Consequence of the Extension of their\nLimits by the Treaty of Peace, upon the Island of Newfoundland, and the free Communication between the United States and St. Peters and Miquelon, have Succeeded the last Year, in a remarkable manner. Marseilles, Bourdeaux & Rochelle, and many other Places have engaged in the Newfoundland Fishery with a new Ardour, and uncommon Profit. This is one Striking Advantage, arising wholly from their Alliance with Us, and they ought to be too Sensible of it, to wish So Soon, to exclude Us wholly from their Islands. The Government and more enlightened Part of the Nation are so, and will not give Way to the interested Clamours of those who see no further than their own private Profit.\n        Nothing is more extravagant than the confident Pretensions of French and English Merchants, that they can Supply their own Islands. It is whimsical, but it is true, that the mercantile Spirit, Should be the most hostile to the Freedom of Commerce. Governments the most disposed to favour it, are continually Solicited by Bodies of Merchants, from partial Views and private Interests to restrain and Shackle it.\n        England it is plain will never treat with Us here. and it is for Congress to determine, whether they will accept the Proposition of the Court of St. James and Send a Minister there, or renounce all Thoughts of treating with it, upon any Thing.\n        Spain Seems equally averse to treating here. But if Mr Guardoqui has arrived, who has full Powers, Congress may treat with him at New York.\n        The general State of Europe is critical, but the Claims of the Emperor, are so directly against Treaties, which interest so essentially all Europe, that I dont believe he will urge on a War, that must embroil all the World, and end not at all to his Advantage or Honour\n        With very great Esteem and Respect / I have the Honour to be, Sir your / most obedient and most / humble servant\n          John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0326", "content": "Title: John Adams to James Sullivan, 11 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Sullivan, James\n          Auteuil near Paris March 11. 1785.\n        I have received within a few days your obliging Favour of Nov: 22. The Removal of Congress to New York, where their residence will probably be uninterrupted for sometime will I hope have a good Effect, towards raising the Respect to that august Assembly, and reconciling the People, to such general Measures as are indispensable. The People will be less jealous, if Mr: Gerry\u2019s aversion to an Establishment for Troops, in time of Peace, prevails, but there will never be a cordial Union while there are military Establishments in time of Peace. I wish that all Disputes may be decided, and terminated between Mass: & New York. the Harmony of the States depends much upon this.\n        It is probable the Duty upon Oil might be taken off, if Congress should send a Minister to London, but the British Ministry will not treat here upon any Thing The aversion of the United States to send a Minister to St: James\u2019s is considered by the People of England, as a proof of our Dislike of them, of our Reluctance to binding ourselves to any Regulations of Trade with them, and of our being under French Influence, and of our Disinclination to have a British Minister in America\u2014 I think the best way to manage them is to shew that we have no fear of them, and they have gained no Advantage of us, in war or Politicks which need to make us dread to meet them either on the field of Battle or Negotiation: at least I think we ought to make ourselves certain that they will not treat with us upon Terms of Reciprocity, before we proceed to Retalliation, even though all the States were united in this measure.\u2014 We should not be surprized that the Ministry will not treat here, because it would be so unpopular a Measure, that they could hardly stand the Clamour, and they are most certainly, diplomatically in the Right to refuse to treat in France. I begin to doubt whether any Power will treat here excepting those which are so intimately in Friendship with this Court, as to be willing to make them a great Compliment.\n        I have been endeavouring to introduce the use of our Oil, Sperma Ceti Candles, Potash &c into this Country and I believe, that our Merchants if they would turn their attention this Way, and their Correspondences to these Objects, might do a good deal. There are many difficulties in the Way, one of which is a vain Dream of Mr: de Calonne, who as I am told means to found the Glory of his\nAdministration, on the Introduction of the Whale Fishery into France. The great Advantages obtained by the French, by the last War, have exalted the Imaginations of the Nation, and animated their spirit of Enterprize, but, their Merchants have no Faculty of discerning the true means of augmenting their Prosperity, which would be by favouring in every way the Trade between us and them. They on the contrary see no farther than themselves, like the English Merchants, and are obstructing the wiser Views of the Minister, Mr: de Castries. In my Opinion, an American Minister in London, and a british one at New York, nay even the very Report of their appointment, would have a good effect not only here but in all Europe, upon our affairs. The Opinions and Conduct of all the Nations of Europe, are determined by little Circumstances of Etiquette, and diplomatick Ceremonies which we in America have no Idea of. Courts, and consequently Nations, never reason directly upon publick Affairs. They draw their Inferences, wholly from Ceremonies, Coats of Arms, the salutations of Flaggs, the Motions and steps & Bows & smiles of Ministers & Ambassadors; in short from a most complicated system of Nonsense, in which they are entangled and enslaved. the Essences of Affairs are involved in deep and impenetrable Mystery: and judging by this System, they see so many Things, which they think unequivocal Marks of Coldness between us & England, that all those who have any affection for England, or hopes from her, which is half Europe are as much afraid of us as ever.\n        In our affairs with Europe, we must conform to this order of Things in some degree. We can change the Constitution of Nature, as easily as we can change this. it is so wrought into every scene of human Life, that there is hardly a Man in Europe whose bread does not depend upon it.\n        I am Sir with great Regard. &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0328", "content": "Title: John Jay to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: American Commissioners\n          Gentlemen\n          Office of foreign Affairs March 11th. 1785\n        On the 7th of May 1784 Congress were pleased to resolve \u201cthat Treaties of Amity and Commerce be entered into with Morocco, and the Regencies of Tunis, Algiers and Tripoli, to continue for the term of ten years or for a term as much longer as can be procured\u201d\n        They also resolved \u201cthat their Ministers to be commissioned for treating with foreign nations, make known to the Emperor of Morocco the great satisfaction which Congress feel from the amicable disposition he has shewn for these States, and his readiness to enter into alliance with them: that the occupations of the War and the distance of our situation have prevented their meeting his friendship so early as they wished. But that powers are now delegated to them for entering into Treaty with him; in the execution of which they are ready to proceed. That as to the expences of his Minister they do therein what is for the honor of the United States\u201d\n        They farther resolved that a Commission be issued to \u201cMr J. Adams, Mr B. Franklin, and Mr T. Jefferson giving power to them or the greater part of them to make & receive propositions for such Treaties of Amity & Commerce, and to negotiate & sign the same, transmitting them to Congress for their final ratification. And that such Commission be in force for a term not exceeding two years\u201d\n        I presume, Gentlemen, that you have received copies of the above Resolutions as well as of a number of others respecting your Department before my coming into this Office; and that you have taken such measures in pursuance of them as were best calculated to promote the design & objects of them.\n        On the 14th Febry Ulto. Congress resolved \u201cthat the Ministers of the United States who are directed to form Treaties with the Emperor of Morocco, and the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, be empowered to apply so much of the Money borrowed in Holland, or any other Money in Europe belonging to the United States, to that use as they may deem necessary, not exceeding eighty thousand Dollars.\u201d\n        \u201cThat they be further empowered, if the situation of Affairs should render it inexpedient for either of them to proceed to the\nabove court, to appoint such persons as they may deem qualified to execute this trust.\u201d\n        \u201cThat the Secretary of foreign Affairs be directed to write to the above Ministers, pressing upon them the necessity of prosecuting this important business, and forwarding to them Commissions & Letters of Credence, with a blank for the name of such person as may be directed to conclude the said Treaties\u201d\n        The Secretary of Congress informs me that you have already been furnished with Commisisons to treat with these African Powers, so that nothing now remains to be done to enable you to commence your negotiations with them, for Letters of Credence and a Commission to enable you to appoint an Agent or Substitute in the business are herewith transmitted to you.\u2014\n        It also appears to me expedient to send you copies of such papers in this Office on this subject as may be necessary to give you accurate information of what has heretofore been done respecting it\u2014a list of which will be sbjoined to this letter.\n        You will probably meet with difficulties and embarrassments of various kinds in the prosecution of this business, but difficulies & embarrassments are not new to you, and experience has taught us that there are very few which talents, assiduity & perseverance cannot overcome.\n        It is the desire and expectation of Congress, and of the People at large that this business be immediately, earnestly & vigorously undertaken and pursued; and considering to whom the execution of it is committed the most sanguine expectations of its being speedily & properly accomplished are entertained. Peace with those States is a most desirable object, as well on account of its importance to our commerce, as because the continuance of their hostilities must constantly expose our free Citizens to captivity & slavery. The interests therefore of humanity as well as commerce urge Congress & the Public to provide and to desire that no time or pains may be spared to bring this matter to an advantageous and happy conclusion.\n        The readiness which the court of France has expressed to aid our negotiations in this affair, will render it proper that these transactions be communicated to them, and (if circumstances should render it necessary) that their assistance be requested; for although the trouble they have already had with our affairs should render us delicate & modest in our applications, yet reserve should not be carried so far as to be imputable either to pride or want of confidence.\n        On the 4th. inst. Congress received a letter dated at Cadiz the 16th day of Novr 1784 from Giacomo Francisco Crocco, whom the Emperor of Morocco had sent to Spain to treat on the subject of propositions which Mr Robert Montgomery had it seems taken the unwarrantable liberty of making to His Majesty on the part of the United States. This letter enclosed copies of two others which he had written on the 15th day of July & the 25 day of Novr last to the Honble Doctr. Franklin. A Copy of this letter and of the answer I am directed to return to it, are herewith enclosed for your information.\n        At courts where favoritism as well as corruption prevails, it is necessary that attention be paid even to men who may have no other recommendation than their influence with their superiors; what the real character of Mr Crocco or Mr Caille may be, I am not informed; but I think you will find it expedient to purchase the influence of those whom you may find so circumstanced, as to be able to impede or forward your views;\u2014perhaps gratuities before the work is done, might tempt them to delay it, in hopes of exacting dispatch money. Would it not therefore be prudent to promise payment on the completion of the Treaties? These are delicate subjects which your greater experience well enables you to manage, and on which I should not venture any hints, if this letter was not to be delivered to you by a private and I believe a careful & confidential hand, viz, by Captn. Lamb of Connecticut. This gentleman was recommended by the Governor of Connecticut as a proper person to be employed in this business. The testimonials he has from that State contain the only information I possess respecting his character\u2014they are certainly greatly in his favour. In this matter Congress have not thought proper to interfere, and Captn. Lamb has no encouragement either from them or from me to expect that he will be employed, it being intended to leave you in the full and uninfluenced exercise of your discretion in appointing the Agent in question. But as Capn Lamb informs me that he means to go to Paris, I have concluded to commit this letter to his care, because I am persuaded he will be as faithful a bearer of it as any other person.\n        I have the honor to be / With great respect & esteem / Gentlemen / Your Most obdt. and / Very hble. Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0329", "content": "Title: Joint Commission to Negotiate a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Morocco, 11 March 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry,Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          Duplicate. \n        The United States in Congress Assembled.\n        To all to whom these Presents shall come or be made known send Greeting:\n        Whereas We, reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Prudence and Ability of our trusty and well beloved The Honorable John Adams, late one of our Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a Peace, and heretofore a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts, and Chief Justice of the said State, The Honorable Doctor Benjamin Franklin our Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles, and late another of our Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a Peace, and The Honorable Thomas Jefferson a Delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia and late Governor of the said State, did by our Commission under the Seal of the United States, and the Signature of our then President bearing date the twelfth Day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, constitute and appoint them the said John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson our Ministers Plenipotentiary giving to them or a Majority of them full Power and Authority for Us and in our name to confer treat and negotiate with the Ambassador, Minister, or Commissioner of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Morocco, vested with full and sufficient Powers, of and concerning a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, (as the Case may be) to make and receive Propositions for such Treaty, and to conclude and sign the same, transmitting it to the United States in Congress assembled for their final Ratification.\nAnd whereas it may so happen that the other great and various Affairs which we have committed to the Care and Management of our said Ministers Plenipotentiary, may not admit of their meeting the Minister or Commissioners which his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Morocco may appoint to treat with them of and concerning such Treaty, at a Time and Place that might otherwise be most convenient; Therefore Know Ye, That we do hereby authorize and empower our said three Ministers Plenipotentiary, and the Majority of them, by writing under their Hands and Seals, to appoint and employ, and at pleasure to remove, such Agent in the said Business as they or the Majority of them may think proper; which said Agent shall have Authority under the Directions and Instructions of our said Ministers, to commence and prosecute negotiations and Conferences for the said Treaty, with such Person or Persons on the Part of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Morocco, as to our said Ministers or the Majority of them shall appear proper. Provided always That the Treaty in Question shall be signed by our said Ministers, but that preliminary Articles thereto, may, if previously approved of by our said Ministers or a Majority of them, be signed by the said Agent.\u2014\n        In Testimony whereof We have caused the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Witness His Excellency Richard Henry Lee our President this eleventh Day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five, and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America the Ninth.\u2014\n          Richard Henry Lee. P.John JayAttest Chas Thomson secy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0330", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners\u2019 Letter of Credence to the Emperor of Morocco, 11 March 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry,Jay, John\nTo: Sidi Mohammed (Muhammed)\n          Duplicate\n        To the Great, Noble and Imperial Sovereign, the Emperor of Morocco.\u2014\n        We the United States of America in Congress Assembled, being desirous of cultivating and establishing Peace and Harmony between your Majesty and our Nation, have appointed the Honorable John Adams late one of our Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a Peace, and heretofore a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts, and Chief Justice of the said State; The Honorable Doctor Benjamin Franklin our Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles, and late another of our Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a Peace, and the Honorable Thomas Jefferson a Delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia, and late Governor of the said State, our Ministers Plenipotentiary, giving to them or a Majority of them full Power in our Name to negotiate and conclude a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with your Majesty; and we have also authorised them or the Majority of them to appoint such Agent in the said Business as Circumstances may in their Judgement render expedient.\u2014\n        We desire your Majesty to give full Credit to whatever shall be delivered to you by or from our said Ministers; and we hope you will readily concur with us in forming such a Treaty as may be permanent and mutually beneficial.\n        We wish You Health and Prosperity.\u2014\n        Done in Congress at their Chamber in the City of New York on the eleventh Day of March one thousand seven hundred and eighty five, and signed by their Unanimous Order.\u2014\n          Richard Henry Lee. P.John JayChas Thomson secy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0331", "content": "Title: John Jay to John Adams, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          New York 15th: March 1785\n        The enclosed Extracts from the Journal of Congress will inform you of your Appointment to go as Minister to the Court of London, and of Mr. Smith\u2019s being elected Secretary to the Legation. I congratulate you on this Event. It argues the Confidence reposed in you by the United States, and I am persuaded will redound to their Advantage as well as to your Reputation.\u2014\n        The necessary Papers are preparing, and Mr. Smith will carry them to you by the next Packet.\u2014\n        With great Respect and Esteem / I am Dear Sir / Your most obt. & very humble Servt:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0334", "content": "Title: C. W. F. Dumas to John Adams, 18 March 1785\nFrom: Dumas, C. W. F.\nTo: Adams, John\n          Monsieur,\n        Depuis quelques jours mon Epouse, un peu mieux, me laisseroit sans peine pour elle, si l\u2019extr\u00eame foiblesse qui lui reste, ne m\u2019inquiettoit encore.\n        Les projets sur la Baviere d\u00e9rang\u00e9s, paroissent avoir fait prendre le parti de vouloir s\u2019en d\u00e9dom\u0303ager aux d\u00e9pens de la Rep., qui ne peut se r\u00e8soudre \u00e0 souscrire aux nouvelles propositions qu\u2019on lui fait; & par cons\u00e9quent je crains que nous n\u2019ayions enfin la guerre.\n        Com\u0303e j\u2019ignore la r\u00e9sidence actuelle du Congr\u00e8s, je la laisse en blanc sur l\u2019adresse de l\u2019une des deux incluses, priant V. E. de vouloir bien y suppl\u00e9er.\n        Made. Van Berckel, dont la fille ain\u00e9e va partir pour aller aupr\u00e8s de Mr. son pere, m\u2019ayant demand\u00e9 si elle ne risquoit rien des Barbaresques, dans un Vaisseau Am\u00e9ricain pr\u00eat \u00e0 partir d\u2019Amsterdam, en prenant par le Nord. Mon opinion, que je lui ai fait conno\u00eetre, est, qu\u2019il n\u2019y a rien \u00e0 craindre par cette voie, & dans cette saison. Si je me trompois, un prompt avertissement de la part de V. E. me mettroit \u00e0 m\u00eame de me retracter, & de pr\u00e9server Madle. Van Berckel du malheur d\u2019\u00eatre prise. Bien nos respects \u00e0 Mesdames Adams, De Votre Excellence le tr\u00e8s humble & tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur\n          Cwf Dumas\n        TRANSLATION\n        For several days my spouse has been a bit better, which would have alleviated my concern for her if the extreme weakness that persists did not keep me worrying still.\n        The schemes for Bavaria being upset seems to have occasioned a determination to try to make up for it at the expense of the republic, which cannot bring itself to sign the new proposals that are made to it, and consequently I fear that we will in the end have a war.\n        As I do not know where Congress currently resides, I am leaving blank the address on one of the two enclosures, asking your excellency to be so kind as to supply it.\n        Mrs. Van Berckel, whose elder daughter is leaving to go to her father, asked me if she risked anything from the Barbaries in an American vessel, one of which is ready to depart from Amsterdam, taking the northern route. My opinion, which I let her know, is that there is nothing to fear along that route in this season. If I am mistaken, a prompt warning from your excellency would enable me to recant and to save Miss Van Berckel from the misfortune of being captured. Our respects to the Adams ladies. Your excellency\u2019s very humble and very obedient servant\n          Cwf Dumas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0335", "content": "Title: John Jay to John Adams, 18 March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          Office for foreign Affairs 18 March 1785\n        The Packet not sailing until to morrow has put in my Power to get your Commission, Instructions and Letter of Credence completed. I also send You in another Parcel, of which Mr. Randall is also to take Charge, the Journals printed since those with which I understand you have already been furnished.\u2014\n        With great Esteem & Regard / I am Dear Sir / Your most obt. & hble. Servt:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0336", "content": "Title: John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\n          Gentlemen\n        According to your desire, I went early this Morning to Versailles, and finding the Count de Vergennes unembarassed with Company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the Honour of a Conference, in which I told him that my Colleagues were very sorry, that Indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in Person, & obliged them to request me alone to wait on him, and ask his Advice upon a thorny Question, we had with the Barbary Powers. He asked what it was, and I put into his Hand, all the Letters upon the Subject, in French, Spanish, Italian & English, all of which he read very attentively, and observed that it was obvious what was wanted, and what had piqued the Emperor of Morocco, viz that Congress had not written to him, nor sent him a Consul, with the Customary Presents, for that he was the most interested Man in the World, and the most greedy of Money. He asked whether we had written to Congress and obtained their Instructions. I answered that we had full Powers, to treat with Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli and the rest, but that it was impossible for us to go there, and that we had not a Power of Substitution. He said then we should write to the Emperor. I asked if he would do us the favour to convey a Letter for us, through the french Consul? he said he could not do this himself, because it was not in his Department, but if we would make an office of it, he would communicate it to the Marquis de Castries and return us his answer.\n        I told him, that in looking over the Treaties between the several Christian Powers and the Barbary States, we found that the Treaty between the Crown of France, and Algiers of the 25. April 1684, was expired, or near expiring, and we were desirous of knowing, if the Question were not indiscreet, whether it had been renewed. He smiled upon this, and said, it was true that their Treaty was upon the point of expiring, but he could not tell me, whether it were renewed, as it was not in his Department, but if we would insert this Inquiry in our office, he would endeavour to obtain the Marshall de Castries\u2019s Answer.\n        I told him, that in order to lay before Congress, all the Information we could, and to enable them to judge the better what orders to give us, or what other Course to take we had obtained authentic Information from Mr: Bisdom and Mr: Van der hope, concerning the\nPresents, annually given by their High Mightinesses and that we should be very glad to know, if it was not improper, what was the annual Amount of the Presents made by his Majesty to each of those States, and in what Articles they consisted. He said the King never sent them any naval or military Stores, but he sent them glasses and other Things of Value: but that as it was not in his Department, he could not give me particular Information but that we might put this into our office, with the other Things.\n        I asked if there was not a considerable Trade, and frequent Intercourse, between some Ports of this Kingdom, and the Coast of Barbary. He said there was, from Marseilles and the other Ports upon the Mediterranean: but he thought if we had Presents to send it would be more convenient to send them from Cadiz.\n        I then asked the favour of his Advice, whether in our Letter to the Emperor of Morocco, we should leave it to his option to send a Minister here to treat with us, or to wait untill we could write to Congress and recommend it to them, to send a Consul. He said he would by no means advise us to invite the Emperor to send a Minister here to treat with us, because we must maintain him here and bear all the Expences of his Voyages and Journeys which would be much more costly than for Congress to send a consul.\n        But the Comte concluded the whole Conference by observing that every Thing relative to this Business was out of his Department, and that we must state to him in writing all we desired to know, or to have done, and he would convey it to the Minister of the Marine, and communicate to us, his answer, and that we might depend upon it, that whenever we thought proper to make any office to him, it should be carefully attended to.\n        He added very particular Inquiries concerning the Health of Dr: Franklin and Mr: Jefferson, which I answered to the best of my Knowledge. & took my Leave.\n        With great Respect, I have the Honour to be &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0337", "content": "Title: Charles Storer to John Adams, 22 March 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\n        Pardon me if I again trouble you with a letter. I plead for my apology that the occasion does not relate entirely to myself\u2014but in a degree concerns you.\u2014\n        Yesterday, upon the Exchange, Mr: Burgess, of whom I have made mention before, desired Mr: Atkinson, my Brother-in-law, to acquaint me that a Mr: Petree, one of the Committee of Merchants respecting American Affairs, wished to have some Conversation with me upon the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce with the United-States.\u2014 In the evening I called upon Mr: Jackson, acquainted him with the matter & enquired if he knew either of the above Gentlemen\u2014 Mr: Petree had had a Conversation upon the same subject with him, but a few days before, and had given him to understand that the reason of a Treaty Commerce\u2019s not bing made was owing to a disinclination to treat on the part of the American Commissioners: at least that Government had so given it out to the Merchants here; and that in consequence of this information they wished to know where was the obstacle to treating, that, if possible, it might be removed.\u2014 This morning Mr: Petree called upon me\u2014 He asked me if the American Commissr: were not authorised to make a Treaty with this Country\u2014& if so why they did not come over here\u2014 a: I told him that I was not authorised to talk with him upon these matters, &\nthat therefore he must take what came from me, as originating with me: that so far as I knew anything it should be at his service\u2014 I told him then, that you were authorised to treat with this Country, & that I was surprised he should put the question to me\u2014since the Ministry had been well acquainted with it ever since last Fall\u2014and that, so far the disinclination to treat being upon your side, I believed it laid entirely here\u2014 I told him that Mr: Hartley had been recalled just when you were empowered to treat\u2014and that you had been since amused with having an invitation from this Court, to come here\u2014but that you had never had any\u2014 He hoped you wd. not stand upon any etiquette, & ceremony when the business was so important\u2014 I told him I was sure you would never suffer any unnecessary etiquette to be any obstacle to you\u2014nor that you would act either unless upon an equal footing & with proper formality: that, however, I knew of no particular objection you had to treat\u2014except the not having an invitation from this Court\u2014 He told me that he had waited upon Ld. Carmarthen, the last week, who told him that the only difficulty rested with you, as he had sent the American Commissioners an invitation abt: a month ago, thru\u2019 the D. of Dorset, which you did not incline to accept of: he wondered that you had not been here before this, & said he really wished you would come.\u2014 I told him I equally wondered at this intelligence being given by Ld. Carmarthen\u2014since he knew that, if he sent a proper invitation, you would come here\u2014 I asked Mr: Petree if there was any person to treat with you here, if you came. He said that Ld. Carmarthen he believed was authorised\u2014but asked, in his turn, if Congress had power to treat, was this Court inclined to meet them\u2014 I told him that other Treaties had been made\u2014but that this wd. be known when the full powers of each should be exchanged\u2014 Upon parting, Mr: Petree said he was glad to hear that the difficulty did not rest with you\u2014and, being convinced of this, the Merchants would immediately remonstrance to the Ministry that a proper invitation should be sent to you, in order that Business should be begun\u2014 Mr: P. said the Merchts: had been alarmed at the appointment of a Consul General, supposing that some Convention had been made\u2014 Upon their application to Ld. C. he told them there was no Convention made, & that why a Consul had been appointed he did not know\u2014 The Merchants have objected to the man\u2014\n        It seems the Ministry have industriously given it about that the American Commissrs: were averse to treating with this Country\u2014wishing to throw all the blame upon them\u2014 Whether from a fear of\nengaging upon an unpopular business, as they must make some concessions\u2014whether from a wish to proffit from the monopoly of our carrying Trade to the W. Indies, or whether to give time to strengthen the Adventurers in the Whale-fishery, is not for me to say\u2014perhaps they each have weight with them\u2014\n        What I have said, Sir, I wish you may not disapprove, as I hope I have not exceeded the bounds of discretion\u2014 If you can make use of me any way here, I shall not only be very happy, but think myself highly honored & flattered by your Confidence\u2014 You may say I am too young\u2014to wh: I can only say, that I wish I was older & more steady\u2014 If you shd. chuse to write me in answer to this, for safety, you had better enclose your letter to Mr: Jno: Appleton, No: 11. Spring-Gardens, or to Mr: John Harwood, No: 18. Cullum street\u2014\n        Excuse my troubling you with this long letter: the occasion I hope will be a sufficient apology\u2014and I would beg your advice upon it.\u2014\n        With best respects to the family, I have the honor to be, with much esteem, / dear Sir, / Yr: Most oblig\u2019d, humle: servt:\n          Chas: Storer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0339", "content": "Title: John Adams to Charles Storer, 28 March 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Storer, Charles\n        I have this moment received your Letter dated this month. your Letters always give me Pleasure, although the circumstances of the times have forbidden me, to enter into any particular Details with you or any one else, upon public affairs.\u2014 I am joined with others, and have doubts both of Delicacy and Prudence, if not of right, whether I may communicate Opinions, Reasonings or even Facts without their Knowledge and consent. We are to treat with the British Court, not the Royal Exchange, and whatever veneration I might have, for this last Assembly I Should be thought a mal-adroit Ambassador, if I might be there quoted, for Things which had not been represented at St. James\u2019s.\u2014 Besides I Should look Still more unwise if it Should appear that Merchants were employed to pump out of me my Sentiments by Ministers behind the Sceene.\n        I have a well grounded Faith in your Steadiness and Discretion and Shall ever be obliged to you for your Letters, but must be excused from entering into confidential Correspondence, any further than I can see a Safety in it.\n        You may however affirm roundly and with perfect Truth, that the Disinclination to treat, is not in America, nor in the American Ministers. We have Full Powers to treat and conclude, which We made known to the British Ministry, through Mr Heartly. instead of being authorised to treat with Us, he was recall\u2019d. We then repeated the Communication through the Duke of Dorsett. We were answered by a refusal to treat here, and an Invitation or rather a Proposition that the United States Should Send a Minister to St. James\u2019s. We replied\nto this, that We would transmit the Proposition to Congress, and in the mean time were ready to go in Person with our Plein pouvoir if that were agreable to them. This Offer has not been accepted. It can hardly be Said that We have waited for an Invitation. We have rather invited ourselves. I dont See what more We could have done unless We had all three flewn over in an Air Balloon, alighted at Lord Carmarthaens House pour demander a diner, of his Lordship.\n        You have penetrated the true Motive of the Aversion of the British Ministry, a dread of engaging in an unpopular Business, rather than a Wish to profit from the monopoly of our carrying Trade to the W. Indies, or to Strengthen the Adventurers in the Whale Fishery. A Dancer on a Slackrope, Shudders at the Opening of a Door against him, lest a Blast of Air Should rush in and blow him over. Ireland and India are already blowing a Storm.\n        I wish however that Congress would Send a Minister to England, and if he Should not Succeed, the World will Soon See that Congress have authority to make navigation Acts.\n        The Powers of Congress to treat, were never disputed by France, Spain, Holland Sweeden, Prussia or any other Power. They have express Power to make Treaties of Commerce, by an Article of the Confederation, which you may read. There is it is true a limitation. But it would be easier to get a Navigation Act passed by each of the thirteen States, than to get this Limitation taken off. and if British Ministers or Merchants would decline treating upon this Pretext they are Still as weak as they have been these twenty Years, with only two Short Intervals.\n        Yours affectionately\n          John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0340", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 28 March 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\n        We have the honour to enclose an extract of a letter from the Commissioners of the United States of America to Your Excellency dated Augst. 28th. 1778. Copy of Your Excellency\u2019s ansr dated 27. Septr. 1778. & Copy of M. de Sartine\u2019s letter to Your Excellency of \nthe 21st of Septr. 1778 all relative to a proposed negotiation with the States of Barbary. Not having any particular authority or instructions from Congress at that time to treat with those States, the Commissioners desisted from any further pursuit of the negotiation until Congress should have opportunity to deliberate & decide upon it. We are now able to inform your Excellency that we have received from the United States in Congress assembled special full powers to treat with each of the Powers of Barbary, Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli and the rest; & we have lately received authentic information that one of those Powers at least, the Emperor of Morocco has commenced hostilities against the United States by the capture of a vessel belonging to Philadelphia by one of his frigates, which has spread an alarm among the American Merchants & Mariners, raised the pr\u00e6miums of insurance, and made it necessary for us to do all in our power to prevent the further progress of the war as well as to procure the liberation of our Countrymen who are made prisoners. As it is impossible for us to go to Morocco & we have no power of substitution, we can do no more than write a letter to the Emperor & either invite him to send a Minister or authorize his consul in France to treat with us here, or to carry on the negotiation in writing at this distance through the French consul at Morocco, or propose to him to wait until we can write to America & Congress can send a consul to the Emperor.\n        We therefore request the honour of your Excellency\u2019s advice which of these measures is the most eligible, & whether your Excellency or the Minister in whose Department it is, would do us the favour to transmit a letter from us to the Emperor through the French consul.\n        Looking over several treaties between Christian Powers & the Barbary States we find that the treaty between the crown of France & Algiers of April 1684 is upon the point of expiring; and we are desirous of knowing (if it is not improper that we should enquire) whether this treaty is or is likely to be renewed; because if there is a probability of a war Congress would probably prefer joining in the war, rather than to treat with Nations who so barbarously & inhumanly commence hostilities against others who have done them no injury.\n        In order to lay before Congress all the information necessary to enable them to judge what is best for them to do, we have obtained from Holland a certain account of the presents given annually and occasionally by the States General to the Barbary Powers, and have\ntaken measures which promise success for procuring similar intelligence from other Christian States. And if there is no impropriety in the request we should desire to be informed what is the annual amount of the presents given by France to each of those States & in what articles they usually consist.\n        We have the further honour to propose to your Excellency that his Majesty\u2019s good offices and interposition may be employed with the Emperor, in order to provide as fully as possible for the convenience & safety of those inhabitants of the United States, their vessels & effects, who are now or my hereafter be in captivity in Morocco, according to the tenor of the eighth article of the treaty of commerce.\n        With the highest respect / We have the honor to be / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most obedient and / Most humble Servants\n          John AdamsB. FranklinT. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-16-02-0343", "content": "Title: John Jay to John Adams, 31 March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          Office for foreign Affairs 31st. March 1785.\n        I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed, a certified Copy of an Act of Congress of the 21st. Instant, instructing you\nto communicate to Mr. St. Saphorin, the high Sense, the United States in Congress assembled, entertain of the liberal Decision made by his Danish Majesty, on the Question proposed to his Minister by You, respecting the Ordination of american Candidates for holy orders in the episcopal Church, commonly called the Church of England.\n        Congress has been pleased to order me to transmit copies of your Letter, and the other papers on this Subject, to the Executives of the different States; and I am persuaded they will receive with pleasure this mark of your Attention, and of his Danish Majesty\u2019s friendly Disposition.\n        I have the Honor to be, with great Respect and / Esteem, / Dear Sir, / Your most obedient, and / very humble servant,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0001", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Christian Lotter, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lotter, Christian\n            Auteuil Near Paris April 8 1785\n          I have received your letter of the 30 of March as I did another Sometime ago. I congratulate you on the Increase of your family and wish the New born as well as his Parrents Health Long Life and Happiness\n          My son is to embark in May for his native Country, where he is to finish his education for a Profession in which I hope he will be a usefull Man, you will be so good as to pack up for him whatever he writes for\n          you may have the Arms of the United States put up as soon as you will and have E pluribus Unum painted over again in another colour if it is thought proper. I never gave any particular directions about it.\u2014 the Parcell containing a Book you may keep untill you can send it by a Private Hand.\u2014\n          I beleive I shall not continue the subscription to the Accademy\n          I am sir your humble servt\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0002", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Baron Lynden van Blitterswyck, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Blitterswyck, the Baron Lynden van\n            Auteuil near Paris April 8. 1785\n          I take this Opportunity by Mr Bingham whom you once Saw at my House at the Hague to congratulate you on your agreable Situation in England as I entertain a pleasing Remembrance of those Social Hours We have heretofore passed together in Paris and the Hague, I cannot but cherrish a Hope of meeting you again in some Part of the World. Two months ago I thought it possible it might be in London and it is by no means certain that it will not be. Whether it is to be or not, I Should be very much obliged to you, if you would inform me, what are the Ceremonies of introducing a Minister to the King and Royal Family at St. James, and by whom he is introduced, and in what manner he is introduced to the Corps Diplomatique.\n          with great Respect & sincere Esteem &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0003", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Richard Price, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Price, Richard\n            Auteuil near Paris April 8. 1785\n          I received sometime ago from Dr Franklin a Copy of the first Edition of your Observations, on the Importance of the American Revolution, and a few days Since, a Copy of the Second. I am very much obliged to you, Sir, for your kind Attention to me, and for these valuable Presents\n          I think it may be said in general, in Praise of the Citizens of the United States, that they are Sincere Enquirers after Truth in matters of Government and of Commerce, at least that there is among them as great a Number in Proportion, of this liberal Character as any Country possesses. They must therefore but be obliged to you and to all others, who are able to through Light upon those Objects, and who are willing to take the Pains to give them Advice.\n          I think myself happy to be perfectly agreed with you in Opinion, that the first Thing to be done, in order to the Improvement of Society, is, to Sett Conscience free. When all Men, of all Religions, consistent with Morals and Property, shall enjoy equal Liberty, Property, or rather Security of Property, and an equal Chance for Honour and Power. and when Goverment shall be considered, as nothing more misterious or divine, than any other Art or Science We may well expect Improvements in the human Character and in the State of Society. But at what an immense distance is that Period? nothwithstanding all that has been written, from Sidney and Lock down to Dr Price and Abbe de Mably, all Europe Still believes, that Sovereignty is a Sacred and divine right except a few Men of Letters; even in Holland their Sovereignty, although it resides at least in four Thousand Persons is all divine.\n          I did not propose however, at this time to enter into Details: But if you will give me leave, I should be glad to communicate with you now and then upon these Matters.\n          With great Esteem I have the Honour / to be, Sir your most obedient / and humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0004", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Gordon, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Adams, John\n            Jamaica Plain Apr 8. 1785\n          I hope this will find you at Westminster. I congratulate You upon your late appointment; it was what I wished for, as what I thought would be agreeable to you, & for the good of our country. The treaty of commerce may be too far settled to admit of alteration: but if your correspondents have not urged you in the most pressing manner, to exert every nerve to obtain an importation of our whale oil on much easier terms than at present, they have failed greatly. The continuance of the present duty is next to a prohibition, & will occasion the whale-men to remove from Cape Cod &c &c to Nova Scotia. I know what I assert to be fact, having my information from a gentleman concerned in the business, whose Captains have declared as much, as to themselves. Exert yourself also to obtain the support of the British ministry in settling with the Algerines, that our vessels may go to the Mediterranean with safety. By the by, a story has been propagated that Palfry was taken by the Algerines, & is now labouring at the Oar. I am fearful there is no truth in it: but as it is possible, that the ship in which he was might be driven out of sight in the night, & not be lost as is imagined, & be afterward taken, I wish you out of regard to his family & respect to his memory, to make inquiry & to receive certain information from the British resident at Algiers, whether any such American vessel was taken, in 1781, if I mistake not the date.\n          The last Jany twelve month I sent You a letter, which was enclosed to my brother, & to be by him forwarded to Holland to Messrs De Neufville. He recd & sent it on. I have had no answer, how that happens I know not. You best know, whether there is any truth in my suspicion, that the free use I made of your liberal sentiments respecting the Tories to counter-act the narrow & pernicious politics of some individuals, has induced them to caution you against corresponding with me, especially in that free & open manner.\n          Now for Massachusetts. The late Govr notified to the General Court his proposed resignation; thought by some Deeps to be a finesse for settling himself in the chair another twelve month. An answer was prepared. My friend informed me, that he did not like it, on account of its flattery; but learnt afterward that the complexion given it was meant to make it go down glib with the governors party, & thereby catch them. They were well pleased: but after agreeing to it, moved some addition, amounting really to a request that he would not resign for his bad health, & that they would dispense with his doing governmental duty. They could not carry it; the resignation took place. The Lt Govr Cushing was, let me say, with much officious effrontery recommended in the speech to the genl court for a successor. Mr Hancock used his influence to get him into the chair. Questions against Bowdoin were published in the Centinel of saturday. This gave the opposite party an opening for other questions in favour of him, & for publishing against Mr Hancock & Mr Cushing. Messrs Adams, Higginson, Davies, Lowell &c exerted themselves. The monday\u2019s papers teemed with publications for Bowdoin & against the others. Hand bills were added. The election began. Hancock went to the Hall. If he expected shouts &c he was disappointed. Upon the close there were for Mr Bowdoin as Govr 574 for Mr Cushing about 340\n          for him as Lt Govr \" 665 for many voted for him as Lt Govr to give him bread, who had no notion of him as chief magistrate.\n          Senators S. Adams 692. Tufts 901. Lowell 628. Deacon Phillips 739. Cranch 408. Heath 407.\n          Roxbury Bowdoin 48 Cushing Lt Govr 42.\n          Senators Phillips 49. Lowell 49. Heath 42. Tufts 47. Metcalf of Bellingham 33. Higginson 27. Cranch 5.\n          Dedham \u2003 Bowdoin 86 out of 97\n          Mystick \u2003\u2002Do all\n          Cambridge\u00a0\u2009Do 20. Cushing 10. Dana 11.\n          Salem \u2003\u2003\u2002Do most. By what can be gathered Mr Bowdoin is likely to be chosen by the people; & if so, he will serve, & the State be delivered out of the hand of Quacks. Tho\u2019 it is now Your Excellency, I trust your good sense remains, & that You are for freedom among friends. Mrs Gordon unites in respects to Self Lady & family. Do not recollect any thing further that is material. I continue with real esteem / Your Excellencys sincere friend / & very humble servant\n            William Gordon\n            I have written currente calamo being in enormous haste.\n          This comes by Col Norton one of our Senators, whom I take to be a worthy gentleman. He will inform you more about Mr Bowdoin, & what a winter we have had, & that we have now an immense quantity of snow upon the ground, more than for 44 years back.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0005", "content": "Title: The Marquis de Lafayette to the American Commissioners, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: American Commissioners\n            Gentlemen\n            Paris April the 8th 1785\n          In Consequence of Your desire, I Have Endeavoured to Collect informations, Relative to the presents which the African Powers Usually Receive from European Nations.\n          By the inclosed Summary, You will get Every intelligences I Could obtain of what Has been done By Holland, Sweden, danmark, Venise, Spain, Portugal, and England. The Returns N\u00f5s 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, are Minuted Accounts of the Presents which at Several Periods Have been delivered By those Powers\n          As to france, it Has Been More difficult for me to know their Exact Situation\u2014their way of transacting Business with the Africans is peculiar to them, and it is a principle with Government Not to divulge it\u2014 I know we are not like the other powers obliged to Pay Certain tribute\u2014our presents are Voluntary, with Respect to the Time, as well as to the val\u00fce, and france is upon a much more decent footing with those pirats than Any other Nation\u2014 it Has Been Avoided to Give presents upon fixed occasions, Like a change of princes\u2014 The King of Morocco\u2019s Envoys Have not Been Considered as Ambassadors, one Excepted who Came to present a Number of french men taken in foreign Vessels whom that King Had purchased from the Captors\u2014 upon the King\u2019s Coronation, He was Complimented By tunis and tripoly\u2014 But the permission, I am told, was not Granted upon the delphin\u2019s Birth\n          it is However Customary that Every french Consul, when first introduced, Makes a present in His own Name\u2014the last one at Alger, in the Return No 1 Cost 20,000 french livres\u2014those to tunis and tripoly are much inferior\n          in the last treaty of peace with tunis the present N\u00f5 3 was Sent By the late king of france\u2014it did Cost about 50,000 livres, Besides which the french Merchants made a present of about 12,000 livres. The tunisian Ambassador who Came for the King\u2019s Coronation Received the present N\u00f5 4 which Cost 68,840 livres\n          Upon the occasion of the last peace with Morocco, the present to the Emperor was worth 163,708 livres, and to His officers 74,250 livres as Appears By the Return N\u00f5 6\u2014 the Ambassador from that Country, in the Circumstance I Have Mentioned, in the Year 1775, was Complimented with the Articles of the Return N\u00f5 8, to the Amount of 129,063 livres.\n          The Return No 14th Contains the present to the Pacha of tripoly, By the Envoy He was permitted to Send for the King\u2019s Coronation\u2014 it is worth 34,340 livres\n          it is also Customary to pay the Expenses of those Envoys on the Road, and to Send them Back to their Country in a ship of war\n          Such are, Gentlemen, the intelligences I Could Collect\u2014 I am to Apologize for the delay\u2014 But Considering the Variety of Articles, and the Reserve of Government upon this point, my Exertions Required Some time Before I Could gather all the interesting particulars\n          With the Highest Respect I Have the Honour to be / Your Excellencies\u2019s / Most obedient Humble / Servant\n            Lafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0006", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Cushing, 9 April 1785\nFrom: Cushing, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I am obliged to you for your favor of the 25th. Octr. last & for the intelligence it contained relative to the line between this State & Nova Scotia. I have lately at the request of the General Court forwarded to our Delegates at Congress the report of the Agents that were sent last fall to the Eastern parts of this State to make enquiry whether any encroachments had been made upon this State by the British; & also a number of other Papers relative to the boundary Line above referr\u2019d to, I suppose you will soon hear from Congress upon this subject\u2014 I congratulate you upon your being appointed a Minister at the Court of Great Britain & hope the appointment will be agreeable to you, I sincerely wish you success in all your negociations & hope you will be able to do essential service to the United States by making a treaty of Commerce with that Nation that may be mutually beneficial. Our People begin to be very restless & uneasy under the restrictions & embarrassments our Trade labors under at the English Ports & will not any longer rest satisfied unless this Government or Congress retaliate\u2014\n          Colo. Norton, who will deliver you this Letter, is employed as an Agent from the County of Dukes County to apply to the British Government for Compensation for the Stock taken from the Inhabitants of said County in the year 1778, he has had the permission of this Commonwealth for this purpose several times during the War\u2014\n          If your Excellency can render him any service, it will be to the advantage of the Commonwealth at large, as the money that may be obtained for these People will be principally, if not wholly, applied to the payment of their Taxes for which they now stand indebted\u2014\n          With great Respect & Esteem, / I have the honor to be, / Dear Sir, / Your most Obedt. hble Servt.\n            Thomas Cushing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0008", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Tristram Dalton, 11 April 1785\nFrom: Dalton, Tristram\nTo: Adams, John\n          Under date of the 21st Decem, of the last Year, I did myself the honor of addressing You; since which time I have not had the pleasure of receiving any advise of your good Self or esteemed Family, except by enquiry from some of their near connections\u2014who, with me, regret their personal loss in not hearing oftener; tho\u2019 they submit to the consideration of the great importance of your every moment\u2014\n          Your appointment to the Court of London has given great Joy & Confidence.\n          The good Citizens of these States have been for some time very uneasy at the Situation of our Commerce with the Subjects of G Britain\u2014 Those of this State have abundant reason of resentment\u2014\n          To see the Whale Fishery decreasing, and tending rapidly to Annihilation\u2014\n          To see the Colonies of Nova Scotia & New Brunswick fed and nursed by provisions and supplies, freely exported from these States in British Vessels; while those belonging to the Citizens of them cannot enter their ports without insult\u2014and are not permitted to land any article\u2014\n          To see British Vessells the only Carriers of our Lumber to their Islands\u2014which must have immediately sunk without a supply from us\u2014while all commerce with their plantations, of the least benefit, is prohibited\u2014\n          To see British Ships have the preference in the transportation of their own Manufactures to these Ports, owing undoubtedly to an insiduous influence that their interest caused with the Barbary States to interrupt our Navigation\u2014\n          To see these things, and many others of like nature, has roused the Spirit of the People to so high a degree, that, I am, humbly, of opinion, they would strictly comply with any measures, be they what they might, which Congress should think proper to recommend\n          The Lre. of Rhode Island have, at length, on their part, passed an Act, vesting Congress with power \u201cto regulate Commerce not founded on Principles of Equality\u2014\u201d There being not more than one State which has not granted this Power, I am in hopes of soon hearing that this recommendation is fully complied with\u2014which must operate in the minds of those who now treat our Union with contempt\u2014\n          Another recommendation Congress has in contemplation\u2014Vizt That They be vested with power to regulate Commerce between the several States themselves as well as with foreign Nations\u2014 if the present disposition and conduct of Connecticutt, & some other of the States, be considered, this measure must appear absolutely necessary\n          Great expectations are formed from the Negotiation of the present Commission, Who, it is said, are going to London to settle a Treaty of Commerce with that Court\u2014which may take up a different line of Conduct, should Congress be vested with the full powers beforementioned\n          The General Court of this Commonwealth was prorogued on the 18th Ulto. to the 24th May, after a session of 8 weeks\u2014 They did much business\u2014 A new Code of Criminal Laws passed\u2014with many other public & private bills\u2014 One of them, a Bill incorporating a Company, with powers to build a Bridge over Charles River\u2014where the Ferry now is\u2014which is expected to be passable next November twelve months\u2014\n          The Claim of this Commonwealth to Lands Westward of Hudson\u2019s River is in a serious Train\u2014 A Foederal Court is appointed, by Congress, to be holden at Williamsburg in Virginia, on the first tuesday of next June\u2014 The Agents of this State and the Agents of the State of N York havg, previously, agreed on the Judges\u2014\n          The Agents on the part of this Commonwealth are Mr Lowell\u2014Mr Sullivan\u2014Mr Theo Parsons and Mr Rufus King\u2014 Mr Johnson of Connecticutt being engaged as Counsel\u2014 \u00a34500 is granted to carry on the Cause\u2014 The Gentlemen of New York appear to be deeply impressed with the importance of the Subject, and treat it with more decency than they have heretofore\n          You will hear of the Resignation of Governor Hancock\u2014on Account, as he saith, of ill Health\u2014 since which Event, however, He has been the gayest Person in Town and has pursued convivial enjoyments uninterruptedly\u2014 It is not doubted that Mr Bowdoin will succeed him in the Chair, on a new Chaise\u2014 Mr Hancock pushed hard to get Mr Cushing, our present chief magistrate, elected\u2014who, by this very endeavor, stands a chance of losing the place of Lt Governor\u2014\n          My private Affairs oblige me to take leave of the G Court, for the present\u2014which will deprive me of the opportunity of handing you, in future, much political intelligence\u2014 indeed, sensible that your informations have been much better from others, I have troubled you with a few Sentiments, rather to show my wishes, than in an expectation of rendering any service\u2014\n          In every place my Friendship and Esteem continue sincere\u2014and the receipt of any advise from You will afford me the greatest happiness\u2014\n          Mrs & Miss Dalton request my tendering their most respectful regards to your good Self & to Mrs & Miss Adams, to whom be so kind as to present mine\u2014and beleive me\u2014 / Dear Sir\u2014 / Your affectiote Friend / And most hble Servant\n            Tristram Dalton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0009", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 13 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n            Auteuil near Paris April 13. 1785\n          I am, this moment informed, that the Packet is arrived but neither Dr F. nor I have any Letters as yet. this is unlucky, because We Shall not be able to answer by this Packet.\n          I Suppose it is a question with you whether you shall Send a Minister to Spain; I really hope you will. it is a question too no doubt, who to send.\u2014 There will be some perhaps many, perhaps all for Mr Charmichael. I know not this Gentn personally. He is active and intelligent, by all, I have learnt. He has made himself Friends among the Spanyards, and among the foreign Ministers, and at the French Court, and at Passy. I see that the Comte de Vergennes, the Duc de la Vauguion who is gone to Spain, and Dr Franklin, have an affection for him, and are labouring to Support him. These Circumstances are much in favour of his Happiness, and if he has that pure and inflexible Virtue, that thorough Penetration into the Hearts of Men and the Systems of Affairs, and that unchangeable Attachment to our Country that you require in a public Man you will honour him with your Support. You know from his Correspondence with Congress whether he is this Man. I know nothing to the Contrary. But I confess to you, that the ardent Friendship of Courtiers and Diplomatick Characters, to any American Ministers is to me, a Cause of Suspicion. I know it to be impossible for any Man to do his Duty to his Country, and preserve it, all he can hope for is to be esteemed and respected, it is well if he is not hated and despised.\n          But Mr Jay is Master of the Character in question. I have heard with Pleasure that Mr Charmichael in their last Interview Settled Things to the satisfaction of Mr Jay, and cleared up some Things which Mr Jay had not been Satisfied in. You may know the Truth from him. I am, disposed to favour Charmichael, from all I have heard of him, and know of him, at least so far as to wish for his Continuance in service provided you dont see Symptoms of his Endeavours to Support his Character upon foreign Interests, at the Expence of those of our Country. But there is too marked a Love for him for my Taste, in Characters in whose Friendship for America I have no Confidence. The greatest Danger to our foreign affairs has ever arisen from this, and ever will. from an Endeavour to obtain a Reputation in America, by gaining the Friendship of Courtiers and obtaining their Recommendations in their private Letters for themselves And their Connections. These favours are never obtained but by Sacrifices.\u2014 it is remarkable that Native Americans are rather avoided and there is a constant Endeavour to throw American Employment in Europe into the Hands of Persons born or educated in Europe, or at least Such as have lived long enough in Europe to become assimilated.\n          There is nothing more dreadfull to America, than to have the Honour, the Reputation and the Bread of their Ministers abroad depend upon their adopting Sentiments in American affairs conformable to those which may be entertained and endeavored to be propagated by the Ministers with whom they treat.\u2014 You had infinitely better choose the Comte de Florida Blanca & the Comte de Vergennes at once for your foreign Ambassadors. I have seen and felt so much of it, that I dread it, like Death and Mr Jay does not dread it less.\u2014\n          And you have not a lesse important Thing to attend to in the Choice of a Minister for St. James\u2019s.\u2014 Whoever he is, he will be in more danger there than any where, of too much complaisance to Ministers Courtiers, Princes & King. indeed, it is probable to me that whoever goes there, first if he is honest will have his Reputation ruined in America, by the Insinuations which will go against him, both in public Papers and private Letters. Lyars and Slanderers are more impudent there than any where, and they have more old Connections in America among whom to circulate them.\n          With much Affection your old Fred & very humble / servant.\n            John Adams\n            My Regards to your Colleagues. if Temple comes to N. York and is received as Consull I hope you will continue some way to make Peace or Truce between him and Sullivan.\u2014 I hope Temple will be prudent and cautious if not he may do Mischief. But you have Weight with him, I know.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0010", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 13 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Auteuil near Paris. April 13. 1785\n          I have written, by the late Packetts, for the Orders of Congress concerning near a Million of Guilders in the Hands of Messs. Willinks &c in Amsterdam, and requesting the Ratification of my last Loan, and other Subjects. by the February Packet, hourly expected I hope to have the Honour of Letters from you, with the Pleasure of Congress relative to those Matters.\n          Our joint Dispatches will Shew, all the Information We have yet obtained concerning the Power of the Barbary States and the Costliness of their Friendship. We must proceed Slowly and cautiously.\u2014 I often hear the Trade of the Mediterranean and of the Levant Slightly Spoken of, and represented as of Small Value to the United States. I think very differently, with an absolute Certainty that time will demonstrate me in the right. But the rise of Insurance on all our Trade, is to be added to the full Value of the Trade We may have, in the Mediterranean and the Levant. and what is worse, We have the Cries of our Countrymen, in Captivity, in Chains, and exposed to many Cruelties to consider. it is not the Loss of Property which has induced any Nation to become tributary to them but this inhuman Practice of enslaving Captives. France England and Holland, have avoided Stipulating in Treaties to pay a Tribute: but Sweeden & Denmark have not, I hope we shall not imitate the Example of these last. if We are directed to negotiate, We shall probably negotiate through the French Consul, but it will be necessary finally for Congress to Send Consuls to Sign the Treaties, and to make the Presents.\u2014 We have collected Some Information which will be usefull to our Country, respecting these Powers: I wish We Were able to do as much, under our Commission to Spain. That Court will not treat here, and for Us to go to Madrid is a dangerous Measure. We know not how much time, the Negotiation there may require, and if We go, and return without Success, it will be industrously Spread by all the Diplomatick Corps, and will hurt the Reputation of our Country in Europe, and elate the English beyond Measure, inconveniences which may be avoided, by your conducting the Negotiation with Mr Guardoqui at New York, or by Congress Sending a Minister to Madrid. this I know is much desired by the Spanish Court, and by this Court, as many Simptoms have indicated, particularly a Conversation between the Duke de la Vauguion and me, a few days before his Departure for Madrid. a Minister at Madrid would be usefull to Us in conducting this Business with the Barbary Powers and is in all respects as far as I can see a desirable Measure.\u2014 The Expence, of maintaining three Ministers, is the same whether they reside at Auteuil, Passy and Paris, or at Madrid, Versailles and the Hague, and I am Sure We could not do less Seperately than We are likely to do together.\n          You remember, Sir, that one of the first Things Mr Hartly Said to Us, was to propose in the Name of the King his Master and his Minister Mr Fox that Ministers should be exchanged immediately between Congress and st James\u2019s.\u2014 You have recd before now, the formal Proposition from the Marquis of Carmaerthen, transmitted to Us, through the Duke of Dorsett to the same Effect. The Appointment of Mr Temple, as Consull General is a Still Stronger Indication of a real Wish in the Ministry, that this Measure may be pursued, and of a Secret Consciousness that they shall be obliged to treat. in their Refusal to treat here they would be justified by all the Courts and diplomatick Bodies in the World. I make no Scruple nor Hesitation to advise that a Minister may be sent nor will I be intimidated from giving this Advice by any Apprehension that I shall be suspected of a Design or Desire of going to England myself. Whoever goes will neither find it a lucrative or a pleasant Employment, nor will he be envied by me. I know that for years if he does his Duty, he will find no personal Pleasure or Advantage. But the Measure, of Sending a Minister to England appears to me, the Corner Stone of the true American system of Politicks in Europe and if it is not done We shall have Cause to repent it for a long time when it will be too late. Every Thing is callculating as it appears to me, to involve Us in a War with England. Cries and Prejudices are fomented in England and America, which have no other Tendency but to involve Us in a War, long before We shall be ready. Ten or fifteen Years hence, We Should have nothing to fear from a War with England, if they should be mad enough to force Us upon it. at present it would distress Us extreamly, altho it would ruin England. My System is a very Simple one.\u2014 Let Us preserve the Friedship of France and Holland, and Spain if We can and in Case of a War between France and England, let Us preserve our Neutrality, if possible. in order to preserve our Friendship with France and Holland, and Spain it will be usefull to Us to avoid a War with England. to avoid a War with England We should take the regular Diplomatick Steps to negotiate, to settle disputes as they rise, and to place the Intercourse between the two Nations upon a certain footing. Then We may understand one another, avoid Deceits and Misrepresentations. it is so much the Interest of England that We should be Neutral in a future War, that I am perswaded that cool and candid Reasoning with their Ministers upon the subject would convince them of it. The Force of Truth is greater, even upon the Minds of Politicians than the World in general is aware of. England is now mad with the hope of our having a War with Spain & even France in consequence of the Family Compact, and of our courting them to become our Allies and Undertake our Defence. Surely it would not be difficult for an American Minister to convince a British one that this is Chimerical, and that the only Thing they ought to expect from America is neutrality. The real Thing the English have to fear is our joining their Ennemies against them in a future War. She has no Alliance to hope from Us, unless Spain Should force Us into a War, and even then We ought not to ask or accept Aid from England, if We could avoid it, unless France from the Family Compact Should join Spain.\n          This Reasoning and this System you see, goes upon the Supposition that We are independent of France in Point of Moral and Political Obligation. But if the sentiments of America are otherwise and those Principles are general which you and I once heard delivered with great Formality and Ennergy \u201cviz That America ought to join France, against England in two future Wars, one to pay the Debt of Gratitude already contracted, and the other to Shew ourselves as generous as France had been\u201d I confess myself all wrong, and to be so totally ignorant of the Rights Duties and Interests of my Country as to be altogether unfit for any Share in their publick Affairs foreign or Domestic.\n          At any rate, our Negotiations in this Place, have not answered the Ends proposed by Congress, and expected by the People of America, nor is there now Scarcely a possibility that they should. I am very happy in my Friend Mr Jefferson, and have nothing, but my Inutility to disgust me, with a Residence here. But I presume Congress Will not think it expedient to renew the Commissions, or attempt any longer to carry on Negotiations with the rest of the World in this Place. if they Should however, I hope they will think of some other Gentleman in my Place, as it is my desire to return home, at the Expiration of the Term of the present Commissions.\n          With great and Sincere Esteem and Respect / I have the Honour to be, Sir your most / obedient and most humble sert\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0011", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to John Jay, 13 April 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\n          Our letter to you the 18th day of March with those preceding that period which had been addressed to the President of Congress have conveyed exact details of our transactions till that time. Since the making out of that dispatch the following proceedings have taken place.\n          The letter No 1. from Mr. Carmichaels to Dr Franklin dated Feby. 27. 1784 (instead of 1785) will apprize you that there is a prospect of Mr Hartwell\u2019s regaining his liberty & property tho\u2019 not without some delay, & probably some loss.\n          The same letter will inform you of Mr Carmichael\u2019s proceedings in the case of the brig Betsey taken by the Emperor of Morocco, & the papers which accompanied that letter and which we have marked No 1. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. will shew the progress in that business to the 15th of Janry last; and a subsequent communication from Mr. Carmichael marked No. 2. being a letter from the Ct. de Florida Blanca to him dated March 16th. 1785 will shew its situation at that time.\n          With this last Mr. Carmichael also sent us the papers No. 3. a & b. the first being a letter from a spy employed by the Spanish court, a holy father of the order of the redemption of captives; and the second a state made out by the same person of the naval force of the Algerines from Feby 1. 1777 to Septr. 8. 1783. the revolutions it underwent during that period, the number of cruizes they made, prizes they took, & the nations from whom taken. While these give a smaller idea than had been entertained of this the most formidable of the Pyratical states, the following papers marked No. 4. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. will shew that the price of their peace is higher than the information heretofore communicated, had given us reason to expect. The paper No 4. a. is a letter from the M. de la Fayette to whose means of access to the depositories of this species of information, & his zeal for the service of the United States we are indebted for the intelligence it contained, as well as for the report No. 4. b. and the details No. 4. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. from these it will appear that Powers which, like France & England, can combine the terror of a great naval force with the persuasive of pecuniary tribute, yet give as far as 15,000 guineas to Morocco which holds but the second rank amongst these states. This information is still very incomplete, giving only a view of detached parts of the transactions between the European & African Powers: it will contribute however with what we have formerly laid before Congress, to enable them to form some estimate of what will be required of a people possessing so weak a navy and so rich a commerce as we do. These rovers will calculate the worth of the prizes they may expect to take from us in the Mediterranean & in the Atlantic; and making some allowance for the expence & losses they will incur in these enterprizes, they will adjust their demand by the result regarding little the representations which we may make of our poverty. They count highly too among the motives which will induce us to give a good price the horrors we feel on the idea of our countrymen being reduced to slavery by them. Some of the European merchants & perhaps consuls resident with them will probably not be backward in supplying their want of knowledge as to the extent & nature of our commerce and the degree of protection we are able to afford it.\n          We have been many days in expectation of the arrival of the French Packet which should have sailed from N York the middle of Feb having been informed that as early as Dec Congress had referred sundry foreign affairs to the consideration of a Committee, & that the Packet arrived at NYork Jany 17 which conveyed our letter of Novr with a detail of the situation in which their business was on this side the Atlantic, we hope that the Packet sailing a month afterwards & now expected here will bring us further instructions. In the mean time the situation of our trade rendered it necessary to admit as little delay as possible with the Barbary Powers. We therefore thought it best to put that business in train. For this purpose we resumed a correspondence which had formerly taken place between the American Commissioners & this court, copies of which are herewith given in the papers marked No 5. a. b. & c. the want of money & the want of powers had discontinued this correspondence. We thought it a proper ground however whereon to found applications to this court for their aid in the treaties which may now be proposed. Mr Adams accordingly waited on the Count de Vergennes with copies of that correspondence (his colleagues being prevented by indisposition from accompanying him on that occasion) No 5. d. is his report of what passed, and No 5. e. a copy of the letter we addressed to the Count de Vergennes according to his desire\u2014to this we have recd no answer. We propose to make no actual overtures to the Barbary states till the arrival of the packet now expected, which we suppose will convey us the ultimate will of Congress on this subject.\n          A similar expectation of new information & instructions from Congress as to our affairs with the British court suspends till the arrival of this packet our taking any measures in consequence of the enclosed letter No. 6. from the Duke of Dorset the British Ambassador at this court. That their definitive answer must be required to the Articles in our instructions distinct from the treaty of commerce admits of no question: but as to the doubts they pretend and the information they ask with respect to the powers of Congress we do not decide what we shall say or do till we see whether we receive by this conveyance any new instructions.\n          With the highest esteem & regard / We have the honor to be / Sir / Your most obedient & / Most humble Servants\n            John Adams.B. FranklinTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0013", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Storer, 13 April 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\n          While I was at St: Quentin the last Winter, I was admitted to see a very large manufactory of Looking-Glass\u2014 \u2019Twas a particular priviledge, and allowed to but very few\u2014yet the Gentleman to whom it belonged allowed me to ask any question\u2014reserving to himself, however, the right of not answering those which should be improper\u2014 There were several hundred men at work, and all being in their proper places prevented there being any Confusion or Irregularity: One prepared a certain material\u2014a second another\u2014a third mixed them together\u2014a fourth joined this mixture to another, & so on to the moulding, framing, shaping and compleating the work; but throughout the whole, though so many were concerned, there was but one only who knew the secret Composition and Art, and that was the Gentleman above, being the Head-Director & Manager\u2014 Now Sir, how far the Comparison will hold good between Politics & the manufacturing the brittle ware Glass, or how far the moulding and shaping the work may be similar, in one case, to the other, I will not pretend to determine\u2014but really when I troubled you with my last, Sir, I considered you in the light of this Head-Director & Manager, to whom the true secret was alone known, and myself just then as one of the Sub-workmen\u2014at least, (and the truth will out, you know, Sir,) I wished to be one. There was to be sure a degree of vanity in the thought, yet I ventured to ask your advice. May I hope, Sir, this prudent step will procure a pardon for my presumption? But do not beleive, as, (by the tenor of yours of the 28th. ult: that you were kind eno: to write me,) I fear you may, that I wished to be made acquainted with things improper to be communicated to me: nor imagine, sir, I should be indiscreet eno: to quote you, where I was not allowed. I hope, however, as you know the reason of my writing you, and as you flatter me with a reliance on my prudence, discretion & steadiness, (which good opinion will really do more towards making me discrete & steady than any thing else.) I hope therefore a further apology will be unnecessary.\u2014 I would not fail, however, to return you many thanks for the Communication you have made me, which I am very happy to find accords so well with what I had ventur\u2019d to say myself\u2014 \u2019Tis a peculiar satisfaction, sir, to find we are not out of the way.\u2014\n          What has been done, or is doing in the political Line I am not able to say, and \u2019twould be needless in the present case, as you must be ever the best informed\u2014 You speak of Navigation Acts\u2014 I hope the United-States have virtue eno: left to join in common Cause for mutual Interest, and spirit eno: to shew the world they purchace nothing at the price of condescention or humility\u2014 By the Packet, just arrived from New-York, we learn that the General Assembly of that State are about laying an additional impost on British shipping, & heavy duties on Merchandises imported in British bottoms\u2014 This is a kind of Navigation Act, and its partiality may have a good tendency, if generally adopted; as it probably will be, if this Country does not meet us on proper grounds.\u2014 But surely, Sir, Congress will not send any one Minister to this Court, after having appointed three Commissioners to form a Treaty\u2014and was not this Court the most bare-faced upon Earth, they would not have dared to make the request\u2014 Do they imagine that a Minister appointed now would be deputed with a fuller authority to conclude, than you have, supposing he would be empowered by instructions from the several States? I ask this, because I am inclined to think tis beleived here that Congress have not the right of making a Treaty of Commerce\u2014and by the Articles of Confederation it appears that they can only form a general one\u2014that is, so far as may not interfere with the internal police of the several States, in regard to imposts & duties on imports & exports\u2014 Here I think our Confederation is incompleat\u2014at least if Congress have not, of themselves, a power to regulate the general Commerce, a general System might be adopted by them, from the particular Instructions of the several states to their Members in Congress\u2014 But, what a fine Chap you are, you will say, thus to give your opinion upon things of such importance. I beg pardon, Sir\u2014but if I am wrong, let me beg you to put me right\u2014 \u2019Twill be charity to teach me, sir, and be assured I will be an attentive & diligent scholar.\u2014\n          To Mrs: Adams and family I have to present my best respects, and close with assuring you that I am with the most sincere esteem, dear sir, / Yr: Most Oblig\u2019d, humle: servt:\n            Chas: Storer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0014", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Philippe Andr\u00e9 Joseph de L\u00e9tombe, 14 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: L\u00e9tombe, Philippe Andr\u00e9 Joseph de\n            Auteuil near Paris April 14 1785\n          The Packetts which go Monthly from L\u2019Orient to New york are very beneficial in my humble opinion both to France and America\u2014and I cannot say that they would be more so if any alteration were made in the Plan\n          But some Americans are of opinion it would be better to have them Sail from Havre de Grace as that is the sea Port of Paris the Convenience of transporting both Mails Passengers and Merchandizes would be greater to Havre: this Should be sett over against the Inconvenience of a Longer Passage sometimes and greater Risque in the Channell\u2014 I have not knowledge enough to determine even in my own Mind another thought has been mentioned viz. that the Packetts should go in the summer to Boston & the Winter to N York I beg leave to suggest this subject to your thoughts and Enquiries and to ask your opinion. the Passages I think would be Shorter and surer to Boston in May June July August and September. Perhaps in April\u2014\n          I am much obliged to you for Several letters and am really ashamed to be so much in Debt but I hope to do better as my Health is much improved\n          Give me leave to introduce to you one who will have no need however of my recommendation Mr Chaumont\u2014 Mrs Adams desires her respectfull Compliments\u2014\n          I have the Honour to be sir your most obedient / and most humble servt\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0015", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Ebenezer Crosby, 14 April 1785\nFrom: Crosby, Ebenezer\nTo: Adams, John\n          From a grateful & lively recollection of your former favours & friendly disposition towards me, I am induced to trouble you with a request, which, tho\u2019 sensible it will be readily granted, I do with great reluctance, well knowing your time is too important to the public, to be intruded upon by your private Friends\u2014\n          I have lately been honoured with the appointment of Obstetrick Professor in the University in this City\u2014to discharge the duties of which, I am obliged to provide myself with a Female-Apparatus from London\u2014the price of which I cannot learn\u2014 Having no other Friend or Acquaintance in London, I beg leave to take the liberty of enclosing five Guineas to you, & requesting you will do me the favour of advancing enough to make up the deficiency, if there should be any, which shall be remitted to you as soon as known\u2014\n          A Mr: Wright-Post, a Student in Medicine now in London from this City, is recommended to me, as a Gentleman who will readily and faithfully procure me the Machine\u2014him I shall direct to wait upon your Excellency for the money\n          I hope Mrs: & Miss Adams arrived safe & in health\u2014also that you all continue to enjoy this great blessing\u2014\n          Mrs: Crosby joins in most respectful regards to you & them, with your most Obedient & / most Humle: Servant\n            Ebenr: Crosby", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0016", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 14 April 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n          The desire of paying my respects to an old and excellent friend compels me under all the pressures of ill health and much business, to avail myself of Colo. Smiths secure conveyance to take up my pen. It is long since I have written to you, but much longer since I have had the honor of hearing from you, and I am perfectly satisfied that both these effects have been produced by causes not fairly within our controul\u2014perhaps the same obstructions may not so fully prevail hereafter, and if they do not, I shall be happy\u2014\n          Whilst I congratulate you on being appointed sole Minister to so eminent a Court as that of London, I cannot help congratulating my Country at the same time, for the just expectations that may be formed from the wisdom, patriotism, and diligence of its Minister\u2014 The untoward circumstances in which both countries are found [to] be placed, may have arisen from a neglect of decent and proper respect having been heretofore paid by each to the other\u2014 And if so, this advance on our part, may lead to the establishment of better conduct and happier consequences. That it may be so, may God, of his infinite mercy, grant\u2014 So far, I think that I pray devoutly for the honorable success of your Mission\u2014 Colo. Smith can give you so accurate a state of things here that it seems not necessary for me to enlarge on them\u2014but with respect to this Gentleman, and his appointment, permit me to observe, that his established reputation is that of a Man of honor, of sense, and of very tried attachments to the success of our Union. His appointment (I mean the Office) Seems, as far as I have been able to investigate it, from a wish to shew respect to the Court of London, by an exact observance of all forms in such cases practised\u2014\n          I believe that Congress will adjourn (leaving a Committee of the States) in June next\u2014 So that when you find leisure and inclination to honor me with a letter, by sending it to the house of Wallace Johnson & Muir, my Correspondents in the City of London, they will forward your letter safely to me.\n          I heartily wish you every honor and success in life that you can wish yourself\n          Your affectionate friend\n            Richard Henry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0018", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 21 April 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam the 21. April 1785.\n          As the Time of having inserted in Our Newspapers the payment of the Intrest of the United States is approching, and we Still deprived of Any Letters of Congress. We take the Liberty to advice yo\u00far Excelly. of it, not doubting but yo\u00far Excelly. Will find the Necessity of Having Regularly the Intrest paid when due, in Order to Maintain the Credit of the United States. and as the Money in O\u00far hands Exceeds far the Sum Required for the payment of the Intrest, We must beg your Excelly. to favo\u00far \u00fas with the Necessary Orders for that Purpose.\n          We have the hono\u00far to Remain With tr\u00fae Consideration. / Sir / Your Excells. Most Obedt. / Most humble Servants.\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorstde la Lande & fynje", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0019", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Joseph Willard, 22 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willard, Joseph\n            Auteuil near Paris April 22, 1785\n          I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me the fourteenth of December, with the Resolution of the President and Fellows of the University of the Sixteenth of November, which, as well as the Concurrence of the Board of Overseers, does me great Honour and demands my most grateful Acknowledgements.\n          My Son, John Quincy Adams, for whom this favour is intended will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter, and I beg leave to recommend him to the kind Protection of the Corporation, and the candid Friendship of his fellow Students. He has wandered with me in Europe for Seven Years, and has been for the last Eighteen Months my only Secretary, So that it may be easily conceived, I Shall part with him with Reluctance. But the Necessity of breeding him to some Profession, in which he may provide for himself, and become a usefull Member of Society, and a Conviction that no American can be any where So well educated as in his own Country, have induced me to relinquish the Pleasure of his Company and the Advantage of his Assistance. I think I do not flatter him nor myself, when I Say, that he is a Studious youth, and not addicted to any Vice: of his Advancement in Literature and the Sciences you will form an Estimate from his Examination, which would probably be more for his Ease and Safety if it could be in French, with which Language he is more familiar than his own. But as this is not to be expected, an allowance will naturally be made [on] Account of his long absence from home.\n          It is somewhat delicate to give Advice upon the Point of your Travels to Europe. There is no doubt but considerable Advantages might be obtained, but considering the Time, the Expence and the Risque I think if I had the Honour to be a Member of the Corporation or the Overseers, I Should estimate these as probably So much more than the others, as to advise my Countrymen as they are so happy as to have a good President, to preserve him carefully at the Head of his University.\n          Our Commercial Negotiations, Sir, which your public Spirit naturally enquires after, proceed so slowly and to so little Effect, that I wish myself on your side the Water, and whether any other Plan would Suceed better is too uncertain to excite any Sanguine Hopes. All the Ports of Europe, however are open to our Vessells, those with whom We have no Treaties as well as the others.\n          I have the Honour to be, with the Utmost / Esteem and Respect, Sir Your / most obedient and most / humble Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0021", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 24 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Auteuil near Paris April 24. 1785\n          The Letter you did me the honour to write me on the 11th. of February last, containing the Ratification of my last Loan, of two million Guilders, having been properly addressed to me as Minister at the Hague, by a mistake in the Post Office at Paris was Sent to Holland, from whence it returned to me last night.\n          This Loan is long Since full, as my first Loan of Five million Guilders is nearly So; I must therefore Solicit the further Instructions of Congress, whether I am to open any new Loan or not.\n          Your Letter to Dr Franklin Mr Jefferson and me of the 14. of January has been duely received and answered.\n          If I had known a few Weeks Sooner, that Congress had resolved to Send a Minister to London, it would have saved you the Trouble of a Letter upon the Subject which you will receive by the Packet. it has appeared to me, for sometime to be an important and a necessary measure: and although the Gentleman who may be sent there, whoever he may be, will probably find himself entangled in a Thicket of Briars, from which he will hardly get free without tearing his flesh; yet I am perswaded that the Appearance of an American Minister at the British Court, will have good Effects upon our Affairs even in France and Spain and the nations in Alliance with them, as well as in the Courts and Nations in the opposite Scale of the Ballance but especially upon the British and American Nations. Will it be foreign to the Purpose, upon this Occasion, or improper for me to observe that the People in America and their Legislatures in the Several States, Should prepare the Way for their Minister in England to require a faithfull Execution of Treaties, by Setting the Example of a punctual Execution on their Part. if We establish the Principle that We have a Right to depart from the Treaty in one Article, because they have departed from it in another, they will certainly avail themselves of the same Principle and probably extend it as much farther, as their Sense of Justice is less and their Opinion of their own Power, however illfounded is greater. it cannot I think be too often nor too earnestly recommended to our Countrymen to consider the Treaty as Sacred and to fullfill it in all its Parts according to its real Spirit and Intention in good Conscience. in that most delicate Point of all respecting the Refugees, I even wish that the People could conquer their natural Feelings and even Suppress their just Resentments. This I am confident is the best Revenge that can be taken, and will most effectually disarm even those among them who are most distinguished for their Enmity. if We have any Thing to fear from Canada and Nova Scotia, or for our Whale Fishery, it arises and will arise from our own Severity to these People. and the same observation may be applyed to the Furr Trade and the Posts upon the Frontier.\n          Your desire, Sir, to hear from me frequently and to have my poor opinion on the affairs of your Department does me great Honour, and shall be complied with to the Utmost of my Power: But I Shall have much oftener occasion for your Advice in Such affairs as are entrusted to me. I think myself extreamly happy in common with our Countrymen, that I have to correspond with a Gentleman to whom our foreign Affairs are very familiar by long Experience, who knows where our Difficulties and Dangers lie, and who has proved himself upon all Occasions Superiour to them.\n          I am sorry to learn, that the French Charg\u00e9 des affaires has demanded Mr Longchamps to be delivered up. and am the more Surprized because I had understood, from such Sources as I thought authentick that the Punishment to which he has been Sentenced, was Satisfactory at Court. It may not however be amiss for the French Government to keep up a Claim, which may be a standing restraint to their own Subjects in all foreign Countries. But It cannot be doubted, that the French Ministry know our Right to refuse, as well as theirs to demand, as there is no positive Stipulation between the two Powers that Criminals shall be mutually given up, and Surely it is no perfect Right by the Law of Nations. nor is it a common Practice. so far from it, that it will be difficult to shew an Example of it, where there is no Convention.\n          Your Packet for Mr Charmichael shall be delivered to the Spanish Ambassador to go by his Courier, as you desire.\n          With the Utmost respect and Esteem / I have the Honour to be, Sir / Your most obedient and / most humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0022", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n            Auteuil near Paris Ap. 25. 1785\n          Your Favour of 14. Feb. I have received of Mr Jarvis, full, as usual, of important Information. I have recd, too the Ratification of my Loan.\n          In all that I Said of Seperating the foreign from the Domestic Debt, and in every Thing I may write about our Affairs at home, I always mean to Submit my Guesses to the Superiour Lights and better Judgments of those who are at home. When I was with you in Congress, I frequently found myself at a Loss to judge of the State of Things and the Sentiments of Persons in our own State, which obliged me to make it a Rule to go home once a Year. I wish I could observe the Same Rule now. One looses at a distance the thread of Affairs, and frequently a true Judgment depends upon little Circumstances which We are not acquainted with. It is now Seven Years and an half, Since I left you at York Town, and the first of this Month compleated Seven Years, Since I landed at Bourdeaux, the Chain of my Intelligence has been frequently interrupted and always very imperfect. So that I frequently feel the Want of the Society of my Countrymen. It is really high Time for me to come home. The Powers of Europe often give Leave to their Ministers abroad to come home, for 6. 12 or 18 months, but as this I Suppose would hardly be granted by Congress, I have had thoughts of coming home, once for all, as soon as our present Commissions shall expire. I am really weary of the insipid Life I lead, and that Nullity and Annihilation to which We are reduced.\n          You Say that a Report is before Congress to send Ministers to Spain and England and Mr Jay informs me that Congress have resolved to Send one to London. These, if I have any Judgment are right Measures. both of you, hint that I may possibly be Sent to London. if this Should happen, although I know it will be the most thorny, perplexing and distressing Errand upon which any man can be Sent, I will not refuse but I Shall expect however to be allowed to come home after a Year, whether I Succeed in any measure or not. if Mr Rutledge who is a very good Man, Should be sent or any other good Man, it will be so much the more for my Comfort and I shall take no offence. in this Case as our Commissions here will be dissolved, I shall return to the Hague, and come home the next Spring. I dont contend for the Necessity of having Ministers perpetually at the Courts of Europe: But untill your Affairs are Settled with Spain and England, I think it will be unavoidable. I wish We could do without them from this moment. it is a Life that I abhor. it is either Agony or Insipidity, never pleasant.\u2014 I take no more interest in any Thing about me, except the Business I have to do, than if I were dead.\n          I beg you would give yourself no Anxiety about any Thing I Say respecting Salaries. I think the Reduction of them wrong. I dont find that Articles of Subsistence are cheaper Since the Peace, the Hire of Horses and Carriages is the Same, the Rent of Houses, Servants Wages, Provisions &c are much the Same. and We are more taken Notice of by foreign Ministers and have more to do with them. Upon the present allowance We can keep no Tables nor See any Company, at least in the Fashion of public Ministers. Retirement is more agreable to me than Company, but it is not for the Interest of the public. Mr Laurens or Mr Bingham with their Fortunes as it is Said might Spend three or four Thousands a Year of their own Incomes added to what you allow. But you know, I cannot. I have no Fortune and you know the Reason why I have not.\u2014 I am told it is reported, that I have one Per Cent allowed me upon the Loan in Holland, and that a Sum of Money is always given upon the Signature of a Treaty. This upon my Honour is totally false. of all the immense Sums that have been borrowed under my Name, not one farthing has ever come to my Benefit nor have I ever received a Farthing on the Signature of any Treaty, or made a farthing for myself in any Way but the Salary you have allowed me.\u2014 Many will call me a Fool, because all know I have been in a situation where I might have made Profits, and where many others would. But Such are my Sentiments, and my Head and Heart have been too full of the Public, to think much of myself or my Children.\n          Mr Jefferson has recd and answered your Letter and returns his Regards to you. He is an excellent Hand.\n          My Son, John Quincy Adams will deliver you this. I dont know how to do without him. But he must qualify, himself to get his Bread, for I have not the Means to provide for him, and to bring him up in a State of Dependance upon the Public or me, is not agreable to his Feelings or mine. So I send him to Colledge and the Bar, where if I had persevered myself it would have been much better for him and for two other fine Boys and one charming Girl, who with her Mamma desires to present her respectfull Compliments to you.\n          I wish to learn if I could the state and Progress of our Cod and Whale Fisheries, the East and West India Trade, the Affrican Trade, and to know how our Commerce opens to Spain Portugal Italy as well as England France, the Baltic &c. &c. and the obstructions which interrupt or retard it.\n          Mr Marbois Has demanded Longchamps. Some thing or other must be always kept in Agitation to excite Hopes and Fears. Such is Policy. But Influence is a Sort of Composition of Hopes and Fears, like the centripetal and Centrifugal Forces which keep the Planets in their orbits. take off one and the heavenly Body drops to the Center, let the other cease and it flys off in a Tangent.\n          I have an excellent Letter from you of 16. June 1784 dated at Philadelphia, but I dont find any in July.\n          What is to be done with the Cincinnati. Is that order of Chivalry, that Inroad upon our first Principle Equality to be connived at? it is the deepest Piece of Cunning yet attempted. It is sowing the Seeds of all that European Courts wish to grow up among Us, vizt. of Vanity, Ambition, Corruption, Discord, & Sedition. Are We so dim Sighted as to not See, that the taking away the hereditary descent of it, will not prevent its banefull Influence? Who will think of preventing the Son from wearing a Ribbon and a bit of Gold that his Father wore. Mankind love to see one Child at least of every beloved and respected Father possessed of his Estate, his office &c after his Decease. besides, when once the People begin to think these Marks Rewards, these Marks are soon considered as the only Proofs of Merit. Such Marks Should not be adopted in any Country where there is Virtue, Love of Country, Love of Labour.\u2014 When Virtue is lost Ambition Suceeds. then indeed Ribbons & Garters become necessary. but never till then. then indeed these Should be public Rewards conferred by the State, the civil sovereign, not private Men or Bodies. I have been asked why I have not written against it. Can it be necessary for me to write upon such a Thing? I wrote twenty Years ago some Papers which have been called an Essay on the Feudal Law in which my sentiments and the sentiments of our Ancestors are sufficiently expressed, concerning all such Distinctions and all orders of Chivalry and Nobility.\u2014 But Sir, while Reputations are so indiscreetly puffed; while Thanks and Statues are so childishly awarded, and the greatest real services are So coldly, received, I had almost Said censured, We are in the high Road to have no Virtues left, and nothing but Ambition to reward. Ribbons are not the only reward of Ambition. Wealth and Power must keep them Company.\u2014 My Countrymen give Reputations to Individuals that are real Tyrannies. No Man dare resist or oppose them. No Wonder then that Such Reputations introduce Chivalry &c without opposition tho without Authority. The Cry of Gratitude Gratitude is Animal Magnitism. it bewitches all Mankind and has established every Tyrany, Imposture & Usurpation that ever existed upon Earth. So true are those Words of Machiavel \u201cNot Ingratitude, but too much love is the constant Fault of the People.[\u201d] This is a Subject that requires a Volume, and you See, I am in haste.\u2014 I could not have believed, if I had not Seen it, that our officers could have adopted Such a Scheme, or the People the Legislatures or Congress have Submitted to it, one moment.\u2014 I dont Wonder at a Marquis de la Fayette or a Baron Steuben. They were born and bred to such Decorations and the Taste for them. From the Moment that Captain Jones had his Cross of Merit bestowed by the King and consented to by Congress, I suspected that some Such Project was in Contemplation. Awefull my Friend is the Task of the intelligent Advocate for Liberty. The Military Spirit, the Ecclesiastical Spirit the Commercial Spirit, and innumerable other evil Spirits are eternally devising Mischief to his Cause and disturbing his repose. it is a constant Warfare from the Cradle to the Grave, without Comfort Thanks, or Rewards, and is always overcome at last. Is not this Institution against our Confederation? Is it not against the Declarations of Rights in several of the States?\n          Is it not an Act of Sovereinty disposing & creating of publick Rewards, presumptuously enterprized by private Gentlemen? Is the Assembly a lawfull Assembly?\u2014 Is it not cruel to call this a Clubb for private Friendship, or a society for Charity for Officers Widows & Children. Would even Such a Society be lawfull without the Permission of the Legislature?\u2014 Is it not Substituting Honour for Virtue in the Infancy of a Republic? Must it not introduce and perpetuate Contests and Dissentions pernicious in all Govts but especially in ours? Is it not an effectual Subversion of our Equality. Inequalities of Riches cannot be avoided as long as Nature gives Inequality of Understanding and Activity. and these Inequalities are not unusefull. But artificial Inequalities of Decorations, Birth and Title, not accompanying public Trusts, are those very Inequalities which have exterminated Virtue and Liberty and substituted Ambition and slavery in all Ages and Countries.\n          I dont Wonder that the Word Republican is odious and unpopular, throughout the World. I dont wonder that so few, even of the great Writers have admired this Form of Government. Plato himself, I am fully perswaded from his Writings was not a Republican. it is the best of Governments, while the People are Republicans, i.e. virtuous, simple and of independent Spirit. But when the People, are avaricious ambitious and vain instead of being virtuous poor and proud, it is not.\u2014 A Republican is an equivocal Character. a Dutchman, a Genoese, a Venetian a Swiss, a Genevan and an Englishman are all called Republicans.\u2014 among all these shades you will Scarcely find the true Colour. our Countrymen, may be the nearest, but there is so much Wealth among them and such an universal Rage of Avarice, that I often fear they will only make their real Republicans miserable for a few Years, and then become like the rest of the World. if this appears to be their determination, it is not worth the while of You and me to die Martyrs to Singular Notions. You are Young and may turn fine Gentleman Yet\u2014 I am too old, and therefore will retire to Pens Hill,\n          The World forgetting by the World forgot.\n          I am my dear sir Your / Sincere Friend\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0023", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\n            Marblehead 25th April 1785\n          I am favoured my dear sir by the last post with yours of the 9th of september & 12th of December, since the Date of Which some Arrangements which I communicated in my last, & which You are probably e\u2019er this officially informed of, correspond with your Wishes\u2014\n          I feel the Force of your observations respecting the Salaries of our Ministers; but Congress in point of \u0153conomy, are very different from what they were when You was a Member. they are I think in some Respects (I mean several of the States) more parsimonious than our House of Representatives. \u0153conomy in public & private Life is indispensible, but there is an infinite Difference between \u0153conomy & parsimony, & yet how often is the latter mistaken for the other? With Industry, the first has a direct Tendency to increase the Wealth & Independence of an Individual or of a Community, whilst the latter, by restricting or withholding the Means destroys prevents this Effect. but the Fact is, the Delegates of about one half the Union look more at the comparitively trifling Expence of a Minister, than at the important object of his negotiation; & too many Members of the other half are so desirous of places themselves, that they will not be very solicitous to make those easy who fill places offices\u2014 this You may think is using much Freedom with Congress; but admitting the Fact, I should be very much offended if any person who was not equally disposed with myself to support their Dignity, should follow my Example. I expect however to return to Congress in about a Month, & if there is any prospect of Success, will agitate an Increase of Ministerial Sallaries\n          I frequently give You Information which I am sure cannot be less painful for You to receive, than for me to transmit. but a Minister never can have too much Information, either respecting himself or his Department. mine is disinterested as it respects myself, friendly as it respects You, therefore there is Danger only of my mistaking Facts, not of misrepresenting them. You are to judge of their probability, & of the best Mode of counteracting plans to supplant You. such plans always have been & ever will be set on Foot against officers of an high order, whether civil, military, or ecclesiastical. You do not cannot therefore expect to be free from these Appendages of office, & your Conduct of Silence, in the Affairs of Fr\u2014\u2014n & Lawrens, has I beleive been much more successful, than any other Measures You could have pursued: & with the Exertions of your Friends in this quarter has silenced opposition.\u2014 I know of no officer, (for I do not as some, do, consider those in office as servants) of the publick, except G. Washington, who has had a stronger opposition to him, than yourself: & I conceive it has alike terminated in a Minute Attention to the Conduct, & finally in a general & high approbation of both. Your political Sin, was your Refusal to be a Dupe to foreign Influence, & the Consequence was a most vigorous Exertion of that Influence, & of its Dupes Tools in America, consisting of an high aristocratical party, to dismiss You from, or to teaze You into a Relinquishment of office. this was seen thro by every intelligent Republicans, who considered the Struggle as nothing more, nor less than this, whether Republicanism or Aristocracy should prevail! they were therefore determined to storm the strong Holds of the latter Aristocratics, & the Issue has been, the Downfall in America of foreign Influence, of Cincinnati systems, & of plans to commit the purse strings of America, to a few who could not be comptrolled in their intricate Man\u0153uvres, & instead of financing for, might would have finessed & pilferred the publick, & were in a fair Way of establishing an Influence that would have born down everything before it\u2014 I have been in hot Water since last July 1783, & but I think it begins to cool & that in a short Time Republicanism will be triumphant. God grant it may, be, & continue to be so, for I want to be out of publick Life & to enjoy domestic Felicity. there is such a Thing as this, even with Batchelors\u2014\n          another dangerous System, that of making Requisitions in Time of peace for Troops, has been successfully combatted & defeated. Recommendations are this Year, as they were the last adopted for raising 700 Men to take possession of the western posts, with this Difference the four States from Connecticut to pennsylva. inclusively, are requested to inlist the Men for three Years, unless sooner discharged.\n          By Letters from NYork by the last post, Congress were considering the Reports respecting the Land Office, & Requisitions for supplying the Treasury the present Year. the Amount of the latter as reported by the Grand Committee is 3 Million Dollars one half to be paid in Facilities\u2014\n          The affairs of Commerce & Finance are in a bad Situation. the publick begin to be convulsed, & the Evils will, as it appears to me, cure themselves. Was I to be particular on either Head, I should say so much, that to save Trouble to both You & myself, I will say nothing more on the Subject\u2014\n          I am clearly of your opinion respecting a Treaty with the Barbary powers, & hope the Appropriation of 80,000 Dollars of the Dutch Loan by Congress will enable You to proceed in the Business\u2014 I am informed by the last post, that Congress had recd your proposition for a new Loan, & some conceived it inconsistent with the Regret You expressed of there having been any foreign Loans made to draw from Amer the United States, their vital Fluid.\n          I hope You will consider the Opposition made to You as not being extraordinary. A plan was laid, by some who were in the Confidence of Mr Jefferson, to send him to Spain, keep You at the Hague, & to send Mr Robt R Livingston And Governor Johnson to paris & London, but it was happily defeated, & I beleive You & Mr Jefferson are as well supported, as any two Citizens of the US. would be, in your places.\u2014\n          I am sure, that my Exertions have been & will be to fix You in your present offices, & I think You will not be attacked very speedily in either of them. give my Regards to him as well as the Ladies of your Family & beleive me to be in every Occasion yours sincerely\n            our State politics would divert You if I had Time to relate them\u2014 Mr. H\u2014\u2014k has ousted himself Mr B\u2014\u2014n will probably succeed him", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0024", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Tristram Dalton, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dalton, Tristram\n          My Son is going home, and for his sake as well as my own, I will not let him go without a Line to you.\n          We are glad to find that Congress are in a Place where they may be comfortably accommodated, and are anxious to learn their Decisions. probably they may adjourn in June, but I hope they will accomplish something towards raising a Fund for the payment of the Interest of their Debts abroad and at home. without this their Credit will suffer. There is the Interest of seven millions of Guilders to pay in Holland for money borrowed under my signature, and I dont believe that I could pay it, out of my private Fortune, if it should be demanded of me. The rent of my Farm in Braintree and my House in Boston, is by no means adequate to it. and my Dutch Friends in general Love their Money so much better than me, that I don\u2019t know what they will do to me, if the public leaves me in the Lurch.\n          By the last Letters from N. York there is a probability that Mr: Rutledge may be sent to London, or some other Gentleman. I hope he will succeed, for he is a very good man, and bring the English to more rational Conduct. But he must endeavour to bring Americans into good humour too. His success in England will depend in some measure on his Success at home in bringing our Citizens to a right way of thinking and acting. He that will have Equity must do Equity, and qui sentit commodum, Sentire debet et onus are maxims, that I learnt at the Bar, and I find the Corps Diplomatique but another kind of Bar, who drink richer Wines, and live in greater Pomp, but do not understand their Maxims so well. Our People must not touch the Treaty in Word or Deed if they would strengthen the Hands of their Minister in London.\n          Secondly. nothing would aid him more than a prompt and effectual Plan for paying the Interest of our Debt in Holland. You may think me a little Wild, but I really believe it is in the power of America to distress England, and to make it feel our Importance in this Way. If the People of America would establish certain Taxes, and Funds for the Payment of Interest in Holland, their Credit there, would be the best. American stock would be the highest upon Change, and we might even prevail with Capitalists, who have large sums in the British Stocks to sell out in order to purchase ours, an operation which would be instantly felt in the stock Exchange in London.\n          Thirdly, consider, whether the article of our Confederation, which authorises Congress to treat with foreign Powers, is not encumbered with Exceptions in respect to Treaties of Commerce which must be revised.\n          Fourthly. if any partial Laws are made in any of the States, unfavourable to British Navigation or Manufactures, which may be proper & necessary for what I know, should they not be made upon Condition, and to be void in Case a Treaty should be made with contrary stipulations in it?\n          Fourthly to be upon their guard against false Reports and Misrepresentations. There are many Strangers in America from Nations who do not wish to see good humour and a good understanding restored, and perhaps some Natives and even good Patriots may have contracted Friendships received Favours or conceived Sentiments, which dispose them to believe unfavourable Accounts too rashly. even Habit and long Resentments very naturally excited and justly entertained before and during the War, may now mislead.\n          My Paper is too short for more Politics. have you been teaching your Son, Mathematics. if you have not, you have a Pleasure to come. A few Evenings spent with mine, instead of Cards with the fashionable World, have shewn me that after thirty years Interruption a Man loves them as well as ever.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0025", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Mather, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mather, Samuel\n          I received with Pleasure your valuable Legacy, and your Letter by Mr: Temple. I am obliged to you for these Attentions to me, and should have acknowledged them sooner if the public Service had not so constantly employed me.\n          Your Son, and his Lady, with Mrs: Hay, were so kind, as to call and dine with us at Auteuil last Fall. They are now at Beaugency, at some distance from Paris, but in good Health.\n          I had hopes of returning home, and of the Pleasure of seeing again my friends in Boston; but Congress are sending me to England, & what I am to meet with there or how long to stay I know not. I have however a great Comfort in knowing that if I can do no good there I shall soon go home.\n          My Son John Quincy Adams will have the Honour to deliver you this, and let me ask the favour of you to shew him your Library, as it has an excellent Effect upon young Minds to look into the Libraries of such great characters as the Line of Dr: Mathers.\n          With great Respect, &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0026", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James Sullivan, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Sullivan, James\n          Yesterday at the Marquis de la Fayette\u2019s, he told me, that he had received a Letter from Mr: Gerry, in which he was surprized to be informed that the French Charg\u00e9 des Affaires had demanded Mr: Longchamps to be given up. This was unexpected to him, he said, as he had understood at Court that the Ministry were pretty well contented with the Sentence against Mr: Longchamps. He thought too that the Members of Congress, would be surprized, especially, as they probably received soon after the demand, Letters from him that the Ministers he thought would not press the Matter. I told him that I had received Information too, both from Mr Gerry and the minister of foreign Affairs to the same Effect. that possibly the French Ministry thought it necessary to make the demand and keep up the Claim as a Check upon the Kings own Subjects; although they might be Sensible of the improbability of the demands being complied with. He said this might be, and fully agreed with me, that as our Courts of Judicature had already taken Cognizance of the Cause, passed Sentence upon the Crime and carried that Sentence into Execution according to the Laws of the State, Congress could not with propriety now give him up, if indeed it were ever in any Case proper, without a Convention for that Purpose. We agreed farther in Opinion that it would be proper to say in the Answer to the Office, some handsome Thing to the Court and to give the Reasons for the Refusal in as soft Language as may be. I may add in a private Letter to you, that a complaisant answer, added to the Motive of restraining their own Subjects, may be all that is expected. It would not be proper for me to compromise the Marquis, by giving Official Information of this Conversation, although it is very proper to be communicated to some Member of Congress.\n          I met Mr: Hailes the British Charg\u00e9 des Affaires Yesterday at Dinner, at a Noble House in the City, and fell designedly into Conversation with him upon the Subject of the Frontier Posts, in the Course of which I asked him, what could be the Reason of the delay to surrender those Posts? He said he could not pretend to say, precisely, but he had no doubt it was the private Interest of some Individual Officer, or Trader which had hitherto studied pretences and Excuses for delay: but that we might depend upon it, there were no Thoughts at Court or in the Nation, of holding those Posts. Mr: Pitt was a Man of the most perfect moral Character, and of the highest Sense of public, and private Honour, and would abhor every Idea of violating the national Faith\u2014 He asked if I did not think him a wonderfull young Man. I told him I did. that I had often seen with surprize his firmness and Coolness, his comprehensive knowledge of Business, and his perfect command of himself, qualities in which he had shewn himself superior to all his Rivals. that he seemed to be the Man for the Salvation of the Nation if it were yet in a salvable State: But that he did not yet appear to be sufficiently Sensible how large a share America must have in assisting him to save the Nation. That he would finally miss his object, and fail in all his great Projects if he did not place the intercourse with America upon a proper footing\u2014 He laughed and said it was very true, and as soon as we have settled with Ireland, says he, we will take you in hand, and settle with you upon honest and generous Terms, but it is dangerous attempting too many Things at once. I think it very silly, says he in our People, to hold those Posts, and it does no good, and I have written so, & will again.\n          This Letter will be delivered you, by my Son John Quincy Adams, who is going to Colledge and the Bar, where I beg Leave to solicit for him your kind Protection and Patronage.\n          With great regard. I have the Honour to be, Sir &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0027", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, James\n            Auteuil near Paris April 26. 1785.\n          I See by the publick Papers that Mr Hancock has resigned, and I Suppose you have just passed through the Bustle of a new Election. it is a question here among Us Americans Who? General Warren Mr Bowdoin Mr Cushing and General Lincoln are in nomination. But We cannot elect you know and therefore nobody Says who he would vote for. We all agree that there is danger of less Unanimity than in the last. I know so well the Influence of Boston that I believe it will be a Boston Man, but which of the two I know not.\n          But to something in which it is more proper for me to intermeddle. Temple your Friend is appointed Consul General, but whether he has yet embarked for N. York where I Suppose his Residence will be I know not. As much depends upon his Character and Conduct, both to Great Britain and America, it is a matter of Importance that he should be well advised, and I believe that no American has more regard for him than You have or more Influence with him. He is not without Knowledge in General and has had peculiar Opportunities for knowing the Commerce of America and has numerous Acquaintances, Some Friends and powerful Connections in America. I believe him to be in general a Well meaning Man, and if his Office depended upon a genteel Behaviour he would be very well qualified. But, he values himself much upon a Knowledge of Courts which he has not, and he looses himself too much in Ceremonies and Forms to be a great Master of Substance & Essence. He is not a prudent Man, and has the most confused Conceptions of the public Opinion and of the Reasonings upon which it is founded and of the real Springs and motives of Events of any Man of so much sense & Experience I ever saw.\n          Such a Character therefore in my Opinion if his Friends do not advise him, will be in danger of doing much Mischief to the publick altho he may be sure of making his own Career very short.\u2014 If he goes on with those Airs of Mystery, and suffers his own Conduct to be equivocal or liable to two Interpretations, if he enters into personal Disputes without a manifest necessity, or brings on needless questions with Congress or its Members, or the states or Governors, with French or Dutch or other foreign Consulls or Ministers, or subjects or Starts and presses too hastily, indiscreet Claims for his Master, he will soon destroy himself altho he may previously do great harm. He is now an Englishman, and a servant of his King. let him then make no Pretensions as an American, because they will not be admitted and will only expose him. He must proceed slowly Softly and smoothly. He must support the Rights of his Master and the English Nation, but he must allow the Rights of all others. He is now in the right Road. He was the servant of the King and should have always looked to him and him alone for Service unless he had renounced his Service more decidedly and engaged more clearly than he did against him.\n          My son will deliver you this. He has corresponded for sometime with yours at Lisbon and will give you the News of him. I have seen with Pleasure this Friendship forming, and hope there will be more formed in America between him and the sons of those Persons with whom I have passed my Life in Harmony, and acted in Concert for the Publick.\n          It is long Since I had a Letter from you, or Mrs Warren to whom I pray you to present my best Regards. Mrs Maccaulay and Mrs Warren I Suppose have compared Notes of the History of Liberty on both sides the Atlantic.\n          By the last Letters from America, it appears probable that the Drs Resignation will be accepted; an Event which will make a great Change in our foreign Affairs. No Man that I know would be likely to conduct them better here than his successor Mr Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0028", "content": "Title: Francesco Favi to the American Commissioners, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Favi, Francesco\nTo: American Commissioners\n            Messieurs\n          Le projet du Trait\u00e9, que vous m\u2019av\u00e9z fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019adresser dans le mois de Decembre dernier, et que vous av\u00e9z propos\u00e9 \u00e0 Son Altesse Royale Msgr\u0303 L\u2019Archiduc Grand Duc de Toscane mon Maitre etoit trop conform\u00e9 \u00e0 Ses principes pourqu\u2019il ne f\u00fbt pas agr\u00e9e.\n          Ce Prince apr\u00e8s L\u2019avoir pris en consideration est venu dans la determination d\u2019y adherer, et c\u2019est par son ordre, que j\u2019ai L\u2019honneur de vous comuniquer la traduction cy jointe. Il y a quelques additions, qui ne changent rien ala Substance dela convention, mais que les circonstances locales, et les reglements du pays, aux quels toutes Les nations sont soumises, rendent indispensables. Vous verr\u00e8z, Messieurs, que Les Suj\u00e8ts des Etats unis del\u2019Amerique seront trait\u00e9s dans tous Les cas \u00e0 Livourne comme la nation la plus favoris\u00e9e, et qu\u2019ils jouiront par consequent de tous Les avantages, qui sont accord\u00e9s aux autres Nous demandons Les m\u00eames conditions, et la m\u00eame reciprocit\u00e8 pour Les Toscane, ainsi la base de ce Trait\u00e9 ne sauroit etre fond\u00e9e sur une egalit\u00e9 plus parfaite.\n          J\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec Le plus grand / respect / Messieurs / Votre tr\u00e9s humble, et tr\u00e9s / Obeissant Serviteur\n          TRANSLATION\n          The draft of the treaty that you did me the honor of sending to me last December, and which you have proposed to his royal highness the archduke, grand duke of Tuscany, my lord, was too similar to his principles for him not to agree.\n          This prince, having taken it into consideration, has come to the decision to approve of it, and it is on his order that I have the honor of sending to you the attached translation. There are a few additions that change nothing of the substance of the agreement, but local circumstances and the regulations of the country, to which all nations are subject, render them indispensable. You will see, sirs, that the subjects of the United States of America will be treated in every case in Livorno just as the most favored nation, and that they will enjoy in consequence all the advantages that are granted to others. We ask for the same conditions, and the same reciprocity for Tuscany, so that the basis for the treaty is perfect equality.\n          I have the honor of being with the greatest respect, sirs, your very humble and obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0029", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Samuel\n            Auteuil near Paris Ap. 1785. 27.\n          The Child whom you used to lead out into the common to see with detestation the British Troops and with Pleasure the Boston Militia will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter. He has since seen the Troops of most Nations in Europe, without any Ambition I hope of becoming a military Man. He thinks of the Bar and Peace and civil Life, and I hope will follow and enjoy them with less Interruption than his Father could.\n          If you have in Boston a virtuous Clubb, such as We used to delight and improve ourselves in, they will inspire him with Such sentiments as a young American ought to entertain, and give him less occasion for lighter Company. I think it no small Proof of his Discretion, that he chooses to go to New England rather than old. You and I know that it will probably be more for his Honour and his Happiness in the result but young Gentlemen of Eighteen dont always See through the same Medium with old ones of fifty.\n          So I am going to London. I suppose you will threaten me with being envyed again. I have more cause to be pitied, and al[though I will] not say with Dr Cutler that \u201cI hate [to be] pitied\u201d I dont know why I should dread Envy.\u2014 I shall be sufficiently vexed I expect. But as Congress are about to act with Dignity I dont much fear that I shall be able to do something worth going for. If I dont I shall come home, and envy nobody, nor be envied. if they send as good a Man to Spain as they have in Jay for their foreign department and will have in Jefferson at Versailles I shall be able to correspond in perfect Confidence with all those public Characters that I shall have most need of Assistance from and shall fear nothing.\n          I am, my dear sir, affectionately yours\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0030", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Charles Chauncy, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Chauncy, Charles\n          I was much obliged to you for your kind Letter by Mr: Temple which I received in London; but having been called from thence to the Hague, & from thence again to Paris by the public Service, and much employed with the Cares of my Family as well as the public Business I have not been able to answer it sooner.\n          Mr: Temple is now appointed Consul General from the King of Great Britain to the United States, and much will depend upon his Prudence, Patience & Wisdom. he is in a Situation of much Delicacy, and must proceed with great Caution. he will therefore stand in need of the Advice of his Friends. His Knowledge of the Commerce and his respectable Connections will be of great Service to him if he setts out right. if I should go to England, as by the late Letters from Congress I must, I should be glad to have a friendly Correspondence with him. it may be usefull to both Countries as well as to us.\n          Whether it will be possible to accomplish the Views of Congress in England I know not. if the same Blindness & Delusion should continue there, so much the worse for them. Our Country is in a Situation, to make her friendship much more Essential to the English than theirs can be to us, important as it is.\n          I hope soon to have the Pleasure of reading your new Work which has a great Reputation and is upon a most interesting Subject\u2014 This Letter will be delivered you, by J. Q. Adams my eldest Son, who after seven years Travel is returning home where I hope he will find Friends and become in Time a usefull Man.\n          With great & sincere Respect &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0031", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Gordon, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gordon, William\n          I am like other Debtors, afraid to look into my Affairs lest I should find the balance against me. it is so with you, I very much Suspect.\n          You may not be sorry to be uninterrupted, for I suppose you are busy in writing your History. I should be glad to see it, because it is time there should be some sketch or full Draught in which there may be some Resemblance, when there are so many abroad which are called Pictures, but which have no likeness at all. indeed it is my Opinion that to collect the Materials and compose the work of a full, compleat, & impartial History, is the Labour of thirty years for a Writer of the first Talents. It is not, besides, as yet safe to publish the whole Truth. There are popular prejudices, aristocratical Jealousies, and despotic Terrors in the way, which will prevent the naked Truth from being seen by the Public for these fifty years. indeed I sometimes think that so much Quackery, and Exageration, so much Puff and Vapour has been mixed in that the Truth can never be fully distilled from the Dreggs.\n          I hope for the Future to have a more frequent Communication with my Friends, with less Apprehension of spies, & Copyers, and Decypherers in the post office. Letters from good authorities say that I am appointed to England. I tremble at this trust, for I know how much depends upon it. Not so much however as has depended, and has not very fatally failed. so I shall undertake it with Chearfullness, be sure to do my own Duty and leave the Event to that Providence which will decide it, as it should be.\n          Dr: F\u2019s infirmity the stone, has confined him these 18 months. his Grandson is now sick of a Fever but is better, and I hope out of Danger. Mr: Jefferson is an excellent Citizen, Philosopher and Statesman, with whom I promise myself the most friendly and Cordial Correspondence, altho\u2019 I shall leave him with regret. Mr: Humphreys our Secretary, is an accomplished Man, and when he ripens a little with years, & wears off a few Notions contracted in the Army,\nwill make a Figure in a higher Sphere. The Office of foreign Affairs is in so good Hands that I think our Affairs abroad were never so likely to be well managed. Where is my Friend Mr: Dana? Will he come abroad, or be promoted at home? surely our Countrymen love themselves and their own Interests enough to employ him somewhere in distinguished Service\u2014 My Son takes this Letter, for whom suffer me to solicit your good Will.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0033", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Ezra Stiles, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Stiles, Ezra\n            Auteuil near Paris April 27. 1785\n          I received with Pleasure, your Letter by Col. Humphreys whom I have found in all respects the Man of Merit and Taste whom you describe, well qualified for the Office to which Congress has appointed him. The last Letters from New York have given me, some Anxiety on his Account. If the Commissions to which he is attached Should be dissolved, and no Provision be made for him, he will be in a Situation like that in which I was left in 1779, when Congress dissolved the Commission, in which Dr Franklin Dr Lee and myself were joined, and without Saying any Thing to me left me to get home as I could. I found the Circumstance too painfull to wish my worst Ennemy in it, much less So good a Man and So worthy a Friend as Mr Humphreys. He will not however have an Ennemy to apprehend at Sea as I had.\u2014 I Sincerely hope he will not be forgotten or neglected. You probably know, before this time, his Destination.\n          The Adjustment of our Commerce with Europe will require much time and deliberation, and I fear that the Limitation of the Authority of Congress to make Treaties of Commerce, will obstruct us for a time, and at length be found detrimental. it is true that every Enlargement of the Powers, of Congress, should be cautiously considered, but it seems very difficult to govern our Commerce abroad, in any other Way [than] under one direction.\n          There Appears to be an Apprehension in America that the English have hostile Intentions. Multitudes of them are indeed Sour and peevish, but I believe War is very far from the Thoughts of any Body especially of any Man in Power. and as soon as they have Settled with Ireland, I hope they will agree with Us. if they do not it is they who have the most to fear.\n          My Son who embarks in the May Packett for New York, will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter, as he passes through New Haven, if he Should fall down by Water from N. York to Newport. He is returning home, after an Absence of Seven Years, excepting about 3 months when he was there with me in 1779; and I hope he will make a good Citizen.\n          With great and Sincere Esteem I have / the Honour to be, Sir your most / obedient and most humble / Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0034", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Warren, Mercy Otis\nTo: Adams, John\n            Milton Hill April 27th 1785\n          I thank you sir for your favour of the 13th Decmber. I take up my pen to acknowledge it, & to Congratulate you on your Domestic Felicity in the Last Eight months. but shall not direct to you at the pleasant Villa of Auteuil: but to the Court of London, as it is probable before this you & your Family have left the Residence of the distinguished literati of France; perhaps for the Grotto of Pope, or some more Elegant spot immortalized as the abode of British Genius\u2014for whom the Americans have, & would long Continue a prediliction. did not both the ministry & the people practice Every method of allienation. Yet possibly more Consiliating measures may be adopted, before the Negotiations ar far advanced. The Marcatile Class are very angry, while the Repulican Resents with Dignity the Late Restrictions on Commerce, They would be happy to see Every Nation in Europe take the same steps. provided we were therby obliged to live within ourselves (which we can very well do) & had wisdom and Virtue to retain our own principles & manners independantly supporting a National Character Respected for the Simplicity Magnanimity & Vigour. But Alas! the Weakness of Human Nature.\u2014 I fear we are already too far advanced in Every species of luxury, to Receede, though much more than our political salvation depended on the Reform. an avidity for pleasure has increassed with our Freedom, & a thirst of acquitition for Its support pushes to the most dangerous Experiments. And though sensible it is owing to the perversion of Reason, a Corruption of Taste & the Cravings of Artificial Neccessity which causes the Restless pursuit of objects seldom attainable. Yet Neither the Reasonings of the Philosopher nor the maxims of Religion, will bring back to that Mediocrity which ought to bound the wishes of Man. Either the people or the individual who has tasted the more Refined & Elegant accomodations of Life\u2014\n          But to whom am I writing. I this moment Cast my Eye on a paragraph of yours. \u201cI feel myself disposed to whine like Cicero in Exile.\u201d & is it possible that you sir after 5 or 6 years spent in the most splendid Courts in Europe can look back & sigh for the Retirement & simplicity of Pens Hill. if you Really do, I pronounce you a Philosopher of the first Magnitude, & if Ever you Vollntarily return to that style. I think you will have a right to stand foremost on the list of Genuine Republians. you will at least have an Equal Claim to some Honourary Badge Emphatically Expressive of anciant Patriotism, as any of the Noble order of the Cincinnati\u2014 I dare not say more than Equal least I speak Treason\u2014\n          A late Resignation you have doubtless heard off. And had you been with us when the period of annual Election Revolved it is probable your Country would have manifested some tokens of Gratitude by Giving you Their suffrages for the first office of state. Yet their is no dependence on the popular Voice. Their would have been a manuvering against it least you should have held it too long for the Convenience of another who means to come in again the next year.\n          There is such a blind attachment to this man of straw that I have little doubt he will have the opportunity of Establishing himself for life, perhaps the power of Entailing an Hereditary succession. if that should be the Case many would Cry \u201cCome over into Macedonia & help us.[\u201d] for I cannot suppose you think we are yet quite ripe for Monarchic Goverment\u2014\n          I am very sorry you Complain so much of your Eyes. Yet I dare say your optical Faculties are still strong Enough to discern. & I hope to Remove many Political Errors on Each side the Atlantic.\n          But why do I spend a Moment on these subjects. I have not one to loose when duty dos not Direct to some point of utility\u2014or the social affections interest from the part those have to act with whom we are tenderly Connected.\n          But before I conclude, you sir will Give me leave to observe, that I have lived long Enough to be Convinced that we must pass through the world ourselves in order to know it thoroughly.\n          Neither the page of History nor the Experienced lessons of those who have Gone before us, Can investigate the Character of Man, or Develope the Human Mind, till we see the Blunders of public, & feel the ingratitude & Baseness of private Men.\n          The one I doubt not you will allways be quick sighted Enough to discern. the other I wish you may never be thoroughly taught. for with all your thirst for science you will be Happier to die without the aquirment of this knowledge.\n          I have indeed seen Mrs Macauley. she has been treated in Boston & Its Environs with Every mark of Respect. she is a Lady of most Exsteordinary talents, A Commanding Genius & Brilliance of Thought. this in my opinion often out runs her Capacity of Expression which is often a little too prolix both in Conversation & Compotition, or Rather the Period, are a little too lenghthy to please at once\u2014 I dare say this will be Corrected in future as one of her american Friends had the Courage to tell her of it. she Replied she beleived the observation just, as she had always aimed more at the investigation of truth than the ornaments of style. but I think in this age of Refinement the Graces of the Latter, ought to soften the harshness of the Former, & prevent the mind from Fatigue while listening, to the Humiliating story of Human Conduct\u2014\n          We have a subscription out for an American Edition of her History down to 1744. It fills very fast, & I dare say will succeed to her Wishes.\n          It was kind in you to wish the World would spread a Vail of Candour over a Circumstance you mentioned. doubtless that Ladys Independency of spirit led her to suppose she might associate, for the remainder of life with an inoffensive obliging youth, with the same impunity a Gentleman of three score & ten might marry a Damsel of fifteen\u2014\n          Mr Warren perhaps will not write by this ship. we had short Notice. He is Going a Journey And the season requires his Care & attention.\u2014 in his private Walks But in whatever Departments or wherever he resides be assured You have Their a Friend. You know his attachments are strong & when he likes or dislikes, Either men or measures, The shaking of a leaf will not alter his opinion.\n          We wish for some of Your Excellent long letters.\u2014 some in that style directed to him at Philadelphia, Depend upon it were not useless, Either to you, or to your Country, Though from a Concurrence of Circumstances he was not Their.\n          I will not tell you his opinions with regard to our present situation. He will do it Himself Ere long. He has wrote You very perticularly several times since Mrs Adams left us. I beleive the intercourse will be more secure while you Reside in England\n          A Pleasing Circumstance to your Friends\u2014perticularly / to yours / Respectfully\u2014\n            Shall I ask the Favour of you sir to procure a safe Conveyance for the inclosed to a young Gentleman at Lisbon\u2014who has for you The affection of Friendship, & that Respect & Esteem you have a Right to Expect from the son of a patriot.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0035", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 28 April 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n            Auteuil near Paris April 28. 1785\n          Your Letter of the 24 of February was this morning put into my Hand. That which you refer to as informing me, that Mr Livingston was in nomination with Mr Rutledge and me, I have not yet received.\n          Of all the Letters I ever received in my Life, excepting one from Mr Osgood, this is perhaps the most friendly and faithfull and lays me under the greatest Obligations. I rejoice in the Explanation that took Place, and it is my duty to Say Something upon Some of the Particulars.\n          1. It is very true that I have little Admiration of the Philosophical Philanthropy or Equity of the Slave Trade. This Defect however has never prevented, nor will ever prevent me from doing all in my Power to obtain Restitution of the Negroes taken from the Southern States and detained from them in violation of the Treaty. I am not conscious that any Philosophical Speculations Upon this Subject, have ever influenced my Conduct in this Respect, nor do I See that they ought to enter into this Business\n          2 In negotiating the Treaty, I was not Sensible, nor do I now remember that any of my Colleagues were more anxious than myself respecting the American Debts. There was no difference of Sentiment among Us, upon this head that I can recollect. We were all Sensible of the hardship upon many Individuals, but it was so much a Point with the British, and a point that would have appeared in the Eyes of the World So much to our disadvantage, to have stood out upon, that We all thought alike upon the Subject. We have long Since done what depended upon Us, and all, for any Thing that I know with equal Assiduity, but We can get no Answer because, as I Suppose the British Ministry are determined not to treat here. if you Send a Minister to St. James\u2019s, he must have an Answer. what it will be, I know not, although I am apprehensive it will be difficult to obtain the Interposition of Government in the matter of the Debts, it is clear to me, that the delay desired and proposed, will be at least as Advantageous to the British Creditors as to the American Debtors, and if Government cannot be prevailed with to Stipulate, I hope they may be convinced of the Necessity of the Measures taken by the States, and not treat them or consider them as Breaches of the Treaty, and that the Creditors may be quieted. in the Case of the Negroes it is clear, that they ought to restore every one of them or pay his full Value.\n          3. I know pretty well the old Characters in Massachusetts, and am not apprehensive of committing any very material Mistake by misplacing Confidence, there.\u2014 if I conjecture, who you mean I have written to them only, in answer to Letters from them containing usefull Information, and professing Friendship I cannot well avoid answering Letters, but I have not, made any confidential Communications, that I know of, improperly. I have before received hints of Caution from others, and am obliged to you for yours.\n          But my Friend, there is a deeper and broader difficulty. There has been a System of Politicks in America, as well as in Europe different from yours, Mr Jays, Mr Jeffersons and mine. there have been times when, I, with all my Faults, was considered as the only dangerous Obstacle in the Way of that System, altho they are now convinced there were others as inflexible and more able. There is now too a military Spirit of Ambition and of Chivalry which I dare Say I am suspected to dislike as much as the Slave Trade. instead of wondering that I am attacked, I only wonder that more Serious at least more plausible Objections have not been found against me. I dont perceive that any Instances have been quoted, in which any artfull Negotiator has flattered me, out of any Object important or unimportant. I am glad the Explanation took place and am obliged to the Gentlemen for their Candour in expressing their Objections and Apprehensions: but I must Say, if I really had the weak Passion, I know how to gratify it instead of putting it in their power by my Negligence of little Things, to mortify it. I know perfectly well the Way and have learn\u2019d it from the greatest Masters and Models of obtaining the Influence of Ministers of State and even of Princes to gratify it. nay I have known the Way to have obtained Medals and Statues, Ribbons and Votes of Gratitude, and these I think are the Objects of the weak Passion, instead of Reproaches, Censures and Abuses.\n          The Gentlemen who were placed in Competition with me are Characters of great Worth, and I should neither have felt an Envy or Resentment, if either had been appointed altho any Man who knows the History of my former Appointments, must be Sensible, that it would have been improper even for the public Service, that I should have remained in Europe, if I had not been appointed either to London or Versailles. a former Congress had been deceived into the Injustice of marking my Coat with a Stain for Conduct which merited a Statue, and I have been from that moment determined, it Should be wiped out, or that I would throw off their Livery forever. accordingly altho I dont know that I have claimed the Appointment to London, I have demanded to go home, if this Appointment or another Superiour to it was not given to me, nor Shall I blush in this Age or the next, in this World or the other for this determination. in truth I have not cared a Farthing, since the Peace whether I went home or remained in Europe. I have for some time intended to come home at the Expiration of our present Commissions as it is, I Shall probably come home next Spring in a manner more agreable to my feelings. if I do not see a Probability of doing Something worth staing for no Man can wish me to stay, and if I should be so happy as to arrange Affairs to tolerable Satisfaction no Man I hope would wish to refuse me leave to come home, either for a full do, or upon Cong\u00e9, for no Swiss was ever more homesick than I. an Arrangement with England to mutual Satisfaction So as to prevent War, and consequently prevent the military Gentlemen from erecting an European System among Us, is all that remains in Europe near my heart. and I am perswaded that a Settlement with Spain, harmony with France, and Agreement with all the other Courts & Nations of Europe would follow it, of Course. This done, the sooner I get home the better: for altho I am perswaded You must have Ministers, for many Years with Several Courts I assure you I dont desire nor intend to be long one of them.\n          our Friend the Marquis, whom I love, altho I fear he has, been instrumental of introducing bad Fashions among Us, informs me that Mr Smith is appointed Secretary of Legation to London. This Gentleman is to me a total Stranger. an Aid de Camp and a Knight of Cincinnatus, a Correspondent of the Marquis and his brother Humphreys, I see the Necessity of his being a prudent Man, and of my being so too. But he shall be treated by me with all the Kindness and Attention, that becomes the Relation between Us. Humphreys has all the qualifications for his Office which can be expected from an Aid du Camp & a Knight of Cincinnatus. His Genius Taste, and Knowledge are distinguished and his heart is excellent.\n          I am my dear sir with every senti / ment of Esteem your Fried & humble / sert\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0038", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Paca, 29 April 1785\nFrom: Paca, William\nTo: Adams, John\n            Annapolis in Maryland In Council April 29 1785\n          We take the Liberty to solicit every possible Assistance you can give on the Subject of the enclosed Copy of a Letter which Samuel Chase Esquire Agent for this State while in England addressed to the Minister Mr Pitt. the Bills in Chancery are still depending and We have instructed Mr. Chase to make the Attorney General a Party if the Crown will not disclaim it\u2019s supposed Interest.\n          The State of Maryland will be much obliged by your Friendship and attention in this National and very interesting Concern and we flatter ourselves that with your Influence and Exertions a Disclaimer may be obtained from the Crown, and every Obstacle removed which lies in the way of a speedy Determination in Chancery.\u2014\n          We have the Honor / to be / Sir / Your most obedient humble servants", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0040", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 2 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n            Auteuil near Paris May 2. 1785\n          The Imputation of a weak Passion has made So much Impression upon me, that it may not be improper to Say a little more about it, even although I Should convert you, more and more to the Opinion of those who think the public Interest in danger from it. The Truth Should come out, and if the danger is real the Remedy is easily applied.\n          According to all that I have read of Morals or Seen of Manners, there are, in Mankind various kinds of Vanity. And every Gradation of the Passions, and every Shade of their various opperations on the good or Evil of Society Should be Studied by you the Statesmen who are forming a new World.\n          There is a Vanity whose Object is Show. its constant Study is to acquire Popularity to attract the Attention and Consideration of the World, and to impose upon Mankind, by Magnificence in Buildings, Furniture, Equipage, Dress, Titles, Ribbons, Stars, Garters, Crosses, and Eagles. Such is the Propensity of the World in general to admire those visible Objects and external Signs which Strike their Imaginations and Senses, that this Species of Vanity commonly changes the whole moral and political Character of a People, by turning their Attention, Esteem, Admiration and even their Confidence and Affection, from Talents and Virtues, to these external Appearances. while a People look for the former, they find them: the choicest Spirits, who have most Benevolence as well as Capacities, aim to do good, because they know they Shall be Supported by the People and enabled to do it. But when a People Seek for Marks those men acquire their Confidence and manage the public Affairs, who think of nothing but Marks. Washington had never existed, if he had not known that the People had formed the Idea of Such a Character, were enquiring for Such a one, and would love and Admire it more than that of a C\u00e6sar or a Prince of Orange. and We shall See that if Orange Ribbons take Place in America, they will be chiefly sought and our next General will be a Prince of orange. I believe, I was never accused of this sort of Vanity. I never was infected with it, on the contrary my Interest and Reputation have been always in America lessened, by my living in a Simplicity even below what my Circumstances would have justified.\n          There is another Sort of Vanity, which consists or at least Shews itself in empty boastings of Wealth, Birth, Power, Beauty, Parts learning, Virtues or Conduct. This is Seldom very mischievous, or gains any Reputation, but always prevents the Boaster, from acquiring the Character, which Sometimes he may merit. It is never indulged to be Sure by a Cunning Politician\n          There is another Sort of Vanity, real Vanity as much as either of the other Sort, but certainly less pernicious. it is, on the contrary, although a Weakness and, if you will a Vice, a real Proof of a valuable Character. It is even a Vanity which arises from the Testimony of a good Conscience. When a Man is conscious of Services and Exertions, from the purest Principles of Virtue & Benevolence and looks back on a course of Years, Spent in the Service of other Men, without Attention to himself, when he recollects, Sacrifices, Sufferings and dangers, which have fallen in his Way, and Sees himself preserved through all and his labours crown\u2019d with transcendant Success there arises a Satisfaction, and sometimes a Transport which he must be very wise indeed, if he can at all times conceal. I Say more it is Hypocricy oftener than Wisdom that pretends to conceal it. if I were to Say that I have felt this Consciousness, and experienced this Joy, I should be chargeable with Vanity, although you and every Man who knows me, must know it to be true, and that it is impossible it Should be otherwise.\u2014 if at Sometimes I have betrayed in Word or Writing Such a Sentiment, I have only to Say in excuse for it that I am not an Hypocrite, nor a cunning Man, nor at all times wise. and that altho I may be more cautious for the future, I will never be so merely to obtain the Reputation of a cunning Politician a Character I neither admire nor esteem. I have Seen So much of it, between the Years 1755 and the Years 1785, as to give me a thorough disgust to it. But the Gentlemen think that a public Minister \u201cought never to have the weak Passion.\u201d in this I agree with them.\u2014 it is always an Imperfection, a Weakness, a Fault and if you will a Vice: but do they expect to find a Minister without a fault, and is not a weak Passion universally a Smaller Fault, than a Strong one? Is not even Pride more dangerous than Vanity, as are not Avarice, & Ambition, more pernicious than both? Is not even Craft, Cunning, Intrigue, much worse than the weak Passion?\n          Although it is a Fault and a Scrurvy Folly which I dispize and disdain, whatever they may think of me, and even although I may have been guilty of it, We must however yeild So far to the Truth as to confess, that the greatest Men and the greatest Ministers who ever existed have Sometimes been horribly infected with it. I will not enumerate Examples in Antiquity, because every Body recollects that, not only their Poets and Orators but their gravest Historians and Philosophers are full of it. But look into Instances more recent. Sully, I Suppose will be allowed to be the greatest French Minister yet his Memoirs are one continued Panegyrick upon himself; he does even endeavour to disguise his weak Passion. Clarendon was one of the greatest English Ministers. Yet his History discovers as much Applause of himself as Sullys. D\u2019Avaux was one of the first of the French Negotiators yet his Memoirs and his whole History is full of this Admiration of himself. I might mention even the Memoirs of De Torcy and the Duke of Marlborough. This last was an eternal Talker and forever about himself. Sir William Temple was the greatest Negotiator that England ever produced. Yet Vanity is written upon Benevolence in every Page of his Works almost and every Passage of his Life. Was there not an Exuberance of this Weakness in the late Earl of Chatham? and what do you think of Chesterfield?\u2014 Turgot and Neckar, are not inferiour to the rest, especially the latter, who can hardly write a Page without telling you how passionately he loves and admires himself and his wife. Bolingbroke has disguised it more, but it is very visible he did not feel it less, and that nothing but his ill Success and never ending Mortifications induced him to assume the disguise.\n          In Short it is almost impossible, for any Minister to write Memorials or make the Slightest Notes of his Administration to avoid at all times the appearance of much of this childish, boyish Passion. especially a foreign Minister whose Duty it is to transmit to his Employers Accounts of his Measures and even often of transient Conversations.\n          Gentlemen would do well to know a little more of the World and of the real Characters of Ministers and Negotiators, before they lay it down for a Rule that no Man is to be voted for as a Minister who has the weak Passion least they should exclude, the wisest, the most virtuous and benevolent, the ablest and most dissinterested, the most indefatigable and Successfull Ministers, that nature produces for their Choice.\n          I Should be more vain than I am, if I pretended to be at all times destitute of Vanity.\u2014 I never yet saw nor do I expect to see a Man without it. I never knew but one Man who pretended to be wholly free from it, or whom any body thought to be so and him I know to be in his heart the vainest Man, and the falsest Character I have ever met with in life. The Pretension to have none of it is Affectation and gross Hypocrisy. and depend upon it, the Man who makes so much Pretension to it and takes so much cunning Pains to conceal at all times his Feelings, has artfull designs to carry, and infinitely more sordid Passions to gratify, Avarice Envy, Jealousy, Ambition or Revenge.\n          After all, with real Esteem and Affection for the worthy Gentlemen who were put in Competition with me, I confess to you, it would mortify me extreamly, if thought one Member of Congress really believed, I had a larger Proportion of the weak Passion, than either of them. Surely he must be a young Member who never Satt in Congress with Us.\n          These Criticisms Smell, as rank as the Ripeness of a Rabits tail, of french Politicks. Principle, Character Virtue, at a french Court is not confessed nor indeed permitted to exist. Louis the fifteenth laid it down as a Maxim confirmed to him by the Experience of fifty years that no honest Man would ever come to Court, and he accordingly Sett down every Man who came near him as a Knave. There are Books written, with the Title of \u201cthe Vanity of human Virtue,\u201d and it is a general if not an Universal Sentiment at Court, that every Man who pretends to Character, or obtains a Reputation for Virtue is either an Hypocrite, or a Coxcomb. a Man who is capable \u201cde S\u2019estimer beaucoup,\u201d (their own Phrase) is a Pretender to Character, and therefore a dangerous Man. if a Man of Virtue appears, and the Circumstances of the Times render it indispensable to call him to Court, the moment he has answered their End, if they can find no other Charge against him they set up the Cry of Vanity, and this is enough to let loose Tongues and Pens enough to tear his Reputation in Pieces. This was Signally the Case of Mr Turgot and Mr Malesherbe, as well as Mr Neckar Malesherbes indeed knew them so well by long Experience that the instant he saw what was coming he resignd. Neckar was pelted down with this kind of Pebble. a Saying of the King, either really dropped by him or invented and circulated, as his, was enough. \u201cNeckar est vain et glorieux.\u201d indeed all Neckars Writings are full of Self Applause, and there is a great Appearance of it in Turgots Character, but this did not prevent them from being really the best and greatest Ministers, and from doing the most good to the Kingdom of any, this Country has Seen for a long course of Years.\u2014 Courtiers were not long in discovering that I had Principles and a Character, and that I was not to be warped from my System, by any of their Arts, Douceurs, or Flatteries, and not being able to fix upon any moral Stain, or to excite any Suspicion of my Attachment to the American cause, or even to the Alliance with France, they found themselves reduced to their last Resource, which as it never fails them here they thought might do elsewhere, the Insinuation of Vanity.\u2014 I have not been illinformed of this, but I may have despized and neglected it too much.\u2014 instead of mortifying me, I declare that I believe it has increased my Vanity and made me more careless of avoiding the Appearance of it, than any Thing that ever happened to me in my whole life. it is I believe more than four Years ago, that a Friend of mine then in the Low Countries Sent me an Extract of a Letter from a Personage of great Consideration here to another of equal Note in London, which had been Sent to him, as I Suppose to caution him against me. The extract is in these Words, as near as I can recollect, not having the Paper before me \u201cNous n\u2019avons pas, une Confiance bien aveugle en Monsieur Adams. On le croit honn\u00eate: on le Scait ardent, inflexible m\u00eame, dans Sa cause: mais il a bond trop dans Son Sense et, ne S\u00e7ait pas Se donner aux convenances.\u201d [\u201c]Nous amons mieux placer Confiance, en Monsieur Franklin.\u201d\u2014 \u201cWe have not a very blind Confidence in Mr Adams. We believe him honest: We know him to be ardent and indeed inflexible in his cause, but he abounds too much in his own Sense, and will not give into our Conveniences.\u201d\u2014 I Saw the drift of this, with Indignation sometimes, Contempt at others but more often with real Exultation. and I am bold to Say to you, that if my Name Should live but two Centuries, this Extract will last as long and will do me more honnour with thinking and virtuous Men if such should then exist than Virginia Statues to the Marquis or yours itself to the General. if I had given into a few Such conveniences, as appointing Mailbois to command your Armies instead of Washington, Sending useless Arms to America at great Prices, yeilded Slyly away your Fisheries, and not disputed with France or Spain their right to the Illinois & Louisiana, I could have obtained a Confidence as blind as I wished, and infinitely more gratification to a weak Passion, than I shall ever now enjoy during Life. I have passed Mr Gerry through a Multitude of Snares Temptations, and Dangers in Europe, which I have never ventured to explain even to my most intimate Friends. it would not have been Safe for the public to put them upon Paper. perhaps it never will be wise, how much soever they might gratify my weak Passion. Nor are these Snares and Dangers all past. There are more to come.\u2014 I am Still to dance on a slack rope, or a tight Rope, Still to march on the Brink of Precipices, with English French and American Politicks watching the Moment to push me over. do you wonder at Mr Jays return, or do you think it Surprizing that I should wish to follow his Steps. an honest Man here, is not so happy as the military Gentlemen in America, with ten thousand Brother Officers ready to Support his Character and propagate his Fame, as well as ward off false Attacks. Our Business is Secret, and must be so very often liable to Jealousies, Surmizes, Misrepresentations and Slanders, which We are not at Liberty even to contradict and refute. Facts which if known would justify Us; and do us honour, we cannot publish without being charged with breach of Trust. &c\n          Such Considerations, while the Publick was interested in my Fate, more than can be expressed with Decency have more than once put me on the rack and come very near to cost me my Life. at present the Country is safe and I look upon myself as of very little Consequence to any Body, and therefore nothing that can happen to me will give me so much Anxiety. Pidlers may nibble at Inadvertences at unguarded Expressions, in times of great Agitation of Mind, or at Excesses of Joy upon escaping Snares that would have deceived the Eyes of Argus. They will now disturb my repose but little, and not at all, long.\u2014\n          I will add one Thing more, Sir, if I had adopted or would now adopt the Principle, instead of putting you upon your guard against it, that \u201cThe United States ought to join France, in two Future Wars against England one to pay the Debt of Gratitude already contracted and the other to Shew themselves as generous as France has been, I could even now have all the Emmissaries thro the World, and almost all the Gazettes of Europe and America, employed to gratify my weak Passion, nay I could obtain much more solid Benefits.[\u201d]\n          When a Man is hurt he loves to talk of his Wound, and I know of no other Way to account for this long Letter which you see is intended only for you, and as it is not worth copying cannot be made shorter.\n          With great Regard your Frd\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0041", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 2 May 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Adams, John\n          Mr Franklin presents his Respects to Mr Adams, & acquaints him, that a New York Gentleman, Paul Randal Esqr. is just arriv\u2019d at Paris, and has Letters for Mr Adams. He lodges at the Hotel d\u2019Orleans, Rue St. Anne. He has been with Mr Franklin, but not knowing that Mr Adams liv\u2019d so near, did not bring his Letters out with him. He intends waiting on Mr Adams, but perhaps the Letters may be obtain\u2019d sooner by sending for them.\u2014\n          Mr Franklin has the Honour to inform Mr Adams, that he has now receiv\u2019d the \u201cPermission of Congress to return to America as soon as convenient.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0044", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Baron von Thulemeier, 3 May 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: Adams, John\n          Je ressens une veritable S\u00e1tisfaction, en mettant aujourdhui la derniere main a un Ouvrage qui a commenc\u00e9 d\u2019\u00e8tre entrepris a la Haye sous Vos auspices, et que Vous av\u00e9s favoris\u00e9, Monsieur, de V\u00f4tre mieux. Vous verr\u00e9s par la lettre ci jointe que j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de Vous adresser en commun avec Messieurs Vos Collegues, que le Roi n\u2019a rien laiss\u00e9 desirer aux Etats de l\u2019Amerique. Il s\u2019agit actuellement que Vous ai\u00e9s la bont\u00e9 de faire mettre au net un Exemplaire du Trait\u00e9 dont nous sommes conven\u00fbs; j\u2019en ferai autant de mon cot\u00e9. Qu\u00e8lque puisse \u00e8tre le plaisir que je me promettrais dans une entrevue, en renouvelant n\u00f4tre anciene connoissance, je crains cependant que les affaires du Roi m\u2019attachant a la Haye S. M. ne pr\u00e9f\u00e8re que l\u2019echange se fasse par une voie s\u00fbre telle que le paquet des Ambassadeurs de L. H. P. Daign\u00e9s Monsieur, m\u2019accorder constamment une place dans V\u00f4tre souvenir, et agr\u00e9er les assurances de l\u2019attachement inviolable autant que de la consid\u00e9ration la pl\u00fbs distingu\u00e9e avec laqu\u00e8lle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00e8tre / Monsieur, / Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant / serviteur\n            de Thulemeier\n          TRANSLATION\n          I feel a true sense of satisfaction today as I place the finishing touches on a work which was begun at The Hague under your auspices and which you have encouraged, sir, with all of your best. You will see by the letter included herein, which I have the honor to address to you and your esteemed colleagues, that the king has left nothing to be desired for the States of America. At present there is only for you to have the goodness to carefully transcribe a copy of the treaty to which we have consented; I will do as much on my side. In spite of the pleasure I could secure myself in an interview, in renewing our old acquaintance, I fear nevertheless that the king\u2019s affairs shall keep me at The Hague. His Majesty prefers that the exchange be made by a safe route such as the packet of the ambassadors of Their High Mightinesses. Be so kind, sir, to grant me always a place in your memory, and to accept the assurances of the inviolable attachment and of the most distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant\n            de Thulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0045", "content": "Title: The Baron von Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 3 May 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: American Commissioners\n            Messieurs,\n          Les ordres du Roi que je viens de recevoir, me mettent \u00e0 m\u00eame de vous fournir, Messieurs, les \u00e9claircissemens que Vous m\u2019avez demand\u00e9s par la lettre dont Vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9 en date du 14. de Mars de l\u2019ann\u00e9e courrante. Sa Majest\u00e9 veut bien agr\u00e9er l\u2019Article 19. tel qu\u2019il a \u00e9t\u00e9 minut\u00e9 en dernier lieu: \u201cque les vaisseaux arm\u00e9s de l\u2019une des deux nations pourront entrer avec les prises faites sur leurs ennemis dans les ports de l\u2019autre, en ressortir librement, ou les y vendre.\u201d\n          Elle se flatte que les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique appr\u00e9cieront cette condescendance, et y reconno\u00eetront le desir de Sa Majest\u00e9 de Leur donner des preuves de Son Amiti\u00e9, d\u2019autant plus qu\u2019Elle ne fait point \u00e9quiper des vaisseaux en course, et que Ses Sujets ne sont par consequent pas dans le cas de faire des prises sur mer.\n          Le Roi se pr\u00eate \u00e9galement \u00e0 laisser subsister la clause ajout\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019Article 19, \u201cque tout vaisseau qui aura fait des prises sur les Sujets de Sa Majest\u00e9 Tr\u00e8s Chr\u00eatienne ne sauroit trouver un asile dans les ports ou havres des Etats-Unis.\u201d\n          Sa Majest\u00e9 consent aussi que l\u2019Article 4. du Trait\u00e9 soit minut\u00e9 ainsi que Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiares Am\u00e9ricains me l\u2019ont propos\u00e9 par la lettre ci-dessus mentionn\u00e9e, hormis qu\u2019on r\u00e9tablira les mots de Sujets et Citoyens qui se trouvoient dans le Contre-Projet, au lieu personnes ou de tous et un chacun; et qu\u2019on omettra le passage: \u201cque le pr\u00e9sent Article ne d\u00e9rogera point aux loix de la Ville de K\u00f6nigsberg, qui d\u00e9fendent le commerce entre Etrangers dans l\u2019enceinte de sa jurisdiction\u201d; le droit d\u2019\u00e9tape de la Ville de K\u00f6nigsberg n\u2019ayant \u00e9t\u00e9 all\u00e9gu\u00e9 que comme un exemple pour servir d\u2019\u00e9claircissement, et pour faire sentir la n\u00e9cessit\u00e9 de la clause g\u00e9n\u00e9rale des Articles 2. et 3. \u201cse soumettant n\u00e9anmoins aux loix et usages y \u00e9tablis,[\u201d] &ca. \n          Je me f\u00e9licite de pouvoir regarder la n\u00e9gotiation que j\u2019ai eu l\u2019avantage de traiter avec Vous, Messieurs, \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s comme termin\u00e9e. Les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique envisageront certainement l\u2019empressement avec lequel le Roi souscrit aux diff\u00e9rentes alt\u00e9rations du Projet du Trait\u00e9 de Commerce, comme un nouveau motif de prot\u00e9ger et favoriser le n\u00e9goce et les liaisons que les Sujets de Sa Majest\u00e9 formeront avec les Citoyens de la R\u00e9publique. Il ne me reste que de Vous proposer, Messieurs, s\u2019il ne conviendroit point de faire mettre au net le Trait\u00e9 m\u00eame, afin que muni de notre Signature en conformit\u00e9 des pleinpouvoirs qui se trouvent entre nos mains, il puisse \u00eatre \u00e9chang\u00e9 avec les formes usit\u00e9es.\n          J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e / Messieurs, / V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n            de Thulemeier\n          TRANSLATION\n          The king\u2019s orders, which I have just received, offer me the chance to provide you, sirs, with the clarifications for which you asked me in the letter with which you honored me dated 14 March of the present year. His Majesty is willing to agree upon Article 19 in the way it was last composed: \u201cthat the armed vessels of one of the two nations will be allowed to enter the ports of the other with the prizes taken from their enemies, leave again freely, or sell them there.\u201d\n          His Majesty flatters himself in believing that the United States of America will appreciate this deference, and will recognize in his gesture His Majesty\u2019s desire to give them signs of his friendship, insomuch as His Majesty is not having any vessels armed for battle and as his subjects are consequently not in a position to take prizes at sea.\n          The king also accedes to keeping in the clause added to Article 19: \u201cthat no vessel which shall have made prizes on the subjects of His Most Christian Majesty shall have asylum in the ports or havens of the United States.\u201d\n          His Majesty also consents that Article 4 of the treaty be drafted in the form proposed to me by the American plenipotentiaries in the aforementioned letter, except that the words subjects and citizens shall be restored which had been in the counter-draft, in lieu of persons and one and all, and that the following passage shall be omitted: \u201cthat the present article will not infringe upon the laws of the city of K\u00f6nigsberg, which defend commerce between foreigners within the limits of its jurisdiction\u201d; the law of intermediation of the city of K\u00f6nigsberg having been cited only as an example for the purpose of clarification, and to make felt the necessity of the general clause of Articles 2 and 3: \u201cdeferring nonetheless to the laws and customs there established,\u201d etc.\n          I am proud to be able to consider the negotiation which I had the gratification to treat with you, sirs, as more or less complete. The United States of America will certainly recognize the eagerness with which the king subscribes to the different alterations of the draft of the treaty of commerce, as a new inducement to protect and promote the trade and liaisons which the subjects of His Majesty will develop with the citizens of the republic. It only remains for me to ask you, sirs, whether it would not be agreeable to have the treaty itself drawn up, so that, ratified by our signature in conformity with the authority invested in our hands, it may be exchanged in accordance with the proper forms.\n          With the most distinguished consideration, I have the honor to be, sirs, your most humble and most obedient servant\n            de Thulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0047", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 5 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Auteuil near Paris May 5. 1785.\n          The Britons boast that All the Prophecies of the Loss of the American Trade, from the Independance of the United States have proved false: that the Experiment has been tryed and the Contest decided: that there was, at the Peace, a Competition of the Commercial Nations of Europe, for the Prize: that the Superiour Abilities of the British Manufacturers, and the greater Capitals of their Merchants, have enabled them to give our Traders better bargains and longer Credit than any others in Europe: that as we love our Interests and have Small fortunes, We must come to them who can furnish Us with goods of the best qualities, at the cheapest Rates, and allow Us the longest time to pay: that Britain has monopolized our Trade beyond Credibility. that all the foreign Merchants, French, Dutch, and even Spanish and Portuguese, who had engaged in our trade have failed, while few of theirs have Suffered.\n          While on the one hand it is certain that in all this there is much exaggeration, it must be confessed on the other, that there is too much Truth; and the Success of your Mission to London, will depend very much upon the Researches of Congress and the States into this Subject and the Measures they may take in Consequence of their Enquiries. You will negotiate for Reciprocities in Commerce to very little Purpose, while the British Ministers and Merchants are certain, that they Shall enjoy all the Profits of our Commerce under their own partial Regulations.\n          It behoves the whole People of America then to turn their Attention to this Subject. it would be presumption in me to discuss the Question, whether it is necessary that the States Should give to Congress a plenary Power to govern the Commerce of the whole Confederation. I have been too long absent and at too great a distance to be able to form a Judgment even to my own Satisfaction. but I can See numberless Mischiefs and Inconveniences, arising from the Want of Unity and System in the direction of Such Complicated Interests, and every State will find itself necessitated frequently to apply to Congress for their Interposition, either by Recommendations or Decisions.\n          You will give me leave then to enquire, whether it may not be proper for Congress to call upon the States in Such manner as they may judge constitutional to furnish them, with Authentic Accounts of all the Exports and imports, of every State Since the Peace, of the Vessells which have entered, or cleared out, the Nation to which they belong, and all other particulars which may be thought proper. it Should Seem impossible that the Union can be preserved, without some Such general Repository of the commercial Interests and Knowledge. the Information to be derived from it, would bring the States to act in Concert by shewing the Necessity of it to all. and Congress or the States might take Such Measures as would insure them Justice against the English. from Such a View, they might lay such discouragements on Brittish Shipps and Manufactures, and procure such Advantages to their own, as would be beneficial to our Country, while it would Shew the English their own Weakness. heavy Duties might be laid upon Articles of Luxury wrought in England and imported from thence, which would discourge the extravagant Use of them among ourselves, place other nations upon as good or a better footing than the English, and raise a Revenue for the publick out of that Enthusiasm for England which has been and is still so unwise in itself and so hurt full to our Country. Such Measures as these, would discover to the English, that We know our own Strength and their Weakness and have probably a greater Tendency to influence the Ministry by preparing the Nation, than any Reasonings which can be used. it is a diplomatic Axiom, \u201cthat he always negotiates ill, who is not in a Condition to make himself feared.\u201d But Measures for this Purpose must be taken by the People of America. our Army will be no Terror to them, because, they think at present they shall never send an Army to fight Us in our own Country, and they dont believe that ours will go abroad to attack them. They are too proud of their own Navy, and have too much disregard of ours, to dread Us upon the Sea although Experience should have taught them that their Commerce might be much endangered by our Cruisers. So that We have no Means to make an Impression on them, but by commercial Regulations which the Vulgar may see strike essentially at their Interests without injuring our own.\n          With great and sincere Esteem I have the / Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and / most humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0048", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Osgood, 6 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Osgood, Samuel\n          I have learnt with Pleasure, your Appointment to be one of the Commissioners of the Treasury of the United States and hope to hear by the next Packet, that you have accepted the Trust. It is of great Importance, that this Office should be in good hands, and the Duties of it, will no doubt give you full Employment, but I have heretofore rec\u2019d so much benefit from your Correspondence, that I cannot but hope, you will find time to give me a Letter now and then. The Communication with England will be more frequent, and Opportunities by private hands, more common.\n          The Appointment of a Minister to the Court of Great Britain will within a year or two, perhaps sooner, bring our Affairs to a Crisis, as the Professors of the modern Doctrine of Animal Magnetism express themselves. It will determine the Meaning of the mysterious English, and ascertain to the People of America, whether it will be probable or possible to continue long upon friendly or decent Terms with them or not. if they foresee or shall imagine that they foresee that they cannot, the Minds of the People will naturally prepare themselves for what they will expect, and their Resentments and Aversion to England, will increase, as fast, as their Affection, Gratitude and Attachments to France. Our military Gentlemen will rise in the Esteem and Admiration of the People, and be permitted to wear their Decorations and Laurels, not only without Opposition but with Applause and if a War breaks out, every new Officer, at the End of it must have one Mark, and every old one two, which you see will lay a convenient foundation for the Distinction between Dukes and Earls. I question whether the first War will make the Scaffold strong and high enough for the Monarch to mount, but I am clear in it, that two Wars more, and three different Marks, amounting to an Equivalent to three orders of Dukes, Marquisses & Earls, will be sufficient to conduct him truimphantly to his Throne. it is needless to tell you, that my political Career will be brought to its Crisis, and be terminated long before this and I hope my natural Career. but if it should not, a few years in a Garden, will be all that will remain to me. You are much younger and may live to Struggle and Scuffle again.\n          You see I think the Mission to England an important one. Upon the conduct of the English depends their own Salvation from Perdition, and for what I know our Exemption from Monarchy and an European System of Politics compleat. But such is their Pride and Arrogance, and such are the feeble means, and forces of your Minister, that his Hopes are much fainter than his fears: he believes however he has thought of this Subject as much and as long as any Man, and if he is not prepared for it, it is want of Capacity, and not of good Will. There is no Evil under the Sun, which I dread so much as another War not so much from a fear of our Enemies, as from the Foibles of our Friends.\n          You See this Letter is not fit for a Newspaper, nor for any Body to see, but in Confidence. But the Subject of it deserves the serious Contemplation of all who wish that We may preserve our present moral Character and political Institutions.\n          I expect my own Reputation will be attacked from various Quarters, but when a Man is sure of a good Cause, and keeps a good Conscience, I don\u2019t see why he should not hazard his Reputation as well as his Neck.\n          Believe me to be, much your Friend", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0049", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Isaac Smith Sr., 6 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Smith, Isaac Sr.\n          My Son who is upon his return home will deliver to you and your worthy Family in all its Branches, the Respects and Affections of mine: but I ought not to Send him away without a Letter to you. The Letters with which you favour Us now and then by the Way of Spain and Portugal, always come Safe as I believe and are an agreable Refreshment to Us. We Shall always be thank full for a Letter, by any Route.\n          Dr Franklin has recd Permission to return to America and Mr Jefferson is appointed in his Stead Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Versailles. I have received a Letter of Credence to the Court of St. James\u2019s, and Mr William Smith is appointed Secretary to the Commission. I Shall go to England, as soon as I can get away, but it will be Some Weeks before I can take Leave and get under Way.\u2014 As the British Cabinet have repeatedly made the Proposition officially, and congress have now agreed to it, after their express desire, I Suppose I Shall be decently received there. But in what Temper, or what Plan of Politicks time alone can discover. it would be a Thing of considerable Consequence, if Arrangements could be agreed upon to mutual Satisfaction, but every Man must be Sensible of the difficulties in the Way and of the length of time necessary to discuss and remove them, if indeed they can be ever removed. I hope the People in America, who are most immediately interested, will consider these Things and have Patience. no unnecessary delays, will ever be made or consented to on my Part. but it is not in the Power of Such little Mortals as I am to move the Gods of the Earth out of their ordinary Course which is in curves and Spiral Lines, or out of their usual March which is very Slow.\n          My kind Regards to Mrs Smith and your son & Daughter who are with you, and Mr Otis his Lady & Family and oll other Friends\n          I am Sir very respectfully Your most / obedient humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0050", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 6 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, Mercy Otis\n          My Son would go home, very improperly without a Letter to Mrs Warren, whose Virtues and Accomplishments his Father has so long admired.\n          The Time is at length come in which the United States of America are to have a Minister at the Court of Great Britain. a time foretold by the Prophets and Seers, and Dreamers of Dreams but never, untill very lately Stedfastly believed by any to be so near at hand. it is much to be wished that they could have had one, to general Satisfaction in America, and more respectable in many Points than the Person on whom the lot has fallen. it is Fortune, and Figure, Birth & Grace Titles and Ribbons that make Impressions on Courtiers, and Succeeds with the fair, as they Say. This is true in a Sense. But how do they Succeed? Why to be earnestly courted to every Ball, every Entertainment, every Horse Race and Gaming Table, and perhaps to receive certain others Favours which shall be nameless. but all this at the Expence of incessant Fatigue, and Chagrin, to the consumption of all his Time and an Inattention to Business and neglect of all his Duties. this is a Success of which our Country has no Occasion, and for which her humble Minister has no Ambition. He has not the less Reason however to wish that he had more Advantages, and better qualifications for the Service, and above all that he had firmer Health, and better Spirits, Since he will probably meet with enough to try the strongest Nerves. if you consider the Groups upon Groups of Tories and Refugees in that Country in the Variety of their shapes and shades of their Colours, the Numbers of Emmissaries from other Parts of Europe, the Concourse of unexceptionable Americans, the impassioned English Scotch and Irish, all watching his Motions and most of them wishing and contriving his Fall whatever lustre in the Eyes of some People there may be in the Feather of being the first Minister to England, You Madam will easily see, that his Situation is more to be dreaded and pitied than envied. All this however does not distress him. His Age is too far advanced and his Character too fixed, to have any Apprehension of being drawn into any intentional Fault or imposed on to betray the Interest of his Constituents. He will therefore have no Penalties to apprehend but the loss of his Place, and to this Idea he is perfectly reconciled.\n          When shall I have the Pleasure to hear again of my Friend Warren in public? his Retreat has been a great Mortification and misfortune to me. Yet I cannot blame him, for I catch myself wishing myself on the next Hill, half a dozen times in a day. I hope however to hear by some of the next opportunities that he is again called to the Service of his Country.\u2014 I am anxious to know if Mr Dana is to be again in publick at home or abroad. I hope he will not be Suffered to retire too. Our Country has not Such Characters to Spare from her most important Employments.\n          I promise myself from Mr Gerrys Attendance in Congress, all those changes for the better in the Management of the general Affairs of the Union, which I have often Seen proceed from the Clearness of his Head and the Goodness of his Heart.\n          I know of Scarcely any Man of more Address, more Industry or Perseverance. He never appeared in Congress without a great Influence. He deserves to stand higher in the Estimation of the Massachusetts, than he has appeared to me at this distance to stand. He has merited more of that State than I am afraid they know of.\n          But I am wandering into Speculations which may be Suspected of Impertinence. be pleased to present my best Respects to Mr Warren, and believe me with / the greatest esteem, Madam Your / most obedient servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0051", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 7 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Auteuil near Paris May 7. 1785\n          In a former Letter I expressed a Doubt whether I Should go directly to London, or first to the Hague in order to take Leave: but upon further Reflexion, as I have not received a regular Letter of Recall, and another Minister to their High Mightinesses is not yet arrived, it Seems best to avoid Occasion of too much Speculation among our Creditors in that Country for the present. The Minister who shall do me the Honour to Suceed me, will probably bring my Letter of Recall, and I hope the Permission of Congress for me to go over to Holland, to pay there my last Official Respects, provided the State of our Affairs in London will admit of my Absence for the Space of Time necessary, which may be three Weeks. But if Congress should think this Ceremony unnecessary, or I Should be engaged in Business for the Public which cannot conveniently be left, I may take Leave of their High Mightinesses, and of his most Serene Highness, by a respect full Letter, which perhaps may answer the End. I hope to be in London by the End of this Month.\n          As We have no Funds in England, or any other Part of Europe but in Holland, I must ask the favour of Congress to transmit me, their Authority by a Resolution, to draw upon their Bankers in Holland for the Amount of my Salary, and the Salary of Mr Smith, and Some little Disbursements which may be indispensable.\n          My Friend and Colleague Mr Jefferson, brought with him an Order, to receive of Mr Grand a Sum of Money in Advance, to furnish his House, but Mr Grand having no Money in his Hands, but on the Contrary being much in Advance, made some difficulties which induced Mr Jefferson to apply to me. I accordingly drew upon your Bankers in Amsterdam a Bill in his Favour, for Six Thousand Guilders which he has received. as Mr Grand could only have advanced the Money by drawing on the Same Fund, one Commission has been Saved by this Means and I hope for the Approbation of Congress.\n          Coll Humphreys brought with him, an order upon Mr Grand for Money to pay for a Medal to be Struck for each of the Generals Washington Gates and Green and for some Swords adjudged by Congress to other Officers, and upon Mr Grands Inability to make the Advances He applied to me. As We Supposed it to be the Undoubted Intention of Congress that these Small Presents should be made in honour of those great Events and immortal Actions, I consented to draw for the Money upon the Same Bankers to the Amount of about a Thousand Pounds. this also I hope will meet the Approbation of Congress.\n          If you will pardon Sir a Transisition to a subject not much connected with the foregoing I may fill the rest of my Paper with an Observation which may have its Uses. The extream Severity of cold and drouth which has continued through the Months of February March April and to this day, has brought upon this Country, and perhaps others a Serious Calamity. There is Such a Scarcity of Herbage and Pasturage, that the poor People in many Places have been obliged to kill their Cattle, to prevent them from starving. In many other Places, they have been necessitated to feed their Cattle with Grain and Bread and other Things necessary for the Support of their Families. The daily Processions which pass before my Door, in Prayers for Warmth and Rain, are afflicting to Humanity. These Circumstances however have contributed to silence the Clamours of various Provinces against the Commerce between Us and the french West India Islands more than all the Authority of the King and Influence of Government.\u2014 The whole Nation must see, and the English too will probably See the Impossibility of Supplying their Islands with What and Flour and even the Necessity of importing considerable Quantities of these Articles as well as Rice from the United states into Europe. it is generally agreed that the Crops of Grass will be So diminished, that even if the Wheat should not fail they shall be obliged to apply so much of the latter to the subsistence of their Cattle, that they must import from Us. I wish you a plentifull Season, and industrious Husbandmen, that you may be able to supply the Wants of all Europe as well as your own. With the greatest Respect and / Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient / servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0052", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 8 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Auteuil near Paris May 8. 1785\n          In executing the Instructions of Congress, of the Seventh of March last, as well as all former Orders, which concern the Court of Great Britain, the Ministry will no doubt find my Commission and Letter of Credence Sufficient Authority. But you will See by a Letter from the Duke of Dorsett, which your Ministers here Sometime Since transmitted, that the British Cabinet have conceived doubts, whether Congress have Power to treat of commercial Matters, and whether Our States Should not Seperately grant their Full Powers to a Minister. I think it may be taken for granted that the States will never think of Sending Seperate Ambassadors, or of authorising directly those appointed by Congress. the Idea of thirteen Plenipotentiaries meeting together in a Congress at every Court in Europe, each with a Full Power and distinct Instructions from his State, presents to view Such a Picture of Confusion, Altercation, Expence and endless delay, as must convince every Man of its Impracticability. neither is there less absurdity in Supposing, that all the States Should unite in the Seperate Election of the Same Man, Since there is not, never was and never will be, a Citizen whom each State would Seperately prefer, for conducting the Negotiation. it is equally inconceivable that each State Should Seperately Send a Full Power and Seperate Instructions, to the Ministers Appointed by Congress. What an heterogeneous Mass of Papers full of different Objects, various Views, and inconsistent and contradictory Orders, must Such a Man pull out of his Porte Feuille, from time to time to regulate his Judgment and his Conduct? He must be accountable too to thirteen different Tribunals for his Conduct: a Situation in which no Man would ever consent to Stand, if it is possible which I dont believe that any State Should ever wish for Such a System. I Suppose too, that the Confederation has already Settled all these Points, and that Congress alone have authority, to treat with foreign Powers and to appoint Ambassadors and foreign Ministers, and that the States have Seperately no Power to do either. Yet it is plain from the Duke of Dorsetts Letter that the British Cabinet have conceived a different Opinion. this is to be accounted for only by conjecturing that they have put an erroneous Construction on the Limitation, Restriction or Exception, in the Article of our Confederation, which gives to Congress the Power of Appointing Ambassadors and making Treaties. This Limitation is confined to Treaties of Commerce all others Congress have full Power to make. from this Limitation, however, will probably arise a great deal of Difficulty, and delay to me. if the British Ministry wish and Seek for delays this will be their pretext, but even if they Should wish for dispatch which is not likely they may have Propositions to make which will fall within the Limitation, and in Such Case it will not be in my Power to agree with them. I can only transmit the Propositions to Congress, who will perhaps transmit them to the States, and no Man can foresee when the Answers will be received So that the Business can be brought to a Conclusion.\n          It is a long time that Congress have appeared to be aware of these Obstructions in the Way of our Prosperity but it does not yet appear that the States have been Sufficiently attentive to them to remove them. it is not to be Supposed that Congress will ever frame any Treaty of Commerce with any foreign Power, which shall be unequal, & partial among the States, or oppressive upon any one of them. and it is very clear, from the Situation and Circumstances of the Country, that no Such Treaty can ever be carried into Execution or last long. if the States Should be unwilling to confer upon Congress a Power to make Treaties of Commerce unlimited in Point of Time, it Should Seem that time alone might be a Sufficient Restriction, or the Limitation might be to a particular Nation, as the English for Example, for a certain time, although it must be always remembered, that We cannot favour the English with any Thing, which will not become common to other Nations the French, the Dutch & Sweeds at least.\n          It is very possible that the Cabinet of St James\u2019s may decline, even entering into any conferences at all, upon the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce, untill the Powers of Congress are enlarged. if they Should the People of America cannot be too Soon informed of it, and turn the deliberations in their Assemblies to this Object. in this Case the only present hope of your Minister will be, in obedience to his orders to convince the British Ministry, of the necessary Tendency of their restrictions on our Trade to incapacitate our Merchants in a certain degree to make Remittances to theirs, to urge the Surrender of the Posts, the Restitution of the Negroes, the Explanation respecting the Debts, and those other matters pointed out in his Instructions, in which the Right, & Power and Equity are too clear, to leave any plausible Pretences for delay, and to transmit by the earliest Opportunities to Congress full & true Accounts of his Proceedings.\n          On the 30. of April 1784 Congress [\u201c]recommended to the Legislatures of the States to vest them for 15 Years with the Power to prohibit any Merchandises from being imported or exported, in Vessells belonging to or navigated by the Subjects of any Power with whom, We Shall have no Treaty of Commerce: and to prohibit the Subjects of any foreign State, unless authorised by Treaty from importing into the United States any Merchandizes, which are not the Produce or Manufacture of the dominions of the Sovereign whose Subjects they are.\u201d provided that the Assent of nine States be necessary.\n          To Suppose that the British Cabinet, intended by the doubts of our Powers, expressed in the Duke of Dorsetts Letter, to assist Congress in obtaining from the Legislatures, a complyance with those Recommendations, would be more charitable than their Conduct in any other Instance would justify. I rather think it was a mere Excuse for delay. But it ought to opperate upon the Minds of the People of the States and their Assemblies, as a powerfull Incentive to Compliance. But it may be Still a question whether a Compliance of all the States, will Still Satisfy the British Cabinet, and they may require an express Vote of unlimited Authority to Congress for a certain Term at least from each State to enter into a Treaty of Commerce with them.\n          I have not yet been able to learn with certainty how many and which of the States have agreed to those Recommendations of Congress. it will now be necessary for me to be very attentive to this and to request of you, Sir the earliest and most minute Intelligence of every Proceeding of Congress and the States relative to it.\n          The last Year, must have been a prosperous Period in the United States: the high Prices of their Produce, and the low Prices of foreign Merchandizes are a demonstration of it. Yet our Shipping, our Seamen, our carrying Trade have been discouraged. present Ease and even Wealth Should not be our only Object. We ought to attend to Considerations of Strength and Defence. our Situation is different from Some of the Powers of Europe who have neglected their own Defence. Switzerland is Situated So, that if she Should be attacked by one Neighbour She would infallibly be defended by two others. if attacked by Sardinia She would be defended by France and the Emperor, if by the Emperor France & Sardinia would Support her if by France the Emperor and Sardinia would unite to protect her. This is so fully known to her and all her Neighbours, that She fears nothing, and is at no Expence. Holland if Attacked by France found a Friend in England When Attacked by England France Supported her, When the Emperor threatned her she found a Friend in France too. and She will forever be Sure, that neither of these three great Powers can ever Suffer her to fall a prey to any of the others.\u2014 She has relied so much upon this as to neglect her Defence, to her great regret at present But what are Switzerland and Holland, Small Powers limited by Nature, so that they never can be great to the United States of America, destined beyond a doubt to be the greatest Power on Earth, and that within the Life of Man. This is so well known, that instead of being overlooked among the Powers like Holland and Switzerland, We shall be more an Object of Jealousy than any other Power Upon Earth. all the Powers knew that it is impossible for any the proudest of them to Conquer Us, and therefore if We Should be attacked by any one, the others will not be fond of undertaking our defence. knowing We can defend ourselves, they will leave Us to do it, and if they assist Us at all it will not be untill We have done the Work and then it will be feebly and only with a View of deriving more Benefit and Reputation from it, than they do Us good. They will be pleased to see Us weakned and our Grouth a little retarded. it behoves the United States then to knit themselves together in the Bands of Affection and mutual Confidence, Search their own Resources to the Bottom, form their foreign Commerce into a System, and encourage their own Navigation and Seamen, and to these Ends their carrying Trade and I am much afraid We shall never be able to do this, unless Congress are vested with full Power, under the Limitations prescribed of 15 Years and the Concurrence of Nine states, of forming Treaties of Commerce with foreign Powers.\n          With great Esteem, and Respect / I have the Honour to be, Sir Your / most Obedient and most humble / servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0053", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 8 May 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Adams, John\n            My dear friend\n          Inclosed you will find what I intended to Carry this Morning\u2014 but the duke de Choise\u00f9il\u2019s death which Happened About tw\u00e8lve o\u2019 clock prevented my going out of town\u2014 The Bargain Has Been altered over and over, and I Have at last Secured the following advantages\u2014 1stly the Vessels may be Americans 2dly the More precious part of the oil, Called Spermicity May Be left out\u2014 3dly By the Contract it Rests with the American Society to obtain a diminution of duties which all lay at their Charge\u2014 By the Passports not only foreign but also National duties are taken off, and all the Anchorage, pilotage and other plagues of the kind which Give the Undertakers an extraordinary profit over and above the Common profits of other people who are admitted to sell their oils.\n          if You think the Bargain is good, Your Son might Carry the proposition to our New England friends, and take charge of the Samples of oils that will Be Ready to Morrow\u2014in which Case, I would propose His Meeting mr\u0303 jefferson where a man of the police will attend at Whatever Hour in the Morning You please to Appoint\u2014 when You Send Back the Papers, I will Show them to mr\u0303 jefferson and know from Him if it is Convenient we Should wait upon Him, Your Son, the police man and myself about ten in the Morning.\n          God Bless You.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0055", "content": "Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dumas, C. W. F.\n            Auteuil near Paris May 11. 1785\n          I received Yesterday your favour of the 3d. The Letters you Sent me from America I have received. one Packet contained old News Papers, the other the Ratification of my last Loan.\n          I have received the orders of Congress to go to London according to the Article you read in an English News Paper which appears to have been copied, from a Gazette of New York. I have received too a Commission and Letter of Credence as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the King of Great Britain, and Mr William Smith, formerly Aid de Camp of General Washington, is Secretary of Legation. Congress have resolved too, that it will be expedient to appoint a Minister to their High Mightinesses to Succeed me. at first I concluded to go to the Hague, and take my Leave of their High Mightinesses, and of the Nation, with all that Respect, Affection and Gratitude, which is due from me to them. but as I have not received a Letter of Recall, and my Successor is not arrived, I cannot yet take Leave according to the Forms; and I learn that Colonel Smith was to embark in the Packett for Falmouth, So that he may be expected by this Time, and I must See him as soon as possible, to receive from him Some additional Papers among which may possibly be, my Letter of Recall, So that I have concluded to go to London first. Upon the Arrival of my Letter of Recall or of my Successor, I Shall go over to the Hague if possible. But if I Should chance to be engaged in Business for the Public, which I cannot leave, I Shall take Leave of their High Mightinesses, and of his most Serene Highness by a respectfull Letter. In this Case however, I will not loose the Pleasure of a Visit to Holland, and of Seeing my Friends there, but will take a Journey thither with Mrs Adams as soon as the Public Service will admit.\n          Whither this Mission to London is a subject of Felicitation or not, I know not.\u2014 one Thing I know, I quit the Situation in Europe the most to my Taste, and the most for my Health, for one, which will probably be agreable to neither. I exchange a quiet chearfull Mind for an anxious one and a Life of Ease, for a Sc\u00e6ne of Perplexity, Confusion and Fatigue. if the Public, however, Should derive any benefit from it, I Shall not regrett it.\n          Dr Franklin has leave to return, and talks of embarking next Month. Mr Jefferson is Minister Plenipotentiary, at Versailles in his Stead. Our Commissions to negotiate Commercial Treaties remain in Force, and We shall continue that Business, Mr Jefferson and I, as usual. We shall concert all affairs by Letter, and meet together to Sign in London or Paris as may be convenient, or Sign the Treaties Seperately, if We cannot meet. The Communication between the Hague and London will be shorter and more frequent and I hope to hear from you often. My Family send their Respects to yours. My son is to take leave of Us tomorrow Morning and may Heavens Blessings attend him. Remember him and his Father to all our good Friends whom you know very well. With great Respect &c\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0057", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to John Jay, 11 May 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\n          Our last letter to you was dated April 13. 1785. and went by the packet of that month from l\u2019Orient. Since that date the Letter No. 1. a. directed to Dtr Franklin enclosing those marked No. 1. b & c. and also the paper No. 2. have come to hand. These relate to supplies furnished by Mr Harrison to the crew of the ship Betsy taken by the Emperor of Morocco, on which subject Congress will be pleased to make known their pleasure to Mr Harrison or Mr Carmichael; they relate further to the general affairs of the Barbary States. A letter from the Marshal de Castries forwarded to us by the Count de Vergennes, marked No. 3. a. b. will shew the opinion of that Minister on the best method of conducting a treaty with those States. As we are as yet uninstructed from what sources to call for the monies necessary for conducting & concluding treaties with them, and no step can be taken but with cash in hand we await orders on this subject, and in the mean time wish to keep matters with the Emperor of Morocco suspended in their present state. The attention of Congress will have been called to this circumstance by our letter of Novr 11. and several letters subsequent to that date.\n          As it is always well to know the dispositions of our neighbours, we enclose the letter No. 4. from a refugee of Louisiana to Doctr. Franklin\u2014it contains moreover a proposition for the consideration of Congress.\n          No. 5. a. and b. are a counterproject, with a letter covering it, from the Charg\u00e9 des Affaires for Tuscany at this court. As some of the alterations of our draught which the counterproject proposes required explanations these have been desired & obtained in verbal conferences with Mr Favi. In consequence of these we shall immediately communicate to him in writing our dispositions on the Several parts of it.\n          The letter No. 6. from the Baron de Thulemeier, received the 9th. instant contains the decisions of the King of Prussia on our last propositions. We shall close with him on the ground established in the several papers which have passed between us, and take immediate measures for putting the last hand to this treaty.\n          We have the honor to be / With great respect / Sir / Your most obedient & / Most humble Servants\n            John Adams.\u2014B. FranklinTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0058", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Auteuil near Paris May 13. 1785\n          We meet as you know very well, so often with foreign Ministers, at Court and at other Places and have So many transient Conversations upon Subjects in which America is more or less concerned, that I Scarcely know when it is worth while to transmit them to you and when it is not. there is danger on one hand of degenerating into minuteness, and on the other of omitting Something which may be of Consequence.\n          The Duke of Dorsett, has been in general very civil to Dr Franklin Mr Jefferson and me and I believe I may Say with Exact Truth, that he has Shewn Us as much Respect and Attention, as he has to the Ministers of any Power whatever: But Since the English Papers, from the Gazettes of New York have published my Appointment to his Court he has been more assiduous if I may use that Expression than ever.\n          He congratulated me at Court very politely, on my Appointment, and Said if he could be of any Service to me in public or private, by writing to Mr Pitt or Lord Caermarthen, or to any of his private Friends it would give him pleasure to do it. I thanked his Grace in general Terms, and Said it was very possible he might be of Service to me, and to his own Country too as well as mine, if his Grace and his humble Servant thought alike upon certain Points.\u2014 He thought then as well as I, that it was proper We Should compare Notes, and Said he would come out to Auteuil and See me, on Saturday at twelve. Accordingly he came, and repeating his Professions of good Will, and his Offers of Service I told his Lordship that I did not mean to give him the Trouble of any Official Representations, but as he was willing to enter into private Conversation with me upon affairs I might ask him what could be the Reason, why the Posts upon our Frontier were not evacuated? He Said he could not tell. I added there had undoubtedly been full time, and it could but be considered as inconsistent with the Treaty. that he might well imagine it must be a tender Point with Us, and that Jealousies and Apprehensions would be very justly kept alive among all our People, untill the Treaty was fullfilled in this particular. He Seemed wholly at a Loss upon this Subject, and did not incline to compromise himself by hazarding any Opinion.\n          I then mentioned the Debts, and Said it was certainly for the mutual Advantage of both Sides that We Should come to an Explanation, upon that Article. that to let loose the Law and perhaps the inflamed Passions of Some Creditors, upon the Debtors and their Estates might ruin the latter without paying the former. that if Execution was Served upon the Person of a Debtor, for Want of Estate by the ancient as well as modern Laws, he might in a Stated Period obtain his Liberty, upon his Oath, and then the Debt would be lost. if Execution Should be levied upon Estate, it must be Sold at Vendue, and in the present Scarcity of Money, would not be sold for half its Value, So that the Creditor might loose as well as the Debtor. That it would Surely be better for both Countries as well as for Creditor and Debtor, that the latter Should be allowed Time to turn himself, and to make the most of his Property. The Duke replied, that if the Matter should be represented in this Light, and made appear to be so, perhaps the Ministry and the Creditors might be Satisfied. But he added that Interest Should be paid. I answered that the question concerning Interest would not be changed at all by a delay. it would be the Same, whether the Principal were paid now or sometime hence. But I found his Lordship here again, unwilling to hazard any Opinions of his own.\n          I then mentioned the Negroes, and asked why the Treaty was So little attended to in this Article? He asked whether any considerable Number had been carried off? I answered a very great Number, and not only against the Treaty, but confessedly so, for that Sir Guy Carleton, had at the time of his carrying them away, aknowledged it to be against the Treaty, but alledged that their Treaties with the Negroes obliged them to it, and therefore they must pay for them.\u2014 I added that this made it Still harder upon the American Debtors, and indeed made it perfectly just for them to withold payment, because that the Property of many of them, was thus wrongfully withheld from them. Property by which they might have been enabled to pay at least, much of their Debts.\u2014 But I found that either his Grace had not thought much upon these Subjects, or that his Prudence restrained him from Speaking freely, and he choose to waive Particulars, by repeating Offers of Service. I replied that I did not think it was proper for me to desire his Grace to make any Official Representations, because my first Address of that kind Should be made to Lord Carmaerthen, but that Noblemen and Gentlemen of high Rank, were often here and in Company with his Grace, and as Conversation turned often upon American Affairs, it might be in his Graces Power to rectify many Mistakes relative to these Subjects. it would be Still more in his power by his private Correspondences.\u2014 I could not however obtain any Specific Promises, but he concluded by more general Assurances, that he Sincerely wished that all questions might be settled to mutual Satisfaction, and entire Harmony and Affection restored &c &c.\n          A few days after, the Duke came out a second Time to see me at Auteuil and brought me some Letters to the Custom House at Dover, which he believed would save me any Troublesome Visits of those Gentry, and Said he had written to Mr Pitt to desire him to Send an order to the Custom house, which would certainly answer the End.\n          He then told me I must be in London time enough to pay my Respects to the King, on the fourth of June his Birth Day. that to that End I must carry over from hence a fine new Coat ready made, for that it was a Rule of Etiquette there for every Body to have new Cloaths upon that day who went to Court, and very rich ones, and that my Family must be introduced to the Queen. I told him I was sorry to hear that. But that I hoped it was not indispensable, for that as at the Court of Versailles, the Families of Ambassadors only were required to be presented, and Ministers Plenipotentiaries and Envoys, had their Option, my Family had chosen to avoid it here, for many Reasons. He Said it was true, that here, the Ettiquette required only the Presentation of Ambassadresses, but in England it was otherwise. And the Ladies and Daughters of all Ministers must be presented to the Queen.\n          I hope Sir you will not think this an immaterial or a trifling Conversation when you consider, that the Single Circumstance of presenting a Family to Court, will made a difference of several hundred Pounds sterling in my inevitable annual Expences.\u2014 This is not the first serious Lecture that I have had upon the subjects of Ettiquette and even Dress. I have formerly related to you in Conversation another much more grave, which I had five Years ago from the Count de Vergennes. I believe I have also repeated to you Similar Exhortations made to me even by the best Patriots in Holland. There is a certain Appearance, in Proportion to Rank, which all the Courts of Europe make a serious Point of exacting, from every Body, who is presented to them.\n          I need not say to you, Sir, because you know it perfectly that American Ministers have never yet been able to make this appearance at any Court. they are now less able to do it than ever. I lament this Necessity of consuming the Labour of my Fellow Citizens upon such Objects as much as any Man living, but I am sure that the Consequences of debasing your Ministers, so much below their Rank, will one day have Consequences of much more Importance to the Husbandman, Artisan & even Labourer.\n          With the most cordial Esteem, I have the Honour / to be, Sir your most obedient and most / humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0059", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Storer, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\n          In obedience to your Commands, by Mr: West, respecting Lodgings, I have been, yesterday & today, in search of such as I thought would suit you, but have not been able to find any.\u2014 There are many houses to be let\u2014but these are either too large or too small; your direction being for \u201ca Drawing Room, Dining Room, three Chambers, & one for one Servant only\u201d\u2014 Besides, in all these Houses, the inconvenience respecting your Board constantly occurr\u2019d\u2014for Traiteur\u2019s are not so common here as at Paris\u2014 This being the Case, I should advise it as best, being the surest and cheapest way, to take Lodgings in some Hotel, untill you can meet some house that will suit you\u2014in which you will then have Mrs: Adams opinion\u2014 In Hotels, you know you may do as you please, and you are sure there to find room always\u2014& there too you are boarded at no Trouble to yourself\u2014 You have tried the Adelphi\u2014there are others in Covent-Garden, and a great one in Pall-Mall, at which last Mr: Bingham & Lady lodge\u2014but this I am told is very expensive\u2014 However, I shall not give over my search after such lodgings as you describe, and write this only to desire some further instruction from you.\u2014 This I hope will reach you on Wednesday next, the 18th. inst.\u2014 The next day the Post leaves Paris, so I shall hope to hear from you, in reply to this, by the Post of the 24th. inst.\u2014 You will be kind enough to let me know when you leave Paris, & where you propose to alight here that I may meet you on your arrival.\u2014\n          Mr: West tells me your Son was to leave Paris this week\u2014 I hope he did not miss of a letter I wrote him the last week, as otherwise he may think it odd, not to see or hear from me before he left Europe, since I have been so long talking of going to Paris\u2014 However, should he not have received it, I hope he will assure himself of my best wishes for a pleasant passage, and a happy sight of his friends.\u2014\n          In hopes of hearing from you soon, I have only to add my best respects to Mrs: & Miss Adams, in which my Sister & Mr: Atkinson join, and to assure you that I am, with much esteem, dear sir, / Your much obliged / humle: servt:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0060", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to the Duke of Dorset, 16 May 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Dorset, the Duke of\n            My Lord Duke\n            Passy near Paris May 16th 1785\n          We received in due time the letter which your Grace did us the honour to write us on the 26th day of March last, and have delayed the acknowledgment of it in expectation of the arrival of the packets, by which we hoped for further Instructions from Congress.\n          We have now the honor to inform your Grace that Congress on the 24th day of Feby last, appointed a Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the court of His Britannic Majesty who proposes to proceed to London in the course of two or three weeks, which makes a more particular answer to your letter unnecessary\n          With great respect / We have the honor to be / Your Grace\u2019s Most obedient and / Most humble Servants\n            John AdamsB. FranklinT. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0061", "content": "Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 18 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dumas, C. W. F.\n          I have recd. yours of the 12th and thank you for your Congratulations and kind Wishes of Success. As Congress have not yet dissolved my Relation to the Republick of the United Netherlands, I cannot yet take Leave, but I hope to have Leave to go over from London for that Purpose, upon the Arrival of my Letter of Recall or of another Minister to Succeed me. I have received So many personal Civilities, and have Seen so much honest Friendship for my Country, in the United Provinces that I can never quit Europe contented without making another Visit, and I assure you my Family have not less Zeal for Such a Journey than I.\n          We propose to leave Auteuil for London, on Fryday the 20. but We Shall not travel very fast. My Son left Us, the 12. and will Sail from L\u2019Orient probably on the Same day, that We shall depart from Auteuil.\n          What Shall I do, in London, for my Garden my Park, my River and my Plain. You See I call all the Environs of Auteuil mine and with good Reason, for I will lay a Wager, they have given me more Pleasure, in a few Months than they ever afforded their legal Proprietors for a Century.\n          Mr Jefferson had Yesterday his Audience of the King and presented his Credentials as Minister Plenipotentiary to his Majesty. Mr Jefferson lives in the Cul-de-Sac T\u00eate bout. pres les Boulevards. Dr Franklin is packing up his Effects and proposes to embark next month.\n          No Alteration has been made in our Commissions to treat with other Powers, So that Mr Jefferson and I Shall proceed after Dr Franklins Departure to compleat the Negotitiations already begun, Several of which are far advanced. We Shall communicate with each other by Letters, by private Hands or by Couriers, when We cannot trust the Posts and perhaps meet together in London or Paris, once or twice, a Year, to finish any Thing which cannot be done Seperately.\n          I made my Court to the King and Royal Family for the last time, Yesterday was a Week, and my Packages are all made, and every Thing arranged for our Departure, the day after tomorrow. Yet I do not take my Leave of France, any more than of Holland; I hate to think that I shall never See a Country again, because it feels like giving up a Part of one\u2019s Liberty.\n          My kind Regards to all our Friends, with whom We used to pass our Social Hours, and those of my Family to yours\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0063", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Dessin\u2019s Calais May 23. 1785. Monday.\n          We are just arrived, covered with Dust, and have hired, our Boat, to go over tomorrow at ten. no green Peas, no Sallad, no Vegetables to be had upon the Road, and the Sky is Still as clear dry and cold as ever. The Flocks of Sheep and herds of Cattle, through the Country Stalk about the Fields like Droves of Walking Skeletons. The Sheep are pastured chiefly I think in the plowed grounds, upon the Fibres as I suppose of the Roots of Grass turn\u2019d up by the Plow.\n          From a motive of Humanity I wish that our Country may have plentifull Rains, and our Husbandmen Industry, that they may Supply the Wants of their Suffering Fellow Creatures in Europe. You See I have nothing so mean as a Selfish or even a patriotic Wish in all this. But from the Same regard to Europe and her worthy Colonists in the West Indies, I hope that these rainless, heatless Heavens will convince them that it is abundantly for their good that We should bring and carry freely, our Flour Wheat, Corn Rice Flesh & Fish for their Soulagement\n          Yours Affectionately\n            The Ladies Compts of course.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0064", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Grubb, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Grubb, James\nTo: Adams, John\n          I beg leave to acquaint your Excellency that I Yesterday received advice that the Pilot Cutter, Commanded by Lieut. Seymor Lynn in the Service of the King of Great Britain, had Seized & detain\u2019d the Brigantine Nancy Capt. John Limeburner, under American Colours, & expedited by me, from this Port, bound to Amsterdam\u2014 The property on board belongs to French Merchants of this Town\u2014 The Vessel having all her Papers in due form & proper Clearance from the Admiralty here, the Only Reason alledged for Seizing Same is because She was found within 4 Leagues of the Land, which even is a false Assertion: I herewith transmit to Your Excellency, the Accounts I have received of the Whole Affair & beg leave to Solicit Your protection in demanding from the Court of Great Britain that the Ship & Cargo be given up, with damages for the Detention of Same after having been Unjustly plundered from a Subject of the United States of America.\n          I transmit the Papers with the present thro\u2019 the Hands of Mr. Barclay, least Your Excellency should have left Paris. The Packet with your Son on board Saild from hence Saturday Evening last.\n          I have the honor to be / Your Excellence\u2019s / Most obedient & / very humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0065", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your letter of the 22d from Montreuil sur mer is put into my hands this moment, and having received information of your son and two American gentlemen being to set out for London tomorrow morning I seize a moment to inform you that he had arrived well at l\u2019Orient & was well on the 20th. when the packet was still detained by contrary winds. mr\u0303 Barclay, who is arrived, had also seen him. be so good as to inform the ladies that mr\u0303s Hayes is arrived. I have not yet seen her, but am this moment going to perform that duty. I fear the ladies have had a more triste journey than we had calculated on. the poverty of the country & distress of the drought would of course produce this effect. I am the more convinced of this as you say they have found amusement in my notes. they presented themselves to their notice under fortunate circumstances. I am happy if you find any thing in them worthy your approbation. but my country will probably estimate them differently. a foreknowlege of this has retarded my communicating them to my friends two years.\u2014 but enough of them.\u2014 the departure of your family has left me in the dumps. my afternoons hang heavily on me. I go sometimes to Passy & Mont Parnasse. when they are gone too I shall be ready for the dark & narrow house of Ossian. we attended the Queen\u2019s entrance yesterday, but lost the sight of her. you can calculate, and without many figures, the extent of this mortification to me. to render it more complete I had placed myself & my daughter in my carriage very finely before the Palais Bourbon to see the illuminations of the Garde meubles which are to cost the king of Spain two or three thousand guineas. but they sent a parcel of souldiers to drive us all away. we submitted without making battle; I carried my daughter to the Abbaye & came home to bed myself. I have now given you all the news of Paris as far as I know it & after recommending myself to the friendly recollection of the ladies I conclude with assurances of the esteem with which I have the honour to be dear Sir / your affectionate friend / & servt.\n            Th: Jefferson\n            P.S. send me your address au plutot.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0066", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 26 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n          Mr Adams has the Honour to acquaint the Right Honourable the Marquis of Caermarthen, that he is just arrived in Town with Credentials from the United States of America, and desires to be informed at what Hour, he may have the Honour of paying his Respects to his Lordship.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0067", "content": "Title: John Adams\u2019 Memorandum of a Meeting with the Marquis of Carmarthen, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n            London\u2014Fryday May 27th. 1785\n          Agreable to appointment Mr: Adams and Mr: Smith waited on the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen at oneo Clock at his House in Grosvenors Square, and were immediately received Mr. Adams presented his original Commission which is as follows\u2014\n          The United States of America in Congress assembled.\u2014\n          To our trusty and well beloved John Adams Esquire send Greeting.\u2014\n          We reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity, Prudence and Ability have nominated constituted and appointed and by these Presents do nominate constitute and appoint you the said John Adams our Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the Court of His britanic Majesty and do give you full Power and Authority there to Represent Us, and to do and perform all such Matters and Things as to the said Place or Office doth appertain, or as may by our Instructions be given unto you in charge. This Commission to continue in Force for the space of three Years from this Day, unless sooner revoked\n          In Testimony whereof\u2014We have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Witness His Excellency Richard Henry Lee our President at the City of New York this twenty fourth Day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty five, and of our Sovereignty and Independence the Ninth\u2014\n            Richard Henry Lee. P.\n            Chas. Thomson secry John Jay\n            Secretary for the Department of foreign Affairs\u2014\n          Which His Lordship having read returned\u2014 Mr. Adams gave him an Authenticated Copy\u2014 Mr. Smith presented his Lordship with his original Commission as Secretary to the Legation\u2014which is as follows.\u2014\n          The United States of America in Congress assembled\u2014\n          To our trusty and beloved William S. Smith Esquire, send Greeting.\u2014\n          We reposing special trust and confidence in your Integrity Prudence and Ability have nominated constituted and appointed and by these Presents do nominate constitute and appoint you the said William S. Smith Secretary to our Legation to His britanic Majesty. This Commission to continue in Force for the space of three Years from this Day unless sooner Revoked\u2014\n          In Testimony whereof We have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed Witness His Excellency Richard Henry Lee our President at the City of New York this first Day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty five, and of our Sovereignty and Independence the Ninth.\u2014\n          Richard Henry Lee. P.\n          Cha Thomson Secry John Jay\n          Secretary for the Department of foreign Affairs\u2014\n            Which His Lordship having read & returned Mr. Smith presented him with an Authenticated Copy. His Lordship appointed Wednesday next oneo Clock to introduce Mr. Adams at the Royal Levee, at the conclusion of which he should be introduced to His Majesty in his Closet for the purpose of presenting his Letter of Credence, and that on the next Levee Day Mr: Smith should be presented to His Majesty as Secretary to the Legation\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0068", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n          I arrived Yesterday and have made my Visit to day, and been very politely recd, by the Marquis, but of this more hereafter. this is devoted to a smaller Subject.\n          Upon Enquiry I find, that I cannot, be exempted from paying duties upon my Wines, because no foreign Minister is. except for a less quantity than I have of the best qualities in my Cellar at the Hague.\u2014 so that I must stop all that I have in France if I can. to pay Six or Eight shillings sterling a Bottle upon the Small Wines I packed at Auteuil would be folly.\u2014 I must beg you then if possible to stop it all, except one Case of Madeira & Frontenac together. let me beg you too to write to Mr Garvey & stop the order for five hundred Bottles of Bourdeaux. all my other Things may be sent on to me, as proposed.\n          Coll Smith, has Letters for you, but waits a private Hand.\u2014 He sends his Respects to you & Coll Humphreys. if my Things are gone & cannot be stopped I must pay the Impost, heavy as it is. I am sorry to give you this Trouble but I beg you to take the Wine, at any Price you please let your own Maitre D\u2019Hotel judge, or accept it as a present or sell it at Vendue, i.e let Petit dispose of it as he will give you an Acct of proceeds and give me Credit. and then order me to pay stockdale or any Body here for you to the Amount.\n          My Esteem, & Regards as due / yours affectionately\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0069", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Bath Hotel London May 27. 1785\n          I found that either the Duke of Dorsetts Letter to the Premier, had produced an order at Dover or that his Graces Letter to the Custom House Office had as good an Effect, for I was allowed to pass without Molestation, and indeed received Marks of particular Respect.\n          We arrived Yesterday 26. in the Afternoon, and as Fortune would have it Coll Smith arrived the Night before 25.\u2014 We Soon met.\u2014 I wrote a Card to the Marquis of Carmarthen, at Nine at Night, acquainting his Lordship of my Arrival and desiring an Hour to wait on him. This Morning, I had an Answer, that his Lordship would be glad to See me at one at his House, or at four at his Office, as I chose. I replyed, that I would have the Honour to wait on him at one.\n          Coll Smith went with me, we were admitted in an Instant, and politely received.\u2014 I laid before him my Commission, and left him a Copy.\u2014 Coll Smith did the same with his. I consulted his Lordship about the Ettiquette of my Letter of Credence, and he gave me the Same Answers as the Comte de Vergennes gave you. His Lordship then said that on Wednesday next after the Levee, I should be presented to his Majesty in his Closett, and there deliver my Letter of Credence, and that on the next Levee Day Coll smith would be presented. This he Said was according to the Usage.\n          I have Since Seen the Dutch Minister, who enquired of every particular step by step, and then Said that I was received precisely upon the Same Footing with all the other Ministers. I learn\u2019d from the Dutch Minister too another Particular which gave me Pleasure, vizt that the Usage here is directly contrary to that in Holland and France. Here the new Minister receives the first Visit, from all the foreign Ministers, whereas in France & Holland the new Minister makes the first Visit to all the foreign Ministers and notifies formally to them his Reception. This Saves me from an Embarrassment, and We shall now see, who will and who will not. We Shall See what will be done by Imperial Ministers. &c\n          With the most cordial Esteem I have the Honour to / be, sir, your most obedient and most humble / servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0070", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Marquis of Carmarthen, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\nTo: Adams, John\n          I forgot to mention to you today when you did me the honour to call upon me in Grosvenor Square, that it is customary for every Foreign Minister to send the Secretary of State a Copy of the Credential Letters they are directed by their Sovereigns to present to His Majesty or to The Queen. with regard to the superscription I find the credentials of the Ministers from the States General of the United Provinces are only addressed\u2014\u201cAu Roi de la Grande Bretagne.\u201d I believe I did mention to you Sir that The Credential Letters are always delivred sealed into His Majestys Hands.\n          I am Sir / your most Obedient / & most humble Servant\n            Carmarthen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0071", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 28 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n          I have received the Letter your Lordship did me the Honour to write me Yesterday, and have here inclosed a Copy of the Letter of Credence which I am directed by my Sovereign to present to his Majesty. I am So unfortunate as not to have any to the Queen: But I know the Sentiments of my Country and of Congress So well as to be Sure that this is not owing to any want of Respect to her Majesty. probably it was merely the Want of Information that there had ever been a Precident of it.\n          I beg leave to propose to your Lordship, that the Superscription Should be \u201cTo his Majesty, George the third, King of Great Britain France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith &c.\u201d if your Lordship Should not disapprove of this, I Should prefer it to the Address, of the United Provinces, as being more respectfull.\n          With great Respect, I have the Honour / to be, my Lord, your Lordships / most obedient and most / humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0072", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 28 May 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n          I had the honor of writing to you by Colo. Smith, which letter I doubt not but that you have, or will in due time, safely receive.\n          My hopes are great, that your wisdom, and the good sense of the British Administration; will extinguish the mischievous discord that has been so artfully and industriously fomented by the enemies of both countries to the essential injury of both, and in violation of the best principles of humanity. A set of acrimonious disappointed people, who meaning the gratification of their own malice and self interest, are poisoning the minds of men with plausibilities, and theoretic reasonings, that are opposed to the true state of things; and whose counsels if pursued, will tend only to plant dissention and distress, where mutual good & common happiness should be cultivated, and will flourish. The enclosed ordinance will shew you the measures that we are taking to dispose of western lands for the extinguishment of the public debt. It seems probable that this will have very powerful operation in effecting the end designed by the System. For the country is fine beyond description, both in soil and climate\u2014Abounding with all those primary and essential materials for human industry to work upon, in order to produce the comfort and happiness of mankind.\n          Don Diego de Gardoque has just announced to me his arrival at Philadelphia in quality of Plenepotentiary from his Catholic Majesty, & that he will pay his respects in a few days. The enterprise of America is well marked by the successful voyage made by a ship from this port, that has returned after a voyage of 14 months from Canton in China with a valuable eastern Cargo. Our people met with great civility from the Chinese. And the Europeans at Canton, altho civil to the Stripes, were not a little surprised to see them there so soon, and at the celerity with which their voyages were effected. The gentleman who writes the letter, of which the enclosed is a copy, is a near relation of mine by marriage, and my Godson also. Added to this, I am his friend because of his real worth and deserts. He is the youngest son but one of a numerous family\u2014 Possessing talents, industry, and enterprise; he determined very early to shake off that indolence too common with youths of his rank in Virginia\u2014 In quest of fortune, after having finished his education, he went 15 years ago to Sea, and pursued his system to the East Indies some years before the late war commenced, and he remained in the East engaged with the country trade there.\n          His letter will inform you of his misfortunes, of his present situation, and his future views. My acquaintance has ceased with all who might have promoted his interest in the East Indies. Under these circumstances I venture to beg the favor of you to assist him to the utmost of your power in the way of procuring for him the appointment that he desires in the Company\u2019s service. I know that it has not been uncommon in England for foreign Ministers to interest themselves in favor of Individuals, by which means the latter have been essentially served.\n          I am sure that you will in this case oblige a worthy able man, and a greatful mind. That your friend, the writer of this letter, requests this favor of you, will I am very sure be a motive of strong inducement with you to exert yourself. The letter that I have enclosed for him under your cover be so kind as to get forwarded by some of the India Ships bound to, or near to Calcutta. It may go with any letter in his favor that you are so good as to procure for him. It seems probable, at present, that Congress will not adjourn this year\u2014if they should, it will not be sooner than the middle of August\u2014 Your letters for me will be in a good way when they are deliverd to the care of Messrs: Wallace Johnson & Muir Merchants in London\n          I heartily wish you health and happiness being very sincerely your affectionate friend\n            Richard Henry Lee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0073", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 29 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\n            Gentlemen\n            Bath Hotel May 29. 1785. Westminster\n          Our Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties We are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. \n          inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. Feb. 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary\u2019s Letter.\u2014 I know nothing of Capt Lambs Arrival or of the Dispatches by him.\n          On the 26. I communicated to Lord Carmarthen my Credentials, and left him Copies, as We have done upon former Occasions in France, and am to have my Audience of the King in his Closet as the Secretary of State informs me, next Wednesday. I have the Honour to be, very respectfully, / Gentlemen your most obedient and most / humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0074", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 29 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Bath Hotel Westminster May 29. 1785\n          I was obliged to a Letter from the Duke of Dorsett, to the Custom House at Dover, as I Suppose for the respect with which my Baggage was allowed to pass without a Visit, and arrived in Westminster on the 25, at Evening. I wrote, late at night to the Marquis of Carmarthen, that I was arrived and desired to be informed at what hour I should call upon his Lordship. the next Morning I had an Answer, that his Lordship would be glad to See me, at one at his House or at four at his Office.\u2014 I went accordingly at one, with Coll Smith, who very lukily arrived, the Evening before me We were received without loss of Time, and treated with great Politeness. I Shewed his Lordship my Original Commission and left him a Copy. Coll Smith Shewed his Commission and left a Copy.\n          His Lordship then desired me to call upon him at his office on Wednesday next, and he would introduce me to his Majesty in his private Closett, after the Levee, where I Should present my Letter of Credence, and that, on the next Levee Day, according to the Usage, Coll Smith would also be presented to his Majesty. I asked his Lordships Advice, whether my Letter to the King Should be under Seal and what Should be the Superscription. He Said he would make a minute of it for me. He has Since written to me that it must be under Seal, and mentioned the Super Scription of the States General, and added that it w[as c]ustomary for all foreign Ministers to leave with the Secretary of State a Copy of their Credentials to the King or Queen.\u2014 I Sent a Copy accordingly by the Secretary of Legation, who was admitted to his Lordship, delivered the Letter, and received a verbal Approbation of the proposed Superscription.\n          I have the Honour to inclose Copies of all the Letters which have passed, between the Secretary of State and me, numbered 1 2 3 4 5, and am sorry I have not time to write more fully by Mr Curson.\u2014 But the Distraction of Such occasions is excuse enough. The Puzzle of finding Lodgings, a House Servants, Liveries, Carriage, Horses, making and receiving Visits, getting my Effects from Auteuil and the Hague, are Such as no Man can form an Idea of, who has not pass\u2019d thro it.\n          With great and Sincere Esteem, I have / the Honour to be, Sir your most / obedient & most humble sert\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0076", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 30 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n          I have redeemed a Moment, from a Multitude of Avocations, at this critical Time, to acknowledge the Receipt by Coll Smith of your Letters of 31 of March, with the Resolution of Congress inclosed of the 21. of March. As Mr De St. Saphorin is many Months ago, recalled from the Hague I Shall make Enquiry after him, and if I cannot find where he is, I Shall communicate a Copy of the Resolution, to the Danish Minister here by whom it will be transmitted to his Court which I Suppose will be an Execution of my Instructions as near the Spirit of them as is now practicable. The liberal Decision of his Danish Majesty respecting the ordination of American Candidates for holy orders in the Episcopal Church, called the Church of England, as soon as it was known in England, produced a more liberal Spirit and decision here, than had prevailed before, So that I hope that respectable Body of our Fellow Citizens who are interested in it, have derived a Benefit from, it. I am much obliged to Congress for this Instance of their Approbation, and for the Honour they have done me, in transmitting an Account of it, to the Executives of the States.\n          I have recd too, your Letter of 13 of April 1785 with the Resolve of Congress of 14. Feb. 1785, impowering your Ministers to apply a Sum not exceeding Eighty Thousand Dollars, to the Use of treating with Morocco &c But I have heard nothing of Capt Lamb or the Papers by him. What my Colleagues will judge proper, to do I cant Say, but the Advice of the French Court was conformable to the opinion of Us all, that it will be indispensible for Congress to Send a Consull with Full Powers.\n          I recd at Auteuil my Commission, Instructions and Letter of Credence to the Court of Great Britain and have now recd by Coll Smith the Papers Sent by him. I recd at Auteuil, the Ratification of the last Loan in Holland, which I transmitted immediately to Amsterdam, where it has been recd registered and communicated to the Lenders of the Money, and has given them Satisfaction. Since which I have recd from you, sir, Duplicate and Triplicate of the Same Ratification. The Cypher is recd, and Shall be attended to.\n          Your Ministers, have written, Monthly, an Account of their Proceedings. not one Packett has been missed, but when I left Auteuil, We had no certain Evidence that any one of our Letters had been recd. We Supposed that this was because Congress had not compleated their Instructions upon any of them. But I must beg the Favour of you sir, barely to mention the Receipts of my Letters & their Dates, altho you may not be prepared to Answer them. Without this one looses the Chain of Correspondence.\n          I have been visited by Some Gentlemen who I Suppose, had Seen Ministers, and learned from them what to Say to me.\u2014 They Said, that the Ministry and the King considered the Appointment of a Minister as a Proof of a conciliating Disposition, that it was a Relief to them from an Anxiety &c and that they were fully determined, to receive me in all respects like all the other foreign Ministers. This, I believe is true. But We must be cautious what Consequences We draw from it. it by no means follows, that they are determined to do, what their Honour and their Publick Faith, obliges them to do according to our Ideas of their Obligations. it by no means follows that they will Surrender the Posts, restore the Negroes, relieve the Debtors, or make an equitable Treaty of Commerce.\u2014 I hope they will do all these Things, but I can ascertain nothing untill my Character is acknowledged by a public Reception and Audience of his Majesty, made my Visits to his Ministers and had Time to enter into a candid discussion of these Questions. You shall be punctually informed, from Step to step. With great Esteem / and Respect your most humble servant\n            John Adams\n            P.S. This Morning Sir Clement Cottrell Dormer, Master of the Ceremonies called upon me to inform me, that he was ordered to attend me to Court on Wednesday, as he did on all foreign Ministers, at their first Presentation, to Shew them the Way through the appartements &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0077", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 1 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 1st. 1785.\n          In my Letter of the 29th. Ulto. I inclosed Copies of the Letters which had passed between the secretary of State and myself\u2014wherin this Day was fixed upon for my introduction to His Majesty\u2014agreable to that arrangement the Master of Ceremonies waited on me at one and accompanied me to the secretary\u2019s Office, from whence Lord Carmarthen accompanied me to the Palace\u2014 I was in a very short time introduced to the Kings Closet where with the usual Ceremony I presented my Letter of Credence to His Majesty, and after a few minutes Conversation retired\u2014 I have only time to Observe, Sir, that I was introduced with every necessary formallity, and received with some marks of attention.\n          The Door being now opened I may perhaps soon have it in my power to form some opinion respecting the general Disposition of the King and his Ministers relative to the Objects of my mission, of which you may expect the earliest communication\n          I am Sir / Your friend and / Humble servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0079", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your favours of May 23. and the two of May 27. came safely to hand, the first being open. that of the 22d. from Montreuil sur mer had been received and answered on the 25th.\n          The day before the receipt of the letters of the 27th. we had had your cases brought to the barrier of Paris in order to get the proper officer to go that far to plumb them. From there they were put on board the boat for Rouen & their portage paid. in the instant of receiving your letter I sent Petit off to try to stop them if not gone. the boat was just departing and they declared it impossible to reland them: and that could it be done, a new passport from the C. de Vergennes would be necessary for the part not landed. I now forward your letter to mr\u0303 Garvey, countermanding your order of the wine from him, and praying him to retain all the cases of wine now sent except that which has the Madeira & Frontignac, till he shall receive your orders. these therefore you will be so good as to send him as soon as convenient. I was very sorry we could not stop the wine. it would have suited me perfectly to have taken it either at the prices it cost you if known to Petit, or if not known, then at such prices as he & Marc should have estimated it at: & this would have saved you trouble, I inclose you Petit\u2019s note of disbursements which I immediately repaid him. you will know the exchange between London & Paris, which is considerably in favor of the former. make the allowance for that & either retain the money in your own hands or put it into Stockdale\u2019s as most convenient. can you take the trouble of ordering me the two best of the London papers (that is to say one of each party) and by any channel which will save me postage & the search of government?\n          The inclosed letter to Miss Adams is from a young gentleman of her acquaintance who has a very sincere and high affection for her. When you transferred to her the commission of Secretary, I well hoped the pleasure of her being the intermediate of our communications: but I did not flatter myself with the further one of becoming the confident between herself & persons of the foregoing description. the following paragraphs are for her eye only. be so good therefore here as to deliver over the letter to her. the cypher I suppose to be in her custody.\n          {By a dutch Courier which went yesterday we sent an answer to Baron Thulemyer. It contained what we had agreed on when you were here.} that is to say, {we closed and expressing our doubts that it might not suit him to come here,} {we propose that every one should sign separately puting the date and place} of {his Signature. We mean to sign here, send it by some confidential Person} to {you & that he shall carry it on to the Baron deliver it to him} and receive in {exchange the copy signd by him.}\n          {Our answer} to {Tuscany} is {copying.} it is {precisly what we had agreed when you were with us.}\n          Be so good as to present my highest esteem to the ladies & to be / assured of the sincerity with which I am Dear Sir / Your friend & servt.\n            Th: Jefferson\n            P.S. {My visits have been all returned save by the Portuguese [ambassador] who I imagine has [neglect]ed [others ?].}", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0080", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\n            Gentlemen\u2014\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 3d. 1785\u2014\n          I have now the honour to inform you that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an Authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage. I had the Honour on the first of this month to be introduced by his Lordship to His Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies, and formalities, practised on such occasions, with other foreign Ministers, where I deliverd to His Majesty my Letter of Credence from the United States of America as their Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Britain\n          The Mission was treated by His Majesty with all the respect, and the Person with all the Kindness, which could have been expected or reasonably desired, and with much more, I confess than was in fact expected by me.\n          Colo. Smith, has also shewn his Commission as Secretary of Legation, to the Secretary of State and left an Authenticated Copy, and is to be presented to the King on the next Levee Day\n          The time is not yet fixed for my Introduction to the Queen but having received an invitation to dine with the secretary of State, on Saturday the fourth of this Month, being the Anniversary of His Majesty\u2019s Birth, I must go to Court again on that Day\u2014 With great respect I have the honor to be\u2014 / Gentlemen / Your most Obedient / Humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0081", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\n            Bath Hotel June 3. 1785. Westminster\n          I took the Journey leisurely, and arrived here on Thursday and had the pleasure to learn that Colonel Smith had arrived the evening before, which relieved me from an anxiety, as I wished to have him with me at the Commencement of operations as well as to have all the Papers before me.\n          I have found this Gentleman possessed of all the good Qualities which you and Colo. Humphrys, who knew him best ascribed to him. He seems to be much respected here by the British officers, who knew him in America, and by all others. Congress have made in him if one may Judge from a short acquaintance a wise Choice, and I am very happy to have such a Co-adjutor. The Missin is more respectable, for having an official secretary, and it takes a great Burthen off, from me.\n          We shall not be ennuiees (I don\u2019t know whether I spell the Word right. The English have not any to answer it) for want of Business. We shall have more than both of us can do, for there are continual applications for me to intermeddle with private affairs, and altho\u2019 I must not compromise the public in such things, they must be all patiently attended to, and the people must be informed how far I can and how far I cannot consistantly assist them\n          On the first of June I was introduced to the King all the previous Ceremonies having been adjusted With the secretary of state. all has been precisely upon the same footing with other foreign Powers, as I have learned not only from the Minister and Master of Ceremonies, but from comparing notes with some of the foreign Ministers\u2014 I dread the Birth-Day, because as I shall be the focus of so many Eye-Balls I am afraid of being Scorched.\n          The infatuation of the Refugees is astonishing I have certain information, that they flattered themselves to the last moment, that I should not be received\u2014 they affirmed with the utmost Confidence, in private Conversation, and even at the Coffee Houses, that I should never be presented to the King, nor seen at Court, not even admitted to the Ministers of State.\n          Heaven has been pleased to send along with me other Blessings, which were as Much, at least wanted in this Kingdom. The Day after my arrival the Rains began, which have continued every day since. I hope they have been equally abundant in France where the terrible Effects which I saw on my Journey of the Drouth affected me very much.\n          Mrs: & Miss A. join with me in most respectfull and affectionate Compliments to Madame la Marquise and to our very good friends George and Anastasie\u2014 With great regard I have the / honour to be, Sir, / Your most Obedient and / most humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0082", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jeremiah Allen, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Allen, Jeremiah\nTo: Adams, John\n          I have bought a Bill Drawn by the Honble Mr Dana, on your Excellency for Three Hundred fifty seven pounds sixteen shillings & Nine pence Sterg which no doubt will be duly Honord, I have endorsed & enclosed it, to my friends Messrs Cazalet & sons of London, presuming from information you must be in London, to which Court, I understand you are appointed, also that you and His Excellency Mr Jefferson are appointed joint Commissioners for Negociating a Commercial Treaty with Her Imperial Majesty of all the Russias\u2014 when last I had the Honor of paying my Respects to you, I was on my way to that Country and at that time formed a small Commercial connection with my friends Messrs Cramp & Cazalet of St Petersburg and have Obtain\u2019d considerable Bussiness from hence to that Capital Viz seven Ships last year and as many this, many more would have engaged, if a Treaty had been made, or that if remittances could be devised, to go direct to that Country, as it is apparent all the Europeans Wish to put a Stop to the Trade therefore I am as an individual shall Embark for Russia in three Days, to endeavour to find remittances that will Answer both Countrys, and if your Excellency will condecend to Write me, if a Treaty is made, or likely to be made, and can aid me in any way I shall Esteem it a very particular favor, please to direct for me at Cramp & Cazalet St Petersburg I flatter myself, I shall be there by the time any letters may arrive for me\u2014 The Honble Mr Dana shew me, a part of your letter of the 8th of March requestg some account of the fishery & foreign Trade\u2014 I do myself the Honor to Enclose some account, relative to that matter, I rely upon your former friendship to Excuse the before mentioned requests\u2014\n          I am with great / Esteem & Respect your / Excellency Humble servant\n            Jeremiah Allen", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0083", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Lotter, Christian\nTo: Adams, John\n            May it please Your Excellency!\n          Your Excellency\u2019s good opinion and Satisfaction of my Conduct, and the gracious favour Your Excellency is pleased to bestow upon me, by Your own recommendation to Your Successor, are favours due of my Sincerest and most-dutiful thanks, with an impression of ever remembering Your goodness; I have done no more on my part, in consideration of trust and faithfulness, but which my duty required to perform, answerable to God and Men, which ought to be every faithful Servants duty Sacred, and I don\u2019t doubt, flattering meself, but Your Excellency will find by the receiving of all Your Effects how Small or the least thread Soever, with the books of account, that I have managed and acted every thing to conscience, So that nothing can incumber the tranquility of my mind, but the loss of a good and generous Master.\n          I have every thing ready, and had it ready for Some Time past, not to be removed from here, but for enjoying the happiness of Seeing You again in Short, So that whenever Messrs: Willinks are pleased to receive every article from my hands, they need not to wait for it, and if Your Excellency chuses that I Should embark with the baggage to See it Safe transported to London, I am very willing and gladly wait Your orders, as I do not Scruple in the least of getting permission to go for Some weeks or longer.\n          I Shall have the honor to Sent to Your Excellency a List of all the books, as also of those already Sent to Boston, and of all Your wearing Apparel, with the general List of all Your Effects.\n          Recommending meself into Your Excellency\u2019s most gracious Favours and Protections, always praying for the continual Health and Happines of Your Excellency, I have the honor / to Subscribe meself / Your Excellency\u2019s / most devoted and humble / Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0086", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Patience Lovell Wright, 5 June 1785\nFrom: Wright, Patience Lovell\nTo: Adams, John\n          London at the Wax work Sunday Mornng June 5th: 1785\n          Mrs Wrights Most Respectfull Complints to her Friend\u2014Adams Esqr. &c.\u2014and has the pleasur to deliver to him those papers\u2014from Major Labilleere presented by him to Mr\u0303 Adams Esqr. as a Worthy Charatckr on whos Condoct and sentements much Depends toward bringing Justic and good goverment to a Ingured people\u2014 the Eyes of the World is on the present Moments\u2014 The house of Ahab Must not be forgiven blood\n          Much Truths and Meny Freends to Virtue are Ready to assist in the glorious work of Establishing peace and traid liberty and all its train of Hapiness to this Contry\u2014\n          Note the Consells have been apointed by this Gunto this 5 months past with the names of the Bishops &c letters are Sent out by Reverd Mr English Mr Comby doct Cooper the Bishop of Cantabury Wm Smith and others [. . .] doct Chandlor to Mr Livengston Govenr: of New Jersy [. . .]aying as formerly pray Read XX Chap 1 Kings there? Ben-hadad Made War with Isreal: Read the whole Chapter and See how he fled and he Come into a Innr Chambr\u2014 The King of England is now acting the Same part\u2014 what was is now and Eve will be amongst Men dont Suffer your Selves to be deceve\u2019d\n          doctr Jebb and other worthy tryd Freends to America Can testife how active a part Major Labilleere has taken in the Cause of that Contry and the Extrordaney pains to Set truth before the Solders\u2014 \u201cNot to fight against their Concience the Cause of America was the Cause of God\u201d with love to Mrs Adams I am with the higst Esteem you / and my Contrys faithful friend and very humbl Servt\n            Patience Wright", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0087", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 6 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 6. 1785\n          Colonel Smith, on the third of this Month informed me, that Col Forrest, had been with him, in behalf of two Gentlemen of Glascow, Mr Calquhoun Provost of that City and Mr Alexander Brown, who were deputed by the Merchants of that Place who had Debts in America to confer with the Creditors in London concerning an Application to Ministry and Parliament to obtain their Interposition for the recovery of their Claims but that having heard of the Appointment of a Minister to this Court and of my Arrival, they were desirous of Seeing me. I desired Coll Smith to inform them that I Should be glad to See them, the next Morning. Accordingly, on the fourth, they came, and Mr Calquhoun informed me of his Errand, and Said that he was very glad that Congress had appointed a Minister, because he hoped that the Article of Debts would now be accommodated, to mutual Satisfaction, without any Application on their Part and he Should be glad to return to Scotland without making any, provided he could be furnished with a reasonable Account to give of himself to his Constituents.\n          I told him, I was obliged to him, for having given me an Opportunity to See him. That the Merchants of Glasgow must be Sensible, We were but just emerged from an impoverishing War, in which there had been a great Interruption of Agriculture and Commerce and a Still greater Destruction of Property, which rendered it difficult for any Debtor and impossible for many to discharge their Debts forthwith. that I was perswaded there was a general Disposition to discharge the Debts, as fast as it could be done. but that time, and Patience were as much for the Interest of the Creditors as the Debtors. that if there had been any Interpositions of the Governments in America they had been as I presumed Solely with a View of giving Time to negotiate an Explication of the Article of the Treaty and to prevent the imprudence of hasty Creditors from hurting themselves as well as the Debtors, to no good End. That one principal Object of my Mission was to negotiate this Affair with the Minister and although I was not authorised by the Debtors and could not be empowed by Congress to treat with the Merchants of London and Glascow, they might depend upon my devoting a full Proportion of my Time to this subject with the Ministry, and should be always ready to hear any Proposals, Explanations or Arguments even from Individuals and to transmit them to Congress if they were Such as merited Attention. That it was thought very hard and unreasonable in America that Interest Should be insisted on during the War, and that if the Creditors could be brought to consent to relinquish it and that a reasonable time should be allowed, I thought the whole might be arranged to mutual Benefit and Satisfaction. That Creditors Should consider that there was a great Demand for Cloathing, Stock and Utensils, to repair the Waste of War, and to put Estates into a Condition to produce, and to set commerce in motion. That this together with the Zeal to pay as much of their Debts as possible, had already raised the Interest of Money, even to an Alarming hight. That it must be better to allow the Debtor time to turn himself, that he might pay all, rather than press him Suddenly so that he might not be able to pay more than a Part. that if property were Seized upon now, it might not produce half its Value, whereas left in the Hands of the present Possessor it would enable him to employ it to Such Advantage as to pay his Debts in time.\n          Mr Calquhoun made no particular reply to the Subject of Interest, but Said the Merchants of Glascow were fully Sensible of the Circumstances I had mentioned, and were very willing to wait, and they were desirous of entering into Some Agreement that the Debts Should be paid in five Years by Installments, one fifth in a Year, but they were allarmed at the Spirit of Migration into the Wilderness in America. They thought it wrong to be restrained from arresting the Person or Attaching Property of a Debtor whom they Saw about to remove to Kentucky & other Places, where they could never be come at.\u2014 I told him, that this was new to me, but that Kentucky, and all other new Settlements were under the Laws and Jurisdiction of some State as I Supposed, and therefore the Debtor and his Property would be within the reach of the Creditor, as much as if he remained in the Cities and Old Settlements, and as those Removals commonly Advanced the Fortune of the Emigrant, it might be rather a Benefit to his Creditors, by increasing the Ability to pay. I Subjoined that there were, two Things, which fell very hard upon the Debtors in the State of Virginia And New York (for he had mentioned these particularly) one Was, the great Number of Negroes, which had been carried away. if these Negroes had been restored according to the Treaty, they would have been at Work to earn Money to pay their Masters Debts, but the carrying them off was a double Loss to the owner. and the holding Possession of the Posts upon the Frontiers, had kept out of our hands a valuable Trade, which would have gone a great Way to enable Us to pay our Debts.\n          He Said he thought it a very foolish Thing to hold Possession of the Posts. &c\u2014 That he would venture to return to Scotland, and would take no more Measures about applying to Parliament which he was sensible must excite a Clamour and he hoped the Merchants of Glasgow would be contented to wait. He Seemed to be well pleased with the Conversation, and took his Leave in good humour So that I think it very lucky that so noisy a Business as a Petition to Parliament, should be so easily diverted at this critical Moment.\n          But I am unfortunate in another respect, as my Lord Carmarthen is ill of a Fever, So that I shall not I fear be able to commence Conferences with him upon Business so soon as I hoped. No Time Shall be lost by me.\n          With great and Sincere Esteem / I have the Honour to be, sir / Your most obedient and / humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0088", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 7th. 1785\u2014\n          I have received your favour of 24th. May, by Mr. Chew, and am very Sorry to hear of your ill Health, You must come to my remedy a Walk of four or five Miles every day; As we advance in Years Exercise becomes more and more necessary to us. The News from my son is very refreshing to us all. He Speaks warmly of your kindness to him at L\u2019Orient. Rec\u2019d. at the same time your Letter of 26. May with the papers enclosed, relative to the seizure of the Brigantine Nancy, John Limeburner Master. You are very sensible, that we cannot interpose officially in any private Case, without the special Instructions of Congress who probably would not think it justifiable to interpose untill the decision of Law should be known, and appear to wrong\u2014 This however, will not prevent us from rendering any service to our Countrymen, which may be in our power in our private Capacities, and Mr. Grubb may depend upon every thing which I can do for him, as an Individual. There is no Remmedy for him however, but by defending his property in a Course of Law. it is not in my power to demand of the Court of Great Britain, that the Ship and Cargo be given up with Damages for the detention, without the express Commands of Congress. This would be committing the United States much farther than my Authority extends. Mr. Oxley and Mr. Hancock when they call upon me shall have all the attention and assistance which I can give them in my private Capacity\u2014 I suppose the Cause will turn upon the Evidence of the distance she was from Shore, if she was within the Limits forbidden by act of Parliment, I presume Mr. Grubb will loose his Cause. Her being at Anchor, I suppose excited a suspicion that she was a smuggler.\n          I have received last night your Letter concerning my accounts and as soon as I can possibly attend to it, I will send you my other Accounts: but at present, I am so engrossed by the Ceremonies and the Business of my mission here that I can attend to nothing else. Regards to all friends, and believe me to be, with great esteem\u2014 / Your friend & Humble Serv.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0089", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James Grubb, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Grubb, James\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 7th. 1785.\u2014\n          I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me, on the 23 of May, relative to the seizure of the Brigantine Nancy, Capt. John Limeburner, by the Pilot Cutter Commanded by Leiut. Seymor Lynn.\n          You desire me, Sir, to demand from the Court of Great Britain, that the Ship and Cargo be given up, with Damages for the detention, but this is not in my power. The Laws of every Country must decide such Cases in the first Instance, and the Sovereign of a complaining subject or even of an injured Citizen, rarely if ever interposes, untill Justice is refused by the Laws. I cannot therefore, ministerially interfere in this affair, unless Congress should send me their express Instructions so to do. This however will not prevent me from doing you any Service in my Power in my private Capacity, and whenever Messrs: Oackley and Hancock or any Person in your Behalf shall call upon me, they shall have all the attention and assistance I can give them as an Individual. It is indispensable that you and the French Merchants interested, apply to Council and Defend your property in a Course of Law. I suppose the Vessel being at Anchor, excited the Suspicion, but if you can prove, as I suppose you can that she was not within the Limit, forbidden by act of Parliment, I should think you would find no Difficulty in gaining your Cause\n          I have the honour to be very respectfully / Sir. Your most Obedient / Humble serv.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0090", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 7. 1785.\n          I have recd yours of 25. May. and thank you for the News of my son, and for the News of Paris. I wished to have Seen the Queens Entrance into Paris. but I Saw the Queen of England on Saturday, the Kings Birth day, in all her Glory. it is paying very dear to be a King or Queen to pass One Such a day in a Year. To be obliged to enter into Conversation with four or five hundred, or four or five Thousand People of both sexes, in one day and to find Small Talk, enough for the Purpose adapted to the Taste and Character of every one, is a Task which would be out of all Proportion to my Forces of Mind or Body.\u2014 The K and Q. Speak to every Body. I stood next to the Spanish Minister, with whom his Majesty conversed, in good French, for half a Quarter of an Hour, and I did not loose any Part of the discourse. and he Said Several, clever Things enough. one was Je suis convaincu que le plus grand Ennemy du Bien, est le mieux. You would have applied it as I did, to the Croud of Gentn present who had advised his Majesty, to renounce the Bien for the Mieux in America. and I believe he too had that Instance in his mind. Thursday I must be presented to the Queen, who I hope will say as many pretty Things to me, as the K. did.\u2014\n          You would die of Ennui here, for these Ceremonies are more numerous and continue much longer here than at Versailles.\n          I find I shall be accabl\u00e9 with Business and Ceremony together, and I miss my fine Walks and pure Air at Auteuil The Smoke and Damp of this City is ominous to me. London boasts of its Trottois. but there is a Space between it and the Houses through which all the Air from Kitchens, Cellars stables and servants Appartements ascends into the Street and pours directly on the Passenger on Foot.\u2014 such Whifs and puffs assault you every few Steps as are enough to breed the Plague if they do not Suffocate you on the spot.\n          for Mercy Sake stop, all my Wine but the Bourdeaux and Madeira, and Frontenac. and stop my order to Rouen for 500 Additional Bottles. I shall be ruined, for each Minister is not permitted to import more than 5 or 600 Bottles which will not more than cover what I have at the Hague. which is very rich Wine & my Madeira Frontenac & Bourdeaux at Autueil. Petit will do the Business.\n          Regards to Coll Humphreys & Mr Williamos. / Adieu\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0092", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Lotter, Christian\nTo: Adams, John\n            May it please Your Excellence!\n          Your Excellency has been pleased to inform me in Your honored of the 29th: of last month, that You have been pleased to appoint Messrs: Willink & Comp. or any person they Should chuse, to be delivered into their hands all Your Effects, remaining under my Care, of this Your order I have immediately acquainted Messrs: Willinks & Com: begging of them to dispatch the business as Soon as they thought proper, that every thing on my part was ready.\n          This morning Mr: D\u00f9mas, with his Spouse, another lady, and a Carpenter of her own choice, came all here to the hotel with a Letter from Messrs: Willinks that they have appointed Mr: and Made: D\u00f9mas to execute the bussines for them, I am Satisfied and very willing with their choice of Mr: D\u00f9mas, but I hope and most humbly beg Your Excellency won\u2019t be angry with me for not accepting of Made: D\u00f9mas, Since I have the honor to assure Your Excelce:, and can prove it, by and with the Carpenter\u2019s bill, that She is the worst person fit to be chosen to Such a business of trust and fidelity, Since She is daring enough, to have wrote, and to bring in charge to the States 12 Guilders for which not a Strook of work is done to the hotel.\n          Hond: Sir, I am persuaded that Your Excely: never had the least mistrust in my Employment, and Service, I have been faithful in every respect, as I can prove it in every instance, and have done everything out of love and Affection to Your Person and Service, and if any person is able to charge me with the least infidelity, I willingly Submit to the rigour of the law, and therefore does it fall hard to my lot, to be Set under the direction of a person, whose character is chargeable of fraud; altho I Know that it is not Your Excels: order, because Messrs: Willinks & Comp: have been charged with Your orders; and not Made: D\u00f9mas.\n          To be used likewise with brutality, indifference and Scorn, as Made: D\u00f9mas Serv\u2019d me at her entrance of the hotel, before two Strangers, is likewise very far from Your Intentions, to ask in a Scornful tune, who ordered the Court of Arms of America to be brought here, is it your orders, who tolds You that, go quick open the doors and windows, and give me the Key of every thing, ringing the bell and Such like to her far too unbecoming usage, as if I and my wife were her meanest Servants, of which usage I am convinced that Your Excelce: would not allow that the least of Your dependencies Should be Serv\u2019d in Such a manner.\n          I most humbly beg and intreat Your Excelcy: not to take amiss of my addressing meself farther to Messrs: Willinks to be dispensed of Made: D\u00f9mas, and that they may be pleased to make choice of any other person; as I cannot trust to her of receiving the Effects belonging to Your Excellency.\n          I flatter meself Your Excle: will find by the reception of Your Effects that every thing has been kept clean, neat, and that not a thread is wanting, having always exerted the greatest Care, and Sometimes anxiety for its preservation, and therefore hope Your Excellency will generously excuse my not obeying the person of Made: D\u00f9mas\n          I remain with the greatest respect and Veneration / Your Excellency\u2019s / most devoted and humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0093", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Sullivan, James\nTo: Adams, John\n          I had the honor on the 2d Instant of receiving your much Esteemed favour of the 11th of March. you have I hope, already received an Act of Congress which may serve as an answer to your reasoning on the necessity of our having A minister at the Court of London. before this can reach you, the accounts of a sad agitation in the Commercial Circle of your Country, but more Especially in your native State, will have been handed to you by Some of your Correspondents. The Merchants in Boston in the Last fall sent their orders for Goods upon Credit, according to their usual mode of Trade with the Merchants of London, many of their orders were not executed, and some were by the Merchants of London executed to their own benefit, by sending out the Goods ordered under the direction of their own factors. this threw many Gentlemen into the uneasy bed of disappointment, and Some out of business. our Merchants have applied to Congress for a remedy; and have proposed a general regulation of trade as the only one. When I mention the above, as the Cause of the application to Congress, I do not mean to Suggest that an application is made for a remedy against the evils arising from a want of Credit, for the application States the System of Trade now adopted by the Court of London as the foundation of many growing evils, unless Congress Should pass a navigation Act which may effectually oppose itself to the Acts of Parliment of that Country.\n          But here arises a question, whether Congress as they are not, ought to be Vested with powers adequate to that important purpose? it is objected that a general Session of power to Regulate trade will carry with it so many incidental powers, and give So much by clear implication, that all the Commercial property of the union, would be under the dominion of one Government consolided of the thirteen States, and that new duties may be raised, and navies, and Armies employed to coerce the People into Obedience to the Ordinanies. in answer to this it has been said, that we Shall never be happy at home, or respectable abroad, untill we are united by a Corporeal relation, and under one System of Government. yet many leading men are very Sanguine for preserving our feoderal relation & for Supporting the Seperate Sovereignty of the States. from this conversation a great Jealosy is Excited, and I beleive that Congress will not receive powers very soon Sufficient for the regulation of Trade\u2014as Congress have located thirteen new States on the Southern and Western frontier. the Northern States are affraid that their System of Politicks, Should we ever Consolidate our Governments, will reduce the union to a vile aristocracy, or disunite the feoderated powers. in this veiw of the matter it may be readily foreseen that more depends upon your Negotiation, than upon our union; perhaps a little more Calamity may drive us into the necessity of entertaining more National Ideas.\n          upon my word Sir, I am every day, more, & more convinced of the difficulty of Governing mankind So as to make them happy. you will have before this arrives the news of Mr Bowdoins being Governor, which is the only novelty that recollect within our State. although a few Scurrilous Scriblers have indulged themselves in our papers, yet we have no considerable parties within the States.\n          I am Sir with great regard & Sincere / Friendship your Most Hble Servt\n            James Sullivan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0094", "content": "Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 June 1785\nFrom: Dumas, C. W. F.\nTo: Adams, John\n          J\u2019ai la satisfaction de pouvoir vous annoncer que tout est \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s raccom\u0303od\u00e9. Je dis \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s: car il faudra toujours \u00e9crire, le plut\u00f4t le mieux, \u00e0 L. H. P. la Lettre en question, o\u00f9 vous leur exposerez le cas. La R\u00e9solution avoit pass\u00e9 hier, com\u0303e j\u2019ai eu l\u2019ho\u00f1eur de vous le mander. Mais com\u0303e la r\u00e9somption devoit s\u2019en faire aujourd\u2019hui avant d\u2019\u00eatre arr\u00eat\u00e9e, on revint un peu \u00e0 la proposition des mod\u00e9r\u00e9s, d\u2019avoir une explication avec moi. En cons\u00e9quence Mr. Fagel m\u2019a envoy\u00e9 prier ce matin de passer chez lui \u00e0 10 heures: ce qu\u2019ayant fait, il m\u2019a expos\u00e9 la sensibilit\u00e9 de L. h. P., & demand\u00e9 si Mr. Adams accr\u00e9dit\u00e9 & admis tout r\u00e9cem\u0303ent aupr\u00e8s de Sa M. Brit., \u00e9toit le m\u00eame qui \u00e9toit accr\u00e9dit\u00e9 aupr\u00e8s d\u2019eux\u2014 Je l\u2019ai pri\u00e9 de me dire, s\u2019il me faisoit la question com\u0303e Mr. Fagel, ou com\u0303e Mr. le Greffier.\u2014 Il m\u2019a dit: j\u2019ai ordre de vous le demander de la part de L. H. P.\u2014 J\u2019ai donc, lui ai-je dit, un double & triple motif de vous dire la v\u00e9rit\u00e9; la voici en trois mots: c\u2019est le m\u00eame\u2014 J\u2019ai poursuivi, qu\u2019il m\u2019\u00e9toit ais\u00e9 de vous justifier provisionnellement, en attendant que vous le fissiez vous-m\u00eame par Lettre \u00e0 L. H. P.; & l\u00e0dessus je lui ai lu ce que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de me dire sur ce sujet dans vos Lettres de Paris du 11 & du 18 May.\u2014 Il a \u00e9t\u00e9 tr\u00e8s-content de la maniere dont vous exprimez votre embarras dans les deux passages, en ajoutant: \u201cJ\u2019ai bien dit que Mr. Adams \u00e9toit honn\u00eate, & incapable de manquer \u00e0 L. H. P. Je vous prie de lui faire mes complimens, & de l\u2019assurer de mes sentimens d\u2019estime & d\u2019amiti\u00e9 pour lui.\u201d\u2014 Je lui ai lu ensuite ce qu\u2019il convenoit de la Minute de mon susdit postcrit, qu\u2019il a approuv\u00e9. Il m\u2019a dit alors, qu\u2019il avoit \u00e9crit hier provisionnellement \u00e0 Mr. De Linde, de s\u2019informer; mais que L. h. p. avoient trouv\u00e9 bon, au lieu d\u2019arr\u00eater une R\u00e9solution, de prendre la chose ad notam, en d\u2019autres termes, de la rendre Commissoriale, si les explications que je pourrois donner se trouvoient satisfaisantes; ce dont il ne doutoit pas, si je voulois lui donner Extrait de ces Lettres, pour le produire im\u0303\u00e9diatement \u00e0 l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e. Com\u0303e le temps \u00e9toit court, & qu\u2019il n\u2019y avoit rien d\u2019ailleurs dans les deux Lettres qui ne p\u00fbt \u00eatre vu d\u2019un chacun, j\u2019ai pris le parti de lui confier les Originaux (ce que Mr. De Verac, \u00e0 qui je l\u2019ai racont\u00e9, a approuv\u00e9). Il me les renverra.\u2014 J\u2019ai couru del\u00e0 \u00e0 un autre bout de la Ville, instruire l\u2019ami d\u2019hier, qui alloit sortir pour se rendre \u00e0 l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e. Mon attention lui a fait plaisir. Apr\u00e8s d\u00eener j\u2019ai appris, que la prise ad notam a eu lieu. Mr. Fagel m\u2019a dit aussi, que le Roi de Suede en question \u00e9toit celui d\u2019aujourd\u2019hui; le Ministre dont il se croyoit offens\u00e9, Mr. De Linde actuellement \u00e0 Londres; & celui qui cita ce trait hier \u00e0 l\u2019Assembl\u00e9e, Mr. son frere de Blitterswick.\u2014 Il m\u2019a dit aussi, que quelques t\u00eates chaudes avoient opin\u00e9 de rappeller Mr. van Berckel.\n          La proposition d\u2019Amsterdam, dont je vous ai parl\u00e9, & un terrible M\u00e9moire de Mr. le Cte. De Maillebois, qui l\u2019a suivie de pr\u00e8s, vont, selon toute apparence, produire l\u2019Etablissement d\u2019un D\u00e9partement Militaire, qui diminuera prodigieusement certaine influence.\n          La crise en Allemagne continue de m\u00fbrir. Je viens de d\u00e9chiffrer une Lettre interessante l\u00e0-dessus. Mais ceci fort entre nous.\n          Mr. le Greffier Fagel, en me rendant ce matin les deux Lettres susdites, m\u2019a dit, que l\u2019Eponge est pass\u00e9e sur toute cette affaire, & que L. H. P ont ordonn\u00e9 de la rayer m\u00eame des notes. Cela vous rendra, Monsieur, la Lettre de politesse, qu\u2019il est toujours & d\u2019autant plus \u00e0 propos d\u2019\u00e9crire, encore plus ais\u00e9e.\u2014 Je lui ai demand\u00e9 en m\u00eame temps, \u00e0 la requisition de Mess. Willink &c. un passeport pour vos 2 Caisses qu\u2019ils ont en main. Il me l\u2019a fait exp\u00e9dier tout de suite, en me r\u00e9it\u00e9rant de vous transmettre les t\u00e9moignages de son estime & amiti\u00e9: il m\u2019en a promis un semblable pour vos effets ici, quand ils seront prets \u00e0 partir: ce dont on com\u0303encera Lundi prochain \u00e0 s\u2019occuper.\n          Permettez que Mesdames Adams trouvent ici les assurances de nos respects pour Elles & pour Vous Monsieur, De Votre Exce. le tr\u00e8s-humble & tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur\n          TRANSLATION\n          I have the satisfaction of announcing to you that everything is more or less mended. I say more or less, for it will still be necessary\u2014and the sooner the better\u2014to write the letter in question to Their High Mightinesses where you would present the case. The resolution passed yesterday, as I had the honor to report to you. But today when discussion resumed before it was drawn up, the moderates\u2019 proposition, that an explanation be arranged with me, was revisited. Consequently Mr. Fagel sent for me to request that I pay him a visit at 10 o\u2019clock, which being done, he presented the opinion of Their High Mightinesses, and asked if Mr. Adams, recently accredited to, and granted an audience with, His Britannic Majesty, was the same person accredited to them. I entreated him to tell me if he was asking me the question as Mr. Fagel or as the secretary. He said to me: I have orders to ask you on behalf of Their High Mightinesses. So, I said to him: I therefore have a double and triple motive to tell you the truth; here it is in three words: He\u2019s the same. I continued, saying that it was easy for me to vouch for you provisionally, before you did so yourself by a letter to Their High Mightinesses; and thereupon I read to him what you did me the honor to tell me on the subject in your letters from Paris of 11 and 18 May. He was very satisfied with the manner in which you expressed your embarrassment in the two passages, adding: \u201cI did say that Mr. Adams was honest and incapable of breaking with Their High Mightinesses. I pray you extend to him my compliments and assure him of my sentiments of esteem and friendship.\u201d I then read to him the pertinent parts of the memorandum of my earlier postscript, which he approved. He said to me then that yesterday he had provisionally written to Mr. Van Lynden to inform him; but that Their High Mightinesses had found it agreeable, instead of drawing up a resolution, to consider the affair ad notam, or in other words, to make it commissorial, if the explanations that I could give them were to be found satisfactory. He did not doubt that they would, if I would provide him with an excerpt of the letters to produce immediately before the assembly. As time was short, and because in any event there was nothing in the two letters which might not be seen by anyone, I chose to entrust the originals to him (of which Mr. V\u00e9rac, to whom I related the story, approved). He will return them to me. I ran from there to the other end of town in order to apprise the friend from yesterday who was about to leave to appear at the assembly. The consideration pleased him. After dinner, I learned that the settlement ad notam had taken place. Mr. Fagel also told me that the king of Sweden in question was today\u2019s king; the minister by whom he felt offended, Mr. Van Lynden currently in London; and the one who cited the anecdote yesterday in the assembly, his brother Mr. Van Blitterswick. He also told me that several hotheads had suggested recalling Mr. Van Berckel.\n          The proposition from Amsterdam which I told you about, and the terrible memoir of the Comte de Maillebois which came soon afterward, will produce, by all appearances, the establishment of a military department, which will prodigiously diminish certain influences.\n          The crisis in Germany continues to come to a head. I have just deciphered an interesting letter pertaining to it, but that is strictly between us.\n          The secretary, Mr. Fagel, upon returning this morning the two aforementioned letters, told me that the whole affair has been expunged, and that Their High Mightinesses ordered it stricken from the notes. This will render, sir, the letter of civility, which remains appropriate to write, even easier. At the same time, I asked him at the behest of Messrs. Willink, etc., for a passport for your two crates, which they have on hand. He is having it sent to me right away, wishing again that I communicate the tokens of his esteem and friendship. He promised me a similar one for your effects here, when they are ready to go, to which we will attend next Monday.\n          Grant that the Adams ladies herein find the assurances of the respect for them and for you, sir, of your excellency\u2019s most humble and most obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0095", "content": "Title: John Adams\u2019 Lease for the American Legation at No. 8 Grosvenor Square, 9 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n          Memorandum It is hereby agreed Between Thomas Like and Henry Turner of Frith Street Soho in the County of Middlesex Upholders on behalf of the Honourable John Byron of Purbright in the County of Hants of the One part and his Excellency John Adams Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America of the other part as follows the said Thomas Like & Henry Turner on behalf of the said John Byron agree to let to the said John Adams and the said John Adams agrees to Rent and take all that Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenance situate in the North East Angle of Grosvenor Square in the Parish of Saint George Hanover Square in the said County of Middlesex heretofore in the Tenure or Occupation of Lord Newborough since of the said John Byron now untenanted To hold the said Messuage with the Appurtenances from the 24th. day of June instant for the term of one year and 3 Quarters of a year wanting ten days At and under the yearly Rent of One hundred and Sixty pounds payable quarterly clear of all Taxes and deductions whatsoever except the Land Tax the first quarterly payment of the said Rent to be made the twenty ninth day of September next And the said Thos. Like and Henry Turner do hereby agree on behalf and at the expence of the said John Byron forthwith to paint the front parlour the drawing room over it and the shoot door and to make good all broken pains in the windows throughout the Premes and also all damaged parts of the Plaister work And the said John Adams agrees to keep the said Messuage and premises in good repair during the said term and to surrender up the same in such repair together with the fixtures and things mentioned in the Schedule hereunder written and hereto annexed and all other fixtures to the said Premises to the said John Byron his Executors Administrators or Assigns or to the said Thomas Like and Henry Turner on his behalf at the end of the said term in as good condition as the same are now in reasonable use and wear thereof and Casualties by fire only excepted In Witness whereof the Parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands the ninth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Eighty five\n          Witness John Bartel.\n            John Adams.Like & TurnerN 47. Frith St. Soho\n            Rec\u2019d\u20141\u2014Guinea for the Atty., who drew out the Stampt agreemt. which is with of the Honble. Mr. Adams\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0096", "content": "Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dumas, C. W. F.\n            Bath Hotel June 10. 1785. Westminster\n          I have recd your Letter, and am very Sorry that I ever thought of giving you any Trouble about my Books and Secretaries. it must be a great deal of Vexation to you and Madam Dumas, from which you will both be glad to be relieved. I have written to Lotter before to come with the Things, and therefore I beg you would give yourself no Trouble about them.\u2014 I want them all as soon as possible.\n          But the most Serious Thing is the offence taken by any Member of the States. This really hurts me, for nothing was ever farther from the Thoughts either of me or my Masters than the least disrespect or Failure of positive Respect. As long as my Heart beats it will beat with the sentiments of Esteem and Affection for that Country, and with Respect for their H. Mightinesses.\u2014 My Successor is not arrived nor my Letter of Recal, and therefore I could not take Leave, and yet my orders were so express and the Business here so Serious, I assure you, that I was obliged to come here. My Regards as usual.\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0097", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Hendrik Fagel, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Fagel, Hendrik\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 10. 1785\n          I have the Honour to inform you, that I have recd from Congress a Letter of Credence to his Britannic Majesty as Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, and that I have had the Honour of presenting that Letter to his Majesty and of being received in that Character.\n          I have received too authentic Information that Congress have resolved that it is expedient to appoint a Minister to Succeed me at the Hague. But I have not received my Letter of Recall nor of the actual Appointment of a successor.\n          This, sir is the only Reason why I did not and could not come to the Hague and take a formal Leave of their High Mightinesses and of his most Serene Highness as I wished.\n          It is Still my Intention to come, or to take Leave by a respectfull Letter, whenever my Letter of Recall Shall arrive, or a successor.\n          My being appointed to other Service upon this Occasion, is no new Thing. I was last August received, at the Court of Versailles, as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to his most Christian Majesty, which was never considered any more than intended as any failure of Respect to the Republick.\n          For myself and for my Country, I know that Respect Esteem and Affection to the Republick is engraven on all our Hearts.\n          I beg then the favour of your Advice, if you think it proper and necessary for me to take any farther Steps upon this Occasion, before my Letter of Recall or my successor shall arrive?\n          With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, Sir, your most obedient and / most humble Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0098", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Duplicate\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 10. 1785\n          Yesterday the ninth of the Month, I was presented to the Queen by my Lord Aylesbury, her Lord Chamberlain, having been attended to his Lordship and introduced to him by the Master of the Ceremonies. The Queen was attended by her Ladies, and I made my Compliment to her Majesty in the following Words.\n          Among the many Circumstances which have rendered my Mission to his Majesty, desireable to me, I have ever considered it as a principal one, that I Should have an Opportunity of making my Court to a great Queen whose Royal Virtues and Talents have ever been acknowledged and admired in America, as well as in all the Nations of Europe, as an Example to Princesses and the Glory of her Sex.\n          Permit me, Madam, to recommend to your Majesty\u2019s Royal Goodness, a rising Empire, and an Infant Virgin World. Another Europe, Madam, is rising in America. To a Philosophical Mind like your Majestys, there cannot be a more pleasing Contemplation, than this Prospect of doubling the Human Species, and augmenting at the same time their Prosperity and Happiness. it will in future Ages be the Glory of these Kingdoms to have peopled that Country and to have Sown there, those Seeds of Science, of Liberty, of Virtue, and permit me, Madam to add of Piety, which alone constitute the Prosperity of Nations and the Happiness of the Human Race.\n          After venturing upon such high Insinuations to your Majesty, it seems to be descending too far, to ask as I do, your Majestys Royal Indulgence to a Person, who is indeed unqualified for Courts, and who owes his Elevation to this distinguished Honor, of Standing before your Majesty not to any Circumstances of illustrious Birth, Fortune or Abilities, but merely to an ardent Devotion to his native Country, and Some little Industry and Perseverance in her Service.\n          The Queen answered me, in these Words\n          I thank you, Sir, for your Civilities to me and my Family; and am glad to See you in this Country.\n          The Queen, then asked me, if I had provided myself with a House? I answered, I have agreed for one, Madam this Morning. She then made her Curtesy and I made my Reverence and retired, into the Drawing Room where the King, Queen, Princess Royal and the younger Princess her Sister, all spoke to me, very obligingly. I attended untill the Drawing Room was over, and then returned home.\n          It has been necessary, in Order to guard against false Reports and malicious Fictions, to reduce to writing what was Said in my Audiences of the King and Queen, And it is the Custom of all Ministers, to transmit these Compliments to their Courts.\u2014 I transmit them to you in Cypher that they may be exposed to as little Criticism as possible. As the Court knew very well that the Eyes of all Nations were fixed upon these Audiences, it may be fairly concluded from them, that it is the Intention of the Royal Family and of the Ministry to treat America, that is the United States and their Ministers upon the Footing of other foreign Powers.\u2014 But our Inferences can go no farther. We cannot infer from this that they will relax their Navigation Act for Us any more than for France. We are Sure of one Thing, that a Navigation Act, is in our Power as well as in theirs. and that ours would be more hurtfull to them than theirs to Us. in Short it is Scarcely possible to calculate, to what an height of naval Power a Navigation Act, would raise the United States in a very few Years.\n          With great Esteem I have the Honor to be / dear Sir, your most obedient and humble / Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0099", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Christian Lotter, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lotter, Christian\n            Bath. Hotel. Westminster. 10th. June. 1785.\n          I am sorry to have given Mr: or Made: Dumas any trouble about my little affairs at the Hotel. Their friendship for me would have induced them to take the trouble upon them; but, as it is not necessary, I am sorry I ever hinted to Mr: Dumas any thing about overseeing the packing of my books &c: &c:\u2014 But I have written to him & Mr: Willinks that you are to come over with the things. Mr. Willinks will employ Packers to assist you in the business, and I hope for my things as soon as possible, being in great want of them\u2014\n          I am in haste, / yrs:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0100", "content": "Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 13 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dumas, C. W. F.\n            Bath Hotel Westminster, June 13. 1785\n          I am honoured with yours of the 7. and 8 of June.\n          I have been introduced here, to Sir James Harris, who Seems to be a Sensible and agreable Man. I Should think it most adviseable, for you and for myself if I were at the Hague, to behave Towards him as the Minister of a Sovereign in Amity with the United States, not discovering any Aversion or Jealousy, on one side more than common, nor more Confidence or Attachment on the other.\n          I have been received here by the King and Queen, with decided Marks of Respect, Such demonstrate the determination of their Majestys to treat the United States compleatly on a footing with other Souvereign Powers: but I am far from concluding from thence, that the Ministry will do what We think they ought to do. Time alone can discover, and perhaps not a Short time, neither.\n          I am much obliged to you, for communicating my Letters to Mr Fagel and for your Care of the Passports. I have written fully to Mr Fagel, acording to the Advice of our Friend the Baron De Linden, whom I always esteemed and in whom I have found Since I have been here, more estimable Qualities than ever. Sensible, judicious and attentive, as a publick Minister, and friendly and obliging as a private Gentleman.\n          Do you think there ever was in any Country a Ph\u00e6nominon more rare, that I am in this. You will not wonder that the Telescopes of all the Astronomers are lifted up to make their Observations. You will See by the Gazettes that I have Still the Honour of meriting the Hatred of our old Boston Tories, whose Malice has constantly born Testimony in my Favour these five and twenty years. it is a comfort to me that it Still continues Steady. my Conscience would misgive me, if they Should become my Friends. I have never found in Life any other Men, So gifted in the Art of Lying, as they.\n          My Regards to Madam and Miss. / adieu\n            John Adams\n            P.S. Let me pray you, Sir, to make my most respectfull Compliments to Mr Fagel and to render him my Thanks for his Kindness and obliging Politeness to me upon this and all other Occasions.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0101", "content": "Title: Memorial to the States General, 13 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n            High and mighty Lords.\n            Westminster in England June 13. 1785.\n          The Subscriber, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, has the Honour to inform your High Mightinesses, that on the twenty fourth day of February last, the said United States in Congress assembled were pleased to appoint him their Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Britain: that he has Since received his Letter of Credence, and has had the Honour of an Audience of the King, in which, he presented it, to his Majesty.\n          That the said United States in Congress assembled, on the Seventh day of March last resolved \u201cthat it is expedient to appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary to Succeed Mr J. Adams, at the Court of the United Netherlands, and that monday next be assigned for the Election of Such Minister.\u201d that the Subscriber has never yet received any Letter of Recall, to their High Mightinesses, which was the Reason of his not going to the Hague in order to take Leave of their High Mightinesses before he came to England. That the United States have never considered the Appointment of a Person, to a new Mission as Superseeding any former Appointment, untill he received a formal Revocation, or a Letter of Recall. an Instance of which took place, last Summer, in the Subscribers Appointment with two others Messieurs Franklin & Jefferson to be a Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Versailles where he was received and resided in that Character for the last Nine Months, and to which Court he Still continues accredited. That he has expected and Still expects the Arrival of the News of the Appointment of another Minister to reside constantly near their High Mightinesses, and that his Letter of Recall will be brought by the new Minister, in which Case it is Still his Intention to make a Journey to the Hague in order to pay his Respects to their High Mightiness and take Leave, provided it Shall then be, in his Power: But if the Service of the United States at this Court Should render it impossible for him to make the Journey Upon the Arrival of his Successor, or his Letter of Recall it is his Determination to pay his Respects to their High Mightiness by a Letter expressive of all that Regard which is due from the United States to the Lords the states General and of all that Respect and Gratitude which is due from him, and of which he never, while he lives can loose the Impression. That he is not yet permitted to consider his Relation to their High Mightinesses as dissolved but must consider it as continuing, untill the Arrival of his Successor, or of his Letter of Recall. That he hopes there is nothing in this irregular, and if there is any Thing unusual he hopes their High Mightinesses will impute it to the great Distance and peculiar Circumstances of the United States, and not to any Want of Respect Since he can with the Utmost Truth and Certainty assure their High Mightinesses of the high Respect and Consideration, entertained by the United States both in and out of Congress as well as by him Self, both for them and for their Republick.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0102", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Hendrik Fagel, 14 June 1785\nFrom: Fagel, Hendrik\nTo: Adams, John\n          Je viens de recevoir la lettre, dont Vous m\u2019av\u00e9s honor\u00e9 le 10 de ce mois. Je considere, comme \u00fane marq\u00fae partic\u00faliere de l\u2019estime, q\u00fae Vos merites vo\u00fas ont acq\u00fais, q\u00fae le Congres Vo\u00fas a nomm\u00e9, po\u00far le\u00far Ministre Plenipotentiaire aupr\u00e9s de Sa Majest\u00e9 Brittanniq\u00fae, et se s\u00fais fach\u00e9, q\u00fae no\u00fas perdons parla la Residence d\u2019\u00fane Personne, q\u00fai s\u2019est rend\u00fa tres agreable chez no\u00fas, et qui par Ses manieres honetes se seroit rend\u00fa de pl\u00fas en pl\u00fas estimable. Il faut esperer, q\u00fae cel\u00fai, q\u00fai Vo\u00fas Succedera a\u00fara les memes bonnes qualit\u00e9s. Je ne Scaurois Vo\u00fas deg\u00faiser, qu\u2019on a fait quelq\u00faes reflexions ici, S\u00far ce q\u00fae Vo\u00fas avi\u00e9s remis vos lettres de Creance a\u00fa Roi d\u2019Angleterre, avant q\u00fae d\u2019avoir present\u00e9 Vos lettres de Rappel a\u00fax Etats genera\u00fax. J\u2019ai m\u00eame et\u00e9 charg\u00e9, d\u2019en entretenir Monsieur Du Mas, Votre Secretaire, qui m\u2019en a donn\u00e9 telle explication, que sur le Rapport, q\u00fae j\u2019en ai fait \u00e0 l\u2019assembl\u00e9e, on a cr\u00fa, devoir, s\u2019en contenter. Lorsq\u00fae Vo\u00fas recevr\u00e9s Vos lettres de Rappel, ce ne pourra etre, q\u00fae tres agreable a le\u00fars H H P: P q\u00fae vo\u00fas les presenti\u00e9s en personne. Si les circonstances de Vos affaires ne le permettent point, il Suffira de le faire par un Memoire, addr\u00e9ss\u00e9 a\u00fax Etats genera\u00fax. Vo\u00fas po\u00fav\u00e9s etre persuad\u00e9, Monsie\u00far, q\u00fae la responce, q\u00fae leurs H: H: P: P: \u00ff feront, ne Servira, qu\u2019a temoigner leur egard po\u00far le Congres, et le\u00far desir, de cimenter de pl\u00fas en pl\u00fas, l\u2019Union, et la bonne intelligence dans laquelle Elles ont le bonheur de Vivre avec E\u00fax. J\u2019ai l\u2019honne\u00far d\u2019etre avec la consideration la pl\u00fas respectueuse / Monsieur / Votre tres humble et / tres obeissant Serviteur\n          TRANSLATION\n          I have just received your letter you honored me with on the 10th of this month. I consider it a particular mark of esteem, which your merits have earned you, that Congress has named you their minister plenipotentiary to His Britannic Majesty, and I am saddened that we are thereby losing the presence of a person who presented himself most agreeably to us, and who through his honest manner would have rendered himself more and more estimable. It is to be hoped that your successor will possess the same good qualities. I cannot hide from you that certain remarks were made here regarding your addressing your letters of credence to the king of England before having presented your letters of recall to the States General. I was even instructed to discuss the matter with Mr. Dumas, your secretary, who gave me an explanation of the matter in terms that upon presentation to the assembly were deemed satisfactory. When you receive your letters of recall it would be most agreeable to Their High Mightinesses that you present them in person. If the circumstances of your affairs do not permit it, it will suffice to have them presented by a memorial addressed to the States General. You may be convinced, sir, that the reply which Their High Mightinesses shall make to it will serve only to affirm their regard for Congress and their desire to cement the growing union and good understanding in which they have the happiness to live with them. I have the honor to be with the most respectful consideration, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0103", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Among the instructions given to the Ministers of the United states for treating with foreign powers, was one of the 11th. of May 1784. relative to an individual of the name of John Baptist Pecquet. it contains an acknowlegement on the part of Congress of his merits and sufferings by friendly services rendered to great numbers of American seamen carried prisoners into Lisbon, and refers to us the delivering him these acknowlegements in honourable terms and the making him such gratification as may indemnify his losses and properly reward his zeal. this person is now in Paris and asks whatever return is intended for him. being in immediate want of money he has been furnished with ten guineas; he expressed desires of some appointment either for himself or son at Lisbon, but has been told that none such are in our gift, and that nothing more could be done for him in that line than to mention to Congress that his services will merit their recollection if they should make any appointment there analogous to his talents. he sais his expences in the relief of our prisoners have been upwards of fifty Moidores. supposing that, as he is poor, a pecuniary gratification will be most useful to him, we propose, in addition to what he has received, to give him a hundred and fifty guineas or perhaps 4000. livres, and to write a joint letter to him expressing the sense Congress entertain of his services. we pray you to give us your sentiments on this subject by return of the first post, as he is waiting here, and we wish the aid of your counsels therein.\n          We are to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of June 3. 1785. informing us of your reception at the court of London.\n          We have the honour to be with the highest respect Sir / Your most obedient / and most humble servants\n            B. FranklinTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0106", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Hendrik Fagel, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Fagel, Hendrik\nTo: Adams, John\n            Monsieur\n          J\u2019espere, q\u00fae ma lettre, q\u00fae j\u2019ai e\u00fa l\u2019honne\u00far de Vo\u00fas ecrire mardi pass\u00e9, vo\u00fas Sera bien parven\u00fae. Vo\u00fas \u00ff aures V\u00fa, Monsie\u00far, qu\u2019en consequence des eclaircissements, q\u00fae Monsie\u00far D\u00fa Mas m\u2019a donn\u00e9, des raisons, q\u00fai Vo\u00fas ont empesch\u00e9 de remettre Votre Lettre de Rappel, avant q\u00fae de remettre Votre Lettre de Creance a\u00fa Roi d\u2019Angleterre, le\u00fars Ha\u00fates P\u00faissances Se trouvoient Satisfaites, et qu\u2019il ne Seroit pl\u00fas question de cette affaire. Je Viens de recevoir ce matin \u00fane nouvelle Lettre, dont Vo\u00fas m\u2019av\u00e9s honor\u00e9 avec \u00fan Memoire address\u00e9 a\u00fax Etats genera\u00fax, dont je pourrois faire \u00fasage en cas de besoin. Comme je regarde cette affaire finie, sans qu\u2019il en reste la moindre trace dans nos Registres, je S\u00fais conven\u00fa avec Monsie\u00far le Conseiller Pensionaire, de ne montrer ce Memoire a personne. Il estoit nat\u00farel, q\u00fae d\u2019abord on fit quelq\u00fae reflexion, s\u00far Votre reception en Angleterre, avant q\u00fae de remettre ici \u00fane lettre de Rappel, mais comme on a bien Vo\u00fal\u00fa deferer a mon avis, et a mes assurances, qu\u2019il n\u2019\u00ff a pas e\u00fa la moindre manq\u00fae de Votre part, il fa\u00fat considerer tout ceci, comme n\u2019etant pas arriv\u00e9. J\u2019ose en meme temps Vo\u00fas ass\u00farer des egards et de la Consideration, q\u00fae le\u00fars Hautes Puissances ont po\u00far les Etats Unis de l\u2019Ameriq\u00fae, et de l\u2019estime partic\u00faliere, avec laquelle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre / Monsie\u00far / Votre tres humble et / tres obeissant Servite\u00far\n          TRANSLATION\n          I hope that the letter which I had the honor to write to you last Tuesday has reached you. You will see in it, sir, that due to the clarifications which Mr. Dumas has given me pertaining to the reasons that prevented you from presenting your letter of recall before presenting your letter of credence to the king of Great Britain, Their High Mightinesses were satisfied and that there are no further questions regarding the affair. I have just received a new letter this morning in which you have honored me with a memorial addressed to the States General, of which I can make use if the need arises. As I consider this affair concluded, without having left the least trace in our register, I have agreed with the grand pensionary to show this memorial to no one. It was natural that some observations were made initially upon your reception in England before having presented a letter of recall here, but as my opinion and assurances were considered worthy of deferring to, namely that there was not the least default on your part, all of this is to be considered as having never happened. Let me be bold enough to assure you of the high regard and consideration in which Their High Mightinesses hold the United States of America, and of the special esteem with which I have the honor to be, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0108", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business),La Lande & Fynje, de (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam the 17th: June 1785.\n          We had the honour to write your Excellenc\u00ff the 3th: instant, in consequence of which Mr: de la Lande hath been at the Hague to see ever\u00ff thing in the Hotel of the United States properl\u00ff packed to be forwarded to Rotterdam; We since received your Excellenc\u00ff\u2019s favour of the 10th: and have according to your orders to send ever\u00ff thing b\u00ff Mr: Lotter, forwarded the two Trunks to Rotterdam to the care of Mr: Lotter, who is to go from thence with all the goods under his Care; Mr: Dumas hath taken upon him to provide the necessar\u00ff passports, and if the goods can be time enough at Rotterdam, as we suppose the\u00ff will, the\u00ff are all to be shipped on board the Brittannia Captain John Coxon, who is to sail from thence to morrow the goods are addressed to the care of Messrs: C. & R. Puller in London, and we hope the\u00ff will all come safe and in good order to hands.\n          We have the honour to be with profound respect / Your Excellenc\u00ff\u2019s / Most obedient humble Servants\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorstde la Lande & f\u00ffnje\n            Mr. C. Lotter applied to us for payment of \u0192839.5.2 being \u0192300.\u2014 for his Salary \u019234.6.\u2014 for bills he had paid and \u0192504.7.2 due to him for discharged expences of your Excy\u2019s. household, about which we\u2019ll be glad to have your Excellency\u2019s directions to pay it to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0109", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 20 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n          By the Seventh Article of the provisional Treaty of Peace, signed on the thirtieth of November, One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two, confirmed by the definitive Treaty of September one thousand, Seven hundred and Eighty three, it was Stipulated, that his Britannic Majesty should, with all convenient Speed withdraw all his Armies and Garrisons from the United States of America and from every Port and Place, within the same. But, although a Space of near two Years, has elapsed, Since the Signature of the definitive Treaty, there is a number of Posts and a considerable Territory Still held by British Garrisons. as this is an Object in every Point of View, very interresting to the United States and concerning which I have particular Instructions I must ask the favour of your Lordship to inform me, whether any Orders are gone to the Governor of Canada or to the Commanding Officer of his Majestys Forces in America, to withdraw his Garrisons from all the Posts and Places in the United States and if Such Orders are not yet gone, whether his Majestys Ministers have come to any Resolution, or have fixed any time, for Such Evacuation.\n          I hope for the Honour of your Lordships Answer, as soon as may be convenient, that I may be able to transmit it to Congress.\n          With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, / my Lord, your Lordships most / obedient and most humble / Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0110", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Hendrik Fagel, 20 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Fagel, Hendrik\n            Westminster June 20. 1785\n          After my Letter to you of the tenth, I thought it might be more respectfull to the Lords the States General, to write to them and accordingly I drew a Memorial to their High Mightinesses and inclosed it, in a Letter which I did myself the Honour of writing to you, on the thirteenth. On the Eighteenth I received the Letter which you did me the Honour to write me on the fourteenth which expresses in the most obliging manner, your Approbation and informs me of the Satisfaction of their High Mightinesses upon your Report of the Explication of my Conduct by Mr Dumas. I am much obliged to Mr Dumas, to the Baron de Lynden and especially to you, Sir for your friendly Representations, and am above all penetrated with a Sense of the Candour of the Lords the States General, which has probably rendered the Memorial which I transmitted to you, unnecessary. This however I Still Submit to your Judgment to do with it, what you Shall judge most respectfull to their High Mightinesses, & most for the Honour of the United States.\n          I Shall pursue your Advice, Sir upon the Arrival of the Revocation of my Credentials to their High Mightinesses, and Shall ever be disposed, upon all Occasions to render every Respect in my Power to their High Mightinesses, and every Demonstration of Attachment to the Honour and Interests of the Republick, especially by extending the Intercourse between their Country and mine, and by Strengthening every friendly Tye, of Pollicy and Commerce.\n          With great Respect I have the Honour to be, Sir, / your most obliged and obedient / humble Servant\n            P.S. I have this Moment recd your Favour of the 17th and have the time only to Say that I am perfectly of Opinion with you and the Grand Pensionary concerning the Memorial and to beg of you both to accept of my Thanks", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0111", "content": "Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 21 June 1785\nFrom: Dumas, C. W. F.\nTo: Adams, John\n          L\u2019Exp\u00e9diteur \u00e0 Rotterdam de nos Messrs. d\u2019Amsterdam, m\u2019apprend qu\u2019il a re\u00e7u les Passeports de L. H. P. que je lui avois envoy\u00e9s pour vos effets; que le vaisseau qui en est charg\u00e9 est d\u00e9j\u00e0 descendu la Riviere; & qu\u2019il a envoy\u00e9 Aux dits Sieurs les connoissemens & le suivi de tout.\n          Je r\u00e9sume aujourd\u2019hui les honor\u00e9es v\u00f4tres du 3, 10 & 14 court.\n          J\u2019ai vu avec Int\u00e9r\u00eat & plaisir la relation que V. E. a eu la bont\u00e9 de me faire de votre audience & r\u00e9ception.\n          J\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 ce matin chez Mr. le Greffier, com\u0303e il m\u2019en avoit pri\u00e9; mais des affaires inopin\u00e9es l\u2019ayant oblig\u00e9 de sortir, il m\u2019a fait prier de revenir demain ou apr\u00e8s-demain. Du reste vous pouvez, Monsieur, regarder l\u2019affaire dont il s\u2019est agi com\u0303e entierement finie \u00e0 la satisfaction r\u00e9ciproque.\n          Je trouve com\u0303e V. E. que votre apparition vous attirera bien des Observateurs, tant mal\u00e9voles que b\u00e9n\u00e9voles. Vous avez raison de m\u00e9priser les premiers: car il n\u2019auront jamais de leur c\u00f4t\u00e9 que le rire des sots; & vous savez les paroles de l\u2019Evangile, \u201cque bienheureux sont ceux dont on parle mal en mentant.\u201d\n          Je ne suis nullement surpris que vous go\u00fbtiez Mr. De L.: il ne le sera pas non plus, quand vous lui apprendrez, que Mr. son frere a eu sa bonne & docte part \u00e0 la chicane Diplomatique qui vous a \u00e9t\u00e9 suscit\u00e9e. Je suis avec grand respect, De Votre Excellence le tr\u00e8s-humble & tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur\n          TRANSLATION\n          The shipper in Rotterdam of our gentlemen of Amsterdam informs me that he received the passports from Their High Mightinesses which I had sent him for your effects, that the ship charged with them has already descended the river, and that he has sent to said gentlemen the receipts and accounting of everything.\n          I return today to your honored letters of the 3d, 10th, and 14th of this month.\n          I read with interest and pleasure the account of your audience and reception, which your excellency had the goodness to send me.\n          This morning I called on the secretary, as he had requested, but some unexpected affairs having obliged him to go out, he requested me to return tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. You may rest assured, sir, that the affair in question is altogether concluded to mutual satisfaction.\n          I find, like your excellency, that your appearance will attract a good many observers, malevolent and benevolent alike. You are right to disdain the former, for they will never have anything but the laugh of fools on their side; and you are familiar with the words of the gospel, that \u201cblessed are those against whom evil things are falsely said.\u201d\n          I am in no way surprised that you appreciate Mr. Lynden; nor will he be when you inform him that his brother had a good and wise part in the diplomatic chicanery generated for you. With great respect, I remain your excellency\u2019s most humble and most obedient servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0112", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Clement Cottrell Dormer, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Dormer, Clement Cottrell\nTo: Adams, John\n            Bemers Street Wednes: 22d: June 1785.\n          Mr: Cottrell presents his Compliments to Mr: Adams, and informs Him, that there is no Ceremonial attending the Presentation of the Ladies of Foreign Ministers, except an Ambassadress, who has Private Audience of their Majesties attended by the Mr: of the Ceremonies\u2014\n          Mrs: and Miss Adams will be Presented in the Circle, in the same manner as all other Ladies\u2014to the King by the Lord in Waiting; to the Queen by the Lady of the Bed Chamber\u2014and any Lady of Mrs: Adams\u2019s acquaintance, who may go with Her to Court, will give in the Manner of Mrs: & Miss Adams as above\u2014\n          Mr: Cottrell is to attend Count Woronzow to his Audience of the Queen before the Drawing room, which Audience over, he will be in the Drawing room, and shall be very happy to be of any Service to Mrs: & Miss Adams\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0113", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          My last to you was of the 2d. inst. since which I have received yours of the 3d. and 7th. I informed you in mine of the substance of our letter to Baron Thulemeyer. last night came to hand his acknolegement of the receipt of it. he accedes to the method proposed for signing, and has forwarded our dispatch to the king. I inclose you a copy of our letter to mr Jay to go by the packet of this month. it contains a state of our proceedings since the preceding letter which you had signed with us. this contains nothing but what you had concurred with us in, and as Dr. Franklin expects to go early in July for America, it is probable that the future letters must be written by you & myself. I shall therefore take care that you be furnished with copies of every thing which comes to hand on the joint business.\n          What is become of this mr\u0303 Lambe? I am uneasy at the delay of that business, since we know the ultimate decision of Congress. Dr. Franklin having a copy of the Corps Diplomatique has promised to prepare a draught of a treaty to be offered to the Barbary states; as soon as he has done so we will send it to you for your corrections. we think it will be best to have it in readiness against the arrival of mr\u0303 Lambe on the supposition that he may be addressed to the joint ministers for instructions.\n          I asked the favour of you in my last to chuse two of the best London papers for me, one for each party. the D. of Dorset has given me leave to have them put under his address, and sent to the office from which his despatches come. (I think he called it Cleveland office, or Cleveland row, or by some such name: however I suppose it can easily be known there.) will mr\u0303 Stockdale undertake to have these papers sent regularly, or is this out of the line of his business? pray order me also any really good pamphlets which come out from time to time, which he will charge to me.\n          I have the honour to be with sentiments of real respect and / affection Dr. Sir / Your most obedient / and most humble servt\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0114", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Gordon, 26 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gordon, William\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 26 1785\u2014\n          I have received your Letter, and can assure you that the use you made of any expressions of mine concerning the refugees was not the cause of my silence, I never troubled my Head about those expressions enough to take a Copy of them, but whatever they were they were the Language of the Heart.\u2014 Base and abandoned as many of them the refugees are I should Scorn to hurt the Hair of the Head of any one of them. they would be impotent and despicable in the United States, in England and in Nova Scotia they may do some harm Mischeif\n          I have been sufficiently informed of the unprosperous state of the Whale Fishery occasioned by the exorbitant Duty imposed on the Oil in England since we have been called Aliens and nothing has been or shall be wanting on my Part to get the Imposition off, but I see no room for sanguine Hopes at Present\u2014 the English as well as the French are flattering themselvs with visionary hopes of introducing and establishing the Whale Fishery among themselvs. the Merchants and others in New England who have heretofore been concerned in this Fishery should endeavour to make a Contract in France with the Person who has the Contract for illuminating Paris and thirty other Cities. Nothing will operate so forcibly in England as such a rivalry. some of the Merchants here have Labourd with the Ministry to take off this oppressive Duty\u2014but they have Labourd hitherto in vain, The Ministry are so embarrassed with Ireland, and with the Shop tax and various other things Taxes. now become Inevitable by the Late imprudence of the Nation, and they are so watched by various Bodies in opposition that they have not the Courage to follow their own Inclinations and Judgments their own Merchants are as much distressed as ours, yet they cannot obtain the Fa \u2003\u2003\u2003for remittances Which they wish\u2014\n          I have been received here with all the Forms and with Strong Professions of Friendly dispositions\u2014but Professions alone will not answer the End. We must wait to see what substantial Proofs will be given of sincerity. if I found the Nation well informed I should think all well: but so far from it that I scarcly find a Man who is informed. I find nobody who understands the real relation between this Country and ours\u2014and who sees the Importance of our Commerce to them\n          the same Pride and Vanity and the same Contempt of America which Produced the late War and their inhumane Conduct in the Course of it is Still industriously kept up in the Nation especially by the refugees\u2014and Causes the Present obstructions to Commerce. I am astonished at the incorrigible Wickedness and obstinacy of these refugees, instead of being sensible of their own situation and of the Infinite Evils they have brought upon this Country, they are Still as false as wicked and as imprudent as they were twenty Years ago and Notwithstanding the Punishment they have received and the Nation for beleiving them there are Multitude of People Still disposed to beleive them in the Worst and falcest of their Pretentions\n          The Paragrafts respecting Coll Palfrey are the abominable Inventions of Insurance offices in order to inhance the Premioums on American Vessells, and to get away their Freight there has never been one American Vessell molested by the Algerines nor more than one by the Em Morocco. our Merchants are not yet aware of all the Tricks Played here to deceive them.\u2014 I wrote you by my son who will be with you I hope before this Letter I long to hear from him\u2014\n          I Presume Mr Bowdoin is your Governer, and that all things go on smoothly. Mr Temple is here, and behaves in a Manner very friendly to America\u2014 if he goes out as he proposes to do in August, and can get the better of that Jealoussy of himself which Perhaps his incaution excited during the War he will do no injury to America, but on the Contrary I beleive more service than we can expect from any other British Consull\n          Let me hear from you as often as you can. I am / Sir, your friend & sert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0115", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 26 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Bath Hotel Westminster June 26. 1785.\n          By the Ninth Article of the Confederation, the United States in Congress assembled have the sole and exclusive right and Power of entering into Treaties and Alliances, Provided, that no Treaty of Commerce Shall be made, whereby the Legislative Power of the respective States Shall be restrained from imposing such Imposts and Duties on Foreigners, as their own People are Subjected to or from prohibiting the Exportation or Importation of any Species of Goods or Commodities whatsoever:\n          I have ventured, Sir in some former Letters to you, notwithstanding the Delicacy of tampering with the Confederation, to suggest to your Consideration, whether it may not he necessary for the States to reconsider this Proviso, and give to Congress unlimited Authority to enter into Treaties of Commerce with foreign Powers at least for a limited Term of Years. I have also enquired whether it might not be necessary for the States to confer upon Congress Authority, to regulate the external Commerce of all the Members of the Confederation, for a like Term of Years. If the States Should hesitate at this, I am perswaded they would readily comply with Recommendations of Congress to this Effect. for Example, if Congress Should recommend to the Legislatures of the States to lay Duties, heavy Duties upon all British Vessells entering into or clearing out of their Ports, especially upon all Vessells coming from or bound to the West India Islands, Nova Scotia, Canada, or Newfoundland, and upon all Merchandises imported from or exported to any Part of the British Dominions I can Scarly doubt, that every Legislature would immediately comply. And by this Means our own Navigation would be encouraged, and the British discouraged to Such a Degree, as to compell the British Government to enter into an equitable Treaty. Nay I cannot doubt the Readiness of the States to comply with a Recommendation of Congress wholly to prohibit British Vessells and Merchandizes.\n          Although I have been received here and continue to be treated with all the Distinction which is due to the Rank and Title you have given me, there is nevertheless a Reserve, which convinces me, that We Shall have no Treaty of Commerce, untill this nation is made to feel the Necessity of it. I am every day astonished at the Ignorance of all Ranks of People of the Relation between this Country and ours. Cui bono? they cry. to what End a Treaty of Commerce, when We are Sure of as much American Trade as We have Occasion for, without it. The Experiment has been tryed and the Americans have found that they cannot Supply themselves elsewhere. There must be quid pro quo. and what have the United States to give in Exchange, for the Liberty of going in their own Ships to our Sugar Colonies and our Colonies upon the Continent? These Smart Reasoners are answered, the Americans allow Britons to come in their own Vessells to all their Ports in the United States, and this is more than a quid for your Quo. This is the true Reciprocity: and while We allow you this Liberty, We have a Right to demand it in Return. But replies the Briton you cant avoid this, you have no Government, You cant agree to prohibit our Ships and Goods or to lay Duties on them. Then Says the American You give up the Argument of Reciprocity You confess that you are not willing to allow Us a Quid for our Quo, and that you are disposed to take Advantage of our Supposed Disunion, to get unequal Benfits from Us. But you will find yourselves disappointed in this Disunion that you build So much upon; nothing but two much good nature to you, and too high an opinion of your Wisdom, has prevented the states hitherto from Uniting in a reciprocal discouragement of your Ships and Goods. but when the Americans find themselves deceived, you will soon see them too much United for your Purposes. Such have been the Dialogues in Conversation for a Year or two, and these ignorant Sophisms of the Britains will never be confuted to any Effect, untill vigorous Measures are taken by all the States in Concert. Whatever Measures are taken I Should recommend them to be taken upon this express Proviso, to continue in force only untill Things shall be otherwise Settled by a Treaty of Commerce.\n          I receive Sometimes unexpected Visits from Persons who I Suppose are Sent on Purpose to Say Things to me, which they wish no doubt to have transmitted to you. Since the Appearance of the Resolutions of the Merchants Traders and Mechanicks of Boston, I have Several Times fallen into Company with Persons whose Connections I know, and who have assumed very grave Faces and enquired about the Disturbances at Boston, as they call them and given very Sage Hints of their Fears that those Proceedings would obstruct my Success. a few Days Since, my servant announced Lord Hood would be glad to see me if I was at Leisure. I desired his Lordship might walk up. I was Surprized, that among so many Visits of Ceremony his Lordship should not be content with leaving his Card. But in the Year 1768, I had appeared before him then Commodore Hood, in a Special Court of Admiralty for the Tryal of four Sailors for killing Lieutenant Panton in defending themselves from his Press Gang. His Lordship took Advantage of this very transient Acquaintance of 17 Years standing to make me a friendly Visit. He Soon began a Conversation about the Boston Proceedings. it is not necessary to repeat what was said as it was of no Consequence for you to know, excepting that his Lordship was very Sorry to See the Account of those Proceedings, was very much afraid they would obstruct the Return of Friendship and prove a Bar to what he wished to see a good Treaty of Commerce. I told his Lordship that those Proceedings were prefaced with \u201cWhereas there is no Treaty of Commerce\u201d and as I understood them they were not to be in force any longer than there should be no Treaty of Commerce. His Lordship concluded by Saying that the sooner Such a Treaty was made the better.\u2014 I had no doubt then and have been confirmed by others Since in the opinion that his Lordship did not come of his own Head.\n          All Parties are upon the Reserve, respecting American Affairs. They are afraid of each other. And it is my clear Opinion, that it is Congress and the states and they alone who can enable me to do any Thing effectual.\u2014 I may reason, till I die, to no Prupose. It is Unanimity in America in Measures, which shall confute the British sophisms and make them feel, which will ever produce a fair Treaty of Commerce.\n          With great Esteem and Affection, I have / the Honour to be, sir your Sincere / Fred & humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0117", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Thaxter, 28 June 1785\nFrom: Thaxter, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            Haverhill 28th. June 1785\n          At the last Term of the Supreme Judicial Court held at Ipswich came upon Trial the Celebrated Cause of John Murray vs the Inhabitants of Gloucester\u2014 (This Murray is known by the Name of Salvation Murray, to contradistinguish him from another of the same Name, who preaches a very opposite Doctrine, and is known by the Name of Damnation Murray.)\n          Mr. Murray about a twelvemonth agone brought an Action against the Inhabitants of Gloucester for Money had and recieved to his Use, in order to recover a part of his Salary that had been paid by some of his People to the Collector & by him to the Treasurer of that Town. Messs. Tudor and Sullivan were Counsel for the Plaintiff, Messs. Bradbury & Parsons for the Defendants. Mr. Tudor, who opened the Cause, after explaining the Nature of the Action, called in his Evidence to shew who had paid Money and to what amount, how it was appropriated &ca., finally to shew that Mr. Murray had never recieved any part of it\u2014 These points were not denied\u2014 Upon a cross-examination of the Evidence, Mr. Parsons put this question, \u201cwhat are Mr. Murrays particular Tenets in Religion\u201d? Mr. Sullivan pray\u2019d the Judgment of the Court as to the propriety of the Question\u2014said the different Sects in this Country were distinguished rather by their different Modes of administring the Ordinances and by their Church Discipline than by any particular Tenets\u2014that we had only to do with the Professions of Christians\u2014 Mr. Parsons in reply argued, that this Action was grounded upon the third Article of the Bill of Rights, and that he had put that question to determine whether Mr. Murray was a protestant Teacher within the Sense of that Article\u2014that meer profession was not sufficient in this Case\u2014 The Court unanimously determined, that as Murray had grounded his Action upon the 3d. Article, and meant to avail himself of all its Advantages, it ought to appear in Evidence, that he was such a protestant teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality as that Article described. After this determination, a number of questions were put to the Witness on the Stand, to wit, whether Mr. Murray did not deny a state of future punishments? Whether he did not preach Salvation in its most universal Sense? Whether he did not refuse to administer the Ordinance of Baptism to Infants? The Witness was very cautious in his Answers, except as to the Matter of Infant Baptism, which he said Mr. Murray did not administer\u2014 With this Exception, little could be collected from him but by Implication\u2014 He said, Mr. Murray had affirmed according to Scripture that Christ died for all Men\u2014that the Plaister was as large as the Sore\u2014that as we all died in Adam, so we were all made alive in Christ\u2014but not a word about all being necessarily saved\u2014 The Witness appeared to be tolerably well read in Scripture, and to have retained in his Memory those Passages which Universalists quote in their Support\u2014 While he answered in the Language of Scripture, he was perfectly safe\u2014he felt his Security, and was crafty enough to avoid being entangled\u2014\n          Mr. Bradbury in opening the Defence endeavour\u2019d to establish three points\u2014\n          1st. That Mr. Murray and his followers were not a Sect or a Denomination within the meaning of the Constitution, having not as yet acquired a Name even by Reputation.\n          2dly. That Mr. Murray was not such a protestant Teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality as was described in the third Article of the Bill of Rights\u2014\n          3dly. That his Society was not a corporate Society in the Sense of the Constitution, capable of forming Contracts\u2014\n          Little more being said upon the first point, than that they could not be distinguish\u2019d as a Sect, he went on to the discussion of the second, which was somewhat of a trial of their theological learning and strength and for Lawyers they play\u2019d their parts pretty well as Divines\u2014 With regard to the Words \u201cprotestant teacher\u201d a question arose, who were Protestants and from whence did Protestantism originate\u2014 It was observed by the Counsel for the Defendants, that it sprung from a Protest against the fundamental Errors of the Romish Church signed at Smalfa a Town in Germany\u2014 It was reply\u2019d by the Counsel on the other side, that it was a Mistake\u2014that the Protest was only against the Authority of a Diet that had been illegally assembled, and not against any fundamental Errors of that Church\u2014 So that on one side it was a religious Protest, and on the other a Civil one. It was denied by Messs. Bradbury and Parsons, that Murray was a protestant teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality in the meaning of the 3d. Article\u2014because he did not believe in a future state of punishments and inculcated the same Doctrine on his followers\u2014 And this, said they, destroys the moral Sanction, weakens the moral Obligation and has a tendency to render Men bad Citizens, and that therefore a Teacher of such a Doctrine could never be such an one as the Constitution meant to provide for\u2014 Whether Murray was right or wrong they would not say, but they were sure the Constitution made no provision for a Teacher\u2014of such Doctrines\u2014\n          All this was denied by the opposite Counsel; and the Covenant between Murray and his followers was produced and read as Evidence that he was a Teacher of Religion, Piety & Morality\u2014 The Covenant was very well penned, and breathed a spirit of Benevolence\u2014 It held up the Doctrines of Piety to God and Love to our Neighbour, and as these are the eternal foundations of Religion, it could not on that account be objected to\u2014 This was Evidence of profession only\u2014and I know not who has right to question the practice, where the Sectaries Conduct does not disturb the peace of Society\u2014 No Court or Jury can pretend to search the Heart\u2014its Vices must be evidenced by the Acts of its owner; and Intention ought in these Cases ever to be collected from Actions\u2014 Very little of consequence was said against the Covenant\u2014 It was in general observed that it was not regular Evidence\u2014 It would most certainly have been impertinent, if the second Point of their Antagonists had not been set up.\u2014 The third point, was, that Murray\u2019s Society was not a corporate Society in the Sense of the Constitution, and therefore incapable of making Contracts\u2014 I have ever thought this Point the safest and best to rest the Cause upon, as not involving in its discussion any religious matter speculative or practical, and of Course keeping one Object in view proper for a Court and Jury to decide upon without embarrassment. The Words of the 3d. Article, on which the Defendants relied, are as follows, \u201cThe People of this Commonwealth have a right to invest their Legislature with power to authorise & require, and the Legislature shall, from time to time, authorise and require, the several Towns, Parishes, Precincts, and other Bodies politic, or religious Societies, to make suitable provision, at their own expence &ca.\u201d It was insisted upon very strenuously, that the Words, \u201cand other Bodies politic, or religious Societies,[\u201d] had reference to what preceeded, and that the Words \u201cor religious Societies\u201d were explanatory, and upon every possible Construction were\u2014Bodies politic or corporate. But this Construction was denied\u2014 It was said that Baptists and Episcopalians and Quakers were unsafe under this Construction\u2014that one Sect predominated or had the preference to another &ca. &c\u2014 Much was said about ignorant & illiterate Characters turning Teachers if such Societies were encouraged\u2014 However, whether the Article is right or wrong, it was immaterial in Murray\u2019s Case\u2014 I cannot see how it is possible to suppose, as it now stands, that any other Society is or was intendend by it than a corporate one.\n          The Pleadings being finished, the Court summed up the Evidence to the Jury\u2014 And I am exceedingly sorry that I could not be present at that time\u2014 I am however informed, that the Court were decidedly and unanimously in favor of the Defendants\u2014 But the Jury found for the Plaintiff\u2014 Eight of them were at first in favor of the Defendants, but were brought over by the rest of their Bretheren, more especially by a Baptist who was one of them\u2014 The Cause is to be reviewed\u2014\n          Thus, Sir, you have a very imperfect Sketch of this Trial\u2014 You have hardly the Outlines\u2014but you will be able to collect the Merits perhaps from this irregular Account\u2014 The Bench & Bar were so crouded, that I could not take Minutes, and have been obliged to trust to a Memory not the most retentive. From your Attachment to the Profession, I presumed that a short abstract of this Cause, would not be unacceptable\u2014 With this view I forward it.\n          Our Commerce is almost totally stagnated\u2014 Our Specie exhausted nearly\u2014 If there were as many enquiring the way to Zion, or what they should do to be saved, as there are of those who are ardently praying for the effusion or outpourings of Cash, we should be the happy People saved of the Lord. This perpetual Cry for Money often reminds me of Persons under serious Convictions\u2014 If the end of these things will be peace, so be it\u2014 If they do not correct some Vices, I am much mistaken\u2014 We have imported too many gewgaws, too many trifles\u2014 It is now time to lay hold of something solid & durable\u2014 We have Land enough, thank God, if we had virtue enough to cultivate it. When I consider my present Situation as out of the Atmosphere of Politicks & cast a retrospective view upon the four years I spent with you, the Contrast makes me smile\u2014 I know nothing that passes in Europe, nor even what is going forward in our Government. I know nothing of the Movements scarcely of our own Cabinett, much less of the Intrigues of the European Courts. In the old World, it was common food\u2014here I find it a rare dish\u2014so that my Regimen is totally altered.\n          As to my professional Business, it is as good as I could have expected from the time of my settlement here. We are so contiguous to the State of New Hampshire, that it is convenient for me to do business there\u2014altho\u2019 the profits of it are not equal to what we recieve in our State. I find it requires time to be known and to command much business in our profession\u2014 There is one of the fraternity in this place, who has been establish\u2019d here about seven years\u2014 We are as sociable as Physicians\u2014 He has done a great deal of business here, and of course has a number of people in this and the adjacent Towns indebted to him.\u2014 This is an advantage, as it secures to him their business.\u2014 He never pleads any Causes, so that his prinipal Concern is in the default way\u2014 My practice increases, and I do not see at present why my Stand will not be a good one in time. If I cannot maintain myself here, I can but retire with my Books & Clothes, having no other Incumbrances\u2014 I don\u2019t mean to include a Wife under the Article of Incumbrances, tho\u2019 I believe them to be sometimes the heaviest\u2014 I am much obliged by your advice respecting the choice of a Companion\u2014 If it did not clash with my Vows of Celibacy, I would throw off the Monk, so far as that\u2014 But I believe I shall hold fast to my Integrity\u2014 I hear a great many Reports about my Courtship & propinquity to the connubial State\u2014but the general Issue is always at command, & when that fails, I can creep off with a protestando. I dont wish for the liberty of pleading double.\u2014 But it is time to finish my private History, which you commanded me to write to you\u2014 It is too uninteresting for your entertainment & not very amusing to him who has the honor to be, with an inviolable Attachment, / Sir, / your most obedient Servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0118", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 28 June 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam the 28th. June 1785.\n          We are in the disagreable necessity to acquaint the Honble. Commissioners of the Board of Treasury of the United States of America, that Mess. De La Lande & fynje who at the present moment are debtors to them for the Amount of \u0192112,000, have Stopt payment, and we take the Liberty to Send your Excellency inclosed the Letter to Said Gentlemen, which we left open in order you may peruse it for your Government, time not permitting to write you more fully on the Subject.\n          Further we beg your Excellency will seal up the letter, and forward it by the July Packet. If in the interim your Excellency Should have some advice in the matter, you may depend that we are disposed to do every thing in behalf of Congress, which is consistent with the present circumstances of the House.\n          We remain very respectfully / Sir! / Your most obt. hble. Servts.\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorst\n            We send copies by other opportunities", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0119", "content": "Title: To John Adams from De la Lande & Fynje, 1 July 1785\nFrom: La Lande & Fynje, de (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam July 1st: 1785\n          Messrs: Willink and van Staphorst have acquainted your Excellency last post, with the calamity that hath befallen our House. We now make free to inclose to your Excellency our Letter to the Honorable the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, in which we advise them ourselves, of this for us so grievous news, begging your Excellency after perusal to forward it to those Gentlemen.\n          May we intreat your Excellency to make use of your influence in our favour, that no vigorous prosecutions may be used against us, but that Congress may be favorably pleased to allow us time to settle our affairs We flatter ourselves we shall then be enabled to Satisfy the pretentions against us.\n          In our present disagreeable circumstances, it is the more mortifying to us, that we cannot disown, we have launched with too much imprudence in the American Trade, but ought to have had more foresight, yet we have the Satisfaction, that we shall not be found guilty of any fraudulent designs, and we hope we may flatter ourselves, our Character has never stood in an unfavorable light with your Excellency.\n          Give us leave therefore to beg your Excellency again, to interest you in our behalf, and to allow us the honour to subscribe ourselves with the profoundest regard / Your Excellencies most / humble & Obedient Servants.\n            de la Lande & f\u00ffnje", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0121", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 2 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Gentlemen\n            Bath Hotel Westminster July 2d. 1785\u2014\n          I have received your Letter of the 28th. of June, and have conveyed your Letter to the Board of Treasury, by a Vessell which sails this Day for Rhode-Island\u2014\n          I feel most sensibly for the Misfortune of your late associates, De La Lande & Fynje\u2014and as their affairs are most probably irretrievable, it would be to no purpose to enquire how the disaster happened, or to make any Reflections upon it, any further than to enquire if there is any possible means of saving the interest of the United States, which was in their Hands. To this End Gentlemen, I must beg your most earnest Attention. Your situation and Intelligence, render you the only proper Persons to apply to upon the occasion And from your usual Promptitude, and Zeal in the service of the United States I am fully persuaded you will leave nothing undone which can preserve their Property.\n          I wish you Gentlemen to make dilligent Inquiry concerning their Property in America and to inform me, what has been the nature of their Connection with Mr. Geyer of London Mr. Ingraham of Philadelphia\u2014the House of Shailor and Seaver at New York, and Mr. William Foster at Boston, and whether you think that any Proscess can be commenced against either, or the Effects of De La Lande & Fynje in the Hands of either, whereby the Interests of our Constituents may be secured\u2014\n          Lotter has arrived with my furniture, and I get into the House to day So that you will please to direct your future favours to me, \u201cin Grosvenor Square at the Corner between Duke Street and Brook Street, Westminster\u2014[\u201d]\n          With great Esteem, I have the Honour to be / Gentlemen\u2014 / Your most Obedient / & most Humble sert.\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0123", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Cushing, 3 July 1785\nFrom: Cushing, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          This will be delivered you by The Sieur De le Tombe Consull General of France for the four New England Governments, who during his Residence here have behaved to universal Acceptance, I recommend him to your kind Attention.\n          I embrace this opportunity to trasmit you an Authenticated Copy of an Act passed the General Court of this Commonwealth at their present Session entituled an Act for the Regulation of Navigation & Commerce, I have not time to make any Observations upon this Act, as the Vessell is just upon Sailing, but presuming it would be agreable to you to have a sight of it as soon as possible I determined not to miss the Oportunity & should be glad to be favoured with your Sentiments upon it; It is apprehended simular Measures will be adopted by the Other States: Other Acts & measures are now under the Consideration of the Assembly for the promotion of Trade and Commerce Which as soon as determined upon I design to forward to you: I conclude with my best Respects to yourself and Mrs Adams / Your most Obedient humble Servt\n            Thomas Cushing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0124", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph and Isaac Saportas, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Saportas, Joseph,Saportas, Isaac\nTo: Adams, John\n          We are Sorry we happend to be from home when your Excellency entended us the honour of a visit, and hope we may flatter ourselves with that Satisfaction, on future Opportunities Which may Call your Excellency in our part of the Town,\n          finding that your Excellency had Received previous information Concerning the detention of An American vessel at Mogadore, we think it needless to trouble your Excellency with a repetion of the particulars, but apprehending the Captain Still Continues under Some difficulties, we Are desirous of Contributing our Mite towards his Relieve, which may be Accomplished by Recommending the matter to Some of our particular friends, residents there tho\u2019 not directly in Situation able to interfere officialy in his behalf, in the intrem beg Leave to trouble your Excellency with the inclosed 3 Letters\u2014from the Said Captain to be forwarded thro\u2019 your Excellency\u2019s means as the Safest Conveyance,\u2014\n          Our Brother Samuel of Amsterdam desires to assure your Excellency of his best Respects and Joins in repeating our offers of humble Service to your Excellency on all occasions, we have the honour to Remain with every Sentiment of attachment & high Regard, / Sir / Your Excellencies Most / Devoted Humble Servants\n            Joseph & Isaac Saportas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0125", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 6 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n            My dear Friend\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 6. 1785\n          The inclosed Letters I Sent to Mr Jay in Cypher, but as the Conversations with the King and Queen have been reported by Lord Carmarthen and the Lord and Ladies in waiting on the Queen, and are become generally known, there is no longer a Necessity of so much mystery, yet you must be Sensible of the Delicacy of the Subject, and therefore communicate them with Discretion and in Confidence. if Mr Jay Should not have recd the Originals in Cypher you may communicate deliver these to him when you see him but I make no doubt he will receive them.\n          The Dispositions of the Ministry, are either very deceitful or very good, but they are watched and embarrassed by oppositions of various Parties, that it will at least be long before they venture on any Thing decisive. They may do Something to the Purpose sooner than I expect, but I see no present hope. I am much afraid there will be a necessity that the People of all the States Should follow the Example at Faneuil Hall But it cannot be too earnestly recommended to them to consider Persons and Property as Sacred. There is no Necessity of violating either. Petitions of the People to their Assemblies and Instructions from them to Congress will be Sufficient for all good Purposes.\n          With great Esteem, your Friend & Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0127", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson with a Draft Anglo-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          We duly received your letter of the 20th of June, and now in consequence thereof send you a draught of a treaty which we should be willing to have proposed to the court of London. We have taken for our groundwork the original draught proposed to Denmark, making such alterations & additions only as had occurred in the course of our negociations with Prussia & T\u00fbscany and which we thought were for the better. These you will find in the 4th. 9th. 13th. and 25th. articles, and are such as met your approbation when we were considering those treaties. Nevertheless we shall be happy to concur with you in any thing better which you may wish to propose either in the original draught or the amendments. Particularly we wish it were possible to convince the British court that it might be for their interest to continue their former bounties on the productions of our country on account of their quality, and of the nature of the returns, which have always been in manufactures & not in money.\n          We have the honour to be with / sentiments of the highest respect / Your Most obedient & / Most humble Servants\n            B FranklinTh: Jefferson\n            N.B All the differences between the draughts of the Prussian & British are noted in the two columns hereunto annexed\u2014\n                At end of clause, add\u2013\u201csubmitting themselves\u201d &c.\n                line. 1 to carry any kinds of produce, manufactures & merchandize of whatever place they be the growth or manufacture\n                to carry their own produce manufactures & merchandize\n                the subjects or citizens whatever place or growth\n                1. 6. each party reserves to itself\n                the K of P. & the U.S. & each of them reserve to themselves\n                1. 13. permits any person of their own or any other nation\n                permits any other nation\n                retains last paragraph only.\n                Art. 8. obliged to pay any duties, charges, or fees whatsoever, or to render any account of their cargo\n                obliged to render any account of their cargo, or to pay any duties &c to the end of the clause.\n                the following addition to the clause. \u201c& exempt from all rights of detraction\u201d &c.\n                Art 12. on the other hand &c\n                Art 13. Nevertheless &c.\n                Nevertheless &c.\n          ENCLOSURE\n          Draught of a treaty of amity & commerce between his Britannic Majesty & the United States of America.\n            The parties being willing to fix in a permanent & equitable manner the rules to be observed in the commerce they desire to establish between their respective countries, have Judged that the said end Cannot be better obtained than by taking the most perfect equality & reciprocity for the basis of their agreement. On these principles, after mature d\u00e9liberation, the have agreed to the following articles.\n            Art. 1. There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, & Sincere friendship between, his Britannic Majesty, his heirs successors & Subjects on the one part and the United States of America & their citizens on the other, without exception of persons or places.\n            2. The Subjects of his Britannic Majesty may frequent all the coasts et countries of the United States of america and reside and trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures, & merchandize; and Shall pay within the said United States no other or greater duties, charges or fees whatsoever than the most favoured nations are or shall be obliged to pay: and they shall enjoy all the rights, previleges and Exemptions in navigation & Commerce which the most favoured nation does or shall enjoy.\n            3. In like manner the citizens, of the United States of America may frequent all the coasts, & Countries of his Britannic Majesty, and reside & trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures & merchandize; and Shall pay in the dominions of his Said Majesty no other or greater duties, charges or fees whatsoever than the most favoured nation is or shall be obliged to pay and they shall enjoy all the rights, previleges & exemptions in navigation & commerce, which the most favoured nation does or shall enjoy.\n            4. More especially each Party have a right to Carry any Kinds of produce manufactures & merchandize of whatever place they be the growth or manufacture in their own or any other vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them, and thence to take produce manufactures and merchandize of whatever place or growth which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them paying in both cases such duties charges and fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation. Nevertheless each party reserves to it self the right where any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture to establish against such nation retaliating regulations: and also the right to prohibit in their respective countries the exportation, or importation of any species of goods or Commodities whatsoever, when reasons of State Shall require it. in this case the Subjets or Citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. but if one of the contracting parties permits any person of their own or any other nation to import, or export the Same merchandize, the citizens or subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.\n            5: all Merchants, Commanders of vessels, & other Subjets & Citizens of each party shall have free liberty, in all places within the dominion or jurisdiction of the other, to manage their own business themselves, or to Employ whomsoever they please to manage, the whole or any part thereof for them; and shall not be obliged to make use of any interpreter, broker, or other person whatsoever, nor to pay them any salary or fees, unless they chuse to make use of them. Moreover they Shall not be obliged in loading or unloading their vessels to make use of those workmen who may be appointed by public authority for that purpose, but it Shall be entirely fr\u00e9e for them to load or unload them by themselves, or to make use of Such persons in loading or unloading them as they Shall think fit, without paying any fees or salary to any other whomsoever: neither shall they be forced to unload any sort of merchandize into any other vessels, or to receive them into their own, or to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.\n            6. That the vessels of either party loading Within the ports or jurisdiction of the other may not be uselessly harrassed or detained, it is agreed that all examinations of goods required by the laws shall be made before they are laden on board the vessel & that there Shall be no examination after; nor shall the vessel be Searched at any time unless articles Shall have been laden therein clandestinely & illegally, in which case the person by whose order they were carried on board, or who carried them without order, shall be liable to the laws of the land in which he is. but no other person shall be molested, nor shall any other goods nor the vessel be Seized or detained for that cause.\n            7o. Each party shall endeavour by all the means in their power to protect & defend all vessels and other effects belonging to the citizens or subjects of the other, which shall be within the extent of their jurisdiction by sea or by land; and Shall use all their efforts to recover & cause to be restored to the right owners their vessels & effects which shall be taken from them within the extent of their said jurisdiction.\n            8 The vessels of the Subjects or Citizens of either party coming on any coast belonging to the other, but not willing to enter into port, or being entered into port & not willing to Unload their Cargoes or break bulk, Shall have liberty to d\u00e9part & to pursue their voyage without molestation, and without being obliged to pay any duties, charges or fees whatsoever, or to render any account of their Cargo.\n            9. When any vessel of either party shall be wrecked, foundered or otherwise damaged on the coasts or within the dominion of the other, their respective subjects or citizens Shall receive, as well for themselves as for their vessels & effects the same assistance which would be due to the inhabitants of the country where the damage happens, & Shall pay the same charges & dues only as the said inhabitants would be subject to pay in a like case. and if the operations of repair shall require that the whole or any part of their cargo be unladed they shall pay no duties, charges or fees on the part which they shall relade & Carry away. the antient and Barbarous right to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished, with respect to the subjects or Citizens of the two contracting parties.\n            10 The Citizens or Subjects of each party Shall have power to dispose of their personal goods within the jurisdiction of the other by testament, donation, or otherwise: & their r\u00e9pr\u00e9sentatives being subjects or citizens of the other party, Shall Succeed to their said personal goods whether by testament, or ab intestato; and may take possession thereof either by themselves or by others acting for them, & dispose of the same at their will, paying Such dues only as the inhabitants of the country wherein the said goods are shall be subjects to pay in like Cases. and in case of the absence of the repr\u00e9sentative, such care shall be taken of the sd. goods & for so long a time as would be taken of the goods of a native in like case until the Lawful owner may take measures for receiving them. and if question shall arise among several Claimants to which of them the said goods belong, the Same shall be decided finally by the laws & judges of the land wherein the said goods are, and where on the death of any person holding real estate within the territories of the one party, Such real estate would by the laws of the land descend on a citizen or Subject of the other were he not disqualified by alien-age, such subject shall be allowed a reasonable time to sell the same and to withdraw the proceeds without molestation.\n            11. The most perfect freedom of conscience and of worship is granted to the Citizens or subjects of either party within the jurisdiction of the other, without being liable to molestation in that respect for any cause other than an insult on the religion of others. Moreover when the Subjects or Citizens of the one party shall die Within the jurisdiction of the other, their bodies shall be buried in the usual burying grounds or other decent & Suitable places, & Shall be protected from violation or disturbance.\n            12. If one of the contracting parties should be engaged in war with any other power, the free intercourse & commerce of the Subjects or Citizens of the party remaining neuter with the Belligerent powers Shall not be interrupted. On the contrary in that case, as in full peace, the vessels of the neutral party may navigate freely to and from the ports & on the coasts of the belligerent parties, fr\u00e9e vessels making fr\u00e9e goods, insomuch that all things shall be adjudged free which shall be on board any vessel belonging to the neutral party, although such things belong to an enemy of the other. and the same freedom shall be extended to persons who shall be on board a fr\u00e9e vessel, although they should be enemies to the other party, unless they be soldiers in actual service of Such enemy. On the other hand, enemy vessels shall make enemy goods; insomuch that whatever shall be found in the vessels of an enemy shall be confiscated without distinction except Such goods & merchandize as were put on board such vessel b\u00e9fore the d\u00e9claration of war, or within six months after it which Shall be fr\u00e9e.\n            Art. 13. And in the same case of one of the contracting parties being engaged in war with any other power, to prevent all the difficulties & misunderstandings that usually arise respecting the merchandize heretofore called contraband, such as arms, ammunition & military stores of every kind, no such articles carried in the vessels or by the subjects or citizens of one of the parties to the enemies of the other shall be deemed contraband so as to induce confiscation or condemnation & a loss of property to individuals\u2014\n            13 Nevertheless it shall be lawful to stop Such vessels and to make them unlade such articles in the nearest port, putting them under Safekeeping or to detain them for such length of time as the Captors may think necessary to prevent the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceding paying however a reasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors: or it shall be allouwed to use in the service of the Captors the whole or any part of the military stores so detained, paying the owners the full value of the same to be ascertained by the Current price at the place of it\u2019s destination. But in the case of a vessel so stopped for articles heretofore deemed contraband, if the master will deliver out the goods supposed to be of contraband nature, he shall be admitted to do it, and the vessel shall not in that case be carried ento any post, nor further detained but shall be allowed to proceed on her voyage. nor shall any Such articles be Subject to be taken or delayed in any case if they be not in greater quantity than may be necessary for the use of the ship, or of the persons in it.\n            14. And in the same Case where one of the parties is engaged in war with another power, that the vessels of the neutral party may be readily & certainly Known, it is agreed that they Shall be provided with sea letters or passports which shall express, the name the property & Burthen of the vessel, as also the name & dwelling of the master; which passports shall be made out in good & due forms (to be settled by conventions between the parties whenever occasion shall require) shall benenewed as often as the vessel shall return into port; and Shall be exhibited whenever required as well in the open sea as in port. but if the said vessel be under convoy of one or more vessels of war belonging to the neutral party, the simple d\u00e9claration of the officer commanding the convoy that the Said vessel belongs to the parti of which he is Shall be considered as establishing the fact, and shall relieve both parties from the trouble of further examination.\n            15 And to prevent entirely all discorder & violence in such cases, it is stipulated that when the vessels of the neutral party, Sailing without convoy, shall be met by any vessel of war public, or private, of the other party, such vessel of war shall not approach within cannon shot of the sd. neutral vessel, nor send more than two or three men in their boat on board the same to examine her sea letters or passports. & all persons belonging to any vessel of war public or private who shall molest or injure in any manner whatever the people vessels or effects of the other party shall be responsible in their persons & property for damages & int\u00e9rest, sufficient security for which shall be given by all commanders of Private armed vessels before they are Commissioned.\n            16. It is agreed that the subjects or Citizens, of each of the contracting parties, their vessels, and effects shall not be liable to any embargo or detention on the part of the other, for any military expedition or other public, or private purpose whatsoever. And in all cases of seizure, detention, or arrest for debts contracted, or offences committed by any citizen or subject of the one party within the jurisdiction of the other, the same shall be made & prosecuted by order and authority of law only, and according to the regular course of proceedings usual in such Cases.\n            17 If any vessel or effects of the neutral power be taken by an enemy of the other or by a pirate, and retaken by that other, they shall be brought into some port, of one of the parties, and delivered into the Custody of the officers of that port, in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor as soon as due proof shall be made concerning the property thereof\n            18. If the citizens or subjects of either party, in danger from tempests, pirates, enemies, or other accident, shall take refuge with their vessels or effects within, the harbours or jurisdiction of the other, they shall be received, protected, & treated with humanity & Kindness, and Shall be permitted to furnish themselves at reasonable prices with all refreshments, provisions, & other things necessary for their sustenance, health & accomodation & for the repair of their vessels.\n            19 the vessels of war public & private of both parties Shall Carry freely wheresoever they please, the vessels & effects takin from their enemies without being obliged to pay any duties, charges, or fees to officers of admiralty, of the Customs, or any others, nor shall such prizes be arrested, Searched, or put under legal process when they come to & enter the ports of the other party, but may freely be Carried out again at any time by their Captors to the places expressed in their commissions which the commanding officer of Such vessels shall be obliged to show. but no vessel which shall have made prizes on the subjects of his most christian Majesty the King of France shall have a right of Asylum in the ports or havens of the Said United States; and if any such be forced therein by tempest or dangers of the sea, they shall be obliged to depart, as soon as possible according to the tenor of the treaties existing between his Said most christian Majesty & the said United States.\n            20 No Citizen or Subject of either of the contracting parties shall take from any power with which the other may be at war any commission or letter of marque for arming any vessel to act as a privateer against the other, on pain of being punished as a pirate. Nor shall either party hire, lend, or give any part of their naval or military force to the enemy of the other to aid them offensively or defensively against that other.\n            21 If the two contracting parties should be engaged in war against a common Enemy the following points shall be observed between them. 1o if a vessel of one of the parties retaken by a privateer of the other shall not have been in possession of the enemy more than twenty four hours, she shall be restored to the first owner for one third of the value of the vessel & cargo: but if she shall have been more than twenty four hours in possession of the enemy she shall belong wholly to the recaptor. 2 if in the same case the recapture were by a public vessel of war of the one party, restitution shall be made to the owner for one thirtieh part of the value of the vessel & cargo, if She shall not have been in possession of the enemy more than twenty four hours; and one tenth of the said value where she shall have been longer: which sums Shall be distributed in gratuities to the recaptors. 3 the restitution in the cases aforesaid shall be after due proof of property & Surety given for the part to which the recaptors are entitled. 4. the vessels of war, public & private of the two parties shall be reciprocally admitted with their prizes into the respective ports of each: but the said prizes Shall not be discharged nor sold there until there legality shall have been decided according to the laws & regulation of the States to which the Captor belongs. 5. it Shall be fr\u00e9e to each party to make Such regulations as they judge necessary for the conduct of their respective vessels of war public & private relative to the vessels which they shall take & carry into the ports of the two parties.\n            22 Where the parties shall have a common enemy, or shall both be neutral the vessels, of war of each shall upon all occasions take under their protection the vessels of the other going the same course, & Shall d\u00e9fend such vessels as long as they hold the same course against all force & violence, in the same manner as they ought to protect & defend vessels belonging to the party of which they are.\n            23 If war should arise between the two Contracting parties, the merchants of either Country then residing in the other shall be allowed to remain nine months to Collect their debts & Settle their affairs, & may depart freely, Carrying of all their effects, without molestation or hindrance and all women & children, Scholars of every faculty, cultivators of the earth, artizans, manufacturers, & fishermen unarmed, & inhabiting unfortified towns villages or places, whose occupations are for the Common subsistance & benefit of mankind shall be allowed to continue their respective employments, and shall not be molested in their persons nor Shall their houses or goods be burnt or otherwise destroyed, nor their fields wasted by the armed force of the enemy into whose power, by the events of war, they may happen to fall: but if any thing is necessary to be taken from them for the use of Such armed force, the same shall be paid for at a reasonable price. and all merchant & trading vessels employed in exchanging the products of diff\u00e9rent places, & thereby rendering the necessaries, conveniences & conforts of human life more easy to be obtained & more general, Shall be allowed to pass free & unmolested. and neither of the contracting powers Shall grant or issue any commission to any private armed vessels empowering them to take or destroy such trading vessels or interrupt Such commerce.\n            24. And to prevent the destruction of prisoners of war by sending them into distant & inclement countries, or by crouding them into close & noxious places, the two contracting parties solemly pledge themselves to each other & to the World that they will not adopt any such practise; that neither will send the prisoners whom they may take from the other into the East-Indies or any other parts of asia, or africa; but that they shall be placed in some part of their dominions in Europe or america, in wholesome situations, that they shall not be confined in dungeons, prisonships, or prisons; nor be put into irons, nor bound, nor otherwise restrained in the use of their limbs, that the officers shall be onlarged on their paroles within convenient districts & have confortable quarters, & the common men be disposed in cantonments open & extensive enough for air & exercise, & lodged in barraks as roomly & good as are provided by the party in whose power they are for their own troops, that the officers shall also be daily furnished by the party in whose power they are with as many rations & of the same articles & quality as are allowed by them, either in Kind or by commutation, to officers of equal rank in their own army, and all others Shall be daily furnished by them with such ration as they allow to a common Soldier in their own service; the value whereof shall be paid by the other party on a mutual adjusment of accounts for the subsistence of prisoners at the close of the war: and the said accounts shall not be mingled with, or set off against any others, nor the ballances due on them be witheld as a satisfaction or reprisal for any other article, or for any other cause real or pr\u00e9tended whatever: that each party shall be allowed to Keep a commissary of prisonners of their own appointment with every seperate cantonment of prisoners in possession on the other, which commissary shall see the prisoners as often as he pleases, shall be allowed to receive & distribute whatever conforts may be sent to them by their friends & shall be free to make his reports in open letters to those who employ him. but if any officer shall break his parole, or any other prisoner shall escape from the limits of his cantonment, after they shall have been disignated to him, Such individual officer or other prisoner shall forfeit Somuch of the benefit of this article as provides for his enlargement on parole or cantonment. and it is declared that neither the pretence that war dissolves all treaties, nor any other whatever shall be considered as annulling or suspending this & the next preceding article, but on the contrary that the state of war is precisely that for which they are provided, and during which they are to be as sacredly observed as the most acknowled articles in the law of nature or nations.\n            25 The two contracting parties grant to each other the liberty of having each in the ports of the other, consuls, vice-consuls agents & commissaries of their own appointment; whose functions Shall be regulated by particular agreement whenever either party shall chuse to make such appointment. but if any such consuls shall exercise commerce, they shall be submitted to the same laws and usages to which the private individuals of their nation are submitted in the same place.\n            26. If either party shall hereafter grant to any other nation any particular favour in navigation or commerce, it shall immediately become common to the other party, freely, where it is freely granted to such other nation, or on yeilding the compensation where Such nation does the same.\n            27. his Britannic Majesty, and the United States of america agree that this treaty shall be in force during the term of \u2014\u2014\u2014 years from the exchange of ratifications, and if the expiration of that term should happen during the course of a war between them, then the articles before provided for the regulation of their conduct during such a war shall continue in force until the conclusion of the treaty which shall reestablish peace, and that this treaty shall be ratified on both sides, and the ratifications exchanged within one year from the day of its signature.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0128", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam the 8th: July 1785\n          We Refer Our Selves to what we had the honour to write yo\u00far Excells. the 17th. June, Since none of yo\u00far favo\u00fars, Serves this principally to hand yo\u00far Excells. the Expences attending the Expedition of yo\u00far Effects which we have paid, vizt.\n              To Mr. Dumas, paid by him to Several people employed to inventarise, pakking, and Transporting the Effects from the Hague to Rotterdam, as by his Account\n              To Dirk de Vies, Rotterdam, for Expedition of Sd. Effects, porterage, Signing of Passports, bills of loading, amounts- with his provsion as by his Account\n              for Small Expences, passpts- and two Trunks\n          for which we have debitted yo\u00far Excells. Acco\u00fant please to have it noted in Conformity\u2014\n          We Shall also be glad to Receive yo\u00far Excells. direction about the Payement of \u0192839.5.2. for which Mr. C. Lotter applied to \u00fas\u2014\n          We have the hono\u00far to Remain with due Esteeme / Sir / Your Excells. Most Obedt. / humble Servts.\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.\n            Messrs. de la lande & Fynje have obtained a delay to pay off their debts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0129", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jeremiah Allen, 10 July 1785\nFrom: Allen, Jeremiah\nTo: Adams, John\n          Above is a Copy of my last Respects per Scott, but as We had very bad weather, accident may have happen\u2019d to him, Therefore I shall foward this from Elsingneur\u2014 If Scott arrives your Excellency will see by a Memorandum the Increase of our Fishery, and which will Continue to increase\u2014 last year there were fifteen Hundred Sail from 40 to 70 Tuns and all did well\u2014 The Day before I sail\u2019d, I heard our Court Were agoing to prohibit all Foreign Vessells from taking the produce of our Country, and upon application found it was true; also it is the General sentiment of the Continent, and most, if not all but one or two States, are passing similar Laws or impowering Congress to make such Laws the other will of Course\u2014 As now every one sees, that Europe wishes to keep us from carrying their productions, and at the same time, they come and take ours\u2014 If, this plan is pursued, the Increase of Navigation must be insurance, for it is asserted that last year, five Hundred sail of large Foreign Ships, Were employ\u2019d in the Southern Stat[es.]\n          Of Course if they are precluded Ship builing must be brisk, which at present is dull, owing to our not being permitted to Carry the productions of other Countrys, or even sell an American built Vessel\u2014 Your Excellency must clearly see, the propriety of this measure and if the about intentions are carry into execution, the demand for Hemp sail Cloth and Iron, must be to a great Amount, and Russia of Course is the only Country, Were you have these articles at first hand, and 20 nay some articles 50 per Ct Cheaper then Elsewere\u2014 From these Circumstances those w[ho] have the Honor of knowing Your Excellency feel themselves happy, that you and His Excellency Mr Jefferson, are appointed to Negociate with a power so important to Commerce, but Void of those Gewgaws which are useless to a Young Country\u2014and We to the Northward doubt not your great Abillitys will be employ\u2019d for the best good of the Continent of America at Large.\n          I must repeat my request your Excellency will condecend to Write me to the Care of Messrs Cramp & Cazalet\u2014and if while at St Petersburg I can serve you or the Public in any way, you have but to command me\n          I am with sentiments of / Respect & Esteem your / Excellency\u2019s Humble servt\n            Jeremiah Allen\n            PS. I believe the Letters for Russia must be fra[nked]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0130", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 11 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Doctr. Franklin sets out this morning for Havre from whence he is to cross over to Cowes there to be taken on board Capt Truxen\u2019s ship bound from London to Philadelphia. the Doctor\u2019s baggage will be contained in 150. or 200 boxes &c. we doubt that the laws of England will not permit these things to be removed from one vessel into another; and it would be attended with great difficulty, delay & expence should he be obliged to enter them regularly merely to pass them from one vessel to another. will you be so good as to interest yourself (if it be necessary) to obtain a passport for these things or other letters which may protect them in the transfer from one vessel to another. the Doctor being extremely engaged in the moment of departure I informed him that mr\u0303 Harrison was setting out for London to day & that I would by him sollicit your interference in this matter. you will judge best whether the orders had better be delivered to capt Truxent or sent to Cowes. I rather think the last best, as they would put it in his power to land & store them & to discharge the vessel which carries them. whatever is done should be speedily done. I am with sincere esteem Dr. Sir / Your friend & servt.\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0131", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Lewis Denis Ward, 11 July 1785\nFrom: Ward, Lewis Denis\nTo: Adams, John\n          It is with great respect I trouble you with these lines, the peculiarity of my situation, is the only excuse I can make for sending them. My Wife, the daughter of Mrs. Vesey of Boston wishes to convince you of her Behaviour as a Prudent Woman, since her leaving Boston. I think myself happy that there are Gentlemen of known Probity who can speak for her\u2014 She has not a Certificate of Marriage and the Revd. Doctor Byles is in America who alone can give it; Doctor Jeffries is in Town who for near two Years attended her in her Illness in Halifax and in more than one of his Visits met Doctor Byles, who visited her allso\u2014 On the Battalion of Marines being ordered to Europe there was but those Women to return who had came from England, the enclosed Order will shew in what light she was held by the Commanding officer, by his not only ordering her Passage, but Provisions\u2014 On coming to England we were two Years stationed in this Town under Major Johnston late Aid De Camp to Earl Percy\u2014 I was then sent to Ireland under Major Duval, for my behavior there beg leave to refer you to his Certificate\u2014after which acted as Quarter Master Serjeant to Plymouth Division of Marines, but my inclination being to my Business, I applied for and by great Interest obtained my discharge, I then set up Bookbinding, but by several losses was unable to proceed\u2014 I came here with an intent to work at my Business but cannot get employment, this being the deadest time of the Year\u2014have an offer of going to Evesham in Worcestershire, but have not either the means of setling my Wife here, or taking her with me for want of Money to pay for things burned at my Lodging by an accidental Fire, or her Carriage down. Doctor Jeffries will convince you Sir, in what light I was held by my Officers and the Inhabitants at Halifax\u2014and enclosed you have a Certificate of Mr. Fletcher a Merchant of Halifax for whom I did Business both as Book binder and Clerk\u2014 Major Johnston who will be in Town within a Week, will wait on you respecting both my Wife and me\u2014 I beg Sir, you will excuse the length of this\u2014and favor me with your answer to No. 14. Catherine Street Strand\u2014\n          I am Sir / with great respect / Your Most Obedient / and Most humble Servant\n            Lewis Denis Ward", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0132", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 12 July 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n          In answer to your favour of the 2d: of this Month, we are Sorry to Confirm your Idea that the Misfortune of Messrs: de La Lande & fynje is most probably irretrivable, and it proves Still more to be so in proportion, we get more acquainted with the nature of their Engagements with Mr: Geyer and the Gentlemen in America: we Shall endeavour to give you a General Idea of those Connexions, and don\u2019t doubt but you will have opportunity to enquire more particularly about the same by one or other Gentlemen in London.\n          De La Lande & fynje being people of Little property, but as they fancied in the Situation of doing good buziness in the American Trade fell upon the Idea of Establishing a fund for that purpose and opened a Subscription in the Year 1783. in which diffrent people toke Shares for the amount of \u0192240/m. to which according to the Conditions, they were obliged to add \u019225000. which together made a fund of abt: \u0192265000. upon this fund they made diffrent expeditions of Goods to the Houses in Boston, Newyork, and Philadelphia, which we Mentioned in our letter to the Commissioners, of the Treasur\u00ff.\u2014 but being desirious to extend the Buziness to the Benifit of the Concerned they agreed with Mr: Geyer to establish a House in England, where they could get goods on long Credit. the Joint Capital was Stipulated at \u00a330000.\u2014of Which de La Lande & fynje were to furnish 2/3, and Geyer 1/3. De La Lande & fynje not only furnished their part in the Stock but yet more than \u00a320,000.\u2014Sterlg over and above it, but the Exports amounting to gether to more than \u00a3100,000, there Remains a Sum of \u00a340,000, due to the Creditors in England. for which as we now hear, there is made an arrangement in London by Mr. Geyer, who is the actif partner of that partnership of Geyer & de la Lande & fynje QQ in Consequence of which powers are Send out by the last packet to attach the goods in Boston & Philadelphia, and, bills drawn in favour of the Said English Creditors, With order that all the bills or Remittances Shall be made over to Mr. Geyer. we observe that by this arrangement the English Creditors are Secured, because there is no probability that the Sale of the goods will neat less than their claim. we could wish that Congress and the dutch Creditors were in the Same Situation, and it has been from the beginning our View that it should become a General Masse and in Consequence of that idea we wrote to the Commissioners, that for the benefit of the Joint Concerned we hoped there would not be made attachement in America we Still think that would have been the fairest way, but we cannot Say, that we are att all pleased with the Settlement in England, and we apprehend it may be of bad Consequenses for the other Creditors. notwithstandig this we dont believe it would be prudent to oppose it, and to begin Expensive and uncertain Law-Suits in So Complicate a matter.\u2014 we do not Know to propose any thing to Secure the Intrest of our Constituents. unless it could be done with a good prospect in America (Since de La Lande & fynje have no property nor effects here, but almost outstanding in America) this Seems to be a Delicate matter, from diffrent considerations; For 1o: Congress has no claim to the Society of Geyer, de la Lande & fynje QQ to which the Stores belong, and 2o: It would hurt the American Credit, which is already So low, that it would be Very impolitic to expose it to Remarks of a new Kind and Certainly people here would not be pleased with attachements from the part of Congress. we think our Selves obliged to make this observation, from the desire we have to Act for the benefit of America, for we would be extreemly Sorry to give occasion, that the Confidence of the dutch Moneylenders for Congress, Should be lost only for the purpose of Saving a Sum of \u00a310.000 Stlg: which is in our eyes of less Value for it, here nothing can be done, not only because de la Lande & fynje in their diffrent Relations have obtained Surcheance, but also because there is no property att all in Europe that can be attached.\n          Mr: Danl: Parker offers to Charge himselves with all the goods, which were Send out by the Society of Geyer de la Lande & fynje QQ at the first cost, and to Run the Risk of Loss and profit, he would pay in 12 and 15 Years, and offers Security for the Double Amount in funds of the United States of America, which would be brought in the treasury books to the Credit of Houses there to appointed, till the payment of the whole Capital, and to pay an intrest of 5 perC he assumes that those funds are of the Same Nature & Solidity and of Consequence as Safe as the Dutch American Loans, and that his proofs were exposed to your Excellency, but that you decline to give a Certificate, because you thought it was not in your department. we could wish you had given it, and that it was practicable to Raise money here on that Security to Remove all difficulty, but we fear it will not Succeed and that every attempt to raise Loans for America will be unsuccesfull as long as the present Confusion in private and public busines Subsist, in America, which people are too much informed & is not likely to be Soon Remedied. Notwithstanding this the offer of Mr: Parker will be taken into Consideration, and there fore your opinion about the Security which he offers may be of Service, and we beg you\u2019ll be So Kind to give it in Answer to this letter, and you would in the Same manner oblige us, by giving us notice of every Circumstance Relative to the American finances, which may be Known to you, in order that we may be able to Support its Credit as much as will be in our power.\n          Messrs de la Lande & fynje will have a meeting next week of their Creditors and trustees will be appointed we Shall adsist to the Same to care the Intrest of Congress and advice the Result to your Excellency.\n          Since we have no Opportunity here at present to forward Letters we pray you to forward the Contents of this letter to America, which Copy we Shall Send by the L\u2019Orient packet.\n          We have the honour to be with the utmost Consideration / Sir! / Your most humb: & obedt: servants\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorst", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0133", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Marquis de Lafayette, 13 July 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Adams, John\n            Sargues mines july the 13th 1785\n          Had I Been But a slow traveller, I should much Sooner Have Received, and of Course Aknowledged Your favours\u2014 But the Rapidity of my March Has Been Such, that While letters went after me One Way, I was Scampering on the other, and So on, Untill, By the Blessed fourth day of july, I found myself Magnetized to mr\u0303 jefferson\u2019s table, where we chearfully Began our tenth Year of independance\u2014 I Had afterwards the pleasure to Hear from You Which Had Been intended Much sooner, and doctor Bancroft\u2019s departure to london Gives me an opportunity to Answer\u2014 Here therefore I stop, on the German frontier, and looking Back to the Westward, I feel my Heart is Going quite the Contrary Way to that my Carriage is to follow\u2014 what different Sensations would I experience, if on leaving this Country, I Had Before my Eyes the Happy prospect of a landing upon the shore of liberty! it is Said a Soldier must Have seen those German Armies, fields of Battles, and so on\u2014 I Hope my Military feelings may Enjoy much Satisfaction\u2014 as for my Republican Heart there will not Be Great pleasure to taste\u2014 little Masters and Big Boned Slaves I am Going to Visit, whose Coloured Ribbonds Hang like so many Halters about their Necks\u2014 Some great Sovereigns and distinguished Characters, I Have However a great Curiosity to see\u2014 The Emperor, the King of prussia, prince Henry, and Duke of Brunwick are Such men in the light of Whom one must Be much interested\u2014 my Ramble about Germany will last untill the middle of october\u2014 I Hope, my Good friend, You will continue to Honour me with Your much esteemed Correspondance\u2014and as my want of exactness proceeded from Circumstances not in my power, I Can assure you, you will Have no Reason to Complain\u2014\n          I Had Been told His Britannick Majesty was a great dissembler\u2014 But Could not think He would Carry it so far as He Has done in your interview\u2014 indeed, those people are very Right to take it kindly, Now they Cannot Help it\u2014 But While they are Rational in their good Reception of You, I Hope they may Cease to Be quite Mad in their Commercial, I don\u2019t know what, for as to plans I don\u2019t think they Have Any\u2014 our fanne\u00fcil Hall friends seem to Be out of Humour with them\u2014 it is tr\u00fce the British trade Has Been Carried on in a Ruinous Way, particularly for the Southen planters, whose luxuries Have Been Encouraged By the Credit of Britain, and who Now will Be plagued By their Creditors\u2014 it were to be wished a good treaty was made Betwen England and America, and to You, my good friend, that Glory is Reserved\u2014 in the mean while, let us advise our friends in America to make proper Regulations for their Commerce\u2014 The want of them, I find are objected to me Every day\u2014 altho\u2019 matters in that Head are Much Better than people Generally think, Yet You know great deal might Be done to attain perfection\u2014\n          As on my setting out, I told md\u0303e de lafayette I would soon answer the letter that Had then Come to Hand, She desired Her most affectionate Compliments to You, mr\u0303s and miss Adams\u2014 Anastasia and george present their Best Respects\u2014 mention me Most Respectfully to the ladies, and tell my friend Smith I Have not as Yet Heard from Him\u2014 I Am not surprised, But am However Happy to Hear He Has Answered the description I gave You of Him, which altho\u2019 dictated By warm friendship was not in the least Exagerated\u2014 Adieu, My dear Sir, With Every sentiment of affection and Respect I Have / the Honour to Be / Yours\n            Lafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0134", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 14 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n            Grosvenor Square 14th. July 1785.\n          The twenty second Article of the Preliminary Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and France, signed on the twentieth of January 1783\u2014is in these words viz \u201cPour prevenir tous les Sujets de Plaintes et de contestation qui pourroient maitre a l\u2019occasion des Prises qui pourroient \u00eatre faites en mer, depuis la Signature de ces Articles Preliminaires, on est convenu reciproquement que les Vaisseaux et Effets qui pourroient \u00eatre pris dans la Manche et dans les mers du Nord, apres l\u2019Espace de douze Jours, a compter depuis la Ratification des presents Articles Preliminaires, seront de part et d\u2019autre restitu\u00e9s, Que le terme Sera d\u2019un mois depuis la Manche et les mers du Nord, Jusqu\u2019aux Isles Canaries inclusivement soit dans l\u2019Ocean, Soit dans la Mediterranee; de deux mois depuis les dites Isles Canaries jusqu\u2019a la Ligne equinoxiale ou l\u2019Equateur, et enfin de cinque mois dans tous les Autres Endroits du monde, Sans aucune Exception ni autre distinction plus particuliere de tems et de lieux\u201d\u2014\n          In the Preliminary Articles of Peace between Great Britain an Spain a Cessation of Hostilities was Stipulated in the same manner\u2014\n          On the same twentyeth of January 1783\u2014it was agreed between the Minister Plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty on the one Part, and the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America on the other, that the Subjects, Citizens and Possessions of both Powers should be comprised in the suspension of arms abovementioned, and that they should consequently enjoy the Benefit of the Cessation of Hostilities at the same Periods and in the same manner as the three Crowns aforesaid and their Subjects and Possessions respectively\u2014\n          It appears however that many Vessels, which were taken, after the Expiration of one Month from the third of February 1783\u2014the Day of the Ratification of the said Preliminary Articles within that Part of the Ocean, which lies between the Channell and North seas and the Canary Islands, have not been restored, but on the contrary in some Instances such Vessells have been condemned as lawful Prizes, upon an opinion that the Words \u201cas far as\u201d said to be used in the Preliminary Articles, meant the distance from Paris to the southermost Part of the Canaries\u2014\n          It must be obvious to your Lordship that this Construction is extreamly foreign from the Intention of the contracting Parties\u2014who never had Paris in Contemplation as a boundary of the region of one Month, nor as any limit of a Measure of distance the Channell and North seas being expressly marked as the Northern Boundary, and the southermost Canary as the Southern, and every part of the ocean from the Channell and North Seas, up to the Canary Islands inclusively is comprehended\u2014indeed the words \u201cas far as,\u201d are scarcely a proper translation of the words Jusqu\u2019aux in the Article of the Treaty\u2014 The original Words are \u201cDepuis la Manche et les Mers du Nord, jusqu\u2019aux Isles Canaries\u201d and not Depuis Paris jusqu\u2019aux Isles &c &c\u2014\n          The intention of the Contracting Parties is so clear and their Expressions so plain, that it is not easy to account for the misinterpretation of them, but as many Law-suits are depending upon the point and several Americans are now in London waiting their decision\u2014I do myself the honour to propose to your Lordship a particular Convention to determine all these Controversies, on both sides by inserting the Words \u201cJusqu\u2019a la latitude des Isles Canaries\u201d insteed of [\u201c]Jusqu\u2019aux Isles Canaries\u201d and also the words \u201cDepuis la Latitude des dites Isles Canaries\u201d insteed of \u201cDepuis les dites Isles Canaries\u201d it being apparent from the mention of the Mediterranean as in the same Stage of one Month between the Channell and North Seas, on the north, and the Canaries, on the south, and of the Equinoctial Line as the next Stage that the Line of Latitude of the southermost Canary was intended\u2014\n          I have the Honour to be my Lord / Your Lordships / Most Obedient & / most Humble serv.\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0137", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 16 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster, the Corner of Duke & Brook streets\u2014July 16th. 1785\u2014\n          I have been so perplexed with Ceremonials, Visits Removals and eternal applications from Beggars of one Species and another, besides the real Business of my Department, that I fear I have not answered your favour of the second of June, which I received in Season\u2014 I have received from Mr. Garvey all but my wine & have written him to day to forward that and will run the risque of it, as I believe I shall easily obtain an order to receive it without paying duties\u2014 Petits Note of Expences which you paid, you either omitted to send me or I have lost it in the Confusion of a Removal, so that I must trouble you to send it again\u2014 173 \u01928\n          As to News Papers, I should advise you to apply to the Comte de Vergennes or Mr. Rayneval or Mr. Gennet the Premier Commis of the Bureau des Interpretes, who, I presume will readily order your Gazettes to come with their own, through the same Channel, free of Expence for Postage The father of the present Mr. Gennet, was so good as to oblige me in this Way in the year 1780\u2014\n          I wrote to you and Dr. Franklin on the 20th. of June, requesting you to send me a Project of a Treaty of Commerce with this Court, and proposed that agreed on with Prussia as the Model\u2014 Let me beg your answer to this as soon as possible\n          The Dr. is to embark at Spithead or the Isle of White, on board of Captain Truckston as he tells me\u2014\n          The proceedings at Boston make a Sensation here\n          Yours most affectionately", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0138", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 16 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 16. 1785\n          I have received your Letter of the 12 and a former one. Mr Lotter will present you two Accounts approved by me, one against the United States and one against me. these you will please to pay. I pray you also for the future to take upon yourselves the whole Care of the Hotel of the United States at the Hague. Mr Lotter is as honest a Man and as carefull, as ever I met with, and I cannot but recommend him to you to take Care of the House upon the best Terms you can agree with him for, untill the arrival of another American Minister which I hope will be very soon, whoever he may be he cannot have a better Maitre D\u2019Hotel than Lotter.\n          I am very Sorry to hear that Mr Parker is so indiscreet as to make Comparisons between the Funds which he Says are of the Same Nature and Solidity, and consequently as Safe as the Dutch American Loans. I persist absolutely in my Resolution never to give him any Certificate concerning those Matters.\n          and I beg of you Gentlemen to tell me explicitly and precisely whether you think or Suspect that there has been any fraudulent Contract between De la Lande and Fynje and Mr Geyer and their Connections in Boston, N. York or Phyladelphia, to Secure one set of Creditors to the disadvantage of another. We have a Right to expect and demand of De la Lande & Fynje a sight and Copy of their Arrangements. They ought to have had juster Sentiments of the Sacred Nature of a public Trust than to have applyed a Single Ducat of the public Money of the United States in their Hands to any Projects of private Commerce or to the Payment of any of their private Debts: but if in addition to this Fault, they have committed the greater one of entering into any partial Engagements to the Disadvantage of the United States, which cannot but be construed a fraudulent Contract, they will deserve no Pity from Congress. I desire therefore to be furnished with Copies of their Arrangements with their private Creditors in England and America.\n          With great Esteem &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0139", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Fraser, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Fraser, William\n            Grosvenor Square July 18. 1785\n          Dr Franklin as I am informed departed from Paris on the Eleventh, for Havre from whence he is to cross over to Cowes, there to be taken on board Captain Truxtun\u2019s Ship bound from London to Philadelphia. The Doctors Baggage is contained in, from 150 to 200 Boxes. It is doubted whether the Laws of England will permit these Things to be removed from one Vessell into another, and it would be attended with unknown Difficulty Delay and Expence, Should he be obliged to enter them regularly merely to pass them from one Vessell to another. Captain Truxton and his ship are now in London and both will proceed to Cowes before Thursday next.\n          If it is practicable that any orders may be given, or Letters Sent, either directly to Cowes or by the Captain, whereby it might be permitted that these Effects should be landed and stored, untill the Arrival of Truxtun, so that the Drs Vessell from Havre may be discharged, and then reimbarked on Board the Vessell bound for Philadelphia, or if this cannot be done, that the Transfer from one Vessell to another may be made, all under the Inspection of the Custom house Officers, it would be a very great Favour.\n          If there is no Impropriety in this Request which I am not sensible of, I should take it as a particular Favour, if you would be so good as to procure the necessary Facilities for this Business, and if it cannot be done that you would inform me of it as soon as possible.\n          With very great Respect I have the Honour &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0140", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square July 18th. 1785\n          Your favours of June 22d. and July 7 and 11th. are before me. The delay of Mr: Lamb\u2019s Arrival is unfortunate, but I think with you that the sooner a project of Treaties is prepared the better, and I will give the earliest attention to it whenever you shall send it\u2014 I shall go this morning to Stockdale, to talk with him about sending you the News Papers, and Pamphlets through the Channell of Cleveland Row ce. Lord Carmarthens office.\n          I agree with pleasure to the appointment made by the Dr. & you of Mr. Short, to carry the treaty through London to the Hague, and in joining Mr. Dumas with him in making the Exchange. A Letter to him and another to Mr. Dumas signed by you and me, as the Dr. is gone, would be sufficient Authority: But I shall have no objection of giving each of them a more formal Commission under our Hands and seals, to be our Secretaries specially pro hac Vice\u2014 He must carry our original Commission to shew to the Baron De. Thulemeyer and a Copy of it attested by Colo. Humphries to deliver him and Mr. Dumas & he should see the Prussian Commission and receive an attested Copy of that. I do not think of any other Papers necessary.\n          I have given to Lord Carmarthen long ago, an Explanation of the power of Congress to form Treaties of Commerce exactly conformable to that which you gave the English Gentn but I did not extend it to the case of Consuls. He asked me no questions concerning Consuls, and I did not think it proper for me to say any thing on that subject, not having any Instruct[ions.] But I am not easy on that head, Mr. Temple talks of going out in three or four weeks, but I am very apprehensive he will meet with the difficulties you foresee.\n          I will enquire about insuring, 20.000 Livres on the Life of Mr: Houden\u2014 I have written to Mr Frazier, the Under Secretary of State in Lord Carmathens office concerning Dr. Franklins Baggage, have stated the Circumstances as you State them to me, and have solicited the necessary Facilities. I hope for a favourable Answer\u2014 Truxton is to depart from hence on Thursday, and I will let him know the answer I may have\u2014\n          {I dont like the Symptoms.\u2014 Galloway, Deane, Chalmers, Watson, are too much in favour The Lottery for the Tories, although perhaps in Part inevitable, has been introduced with such pompous demonstrations of Affection and Approbation as are neither wise, nor honest. There is too much Attention to the Navy\u2014and there is another Step, which allarms my Apprehensions. Hanover is joining Prussia against the Views of the two Imperial Courts. at least in Bavaria} keep this as secret as the grave but search it to the botom where you are\u2014 {Does this indicate a Doubt Whether our Business with De Thulemeyer} may be delayed? does it indicate a design in the {British Cabinet, to be Newtral} in order to be more\u2014 {at Leisure to deal with Us?} can it be a\u2014 {Secret Understanding bet. St. James\u2019s and Versailles?\u2014} the disigns of\u2014 {ruining, if they can our carrying Trade, and annihilating all our Navigation, and Seamen is too apparent.}\u2014\n          Yours sincerely", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0143", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Lyddiard, 20 July 1785\nFrom: Lyddiard, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            Honoured Sir\n            Powerfull of 74 Guns July 20th. [1785]\n          I hope you will Pardon my Boldness of Wrighting to you Itt is to Ask the Favour of you to Gett me my Discharge from a English Man of War, I am a Native of Boston in the Province of Messetucet Bay, New England, I Saild out of Boston in the Year of 1778 in a Brig of 16 Guns in the Continantal Servis Capt William Burk Commd and was Taken September 16th in the Same Year By Byron Fleet and was Sent on Bord the Experiment of 50 Guns, And I was forst to Stay in the English Servas against my will for the Said I was a Englishman and I thote I should Breake my hart, I Long to Gett my Discharge to Go to my Native Hoome I should have Gone Before had I Done Right When I was Paid of But I was a Strange to this Contery and I was Drawd in to Go whear I am now I have Got a Mother a Wife and Children in Boston and I Long to Gett to them, and I hearing that you was in London I made Bold to Apply to your Honour as Noing you Could Gett me my Discharg if your honour Pleased and I hope that you will for the Sake of my Famely, and I Shall be alway Bound to Pray for you\n          From your Humble and / Obeidiant Servant\n            John Lyddiard\n            PC if your honour Please to Wright to me you may Derect to me on Bord his Majesty Ship Powerfull of 74 Guns Amor[s?]e Plymouth", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0145", "content": "Title: From John Adams to De la Lande & Fynje, 24 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: La Lande & Fynje, de (business)\n            Gentlemen\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 24 1785\n          I have recd your Letter and Sincerely Sympathize with you under your Misfortunes. I have transmitted your Letter to N. York and had before written to the Treasury Board, as much in your Favour, as you could reasonably desire: but it has been Since hinted in Conversation here that you have entered into some Covenant with an House here to the partial Advantage of that House and its Connections here and elsewhere. If this is true, you must be sensible that nobody can justify it, and if it is to the partial Disadvantage of the United states, I Should be in my Situation the last Man in the World to approve of it, or connive at it.\u2014 I Sincerely hope it is a false Report. But I think you should furnish your late Colleagues Messieurs Willinks and Van staphorsts with a Copy of your Arrangements with Mr Geyer and any other of your Connections that they may know the Truth and how to vindicate your Characters from Misrepresentations.\n          I am Gentlemen with great Regard, though / with just Concern, your Fnd & humble sert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0146", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square July 24th. 1785\u2014\n          I have a Letter from the Baron De Thulemeier of the 19th. and a Copy of his Letter to you of the same date. I hope now in a few Day\u2019s to take Mr. Short by the hand in Grosvenor Square, and to put my hand to the [Tr]eaty. I think no time should be lost. We will join Mr. Dumas with Mr. Short in the Exchange if you please.\n          I applyed as you desired, and obtained the interposition of the Lords Commissioners of the treasury, and the Commissioners of the Customs for the transhipping of Dr. Franklin\u2019s Baggage. We have heared of the Doctors arrival at Rouen, but no further.\n          {The Britons alliens Duty is a very burthensome Thing, and they may carry it hereafter as far upon Tobacco, Rice Indigo and twenty other Things, as they do now upon oil. to obviate this, I think of Substituting, the Words \u201cnatural born Citizens of the United States,\u201d and \u201cnatural born Subjects of Great Britain,\u201d instead of \u201cthe most favoured Nation.\u201d You remember We first proposed to offer this to all Nations, but upon my Objecting that the English would make their ships French or Sweedish or Dutch &c to avail themselves of it, without agreeing to it, on their Part, We altered it to the footing of \u201cGentis Amicissim\u00e6.[\u201d] But if the English will now agree to it, We shall Secure ourselves against many odious Duties, and no ill Consequence can arise. it is true the French Dutch Sweeds and Prussians will of Course claim the Advantage, but as they must in return allow Us the Same Advantage, So much the better.\u2014 let me know if any Objection occurs to you.}\n          There is a Bill before Parliament to prevent smuggling Tobacco, in which restrictions are very rigorous, but cannot be effected. two thirds of the Tobacco consumed in this Kingdom I am told is smuggled\u2014 how can it be otherwise when the impost is five times the original Value of the Commodity. If [one] pound in five escapes nothing is lost. if two in five, a great profit is [made.\u2014]\n          the Duty is 16d. pr. pound and tobacco sells for three pence.\u2014 Yet all applications for lowering the Duty are rejected\u2014\n          Yours most affectionately\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0147", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Baron von Thulemeier, 24 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 24. 1785\n          I have recd, the Letter, you did me, the Honour to write me on the 19 of this month and the Copy of your Letter to my Colleague Mr Jefferson. it is with great Pleasure I learn, that the Articles of the Treaty between his Prussian Majesty and the United States, are all agreed on to mutual Satisfaction, and I hope in a very few days to have the Honour of putting my Hand to it here. Mr Short, will bring it from Paris Signed and Sealed by Mr Jefferson, and will carry it, from hence to you, Signed and Sealed by me. Mr Dumas will be joined with Mr short in making the Exchange with you. Mr Short is a very respectable Gentleman of Virginia, a late Member of their Council, and an intimate Friend of Mr Jefferson.\n          Will you give me Leave, Sir to enquire, what are the Imposts upon our Tobacco in the Prussian Ports, and whether there is or may be any large Consumption of that Commodity in Prussia.\u2014 The Principal Difficulty We have in Trade is to make Remittances, and We cannot trade to any large Amount with any Nation that cannot or will not receive the Produce of our Lands or Seas.\u2014 Indigo is another Article, which I wish to know, if it finds a Market in Prussia. and Oil, especially Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil and Candles. With what kind of Oil are your Cities illuminated in the Night? The Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil gives the purest Flame and the clearest Light, that is known. a Lamp in a City, lighted up with this Oil, at Six o Clock in the Evening will burn bright, untill Nine the next Morning, whereas the Oil that is now used in the Lamps of London, do not feed a flame longer than Eleven or twelve o Clock. the Consequence of which is that innumerable the Rogues take Advantage of the Darkness after Midnight to commit Robberies and Burglaries without Number and even many Murthers. and many People had rather Suffer all these Crimes, or even introduce a military Police, than inlighten their Streets with American Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil. If Prussia and Germany would have more Wisdom it would greatly promote Trade between them and America.\n          With great Respect &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0148", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Greene, 25 July 1785\nFrom: Greene, William\nTo: Adams, John\n            Warwick State of Rhode-Island. &c. July 25th. AD 1785\u2014\n          I have to address your Excy. concerning the Liberation of a Subject of this State from English Service.\n          Richard Low of a respectable Family in this State having commenced a Voyage on board of an American Merchantman AD 1776. was captured by the Niger, an English Frigate, and by Compulsion served on board her and a Variety of other Vessels in his Brittanic Majesty\u2019s Service till the Year 1780 when he was dispatched in the same Employment to the East Indies as known by a Letter from Madrass dated in January AD 1784.\n          The Tenderness of Paternal Fondness with the Satisfaction attending our Duty in the Releif of an unfortunate Subject which are the Motives which induce me to urge this Request, I am sensible will contribute to merit your Attention in demanding his Enlargement with a Passport which may return him to his Country and a proper Reward for his Services\n          With the most perfect Attachment / I have the Honor to be / Your Excy.\u2019s most obt. / vry. hbl. Sevt.\n            W. Greene Govr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0149", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 26 July 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n          We have before us the honour of your Excelly\u2019s esteemed favour of 16 July, whch. only is arrived with us the 24 inst, in conformity of your desire we shall endeavour to take care for the Hotel with all \u0153conomy possible, as far as our position in Amstd will admit.\n          We Shall procure ourselves a copy of the Contract of de La Lande & fynje with Geyer to transmit it to you, if possible next mail with the fullest information in our power, we donot Suspect fraudes by de La Lande & fynje, but the employing of congress & other money in their hands can only be apologized by the necessity, as consequences of their imprudent dealings, & want of returns from America.\n          We donot mean however that this Should authorise them to employ publicq money, whch. as a Sacred deposit, must remain at the disposal of congress at every moment.\n          The arrangement of the Creditors in London of their Copartnership of Geyer de La Lande & fynje QQ is made by Geyer without their knowledge, who thought himself as active partner by their fatal Contract of association with him, in faculty to make similar arrangements.\n          since Mr. Parker offers to take over the concerns of the partnership of G: de La L & f. QQ and to give the mentioned american funds for security, we had esteemed ourself happy if by your Excellency\u2019s information abt. the Solidity & validity of the Same; we had been encouraged to hold some Conferences with Mr. Parker on the Subject, who perhaps might be disposed, if an agreement can be Concluded to pay the whole or part of Congress debts, as he says to have an acct. in his favour by Congress, by whch. or by paying of the mentioned funds it might be performed, in consequence we request your Excellency to inform us, whether we may take a Similar proposal into consideration, & if your Excellency Should accept & approve of Such an agreement, if it could be made at the Conveniency of the interressed Parties?\n          We have the honour to be With Respect full Regard / Sir / Your most Humb & most / Obedient servants\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0150", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen with a Draft Declaration on the Cessation of Anglo-American Hostilities, 27 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Hostilities, the Marquis of Carmarthen with a Draft Declaration on the Cessation of Anglo-American\n            Grosvenor Square July 27. 1785\u2014\n          Since the Letter which I did myself the honour to write to your Lordship, relative to the Construction of the Armistice, I have received further information from America, which I beg leave to Communicate to your Lordship.\n          The first Judgement rendered on a mistaken Interpretation of the Armistice, appears to have been at New York where all American Vessells, taken within the second Month were condemned as lawful Prize by the Judge of Admiralty. The Fame of these Decrees having reached Connecticut and Rhode Island it is said that similar Decrees were rendered by the inferior Courts of Admiralty there against british Vessells. There is my Lord, a Court of Admiralty in each of the United States but by our Constitution an Appeal lies from all of them to a Court appointed by the United States in Congress assembled for receiving and determining finally Appeals in all Cases of Capture. If the Parties interrested in the decrees in Connecticut and Rhode Island had appealed to the supream Court, those decrees would certainly have been reversed, because every cause which ever came before them upon the point in question, has been decided in favour of the british owner of the Vessell. And if a Declaration should now be made, of the true Intention of the contracting Parties, the british Owners against whom the decrees were renderd in Connecticut and Rhode Island may still appeal and have Justice, if the time limited is not passed. if it is, by an application to the Legislatures of those States, there is no doubt to be made, that an appeal would be granted, under the present Circumstances, notwithstanding the lapse of Time.\n          The decissions in the Court of admiralty of the Massachusetts and all the other States, have been conformable to the Judgement of the supreme Court of appeals, that is to say conformable to the true Intention of the Armistice, and it is with pleasure that I add, that the Judgements of His Majesty\u2019s Court of Admiralty at Halifax have been the same way.\n          The Words of the Armistice, are supposed to be the same which have been constantly used in every Treaty of peace for the last hundred Years, and it is not known that there ever was before any doubt, or difference of opinion concerning the construction of them. in order to establish this Confidence between the two Countries, it is necessary My Lord that there should be a mutual Confidence in each others Tribunals of Justice, which can hardly exist, while such various Interpretations are given of so plain a point by different Courts in each Nation.\n          In order to settle all disputes upon this Subject upon one Principle. I have the Honour to propose to Your Lordship that a Declaration should be made, in the form inclosed, or to the same Effect in any other Form which may appear to your Lordship more proper.\n          With great Respect, I have the honour to be / My Lord / Your Lordship\u2019s / most Obedient & very / Humble Servant\n          ENCLOSURE\n          Declaration\n            Whereas, By the first article of the Preliminary Treaty of Peace between the Crown of Great Britain and the Crown of France signed at Versailles on the twentieth of January 1783 it was stipulated in these Words vizt. \u201cAussitot que les Preliminaires seront Sign\u00e9s et ratifi\u00e9s, l\u2019Amitie sincere sera retablie entre sa Majest\u00e9 tres Chretienne et Sa Majeste Britannique, leurs Royaums, Estats, et Subjets, par mer, et par terre, dans toutes les Parties du Monde; il Sera envoy\u00e9 des ordres aux Armies et Escadres, ainsi qu aux sujets des deux Puissances de cesser toute Hostilit\u00e9 et de vivre dans la plus parfaite union en oubliant le passe, dont leurs Souverains leur donnent l\u2019Ordre et l\u2019Exemple, et pour l\u2019Execution de cet Article il sera donn\u00e9 de part et d\u2019autre des Passeports de Mer, aux Vaisseaux qui seront expedi\u00e9s pour en porter la nouvelle dans les Possessions des dites Puissances\u201d\n            And by the twenty second Article of the same treaty it was stipulated in these Words, vizt. \u201cPour prevenir tous les Sujets de Plaintes et de contestation, qui pourroient naitre a l\u2019Occasion des prises qui pourroient \u00eatre faites en Mer depuis la signature de ces Articles Preliminaires, on est convenu reciproquement, que les Vaisseaux et Effets qui pourroient \u00eatre pris dans la Manche, et dans les mers du Nord apres l\u2019Espace de douze Jours, \u00e0 compter depuis la Ratification des Presents Articles Preliminaires, seront de part et d\u2019autre restitues. Que le terme sera d\u2019un mois depuisl la Manche et les Mers du Nord jusqu\u2019aux Isles Canaries inclusivement, soit dans l\u2019Ocean soit dans la mediterrane\u00e9; de deux mois depuis les dites Isles Canaries jusqu\u2019a la ligne equinoxiale au l\u2019Equator, et en fin de cinque mois dans tous les Autres Endroits du Monde, sans aucune exception ni autre distinction plus particuliere de tems et de lieux.\u201d\n            And Whereas, on the said twentieth Day of January 1783 it was agreed, and by instruments signed by the Minister Plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty in behalf of His Majesty on one part, and by the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United states of America in behalf of the said United States on the other, it was mutually declared that the said United States of North America, their Citizens and their Possessions, and His Britannic Majesty his Subjects and Possessions, should be comprised in the suspension of Arms abovementioned, and that they should consequently enjoy the benefit of the Cessation of Hostilities, at the same periods and in the same Manner as the Crowns aforesaid and their Subjects and Possessions respectively.\n            And Whereas a doubt has arisen and a Question has been made concerning the sense and intention of the High Contracting Parties, by the Words \u201cd\u2019un mois depuis la Manche et les mers du Nord jusqu\u2019aux Isles Canaries, inclusivement[\u201d]; and by the Words, \u201cde deux mois depuis les dites Isles Canaries jusqu\u2019a la ligne equinoxiale.\u201d\n            Now in order to remove all such doubts and questions and to the End that the same rule of Justice may take place in all the Courts of Justice in both Nations, it is hereby agreed and declared by: \u2003\u2003 in the Name and behalf of His Majesty the King of Great Britain \u2003\u2003 and by \u2003\u2003 Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, to the Court of Great Britain on the other in the Name and behalf of the said United States, that the Line of Latitude of the southermost Canary Island was intended by the said contracting Parties and that the Armistice aforesaid ought to be every where undestood and construed, in the same manner as if the Words had been \u201cdepuis la Manche et les Mers du Nord, jusqu\u2019a la latitude des Isles Canaries inclusivement,\u201d and \u201cdepuis la latitude des dites Isles Canaries, qusqu\u2019a la ligne Equinoxiale.\u201d And that all judgements and Decrees of any Court of Justice of either of the Parties to this Declaration, rendered upon any different Construction of the Armistice aforesaid ought to be reversed\n            Done at Westminster this \u2003\u2003 Day of \u2003\u2003 \u2003\u2003 1785\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0151", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jabez Bowen, 27 July 1785\nFrom: Bowen, Jabez\nTo: Adams, John\n            Providence Rhode Island July 27. 1785\n          I am Requested by John Low Esqr. a Respectable Citizen of this State to make application for the Release of his Son Richard Low, who was taken in the Year 1776, on Board a Marchant Vessell and was sent to the East Indies. in January 1784. he was on Board the Defence of Seventy Four Guns at Bombay many more of our poor Country men are in the same situation. so that I suppose that a general application would be verry servisable and necessary.\n          I am informed that in the Year 1775 their was a Ballance of three thousand pounds Sterling due to the Colony of Rhode Island. that Money; had been stopped by Orders from the Minister, to Reimburse Dor. Moffatt\u2014Martin Howard, Esqr. &c. for Damages they sustained at the Time of the Stamp Act. on the Colony takeing the matter up, and Remonstrating to the Ministry on their detaning the propertily of the Colony, the Ballance never was broke upon, but now appears fairly due by the Treasury Books. Divers applications have been made by the Loyalists that lost property in this State to procure Orders from the Minister to Draw the said Ballance out of the Treasury but all to no purpose. you would do a verry acceptable service to this State if you would be so kind as Enquire into the above, and also to know if a Bill or Bills should be drawn for the same, wheather they would be paid; By renewing our former Trade with Great-Brittain there is a large Debt due from America. By the Acts of Parlement and other New Commercial Regulations. Brittain has put it quite out of our power, to discharge the Debt in any other way than by Remitting Cash. this has been the Case to such a Degree that we find it verry difficult to raise Money for Marketing and other small Domestick uses. verry great Complaints among the Farmers for want of Money to pay their Taxes, and Business, of every kind stagnated.\n          If the British will not permitt us to send our Oil Duty free; I think the New England States cannot make payment for the Debts already contracted. neighther will they be so unwise as to Contract new ones; so that we shall be gradually disconnected. who will loose or who gain by this alteration, Time only must discover. this I infer that we American must be more Frugal, and bend our Force to promote Arts and Manufactorys among our selves.\n          Your Old Friend Govr. Hopkins Departed this Life on the 13th of this Instant in the 79th Year of his Age, he Dy\u2019d as he Lived The Firm Zelous Patriot. and Friend to the Liberties of Mankind.\n          I wish you to Pardon the Length of this Letter, (and (tho\u2019 unknown) Beleve that I am Your Excellencys Most / Obedient and verry Humb Servant.\n            Jabez BowenDep-Govr. Rd Island.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0152", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 27 July 1785\nFrom: Lee, Arthur\nTo: Adams, John\n          Being at this place, on private business, I cannot omit the opportunity of writing to you.\n          The critical & alarming situation of this Country, makes me extremely anxious to hear the issue of your negociations at St. James\u2019s. An obstinate adherence, on the part of the british, to thier present commercial system; will, for a time, involve us in great difficulties. But I am persuaded, the activity & sagacity of our countrymen, stimulated at once by necessity & indignation, will force some new channel of commerce by which great Britain will, in the end, lose a great part of our commerce. At present She almost monopolizes it; & the consequent impositions of her private Merchants, as well as the selfish spirit of her Administration makes us feel this so sensebly, that every nerve will be exerted to vindicate ourselves from them. The british are assuredly pursuing a false policy for themselves, which, as in all their conduct towards us, they will discover too late.\n          Of the same or rather of a worse complexion, is their keeping possession of the western posts; contrary, unquestionably to the intention of the Treaty. If they persevere in this, a few years will see them submit to the shame of having Detroit & Niagara wrested from them, or involvd in a war, on that account, which cannot be consistent with their interests.\n          I woud wish to see these accommodated in our day; for we have had enough of toil & glory.\n          I have had the pleasure of meeting your son here, who conducts himself with a great deal of propriety. Your determination of not continuing him in the path of politics, but sending him to pursue the study & practice of the Law; is exceedingly wise. The contrary is too much our system; & it is not altogether new, to see a young Gentleman quit the council-board to go to college; & leave Congress to qualify himself to appear at the bar. This fault will mend itself; since it is not vice or folly, but inexperience that produces it.\n          I beg you to present my best respects to Mrs. Adams, & have the honor to be, with the most / entire esteem, dear Sir / Yr. most Obedt. Servt.\n            Arthur Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0153", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Carmichael, 28 July 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Adams, John\n          I did not receive until the 26th Inst. the Letter you did me the honor to address me the 3d of June announcing your presentation & audience at St. James. Permit me to congratulate you on the favorable Auspices with which you commence your mission & to express my hopes that it will continue to be as agreable to you as I presume it will be useful to our Country. I this day write to Mr Jefferson & have taken the Liberty of requesting him to transmit you copies of Sundry papers which regard the situation of our Affairs here & in Barbary. I have also desired that Gentleman to concert with you a safer mode of correspondence than the Present. Altho\u2019 I have not the honor to be known to your Lady & Family I hope they will excuse the Liberty their Countryman takes, in praying you to present compliments on his part.\n          I have the honor to be / with great Respect / Your Excys / Most Obedt. Humble Sert.\n            Wm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0155", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n            Grosvenor Square July 29th. 1785.\n          The Course of Commerce, since the peace, between Great Britain and the United States of America, has been such as to have produced many inconveniencies to the persons concerned in it, on both sides, which become every day more and more sensible. The Zeal of Americans to make remittances to british merchants, has been such as to raise the Interest of Money to double its usual standard, to increase the price of Bills of exchange to eight or ten per cent. above par, and to advance the price of the produce of the Country, to almost double the usual Rate, large sums of the circulating Cash, and as much produce as could be purchased at almost any rate, have been remitted to England: but much of this produce, lies in Store here, because it will not fetch, (by reason of the Duties and restrainsts on it) the price given for it, in America No political Arrangements having been made, both the british and American Merchants expected that the trade, would have returned to its old Channels, and nearly under the same regulations, found by long Experience to be beneficial, but they have been disappointed\u2014 the former have made advances, and the latter contracted Debts both depending on remittances, in the usual Articles, and upon the Ancient terms, but both have found themselves mistaken and it is much to be feared, that the Consequences will be numerous failures. The Cash and Bills have been chiefly remitted, neither, Rice, Tobacco, Pitch, Tar, Turpentine, ships, Oil, nor many other Articles, the great sources of Remittance formerly, can now be sent as heretofore, because of Restrictions and Imposts, which are new in this Commerce and distructive of it\u2014 And the Trade with the british West India Islands, formerly a vast source of remittance, is at present obstructed.\n          These evils, My Lord, as far as they merely affect the Citizens of the United States, should not be offered to your Lordships consideration\u2014 They are proper Subjects for the deliberations of Congress, and the Legislatures of the several States: but as far as they affect the Merchants and Manufacturers of Great Britain and Ireland, and as far as they affect the general System of Commerce, Revenue and Policy of the british Empire\u2014Your Lordship will undoubtedly give them their due weight.\n          There is a litteral impossibility, My Lord, that the Commerce between the two Countries, can continue long to the advantage of either, upon the present footing. The evils already experienced will be much increased and more severely felt if the Causes of them are permitted much longer to opperate\u2014 It is the desire of the Citizens of the United States to Cultivate the most friendly intercourse with the King\u2019s Subjects, and it will be with regret that they should see a necessity of searching for other resources as substitutes for british Commerce, either in other Countries or in Manufactures at Home. Whether it is not putting at hazard, too material an interest, to risque an Alienation from these Kingdoms, of the American Commerce, or any considerable part of it for the sake of the advantages that can be obtained by the present restrictions on it, is a question, which must be submitted to you Lordships consideration.\n          In order to bring this Subject, so momentous to both Countries, under a candid discussion, I do myself the honour to inclose to Your Lordship, and to propose to the consideration of his Majesty\u2019s ministers, a project of a fair and equitable Treaty of Commerce, between His Majesty and the United States of America prepared in conformity to the instructions of Congress, and submit it entirely to your Lordship to decide, whether the Negotiation shall be conducted with Your Lordship, or with any other Person to be invested with powers equal to mine, to be appointed for the purpose\u2014\n          With great Respect I have the / Honour to be\u2014My Lord / Your Lordship\u2019s / Most Obedt. Humble Serv.\n            John Adams, Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America at the Court of Great Brittain", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0156", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Carmichael, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmichael, William\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 29. 1785\n          Mr Samuel Watson, a Citizen of the United States of America and Settled at Charlestown South Carolina as a Merchant Sailed from thence about two Years ago on board a Vessell bound to the Havannah and nothing has been heard of him or Vessell Since, till lately, a Gentleman from the Havannah has reported that a Mr Watson from Charleston was taken in the Bay of Mexico and carried into Carthagena, and from thence Sent to the Castle of St Juan, de Ulua la vera Cruz, and afterwards Sent to Trascala, where it is Supposed he is, at present. it is Supposed his Youth and Inexperience has been the Cause of his trespassing on the Spanish Navigation Acts, for which he has Suffered a Severe loss of Property and his Liberty So long. his Father and numerous Relations are very anxious for his Fate and earnestly desire that You would interest yourself for his Release, if that be attainable, but if that cannot be had in full, that you would endeavour to procure his Removal to old Spain, that his Friends may hear from him and procure Intelligence respecting the Property he may have left behind him in Charlestown. I have ventured to give assurances that you would obtain one or the other of their favours, if they can be obtained by any body, and I have undertaken to apply to Mr Del Campo, the Spanish Minister here, and to write to Mr Jefferson to Speak to the Comte D\u2019Aranda. Whether all will not be in vain I know not, but this We know that our Endeavours to the Utmost of our Power to serve a Country man in so unhappy Circumstances will give Us Satisfaction enough to reward Us for our Pains, whether We succeed or not. With much / Respect and Esteem I have the Honour to be, sir &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0157", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 29th. 1785\u2014\n          I have the honour to inclose a Copy of a Letter to the Marquis of Carmarthen of the 14th. of July, another of the 27th. with a project of a Declaration concerning the construction of the Armistice, and another of this date with a project of a Treaty of Commerce\u2014 It is high time something should be done, to turn the attention of Administration to the relation between this Country and the United States, and it seemed most advisable to lay the project of a Treaty directly before the Ministry, rather than first negociate the appointment of any other Minister to treat with me, than the Marquis of Carmarthen himself\u2014 If I had first proposed the appointment of a minister, they would have procrastinated the business, for six Months and perhaps twelve, before I could have communicated any thing to them\u2014 Now they can have no excuse\u2014 The offer is made & hereafter they may repent of their error, if they do not accept it, or something nearly like it immediately. I am very sensible it will greatly embarrass Administration, because most of them I believe are sensible that some such treaty must be one day agreed to, and that it would be wise to agree to it now, but they are affraid of oppositions from many quarters\u2014 I must not however disguise my real sentiments. The present Ministry are too much under the influence of Chalmers & Smith and others of that Stamp & have been artfully drawn into so many manifestations of a Determination to maintain their Navigation Laws relatively to the United states, and of a Jealousy of our Naval Power\u2014Small as it is, that I fear they have committed themselves too far to receed. Their Newfoundland Act, as well as their proclamations, and the fourth of their Irish Propositions are in this Style\u2014 I have no expectation that the proposed Treaty will be soon agreed to, nor that I shall have any counter project, or indeed any answer for a long time. it is very apparent, that we shall never have a satisfactory arrangement with this Country untill Congress shall be made by the States, supreme in matters of foreign Commerce, and Treaties of Commerce, and untill Congress shall have exerted that supremacy with a decent Firmness\u2014\n          I am with great esteem / Your most Obedient / Humble Serv.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0160", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Count Frederik von Reventlow, 30 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Reventlow, Frederik, Count von\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster July 30. 1785\n          I have the Honour of transmitting to you, herewith enclosed a certified Copy of an Act of Congress of the 21. of March last, instructing me to communicate to Mr St. Saphorin, the high Sense, the United States of America in Congress assembled, entertain of the liberal Decision made by his Danish Majesty, on the Question proposed to his Minister by me, respecting the ordination of American Candidates for holy orders in the Episcopal Church commonly called the Church of England. I am informed by Mr Jay our Minister of foreign Affairs, that Congress has been pleased to order him to transmit Copies of my Letter and the other Papers on this subject to the Executives of the different States, And he is perswaded they will receive with Pleasure this Mark of his Danish Majestys Friendly Disposition.\n          At the Time when these Resolutions passed, it was Supposed in Congress that Mr St. Saphorin, continued at the Hague, but as he is removed from thence, I presume it will equally fullfill the Intentions of Congress in expressing their Respects and Acknowledgments to his Danish Majesty, if they are communicated by a nearer Channel. Permit me then the Honour of requesting of you Sir, that you would transmit the Inclosed certified Copy to your Court.\n          With great Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir your / most obedient and must humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0161", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I was honoured yesterday with your\u2019s of the 24th. instant. when the {1st. article} of {our instrns} of May {7.} 1784. was {under debate in Congress,} it was {proposed} that {neither party} should make {the other pay} in {their ports greater duties than} they {paid} in the {ports} of the {other.} one {Objection} to this was {it\u2019s impracticability,} another {that it} would {put it} out {of our power to lay} such {duties} on {alien importation} as might {encourage importation} by {natives. some members} much {attached} to {English policy} thought such a {distinction} should actually be {established. some} thought the {power} to do it should be {reserved} in {case any} peculiar circumstances should {call for it, tho} under the present or {perhaps any} probable {circumstances they} did not {think} it would be {good policy} ever to {exercise} it. the {footing gentis amicissimi} was therefore {adopted} as you see in the {instruction.} as far as my enquiries enable me to judge {France & Holland} make no {distinction of duties between Aliens} and {natives. I} also rather believe that the {other states of Europe} make {none, England} excepted, to whom this {policy,} as that of her {navigation act, seems peculiar.} the question then {is, Should} we {disarm ourselves} of the {power to} make this {distinction against all nations} in order to {purchase an exemption} from the {Alien duties} in {England} only; for if we {put her importations} on the {footing of native,} all other {nations with whom we treat will} have a {right to claim the same. I} think we {should because against other nations} who make no {distinction} in their {ports between us} & their {own subjects,} we ought {not to} make a {distinction in ours.} and {if the English} will {agree} in {like manner to} make none, we {should with equal reason abandon} the {right} as against {them.} I think all the {world would gain} by {setting commerce} at perfect {liberty. I} remember that when we were {digesting} the {general form} of {our treaty} this {proposition} to {put foreigners} and {natives on the same footing} was {considered} and we were {all three} ({Dr. F.}) as {well as you} and {myself} in {favor of} it. {we} finally however {did not admit} it partly from the {objection} you {mention, but} more {still} on account of {our instructions.} but tho the {English proclamation} had {appeared} in {America} at the time of {framing these instructions} I think it\u2019s {effect as to alien duties} had {not yet been experienced} and therefore was {not attended} to. {if it} had been {noted} in the {debate I am} sure that the {annihilation of our whole trade} would have been {thought too great a price to pay} for the {reservation of} a {barren power} which a {majority of the members} did not propose {ever to exercise tho} they were willing to {retain it. stipulating equal rights} for {foreigners & natives we} obtain more in {foreign ports than} our {instructions require,} and {we} only {part} within {our own ports,} a {power} of which {sound policy} would {probably} for {ever forbid} the {exercise.} add to this that {our treaty will be} for a very {short term,} and {if any} evil be {experienced under it,} a {reformation will soon} be in {our power. I am therefore} for {putting} this among {our original propositions} to the {court of London. if} it should {prove} an {insuperable obstacle with them, or if} it should {stand} in the way of {a greater advantage, we} can {but abandon} it in the {course} of the {negociation.}\n          In my copy of the cypher, on the Alphabetical side, numbers are wanting from the word {\u201cDenmark\u201d} to {\u201cdisc\u201d} inclusive, and from {\u201cgone\u201d} to {\u201cgovernor\u201d} inclusive. I suppose them to have been omitted in copying. will you be so good as to send them to me from yours by the first safe conveyance? compliments to the ladies & to Colo. Smith from Dr. Sir / Your friend & servant\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0162", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 1 August 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n            New York August the 1st. 1785\n          I received your letter by your Son with the pleasure that will always attend such communications from an old and much esteemed friend\u2014 But on this occasion I have been the more happy as it furnished me with an opportunity of shewing civilities to the Son of my friend\u2014 I have had as much of his company as our mutual affairs would permit because I have had the satisfaction to lodge him in my House. Your plan for his education I cannot but approve, since it is the very one that I had chosen for my own Son.\n          It may be admitted as a truth little to be doubted that Merchants are generally keen to discern and ready to pusue their true interest\u2014 This perhaps may be as good a rule as any by which to judge of the propriety of giving time for payment of the debts due from the U. S. to G. B. previous to the War\u2014 Now it is certain that the most knowing Merchants Creditors upon that ground here, have expressed the greatest willingness to consent to receive payment by regular instalments, allowing reasonable time between\u2014the reverse of this, & a rigorous demand of payment as quickly as law pursuits would enable them to recover, they are well aware would be much less conducive to their interest than the first method that I have stated\u2014 And this seems to be the plan generally agreed upon, by instalments I mean\u2014 Permit me Sir to animadvert a little upon the strange objection taken up in G. Britain by some ill informed writers, whose mistakes appear to have affected even Government itself\u2014 It is, that Congress have not power to make effecient Treaties of Commerce\u2014 You know Sir that the Confederation has obtained the solemn legal sanction of every Legislature in the U. States; and is therefore a compact as binding as can exist among Men\u2014 What then does the Confederation say? By the 9th. Article Congress have a clear right to make whatever treaties of Commerce they shall judge proper, subject only to two limitations\u2014 One, that foreigners may be compelled to pay as high duties & imposts as the Subjects people of any State pay\u2014 The 2o. that any State may in Toto prohibit the export or import of any particular Species of Goods\u2014 With respect to the first limitation, is it not one that all States upon earth ought to possess & do actually (I believe exercise)\u2014 And can a British Minister be serious in refusing to make a Commercial Treaty with Congress because they have not power to permit the Subjects of G. B. to Trade with the U. S. under less oppressions than the Citizens of the States pay? Or Can it be supposed that if Congress possessed this power that so unequal a system would ever be agreed to by Congress\u2014 It is not a supposable case, & therefore this limitation can be no true or just ground of objection\u2014 The second & only remaining one, seems to have as little force, because a State must be evidently insane that will in toto prohibit any Species of export or import unless its very existence depends upon such prohibition\u2014 And in that case, the power and the exercise of it is indispensable, and reaching to Self preservation must for ever & will for ever be exercised\u2014 \u2019Tis evident that the interest of States will effectually prevent any such total prohibition unless in the extremity above stated\u2014 And interest is the surest principle for judging how Men & States will Act\u2014 Now then, I say again, that these two limitations excepted (which for the reasons already assigned are no just objections to the making a treaty of Commerce with Congress for want of power) Congress have a clear & unquestioned right to make any treaty the choose\u2014 And it is remarkable that except some factious writers in G. Britain, the objection exists not\u2014 You know that very discerning Nations have treated with us under perfect knowledge of our Confederation, without producing any objection of this kind\u2014 When therefore the people here are informed of such an objection from G. B. they conclude universally that the objection is too feeble to be real, & that the true cause is something else\u2014 That something they are not at a loss to discover, and therefore the general outcry now is, let such regulations be instituted as will put the Trade of G. B. with us under such restraints as may satisfy them that they are mistaken in the supposition that their share of our Commerce will be large as they please, & therefore that no Treaty is necessary\u2014 Let us give decided preferencies to the Ships not only of our own country, but to those of the nations with whom we have Commercial Treaties. It is very evident that these measures will take effect if Britain does not soon depart from her present System, and take up one more liberal\u2014 To be sure, the consequence least prejudicial to them, but which is yet very important, must inevitably take place under their present plan\u2014 to wit, a very contracted use of British Manufactures, because their regulations prevent the means of paying for them & of course will greatly limit the use & the purchase of them\u2014 I lately wrote to you concerning my friend Mr. Thomas Steptoe in India\u2014have you received my letters, and have you had it in your power to do any thing for him? I wish much to know\u2014 Congress have taken measures for exposing to Sale Several Millions of Acres on the N. W. side of the river Ohio, a part of the late cession from Virginia, for the purpose of paying off a considerable part of our domestic debt\u2014 The Soil & Climate of that Country is incomparably fine, and I have no doubt will be greedily purchased with the public Securities\u2014 If this plan succeeds, our debt will soon be removed\u2014\n          Be so kind as present my respectful compliments to Doctor Price, and tell him that I received his packet of pamphlets and distributed them among the Members of Congress who received them very thankfully, and with the respect due to so great & able a defender of the liberties of Mankind\u2014and rights of human nature\u2014\n          I shall always be happy to hear from you, and am, with the highest esteem and most affectionate regard Yours\n            Richard Henry Lee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0163", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 3 August 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\n            New York August 3d 1785\n          The packet has given her Signal this Morning for sailing & I have but an half Hour to write.\n          You son Mr Adams delivered me your Favours of the 25th & 28th of April, & these were More acceptable as they were received from his Hands. I think him a promising Character, that will make a Figure in publick or private Life, & be an Honor to his Country as well as to his Connections. He has had much Attention paid to him in this City, & by Invitation of the president is now in his Family. Mr Dana having given me some Hints respecting his having attended him as private Secretary, I have obtained a Resolve authorizing Mr Dana to charge the publick with his necessary Expences on this Score.\n          We have not yet received an Answer from Governor Rutledge respecting his Appointment to the Hague, but I think it probable that he will accept.\n          Your Opponents in this Quarter are silenced for the present, finding I presume, that You stand on Terra firma. I hope Your Negotiations at the Court of London will be successful & put You above competition; but in any Event I am sure You will manifest both Abilities & Integrity, & do as much as can be done. under such Circumstances, however grateful the Smiles of your Country may be, You will be far above the apprehension of her unmerited Frowns\u2014\n          Monsr de Marbois has withdrawn his Demand of Longchamps, & thus puts an End to that very disagreable Contest\u2014 this he says is by order of his Court\u2014\n          The Cincinnati are not unnoticed nor unsuspected. We have been silent from a principle of Affection for the Officers who compose it. an opportunity has been given them to retract from their unconstitutional, & dangerous Institution: they would have done themselves immortal Honor & confirmed the Affections of their Countrymen by improving the Moment; they have not only neglected this, but have pursued this System with a Refinement of policy. they must therefore be checked, & if in doing this, they loose Reputation, they may with Justice impute the Blame to none but themselves. I think You will before November hear that the Matter has been agitated in Congress\u2014\n          Our Commerce is in a chaotic State, I have no precise Idea of it myself. the Ballance of Trade is against Us at present & drains Us of our Money. but Importations are lessening, because our fundless Speculators cannot get Credit in Europe, & because the Merchant who has Funds, finds no great profit on those Articles from abroad which are not Necessaries, & are classed under the Head of Conveniency & Luxuries. add to this, our Staples are daily increasing, as well those that are taken from the Sea, & that are manufactured as those which are the produce of the Country. The Decrease of our Imports, & Increase of our Exports, afford agreable prospects, & must in Time make the Scales preponderate in our Favour; more especially when by Treaties of Commerce, We shall be able to carry our Staples to the best markets, & purchase what We Want of those who sell cheapest; When in short We shall be able to make the European Merchants bid on each other for our Exports, & undersell each other to have the Advantage of supplying Us.\n          The Requisition is before Congress: but We can do nothing with it at present. I have not Time to give You a Detail of this Business & with my best Respects to the Ladies of your Family & Colo Smith must conclude by assuring You that with the higs Repects I remain yours sincerely", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0164", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 3 August 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            Office for foreign Affairs 3d: August 1785\n          I have had the Honor to receive and communicate to Congress your Letters of 15th: December 1784\n          29 May which enclosed your Correspondence with Lord Carmarthen.\u2014\n          24 April. Congress are pleased to hear that you have compleated the Loan in Holland; but have not directed me to say any Thing of opening a new one. I wish I could assure you that the Exertions of the States to provide for the Payment of the public Debts were proportionate to the public Exigencies\u2014at present they are not\u2014but we flatter ourselves that our Expectations on that Head will yet be realized, and that the different Legislatures at their ensuing Sessions will see the Necessity of adopting more efficient Measures than have hitherto been taken.\u2014\n          I am entirely of Opinion with you that the People of this Country should by a punctilious observance of the Treaty, enable you to insist with more Propriety and Energy on its being kept with equal good Faith by Britain. The Case of the Refugees is a delicate Subject, and my Sentiments respecting it perfectly correspond with yours.\u2014\n          The obliging Terms in which you mention my Appointment to this Office demand my warmest Acknowledgements\u2014be assured that my Endeavours shall not be wanting so to conduct the Business of this Department as to confirm the Opinion you entertain of my Attention to it.\u2014\n          There is Reason to believe that the Demand of Mr. Longchamps will not be persisted in.\u2014\n          4 May. I presume you will not receive a Letter of Recal from your Legation to the Hague, until a Successor shall be appointed. Governor Livingston was elected but declined; and the Answer of Governor Rutledge who has since been appointed, is not yet arrived. Perhaps Circumstances may admit of your making a Trip to the Hague to take Leave in Form; if not, a Letter mentioning in general Terms the Obstacles which detain you would probably be satisfactory to their High Mightinesses.\u2014\n          The Calamities experienced and apprehended by France from the unseasonable Weather of the late Spring are severe; and must naturally have the Tendency you remark, I am happy to inform you that this Country enjoys a plentiful Harvest.\u2014\n          8 May. If Britain should object to the Powers of Congress to form Treaties of Commerce; it will probably be for the Purpose of Delay. There is no Reason to suspect that the different States even wish to send Ministers to foreign Powers in any other Way than the one directed by the Confederation. Nor is it more probable that Congress will refer their proper Business to the Deliberation and Discussion of the different Legislatures; for such Referrences would sap the Foundation of all f\u0153deral Government. Whether any and what Measures may be necessary to obviate the Difficulties you allude to on those Points will best be decided when the Nature and Extent of them can be ascertained. Your Conferences with the Minister will soon put you in Capacity to remove all Doubts on that Head.\n          13 May. The Attentions paid you by the Duke of Dorsett strike me as Marks of his good Sense, and the cautious Manner in which he compared Notes with you shews that much is not to be expected from his Frankness\u2014but whatever may be the Intentions of his Court as to our Frontiers &c, and in whatever Degree of Silence and Mystery they may wish to involve their Designs; your first Conversation with the Minister on those Heads must furnish you at least with a Clue to them.\u2014\n          The expences of the Presentation of yourself and Family, will doubtless be considerable and I have long been of Opinion that your Salary is not equal to what the Expences of a Minister ought to be; for Custom and Fashion often exact a Tribute which however just and virtuous to refuse, is often very expedient to pay. In short your Salary is more than what a private Gentleman may with Care live decently upon, but is less than is necessary to enable you to live as other Ministers usually and generally do. Whether Congress will make any Alterations in this Respect is very uncertain. There are Men in all the States who make a Merit of saving Money, in small Matters, without sufficiently attending to the Consequences of it.\u2014\n          29 May. I congratulate you sincerely on your Arrival in London; and think you was very right in settling all Matters of Etiquette with the Marquis of Carmarthen previous to your Presentation. A Letter of Credence to the Queen was I believe neither heard nor thought of here\u2014 I think it would be well to make further Enquiries respecting that Matter, so that we may form some Judgement of the Tenor and Contents of such Letters. I wish you had informed me whether such a Letter could with Propriety yet be sent You, or whether it would be better to be silent about the Omission and only take care not to repeat it on a future Occasion. Your Opinion would be the more decisive, because you may learn with Certainty whether such a Letter is yet expected from Congress. At any Rate I think it would be well to give Assurances that the Omission proceeded not from Want of Respect but from Want of Information; for that undoubtedly was the Fact.\u2014\n          30 May. Your communicating to the Danish Minister a Copy of the Resolution of the 21st. March was rendered very proper by Mr. de St. Saphorin\u2019s having been recalled\n          On the 25th: March last the Papers you allude to, respecting the Morocco Business were forwarded to Capt. Lamb by a Messenger whom he sent for them\u2014 At what Time exactly he sailed I am not informed, though I am persuaded it must have been very soon after the Return of his Messenger.\n          1 June. It gives me Pleasure to hear that your Reception at St. James was such as you represent it; I flatter myself that the Difficulties you expect to encounter will be surmounted by the like Address and temperate Perseverance which gave Success to your Negociations in Holland.\u2014\n          I hope by the next Conveyance to be enabled to communicate to you some Directions of Congress respecting the Payment of the Salaries of yourself and the other public Ministers and Servants in Europe. I made a Report on that Subject to Congress the 1st. April last, which is still under their Consideration.\u2014\n          You will receive some of our latest Newspapers, and the Journals of Congress from the 1st. March to 19th: June last\n          I have the Honor to be with great Respect and Esteem / Dr: Sir / Your most obt. and very hble: Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0165", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Augt. 4. 1785\n          Yesterday our Friend Mr Short arrived. Mr Dumas had never any Commission from Congress, and therefore can have no Title under the United States. He never had any other Authorization than a Letter from Dr Franklin and another from the Committee of Secret Correspondence, in the year 1775. I wish he had a regular Commission. I direct my Letters to Monsieur C. W. F. Dumas a la Haye, only. I Should advise you to allow Mr Short a Guinea a day except Sundays, which will amount to Something near your Ideas.\n          Houdons Life may be insured for five Per Cent. two for the Life and three for the Voyage. I mentioned it at Table with Several Merchants; they all agreed that it would not be done for less. But Dr Price, who was present undertook to enquire and inform me. His answer is, that it may be done at an Office in Hackney for five Per Cent. He cannot yet Say for less, but will endeavour to reduce it a little. You may write to the Dr to get it done, and he will reduce it, if possible. I will let you know by Mr Short, how far I have ventured in conformity to the Propositions you inclose, knowing your sentiments before, but I think We had better wait sometime before We propose them any where else.\n          Mr Samuel Watson a Citizen of the U. States, & settled at Charlestown S. C. as a Merchant, Sailed from thence about two Years ago, for the Havannah, and has not been heard of Since till lately a Gentleman from the Havannah has reported that a Mr Watson from Charlestown was taken in the Bay of Mexico & carried into Carthagena, from thence Sent to the Castle of St Juan, de Ullua la Vera Cruz and afterwards Sent to Trascala, where it is Supposed he is at present. His Father and numerous Relations are very anxious for his Fate, and earnestly beg that you would interest yourself with the Comte D\u2019Aranda and Mr Charmichael for his Release, but if that cannot be had in full that you would endeavour to procure his removal to Old Spain, that his Friends may hear from him, and gain Intelligence respecting the Property he may have left in Carolina. I have written to Charmichael, and intend to Speak to Don Del Campo.\n          Pray Send me the Arr\u00eat against English Manufactures and every other new Arr\u00eat, which may any Way affect the United States. it is confidently given out here that our Vessells are not admitted into the French W. Indias. has there been any new Arret, Since that of August 1784? Can you discover the Cause, of the great Ballance of Exchange in favour of England, from France, Spain, Holland, &c as well as America? and whether this Appearance of Prosperity will continue? I think that at the Peace, the British Merchants sent their Factors abroad with immense quantities of their Manufactures, the whole Stock they had on hand. These Factors have sold as they could, and bought Remittances especially Bills of Exchange as they could, i.e very dear. So that the loss, on the Exchange is that of the British Merchant. and consequently that this appearance is not so much in favour of England.\u2014 Spain I expect will follow the Example of France in prohibiting Brit. Manufactures, at least if Del Campo does not make a commercial Treaty with Woodward who is appointed to treat with him. But the Diplomaticks are of opinion nothing will be done with him, nor with Crawford. The two Years expire in January.\u2014 if Crawford is likely to do any Thing be so good as to let me know, it.\n          The Words \u201cShip and Sailor,\u201d Still turn the Heads of this People. They grudge to every other People, a Single Ship and a Single Seaman.\u2014 The Consequence of this Envy, in the End, will be the loss of all their own.\u2014 They Seem at present to dread American Ships and Seamen more than any other. Their Jealousy of our Navigation is so Strong, that it is odds if it does not Stimulate them to hazard their own Revenue.\n          I am, my dear sir, with Sincere Esteem / your Freind\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0166", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 4 August 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, John\n            Leicester fields August 4th. 1785.\n          The request I am going to make, will perhaps at the first blush appear singular\u2014this you\u2019ll excuse\u2014If improper\u2014I shall ever acknowledge myself obliged by being candidly told so\u2014and in this, as well as in every other matter, I will chearfully give way to your superior judgement, and regulate my conduct by your advice, as far as you think proper to honour me with it.\n          If there is a probability of your Excellency\u2019s not having an occasion for me for some time, either for your private concerns or the business of your mission\u2014I would request your permission to take a small tour on the Continent\u2014 a general Review of the Prussian Army takes place the latter end of this or the beginning of the next month, I should like to see it\u2014 and if you approve of it, I will sett off in the course of the next week\u2014and if not\u2014I shall be happy in the oppertunity of convincing you with what chearfulness, I shall submit to you decision\u2014 with the highest respect / I am / your Excellency\u2019s / most Obedient / Humble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0167", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 5 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\n            Grosvenor Square August 5th. 1785\n          In answer to your Letter of yesterday, you will give me leave to say, that your assistance and advice, has been at all times so usefull and agreable to me, that I should loose the advantage of it with reluctance if it were only for a few Weeks, or even day\u2019s\u2014 nevertheless the month of august is so dull and so disgusting & unwholesome in London the Place is so deserted by Men of Business as well as others, that I believe it will be the best time to take an Excurtion, on all accounts\n          The General Review of the Prussian Army, is an Object Worthy of your Ambition to see, and therefore I will chearfully consent to your making the tour, and will only ask the favour, of your return, as soon as may be\u2014 I shall only add a request, that you would enquire in every City where you go, concerning the Prohibitions & Duties which are imposed on our American Commodities of all Sorts, particularly Tobacco & Oil, and whether we cannot obtain Marketts, where monopolies & exclusions are less Idolized\u2014 You would do well to enquire too how the Cities are illuminated, and what Manufactures may be had, especially in Prussia, with whose soveriegn we have just concluded an honourable Treaty\u2014\n          with great Esteem\u2014I have the Honour to be Sir / your most obedient and most / humble Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0169", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Baron von Thulemeier, 5 August 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: Adams, John\n          Les deux lettres dont Vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9, Monsieur, en date du 16 & 24 Juillet, m\u2019ont \u00e9t\u00e9 successivement tr\u00e8s bien rendues. J\u2019\u00e9cris aujourd\u2019hui \u00e0 Berlin pour obtenir les \u00e9claircissemens que Vous me demandez, sur la consommation du tabac de Virginie, de l\u2019indigo, & de l\u2019huile de Spermaceti dans les Etats du Roi, & je m\u2019empresserai \u00e0 Vous les faire parvenir, d\u00e8s que je serai suffisamment instruit \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard. Mr Schort, dont Vous m\u2019annoncez la prochaine arriv\u00e9e, sera accueilli avec toute la distinction qu\u2019il peut exiger de ma part, d\u2019autant plus qu\u2019\u00e9tant porteur du Trait\u00e9 de Commerce que j\u2019ai eu l\u2019avantage de n\u00e9gocier avec Vous, Votre Ami & celui de Monsieur Jefferson, ce sont autant de titres r\u00e9unis pour m\u2019engager \u00e0 appr\u00e9cier infiniment la connoissance que je Serai \u00e0 port\u00e9e de faire de lui.\n          J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, / Monsieur, / Votre tr\u00e8s-humble et tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e8issant / serviteur,\n            de Thulemeier\n          TRANSLATION\n          The two letters with which you honored me, sir, dated 16 and 24 July, were successively well delivered to me. I am writing to Berlin today to obtain the clarifications you requested from me on the consumption of Virginia tobacco, indigo, and spermaceti oil in the king\u2019s realms, and I will hasten to send them to you as soon as I am sufficiently informed in this regard. Mr. Short, whose forthcoming arrival you report to me, will be received with all of the distinction he may expect from me, all the more so as he will be the carrier of the treaty of commerce which I had the privilege to negotiate with you and your colleague Mr. Jefferson. All of these reasons combine to persuade me to greatly anticipate the opportunity to make his acquaintance.\n          I have the honor to be, with the most distinguished consideration, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant\n            de Thulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0172", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Aug. 7. 1785\n          As to the Cask of Wine at Auteuil, it is not paid for. if you will pay for it and take it, you will oblige me. by a Sample of it, which I tasted it is good Wine, and very, extreamly cheap.\n          I am happy to find We agree So perfectly in the Change which is made in the Project.\u2014 The Dye is cast. The Proposal is made. Let them ruminate upon it.\u2014\n          I thought of proposing a Tariff of Duties, that We might pay no more in their Ports than they Should pay in ours. but their Taxes are So essential to their Credit, that it is impossible for them to part with any of them, and We Should not choose to oblige ourselves to lay on as heavy ones. We are at Liberty to do it, however, when We please.\n          If the English will not abolish their Aliens Duty, relatively to Us, We must establish an Alien Duty in all the United States. an Alien Duty against England alone will not answer the End. She will elude it by employing Dutch, French, Sweedish, or any other ships, and by frenchifying, dutchifying or Sweedishizing her own Ships. If the English will persevere in excluding our Ships from their West India Islands, Canada, Nova Scotia, & Newfoundland, and in demanding any Alien Duty of Us in their Ports within the Realm, and in refusing to american built Ships the Priviledges of british built Ships, We must take an higher Ground, a Vantage Ground. We must do more than lay on Alien Duties. We must take measures by which the Increase of Shipping and Seamen will be not only encouraged, but rendered inevitable. We must adopt in all the States the Regulations which were once made in England, 5. Ric. 2. c. 3. and ordain that no American Citizen, or Denizen, or alien friend or Ennemy, Shall Ship any Merchandize out of, or into the United States, but only in Ships built in the United States and navigated with an American Captain and three fourths American Seamen.\u2014 I Should be Sorry to adopt a Monopoly. but, driven to the necessity of it, I would not do Business by the Halves. The French deserve it of Us as much as the English; for they are as much Ennemies to our Ships & Mariners. Their Navigation Acts are not quite So Severe as those of Spain Portugal and England, as they relate to their Colonies I mean\u2014 But they are not much less so. and they discover as strong a Lust to annihilate our navigation as any body.\u2014\n          Or might We modify a little? might We lay a Duty of ten per Cent on all Goods imported in any but Ships built in the United States, without Saying any Thing about Seamen?\n          If We were to prohibit all foreign Vessells from carrying on our Coasting Trade, i.e, from trading from one State to another, and from one Port to another in the Same State, We Should do Something, for this Commerce will be So considerable as to employ many Ships and many Seamen; of So much the more Value to Us as they will be always at home and ready for the Defence of their Country. But if We Should only prohibit Importations, except in our own Bottoms or in the Bottoms of the Country or Nation of whose Grouth or Production the Merchandizes are, We Should do nothing effectual against Great Britain. She would desire nothing better than to Send her Productions to our Ports in her own Bottoms and bring away ours in return.\n          I hope the Members of Congress and the Legislatures of the States will Study the British Acts of Navigation, and make themselves Masters of their Letter and Spirit, that they may judge how far they can be adopted by Us, and indeed whether they are Sufficient to do Justice to our Citizens in their Commerce with Great Britain.\n          There is another Enquiry which I hope our Countrymen will enter upon, and that is, what Articles of our Produce will bear a Duty upon Exportation? all Such Duties are paid by the Consumer, and therefore are so much clear gain. Some of our Commodities will not bear any Such Duties; on the contrary, they will require Encouragement by Bounties: But I Suspect that Several Articles would bear an handsome Impost.\n          We Shall find our Commerce a complicated Machine and difficult to manage, and I fear We have not many Men, who have turned their Thoughts to it. It must be comprehended by Somebody in its System and in its detail, before it will be regulated as it Should be.\n          With great and Sincere Esteem, I am, dear sir, your / most obedient\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0173", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 8 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster August. 8. 1785.\n          It would be of little Consequence to Us, whether there was a Union between Great Britain and Ireland or not, or whether Mr Pitts 20 Propositions are accepted or not, provided both these Countries Should be allowed to trade with the United States upon free and equal Terms, but the design is too apparent at least too suspicious, of drawing Ireland into the Shackles of the navigation Acts, in order that the three Kingdoms may be made to act in concert in maintaining that System of monopoly, against Us.\n          Several Speakers in Parliament, and many Writers have lately thrown out hints of an Union with Ireland and a certain Printer and Bookseller, is now employed in reprinting Daniel De Foe\u2019s Book upon the Union with Scotland, to which he has engaged Mr De Lolme, to write an Introduction.\u2014 This is all a ministerial opperation and is intended to be pushed, if Mr Pitts 20 Propositions Should either be rejected by the Irish Parliament, or give too much Discontent to the Volunteers.\n          The 20 Propositions, and the Bill which is grounded on them betray too clearly the Intentions of the Ministry.\n          \u201cWhereas it is highly and equally important to the Interests both of Great Britain and Ireland, and essential to the Objects of the present Settlement, that the Laws for regulating Trade and Navigation, so far as relates to securing exclusive Priviledges to the Ships and Mariners of Great Britain and Ireland, and the British Colonies and Plantations, and so far as relates to the regulating and restraining the Trade of the British Colonies and Plantations, Should be the same, in Great Britain and Ireland, and that all Such Laws in both Kingdoms Should impose the same restraints, and confer the same Benefits, on the Subjects of both, which can only be effected by the Laws to be passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms, (the Parliament of Great Britain being alone competent to bind the People of Great Britain in any Case whatever, and the Parliament of Ireland being alone competent to bind the People of Ireland in any Case whatever,) therefore be it enacted declared, that it Shall be held and adjudged to be a fundamental and essential Condition of the present Settlement, that the Laws for regulating Trade and navigation So far as the said Laws relate to the Securing exclusive Priviledges to the Ships and Mariners of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Colonies and Plantations, Shall be the same in Great Britain and Ireland, and shall impose the same Restraints and confer the Same benefits on the Subjects of both Kingdoms\n          \u201cThat all Priviledges, Advantages and Immunities, which are now granted, or Shall, by any law to be passed by the Parliament of Great Britain be hereafter granted, to Ships built in Great Britain, or to Ships belonging to any of his Majestys Subjects residing in Great Britain, or to Ships manned by British Seamen or to Ships manned by certain Proportions of British Seamen Shall, to all Intents and Purposes whatever, be enjoyed in the Same manner, and under the same regulations and Restrictions respectively by Ships built in Ireland, or by Ships belonging to any of his Majestys Subjects residing in Ireland, or by Ships manned by Irish Seamen, or by Ships manned by certain Proportions of Irish Seamen.\n          \u201cThat it Shall be held and adjudged to be a fundamental and essential Condition of the present Settlement, that such Regulations as are now, or hereafter shall be, in force, by law, passed or to be passed in the Parliament of Great Britain, for securing exclusive Priviledges, Advantages, and Immunities, as aforesaid to the Ships and Mariners of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Colonies and Plantations, shall be established in Ireland, for the same time, and to the same manner, as in Great Britain, by Laws to be passed in the Parliament of Ireland, within blank months &c\u2014provided, that the Laws So to be passed in the Parliament of Great Britain, for the purposes aforesaid, Shall impose the same restraints, and confer the same benefits on the Subjects of Great Britain and Ireland.\n          \u201cThat it shall be held and adjudged to be a fundamental and essential Condition of the present Settlement, that the People of Ireland now Irish Sail Cloth Shall be deemed British Sail Cloth, within the meaning of 19. G. 2. or any other Act or Acts of Parliament respecting the furnishing of Ships with British Sail Cloth, and that Irish Sail Cloth shall be entitled to equal Preference and Advantage as British for the Use of the British Navy. That it Shall be held and adjudged to be a fundamental and essential Condition of the present Settlement, that all Goods of the Grouth Produce or Manufacture of any British, or of any foreign Colony in America, or in the West Indies, or of any of the British or foreign Settlements on the Coast of Africa, and all Peltry Rum, train Oil, and Whale Fins, being the grouth, Produce, or manufacture of the Countries belonging to the United States of America, or being the Produce of the Fisheries carried on by the Subjects of the United States of America, Shall, on importation into Ireland, be made Subject to the Same Duties and regulations as the like goods are, or from time to time Shall be, Subject to on Importation into Great Britain; or, if prohibited from being imported into Great Britain, Shall in like manner be prohibited from being imported into Ireland.\u201d\n          These Extracts from the Bill for finally regulating the Intercourse and Commerce between Great Britain and Ireland, moved in the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, are Sufficient Evidence of a Design to draw Ireland into a Combination against America. This Jealousy of our Ships and Mariners, Sir, is not peculiar to the English. The French are equally possessed of it, and both are infected with it, to such a degree, that I am confident that each of these nations had rather contribute to the Increase of the others Ships and Mariners than those of the United States. it would not Surprize me, at all, if these two Courts which can agree in nothing else, Should combine together to exclude Us, from every branch of the carrying Trade, and every Advantage of the Whale Fishery.\n          What Shall We do, to defend ourselves? Shall We confine the Exportation of the Produce of the United States, to the Ships and Mariners of the United States? To increase the English Navy, the Statute of the 5. Ric. 2. c. 3. enacted, that \u201cnone of the Kings liege People Should Ship any Merchandize out of, or into the Realm, but only in Ships of the Kings ligeance, on pain of Forfeiture.\u201d if the United States were able and willing to imitate this Statute, and confine all our Exports and Imports to Ships built in the United States and navigated, with American Seamen, or three quarters, American Seamen, or one half or even one third American Seamen, what would be the Consequence?\n          We Should not have at first enough either of Ships or Seamen to export the Produce and import what would be wanted from abroad. But We Should See multitudes of People instantly employed in Building Ships, and multitudes of others immediately becoming Sailors, and the time would not be long, before We Should have enough of both.\u2014 The People of the United States, have Shewn themselves capable of great Exertions, and possessed of Patience, Courage and Perseverance and willing to make large Sacrifices, to the general Interest. But are they capable of this Exertion? are they possessed of Patience Courage and Perseverance, enough to encounter, the Losses and Embarrassments, which would at first be occasioned, by an Exclusion of foreign Ships. I wish I could know the Number of foreign ships which have entered the Ports of the United States Since the Peace. including English French, Dutch Italian and Sweedish Vessells, the Number must be very great. if all these Ships and Seamen were American, what Materials would they furnish for a Navy in Case of need?\u2014 How would this be received by foreign Nations? Spain and Portugal, would Say nothing, because they have no Ships in our Trade. France has few; Italy would have no right to object, nor Germany, Russia, Sweeden or Denmark. it would be laying an Ax at the Root of British Commerce Revenue and naval Power, however Slightly they may think of Us Whether an heavy Duty, upon all foreign Vessells, Such as should opperate as a decisive encouragement to American Ships, would not answer the End as well, I am not able to judge.\n          The Provisions of the Act of Navigation 12. Car. 2. c. 18. would not be sufficient for our Purpose. if the United States Should agree in a Law that no goods Should be suffered to be imported into the United States, in any other than American Bottoms, (navigated by an American Master and three fourths of the Seamen American), or in the ships of that European nation, of which the Merchandize imported was the genuine Growth or Manufacture, this would not accomplish our Wish, because British and Irish Ships, would desire no other than to import into our States the Manufactures of the British Empire and to export our Produce in the same Bottoms. Some of the Brittish Statutes, prohibit foreigners to carry on the Coasting Trade that is to go from one Port to another in Great Britain, and this Regulation will now be extended to Ireland if the 20 Propositions are accepted. a Similar Regulation might be adopted by the United States, and this would be a vast encouragement to our Navigation, for the Intercourse between one State and another and between one Port and another of the Same State, will now be so frequent and considerable as to employ many ships and Mariners, and in these the greatest Strength of a Country consists because, they are always at home ready to fight for the Defence of their Firesides.\n          if We should get over our Aversion to Monopolies and Exclusions, and adopt the Selfish unsocial Principles of the European Nations, particularly of France and England, We Should astonish the World, with a Navy in a very few Years not more than Eight or ten, equal perhaps to the third maritime Power in Europe. This would be amply Sufficient for our Defence. European Statesmen know it, better than We do, and dread it, more than We desire it, because they think that from that Period all the West India Islands Canada and Nova Scotia, the Floridas and Mexico too would be mad to join Us. Why then will England pursue Measures, which will force Us to try Experiments against our Inclinations? There is no answer to be given to this Question but the same which must be given to another, Why did She force Us into Independence? The Nation is infatuated and every Successive Minister must be infatuated too, or loose his Popularity and his Place. nor is France much less infatuated, in her System of Politicks relative to America. The Jealousy of our Navigation is so Strong, and so common to both, that I should not be at all Surprized if France should agree that England Shall carry her Point in Ireland, draw her into the navigation Monopoly, and agree together to keep Peace with one another, and force Us, if they can out of every Nursery for Seamen. I know that French Noblemen are in England and English Gentlemen in France, preaching up to each other, a Terror of our naval Power, and even the late Arret against British Manufactures may be but a Blind, to cover very different designs. Both Courts are capable of Such Dissimulation, and they are now acting in Concert in Germany So much to the disgust of the two Imperial Courts, that I confess I dont admire this appearance of Friendship any more than I can account for it.\n          It will require all the Wisdom and all the Firmness of Congress and the states, to plan and execute the Measures necessary to counteract all these Wiles\n          With great and Sincere Esteem, I have the Honour / to be, dear sir, your most obedient and most / humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0176", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Bowdoin, James\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your removal from the Hague to London, in the character of Plenipotentiary, gives a general & great pleasure. The abilities so successfully exerted in the Treaty of Peace, will, if any thing can, procure a happy issue to the negociations for settling a commercial Treaty with Great Britain.\u2014 Mr Higginson by this opportunity sends you a well written letter on the state & circumstances of our Trade.\u2014 May you succeed as happily in the latter Treaty as in the former.\n          In our transactions with foreigners, especially british, it is necessary they should be made sensible, we have a spirit of resentment; & that it will be shewn when occasions offer.\n          The british Frigate Mercury, commanded by Capt Stanhope, arrived here the 12th. of July. For his coming here no reason can be assigned, unless to seek an opportunity to affront the Government. There are circumstances, that indicate such a design: but the unequivocal & direct insult upon it will appear by several letters, which passed between him & me: a Copy of which with a Letter of mine to our delegates in Congress on the subject, was sent to them by the last Post. It is apprehended, that Congress will shew a proper spirit of resentment on this occasion; & that in that case, your Excellency will hear from them relative to it. In the mean time I have the honour to inclose to you a Copy of all those letters; which I mean for your private information, until Congress shall express their mind to you on the subject of th[em.]\n          Enclosed is a Copy of a deposition of one Jesse Dunbar, which will shew the nature & occasion, of the affront given to Capt Stanhope; that it was the Act of a few individuals only, who could not restrain their resentment of the ill usage they had received from him; & that the Mob (of whom he complains) were the Persons, who interfered in his behalf & prevented those Men from hurting him\u2014 Their conduct however, is not to be justified, though a natural expression of a sense of injury.\u2014 Dunbar gave his Deposition on the assurance it would not be used to criminate himself or his Companions. Some use may be made of it to counteract Mr: Stanhope\u2019s declarations.\u2014\n          The enclosed Memoirs, taken from a Volume of our American Academy, now printing here, may afford you half an hour\u2019s amusement.\n          Wishing you every happiness, & success in your negociations, / I have the honour to be, / Dear sir, / Your most Obedt. hb\u0303le Servt.\n            James Bowdoin\n            I was just now told that Capt Stanhope, on the day of his going down with his Ship to Nantasket, wch. was the 3d. Instant pm, Sent word to some Company, whom he had invited on board his Ship, that he was ordered out of the harbour, & therefore could not See them.\u2014 What were his motives for this declaration I do not know: but I must inform you, it is wholly a falsehood.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0177", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Jonathan Jackson, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Jackson, Jonathan\nTo: Adams, John\n          I had the pleasure of receiving your Letter from Paris of the 18th. March just before I embarked from Ireland for America\u2014 but had not the pleasure till my Arrival here of being informed that you were appointed Minister to the Court of London where we are told that you are removed with your Family & where I expect this to meet you Since my Arrival which was in May I have postponed writing to you expecting from week to week to see your Son John whom Mrs Adams in her obliging PS to your Letter informed me was to leave France in that month\u2014 he is arrived at N York I find & Deacon Smith tells me is every day expected here\u2014 Our passage out was a short & agreeable one excepting the Sickness & Death of young Temple with the Smallpox\u2014 I had the pleasure of finding my Family & friends all well, & of finding many of yours interested in the Enquiry how I had left you & your Family\u2014\n          We have had here a Change in the Administration, if the putting out one Govr & putting in another can be said to constitute a Change\u2014& I dont see but it was as quietly conducted as Changes in the Administration where you are are managed or more so\u2014& the parties now out are of as little consequence as generally there\u2014& some of the knowing ones here say will never get in again\u2014& that you know cannot always be predicated of English Outs\u2014\n          But as I went away so have I returned tired of Politics & willing to leave them to any who know how to manage them\u2014only with the Reserve of my share of personal Liberty, which I must confess that I am still more fond of since visiting Europe where so few have any liberty at all. wishing at the same time as they have it here so abundantly in their power they would manage with Policy enough to be Dupes to no foreign Influence however foolish they might behave among themselves\u2014 This may be like a Family pride which is natural perhaps to all of us, we don\u2019t wish others should interfere in the Disagreements in our own small Societies\u2014 I could wish to see a more laudable Pride in the Constituents of our new Republic\u2014 they appear to me composed of a strange mixture of Haughtiness & independant principles on the one hand\u2014neither willing to manage themselves nor to devolve sufficient power into proper hands to manage their Affairs for them, & on the other hand so devoted to the pursuit of Gain & to their own personal private Interest as in general to be quite regardless how or by whom their public Affairs are conducted\u2014 Nothing perhaps but general Calamity will move the people or ever does to feel & to exert themselves\u2014 every year convinces me more & more that we in this Country are young in the Science of Politics, & with the fairest opportunity to found a most permanent Government, disinterested in it\u2019s Management excepting for the public Good, we are still liable & much exposed to missrearing the fair Fabric, or when raised to have it marred & despoiled, owing to the little paltry passions which govern us & which at the same time we are ashamed to avow\u2014 Mankind are a strange Compound make the best of them, & notwithstanding their vapouring about Liberty & the high Relish they profess to have for it, I begin to doubt if one in an hundred of them have any genuine principles of the Matter inherent in them, or know wherein it consists, or when obtained how to enjoy it\u2014 perhaps this ever has & ever will be the Case & without some Patriot to step in, to direct & to inspire, like an Herd without a Leader they will stray & wander one knows not where\u2014 We want an Exemplum Regis as your Expression is in your last Letter, or something which will concenter our Veiws & lead them to a fixed point, an Object worth pursuing\u2014 this the People at large never were & never will be able to find out & to pursue\u2014it must be the Business of a few\u2014& made their Business both from Motives of Interest & of Ambition\u2014 Congress as at present appointed never appeared to me competent to this Business\u2014 they have not sufficient Stability collectively or individually\u2014 there is not permanency enough in their Appointment to induce them generally to qualify themselves for their Employment\u2014to take it up & follow it as a Business\u2014 there has appeared to me ever since I have known our public Affairs, a capital Defect thr\u00f4out our Appointments\u2014 that of too loosely appointing\u2014not permanently enough to make public Business worth their full Attention\u2014& on the side of the People not requiring their whole Attention paying them properly for it & thereby creating a Responsibility in all Men put into Office\u2014 did our Institutions tend more or sufficiently to this point, fewer Men as Managers would then answer our Purpose\u2014& if I am not mistaken every well managed Government in Europe perhaps thr\u00f4 out the World is actually conducted by a Few\u2014 this is an Art of governing we have not arrived at but \u2019till we do I despair of good Government\u2014 The Representation in Congress has always been a very unequal one in my opinion\u2014a present great Evil & an increasing one\u2014which while it continues will of necessity require their Affairs to be managed by Party & Cabal\u2014 but the present greatest Evil is the total Inefficiency in the present f\u0153deral Head as now endowed with Power, to pay or even to promise any thing & the consequent Disease in all their Actions neither themselves feeling strong nor others considering them so\u2014 Two principles both strongly rooted in us all, will I fear tend to the Continuance of this Evil\u2014the one apparently a good one in Republicans, the Fear of trusting too much power in the hands of the Individuals who are to govern\u2014the other a Lothness too common in all ranks to pay their just Dues, & by it to support public Credit\u2014 this principle is too operative every where, & may in some Instances produce the appearance of the other\u2014\n          To have our f\u0153deral Government well organized & balanced anew, to determine the Objects worthy their Pursuit & to pursue them, would require the Combination of a few of the ablest & best Men thro\u2019 the States, and yet such Combination must not appear, or the Jealousy of proud Individuals not in the Party will like the Dog in the Manger defeat it\u2014but I fear we are too young & inexperienced sufficiently to have balanced our Interests, & too jealous if we could systematize a plan to have Confidence enough in each other to pursue it to Effect\u2014\n          When in England I felt in a degree provoked with them at their apparent Indifference to meet us or to treat with us, tho\u2019 it was not difficult to account for their Conduct if only from their feelings\u2014 yet when returned here as soon as I found a Commission had gone forward to their Court, it appeared to me our best Policy was to wait the Event of that Approach on our side, & of their Consul General to us, & the consequence of such Impressions as our Minister might effect among them, rather than by harsh Expedients & yet feeble ones\u2014(when unaccompanied by the other States\u2014whom too we may alarm by first moving by ourselves in these measures\u2014) to irritate that haughty Spirit which cannot yet brook our Seperation, & can feel no Comfort in the Reflection that the Fault lays with themselves\u2014besides it is giving their Negotiators the Oppy to say\u2014\u201cwhat signifies our Treating with you as the Negotiator of Congress when your seperate Sovereignties take upon them national Acts & may contravene our Treaty as soon as it is agreed upon\u201d\u2014 there may be too much Colour for all this from what has already been practised since your Treaty of Novr 1782\u2014 I drop\u2019d these Hints to a few of our Politicians since my Return\u2014but being out of the Line & wishing never again to be in it, or feel too anxious about it, my small Voice was scarcely heard\u2014\n          I must confess myself so selfish as to wish for the remainder of my Life to see days of Ease & Peace in our Country\u2014& if we have Discretion enough rightly to improve them it is a Rest from which we may rise with increased Strength\u2014 still if Britain & all Europe are so jealous of us, as to combine to cramp us & sink us if possible, I feel not a Disposition tamely to submit, but having gone thus far would finish the Course by a manly Opposition to the last, & \u2019till we prevail, or a total Extirpation finishes us\u2014 but this is an Enthusiasm which does not generally prevail & I fear is not now to be excited\u2014& should any thing soon call for great & spirited Exertions in the people of this Country, from the lowness of public Credit & the want of Confidence in any public Measures which could be proposed by the Government which subsists, I fear they would too tamely submit to foreign Influence, or at least put themselves under the Direction of those who with specious Art would promise fair but would entrap & deceive them\u2014\n          The picture I have now drawn is a gloomy one & may in part be the Creature of my own Imagination, still I wish my good sir it may be in your power to brighten our Prospects & dispel my Fears\u2014 none here I beleive doubt your Inclination to do it, & I know of none who doubt your Abilities if it can be done\u2014 much I know is expected by many, & if you should not succeed equal to the sanguine Expectations of some, you have friends who will attribute it to the just Cause\u2014\n          I suppose you must have seen Mr Temple before his Departure from England if he has yet left it\u2014 this will be no Disadvantage to either side perhaps\u2014you have a right to his Confidence & if I am not mistaken can influence his Opinion, as much as he has a right to either with you\u2014 if he be not gone please to present my Compliments & [the same] to Mrs Temple\u2014 Mrs Adams & your Daughter will I hope accept of my most affectionate Compliments & of Mrs Jackson\u2019s\u2014 I hope the Ladies like England as well as France at least\u2014 our likeness of Language may lead to some Gratifications which they could not have in so high a degree there\u2014but to pass current at the British Court they may perhaps have almost to learn a new Language\u2014at least in Accent & pronunciation\u2014\n          At your Leisure I will hope now & then to hear from you\u2014 it will always give me pleasure to hear that you & your Family are in Health & Enjoy themselves\u2014 it will also give me pleasure to hear that your Success bears some proportion to our Wishes & the Expectations of many\u2014being with very great respect & esteem\u2014 / Dear Sir / your friend & most obedt Servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0179", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Philip Mazzei, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Mazzei, Philip\nTo: Adams, John\n          The day before yesterday I took the liberty to trouble you with a few lines by Mr. Prentis, & expressed my determination to do it more at large by the next opportunity, which now offers in Dr. Bancraft. Knowing my way of thinking you must, I suppose, have been surprised at hearing my return to Europe. The friendship with which you have constantly honored me, ever since I had the pleasure to become acquainted with you, requires, I think, that I should inform you of my reasons, for such a step, or at least will afford me a title to do it.\n          When I was appointed by my State to go to Europe, I sold every thing I had in it, except lands, & put all the money I received in the State-Loan-Office, desiring my Attorneys to do the same of the money they should receive after my departure, which was conformably done. The part I took in the Spring of 1780, at the time you exerted all your abilities to justify Congress in their resolution of calling in the paper-money at 40. for 1; must have fully convinced you, Sir, of my sentiments against the strangely unjust notion, that individuals should receive an equal sum of real money for the nominal they had lent the Public. But I thought, as I do still, that, it being impossible to ascertain the exact value of it, the States ought rather to have run the risque of losing some thing, than have ruined those who had assisted them at a critical & calamitous season. The scale of depreciation of the State of Virginia, Sir, has been the ruin of a great many; in which affair I have suffered more than others for several reasons, one of which seems to indicate, that the Majority among the Managers of public affairs think they are Advocates for their employers, rather than impartial & discreet Judges between the Public & private individuals. There is to add that, besides our capital having been reduced to a mere trifle, we have not yet received a farthing for interest.\n          From the conversations I had with the Govr., who employed me, I understood that I should be allowed 1000. Louis d\u2019ors per annum for my expenditures. Having never received remittances from the State while in Europe, I was obliged to contract large debts, besides having sold in a hurry, & consequently to a great disadvantage, 2. small estates I had in Tuscany. I was obliged to live in Europe in a manner becoming a public Agent, to save the credit of the State, & to facilitate the execution of the business intrusted to me; likewise to undertake many expensive journeys, to entertain an extensive correspondence, & to import news-papers at a considerable expence (particularly from Great britain) for the purpose of confuting the falsities spread to our disadvantage by the Enemy. Considering that many times I had been forced to raise money at a great loss, that I had the interest to pay for several years, & that I had been exposed to extraordinary expences on account of my captivity, I expected to be looked upon as a good economist, having not exceeded in the whole the sum mentioned to me for my expences by the above-said Govr., & which ought to have been punctually remitted to me. In the settlement of my accounts with the Executive, I was allowed about the half of that sum, the reasons of which Mr. Short, who was then a member of it, will be more able to explain, than I could.\n          Thus situated, I did morgage the produce of my Effects in Virginia to my Creditors in Europe, cheafly to preserve my honor in case of death, & am come over to give them personal satisfaction in regard to my conduct towards them, & to endeavour to do some thing towards procuring me a subsistence in my old age, which I hope may not last so long as to become a curse.\n          The exact truth of these things must remain among us. I would not for the World that the People in Europe should Know in what manner our domestic affairs have been conducted. In speaking of my own to my Friends, I shall be very attentive to save the honour, & even delicacy of our country, as I did in writing the history, progress, & end of our paper-money.\n          Having now told you my motives for coming to Europe, I will pass to some thing else more pleasing. From my own observations, & from the letters of my Friends in several States, I have the pleasure to inform you, that the notions of giving proper consistency to the Confederation gain ground every day, & in every State. I saw with the greatest satisfaction, that the expectation from our growing youth in America is very promising; and from what I have seen & learnt during my stay in New-York, there is not a Member of Congress, who has any influence over another.\n          I take the liberty to inclose you a printed paper for your perusal. In my next I shall trouble you with my reasons for having thought of estabilishing such a Society. In the mean time I beg you never to forget, that you will greatly contribute to my happiness, by affording me opportunities to obey your commands, & to be instrumental in any thing which may tend to promote the interest & honor of our Country.\n          I have the honor to be most respectfully, / Dear Sir, / Your Excellency\u2019s most Humble / & most Obedient Servant\n            Philip Mazzei", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0180", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 12 August 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam 12 August 1785\n          We have received the Letter Your Excellency favored us with under date of 5th: Inst:\u2014\n          It gives us Pleasure that the Contract entered into between Messr: De la Lande & fynje & Mr. F. W. Geyer, Has convinced you said Gentlemen have not been actuated by any improper Intentions\u2014\n          The Proposals of Mr: Daniel Parker have not yet taken sufficient Consistence, to address the Board of Treasury on the subject. We shall not fail doing it when some probable Opinion may be formed of their Success. Mr: Parker is not to be put in Possession of any Property, Until he shall have procured a Transfer of double the Amount, in such species of American Funds, as have been placed by Congress upon an equal footing with the Dutch Loans.\u2014 If the Creditors here should deem this the most eligible Mode to secure their Property, We cannot conceive it would be prudent nay even possible, the Board of Treasury, should make the least Demur in Co-operating with them, As it will have the additional Incitement of not injuring the Credit of America, Which the Rejection of such an Offer would effect in a material Degree\u2014 We shall be glad of your Opinion on this Head & that you would join us in the Steps necessary to be adopted for the Benefit of the General Concern\u2014\n          By Virtue of the Inclosed long standing Power, Mr: Thomas Barclay has demanded, a particular State of all our Transactions for the United States of America. Not judging it to extend to us, Who have regularly furnished our Accts: every Month, Which have been approved up to the time of Mr: Robert Morris\u2019s Resignation of his Office of Superintendant of Finance; We have postponed complying with his Request, until we can have your Sentiments on the Matter; When if you acquiesce we will chearfully transmit him without Delay, Copies of all our Accounts with the United States of America\u2014\n          We have the honor to be very Respectfully / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most Obdt. & humble Servs.\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.\n            It appears to us that Mr: Barclay\u2019s Power only authorizes him to act restrospectively; And by no means to take Cognizance of Transactions Subsequent to the date of his Power from Congress\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0182", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Samuel Adams, 15 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Adams, Samuel\n            Grosvenor Square. Westminster. 15th. August. 1785.\n          I recd. your letter by Monsr: de le Tombe yesterday: Every line from your hand gives me pleasure. The Embarassments thrown in the way of our trade will at least have one good effect: they will break a few deceitfull bubbles. They ought to do greater good by curing the People at large of a dangerous distemper brought upon them by the war\u2014the itch of extravagance.\u2014 It is melancholy that no invention can be hit upon to guard mankind from the contagion of luxury\u2014 Such is the ardent disposition to it that nothing but necessity ever did restrain them. My friends the Dutch have been restrained from only in a degree, and that only by their eternal enemy the Sea, and by the neighborhood of three devouring Monsters France, England & Austria, which threaten alternately to swallow them up\u2014 It is a great number of years that I have been fixed in the belief that our Countrymen have in them a more ungovernable passion for Luxury than any People upon earth. The Causes of this would be curious to examine. The fact is indisputable, and you may live to see the day when the ravages of this fury may convince you that you have labored in vain. I am not so sanguine, as my friend Dr: Price, in my expectations of the vast improvement & reformation of Mankind from the American Revolution: Yet I hope it will be many years before the progress of Luxury shall have wrought in America so general a destrustion of principle as it has in England\u2014\n          The measures which all the States must take to counteract the British Policy, by opposing Navigation-Acts to Navigation-Acts, will give a long & severe check to prodigality\u2014 In this point of view British jealousy and ill will may befriend us.\u2014\n          I am, Sir, with great esteem, / Yrs: &c: &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0184", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James Sullivan, 16 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Sullivan, James\n            Grosvenor-Square. Westminster. 16th. August. 1785.\n          Yesterday I received your favor of June. 7th. and the day before I received from Boston the Navigation-Act of Massachusetts. It is probable that our People flatter themselves that this act, and other measures tending to the same end in other States will intimidate the English Nation & force them into an advantageous treaty of Commerce. If such are their views they will be disappointed, as far as I can hitherto judge. The Ministry are very reserved. I can get no answer to any thing. Nevertherless, I think the Massa: Act of Navigation a wise & necessary measure, and I hope it imitated imme: in every other State. But if no other State will adopt it, I hope the Massachusetts will persist in it: it will lay a deep foundation of Prosperity for that People: it will render the multiplication of Ships & Seamen inevitable, and in that way benefit that State beyond their present conceptions. I wish they would go farther, & lay on heavy duties upon all kinds of fripperies fm. Europe. I would not confine it to English ones; but make it general to all: Yet I wd. carefully insert in the list every article of luxury from any part of the British Dominions. My reason for not making a distinction betwn: British & other European manufactures is, the extreme difficulty\u2014the total impossibility of distinguishing British manufactures from others. I observed so many frauds of this kind in the last war that I have long since given it up as impossible to prohibit or to tax British Commodities, unless you tax or prohibit all others of the same kind fm. Europe. They affix false leads, stamps & marks\u2014Dutch Leads & Stamps and French ones are without difficulty annexed to English Goods. But after all, Massachusetts has fixed upon the best objects, wh: are Ships. There can be no impenetrable deception in them, and there is nothing wh: strikes deeper into the springs & motives of Commerce, Politics & War.\u2014 If this system is steadily & unanimously pursued it will infallibly, in a cours of time, obtain all we desire fm. G: B: or it will serve us still more essentially by introducing & establishing all necessary manufactures, erecting a bulwark of defence round abt: us, & making us truly an independant People\u2014 I think the other States will be necessitated to follow the example: they will soon see such effects of it, in the Massa: as will persuade them.\u2014\n          I am, dear, Sir, with great esteem, / Yrs: &c: &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0186", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I received yesterday your favor of the 7th. {this was 4. days later than} mr\u0303 Short\u2019s of the {same date.} it {had evidently been opened. so we must} therefore consider {both govm\u0303ts as possessed of it\u2019s contents.} I write you a line at this moment merely to inform you that {mr\u0303 Barclay is willing} to {go to treat with} the {Barbary states if we desire it} & that {this will} not {take him from any employment here.} it will {only retard his voiage to America. let me know your sentiments hereon.} the number 1672. is an error in the alphabetical side of the cypher. turn to the numerical side & in the 11th. column & 72d line you will see the number it should have been & what it was meant to signify. correct your alphabetical side accordingly if it is wrong as mine was. we are told this morning that the {Cardinal Prince} of {Roan} is {confined} to {his Chamber} under {Guard} for {reflection} on the {Queen. who was present} in {Counscil herself on his examination} the first {time She} was ever {there\u2014} & the first {instance} of so {high an eclesiastical character} under actual {force} Adieu / Your friend & servt.\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0187", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square August 18. 1785\n          I have received your Favour of the 6. Aug. with the Notes and Project inclosed.\n          How can We send another Person? We have not in our Full Power authority to Substitute. Will not the Emperor and the Regencies feel their Dignity offended if a Person appears without a Commission from Congress? Do you mean that he Should only agree upon the Terms and transmit them to Us to be Signed? if you think this Method will do, I have no Objection to either of the Persons you mention\u2014nor to Mr Short. Dr Bancroft is the greatest Master of the French Language. if We conclude to Send either he Should take an attested Copy at least of all our Commissions for Africa, and a Letter and Instructions from Us. if there is any Truth in any of the Reports of Captures by the Algerines, Lambes Vessell may be taken by them.\n          Whoever is Sent by Us Should be instructed to corresp[ond] constantly with Us, and to Send, by whatever conveyance he may find, whether thro\u2019 Spain France, England Holland or otherwise, Copies of his Letters to Us to Congress. He should be instructed farther to make dilligent Inquiry concerning the Productions of those Countries which would answer in America, and those of the United States which might find a Market in Barbary, and to transmit all Such Information to Congress as well as to Us.\n          I have read over the Project with Care. The 17. Article appears to be carried farther than our Countrymen will at present be willing to go. I presume the three last Words of the third Line of this 17. Article must be left out; and in the fourth line, the 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. & 12th Words; and in the Sixth Line, the first, Second, third, fourth, and fifth Words.\n          You have Seen by this Time our Massachusetts Navigation Act, and the Reasonings and Dispositions of all the States tend the Same Way at present; so that We must conform our Proceedings, as I Suppose, to their Views.\n          My Regards to Messrs Humphreys, Mazzai, Williamos, &c and believe / me ever yours\n            John Adams\n            Mr Short left Us on Tuesday. Dr Bancroft is just come in. This Letter will be delivered to you by Mr James Smith, a Gentleman of South Carolina, a Relation of Mrs Adams, whom I beg leave to introduce to You and recommend to your Civilities.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0188", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 19 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Gentlemen,\n            Grosvenor-Square. Westminster. 19th. Augst. 1785.\n          I last night recd. yr: favor of the 12th. and I must repeat to you that I still persist in a fixed resolution to have nothing to do with Mr: Parker\u2019s papers and to wholly disapprove of your having anything to do with them, as the Bankers of the United-States: As private Gentlemen & private Merchants, you will use your own judgement; but as you act for the public I must insist that you do not meddle with them, without the orders of the Board of Treasury\u2014\n          I apprehend, Gent:, that Mr: Barclay has a right to call upon every Body, instructed by Congress in Europe, for their Acco\u2019ts:, both subsequent to his Commissn: as well as antecedent\u2014 I hold myself bound to transmit him mine, & so do all the other Ministers. I should advise you therefore to transmit him yours assoon as possible\u2014 His appointment for this purpose has been & still continues to be very usefull to the Public\u2014\n          I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, / Yrs: &c: &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0189", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Williams, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Williams, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          When the dispute between America & the English ministry, first commenced; I summon\u2019d a meeting of Americans and planters, in order to frame a petition against the measures, then agitated; it was sign\u2019d by us and presented to each branch of the Legislature\u2014 after the war broke out, I wrote to the People of England under the signature of the Man of Ross, & inforced the doctrine of peace, and when my Speech intended to have been spoken on the Hustings of Guild-hall, was publishd; I certainly was admitted to General Conway & he soon after our meeting, made a Motion for chaining up the Savage of War in America\u2014 Lord Rockingham promised to appoint me a Commissioner to treat with Doctor Franklyn, but Mr. Oswald a Scotch Gentleman was inserted in my promised Embassy\u2014\n          My letters to the People of England, are in a desultory manner, collected & addressed to the Greatest Politician in England\u2014\n          When the Islands were restored, instead of being made a Governor, as I expected, I was appointed, Compt. of Grenada. on my Arrival I admitted all ships from America: but since my departure, a different system has been adopted\u2014\n          I hope, your approbation will not be withholden from The Crisis of the Colonies: written with a wish to form a Commercial Union, which every friend to each country ought, in my humble Opinion to promote\u2014\n          I have offerd to act as a Commissioner to treat with Congress and to go to America on this business, so near my heart, without any Salary\u2014\n          Whenever agreeable to you, I will chearfully wait on you; as I have the honor / To be / with the / Highest respect\u2014 / Your Most Obedient / & Most H Servant\n            John WilliamsAt the RevdMr: [Shewries?]\u2014Ealing\u2014Middlesex\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0190", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jebb, 21 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jebb, John\n            Grosvenor Square August 21. 1785\u2014\n          As I had the misfortune the other day not to agree fully with you in opinion concerning the 36th article of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, I beg Leave to state to you my objections against it, and then to ask you if there is not some weight in them my first objection is that it is not intelligible, it is impossible to discover what is meant by \u201coffices of Profit\u201d Does it means that there can be no necessity for, nor use in annexing either salary, Fees or Perquisites to Public offices? and that all who serve the Public, Should have no Pay from the Public but should subsist themselvs & Families out of their own Private fortunes, or their own Labour in their private Profession, Calling Trade or Farm. this seems to be the sense of it,\u2014and in this sense it may make its Court to the Quakers and Moravians, Dunkers, Menonites, or other worthy People in Pennsylvania. that is to say to their prejudices and it will recommend itself to whatever there is of popular Malignity and Envy and of vulgar Avarice in every Country, But it is founded in Error and Mischief. For. 1. Public offices in General require the Whole time and all the attention of those who hold them, they can have no time nor strength of Body or Mind for their private Professions Trades or Farms. they must then Starve with their Families unless they have ample Fortunes, But would you make it a law that no Man should hold an office who had not a Private income sufficient for the subsistence and prospects of himself and family? what would be the consequence of this? all offices would be monopolised by the rich\u2014 the Poor and the Middling Ranks would be excluded and an Aristocratical Despotism would immediately follow which would take by Fraud and Intrigue at first and by open avowed Userpation soon whatever they pleased for their Compensation\n          2\u2014 My second objection to the Article is, that it is inconsistent after seeming to require that offices should have no Emoluments it States of its own obsurdity and adds \u201cBut if any Man is called into public service to the prejudice of his private affairs he has a right to a reasonable compensation,\u201d is not this contrary to the Doctrine that [\u201c]there can be no use in offices of Profit\u201d are not the Profits of offices intended, as a reasonable Compensation for Time Labour and neglect and Prejudice of private affairs? If you look into the salaries and Fees of offices in General\u2014that is into the Legal Profits you will find them not only in America but in France Holland nay in England far from being extravagant. you will find them but a moderate and reasonable Compensation for their unavoidable expences and the Prejudice to their private affairs. it is not the Legal Profit, but the secret perquisites\u2014the Patronage and the abuse, that is the Evil. and this is what I complain of in the Article, that it diverts the attention Jealousy and Hatred of the People, from the Perquisite Patronage and abuse which is the Evil to the Legal Honest Profit of the office which is a Blessing.\n          3. the Dependance and servility in the Possessers and Expectants, and the Faction Contention, Corruption and dissender among the People do not Proceed from the Legal Profits of offices which are known to all, but from the Perquisites Patronage and Abuses which are known only to a few.\n          4 Nor is it by any means a good rule, that whenever an office through increase of Fees or otherwise becomes so profitable as to occasion many to apply for it, the Profit ought to be Lessened by the Legislature\n          We are so fond of being seen and talked of, we have such a Passion for the Esteem and Confidence of our Fellow Men that wherever applications for offices are permitted by the Laws and manners, there will be many to apply, whether the Profits are large or Small or none at all\u2014 if the Profits are none\u2014all the rich will apply, that is to say all who can Live upon their own incomes all others will be excluded, because if they Labour for the Public\u2014themselvs and Families must Starve. by this means an Aristocracy or oligarchy of the rich will be formed, which will soon put an End by their Arts & Craft to this selfdenying system\u2014 if many apply, all applications should be forbidden or if they are permitted, a Choice should be made of such out of the Multitude as will be Contented with Legal Profits without making advantage of Patronage and Perquisites\n          I dont mean by this that the legal profits should be very Great they should afford a decent support, and should enable a Man to Educate and provide for his Family as decent and moderate Men do in private Life but it would be unjust as well as impolitick in the Public to Call Men of the best Tallents and Characters from Professions and Occupations where they might provide for their Families plentifully, and let them Spend their Lives in the service of the Public, to the Impoverishment and Beggary of their Posterity\n          I have given you this trouble because I think these to be fundamental Errors in society. Mankind will never be happy nor their Liberties secure untill the People Shall Lay it down as a fundamental Rule to make the support and reward of Public officies a matter of justice and not Generossity Gratitude\u2014 Every Public Man should be honestly Paid for his services: then justice is done him: But he should be restrained from every perquisite not known to the Laws. and he should make no Claims upon the Gratitude of the Public\u2014 nor ever confer an office within his Patronage upon a Son a Brother a Friend upon pretence that he is not Paid for his services by the Profits of his office\u2014 Members of Parliament should be paid as well as soldiers and sailors\u2014\n          I know very well that the Word \u201cdisinterested\u201d turns the Heads of the People by exciting their Enthusiasm. But although there are dissinterested Men, they are not enough in any age or any Country to fill all the necessary offices\u2014and therefore the People may depend upon it that the Hypocritical Pretense of Disinterestedness will be set up to deceive them, much oftener than the Virtue will be practised for their good\u2014 it is worth While to read to Lives of the Roman Catholick Saints your St Ignatius Loyolas, your St Bernards and hundreds of others.\u2014 it was allways disinterestedness which enabled them to excite Enthusiasm among the People, and to Command their Purses to any amount. in order to establish their Wild and Pernicious Institutions. the Cry of Gratitude has made more Men Mad and Established more Despotism in the World than all other causes put together\u2014 Every Throne has been Erected on it, and Every Mitre has sprung out of it, so has every Coronet and whenever any Man serves the Public without Pay a Cry of Gratitude is allways set up. which pays him or his Cousins or sons ten times as much as he ever deserved. Let Government then be founded in justice and let all claims upon Popular Gratitude be watched with a jealous Eye. Hang well, and Pay well,\u2014conveys to my understanding infinitely more sense and more Virtue than this Whole article of the Pennsylvania Constitution.\n          I have long wanted to Communicate with some of the Established Enlightened Friends of Liberty here, upon some Parts of our Constitutions, and I know of none who merits the Character Better If you are willing I will take some future opportunity to write you a few thoughts upon some other things\u2014\n          Mean time let this remain between ourselvs if you please\u2014\n          with Great Esteem I am Dear Sir Yours\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0191", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Count Frederik von Reventlow, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Reventlow, the Count Frederik von\nTo: Adams, John\n            Jerm\u00ffn street, ce 22. Aout 1785.\n          C\u2019est avec bien de la reconnoissance que j\u2019ai re\u00e7\u00fb la communication que Vous av\u00e9s bien voulu me faire, de la mani\u00e9re dont les Etats unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique, ont accueilli la decision du Roi mon Maitre, de la question propos\u00e9e par Vous, Monsieur, il \u00ff a quelque tems au Ministre du Roi, alors \u00e0 la Ha\u00ffe, Mr. de St. Saphorin, par rapport \u00e0 la reception de Candidats Am\u00e9ricains dans les Ordres saints de l\u2019Eglise Episcopale commun\u00e9ment dite Anglican\n          Je ne manquerai pas de transmettre \u00e0 ma Cour par le Courier d\u2019aujourdhui la Copie de la Resolution du Congr\u00e9s du 21. Mars dernier, et je crois pouvoir Vous assurer d\u2019avance, Monsieur de la satisfaction avec laquelle le Roi recevra ce temoignage d\u2019Amiti\u00e9 de la part d\u2019un Etat, auquel Il sera toujours dispos\u00e9 de donner des preuves de Sa bienveillance aussi bien que de Sa plus parfaite consid\u00e9ration.\n          Veuill\u00e9s recevoir en m\u00eame tems les assurances des sentimens tr\u00eas parfaits avec lesquels, j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre, / Monsieur! / Votre, / tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant / Serviteur\n            Reventlow.\n          TRANSLATION\n            Jerm\u00ffn Street, 22 August 1785\n          I was very grateful to receive the communication you were so kind to send to me on the reaction of the United States of America to the decision of my lord the king regarding the question you, sir, proposed to the minister of the king then at The Hague, Mr. Saint Saphorin, about the reception of American candidates into the holy orders of the Episcopal Church, commonly known as Anglican.\n          I will not fail to transmit the copy of the resolution of Congress of 21 March to my court by today\u2019s post, and I believe I can assure you in advance, sir, of the satisfaction with which the king will receive this friendly gesture on behalf of a state for which he will always be disposed to show evidence of his goodwill and utmost consideration.\n          At the same time, may it please you to receive assurance of the most perfect sentiments with which I have the honor to be, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant\n            Reventlow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0192", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Aug. 23. 1785\n          last night, I received your Favour of the 17.\u2014 if both Governments are possessed of the Contents of my letter of the 7th. by opening it in the Post Office, much good may those Contents do them. They both know they have deserved it. I hope it will convince them of their Error, and induce them to adopt more liberal Principles towards Us. I am for answering their Utmost Generosity with equal and indeed with greater Generosity. But I would not advise my Country to be the Bubble of her own Nobleness of Sentiment.\n          The Spirited Conduct of Ireland, I think will assist me, here. The News of the Reception in the Irish Parliament of the 20 Resolutions together with the Efforts in America towards a Navigation Act have raised my Hopes a good deal. But our States must mature their Plan and persevere in it, in order to effect the Work. in time, and with a Steady pursuit of our Purpose, I begin to think We shall prevail.\n          If Mr Barclay will undertake the Voyage, I am for looking no farther. We cannot find a Steadier, or more prudent Man. He should look out for some Clerk or Companion who can write French and understands Italian.\n          When Dr Price returns from his August Excursion to Some Watering Place, I will get him to make the Insurance upon Houdons Life, on the best Terms he can.\n          Adieu / Yours sincerely\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0193", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Aug. 23. 1785\n          I have recd your Favours of the 8. &. 10, and although I am Sorry you did not find every Thing to your Satisfaction in America, I congratulate You on your Safe Arrival in Europe and wish you Success in your Views.\n          If by giving a proper Consistency to our Confederation you mean, the making of Congress Souvereign and Supream in the Negotiation of Treaties of Commerce, and in Regulating the Commerce between one State and another, and indeed in regulating the internal Commerce of the States, as far as it is necessarily connected with either, I wish it all imaginable Success.\n          You have Seen no doubt, the Massachusetts Act of Navigation. what do you think of it? Will it be followed by Similar Acts in all or any of the other States?\u2014 I Should think that all the States from Delaware to New Hampshire inclusively might immediately build Ships enough for their own Exportations: but can these furnish in Season, Ships enough for their own Exportations and those of Maryland Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia, too? it appears to me that if they cannot do it, at once, they will be able to affect it in a Year or two.\n          But what will England do? Will She retaliate? will She exclude our Ships from her Ports? certainly She will not if all the States make Navigation Acts like that of the Massachusetts. because this would bar out, the American Trade which would immediately affect her Manufactures and Revennue So essentially, that She could not Stand the Shock.\n          I hope that neither the Massachusetts, nor any other State will Stop at a Navigation Act. if this Court will not agree to an equitable Treaty, I hope our States will all immediately give Bounties to various Manufactures among themselves, and lay on heavy Duties upon every Article of Luxury from the British Dominions, Such Duties as will make it clearly our Interest to purchase the Same Articles from France, Holland, Germany, or any other Country of Europe where they can be had.\n          We must and We will have Justice from this Country, proud and cunning as she is.\n          With much Esteem, I have the Honour to be / dear sir, your servant\n            John Adams\n            I Shall be glad to receive, what you promise me, the Reasons for establishing Such a Society, as the Constitutional Society, whose printed Rules you were so good as to inclose to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0195", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Short, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Adams, John\n          After waiting on mr. Dumas we went two Days ago, by Appointment to the Baron de Thulemeier\u2019s. A simple Matter of Etiquette as you will see, prevented the Business on which we were, from being completed. On my producing the two Originals of the Treaty & explaining the Intention of them, the Baron de Thulemeier told us he was instructed only to receive the Copy which should be sent & to exchange for it a Copy in French which he should have prepared in his Office\u2014adding that the established Order of the Chancellerie of the King made this in some Measure necessary, the French being the only Language which was there recieved. He observed that this was nothing more than a meer Matter of Form, & he hoped would give us no Difficulty in accepting the Exchange. We thought ourselves by no Means at Liberty to deviate from our Instructions even in Matters apparently formal, & on mentioning our Scruples, it was proposed that each of us should consult those by whom we were employed, as the safest Mode of proceeding. The Baron de Thulemeier writes to Berlin to-day, & should he receive Permission to accept & exchange the Instruments of Treaty which you offer he will do it without farther Delay.\u2014 In the same Manner if our Answers from you come first, we are to communicate to him what we are at Liberty to do.\n          Lest there should be any other Cause of Delay we thought it best to communicate at the same Time the additional Part of our Instructions respecting the Ratifications &c.\u2014 He desired that they might be explained to him in writing, in Order that he might ask Advice on them at Berlin, adding there could not be the smallest Doubt of our agreeing that Matter. At his Request therefore I wrote him a short Letter in Answer to one which he sent me respecting the Exchange of the Instruments, & of which last I have the Honor to inclose you a Copy.\n          That nothing might be left undone which we could do before recieving our Answers we met Yesterday Evening & exchanged the respective full-powers in the Form prescribed. We have at present therefore only to await farther Instructions from yourself or Mr Jefferson, or the Return of the Post from Berlin. I hope the Determination we took of awaiting farther Orders from you before we ventured to accept an Instrument of the Treaty in French alone will meet your Approbation, & I beg the Favor of you sir to let me know as soon as shall be convenient what you wish should be done under the Circumstances I have just described.\n          I write to mr Jefferson also by this Post\u2014& in Addition to what I have troubled you with, I send him a List of Faults made by the Amanuensis in the French Copy of the Treaty\u2014& which I do not think we are at Liberty to correct without your Orders\u2014as in some Instances the Sense is changed\u2014 I do not inclose you a List of these Errata because you have not a French Copy of the Treaty\u2014 Mr. Jefferson will probably communicate them to you sir.\n          I have the Honor to be sir with sentiments / of the deepest Respect / Your Exellency\u2019s / most obedient & most humble Servant\n          W: short begs the Favor of mrs. Adams to accept his most respectful Compliments\u2014& particular Thanks for her Politeness whilst in London\u2014& to present them for him in such a Manner as may be most acceptable to Miss Adams.\u2014 He does not venture to offer his services here since he finds what zealous Friends they both have in the Family of mr Dumas.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0197", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 26 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n            Grosvenor Square, August 26. 1785\n          You will have Seen by my Public Dispatches what Prospects We have of any Sudden Arrangement with this Country.\n          I may be more free, in a Letter to you, than I have been, in the Public Letters to Mr Jay.\u2014 There is a mysterious Reserve among the Ministers which indicates either a Want of Unanimity among them, or a Dissatisfaction towards Us, or a Timidity arising from the Prejudices and Passions of the Nation.\n          I am really at a Loss to conjecture whether I Shall get any Answer from them at all, or whether I shall have an Answer full of Complaints of Departures from the Treaty on our Side, and insisting on a full Complyance on our Part as a Condition preceedent to any further Measures on theirs. There is nothing for me to do but to exercise Patience, reminding them however from time to time that I expect an Answer. if the Answer comes loaded with Complaints, I Shall answer them provisionally, as far as I am clear: but if there is any matter in which I am not fully informed, or of too grave a Nature for me to take upon myself I Shall take time to obtain the Instructions of Congress.\n          I have no hopes of their agreeing to a Treaty of Commerce, or of their proposing one Such as I can agree to.\u2014 Every Treaty of Commerce proposed by them will be proposed only Subject to the Approbation of Parliament, and I am afraid that all other Parties would Unite to defeat the present Ministers in any Treaty of Commerce, in order to obtain another Tryumph, like the Vote against the Peace in shelburnes time, and like the late Rejection in Ireland of the Twenty Resolutions. Mr Pitt indeed declares to me that he does not wish merely to lessen our Navigation; but the Nation is not of his Mind in my opinion. There is a national Duplicity that is astonishing. in their Publications and Speeches they affect to think lightly of America: but they betray, in many Ways, a dread of Us: An Opinion that a great Rival Nation has risen up, like a Mushroom on the other Side the Atlantic, against them. I dont believe that an equal Treaty of Commerce could be carried through Parliament. I may be mistaken. But in all Events it is Safest for the United States to persevere in their Plans to do themselves Justice. The Massachusetts never Struck a deeper Stroke than by their late Navigation Act. I hope it will be followed by all the other States; but, if it Should not be followed by any one, I hope they will persist in it. They would become, by means of it, both Manufacturers and carryers for others.\n          I may be out in all my Conjectures, but I am not without suspicions that the Ministry will make me some Propositions, or give, as of their own Motion, some Facilities in Trade upon the old Principle of Divide et impera. They may flatter themselves as their Predecessors have so often done that by giving Way a little they can divide Us, and prevent the other States from making Acts of Navigation, or agreeing in any other Plan. I hope the Massachusetts, with all those who will join her, in her present system will Stand firm.\n          What do you think of granting a Bounty by the Massachusetts upon Oil, equal to the British Alien Duty, and laying on Imposts on British Manufactures for the express purpose of paying it?\n          My Duty here will oblige me, most probably, to counteract as far as I can, the Prejudices of the Nation, and the Views of the Ministers So constantly, that I shall neither have their Trumpeters to Support my Reputation, nor their Candour to forgive my Errors. They will never get any just Ground of Complaint against me. I will behave towards them in Character; but I will do my Duty to young Sampson, and constantly Advise him to preserve his Locks. There will Still be insinuations in Congress I doubt not. Let me beg of you, and your Friend Mr King, to inform me that I may not be so ignorant of every Thing that passes relative to myself as I have been heretofore for many Years together. if they continue to persecute me without Cause, I must get myself out of their Way. There can be no Reason that I should be a slave forever and go through the most cursed service, to which ever Mortal was destined, merely for the Pleasure of being abused in Congress.\n          Mr Jefferson and I are half distracted on Account of Mr Lambe, of whom We hear nothing. We have thoughts of Sending Mr Barclay to Barbary, but must wait a little longer for Lambe. Congress Should Send a Commission to Mr Barclay if he goes.\n          I am my dear sir, ever yours\n            John Adams\n            I hear of Gallicans and Antigallicans, of British and Antibritish Influence, in America. I hope there are no Such Interests there.\u2014 I think We Should be impartial, as far as our Treaty with France will allow Us, and no farther. But it would be very unwise to have any Antigallican or Antibritish Parties or Partisans. We certainly Should have most Commerce with England, if She, by impolitick Restrictions, does not prevent it. But if She will be contracted, I am for going any where to find Liberality.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0199", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard O\u2019Bryen, Isaac Stephens, and Zaccheus Coffin, 27 August 1785\nFrom: O\u2019Bryen, Richard,Stephens, Isaac,Coffin, Zaccheus\nTo: Adams, John\n            Honoured Sir\n            Algir August the 27th. 1785\u2014\n          We The Subjects of the United States having the misfortune of Being taken by the Cruisers of Algires and has Been made Slaves of take the Liberty of Informing you of oure present Situation the Severities of which is Beyond youre Immaginition\u2014\n          The Honourble Charles Logie Esqr. British Counsl. Has taken three masters of Vessells of us Out &c. keep us at his house paying to The King of This port 2 dollrs. per month for us, per\u2014man\u2014 We were Stript & Left destitute, of Every thing Hoping you will take oure Grivances into Consideration & make Some Extra provision for us Besides what the King of Cruelties allows, otherwise my people will perish. For I assure you it is impossible The Can Live\u2014on what the are allowed\u2014 all other nations Whose Subjects falls in the Hands of those Heathens, allows Them\u2014two, or Three Dollars per month The Winter approachig and The Being Entirely Bare of Cloaths The will Be in A poor Missereable Situation\n          Hoping you will make oure Distressed Situation known to Congress and That the will Fall on Some plan for oure Speedy Redemption The Are fitting out at present and will Cruise to The Nd. of The western Islands, and in The mouth of The Channell The are well informed of oure Trade & will Spread all over the Atlantick\n          Ship Daupin Richd. OBryen Master Belonging to Mathew & Thomas Irwin Merchants of The City of Philadelphia\u2014 The Ship Daupin Was taken the 30th. July\u2014from St. Ubes two days out Bound to Philadelphia, & is not yet arrivd. The Schooner Maria Isack Stepens Master Belonging To Mr. Wm. Foster & Co. of Boston, taken The 24th. Capt. Zachriah Coffin was passenger in the Ship Daupin\u2014 Hoping you will Be So kind as to Write to Charles Logie Esqr. for his picular Sivillity to us, &, to, assist, My men which is in A Misserable Situation\u2014\n          We, are twenty one in Number, of Americans\n          We Remain youre Most Obedt. & Humble / Petitioners\u2014\n            Richard OBryenIsack StephensZachrs. Coffin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0201", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 29 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster August 29th. 1785\n          The United States began their Career upon the most liberal System of Policy Commerce: France met them with a liberal System too, or rather with an Artfull Appearance of it. Her Practice during the War was more liberal than the Treaty. Since the Peace She has contracted it a little, as She had a Right to do, by excluding Some of her Produce and Some of our Ships from her West India Islands; and indeed the Freedoms that the most favoured Nation enjoys in her Ports in Europe are by no means so ample as those which We have allowed to her in the Ports of the United States. The Words Monopoly, Prohibition, Exclusion, and Navigation Acts have acquired in the World a kind of Philosophical Unpopularity; but whether the Things Signified by them will be abolished so Soon as Some Speculators imagine, may be doubted. If there is any People upon Earth who have a Right to insist upon the abolition of them, in their own Commerce, they are the Americans: But We have Seen the Reluctance of France, and especially of England, to give them up. a Strong Disposition has appeared to make a greater Advantage of their Monopolies by our Liberality. A Short Sketch of the Commercial Conflict between France and England, during the Reigns of the Stewarts, may Serve to shew the Effects of Prohibitions, and the Probability that England will not easily renounce them. it will Shew also the Probable Effects of their Policy towards Us, if We should not counteract it by reciprocal Restrictions.\n          The House of Steuart and the Principal Leaders in their Parliaments were Pensioners of France, and So attentive to her Interests that she obtained the Supply of England Scotland and Ireland with the Manufactures of Linens Silks, Paper, Wines, and Brandies, to the Amount of 1,650,000\u00a3 Yearly\u2014while She took from England in Return only 200,000\u00a3 Value, Yearly, of Lead, Tin, Leather, Allum, Coperas, Coals, horn Plates &c and Plantation Goods, which left a Ballance of 1,450,000\u00a3 to be yearly paid to France in Money. She possessed as great Advantages with Ireland & Scotland in Proportion to their Trade.\n          This Disproportion was owing to the protecting Duties that English Woollen Goods were Subject to in France from 24 to 40 Per Cent, on their Value; by the Tariff renewed in 1654, and by another Tariff in 1699, they were raised to 36 up to 55 per Cent on their Value; and Spanish Cloth made in England was prohibited by the Edict of 1701; and in the meantime French Silks were only Subject to a Duty of 13 up to 23 per Cent on the Value imported into the British Dominions, and Linens about 7 up to 15 per Cent, on the Value; whereby their Manufactures and Produce, imported into England alone, Yearly, Stood thus about the Year 1664, and up to 1678. viz\n              French Linens\n              Manufactured Silks\n          They also imported into England Gold and Silver Lace and many other Articles of Luxury not here enumerated.\n          This exhausting drain excited murmers and aroused the landed Interest to unite with the trading Interest in 1678, in passing an Act prohibiting the French Trade, in opposition to the Court Interest. in the Preamble of the Act, they Say \u201cThat the Importation of the Product & Manufactures of France had exhausted the Treasure of the Nation; lessened the Value of Native Manufactures; and caused great Detriment to the Kingdom in general.\u201d\n          The Advance of Woolen Manufactures for home Consumption and Exportation, in Consequence of the Prohibition of the French Trade in 1678, raised the Price of Wool, and all dying Stuffs dependent on it, from 40 to 50 per Cent, and gave Such general Employment to the People, and Such a rise to Land, as was Scarcely conceivable in the Space of two or three Years: This happy Change in the Circumstances of England was but of Short duration; for on James the Second\u2019s Accession to the Throne in 1684 he called a new Parliament, who, in complyance with his Wishes and to gratify his Allies the French, repealed the prohibitory Act of 1678. The Parliament of England however, to Sooth and temporize with the People, when they had restored the French Trade, resolved that all Persons Should wear the woolen Manufactures of England Six months in the Year: but the French, notwithstanding this Parliamentary non importation Resolution, poured into England upwards of four Millions Value of their Manufactures and put a general Stop to all the English Manufactures, and with them to the Payment of Rents. The Scene that followed will be a Warning to Ministers. before three Years expired, from the Repeal of the Law prohibiting the French Trade, England was roused from her Lethargy; banished forever the Promoters of Such Measures; and called in and crowned the Prince of Orange. one of the first Acts of King Williams first Parliament was to prohibit the French Trade \u201cas a Nuisance to the Kingdom,\u201d and at that day, on Stating the Trade between England and France, it appears that England gained by the Prohibition of the French Trade no less than 1,450,000\u00a3 Yearly. At the Treaty of Utrecht, the French, with the Assistance of the Administration of the last Years of Queen Anne\u2019s Reign, attempted to have their Trade with Britain restored. The Earl of Strafford and the Bishop of Bristol conducted the Interests of Britain: The Marshall Marquis D\u2019Huxelles and Nicholas Mesnager, Louis the fourteenth\u2019s private Secretary a well informed Statesman, those of France. They Signed a Treaty of Commerce the 31. March 1713, Subject to the Approbation of the Parliament of Great Britain. The Bishop was no Match for Mesnager who bound the British Manufacturers to pay by a Tariff made in France so far back as the 18 Septr. 1664, whereby English Woolen Cloths (the only Article of Consequence they had at that day to export to them) were Subject from 30 to 40 per Cent duty on the Value and on the lowest rated British Articles 24 1/2 per cent. and the Duties to be paid in Britain on French wrought Silks did not exceed 17 1/2 per Cent, and those of Lockrams, Dowless, and all Sorts of Linens not above 10 per Cent of their Value at a Medium; and before the Revolution, France Supplied all the better Sort of Linens used in Britain and Ireland of every Denomination, as the Trade for Dutch and German Linens was introduced in Consequence of the Prohibitions laid on the French Trade in 1678, and reenacted the first Year of William and Mary. Mesnagers Treaty of Commerce was opposed by all the trading Interests of Britain and rejected by the House of Commons. in 1714 The Queen died and with her all Sincere Disposition for Treaties of Commerce with France.\n          France, however, Still wishes for some Treaty of Commerce and proposes it at every Peace.\u2014 She got it Stipulated as an Article in the last and Mr Crawford has been appointed: but I Suppose the Improbability of his being authorized to do any Thing has occasioned the late Edicts of the French Court against English Manufactures.\n          Most of the foregoing Anecdotes of Commercial History I have taken from an Irish Publication, which compares the Conduct of the present Administration towards Ireland to that of the Steuarts. it is well worthy the Attention of America. We may learn from it what Probability there is of Mr Crawfords Success. or rather We may infer from it that that Commissioner was probably appointed; because it was not intended there Should be any Thing for him to do.\n          We may also conclude from it that the English are now pursuing towards the United States of America the Same Policy which the French practiced towards them in the Reigns of the Stewards.\u2014 if We Suffer Such enormous Duties to be laid by them as are now paid upon our Tobacco and Oyl and other Articles and do not pursue Some Measures to prevent the Operation of them, the Ballance against Us will be enormous and the drain too exhausting.\n          The Law prohibiting the Export of Tools and the Emigration of Workmen is to prevent Us from Setting up Manufactures in America and to prevent any other Nation from setting them up in order to Supply Us. When We see them thus in every Way attack our Manufactures of all sorts, especially of ships, our Nurseries of Seamen, our Merchants and every Thing within their reach, and Seem to be determined to force their Goods upon Us at their own Prices, We have no Choice left but to counteract them by Navigation Acts, Prohibitions, Protecting Duties, and Bounties\n          With great and sincere Esteem I have the / Honour to be, sir your most obedient and / most humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0203", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Short, 30 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Short, William\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster August 30: 1785\n          I have received your Favour of the 23. and I hope e\u2019er this time the Baron has received Orders to Sign in both Languages. This is a favourite Point with me; but yet I would not make it a Sine qua non. I would urge it with decency, but give it up at last if it could not be [avoid]ed. Our Treaty with France is in English and French. That with [Ho]lland is in English and Dutch, and neither made any objection to it.\n          I am Sorry you did not inclose me a List of the Errata: I have a Copy in both Languages, taken while you was here. I Should be obliged to you for a Copy by the next Post. My Regards to Mr Madam & Miss Dumas. I am too ill, of a violent Cold, to write him to day. I will Send his Letters to N. York by Mr Storer, who will Sail next Week. With great Esteem, I have the / Honour to be, Sir your most obedient / and most humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0204", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 30 August 1785\nFrom: Lotter, Christian\nTo: Adams, John\n            May it please Your Excellency!\n            Hague, September [August] the 30st: 1785.\n          A Surprize, nourished from the contents of the inclosed from Messrs: Willink & Comp:, obliges me to an immediate address to Your Excellency, as those contents are quite the contrary to Your Excellency\u2019s written and verbal promisses, to Stay in the Service, and that Your Excely: would graciously condescend to favour me with a recommendation to Your Successor.\n          Your Excellency will graciously be pleased to consider an impossibility to leave the hotel at Such Short a notice having by Your own advice brought my Effects and Family into it, and by a candid prospect and reliance upon Such firm promisses as Yours have fairly given up my lodgings, and to look for new once, at this time when all decent lodgings are occupied, and too far remote from the place of my employment, to Seek for Shelter in an obscure corner, I am Sure, is not Your Excelys: desire, nor can they, be consistent with Your Principles, for they are too well Known to me, and upon those in return I have Serv\u2019d You, equally responsable to God and Men; another impediment equally unpleasing to me is the removal of my effects back and forwards, and the expences occurring upon it.\n          Messrs: Willink & Comp: are pleased to instruct me with the reason of this change, first, that the hotel conveniently can be Shut, is no doubt, but I assert that it will be more profitable to the hotel, when occupied, by which means it gets cleaned and aired at proper times, especially in rainy and Snowy Seasons, when, if no immediate assistance is at hand, the whole house would Stand under water; the Second is, that expences be Saved for Congress of which I have the honor to assure Your Excely: that I never intended to bring Congress any Single unnecessary, much less fraudulent expences in account, and in case this Should be the only reason for my quitting the hotel, I willingly Shall drop my Salary nor troubling the United States with any other expences; As for mentioning of the Turf, I have put up a provision in expectation of Your return to the Hague, otherwise for my own Consumption; and ready to Keep it to my own charge.\n          Undeservedly as I have incurred Your Excellencys displeasure upon me, I most humbly beg of Suspention of the orders of Messrs: Willink, at least till I am properly provided with convenient lodgings.\n          I most humbly request my obedient and dutiful Service to the Ladies, and remain with all possible respect / Your Excellencys / most devoted and humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0205", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 30 August 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n          We have received in due Time your Favor of the 19th. and observe what you say relative to Mr. Parkers proposals. We would not venture to act in a Business of so much importance in opposition to your advice, and less so, because we have properly no Power for the Purpose. Notwithstanding this your Excellency will be so kind to excuse us, that we dare differ from your Ideas, and that it is our opinion that if we can conclude the Transaction with Mr. Parker on reasonable Terms, and he fulfills his Engagements, it will be much more the Intrest of Congress to Subscribe to it, than that of any other Men of the Creditors of De la Lande & fynje. We have Stated our Arguments in favor of this Idea in the inclosed Letter to the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury, which we have left unseal\u2019d for your Perusal, and which we beg to forward by the September Packet, in order that we may receive their orders as soon as shall be possible. In the Interim we will be glad to receive your observations on our arguments.\n          Observing that you approve our Sending the Accounts to Mr. Barclay, they will be sent to him.\n          We remain most respectfull / Sir / Your most humb. & Obedt.\n            Wilhem & Jan WillinkNics. & Jacob van Staphorst.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0208", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Hancock, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Hancock, John\n            Grosvr: Square. 2d. septemr: 1785.\n          This letter will be delivered you by Mr: S.\u2014a Gent: who has lived sometime in my family at the Hague, in Paris & in London. He will inform you in what manner the late Navigation-Act of the Massa: has been recd. here\u2014 Some say it is a measure taken in a passion, & not well-weighed in the scales of reason\u2014that we are ruining ourselves\u2014that an act of Parliament will be passed to retaliate upon us & to prohibit our vessells fm. entering the Ports of G: Britain\u2014that the other States will not follow the example &c: &c: &c\u2014 On the contrary, I beleive that no measure was ever taken with more profound reflection\u2014that we laying the foundation of wealth & power, and real Independance\u2014that no act of Parliament will be passed to retaliate\u2014& that some of the States will immediately follow the example\u2014& all of them in time\u2014\n          This Country is taking measures which will hurt us in the Whalefishery. They are encouraging their own by means wh: will give it an activity for some time. They have introduced into it a spirit of gambling, by giving a bounty of \u00a3500. to the vessell which takes the most Whales in the Season\u2014\u00a3400. to the second &c: &c: This has stimulated many adventurers\u2014 But I am persuaded that, excepting the four vessells wh: may receive the bounty, all the rest upon an average will be losers by their enterprises.\u2014\n          There is such an immense Consumption of oyl in all the great Cities of Europe that I shd. think our Merchants might find markets for theirs. If we are indolent, this Country will get the supply of France. I wish I may be mistaken; but I have no hopes that this Court will take off the duty\u2014at least untill the present Enthusiasm shall have subsided, and the Adventurers shall have found by experience that the trade is not profitable.\n          I have the honor to be, Sir, / Yrs: &c: &c:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0210", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Wenman Seward, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Seward, William Wenman\n            Grosvenor Square Sepbr 2 1785\n          I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to Write me yesterday, and observe with pleasure your Friendly Sentiments towards my Country.\n          America is growing more & more interesting every day to mankind, and your Countrymen have greater cause to expect a cordial welcome in it than any other. I doubt not you may lay out your money there to advantage, but some Skill and discretion will be necessary. There are Irish Gentlemen in Philadelphia whose Characters you probably know, who would serve you with judgment & fidelity. to some such person it would be proper for you to write, and perhaps to Send a Letter of Attorney With Bills or Cash, or other means to make the payments, or at least to Send over a Letter of Credit from some person in Great-Britain or Ireland who is known & has Credit in America which should authorize your Agent to draw for the Money.\n          I should wish to be excused from recommending any one in particular, but there are many who undoubtedly would Serve you with honour and Ability, both in philadelphia & New york\n          I have the honour to be Sir Your most / obedient and most Hum ble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0212", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Carmichael, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Adams, John\n            St. Ildefonso 2d. Septr 1785\n          Since I had the honor to address you the 18th. Ulto. I have received an Answer from his Excy. the Ct. de Florida Blanca to the application I made in favor of Mr Watson. That Minister writes me \u201cthat it being necessary to have precise information of the nature of the Case The proper orders are given for this purpose by the Kings direction who is disposed to manifest on this occasion all the condescension which circumstances may admit.\u201d I seize the earliest opportunity of advising your Excellency in order that the Friends of Mr Watson may be persuaded that no endeavour will be wanting on my part to procure his release which I flatter myself I shall be able to effect. I am sorry to inform you that the Algeriens have commenced hostilities against the States. I have vague entelligence of the Capture of five of our Vessels, two of which have Arrived at Algiers, where the prizes Cargoes and Prisoners were immediately Advertized for Sale\u2014 Nine Portuguese had also been carried into that Port, These Captures & the prospect of others had so greatly incouraged these Pirates That they are arming a number of Cruizers, many of which are actually or will be soon at Sea. I make no doubt that their Example will be followed By Tunis &c &c Two Algeriens are now here on the business of the Peace between Spain and their Regency. I shall probably have an opportunity of conversing with them But not being authorized & indeed not knowing what effect these hostilities may have in America, any insinuations which thus Situated I may be able to make, will have very little Weight. Mr Jefferson informs me that he will communicate to your Excy. a safer manner of corresponding. the one of which I am Constrained to avail Myself doth not permit me to enter into details\n          With Great & sincere respect / I have the honor to be / Your Excellencys / Most Obedt. Hble. Sert.\n            Wm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0213", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Wesminster Septr. 4. 1785\n          I have received three Letter of the Tenor and Date of the within\u2014 I cannot find in any Gazetteer or geographical Dictionary any Such Place as Roscoff, and I can make nothing of the Story. I hope you have more Skill in Divination.\n          I have no Letters from Congress, nor any Answer from the Ministry.\n          Pray what are the Sentiments in France upon the American Acts of Navigation? and what has been the Success of the French Whale Fishery? How many Ships have they Sent out this Year? The Britons have introduced into theirs a Spirit of Gambling, by giving a Bounty of 500\u00a3 to the Ship which has the greatest Success; 400\u00a3 to the next. This will make many Adventurers, and give a temporary Activity to the Business: But I rely upon it both the French and English Essays will fall through. My Reason for thinking so is, because the Business in itself is not profitable, and, excepting the four Vessells which may obtain the Bounties, the others upon an Average will be loosers. I know that my Countrymen in the best Times, with all their frugality, with all their Skill, and with their particular manner of conducting the Business could but barely live, and the Fishery was valuable to Us, only as a Remittance. The English are Sacrificing the Bread of thousands of their best Manufacturers to the interested Schemes of a very few Individuals and to a narrow Prejudice and a little Jealousy: but I dont believe the Delusion will be durable. Time will Shew, both them and the French, that it is better to buy our Oil and Candles and Fins, and pay for them in Buttons and Ribbons. if they dont, discover their Error We will lay on Duties upon Buttons and Ribbons, equal to the Alien Duties, and grant them out again in Bounties to our Whalemen.\n          We must not, my Friend, be the Bubbles of our own Liberal Sentiments. if We cannot obtain reciprocal Liberality, We must adopt reciprocal Prohibitions, Exclusions, Monopolies, and Imposts\u2014 our offers have been fair, more than fair. if they are rejected; We must not be the Dupes.\u2014\n          With great Esteem, dear sir, yours\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0214", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Gentlemen,\n          I have recd. your letter of the 30th. of August, & will transmit your letter to the Treasury-board by Mr: Storer, who is to sail this week; but I must repeat my determination to give no Countenance to the speculations in Mr: Parker\u2019s papers, untill you shall receive the orders of that Board.\n          I have recd. the inclosed letter fm. Mr: Lotter\u2014 I have found him so faithfull a servant that I shall certainly recommend him to the American Minister, whenever he arrives at the Hague\u2014but I mean that all expence of every sort shall cease at the Hotel, untill the Minister arrives. I wish therefore that you wd. permit him to live in the Hotel, if he will stay without wages or any other expences, & take care of the Hotel for the rent of the part of it which he occupies; unless you have an oppo: to let it for a good rent, and think it adviseable to let it, which is not likely\u2014 It is my intention, however, to your direction, as I must throw the care of that business off my hands\n          I am, Gentlemen, / Yrs: &c: &c.\n          Will you be so good as to inform me whether Mr: A. M. Cerisier lives still in Amsterdam, & what is his address.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0215", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          On receipt of your favors of Aug. 18. & 23. I conferred with mr\u0303 Barclay on the measures necessary to be taken to set our treaty with the pyratical states into motion through his agency. supposing that we should begin with the emperor of Marocco, a letter to the emperor & instructions to mr\u0303 Barclay seemed necessary. I have therefore sketched such outlines for these as appear to me to be proper. you will be so good, as to detract, add to, or alter them as you please, to return such as you approve under your signature, to which I will add mine. a person understanding English, French & Italian, & at the same time meriting confidence, was not to be met with here. Colo. Franks understanding the two first languages perfectly, and a little Spanish instead of Italian, occurred to mr\u0303 Barclay as the fittest person he could employ for a Secretary. we think his allowance (exclusive of his travelling expences & his board which will be paid by mr\u0303 Barclay in common with his own) should be between 100 & 150 guinees a year. fix it where you please between these limits. what is said in the instructions to mr\u0303 Barclay as to his own allowance was proposed by himself. my idea as to the partition of the whole sum to which we are limited (80,000 D.) was that one half of it should be kept in reserve for the Algerines. they certainly possess more than half of the whole power of the Pyratical states. I thought then that Marocco might claim the half of the remainder, that is to say one fourth of the whole. for this reason in the instructions I propose 20,000 D. as the limits of the expences of the Marocco treaty. be so good as to think of it, and to make it what you please. I should be more disposed to enlarge than abridge it on account of their neighborhood to our Atlantic trade. I did not think that these papers should be trusted through the post office, & therefore, as Colo. Franks is engaged in the business, he comes with them. passing by the diligence the whole expence will not exceed 12 or 14 guineas. I suppose we are bound to avail ourselves of the cooperation of France. I will join you therefore in any letter you think proper to write to the Count de Vergennes. would you think it expedient to write to mr\u0303 Carmichael to interest the interposition of the Spanish court? I will join you in any thing of this kind you will originate. in short be so good as to supply whatever you may think necessary. with respect to the money mr\u0303 Jay\u2019s information to you was that it was to be drawn from Holland. It will rest therefore with you to avail mr\u0303 Barclay of that fund either by your draughts, or by a letter of credit to the bankers in his favour to the necessary amount. I imagine the Dutch Consul at Marocco may be rendered an useful character in the remittances of money to mr\u0303 Barclay while at Marocco.\n          You were apprised, by a letter from mr\u0303 Short, of the delay which had arisen in the execution of the treaty with Prussia. I wrote a separate letter of which I inclose you a copy, hoping it would meet one from you & set them again into motion\n          I have the honour to be with the highest respect Dear Sir / Your most obedient / & most humble servt.\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0216", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Wenman Seward, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Seward, William Wenman\nTo: Adams, John\n            No. 6. Warwick Street Charingcross. 4th. Sepr. 1785\n          Permit me to return you my sincere thanks, for your obliging information in Answer to what I before took the liberty of Addressing to you.\u2014 it now falls to my lot (pursuant to direction) to communicate to you certain inclosed resolutions enter\u2019d into since, at a meeting of associated Irish Gentlemen, in this City, (principaly Merchants), who have done me the honour of nominateing me their Secretary.\n          They have directed me so to do, for the purpose of more speedily & effectualy makeing known their sentiments for the mutual advantage of both their Country & your\u2019s:\u2014to preserve a most cordial connection between each, I am authorized to declare is their warmest inclination.\n          I shall be always happy when any opportunity thus presents it\u2019self to me of conveying to you in a public manner any testimony of that affection between Ireland & America, which so perfectly corresponds wch. my wishes, as conducive to the true Interest of both.\u2014\n          And remain wth: sincere respect / Sr. / Yr. most Obedt. / very Hb. Servt.\n            Wm: Wenman Seward.\n          ENCLOSURE\n            Hay Market London\n          At a meeting of the Irish Association (pursuant to adjournment) September 2d: 1785\n          Resolved Unanimously\n          That we behold with detestation the late attempt made agt. the Liberties of our Country in the propositions lately offer\u2019d to the Irish Parliament for adjusting the commercial system between Great Britain & Ireland:\u2014and we sincerely congratulate our fellow Countrymen now resideing there, on the happy defeat of a scheme so execrable.\n          That it appears to us to be the intention of great Britain to prevent as much as possible a communication of Trade between Ireland & America, (a matter of the highest importance to both Countries.)\u2014 From which reason we are induced to think that the speedy introduction thereof, by the exportation of American produce to Ireland, and a general commerce between our Country & the united States, would be at this crisis peculiarly advantageous.\n          That we will to the utmost of our power contribute to the establishment of such connection & commerce, by every means wch. our property & Industry can effect.\u2014 And that these our Resolutions be forwarded by the secretary of this meeting to his excellency the American Ambassador in this Country for his consideration.\n          That the same be publish\u2019d in some of the Irish Papers.\n            (Copd) signed by Order W: W: Seward Secry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0217", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Warren, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Warren, James\nTo: Adams, John\n            Milton Septemr: 4th 1785.\n          When I used to be in Company with the Prophets, & the Dreamers of Dreams, I could hardly realize, that I should ever have the Honour, & Pleasure of corresponding with an Ambassador at the Courts of Versailles, or London, & yet this Event among many other strange Ones, has taken Place.\u2014 I receiv\u2019d a few Days ago by the Hand of your Amiable Son, Yours dated Auteuil April 26th: & know no Reason, why I may not expect, very soon another from London of a later Date, as the Publick Intelligence announces your Arrival there, with many Circumstances, which indicate a Residence for some Time.\u2014 How many Difficulties you will have to Combat in this new Employ can\u2019t easily be foreseen, while it is pretty clear You will have some. but I hope they will not be insurmountable to those Abilities, & Experience which have already triumph\u2019d over so many.\n          We have got through the Bustle of a new Election, & after much Difficulty, the Choice fell where probably you would have plac\u2019d it. Mr Bowdoin was chose by the two Houses, & all is Peace Tranquillity, & Satisfaction.\u2014 Mr Hancock\u2019s Influence which was great was in favour of Cushing, more probably to keep a Door open for Hims[elf] at another Election, & by that means retrieve the Mistake he made in his Resignation, than from any other Principle. All other Parties were oblig\u2019d to unite, to defeat his Purposes, & he at last in Despair of his main Design, gave out that he did not care who was chose if it was not the Man on Milton-Hill.\u2014 If Ambition was my ruling Principle & I was a Politician, I should have shaken Hands with this mighty Man, but as it is I will still be honest, & continue to despise his Caprice, Incapacity, & Indolence, & do every Thing I can to prevent his again having it in his Power, to disgrace this Government by an Administration of Imbecility & Weakness.\u2014 and if I enjoy none of the Honours & Emoluments of a Government, my vigorous Zeal and Steadiness for many Years, had some Share in obtaining, I will be satisfied, if the Man on Bacon-Hill does not. however he has gain\u2019d tho\u2019 at a second, or third Voting, a Choice of a Delegate, & has now in View the Presidency of Congress, he may get it, my Fears make me think it probable, while my Hopes blast his Expectations.\n          Mr Temple has not yet arriv\u2019d, & when he does, I don\u2019t know that my Regard for Him, or Influence with Him, will be so great as You seem to imagine. I was of Opinion that he was us\u2019d ill by some People in this Country, and so far as Justice requir\u2019d, espous\u2019d his Cause, while in general I agreed with You in the Character given of Him.\u2014 His being a well-meaning Man as you express it, cover\u2019d a Number of Faults, & engag\u2019d me in the Line of Conduct I observ\u2019d.\u2014 His present Employment, has decided his Pretensions with Regard to America, and he should in future be unequivocally the faithful Servant of the King of Great-Britain, & if I have any Influence I shall when Oppertunity presents, use it to make him as prudent as he should be faithful.\n          The Doctor\u2019s Resignation, has been accepted, & it is said He is on his Way to America.\u2014 If his Letters & his Measures were Inimical to You while in Europe, You may expect the same Line of Conduct will be persu\u2019d Here, with more Facility than there, but perhaps with as little Success.\n          Your Son has visited me twice, Yesterday he din\u2019d with me. I am much pleas\u2019d with Him, & shall take Pains to cultivate a Friendship between Him and my Sons, from the Intimacy & Confidence that has subsisted between the Fathers, & the Mothers, it seems a very natural One, he has promis\u2019d to continue his Correspondence with Winslow, & to visit us often.\u2014 Tom I have not seen lately, but my favorite Charles spent a Night or Two with Us after Commencement. I would have them all consider this as one of their Homes.\u2014 I will say nothing to You of Congress, You have every Thing from there at first Hand.\u2014 The foolish Extravagance of this Country has involv\u2019d us in Confusion & Distress, when or how We shall be extricated I don\u2019t know, the Evil seems to be out of the Reach of present OEconomy, or Frugality.\u2014 The Scarcity of Money is beyond your Conception Trade is stagnated. Lands will not sell. No Improvements can be made in Agriculture, or Manufactures. Bankruptcies, & unexpected Ones too, are Common.\u2014 No Man can pay his Debts, & if the Moderation or good Policy of the Creditors, does not prevent, Anarchy may be the Consequence.\u2014 The late Acts of this Government laying enormous Duties, & Illiberal Restrictions on other Foreigners besides British, as well as absurd Ones on their own Trade, increases the Confusion & Distress.\n          When are We to expect the Completion of any Commercial Treaties, and how does the Government of Britain seem dispos\u2019d?\u2014 Will you tell Me?\u2014 Mrs Warren has not been well for some Time, has wrote You lately, & intends writing to Mrs Adams very soon, by this Oppertunity if possible.\u2014 present my best Regards to Mrs Adams, my Love to Nabby, I wish her in every Stage & Connection of Life, all that Happiness her Amiable Qualities, & Accomplishments entitle her to.\n          Your Friend &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0222", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Short, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your Letter of the 30th arrived here on Saturday so that tomorrow\u2019s Post is the first by which it is possible to inclose what you desire\u2014 I had been decieved in supposing that you had only had a Copy of the English Part of the Treaty taken, & for that Reason did not send you a List of the Errata with my first Letter\u2014 They are at present forwarded Sir & I have only to regret that you do not recieve them sooner. You will see that in the two Copies of the Treaty there are different Errata. I know not which is the one that Mr. Storer followed but suppose it will be easily discovered by a Comparison\u2014 I am very sorry that those Faults have been admitted by the Amanuensis as it must efface the Original in some Measure to correct them.\n          No Answer has as yet come from Mr. Jefferson, so that I think it probable he has waited until he could consult with you on the Subject.\n          I have this Moment Sir recieved Information from the Baron de Thulemeier that his Court permits him to recieve the Treaty in English & French but instructs him only to exchange for it an Exemplaire in French\u2014 The Baron mentions that recieving the Treaty in the two Languages is a Concession on the Part of his Majesty the K of P\u2014& he hopes we will be induced to accept in Exchange what alone he is authorized to offer.\u2014 But this is no more than what the Baron offered to do at our first Interview so that his Powers on this Subject have not been enlarged in Consequence of his writing to Berlin since my Arrival here.\u2014 Thus circumstanced Sir I rather suppose it will be necessary to cede this Point\u2014although I shall do it with Reluctance & not without trying other Means as it seems to be desired by you to have the Treaty exchanged in the two Languages.\n          I am extremely sorry to hear of your Indisposition, as I assure you Sir I feel in common with every good Citizen of America an earnest Concern for your present Health, & join your Friends in Wishes for your constant Happiness.\n          I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the great- / est Respect / Your Excellency\u2019s / most obedient & most humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0223", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Stephens Smith, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Adams, John\n          I did myself the honour of writing you from Harwich and Amsterdam\u2014 we have been very unfortunate as to roads & weather and were not able to reach Bresleau, time enough for the Review there\u2014 those of this place and at Potsdam will be finished about the 20th. when I shall attempt a rapid passage to London by the way of Paris, I shudder at the Idea of tresspassing too far upon your indulgence\u2014 but I know you will make every allowance particularly when you consider, that I have passed the period of rediculous dissipation, and am now in the pursuit of knowledge and improvement\u2014 I hope to be honoured with your commands at Paris\u2014where my stay will be 6 hours or 6 day\u2019s, as may appear most consistant with your wishes\u2014 to save the expence of postage I shall Copy instead of inclosing my Letter to the King of Prussia, requesting his Permission to attend the review of His troops, and His Majesty\u2019s answer\u2014\n          Your Majesty\u2019s Military Fame, and the reputation of Your Armies, induced me to leave London early in August, with an intention of being present at the review of your troops at this place and at Potsdam\u2014 I shall be happy if my intentions should meet with Your majesty\u2019s Approbation, and hope to be honoured with your permission to attend them\u2014 I am Sire\u2014with the highest respect / Your Majesty\u2019s &c.\n            W.S.SColo. in the Servic of the U.S. of America to His Majesty the King of Prussia\n          to which his Majesty was pleased to return the following ansr\n            Msr. le Colonel Smith.\u2014\n            Potsdam ce 4 de Septembre 1785\u2014\n          \u201cJe serai bien aise, de vous voir, aux man\u0153uvr d\u2019ici. La permission, que vous venis de demander, pour y assister, vous est accordi\u00e9; & Je prie Sur ce Dieu, Mr. le C\u00f3lonel Smith, qu\u2019il vous ait en sa sainte & digne garde.\n         au Colonel Smith, au service des Etates unis d\u2019Amerique, \u00e1 Berlin[\u201d] \n          with my most respectful Compliments to the Ladies I am / Sir / Your most Obedient / Humble Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0225", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Arthur Lee, 6 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lee, Arthur\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Septr. 6. 1785\n          I received Yesterday your Favour of 27. July. and wish it were in my Power to relieve your Anxiety by giving you any comfortable Hopes from this Country.\n          The national Sense and public Voice is decidedly against Us in the Whale Trade and Ship trade, and there are as yet but feeble Parties for Us in the West India Trade and Colony Trade. I may Say to you that, if Ireland had not escaped from the Snare, We should have had a very dull Prospect. I See no Resource for Us but in a Navigation Act, and this will not relieve Us soon.\n          Our Merchants have enslaved themselves to this Country by the Debts they have contracted. They are afraid to explore new Channells of Commerce, least they should offend the British Merchants and be sued.\n          But there is no Choice left Us.\u2014 Our Country must not be ruined in Tenderness to those who have run imprudently too far into Debt.\n          As far as I can penetrate the Hearts of the Ministers, they are very far from being as they Should be, relative to Us. Those of them who have acquired immense Popularity, Reputation, and Influence by former Professions of Attachment to the American Cause, as Cambden and Richmond, are much changed: in short We have no Party for Us here. Yet indeed there is no party at present that dares declare very explicitly against Us.\u2014\n          All Sides are as Silent and misterious as you can conceive them to be, and when I shall get any Answer I cannot guess; but I can confidently guess that when it does come it will not be what it must finally be, in order to relieve Us, and bring the two Countries together in good Humour.\n          Ireland, I think, Stands between Us and Evil. Her Indocility may have changed the Plans of the Cabinet in many particulars.\u2014 In Short I dont believe there is any fixed Plan, or will be any, untill the next Budget shall be opened. The Debt Stands between Ireland and Harm. This Country is in a more critical Situation than Ours.\n          Yet it may take two Years to decide its Fate. Many Persons express anxious Fears of Distractions and Anarchy: others think they can not Stand under the Burthen of the Debt; but must lower the Interest.\n          The Policy of our Country is not perfect neither. The most fatal and egregious Fault of all is leaving their Debt in Holland and France unfunded.\u2014 This Error is so easily rectified that it is astonishing it is not done. This Single Step may protect Us from a War, and confute forever the numberless Calumnies which circulate now, and will never cease, untill that is done. I have hitherto paid the Interest in Holland out of the Principal; but this will by and by be impracticable, and then Such a Clamour & Obloquy will Succeed as will make Us all ashamed of ourselves. How will it be possible to vindicate the Faith or the Honour of our Country?\n          You give me great Pleasure by your Approbation of my sons Conduct, and I am under great Obligation to your Brother for the Notice he took of him. Count Sarsefild, who has just now left me, is rejoiced at your Appointment to the Treasury, and desires me to present his Regards to you. He leads the Life of a Peripatetic Philosopher here, has done so Since May, and will Stay till October. He rambles with Lord shelburne and Lord Harcourt, and is the Happyest Man I know. I have seen him two Summers in Holland. Observation and Reflection are all his Business, and his Dinner and his Friend all his Pleasure. if a Man was born for himself alone, I would take him for a Model.\n          I am dear sir, with great / Esteem, your Friend & Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0226", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 6 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Septr. 6. 1785\n          I had Yesterday the Honour of receiving your Letter of the first of August, and I pray you to accept of my Thanks for your kind Attention and obliging Civilities to my son. It was the first News We had of him Since he Sail\u2019d from L\u2019Orient. I hope that, after remaining in N. York long enough to pay his Respects where they were due, he made haste to Boston. Your Reasoning, Sir, both upon the Powers of Congress and the Subject of the Debts is very just, and is Such as I have urged, upon all Occasions, both to Ministers and Creditors. Nevertheless, I expect that the Debts will be urged as a Breach of Treaty, and as the Justification, Excuse, or Pretence for withholding the Posts.\n          I can get no Answer from Ministers, neither in Writing nor in Conversation. They make me handsome Bows, look at me with Smiling Countenances, give me civil Words: but not one Word of explicit Answer, except in two or three Points Mr Pitt & Ld Carmarthen gave me their opinions, which I have repeated to Mr Jay.\n          I hope the States will not wait a Moment in hopes of any commercial Relief from this Court; but proceed to prohibit all Exports from the United States in British Vessells, untill We shall have an open Trade or a Treaty. A Navigation Act, in my Opinion, will extort Terms from Britain, if any Thing can. if not, our Freights will be a great Fund of Wealth, our Ships and Mariners will be Castles and Garrisons to Us, and the mutual Dependence of the States upon one another will be a Strong Cement of our Union in Interest and Affection.\n          The present Ministry may be the great Men they are represented to be. I will not affirm the contrary. It is problematical yet. Their Plans relative to the United States, relative to Ireland, relative to Holland, Germany, France, Spain, their own Finances, &c do not yet demonstrate them to be well inform\u2019d and judicious, much less deep and great Statesmen. Their Schemes have been temporary and partial, as if adopted upon the Spur of the Occasion, to remove a present Pressure, or Silence a partial Clamour. if they had carried their Point in Ireland, I will not Say what I think would have been their Conduct towards America.\n          From the Hints which dropped from Mr Pitt, I am of Opinion they are determined to keep the Posts, at least untill something farther Shall be done about the Debts. As to taking off the Alien Duty upon Oil, and admitting our Ships to their Markett, the national Voice and publick Opinion are decidedly against it, and therefore you must furnish the Ministry, in your Navigation Acts an Excuse to the Nation, before they will venture upon it.\n          I have Sent your Letter to Mr Steptoe, but I dont believe I Shall be able to Serve him in his Views. if I can I will. The United States must establish a Factory of their own, among the French, English, Dutch, Danes, Sweeds &c. The Natives will be glad to See them; and the other European Factories too. if our Factory would treat them with Equity and Humanity, We Should be the most favoured Nation. Why Should We come to Europe for East India Goods? Why Should We purchase European Manufactures, if We can have India Manufactures equally good and for half the Price? Our Vessells may go a trading and carry any Thing to Sell to the European Factories, and get Money of them to buy a Cargo of the Natives in return.\n          This Letter will be delivered you by Mr Storer, a Gentleman who assisted me in Mr Thaxters sickness at the Hague, and afterwards in the Hurry of the Conferences for the Peace at Paris.\n          With great Respect and Esteem I have / the Honour to be, Sir, your most / obedient Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0227", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 6 September 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            Office for foreign Affairs 6th: September 1785\n          My last to you was of the 26th: Ultimo, in which I mentioned the Dates of the Letters with which you had honored me, and the Receipt of which then remained unacknowledged\u2014none from you have since arrived.\u2014\n          I have now the Honor of transmitting to You herewith enclosed a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 18th: Ultimo\u2014 it contains a Correspondence between the Governor of Massachusetts and Capt. Stanhope the Commander of a british Frigate.\u2014\n          The Stile of the Captain\u2019s Letters being very reprehensible occasioned the Application to Congress which produced the Act in Question and I am persuaded that the Views of Congress in directing it to be communicated to the british Minister will be promoted by the Manner in which you will do it.\u2014\n          The frequent Solecisms observable for some Years past in the Politics of the Court of London, render it exceedingly difficult to divine how they will think and act under almost any given Circumstances.\u2014\n          It is manifestly as much their Interest to be well with us, as for us to be well with them and yet the Gratification of Resentments occasioned by Disappointment, seems to take the Lead of more elevated and useful principles of Action.\u2014\n          They expect much from the Trade of America, and yet they take Pains to cut off every Source within their Reach by which we may make Remittances. It is strange that they should wish us to buy, and yet be so industrious to put it out of our Power to pay. Such a System must cause Loss of Money to their Merchants and Loss of Reputation to ours. I wish most sincerely that Credit was at an End, and that we could purchase Nothing abroad but for ready Money. Our Exportations would then be equally profitable, and as our Importations would be diminished, we should have less to pay\u2014 domestic Manufactures would then be more encouraged, and Frugality and \u0152conomy become more prevalent.\u2014\n          What Impression the Conduct of Capt. Stanhop[e may] make on the Minister to me appears uncertain\u2014certain however it is, that mutual Civility and Respect must in the Nature of Things precede mutual Benevolence and Kindness. The manner of your Reception and Treatment indicates their Attention to this Consideration and yet the Detention of the Posts, the strengthening their Garrisons in our Neighbourhood, the Encouragement said to be given to Settlers in those Parts and various other Circumstances speak a Language very different from that of Kindness and good Will.\u2014\n          They may hold the Posts, but they will hold them as Pledges of Enmity; and the Time must and will come when the Seeds of Discontent, Resentment and Hatred which such Measures always sow, will produce very bitter Fruit.\u2014\n          I am well informed that some of the Loyalists advise and warmly press the Detention of the Posts. It is strange that Men who for ten Years have done nothing but decieve, should still retain any Credit. I speak of them collectively among them there are Men of Merit; but to my Knowledge some of the most violent, the most bitter and implacable and yet most in Credit are Men who endeavoured to play between both Parties, and vibrated from Side to Side as the Appearance of Success attracted them. Nay the very Accounts of Losses which many of them have presented, afford conclusive Evidence of their Inattention to Truth and common Decency. Such however has been the Infatuation of british Counsels, that what was manifest to others was problematical if not entirely dark to them.\u2014\n          As to their present Minister\u2014he has neither been long enough in Administration, nor perhaps in the World, for a decided Judgement to be formed either of his private or public Character. He seems to possess Firmness as well as Abilities and if to these be added Information and comprehensive as well as patriotic Views, he may be worthy of his Father\u2014 England will problably be either much the better or much the worse for him\n          We are anxious to receive Letters from you on the Subject of the Posts, that in either Event we may be prepared. In the one Case I should think it very justifiable in Congress to take a certain Step that would be longer and more sensibly felt by Britain than the Independence of these States.\u2014\n          Mr. Arthur Lee has been elected to the vacant Place at the Board of Treasury.\u2014\n          Governor Rutledge declines going to Holland.\u2014 The Affair of Longchamps is adjusted\u2014he stays where he is.\u2014\n          With great Esteem and Regard I am / Dear Sir / Your most obt. & very hble: Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0228", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Jabez Bowen, 8 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Bowen, Jabez\n            Grosvr: Square. 8th. Septemr: 1785.\n          I have this day recd. the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 27th. of July, and, as I had recd. but a few days ago an instruction from Congress, relative to some other\u2019s of our fellow-Citizens in the same unhappy predicament with Mr: Low, I shall present to the Ministry a requisition for him & all the rest at the same, & will endeavor to make enquiries concerning the ballance of \u00a33000. due to the State of Rhode-Island.\u2014\n          I agree entirely with you, Sir, in your opinion that we Americans must be frugal, & bend our force to promote Arts & manufactures among ourselves\u2014and the first manufacture I would encourage should be that of Ships, by making a Navigation-Act\u2014 I would next lay on duties upon the importation of all things which we can make ourselves, which shd. give a decisive encouragement to our own manufactures, & make those, who will purchace foreign ones, especially British, pay all our public debts. But I would not stop here: We should seek a market for our oyl in every City of Europe. Sperma-Ceti Oyl, which neither freezes or stiffens with the cold, which burns so long, & gives so pure, clear, & glorious a flame, far exceeds the vegetable oils with which those Cities are illuminated in the night, & might be afforded by us cheaper than that costs them. I am sure that an advantageous market might be found for all our oyl in France. The English know it; but they depend upon our indolence & weak attachment to them\u2014 Mr: Dickason here had lately a quantity of Oyl from America, which the British Oyl-Merchants contrived to prevent his selling. He wrote to France & found an immediate market & a good price\u2014 He sent a part of his Oyl; but the moment those very Oyl-Merchants discovered it they came to him & bought up all he had, to prevent the French from getting a taste of our Oyl, & to prevent the Americans from discovering that a market was to be found in France.\u2014\n          The death of my old friend Governor Hopkins was, in the course of things, to be expected; but the news of it revives in my mind that affection & veneration I conceived for him in a course of arduous service with him in trying times\u2014 I am much obliged to you for your letter, & hope to be considered, Sir, as your friend / & humle: Servt: / &c: &c.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0229", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Paca, 9 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Paca, William\n            Grosvr: Square. 9th. Septemr: 1785.\n          I recd. soon after my arrival in London the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 29th. of April, with the enclosed copy of a letter from Mr: Chace to the Minister\u2014 Your Excellency & the Council may depend upon every assistance I can give to the Cause. The Agent & Solicitor of Maryland have been with me several times, & the last time to request that I would speak to the Minister that the Attorney Genl: might be pressed to give into Chancery his answer, for which the Cause waited\u2014 I waited on Lord Carmarthen accordingly, who expressed himself, as he had done before to me, much in favr: of Maryland. But, according to appearances, the Cabinet are not yet prepared in any thing respecting America. It is hitherto impossible to get any answer to any Question\u2014 The Cabinet are taking time probably to digest their whole system, & will give answers to all things at once. So plain a matter as this could never be perplexed but upon a principle which this Court will not easily admit, vizt: that all Contracts & Debts were extinguished or suspended, betwn: American Citizens & British Subjects, by the late Revolution. Even upon this principle the right of Maryland was restored by the Treaty as much as any other bon\u00e2 fide debt\u2014 I conjecture that the delay has been studied with some view to the general question concerning debts\u2014\n          I had hopes of having something more satisfactory to write to your Excellency concerning this Subject before this time; but, as it is still uncertain when any thing will be done, I ought not longer to delay my acknowledgement of your letter.\n          I have the honor to be, Sir, / Yrs: &c: &c.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0230", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 9 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Tufts, Cotton\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Septr. 9. 1785.\n          It gives me great Pleasure to see that good Men are so much in Fashion in the Massachusetts. Mr Bowdoin in the Chair, and Dr Tufts with such a Superabundant Majority of Votes in the Senate and Mr Cranch too; it looks as if Sterling would get the better of Tinsel. it is high time.\n          Our Merchants I believe are wholly occupied with their Entertainments, their Variety of Wheel Carriages their Country Seats, and their Assemblies. otherwise I cannot account for their having no where discovered a Markett for their Oil and Ships. or is it Still a pious Affection to Mother Britain?\n          Every Nation which can be called maritime or aquatic, is now studying and labouring to increase their Ships. it is strange if they will not buy ours. Every City almost in Europe burns oil in their Lamps, an Oil which congeals or at least Stiffens with the Cold, gives but a dim Light, and goes out before morning, and what is decisive costs very dear. Our Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil preserves its fluidity in the cold, gives a bright, clear and glorious flame; burns till nine O Clock in the Morning and is cheaper. Yet our Oil cannot get a Markett in Europe, because Mr Pitt had rather that Robberies and Murders should be committed in the dark streets or introduce a Military Police, into London than buy our Oil.\n          It has been an Opinion in America, that our Oil was used chiefly in the Manufactures of this Kingdom. This is a Mistake\u2014it was burnt in the Lamps in the Streets and might be in every City of Europe: but our Merchants are too lazy to look out for a Markett any where but in London: or are they afraid of provoking their English Creditors? The Debtor is slave to the Creditor. But I hope there are some Merchants who are not Debtors: if not I hope there will be.\n          I wish Congress would Send a Consul to sweeden to Prussia, to wherever they have Treaties, and give those Consuls Instructions to look out for Marketts and explore Channells of Trade. I Suppose young Merchants or old ones might be found who would gladly go without Salaries upon permission to trade, but if not We must not be so timid about Spending a shilling abroad.\u2014 Mr Danas Treaty with Russia would have been worth an hundred Thousand Pounds to Us, I fully believe; Yet We must not have it, because it must cost five Thousands.\n          It is my clear Opinion, that the system of V. and F. in Europe and Stinginess in America, have brought upon you all the Evils you feel at present. I have foreseen it, these seven Years and done my Utmost to prevent it, at the hazard of all even my Life, as well as at the Expence of my Reputation. Now, in my Opinion, all depends upon what you do in America. You must make the Navigation Act and encouragement of Manufactures universal, and you must force commercial Connections with France as it was intended you should, and with the rest of Europe. The People have been made the Dupes in America, and they must suffer for it, for a time. it will be the better for them in the End, for what I know.\n          This Letter is too free, for any sight but yours in Confidence, and such who have as much discretion as You, if such there be. my Regards to your Family / and all our Friends\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0232", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jebb, 10 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jebb, John\n            Grosvenor Square Septr 10th 1785\n          It is a Wise Maxim that Every Freeman ought to have some Profession Calling Trade or Farm, whereby he may honnestly subsist, but it by no means follows as a Consequence that there can be no necessity for, nor use in Establishing offices of profit, if we mean by these, offices with moderate, decent and stated, sallaries sufficient for the comfortable support of the officers and their Families. offices in General ought to yeald as honnest a subsistance and as Clear an independance as Professions Callings Trades or Farms, if by offices of Profit we mean, offices of excessive profits, it is not only true that there can be no necessity for them nor use in establishing them, but it is clear they aught never to exist,\u2014the dependance and servility, unbecomeing Freemen in the Possessors and Expectants: tho Faction Contention Corruption and dissorder amongst the People does not arise from the honest profit but from the Excess, and they oftener arise from Ambition than Avarice. an office without Profits, without sallary Fees Perquisites or any kind of Emolument is sought for with servility Faction and Corruption from Ambition as often as an office of Profit is sought from Avarice\n          And this is the Way in which Corruption is constantly introduced into society it constantly begins with the People, in their Elections, indeed the first Step of Corruption is this dishonnest disposition in the People, an unwillingness to pay their Representatives. the moment they require of a Candidate that he serve them Gratis. they establish an Aristocracy by excluding from a Possibility of serving them all who are Poor & unambitious, and by confining their suffrages to a few rich Men, when this Point is once gained of the People. which is easily gained because their own avarice pleads for it, Tyranny has made a Gigantic stride. I appeal to your Knowledge of England whether servility Faction, Contention and Corruption appears any where in so Gross forms, as in the Election of Members of Parliament whose offices are very expensive and have not Profits. is not the Legislative at this Hour more Corrupt than the Executive? is not more servility, Faction Contention and Corruption in the offices in the Election of the People, than is disposing of those in the Gift of the Crown? are there not as many in Proportion who apply for these elections as for offices in the Army Navy Church or Revenue? the Number of Persons who apply for an office then is no Proof of an increase of its Fees or Profits.\n          the Man who offers a City or Burrough to serve them for nothing, offers a Bribe to every Elector, and the answer should be Sir you affront me.\u2014 I want a service which is worth something, I am able and willing to Pay for it. I will not lay myself under any obligation to you by accepting your Gift. I will owe you no gratitude any further than you serve me faithfully the obligation and Gratitude Shall be from you to me, and if you do not do your Duty to me I will be perfectly free to call you to an account and to punish you and if you will not accept of Pay for your service you shall not serve me\u2014\n          There are in History examples of Characters wholy disinterested who have displayed the sublimest tallents the greatest virtues, at the same time that they have made long and Severe sacrifices to their Country, of their Time their Estates their Labour Healths and even their Lives, and they are deservedly admired and revered by all virtuous Men. but how few have they been One in two or three ages, certainly not enough to watch over the Rights of Mankind for these have been last in almost all ages and Nations, societies Should not depend upon a succession of such Men for the Preservation of their Liberties, the People Ruin their own cause by exacting such sacrifices in their service. Men see nothing but Misery to themselvs and ruin to their families attached to the honest service of the People. and the examples of Aristrides Fabricious and Cincinnatus have in all ages terrified thousands of able and worthy Men from engaging in a service so hopeless and uncomfortable\u2014\n          Knaves and Hipocrates see through the Whole sistem at once. I will take the People their own way says one of these, I will serve them without Pay, I will give them money, I will make them beleive that I am perfectly disinterested untill I gain their Confidence and exite their enthusiasm. then I will Carry that Confidence and Enthusiasm to markett and will sell it for more than all I give them, and all their Pay would have amounted to\u2014si populus vult decipi decipiatur.\n          It should be a fundamental maxim with the People never to receive any services Gratis, nor to suffer any faithfull service to go unrewarded, nor any unfaithfull services unpunished. their rewards should be temperate, instead of this how stingy are they at first and how wild at last, Stingy untill the Man has served them long enough to gain their Confidence mad and frantick with generossity afterwards. their Gratitude when once their Enthusiasm is excited knows no bounds. it scatters their favours all around the Man. his family, his Father Brother son, all his relations all his Particular Friends must be idolized, Wealth and Power without measure or End must be confered upon them, without considering whether they be Wise Men or Fools Honest Men or Knaves.\u2014\n          the social science will never be much improved untill the People unanimously know and Consider themselvs as the fountain of Power and untill they Shall know how to manage it Wisely and honestly. reformation must begin with the Body of the People which can be done only, to affect, in their Educations. the Whole People must take upon themselvs the Education of the Whole People and must be willing to bear the expences of it. there should not be a district of one Mile Square without a school in it, not founded by a Charitable individual but maintained at the expence of the People themselvs they must be taught to reverence themselvs instead of adoreing their servants their Generals Admirals Bishops and Statesmen\n          Instead of Admiring so extravegantly a Prince of Orange, we Should admire the Batavian Nation which produced him. Instead of Adoring a Washington, Mankind Should applaud the Nation which Educated him. If Thebes owes its Liberty and Glory to Epaminondas, She will loose both when he dies, and it would have been as well if She had never enjoyed a taste of either: but if the Knowledge the Principles the Virtues and Capacities of the Theban Nation produced an Epaminondas, her Liberties and Glory will remain when he is no more: and if an analogous system of Education is Established and Enjoyed by the Whole Nation, it will produce a succession of Epaminandas\u2019s. the Human Mind naturally exerts itself to form its Character according to the Ideas of those about it. when Chrildren and Youth hear their Parents and Neighbours and all about them applauding the Love of Country of Labour of Liberty and all the Virtues Habits and Faculties which constitute a good Citizen, that is a Patriot and an Hero\u2014those Chrildren indeavour to acquire those quallities and a sensible and Virtuous People will never fail to form Multitudes of Patriots and Heroes. I Glory in the Character of a Washington because I know him to be only an Examplification of the American Character, I know that the General Character of the Natives of the United states is the same with him and that the prevalence of such sentiments and Principles Produced his Character and preserved it and I know there are thousands of others, who have in them all the essential Qualities, Moral & Intellectual which compose it. if his Character Stood alone, I should value it very little, I should wish it had never existed, because altho it might have wrought a great Event, yet that Event would be no Blessing. in the days of Pompey Washington would have been a Ceasar, his officers and Partisans would have stimulated him to it. he could not have had their Confidence without it\u2014in the time of Charles a Cromwell\u2014in the days of Phillip the second\u2014a Prince of Orange, and would have wished to be Count of Holland. But in America he could have no other ambition than that of retiring; in Wiser and more Virtuous Times he would not have had that, for that, is am Ambition. He would still be content to be Governor of Virginia Pressident of Congress a Member of a Senate or an House of Representatives. it was a General sentiment in America that Washington must retire. Why? What is implied, in this necessity:? if he could not offer to serve the public longer without Pay, let him be paid. would it Lessen his Reputation? Why Should it? if the People were perfectly judicious instead of Lessening it would raise it; But if it did not surely the late revolution was not undertaken to raise one Great reputation to make a sublime Page in History, but for the Good of the People.\n          does not this Idea of the necessity of his retiring, imply an opinion of danger to the Public from his Continuing in Public? a Jealousy that he might become ambitious? and does it not imply something still more humiliating a Jealousy in the People of one another? a Jealousy of one Part of the People that another Part had grown too fond of him and acquired habitually too much Confidence in him, and that there would be danger of setting him up for a king undoubtedly it does, and undoubtedly there were such suspicions, and Grounds for them too. Now I ask what occasioned this dangerous Enthusiasm for him? I answer that Great as his Tallents and Virtues are they did not alltogether contribute so much to it, as his serving without Pay, which never fails to turn the Heads of the Multitude. His ten thousand officers under him and all his other admirers might have sounded his Fame as much as they would, and they might have justly sounded it very high. and it would not all have produced such Extacies among the People as this single circumstance\u2014 Now I say this is all wrong. there should have been no such distinction made between him and the other Generals, he should have been paid as well as they. And the People should have too high a sense of their own Dignity ever to suffer any Man to serve them for nothing. the higher and more important the office the more rigorously Should they insist upon acknowledging its appointment by them, and its dependance upon them,: but then they must be sensible of their own Enthusiasm, and constantly upon their Gaurd against it. they Should consider that although History presents us perhaps with one example in 500 years of one disinterested Character, it Shews us ten thousand Instances every year of the semblance of Disinterestedness Counterfeited, for the most selfish purposes of Cheating them more effectually. and the Glory of an Aristides and half a dozen others with the transient flashes of Liberty they preserved in the World are a miserable Compensation to Mankind for the long dreary ages of Gloomy Despotism which have passed all most over the Whole Earth, by means of disinterested Patriots, becoming Artfull knaves, or rather by the People themselvs not suffering their Benefactors to persevere in that Disinterestedness to the End which they exact of them at first, for I think that it has been the People themselvs who have allways created their own Despots\n          You erased something you had written about the Present times. I wish you would restore it. this Correspondence must be confidential. But the Late Lord Chatham, is a Striking example. he preserved the Character of disinterestedness but imperfectly. Yet it was somewhat of this Kind that elevated him so high in the affections of the People. and you now see the consequences, the People think it a duty to God to make up in their Devotion to his Son what they think they were wanting in gratitude to Him. What but a Whirl Wind Could have done what we have seen? Government must become something more intelligable rational an Steady\u2014\n          Pardon all this from your Friend.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0234", "content": "Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas and William Short, 11 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dumas, C. W. F.,Short, William\n            Gentlemen,\n            Grosvr: Square. 11th. Septemr: 1785.\n          I have recd. from Mr: Jefferson a copy of his letter to you of the 1st. inst: & agree fully with him in sentiment that we should agree to consider the french column as the Original, if the Baron thinks himself bound to insist upon it; but if the practice of his Court will admit of the execution in the two languages, each to be considered as equally original, it would be very agreable to me\u2014\n          I have recd. Mr: Short\u2019s letter of the 5th. inst: & agree with you that it will be necessary to cede the point, if the Baron cannot be persuaded to sign the Copy in both languages, upon your agreeing that the French shall be considered as the Original\u2014 I wish, however, to try the experiment; not urging it with too much earnestness, nor persisting in it too long\u2014 I will not disguise from you, what I should advise you to reserve from others with some discretion, that, old as I am, I hope to live to see the day when the American language will be understood & respected in every Court in Europe\u2014not from any dislike to the French or the Latin\u2014\n          Pray what do they say in Holland to our Navigation-Act of Massachusetts? Do you think it will be followed by the other States? Can the five Southernmost States adopt it immediately? The Americans here applaud it with remarkable unanimity\u2014\n          My Cold is much better, & I thank you for your sympathy\u2014\n          I am, Gentlemen, / Yrs: &c: &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0001", "content": "Title: I. The American Commissioners\u2019 Draft of Thomas Barclay\u2019s Letter of Credence to the Emperor of Morocco, 12 September 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Adams, John,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Morocco, the Emperor of\n            The United States of America, heretofore connected in Government with Great Britain, have found it necessary for their Happiness to Seperate from her, and to assume an independant Station. consisting of a number of Seperate States, they have confederated together, and placed the Sovereignty of the whole, in matters relating to foreign nations, in an body an Assembly consisting of Delegates from every State and called the Congress of the United States. Great Britain after a distressing War of Eight Years has solemnly confirmed their Seperation and acknowledged their Independence. After the conclusion of the Peace, which terminated the distressing War of Eight Years, in which they had been engaged for the Establishment of their Independence, the first Attentions of Congress were necessarily engrossed by the re-establishment of order & regular Government. As Soon as it was possible, they turned their Attention to foreign Nations, and, desirous of entering into Amity & Commerce with them, have been pleased to appoint us, with Dr: B: Franklin, to execute such treaties for this purpose, as shall might be agreed on by such Nations, with us, or any two of us\u2014 Dr: Franklin having found it necessary to return to America, the execution of these several Commissns: has devolved on us\u2014 One of us, being placed as Min: Plepo: fm. the U: S: at the Court of G B: & the other at the Court of France; these Circumstances, together with the Commissions with wh: we are charged for entering into treaties with various other nations, put it out of our power to attend at the other Courts in person & oblige us to negotiate by the intervention of confidential persons\u2014 Respecting the friendly disposition of his M. the E. of Morocco shewn by Yr: Majesty towards the U: S:, & in compliance with their desire of forming a Connection with a Sovregn so renowned for his power, his wisdom & his justice, We have embraced the first moment possible of assuring him Yr: Majesty of these the Sentiments of our Country & of ourselves, and of expressing our wishes to enter into a Connection of friend ship & Commerce with him Yr: Majesty\u2014\n            For this purpose, We have Commissioned the Bearer hereof, Thos: Barclay Esqr: a person in the highest Confidence of the Congress of the U: S:, & as such, havg: been several years, & still being their Consul General with our great & good friend, & Ally the K. of France, to arrange with his Yr. Imperial M. the Emperor those conditions wh: it might be advantageous for both Nations to adopt for the regulation of their Commerce & their mutual Conduct towards each other\u2014 We have delivered to him a Copy of the full powers with which we are invested to conclude a treaty with Yr: Majesty, which Copy he is instructed to present to Yr: Majesty: Altho\u2019 we are not authorised by these powers to delegate to him the full authority of ultimately signing the treaty; yet such is our reliance on his wisdom, his integrity, & his attention to the Instructions with which he is charged, that We assure your Majesty that the Conditions wh: he shall arrange & send to us shall be returned with our Signature in order to receive that of the person whom Yr: M. shall commission for the same purpose.\u2014\n            With the most profound respect, & our best wishes for the health, happiness, prosperity & glory of Yr: Imperieel Majesty We have the honor of subscribg ourselves, Yr: Majesty\u2019s / Most Oedt.\u2014Most Huml: servt.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0004", "content": "Title: IV. The American Commissioners to William Carmichael, 12 September 1785 \u2013 11 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John,American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\n            Mr. Barclay will deliver you this letter in his way to Morocco.\n            We have appointed him to this negotiation in hopes of obtaining the friendship of that State to our country, & of opening by that means the commerce of the Mediterranean, an object of sufficient importance to induce him to accept of the trust\n            We recommend him & Colo. Franks who goes with him to your attention & assistance, and we particularly desire you to interest the court of Spain in his favour if you think it practicable\u2014 Your success upon many occasions with the Spanish Ministers, gives us hopes that you may obtain for him, Instructions or Letters to Spanish Consuls or other Gentleman which may contribute both to the comfort of his travels & the success of his Mission\n            Any Dispatches, for us, which he may convey to you, your own just sense of the importance of them will induce you to transmit to us with all possible care\u2014\n            We are informed of the friendly attention of the court of Madrid to the case of our fellow citizens late in captivity as well as on many other occasions, and if you think it will not be taken amiss, you will oblige us by expressing our grateful sense of it wherever you think proper.\n            With great esteem / We have the honour to be / Sir / Your Most obedt & / Most humble Servts.\n              John Adams T. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0005", "content": "Title: V. The American Commissioners\u2019 Draft Letter to the Comte de Vergennes, 15 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John,American Commissioners\nTo: Vergennes, the Comte de\n            We do ourselves the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that We have appointed Thomas Barclay Esq the Consul General of the United States in France, to proceed to the coast of Barbary in Africa, there to enter into Negotiation and to endeavour to form Treaties, of Amity between the United States and the King or Emperor of Morocco or Fez; the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, or with any of them; and also with every other Prince, State or Power, of the said coast,: & that Mr Barclay is ready to proceed upon his Journey for that purpose.\n            That he may have the better hopes of success, We do ourselves the Honour to request that his most Christian Majesty will be pleased to employ his good Offices and Interpositions, with those Powers, and their subjects, in such manner as to his Majestys Wisdom shall seem fit convenient in order to promote the Views of Mr Barclay in his Mission and in Order to provide as fully and efficaciously as possible for the Benefit, conveniency, and Safety of the said United States, and each of them, their subjects, People and Inhabitants and their Vessells and Effects, against all Violence, Insults Attacks or Depredations, on the Part of the Said Princes and States of Barbary, or their Subjects. and to this End that the Ministers Consuls, and Agents of France residing in those Countries may be instructed to Advice and assist Mr Barclay, according to the Spirit of the Eighth Article of the Treaty of Commerce, between his Majesty and the United states of America.\n            With great Respect We have the Honour / to be, Sir, your Excellencys most / obedient and most humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0007", "content": "Title: VII. The American Commissioners\u2019 Instructions to Thomas Barclay for Negotiations with Morocco, 1\u201311 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John,American Commissioners\nTo: Morocco, Thomas Barclay for Negotiations with\n              Instructions to Thomas Barclay Esqr.\n            Congress having been pleased to invest us with full powers for entering into treaty of Amity and Alliance with the Emperor of Morocco, and it being impracticable for us to attend his court in person & equally impracticable on account of our seperate stations to receive a Minister from him, we have concluded to effect our object by the intervention of a confidential person. We concur in wishing to avail the United States of your talents in the execution of this business, & therefore furnish you with a letter to the Emperor of Morocco to give a due credit to your transactions with him.\n            We advise you to proceed by the way of Madrid, where you will have opportunities of deriving many lights from Mr Carmichael, through whom many communications with the court of Morocco have already passed. From thence you will proceed by such rout as you shall think best to the court of the Emperor.\n            You will present to him our letter with the copy of our full powers, with which you are furnished; at such time or times, and in such manner as you shall think best.\n            As the negotiation & conclusion of a treaty may be a work of time you will endeavour in the first place to procure an immediate suspension of hositilities. You will proceed to negotiate with his Minister the terms of a treaty of Amity & Commerce as nearly as possible conformed to the draught we give you: where alterations, which in your opinion shall not be of great importance, shall be urged by the other party, you are at liberty to agree to them: where they shall be of great importance, and such as you think should be rejected, you will reject them: but where they are of great importance, & you think they may be accepted, you will ask time to take our advice; & you will advise with us accordingly by letter or by courier as you shall think best. When the articles shall all be agreed you will sign them in a preliminary form & send them to us by some proper person for definitive execution.\u2014\n            The whole expences of this treaty, including as well the expences of all persons employed about it as the presents to the Emperor & his servants, must not exceed 20000 Dollars & we urge you to use your best endeavours to bring them as much below that sum as you possibly can,\u2014and to this end, we leave it to your discretion to represent to His Majesty or to his Ministers, if it may be done with safety, the particular circumstances of the United States just emerging from a long & distressing war with one of the most powerful nations of Europe, which we hope may be an apology if our presents should not be so splendid as those of older & abler nations. As custom may have rendered some presents necessary in the beginning or progress of this business; & before it is concluded or even in a way to be concluded, we authorize you to conform to the custom; confiding in your descretion to hazard as little as possible before a certainty of the event, & to provide that your engagements shall become binding only on the definitive execution of the treaty. We trust to you also to procure the best information in what form & to what persons these presents should be made, & to make them accordingly.\n            The difference between the customs of that & other courts, the difficulty of obtaining a knowledge of those customs but on the spot & our great confidence in your discretion, induce us to leave to that all other circumstances relative to the object of your mission It will be necessary for you to take a Secretary well skilled in the French language to aid you in your business, & to take charge of your papers in case of any accident to yourself, we think you may allow him 150 guineas a year, besides his expences for traveling & subsistence. We engage to furnish your own expences according to the respectability of the character with which you are invested; but, as to the allowance for your troubles, we wish to leave it to Congress\n            We annex hereto sundry heads of enquiry which we wish you to make, & to give us thereon the best information you shall be able to obtain. We desire you to correspond with us by every opportunity which you think should be trusted; giving us from time to time an account of your proceedings & prospects by the way of Holland under cover to Mr Dumas at the Hague or Messrs Willincks of Amsterdam; by the way of England to Uriah Forrest Esqr., by way of France to Mr Grand Paris, & to Mr Carmichael by way of Spain.\n            We wish you a pleasant journey & happy succeess, being with great esteem &c. &c. &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0008", "content": "Title: VIII. John Lamb\u2019s Supplementary Instructions for Negotiations with Algiers, 1\u201311 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John,American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n              Supplementary Instruction for Mr. Lamb\n            We have received information that two American vessels, the Dauphin from Philadelphia & and the Maria from Boston with their Crews & Cargoes have lately been taken by the Algerines off the coast of Portugal, & that the crews are reduced to slavery. Our full powers to that State being for the general purpose only of concluding a treaty of Amity & Commerce, the redemption of our citizens made captive before the conclusion of such treaty may not be thought comprehended within those powers. nevertheless as the misfortune of these our countrymen has not been produced by any fault or folly of theirs, as their situation would illy admit the delay of our asking & receiving the pleasure of Congress on their subject, & as we presume stronly that it would be the will of Congress that they should be redeemed from their present calamitous condition, we think ourselves bound, in so distant a situation, & where the emergency of the case is so great, to act according to what we think would be the desire of Congress, and to trust to their goodness & the purity of our own motives for our justification.\n            We therefore authorize you to treat for the emancipation of the crews of the said vessels & of any others which have been or may be taken by the same power before the cessasation of hostilities which we expect you to effect. Administering in the mean time such necessary aids as their situation may require. In negotiating this special treaty you are to consider yourself as acting for the masters of the vessels as well as for the United States, and you will agree to no terms which they shall not approve. You will take from them their obligations, each for his crew separately, binding themselves & their owners to indemnify the United States for the monies which shall be paid for their redemption, subsistence, transportation to their own country & other charges incurred, if the Congress shall be of opinion that such indemnification should be required, transmitting to us such special treaty for our definitive execution. You will also adopt the best measures you can for returning the citizens you shall redeem to their own country. As we require a transmission of this treaty before its definitive conclusion, it is the less necessary for us to speak of the sum which you may venture to engage. We do not expect to redeem our captives for less than 100 Dollars a head, & we should be fearful to go beyond the double of that sum\u2014howevever we trust much in your discretion & good management for obtaining them on terms still better than these if possible.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0010", "content": "Title: X. Thomas Barclay\u2019s Commission to Negotiate with Morocco, 5\u201311 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John,American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \n            To all to whom these Presents shall come or, be may be made known.\n            Whereas the United States of America in Congress Assembled, reposing special trust & confidence in the integrity prudence & ability of their trusty & well-beloved the Honble John Adams late one of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace, and heretofore a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts & chief Justice of the Sd. State: the Honble Doctr. Benjamin Franklin their Minister Plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles & late another of their Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace: and the Honble Thomas Jefferson a Delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia & late Governor of the sd State, did by their Commission under the seal of the United States & the signature of their then President, bearing date the twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred & eighty four, constitute & appoint the said John Adams Benjamin Franklin & Thomas Jefferson their Ministers Plenipotentiary, giving to them or a majority of them full powers & authority for the sd United States & in their name to confer, treat and negotiate with the Ambassador, Minister or Commissioner of His Majesty the Emperor of Morocco, vested with full & sufficient powers of & concerning a Treaty of Amity & Commerce as the case might be, to make & receive propositions for such a Treaty, & to conclude & sign the same transmitting it to the United States in Congress Assembled for their final ratification. And as it might so happen that the great and various affairs which the said United States had committed to the care & management of their sd. Ministers Plenipotentiary, might not admit of their meeting the Minister or Commissioner of which His Majesty the Emperor of Morocco might appoint to treat with them, of & concerning such Treaty, at a time & place that might otherwise be most convenient. Therefore The said United States in Congress Assembled, did on the eleventh day of March in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred & eighty five, by their Commission under their seal & the signature of their President, authorize & empower their said three Ministers Plenipotentiary and the majority of them, by writing under their hands & seals to appoint & employ, and at pleasure to remove, such Agent in the said business as they, or the majority of them might think proper, which said Agent should have authority under directions & instructions of their said Ministers, to commence & prosecute negotiations & conferences for the said Treaty, with such person or persons on the part of His Majesty the Emperor of Morocco as to their said Ministers, or the majority of them should appear proper. Provided always that the Treaty in question should be signed by the said Ministers, but that preliminary articles thereto, might if previously approved by their said Ministers, or the majority of them be signed by the said Agent. And whereas Dr Benjamin Franklin one of the Ministers Plenipotentiary aforesaid is since returned to America.\n            Now know ye, that we John Adams Minister Plenipoten[tiary] of the United States of America at the court of Great Britain and Thomas Jeffer[son] Minister Plenipotentiary of the said States at the court of France, two of the Ministers Plenipotentiary aforesaid & a majority of them, reposing special trust & confi[dence] in the integrity, prudence & ability of the Honble. Thomas Barclay Esqr Consul General of the United States in France, have constituted, appointed & employed, and do by these presents constitute appoint & employ him the said Thomas Barclay, as Agent in the business aforesaid, hereby giving him full authority under our direc[tions] and instructions, to commence & prosecute negotiations & conferences for the said Treaty with such person or persons on the part of the Emperor of Morocco, as His Majesty shall appoint & empower for that purpose. Provided always that the Treaty in question shall be signed by us, but that preliminary articles thereto may if previously approved by us, be signed by the said Agent.\n            In testimony whereof we have hereto set our hands & seals\n                Ths Jefferson L.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0011", "content": "Title: XI. To Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 6 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n              Grosvenor Square Westminster 6th Ocr. 1785\n            On the other Leaf of this Sheet you have Copy of a Resolution of Congress of fourtenth of Feby. last. You will please to hold this Money in readiness to be transmitted to London as I shall have occasion for it, to pay Bills of Exchange which are to be drawn upon me & which I shall accept payable at the House of Messrs. C & R: Puller in London or at your Firm in Amsterdam as occasion may be. I shall have time to give you advice from time to time, as the Bills will be drawn at one or two usances, so that there will be no necessity to transmit much of this Money here at present\u2014it is to be hoped the exchange will be more favorable the longer the delay\n            Your friend & sert.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0237-0012", "content": "Title: XII. Thomas Barclay\u2019s Letter of Credit, 6\u2013[11] October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n              Grovenor Shquare London Westminster Octr 6.[\u201311] 1785.\n            The United States of America in Congress Assembled on the 14th day of Febry. last resolved, that the Ministers of the United States who are directed to form Treaties with the Emperor of Morocco and the Regencees of Algiers Tunis & Tripoli be empowered to apply any Money in Europe belonging to the United States to that use: As you are appointed to proceed to Morocco as Agent for forming such Treaty with the Emperor you are hereby authorized & empowered to draw Bills of Exchange to the amount of a sum not exceeding twenty thousand Dollars, at one or two usances, upon \u201cJohn Adams Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at the court of Great Britain, residing in Grosvenor Square, at the corner between Duke Street & Brook Street,\u201d who will regularly accept & pay the same either at the house of R & C Puller in London or of Wilhem & Jan Willink & Nicholas & Jacob Staphorst at Amsterdam. Your Bills are however to be always accompanied with a letter of Advice in your own hand writing to Mr Adams, a duplicate of which you will also send by some other conveyance.\n            With great respect / We have the honour to be / Sir / Your affectionate friends & / humble Servants\n              Grosvenor Square London Octr. 6. 1785.\n              John Adams Ths Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0238", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jebb, 13 September 1785\nFrom: Jebb, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            Perliamt. Street. 13 sept 1785.\n          My delay in answering your obliging favour of the 21st. ult. has arisen partly from business, partly ill health. which have alternately prevented me from giving the proper degree of attention to the objections you have stated against the 36th Article of the Pensylvanian Frame of Government. I esteem myself much honoured by your invitation to communicate mutually our sentiments upon the American Constitutions. Nothing can be more pleasing than an Enquiry into the acts of Freemen, as Reason & the Public Good in such cases being acknowledged the supreme arbiters, a tribunal is established to which the parties can appeal\u2014and in the present Instance I have every reason to believe that what I offer will be received & considered with candour.\n          The first Inference in the 36th resolution\u2014viz. that there can be no necessity for nor use in establishing offices of profit is certainly too peremptory and extensive\u2014& I own that when I expressed to you my approbation of that article I had not afforded sufficient consideration to the Subject\u2014 The Interpretation however that you put upon the passage, viz, that there can be no necessity for nor use in annexing either Salary fees, nor perquisites to public offices seems to be precluded by the acknowledgement that when a man is called into public service to the prejudice of his private affairs, he has a right to a reasonable compensation. To me the Article appears to be founded upon the following principle. \u201cAlthough it is the right of every Individual, and in some measure an obligation imposed upon him by the Law of Nature, to pursue the means of acquiring an independent support, yet it is also every freemans duty, to bear his portion of the Public Burdens, & either is Just rotation, or according to other prescribed rules to perform those services which the welfare of the State requires & when he can perform these Services without any considerable detriment to his private fortune, or injury to his family, no recompence is due; the State justly requires a certain sacrifice of time\u2014of labour\u2014of emolument, from all its subjects. But if the detriment is considerable, and the burden unequal in its pressure, he has a right to a compensation from his country.\u201d Perhaps the Persons who drew up this Article had also in contemplation that period, when through the admission of the Principles of corruption, offices of profit might be instituted solely for the purpose of increasing influence under the pretext of engaging persons of ability in the public service\u2014and therefore they wished to guard against that multiplication of honours & Emoluments, of which Experience has sufficiently demonstrated the pernicious nature in our European States.\n          Having thus given that Interpretation of the article, which I think must have been the intention of its framers, I will proceed to examine your objections, which perhaps may with almost equal force be urged against the original article, & the preceding interpretation.\n          You urge first, that Public Offices in general require the whole time, & all the attention of those who hold them. the word general here I think does not sufficiently qualify the assertion. Let us descend to particulars. First with respect to the office of a member of the House of Assembly. Independency of fortune here is certainly a proper requisite\u2014yet I agree it ought not to be required by Law\u2014free Citizens will naturally Elect independent Characters to represent them. The persons chosen have a right to a reasonable compensation\u2014but surely the senatorial office does not require a previous specific Education. In this instance therefore the doctrine advanced in the article is just & proper.\n          Secondly in a state, wherein every Citizen ought to be trained to the use of arms, the officers of the militia, although when actually called out into the field, or even when obliged to leave their families or employments in order to acquire the requisite degree of discipline, they have a right to a reasonable recompence, yet they ought not to be esteemed in the same light as the officers of a standing army, where the necessary professional skill undoubtedly requires much previous preparation\u2014even the whole employment of their time.\n          The office of Justice of the Peace with us requires little previous preparation\u2014at least not more than can be afforded to it without injury to the private engagements of the persons who are called to it. and it is a fortunate circumstance when men equally independent will undertake its duties\n          The lower orders of magistracy, so necessary to the preservation of the tranquillity of the community may with advantage be considered in the light of public Burdens\u2014to be born in Just rotation by the Inhabitants of Townships. the Stipend such as barely to compensate for the labour, or expence of the discharging of them.\n          And in the highest station that of Governor, although I am of opinion that a very honourable allowance should be settled upon the person who holds it, during his continuance in office; yet I see something peculiarly noble and also useful in the Idea of his returning after having faithfully served his country in this instance to the enjoyments of an independent though a private station.\n          You will perceive that our Ideas on these subjects approach nearly to harmony when I declare to you, that I perfectly accord with you in Sentiment, respecting the evils, that have arisen from supposing that the Citizens of a free state have a claim to public gratitude, even when, in Miltons phrase, \u201cthey have performed justly skillfully & magnanimously, all the offices both private & public of Peace & War.\u201d If the office is imposed upon him as a burden by equall Law, in duely discharging it he only performs his bounden duty to his country\u2014if led to accept it by the splendor & emoluments of the station in that splendor & those Emoluments let him behold his full reward.\n          I am decidedly of opinion that a law establishing the principle, that no man should hold an office, who has not a private income sufficient for the honourable subsistance of himself & family, would lead to Aristocratic despotism & every Evil you describe. Yet I cannot but most sedulously maintain that in the offices I have hinted at, the moment they approach to the Idea of professional, they become incentives to ambition & every inordinate affection that can influence the human heart.\n          Other Offices there are, which require previous Education, & which by their very nature require the whole attention of the mind. With respect to these I perfectly accord with you in opinion, that the possessors of them should enjoy stated, & in some cases ample Emoluments sufficient to interest the man of ability & business in the honourable pursuit. Such I mean are all Judicial places\u2014 Such offices in finance as require previous preparation to a skillful discharge of their duties\u2014 Offices in the naval department &c. In all these cases the parties should hold their Station during good behaviour\u2014their Salaries should be fixed\u2014but all Ideas of perquisites & patronage should be utterly excluded.\n          With respect to your second objection I certainly agree with you that there is inconsistency, or at least a want of necessary precision in the expression; & what you afterwards urge respecting the difference between legal profits, & secret perquisites, appears strictly Just.\n          But I cannot consent in toto to your third position, that the dependence & servility in the possessors & expectants of public offices do not proceed from the legal profits of offices, which are known to all, but from the perquisites patronage & abuses which are known only to a few.\n          I will suppose all perquisites &c abolished & yet the aforesaid Evils may remain. the nature of the office the mode of appointment are also to be considered. If the office be strictly useful\u2014the emoluments reasonable\u2014& the power of appointment properly vested, there will only subsist that degree of Emulation which gives life to all the organizations of a state. But if the office or Station\u2014or the mode of appointment, bear any resemblance to the generality of offices in European States, a servile prostration of all principle, leading to the Establishment of faction or despotism must be the inevitable result\u2014 In this view of things I am of opinion with dr. Price that those states are happy which know not Bishops Peers or Kings; & are strangers to those offices & Honours falsely so called, which owe their existence to those fantastic monuments of human folly. But if you mean such offices as are necessary in a well constituted state\u2014& if provision be made for a proper appointment to them the assertion is strictly true.\n          It is said in the Article that whenever an office, through encrease of fees or othewise becomes so unprofitable as to occasion many to apply for it, the profits ought to be lessened by the Legislature\u2014 This you observe is not a good Rule. I certainly would agree with you that the Idea is not expressed either with propriety or precision\u2014 And yet I think there is some force in the principle. The Stated fees & emoluments of offices that require previous education &c should be sufficiently ample to call forth ability & merit, and a number of aspirants may be permitted, or rather such encouragement may be afforded as will produce a number of aspirants, without substantial evil, but on the contrary with advantage to the State. But if the fees should increase far beyond the first appointment, all due allowance being made for change in the value of Commodities &c & if the number of Claimants should encrease in the same proportion too many valuable members of society would be allured by the greatness of the prizes to embark in the pursuit of public Honours\u2014 they would by degrees become insensible to the modes of acquiring an honest Independency by persevering Industry\u2014& neglect the opportunity of increasing their own patrimony\u2014& the patrimony of the state which agriculture Commerce & the Arts hold forth as the sure & certain rewards of virtuous Labour in states circumstanced as the American, with respect to extent of territory & the various produce of the Soil.\n          With regard to the subsequent parts of your letter, I am altogether of your opinion. The Support & reward of Public officers, should ever be considered as matter of Justice. not of gratitude. Indeed in almost all points I trust the appearance of difference in Statement will decrease in proportion as our principles are explained\u2014\n          There are some other points in the American Constitutions, upon which I will take the liberty of submitting to you my Sentiments\u2014 I think myself truly happy in your permission to communicate with you on these interesting topics\u2014 I regard the Establishment of liberty in America with a pleasure bordering on Enthusiasm\u2014 I feel with Dr Price the ardent wish that nothing may retard the extent & influence of freedom.\u2014 I detest The mean & sordid Policy of our present rulers with respect to both America & Ireland\u2014 I am sorry to perceive that their opponents are too much actuated with the same Spirit\u2014but I will trust that the same good Providence which hath smiled on the exertions of freemen will safely guide them through every storm, untill at length the bright example shall influence the People from whence they sprang, & every other European State, to shake off the Shackles of Civil & Religious despotism & enable their Inhabitants more generally to become what Heaven intended men to be\u2014virtuous\u2014rational\u2014wise & happy here\u2014& consequently prepared for the enjoyment of still superior degrees of happiness in a more enduring State\u2014 The latter is a sentiment which I am not ashamed to confess makes an important article in my Politics\u2014 For I really believe that if the genuine doctrines of the Gospel were generally known & practiced\u2014nothing would tend more to restore the order of Human affairs\u2014& to establish the liberties of Mankind.\n          Mrs Jebb Joins me in best respects to Mrs Adams\u2014 & I am with the / greatest esteem / Yr. obedt. servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0239", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 13 September 1785\nFrom: Lotter, Christian\nTo: Adams, John\n            May it please Your Excellency!\n            Hague, September 13th: 1785:\n          Your Excellency\u2019s most honoured of the 4th: hujus arrived too late to be of any Service to me, or time enough to restrain the awful Sentence already past against me from Messrs: Willinks and Messrs: van Staphorst. by an ultimatum under the 6th: of this present, to quitt and clear the hotel against the latter end of this month at the farthest, and in case of non compliance, and Strictest Subordination to the order, they then Should be obliged to use Such measures as will be very disagreeable to them, and, I fancy by their notions, Scandalous to me, id est, to turn me and my family, with little American John, who were called in by Your Excellency out of their quiet and peaceful habitation, into the Street, to accomplish the proverb, he came to his own, and his own received him not; Solid and tender feeling will Speak.\u2014 Such a Compliment from Gentlemen to whom, to my very Knowledge I never have paid the least Incivility nor given the Smallest offence, Your Excely: may judge, what a hearty breakfast it was for me to Suggest; but, am I to blame Messrs: Willink, de la Lande & Fynje for those very genteel compliments, O no, for their part, I might as well remain in the hotel, as they in their own houses, but then! how would Madame D\u00f9mas be revenged for the disgrace I So foolishly have laid upon her honest administration of the affairs of the hotel, t\u2019is no wonder, for to lay truth of Such an insupportable nature to open Sight, and for me to extract a Sursolid root, out of a given problem in Algebraic progressions, which the best American Arithmeticien never would have been able to resolve, is thought very unbecoming in me, tho\u2019 nevertheless my duty and therefore, no doubt, it is the opinion, and Strongly recommended by Madame D\u00f9mas, that Such an Arithmetical fool as I must be turned out before the new American Minister arrives here.\n          Last Saturday the 10th: in the afternoon Mr: van Staphorst honored us with a visit, to hear my opinion upon the last friendly Letter I had received from them, because I had Sent no answer, I beg in the name of goodness and Sound reason, what answer does or can a person give upon an already pronounced Sentence, patiently yielding to a Superior force, is the best and Shortest answer, I had hereby occasion to acquaint Mr: van Staphorst, that from Your Excely: I had been favoured with a Letter of the 4th:, wherein my Staying in the hotel was mentioned, and to obtain the consent of the Gentlemen for that purpose, which I had done long before this but with no other redress, then a few Weeks longer vexations.\n          Not to Set Your Excellency\u2019s Kind patience any longer upon the touchstone, and taking away Your precious time, I only Shall take the Liberty to add, that one day I Shall have the happiness to See her weep, who now rejoices in the political Step She has taken, to have So much influence upon the mind of worthy, Sensible and good men as Messrs: Willinks, & van Staphorsts. so to take a morsel of bread out of my Childrens mouth; and, I can\u2019t forget the thoughts, to make and chase those Gentlemen of character. to be the executioners of her revenge and haughty caprice.\n          Since now, nothing else is remaining for me to do, then to make my most humble excuses to Your Excely: for the many troubles and incumbrances this late affair has occasioned to You, I cordially ask Your pardon, farther trusting to Your Generosity that my Small demand of a quarter of a years Salary, which has begun the 8th: of June, then Still in the Service, and a restitution of 10 Guilders for removing of my effects backwards and forwards may not be deemed unreasonable, a half a years housrent until May I leave entirely to Your Excelys: disgretion. because I Shall now be obliged to pay a greater rent, then I have done before, at least till May.\n          Sir I am Sincerely thankful for the favours Your Excellency has been pleased to bestow upon me, and nothing Shall extinguish the Esteem I constantly preserve for Your person and honorable family, and always Shall pray for Your health and Prosperity, and am / Your Excellency\u2019s / most devoted and most obed: / humble Servant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0240", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 15 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Septr. 15. 1785.\n          Having So good an Opportunity as this by Mr Charles Storer, I do myself the Honour to transmit to Congress, by him, the Ratification of the Treaty, and Convention between the United States and the States General of the United Netherlands, which I received in Exchange for the Ratification of Congress transmitted to me.\n          I Should wish that the Receipt of it may be noted in the Journal of Congress, and acknowledged in your Dispatches to me. The Seals are in elegant Silver Boxes\u2014one to the Treaty, and one to the Convention.\n          With great Respect I have the Honour to be / Sir, your most obedient and most humble / Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0241", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Septr. 15. 1785\n          I have received your Letter of the fourth instant by Colonel Franks, with a Project of a Letter to the Emperor of Morocco, and Several other Papers.\n          I have had this Letter, fairly copied, with very few and very inconsiderable Alterations and have Signed it. I have left room enough, at the Beginning, for you to insert, or leave Mr Barclay to insert, the Emperors Titles and Address, which may be done, with the most certainty in Morocco.\n          By the Treaty We have with Holland, the States General have agreed, upon Requisition, to second our negotiations in the most favourable manner, by means of their Consuls. I would have prepared a Memorial and Requisition to that Purpose and have sent it to the Hague. But such a Memorial would publish to all the World Mr Barclays Mission.\u2014 I Shall wait for your Advice, and if you think proper, I will Still Send a Memorial: But I am inclined to think We had better wait till We receive from Mr Barclay in Morocco Some Account of his Prospects.\n          The best Argument Mr Barclay can use, to obtain Treaties upon moderate Terms, is that We have absolutely as yet no Ships in the Mediterranean Sea, and Shall have none untill Treaties are made. That our Seamen will not go there, untill Treaties are made. That therefore the Algerines will have no Chance of taking any American Vessells, any where but in the Atlantic. and there they can expect to take but very few, at a vast Expence of Corsairs, and exposed to our Privateers and Frigates.\n          Treaties of Peace are very unpopular, with the People of Algiers. They Say it is taking from them all the Opportunities of making Profits by Prizes for the sake of inriching the Dey by Presents. The Probability then that our Trade would be more beneficial to the People, than the Few Prizes they would have a chance to make, by going at a vast Expence out of the mediterranean and Spreading themselves over the Ocean in quest of our ships, exposed to our Frigates and the Men of War of Portugal, &c would be the best Reason for the Dey to use with the People. The common Argument is the Bombardments and Depredations with which their Ennemies threaten them by their Fleets and Squadrons, which commonly accompany the Embassy. Mr Barclay will be very naked in this respect.\n          With great Respect, your most obedient\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0242", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 17 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square 17 Spr:\n          I allowed Mr. Thaxter only 4 years Salary vizt. from 13 Novr. 1779 to 13 Novr. 1783, three of which I paid him at \u00a3100 the other year is charged to the Public at \u00a3300\u2014 He did not reach home \u2019till after that Period vizt. Decr. 1783 or Jany. 1784. But that must be left to Congress\u2014 I really pitty that faithful Youth for 4 years, indefatigable Server, he has never received more than would cloath him\u2014\n          You have not allowed me too much for Postage\u2014 I had sometimes Quintuplicates of voluminous dispatches, both as Minister for the Peace, as Minister in Holland, and as Agent for the Loan, besides all that all Mr. Danas dispatches to & from Congress while he was in Russia went through my hands for more than a Year, & sometimes huge Packets of News Papers came to me through France by the Post\u2014\n          You will see in my Account several draughts of Mrs. Adams, these were for the Expences of her Voyage and Expences in London, before I came to her. But I dare not propose that this should be allowed to me. I shall think myself well off if I am allowed House Rent & Stationary.\n          I have Sent you my Accounts up to the first of August of this Year, because it was the first of August last year that our reduced Salarys began\u2014 settle the whole as you please & Congress will Strike off from your settlement what they please, But I shall never envy hereafter an itinerant Embassador, such a rolling Stone can gather no Moss\u2014 fix\u2019d to one station I could have kept regular Accots & have saved many hundreds which now are lost\u2014\n          I have charged a Coach. My Carriage at the Hague which would have been sufficient, has been useless & I must now give it away or if I sell it will fetch me little or nothing; strike off this Article however if you think proper or any other, But every journey ruins a pair of wheels & wrecks the Carriage so that it costs you half its value to repair it & put it in order\u2014 Let me pray you to Settle my Accts: however & send me a Copy of it before you go off for Madrid\u2014 with great Esteem sir / Your humble svt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0243", "content": "Title: From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\n            Grosvenor Square Septr. 19. 1785\n          I have recd your Favours from Harwich, Amsterdam and Berlin, and congratulate you on your Reception by the King of Prussia.\n          I Shall have much Occasion for your Assistance but Still I would not advise you, to leave Paris without Spending a Week or Ten Days there and being presented by Mr Jefferson to the King, provided there is a Court day at Versailles.\n          I have been much pressed with Business since you left me, but by the Help of Mr Storer and Coll Franks I have got through. the former is now embarked if not Sailed for New York and I have no Assistance whatever\n          with great Esteem your Friend & / sert\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0245", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Gentlemen\n            Grosvenor Square Sept. 20. 1785\n          Yours of 13 is received. I did approve of Messrs Pullers paying the Account of Mr Baker, the Broker, amounting to \u00a3105. 13s: 6d st.\u2014 The Account appeared to me very high. But I could not do any otherwise than Submit it to the Judgment of Messrs Pullers, who thought it could not be done for less.\n          I have drawn an order, besides, within a few days upon Messieurs Pullers, for Seventy five Guineas, payable to the Bearer. it was for Cash for Coll David Franks, to pay for Articles, purchased here for the Use of the United States. Franks is to be accountable to Mr Barclay for the Expenditure of it.\u2014 I Shall be obliged to you if you would mention in the Charge you make of it, that it was for Coll Franks and that he is to be accountable to Mr Barclay. Whenever I draw, for any Cash for the Service of the United States, I wish to have the Name or the Service appear upon your Books, that when Accounts come to be settled, some Such Circumstance may Appear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0246", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I have received your favor of the 18th. inclosing your compliments on your presentation. the sentiments you therein expressed were such as were entertained in America till the Commercial proclamation, & such as would again return were a rational conduct to be adopted by Gr. Britain. I think therefore you by no means compromitted yourself or our country, nor expressed more than it would be our interest to encourage, if they were disposed to meet us. I am pleased however to see the answer of the king. it bears the marks of suddenness & surprize, & as he seems not to have had time for reflection we may suppose he was obliged to find his answer in the real sentiments of his heart, if that heart has any sentiment. I have no doubt however that it contains the real creed of an Englishman, and that the word which he has let escape is the true word of the aenigma. \u201cthe moment I see such sentiments as yours prevail & a disposition to give this country the preference, I will &c.\u201d all this I stedfastly beleive. but the condition is impossible. our interest calls for a perfect equality in our conduct towards these two nations; but no preferences any where. if however circumstances should ever oblige us to shew a preference, a respect for our character, if we had no better motive, would decide to which it should be given.\u2014 my letters from members of Congress render it doubtful whether they would not that full time should be given for the present disposition of America to mature itself & to produce a permanent improvement in the federal constitution, rather than, by removing the incentive, to prevent the improvement. it is certain that our commerce is in agonies at present, & that these would be relieved by opening the British ports in the W. Indies. it remains to consider whether a temporary continuance under these sufferings would be paid for by the amendment it is likely to produce. however I beleive there is no fear that Great Britain will puzzle us by leaving it in our choice to hasten or delay a treaty.\n          Is insurance made on Houdon\u2019s life? I am uneasy about it, lest we should hear of any accident. as yet there is no reason to doubt their safe passage. if the insurance is not made I will pray you to have it done immediately.\n          As I have not received any London newspapers as yet I am obliged to ask you what is done as to them, lest the delay should proceed from some obstacle to be removed. there is a mr\u0303 Thompson at Dover who has proposed to me a method of getting them post free: but I have declined resorting to it till I should know in what train the matter is actually.\n          I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem Dear Sir / Your friend & servt\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0247", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          My letter of Sep. 19. written the morning after mr\u0303 Lamb\u2019s arrival here, would inform you of that circumstance. I transmit you herewith copies of the papers he brought to us on the subject of the Barbary treaties. you will see by them that Congress has adopted the very plan which we were proposing to pursue. it will now go on under less danger of objection from the other parties. the receipt of these new papers therefore has rendered necessary no change in matter of substance in the dispatches we had prepared. but they render some formal changes necessary. for instance in our letter of credence for mr\u0303 Barclay to the Emperor of Marocco, it becomes improper to enter into those explanations which seemed proper when that letter was drawn; because Congress in their letter enter into that explanation. in the letter to the Ct. de Vergennes it became proper to mention the new full powers received from Congress & which in some measure accord with the idea communicated by him to us from the M. de Castries. these & other formal alterations, which appeared necessary to me, I have made, leaving so much of the original draughts approved & amended by you as were not inconsistent with these alterations. I have therefore had them prepared fair to save you the trouble of copying; yet wherever you chuse to make alterations you will be so good as to make them; taking in that case the trouble of having new fair copies made out.\n          You will perceive by mr\u0303 Jay\u2019s letter that Congress had not thought proper to give mr\u0303 Lamb any appointment. I imagine they apprehended it might interfere with measures actually taken by us. notwithstanding the perfect freedom which they are pleased to leave to us on his subject, I cannot feel myself clear of that bias which a presumption of their pleasure gives, & ought to give. I presume that mr\u0303 Lamb met their approbation, because of the recommendations he carried from the Governor & state of Connecticut, because of his actual knowlege of the country and people of the states of Barbary, because of the detention of these letters from March to July, which considering their pressing nature would otherwise have been sent by other Americans who in the mean time have come from N. York to Paris; & because too of the information we received by mr\u0303 Jarvis. these reasons are not strong enough to set aside our appointment of mr\u0303 Barclay to Marocco: that I think should go on, as no man could be sent who would enjoy more the confidence of Congress. but they are strong enough to induce me to propose to you the appointment of Lamb to Algiers. he has followed for many years the Barbary trade & seems intimately acquainted with those states. I have not seen enough of him to judge of his abilities. he seems not deficient as far as I can see, & the footing on which he comes must furnish a presumption for what we do not see. we must say the same as to his integrity; we must rely for this on the recommendations he brings, as it is impossible for us to judge of this for ourselves. yet it will be our duty to use such reasonable cautions as are in our power. two occur to me. 1. to give him a clerk capable of assisting & attending to his proceedings and who, in case he thought any thing was going amiss, might give us information. 2. not to give a credit on Van Staphorst & Willinck, but let his draughts be made on yourself, which with the knowlege you will have of his proceedings, will enable you to check them, if you are sensible of any abuse intended. this will give you trouble; but as I have never found you declining trouble when it is necessary, I venture to propose it. I hope it will not expose you to inconvenience as by instructing Lamb to insert in his draughts a proper usance you can in the mean time raise the money for them by drawing on Holland. I must inform you that mr\u0303 Barclay wishes to be put on the same footing with mr\u0303 Lamb as to this article & therefore I return you your letter of Credit on Van Staphorsts & co. as to the 1st. article there is great difficulty. there is no body at Paris fit for the undertaking who would be likely to accept of it. I mean there is no American, for I should be anxious to place a native in the trust. perhaps you can send us one from London. there is a mr\u0303 Randolph there from New York whom mr\u0303 Barclay thinks might be relied on very firmly for integrity & capacity. he is there for his health: perhaps you can persuade him to go to Algiers in pursuit of it. if you cannot, I really know not what will be done. it is impossible to propose to Bancroft to go in a secondary capacity. mr\u0303 Barclay & myself have thought of Cairnes at l\u2019Orient as a dernier resort. but it is incertain, or rather improbable that he will undertake it. you will be pleased in the first place to consider of my proposition to send Lamb to Algiers, & in the next all the circumstances before detailed as consequences of that. the inclosed letter from Richard O\u2019Bryan furnishes powerful motives for commencing by some means or other, the treaty with Algiers more immediately than would be done if left on mr\u0303 Barclay. you will perceive by that that two of our vessels with their crews & cargoes have been carried captive into that port. what is to be done as to those poor people? I am for hazarding the supplementory instruction to Lamb which accompanies these papers. alter it or reject it as you please. you ask what I think of claiming the Dutch interposition. I doubt the fidelity of any interposition too much to desire it sincerely. our letters to this court heretofore seemed to oblige us to communicate with them on the subject. if you think the Dutch would take amiss our not applying to them, I will join you in the application. otherwise the fewer are apprised of our proceedings the better. to communicate them to the States of Holland is to communicate them to the whole world.\n          Mr\u0303 Short returned last night & brought the Prussian treaty duly executed in English & French. we may send it to Congress by the mr\u0303 Fitzhughs going from hence. will you draw & sign a short letter for that purpose? I send you a copy of a letter received from the M. Fayette. in the present unsettled state of American commerce, I had as lieve avoid all further treaties except with American powers. if Count Merci therefore does not propose the subject to me, I shall not to him, nor do more than decency requires if he does propose it. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir / your most obedient humble sevt.\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0248", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jebb, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jebb, John\n            Grosvenor Square Septr. 25th 1785\u2014\n          I have read with pleasure your Letter of the 13th and although I cannot entirely agree with you, I find the difference between us is very Small in comparison with that between me and some other of my friends, in Mr Humes perfect commonwealth \u201cno representative Magistrate or Senator as such has any salary. The Protector Secretaries, Councils and Ambassadors have salaries\u201d your opinion Coincides with his excepting that you think the higher Magistrates as the Judges for example Should have salaries\n          I Carry the point so far as to desire that all representatives, Magistrates and Senators as well as Judges and Executive Officers Should have salaries; not merely upon the Principle of Justice that every Man has a right to compensation for his Time and Labour, but to maintain the responsibility of the Person, and to raise and support both in the Minds of the People themselvs and of their representatives senators and Magistrates a sense of the Dignity and importance of the People. these salaries to be sure Should be in proportion to the Nature and duration of the service a project to introduce such a practise into this Country would be Chimerical: but in a Country, where it has long obtained and still exists. I wish it to continue. in some parts of the United States it has ever prevailed and it is to be hoped it may be extended to all other parts. it is thought by many to be one of the best securities of Liberty and Equality\n          in the 13. p of the 2 Chap of the Constitution of Massachusetts you may see their sense of the Importance of salaries to Governors and Judges. my friend de Mably page 87 expresses great indignation against it \u201cJe voudrois au contraire qu\u2019a mesure que les Dignites sont plus importantes on leur attribuat des appointmens, moins considerables; Je voudrois m\u00e9me qu elles ne\u2019neussent aucun. on aime bien peu la Patrie, qu\u2019and on demande des salaires Pour la servir. Que la Republique de Mass. ait le Courage de detruire la loi dont Je me plains\u201d I loves the Abby and revere his memory: but I was sorry, that so crude an Idea Should be scattered in America where many will be greedy to lay hold of it: and that a Great writer who had spent fifty years in reading upon Government, and done honour to his age by his writings Should adopt with such facility so Gross a Vulgar Error and popular blunder. Flattery has done more mischeif to society when addressed to the People than when offered to Kings. there is all ways in every Popular Assembly a Party actuated by a sordid avarice one of two Candidates for an Election by offering to serve without Pay will have all the votes of this description of Electors. so will the Abbys doctrine but he had not considered that an Aristocracy would be the immediate and inevitable Consequence of it. in the Mass. there would be no choice left there are but two at most. if there is more than one who could serve as Governor. a fine bargain the People would make of it. for the sake of saving a Penny a peice, which it would cost them for a salary they must pass by a thousand Wise and virtuous Men, and give their votes only for two rich ones and that, wheather they have Wisdom and virtues or not\n          The People save nothing in the End. the Consequence, is there must be no Strict inquiry, no exact accounts the Governors family must be provided for by offices, and his son, fit or unfit must be put in his place. the Magistrates in France instead of having salaries buy their offices. what is the Consequences Let the Abby himself say, he would answer from Heaven that they find ways to levy partial taxes to support even their Mistresses at three times the expence of the Whole salary of a Mass. Governor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0250", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Sept. 25. 1785.\n          The Bearer of this Letter Mr Thomas Boylston, is one of the clearest and most Solid Capitalists, that ever raised himself by private Commerce in North America. He Seems to be desirous of assisting Us, in introducing the Knowledge and Use of our white Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil, into France. His Judgment and Abilities to carry through whatever he undertakes may be depended on. Let me beg your Attention to him.\n          With great Esteem, I have the Honour to be, / Sir your most obedient and most / humble Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0252", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Abb\u00e9s Chalut and Arnoux, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Chalut, Abb\u00e9,Arnoux, Abb\u00e9\nTo: Adams, John\n          Vous nous avez fait, notre cher ami, un veritable plaisir en nous donnant de vos nouvelles; nous avons Souvent pri\u00e9 M. Jefferson de vous faire parvenir nos Compliments et de vous temoigner tous nos regrets sur votre absence, il n\u2019a surement pas manqu\u00e9 de remplir Cette Commission.\n          Si nous ne consultions que l\u2019amiti\u00e9 que nous avons pour vous, nous ferions le voyage de Londres nous avons tant et tant de Chaines qui nous retiennent, qu\u2019il faut que nous renoncions \u00e0 Cette douce Satisfaction. tout Ce que nous pouvons faire c\u2019est de vous donner de nos nouvelles et de vous assurer que nous vous aimons toujours et que nous Sommes dispos\u00e9s \u00e0 faire tout Ce qui pourra vous etre agreable\n          vous pouvez, notre cher ami, faire valoir notre zele \u00e0 vous Servir dans tout Ce qui dependra de nous. nos Services ne Cesseront pas d\u2019etre \u00e0 vos ordres, et nous mettrons au nombre de nos plaisirs Celui de vous etre utile.\n          nous nous flattons, et notre amiti\u00e9 pour vous est notre garans, que vos nouveaux amis de Londres ne vous ont pas fait oublier Ceux de Paris. nos droits Sur votre C\u0153ur Sont et Seront respect\u00e9s par votre vertu. vous ne trouverez pas dans toute l\u2019Angleterre et meme dans votre nouvelle republique, des amis qui vous Soient plus Sincerement et plus Constamment attach\u00e9s que nous. vous Connoissez notre fa\u00e7on de penser, la forme de notre gouvernement n\u2019a pas deform\u00e9 notre ame, nous Conservons notre raison avec tous Ses privileges. nous Sommes veritablement philantropes. mais nous avons des sentiments particuliers, que nous n\u2019accordons pas \u00e0 la generalit\u00e9. nous S\u00e7avons distinguer les talents et les vertus et placer aupr\u00e8s d\u2019eux notre estime et notre respect.\u2014\n          vous voyez, notre Cher ami, qu\u2019avec notre philantropie vous n\u2019\u00eates pas Confondu avec la foule. vous meritez \u00e0 la verit\u00e9 Cette distinction et notre amiti\u00e9 vous rend Cette justice.\n          nous Sommes bien Sensible au souvenir de Mde et de Mlle. Adams. nous vous prions de les assurer de notre attachement respectueux, vous \u00e9tes heureux par votre femme et par vos enfants. nous vous en felicitons, vous le Serez encore par vos petits enfants parce que la vertu est toujours une Source de bonheur.\n          Votre Sagesse ne vous permettoit pas de nous parler des affaires de votre Ministere, nous S\u00e7avons ce que vous devez \u00e0 votre qualit\u00e9 d\u2019homme public. nous profiterons de notre liberte d\u2019hommes priv\u00e9s pour vous dire que quand on traite des affaires d\u2019Etat et que l\u2019avarice Se mele de la partie, on trouvee mille et mille obstacles. on voit avec douleur que la bonheur des nations n\u2019est pas l\u2019objet essentiel des gouvernements. ils ne veulent que de l\u2019argent de l\u2019argent et de l\u2019argent. ils n\u2019aiment le Commerce ils ne le favorisent ils ne l\u2019\u00e9tendent que pour avoir de l\u2019argent. ils Scavent qu\u2019avec ce metal et nos idees, ils Seront maitres de tout. dans cet \u00e9tat de choses nous vous plaignons et nous partageons vos peines et vos embarras. il vous a \u00e9t\u00e9 plus facile de Conquerir votre libert\u00e9 que de faire entendre raison \u00e0 l\u2019avarice; notre interest pour l\u2019amerique nous a fait partager les heureux Succ\u00e8s de votre guerre, le meme interest nous fera partager ceux de votre mission.\n          nous reclamons votre amiti\u00e9, notre cher Monsieur, en faveur de M. Poncet Celebre Sculpteur fran\u00e7ois que les Affaires Conduisent \u00e0 Londres. il vous remettra notre lettre. nous aimons et nous estimons Cet Artiste, et nous vous prions de lui faire toutes les politesses qui dependrons de vous. notre amiti\u00e9 vous tiendra Compte de tout ce que vous ferez pour lui. nous l\u2019avons pri\u00e9 de nous apporter de vos nouvelles et de Celles de vos dames. Son Sejour \u00e0 londres ne sera que d\u2019un mois. vous avez tout le tems necessaire pour nous ecrire une longue et tr\u00e8s longue lettre, votre fran\u00e7ois nous plait beaucoup, vous Connoissez assez notre langue pour nous Communiquer toutes les id\u00e9es et tous les Sentiments que votre Coeur vous inspirera pour deux abb\u00e9s qui vous ont vou\u00e9 leur estime et leur amiti\u00e9 et qui Seront toujours avec ces Sentiments / notre cher ami / vos tr\u00e8s humbles / et tr\u00e8s obeissants serviteurs\n            L\u2019A. Chalut l\u2019abb\u00e9 Arnoux.\n            nous avons bien recommand\u00e9 \u00e0 M. Poncet, de nous apporter une lettre de votre part. Comme il aura l\u2019honneur de diner avec vous et de boire avec vous \u00e0 notre Sant\u00e9 \u00e0 Son retour \u00e0 Paris nous boirons \u00e0 la votre et \u00e0 Celle de vos dames\n          TRANSLATION\n          You granted us a distinct pleasure, dear friend, in sending us word of yourself. We have oftentimes begged Mr. Jefferson to send you our compliments and to attest to you how much we regret your absence. Surely he has not failed to satisfy our request.\n          If it were up to the friendship alone which we feel for you, we would make the voyage to London. We have so many chains which tie us down that we must give up the hope of such a sweet satisfaction. All that we may do is to send you news of us, and to assure you that we love you still and that we are disposed to do everything that might be agreeable to you.\n          You may, dear friend, call on our zeal to serve you in everything that is in our power. Our services will never cease to be at your command, and we count our being useful to you among our pleasures.\n          We flatter ourselves, and our friendship for you assures us, that your new London friends have not caused you to forget those of Paris. Our rights upon your heart are and shall be respected by your virtue. You will not find in all of England, and even in your new republic, any friends who are more sincerely and more steadfastly devoted to you than us. You are familiar with our way of thinking, our form of government has not corrupted our soul, and we conserve our reason with all of its privileges. We are truly philanthropes, but we have certain feelings which we do not bestow upon everyone in general. We know how to distinguish talents and virtues, and to invest our esteem and our respect in them.\n          You see then, our dear friend, that by our philanthropy you are not thrown in with the masses. In truth, you deserve this distinction and in this our friendship does you justice.\n          We cherish well our recollections of Mrs. and Miss Adams. We pray you remind them of our respectful attachment. You are blessed by your wife and children. We congratulate you. You will be all the more by your grandchildren because virtue is always a source of happiness.\n          Your wisdom did not permit you to speak of the affairs of your office. We know what you owe to your duty as a man of public service. We take advantage of the liberty of private men in telling you that when engaged in political matters, if avarice gets involved in the situation, one finds thousands upon thousands of obstacles. We painfully recognize that the well-being of nations is not the principal object of governments. They desire but money and money and more money. They love commerce, they favor it, they help it expand only to have money. They know that with that metal and our ideas they shall be masters over everything. In this state of affairs we commiserate with you and share your troubles and your difficulties. It was easier for you to win your liberty than to make avarice hear reason. Our concern for America had us share the fortunate outcome of your war; the same concern will have us share that of your mission.\n          We call upon your friendship, our dear sir, to favor Mr. Poncet, celebrated French sculptor, who is headed to London on business. He will transmit our letter to you. We love and esteem this artist, and we beg you to grant him all of the courtesies in your power. Our friendship shall not neglect to repay everything you might do for him. We have asked him to bring us news of you and of your ladies. His stay in London will be for only a month. You have all the requisite time to write us a nice, long letter. Your French pleases us greatly. You know our language well enough to communicate all the ideas and all the sentiments that your heart will inspire you for two priests who have vowed you their esteem and their friendship, and who shall always be, with these same sentiments, dear friend, your most humble and most obedient servants\n            L\u2019A. Chalut l\u2019abb\u00e9 Arnoux.\n            We have recommended to Mr. Poncet that he bring us a letter from you. As he will have the honor of dining with you and drinking with you to our health, upon his return to Paris we will drink to yours and that of your ladies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0255", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Jonathan Jackson, 1 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jackson, Jonathan\n          I am very much obliged to you for your Kind Letter, and to Mr Higginson for his and intend to answer both very particularly, but my time is so taken up at present with preparing Papers for Algiers and Morroco that I cannot spare a moment for anything elce.\n          Mr Higginsons Letter Shews him to be a great Master of the subject, but there are some things in it, which must be handled here with great discretion. this Nation notwithstanding all their aukward endeavours to despise the United States, really Consider them as a great rival Power, I have not time to be particular, but I am much mistaken if their whole Conduct towards us is not Governed by that Principle. Our Oyl will not be received here upon better terms I fear untill the British Whale Fishery Shall fail. that it will be found unprofitable, and will decline in two or three years, I beleive, but untill that time ours will suffer if We cannot find other Markets\n          The Mass. as far as I can see are in the only right Way. every encouragement that can be given to their own Navigation and Manufactures, will be profitable to them in one way or another, it will procure them the Commerce which they want or ensure to them a substitute for it.\n          We Shall have a tedious Negotiation to go through with this Country as well as with the Powers of Barbary, and we must wait with Patience for events that we cannot force. I am inclined to think that the Ministry would, if they could pursue their own Judgments agree with us upon tolerable Terms: but they have to consider what they can carry through Parliament, and opposition is as silent as Administration at present. the Question with Admn. is not what is for the Good of the Nation only, but what will escape opposition. the Question with opposition is not what is for the Public Good alone but what will discredid Ministry. What can be expected from such Inquiries.\n          It is astonishing that our Manufacture of Pot-Ash Should not revive. it looks as if our People were very thoughtless and would do nothing While their money lasted, but as that is now gone they must Work\u2014\n          I see no reasonable Ground to hope that our Commerce will be relieved in the Smallest degree by anything which will be done here, for a long time to come, nor indeed ever, untill the states have demonstrated to the World the Falsity of certain Postulata upon which this Nation has Grounded its Policy: One is that the states are not and cannot be United. Another is that We cannot manufacture amongst ourselvs. and a third is that we cannot supply ourselvs from the rest of Europe, but must in all events come to them\n          I firmly beleive they had rather increase the Ships and seamen of France than those of New England. this is strong: but it is true: and you may safely pursue it through all its Consequences, if Mr Higginson believes this, he will see that the Discontent and despair which he apprehends in our sea Ports must happen, unless you can prevent it by Frugality and Industry, by encouraging your own Manufactures and by striking out new Channells of Commerce with other Nations of Europe\n          The English profit largely by the fears of our seamen of the Moors and Algeerianes. We are sending Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb to treat, but whether we Shall be rich enough to succeed I know not. I have Letters from Algiers from Obrien of Philadelphia and stevens of Boston: but the spirit of forgery is gone forth in so many Shapes that there is still a Possibility of doubt altho Mr Jefferson and I shall act as if there was none. these forgeries will go on even after we Shall have signed Treaties, and a thousand Artifices devised to continue the fears of our sailors, keep up the Premiums of Insureance and the Price of their Fish in the Medeterranean Markett\u2014\n          I am with much Esteem your friend\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0256", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 2 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Octr. 2. 1785\n          Coll Franks arrived Yesterday afternoon, with your Favour of Septr. 24.\u2014 I have Signed all the Papers as you Sent them, not perceiving any Alteration necessary.\u2014 I am afraid, that our Agent to Algiers going without any military Power will not Succeed: as the Danger of having their Town bombarded, or their Vessells taken, is the Principal Argument which the Dey has to use with the People, to reconcile them to a Peace. however We must try the Experiment.\u2014 I have recd. a Letter from Mr Stephen Sayre, dated N. York 25. Aug. inclosing, another of 23. of Aug. Signed by Messrs Gerry, King, Hardy, Monroe, & Grayson recommending Strongly Mr Sayre to you and me, to be employed as Agent to Morocco, Algiers and the other Powers, and inclosing another Letter to you, probably to the Same Effect. This Letter I now inclose to you. it is but a day or two that these Letters have been recd by me.\u2014 Franks is gone to See if Mr Randolph can be prevailed on to go. if he cannot, will you join Sayre with Lamb? if you will, insert his Name in the Papers.\u2014 Mr Lamb will meet Mr Sayre at Madrid, where I Suppose he now is. But if he is not, Lamb must not wait for him a Moment. I Should very readily undertake the Trouble, of having Bills drawn upon me, both by Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb, if the good of the Service could be promoted by it. But you are Sensible there must be a Loss, in transferring Money, from Amsterdam to London: Yet the Advantage may ballance it.\n          You are diffident of Interpositions: but it is possible We may carry this too far. I think Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb would do well, to visit all the foreign Consulls, every one of whom will I am persuaded, Shew them Civilities, and do nothing at all to obstruct their negotiations. They will not dare to do it, without Orders, and no Cabinet in Europe I verily believe, would venture to give Such orders. it will not be from Governments, that We shall receive Opposition. Agents of Insurance Offices in London, or of Merchants trading in Fish &c in the Mediterranean, may Stimulate the Corsairs by exaggerated Representations of our Wealth and the Riches of our Prizes, but that is all. As nothing can be more hostile to the United States, than any Endeavours to embarrass, obstruct or counteract them in their Endeavours to form Treaties of Peace with the Barbary Powers, I wish you would impress it upon Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb, to be attentive to this, and obtain Proofs; and if the Consul or Agent of any foreign Power should be found and proved to do any Thing against Us, that they transmit to Us the earliest Account of it, with the Evidence; Congress would no doubt order a formal Complaint to be made against him to his Court, and in this Way he would be held up publicly to the Execrations of all Mankind, and probably be punished by his Master.\n          We have prevailed upon John Randal Esqr to go with Mr Lamb, So that Sayre I Suppose must be out of the Question, especially as We know not that he is arrived in Europe. I Should think that much time may be Saved, by Mr Lambs going directly to Marseilles, and from thence over to Algiers but if you think there will be a greater Advantage, in seeing the Algerine Envoy at Madrid, or the Comte de Spilly, if he negotiated the late Treaty for Spain, I shall Submit entirely to your better Judgment.\n          As our Commission authorizes Us, I suppose it will be construed that it requires Us to constitute the Agents by Writing under our Hands and Seals: I have accordingly made out four Commissions, which if you approve you will sign and Seal, as I have done.\n          I have written Letters to Mr Barclay and Mr Lamb authorizing them to draw upon me. These Letters You will please to Sign, as the Signature of both of Us will be necessary. You will be so good as to write also to Messrs Wilhem and Jan Willink and Nicholas & Jacob Vanstaphorst of Amsterdam, giving your Approbation and Consent to their Paying the Bills to be drawn upon me by Barclay and Lamb, otherwise they may think my Authority alone, imperfect.\n          I am sir your most obedient And / humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0257", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 3 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Octr. 3. 1785\n          You have undoubtedly hit upon, the true Word of the Riddle.\u2014 Yet there was no riddle, nor any clear meaning. it is impossible for any Country to give to another, more decided Proofs of Preference, than our thoughtless Merchants have since the Peace given to this, in matters of Commerce. He had seen this Preference Sufficiently prevail. This alone then could not be his Meaning.\u2014 if he meant a political Preference, an Alliance, Such as Hartley was perpetually harping upon, he will wait till Doomsday, and it will never come.\u2014 We ought to have no Prefferences nor Partialities. but this must be understood upon Condition, that this Country, uses Us, as well as France. if she does not, I am for giving France the Preference.\u2014 I would wait with Patience and give full Time to deliberate, but if finally this Court will not act a reasonable and equitable Part, I would enter into Still closer and Stronger Connections with France, both commercial and political. I would enter into Treaty, that certain French Manufactures Should pay in the U.S. but half or a quarter of the Duties imposed upon English. French Ships should have priviledges from which English Should be excluded, and I would enter into an Alliance, offensive and defensive. but more of this hereafter.\n          I went out, eight days ago, to Dr Price to get him to have the Insurance done.\n          Dr Price called upon me this morning, but had unfortunately wholly forgot the Insurance on Heudons Life. but I gave him an Extract of your Letter to me, and promised to pay the Money for the Premium at any Moment. I am afraid that Certificates of Heudons State of Health will be required, and the Noise of Algerine Captures may Startle the Insurers. The Dr However will get it done if he can, and as low as possible.\n          I went to Stockdale, with your Letter. He says he sent some News Papers by Mr short and by a Friend since, and will send by Franks. He applied to the Office, he says in Cleaveland Row but could not get them sent that Way. But he will call on the Duke of Dorsett, and get his Permission. if your Correspondent at Dover however can convey them to you free of Postage you had better agree with him. But after all your surest Way would be to apply to the Comte de Vergennes, or Mr Gennet the Premier Comis du Bureau des Interpretes. in any other Way your Papers will be liable to frequent Interruptions. I found that the only Sure Way, in the Year 1780, after many fruitless Projects and Endeavours for several months.\n          Yours affectionately\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0259", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William Gordon, 4 October 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Adams, John\n            Jamaica Plain Ocr 4. 1785\n          Your two letters of Apr 27th & June 26th were duly received. The first at the President\u2019s, Richd Henry Lee Esqr, where I had the pleasure of dining with your son on the 10th of Augt, being at New York on my last tour for collecting historical materials. I have not seen him, since he reacht this state; but have heard of his welfare. I am busily employed in the way you mention; & am glad to find by what you write, that I was not out in my conjecture, that the present pictures which are circulating have no likeness. I shall not pretend to give a full & compleat history, but I shall aim at its being impartial, tho\u2019 I shall not attempt to publish the whole truth, for the reasons you have mentioned. I flatter myself however that there will be a resemblance, known so to be by many; but which will not be thought so to be by multitudes, other than as the historian may be credited. They will be hard to believe, that so much quackery & exaggeration, so much puff & vapour, & so much dreggs went into the composition of public appearances.\n          As I am in hopes, that no such policy as what wrought in France, will be practised at the British Post Office, so I shall forward this in the common way of conveyance.\n          Dr F is arrived, is honoured, is caressed &c but his friends will not be very wise should they promote him to the Presidentship in Pennsylvania, nor he be prudent, should he accept it, at his time of life, when he cannot answer for the continuance of his faculties for a single day.\n          I was repeatedly in company with Mr Jay at his own house, & was much delighted with him; he communicated to me some very important intelligence; & I am much mistaken, or our affairs abroad will be well managed by him. Upon the affair between Govr Bowdoin & Capt Stanhope, he made sensible remarks & gave excellent advice. It will go near to give you some employ, & I trust will procure the Capt a severe rap upon the knuckles.\n          Our friend Dana, you will have heard before now, is one of the judges of the superiour court. The promotion was made by Mr Hancock\u2014not out of love to Dana\u2014but some of the lawyers out of love to themselves, urged the promotion, that so he might not return again to the bar. Upon the same principle, should the aforementioned gentleman go to Congress, for the ensuing year commencing at Novr, he would use all his interest in favour of you to keep you abroad, should he have hopes of getting again into the chair, unless you should return. Many a person has been honoured with a foreign promotion to get him out of the way\u2014that however has not been the case, as to your Excellency & Congress. I dined at Milton the last saturday with our friends Mr & Mrs Warren. They were well. You was the subject of conversation part of the time; for I shewed them your letters, & they returned the compliment in kind. I do not suppose, he will come again into publick life. Cushing will probably be continued Lt Govr annually, unless Goreham should oust him, by his subtle manoeuvring, at which he is reported to me by the knowing ones, to be notably dexterous.\n          Now for the last. Your assurance is sufficient. Politically considered, we are certainly Aliens, as to the British nation, tho\u2019 blood relations to the inhabitants. You must not rely with regard to the English, that the hopes of introducing & establishing the spermaceti fishery among themselves are visionary. You may depend upon the contrary, or both my information (which comes from persons actually concerned in the fishery, thorough Americans, & who have been so althrough the late contest) & my conjectures are wrong, should the heavy duty be continued, & administration be determined to exert their efforts in order to effect it. The scheme you hint at, has been forwarded by the aids of the Marquis Le Fayette, & proposals & specimens of oil sent to Mr Breck; but in the present form I am persuaded will not answer. Besides it will be difficult to form a company on this side the Atlantic to engage in it. We are too young for such a business, as well as for banking. Not only so, but the ships which have returned lately, have not brought in, as I learn, a single spermaceti whale.\n          I wish you to go upon another scheme, & to push the reduction of the duty from 18 to 8 pounds sterling. The ministry might venture to carry such a reduction, when they will not attempt a removal. We may lose all by aiming at too much; & Mr Higginson assured me, when conversing lately w[ith hi]m on the subj[ect th]at they could make the fishery answer, if successful in catching, had they no heavier duty to pay than eight pounds sterling per ton. The present ministry seem to be favourable to us & we should make the best of them; but should not urge them to measures that may contribute to a change which may & probably will prove highly injurious to ourselves. Fox\u2019s coalescing with North is an invincible demonstration, that no reliance is to be had upon him. May substantial proofs of sincerity be given! but then perhaps they must be doled out in small portions & be given in detail, because of the peculiarity of the times. When the dissenters applied to Sr Robt Walpole for the removal of their just complaints; he asked them whether nothing would satisfy but the removal of the whole. No. Then it can\u2019t be done; would you strip the horses tail, you must pull out hair by hair. A high tone on our part will not do. We are not enough united; but are inclined to divide more & more. The Main, I expect, before a twelve month is at an end, will break off from the Massachusetts & set up for a new State. Things are working that way apace. Besides Vermont, two States have set up for themselves toward the Ohio. The Spaniards have also closed up the navigation of the Mississippi\u2014 Have obliged the inhabitants of the Natches to take the oath of allegiance to his catholic majesty\u2014& have erected & garrisoned a fort there. I want to manoeuvre in some such commercial way, as that the British vessels should navigate up & down the Mississippi upon a trading plan with the Americans in the neighbourhood of that river, & so oblige the Spaniards to open it both for them & us. I am persuaded, that the business of Don Gua\u2014\u2014 at Congress is to manoeuvre them, if possible, into a relinquishment of their claim & right to the navigation of that river; but I am convinced he will labour in vain. Should he attempt playing off France by way of aid; I hope a counter-game will be played that will make them afraid.\n          Mr Bowdoin is very popular; for he has convinced all, that he is not afraid of spending his money, & he has abilities.\n          Your paragraph relating to Temple I sent off immediately to Gerry at New York.\n          Propose returning with my family next summer to England, & then printing as fast as the press can work. I shall make an early appearance, if favoured of Heaven with health & a safe arrival, not at your Excellency\u2019s levee for that I don\u2019t understand, but in your closet, to have some free familiar chat, as in days of yore. Mrs Gordon unites in best wishes to Self Lady & Miss. I remain with real & great esteem, / Your Excellency\u2019s / sincere friend & humble servant\n            William Gordon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0260", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Christian Lotter, 4 October 1785\nFrom: Lotter, Christian\nTo: Adams, John\n            May it please Your Excellency!\n          Seeing that the whole of mine endeavours either by Your Excely: or by those Gentlemen of Amsterdam, to Stay in the hotel, only for the time proper for removing, are of non effects; on the contrary Still more hurried and pushed on to depart as Speedy as hardly possible.\u2014\n          With the greatest regreat I have read a paragraph in a favour from Messrs: van Staphorst of the 1th: of this month; which drew me into a dulfull Consideration; viz: that in case Your Excellency had absolutely desired to let You remain in the hotel, until the arrival of his Successor, it would have been very unneccessary to trouble us with it, So that the anchor of my hope is fairly lost.\n          The first courting my mind and cherishing my then pleasing Ideas of a firm Standing in the hotel, was a letter from Your Excely: of the 29 of Ma\u00ff in which letter Your Excely: was graciously pleased to mention, that I Shall continue to live in the hotel, and take Care of it. &. &. and in my Joys Shewed the Same to my good and generous patron Mr: Maclaine and others of my welwishers, who took as much part of joy and Satisfaction in Your Excelys: Kind and generous dispositions and condescendings, as they now regreat my being So very ill treated by Messrs: Willinks and van Staphorsts, which treatments can only Serve to Such a person, who by unlawful means, might have incurred Your Excelys: displeasure upon him.\u2014\n          Some weeks ago, I have taken the Liberty to apply to Your Excely: in behalf of a quarter of a year\u2019s Salary from the 8th: of June. h: a: to the 8th: of last month, with 10 Guilders for the removing of my goods and a compensation for housrent till Ma\u00ff next, but of which Your Excely: has not yet been pleased to give any declaration upon it, I hope Your Excely: will be generously pleased to grant and consent to my request, and empower me with a written consent for the Same to Messrs: Willinks & Comp: to receive it, from them, Since I think my request to be just, having only received my bare Salary, altho my engagements were for board and wages, and to remove to and fro too expensive for me, without mentioning the inconveniences and Spoiling of my goods; Your Excely: may be perfectly persuaded that my present petition is just and due, otherwise I would Scorn to mention it.\n          I farther take the Liberty to assure Your Excellency that my first entering into Your Service, until this present day, was mixed with nothing but troubles and chagrins; Surrounded by deceitful Servants within, and Spiteful and wicked persons from without, constantly endeavouring to draw Stones in my way to fall, or nets to catch me in, which very often I have found out in time, because they Saw that my purpose was to Serve honestly. I most humbly beg to be remembered to Madame and Miss Adams and am with the  most dutiful respect / Your Excellency\u2019s / most devoted and most humble / Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0263", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 10 October 1785\nFrom: Sullivan, James\nTo: Adams, John\n            Boston October 10th 1785\n          By the Ship which will sail in a day or two, I beg leave to inform you that our Situation in america is, by no means so pleasing as would be agreeable to you, the poverty of the general treasury, as soon as the money now resting in holland shall be exhausted will be very distressing. a reluctance in the Legislatures to levy taxes and a greater in the people to pay them seem to urge us with great velocity to a change of System in the union. we place too much dependence in forms of Government, while our only remedy is firmness in the Governors and a proper submission in the Governed, aided or rather indeed Supported by frugality industry and a love to our Country. did our people content themselves with living as well as they did before the revolution or three times so well as common people in other Countries live, they might pay taxes enough with ease to discharge in a short time our public debt. our general Court have in their Last Session Instructed their delegates to obtain a Convention \u201cgenerally to revise and make alteration in the Confederation\u201d but the delegates have ventured to delay it and have wrote the Governor against it. I beleive he is the author of the measure but the reason assigned for the measure I cannot conceive to be his, to wit that the Confederation is not capable Suffcient to Justify congress in making treaties &c.\n          I wish we could have the True method of your reception by the K of G B. the Account published here without Authority is said to hold up the Idea of your being affected, and his replying in a haughty manner that Your feelings were Just and proper. others give a different Construction and are pleased with the Account. there is nothing new that I recollect but what I have mentioned. our merchants seem to Close their doors more than usual and unless our Oyl obtains a market in England or even if it does I see no way by which they can make remittances for the great quantity of merchandize they have been Credited with.\n          I thank you for mentioning Your Son to me I have had an opportunity to see him but once only being out of town while he was here. it would give me peculiar pleasure to Shew him any civilities within my power.\n          I have the honor to be / Your most obedt Hble Servt\n            James Sullivan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0264", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to John Jay, 11 October 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\n          We have the Honour to transmit to Congress, by Mr Fitzhughs, the Treaty between the United States and the King of Prussia, Signed Seperately by your Ministers at the Several Places of their Residence, and by the Baron De Thulemeier at the Hague, in English and French and exchanged at the Hague in Presence of Mr Short and Mr Dumas. As this Treaty may be of considerable Importance to the United States, and will certainly promote their Reputation, it is to be wished, that the Ratifications may be exchanged, and the Publication made as soon as possible. The Admission, of our Privateers into the Prussian Ports, by a Treaty Signed at the moment of the Negotiation of the League, in which Brandenburg and Hanover are Parties is a little remarkable. it certainly merits the Consideration of Congress and the States. With great Respect We have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and most / humble servants\n              Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0265", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Colo. Franks and mr\u0303 Randolph arrived last night. this enables me to send copies of all the Barbary papers to Congress by the mr\u0303 Fitzhughs, together with the Prussian treaty. they wait till tomorrow for this purpose. Considering the treaty with Portugal as among the most important to the U.S. I some time ago took occasion at Versailles to ask the Portuguese Ambassador if he had yet received an answer from his court on the subject of our treaty. he said not, but that he would write again. his Secretaire d\u2019Ambassade called on me two days ago & translated into French as follows a paragraph of a letter from his minister to the Ambassador. \u201crelativement \u00e0 ce que V. E. nous a fait part de ce qu\u2019elle avoit parl\u00e9 avec le ministre de l\u2019Amerique, cette puissance doit etre dej\u00e0 persuad\u00e9e par d\u2019effets la maniere dont ses vaisseaux ont et\u00e9 accueillis i\u00e7i: et par consequence sa majest\u00e9 auroit beaucoup de satisfaction \u00e0 entretenir une parfaite harmonie et bonne correspondence entre les memes etats unis. mais il seroit \u00e0 propos de commencer par la nomination reciproque des deux parties des personnes qui, au moins avec la caractere d\u2019Agens, informeroient reciproquement leurs constituents de ce qui pourroit conduire \u00e0 la connoissance des interets des deux nations sans prejudice de l\u2019un ou de l\u2019autre. c\u2019est le premier pas qu\u2019il paroit convenable de donner pour conduire \u00e0 la fin propos\u00e9e.\u201d by this I suppose they will prefer proceeding as Spain has done, & that we may consider it as definitive of our commission to them. I communicate it to Congress that they may take such other measures for leading on a negotiation as they may think proper.\n          You know that the 3d. article of instructions of Oct. 29. 1783. to the Ministers for negotiating peace, directed them to negociate the claim for the prizes taken by the Alliance & sent in to Bergen, but delivered up by the court of Denmark: you recollect also that this has been deferred in order to be taken up with the general negotiation for an alliance. Capt Jones desiring to go to America proposed to me that he should leave the sollicitation of this matter in the hands of Doctor Bancroft, and to ask you to negotiate it through the minister of Denmark at London. the delay of Baron Waltersdorf is one reason for this. your better acquaintance with the subject is a second. the Danish minister here being absent is a third: & a fourth and more conclusive one is that, having never acted as one of the commissioners for negotiating the peace I feel an impropriety in meddling with it at all, & much more to become the principal agent. I therefore told capt Jones I would sollicit your care of this business. I beleive he writes to you on the subject.\u2014 mr\u0303 Barclay sets out in two or three days. Lamb will follow as soon as the papers can be got from this ministry. having no news, I shall only add assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir / your friend & servant\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0267", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 13 October 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Richard\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your esteemed Favour of the 27th of April came safe to hand. As you had then but just heard of your Appointment to the Court of G: Britain, you could only give me your Sentiments, as a Statesman, what would probably be your Difficulties, and what your Prospects of surmounting them. We have since had the Happiness of receiving a number of Letters from your most excellent Lady, and amiable Daughter, informing us of your safe Arrival in London, your Presentation at Court &c. I am glad to find that you had so polite a Reception.\u2014 You will have a very complex Business, to examine into, and adjust. The relative Advantages and disadvantages of particular Measures that may be proposed, must be carefully weighed; and such a Reciprocity of Advantages to both Countries be interwoven in the whole System as may make it the Interest of both to adhere strictly to the Terms of the Treaty that may be formed. G: Britain, as a great manufacturing Nation, must certainly reap very solid Advantages from having a large and continually increasing Market for her Manufactures in America, provided that America at the same time be placed, by Treaty, under such Circumstances as to be able to make certain and seasonable Remittances for what she receives from her. This was freely acknowledged before the War; and of this the many capital Fortunes in England that were made out of the american Trade, are a sufficient Proof. On the other hand the fatal Effects arising from the want of being placed under such Circumstances for making Remittances, are severely felt at this present Moment by the Merchants of both Countries. The numerous Bankruptcies that have already taken place, and the many others that probably must take place both in England and America, afford, as I conceive, the fullest Evidence of the Necessity of such a Reciprocity as I have mention\u2019d above.\n          We have, in the vast Extent of the United States, the means of making Remittances equal to the largest Importations from G: Britain, provided our Trade with that Nation and her Dependancies was placed upon a free and generous Footing. Rice and Indigo from S: Carolina and Georgia: Naval-Stores, Indian-Corn, Pork, Lumber, Tobacco, Hides &c from N: Carolina: Tobacco, Indian Corn, Flour, Furrs, Deer-Skins &c from Virginia and Maryland: Bar-Iron, Wheat, flour, and Provisions of all kinds from Pensylvania, Jersies and Conecticutt: Whale-Oil and other fish-Oil, Whale-Bone, Sperma Ceti Oil and Head-Matter, refined Sperma Ceti, and Sperma-Ceti-Candles; Cod-Fish, Mackerel, Herrings &c, together with Pot Ash, Pearl Ash, Furrs, Ship-Timber, Masts and Sparrs, Plank and Lumber of all kinds, are and may be produced in great abundance from this State and New Hampshire. If a freedom of circuitous Navigation was to take place on a large and generous footing, the Americans would thereby be able to add largely to the value of their Exports by the additional amount of Freight, sale of Vessells &c which, at the same time that it would encourage Ship-building among us (which was formerly a great Article of Remittance) must enlarge the demands for the Manufactures of G Britain to a degree not easily to be conceived of; while it would enable us to make our Remittances for them seasonably and punctually, which is the very Life of Trade.\n          Our Trade with G: Britain since the Peace, has, for want of System, been very disadvantageous both to the Importer here and to the Merchant in England. The erroneous Idea that took place among the Merchants of Europe at the commencement of the Peace, that Goods were exceeding scarce in America, and would fetch a great Profit to those that could get their Goods soonest to the american Market, occasioned an amazing over-stock and Glut; so that they were soon sold off in prodigious Quantities at publick Auction for much less than the first Cost. This being the Case with the Adventurers from Europe, the dammage did not stop there and terminate with the large Sums that they sunk; but it had a further fatal Effect on our own Merchants.\n          Our Merchants, thinking that on the restoration of Peace Trade would go on as it had done formerly, sent Orders for large Assortments of Goods on their own Accounts. These Orders made a noise among the Manufacturers in England, and caused a temporary brisk Demand for their Manufactures; this occasioned their Goods to rise; and accordingly they were observ\u2019d in general to be put up at a much higher Rate than they used to be before the War. Goods thus ordered, coming high charg\u2019d to an overstock\u2019d and glutted Market, could not be sold unless at a very great Loss; so that the only Alternative with many was, either to sell their Goods at a certain Loss, and so be ruined by the Sale; or else not to sell them untill they would fetch a Price, and so be ruined gradually by the accumulated Charges and Expences of Store-hire, House-Rent, Interest-Money &c untill at last the Merchant in London, for want of due Remittance, impowers an Agent here, who seizes on all that is left, which perhaps at last will not amount to five Shillings in the Pound of his Debt.\u2014 And so their Trade is ended much to the disadvantage of both. Another very bad Effect of the prodigious Quantities of british Goods that came to our Market was this, that the Lowness of the Price at which they were sold tempted almost every Body through the Country to purchase European Goods and pay the Gold and Silver for them, which was immediately ship\u2019d off to G: Britain in prodigious Quantities.\u2014 Here you see \u201cthe Henn that lay\u2019d the Golden Egg was kill\u2019d\u201d. Specie is now become excessive scarce, and other Channels of Remittance are shut up; so that unless by Treaty there can be a circuitous method of Remittance agreed upon between the two Nations by a free Navigation, I see not but that we must for our own Interest (and I may say for theirs also) break off Trade with G: Britain: for, to what good purpose is it to buy their Goods when we cannot pay for them?\u2014 We found that during the War Necessity soon convinced us that we could make our own Woollens and Linnens very easily, and the Foundations that were than laid for large Manufactories, would soon have furnished us in a great measure with the necessary Cloathing in both kinds. But the Flood of English Goods that came in upon us at the Peace, soon stopt the Spinning-Wheel the Loom and the fulling-Mill, which at the Close of the War were so fully employ\u2019d. The great Scarcity of Money occasioned by the large Exportations of Gold and Silver to England, brings on us a Train of other Evils that are now severely felt by a great Proportion of the good People of this State\u2014 A little before and at the close of the War silver-Money was exceeding plenty, and the Produce of Farms sold very high, this made Lands to be in great demand, and great numbers of our People purchased Houses, Farms, and other Estates at a high Price, having then a fair Prospect of soon raising the Money to pay for them. But a Scarcity of Money soon after taking place (for the Reasons mentioned) Lands and Stock consequently fell in their Price as fast as they had arisen some time before. This Change has brought many of our Country People into very difficult Circumstances, and rendered them unable to pay their Debts and Taxes with Punctuality: the Consequence of which has been a great increase of Law-Suits Failures, Abscondings &c in all our Counties, to the great Distress of Families and sowering of their Minds with respect to publick Measures; which I fear will produce a strenuous Effort in the Genl. Court (which sits next Week) to get a Paper Currency again Issued and made a Tender in certain Cases.\n          I hope you will excuse my endeavouring to trace out to you so particularly the bad Effects that have already taken place among us by means of carrying on Trade without System and without means of Remittance. My being connected with both the Legislative and Judicial Departments and residing on the Spot gives me an Oportunity of knowing the Evil more fully than you can while in Europe; and your publick Character and the arduous Task that you have before you, makes me wish to give you every Information in my Power that may in any Degree assist you in your great Undertaking. Altho\u2019 I cannot point out the Cure, yet it may be of some use towards it, for you to know more fully the Disease.\u2014 We have been made happy in the Return of your very sensible and most amiable Son. He is now at Haverhill with his Uncle Shaw, by Advice of the President, to perfect himself in Greek. It is proposed that he shall enter the University next Spring, soon enough to attend the philosophical Lectures. I suppose that he will be admitted into the same Class with my Son, who is now in his third Year at Colledge. You will receive Letters by this Conveyance (Capt. Cushing) from our whole Circle, to which I referr you for domestick Information. I am with the tenderest Regards to your dear Wife and Daughter, your most affectionate Friend and Brother\u2014\n            Richard Cranch\n            Master Charles and my Billy din\u2019d with me to day; they seem very much attach\u2019d to each other, and as far as I can learn, have thus far behaved in a manner that is unblamable Billy has been there two Years, and is remarkably Steady, which I think will be of some Service to his Cousin on his first introduction. Master Charles has a good Room; it is the Room that makes the N: West Corner of Hollis-Hall on the lower Floor, next to Holden-Chapple. Billy has this year a Chamber up two pair of Stairs in the middle of the same Colledge, reckon\u2019d one of the best Rooms in that Colledge. (We are all well.)", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0269", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 15 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square October 15. 1785\n          I have received the Letter you did me the Honour to write me the 6. Septr.\n          The Act of Congress of the 18 of August, which you inclose, Shall be communicated as directed.\n          I have the Honour to agree, fully with you in your Opinion, that \u201cit is manifestly as much the Interest of this Country, to be well with Us, as for Us to be well with them\u201d But this is not the Judgment of the English Nation: it is not the Judgment of Lord North and his Party: it is not the Judgment of the Duke of Portland and his Friends: and it does not appear to be the Judgment of Mr Pitt and the present Sett. in Short it does not at present appear to be the Sentiment of any Body. And I am much inclined to believe they will try the Issue of Importance with Us.\n          I have insisted upon the Surrender of the Posts, with as much Earnestness as Prudence would warrant, but can obtain no other Answer than certain Hints concerning the Debts and Some other Points, which are Sufficient to convince me that the Restoration of the Posts will have certain Conditions tack\u2019d to it. I have insisted in Conversation, and have enquired, in Writing, but have not yet made a formal Requisition, by a Memorial in the Name and by Order of the United States.\u2014 If I had done it, I Should have compromised my Sovereign, and Should certainly have had no Answer. Whenever this is done, it Should be followed up. I Shall certainly do it, if I Should See a Moment when it can possibly prevail. If it is the Judgment of Congress that it Should be done immediately, I Should be glad of their orders, which Shall be exactly obeyed. I Should even wish they would prescribe to me, the Form of the Memorial.\n          It is indeed, as you observe, in the Power of Congress to take a certain Step, which would be longer and more Sensibly felt by Britain, than the Independence of the United States. You have not hinted at the Nature of this Measure: I can conceive of more than one. Exclusion of British Ships from all our Exports, and a heavy Duty upon British Manufactures, is one: a defensive Alliance with France, Spain and Holland is another. a Case may happen in which this last might be justifiable: but I presume it will not be hastily adopted, nor ever without Canada and Nova scotia, to be admitted into our Confederation, and one half at least of the best of the English West India Islands, besides Stipulations for the Admission of our Produce freely to the French West India Islands and Some Articles into France Duty free, with similar Stipulations with Spain and Holland. I hope however the first Measure will be adopted forthwith, and not the Smallest Article of our Produce be permitted to be exported in Brittish Bottoms.\n          Mr Barclay is appointed to go to Morocco, and Coll Franks goes with him. Mr Lamb to Algiers and Paul R Randal Esqr with him. There will be captives to redeem as well as Treaties to form.\n          I can obtain no Answer from the Ministry, to any one demand, Proposal or Inquiry. in this I am not alone. It is the Complaint of all the other foreign Ministers. The Dutch Envoy particularly told me yesterday, that he could obtain no Answer, to any of his Memorials, Some of which were presented as long ago as last April. The Ministry, Since the ill fortune of their Studies in Ireland, have been in a Lethargy. But they must Soon awake. Mr Pitt has long had with him in the Country Our Project of a Treaty, and, it cannot be long before he comes to some determination. They have had lately Evidence enough of the Utility to them of the public hope of a commercial Agreement with America. holding up the Idea of a Treaty, has rapidly raised the Stocks. But I cannot entertain any Sanguine hopes, for all Experience all Evidence, Seems to be lost upon this nation and its Rulers. According to most Appearances, a nation so entirely given up the Government of its Passions, must precipitate itself into Calamities greater than it has yet felt. I still think however, that a decided Opinion, concerning the system it will pursue, cannot be formed, before the Opening of the next Budget. With great Esteem and Regard I / have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient / and most humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0270", "content": "Title: A Memorial to the Marquis of Carmarthen Concerning Richard Low, 17 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n            done at Westminster the 17. day of October 1785\n          The Subscriber, Minister Plenipotentiary, from the United States of America, to his Britannic Majesty, has the honour to represent to the British Ministry, that the said United States in Congress assembled, have received Information, that a number of their Citizens are Still detained, in the Service of his Majesty; and particularly, that Richard Low, who, in the Year 1776, was captured in an unarmed merchant Sloop, by his Majestys Frigate the Niger brought to England and Sent to Jamaica, where, after remaining some Years, he was removed to another Ship in which he sailed a Second time to England, where he was draughted, with a number of other Americans, and put on board the Defence, and in her carried to the East Indies, and was in 1784 in Bombay, and is now probably returned to England. That the said United States have judged it proper, to direct their Minister at this Court, to lay before the British Ministry, the Copy of a Letter from Jno. Carter hereto annexed, and to apply for the discharge of his Fellow Citizens.\n          The Subscriber therefore, in the Name and behalf of the said United States of America, and by their Orders, has the Honour to require, that Orders be immediately given, for the Release and discharge, of the said Richard Low, and of all Such Soldiers, Seamen and Citizens of the said United States, as having been captured during the late War, may yet be detained in his Britannic Majesty\u2019s, Prisons, Garrisons, Armies and Ships.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0271", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 17 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square October 17. 1785.\n          It has been the general Sense of our Country, Since the Peace, that it was their Duty and their Interest, to be impartial between the Powers of Europe, and observe a Neutrality in their Wars. This Principle is a wise one, upon the Supposition that those Powers will be impartial to Us, and permit Us to remain at Peace. but it is natural for England And France to be jealous of our Neutrality, and apprehensive, that notwithstanding our Professions, We may be induced to connect ourselves with one against the other. While such Uncertainties and Suspicions continue We may find that each of these Rival Kingdoms, will be disposed to Stint our Grouth, and diminish our Power, from a fear, that it will be employed against itself and in favour of its Ennemy. if France could be Sure of our perpetual Alliance, it is to be supposed She would favour our increase, in every Thing which could be reconciled to her own Interest. If England could obtain Such an Alliance with Us, she for the same reason would favour our Interests, in all Cases compatible with her own.\n          I need not point out to you, Instances in Proof of such a Jealousy in France. yet it may not be amis to refer you to Some hints in Mr Neckars late Work.\n          Mr Hartley you well remember, dwelt much too often upon the Subject of an Alliance with England, for Us to doubt, that, however indecent the Suggestion of such an Idea was, he nevertheless entertained it. He has lately renewed this Topick with me, and I gave him the only Answer, which can ever be given, vizt that the moral Character of the United States was of more importance to them, than any Alliance, that they could not in honour hear Such a Proposal, but that if honour and Character were out of the Question, while England held a Province in America, We could not safely forfeit the Confidence of France, nor commit ourselves to the Consistency of England.\n          But to rise higher. When the King was pleased to say to me that he would be foremost in favour and Friendship to the United States, when he should see a disposition to give the Preference to this Country, he probably meant more than We can comply with. if a Preference in Commerce only had been meant, it was quite unnecessary to make it a future Condition, because the Ardour of our Citizens in transferring almost the whole Commerce of the Country here, and voluntarily reviving that Monopoly which they had long complain\u2019d of as a Grievance, in a few of the first months of the Peace, imprudently demonstrated to all the World, an unreasonable immoderate Preference of British Commerce. it was impossible that We could give Stronger Proofs of a Preference in this Sense. if the royal Expression then was a deliberate one, it must have intended something more, and Something which the U. States cannot agree to.\n          The British Ministry, therefore, have now before them a question as important to the British Empire, as any that ever was agitated in it, whether, by evacuating the Posts, and fullfilling the Treaty of Peace in other Points, and by opening their Ports in the West Indies and on the Continent of America as well as Europe to our ships and produce, upon equal and fair Terms, they Shall ensure the Impartiality and Neutrality of America: or whether, by a contrary Conduct they Shall force them into closer Connections of Alliance and Commerce with France, Spain and Holland. a Treaty of defensive Alliance with France would deserve a long and carefull deliberation and Should comprehend the East and West Indies, I mean our Right to trade in them, as well as many other Considerations too numerous to hint at here. a new Treaty of Commerce might be made, greatly beneficial to both Countries. if We once see a necessity of giving Preferences in Trade, great Things may be done. By the Treaty between England and Portugal of 27. Decr. 1703, [\u201c]Portugal promised, to admit, forever, into Portugal, the woolen Cloths, and the rest of the woolen Manufactures, of the Britons as was accustomed, till they were prohibited by the Laws; nevertheless upon this Condition. II. That is to Say, that Great Britain Shall be obliged forever hereafter, to admit the Wines of the Grouth of Portugal into Britain; So that at no time, whether there Shall be peace or War, between the Kingdoms of Britain and France, any thing more Shall be demanded for these Wines by the Name of Custom or Duty, or by whatsoever Title, directly or indirectly, whether they Shall be imported into Great Britain in Pipes or Hogsheads, or other Casks than what Shall be demanded, from the like Quantity or Measure of French Wine, deducting or abating a third part of the Custom or Duty. But if at any time this deduction or Abatement of Customs, Shall in any manner be prejudiced it Shall be just and lawfull for his Sacred Royal Majesty of Portugal, again to prohibit the woolen Cloths and the rest of the British Woolen Manufactures.\u201d\n          This Treaty which the Irish, call the Methuen Treaty, from the name of the Ambassador who Signed it, and which they now claim the Benefit of as Britons, altho the Portuguese deny them to be Britons and accordingly refuse their Woolens, has had a vast Effect both in Portugal and England. The Consequence has been, that Portugal has now for more than forescore Years cloathed herself in Brittish Woolens like an English Colony and has never been able to introduce Woolen Manufactures at home; and The British Islands have drank no other Wine than Port, Lisbon and Madeira, altho the Wines of France are so much better.\n          The United States may draw many usefull Lessons from this Example. if, from the blind Passions and rash Councils of the Britons, they should be compelled to deviate from their favourite Principle of Impartiality and Neutrality, they might make a new commercial Treaty with France, for a term or forever, exempting all the Manufactures of France, from one Third or one half, or all the Duties, which shall be stipulated to be laid upon the English Manufactures.\u2014 in this Case, what becomes of the Manufactures of Britain? what of their Commerce Revenue and naval Power? They must decline, and those of her Rival must rise.\n          I hint only at these Things. They open a wide Field of Enquiry, and require all the Thoughts of the People. We Should Stipulate for the Admission of all our Produce, and Should agree upon a Tarif of Duties on both Sides, We Should insist upon entire Liberty of Trade and Navigation both in the East and West Indies and in Africa, and upon the Admission of our Oil and Fish as well as Tobacco, Flour Rice Indigo, Potash &c &c.\n          This Country boasts of her Friends and Partisans in this and the other Assembly, particularly in New York and Virginia, and are confident We can do nothing. neither, exclude their ships from our Exports nor lay on Duties upon their Imports into our States: neither raise a Revenue, nor build a Fleet. if their Expectations are not disappointed, We shall be, and that in a few Months not only a despized but a despicable People. With the Power in our own Hands of doing as we please, We shall do nothing. With the means of making ourselves respected by the Wise We shall become the Scorn of Fools.\n          I am under Embarrassments in treating with the Ministers here, to know how far it is prudent in me to go, in Urging upon them, what the United States may do, or not do with France.\u2014 There would be danger of my committing Congress imprudently. but in Conversation with Friends Arguments may be casually, and by Way of Speculation only, put into their Mouths, which they will not fail to use where they may or ought to have Weight. Yet it is Still uncertain whether any Thing can have Weight. The Ministry behave as if they saw certain Ruin coming upon the Nation and thought it of no importance in what Shape it Should appear.\n          With great Respect, dear sir your most / obedient and most humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0273", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 18 October 1785\nFrom: Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam 18 October 1785\n          We have the Honor of Your Excellency\u2019s Letter of 6th: Instant, with an attested Copy of the Resolve of Congress of 15 February last, Appropriating a Sum of Money not exceeding Eighty Thousand-Dollars, from the Loans borrowed in Holland, or any other Monies in Europe belonging to the United States, to the Order of their Ministers, vested with the Power of forming Treaties with the Barbary Powers; In consequence whereof You direct us to hold the above Amount subject to your Drafts for the said purpose, unless Congress should in the mean time make other disposals of it.\u2014\n          We sincerely wish soon to be able to congratulate Your Excellency, on the Completion of an Arrangement, beneficial to the general Interests of your Constituents, in proportion as it adds Security to the great Source, from whence their Prosperity must flow, Commerce\u2014\n          We have been informed Congress has laid an Attachment in the Hands of Mr: Duncan Ingraham Junr: of Philadelphia for \u00a325000\u2014 Property of Mess\u0303: Dela Lande & Fynj\u00eb. We esteem it fortunate the News of this Failure, reached the Board of Treasury, before the Bills, the Commissioners mentioned in their last Letter, they intended further to value upon us, were drawn; As it will undoubtedly put a Stop to their being issued; From the Consideration that the 80,000 Dollars destined to your Order and the next Payment of Interest, will absorb the Whole of what we are now in Cash for the United States. And that in the interim, We have no Prospect of receiving any Monies of Consequence; Nor that the Board of Treasury will find it convenient to remit for the Interest that will be due on the Dutch Loans the First of February next\u2014\n          We are with great Respect / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most Obedient & very hb\u0303le Servt\n            Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0274", "content": "Title: The Marquis of Carmarthen\u2019s Memorandum of a Conversation with John Adams, 20 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n            Minute of Conversation with Mr. Adams.\n          Mr. A. began the conversation by recapitulating the complaints of the United States, on the subject of The Posts not being yet evacuated. and no satisfaction having been given for the Negroes who were carried away.\n          He observed that Mr Pitt, had suggested the non payment of the Debts due to British Subjects as a motive for not having settled either of these matters. on my observing to him that it was naturally to be expected that the payment of those debts was the first step necessary to any communication between the two Countrys, he replyed the public were not obliged either by Treaty or otherwise to discharge the debts of individuals, all that was stipulated by Congress being merely a promise of leaving the matter open to such legal remedys as might be thought necessary. & throwing no obstructions in their way. He then went to the subject of the Fisherys, & stated the probability of France entirely running away with that valuable article both from England & America, unless some regulations were made between the two Countrys to prevent The French from supplying their own West India Islands, and rendering it unnecessary for the States to enter into the views of France on that Head.\n          He refered to the readings expressed by His Majesty, to promote the Friendship of the two Countrys whenever America should manifest a preference in favour of England, over The Rest of Europe. this preference he insisted was already apparent from the conduct of America towards this Country in respect to Commerce ever since the Peace. that they wished to continue that preference in every article of Trade, unless by our backwardness to meet them on terms of fair & friendly reciprocity, they should find it necessary to enter into stipulations with France or other Powers, detrimental to the Commerce & Manufactures of this Country.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0275", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 21 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Octr. 21. 1785\n          Yesterday, at Eleven O Clock, I went by Appointment to Lord Carmarthens Office, and was admitted to his Lordship as soon as he arrived from his House. as this was an hour earlier, than the usual Appearance of the foreign Ministers at the Secretary of States Levee, I had time for a long Conversation with his Lordship.\n          At first I presented him a Memorial, containing a Requisition, of immediate orders for the discharge of our Citizens particularly of Low. Secondly, the Correspondence between Governor Bowdoin and Captain Stanhope; with the Act of Congress upon it, and thirdly a Letter concerning the questions Sometime ago, communicated to your Ministers, at Paris relative to their Full Powers, by the Duke of Dorsett. These Papers were left with his Lordship for his Perusal, at his Leisure, but I conjecture he layed them before the King, in a Conference, after the Drawing Room. After the Communication of those Papers, I had the honour to observe to his Lordship, that although, they contained Matters of Some Importance, I most Sincerely wished there were nothing of greater difficulty and more danger, between the two Countries. His Lordship wished so too.\u2014 I added, that as it was wished on both Sides, it was remarkable that the Business was not done, as it Seemed to be very easy to do. That it was much to be lamented, when the War was ended, and every Thing essential which had been in contest was decided, that Such Circumstances as remained Should impede the Return of Confidence between the two nations. I paused here, in hopes his Lordship would have made Some Reflection, or dropped Some hint from whence I could have drawn Some Conclusion, excited some hope or Started Some fresh Topick, but not a Word escaped him. after a long Silence, I told him, that I hoped for an Answer, from his Lordship concerning, the Posts upon the Frontiers. not a Word of reply.\u2014 I Said I was extreamly uneasy, concerning those Posts: that by the last Accounts from America, there Seemed to be danger of our being involved in an Indian War, merely from the Circumstance of their being witheld. that his Lordship could not be unacquainted with the Cruelty & Barbarity with which those Savages made War upon People the most innocent, peaceable and defenceless. that an Indian War, by filling the Gazettes and Conversation, with relations of horrors naturally Spread a greater Alarm, and excited keener Passions\nthan other Wars which might be much more destructive & impoverishing. that if Such a War Should happen in Consequence of witholding the Posts, it would inkindle a Flame in America which might Spread wider and last longer, than any Man could foresee. that I Sincerely hoped the Kings Ministers would think Seriously of it, and give orders for the Evacuation. that I must insist on An Answer.\u2014 Here, his Lordship, in broken Sentences, express\u2019d a Wish, that the Ministry would answer everybody, and conveyed a Hint that it did not depend upon him.\u2014 I proceeded upon this, to Say, that in a Conference with Mr Pitt When I pressed him for an Answer concerning the Posts, altho he was not explicit with me, I understood him to insinuate to me, that the Surrender of the Posts, would be made conditional upon something respecting the Debts. Here I got Something out. His Lordship Said, \u201cto be Sure nothing could be done untill the Debts were paid.\u201d\u2014paid! My Lord! that is more than ever was Stipulated. No Government, ever undertook to pay the private Debts of its subjects. and in this Case, nobody ever had Such a Thought. The Treaty only Stipulated, that Creditors Should meet with no lawful Impediment to the Recovery of their Debts. But Says his Lordship if lawful Impediments have been thrown in the Way.\u2014 and this was all he could or would let out. I understood him to mean that, Government by putting an Impediment in the Way, had made itself answerable for the Debts themselves. This was the first Suggestion to me, of Such a Thought but it was So fully communicated, that I should not be Surprized if a Requisition should be made, to that Effect. I proceeded with his Lordship, that the People in America, Saw the Treaty violated in two important Points relative to Striking Objects. The Negroes were carried off and the Posts were withheld. The last, looked like a continuance of War. it was continuing a foreign Army in their Territory. These were the first Breaches of Treaty, and without them I did not believe that the Debtors, would have had influence enough in any Assembly, to have procured an Act or Vote to impede the Course of Law, and if the Posts were now evacuated and the Negroes paid for, I did not believe the impediment would be continued longer than to the Meeting of the Assemblies: but if the removal of these impediments Should be made a condition preceedent to the Evacuation of the Posts and Payment for the Negroes, I very much apprehended it would not be done. As the English had been first in the wrong, it was natural and reasonable to expect that they should be first to get right.\n          finding it impossible to learn any Thing from his Lordship of his own Sentiments or those of his Colleagues, upon these Points, after a pause of Sometime, I proceeded to some others. and Said\n          Your Lordship alone was present when the King was pleased to say to me that when he should See a Disposition in the United States to give this Country the Preference, he would be foremost in friendship to them. Yes, I was, Said his Lordship.\u2014 What greater Preference my Lord can be expected or reasonably desired, than has been given?\u2014 it is not possible for one Country to give another, Stronger Proofs than America has given this of a commercial Preference. they have with an imprudent Ardour discovered, too early and too immoderate a Predilection to the Commerce of this Country, by voluntarily reviving at the Peace, almost the very monopoly, which had been established before the War by the Acts of Parliament. can any other Preference than a commercial one, be thought of? no answer.\u2014 Is it not receiving this disposition too coldly, My Lord, to meet it with Obstructions to so many of our Remittances? Is there not danger that the Conduct of this Country will change that Disposition? Is it not easily changed? does it not consist chiefly, in Mode and Taste, Setting aside, what there is remaining of good Will, between the People. and if Credit is the Lure is it not easily counteracted?\n          We have been used to buy Russian Hemp and Duck, in London. Say, We paid ten per Cent more, than it would have cost Us in Petersbourg and that the Advantage of having it upon Credit was worth to the American Merchant twenty Per Cent. By laying on a Duty of ten per Cent on these Articles imported from London more than when imported directly from Russia, would not the Advantage of Credit be wholly counteracted. By laying on fifteen Per Cent more would there not be an End forever, to American Importations of these Articles by the Way of London? Silesia Linnens, are another Article, which We bought in London, may not this Commerce be diverted entirely to stetin and Embden, by a similar Duty. may not all sorts of Manufactures in Iron, be bought in Germany, and all other Manufactures in Cotton, Linen, Metals, Silk Velvet Wool, be in the Same manner diverted from this to other Countries in Europe, only by thus laying a Bounty on the Importation of them into America to be paid by those who choose to purchase in England.\n          It was become fashionable, here, for Gentlemen to Speak diminitively of American Trade, even among Some who had magnified it while in Opposition to Lord North. These could not certainly be Sincere: but be the Value of it, what it may, can it be good Policy in this Country to divert it from herself and send it to her Rivals? for Example could it be wise in the English to throw their own Newfoundland Fishery into the Hands of the French merely to prevent Americans from supplying it with Provisions and Necessaries in their own Bottoms? I was very much afraid the Ministry had not yet, duely considered, upon what a delicate Circumstance, their Fishery depended, how easily it might be lost, and how hardly recovered. tho the Fishery was very beneficial to the Public, as a nursery of Seamen, and a source of Wealth as it stood connected with various other Branches of Business, Yet to the Generality of Individuals, it was not very profitable. With their Utmost, Art, Industry and \u0152conomy, they could but barely live. The Jamaica Fish, as some called it, or the West India Fish as others named it was one third Part of the whole, and the Preservation and sale of it was essential to the Life of the Fishery. unfit for the European Market it had never found any other Consumers than the Negroes, and the English depended upon Selling theirs to the French in their West India Islands. They have been able to Undersell the French in their own Islands. Why? because their Fishery, at Newfoundland being Supplied from the United States, at a cheaper rate, than the French could be from Europe, they could afford to sell their Fish cheaper. But now the Tables were turned. The French are supplied from the United States and the English, must be from Europe. the Consequence of which must be, that the French will very soon be able to Supply their own Islands, cheaper than the English can, and when this happens it will be very natural for them to prohibit all foreign Fish, American as well as English. I left his Lordship to judge if this was a probable means of increasing British Seamen and Navigation, and whether, it was not probable, that if the Americans saw the English like rash Gamesters playing away their own Fisheries into foreign hands, would not look out for themselves, and purchase of the French the Admission of their Fish into the Islands, by Stipulating Some equivalent for it.\u2014 Here his Lordship, Said He wished, the Council could be brought to take into Consideration the relative Situation of the two Countries and their Commerce.\u2014 I was in hopes he would have Said more, and waited long to hear, but as it appeared he did not intend to be more particular, I Said, it was surely necessary that Something should be thought of and done. with regard to the West India Trade, it would be well to consider, whether the United States if they found themselves excluded from the English Islands, would not think it necessary to purchase a free Admission of their Flour and Ships as well as Fish and other Things, to perpetuity, by Stipulating with the French Court Some perpetual Advantage, in some particulars over the English Commerce. hitherto it had been the Policy of the States to be impartial, but if they were once driven from this Principle I left his Lordship to judge, how far they might go, and ought to go. I asked his Lordship, whether it would not be just, and wise in France, to Stipulate with Us a perpetual Admission of our Oil, to illuminate their Cities, of our Potash, duty free, of our Tobacco upon easier Duties and better Terms, in short of all the Produce of our Country, upon better Conditions, of our Flour, Fish and ships into their Islands, and of our ready built ships for sale into all her Dominions, if Congress would stipulate with them a perpetual Preference of French ships and Manufactures, over the English in America. if We would Stipulate to lay on duties one third or one half heavier, upon English than French Navigation and Merchandize, might We not make a profitable Bargain? might We not do the Same, with any and every other trading nation in Europe. Necessity would force Us to carry our Trade, where We could find a Market for our Produce.\u2014 and if England would not receive it, upon living terms, We must carry it to Germany or the Baltic, to Holland or the Mediterranean, to Portugal or France, to Spain, or even to the East Indies. all this was very patiently and civily heard, but not a Word of answer. I then asked, what could be the Reason, that the Commerce between the U. States and the remaining British Colonies, Canada and Nova Scotia Should not be encouraged. it had been found mutually beneficial heretofore, and our Share of the Profit of it, had been a Source of Remittance to England, and would be again. those Colonies, especially N. scotia would find it difficult to subsist without it, for a long time.\u2014 finding however that his Lordship was determined, to deliver no opinions, nor give the smallest hint from whence any Conclusions or Conjectures could be formed I asked him for his Advice, whether it would answer any good End for me to wait on any other of the Ministers, as my Lord Cambden and the Duke of Richmond for Example and enter into more particular Conversation with them upon these subjects? His Lordship Said Lord Cambden was gone into the Country and the Duke of Richmond to the distant Seaports, and would not be here for many Weeks, but Mr Pitt\u2014 was here\u2014 I replied that I had found Mr Pitt, in the Conversations I had had with him candid and intelligent, and that for any Thing I knew, the Affairs of the Nation could not be in better hands, but he was in a critical situation, and if a foundation should be laid of a final Allienation between England and America, it would be a deeper Stain, a blacker blot upon his Administration, than the Independence of the United States had been upon that of Lord North.\n          It is not worth your while nor mine, to endeavour to recollect more particularly this useless Conversation, in which the reciprocity, as Lord North Said on another occasion was all on one side. I did not think it prudent, to urge to his Lordship, the Possibility of any other new Connections between the United States and other European Nations than commercial ones. The Possibility and the Probability of a more permanent, indeed of a perpetual defensive Alliance between France Spain, Holland and the United States, with even Ireland Soliciting to be the fifth Power, is so obvious to common sense that one would think it could not escape the Contemplations of the Ministry.\n          There are Persons in this Kingdom, Sufficiently insane, to Say that they will bring America to petition to come again under the Government of this Country; they will distress them till they break their Faith with France, and then, Say they, \u201cWe will Spurn them.\u201d if the King and Ministry, entertain Such Thoughts, they are weaker, than I ever thought them, and wickeder than any Body ever represented them. But altho insidious Policy is not a Novelty in this Country, I dont believe them capable of such an Excess of it, at this time.\n          The true Secret I conceive to be, a real Ignorance and Indecision what to do.\u2014 They have discovered by their Newfoundland Bill and Irish Propositions, a desire to preserve the Principle of the Navigation Act, against the U. States. both these Experiments have been unfortunate. the first produced the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Navigation Acts; and the last procured a defeat in the Parliament of Ireland. They are now confounded, and know not whether to persevere or to retreat: and I am convinced, they have agreed together, to observe a total Silence with me, untill they Shall come to a Resolution. This Reserve they maintain to all others as well as me, least any hints might escape them by which, the various Parties, who are led by Shelburne, Buckingham, North and Fox, Should know how to begin the foundation of their Oppositions. They are realy embarrassed for whatever Treaty they make with Us, must be submitted to Parliament, either before it is Signed, or it must be made and Signed expressly Subject to the Approbation or Disapprobation of Parliament, and they are at a Loss to guess, what they can carry through Parliment, knowing the Talents of Opposition And the Force of national Prejudice and Passion in favour of the Navigation Laws. They are afraid to attempt, what they know they ought to do.\n          This being the State of Things, you may depend upon it the Commerce of America will have no Relief, at present, Nor in my Opinion, ever, untill the United States Shall have generally passed Navigation Acts. If this Measure is not adopted, We shall be derided, and the more We suffer, the more will our Calamities be laugh\u2019d at. My most earnest Exhortations to the states then are and ought to be to loose no time in passing Such Acts. They will raise our Reputation all over the World, and will avail Us in treating with France and Holland as well as England. for when these Nations once see Us in the right Way, and united in such Measures they will estimate more highly our Commerce our Credit and our Alliances. The Question has been asked in France as often as in England, what have you to give, in Exchange for this and that. particularly. it was a constant question, of the Marshall de Castries, what have you to give as a reciprocity, for the Benefit of going to our Islands? When We have once made a Navigation Act, or Shewn that We can unite in making one, We may answer We can repeal our Act or our Imposts in return for your repealing yours.\n          With regard to this Country, I confess to you, I never Should have believed, or could have imagined the real Situation of it, if I had not been here and resided here Sometime. I never could have conceived, Such a Union of all Parliamentary Factions against Us, which is a Demonstration of the Unpopularity of our Cause.\u2014 if the States do not make haste to confine their Exports, to their own ships, and lay on Duties upon British Merchandizes, which shall give a decided Advantage to our own Manufactures, and those of Germany France & other Nations, it will be to no purpose to continue a Minister here, and I am Sure I Shall wish myself any where else rather than here.\u2014 These are Remedies which Congress and the States can apply. I Should hope they will not proceed farther, at present, but if these are found insufficient, I hope they will think of proceeding farther in commerical Treaties with other Nations, and reserve the Resource of further Alliances as a last Resort.\n          The Draught already made, and the Negociations in Barbary, will exhaust your little Fund in Amsterdam and before next March all your servants in Europe must return home, for want of Means even of subsistance unless something is done. Our Countrymen Should not expect that Miracles will be wrought for their Relief: if their Affairs are not conducted with Wisdom and Activity they will reap, most certainly the Fruits of Folly and Supineness.\n          before I conclude I will mention, one more Extravagance that I know is lurking in some hearts here. They would willingly embarrass Mr Pitt, in any rational Plan of Agreement with me, and chearfully precipitate him into a War, with the United States if they could, well knowing that it would be his Ruin. They think and I can add they say, \u201cthat Canada & Nova Scotia must soon be ours. there must be a War for it. they know how it will end, but the sooner the better. This done, We shall be forever at Peace\u2014till then never.\u201d But these People dont consider, that this will involve us, in unchangeable Connections with France, and prove the final ruin of this Country.\n          The Stocks have lately risen to 65 and 66. whether this is owing to Ministerial Tricks, or the real Affluence of Money, it will raise the Fund of Pride and Vanity in the Nation, in a much greater Proportion, and make it more difficult for the Minister to do what even he may think right with America.\u2014 I must conclude by repeating, that my only hopes are in the Virtue, Resolution and Unanimity of my Fellow Citizens.\n          With great Respect and Attachment / I have the Honour to be, Sir your / most obedient and most humble / servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0277", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 23 October 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n            New York October the 23d. 1785\n          I received the letter that you did me the honor to write me on the 15th. of July with the pleasure that always accompanies the receipt of letters from my old and much esteemed friend. I see with pleasure that your reception at the Court of London has been such as to promise you an agreeable residence there; which may be somewhat pleasant altho you should unfortunately fail in the principal objects of your mission. This last however I yet hope will not be the case, since you represent the majority of the Ministry as able, and thinking rightly with respect to us.\n          The national mind cannot sure continue long under the delusion created by the most vindictive and abominable characters in the world.\u2014 I mean the Tory Refugees, who by themselves, and by those, who for sinister purposes, have suffered themselves to be imposed on by these people, are industriously keeping up on both sides of the water, a contentious and mischievous spirit, to the great hurt of both countries. We know them here, and by this time they ought to be known in England, to which country they have caused by their misrepresentations such infinite evil. In the mind of a person acquainted with the true state of things, there can remain no doubt but that this moment is the most favorable one that will probably occur again for G. Britain to make a favorable Treaty of Commerce with these U. States. The events that took place immediately succeeding the war, and which have produced such wrong conclusions touching the British security of possessing our Commerce exclusively, cannot prevent our Trade from going, as it is fast proceeding to do, into other channels, where it is driven by the mistaken discouragements that are imposed by Britain. I have myself no doubt but that smart duties of Tonnage will be laid by all the States on the Vessels of those nations with whom we have not Commercial Treaties. And that such will be prohibited from importing into our Ports productions or manufactures not the growth or manufacture of the Country importing them. Thus these States, forced into it by the intemperance of G. Britain, and led by her example, will be forming laws to discourage a Commerce that might be so mutually beneficial; if wisdom and temper prevailed over passion and folly. The project of a Treaty proposed by you to the Court where you are, is so perfectly just, and will be so greatly beneficial to both, that I cannot help hoping it will yet be agreed to. I am greatly obliged to you Sir for your good intentions respecting Mr. Steptoe, and I entreat that you will so have him in your mind as that you may effectually promote his views whensoever an opportunity shall present. Much harmony has prevailed this year in Congress, and I hope that the same concord will continue.\n          The present federal year being on the point of ending I shall return to Virginia, and as I mentioned in a former letter, you may write very securely to me, under the care of Messrs: Wallace Johnson & Muir Merchants in Londo[n w]ho will safely forward your letters.\n          I am, wit[h the] most sincere and perfect esteem and regard, dear Sir your most obedient and very humble servant\n            Richard Henry Lee.\n            P. S. Be so kind as forward Mr. Jeffersons letter to him by the safest opportunity that you can meet with\u2014 I have since determined to send Mr. Jefferson\u2019s letter by the French Packet\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0278", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 23 October 1785\nFrom: Sullivan, James\nTo: Adams, John\n            Boston 23d October 1785\n          I had your favour of the 16th. of August Yesterday, and am exceeding glad that it came at this time because I am frequently applied to for my Sentiments upon the propriety of the Navagation act of this State and being clear in my own opinion that it ought not to be repealed I can Say it with more confidence when my sentiments so exactly coincide with yours. but as the People here are much divided in their ideas of the Subject I can by no means expose your Letter without your licence which will not be obtained untill the matter is decided at least for the present.\n          Britian has yet a warm party in America who conceive that we had better be Governed by her policy than our own. our Merchants have a supreme regard to her Commerce perhaps the large Sums they owe there keeps them in Awe. those who were averse to the revolution are uniformly so against every regulation of trade, I rather Suspect from the influence this Sort of people have gained that the Act will be repealed. yesterday Toscan the Vice Consul of France prefered his memorial to the legislature agt. the Act. that this men\u0153vre did not originate with him I am very clear but it will have a great Effect on the Minds of the Country members. our People have foolishly Spent all the Money borrowed by the union, and introduced by foreign Armies, for the luxuries of Europe and being distressed know not where to find a remedy. and Such is our appetite for foreign gewgaws that nothing less than placing them beyond our reach by Imposts can check our Voracious inclination. but I fear there is not firmness enough to accomplish it.\n          I know not your Sentiments regarding a federal Judcial power and the changing of our Confederation into one like a consolidated Government of the whole but I am at present against it. however the circle in favour of it grows larger and larger, Vainly Supposing that our happiness depends more on the form of a union than in frugality, the love of our Country, and attention to the Social Virtues\u2014\n          I have the honor to be / with great regard and / Friendship Your Most / Obedient Humble Servt\n            James Sullivan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0279", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Octr. 24. 1785\n          Mr Preston arrived here, two days ago, but had lost his Letters, I hope he had none of Consequence. he dont remember he had any for me. He tells me from you, that the Dr is arrived at Philadelphia which I am glad to hear, and those Oracles of Truth the English Newspapers tell Us, he had an honourable Reception, which I Should not however have doubted, if I had not any Such respectable Authority for it.\n          The Insurance is made upon Houdons Life for Six Months from the 12 of October. I have paid Thirty two Pounds Eleven Shillings Pr\u00e6mium and Charges, which you will please to give me Credit for. I could not persuade them to look back, as they Say, they never ensure but for the future and from the date of the Policy. I Suppose it will be Safest to keep the Receipt and Policy here, for fear of Accidents.\n          I begin to be uneasy about our Funds. the Draughts upon Willinks & Co and the Expences of the Negotiations in Barbary, will exhaust the little that remains, and unless We have fresh Supplies, We shall all be obliged to embark, in the first ships We can find before next March, for Want of bread. I hope you will press this subject in your Letters to America. Rutledge declines, and you will not wonder at it.\u2014 I dont believe Congress will find any other Man, who will venture abroad upon the present Plan. The Dr was lucky to get out of the Scrape, in Season. You and I Shall Soon wish ourselves at home too.\u2014\n          I have a Letter from Thulemeier, that he has received from the King a Ratification of the Treaty, and is ready to exchange it. I hope you will request of Congress a prompt Ratification on their Part, that one Affair at least may be finished. I See no comfortable hopes here.\u2014 We hold Conferences upon Conferences, but the Ministers either have no Plan or they button it up, closer than their Waistcoats.\u2014 The thirteen States much each pass a Navigation Act, and heavy Duties upon all British Merchandizes, so as to give a clear Advantage to their own and the Manufactures of France & Germany Prussia & Russia, or We shall be a long time weak and poor.\n          This will be delivered you by Dr Rodgers a Son of Dr Rodgers of New York a young Gentleman of Merit.\n          I am Sir with the greatest Esteem your / Friend & sert.\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0280", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Edward Newenham, 24 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Newenham, Edward\n            Grosvenor Square October 24 [1785]\n          I have just received the Letter you did me the honour to write me, on the 16 of this Month.\n          The Editors of News papers find that nothing contributes more to the Sale of their Merchandize than paragraphs respecting Dr Franklin. at one time they put him to death by sickness on his passage; at another they Send him captive to Algiers: & then they wreck him on the coast of Madeira: & any Such Anecdotes answer their purpose as well as if they were true.\n          But I have the pleasure to inform You that the Dr is arrived in Philadelphia, has been received by his Fellow citizens with every possible demonstration of Respect: and his Health has been So much improved by his Voyage that he proposed a journey to New York to pay his respects to Congress. the News has arrived at L\u2019orient by one vessel, and in London by an other, and is undoubtedly authentick\n          I am much obliged to you Sir for giving me this opportunity of paying my respects, having been for Several years no stranger to the Name and character of Sir Edward Newenham. with great respect I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient & Most Humble Servant J", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0281", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Henry Lee, 24 October 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n            New York October the 24th. 1785\n          Having yesterday written a long letter to you, I have now only to request your attention to the following business, which is of very great importance to those whom it concens; and who form a considerable portion of the Citizens of these States. The Representatives of those professing the Church of England system of religion, having been lately assembled at Philadelphia, where Lay & Clerical deputies from seven States were convened in General Convention for the purpose, among other things, of preserving and maintaining a succession of divines in their Church, in a manner which they judge consonant to the gospel, and no way interfering with the religious or civil rights of others\u2014have sent an address to the Archbishops and Bishops of England proposing a plan for the consecration of American Bishops\u2014 It is imagined, that before anything is done in this business by the Bishops of England, that they will consult the King and Ministry; who, it is apprehended may now, as heretofore, suppose that any step of the kind being taken in England, might be considered here as an officious intermeddling with our affairs that would give offence on this side the water\u2014 Should this be the case, the Church of England Members in Congress have the greatest reliance on your liberal regard for the Religious rights of all men, that you will remove mistaken scruples from the mind of administration, by representing how perfectly consonant it is with our Revolution principles professed thro-out all the States, that every denomination of Christians has a right to pursue its own religious modes, interfering not with others. That instead of giving offence, it must give consent, by evidencing a friendly disposition to accommodate the people here who are members of the Church in question.\n          In proof of this, Congress did lately shew their attention to the accommodation of this Class of Christians, by communicating to the different Executives your information from the Danish Minister of that Kings willingness to facilitate the business of ordination for our church\u2014 And the Assembly of Virginia hath incorporated this Scociety\u2014Under which act of incorporation the Convention was held in that State that sent both Lay & Clerical deputies to the General Convention lately held in Philadelphia.\n          I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the truest esteem and regard, dear Sir Your most obedient and very humble servant\n            Richard Henry Lee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0282", "content": "Title: To John Adams from James Sullivan, 24 October 1785\nFrom: Sullivan, James\nTo: Adams, John\n            Boston October 24th 1785\n          I beleive you will be tired of my correspondence not only from the length of my letters but from the Melancholly things I always tell you. Since I Sealed the enclosed I have heard something of the Province of main which I cannot but communicate to you as interesting and important. upon the 10th instant there was a convention held at Falmouth the president was Gorham the Judge of probate of the County of Cumberland. they met for the express purpose of determining whether it was expedient to procure for themselves a Seperate Government. the result was a requisition to all the Towns to send members on the first Wednesday in May January next to proceed upon the business. the refugees are flocking there and Such a conexion in commerce is carried on between them and Nova Scotia that no Trader who buys his Goods in Boston & pays the Duties upon them exclusive of those provided by the Navigation Act can live Vend them and those who have always against Congress begin to Suppose they can express themselves now with impunity and take liberties in their expressions with which I cannot now trouble you\u2014 you may imagine as much as you please.\n          our legislature has the matter under consideration but they appear to me to be in a temper of indecission. can you suppose that a number of Rascals who have ever been in opposition to us are now trying to Sap all our Systems by opening a correspondence with the Nova Scotians and Setting our Laws at Defiance.\n          I am Sir your friend & / Humble servant\n            James Sullivan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0283", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 25 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Oct. 25. 1785\n          The Crown of Great Britain has Sometimes, pledged its Prerogative to relax the Navigation Act, but the Parliament and Nation would not admit of it. By the 15. Article of the definitive Treaty, between Great Britain and Portugal, Signed at Lisbon the 16. May 1703 \u201cThe Personal Priviledges and Freedom of Trade, which the Subjects of Great Britain, and the States of the United Provinces, at present enjoy in Portugal, the Portuguese Shall in their turn, enjoy in the Dominions of Great Britain and the States of the United Provinces.\u201d\u2014 This you See, was a Stipulation directly against the Navigation Act: But altho the Prerogative of the Crown in foreign Negotiations is acknowledged to be Sovereign, Yet the English contend, that it is not Sufficient to Sett aside an Act of Parliament and therefore this Article has never been complied with, and the Portuguese complain of it to this day as a Breach of Faith.\n          Sensible of this difficulty, the Ministry I presume, will not venture upon any Treaty with Us, without, either previously taking the Sense of Parliament, or making the Treaty Subject to its Subsequent Approbation, either of which measures will open a boundess Field of Argument and Obloquy. You will not wonder that he dreads it. He cannot however avoid it. The American Intercourse Act, expires on the fifth of April 1786, and the Newfoundland Act expires, on the 25 of March 1786, and the bare Revival of these Statutes will necessarily bring on a discussion.\n          The Newfoundland Act, is considered here, by Some, as a mere Machine to try an Experiment: to feel the Pulse of the House, and to discover, what Sentiments were entertained, and what Principles would be declared, by the various Branches of Opposition. and it is curious to observe the Presence of Mind of the Leaders, and the Art, with which they evaded the Snare. They Shewed plainly that they were determined, not to be outgeneralled by So young an Officer.\n          on the second of Feb. 1785. Mr Pitt moved, in a Committee of the whole House, that leave be given to bring in a Bill, for confining for a time to be limited, the trade between the Ports of the United States of America, and his Majestys Subjects in the Island of Newfoundland to bread, Flour, and live Stock, to be imported in none but British built Ships, actually belonging to British Subjects.\n          Mr Eden, one of the Coalition Men, Seems not to have been aware of the Design, and declared at once Sentiments, which probably Mr Pitt wished the whole Opposition to avow. He wished \u201cthat Trade might not Suffer, by the Several Restrictions intended by this measure. confining that whole Trade to Brittish Bottoms would narrow it, much more than most people would imagine. it would divert it into other Channels, and ultimately annihilate our Colonies in that part of the World. He had always found that to encourage Commerce, you must treat it with liberality. The proposed Bill threatened a very different Effect; and therefore he had thrown out these hints before the Business had assumed any Shape more formal, in order that those concerned in the Construction of the Bill, might be on their guard.\u201d\n          Mr Jenkinson, whose Opinion probably had influenced Mr Pitt to move for So illiberal a Bill, \u201cwas apprehensive that our Navy would ultimately Suffer, unless every possible Attention were paid to the Protection, Extension, and Encouragement of our Shipping. This appeared to him an Object of infinite Consequence, and demanded the Consideration and Sanction of the Legislature. He Should therefore insist, that in the framing of this Bill, the greatest care Should be taken, that all our Commerce in that quarter Should be carried on in Brittish Bottoms only.[\u201d]\n          on the 4. of Feb. Mr Eden was for moving to discharge the Order for bringing in the Bill. Mr Jenkinson complained that he had been misrepresented. that he meant to Say that there was not and had never been any Law to prevent Ships coming from the British Colonies, to trade in any part of the Globe, the East Indies only excepted by the Charter of the Company.\n          Mr Baring Said, it was at his Instigation that the \u201cPrivy Council, had been induced, to introduce it into Parliament. Newfoundland had Suffered Severely, last Year, by the want of Provisions, because the Governor doubted, whether he could Suffer the direct Importation of necessaries from America even in Brittish Bottoms. That the Settlement would continue to Suffer many hardships, if Parliament Should determine that they must receive their Supplies from Britain only.\u201d\n          On the 7th. of Feb. the Bill was presented. Mr Eden Seems by this time to have been put upon his guard. He makes a long and confused declamation, Seems very anxious, but gives no Opinion clearly upon any Principle. Yet one may trace, I think Several. one is, that his chief alarm was for Canada and Nova Scotia the Ships built or owned in those Colonies, being Struck at and excluded by the Bill, as much as those of the United States. 2. He Seems averse to the Permission, even of Bread, Flour and live Stock, to be imported into Newfoundland, from the United States at all. 3. He thinks this Bill will be a Precedent for, the future Introduction of other Bills, relative to Canada Nova Scotia and the West India Islands, and for exclu[ding] all their Ships, from certain Priviledges now enjoyed by them, in Virtue of the Navigation Acts, and for the Importation into them of Some Articles of the Produce of the United States. 4. He thinks it imprudent to agitate the measure at this time because there were five Treaties of Commerce, pending, one with America another with France, a third with Spain, a fourth with Holland and a fifth with Ireland.\u2014 He thinks a Treaty the best method: and had even rather that the Privy Council, Should regulate the Trade by Proclamation than Parliament by Bill. This is the most Sensible Observation in the whole debate, and it will be curious to See how they will get over it. an Examination of Witnesses at the Bar and a Debate in the House, upon a Bill or a Treaty regulating the Commerce between G. Britain and U. States, would lay open all their Mysteries to all their Rivals. all the Nations of Europe and especially those they dread most, as well as the Citizens of the U. States, and the Inhabitants of the British Colonies both on the Continent and in the West Indies, would profit of the Information so much that I Suspect all Parties will be of Mr Edens Mind, and authorize the King to treat, or to legislate as he has done by Proclamation.\u2014 The Irish are now extreamly ignorant of American Commerce and altho they have a desire to trade with Us they know not how to sett about it. Such a debate would enlighten them. The Inhabitants of Canada and Nova Scotia have now no Idea of the Intentions of this Country towards them. in fact there is nearly as much Jealousy of them of their Ships, Seamen, Fisheries Oyl Rum, Population, Riches, Power as there is of ours. much of this would appear in such a debate and it would disgust and alienate, those Colonies and excite in them a desire of Independence, and an Admission into the American Confederation. The French Dutch, Germans, all Europe in short are as yet ignorant of the nature of our Commerce and the means of making it profitable to themselves. as the debates in Parliament are published in all the foreign Gazettes, much Light would Spread through Europe, in Consequence of a parliamentary Discussion So that I doubt whether Mr Pitt will bring in any Bill in detail, or lay before Parliament any Treaty unless he can be assured it will be approved without a Discussion. if he does any Thing, more than revive the Intercourse Act, he will bring in a Bill to authorize the Crown to make a Treaty. Yet this has its difficulty, for the Crown claims to be absolute, in All Treaties, without an Act of Parliament. I wish with all my Soul, there may be an ample Parliamentary Inquiry and Debate, because it would operate much to the Honour and benefit of the U. States through the World. but I Suspect they will be too cunning, to venture upon it.\n          Mr Eden moved to discharge the order, of 2. Feb. for bringing in the Bill. Mr Jenkinson defended the Title of the Bill, and made a long Speech in which there is nothing worth remarking, excepting that Canada and Nova Scotia instead of wanting the Same Articles as Newfoundland, i.e. bread Flour & Live stock, were Rivals of the American States in the Exportation of them. This was so gross that it Shocked even Lord North.\u2014 All the rest of Mr Jenkinsons Speech Seemed to be merely calculated to Sound the Principles of Opposition.\n          Ld. North Seconded Edens motion, but more experienced and cunning than the, other, he determines that nothing Shall be drawn out of him, but Mischief. He should now confine himself to the Title.\u2014 When the Bill came, he would more maturely reflect on the Subject and give his Opinion accordingly. The Bill was merely preparatory to many more. it would be necessary to have one if this pass\u2019d, for, Canada, another for the West Indies Nova scotia, Quebec &c. His Lordship would not even affirm or deny, what Mr Jenkinson had thrown out, vizt that Canada and Nova Scotia were Rivals of the American States; but Lumber was the Principal Article they exported, and what need had Newfoundland of Lumber.\u2014 And would not the Expression His Majestys European Dominions allarm Ireland, our Great Neighbour and Jealous Sister? This was a tender String. The Irish Parliament might think they had a right to be consulted. They might consider the Bill as a Law made by the Parliament of Great Britain for the Regulation of the Trade of Ireland, notwithstanding the Declaration that She has no Power. Lord Norths aim in short was very plain to excite as Many Parties and Questions as possible, and reserve to himself a full Liberty to join any Party and take any side which Should afterwards appear to be against the Minister.\n          Mr Pitt is evidently dissappointed. he had missed his Aim. He had drawn out no Declarations, Principles or Opinions. He quarr[ells] with Lord North for attempting to Stir up Rebellion in Ireland and with Eden, for not discussing the Navigation Act, and shewing how it applied to the Bill\n          Mr Fox was as reserved as Ld North, and even Ld North afterwards, that he might be compleatly equivocal, retracts what he had Said about Ireland, and denies that he had objected to the Words, His Majestys European Dominions.\n          On the 8th. of Feb. Mr Fox thought the Bill affected in a very particular manner, the commercial Regulations of this Country. He did not perfectly understand whether it was to be a restraining or an Opening Bill. The Alteration agitated was perhaps one of the most important ever proposed in Parliament Some Gentlemen apprehended it went too far; while others were of Opinion that it was too circumscribed, and ought to proceed to a greater extent. it ought not to be hurried. to accommodate every description would, he presumed, be the Aim of those who countenanced Such a Proposition &c. This last was a very just Observation, for the Bill is manifestly calculated, to do a little to please all Parties, but not enough for any one, to Satisfy it: it was contrived so on purpose to draw out the Principles and Arguments of all Sides, but the Cunning of the Parliamentry Leaders defeated its effect.\n          Watson, the Alderman Said the Merchants were exceedingly anxious to know, whether or not they were to Send out Provisions and other Articles to Newfoundland from Britain. on the other Hand, it was verily an important question, whether the provisions of the Bill were conformable to the Navigation Act or not.\n          On Feb. 9. Watson moved for the Examination of Witnesses but it was postponed.\n          On the 14. Feb. Mr Pitt opposes the Examination of Witnesses as unnecessary, highly imprudent and improper.\n          Watson wanted Witnesses to prove the Inefficacy and Inexpediency of the Bill. It was Sending a trade where it was unmerited (i.e. as I suppose to U. States) and taking it out of those Hands in which it would be Serviceable to the Country. (i.e. as I Suppose, out of the Hands of the Inhabitants of Canada and Nova Scotia). the Bill was unnecessary.\u2014 Quebec could supply Newfoundland\u2014if not England could. & the Trade of G. B. & her Colonies should not be delivered over to a foreign Power. That the Avarage Prices of bread and Flour in G. Britain had been considerably cheaper than at Philadelphia or any part of the U. States of America, for a stated Number of Years.\n          Mr Cruger gave Watson a direct Contradiction. if no other Sources of Supply were open to Newfoundland, than Quebec, they must Starve.\u2014 he reproaches Watson, with Interested Views and aiming at a Monopoly. that Quebec was supplied last year from Quebec Philadelphia Bristol & other Ports in England had Supplied Quebec in time of War.\n          Lord North observed as there appeared two Assertions in Contradiction, one averring that Quebec was equal to the Business of Supplying Newfoundland, the other precisely the contrary, it was necessary to proceed to a more minute Investigation, and to an Examination of Witnesses.\n          Mr Holdsworth, Said the Bill was a kind of Compromise, between the Merchants of London Poole & Dartmouth and the Merchants of Canada.\u2014 Mr Fox denied it to be a compromise because one Party was Satisfied and the other discontented. He was for a hearing at the Bar, and hoped Admiral Campbells Evidence would have Weight.\n          Mr Jenkinson, avowed that the Evidence before the Privy Council had been flattly contradictory, and that the Bill was merely an Experiment, to pass as a temporary measure to quiet the minds of all concerned for seven months, leaving the subject open for Subsequent and more serious Deliberation. That Canada had one Year, ten Years ago exported vast quantities of flour but from that time had been obliged to send to Philadelphia to buy Provisions. That in fact Quebec was not a flour Country.\n          Mr Pitt presumed that an unlimited Intercourse between the United States and America, was not prohibited by any known Statute. if no Bill passed, a much larger field of Competition would remain open, which would operate in a greater degree to the Prejudice of the Merchants of London, Poole & Dartmouth, and those of Canada.\u2014 It is worth while to remark here an aukward Endeavour to give the Name of America, to Canada & Nova scotia. We may hear more of this hereafter.\n          Eden wanted to prove that Quebec was this Year able to supply the Fish[eries] at half the Price paid last Year. if Quebec was not to be a flour Country, her Prospect was melancholly indeed: for the disgracefull Destruction of all her hopes of the Fur Trade, by the Provisional Articles, had left her without any other Resource.\u2014 He contended that there was not at present any trade legally subsisting, between the U. States and the Colonies. He had many Objections 1. The scarcity would be increased by the Uncertainty. 2. The freights of the British Merchants would be lessened, and the Price of his fish must be raised. 3. Facili[ties] would be given to Smuggling. 3. it was quitting the old Policy and encouraging a resident Inhabitancy of Newfoundland. 4. He was unwilling to introduce Systems, by Act of Parliament contrary to that monopolizing system which, however described by theoretical Writers, must be considered as the Rock of Salvation to this Country, under the Pressure of all her Debts and Taxes.\n          Lord North Said it was always the admitted System of colonial Policy that the Mother Country Should, as far as possible, monopolize the supplying of her Colonies. that whenever a Necessity arose of deviating from this Principle, the onus probandi lay on those who alledged Such necessity to subsist.\n          Mr J. Luttrell Said that Monopolies had always been prejudicial to Newfoundland. it was requisite that every source of Supply should be opened.\n          Watson Said, (falsely however) that France had done the direct contrary to that which the Bill proposed, in respect to her West India Islands. that the Bill would be the means of bringing Rum to Newfoundland distilled from French Molasses, and that it would be impossible to prevent its being Smuggled. that unless the English had a Markett for their Rum, the Estates in the W. Indies could not be worked.\u2014 here I presume one principal Secret comes out. the Principal Motive to the Bill was to exclude New England Rum from Newfoundland. This Rum, distilled in the U. States, out of French Molasses, is considered as benefiting two Rivals at once, and therefore We dont See any Man of any Party in this debate, even hinting any Thing in favour of it.\n          Mr Beaufoy, who is Supposed to be in the Confidence of Mr Pitt, closes this debate, in a long Speech, which contains more Argument and more Knowledge of the subject than all the rest.\u2014 his first argument is, that the Bill, upon Watsons own Ground is peculiarly formed to defend the Interests of the West India Islands and protect their Commerce, because it narrows and circumscribes the Intercourse between the United States and Newfoundland.\u2014 He does not Speak out, like Watson but he means, that New England Rum is excluded, by the Bill. His next Argument is that the Bill is expedient, because the Intercourse without it would be unlimited, as the Custom house Officers, at Newfoundland, had then no right to demand a manifest or Certificate from a Vessell arriving from a foreign Port, and the U. states were by Proclamations and Treaties known to be foreign Ports, british Treaties being Laws of the Land.\n          He next examines Watsons Maxim, that all Intercourse between the U. States & Newfoundlan should be Strictly prohibited, least it Should be the means of introducing the Rums of New England, as a Rival of W. India Rum and he Shews that the Loss to the Islands can be but trifling, compared with the Loss to the Fishermen, if the Intercourse should be prohibited. He asserts that the Fishermen can have no Resource in N. scotia, which does not produce a sufficiency of Food for its own People, but depends for supply on the U. States. Canada for some Years can be no Resource. besides that the Gulph of st Laurens in Winter and Spring when the Wants of Newfoundland are greatest is bound up in frost.\u2014 The Occupation of Fishermen is of little Benefit to themselves, but of infinite Advantage to their Country. miserable at the best of times is the subsistence they obtain; but valuable indeed are the returns they make to the Kingdom, not less than half a million a Year tho this forms but a Small part of their Importance; for next to the coasting Trade, theirs is the greatest Nursery of Seamen. hundreds of new Men are sent out to this school every Year.\n          Allow your Fishermen says he, the right of purchasing their Corn at a fair markett, instead of that of a Monopolist, and you will find that as far as foreign Marketts are concerned, they will soon be established on the ruins of every other. The French have never more than Supplied, the consumption of their own Markett. (He should have known that they have, never done this, they have never supplied their own West Indies, and that whenever by British Folly they shall be enabled to do it they will easily establish their Fishery on the Ruins of that of Great Britain). The Americans, excluded from the West Indies find their Fisheries rapidly declining, having no other considerable Markett for their damaged Fish. They must advance the Price of their best Fish, so far that they cannot long contest with Us the Possession of the Spanish or Italian or any other foreign Markett. The American Fishermen are seeking a Refuge from Poverty in the Dominions of Britain. But if We consign our Fishers to the Avarice of the Monopolist, they will fly from Distress to other Employments or other Employers.\n          I have attempted this hasty Abridgment of the Debate, because it deserves the critical Attention of every Man in America. the United States may learn from it, their own Duty. the Cunning both of Administration and opposition restrained them from opening fairly their Opinions. But thus much appears too plainly. vizt. that no Man of any Party had the Courage to declare himself, for an open free and unlimited Trade, between the U. States and any of the British Dominions in America. Mr Pitt, and indeed the Administration at the head of which he is, declare themselves against a total Prohibition of Intercourse, but they have discovered by this Bill an Inclination to confine it to so few Articles, and to exclude So many others, that the U. States can never consent to the Plan but must prohibit, in their turn the few Articles and the narrow Intercourse, permitted by the English.\n          In Short, Sir, every Article, which can support a shipwrig[ht,] a ship, a seaman, a Whaleman a Cod Fisherman, a Rum Distillery or a sugar House, appears to be struck Act with the Malice of Murderers, and a Settled Plan to dupe Us out of all our Carrying Trade, the Carriage of our own Produce as well as theirs, appears to have been decidedly adopted by the present Ministry, and no Party, no Man has yet dared to declare himself of another Opinion.\n          If the U. States submit to it, they will deserve to be the Contempt of the World and of Posterity. The Massachusetts and New Hampshire have done themselves great honour, all over Europe, by the Proofs they have given, of their Feelings and Intelligence, and I hope they will persevere in their Acts, even although they Should stand Alone and be Supported. by Similar Acts in no other State. This however is in Europe universally Supposed to be impossible it is universally expected, that most of the other States will do the Same, immediately and all of them eer long.\n          I know not, Sir what Mr Temple may have Authority to Say to Congress, but I hope they will not be lulled by any general Expressions of good Will.\u2014 I know, sir, that there is an absolute Impossibility, of our obtaining a Seasonable Relief to our Commerce, from this Country. There is no other Question left for Us to determine than this. Will you see all your shipping Seamen and Commerce, taken from you, and become a nation of mere husbandmen, fleeced almost at pleasure by rapacious foreign Factors, or will you be your own Carriers? Threats, Prophecies, Reasonings, with whatever delicacy, or skill they might be urged, even although you yourself Sir, were here to enforce them, would have little Effect: The Deed must be done. You must prohibit and exclude in your turn, and confine your Exports to your own ships, or at least exclude the ships of Great Britain. When they actually See Six or Seven hundred of their own ships thrown out of employ, they will begin to consider how their Navigation is affected.\u2014 Nobody doubts the Ability of every State from Maryland inclusively northward, to furnish ships for its own Exports. and if the states to the southward of Cheasapeak, cannot procure ships immediately, the other States will soon be able to furnish them.\u2014 Nothing will ever be done here untill this Measure is adopted by the United States if Ministry in the next Winter session should bring in a Bill upon such a Plan as America desires, they would not be able to carry it through Parliament. Why? because the national Prejudice in favour of their navigation Acts is so strong, and the Necessity of relaxing it does not appear. on the contrary they think it certain there is no necessity, because We cannot unite, in Laws and Measures which would make one.\u2014 By the best Judgment I can form, the Posts upon the Frontiers will never be evacuated, nor the Maryland stock recovered, nor the Rhode Island demand satisfied, nor the Negroes paid for while there remains in force a Vote of any Assembly suspending Proscess for the Recovery of British Debts.\n          With great and sincere Esteem I have / the Honour to be, sir your most / obedient and most humble servant\n            John Adams\n            P.S. inclosed are the American Intercourse Act, and the Newfoundland and American Trade Act.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0284", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Barclay, 26 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square October 26 1785.\u2014\n          I have received your Letter of the 13th with my accounts settled by yourself up to the first of August 1785, signed by you on the 10th of this Month. the article of Eighty five Florins 17 May 1784 is probably right. the difference between the Charge of Messrs Willinks &c on the 31 of August 1784 and the Credit I gave I can account for only by supposing that they Charged the Exchange and a Commission on the money paid me in London. ifso it is more reasonable the United states should pay it than I.\u2014 if you think so you may give me Credit for it, if you are doubtfull let it stand as it is. in all Events I pray you to transmit my Account as settled by you to Congress on the Board of Treasury that it may be off of my mind. I had rather give up much more than that sum than delay the final settlement\u2014 I wish you a pleasant journey and a happy success\n          with great Esteem yours\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0287", "content": "Title: From John Adams to C. W. F. Dumas, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Dumas, C. W. F.\n            Grosvenor Square Nov. 1. 1785\n          I have not written you Since you inclosed me a Letter for Mr Gardoqui from the Comte de Sanefe. I pray you to present that Nobleman with my Sincere Respects and let him know that I Sent his Letters with my first Dispatches.\n          My Son arrived, at New York after a Passage of fifty five days, and was received by his Countrymen with great joy Cordiality. I have no Letters or News from him after he left that City. My Charles whom you know too is at the University of Cambridge.\n          Dr Franklin is arrived too in better Health than he went away, and was received by his Fellow Citizens with great Honour.\n          We have enjoyed very good Health Since We have been here, and We find Friends who are glad to see Us, but the Business We came upon will require time to accomplish. Whether it will not require more time, than the impatience of my Country men will allow I know not.\u2014 Nor do I know whether it is of so much importance, as some People imagine it, or as I myself have some times thought it.\u2014 The less we are connected with this Country, the more We shall be, with France & Holland and We may find them, for what I know better Friends than these.\u2014 It will do Us no dishonour with any nation to have made to this, fair, candid, honourable & equitable Proposals, and if they are refused, We shall have done our Duty to ourselves and to them, and let them look to the Consequences.\u2014 I dread less and less every day any that can happen to the United States.\n          I have been received here, from the first day of my Arrival to this, with perfect Decency, from every Rank of People, excepting those Secret hidden Tyrants, who make Use of the Prerogative of the Press, to pervert the Purpose of it. these entertain me with Oysters from Bilingsgate every Morning. But as long as they feast the King and Royal Family, the Members of Parliament and Judges with the Same good chear, I Shall Scarcely be found to complain.\n          Our best Respects to your Ladies, and believe me sir / your most obedient Servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0289", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            New York 1st: November 1785\n          My last to you was of the 14th: Ult: by the Ship Betsey Capt. Thomas Watson\u2014since that time, I have had the Pleasure of receiving and laying before Congress your Dispatches of 6th, 8th, & 10th: August last.\u2014\n          We concur so perfectly in Sentiment respecting public Affairs and what ought to be done, that I find no Occasion to enlarge on those Heads.\u2014\n          In a late Report I have called the Attention of Congress to this serious Question Vizt. Whether the United States should withdraw their Attention from the Ocean and leave Foreigners to fetch and carry for them, or whether it is more their Interest to look forward to naval Strength and maritime Importance, and to take and persevere in the Measure proper to attain it?\u2014\n          The Diversity of Opinions on this point renders it necessary that it should be well considered and finally decided. The Eastern and Middle States are general for the latter System, and tho\u2019 the others do not openly avow their preferring the former, yet they are evidently inclined to it. Hence it is that the most leading Men in Congress from that Quarter, do not only not promote Measures for vesting Congress with power to regulate Trade, but as the common Phrase is throw cold Water on all such Ideas.\u2014\n          Having few or no Ships of their own, they are averse to such Duties on foreign ones as will greatly advance the Price of Freight; nor do they seem much disposed to sacrifice any present Profits for the Sake of their Neighbours who have Ships and wish to have more.\u2014\n          We hear much of the Algerines having declared War against the United States\u2014none of our Advices are official, but as the Intelligence comes directly from Nantes, Bordeaux and L\u2019Orient there seems to be much Reason to fear it is true.\u2014\n          The public Papers herewith sent, will inform you of our common occurrences; and I wish it was in my power to tell you what Congress mean to do respecting many Matters on which they are to decide. The Representation is at present slender and will I suspect continue so till the new Members come on.\u2014\n          I have the Honor to be with great and sincere Esteem and Regard / Dear Sir / Your most obt. & very hble: Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0290", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n            New York 1st: November 1785\n          I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 13th: Ult: respecting british Claims and Encroachments on our Eastern Boundaries, and instructing and authorising you to take proper Measures for amicably settling the Disputes thence arising. You will also find herewith enclosed the several Papers & Documents referred to in that Act, and of which a List is hereto subjoined.\u2014\n          It also apears to me expedient to send you Copies of two Reports which I have made to Congress respecting these Matters, not for your Direction, but that you may thereby be fully informed of my Sentiments on this interesting Subject.\u2014\n          With great and sincere Regard I am / Dear Sir / Your most obt. & very hble: Servt.\n            List of Papers herewith enclosed.\u2014\n            No. 1. Resolution of Congress 13th. Octor. 1785\n            No. 2. Copy of a Report of the Secretary for foreign Affairs 21st. April 1785.\n            No. 3. Copy of a Resolve of the Legislature of Massachusetts 6th: & 7th: July 1784.\n            No. 4. Copy of the Report of Genls. Lincoln & Knox 19th. October 1784.\n            No. 5. Copy of the Deposition of John Mitchel 9th. Octor. 1784.\u2014\n            No. 6. Extract of a Letter from John Adams Esqr: to Govr. Cushing 25th: Octor. 1784.\u2014\n            No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Govr. Hancock to Govr. Parr of 12th Novr and Govr. Parr\u2019s answer of 7th. Decemr. 1784.\u2014\n            No. 8. Copy of a Letter from Rufus Putnam Esqr: to the Committee of Massachusetts 24th. Decemr. 1784.\u2014\n            No. 9. Copy of the deposition of Nathan Jones 17th March 1785.\u2014\n            No. 10. Copy of a Letter from Govr. Carleton to Govr. Hancock 21st: June 1785.\u2014\n            No. 11. Copy of a Report of the Secretary for for: Affairs 22d. Sepr. 1785.\n            No. 12. Copy of a Letter from James Avery Esqr: to the Governor of Massachusetts 23d. August 1785.\u2014\n            No. 13. Copy of an Act of the Council of Massachusetts 9th. Sept. 1785\n            No. 14. Copy of a Letter from the Governor of Massachusetts to the Governor of New Brunswick 9th. Septemr. 1785.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0292", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 2 November 1785\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Adams, John\n          A confidential intimacy with our common friend Mr. Gerry, with whom I have served during the last year has given me full information of the correspondence which has lately passed between you and him: and it is in consequence of a Sentence in your last letter to Mr. Gerry, that I take the Liberty of addressing this to you\u2014 if Mr. Gerry remained in Congress, I should suppose that the communications which I might make, would not be worth the Trouble of your perusal\u2014but in his absence from Congress, it may be convenient that you should know the Opinions entertained by this body, relative to the Object of your Legation, and other Subjects important to America\u2014\n          If in communicating this information, I Shall have not only the honor of corresponding with a great minister, but also the satisfaction of serving my country, I cannot want motives to proceed.\n          The Sentiments uniformly expressed in your official Letters to the Secretary of foreign affairs, since your Residence at London, meet correspondent Opinions in all the States Eastward of Maryland\u2014 You very well understand the false commercial reasonings, and ill founded policy, of the other States: their present conduct, will hereafter be the cause of bitter regret\u2014 The navigation Act of Massachusetts you undoubtedly will have seen before this reaches You. New Hampshire has passed a similar Law, & other States probably may follow their example; yet granting that the measure will not become general still the confederation has put it in the choice of the Seven or Eight eastern States to become great commercial powers\u2014 Even admitting what is affirmed in England, that the Southern and Eastern States cannot agree in any System of commerce which will oppose to G. Britain commercial Disadvantages similar to those which she imposes upon our commerce and navigation, yet the Eight Eastern States can agree; they have common objects, are under similar embarrassments, would rest adequate powers in Congress to regulate external and internal commerce; and in case the Southern States decline, to rest similar powers in Congress, or to agree in some uniform system, the former by the Confederation are competent to form, and in the Event must form, a sub confederation remedial of all their present Embarrassments\u2014\n          This is a matter that will be touched with great delicacy; the Subject is better and better understood every day in America, for it is the general conversation and examination\u2014 You sir, know your countrymen, you have witnessed their enterprize and Resolution under superior Difficulties. Will they suffer their commerce to languish and expire? will not the Spirit which dictated the nonimportation Agreement, & which once pervaded these States again appear? it still exists, and though it may have slept for a Time, it can again be roused; and if once more it becomes vigilant, and can be made active by the Pride of independence and the idea of national honor and Glory, the present embarrassments of Trade, and the vain Sophisms of Europeans relative thereto, will not only direct, but drive America into a System more advantageous than Treaties and alliances with all the world\u2014 A System which shall cause her to rely upon her own Ships, and her own mariners, and to exclude those of all other Nations\u2014 I will not add\u2014be pleased to esteem this as introductory to such opinions prevailing here, as future safe opportunities may authorise me to communicate\u2014 If a Stranger can without impropriety offer his homage to a Lady of distinguished merit, I pray that you will please to make mine acceptable to Mrs. Adams; for whose happiness, together with that of Miss Adams her Companion & daughter, I entertain the warmest wishes\u2014and have the honor to be with perfect respect, & consideration, Sir your most / obed. Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0293", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 4 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Nov. 4. 1785\n          Yesterday at the Ministers Levee, one of the foreign Ministers put into my hand a Leyden Gazette, in which I found announced to the Public, an Arret of the King of France of the 18th. of September, in which a Bounty of Ten Livres per Quintal is promised to any French Merchants who shall import into the Markett of the French West India Islands, or of Spain Portugal or Italy any Fish, of the French Fisheries.\u2014 and in which the Impost upon all foreign Fish, is raised to, five Livres a Quintal. This amounts to an encouragement of Fifteen Livres a Quintal upon French Fish in the West Indies.\n          As the Supply of the French Islands with Fish is so material, perhaps so essential to our Fishery, this Ordonnance deserves the earliest and most serious Attention, of every Man in America who has any regard to our Fisheries. As the Supply of the French Islands, with Fish is of so much Consequence, to the British Fishery, I took occasion in a conference with the Marquis of Carmarthen to mention it to him, and to observe to him, that, I left it to his Lordship to consider, whether the British Fisheries could be Supported against the Influence of this ordinance, without the freeest Communication of Supplies from the United States.\u2014 His Lordship thought it deserved Consideration, and that was all the Oracle would deliver. I afterwards mentioned it to Mr Frazer his Lordships Under Secretary of State.\n          The Marquis of Carmarthen, that I may let you into enough of his Character to account for his Conduct, is a modest amiable Man: treats all Men with Civility, and is much esteemed, by the foreign Ministers as well as the Nation: But is not an enterprizing Minister: is never assuming, and I believe never takes upon himself to decide any Point of Importance, without consulting the Cabinet. he never gives his private Opinion but in all Things which respect America, I dont believe that he or any other of the Ministry have yet formed any. We shall I think learn nothing of their Designs till they are brought forth in Parliament in the Course of the Winter and Spring.\n          Mr Pitt commenced his Career, with Sentiments, rather liberal towards the U. States: but Since he has been Prime Minister he has appeared to have given Ear, to the Chancellor & Lord Gower Mr Dundas and Mr Jenkinson, with their Instruments Irvin, Chalmers, Smith and others So much as to have departed from his first Principle. He has tryed the Experiments of the Newfoundland Bill and fourth Irish Proposition: but finding the fatal Success of both, he may be brought back to the System with which he set out. But I doubt it. or rather I am convinced he never will untill he is obliged to it, by our States adopting Navigation Acts.\u2014 There is published this Morning, in the Chronicle The Proceedings at Charlestown on the 16. of August, which look very encouraging. if the Legislature of South Carolina, lay partial Restrictions, on the Ships of Such Nations as have no Treaty of Commerce with the United States, I think it cannot be doubted that all the other States will come into the Measure, because there is none which will Suffer a greater temporary Inconvenience by it. These measures have a tendency to encourage the naval Stores of North Carolina so much, that She will be a gainer.\n          But the principal Danger is, that these Restrictions may not be Sufficiently high to give a clear Advantage to the Ships of the United States.\n          I cannot repeat to you, too often, Sir, that all my Hopes are founded upon Such Exertions in America. The Trade with America, must come under consideration of Parliament, in the renovation of  the Intercourse Act, if not of the Newfounland Act: and their Deliberations will be influenced by Nothing, but American Navigation Acts. I fear there are not enough of these Yet made, nor likely to be made this Year to have much Effect.\n          This nation is Strangely blinded by Prejudice and Passion. They are ignorant of the Subject, beyond Conception. There is a Prohibition of the Truth, arising from popular Anger. Printers will print nothing which is true without pay, because it displeases their Readers, while their Gazettes are open to lies because they are eagerly read, and make the Papers Sell.\u2014 Scribblers for Bread, are wholly occupied in abusing the United States: and Writers for Fame, if there are any Such left in this Country, find the public applause wholly against Us. The Rise of the Stocks, has established Mr Pitt, and if he were willing he would Scarcely be able, to do right untill America Shall enable him & oblige him. I am / sir your most obt. sert.\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0294", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 4 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n            Grosvenor Square Nov. 4. 1785\n          Mr Preston has at last found and Sent me, your Letter. Dr Bancroft Spoke to me, about Commodore Jones\u2019s Demand upon Denmark: but upon looking into the Papers We found that the Commodore is recommended by Congress wholly to the Minister at the Court of Versailles, so that We were apprehensive our Powers would be disputed. The Danish Minister however was not here; I offered to go with Dr Bancroft to the Charge D\u2019Affairs, and Speak to him upon the Subject, but the Dr thought it would be Safest to follow the Intentions of Congress, and write to Jones to request you to Speak to the Charg\u00e9 D\u2019Affairs of Denmark at Paris. I know nothing of the Subject more than you. The offer of 10,000\u00a3 was made to Dr Franklin alone.\u2014 all that you or I can do is to Speak or write to the Minister or Charg\u00e9 D\u2019affairs and receive his Answer. The Surrender of the Prizes to the English was an Injury to Jones and his People and to the U. States and ought to be repaired.\u2014\n          Will you be so good as to Send me the Ordonnance du Roi of 18 sept, establishing Bounties upon Salt Fish of the French Fisheries and Imposts upon foreign Fish in the Marketts of the French Islands and in Spain Portugal and Italy?\u2014\n          The Portuguese Minister told me Yesterday that his Court did not choose to treat in France, but I have learned from another Quarter that he had written for and expects full Power to treat here. this you will keep to yourself. as soon as any Proposals are made to me, I will send them to you. But I am every day more and more sensible, We must confine our Exports to our own ships, and therefore Shall be afraid to let any more foreign ships into our Ports, without a rich equivalent for it.\u2014 We must encourage Our Manufactures too. All foreign nations are taking an ungenerous Advantage of our Symplicity and philosophical Liberality. We must take heed.\u2014\n          I dont doubt that all the Courts of Europe would join my Friends the Abbes, in their Prayer that We may be perpetually poor, not indeed like them with a desire that We may be perpetually virtuous, but that Europeans may have all the Profit of American Labour.\u2014 Our Country[men] I fancy, have more Wit, if they have not so much Wisdom as Philosophers wish them or so much [Patience] under insidious Policy, as Courtiers would be glad to find in them.\n          With the most cordial Esteem, your / Friend & sert\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0295", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 4 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Gentlemen\n            Grosvenor Square November 4th 1785\n          I last Night received the letter you did me the Honour to write me the 28th of Octr I have the Honour now to inform you that I have not only accepted the three Bills you have been made acquainted with drawn by Mr Barclay One of 120\u00a3 another of 100\u00a3 and a third of 100\u00a3\u2014 but I have since accepted three others vizt 200\u00a3 St accepted the 31st of October drawn by Mr Barclay 140\u00a3 St accepted the first of November drawn by Mr John Lamb, 160\u00a3 st accepted the 1st of November drawn by Mr John Lamb, these of Mr Lamb are dated the 25th of October, payable at Usance, I really have forgot or perhaps never knew whether the Usances are to be computed from the date of the Bill, or from the date of acceptance. these Bills are to be a part of the Eighty thousand Dollars appropriated by the resolution of Congress, Copy of which I lately transmitted to you.\u2014 this Sum Gentlemen is for a purpose of so much Importance that you must reserve it in readiness at all Events\u2014\n          with much respect I am &c\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0296", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 5 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Westminster Nov. 5. 1785\n          The Chevalier De Pinto, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, from Portugal, after a long Absence by Leave of his Court, is lately arrived here from Lisbon: Upon Several Occasions, when I met him, at Court and upon Visits, he told me, that he had orders from his Court to confer with me, upon the Project of a Treaty between the United States and Portugal, but he never descended to Particulars till Yesterday, When he called upon me, and said, that before he left Lisbon, his Court had learn\u2019d that I was in England, and had charged him to enter into Conference with me, concerning that Project of a Treaty, which had been transmitted to his Court by the Comte De Suzi. That the Portugueze Ministry, notwithstanding their high Esteem for their Ambassador in France, knowing that he lived in the Country, and was in distress, did not choose that the negotiation Should be any longer conducted by him, but had committed the Project, to their Envoy at the Court of England, and had instructed him to assure me that the Court of Lisbon was Sincerely desirous of entering into a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of America a Power with which it was more convenient for Portugal to trade with than any other. But there were some Things in the Plan proposed, which were inadmissible, particularly the Americans could never be admitted into the Brazils. it was impossible. it was the invariable Maxim of their Court to exclude all Nations from those Territories, and having himself Served for Some Years as Governor General of one of the Brazils he knew it was a Policy, from which his Court, could never on any Consideration depart. That it was a great Compliment to him to be preferred to the Comte De Luzi for the Conduct of Such a Negotiation. That he made no Pretensions to Such Merit, but readily acknowledged the Superiority of the Ambassador: but it was the Pleasure of his Court, and he had no right to dispute it.\n          I answered, that I had no Authority to treat, but in Conjunction with Mr Jefferson, the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles. That the Full Power to treat with Portugal, was to Mr Jefferson and me jointly: so that I could conclude nothing without his Concurrence, nor carry on any Conferences, without communicating them to him. to this I Supposed he could have no Objection. He said none at all.\u2014\n          His first Instruction was he Said, to confer with me concerning the mutual Wants and Several Productions of our Countries which might be the Objects of Commerce. His Countrymen wanted he Said, Grain.\u2014 I asked, if they did not want Flour? He said he was not precisely instructed concerning Flour, but they had Mills in Portugal which they wished to employ.\u2014 I replied that in every negotiation, I thought there ought to be a mutual Consideration of each others Profits, and Losses, Advantages and Disadvantages, So that the Result might be equitable and give Satisfaction on both Sides. That a Commerce founded upon Compacts made upon this Principle would ever be carried on with more Pleasure, and to better Effect. That We had Mills, which We wished to employ, as well as Portugal, and Mills as costly and as good as those of any nation. in this respect then our Pretensions were mutual and equal. but there were other Particulars, in which without any Benefit to Portugal the Loss to the United States would be very great. The Commodity was more difficult to preserve in Grain than in Flour. it was more exposed to the Insect, and to heat both at home and upon the Passage, by which means the Loss upon Wheat was much greater than that upon Flour. That it would not be equitable then for Portugal to receive Wheat to the Exclusion of Flour. That this was a point of so much Importance that would facilitate the Treaty, and encourage the Commerce, if his Court Should think fit to agree to receive our Flour.\n          He Said he had not precise Instructions, but he would write to his Court, particularly upon this Point.\u2014 The next Article, wanted by the Portuguese was Lumber, of various sorts particularly Staves for Pipes, in large Quantities. They wanted also ship timber, Pitch Tar and Turpentine, Potash for their Manufactures of Glass, Iron, Masts Yards and Beausprits, Furrs, Ginzeng, and above all Salt Fish. The Consumption of this Article in Portugal he Said was immense and he would avow to me, that the American Salt Fish was preferred to any other, on Account of its Quality. here you, See, Says the Chevalier De Pinto is a Catalogue of Articles, which the Portuguese will want in larger or Smaller Quantities: now what are the Articles You can take in America in Exchange? it behoves my Nation, to enquire, what they can Supply yours with, otherwise the Ballance in your favour may be too ruinous to Us. it happens unluckily for Portugal, that the Americans have no Occasion for our Principal Commodities which are Tobacco, Rice Indigo &c the Produce of the Brazils.\n          I replied, that the United States had been used to take considerable Quantities of Madeira, Lisbon and Port Wines, Fruits, Olive Oil Salt &c.\u2014 He asked why We could not take Tea, from Lisbon? They imported from the East, large Quantities, and very good. The English East India Company had purchased of them this Year Teas to the amount of forty Thousand Pounds, and he thought they could Sell it to Us cheaper than We bought it elsewhere. They could Supply Us, likewise with all other East India Goods. perhaps We intended to Supply ourselves by a direct Trade to India: he was glad to hear that our first Enterprizes had Succeeded: but if We continued to take any Part of our Consumption from Europe they could Supply Us as cheaply as any other Nation. Sugar too the Produce of the Brazils, they could furnish to Us, of as good quality as English or French and much cheaper. if We should think of Manufactures among ourselves, they could let Us have Wool of the Same quality with the Spanish, and Coton in any quantities We might Want. if We made Chocolate, they could Sell Us Cocoa. indeed they had Woolen Manufactures and could afford Us Cloth as good and cheap as other Nations.\n          These were Things I replied in which the Merchants on both Sides Should Speculate. if the United States Should proceed in the Plan already begun of encouraging their own Manufactures, the raw Materials of Wool and Coton would be in demand. and if they persevered in their Measures for encouraging their own Navigation, they would want large Quantities of Hemp, Sailcloth &c from the Baltick. and for what I knew they might find their Account in taking Sugars, Coton, Cocoa &c at Lisbon to carry as Remittances to Petersbourg & stockholm. They might even, upon some occasions purchase Tobacco, Rice & Indigo, for the same Markett as well as the Mediterranean, if that Sc\u00e6ne Should be open to our ships. But all these Things would depend upon the Facilities given to our Commodities by the Treaty. nothing would contribute so much to promote the Trade as their receiving our Flour, without Duties or Discouragements. our ready built Ships too, were an Article of Importance to Us.\u2014 He Said he did not know that our ready built ships were prohibited.\u2014 I asked if they could not take our White Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil, to burn in their Lamps or for any other Uses. He Said no. They had Such an Abundance of Oil, made in the Country of Olives which grow there, that they had no Occasion for their own Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil, which they sold to Spain. They had now a very pretty Sperma C\u00e6ti Whale Fishery, which they had learned of the New Englanders, and carried on, upon the Coast of Brazil.\u2014 I asked if they could not take our Sperma C\u00e6ti Candles, and burn them in their Churches? He Said they made Some Wax in Portugal and some in the Brazils, but he would own it was not enough for their Consumption. The surplus they bought in Italy and Barbary at a dear rate.\u2014 At length, I observed to the Chevalier, that Portugal abounded in two Articles, which would be extreamly convenient to my fellow Citizens, in which she might always ballance Accounts with Us to our entire satisfaction whether We should take more or less of their other Commodities. these were silver and Gold, than which no kind of Merchandize was in greater demand or had a higher Reputation. The Chevalier thought the Taste of his Countrymen so much like ours that they had rather pay Us in any thing else.\n          I added, if the Conduct of the Court of St. James\u2019s Should oblige the United States to make a navigation Act, their Commerce must increase with Portugal.\u2014 a navigation Act? Says he, why there is not a Nation in Europe that would Suffer a navigation Act to be made in any other, at this day. The English Navigation Act was made, in times of Ignorance when few Nations cultivated Commerce, and no Court but this understood or cared any Thing about it: but at present all Courts were attentive to it. for his Part if he were Minister in Portugal, he would not hesitate to exclude from her Ports the ships of any Nation that should make Such an Act.\u2014 I replied that I did not mean, a Navigation Act against any Nation but this: but if the English persevered in enforcing their Act against Us, We could do no other than make one against them.\u2014 The Chevalier said We Should be perfectly in the right. The Courts of Europe had a long time cried out, against this Act of the English. if it were now to begin, it would not be Submitted to.\n          This Observation is just, and it may be carried farther. I dont believe the British Navigation Act, can last long. at least I am persuaded, if America has Spirit enough Umbone repellere Umbonem, that all the other Nations will Soon follow her Example. and the Apprehension of this would be alone Sufficient, if thinking Beings governed this Island, to induce them to Silence America, by giving her Satisfaction.\u2014 But they rely upon our Disunion, and think it will be time enough, when We Shall have shewn that We can agree.\u2014\n          The Chevalier, concluded the Conference, by Saying that he would write to his Court for farther Information and Instructions, and as I understood him for full Powers. but before he went away he said, he had orders from his Court to enquire of me, what were the sentiments of Congress upon the Head of Ministers and Consuls. whether they would Send a Minister and Consul to Lisbon. His Court had a mind to Send Somebody to the United States: but Ettiquette required, that Congress should send in return to Portugal. I answered that in the Project of a Treaty which was in his Possession, there was an Article, that each Party should have a right to send Consuls. so that when the Treaty was concluded, Portugal would be a Liberty to send when she would. As to Ministers I had no Instructions, but there could be no Doubt, that if their Majesties of Portugal thought proper to send an Ambassador of any denomination, he would be received by Congress, with all the respect due to his Character and his sovereign. He said, if there was a Treaty, there ought to be Ministers. I could not answer to this particularly for Want of Instructions: but Congress had as yet but few Ministers abroad, and indeed they had not found many Gentlemen disposed to quit the delights of their own families and Connections, and the Esteem of their Fellow Citizens, for the sake of Serving in Europe. and here ended the Conversation.\n          With great Esteem I have the Honour to be / dear sir your most obedient and most / humble servant\n            John Adams\n            P.S. I forgot to Mention in its Place, that I asked the Chevalier about our ships being admitted to the Portuguese Island of Macao in the East Indies. He Said that would be of Importance to Us, for he did not see how the Commerce with China could be carried on without the Use of that Island as there were certain seasons of the Year when European ships and American too he supposed could not be admitted into Canton. But our ships Should enjoy the Benefit of their Island as fully as any Nation in Europe.\n            You will perceive, Sir by this Conference, what is more and more manifest every day. That there is, and will continue a general Scramble for navigation.\u2014 Carrying Trade! Ship Building! Fisheries! are the Cry of every Nation: and it will require all the Skill and Firmness of the United States to preserve, a reasonable share even of their own.\u2014 They have brought Treaties of Commerce so much into Fashion, that more have been made Since the American War and are now in Negotiation, than had been made for a Century before. Courts which never made one before, are now proposing them to Several others. Portugal is Supposed to be pushing for one with Russia: and if We have heretofore been discouraged and thwarted in any Attempts, it was by those, who meant to be beforehand with Us, in Proposals, which they taught Us to believe it unnecessary and beneath our Dignity make. France does not now think it, beneath her Dignity to propose a Treaty with Russia, nor do French or English Newspapers under the direction of their Courts think it beneath them to fill all Europe with Reports of our Disunion, and of the Want of Power in Congress to make Treaties in order to keep Us back.\n            The fatal Policy of obstructing and delaying our Treaties of Commerce, especially with England, has thrown American Merchants into their present Distress, and not only prevented our acquiring fresh Advantages in Trade by the Revolution, but taken from Us many Sources which We enjoyed before.\u2014 Our Countrymen, partly from Penury and partly from Fondness, have been too easily drawn into the snare. J. A.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0297", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Elbridge Gerry, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Adams, John\n          Since my last of the 3d of August I am favoured with yours of the 26th of June, 6th of July, 26th of August & 11th of September, & am much obliged to You for the papers inclosed in the July Letter, as well as for the useful Information contained in all of them.\n          The Conduct of the Court of London, clearly indicates, & convinces Us on this Side the Atlantic that they have an unfriendly Disposition towards Us. if the professions of the King are real, he discovers great Wisdom; for this will ever direct Men to make the best of Circumstances, & not to afflict themselves with repining or Resentment, because unfavorable Events have taken place. but in political affairs, & indeed in private Concerns, We are to ground our Conduct, on the part which those We have to deal with act, not on that, which they profess. but let the King\u2019s Disposition, be what it may, the Ministry\u2019s & Nation\u2019s appears inimical\u2014their true line of Conduct, is to rival in our Commerce the other Europeans, as they can, if they would conquer their vindictive Disposition & renew Friendship; but they are too degenerate for this, & the Consequence will be, such an implacable Hatred between the two Nations as will terminate all Commerce, & divert that of the U States into Channels from whence it will never return to G Britain. if they wish for Hostilities, We mean to be prepared for them by having a well armed & disciplined Militia, but with forty Millions sterg unfunded & with a people so burdened, as to be clamorous upon every Attempt to fund this Debt or any part of it, so loaded with Taxes for supporting Government & for paying the Interest of the funded Debt as to be hardly able to subsist, I think they cannot be so distracted as to wish for another hundred Millions on their shoulders by again waging War with the U. S\u2014 if they are, in the Name of God let them come on, & sink into the pit they had provided for Us; for such an addition to their Debt, or a less Sum, would produce a Convulsion that must subjugate them to some of the Other European powers; An Event I wish not to see, if they will cease to disturb & destroy the Happiness of Mankind.\n          As to an Allowance of Interest to the british Merchants for Debts contracted before the War, I do not conceive the Demand to be just, or that a Jury in the Union will ever be found to admit it. Interest is a Consideration for the Improvement of property, & the Fact is, that the American Debtors had not an Opportunity during the War to make such Improvement. they were obliged to sell their british Imports on Credit & to receive paper, which on an Average is depretiated to an half or one third of its nominal Sum. shall then the british Creditor recover Interest on a Book Debt, when the Debtor could only recover the principal, because such a privilege was admitted by Us under the british Government? if this Indulgence was just then, is it, for the same Reason just now? I think not, & beleive them, whatever they may say, to be of the same opinion: or at least, that they must feel in some Degree, the Injustice of a Demand, so apparent to those who are personally disinterested. I allude to the most cool & judicious Men in this quarter\u2014\n          If a proposition should be made by partial Favours to divide the States, it will as formerly have a most happy Effect. it will tend to unite Us, more than any propositions of our own. but I think it impossible that the British Court, can be so lost to common Sense, as to betray their Enmity by such weak propositions as Facilities in Trade.\n          Your plan of granting a Bounty on Oyl to be paid by an Impost on british Manufactures strikes me very agreably. the operation would be twofold, & I should hope the Effect would be powerful.\n          I think You may make Yourself easy at present, respecting Congress\u2014 most of your Opponents are out by Rotation, & the Members appear in general to have great Confidence in your abilities & Integrity. Should You be attacked, You may rely on Mr King for a friendly & firm Support. Those who wished to supplant You, have quoted in private Circles, such Details & familiar Expressions in your Letters as they conceived were below the Dignity of your Station. their objections have had little or no Effect on liberal & judicious Minds, more especially, as all allow, You write with great Abilities on great Subjects. but to quiet these competitors, or Creatures of Competitors, it may be best to avoid Details, & gratify in some Measure their Taste for Sublimity of Style, & Rotundity of periods\u2014\n          The Tales which You have heard of Gallicans & Antigallicans, british & Antibritish, are without Foundation. Congress can not be more free from foreign & domestic Influence, than they now are; & there are no parties in America, but such as are produced by clashing Interests, which there is a general Disposition to reconcile\u2014 The Cincinnati indeed may be considered as an Exception; but their Institution will be soon attacked in Congress, & I hope abolished\u2014\n          Congress have taken much pains to obtain a full Representation of the States; from the Want of Which We have not done half the Business which We otherwise might have done the past Year. We have however put on a good Footing the Departments of the Treasury, War Office & foreign Affairs, the Business of which is very regularly & expeditiously conducted. We have also by adjourning to this place, quieted the Uneasinesses which resulted from the Want of Accomodations in princetown Trenton & Annapolis. We have obtained a good Requisition, & regulated the Loan offices so as reduce the thirteen Receivers of Taxes, & unite both Offices into One: passed the Land ordnance, in which however I think there must be an Alteration so far as to reduce the price of the f\u0153deral Lands offered for Sale\u2014 We have also given You powers to adjust with the Court of London the eastern Boundary Line of Massachusetts. & have made You, Mr Jefferson & Mr Carmichael Consuls general, in the Kingdoms wherein You respectively reside. The f\u0153deral Court between Massachusetts & New York is postponed, as two out of nine Judges have not yet accepted. We urged the Expediency of submitting the Cause to the seven who have accepted but N York declined.\n          The new Congress is not yet formed & probably will not be within ten Days; they will have nothing to take off their attention from the great objects of laying plans for impowering Congress to collect the Taxes levied in pursuance of their Requisitions; to regulate Trade, so as to retaliate on Foreigners & carry commercial Treaties into full Effect; & to obtain an Adjustment of the State Accounts & a f\u0153deral Valuation for assessing the States or rather a Rule for forming the latter. indeed the Algerine War, if it has taken Place, will require an Exertion, as We must have peace at all Events with these Barbarians, who are probably encouraged to commence Hostilities, by our british, or some other European Friends\u2014\n          I wish You would attend to the Resolution of Congress making You Consul General: & if it will admit of the Measure, appoint General Warren\u2019s Son Mr Winslow Warren Consul untill the Sense of Congress can be known, provided he can remove from Lisbon. this would give such satisfaction to our Milton Friends, that I sincerely wish the Measure may be adopted: & there is no Doubt in my Mind the Appointment would be confirmed by Congress.\n          I am no longer elegible to Congress, & feel such a Relief from Anxiety & Care already, As induces me to think I shall relish private Life too well to quite it Again for any public office whatever. possibly I may alter my Mind after resting awhile, but I sincerely declare, that I always supposed & ever found publick Life inconsistent with my Happiness. the obligations Solicitudes, & Confinements thereof, are utterly irreconcileable to my Disposition\u2014 however I can never divest myself of a Desire to see the U States happy in their Government, prosperous, & respected\u2014 these objects an Individual may as well promote in his Study, & often times better, than by appearing as an Actor in the political Theatre. You have much more Philosophy than most Statesmen can boast; & yet I am sometimes diverted to see it put to the Test. pray give my Compliments to the Ladies of your Family, & Colo Smith & be assured / I am ever your most / sincerely\n            PS Mr King has lately written to you, but request his respectful Compliments\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0298", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n            Amsterdam 8 November 1785\n          Referring Your Excellency to what we had the Honor to address you the 4th: Inst: We have now to acknowledge Receipt of Your Excellency\u2019s esteemed Favor of 4 ditto, advising your further Acceptances of\n              Stg: drawn by Mr: Barclay\u2013\n          Which we have directed Mess. C & R: Puller of London, to discharge at Maturity\u2014 Similar Honor You may depend, will be afforded to your future Appropriation of the 80,000 dollars, destined for an important Purpose.\u2014 We request you will be particular in your Advice of Drafts, specifying The Place drawn from & date, the Amount, At what Usance or Sight, And if at sight the date of Acceptance, to whose Order, Upon whom & payable where; These with the drawers Name constitute a regular & consequently agreeable Information. In some Instances they may even be a necessary Guide to the Persons who are to pay the Bills\u2014\n          We entreat Your Excellency, to desire Colonel Smith, to write us in What Manner he has disposed of the Credit of \u00a3400\u2014 Stg: furnished him on Account of the United States of America\u2014\n          We are every respectfully / Your Excellency\u2019s / Most obd: & very hb\u0303le servt\n            Wilhem & Jan Willinkv Nics. & Jacob van Staphorst.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0299", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Boylston, 9 November 1785\nFrom: Boylston, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          This address you from Paris. on my arrival my first care was, without loss of time to deliever your several favors\u2014 I then went immediately on business, and soon found I was engaged in a much more arduous and difficult undertaking, than I had conceived; instead of being received with open Arms, which I thought the business I had Come to promote would have entitled me too, the contrary was the case\n          The French has set their faces against the very plan, I had in view\u2014 The Whale Fishery is now the Hoby-Horse of the present Minister, & to encourage that, he wishes to have no foreign importation\u2014 The extract of a Letter (a copy of wch. you gave me) you received from America, proposeing terms for the admitting a quantity of Spemacity Oil into France, was not the inclination of the Minister of France (as the Maurquis de Fiatte & Mr Jefferson assured me) but was teazed into it, to gratifie & get rid of the Person who importunatly, solicited for it\u2014\n          This method, the only one, (& a bad one too) I must take: all up hill work, & the sucess uncertain\u2014 However that nothing should be unattempted in this necessary & Capital business on my Part, I have stated some proposals and laid \u2019em before, The Marquis De Fiat & Mr Jefferson to be introdued to the Minister\u2014 In one I propose to take half the amount of the Oil in French Goods In another I propose to sell in America at Public Auction all the French Goods, setting them up a sale at the prime cost & charges, without any addition of profit to my self, save only what the bider himself my think proper to bid at the Sale\u2014 This last proposal is of such consequence to the French Manufactors, as could not be expected from any Private individual living\u2014 By puting the Goods up to sale at this rate, they will come to the Purchaser, or consumer at so low a rate, as will engross his custom, without a rival, & the French goods will so far have the preference to all others goods even the English. People will buy where they can buy the cheapest. A few tryals of this kind will habituate the Americans to the use of the Goods sold them in this manner, \u2019till they shall become familiar; and custom will fix the universal use & preference of them\n          This proposal will do more to promote the Manufactors of France, than any Edict they can issue for the same purpose, and I flatter myself will draw attention, & be listen to; should it so happen & the French Minister be induced to remitt the present duties the Oil is now charged with on importation, the event would be hapy, & the French by so doing will have done as much as we can expect at present from them; & I, on my part shall have done more than my share\u2014 It Remains for the American State of the Massachusts to give her wieght & energy, to complete, & put the Plan into execution, & no doubt they will do something very effectual in a business, that so deeply concerns them\u2014 I\u2019m senseble to write them on this Subject and receive their answer, will take more time, than will answer for the present Season, but may do for another Year\n          My design in the present Letter is to consult you, what will be prudent for me to do, & how far I may venture on their support, in the present case, should I engage in it this season, which may be absolutely necessary, at least, for an entering-wedge: delays are dangerous in Capital Affairs; this oppertunity lost, may not again be recover\u2019d; in the present disposition of the French Minister Prehaps never\u2014 Should they close with me on the above terms, by which I shall receive only the prime cost without any gain, it would be necessary to support & save me harmless, that the duties charged on the Goods, which I shall take in pay & send to Boston in America, be remitted on importation there, this is a doucir, without burthen to them, as it will cost them nothing. Whether this, & any further support may be presumed, the State will grant in aid & support, to carry into Execution my intentions, to introduce & establish a Market for the oil, is what I mean to call your attention to & consult you upon\u2014 The undertaking on my part is heavy, & I think gen[erou]s, its throwing my self into their hands the Americans to complete a plan for their benefit: Its [but] prudent to make my self acquainted with the ground I am to tread, & the assistance I may depend on receiving from the Massachuts States, in carrying this Plan into execution. You will Please to favor me with your Opinion on this point, as soon as possible, for I have no time to loose\u2014 Please to direct your favor to me, to the care of his Excellency Tho Jefferson Esqr your Friend\n          My Compliments to your Lady / & be assured I am wh great / Regard Your H Sr\n            Tho Boylston\n            PS since I wrote this Letter, some abatement of the duties has been gain\u2019d, by the exertion of The Marquis de Feate with the assistance of M Jefferson\u2014but it not being equal to my wishes, I shall still persevere, under the wing & patronage of the Marquis de Fiatte, & Mr Jefferson (no better Men can be wished for) & hope (tho\u2019 its with fear & trembling for) further success\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0300", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 10 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\n            Gentlemen\n            Grosvenor Square Novr 10th 1785\u2014\n          I have received your Favour of the 4th of this Month and am surprised to hear of the bad Condition of the Hotel, after all the great Expences which have been laid out upon it to put it in tenantable repair.\u2014 the House is so vast and requires so much Expence to furnish it.\u2014 it stands upon so vile a Gragt and has so miserable a Prospect in Front, that I know not whether another Minister from the United states will ever be willing to live in it. be this as it may I shall certainly leave it to another Minister to judge for himself, what to do with it. My advice to Congress would rather be to sell it for what it would fetch, than to be thus continually at expence for repairs.\u2014 you will be so good then as to have the opening in the roof repaired so as to keep out the weather, but no other repairs or Expences about it but what are absolulety necessary to prevent the House from receiving further Damage\u2014\n          The inclosed Letter to Messrs Willinks, I am desired to forward by Mr Arthur Lee. I should be obliged to those Gentlemen if they would inform me of the receipt of it\u2014\n          your most obedient servt\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0301", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Richard Cranch, 10 November 1785\nFrom: Cranch, Richard\nTo: Adams, John\n          I wrote you largely by Capt. Cushing who sail\u2019d from hence about 3 Weeks ago. I therein take notice of the State of our Trade, its Embarrasments &c\u2014 I have since received your esteemed Favour of Aug: 22d, 1785. It came to hand the Day before the Genl. Court met for the present Session. Your Opinion concerning our Navigation Act strengthened our Hands much who were in favour of that Measure. We wish that you may be right in your Opinion when you say that this Measure \u201cwill compell all the other States to imitate it. If they do not the Massachusetts will soon get so much of their Carrying Trade as will richly compensate her for any present Inconvenience.\u201d This happy Effect of it, tho\u2019 ardently wish\u2019d for, is doubted by many. I wish you would give me the connexion between the Premises and that Conclusion, as it lies in your Mind.\u2014 It strikes me thus\u2014 The Masts, Timber and all kinds of Lumber, wanted by the British Subjects, for Europe and the West-Indies, are almost wholly within the command of the two States of Massachusetts and N: Hampshire, both which States have passed similar Acts\u2014 That therefore it is not supposable that they will suffer the other Sister States, who have not passed similar Acts, to counterwork all the force and intention of their Navigation Acts by purchasing their Lumber from them, and then carrying it to R: Island or elsewhere, and there selling it again to British Subjects to take it off in their own Bottoms. But will, on the contrary, take such Measures as will prevent what is thus sold and carried to Sister States, from being reship\u2019d from thence in British Bottoms.\u2014 This reasonable Caution being supposed, I think we may then have the exclusive Advantage of supplying the British Subjects in our own Bottoms untill the other States will come into similar Measures. I wish, however, for your Ideas on this Subject.\n          Your Children are all well, and behave so as to give you Pleasure\u2014 Master John and Master Tom are at Haverhill, and Master Charles is at the University; where my Billy and He, and another most amiable Youth by the name of White (Son of Master White of Haver-hill) are happily united in Pursuits of Virtue and Litterature.\n          You will see by Letters from our Friends that we have lost our benevolent and amiable Aunt Tufts of Weymouth. She died on Sunday the 30th of October, at 7 o\u2019Clock in the Evening.\n          Your Hond. Mother, your Brother and Family, and all Friends are as well as usual. By Capt. Cushing I sent you the Newspapers from the begining of the present Genl Court in May last, to the time of his sailing. I have now sent the Papers since that time, and also the Register that is just publish\u2019d, by Capt Young, to whose care is committed a little Bundle containing something that Mrs. Cranch sent to her Sister. Capt Young (who I suppose will wait upon you) is related to your Mr. Tudor\u2019s Lady, and Col: Tudor has been so obliging as to take the Charge of negotiating this little Matter with the Captain, who has promised to take care of it. I have enclosed a Letter from my dearest Friend to her Sister; to whome with your self and most amiable Daughter I wish every Blessing that will most promote your temporal and eternal Happiness.\n            Richard Cranch\n            P.S. As I intend to keep you supply\u2019d by every Oportunity with Adams & Nourse\u2019s Paper, I should be glad if you would send me in return one of the London Papers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0302", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square Nov. 11. 1785\n          There is no better Advice to be given to the Merchants of the United States, than to push their Commerce to the East Indies as fast and as far as it will go.\n          If Information from Persons who ought to know may be depended on, the Tobacco and Peltries as well as the Ginseng of the United States, are proper Articles for the China Markett, and have been found to answer very well, and many other of our Commodities may be found in demand there. But there is another Resource, which may prove of equal Value at present. There are many Persons, in the European Factories, in India, particularly the English who have accumulated large Property, which they wish to transmit to Europe, but have not been able to do it, on account of the distance and the Scarcity of Freights.\u2014 These would be glad to Sell Us their Commodities, and take our Bills of Exchange upon Europe or America, payable in twelve or Eighteen months. possibly in longer Periods.\n          These Facts are known to Individuals in America, but will probably be concealed from the publick at large least the Speculators and Adventurers, Should be too numerous for the Profit of a few.\n          The States may greatly encourage, these Enterprizes by laying on Duties, upon the Importation of all East India Goods from Europe, and indeed by proceeding in time to Prohibitions. this however may never be necessary. Duties judiciously calculated and made high enough to give a clear Advantage to the direct Importer from India will answer the End as effectually as Prohibitions, and are less odious, and less liable to Exceptions.\n          We Should attend to this Intercourse with the East, with the more Ardour, because the Stronger Footing We obtain in those Countries, of more importance will our Friendship be, to the Powers of Europe who have large Connections there.\u2014 The East Indies will probably be the Object and The Theatre of the next War, and the more familiar We are with every Thing relative to that Country, the more will the contending Parties desire to win Us of their Side, or at least, what We ought to wish for most, to keep Us neutral.\n          Much will depend upon the Behaviour of our People who may go into those Countries. If they endeavour by an irreproachable Integrity, Humanity and Civility, to conciliate the Esteem of the Natives, they may easily become the most favoured nation for the Conduct of European Nations in general, heretofore has given Us a great Advantage.\n          East India Manufactures in Silk and Coton &c are prohibited in England, and as We have no Such Prohibitions in America, because We have no Such manufactures for them to interfere with, We may take them to a great Advantage.\n          I am sir with great Esteem, your most / obedient and humble servant John\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0303", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Paul R. Randall, 18 November 1785\nFrom: Randall, Paul R.\nTo: Adams, John\n          I have not had the Honor of writing to you, since I have embarked in this Business, as you must have received Intelligence more satisfactory from other Quarters. Our detention in Paris was unhappy considering the Season, however we wished to make up for it by a speedy Journey\u2014being but eight days on the Road. Our Progress is now retarded for Want of Mules, as there are many Travellers across the Mountains the Close of this Month.\u2014 We hope to proceed the 21st. but have no Assurances of arriving in Madrid, in less than twelve days from our departure. There will be very few Inducements to occurr on any Stay on this Road\u2014so that in a short Time\u2014we may expect to announce our Arrival at Madrid\u2014 This is a very advantageous Market for american Produce\u2014though not much frequented by the Americans at present.\u2014 There are no political or commercial Occurrences sufficiently interesting to communicate\u2014 My Companion offers his most respectful Compliments\u2014 I take the Liberty of adding mine to Mrs: & Miss Adams\u2014and in tendering my humble Services to yourself\u2014\n          I am / Your most obt. sert.\n            My Companion wishes me to say in his Behalf\u2014that he would have had the Pleasure of writing\u2014but the danger of Miscarriage\u2014 and some of his Letters from America having been intercepted\u2014he must wait a sure Opportunity.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0304", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, [1]8 November 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n          We acknowledge the Receit of Your Esteemed Favo\u00far of the 12th. Instt. advising \u00fas your further acceptances of\n              drawn by Mr. Barclay Order Mr Grand\n              drawn by Mr. John Lamb Order Mr Grand.\n          Which Will duely be discharged When d\u00fae by Mess: C & R Puller in London\u2014\n          Mr. Jefferson has in Consequence of a Credit of \u00a31000\u2014 Stg. Lodged by yo\u00fa in his Favo\u00far dated 19 May 1785. drawn on Messrs. Van den Yver \u00a36500lt\u2014 & Shall undoubtedly dispose of the Whole Credit on them; as yo\u00far Excelly. has not given \u00fas the least notice of this Credit, We have not been able to advice Sd. Gentlemen thereof, Whereby Such drafts might Run great hazard not to be paid, to prevent Such mistakes, We must beg your Excelly. to favo\u00far \u00fas With an Exact and timely Notice of all his transactions.\n          We have the Hono\u00far to Remain Very Respectfully. / Sir / Your Excelly. mot Obedt. / Humble Servants.\n            Wilhem & Jan Willink Nichs. & Jacob van Staphorst", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0305", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I wrote to you on the 11th. of Octob. by mr\u0303 Preston & again on the 18th. of the same month by post. since that yours of Sep. 25. by mr\u0303 Boylston, Oct. 24. Nov. 1. & Nov. 4. have come safe to hand. I will take up their several subjects in order. Boylston\u2019s object was first to dispose of a cargo of sperma ceti oyl which he brought to Havre. a secondary one was to obtain a contract for future supplies. I carried him to the M. de la fayette. as to his first object we are in hopes of getting the duties taken off which will enable him to sell his cargo. this has led to discussions with the ministers which give us a hope that we may get the duties taken off in perpetuum. this done, a most abundant market for our oyl will be opened by this country, and one which will be absolutely dependant on us, for they have little expectation themselves of establishing a succesful whale fishery. perhaps it is possible they may only take the duties off of those oils which shall be the produce of associated companies of French & American merchants. but as yet nothing certain can be said.\n          I thank you for the trouble you have taken to obtain insurance on Houdon\u2019s life. I place the \u00a332\u201411s to your credit, and not being able as yet to determine precisely how our accounts stand, I send a sum by Colo. Smith which may draw the scales towards a balance.\n          The determination of the British cabinet to make no equal treaty with us, confirms me in the opinion expressed in your letter of Oct. 24. that the U.S. must pass a navigation act against Great Britain & load her manufactures with duties so as to give a preference to those of other countries: and I hope our assemblies will wait no longer, but transfer such a power to Congress at the sessions of this fall. I suppose however it will only be against Great Britain, & I think it will be right not to involve other nations in the consequences of her injustice. I take for granted the commercial system wished for by Congress was such an one as should leave commerce on the freeest footing possible. this was the plan on which we prepared our general draught for treating with all nations. of those with whom we were to treat, I ever considered England, France, Spain & Portugal as capitally important; the first two on account of their American possessions, the last for their European as well as American. Spain is treating in America, & probably will give us an advantageous treaty. Portugal shews dispositions to do the same. France does not treat. it is likely enough she will chuse to keep the staff in her own hands. but in the mean time she gave us an access to her W. Indies, which tho\u2019 not all we wished was yet extremely valuable to us: this access indeed is much wounded by the late arrets of the 18th. & 25th of September, which I inclose to you. I consider these as a reprisal for the navigation acts of Massachusets & New Hampshire. the minister has complained to me officially of these acts as a departure from the reciprocity stipulated by the treaty. I have assured him that his complaints shall be communicated to Congress, & in the mean time observed that the example of discriminating between foreigners & natives had been set by the Arret of Aug. [30] 1784. & still more remarkeably by those of Sep. 18. & 25. which in effect are a prohibition of our fish in their islands. however it is better for us that both sides should revise what they have done. I am in hopes this country did not mean these as permanent regulations. mr\u0303 Bingham, lately from Holland, tells me the Dutch are much dissatisfied with those acts. in fact I expect the European nations in general will rise up against an attempt of this kind, and wage a general commercial war against us. they can do too well without all our commodities except tobacco, and we cannot find elsewhere markets for them. the selfishness of England alone will not justify our hazarding a contest of this kind against all Europe. Spain, Portugal, & France have not yet shut their doors against us: it will be time enough when they do to take up the commercial hatchet. I hope therefore those states will repeal their navigation clauses except as against Great Britain & other nations not treating with us.\n          I have made the enquiries you desire as to American ship-timber for this country. you know they sent some person (whose name was not told us) to America to examine the quality of our masts, spars &c. I think this was young Chaumont\u2019s business. they have besides this instructed the officer who superintends their supplies of masts, spars &c. to procure good quantities from our Northern states, but I think they have made no contract: on the contrary that they await the trials projected, but with a determination to look to us for considerable supplies if they find our timber answer. they have on the carpet a contract for live oak from the Southern states.\n          You ask why the Virginia merchants do not learn to sort their own tobaccoes? they can sort them as well as any merchants whatever. nothing is better known than the quality of every hogshead of tobacco from the place of it\u2019s growth. they know too the particular qualities required in every market. they do not send their tobaccoes therefore to London to be sorted, but to pay their debts: and tho they could send them to other markets & remit the money to London, yet they find it necessary to give their English merchant the benefit of the consignment of their tobacco to him (which is enormously gainful) in order to induce him to continue his indulgence for the balance due.\n          Is it impossible to persuade our countrymen to make peace with the Nova scotians? I am persuaded nothing is wanting but advances on our part; & that it is in our power to draw off the greatest proportion of that settlement, and thus to free ourselves from rivals who may become of consequence. we are at present co-operating with Gr. Br. whose policy it is to give aliment to that bitter enmity between her states & ours which may secure her against their ever joining us. but would not the existence of a cordial friendship between us & them be the best bridle we could possibly put into the mouth of England?\n          With respect to the Danish business you will observe that the instructions of Congress, article 3. of Octob. 29. 1783. put it entirely into the hands of the ministers plenipotentiary of the U.S. of A. at the court of Versailles empowered to negotiate a peace or to any one or more of them. at that time I did not exist under this description. I had received the permission of Congress to decline coming in the spring preceding that date. on the 1st. day of Nov. 1783. that is to say two days after the date of the instruction to the Commrs. Congress recommended J. P. Jones to the Min. Plen. of the U.S. at Versailles as agent, to sollicit under his direction the paiment of all prizes taken in Europe under his command. but the object under their view at that time was assuredly the money due from the court of Versailles for the prizes taken in the expedition by the Bon homme Richard, the Alliance &c. in this business I have aided him effectually, having obtained a definitive order for paying the money to him, and a considerable proportion being actually paid him. but they could not mean by their resol\u00f1 of Nov. 1. to take from the Commissrs. powers which they had given them two days before. if there could remain a doubt that this whole power has resulted to you, it would be cleared up by the instruction of May. 7. 1784. article 9. which declares \u201cthat these instructions be considered as supplementary to those of Octob. 29. 1783. & not as revoking except where they contradict them.\u201d which shews they considered the instructions of Octob. 29. 1783. as still in full force.\u2014 I do not give you the trouble of this discussion to save myself the trouble of the negociation. I should have no objections to this part: but it is to avoid the impropriety of meddling in a matter wherein I am unauthorised to act, & where any thing I should pretend to conclude with the court of Denmark might have the appearance of a deception on them. should it be in my power to render any service in it, I shall do it with chearfulness, but I repeat it that I think you are the only person authorised.\n          I received a few days ago the Nuova minuta of Tuscany which Colo. Humphrys will deliver you. I have been so engaged that I have not been able to go over it with any attention. I observe in general that the order of the articles is entirely deranged, & their diction almost totally changed. when you shall have examined it if you will be so good as to send me your observations by post, in cypher, I will communicate with you in the same way and try to mature this matter.\n          The deaths of the Dukes of Orleans and Praslin will probably reach you through the channel of the public papers before this letter does. your friends the Abb\u00e9s are well and always speak of you with affection. Colo. Humphries comes to pass some time in London. my curiosity would render a short trip thither agreeable to me also, but I see no probability of taking it. I will trouble you with my respects to Doctr. Price. those to mr\u0303s Adams I witness in a letter to herself. I am with very great esteem Dr. Sir / Your most obedient / and most humble servt.\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0306", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Abb\u00e9s Chalut and Arnoux, 17\u20132 November 1785\nFrom: Chalut, Abb\u00e9,Arnoux, Abb\u00e9\nTo: Adams, John\n            Paris place vendome No. 17. 20. 9bre 1785\n          Vos lettres, notre Cher ami, nous seront toujours fort agreables. nous aimons votre fran\u00e7ois, vos Sentiments rendus dans Cette langue quelle qu\u2019en Soit la maniere, nous Seront chers. nous voudrions S\u00e7avoir l\u2019anglois pour vous \u00e9pargner La peine d\u2019ecrire en fran\u00e7ois; notre age ne nous permet pas d\u2019apprendre votre langue. vous S\u00e7avez assez La notre pour rendre toutes vos id\u00e9es, notre amiti\u00e9 vous entendra toujours.\n          nous avons mille remerciments \u00e0 vous faire vous avec avez acueilli avec bont\u00e9 et politesse M. Poncet que nous vous avions recommand\u00e9; \u00e0 Son retour \u00e0 Paris il nous a fait part de toutes les politesses que vous Lui avec faites, nous voudrions trouver des occasions pour vous en temoigner toute notre reconnoissance dans la personne de vos amis, ne craignez pas de nous les adresser, nous serons pour eux ce que nous ferions pour vous nous avons vu M. fox de Philadelphie. il est venu diner avec nous accompagn\u00e9 de son Compagnon de Voyage et du frere de son Compagnon. il vouloit passer Six mois \u00e0 Paris. il nous avoit pri\u00e9s de lui chercher une pension o\u00f9 il put apprendre dans Cet espace de tems la langue fran\u00e7oise dont il begaye avec peine quelques mots. nous avions trouv\u00e8 une pension qui lui offroit tout ce qu\u2019il pouvoit desirer \u00e0 Cet \u00e9gard. il a chang\u00e9 de sentiment. il va quitter Paris ou Ses relations avec Les Americains auroient retard\u00e9 Ses progr\u00e8s dans notre Langue pour aller \u00e0 st. florentin o\u00f9 il sera isol\u00e9. Ses moeurs et son Langage gugneront beaucoup dans Ce parti. nous lui avons dit de S\u2019adresser \u00e0 nous quand nous pourront L\u2019obliger.\n          nous ne vous avons jamais dit que l\u2019abb\u00e9 de st. Pierre fut L\u2019auteur de L\u2019ouvrage immortel de t\u00e9lemaque nous s\u00e7avions d\u00e8s L\u2019enfance que C\u2019\u00e9toit M. de fenelon archeveque de Cambray, un \u00e9tranger Seul peu instruit de notre litterature vous a Sans doute dit le Contraire.\n          nous avons appris avec plaisir que vos Dames regrettoient la france. Les Sentiments qui ont encit\u00e9 ces regrets nous flattent beaucoup, nous le Serions davantage, Si nous avions l\u2019honneur de les revoir avant leur retour en amerique et de les assurer des Sentiments respectueux qu\u2019elles nous ont inspir\u00e9s, en attendant Cet heureux moment nous Les prions de nous permettre de leur presenter nos respects\n          Deux aides de Camp du General Wasington ont bien voulu se Charger de notre lettre, ils vous donneront des nouvelles de Paris, ils vous diront mieux que nous tout ce quil peut interesser votre Curiosit\u00e9.\n          nous vous offrons nos Services. quand nous pourrons faire des choses qui vous Soient agreables ne Craignez pas de faire valoir L\u2019amiti\u00e9 que nous avons pour vous et avec laquelle nous avons l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00e9tre / Notre cher ami / vos tr\u00e8s humbles / et tr\u00e8s obeissants serviteurs\n            L\u2019Abb\u00e9 Chalut L\u2019abb\u00e9 Arnoux\n            M. de Chalut est tr\u00e8s Sensible \u00e0 l\u2019honneur de votre Souvenir, il vous fait Ses Sinceres Compliments et il presente Ses respects \u00e0 vos Dames.\n            M. Petry a re\u00e7u vos Compliments avec beaucoup de reconnoissance, il vous assure de son attachement respectueux.\n            Mlle. Lucile est bien flatt\u00e9e de ce que vous et vos Dames ne l\u2019avez pas oubli\u00e9e. elle touche au moment de Se marier, elle nous Charge de vous en faire part, parce qu\u2019elle s\u00e7ait que vous aurez la bont\u00e9 de vous interesser \u00e0 Cet heureux evenement, Son futur mari est M. Deville premier Secretaire de M. le Comte de Vergennes, Le Roi \u00e0 donn\u00e9 \u00e0 le jeune homme une place de fermier general. La fortune Sera associ\u00e9e \u00e0 Ce mariage qui nous fait esperer le bonheur des deux futurs \u00e9poux.\n            nous desirons d\u2019apprendre bientot Celui de Mlle. Adams et nous felicitons d\u2019avance l\u2019\u00e9poux qu\u2019elle Choisira Sous vos auspices.\n          TRANSLATION\n            Paris, Place Vend\u00f4me no. 17, 20 November 1785\n          Your letters, dear friend, will always be a delight to us. We like your French. Your thoughts rendered in the language, whatsoever the topic, will always be dear to us. We would like to know English to spare you the effort of writing in French, but our age prevents us from learning your language. You know ours well enough to express all of your ideas. Our friendship will always allow us to understand your letters.\n          A thousand thanks for having welcomed Mr. Poncet, whom we had recommended to you, with such kindness and graciousness. Upon his return to Paris, he let us know of all the kindnesses you bestowed upon him. We would like to have opportunities to host your friends in order to fully prove our gratitude to you. Do not hesitate to refer them to us. We will be for them as courteous as we would be for you. We saw Mr. Fox of Philadelphia. He came to dine with us accompanied by his traveling companion and the brother of his companion. He wanted to spend six months in Paris. He asked that we look for a boardinghouse where he might, over the course of his stay, learn the French language of which he barely stammers a few words. We found a boardinghouse that offered everything he could wish for in this respect. He changed his mind. He will be leaving Paris, where his ties with Americans would have delayed his progress in his language study, to go to Saint Florentin where he will be isolated. His culture and language will benefit much from this plan. We told him to refer to us whenever we might be of service to him.\n          We never told you that Father St. Pierre was the author of that immortal work Telemachus. Since childhood, we have known that it was Mr. F\u00e9nelon, archbishop of Cambrai. Only a foreigner, lacking knowledge of our literature, would have told you otherwise.\n          We were happy to learn that your ladies look back wistfully on France. The sentiments that prompted their recollection are quite flattering to us. We would be all the more flattered if we had the honor to see them again before their return to America and to remind them of the respectful sentiments they inspired in us. As we await this happy event, we beg them to let us offer our regards.\n          Two of General Washington\u2019s aides-de-camp were kind enough to deliver our letter. They will bring you news of Paris and will tell you better than we can of everything that may interest your curiosity.\n          We offer you our services. Whenever we can do something to suit your pleasure, do not hesitate to call upon the friendship we share with you, and with which we have the honor to be, our dear friend, your most humble and most obedient servants \n            L\u2019Abb\u00e9 Chalut L\u2019abb\u00e9 Arnoux\n          Mr. Chalut is very touched by your recollections of him. He sends you his sincere compliments and his regards to your ladies.\n          Mr. Petry received your compliments with much gratitude. He assures you of his respectful commitment to you.\n          Miss Lucile is quite flattered that you and your ladies have not forgotten her. She is about to get married and counts on us to let you know, because she knows that you will have the goodness to be interested in this happy occasion. Her future husband is Mr. Deville, first secretary of the Comte de Vergennes. The king gave the young man a position as farmer general. Fortune will accompany this marriage, and makes us anticipate the happiness of these two future spouses.\n          We wish to hear of that of Miss Adams, and we congratulate in advance the future spouse whom she chooses with your blessing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0307", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles Storer, 23 November 1785\nFrom: Storer, Charles\nTo: Adams, John\n          \u2019Tis my duty to write you as well as my inclination\u2014 The first point I will not urge further than to assure you I am full sensible of it, as I know you are an enemy to useless words: The latter point, Sir, let me beg to be indulged in\u2014 I wish my Correspondance could be of benefit to you, and I am willing to think it may perhaps at some time or other\u2014 Should it afford you any degree of satisfaction, the reflection that you are countenancing & instructing one just coming upon the busy stage of life I am sure will be an addition in my favor\u2014 On this sentiment I build, Sir, & feel heartily disposed to thank you in advance\u2014 Je me trouve dans la politique\u2014 This disposition, Sir, I have mentioned to you more than once, & I find it grows upon me. The air of my native Country has inspired me with more zeal than ever in her behalf\u2014 I long to be one of her Champions\u2014 But I am yet a weak one you\u2019ll say\u2014 True Sir\u2014but you must assist me & I shall be strong.\u2014\n          At the above period I was called away to embark for Providence; and now am happy in having it in my power to finish my from my father\u2019s house. I need not say how willingly the doors were set open to receive us after so long an absence. Parternal Sensibility you are no Stranger to, and suffice it to say, on the other side, that the feelings of the Child perfectly accorded with those of the Parent\u2019s\u2014 To Mrs: Adams I must refer you for the particulars of our friends; if you are curious to know them\u2014\n          Shall I tell you some news, Sir? I mean what is news to me; tho\u2019 perhaps it may not be so to you\u2014 While at NYork I was much with Mr: Geary, which I am indebted to your letter for\u2014with Mr: King & several other Members of Congress\u2014 Mr: King has lately written you, and I desired him to continue the Correspondance; because you have often complained of being in the dark, as to what was going forward here, & as he is a man the most capable of giving you substantial information of any one I know. He has a great respect and esteem for you, & in his turn is in the highest estimation of any young man in America\u2014 His talents are universally acknowledged to be very great: he is deeply versed in the laws & politics of his Country, & withal is highly ambitious\u2014 He is nevertheless a staunch Republican\u2014 He assured me that your fears were groundless, as to their being French & Anti-french, English & Anti-English parties in Congress\u2014that on the contrary there was no foreign influence whatever known there\u2014but that the present Members were unanimously decided on the true interest & dignity of the U: States\u2014and are men of perfectly independant Characters\u2014 Why your original Commission to G: B: was revoked he did not tell me; but I found there was very strong opposition made to your late one\u2014 The Southern States, who you know ever regarded the Northern with a jealous eye, cried out violently against you\u2014 Give us one, said they, whom we know\u2014who is acquainted with us & our interest\u2014that we may rely on him\u2014 Accordingly Mr: Chancellor Livingston & Governor Rutledge were made Competitors with you & Colo: Smith was joined to them, that, in case the Principals fell, he might be a reserve\u2014 So it happened; for as soon as you were appointed, they in a manner insisted on his being appointed, and his being strongly recommended by General Washington, who chose to have all his family provided for, facilitated the measure\u2014 From this circumstance you will know how to view the appointment.\u2014\n          I found the People of NYork highly insensed against England, for their retaining the Posts: so it is thr\u00f4 out; but particularly there. Yet \u2019tis universally thought that this ill-natured policy will tend yet more to strengthen the union of the States\u2014 I found the Southern Members to be warm & high for Navigation-Acts & reciprocal restrictions. Colo: Greyson, fm. Maryland, told me his State was about adopting our Navigation Act\u2014 New-Hampshire has done it already; and Rhode-Island & New-Jersey have empowered Congress fully to regulate their Commerce\u2014 The Southern States do not incline that Congress should have the regulation of Trade & Commerce in their power\u2014 The ballc: between them & us, they say is against them, and therefore they wish to have the staff in their own hands\u2014 I hinted to Colo: Greyson that probably G: Britain, by way of Proclamation, might throw out some partial advantage to the Southern States; but he assured me that any such attempts to seperate them from us would be universally treated with contempt.\u2014 Upon the whole, Sir, I am inclined to hope that the Commerce of the U: States will soon be on a respectable footing, as I rely on our not being wanting in our usual perseverance & joint exertion. I understand that among the first resolves of Congress will be a Recommendation to the States to join in a general Navigation Act, & to encourage all necessary manufactures among ourselves; as I am told there have been many petitions fm. several parts to their respective Legislatures to be encouraged. Our State has granted a bounty upon Oyl\u2014\u00a35:4: & 3. Pds: Pr: ton on the 3. superior Qualities, which, by making a saving voyage, may tend to encourage the fishery\u2014 How the Contract with France goes on I do\u2019nt know: the prices I hear do not suit, nor the being obliged to take french manufactures in return\u2014\n          While at NYork I was told, by a Gentleman who came fm: Falmouth in the English Packet, that Mr: Willm. Roach of Nantucket was surveying that harbor in order to establish there the fishery: that he had contracted with Government to employ a great number of Seamen & vessells and that great incouragement had been given him. But all this you are in the way of knowing better than I can tell you.\u2014\n          No wonder, Sir, you had not heard of the arrival of Mr: Lambe anywhere in Europe; since he was seen, so lately as the middle of October, in New-London\u2014 Why he remained so long on this side the water seems unaccountable, unless we take into consideration the Character he bears, which is that of an idle, drunken, ignorant man. Pardon me, Sir, speaking so disrespectfully of one wm: Congress have appointed their Minister; but, as it appears to be a party matter & as his Conduct has been so very blameable, I feel admissible what I say.\u2014\n          Thus much for general news. Our own State matters you will have fm. better hands than mine\u2014 Our Governor is much respected & the Government is pretty well established: they have been long employed during the last Cession about a Valuation, in order to know our proportion of debt, & are now adjourned to February\u2014 Trade is very dull here\u2014& we have frequent failures\u2014 Our Navigation Act many dislike, as it has carried much of our trade to other States\u2014 It has been altered in regard to foreign vessells. We have priviledges in several European States\u2014I mean up the Mediterranean, but by our late Act we denied them the same with us\u2014 Now we go on the footing of reciprocity.\u2014\n          Do you remember, Sir, being addressed by Dr: Holyoke in the Summer 1783., as President of our Medical Society, respecting a Correspondance with the one at Paris? You established one; but lately it has been stopped; & they have not ever recd. their Journal de Medicine which was to have been sent out to them regularly. Can you give the Society any information on this head? Dr: Appleton wished me to mention this to you\u2014\n          Since my return I have waited on Mr: S: Adams\u2014 He is staunch & plain in his principles: is striving hard against innovations & change of manners & politics\u2014but striving against a strong Current he labors & can but just keep his ground\u2014\n          Enclosed you have an account of our Whale fishery at Nantucket & elsewhere\u2014as also the resolve of Congress, receiving & acknowledging Mr: Temple\u2014so have only room to say I am, with every sentiment of esteem & respect, / Yr: much obliged, humle: servt:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0308", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 24 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n            Grosvenor Square. Nov. 24. 1785.\n          I was Yesterday honoured, with your Letter of the 14th. of October, accompanied with the Gazettes and the Act of Congress of the 27. Septr.\n          You will learn from Mr Dumas Letter, as well as by the public Papers, that the Treaty of defensive Alliance, between France and Holland was Signed at Paris on the tenth of this month. The vain Exertions of the Cabinet of St. James\u2019s, to prevent it, are so far from being a Secret, that the English or Orange Party, which is the Same, have inserted them in their own Courier du Bas Rhin. The offers are there Stated to have been. the Restitution of Negapatnam the renunciation of the navigation of the Moluccas, the Payment of the Millions to the Emperor, the Warranty of the new Treaty with the Emperor, and the Alteration of the navigation Act, in favour of Holland. Sir James Harris, with his Secretary of Legation and three Clerks, are Said to have been very busy night and day: but all to no Purpose. it is not att all to be wondered at, that British Ministers should be allarmed. The only wonder is that they did not foresee and prevent the danger. two Years ago, by an honest Settlement with America, and less costly Offers to holland they might have maintained their Rank among the Powers of Europe. It is now lost forever. The Loss of the Empire of the Seas, which their Ambition has long aspired to, and which their Arrogance has long claimed, would be a benefit to Mankind, and no real Evil to them: but they will now find it difficult to defend their Liberty upon the Seas, and if the United States of America should acceed to this defensive Alliance upon any reasonable Terms, think of it as they will their Navigation their Possessions in the East & the West and their Empire will be at Mercy.\n          I am not informed, whether Congress have any Such Measure in Contemplation: but if they have, they ought not to delay it from any Expectation of any Thing that I can do here. so far from entertaining any Sanguine hopes, I think there is Scarcely a possibility that I should do any Thing. There are divisions in the Ministry. Thurlow, Gower, Dundas & Jenkinson, are of the old Leaven, and the King will have them, or some other of the same Stamp to govern.\u2014 Pitt is but a Tool, and an Ostensible Pageant, a Nose of tender Virgin Wax.\u2014 He could not carry in Parliament nor in the Cabinet, any honest system with America if he meant to do it. but he is himself very far from being Steady, in his American Politicks, any more than Cambden or Richmond. and Sidney and Carmarthen, are \u2014\u2014\u2014 Cyphers. This is naked Truth, but I should be unworthy of your Confidence, if I did not expose it to you although your Prudence and that of Congress, will not proclaim it to the World. This great Event of the Dutch and French Alliance, must awaken the Feelings of this nation if they have any left.\u2014 and afords the only Opportunity which has yet presented, for offering with any Propriety a Memorial concerning the Evacuation of the Frontier Posts. It would have looked somewhat too emphatick, to have gone with a Memorial, the first moment of the Arrival of the News, and it would be imprudent to delay it, till the whole Impression is worn off.\u2014 as a Medium, then, I have concluded, on the Day of the next Stated Conferences of the foreign Ministers, which will be next Thursday before the Drawing Room, to wait on Lord Carmarthen with a Memorial, requiring in the Name of the United States the Evacuation of all the Posts.\n          It will not be done however and I shall have no Answer. They have not the Courage to refuse, any more than to comply. I have no Answer to any of my Letters or Memorials to the Ministry nor do I expect any, before next Spring. perhaps not then.\n          There is no Resource for me, in this Nation. The People are discouraged and dispirited, from the general Profligacy and Want of Principle from the Want of Confidence in any Leaders, from the frequent Dissappointments and Impositions they have experienced in turn from all Parties.\u2014 Patriotism is no more, nor is any hypocrite Successfull enough to make himself believed to be one.\n          Fox and his Friends and Patrons are ruined by the endless Expences of the last Elections, and have no longer any Spirit or any Enterprize.\n          North and his Friends are afraid of Impeachment and Vengeance, and therefore will avoid all hazardous Experiments by which the popular Cry might be excited.\n          I See nothing therefore to prevent the states from compleating their Measures for the Encouragement of their own Manufactures and Navigation, or from deliberating upon a new Treaty of Commerce with France, or even a new Alliance. You might probably purchase a Market for your ready built ships and Your Oil, &c in France, and the Admission of your Flour and all other Things to their Islands, by Stipulating to lay greater Duties upon British than French ships & Goods, to lay Duties upon English West India Rum in favour of French Brandies &c. But in these Things I think We need not be in haste.\u2014\n          Mr Barclay & Mr Franks are gone to Morocco and Mr Lamb & Mr Randal to Algiers as I suppose.\n          Russia, as well as Portugal are piqued at present with this Court, and Comte Warranzow has Several times lately asked a Friend of mine, why the United States did not make any Advances to his Mistress.\u2014 our Commissions for treating with the Powers of Europe expire next June, long before We shall have compleated the Business. Congress will determine, whether to renew them\n          I have the Honour to be, with entire Esteem, sir your / most obedient & most humble servant\n            John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0310", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Barclay, 24 November 1785\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I wrote you Yesterday advising My Bill on you to M Grand No. 6 for Two Hundred pounds Sterling\u2014\n          I shou\u2019d have been before this time on the road to Madrid, but Mr. De Beaumarchais having had his Accounts returned from America with a Reference to me, M. Jefferson thought I ought to give them an Examination so that No reflections hereafter shou\u2019d lye on one of the Servants of the Public, for having declined that business\u2014 I have Now made it, and wait only for some Vouchers which I have written to Mr. De Beaumarchais to lay before me If this is done I shall proceed immediately to a Settlement; and if it is not done he will have No person to Blame but himself\u2014\n          The affairs with Algiers Claiming an Immediate attention Mr. Lamb and Mr. Randle went from hence fifteen or sixteen days ago, Part of the Extraordinary time which I have spent here has been engaged in procuring the Best Information in my power respecting the Business I am Going on, and the result of those enquiries is that it is Usual to make one Present to the Emperor at the first Audience, and another at taking leave, Exclusive of some necessary to be Distributed among his Family and those who are about his person\u2014 I wrote you some time ago that I thought the Value of Twenty thousand livres wou\u2019d be sufficient to begin with, but on Examining the lists of Presents made by other Powers, I Conclude it will be Necessary, at the Very least, to Double that sum, and indeed I beleive to go farther\u2014 I have availd my self of the Delay to Chuse with Caution the Necessary Articles and a Great Part of them are such as will sell without loss, if a failure shou\u2019d happen to the Negociation\u2014 Those that I have purchased are Swords, Pistols, Snuff Boxes, two Very Rich Umbrellas, watches, a Clock, Lawns and Cambricks to the amount of Twenty thousand livres, the things I want are Rings Silk and Cloth for Vests, Velvits, Brocade Satin, some Rich Toys, Gold and Silver lace, Silver watches\u2014together with some Lawns Cambricks and Muslins which I have orderd to be bought at L\u2019orient, of which when the whole is Compleated I shall send you an Account\u2014 Having received All my Papers from Mr. Jefferson, some letters of Recommendation from the Marechal de Castries, and an order for My Passports to the Ferme General, I wait only until I Can arrange the account of M. De Beaumarchais, when I shall set out for L\u2019Orient and pass immediately to Spain, through Bordeaux\u2014 I Beg you will beleive Me with the greatest Esteem and Respect, / Dear Sir / Your Most obed / Servant\u2014\n            Thos Barclay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0312", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jay, 26 November 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Adams, John\n          Congress on Wednesday last made a House and chose Mr. Hancock President but he being absent they appointed Mr. Ramsay of South Carolina to fill the Chair for the present.\u2014\n          A considerable Time had elapsed during which a sufficient Number of States to proceed on Business were not represented\u2014 In this Interval I had the Pleasure of receiving your Letters of 25th: 28th: 29th: 30th: & 31st: August and 2d: 3rd: 6th: & 15th: September last together with the Ratifications of the Treaty and Convention between the United States and the United Netherlands with the Seals to each enclosed in a silver Box.\u2014\n          I have laid them all before Congress, and am persuaded that the Testimony they bear to your unremitted Attention to the Interest of our Country will make as strong an Impression on them as it does upon me.\u2014\n          There is Reason to hope and expect that Congress will soon find leisure to attend more assiduously to their foreign Affairs, and enable me to write more precisely on various Subjects than I have yet been able to do.\u2014\n          My last Letters to you were of the 1st: Novemr: by Mr. Chollet, and of the 2d: by Mr. Houdon.\u2014\n          I now transmit a Copy of the Proceedings of the Commissioners respecting the Negroes carried from hence at the Time of the Evacuation together with a List of them\u2014 It will enable you to negociate a Settlement of that Business with less Difficulty. It is to be observed that great Numbers were carried from other Places as well as from New York, and for whom the british Government ought in Justice to make Compensation\u2014 I shall endeavour to furnish You with such Evidence of their Numbers &c: as I may be able to collect.\u2014\n          Mr. Temple is here, and his Commission is now before Congress\u2014 I shall take the earliest Opportunity of communicating to you their Decision respecting it.\n          I herewith enclose a Copy of an Act of Rhode Island for vesting Congress with the Power of regulating foreign Trade. In one of the Newspapers also sent, you will find another Act of that State respecting Navigation.\u2014\n          However discordant the various Acts of the States on these Subjects may be, they nevertheless manifest Sentiments and Opinions which daily gain ground, and which will probably produce a proper and general System for regulating the Trade and Navigation of the United States both foreign and domestic.\u2014\n          The f\u0153deral Government alone is equal to the Task of forming such a System, and it is much to be wished that partial and local Politics would cease to oppose vesting Congress with Powers adequate to that great and important Object.\u2014\n          I intended to have devoted this Day entirely to writing to you; but I was unexpectedly called upon to attend a Committee of Congress this Morning, and the Business before them makes it necessary for me immediately to report on another Matter connected with it.\u2014\n          I am Dr: Sir with very sincere Esteem and Regard / Your most obt. & very hble: Servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0313", "content": "Title: To John Adams from William White, 26 November 1785\nFrom: White, William\nTo: Adams, John\n            Philadelphia Novr 26. 1785.\n          I presume on the Circumstance of being not intirely unknown to your Excellency, to offer to you the inclosed Papers: knowing, that the President of Congress has already written to you on the Subject of them.\n          As you formerly, Sir, communicated to Congress Information of the friendly Disposition of the Danish Government & Clergy towards the Episcopal Church in these States, it may be proper for me to state to you the Reason of the Non-Acceptance of their kind Offer of ordaining for us: however gratefully we acknowledge the Favor, as well as your Excellency\u2019s liberal Intention to serve us on that Occasion.\n          I believe I might mention, that there are Objections against the Succession of the Danish Bishops; but have not sufficiently informed myself of the Constitution of that Church, to say any Thing more on this Head.\n          I might also mention, that before the Information reached us of a Door being opened in that Quarter, an Act had passed the British Parliament, allowing the Bp: of London to admit to the Orders of Priest & Deacon, Persons out of Allegiance to the King; without administering the Oaths.\n          But, Sir, it is the Wish of all the well informed Members of our Church, to be independent & self-governed; principally from a Conviction of the unhappy Influence which a foreign spiritual Jurisdiction has always maintained in civil Matters, wherever it has been acknowleged. This we have severely felt in the late War; and, if persevered in, must at last be fatal, either to our Church or to the Commonwealth: in those States at least, where the Members of our Communion are a Majority of the People. There is Nothing wanting to the establishing of our Constitution, but the obtaining the Episcopal Succession in the first Instance from the English Bishops; which we trust will fix our Church on such a Footing, as must be desired by all who wish well to the present civil System of Confederate America. Should any political Objection arise from the British Ministry on the Point of Delicacy as to intermeddling with the Concerns of this Country, I cannot doubt of your Excellency\u2019s Endeavours to remove it.\n          With my best Wishes, Sir, for your Health & Happiness, I have the Honour to subscribe myself, / Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient / & very humble Servant,\n            PS. The Specimans of the Prayer Book herewith enclosed go as far as the Press has yet furnished.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0314", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your favor of the 5th. came to hand yesterday, and Colo. Smith & Colo. Humphries (by whom you will receive one of the 19th. from me) being to set out tomorrow, I hasten to answer it. I sincerely rejoice that Portugal is stepping forward in the business of treaty, and that there is a probability that we may at length do something under our commissions which may produce a solid benefit to our constituents. I as much rejoice that it is not to be negociated through the medium of the torpid uninformed machine at first made use of. I conjecture from your relation of the conference with the Chevalier de Pinto that he is well informed & sensible. so much the better. it is one of those cases (perhaps no others exist) where the better the interests of the two parties are understood the broader will be the bottom on which they will connect them.\n          To the very judicious observations on the subjects of the conference which were made by you, I have little to add.\n          1. Flour. it may be observed that we can sell them the flour ready manufactured for much less than the wheat of which it is made. in carrying to them wheat, we carry also the bran, which does not pay it\u2019s own freight. in attempting to save & transport wheat to them, much is lost by the weavil, and much spoiled by heat in the hold of the vessel. this loss must be laid on the wheat which gets safe to market, where it is paid by the consumer. now this is much more than the cost of manufacturing it with us, which would prevent that loss. I suppose the cost of manufacturing does not exceed seven per cent on the value. but the loss by the weavil, & damage on ship board amount to much more. let them buy of us as much wheat as will make a hundred weight of flour. they will find that they have paid more for the wheat then we should have asked for the flour, besides having lost the labour of their mills in grinding it. the obliging us therefore to carry it to them in the form of wheat, is a useless loss to both parties.\n          Iron. they will get none from us. we cannot make it in competition with Sweden or any other nation of Europe where labour is so much cheaper.\n          Wines. The strength of the wines of Portugal will give them always an almost exclusive possession of a country where the summers are so hot as in America. the present demand will be very great if they will enable us to pay for them; but if they consider the extent & rapid population of the United states they must see that the time is not distant when they will not be able to make enough for us, & that it is of great importance to avail themselves of the prejudices already established in favor of their wines and to continue them by facilitating the purchase. do this & they need not care for the decline of their use in England. they will be independant of that country.\n          Salt. I do not know where the Northern states supplied themselves with salt, but the Southern ones took great quantities from Portugal.\n          Cotton & wool. the Southern states will take manufactures of both: the Northern will take both the manufactures & raw materials.\n          East-India goods of every kind. Philadelphia & New York have begun a trade to the East Indies. perhaps Boston may follow their example. but their importations will be sold only to the country adjacent to them. for a long time to come the states south of the Delaware will not engage in a direct commerce with the East Indies. they neither have nor will have ships or seamen for their other commerce. nor will they buy East India goods of the Northern states. experience shews that the states never bought foreign goods of one another. the reasons are that they would, in so doing, pay double freight & charges, and again that they would have to pay mostly in cash what they could obtain for commodities in Europe. I know that the American merchants have looked with some anxiety to the arrangements to be taken with Portugal in expectation that they could get their E. India articles on better and more convenient terms, and I am of opinion Portugal will come in for a good share of this traffic with the Southern states, if they facilitate our paiments.\n          Coffee. can they not furnish us of this article from Brazil?\n          Sugar. the Brazil sugars are esteemed with us more than any other.\n          Chocolate. this article when ready made, and also the Cacao becomes so soon rancid, and the difficulties of getting it fresh have been so great in America that it\u2019s use has spread but little. the way to increase it\u2019s consumption would be to permit it to be brought to us immediately from the country of it\u2019s growth. by getting it good in quality, and cheap in price, the superiority of the article both for health and nourishment will soon give it the same preference over tea & coffee in America which it has in Spain where they can get it by a single voiage, & of course while it is sweet. the use of the sugars, coffee, & cotton of Brazil would also be much extended by a similar indulgence.\n          Ginger & spices from the Brazils, if they had the advantage of a direct transportation might take place of the same articles from the E. Indies.\n          Ginseng. we can furnish them with enough to supply their whole demand for the E. Indies.\n          They should be prepared to expect that in the beginning of this commerce more money will be taken by us, than after a while. the reasons are that our heavy debt to Gr. Britain must be paid before we shall be masters of our own returns, and again that habits of using particular things are produced only by time and practice.\n          That as little time as possible may be lost in this negociation I will communicate to you at once my sentiments as to the alterations in the draught sent them, which will probably be proposed by them, or which ought to be proposed by us, noting only those articles.\n          Art. 3. they will probably restrain us to their dominions in Europe. we must expressly include the Azores, Madeiras, & Cape du verd islands some of which are deemed to be in Africa. we should also contend for an access to their possessions in America according to the gradation in the 2d. article of our instructions of May 7. 1784. but if we can obtain it in no one of these forms, I am of opinion we should give it up.\n          Art. 4. this should be put into the form we gave it in the draught sent you by Doctr. Franklin & myself for Great Britain. I think we had not reformed this article when we sent our draught to Portugal. you know the Confederation renders the reformation absolutely necessary; a circumstance which had escaped us at first.\n          Art. 9. add from the British draught the clause about wrecks.\n          Art. 13. the passage \u201cNevertheless[\u201d] &c. to run as in the British draught.\n          Art. 18. after the word \u201caccident\u201d insert \u201cor wanting supplies of provisions or other refreshments.\u201d and again instead of \u201ctake refuge\u201d insert \u201ccome\u201d and after \u201cof the other\u201d insert \u201cin any part of the world.\u201d the object of this is to obtain leave for our whaling vessels to refit and refresh on the coast of the Brazils, an object of immense importance to that class of our vessels. we must acquiesce under such modifications as they may think necessary for regulating this indulgence, in hopes to lessen them in time, and to get a pied-a-terre in that country.\n          Art. 19. can we get this extended to the Brazils? it would be precious in case of a war with Spain.\n          Art. 23. between \u201cplaces\u201d & \u201cwhose\u201d insert \u201cand in general all others\u201d as in the British draught.\n          Art. 24. for \u201cnecessaries\u201d substitute \u201ccomforts.\u201d\n          Art. 25. add \u201cbut if any such Consuls shall exercise commerce[\u201d] &c as in the British draught.\n          We should give to Congress as early notice as possible of the reinstitution of this negociation; because in a letter by a gentleman who sailed from Havre the 10th. inst. I communicated to them the answer of the Portuguese minister through the Ambassador here, which I sent to you. they may in consequence be taking other arrangements which might do injury. the little time which now remains of the continuance of our commissions should also be used with the Chevalr. de Pinto to hasten the movements of his court.\n          But all these preparations for trade with Portugal will fail in their effect unless the depredations of the Algerines can be prevented. I am far from confiding in the measures taken for this purpose. very possibly war must be recurred to. Portugal is in war with them. suppose the Chevalier de Pinto was to be sounded on the subject of an union of force, and even a stipulation for contributing each a certain force to be kept in constant cruize. such a league once begun, other nations would drop into it one by one. if he should seem to approve it, it might then be suggested to Congress, who, if they should be forced to try the measure of war, would doubtless be glad of such an ally.\u2014 as the Portuguese negociation should be hastened, I suppose our communications must often be trusted to the post, availing ourselves of the cover of our cypher.\n          I am with sincere esteem Dear Sir / Your friend & servt\n            Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0315", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Charles van Notten, 28 November 1785\nFrom: Notten, Charles van\nTo: Adams, John\n            Devonshire Square 28 Novemr 1785\n          I beg pardon for troubling You on a very disagrable Subject, but not being able to procure a sufficient Information in any other manner, I must request the favor of Yr Ex\u2019 Information & is if it is true, the Report circulated here, of a Party of Indians, having about the 29th: July last, fallen on a few Settlers at Great Kanhaves, & having there Scalp\u2019t five Persons, amongst which were\n          Mr: Jean Duval Senator of the Districht of Monougholie & the Ohio\n          & Mr:Galatin who was known as a french Gentn (tho born at Geneve, from which Place he about a Year or Some Months back, on the troubles in that Town, went to Settle in America).\n          An Uncle\u2019s of this Gentn: is very uneasy, & it will be doing him a friendly act, to let Us know, if Yr: Ex: knows if it is true, & if MrGalatin is one of those unfortunate Persons, the Name was Spelt Galatan in an Article of 15 Augt: from New York\u2014but differs you See but one Letter, I fear therefore it is so. The favor of a Line in answer at Your leisure directed as hereunder will oblige / sir Yr: Ex: / Most Obt Humb: Servt\n            Chas Van Notten", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0316", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joseph Palmer, 28 November 1785\nFrom: Palmer, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\n            Germantown 28th Novr 1785.\n          Your very friendly Lettr of the 26th August \u201984, wou\u2019d not have lain so long unnoticed, had not my embarrassments continued. When I wrote you in the June preceding, I then hoped Soon to emerge out of that flood of diffeculties in which I had long been Struggling; but my hopes being disappointed, I cou\u2019d not Suppose it consistant with honor, & the rule of right, to make any proposels to any of the gentlemen of Amsterdam, mention\u2019d in Your favor of Augst\u201984; especially as I found that the want of a commercial Treaty with G B, had discouraged the Whalers & Manufacturers; & which discouragemt was promoted by Some of the inhabitants of Nantuckett, who presented a petition to Our Court, praying that they might be Seperated from, & independt of this State; in Order to be Seperated from, & independt of the United States; & this, as T Folger Esqr told me (who presented the petition) in order to make an exchange with G B, of Nantuckett for a Settlemt on Falkland Isles! However, this discouragemt has been, in Some measure, counteracted by our Frd Genl Warren & others, whose representations to the Marquis of Fayette, has operated (as you will see by the inclosed paper of the 15th Sept past) the opening a Market in France, for Oil; how extensive it will be, or how great the prospects of those concern\u2019d on this Side the Water, I know not, but suppose it considerable: My circumstances have not permitted my concern therein, & therefore I express myself in this doubtful manner.\n          On your Mrs Adams\u2019s leaving us, I no longer experienced Mr Tyler\u2019s friendship, but rather the reverse; for \u2019tho\u2019 what I said of him in June \u201984 was true at that time, yet truth wou\u2019d not permit my saying so much at this time: Thus much I tho\u2019t it incumbent upon me to say, in order to acknowledge Mrs Adams\u2019s friendship, & to give a proof of mine:\u2014 I do not wish greater happiness to myself & mine, than to You & Yours.\n          Whether I shall or shall not remain at this place, is very uncertain, but must soon be determined; I think it most probable that I shall continue here, & if I do, may have it in my power to encourage the Whalefishery: But my great object, is Salt-making, which is the most lucrative business of any, I have been acquainted with; the Sea always furnishes Stock gratis, and the Market will not be overstock\u2019d in my day with this necessary Article. Tho\u2019 \u2019tis so obviously of public Utility to encourage this Manufr, yet the Mercantile interest blinds the eyes of the Legislature, & occasions great opposition. I was never so left alone in any undertaking, as in this; but if I live, I shall establish the Manufacture, maugre all opposition, & \u2019tho\u2019 ruin\u2019d & friendless: And if my life Shou\u2019d be Spared a few years longer (it can\u2019t be many) & I can get into this business, under the common Smiles of providence, I Shall Soon repair the ruins of past years.\n          Mr Jo Cranch has been Armorer, at Springfield, a few months past, & arrived here on Saturday Eveng, & brot me the inclosed Pamphlet; I Send it you for the Sake of the intelligence it contains: I cut off Some waste paper from it, which wou\u2019d only enlarge the packett with useless lumber.\n          I have a Letter from Mr Perkins of Kentucky, which mentions the rapid growth of that Settlemt; 30 or 40 thousand, of all Ages. He also mentions the general face of the Country, as beautiful; rich in Soil, & healthy; plenty of Coal, Iron-Ore, Lead, & Salt Springs. It\u2019s 700 Miles due West of Williamsburg, to the rapids of Ohio; near which are, as, I apprehend, their thickest Settlemts. He mourns the Stopage of our Navigation on the Mississippi by the Spaniard; & thinks they cou\u2019d do much in Tobacco, if they had a free Navigation out to, & in from Sea. The nature of things will not long permit this Stopage, & it will disturb our peace, unless timeously Settled, as I hope it will. If the back-settlers on Virginia are, as Perkins says, 30 or 40 m\u0303; & there are Said to be nearly as many on the Western parts of N Carolina; & more above the Virginia North line, upon the various branches of the Ohio; & all those rapidly increasing; they will not long Suffer Such an interruption, for our Spirit of liberty, especially in our new Settlemts, inclines to licentiousness, & will not easily be kept within proper bounds.\n          When Congress shall be vested with proper powers for the regulation of Weights, Measures, Coinage, Imports & Exports &c, it will Shorten the business of our general Courts, so that it will be Sooner dispatch\u2019d, & probably be better done; & we Shall soon be convinced of the propriety of the Measure, either by rejoiceing in the blessings of Such a power exerted by Congress; or Suffering the evils consequent on withholding it. I dread the consequences of withholding this power from Congress, more than I ever did the power of G B: I think that we Shall come to rights, but it will be thro\u2019 much tribulation. Much may be done by Such a plenitude of power in Congress, which cannot be done by the Seperate States. Congress, in this case may, by imposts, well regulated, do much for the payment of our debts, & encouragemt of Manufrs &c; & by bounties they might give other, or further encouragemts, such as our Seperate Legislatures wou\u2019d never agree upon. Besides, the Several States will eternally be doing little things, to gain advantages over their neighbors, which will tend to the destruction of the whole. We cannot do without a Head; but let us keep a proper check over the particular Members which form this Head, & then we may be safe. My dear friend will forgive my zeal for the public good, & accept of the Sincere friendship of one who sends the purest love to Mrs & Miss Adams, & whose friendship & love will continue as long as he can write", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0319", "content": "Title: To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 November 1785\nFrom: Dumas, C. W. F.\nTo: Adams, John\n            Monsieur\n          Je dois r\u00e9ponse aux honor\u00e9es v\u00f4tres des 1er. & 10 du court.\n          J\u2019\u00e9cris ce fois \u00e0 Mr. Cerisier afin de savoir pourquoi l\u2019insertion n\u2019a pas encore \u00e9t\u00e9 faite de la piece que j\u2019ai envoy\u00e9e il y a 12 \u00e0 15 jours \u00e0 Mr. Luzac, & pour le presser de me renvoyer l\u2019original & sa traduction imprim\u00e9e, pour pouvoir vous retourner le tout selon vos ordres.\n          J\u2019ai fait grand plaisir Aux Amis, en leur lisant les beaux complimens que vous avez eu la bont\u00e9 de me com\u0303uniquer, & qu\u2019ils ont tr\u00e8s-fort go\u00fbt\u00e9s, ainsi que moi-m\u00eame. Nous avons tous senti la multitude d\u2019id\u00e9es renferm\u00e9e dans les trois premiers, & l\u2019extr\u00eame simplicit\u00e9 du dernier. Tous font bien leurs complimens \u00e0 votre Exce. ainsi que Mr. De Sanaf\u00e9 \u00e0 qui j\u2019ai expliqu\u00e9 ce qui le regarde dans votre Lettre du 20.\n          Je vous remercie, Monsieur, de la bo\u00f1e nouvelle de l\u2019arriv\u00e9e de Mr. votre fils; com\u0303e aussi de celle de Mr. Franklin, \u00e0 qui vous voudrez bien acheminer dans votre premier paquet la ci-jointe, qui est le juste retour d\u2019une d\u2019adieu qu\u2019il a eu la bont\u00e9 de m\u2019\u00e9crire au mois de Juillet, en partant de Paris.\n          Nous partageons sincerement le plaisir de la bonne sant\u00e9 & soci\u00e9t\u00e9 dont vous jouissez avec Mesdames Adams, \u00e0 qui nous pr\u00e9sentons nos homages.\n          Je ne suis pas surpris des difficult\u00e9s que recontre l\u2019affaire dont vous me parlez. Si ce qui leur arrive ici ne les rend pas plus traitables avec vous, je ne saurai plus qu\u2019en penser.\n          Mr. H\u2014\u2014s continue de supposer que je n\u2019existe pas. Je dois continuer de supposer de mon c\u00f4t\u00e9 qu\u2019il ne veut pas me conno\u00eetre. Il me conno\u00eet pourtant: car Jeudi pass\u00e9 il sut fort bien dire mon nom \u00e0 quelqu\u2019un qui le lui demandoit, \u00e0 un grand Souper que donnoit Mr. le Cte. de Maillebois, & dont j\u2019avois l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre. On vint me le dire \u00e0 l\u2019oreille un instant apr\u00e8s. Je ne parle de cela, au reste, que parce que je crois qu\u2019il est bon, Monsieur, que vous sachiez jusqu\u2019aux minucies \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard, & aussi pour que je ne puisse jamais \u00eatre tax\u00e9 d\u2019avoir manqu\u00e9 \u00e0 mon devoir. Je suis avec grand respect, De Votre Excellence le tr\u00e8s-humble & tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur\n            Le Congr\u00e8s verra par l\u2019incluse pour lui, que la France ni la Hollande n\u2019oublient pas, jusque dans leurs r\u00e9jouissances, que les Etats-Unis sont leurs bons Alli\u00e9s.\n          TRANSLATION\n            The Hague, 29 November 1785\n          I must reply to your honored letters of the 1st and 10th of the current month.\n          I am writing to Mr. Cerisier this time to know why the insertion has not been made of the document I sent twelve to fifteen days ago to Mr. Luzac, and to urge him to send me the original and his printed translation, to be able to return the whole thing to you, per your request.\n          I pleased my friends greatly by reading them the kind compliments which you had the goodness to transmit to me, and which they greatly appreciated, as did I. We all sensed the abundance of ideas in the first three, and the extreme simplicity of the last one. All kindly send their compliments to your excellency, along with Mr. De Sanaf\u00e9, to whom I explained the matter that concerned him in your letter of the 20th.\n          I thank you, sir, for the good news of the arrival of your son, and also of Mr. Franklin, to whom may it please you to forward the enclosed letter in your first parcel, which is the proper response to the farewell message that he had the graciousness to write to me in July upon his departure from Paris.\n          We sincerely share with you the pleasure of good health and company which you enjoy with the Adams ladies, to whom we present our respects.\n          I am not surprised by the difficulties encountered in the affairs you speak of to me. If what befalls them here does not render them more amenable to you, I will not know what to think.\n          Mr. Harris continues to assume that I do not exist. I must continue, in turn, to assume that he does not wish to know me. Yet, he does know me, for Thursday last he was quite able to tell my name to someone who had asked it of him, at a grand dinner that the Comte de Maillebois was hosting, and which I had the honor to attend. This was whispered to me a moment later. By the way, I mention this simply because I think it good, sir, that you know even the minutiae of this matter, and also so that I might never be reproached for having neglected my duty. With utmost respect, I am your excellency\u2019s most humble and most obedient servant\n            Congress will see from the enclosed letter, that though they rejoice, neither France nor Holland forgets that the United States are their good allies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-17-02-0321", "content": "Title: To John Adams from the Marquis of Carmarthen, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\nTo: Adams, John\n          The Commissioners for American Claims having notified to me, that, by Virtue of the Power given to them by the Act of Parliament now in force, they have appointed John Anstey of Lincoln\u2019s Inn, Barrister at Law, to repair to the United States of America, to enquire into such Facts and Circumstances as may be material for the better ascertaining the several Claims which have been or shall be presented, under the Authority of the present, or former Act; and that they are of Opinion that the Countenance of the several States may tend to facilitate the Execution of this Employment: I am to request that You will communicate Mr Anstey\u2019s Appointment to the Members of Congress, and recommend Him to their Protection and Countenance in the Execution of the Business with which He is charged.\n          I have the Honour to be, / Sir, / Your most obedient / humble Servant.\n            Carmarthen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0001", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Nathaniel Barrett, 2 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barrett, Nathaniel\n      Grosvenor Square Decemr. 2d 1785\u2014\n     Last Night I received your Letter of Nov. 29. inclosing another written at sea give me Leave to Congratulate you, on your fortunate Escape from the Dangers of Shipwreck.\n     I am indeed no stranger to the Marquiss\u2019s exertions in the affair of the Oil, and it may not be improper to mention to you, the Particulars of the Rise and Progress of them. One day at dinner I beleive at his House or mine, He addressed himself to me, and said, He had been treated with so much affection and respect at Boston and its Neighbourhood that he wishd it was in his Power to do some service to that part of America. I said it would be easy to put him in a Way to do a very valuable service. He said I had but to mention any Thing in his Power and it should be done. I replied that we wanted to know. 1. With what sort of Oil, the Reverberes of Paris and other Cities were illuminated. 2 what was the Price of that Oil. 3 whether it was the Growth and Manufacture of France, or of Foreign Countries. 4. whether it were paid for in Cash or French produce or Manufactures. 5: Who had the Care of the Lamps, Oil and Illumination, whether the Court or the City. 6\u2014 What Duties were now payable on the Importation of Foreign Fish Oil. 7.\u2014 whether those Duties would be taken off. and lastly whether any plan Could be contrived to introduce into the Reverbers of France, the White Serma C\u00e6ti Oil of New England! He said he was very much obliged to me and I should hear further from him soon.\u2014 He was as good as his Word, and soon informed me that Monsieur Tourtille de Sangrain, had a Contract for Illuminating thirty Cities for 15 years, that he had seen him and concerted a plan, that he had obtained of Monsieur de Colonne his promise to take off the Duties for a Tryal, and without any more details he Obtained of Mr de Sangrain the\nProposals and samples sent to America by my son In an affair of such Consequence, and in so critical a moment it is to be wished that some voluntary association of private Gentlemen, or even the Legislature of the state had agreed to the proposals at a Venture.\u2014 perhaps however the method taken is a better One\u2014\n     Mr Thomas Boilstone has the start of you. He went from hence with a large Cargo of Oil which I am informed he has sold. He had Letters from me to several Gentlemen. He has Intelligence and a Capital equal to the Whole Contract. How far he has proceeded I know not\u2014 if you and Mr Boilstone can co-operate, so much the better.\u2014 I should advise you to see him, as soon as may be. you may hear of Him at the American Ambassadors\u2014\n     The best thing for him and you would be to get introduced to Mr de Sangrain and Communicate to him exact Information and receive from him in return all the Lights you want. Mr Boilstons\u2019 Oil will afford you Samples of the Nature and Qualities of Our Oil. I need not mention to you that it resists Cold and yeilds light in greater degrees than other Oil\u2014 in all such things your knowledge as well as Mr Boilstones are infinitely superior to mine\u2014\n     Inclosed with this are Letters of Introduction to several Gentlemen I wish you every success in this Business\u2014both for your own sake as that of the Publick\u2014\n     yours &c &c\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0002", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 2 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n      My Lord\n      Grosvenor Square December 2. 1785.\n     I have received with a great deal of Pleasure, the Letter, which your Lordship did me, the honour to write me, on the thirtieth of last Month.\n     I will take the earliest Opportunity, My Lord, to communicate Mr Ansteys Appointment to the members of Congress, and to recommend him to their Protection and Countenance in the Execution of the Business with which he is charged.\n     And if your Lordship or Mr Anstey, should apprehend that it might be of any Service to him in his publick or private Capacity, I will with Pleasure give him Letters of recommendation to the Governors of the Several States, or to any other Characters to whom he may wish to be introduced, whenever Mr Anstey will do me, the Honour to call upon me.\n     With great Respect, I have the Honour to be / My Lord, your Lordships, most obedient / and most humble Servant\n      John Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0003", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 2 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n      Dear Sir\n      Grosvenor Square Westminster Decr. 2. 1785\n     Inclosed are Copies of private Letters, which have passed between Lord Carmarthen and me relative to the Appointment of Mr Anstey.\n     The End of this Appointment, is to prevent Impositions upon the Commissioners, in ascertaining the Claims of the Loyalists. Mr. Anstey will have Occasion for Copies of publick Records, to which I suppose there can be no Objection in any State, and as his friendly Reception, will have a Tendency to Conciliation, I made no Scruple to promise to recommend him.\n     I might have written a Letter, to this purpose to the Honourable, the Delegates of each state and it is not from any Want of sufficient Respect to them, but merely for Want of Time, that I have not done it. I hope therefore that the Gentlemen will excuse it, and accept of this General Recommendation of Mr Anstey, to all the Members of Congress in the Execution of his Business.\n     To give the Loyalists facilities in procuring Evidence of their Losses, in order that they may be compensated by Great Britain, is to take away from them all reasonable Ground of Complaint so that I hope I Shall not be thought to have gone beyond my line, in so readily complying with his Lordships request.\n     With great Respect I have the Honour to be / Sir your most obedient and humble / Servant\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0004", "content": "Title: From John Adams to George Chapman, 3 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Chapman, George\n      Grosvenor Square Decr. 3. 1785.\n     I received in due Season your Letter of the 20. July, with a Copy of your Treatise on Education. As I was much engaged at that time, I was not able to read it, but Mrs Adams, who read it carefully through, admired it so much, that she took the first Opportunity to send it to a worthy Clergy man in America, Mr shaw of Haverhill, who is much concerned in the Education of Youth. There is no Subject so interesting to the United States of America, who ought to consider themselves, not merely as forming a rising Generation of Freemen but as filling up a new World capable of containing & nourishing Some hundreds of Millions of Inhabitants. As such a Trust is peculiar to them, they ought to be very carefull, that no bad Principles or degrading Habits or Institutions, be found in that Country. I have found with much Pleasure in the various Parts of\nEurope, that the Men of Letters in general who are possessed of the best Hearts and most virtuous Principles, are anxious to assist Us in the great Work We have to do. And I hope Sir, that your sentiments on Education may contribute their share, towards the formation of a free and virtuous Race, on that side of the Atlantic. I have the Honour to be / sir your obliged &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0007", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Rufus King, 4 December 1785\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Adams, John\n      New York 4 Decr. 1785\n     I had the honor to write to you under date of the second of November, at which time the congress of the last year was at the point of seperation to make way for their successors\u2014 states sufficient to form a new Congress did not assemble until the 23d. ult, when they proceeded to the choice of a President, and Mr. Hancock, although absent, was elected\u2014 whether he will accept the Appointment is uncertain\u2014\n     Mr. Temple arrived here about ten days since, and having presented his commission, Congress on the 2d. instant passed an act recognizing him as Consul General\u2014 I inclose a Copy of the act which explains itself, and manifests what would be the Opinion of congress on the question in Case no commercial treaty should take place between G Britain and the U.S\u2014 Perhaps the delays of the british ministry may operate more advantageously to the U.S. than those acts which now might be esteemed the most liberal, and Kind\u2014 you very well remember, that Spain delayed Mr. Jay formerly, as England now delays you\u2014 the Event may be such in the latter Case, as it was in the former; And the U.S. hereafter may decline what they once solicited;\u2014 Time is more favorable to young, than to old nations\u2014 the States are more and more embracing the Opinion\nthat they must rely upon themselves, rather than upon alliances or Treaties with foreign nations\u2014 the navigation law of Massachusetts has been literally adopted by New Hampshire, Rhode Island has even gone beyond them\u2014 New York probably will follow their example, Pensylvania has now a Bill before their legislature, the heads whereof, as printed in the Gazettes I inclose you\u2014 Maryland will do something, which will strengthen the common cause, South Carolina had a short Session of their Legislature this Autumn, adjourned to meet in January, having appointed a respectable committee to prepare a Bill for the regulation of Navigation & commerce\u2014 The Rotation of members established by the confederation, has returned many old delegates to their respective States; these Gentlemen, having a more comprehensive Knowledge of the Affairs of the Confederacy, impressed with the importance of a more close union between the states and a greater uniformity in their laws, as they affect foreign powers, will not only exert themselves to produce these desirable objects, but probably will have considerable influence in bringing them forth\u2014 the Merchants through all the states are agreed, they urge the necessity of commercial Regulations\u2014and the Sessions of the several Legislatures during the winter will be employed on this subject. the opening of the Budget by the British Minister will not be more important to that Nation than the acts which the states may probably pass during the winter, will be to the united states\u2014\n     Much Time and almost the whole attention of the majority of the Citizens of this country, have been diverted since the war, from public employments, and engaged in the recovery of their private Affairs, deranged and injured by the progress of the Revolution\u2014 the success of their application is almost incredible; Towns have been rebuilt more beautiful upon their former Ruins, and the waste fields of the Husbandmen are again enclosed and covered with their Flocks and herds\u2014 these Citizens will again attend to the public concerns; and engage in every measure which can effectually secure their Peace and happiness with the Zeal and firmness of freemen\u2014 all opinions of the future character of the United States, which are founded upon their measures or pursuits since the war, must for the reasons alluded to, be in a considerable degree erroneous\u2014 A few years hence will exhibit this confederacy in a condition far different from that which has past, or is present\u2014 the conduct of England discovers their sentiments to the citizens of america, and being known, the latter will be guarded, & prepared for every event\u2014 Is it\nso certain as Englishmen suppose it, that the United states cannot do without them\u2014 is it clear that because they prohibit the introduction of our Oil into England and our Fish into their Islands, that therefore our Fisheries will languish\u2014 How is the fact? France is desirous of purchasing our oil, and it comes to a good Market in some other states. The cod Fishery is in a prosperous condition, Plymouth, in Massachusetts, has as many fishermen or more as some say, than ever. Marble head has upwards of 40 Sail, besides boats\u2014Salem 30, Beverly 30, Cape Ann 20, and other Towns to the eastward in proportion to their wealth\u2014 A few months since these Towns had no Fishermen; and by the next Summer, it is the Opinion of Good Judges, they will have a third more Vessels than they now possess; Nor is it probable they will want a Market for all the Fish they can cure\u2014 Are not these circumstances in our favor? they certainly are\u2014\n     But I will not be sanguine\u2014 on the other hand I see no cause to dispair\u2014 the letters you wrote to Mr. Jay in August and September, were very satisfactory to Congress, contained much valuable information, and by their timely arrival I hope will produce good Effects in the Southern states.\n     Mr. Gerry who has not yet left me for home, presents his most affectionate Regards to you, some private concerns detains him here for a short Time, and I thereby enjoy his good society longer than I expected\u2014\n     With the most perfect consideration / & respect I have the honor to be / Sir, Your obt. Servt.\n      Rufus King", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0010", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Trumbull, 8 December 1785\nFrom: Trumbull, John\nTo: Adams, John\n      Hartford Decr. 8th: 1785.\u2013\n     I must apologize for delaying to acknowlege the honour of your letter of the 28th. of April which I received by the hand of your Son. I had the pleasure of an hour\u2019s interview with him, & from the proofs he gave in that time of his native genius, his literary improvements, & his just observations on the various parts of Europe, thro\u2019 which he has travelled, I could not but regret that I had not a farther opportunity of cultivating his acquaintance.\n     I feel myself highly flattered by your favourable opinion of the Pamphlet I sent you. As I have in contemplation a correction of that production, to accompany a miscellaneous publication of all my former poetical essays, if from your regard for the literary reputation of America, You can think the subject worth so much attention, I should esteem myself greatly obliged, if You would hint to me the passages, in which you have observed an inequality, which from the nature of the plan, can be amended by a correction.\n     I am still more flattered by your opinion, that I could succeed in the higher veins of Poetry; though I am conscious, that I could never support the Sublime or Pathetic Style, even to my own satisfaction, in any attempt of considerable length. But were my genius equal to such a performance, as You recommend, I am precluded from it by want both of leisure & health. My Father, though possessed of an Estate considered as independant in Connecticut, was never disposed to lessen his Inventory for the sake of my happiness: and I have ever been nearly as dependent on my profession for a support, as though I had no future expectations. A violent attack on my constitution about Six years ago, has left me ever since subject to nervous complaints\u2014from which though I have been gradually recovering, I fear I shall verify the observation, that an\nHypocondriac, tho\u2019 he may live till himself & all his friends are tired of his existence, can never regain a competent share of health or spirits.\u2014\n     But tho\u2019 from these & other reasons I must decline such a work, as your partial favour advises, I beg leave to recommend to your friendly attention, a production in a similar way, which, if not calculated on the Plan of a regular Epic Poem, is written in the same style. Mr. Joel Barlow, one of my particular Friends, with whose character, You must probably be acquainted, has for several years been employed in writing a Poem, entitled, The Vision of Columbus. The work is now finished for the press, & a Copy of it will be forwarded to Mr. Humphrys by the same Pacquet as this Letter. He proposes to publish the work in London. It is designed to do honour to our Country. It will be submitted to your Perusal, & I believe You will be of Opinion, that many parts of it have not been excelled in Sublimity since the days of Milton. The obvious difficulties in publishing such a work to advantage in America have determined him to send it to Europe. He will probably assign the Copy-right to some Gentleman in London to be sold after the publication of one Impression, a part of which he proposes to receive to satisfy his American Subscriptions. Colo. Humphrys will inform You of the measures that may be taken. I should be very happy, if in any manner, consistent with propriety, You could afford your assistance & encouragement to the Publication of the Poem, & your recommendation of it to the Public; as Mr. Barlow\u2019s circumstances lay him under some disadvantages in procuring its publication, & render its success an object of consequence to his fortune, as well as his reputation.\n     Tho\u2019 a stranger to the works of the celebrated Abbe de Mably, I cannot but lament the loss of a writer, so respectable for Independence of spirit, & literary reputation; & I feel from your reputation an increased curiosity to become acquainted with his writings\u2014 I am happy to hear of your favorable reception at the British Court, & with every friend of our Country, wish You the highest success in the objects of your mission, with every share of personal honor & felicity\n     With the greatest Respect, I have / the honour to be, / Sir Your most Obedient / humble Servant\n      John Trumbull", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0012", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Elizabeth Brown, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Brown, Elizabeth\n      Madame\n      Grosvenor Square Decemr 10th 1785\n     I have this moment received your favour of the 8th of this month, inclosed a Letter from your unkle Warren of the 30th of August which is returned to you here inclosed.\n     I sent off your former Letter with my first dispatches to New York, there not being any Vessell at that time bound to Boston.\u2014 you ask my advice Madame, and I hold myself bound by every obligation to give it you according to the best of my judgment: and if there is any Way in which I can be of service to you I beg of you freely to command me\u2014 I owe every Civility and service in my power to the Daughter of a Gentleman whom I always Loved as one of my best Friends, esteemed as one of the best and admired as one of the greatest Men I ever knew. If it can consist with your Views to go to Boston, there is no doubt to be made, that it would be the surest Course you can take, to secure your Property in the most advantageous manner. you alone are the judge of this.\n     you ask my advice concerning a Lawyer. you have a Brother in Law Madame\u2014Benjamin Lincoln Esqr, who although personally unknown to me has an undoubted Character as a Man of Honour & abilities in his Profession. But if his connections in the Family are an objection to him you will find either in the Honourable John Lowell Esqr or in William Tudor Esqr a Lawyer who will do your Business with all the Care and Fidelity you Can desire\u2014\n     If you go to America Madame\u2014Mr Brown I presume will go with you\u2014 if you send a Letter of Attorney it must be executed by him as well as you\u2014\n     The Failure of your Uncles is an Event as unexpected and unaccountable to me as any thing that could have happened, and the state of affairs in and about Boston is so precarious in Money matters, that if Mr Brown and you can go there, I should certainly advise it.\u2014 you may there secure your Interest and Principle in any manner you may find most agreeable to you,\u2014but if you write, I will with pleasure inclose any Letters for you by the earliest opportunities I hear of\u2014 it would be well to send Duplicates & Triplicates that the Chances of a safe arrival may be multiplied\n     I am extreemly sensible Madame of your Politeness & Kindness in sending two Baskets of Game, yet I Confess to you they hert my feelings as I seemed to be accepting a reward for doing a very\ninconsiderable service for a Lady whose Person and Family I hold in the highest estimation be so good as to present my Regards to Mr Brown\u2014and / beleive me yrs &c\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0013", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n      Dear Sir\n     On the arrival of mr\u0303 Boylston I carried him to the Marquis de la Fayette, and received from him communications of his object. this was to get a remission of the duties on his cargo of oil, & he was willing to propose a future contract. I proposed however to the Marquis, when we were alone, that instead of wasting our efforts on individual applications, we had better take it up on general ground, and, whatever could be obtained, let it be common to all. he concurred with me. as the jealousy of office between ministers does not permit me to apply immediately to the one in whose department this was, the Marquis\u2019s agency was used. the result was to put us on the footing of the Hanseatic towns, as to whale oil, & to reduce the duties to 11lt\u2014 5s for 520lb. French, which is very nearly two livres on the English hundredweight, or about a guinea & a half the ton. but the oil must be brought in American or French ships, & the indulgence is limited to one year. however as to this I expressed to Ct. de Vergennes my hopes that it would be continued, & should a doubt arise, I should propose at the proper time to claim it under the treaty\non the footing gentis amicissimi. after all, I beleive mr\u0303 Boylston has failed of selling to Sangrain, and, from what I learn, through a little too much hastiness of temper. perhaps they may yet come together or he may sell to somebody else.\n     When the general matter was thus arranged, a mr\u0303 Barrett arrived here from Boston with letters of recommendation from Govr. Bowdoin, Cushing & others. his errand was to get the whale business here put on a general bottom, instead of the particular one which had been settled you know the last year for a special company. we told him what was done. he thinks it will answer, and proposes to settle at L\u2019Orient for conducting the sales of the oil & the returns. I hope therefore that this matter is tolerably well fixed as far as the consumption of this country goes. I know not as yet to what amount that is; but shall endeavor to find out how much they consume, and how much they furnish themselves. I propose to mr\u0303 Barrett that he should induce either his state or individuals to send us a sufficient number of boxes of the Spermaceti candle, to give one to every leading house in Paris, I mean to those who lead the ton: and at the same time to deposit a quantity for sale here & advertize them in the Petites affiches. I have written to mr\u0303 Carmichael to know on what footing the use & introduction of the whale oil is there, or can be placed.\n     I have the honour to be with very sincere esteem Dear Sir / Your most obedient humb. servt.\n      Th: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0015", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Richard Cranch, 12 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Cranch, Richard\n      My dear Brother\n      Grosvenor square Decr. 12th. 1785.\n     I am much obliged to you for your judicious Letter of Octr. 15. you have described the Causes of the present Evil with Accuracy, and the Cure is equally obvious. I mean a partial Cure\u2014 as far as the difficulty arises from Property having been thrown by the Course of the War into Hands, unable to hold it, there is no remedy but time & the Course of Law, in this respect, the present times resemble the years 1763 & 4. immediately following the Peace with France & Spain\u2014 I remember there was then, great Complaints of hard times, and a remarkable multiplication of Law suits which subsided only by the shifting of Property from the Debtor to the Creditor\u2014 This alway\u2019s, an unavoidable Effect of a Peace which throws numbers of Persons out of gainful Employments\n     In addition to this all the causes you enumerate have operated, since the Peace of 1783.\u2014 The Cure is very simple\u2014 let the trade be opened to the West Indies, Nova scotia, Canada and newfoundland\u2014 Let our oil & Bone & ships be received by the English as Remittances\u2014 this would relieve us at once\u2014 But in whose power is this? not in ours, But the british Governments, and if they had rather their own merchants and manufacturers who have traded to America, should be ruined and loose the Commerce of New England to the Nation, than open these sources of remittances, they have both the right & the Power\n     And this I believe to be the Principal & disposition of every Party & almost every Man, in the Legislative and Executive Departments of Goverment\u2014 the People in Power here, very well know, all the facts in your Letter\u2014 but a deadly malice is aimed deliberately at the Commerce, Population & Power especially at the Navigation of New England\u2014 and you may depend upon it you will never be relieved,\nbut upon this Principle, \u201cIf England dont receive their Remittances, France will\u201d\u2014\n     The french Comptroller General, has reduced the Duties upon our Oil to 7lv. 10s. a Barrique of 520 Weight, that is to 30 Livr. or 1 Louis \u2019dr. & 1/4. pr. ton imported in french or american ships\u2014 The difference between this Duty & the British Alien Duty which is 16\u00a3. 3s sterg is so great, that in my opinion you may sell all your Oil in france to advantage\u2014 Mr. Boylston has sold his whole Cargo there\u2014 Mr. Barrett is now at Paris, But in my opinion our merchants may send their Oil to France, to advantage without waiting for Contracts\u2014 But if they are so attached to England, that they will not, or so indebted that they dare not send any thing any where else, what can we say?\u2014\n     Once for all, you may take it from me, that you must work out your own salvation at home\u2014 if you cannot find other Channels of Trade these will remain blocked up\u2014 When you have demonstrated to the World that you don\u2019t want them, they will be opened but not before\u2014 I am informed that the Trade of Boston to the Cape of Good Hope & to Africa succeeds very Well, why has no attempt been made to China, Bengall or Pondichery or other parts of India\u2014There have been very able Representations to me and others in Letters from Boston, & they have been made over & over again to the Ministery, by others as well as by me\u2014by American merchants here too & west India merchants & Planters, but all to no Purpose as yet, since the signature of the Treaty of defensive alliance, between France & Holland, indeed, the Nation seems a little startled & Gentlemen begin in Conversation to wonder that Ministry dont think a little about the U.S. & begin to say that from our Climates soil &c We must increase fast & become important in Commerce & Politicks to this Country\u2014 You observe they dont allow us to be yet of any Consequence\u2014 In such a Delusion is this Nation still\u2014 My Love to sister & the Children, my duty to my aged, honourd & beloved Mother, whom I still hope to see\u2014 Yours", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0016", "content": "Title: From John Adams to James Warren, 12 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, James\n      Dear Sir\n      Grosvenor Square Decr 12. 1785\n     Your Favour of October 6. I recd but Yesterday.\u2014 I had before written very fully to Mr Jay, a recommendation of your son to be Consull at Lisbon, and desired him to communicate it to the Members of Congress. I will write also to Mr Jefferson, and wish very heartily that he may be appointed. He is a modest and ingenious Man, and independently of the Merits of his Family, which are equal to any I know, his Pretensions personal are better than any one in Competition that I have heard of. There is a Probability of a Treaty with Portugal, but these Negotiations are so slow and capricious that I can never depend upon any Thing till it is signed and sealed. I will forward the Letter inclosed as I have before, to Winslow, in the Dispatches of the Chevalier De Pinto the Portuguese Minister, with whom I have the Pleasure of an agreable Acquaintance. He is a Man of Merit and offers me every civility in his Power. The Danger of the Letters being opened will be less in this Way than by the Post or any other Conveyance in my Power.\n     I admire the Spirit of the Massachusetts Navigation Act but cannot pretend to judge of the Ability of the State to Support it.\u2014 It is thought by many that it would be better to confine it to British ships and Goods, or to those Nations who have no Treaty of Commerce with Us.\u2014 The French Ordinance giving a Bounty of ten Livres a Quintal upon Fish of the French Fishery imported into their own Islands, or sold in the Marketts of Spain, Portugal or Italy, and laying a Duty of five Livres upon foreign Fish in their Islands is suspected to be in Retaliation, for our Navigation Act. I dont know whether it is good Policy to begin a commercial Conflict with commercial nations with whom We have Treaties, if it is possible to distinguish between their Goods & British as no doubt it is between their ships.\n     Mr Boylston, took Passage in his own ship for France and has there sold here Cargo. Mr Barrett is arrived there, and I hope they will be able to open the Trade in that Article.\u2014 What the British Ministry will do, I know not and cannot expect to know till the\nsession of Parliament. If they can Support their own Sperma C\u00e6ti Fishery and We cannot find a Markett in France, they will continue the high duty.\u2014\n     The Agents are gone, to Madrid, in their Way to Algiers. I have a Letter from one of them at Bayonne.\n     With great Regard your Friend & / sert\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0017", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Mercy Otis Warren, 12 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, Mercy Otis\n      Madam\n      Grosvenor Square Decr 12. 1785.\n     I am much obliged to you for your Letter and refer you to General Warren for what respects your son.\u2014\n     You suppose my present situation to be eligible and I confess it.\u2014 I have it in my Power here to enjoy the Society of Persons of great Worth, and if I please of high Rank, and if our publick Affairs here went well, I should not desire a better situation. but they do not.\n     A Lady, who was born at Gibraltar, came to England and Married a Man of Merit, Fortune and Rank. She had every Thing which this Country offords, to make Life agreable. Yet she used to say, it was true, & England was very clever, but it was nothing to be compared to Gib.\u2014\n     If the Circumstance of Birth and Education could give Such an Attachment to that Barren Rock, it is not surprizing that I should be fond of my barren Mountain. Yet the World would laugh at me as well as the Lady of Gibraltar.\n     I have been so long agitated in the World, and puzzled with Business, that indeed I dont know, whether I should feel my Existence at Braintree, and My Eyes and my Health will not admit of Reading\nor Writing by Candle Light, so that I should want Amuzement of Evenings, but the Care of a Farm, and Books and Papers in the Day, would Serve me very well. and as far as I can judge of my own Inclinations I had rather live in that Retirement, for my personal Enjoyment, upon one hundred a Year than at any Court in Europe upon five Thousand. It may be depended on then that I have no dread upon my Mind of being obliged to return and plant Cabbages at the foot of Penns hill.\n     The Dismall Accounts of the Misfortunes and Afflictions of our Friends in America, distress Us a good deal, but the Jewish Avarice in the Loan of Money, which We hear of much more. While Such Interest can be obtained, much Property will be diverted from Trade. But this must have an End\u2014 The great Fish will have eaten all the little ones, and then they must look out for other Prey. The Multiplicity of Law suits, is much like what I remember after the Peace of 1763. but when a certain Quantity of Property had shifted hands they diminished.\u2014 it is generally agreed that our People have been imprudent and extravagant, but I hope that Profligacy and Want of Principle have not taken any deep root. I wish it were in my Power to comfort them with any hopes of relief from this Country, but it is not. There is, instead of any Consideration of our Losses, Inconveniences, or Distresses, a visible and indecent Joy at all the Accounts of them.\u2014 If Revenge is sweet our People will have it, in a few Years, but that is no rational Consolation.\n     Captain Stanhopes Letters to the Governor, are by no means approved at this Court, as Congress will be informed Officially before this reaches you.\n     With the greatest Esteem and respect I have the / honour to be, Madam your sincere / Friend and humble servant\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0018", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Joel Barlow, 12 December 1785\nFrom: Barlow, Joel\nTo: Adams, John\n      Hartford Dec 12 1785\n     My friend Mr Trumbull has done me the honour to mention my name to you in a letter which is herewith enclosed. The Poem\nwhich he mentions is likewise forwarded thro\u2019 the hands of Col\u2014Humphrey to Doct Price with an assgnment of the Copy Right. I have requested the Doctor to use his discretion in procuring an impression & disposing of the copy-Right. Out of the first impression I wish to have about one thousand copies to supply the subscribers in this country, & that whatever subscribers Col Humphrey my obtain in Paris may likwise be supplied from that impression. Your known attachment to the liberal arts & your knowledge of the difficulties we labour under in this respect in our early stage of society in America, give me the confidence to address you on the subject. Should you deem it worthy of your attention I beg you would suggest to Doct Price some method in which it may be brought forward to advantage. I am, like most other poor Poets, in circumstances which require my attention to the profits of a performance, which has cost me considerable labour, & in which I have attempted the advancement of literature & human happiness.\n     As the Poem is dedicated by permission to the king of France & his name will probably give it some advantage, I am at a loss whether there would be an impropriety in causing a copy to be presented to the Emperor of Germany & another to the Empress of Russia, as their characters occupy a place in the list of worthies it professes to celebrate. I suggest this not because I imagin it would be a present worthy of their acceptance, as a Poem, but as a curiosity from the New World, & with the idea that it may operate in some degree as an emolument to the Author. Whether it could be done with propriety thro their Ambassadors or otherwise you can better determine.\n     With the highest respect I have the / honour to be sir / your obedient & / very humble Servant\n      Joel Barlow", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0022", "content": "Title: From John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 13 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\n      Dear Sir\u2014\n      Grosvenor square Decr. 13. 1785\u2014\n     I have received your favour of the 30th. Ulto. and thank you for the extract enclosed\u2014 The Commerce of new England will follow their oil, wherever it may go and therefore I think it good Policy, in the Controller General to take of the duty\u2014 But there is another object of Importance I mean the sperma C\u00e6ti Chandles\u2014 Will you be so good as to inform me whether these are prohibited in france? or what duties they are subject to on Importation? whether these duties can be taken off,? Whether they are at all used or known in france? Whether they cannot be brought into fashion in private families, or even in Churches? they are certainly cheaper & more beautiful than wax, & emit a purer, brighter flame\u2014 Pot ash, too: I want to know, what quaintity of Pot ash & Purl ash, is annually consumed in France? from what Country imported? in what it is paid for? whether in Cash, Bills or Goods? & at what Prices ordinarily? This is another article, by which france may draw to herself a great share of the Trade of New England\u2014 Our Merchants will be obliged to alienate their Commerce from this Country, and transfer it in a great measure to France.\u2014 They are awkward and unskilful, at present, how to effect it, and every aid you can afford them will be gratefully acknowledged\u2014\n     I hope that Mr. Boylston and Mr. Barrett, will be able to compleat a Contract, with Monsieur Tourtille De Sangrain for the Illumination of your Cities\u2014 Boylston\u2019s Capital will enable him to do what he pleases, but you may depend upon it, he will do nothing but what is profitable\u2014 No Man understands more intuitively, every thing relating to these subjects, and no man is more attached to his Interest\u2014 You sent your Letter by the post I suppose, in hopes it would be opened in the Post Office and sent to Court to assist me a Little in my negotiation\u2014 I have the Pleasure to inform you, that your intentions were probably fulfilled, for although they conceal their art with more care in the post offices here, then they think it necessary to make use of in Paris, yet I assure you there is not less Curiosity: And your Letter upon an attentive inspection may be plainly\nperceived to have been opened\u2014 I am glad of it, because altho\u2019 it will not assist me much, nor make any great impression I shall at least have the Pleasure to think we teaze them a little\u2014 my best respects to Madam La fayette & Love to Anastasie & George\u2014 Yours", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0024", "content": "Title: From John Adams to John Jay, 15 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n      Dear Sir\n      Grosvenor Square Decr. 15. 1785\n     There are mysterious Movements, of various kinds, that ought to be observed and reflected on, although We cannot draw any certain Conclusions from them.\n     General Faucett, is often at the Levee, not indeed, on Wednesdays, nor at the Drawing Room on Thursdays, on which occasions the Foreign Ministers attend, but on Frydays, when there are no Strangers, and when only the Ministers of State, and the Officers of the Army and Navy, and Some of their own foreign Ministers and other civil officers, appear.\u2014 from this Circumstance, certain warm\nImaginations, entertain Suspicions, that Faucett is to be Sent to Brunswick, Hesse, Anspack, &c, to inlist another Body of Mercenaries.\u2014 But it is more probable, it is to consult upon certain Points relative to the Pay, of the German Troops, for time And Services that are pass\u2019d.\n     General Arnold is gone out to America too. from this some Persons have conjectured, that War, is determined on, or at least thought not improbable.\u2014 He went to Hallifax in a Vessell of his own, with a Cargo of his own, upon a trading Voyage as it is given out.\u2014 This I can Scarcely believe.\u2014 it would hardly be permitted, A General Officer to go upon Such a Trade. He Said himself, he had a young Family, to provide for and could not bear an idle Life.\u2014 This is likely enough.\u2014 I rather think then that he has obtained leave to go out, and purchase himself a settlement in Nova Scotia or Canada, that he may be ready against the Possibility of a War, and that he may be out of the Way of feeling the Neglect and Contempt in which he is held by, not only the Army but the World in general.\n     Joseph Brant, has lately arrived with Lt Governor Hamilton from Quebec, and the Indian has been presented to the King, at a Fryday Levee, I Suppose as a Colonel in the British service.\u2014 This confirms and increases the Reports of a general Confederation of the Indian Nations against the United States, which the Refugees propagate, partly from the Pleasure they take in the Thought and partly, to perswade Government to build ships and Forts upon the Lakes, Services in which they hope to get Employment under the Crown, and the Fingering of Some of its Money.\u2014 Brant has been heretofore in England and is probably sent for now to be consulted, as well as Hamilton.\u2014 But there are Such Disputes and Discontents in Canada, that the Ministry know not what course to Steer, and I Suppose, wish to have Carlton & Haldiman Hamilton and Brant, alltogether Face to Face, that they may determine what to do.\u2014 They will determine all at once, who shall be Governor, what Form the Government shall have; Whether to give up the frontier Posts, whether to Treat with the Indians, for Neutrality or Alliance, whether to build ships or Forts upon the Lakes &c. But as this Cabinet is extreamly undecided they cannot but be secret, untill they shall be forced to determine. We may learn something in the Winter session of Parliament, but shall not know the whole till next summer.\n     The Marquis de la Fayette and Coll Smith, have returned from Germany, somewhat allarmed at the Impression made in that Country, by the English News Papers to our disadvantage. When I first\nbecame acquainted a little in Europe I was constantly chagrined by this perpetual Impudence of the public Prints, and have all along done as much as my time and means would admit of to detect it: But I have long Since found it an Augean Stable.\n     The Truth is, that these Misrepresentations, instead of being discountenanced are encouraged by every Court and Government in Europe.\u2014 The Secret Motive is, the Fear of Emigrations. America is popular. it is a Novelty.\u2014 There is an Abundance of Provisions, a plenty of Employment in Agriculture Handicrafts, Navigation and Commerce.\u2014 The Multitudes in every nation are poor, loaded with Taxes; the necessaries of Life dear, and Employment difficult to obtain, and very meanly paid. This occasions an Impatience and discontent at home, and an ardent desire to emigrate to the United States. Every Government in Europe is very sensible of this, and therefore, all the Scribblers in their Pay or under their Influence which are almost all that exist, are encouraged to collect every Circumstance, which can throw a damp, upon the Spirit of Emigration, and every Tale of the kind, every story which represents America disunited, in Confusion, Anarchy, poor, distressed miserable, is eagerly catched at, and true or false is industriously repeated by Setters and Runners and an ignorant People are thus deceived into a Belief that it is at least doubtfull whether they shall be more comfortable in America than at home.\u2014 if We look into the foreign Gazettes which circulate in France and are under French Influence, as the Gazette D\u2019Avignon the Gazette de deux Ponts, the Brussells Gazette, & others We find as many political Inventions to this Purpose as in the English Newspapers. I say this from Knowledge, for I have examined those Publications with Attention with this very view, for a long time together. Even the French Mercury, published under the Inspection of Government, and avowed by it, is but little purer than the rest. for the French are averse to Emigrations, and much afraid of them.\n     In England, there is not one Newspaper but is full of such dismal and such false representations; one Paper in the City, under the Influence of an Irish Volunteer, has lately discovered some Inclination to be more impartial. But all the Writers in the rest, are busily employed in abusing Us, and it so far encouraged by all Parties, chiefly from this dread of Emigrations, that it is unpopular to insert any Thing to the contrary. It has even been refused to insert the Acts of Congress or the states the Speeches of Governors and other public Proceedings in the Knowledge of which this Nation is greatly\ninterested, without paying at the rate of Advertisements, and this even by a News Writer who piques himself upon his Impartiality And boasts that his Paper is open to all Parties. Dr Price, is continually abused for his Pamphlet, and sometimes expressly because it tends to encourage Emigrations.\n     In this State of Things, I must be cautious.\u2014 I am not able to pay the Scribes, like an Exchequer, nor to promise them pay or Promotion like an opposition.\u2014 And indeed Paragraphs in our Favour Seem only to provoke, ten Inventions against Us. Something might be done in time however, by mixing in Conversation and explaining or contradicting the grossest and worst Abuses. But this can be done in these Countries only by the Civilities of the Table and by a liberal Hospitality, in which We are much Streightened.\u2014 House Rent, Furniture, Carriage, and a certain Number of servants, with the daily expences of Living, which cannot be avoided without becoming the scorn of the World and without being insulted by every Footman and Porter, consumes all and more than all our Allowance.\u2014 I feel for the Circumstances of my Country as much as any Man in it, but I am sure those Circumstances will not be mended, by extream Parcimony in the Support of her servants and Negotiations in Europe. Frugality in America is a great Virtue, and it ought to be attended to by all Employed in Europe, but We shall find that Hospitality and even Splendor and Magnificence, is essential to the support of our Reputation in every Country of Europe, even in Holland, and much more so in England, than even at Versailles, tho We cannot make a formal distinction between these two. When your Ministers are seen to take Rank of Nobles and Bishops at saint James\u2019s, who Spend many Thousands a Year and are observed to live at home and appear, abroad, with what is called \u201cla plus infame \u00c6conomie,\u201d which is the Expression every day in Vogue, you will find, that neither you nor they will be considered as of any Consequence. To talk of Republican Simplicity is to make it worse.\u2014 Every Republican Idea is detested, and they think themselves bound in duty, to ridicule it and beat it out of Countenance, in self Defence.\n     Your Ministers abroad, must keep a Table for the Entertainment of their Countrymen, for the Entertainment of strangers who are presented at Court and consequently to them, to return the Civilities that are shewn them by foreign Ministers, and by People of high Rank in the Country, they ought to keep a Table at Times for the Entertainment of Men of Letters and Eminence in Arts and sciences, by which they might remove the Prejudices of the World against\ntheir Country & themselves, and attract some Attention and good Will to both.\u2014 How far any of these Things are in our Power to do, I chearfully submit to the Consideration and decision of Congress, being determined to do every Thing in My Power with the means I have, and to be happy myself whether I make a little Figure or a great one.\n     With great Esteem and Respect I have / the Honour to be, dear sir your most / obedient and most humble servant\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0025", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 15 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\n       Dear Sir\n       Grosvenor Square Decr. 15. 1785\n      In your favour of Octr. 29, You inform me that The Marquis has observed in Germany, that the Lies which are Spread to our disadvantage, must be injurious to our national honour, if We neglect\nto contradict them.\u2014 When I came first to Europe now approaching to Eight Years ago, my Indignation was roused, at the Shameless Falshoods which were continually propagated, and I took a great deal of Pains to have them contradicted but I have long Since found it an Augean Stable.\u2014\n      The Truth is, that this Impudence is encouraged in France, almost as much, and in Germany Still more, than in England.\u2014 The real Motive is to discourage Emigrations. One half of Germany and more than half of England Scotland & Ireland and no inconsiderable Part of France would be Soon on Tiptoe, to fly to America for relief from that intollerable Load which they now carry on their shoulders, if they knew the true State of Facts in America.\n      The English Ministers, and the whole Hierarchy of their Dependents are aware of this, and there is an incredible Number of Persons constantly employed in preparing Paragraphs to represent The United States to be in a state of Anarchy and Misery, exposed to ruin by the Algerines and Indians &c.\u2014 if you read the Gazettes of Brussells Avignon, Deux Ponts and several others, under the Influence of French Correspondents, nay if you read the Mercure de France itself, you will see, that all these Paragraphs are borrowed from the English Papers, and others quite as modest fabricated, for the Same Purposes. The German Gazettes, are encouraged by their Licencers to insert every Thing of this kind, from the Same Motives. you may contradict then to Eternity to no Purpose. Every Paragraph you insert will only occasion ten more lies to be made: and your Truths will be disbelieved & all the Lies credited: because you may depend upon it the Influence of Government, and of all their Runners and Sitters are against You, and these it is too manifest all over Europe, have the Faith of the Multitude at their Disposal.\u2014 In England there is not a Gazette nor a Writer, who inclines to publish freely in favour of America.\u2014 if any one Attempts any Thing he is instantly attacked as an Encourager of Emigrations, as you may have lately seen in the Case of Dr Price.\u2014\n      If I were to meddle in the Newspapers directly or indirectly in this Country, at present it must be with Caution and Delicacy.\u2014 And I dont think it would be discreet to lay out Money in this Way.\u2014 If I had Money to Spare from Purposes more essential, much might be done, by forming Acquaintances and communicating by their Assistance, true Information. But even in the Influence of the Table and of generous Hospitality, the Policy of our Country has restrained Us, within very narrow Bounds.\n      I dont believe you will do any good by entering into the Fracasseries of the Men of Letters in France. De Mably was as honest as a Man and as independent a Spirit, as you will find in France among them.\u2014 In the Letter I wrote the Abby De Mably, which convinced him, as he told me in his Answer that he would be in his Grave long before he could collect the Materials for an History of the Revolution you know I told him, I was glad that he intended to write for that I knew his Principles so well that I had no doubt he would produce a Work, which would be worth attending to. I have no Remembrance that I ever desired him to write at any other Time, or in any other manner, untill I was informed that he was writing Letters to me.\n      His first design of writing was announced to the world by himself in his Book \u201cSur le maniere d ecrire L\u2019Histoire,[\u201d] which was written and printed while I was at the Hague, and before I went to Paris to the Conferences about the Peace, as you may see by looking into that Pamphlet near the End. When I read his Design, it was with Pleasure, because I expected something worth reading from what I had seen of his other Writings, tho I had at this time nothing like an intimate acquaintance with him.\u2014 I am now glad he has written because, although there are many Things in which I am not of his opinion, there are many others that deserve the Serious Consideration of our Countrymen.\u2014 And I am under no Fears at all that Americans will be mislead by his Errors, the most material of which relate to The Freedom of Conscience and the Press, Points in which all America is so well grounded, that the greatest Writer in the World, or who has been in it, would not be able to shake them, much less a Philosopher born & educated living and dying, in the Midst of Principles of Intollerance in Religion and Government.\n      If you refute Ranall & De Mably as you easily may in the Points in which they are wrong, you would do well to begin by confounding the insolent Nonsence, of De Peau and Buffon, who began earlier to abuse Us, and laid the Foundation for a great Part of the Impertinence which has followed.\n      I have taken as much Pains as my Business would admit to find the Paper You enquire for, but without success.\u2014 I enquired after the Petition, Memorial or Remonstrance of the Merchants in a Company of Men of Letters, but none of them could tell me where to find it.\u2014 I have looked over a Collection of Petitions and Remonstrances of the City, but it is not there. The other Points you enquire about I can give you no Account of.\n      again as to my Desire to the Abby, to write.\u2014 I might Say to him or his Friends, that I thought, instead of attempting an History, he was wholly unprovided of Materials for composing, I wished he would read over our Constitutions and give the World his Thoughts upon them. This is very natural and probable, but I have no distinct Remembrance of it, nor when nor where it was.\u2014 His design to write was conceived and determined, without any Request, Desire or Knowledge of mine, as you will see in his Work upon Writing History. knowing his fixed Intention to write, I thought it better that he should write upon a subject which I supposed he might understand, rather than undertake a Work which I was certain he knew little about, and for which from his great Age, it was impossible he should ever be qualified for.\n      When I was told by his Friends that he was writing, and intended to make me the Compliment to address his Work to me, it was very natural for me to say that I should be \u201cbien flatt\u00e9,\u201d as I was; but I have no remembrance about it.\u2014 I can neither contradict it nor confirm it. and it can be of no Consequence to any body.\n      The Beginning of my Connection in the Business was this.\u2014 Soon after my Arrival in Paris in October 1782, upon the Negotiation for the Peace, the Abby De Mablys Book upon writing History was put into my hands. I read in the Close of it, his Declaration of his Design to write the Hystory of the American Revolution. at Dinner Sometime afterwards at Mr De Chaluts the Farmer General, in Company with the Abby de Mably, his Friends & mine the Abbys De Chalut and Arnoux, mentioned to me the Abbys Design and asked me if I would furnish him with any Memorials. I then turned to De Mably himself and asked him, of what Part of the Revolution he intended to write the History? He answered of the whole? I asked him, if he had considered the Extent of the Subject? He Said perhaps it might be more extensive than he was aware of, but he thought he could write it from the Memorials, which were publick together with such Enquiries as he might make among Gentlemen who had been concerned in it. I asked him if he had reflected, that the Question was of thirteen established Governments Subverted, and as many new ones erected, of a confederation of them, of a War of Eight Years conducted by them, by an Army formed anew, that it comprehended at least Twenty Odd Years of Time, and involved at last, almost all Europe And much of Asia & Africa? Upon this the three Abbys desired me to put down in Writing in English what I\nhad then Said, for I spoke with difficulty as you know in French, and give it to the Abby who would get it translated into French.\u2014 I agreed: and accordingly wrote the Letter which you have Seen.\u2014 The Abby answered me, that I had convinced him he should be dead before he could collect a quarter Part of the Materials necessary to write Such an History.\u2014 in that Letter I told him that I was glad he intended to write his Thoughts. He afterwards changed his Mind about writing the History And determined to write Observations. This might or might not be by my Advice. I dont remember that it was or was not. He determined to address his Observations to me. This was not most certainly, by my Advice nor Desire, nor Expectation untill I was told he was writing to me. As this was merely a Compliment, it is very probably I returned the Compliment, by Saying as I could very sincerely say, I was much obliged to him.\n      I am sure by this time You must think as I do, that I have written much more upon this subject than it is Worth and thank me for subscribing myself your / humble servant\n       John Adams\n      I have made your Compliments to Madam, as you desire and she also is \u201cbien flate\u00e9.\u201d\u2014 I assure you, I would not live another Ten Years without her, for the first Dukedom, no nor the first Kingdom in Europe nor for any Thing less than the Independence of America.\u2014 I read this to Madam, and she Says \u201cbien flate\u00e9,\u201d again.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0027", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n      Dear Sir\n      Grosvenor Square Decr 20. 1785\n     Mr Barretts Arrival at Paris, is a lucky Event, and his appointment by the Merchants in Boston a judicious Step; but I am not So clear in the Choice he makes of L\u2019Orient to reside in.\u2014 Paris, or even Havre, Seems to me a better Situation. Paris in preference to all others.\u2014 If Boylstone would Act in concert with him, his Capital, would be equal to every Thing which relates to the Business: But he is a Singular Character irritable, fiery, avaricious, parcimonious, to a degree, that made me always doubtfull whether, he would Succeed: besides his Age and Ignorance of the Language. it is to be regretted that his Cargo cannot be put into the Hands of Sangrain because it is a great Object, to bring that Gentleman into an Acquaintance with the Qualities of the white Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil, and into a Course of Experiments of its Use. The first Point to be gained, is to Shew, that this Oil, considering all its Properties, may be used in the Reverberes cheaper, than the Olive Oil, Neatsfoot Oil, or Linseed Oil, or whatever other Substance goes to the Composition of that with which they now enlighten their Cities. We must engage \u0152conomy, as an Advocate in our Cause, or we shall finally loose it.\u2014 The Marquis tells me, the Duty is reduced to 7.Liv. 10.s the Barrique of 520\nWeight\u2014 you state it at 11\u20b6: 10s.\u2014 I should be glad to be exact in this Information, and to know which is right. But, 11\u20b6: 10s the Barrique, even as you State it, is so much less than 18.\u00a3 3.s sterling the Ton, the Allien Duty paid here that one would think it must turn all the Trade to France as I hope it will, and as it certainly will if the French Government encourage the Attempt.\u2014 if an American Merchant can fix himself at Paris and remain a Man of Business, and not become infected with a Rage for Amusements, he might by corresponding with all the great Cities of the Kingdom soon do a great deal, towards introducing an extensive Trade between the United States and the French.\n     I am extreamly Sorry for the Accident, which has retarded Mr Barclay, but I think with you that We must submit to it, for a reasonable Time.\u2014 But I hope Mr Barclay will not Suffer himself to be delayed one moment unnecessarily.\u2014 if any Pretences or Excuses for postponing are contrived, I hope he will break away from them all.\u2014it is a horrid Thing, that Business so essential should have been neglected so long.\u2014\n     The Chevr. De Pinto is Sick, which will unluckily retard our Affair with him. But I will quicken it as Soon and as much as I can.\n     With great Esteem I am, dear Sir your / most obedient Servant\n      John Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0028", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Benjamin Goodhue, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Goodhue, Benjamin\nTo: Adams, John\n     Having an acquaintance with your good brother Mr. Cranch, from being a fellow member of the same Legislative body; at his request and from the Assurance which he has given me, that a letter from one of whom you have no Kind of Knowledge, where the views of the Writer are painted to the general good, would meet a Kind reception; I have taken this liberty of sending you inclosed the present state of our Cod & Mackerel fisheries in this Commonwealth, and hope the communication will be agreable\u2014 the statement is made\nfrom the best information I could collect, and I dare say is not far from the truth\u2014 What proportion the quantity of fish caught this year, bears to what was taken before the War, I cannot determine; but only inform you the common opinion is that there is better then half, and there is no room to doubt, that in three or four years, We shall equal, if not exceed in this business what we ever have been before\u2014 I take notice in one of your letters to your Brother you wish to be informed of the state of the English & French fisheries &c\u2014 I have not been able to ascertain their situation any further then this, that the Cod fishery at Nova Scotia is so inconsiderable as not to deserve notice, and I am sure if we conduct with the least prudence it never can be, because from the sterility of their soil they must be for ever beholden to us for many of their supplies; and their almost eternal fogs, will ever prevent their fish from being cured in such a manner as will put it in competition with ours\u2014 their fisheries at Newfound Land doubtless are great; with what advantages they carry it on, I do not precisely Know, but am pretty confident they could not with any profit, if they were excluded from supplying themselves from the United States\u2014 the French have a considerable number of Vessels, perhaps two or three hundred, but from the size of their Vessels which are too large, and the natural indolence of men on hire, togather with their unacquaintedness with the bussiness, I believe they make no great hand of it, they ship chief of their fish to France, and altho, they have put a duty of half a Dollar per Quintal on our fish carried to their West India Islands, and placed the same duty as a bounty on the fish cured at Miquelon, only two small cargoes of their fish have for the Year past been exported to their Islands\u2014 on the whole I think it abundantly apparent, that we have greater advantages for carrying on the Cod fishery, then the Inhabitants of any other Country, and it gives me much satisfaction, that there appears a disposition with us to improve it\u2014 The Whale fishery you are sensible is in a very languid condition, and for ought I see must continue so, unless Britain should unexpectedly relax from her present measures, or untill what I most hope, We may be able to find a sale for the Oyl in some other markets\u2014 The General Court, after much labour from the few Commercial characters in that Body, did the last session grant a bounty on Oyl, (a copy of which I inclose),\u2014 it was design\u2019d as a temporary relief, to prevent those employ\u2019d in the Whale fishery from immediately quiting the Country (which very few have already done) and to see what events might turn up to occasion its revival\u2014 Britain & France with whom\nwe should from our reciprocal wants, be most naturaly connected in commerce, have thrown such embarrassments in the way of our carrying bussiness, that it is at present very discouraging to those who have provided themselves with Vessels for the purpose. the number of which is as great as before the war, and might with ease be increased to any number required\u2014 I have ever consider\u2019d this togather with the fisheries as particularly congenial to this Government, and to be the only thing which can give importance to the Massachusetts, when compared with the other States, and what alone would materialy produce that power in the United States, which the European Nations have reason to wish us dispossess\u2019d of, And I sincerely hope Sir, that Our Countrymen, will not long be influenced by partial views, individual benefits or be gulled into erroneous measures, by false notions of National gratitude\u2014\n     I cannot omit mentioning the very great pleasure I receiv\u2019d when I found by your Letters, to Govr. Bowdoin, Messrs. Cushing, Hancock Higginson & Cranch, which they were Kind enough to shew me, that you so warmly approved Our Navigation Act, and the pleasure was much enhanced, on account of its being a Child, I had with much difficulty brought into being, and whose existance, from its powerful opponents, promised to be of no long duration, the sentiments in your letters silenced their clamours, and the Act remains, essentialy the same, taking off only part of the restrictions on foreigners (British excepted) by reason of the difficulty of sending our produce to Market in our own bottoms, while the Algerine war continues\u2014 in carrying through this Act it became necessary to combat the interest of many considerable characters who found their account in foreign consignments, and who had been very industrious in prejudicing the minds of our Country brethren, by telling them that their Cattle &c would necessarily be sold at a less price\u2014\n     it is much to be regretted that our commercial importance is so little understood, and that even our Sea port Towns in a great degree neglect chusing persons to represent them who have an acquaintance with the subject, there has been for several years past, but two members in one branch of the Legislature, and almost as few in the other, that ever had any connection in the bussiness or pretended to scarce any Knowledge of it\u2014 and sorry I am to say that some even of respectable characters, appear to view our commercial affairs as trivial and unimportant\u2014 What will be the future issue of our National concerns, deeply affects me with anxiety, and I confess\nfrom the sinister persuits of individuals, the discordent and perhaps opposite interests of some of the States, and the General aversion there is of giving Congress, those powers essential for the purposes of our federal government, the prospect to me appears not a little gloomy; the only consolation I derive, is from a reflection, that when the evils become severely felt we may be willing to apply a remedy\u2014\n     pardon my freedom in writing this letter, and be assured that I shall esteem myself honour\u2019d in executing any commands you may see fit to lay upon me\u2014\n     I am with sentiments of high regard / Your Excellency\u2019s Friend & servant\n      Benja. Goodhue\n      NB. Rhode Island has pass\u2019d a Navigation Act, & Pensylvania has laid very considerable burthens on Vessels belonging to Nations not in alliance", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0029", "content": "Title: To John Adams from John Jebb, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Jebb, John\nTo: Adams, John\n       Parlt. Street 20t Dec\u2014 85.\n      I have been prevented from paying my respects to you hitherto by the feeble State I have been in for some time\u2014 I am now still further prevented by an operation on my leg.\u2014 but I cannot help referring you to a publication intitled observations on a late publication intituled Thoughts on executive Justice printed for Cadell in the\nStrand & Faulder in New-Bond street\u2014which must please you\u2014 if The work fails, the letter at the End will gratify\u2014 but both are admirable\u2014 Eden has made a poor piece of work of it\u2014 & if he continues to go on, as he began\u2014I shall not repine\u2014 Mr. Pitt, & he alone of all the Cabinet negotiated the dark transaction\u2014\n      Mrs Jebb Joins me in every expression of respect & good will to Mrs Adams & Miss Adams & I remain truly yrs\n       John Jebb\n      I beg respects to Col. Smith\u2014 I shuld wish to see yr Servt. agn. if convenient at the same Hour as before\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0030", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Cotton Tufts, 21 December 1785\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n      Dear Sr.\n      Weymouth Decembr. 21t. 1785\n     Your Favour of Sept. 9t I recd. and Your Present of Neckar for which I return You Thanks and am much gratified with Your Sentiments on the Whale Oil Fishery, to this Branch of Business, the General Court have given Encouragement as You will find by a Bill sent you by Mr Cranch\u2014 Every Day more and more convinces me, that the commerical Restraints of Great Britain, so far as they respect America, will in general, greatly serve us. those that affect our whale Fishery may possibly injure us for some Time. But well tim\u2019d\nExertions, an Attention to our own particular Interest and an independent Spirit will not only reinstate us in the full Extent of our whale Fishery, but put it upon a much better Footing than formerly\u2014 Almost every Measure respecting America adopted by Gt. Britain for many years past, have by the Intervention of Providence and the general Course of Things surprizingly forwarded and I had almost said driven us into the Road of Greatness\u2014 However fond many of my Countrymen may be of continuing a Trade with that Nation, for my own Part I am much in doubt, whether any advantageous Trade with her can be expected for many Years to come, if ever. it cannot I think untill our Merchants have paid their Debts, untill that System of Credit heretofore practised upon, is annihilated, untill, the American Merchant can exchange American Produce for British on equal Terms, and further untill He has it in his Power to pay for what he wants, from a Surplus proceeding from the Labours of the People beyond what is necessary for their Support and the Payment of Taxes\u2014 I mean here to include what arises from Fisheries, Manufactures & Agriculture\u2014 The Debts owing to the People of that Nation must be paid\u2014 There is such a Dependance flowing from those Debts as is truly humiliating\u2014 By these, the Eyes of my Countrymen have been blinded\u2014false Maxims of Trade adopted\u2014public Measures often influenced, and the Ascendancy which the British Merchant has gained by his giving Credit is but too visible in a thousand Instances, and has prevented numerous & beneficial Enterprizes that would otherwise have taken Place. This joined with the private Interest of our Merchants has ever discouraged every Attempt to Independance in Trade and the Establishment of our Manufacturies\u2014 The Restrictions of Great Britain and the Refusal of further Credit are however happily calculated to remove these Difficulties: And can We but continue a few years in a State of Exclusion from her Commerce, Our Debts will be paid and our Independance of Mind established\u2014\n     The Writers of Great Britain, their Merchants & ours, have but too succesfully propagated the Doctrine, That Manufactures cannot be carried on to Advantage in America, That it is not for the Interest of the People even to make their own Cloaths, inasmuch as they can buy them much cheaper from Britain &c & can employ their Time to much better Purpose on their Lands\u2014 They have wrought us up to a Prejudice in favour of british Manufacturers and to a Contempt of our own\u2014 But how little have they considered the real\nState of our Country! Is there not a considerable Part of the Year, that our Men cannot be employed in Agriculture and it is well known that our Women are but seldom in any Part of the Year\u2014 This is a known Fact in our Nothern States\u2014 it is also true that We have it in our Power to furnish all the Materials for manufacturing necessary Cloathing and what else we have reall Need of.\u2014 I say we may have it in our Power, because if in a State of Eight Years war we could principally cloath the Inhabitants and a greater Part of the Soldiery with our own Manufactures, surely in Peace We may do much more\u2014 What are our People to do when the Earth is sealed and neither Spade nor Plough will enter And How are we to employ our poor Men Women & Children who must otherwise be a Bill of Charge\u2014 Could We in 1781 in the Town of Bridgewater convert 70 Tons of Iron into Nail Rods manufacture them into Nails in that & a few other Towns, (not a Spoonfull of Corn the less raised that Year) which is affrmed to be a Fact and Can We not in a State of Peace do much more.\n     There is near a Quarter Part of the Year that a large Proportion of our Males are unemployed, Multitudes of our Women are not fully employed And from our Children we get but little Advantage till 9 or 10 Years of Age\u2014 If all these Classes of People were profitably employd in Manufactures, we should have but little Occasion for those of Europe those being withheld I am very sure We should become more virtuous, more frugal, more industrious and should lay solid Foundations for Wealth\u2014 In this Point of View, Would it not be happy for us if all Intercourse with Gt. Britain should be cut off for 20 Years at least or untill we had lost all connection with her Customs & Manner, worn of the Habits of Englishmen and acquird the Art of living independent. In short I cannot view my Country independent untill She can draw her Support & Defence from within her self, nor any Trade beneficial that exceeds the Surplus of Laborers abovementioned and which has not for its object, the Increase of our Cash, the Payment of Debts and Supplies such only as shall serve to excite Industry and render it more useful\u2014 But where does all this lead to? Youll be ready to think that I am not an Advocate for a commercial Treaty with Gt. Bn. I confess that I have my Doubts and am ready to fear that almost all the beneficial Effects I have mentioned would in a great Measure cease\u2014 That a free Intercourse, would keep us dependent. That it would prevent any Stability in our Manufactures, for want of which their Manufacturers will not emigrate & set down with us\u2014 That it will build up their\nPlantations, which otherwise might tumble to Pieces\u2014 That it will prevent a Domestic Market for our Excess of Provisions, which the Establisment of Manufacturies would give, That it would subject us to an annual Expence that We are little able to bear. That the Residence of Foreign Ministers Consuls &C here would spread Corruption in Places where they may reside\u2014 That it would give the greatest Advantage for destroying our civil Form of Government\u2014 These are my Fears and many others wch. might be mentioned, but sensible that the narrow Sphere in which I move, forbids my deciding on this National Question\u2014I shall no longer prevent You from Your better Thoughts, but conclude myself With much Esteem & Affection / Your Friend & Very Huml Sert\n      Cotton Tufts\n      PS. I hope in my next to be able to announce to you a most useful Discovery, no less than that of extracting fresh from Salt Water by a very simple machine\u2014said to be invented by a Mr. Allen of Marthas Vineyard\u2014 It is much talkd [of an]d gains Credit\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0031", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Rufus King, 23 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: King, Rufus\n      Grosvenor Square Decr 23. 1785\n     I am much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the 2d. of November, and hope that a Correspondence So agreably begun may be prosecuted, to the Benefit of the Country We have the Honour to serve. Although I may be not personally known to you, the Character uniformly given of your Talents, Application, and publick Spirit, leave me no room to doubt, that I Shall derive much necessary Information from your Letters, and if I am not always able to make an\nequivalent return, you will charge the Ballance in your Favour to the Publick.\n     Your Letter has given me great Light, and opened a field to view, of the highest Importance for me to look into.\u2014\n     You will be amused I doubt not with Letters from this Country, which will hold up a Probability of a Treaty.\u2014 political Lies enough appear in the News Papers of my frequent Audiences of the King, of my Visits to Windsor, and of even the Prince of Wales\u2019s Suppers at my house, to make me suspect that Such Allurements will be held out in America. These Paragraphs are made for the Stock Exchange, and are fabricated by ministerial Brokers as I suppose, without the least foundation.\n     There is indeed a Stir at present among some of the Merchants, occasioned by an Application of Lord Carmarthen to four Houses, for their Advice. But it is not the Intention of Ministers to make a Treaty, and my Proposal will be answered by an Act of Parliament, not however before the Spring. It is their Design, to regulate the Trade for themselves and they think themselves so necessary to Us, that We shall Submit to what they shall think proper to do.\u2014\n     If the United States could Act with Unanimity And Spirit, it would be as much for our Advantage perhaps to remain unbound as to theirs and more. If the Eight States you Speak of, should pursue the Plan you mention, and the other five should only lay on heavy Duties upon British Tonnage and prohibit British ships from importing any Thing but the Productions of Great Britain this might answer. This would cutt off Hemp and Duck, Silesia Linnens, Irish Linnens and all East India Goods, and make this Country tingle in every vein.\u2014 Irish Productions should be carefully distinguished and confined to Irish Bottoms, or American. This is a great Point for immense quantities of Irish Linnens go now to America in British Bottoms.\n     Joseph Brant, was Yesterday at the Drawing Room the Ministerial Runners give out, that he is come to demand Compensation for the Indian hunting Ground ceded by the English at the Peace to the United States, and to get something for himself.\u2014as half pay as a Colonel.\n     The inclosed Arrets of France, please to inclose to Mr Gerry or if you want them in Congress I must beg you to write him an Account of them.\n     I hope sir to hear often from you and with the Freedom which\nbecomes a Correspondence between Persons whose Aims are for the publick Good, and I pray you to consider me as your Friend & humble servt\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0032", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Samuel Austin, 23 December 1785\nFrom: Austin, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\n      Boston 23d Decemr. 1785\u2014\n     I am now to advise you, that John Rowe Esqr. Capt. Patridge Capt. Dashwood & myself have applied to our General Court, for their aid and assistance, to recover our money of Genl. How, for goods taken from us the 11th. March 1776. our cases being Similar, altho\u2019 in some instances, altogether different from many other persons, who as well, as we, have lost their goods by the Kings troops, but being out of Town, could not know who took them, Consequently, could not know who to demand them of.\u2014\n     But obviously different is our case, We were all of us in the Town, during The whole time. the Town was shut up, in the Peace of the\nKing, and had as good a right to the Kings Protection, as any Subject in England, and accordingly was Promis\u2019d by the Genl., we should have, both in Person & Property.\u2014 The Court has taken Order upon the Premises, heard our Petition, and thoroughly Consider\u2019d the Justice of our demand, and sent forward to Congress, all the Necessary Papers & Vouchers, and desir\u2019d them to forward the same to your Excellency, that you may be Properly Authorizd to make demand for the Reimbursment of our monies, which papers I hope you will Recieve soon after this Reaches yr. hands.\n     The above is wrote in Conjunction.\u2014 I beg leave now to give you an Accot. of Facts Relative to my own affair, which are Vouched by Papers Properly Authenticated, and which will Accompany the Papers sent to Congress to be forwarded to you.\u2014 I apprehend it needless to Say anything about the Rude, and insulting behavior of the officer (Crean Brush) who took my goods, all which I was oblidg\u2019d to Submit to.\u2014 Suffice it to say that on the 11th. March 1776 Crean Brush, an officer appointed by Genl. How, and by his written Orders (a coppy of which you will have sent you among the Papers from Congress) did by force and Arms, with near Twenty Soldiers, with their Guns and Bayonets enter my House and took from me in goods & Merchandize to the amount of Two Thousand Four hundred and Thirty Pounds 18/7 Neat Sterling Cost, to which I have aded Fifty per ct. Advance, which would not pay the Insurance & Freight, as also Interest on the same, untill paid, as you will see by my Accot. sent to Congress.\u2014 Soon after Genl. How sent for the Selectmen to acquaint them, that the Kings troops were about leaving the Town, and gave some Orders Relative thereto. I at that time having the Honor of being one of that Board, waited on him. By this interview I had an Opportunity of Conversing with him on the Subject of taking my goods from me in the manner he did, He Expressd himself with great Surprize and Indignation, that I should even think he mean\u2019t to Alienate the Property of my goods, by no means he said, he mean\u2019t no such thing, on the Contrary, he assured me in the most Sollemn manner my goods should all be Returnd me again, or the Cash paid for them. He aded it was a Common thing for an Army when Retreating and another army Pursuing, for the Retreating Army to take from the inhabitants, every thing that might any ways be servicable to the Pursuers, but that as soon as the Confusion was over, the inhabitants had their goods Return\u2019d or the money paid them, to the amount of what was taken away, and this he Asur\u2019d me should be the case with mine.\u2014 He said further that\nwhat he had done was in Conformity to orders Rec\u2019d from the Minster, to Prevent the Rebels as he calld them from being benifitted by them. Accordinly in a letter he writes Lord Dartmouth (which I have seen) given him an Accot. of Evacuating the Town, he has these words, \u201call the Woolen good also, that I could find Room for belonging to those who chose to stay behind, the want of which is more distress to the Enemy than any other Article whatever, has been shipd, Inventories of them taken in the best manner Possible, and Put under the Charge of proper persons, in order hereafter to be stor\u2019d.\u201d\n     Agreeable to this, is his Orders to Crean Brush when he took the goods (Coppy of which you\u2019ll have withe Papers sent you from Congress) in which are these words, \u201cYou are hereby Authorizd, and Requir\u2019d to take into your Possession, all such goods as Answer this discription, to give Certificates to the owners that you have Reciev\u2019d them for their use, and will deliver them to the owners orders, Unavoidable Accidents Excepted.\u201d Both the above Extracts, Plainly Evince, that it was never the intention, or design either of Genl. How or the Minister, that such goods so taken, should be look\u2019d upon as forfited goods, on the Contrary, they were to be inventoried and Stored, and taken Proper care of, for the bennefit of the owners, and to be deliverd to their Orders, all which is Exactly agreeable to Genl Hows declaration to me, that they or the money should be Return\u2019d.\n     But Contrary to this as I have been informd, the goods when they arriv\u2019d at Hallifax, were all sold at Publick Vendue.\u2014 Possibly it may be objected that part of the goods were Retaken, and I had part of them back again.\u2014 However true this in part may be, yet I concieve the Force of it will Vanish instantly when it is Considerd that those goods so Retaken, only Remov\u2019d them still further from me, they being Retaken from Genl. How, became instantly the Property of the Captors, and I never availd myself of any part of them, without Paying for the same\u2014 You will find among the Papers sent you from Congress, an Accot. given by Mr. Lane of a Conversation between him and Genl. How wherein he tells Mr. Lane, he took the goods for Security for the Merchants in London, if so how unreasonable as well as unjust, is it, for the Merchants in London to be Pressing the debtor here, for those very goods, their Goverment has taken away from him, for their Security\u2014 But whether the goods taken, were for the Security of the Merchant, or whether for the Reasons assign\u2019d above, Viz to Prevent the Rebels so call\u2019d, from being bennifitted by\nthem, I say in either case, I take it my Claim will not in the least be invallidated, On the Contrary, it will Rather add strength thereto, and show very Plainly, that either the Merchant or the Goverment have got my money without any Consideration for the same\u2014 The only difficulty, that I can possible Concieve attending this affair, is Not distinguishing the different Circumstances of my case, and many others who have lost their Property as well as me, but not knowing who took them, know not where, nor to whom to apply for Redress. but this is not my case, I know who took my goods, Genl. How took them, by his given to Crean Brush an Order for that Purpose, which Order I have by me and also his most Solemn Assurances the goods should be Return\u2019d or paid for.\u2014\n     View the two case as Stated above, how Essentially different are they, and I cannot but think every Candid person will instantly see there Opposition. I am Rather the more Particular here, because for want of making this distinction, some of the great men on your side the water, when they have been applied to upon these affairs have jumbled them altogether, and gave for answer there can no diffence be made, if we pay one, we must pay all, and there will be no end of Paying, this I Confess is a curious way of Reasoning, but keeping the two cases in View the above way of Reasoning appears altogether Childish and futile.\u2014\n     I own for myself I never saw the Justice of Genl. How\u2019s being answerable for that he knew nothing about, it may be thought quite sufficient, if he makes good his own Engagements, which he has most Solemly promis\u2019d to fulfill, and this is what I have right to Expect Goverment will see done.\u2014 In fine I have not been Plunderd by Soldiers, nor had my goods Confiscated No, The King has had my money, and it has I suppose been applid to his use.\u2014 I don\u2019t make Application to Goverment to make good a loss that I have Sustain\u2019d, which they have not been bennifited by, they have had my money, and to Suppose they won\u2019t upon Proper Application pay me again, would Reflect such disshonor on the English Goverment, as the most abandon\u2019d of Mankind would detest and be asham\u2019d of.\u2014 Upon the whole I thought it Proper to give your Excellency a history of my case, as well as to send the Vouchers to prove the facts. I know not whether Either of the above Gentlemen write you per this Conveyance, this in all probibillity will Reach you, before the Papers from Congress comes to hand, This affair of mine, I sent forward to my Corespondant Messrs. Harrison & Ansley per the first Conveyance\nafter Peace was Settled but nothing has been done but Perfect trifling\u2014 I have only to add, with the highest Esteem and Respect to you, and yr good Lady\u2014 / Your Most Obedient and / Humble Servant\u2014\n      Samuel Austin\n      P. S. Querie whether the 4th Article of the Treaty peace don\u2019t include my case", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0033", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 23 December 1785\nFrom: Willink, Wilhem & Jan (business),Staphorst, Nicolaas & Jacob van (business)\nTo: Adams, John\n      Amsterdam the 23d: Xber 1785\n     We have before \u00fas Your Excells. most Esteemed favour of the 13h. Instt., and have taken Duely Notice of the Acceptances made by Yo\u00far Excelly. to Whom all hono\u00far Will be done by Messs. Puller.\n     We observe What yo\u00far Excelly. is pleased to Say abo\u00fat the Credit of \u00a31000 Stg. in favo\u00far of Mr. Jefferson, of Which We made mention in Our last letter, Messs. Van den Yver freres & Co. of Paris. Wrote \u00fas in date 18t Novembr. the Following. \u201cMr. Jefferson vient de no\u00fas Remettre une Lettre de Credit que Son Excelle. Monsr. Adams lui a laiss\u00e9 ici a la Veille de Son depart pour londres, De mille Livres Sterlings, a Compte des quels il a fourni Sur no\u00fas au Colonel Humphrys un mandat que Voici de .\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0 \u00a36500.\u20b6\u2014\n       que no\u00fas lui avons pay\u00e9, & dont no\u00fas Vous debittons avec La Commrs. Ordinaire a 1 per Ct.\n     dont nous disposerons par Occasion, la Lettre de Monsie\u00far Adams porte que vo\u00fas de v\u00e9s porter les dittes mille Livres Sterlings, Si on en dispose au Compte du Congres\u201d\n     It is not impossible Sir that thro yo\u00far many Transactions, This is Escaped yo\u00far Memory. as The Bill of \u00a3.6500.\u20b6 drawned by Mr. Ths. Jefferson, in dte. of 16 novr. and Signed by Mr. D Humphrys, Reposes into Our hands\u2014\n     As the Time for advertising the Payment of the Intrest of the 2 Mns. is drawing near, and we have not Received any orders there about from the Commissioners we Shall be Very glad to Receive yo\u00fars, thereon, to proceed in Consequence.\n     We have the Honour to Remain With d\u00fae Respect / Sir / Your Excells. most Obedt. / humble Servants\n      Wilhem & Jan WillinkNichs. & Jacob van Staphorst", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0034", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Nathaniel Barrett, 24 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barrett, Nathaniel\n      Grosvenor Square Decr. 24. 1785\n     I am happy to learn, by your favour of the 10th. that your prospects are satisfactory to yourself and promising for the publick\n     You may depend upon every Personal and official exertion of Mr. Jefferson, and the marquis will take a pleasure and a Pride in assisting you, both by his Knowledge of the Language, the Usages and the Characters in the Nation, by his powerful and numerous Connections, and by his own Reputation and Influence at Court & in the City, the Country and the seaports for no man is more earnestly desirous of a friendly Commercial Intercourse between France and the United States\u2014\n     I think you will find that the United States may be supplied with many Articles of Cloathing, a Velvets, silks, Batteens Cloaths, Cottons & Linnens & others from that Country at least as well as from this\u2014\n     The United States will probably Lay heavy Duties upon tonnage on the Vessels of those Nations, with Whom we have not commercial Treaties: and such will be prohibited from importing into our Ports\u2014any Productions or manufactures not the growth or manufacture of the Country importing them\u2014 This will aid you very much\u2014 You will oblige me, by informing me from time to time, as far as may be proper of your Progress\u2014\n     If you can make it appear as I think you may that our Oil is cheaper than the Composition in use in the Paris Lamps, you will easily succeed\u2014 to this End an analisis of that Composition will be necessary, & a Price of the Parts must be Known in order to compute the Cost of the whole\u2014\n     I wish well to your enterprize & if can be of any use to you in the pursuit of it, you will oblige me by informing when and how\u2014\n     I have the honour to be very respectfully, Sir / Yours &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0035", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 24 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n      Dear Sir,\n      Grosvenor Square Decr. 24. 1785\n     I am honoured with your Letter of 23. octr. and I must confess to you, that the situation I am in is the most pleasant in many respects, that I have ever been in, on this side the ocean. But still there is something wanting, which is quite essential: I mean a more benevolent spirit in the Nation towards the United States\u2014 a more honest disposition too is wanting\u2014 I even wish that my Candour could extend as far as yours, and exculpate the Court and Nation by imputing all to \u201ca Delusion created by the most vindictive Characters in the world, meaning the Tory Refugees.\u201d But I cannot be so charitable. The Refugees would be as insignificant, as they are revengeful if the Nation was not as malicious and revengeful as they are and as dishonest too\u2014 You have known me very well for eleven years, and you never knew me in Love with England, or possess\u2019d of much Confidence in their wisdom or sincerity. You have often heared me say in Congress, that the national Character was altered, and had lost its best Characteristiks, Generosity & sincerity I assure you, Sir, I have found it since my residence here much worse and more universal than I ever before believed it to be, There is so general a Want of Principle, that I really consider the Nation as lost. I dont see a Possibility, that it should ever get over the Loss of America.\n     We must look out for Commerce and Alliance, Wherever we can find them, and suppose them necessary. We must consider the Commerce and Friendship, and even the continuance of Peace with England, as mere Contingencies, which may happen, but which are rather improbable.\n     You give me great Spirits when you say \u201cyou have no doubt but that Smart Duties of Tonnage will be laid by all the States on the Vessells of those Nations with whom We have not commercial Treaties, and that such will be prohibited from importing into our Ports, Productions, or Manufactures not the Growth or Manufacture of the Country importing them\u2014[\u201d] This alone, if the States go no further will do a great deal it will prevent British ships from carrying to America Russian Hemp & Duck, Sweedish Iron, Prussian ie\u2014Silesian Linnens, Irish Linnens, and all East India Goods nay spanish & Portugal Wines, I dont love to mention Cargoes from Affrica, for the rage of our Countrymen for Credit is such that they would take from England even Claret and Burgundy, if they could get it upon Tick\u2014 I hope the states will be careful to prohibit all Irish Productions in British Ships\u2014\n     I expect that the answer to our Project of a Treaty will be given in an Act of Parliament, The Ministry have lately consulted the Merchants, at least four houses and have a report from them\u2014 it is given out that it respects the Treaty with france, but it really relates to the American Commerce, Ministry have ordered a state of Shipping and Trade to be made out, & preparations are making for a great Noise in Parliament\u2014 But it will not end in any system satisfactory to us\u2014\n     The Hypocricy & servility of this Nation has never appeared in any Thing more gross, than in the present universal cringing to the French,\u2014 Their stupidity appears in it, indeed as much as their Meanness, But the whole Nation would clean the wooden Shoes of the French upon Condition they would permit them to wreak their Vengence on us\u2014\n     Capt. Miller I presume has informed you, that your friend Mr: Steptoe unhappily died at Batavia on his return home\n     With great esteem I am &c &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0037", "content": "Title: From John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 29 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\n      Dear Sir\n      Grosvenor Square Decr. 29. 1785\n     I have found in the Remembrancer of the Year 1775, page 309, that a Petition was presented to his Majesty on Wednesday the 11th. of September, from the City of Bristol by Mr Burke, one of the Representatives of that City, in which are the following Words.\n     \u201cWe owe a Testimony of Justice to your Colonies, which is, that in the midst of the present distractions, We have received many unequivocal Proofs, that our Fellow Subjects in that part of the World are very far from having lost their ancient Affection and regard to their mother Country, or departed from the Principles of commercial honour and private Justice. Notwithstanding the Cessation of the Powers of Government throughout that vast continent, We have\nReason to think, judging by the Imports into this City, and by our extensive correspondencies, that the Commodities of American Grouth, enumerated by Acts of Parliament, have been as regularly brought to Great Britain, as in the most quiet times. We assure your Majesty that the Trade of this Port, and the Subsistence of a great part of your Kingdom, have depended very much on the Honourable, and, in this Instance, amicable Behaviour of your American Subjects. We have in this Single City received, within one Year, from the first of September 1774 more than one million bushells of Wheat, to Say nothing of the great quantity of other valuable Commodities essential to our navigation and commerce.\u201d\n     Perhaps the foregoing is the Paragraph you are looking for.\u2014 I had an Idea that there was Something to the Same purpose, in a Petition of the Merchants of London but as I have not yet been able to find it, I might be mistaken.\u2014 If I Should, Stumble upon any thing like it, I will send it you.\n     After all, you must put an End to the Temptations to Emigration before you will Succeed in your Attempt to Silence Obloquy, against America, in the publick Prints.\u2014 The Mercure de France, the Gazettes de Deux Ponts, D\u2019Avignon, De Bruxells which circulate in Paris, and all the Gazettes of Germany teem with Lies to our Disadvantage no less than the English Prints. The Strongest Motive to them all, is the Danger of Emigration and as long as Men prefer eating to starving Cloaths to Nakedness, and warm lodgings to the cold Air, this danger will not cease, nor the Fictions invented against it.\n     Yours as usual\n      John Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/06-18-02-0038", "content": "Title: To John Adams from Stephen Higginson, 30 December 1785\nFrom: Higginson, Stephen\nTo: Adams, John\n      Boston December 30th. 1785.\u2014\n     Your obliging Letter by Callahan I received, and thank you for the information it contained. The picture you give me of the British-Cabinet, is no less humiliating and dangerous to them, than it is just\u2014 every circumstance that has come to our knowledge proves the description to be true; and so very corrupt have the leading men in that nation become, there is very little chance of their Affairs soon getting into a better State. But there are some instances of ill policy with respect to America, which can not rationally be imputed to the venality or selfishness of their Ministry, they seem rather to proceed from blindness and obstinacy\u2014 the interest of individuals does not appear to be involved in them, only so far, as they may be said to be interested in the national prosperity. Their disposition to cramp us in the Cod-Fishery, though it be clear, that as they depress ours they will increase the French Fishery, is an instance of that kind. They may wish to check our growth as a naval power, as it is possible, that with every precaution and by the wisest System of policy, they may not be able to prevent our employing that power to their hurt, at a future day\u2014 but they surely had much better take that chance, than by their own measures transfer that power from us to the French, since in this case they are sure of its being employed against them, till their subjection to France shall be effected.\u2014\n     The naval strength of the house of Bourbon was very much increased the last War\u2014 it is now about equal, as we suppose, to that of Britain; and from the impoverished and deranged state of the British Finances, there is every reason to imagine, that, if the French are equally attentive to their Marine for the coming as for the past ten years, they will exceed the British in the number and weight of their Ships. From their relative situation and Interests, it is clear, that the great Contest in future between those Nations will be for the dominion of the Sea; and a decided superiority on either\nside, will enable the one to give Law to the other. America, and particularly New-England, will be a very important Ally in such a Contest\u2014 Our situation will enable those to whom we may attach ourselves, to operate with great advantage against their Enemy; and we can not fail of becoming of some weight as a naval power, though both France and Britain should unite to depress us. In such a Contest, I see not, but we shall have it in our power a few years hence, by throwing our weight into either Scale, to decide the Question. The experience of the last War will show of how much importance we shall be in a future one between France and Britain\u2014 having the advantage of our ports, our Supplies and our Men, the French, while much inferior to the British; were continually gaining advantages at Sea, and with ease eluded their more powerful Enemy\u2014 of how much more importance must we be, when their naval force shall be nearly equal, and ours very much increased.\u2014\n     But to ease the apprehensions of the British at our growing importance, it may be truly suggested to them, that the same Line of policy which would tend to increase our growth, would at the same time, attach us closely to them, and secure our weight hereafter in their favour. were they to act liberally towards us, and cultivate an intimate friendly connexion, our language, habits, manners and feelings would unitedly and forcibly operate to produce a connexion still more intimate and important\u2014 they would probably lead to an Alliance offensive and defensive\u2014 at least, they would then have good ground to hope for it, though we perhaps ought rather to fear it. certain it is, that whatever may be our future political importance, every circumstance would then be in their favour, and nothing but their own bad policy could probably prevent their turning our weight to their own advantage. we shall surely be intimately connected with either France or Britain, and I believe we shall always be interested in their Disputes\u2014 a great variety of circumstances lead me to think this will be the case, though against our national interest, and from present appearances it is more likely to be with the former than the latter.\u2014\n     There is one instance, at least, in which we are as much governed by our feelings and misled by our resentment, as the British; and we are acting as opposite to our Interest, as they can do to theirs\u2014 I mean with respect to the Refugees. The situation of those people at Shelburne &c. we know to be as forlorn and miserable, as can well be imagined. destitute of all means of supplying themselves, and forsaken by the British, they are suffering both hunger and\ncold\u2014and were the Doors once opened to them for admission, those Settlements would soon be deserted. A Bill lately passed the lower house for admitting them according to the Treaty, but it stopped at the Senate, and is laid over to the next Session. The clamours of a few, who have plundered their Effects, and fear their admission lest a restoration should be the consequence, wrought upon the timid\u2014 and the Zeal of some, who are keen in their resentments and rigid in their notions, went far to prevent its passing the upper house. what will be its fate the next Session is very uncertain\u2014 I hope their feelings will subside, and their Judgements be less biassed, it may then have a chance of becoming a Law. The States do not yet seem prepared to take up this Question with Candour and upon right principles.\u2014\n     You appear to be pleased with our Navigation Act, and expect great advantages will result from it. I must confess, I have always had my doubts as to its effects, even upon the British; and I have no expectation that any of the Southern States will join us in a restraining System. Rhode-Island and New-Hampshire have passed Laws full as severe with respect to the British as ours, and Connecticut appears to be disposed to fall in with the same measures. Pensilvania is about passing a Law to prevent the British, and all others, from being the Carriers of Foreign Imports, other than their own, to her Markets\u2014 it is to apply alike to all Foreigners, and will not operate against the British more than others, only as they are more in the carrying Business than most Nations. As the great Object with the British in their darling navigation Act is to increase and secure their carrying Trade, they may not view with indifference the intention of Pensilvania, as such an Act will prevent them from carrying the produce of that State for others. Could all the States be brought to adopt a System of restraint upon the British, or Congress be impowered to form a System for the whole, I have no doubt you would soon find the British disposed to relax\u2014 a serious calculation of loss and gain from restraining Systems on both sides, would certainly lead them to do it\u2014 but this, however desireable, I can not but consider as very uncertain.\u2014\n     Experience and Observation most clearly evince, that, in their habits, manners and commercial Interests, the southern and northern States are not only very dissimular, but in many instances directly opposed\u2014 happy for America would it be, if there was a greater coincidence of Sentiment and Interest among them\u2014then might we\nexpect those national arrangements soon to take place, which appear so essential to our safety and happiness. The southern States are not and never can be the Carriers of their own produce, nor can they make any figure as naval powers. The northern States now are and ever will be, great Navigators, and their naval force will ever much exceed that of the Southern. hence a Jealousy in the latter, grounded on a fear of the growing importance of the former\u2014 hence also it is the interest of the southern States to have foreigners of every description resort to their ports, without any restraint, to purchase and carry off their produce. this Jealousy Doctor Franklin contributed largely to excite by his public and private Letters in 1783.\u2014 and this will lead the southern States to oppose the impowering Congress to regulate Trade; and if such power was given, their members in Congress would oppose any exercise of it, that would tend to prevent a free exportation of their produce.\u2014 These are among the insuperable difficulties, in my mind, which attend some of our national Concerns; and I very much fear they will eventually prevent those Arrangements, which are necessary to render our union permanent and happy. I have seen this opposition and Jealousy operate too frequently and forcibly, to expect, that we shall easily unite or harmonize on such Questions\u2014and, to me, they appear too well founded to suppose, that the southern States will soon lose the impression. how these difficulties are to be removed, if they do exist, or what will probably result from them to the union, are important and difficult Questions. perhaps nothing less than an apprehension of common danger will induce the States, to attend less to their seperate and more to the general Interest in such Cases; but, however plain it may appear to the real politician, it is not easy in the moment of peace, to impress upon the public mind, an apprehension of danger from such interested principles; or to show, that the individual Interests of the States can not be permanently secured, till those of the Union shall first be established on a firm and equitable Basis.\u2014\n     Our Cod-Fishery has very much increased this year, and the quantity of Fish caught has been great for the number of Vessels employed.\u2014 Fish has been in much demand all the season from the number of Foreigners who came after it, the price of course, has been high\u2014 another year we shall make a great figure in this Fishery.\u2014 Our Whale-Fishery has dwindled very much, one year more under the same circumstances would finish it. The Bounty, granted\nthe last Session by Government, will in some degree support this valuable branch of Business, and may serve to check the disposition of our Fishermen to enter into the service of the Nova-Scotians\u2014 so great were the sufferings of that class of men from the reduced price of their Oil, and so great the inducements held out to them from Nova-Scotia, that a large proportion of them at Nantucket and Cape-Cod had actually made arrangements for removing their Families\u2014 a few months delay more to afford them relief, and they would have been irrecoverably lost to Massachusetts\u2014 but, they are now saved, at least for the present.\u2014\n     The granting this Bounty was a well timed instance of sound policy\u2014 by it we not only retain a numerous and valuable set of men, but it is evidence that we know and attend to our Interest as a State\u2014 it shows that notwithstanding our losses and expences during the War, we have still such rescources, as enable us to support with dignity our Government, and to apply large Sums as Bounties to open new, or to extend old branches of Commerce.\u2014\n     The manufacture of Pot and Pearl Ashes was almost suspended during the War, and many of the works were converted to other uses or suffered to decay\u2014 it has again been revived, and the quantity manufactured the last year was very large, though not equal to what it was before the War. As our Ashes is preferred in England and Ireland to any that is made in Europe, and always obtains a better price, we may reasonably expect to see this Branch of Business, extended as far, as the European Markets will support it. There are some other Manufactures that may be pushed with advantage in this Country, which will either furnish us with means of paying for such Imports as we need, or will render part of our present importations no longer necessary.\u2014 of this kind is the manufacture of Nails, which, being pursued by our Farmers in the Winter Season, whose time for want of some such employment is, during that part of the year, lost both to themselves and the public, the whole value of the labour, or near it, will be saved to the Country. the manufacture of Mens, Womens and Childrens Shoes, Boots, Sadlers Wares, Wool-Cards, various kinds of coarse Woollens and Iron Wares, these and many others may also be reckoned as profitable employments for our Country people in the Winter. we already export very considerable quantities of some of these Articles to the southern States, and the West-Indies will soon, I expect, take off some of them, when we shall have brought them to higher perfection in the workmanship.\u2014 The British, by depriving us of a good part, of our former means of\nremittance, have obliged us to desist from importing several kinds of their manufactures; and have created a disposition to discontinue the use of those Articles, or to manufacture them ourselves\u2014 to their ill policy in this respect shall we be indebted, for the establishment of the nailing Business, and such other branches of manufacture, as our Farmers can pursue with advantage in the Winter Season. Lynn will furnish us with Shoes, Hingham and Bridgwater with Nails &c. &c.\u2014 To increase our manufactures has become the rage of the day\u2014 this disposition is undoubtedly a right one, it should be the business of Government to encourage it, and at the same time to direct it to proper Objects\u2014 otherwise an ill judged or blind Zeal may put us upon attempts to which we are incompetent, or by urging us to grasp at too many Objects at once, prevent our excelling or being able to pursue any of them with advantage. It is undoubtedly true that, from local or other circumstances, almost every Country has its proper and peculiar Objects of manufacture and Commerce; such as it can pursue with more advantage than other nations, and more to its own benefit than can be derived from any other pursuit. To fix the attention of the people to these Objects, to make the most of their disposition to engage in manufactures by giving it a proper direction, is the duty and should be the attention of Government. It would not be more absurd for a man to aim at manufacturing every thing, that he wanted to use in his own Family, instead of pusuing his own proper Business which he well understands; than for a Nation to think of raising or manufacturing within itself, every Article that is either necessary or convenient. The absurdity of this Idea will be greatly increased, when applied to a commercial people, as the attempting to practice upon it, would be in effect to attempt the destruction of all Commerce; for it is by the exchange only of superfluous Articles between Nations, that Commerce can be supported, or rather it is this exchange which constitutes Commerce.\n     The exportation of our Country produce, such as Beef, Pork, Butter and Cheese &c.\u2014has very much increased, and we have a fair prospect of vying with, if not in a good degree to supplant, the Irish in the West-Indies and other Markets. Some late Laws regulating the packing of Beef &c., when exported, will be of great use if duly executed. Some of these Articles, have been sent even to the Cape of good Hope, and were found there to answer very well.\u2014 Could we be brought to confine our importations to Articles of necessity, or even of convenience, we should have the balance of Trade with\nEurope in our favour another year\u2014 but so strong are the habits of excess and dissipation, which were contracted during the War, that time and our necessities only can root them out. Our Exports this year to Pensilvania, Virginia and Carolina have exceeded our Imports from thence; and have been nearly equal to what we have consumed, and what we have exported in a circuitous Trade of their produce\u2014 the consequence has been highly beneficial to us, by saving the Money which we used to send to those States, and extending the culture or manufacture of those Articles which they take from us.\u2014\n     Our Government has become very respectable, much more so than that of any of our Sister States; and the people now generally conceive, that it is their Interest to increase its Energy\u2014 this Sentiment seems to be a popular one\u2014 it should be encouraged both by precept and example, as great public benefits will certainly result from it. The character of Massachusetts stands high, and is rising; even in Money matters, we are much more liberal than our neighbours\u2014 as a proof of this, I now inclose you a report made the last Session, which is calculated not only to provide amply for the Interest on the States Debt, but to reduce the principal\u2014 this report, I have strong hopes will be adopted the next Session, it being the general Sentiment, that we can and ought gradually to reduce the Debt.\u2014 if spirited measures are taken to effect this, it will give Massachusetts additional weight in Europe and America; even the British, with all their prejudice, must learn to view us with some degree of respect.\u2014\n     You will naturally observe that I now give you a different View of Affairs, from that in my last Letter\u2014 I then confined myself to our mercantile situation, and as we stand related to Europe, and particularly to Britain. Those who have imported largely from the British are generally in distressed circumstances, they have incurred Debts they never will be able to discharge\u2014 many failures have already happened, and many more must happen. the distresses of those people must, and will, be communicated to others, who are connected with them in Business; and this connexion is so extensive, as to affect a great part of those who are engaged in Trade. But these things, however painful for the present; will eventually produce the most lasting and extensive benefits to the State\u2014by reviving habits of industry and \u0153conomy\u2014and by teaching us, that to be easy and independent in our circumstances, we must confine our expences within reasonable Bounds.\u2014 I have now written freely to you, too much so\nperhaps on some points, was it to any other person. when your more important Avocations will permit, you will much gratify me by such communications on these Subjects, as you may think proper to give.\u2014 With my respects to Mrs. Adams and her Daughter, and my best Wishes for your health and success in negociation, I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir / Your most hum1. Servant.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0393", "content": "Title: John Adams to Bolton and Maltby, Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Bolton and Maltby\n          To sundry charges and expences paid & incurred [. . .] an\n            attested copy of letters Patent of King James the 1st.\n            granted to the council of Plymouth, and authenticcated under the City Seal of London,\n            and a variety of attendances at the Plantation Office, council Office, Patint Office,\n            Rous Chapel, & other Places upon this Business", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0394", "content": "Title: Capt. Isaac Stephens to John Adams, Dec. 1785\nFrom: Stephens, Isaac\nTo: Adams, John\n          Supposing Som one gentleman to be charged with the affairs of the\n            united States of america in London I take the Liberty to write\n          The Barrer of this Letter Doctor warner his Brittanick Majestys\n            Doctor in algiers and a gentleman that is able To give you any intelligence That you may\n            want as To the affairs in algirs and allso as to our mortifying State of Slavery and has\n            bin the means of Saveing many of your Countrymen Lives and our only Doctor Since in\n            algiers. By order of Count D Espilly when he was in algirs and Had the Care of us for\n            the Spaniards had Rather have a Dog in their hospitle then a prodistant & I\n            Could wish for the honour of My Country that Doctor Warner might be justly Paid for he\n            has Don the Christian Benevolent part to all the americans in algirs Nither would thay\n            give Us medicine without pay and Som has bin at Deaths Door and obliged to Leave the\n            hospitle & Doctor warner has Taken them in hand and they are well and My Self\n            has bin Two months under his Care for the Billious Disorder But thank god im\n            Better\u2014if you Can give us any intelligence concerning our Redeemption I shuld\n            be Exceeding glad Doctor warner is the English Doctor at algirs and will Soon Return\n            again to algirs our pay has bin Stoped for five months on account that Mr Carmichael Could pay the money that the Spanish Consul had\n            advanced us I have wrote Mr Carmichael Several Times on the\n            Subject and No answer as yet which adds hunger to afflictions a Line from you will be\n            Kindly acknowledged from your humlr Servent\n              Isaac Stephens\n            Sir if you would be So good as to Extend your Charity a Little and Due me and your\n              Countrymen a great favour in Sending me the history of america if old no matter and\n              Som Late magazins By Doctor warner he will Bring them as we have No Books to amuse our\n              Selves in this Calamitious Situation as we Expect to Stay in Slavery all our Life time\n              as the [. . .] is So great an object to our Country\n            god Bless the foederal States of americaa", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0395", "content": "Title: John Adams to Nathaniel Barrett, 2 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barrett, Nathaniel\n              Grosvenor Square\n          Last Night I received your Letter of Nov. 29. inclosing another\n            written at sea give me Leave to Congratulate you, on your fortunate Escape from the\n            Dangers of Shipwreck. \n          I am indeed no stranger to the Marquis\u2019s exertions in the affair of\n            the Oil, and it may not be improper to mention to you, the Particulars of the Rise and\n            Progress of them. One day at dinner I beleive at his House or mine, He addressed himself\n            to me, and said, He had been treated with so much affection and respect at Boston and\n            its Neighbourhood that he wishd it was in his Power to do some service to that part of\n            America...I said it would be easy to put him in a Way to do a very valuable service. He\n            said I had but to mention any Thing in his Power and it should be done. I replied that\n            we wanted to know. 1. With what sort of Oil, the Reverberes of Paris and other Cities were illuminated. 2 what was the Price of\n            that Oil. 3 whether it was the Growth and Manufacture of France, or of Foreign\n            Countries. 4. whether it were paid for in Cash or French produce or Manufactures. 5: Who\n            had the Care of the Lamps, Oil and Illumination, whether the Court or the City. 6\u2014What\n            Duties were now payable on the Importation of Foreign Fish Oil. 7.\u2014whether those Duties\n            would be taken off. and lastly whether any plan Could be contrived to introduce into the\n              Reverbers of France, the White sperma C\u00e6ti Oil of New\n            England! He said he was very much obliged to me and I should hear further from him soon.\n            He was as good as his Word, and soon informed me that Monsieur Tourtille de sangrain,\n            had a Contract for Illuminating thirty Cities for 15 years. that he had seen him and\n            concerted a plan, that he had obtained of Monsieur de Colonne his promise to take off\n            the Duties for a Tryal, and without any more details he Obtained of Mr de sangrain the Proposals and samples sent to America by my\n            son In an affair of such Consequence, and in so critical a moment it is to be wished\n            that some voluntary association of private Gentlemen, or even the Legislature of the\n            state had agreed to the proposals at a Venture.\u2014 \u2014 \u2014perhaps however the method taken is\n            a better One\u2014\n          Mr Thomas Boilstone has the start of\n            you: He went from hence with a large Cargo of Oil which I am informed he has sold. He\n            had Letters from me to several Gentlemen. He has Intelligence and a Capital equal to the\n            Whole Contract. How far he has proceeded I know not\u2014if you and Mr Boilstone can cooperate, so much the better.\u2014 \u2014I should advise you to see him,\n            as soon as may be. you may hear of Him at the American Ambassadors\u2014\n          The best thing for him and you would be to get introduced to Mr. de sangrain and Communicate to him exact Information and\n            receive from him in return all the Lights you want. Mr\n            Boilstons Oil will afford you samples of the Nature and Qualities of Our Oil. I need not\n            mention to you that it resists Cold and yeilds light in greater degrees than other\n            Oil\u2014in all such things your knowledge as well as Mr\n            Boilstones are infinitely superior to mine\u2014\n          Inclosed with this are Letters of Introduction to several Gentlemen\n            I wish you every success in this Business\u2014both for your own sake as that of the", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0396", "content": "Title: John Adams to the Marquis of Carmarthen, 2 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Carmarthen, the Marquis of\n              Grosvenor Square\n          I have received with a great deal of Pleasure the Letter, which\n            your Lordship did me, the Honour to write me, on the thirtieth of last month.\n          I will take the earliest Opportunity, My Lord to communicate Mr Ansteys Appointment to the Members of Congress, and to\n            recommend him to their Protection and Countenance in the Execution of the Business, with\n            which he is charged.\n          And if your Lordship, or Mr Anstey\n            should apprehend that it might be of any Service to him in his public or private\n            Capacity, I will with Pleasure give him Letters of Recommendation to the Governors of\n            the Several States, or to any other Characters to whom he may wish to be introduced,\n            whenever Mr Anstey, will do me the Honour to call upon\n          With great Respect I have the Honour / to be, My Lord, your\n            Lordships most / obedient and most humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0399", "content": "Title: John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 2 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\n              My Dear Marquis\n              Grosvenor square\n          Mr Nathaniel Barret of Boston will have\n            the Honour to deliver you this Letter. His Character and Connections are very good, and\n            his long acquaintance with Commerce qualifies him particularly for the Business\n            entrusted to him, which is the proposition of Mr Tourtille\n            de sangrain, relative to our sperma C\u00e6ti Oil. as that is a Child of your own you will\n            natureally have affection enough for it to take it and Mr\n            Barret with it under your Protection, H will be happy to have the Honour of\n            Communicating to you all his views and you will give me leave to recommend him to your\n            friendly attention. the Commerce of the Nothern part of America will go with their Whale\n            Oil. I am my Dear Marquis with Great affection and Esteem yours &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0401", "content": "Title: John Adams to George Chapman, 3 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Chapman, George\n              Grosvenor Square\n          I received in due Season your Letter of the 20. July, with a Copy\n            of your Treatise on Education. As I was much engaged at that time, I was not able to\n            read it, but Mrs Adams, who read it carefully through,\n            admired it so much, that she took the first Opportunity to send it to a worthy Clergyman\n            in America, Mr shaw of Haverhill, who is much concerned in\n            the Education of Youth. There is no Subject so interesting to the United States of\n            America, who ought to consider themselves, not merely as forming a rising Generation of\n            Freemen but as filling up a new World capable of containing & nourishing Some\n            hundreds of Millions of Inhabitants. As such a Trust is peculiar to them, they ought to\n            be very carefull, that no bad Principles or degrading Habits or Institutions, be found\n            in that Country. I have found with much Pleasure in the various Parts of Europe, that\n            the Men of Letters in general who are possessed of the best Hearts and most virtuous\n            Principles, are anxious to assist Us in the great Work We have to do. And I hope Sir,\n            that your sentiments on Education may contribute their share, towards the formation of a\n            free and virtuous Race, on that side of the Atlantic. I have the Honour to be / sir your", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0402", "content": "Title: John Adams to John Jay, 3 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n              Grosvenor Square\n          Private\n          There is a Gentleman at Lisbon, who went and established himself\n            there, as I believe partly with a View to the Consulate. He is of a very respectable\n            Family and Connection, who have indeed Sacrificed themselves in the Cause of their\n            Country. He is a Nephew of the famous Otis and a Son of Major General Warren. The\n            Gentleman himself whose name is Winslow Warren, is ingenious and active, and I believe\n            would Serve his Country very well in that Capacity. if Congress Should appoint a Consul\n            to Portugal I pray you to remember and to remind some of the Members of Congress that he\n            is a Candidate. His Parents with whom I have lived, near five and twenty years in\n            intimate Friendship, as well as himself, whom I have known from his Childhood, have\n            written to me in Order to request me, to interest my self in his Favour. and although I\n            avoid Such solicitations as much as\n            possible, I cannot in this Case refrain, knowing as I do the uncommon Merit of his\n            Parents and many other of his Relations, and believing as I do his own Qualifications. I\n            know of no Competitor that he has, except it be a Foreigner, who I should think would\n            Stand no Chance with a Citizen whose Pretensions are so respectable.\n          Is it not proper for Congress, to establish certain Fees for the\n            Consulate, and a certain per Cent, for the Redemption of Captives, to be paid to the\n            Consuls abroad. This is a Subject which requires deliberation.\u2014 \u2014There is extant a\n            Collection of French ordinances, concerning the Rights Powers and Duties of Consuls. and there is Something in Mortimers\n            new Edition of the Lex Mercatoria, relative to English Consuls. The Powers given by the\n            two nations are very different. The French can decide, disputes the English can only\n            advise. Consequently Americans can only advise, untill Laws shall be made by Congress or\n            the States, giving other Powers. To have our Consuls liable to be called before Courts\n            and Juries, in all the States for their Conduct in office, would be discouraging and\n            ruinous, unless their Duties and Rights were previously and clearly ascertained by Law.\n            I just mention these Hints, in hopes that the Lawyers in America may be Set to thinking\n            upon this important subject, unless you have time to digest it yourself, in which Case\n            there will be no Occasion for any other Head.\n          With great Affection your Friend / & sert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0403", "content": "Title: John Adams to Winslow Warren, 3 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, Winslow\n              Grosvenor Square\n          I had the pleasure of Letters from your Parents with the inclosed\n            for you\u2014they were in good Health, as were our other friends in General. I have written\n            to the secretary of Foreign Affairs Mr Jay, recommending you\n            to be Consul at Lisbon, in case Congress should appoint one which they will do no doubt,\n            if a Treaty of Commerce should be made.\u2014there is I think a good prospect of this\u2014but it\n            may be longer in bringing to a Conclusion than you may wish\u2014\n          your young Friend my son is arrived, and in good Health pursueing\n            his studies at Haverhill.\n          with much Esteem I am yrs &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0404", "content": "Title: John Adams to W. Wetherill, 3 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Wetherill, W.\n              Grosvenor Square\n          I have received your Letter of the 23 of November, with the Fable\n            of the Bees, the Lion the Asses and other Beasts. I have read with Pleasure, this\n            Imitation of my old Friend Gay, in which there is much of his Wit and Satyr, the Purity\n            of his Moral and the honesty of his Politicks, as well as of the Elegance of his Poetry\n            and the Ingenuity of his Fable. I thank you, sir for the Present and have the Honour to", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0407", "content": "Title: John Adams to John Jay, 6 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jay, John\n              Grosvenor Square\n          If the Facts, which I have had the Honour to state to you in my\n            preceeding Letters, are credited, I think it will appear, that the Connections of these\n            Kingdoms with foreign Powers, every Idea of the Ballance of Europe; the Dominions of\n            Great Britain in Asia And America, and all the interests\n            Considerations of Posterity, are Sacrificed, to a momentary Tranquility and\n            Credit. From which Premises, it will be easy to conclude, what will be the Effect of the\n            Memorial, Copy of which is here inclosed and which I shall certainly present\n            tomorrow.\u2014It will not be answered in any manner. It is generally Said \u201cThings must take\n            their Course.\u2014We must take our Chance, and meet the Consequences of all the Combinations\n            of our Rivals. \u201cWe must risque it.\u201d &c. it is commonly Said, that Ministry will\n            bring in an Act of Parliament, at their next session, placing the United States upon the\n            Footing of the most favoured Nation, and then let them do what they please.\n          Thus I find myself at a full stop....I Shall not neglect any\n            opportunity, to say or do, whatever may have the least Tendency to do any good: But it\n            would be lessening the United States, if I were to teize Ministers with Applications\n            which would be answered only by neglect and Silence.\u2014I Shall transmit you every Thing I\n            can which may afford you any Information. But I think Congress cannot avoid instruccting\n            me, to demand an Answer, and to take my Leave and return to America if it is\n            not given me, in a reasonable Time in the Spring. It is now with the States to\n            determine, whether there is or is not a Union in America.\u2014If there is, they may, very\n            easily make themselves respected in Europe. if there is not, they will be little\n            regarded, and very soon at War with England, as I verily believe.\u2014I should Advise, all\n            the great Seaport Towns, to think a little of the Means of Defense, put the\n            Fortifications they have in as good order as they can, furnish themselves with Arms\n            & Ammunion and put the Militia through the Continent upon as good a Footing as\n          I have little Relyance on our Negotiations in Barbary. The Presents\n            We have to Offer, will I fear be despized. We Shall learn by them, however, what will be\n            necessary, and Congress, will determine, what We must do. Mr\n            Lamb and Mr Randal are gone. Mr\n            Barclay has been detained by Monsieur Beaumarchais Accounts but I hope will go\n          If all Intercourse between Europe and America could be cutt off,\n            forever, if every ship We have were burnt, and the Keel of another never to be laid, We\n              might still be the happiest People upon earth and in fifty years the most\n            powerfull. The Luxuries We import from Europe, instead of promoting our Prosperity, only\n            enfeable our Race of Men and Retard the Increase of Population....But the Character of\n            our People must be taken into Consideration. They are as Aquatic, as the\n                Turtles and Tortoises & Sea Fowl, and the Love of\n            Commerce with its Conveniences and Pleasures at it, are habits,\n              in them as unalterable as their Natures. it is in vain then to amuze\n            ourselves, with the Thoughts of annihilating Commerce unless as philosophical Speculations.\u2014We are to consider Men and\n            Things as Practical statesmen, and to consider who our Constituents are and what they\n            expect of us.\u2014Upon this Principle We shall find that We must have Connections with\n            Europe Asia & Affrica, and therefore the sooner We form those Connections into a\n            judicious system, the better it will be for Us and our Children. We may now take\n            Measures which may save Us many Miseries and a vast Expence of Blood. We shall find,\n            that Nothing can be done in Europe, but by keeping up the Dignity of the United States,\n            and that Dignity in Europe is a very different Thing from that which is and ought to be\n            Dignity in America\n          I have the Honour to be, with great / Respect, sir your most\n            obedient", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0408", "content": "Title: Thomas Barclay to John Adams, 7 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Barclay, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          I wrote you the 2d. Instant advising\n            you of My Bills\n          No. 9. of the 1. in Favor of M. Darcel 200\n          \u2014 10 of the 2d. Favor of Do\n          and I am Now to Inform you that I have farther Valued on you of this Date in Favor of M\n          No. 11\u2014One Hundred Pounds Stg.\n          No. 12\u2014Two Hundred Pounds\n          Making together Three Hundred Pounds Stg. which please to\n            honor and place to account of the United States\u2014I am with great respect / Sir / Your\n              Thos Barclay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0409", "content": "Title: Elizabeth Brown to John Adams, 8 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Brown, Elizabeth\nTo: Adams, John\n              Sleaford Lincolnshire\n          The trouble I have already giving your Excellency and the favour I\n            am about to request of you, on so slight an Acquaintance demands an Apology. but you Sir\n            I know will not require one. minds like yours are repaid Obligations by the pleasure\n            they receive in confering Benefits\u2014\n          In the first Letter I did myself the Honour to write to you. I\n            informd you the Letter inclosed for Col: Warren was of much import to me\u2014The purport of\n            it was this We had near a Year before sent Col: Warren a power of Attorney to receive\n            the interest of one Thousand pound Lawful money which Letter we had received no account\n            of\u2014and as we expect to leave this place in the spring we wish\u2019d to have the Business\n            settled before we go\u2014this was the reason of my troubleing you at that time, and the\n            inclosed Letter from Col: Warren will show you the cause of this\u2014\u2014But before I proceed\n            it will be necessary to inform you my Grandfather at the Decease of my much\u2019d Hond: Father Bequeath\u2019d me one Thousand pound Lawfull Money which\n            his Executors M: J\u2014and Mr: A\u2014 Otis were to pay me, and I\n            expected to receive the interest. untill it was convenient to them, to pay the\n            principal\u2014But Judge Sir! what was my surprise when instead of the said interest, I\n            Yesterday received the Letter I have inclos\u2019d for your perusal and Advise, and shall\n            ever look on myself Obligated to you if you can put me in a way of getting the Money\n            safe to England and to inform me if you think it Necessary for me to go over and receive\n            it, or whether it may not be negotiated by sending an order to some Gentleman of the\n            Law, which Gentleman I must beg you to recommend being totally ignorant of the present\n            Inhabitance of Boston\u2014\u2014\n          I should have been Happy to have paid my respects to you in person\n            and to have consulted with you, but at present I have no call to London\u2014when I have will\n            do myself that Honour\u2014in the mean time hope you will\n            favour me with your Advise\u2014\u2014Need I remind Mr: Adams that the\n            person who now addresses him and Implores his patronage to recover the small remains of\n            the Wreck of her Fathers fortune,? is the Daughter of a man who sacrificed his Time\n            Healthand Fortune at the\n            shrine of Liberty, and tho he was unfortunate\u2014the effort was Great, an while there\n            remains a spark of Virtue in the Breast of my Countrymen his memory must be\n            revered\u2014\u2014pardon me this digression [tis a] tribute I owe to one of the Noblest spirits\n            [that ever a]nimated a Human frame, but I have[ . . . ]\n          Mr: Brown joins me in Compts: to you [and] with myself will be much Obliged by your\n            Advise my Compts: attends Mrs:\n            Adams and I have the Honour / to be with very great respect / Yr Humle: Sert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0413", "content": "Title: John Adams to Unknown, 10 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: \n              Grosvenor Square\n          I have received from Paris an Ordinance Arret Du Conseil\n            D\u2019Etat Du Roi de France of the 18th. of September last, to\n            this Purpose vizt \u201cThe King having judged, fit, for assuring and facilitating the\n            Importation of Subsistances into his Colonies of America, to permit Foreigners to\n            introduce, there dry Fish, by means of certain Duties; and his Majesty, not intending\n            that this Liberty Should be prejudicial to the national Fisheries, which he will always\n            consider as worthy of his Special Protection, he has resolved to Grant to French\n            Merchants who apply themselves to this Fishery a Bounty of Encouragement capable of\n            exciting their Zeal, and which may put them in a condition to sustain, without any\n            Disadvantage every Kind of Rivalry of Foreigners.\n          Art 1. There shall be grant, to French Merchants, for five Years\n            from the 1st. of October a Bounty of Ten Livres a Quintal of\n            dry Fish which they shall transport, whether from the Ports of France, or whether from\n            the Places where they Shall have carried on their Fishery, into the Windward or Leward\n            Islands, upon Condition that the said dry Fish Shall be of the French Fishery, and\n            imported by French Ships.\n          I have recd also another Arret Du\n            Conseil D\u2019Etat Du Roi of the 25th. of september last.\n          \u201cExperience having caused to be felt the Necessity of procuring for\n            the Blacks of the Windward Islands, a Sure Subsistance in the Rivalry of the Fish of\n            foreign Fisheries, with those of the French Fisheries, it had been at first established\n            by a Tax of Eight Livres a Quintal afterwards by one of five Livres only, upon the\n            Introduction which might be there made of this Article by Foreigners to the End to\n            compensate, as much as possible, the Difference of Expence\n            Price of the one and the other Furniture: From that time\n            the King having acknowledged that it was convenient to authorize the Same Rivalry at st.\n            Domingo reducing nevertheless to a smaller scale the Tax which Should be imposed upon\n            foreign Importations into his Several Colonies of America, His Majesty by the Arr\u00eat of\n            his Council of the 30. August. 1784, has permitted to Foreigners to introduce there, dry\n            Fish, Solely by the Free Ports (Ports d\u2019entrepot) marked out, upon payment of a duty of\n            three Livres per Quintal, the amount of which should repaid out in Bounties of\n            Encouragement for the Introduction of Salt Fish, of the national Fisheries. These\n            Successive Dispositions had been calculated upon the Produce of these last, which did\n            not offer, but a moderate surplus beyond the Consumption of the Kingdom. But\n            the Sensible Augmentations which they have taken, Since the Return of Peace, the\n            Emulation which reigns in this respect, among the Merchants of Several Ports of the\n            Kingdom, the Hope of Arriving, in a little time to Results still more Satisfactory, if\n            they were excited by the Efforts of Government: all these Motifs have determined his\n            Majesty to facilitate, by new Advantages, the Sale of Fish of the French Fishery, in his\n            Windward and Leward Colonies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0416", "content": "Title: Rufus King to John Adams, 10 Dec. 1785\nFrom: King, Rufus\nTo: Adams, John\n          Mr. Hancock has accepted as President\n            of congress and will be here in a few days; Seven States have been represented for a few\n            days only since November commenced\u2014Six States only are now represented, I inclose a list\n            of their Names of the Delegates\u2014\n          A Bill passed the house of representatives of Massachusetts during\n            their autumn Session, repealing all the Laws preventing the Return or Residence of\n            Tories or Refugees to that State, and admitting them on the Footing of Aliens\u2014But\n            meeting with opposition in the Senate, it was postponed untill the next session\u2014it\n            passed the House upon a Division of 141 for, and 18 against the Bill, the question being\n            taken by Year 2 Ways.\n          Although this measure failed, yet the Legislature passed a law\n            relative to the Whale Fishery, which is greatly to be commended, and taken as a part of\n            a System, is certainly wise and politick\u2014\n          The navigation act was altered so as to conform it to the\n            commercial Treaties entered into by the United States, continuing the impositions upon\n            all British commerce\u2014\n          I inclose a Gazette, which contains the Massachusetts Law\n            encouraging the Whale Fishery\u2014\n          In great haste, but perfect / Respect / Your most obt. servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0417", "content": "Title: Henry Mitford to John Adams, 10 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Mitford, Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n              Honorable Sir,\n              Fleet-prison\n          Conscious of the liberty of introducing myself in this manner, I\n            have nothing but the goodness of your heart to appeal to for pardon\u2014for it and the still\n            greater freedom in presenting you the triffling efforts which accompany this\u2014They are an\n            invention totally of my own, urged by necesity to preserve an Existance in this House\n            where I have been confined (chiefly from errors of a Father) now Three years &\n            half\u2014enduring visisitudes painful to recollect & with which I will not wound\n            your feelings\u2014\n          Permit me to inform you Sir, I am the Son of a Gentleman, Robt. Mitford who possesed an Estate at Mitford Castle\u2014\n            Northumberland of \u00a35000 Pr Ann. which he enthral\u2019d so much\n            by a blind attachment to Sir Robt Walpole during his\n            administration\u2014chiefly in Elections\u2014as to leave it at his death much worse than naught\u2014\n            \u2014I was bred in the Sea Service\u2014but from sentiment and attachment to America, refused\n            preferment in so unatural a cause\u2014This conduct highly disobliged my friends who had\n            little Idea of poverty & honor existing together, that altho many of those are\n            in the most ample prosperity & high in Office I am left here to perish\u2014if it\n            were not for some triffling talents such as I now present.\u2014\n          I shall not at this moment give your Exellency further trouble than\n            to beg you to be assured the motto I have placed on the racks came from a heart panting\n            for the welfare of America\u2014 \u2014and beg leave to subscribe myself your Excellencies\u2014Most\n            Devoted / & Obedient Humble servant\n              Henry Mitford\n            From the nature of my situation, May I flatter myself you will\n              condescend to enclose your Answer seal\u2019d\u2014up\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0420", "content": "Title: John Adams to James Warren, 12 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Warren, James\n              Grosvenor Square\n          Your Favour of October 6. I recd but\n            Yesterday. I had before written very fully to Mr Jay, a recommendation of your son to be\n            Consull at Lisbon, and desired him to communicate it to the Members of Congress. I will\n            write also to Mr Jefferson, and wish very heartily that he may be appointed. He is a\n            modest and ingenious Man, and independently of the Merits of his Family, which are equal\n            to any I know, his Pretensions personal are better than any one in Competition that I\n            have heard of. There is a Probability of a Treaty with Portugal, but these Negotiations\n            are so slow and capricious that I can never depend upon any Thing till it is signed and\n            sealed. I will forward the Letter inclosed as I have before, to Winslow, in the\n            Dispatches of the Chevalier De Pinto the Portuguese Minister, with whom I have the\n            Pleasure of an agreable Acquaintance. He is a Man of Merit and offers me every civility\n            in his Power. The Danger of the Letters being opened will be less in this Way than by\n            the Post or any other Conveyance in my Power.\n          I admire the Spirit of the Massachusetts Navigation Act but cannot\n            pretend to judge of the Ability of the state to Support it.\u2014 \u2014 \u2014It is thought by many\n            that it would be better to confine it to British ships and Goods, or to those Nations\n            who have no Treaty of Commerce with Us.\u2014The French ordinance giving a Bounty of ten\n            Livres a Quintal upon Fish of the French Fishery imported into their own Islands, or\n            sold in the Marketts of Spain, Portugal or Italy, and laying a Duty of five Livres upon\n            foreign Fish in their Islands is suspected to be in Retaliation, for our Navigation Act.\n            I dont know whether it is good Policy to begin a commercial Conflict with commercial\n            nations with whom We have Treaties, if it is possible to distinguish between their Goods\n            & British as no doubt it is between their ships. Mr\n            Boylston, took Passage in his own ship for France and has there sold here Cargo. Mr Barrett is arrived there, and I hope they will be able to\n            open the Trade in that Article.\u2014 \u2014 \u2014What the British Ministry will do, I know not and\n            cannot expect to know till the session of Parliament. If they can Support their own\n            Sperma Cati Fishery and We cannot find a Markett in France, they will continue the high\n          The Agents are gone, to Madrid, in their Way to Algiers,. I have a\n            Letter from one of them at Bayonne.\n          With great Regard your Friend & / sert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0421", "content": "Title: Joel Barlow to John Adams, 12 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Barlow, Joel\nTo: Adams, John\n          My friend Mr Trumbull has done me the\n            honour to mention my name to you in a letter which is herewith enclosed. The Poem which\n            he mentions is likewise forwarded thro\u2019 the hands of Col\u2013 Humphrey to Doct Price with an\n            assgnment of the Copy Right. I have requested the Doctor to use his discretion in\n            procuring an impression & disposing of the copy-Right. Out of the first\n            impression I wish to have about one thousand copies to supply the subscribers\n            in this country, & that whatever subscribers Col Humphrey my obtain in Paris may\n            likwise be supplied from that impression. Your known attachment to the liberal arts\n            & your knowledge of the difficulties we labour under in this respect in our\n            early stage of society in America, give me the confidence to address you on the subject.\n            Should you deem it worthy of your attention I beg you would suggest to Doct Price some\n            method in which it may be brought forward to advantage. I am, like most other poor\n            Poets, in circumstances which require my attention to the profits of a performance,\n            which has cost me considerable labour, & in which I have attempted the\n            advancement of literature & human happiness.\n          As the Poem is dedicated by permission to the king of France\n            & his name will probably give it some advantage, I am at a loss whether there\n            would be an impropriety in causing a copy to be presented to the Emperor of Germany\n            & another to the Empress of Russia, as their characters occupy a place in the\n            list of worthies it professes to celebrate. I suggest this not because I imagin it would\n            be a present worthy of their acceptance, as a Poem, but as a curiosity from the\n            NewWorld, & with the idea that it may operate in some degree as an emolument to\n            the author. Whether it could be done with propriety thro their Ambassadors or otherwise\n            you can better determine.\n          With the highest respect I have the / honour to be sir / your\n            obedient & / very humble Servant\n              Joel Barlow", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0422", "content": "Title: Richard Henry Lee to John Adams, 12 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Adams, John\n              Decemb: y[thorn sign]e.\n          My Presedential year being ended I had left New York for this place\n            (from which and from my family I had been thirteen months absent) before the Letters\n            which you did me the honor to write me on the twenty six of August, the six and seventh\n            of September came to hand; which has preventd me from shewing the Civilities to Mr Storer and Mr Wingrove that I\n            should otherwise have taken pleasure in doing. The State of my health is so precarious\n            (being at present prevented by the Gout in my right hand from writing my Self) that it\n            is uncertain when I shall be permitted of return to Congress. But let me be where I will\n            I shall always be happy to Correspond with you. My Brother Arthur Lee who now resides at\n            New York a Commissioner of the treasurie of the U.S. will receive and forward to me such\n            Letters as you are pleas\u2019d to write. It gives me pleasure to know that Colo: Smith is so agreeable a secretary to you, indeed I had\n            expect\u2019d so from his Politeness, his good sense, and his Spirit. It is certainly a\n            misfortune both to the United States and to great Britain that a Singular kind of after Wisdom in the Latter should so perpetually keep the\n            two Countrys at variance with each other. To profit from experience so becometh Nations\n            as well as individuals, that it denoteth much Ill to both when advice is not taken from\n            that best source of knowledge. It is this kind of Wisdom\n            that haveing already irrecoverably Lost to great Britain a great and valuable part of\n            her dominions is now proceeding to deprive her of a great and valuable part of her\n            commerce also. For I plainly perceive that the State errors and the Commercial mistakes\n            of that Country are going to force these united States, Contrary to their inclination,\n            into systems that will probably prevent our trade from ever again flowing, as it\n            probably would have done, into British Channels. It is true that we may be injur\u2019d in\n            the Commencement of these experiments, but it is certain that those who\n            Compel them will be more hurt. A Similar experiment has been lately made and the issue\n            recent, yet such is the curse attending Britain and British States-men that they will\n            neither remember the one or profit from the other. I join with you in hopeing soon to\n            see American Factories establish\u2019d in the East and certainly it will be highly agreeable\n            to me to find Mr Steptoe promoting there his\n            Countrys and his own good.\n          I have the honor to be with every sentimet of affectionate Esteem\n            and regard your friend / and Servt:\n              Richard Henry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0425", "content": "Title: John Adams to the Marquis de Lafayette, 13 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\n              Grosvenor square\n          I have received your favour of the 30th. Ulto. and thank you for the extract enclosed\u2014The\n            Commerce of new England will follow their oil, wherever it may go and therefore I think\n            it good Policy, in the Controller General to take of the duty\u2014But there is another\n            object of Importance I mean the sperma C\u00e6ti Chandles\u2014Will you be so good as to inform me\n            whether these are prohibited in france? or what duties they are subject to on\n            Importation? whither these duties can be taken off,? Whether they are at all used or\n            known in france? Whether they cannot be brought into fashion in private families, or\n            even in Churches? they are certainly cheaper & more beautiful than Wax,\n            & emit a purer, brighter flame\u2014Potash, too: I want to know, what quaintity of\n            Potash & Pearl Ash, is annually consumed in France? from what Country imported?\n            in what it is paid for? whether in Cash, Bills or Goods? & at what Prices\n            ordinarily? This is another article, by which france may draw to herself a great share\n            of the Trade of New England\u2014Our Merchants will be obliged to alienate their Commerce\n            from this Country, and transfer it in a great measure to France.\u2014They are awkward and\n            unskilful, at present, how to effect it, and every aid you can afford them will be\n            gratefully acknowledged\u2014\n          I hope that Mr. Boylston and Mr. Barrett, will be able to compleat a Contract, with Monsieur\n            Tourtille De sangrain for the Illumination of your Cities\u2014Boylston\u2019s Capital will enable\n            him to do what he pleases, but you may depend upon it, he will do nothing but what is\n            profitable\u2014no Man understands more intuitively, every thing relating to these subjects,\n            and no man is more attached to his Interest\u2014You sent your Letter by the post I suppose,\n            in hopes it would be opened in the Post office and sent to Court to assist me a Little\n            in my negotiation\u2014I have the Pleasure to inform you, that your intentions were probably\n            fulfilled, for although they conceal their art with more care then in the\n            post offices here, than they think it necessary to make use of in Paris, yet I assure\n            you there is not less Curiosity: And your Letter upon an attentive inspection may be\n            plainly perceived to have been opened\u2014I am glad of it, because altho\u2019 it will not assist\n            me much, nor make any great impression I shall at least have the Pleasure to think we\n            teaze them a little\u2014My best respects to Madam La fayette & Love to Anastasie\n            & George\u2014Yours ", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0426", "content": "Title: John Adams to C. & R. Puller, 13 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Puller, C. & R.\n              Grosvenor square\n          on the 29 Novr. I accepted a Bill of\n              Mr. Barclay No. 6. (by mistake\n            as I suppose it ought to be No. 8) for 200\u00a3 st.\u2014dated Paris\n            24 Novr. at usance 1st. of\n            y[thorn sign]e sett in favour of Mr. Grand.\n          on this 13 Decr. I have accepted two\n            Bills of 200\u00a3 st each drawn by Mr. Barlcay\u2014dated\n            Paris 1st. Decr. 1785\u2014at usance,\n              1st. of the sett in favour of Mr. Nicholas Darcell or order to be paid at your House on account of Willink\n            & Van staphorst on act. of the United States of\n          on the 1st. of Decr. I accepted a Bill of Dr. Tufts\n            in favour of Samuel Elliot or order indorsed to Messrs.\n            Harrisan Ansley & Co. for \u00a3100 st. at 30 day\u2019s sight\u2014this is to be Charged to the United\n            states as part of my salary\u2014\n            P.S. Decr. 13th. 1785\u2014After the within was written, other Bills were presented to me and\n              accepted vizt. No. 11. from\n                Mr. Barclay in favour of Mr.\n              Grands order for 100\u00a3 st. at usance 1st. of y[thorn sign]e sett.\n              12 for 200\u00a3 st. in all other respects like No. 11.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0427", "content": "Title: John Adams to Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, 13 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Van Staphorst, Jacob,Van Staphorst, Nicholas,Willink, Wilhem,Willink, Jan\n              Grosvenor square\n          I have now to acquaint you that on the 29 Novr. I accepted a Bill of Mr. Thos. Barclay. No. 6. (by mistake I\n            suppose it ought to be Number 8) for 200 \u00a3 st dated Paris 24 Novr. 1785 at usance first of the sett in favour of Mr.\n          This 13th. Day of Decr. I have accepted Two Bills of 200 \u00a3 st each drawn by Mr. Barclay dated Paris 1 Decr.\n            1785. at usance 1st. of the sett in favour of the order of\n              Mr. Nicholas Darcell\u2014these three bills ammount to\n              600\u00a3 st. to be paid at the House of C.\n            & R. Puller\u2014these three are towards an important Purpose\u2014\n          on the 1st. of December 1785 I accepted\n            a Bill of Dr. Tufts in favour of Samuel Elliot on order,\n            indorsed to Messrs. Harrison, Ansley & Co. for 100 \u00a3 st at 30 Day\u2019s sight\u2014this is to be\n            charged to the United states as part of my salary\u2014\n          According to your Desire in your Letter of Novr. 8th. I have desired Collonel\n            Smith since his arrival, which is only within a few Day\u2019s, to write you, in what manner\n            he has disposed of 400\u00a3 furnished him on account of the United States and he has wrote\n            you accordingly\u2014\n          I could not certainly have given you Notice of a Credit which I\n            never gave, I think you must have made some mistake in your figures, I drew once for 6\n            or 7000 thousand Guilders for Mr. Jefferson & gave a\n            Credit to Colo Humphry\u2019s for 1000 \u00a3 stg to pay\n            for honorary swords & medals for our Generals &c But I have never given\n            any other Credit\u2014Mr. Jefferson may have received orders from\n            Congress or the Navy Board to Draw, but you should have been informed of it\n          I mean to be very exact in advising you of all my tranactions in\n            Money matters\u2014I dont indeed always advise you of the Draughts I make for my own\n            subsistance on account of my salary & little disbursements for the United\n            states\u2014but as this is a pretty regular thing, as you must have observed, it is the less\n            necessary\u2014\n          I have the honor to be &c &c &c\n            Decr. 13th. 1785 Since the foregoing was written other Bills have been presented\n              & accepted\u2014vizt\u2014No.\n              11. from Mr. Barclay in favour of Mr. Grands order for \u00a3100 st: at usance, first of\n              the sett dated at Paris Decr. 7th. 1785\u2014No. 12. for 200\u00a3 st. in all other respects like No. 11.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0428", "content": "Title: John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 13 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\n              Grosvenor Square\n          It was but last Week that I received your Letter of the 14th. of July.\u2014With regard to the Money borrowed by me, and\n            applid to the discharge of Mr Morris\u2019s Draughts, My Bankers\n            in Amsterdam have as they inform me, transmitted their Accounts both to the Board of\n            Treasury and Mr Barclay.\u2014By them it will appear that Several\n            Millions of Livres I mean were remitted to Le Couteule at Paris, and by him\n            to Mr Morris in Dollars by the Way of the Havannah. Several\n            Millions more have been paid to Mr Grand upon Mr Morris\u2019s Draughts, and several Millions more were paid at\n            Amsterdam upon his Draughts in favour of Individuals Bills which he Sold at an handsome\n          The Spirit of the Mass. & N. Hamp. Navigation Acts are\n            admired and applauded, and if they had been or would be followed by the other States\n            would be practicable. But I pretend not to be able to judge at this distance. That every\n            Thing may be taken into Consideration I enclose you an Ordonnance of France, which is\n            suspected to be a Retaliation for those Acts\n          The Arret of 18. Septr. gives a Bounty\n            of ten Livres a Quintal upon all French Fish imported into their Islands or into the\n            Marketts of Spain, Portugal or Italy The Arret of the 25 of Septr, increases the Duty upon foreign Fish imported into their Islands, to five\n            Livres a Quintal. These two make a Difference of fifteen Livres a Quintal in favour of\n            French Fish and against American and English. This is a Serious Blow to the British\n            Fishery, and if it were possible to make the Ministry under stand it, they would see the\n            necessity of opening the Trade of Newfoundland, that their Fishery might be Supplied\n            from Us.\u2014if it is not done, their Fishery will Suffer. As our Fishery appears to me,\n            very deeply interrested in these Ordonnances, I think you are the fittest Person in the\n            World to send them to. But I think you would do well to have them inserted in the News\n          It is questioned by many of our judicious Friends whether the\n            Navigation Acts should not have been confined to Brittish Bottoms or at least to Bottoms\n            not in Treaty with Us. \n          It is now generally agreed that the People in America have been\n            extravagant, and that this fault has introduced a greater, an exorbitant\n            unlawfull Usury, a sort of shylockism as detestible as it is destructive.\u2014 \u2014This\n            accursed spirit must divert all the Money from Commerce, untill the sharks have eaten up\n            all the feebler Fish. No Accounts I ever heard from America, mortified me so much as\n            this, as it discovers a Depravity of Heart that I could scarcely have believed, of so\n            many, to their disgrace.\n          M. De Calonne, the French Controller of Finances, has reduced the\n            Duties upon American Oil, in French or American Bottoms to 7 Livres\n              10s, a Barrique weighing 520 Weight, that is to about 30 Livres a Ton.\u2014One\n            Louis D\u2019or & a quarter is so much less than 18\u00a3 3s. sterling the Duty\n            in England that one would think it might do.\u2014I am persuaded you may sell all the Oil you\n            can make in France at a good rate. Mr Boylstone has sold his\n            Cargo there very well.\u2014The Marquis De la Fayette is very kind in assisting every Body\n            that goes upon that Business. it is a shame that our Whale Fishery should decline\n            & Nantuckett be depopulated, when it is certain, there is a very good Markett in\n            France. Mr Barrett is arrived, and I hope will be able to\n            negotiate the Business.\u2014 \u2014 \u2014But it should be a Capitalist: a Man who has Cash, and can\n            give Credit. Our Cash Men, are not all shylocks I hope, letting Money at 5 per Cent per\n            Month.\u2014if they are curse them for me as well as yourself.\u2014A Man must have an heart\n            harder than the paving stones, who can see so valuable a Trade as the sperma C\u00e6ti\n            Business lost to his Country merely because he will not employ that Money in Trade,\n            which he letts out at such exorbitant Interest.\n          I pity the Merchants from my soul, they have suffered many Ways,\n            and particularly by the Paper Money which is very unjustly suffered to perish in their\n            Hands. Pray desire your Friend King to write to me.\n          your sincere Friend & most\n           humble servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0430", "content": "Title: John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 15 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\n              Grosvenor Square\n          In your favour of Octr. 29, you inform\n            me that The Marquis has observed in Germany, that the Lies which are Spread to our\n            disadvantage, must be injurious to our national honour, if We neglect to contradict\n            them.\u2014 \u2014When I came first to Europe, now approaching to Eight years ago, my Indignation\n            was roused, at the Shame less Falshoods which were continually propagated, and I took a\n            great deal of Pains to have them contradicted but I have long since found it an Augean\n          The Truth is, that this Impudence is encouraged in France, in\n              France almost as much, and in Germany Still more, than in England.\u2014 \u2014The real\n            Motive is to discourage Emigrations. one half of Germany and more than half of England,\n            Scotland & Ireland and no inconsiderable Part of France would be Soon\n            on Tiptoe, to fly to America for relief from that intollerable Load which they now carry\n            on their shoulders, if they knew the true State of Facts in America. The English\n            Ministers, and the whole Hierarchy of their Dependents are aware of this, and there is\n            an incredible Number of Persons constantly employed in preparing Paragraphs to represent\n            The United States to be in a state of Anarchy and Misery, exposed to ruin by the\n            Algerines and Indians &c.\u2014 \u2014if you read the Gazettes of Brussells Avignon, Deux\n            Ponts and several others, under the Influence of French Correspondents, nay if you read\n            the Mercure de France itself, you will see, that all these Paragraphs are borrowed from\n            the English Papers, and others quite as modest fabricated, for the same Purposes. The\n            German Gazettes, are encouraged by their Licencers to insert every Thing of this kind,\n            from the same Motives. you may contradict them to Eternity to no Purpose. Every\n            Paragraph you insert will only occasion ten more lies to be made: and your Truths will\n            be disbelieved & all the Lies credited: because you may depend upon it the\n            Influence of Government, and of all their Runners and Sitters are against you, and these\n            it is too manifest all over Europe, have the Faith of the Multitude at their\n            Disposal.\u2014In England there is not a Gazette nor a Writer, who inclines to publish freely\n            in favour of America. \u2014 \u2014if any one Attempts any Thing he is instantly attacked as an\n            Encourager of Emigrations, as you may have lately seen in the Case of Dr Price.\u2014 \u2014\n          If I were to meddle in the Newspapers directly or indirectly in\n            this Country, at present it must be with Caution and Delicacy.\u2014 \u2014And I dont think it\n            would be discreet to lay out Money in this Way.\u2014 \u2014If I had Money to Spare from Purposes\n            more essential, much might be done, by forming Acquaintances and communicating by their\n            Assistance, true Information. But even in the Influence of the Table and of generous\n            Hospitality, the Policy of our Country has restrained Us, within very narrow Bounds.\n          I dont believe you will do any good by entering into the\n            Fracasseries of the Men of Letters in France. De Mably was as honest as a Man and as\n            independent a Spirit, as you will find among them.\u2014In the Letter I wrote the Abby De\n            Mably, which convinced him, as he told me in his Answer that he would be in\n            his Grave long before he could collect the Materials for an History of the Revolution\n            you know I told him, I was glad that he intended to write for that I knew his Principles\n            so well that I had no doubt he would produce a Work, which would be worth attending to.\n            I have no Remembrance that I ever desired him to write at any other Time, or in any\n            other manner, untill I was informed that he was writing Letters to me. His first design\n            of writing was announced to the World by himself in his Book \u201cSur le maniere d \u2019ecrire\n            L\u2019Histoire, which was written and printed while I was at the Hague, and before I went to\n            Paris to the Conferences about the Peace, as you may see by looking into that Pamphlet\n            near the End. When I read his Design, it was with Pleasure, because I expected something\n            worth reading from what I had seen of his other Writings, tho I had at this time nothing\n            like an intimate acquaintance with him.\u2014 \u2014I am now glad he has written because, although\n            there are many Things in which I am not of his opinion, there are many others that\n            deserve the Serious Consideration of our Countrymen.\u2014And I am under no Fears at all that\n            Americans will be mislead by his Errors, the most material of which relate to The\n            Freedom of Conscience and the Press, Points in which all America is so well grounded,\n            that the greatest Writer in the World, or who has been in it, would not be able to shake\n            them, much less a Philosopher born & educated living and dying, in the Midst of\n            Principles of Intollerance in Religion and Government.\n          If you refute Ranall & De Mably as you easily may in the\n            Points in which they are wrong, you would do well to begin by confounding the insolent\n            Nonsence, of De Peau and Buffon, who began earlier to abuse Us, and laid the Foundation\n            for a great Part of the Impertinence which has followed.\n          I have taken as much Pains as my Business would admit to find the\n            Paper you enquire for, but without success.\u2014I enquired after the Petition, Memorial or\n            Remonstrance of the Merchants in a Company of Men of Letters, but none of them could\n            tell me where to find it.\u2014I have looked over a Collection of Petitions and Remonstrances\n            of the City, but it is not there. The other Points you enquire about, I can give you no\n          Again as to my Desire to the Abby, to write. . . I might Say to him\n            or his Friends, that I thought, instead of attempting an History, he was wholly\n            unprovided of Materials for composing, I wished he would read over our Constitutions and\n            give the World his Thoughts upon them. This is very natural and probable, but I have no\n            distinct Remembrance of it, nor when nor where it was.\u2014His design to write was conceived\n            and determined, without any Request, Desire or Knowledge of mine, as you will see in his\n            Work upon Writing History. knowing his fixed Intention to write, I thought it better\n            that he should write upon a subject which I supposed he might understand, rather than\n            undertake a Work which I was certain he knew little about, and for which from his great\n            Age, it was impossible he should ever be qualified for.\n          When I was told by his Friends that he was writing, and intended to\n              add make me the Compliment to address his Work to me, it was very natural\n            for me to say that I should be \u201cbien flatt\u00e9,\u201d as I was; but I have no remembrance about\n            it.\u2014 \u2014I can neither contradict it nor confirm it, and it can be of no Consequence to any\n          The Beginning of my Connection in the Business was this.\u2014Soon after\n            my Arrival in Paris in October 1782, upon the Negotiation for the Peace, the Abby De\n            Mablys Book upon writing History was put into my hands. I read in the Close of it, his\n            Declaration of his Design to write the Hystory of the American Revolution. at Dinner\n            Sometime afterwards at Mr De Chaluts, the Farmer General, in\n            Company with the Abby de Mably, his Friends & mine the Abbys De Chalut and\n            Arnoux, mentioned to me the Abbys Design and asked me if I would furnish him with any\n            Memorials. I then turned to De Mably himself and asked him, of what Part of the\n            Revolution he intended to write the History? He answered of the whole? I asked him, if\n            he had considered the Extent of the Subject? He Said perhaps it might be more extensive\n            than he was aware of, but he thought he could write it, from the Memorials, which were\n            publick together with such Enquiries as he might make among Gentlemen who had been\n            concerned in it. I asked him if he had reflected, that the Question was of thirteen\n            established Governments Subverted, and as many new ones erected, of a confederation of\n            them, of a War of Eight Years conducted by them, by an Army formed anew, that it\n            comprehended at least Twenty Odd Years of Time, and involved at last, almost\n            all Europe And much of Asia & Africa? Upon this the three Abbys desired me to\n            put down in Writing in English what I had then Said, for I spoke with\n            difficulty as you know in French, and give it to the Abby who would get it translated\n            into French.\u2014I agreed: and Accordingly wrote the Letter which you have seen.\u2014The Abby\n            answered me, that I had convinced him he should be dead before he could collect a\n            quarter Part of the Materials necessary to write Such an History.\u2014in that Letter I told\n            him that I was glad he intended to write his Thoughts. He afterwards changed his Mind\n            about writing the History and determined to write Observations. This might or might not\n            be by my Advice. I dont remember that it was or was not. He determined to address his\n            Observations to me. This was not most certainly, by my Advice nor Desire, nor\n            Expectation untill I was told he was writing to me. As this was merely a Compliment, it\n            is very probably I returned the Compliment, by saying as I could very sincerely say, I\n            was much obliged to him. I am sure by this time you must think as I do, that I have\n            written much more upon this subject than it is Worth and thank me for subscribing myself\n            your / humble servant\n            I have made your Compliments to Madam, as you desire and she also\n              is \u201cbien flate\u00e9.\u201d\u2014 \u2014I assure you, I would not live another Ten Years without her, for\n              the first Dukedom, no nor the first Kingdom in Europe nor for any Thing less than the\n              Independence of America.\u2014I read this to Madam, and she Says \u201cbien flate\u00e9,\u201d again.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0431", "content": "Title: Christian Lotter to John Adams, 16 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Lotter, Christian\nTo: Adams, John\n              May it please Your Excellency!\n              PapeStraat Hage\n          It is with the greatest reluctance, most honorble. Sir! that Your continuing Silence, forces me to incumber\n            You again, to weary Your patience, with Sollicitations of which Your Excellency knows\n            too well, that they ought to be granted, because it is Salary, made by Your own\n            agreement, and for which I have Served.\n          Your Excellency will be graciously pleased, to consider that it is\n            too hard to be a double looser, and Silently punished for a crime another has committed,\n            besides the many insulting letters from Amsterdam, filled up with nothing but vengeance,\n            and orders to have me and my family turned out of the hotel, or to take Such measures\n            which would be very unpleasing to me, but this is a mistake, because it might have been\n            turned to enlargers of bills, besides to make it a littler more vexatious,\n            have Sent to me, a Notarius publicus, with letters of immediate departure, and other\n            emblems of disdainful wrath, whose unnecessary expeditions with those of one to\n            translate the Inventory of Your Effects might rather have been Saved.\n          To the great Satisfaction of my well wishers I have left the hotel\n            the 28 of October, under the Inspection of Notarius Kleyn who was for that purpose\n            employed and a wittness to whom I have delivered those things which belong to the hotel,\n            and Such which are not mentioned in the list, resting in Your Excelys. hands.\n          Your Excellency will be graciously pleased, Since my employment in\n            Your Service has now its end, to order, that my quarter of a years Salary, with the\n            expences I have been at for removing, might be paid to me.\n          In expectation of Your Excelys. and the\n            Ladies\u2019s health and best welfare, with that of the two young Gentlemen, I take the\n            liberty to Subscribe meself / Your Excellency\u2019s / most devoted and most humble /", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0432", "content": "Title: Margaret Smith to John Adams, 17 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Smith, Margaret\nTo: Adams, John\n          your Esteemed Favor of the 2d Octobr: by Capt: Miller I received this\n            day; I am greatly obliged by your simpathetick tenderness\u2014a similarity of situation in\n            being seperated from those that are dear to us\u2014has laid me under the greatest\n            Obligation; my mind was extreamly agitated in not receiving any Letters from my Son\u2014and\n            a variety of perplexing apprehensions was naturally Excited\u2014which your kind attention\n            has, in some measure Effaced. permit me Sir\u2014tho\u2019 personally a stranger to you, to return\n            you my Grateful acknowledgments\u2014not only for this seasonable Releif to my afflicted\n            mind\u2014But for the favorable sentiments so delicately Expressed of my Dear Son. I am\n            perswaded he will never forfeit the good opinion you entertain of him, by any deviation\n            from the path of Rectitude which he has pursued from his Earliest Infancy. \n          Be pleased to make my Respects acceptable to Your Lady, &\n            Daughter, and permit me to subscribe with sentiments of Gratefull Esteem. \n          Your Oblid Humbl: Servt.\n              Margaret Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0433", "content": "Title: John Adams to the Governors of the United States, 18 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Governors of the United States\n              Grosvr. square\n          (Circular)\n          The Right honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen\u2014His Britannic\n            Majesty\u2019s principal secretary of State for foriegn Affairs, in a Letter which His\n            Lordship did me the honour to write me, on the thirteenth of last Month informed me that\n            the Commissioners of American Claims had notified to his Lordship that by Virtue of the\n            Act of Parliament now in force, they have appointed John Anstey of Lincolns Inn,\n            Barrister at Law, to repair to the United States of America to inquire into such facts\n            & Circumstances as may be material for the better ascertaining the several\n            Claims, which have been or shall be presented, under the Authority of the present or\n            former act, & that they are of opinion the Countenance of the several States\n            might tend to facilitate the execution of this Employmt\u2014and his Lordship having\n            requested that I would communicate Mr Anstey\u2019s Appointment\n            to the Members of Congress and recommend him to their Protection & Countenance\n            in the execution of the Business with which he is charged and as I conceive, that Mr. Anstey\u2019s honorable reception in America & the\n            facilities afforded him by Government in the execution of this employment, will redound\n            to the honor & Interest of the U. S. I beg leave to recommend him to your\n            Excellency, and to every Countenance, Protection, & aid, which the service may\n            require & which your Excelly. may with propriety", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0434", "content": "Title: Joseph Palmer to John Adams, 19 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Palmer, Joseph\nTo: Adams, John\n              Germantown\n          Since mine of the 28th Ultimo, looking over my bundle of unanswer\u2019d Lettrs, I found one from Anthony Bowne, of Crumford Bridge, in\n            Matlock, Derbyshire; this, with my reply, I enclose, with a view to Serve the\n            public, & if you can Serve yourself & Frds\n            at the Same time, it will give me real pleasure. This Bowne, & one I Bradley,\n            were Sent to America, in \u201973, or \u201974, by a Mr Tillington\n            & other Gentn of Derbyshire, in order to Search for\n            Mines, which had been reported as rich & plenty, by Mr E Q of Stoughtonham: Bowne & Bradley kept at my House some\n            considerable time, & appear\u2019d honest men; & both appear\u2019d knowing in\n            practical Mineralogy; & Bowne in a particular manner; & by\n            their Commission under the hands of Mr Tillington jr, I\n            observed that both of \u2019em had been employ\u2019d in the Lead Mines, 40 or 50 yrs; & that Mr Bowne, had\n            been some years an officer in the Mines. This Mr Tillington,\n            was then, or had been, a Member of Parliament. Bowne & Bradley sail\u2019d from hence\n            in the fall of the Year \u201974 (from Plymo, as I think);\n            & they arrived safe at Derbyshr; & their\n            employers engaged a number of families, in the mineral way, to come over; but while they\n            waited at the Port, news arrived of the increase of our troubles, & so they were\n            dismissed, & return\u2019d home\u2014this was a heavy stroke to me\u2014but that is private\n            concern. This Bowne appears to me, thro\u2019 this whole affair, a very honest man; as Such,\n            & knowing, I think a good use may be made of him, & many Settlers in\n            that branch of business may be obtain\u2019d. Just before he went from hence, he told me,\n            that if our troubles did not prevent it, (which he fear\u2019d wou\u2019d rise to bloodshed) he\n            doubted not but in ten Years time, we Shou\u2019d have 5 M[expansion sign] Settlers from that\n            County, the Mines of which were almost exhausted, & none remain\u2019d, that he knew\n            of, so good as some here; samples of which, he carried with him. A principal Mine which\n            he had in view, was one at Northampton; I was Sent by our Court to view it, &\n              obtain an essay of its goodness, & found 70 to 80 [Per\n            sign] Cent lead: This Mine belongs to Mr Bowdoin &\n            others, who then ask\u2019d \u00a31 m[expansion sign] for that, with the Apparatus, &\n            about 20 or 30 Acres of Land. Clap & Stoddard were not of Connecticut, as Bowne\n            Supposes, but of Northampton, as I think; & Clap was the Clerk to the\n            Lead-works; & he told me, that there was a range of Mines, in Southampton,\n            Northampton, & another Town, of 13 miles in length. I saw of \u2019em in both South\n            & Northampton, & think\u2019em to be very good, & finely\n            Scituated for working, there being plenty of wood, & fine falls of water,\n            & much of the Mines in high Hills, & the land of small estimation.\n          Bowne is a poor Man; but if he be living, & in health,\n            & you have Sufficient power, you may thro\u2019 him obtain a great number\n            of Settlers, which are much wanted, especially in Manufactrs\n            which we want, & are necessary for Support or defence. I think that we extend\n            our new Settlemts to the westward too fast for the good of\n            the whole; for it keeps labor high, in the Old Settlemts,\n            & Sinks the value of our old Settled Lands; but if we can obtain a great number\n            of Emigrants, especially such as have some property, the case will be reversed; Many of\n            those would purchase old Settlmts, & we Shou\u2019d move\n            off to new Lands.\n          You\u2019ll please to Seal (after reading) mine to Bowne, & Send\n            it to the Office: I decline concern in the Mineral way, at present; partly because I am\n            not fully acquainted with the practical part of the\n            business; & partly because I think myself fully\n            acquainted with the practical, as well as theoretical, part of the Salt\u2013Manufactures; in\n            which I shall engage, if able to do any thing.\n          I hear that Congress have so far attended to Sackett\u2019s Memorial, as\n            to have Copies sent, by the respective Members, to each State, in order to know whether\n            such a grant to him & Associates, will be agreeable to the particular States.\n            This looks as tho\u2019 they approved his plan; And I don\u2019t know but it may be of public\n            utility, if it don\u2019t extend our Settlemts too fast, which I\n            fear, as mention\u2019d above. \n          I remain, my dear Friend, with every possible Sentiment of esteem,\n            / Your Affeco frd & mo hble Servt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0435", "content": "Title: John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 20 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n              Grosvenor Square\n          Mr Barretts Arrival at Paris, is a\n            lucky Event, and his Appointment by the Merchants in Boston a judicious Step; but I am\n            not So clear in the Choice he makes of L\u2019orient to reside in.\u2014 \u2014Paris, or even Havre,\n            Seems to me a better Situation. Paris in preference to all others.\u2014 \u2014If Boylstone would\n            Act in concert with him, his Capital, would be equal to every Thing which relates to the\n            Business: But he is a Singular Character irritable, fiery, avaricious, parcimonious, to\n            a degree, that made me always doubtfull whether, he would Succeed: besides his Age and\n            Ignorance of the Language. it is to be regretted that his Cargo cannot be put into the\n            Hands of Sangrain because it is a great Object, to bring that Gentleman into an\n            Acquaintance with the Qualities of the white Sperma C\u00e6ti Oil, and into a Course of\n            Experiments of its Use. The first Point to be gained, is to Shew, that this Oil,\n            considering all its Properties, may be used in the Reverberes cheaper, than the Olive\n            Oil, Neatsfoot Oil, or Linseed Oil, or whatever other Substance goes to the Composition\n            of that with which they now enlighten their Cities. We must engage OEconomy, as an\n            Advocate in our Cause, or we shall finally loose it.\u2014 \u2014The Marquis Tells me, the Duty is\n            reduced to 7. Liv. 10. s the\n            Barrique of 520 Weight\u2014you State it at 11lt: 10s.\u2014I should be glad to be exact in this Information, and to\n            know which is right. But, 11lt: 10s the Barrique, even as you state it, is so much less than 18\u00a3. 3s. sterling the Ton, the\n            Allien Duty paid here that one would think it must turn all the Trade to France as I\n            hope it will, and as it certainly will if the French Government encourage the\n            Attempt.\u2014if an American Merchant can fix himself at Paris and remain a Man of Business,\n            and not become infected with a Rage for Amusements, he might by corresponding with all\n            the great Cities of the Kingdom soon do a great deal, towards introducing an extensive\n            Trade between the United States and the French.\n          I am extreamly Sorry for the Accident, which has retarded Mr Barclay, but I think with you that We must submit to it, for\n            a reasonable Time.\u2014But I hope Mr Barclay will not\n            Suffer himself to be delayed one moment unnecessarily.\u2014if any Pretences or Excuses for\n            postponing are contrived, I hope he will break away from them all.\u2014it is a horrid Thing,\n            that Business so essential should have been neglected so long.\u2014\n          The Chevr. De Pinto is Sick, which will\n            unluckily retard our Affair with him. But I will quicken it as Soon and as much as I\n          With great Esteem I am, dear Sir your / most obedient Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0437", "content": "Title: Benjamin Goodhue to John Adams, 20 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Goodhue, Benjamin\nTo: Adams, John\n          Having an acquaintance with your good brother Mr. Cranch, from being a fellow member of the same Legislative\n            body; at his request and from the Assurance which he has given me, that a letter from\n            from one of whom you have no Kind of Knowledge, where the views of the Writer are\n            painted to the general good, would meet a Kind reception; I have taken this liberty of\n            sending you inclosed the present state of our Cod & Mackerel fisheries in this\n            Commonwealth, and hope the communication will be agreable\u2014the statement is made from the\n            best information I could collect, and I dare say is not far from the truth\u2014What\n            proportion the quantity of fish caught this year, bears to what was taken before the\n            War, I cannot determine; but only inform you the common opinion is that there is better\n            then half, and there is no room to doubt, that in three or four years, We shall equal,\n            if not exceed in this business what we ever have been before\u2014I take notice in one of\n            your letters to your Brother you wish to be informed of the state of the English\n            & French fisheries &c\u2014I have not been able to ascertain their situation\n            any further then this, that the Cod fishery at Nova Scotia is so inconsiderable as not\n            to deserve notice, and I am sure if we conduct with the least prudence it never can be,\n            because from the sterility of their soil they must be forever beholden to us for many of\n            their supplies; and their almost eternal fogs, will ever prevent their fish from being\n            cured in such a manner as will put it in competition with ours\u2014their fisheries at\n            Newfound Land doubtless are great; with what advantages they carry it on, I do not\n            precisely Know, but am pretty confident they could not with any profit, if they were\n            excluded from supplying themselves from the United States\u2014the French have a\n            considerable number of Vessels, perhaps two or three hundred, but from the size of their\n            Vessels which are too large, and the natural indolence of men on hire, togather with\n            their unacquaintedness with the bussiness, I believe they make no great hand of it, they\n            ship cheif of their fish to France, and altho, they have put a duty of half a Dollar pr\n            Quintal on our fish carried to their West India Islands, and placed the same duty as a\n            bounty on the fish cured at Miquelon, only two small cargoes of their fish have for the\n            Year past been exported to their Islands\u2014on the whole I think it abundantly apparent,\n            that we have greater advantages for carrying on the Cod fishery, then the Inhabitants of\n            any other Country, and it gives me much satisfaction that there appears a disposition\n            with us to improve it\u2014The Whale fishery you are sensible is in a very languid condition,\n            and for ought I see must continue so, unless Britain should unexpectedly relax from her\n            present measures, or untill what I most hope, We may be able to find a sale for the Oyl\n            in some other markets\u2014The General Court, after much labour from the few Commercial\n            characters in that Body, did the last session grant a bounty on Oyl, (a copy of which I\n            inclose,\u2014it was designd as a temporary relief to prevent those employ,d in the Whale\n            Fishery from immediately quiting the Country (which very few have already done) and to\n            see what events might turn up to occasion its revival\u2014Britain & France with whom\n            we should from our reciprocal wants, be most naturaly connected in commerce, have thrown\n            such embarrassments in the way of our carrying bussiness, that it is at present very\n            discouraging to those who have provided themselves with Vessels for the purpose, the\n            number of which is as great as before the war, and might with ease be\n            increased to any number required\u2014I have ever consider,d this togather with the fisheries\n            as particularly congenial to this Government, and to be the only thing which\n            can give importance to the Massachusetts, when compared with the other States, and what\n            alone would materialy produce that power in the United States, which the European\n            Nations have reason to wish us dispossess,d of, And I sincerely hope Sir, that Our\n            Countrymen, will not long be influenced by partial views, individual benefits or be\n            gulled into erroneous measures, by false notions of National gratitude\u2014\n          I cannot omit mentioning the very great pleasure I receiv,d when I\n            found by your Letters, to Govr. Bowdoin, Messrs. Cushing, Hancock Higginson & Cranch, which they\n            were Kind enough to shew me, that you so warmly approved Our Navigation Act, and the\n            pleasure was much enhanced, on account of its being a Child, I had with much difficulty\n            brought into being, and whose existance, from its powerful opponents, promised to be of\n            no long duration, the sentiments in your letters silenced their clamours, and the Act\n            remains, essentialy the same, taking off only part of the restrictions on foreigners\n            (British excepted) by reason of the difficulty of sending our produce to Market in our\n            own bottoms, while the Algerine war continues\u2014in carrying through this Act it became\n            necessary to combat the interest of many considerable characters who found their account\n            in foreign consignments, and who had been very industrious in prejudicing the\n            minds of our Country brethren, by telling them that their Cattle &c would\n            necessarily be sold at a less price\u2014it is much to be regretted that our commercial\n            importance is so little understood, and that even our Sea port Towns in a great degree\n            neglect chusing persons to represent them who have an acquaintance with the subject,\n            there has been for several years past, but two members in one branch of the Legislature,\n            and almost as few in the other, that ever had any connection in the bussiness or\n            pretended to scarce any Knowledge of it\u2014and sorry I am to say that some even\n            of respectable characters, appear to view our commercial affairs as trivial\n            and unimportant\u2014 \u2014What will be the future issue of our National concerns,\n            deeply affects me with anxiety, and I confess from the sinister persuits of individuals,\n            the discordent and perhaps opposite interests of some of the States, and the General\n            aversion there is of giving Congress, those powers essential for the purposes of our\n            federal government, the prospect to me appears not a little gloomy; the only consolation\n            I derive, is from a reflection, that when the evils become severely felt we may be\n            willing to apply a remedy\u2014\n          pardon my freedom in writing this letter, and be assured that I\n            shall esteem myself honour,d in executing any commands you may see fit to lay\n          I am with sentiments of high regard / Your Excellency.s Friend\n              Benja Goodhue\n            NB. Rhode Island has pass,d a Navigation Act &\n              Pensylvania has laid very considerable burthens on Vessels belonging to Nations not in", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0438", "content": "Title: John Jebb to John Adams, 20 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Jebb, John\nTo: Adams, John\n              Parlt. Street\n          I have been prevented from paying my respects to you hitherto by\n            y[thorn sign]e feeble State I have been in for some time\u2014I\n            am now still further prevented by an operation on my leg. But I cannot help referring\n            you to a publication intitled Observations on a late\n              publication intituled thoughts on executive Justice printed for Cadell in the\n            Strand & Faulder in New Bond street\u2014which must please you\u2014if the work fails\n            y[thorn sign]e letter at the End will gratify\u2014but both are\n            admirable\u2014Eden has made a poor piece of work of it\u2014& if he continues to go on,\n            as he began\u2014I shall not repine\u2014Mr. Pitt & he alone\n            of all y[thorn sign]e Cabinet negotiated y[thorn sign]e dark transaction\u2014\n          Mrs Jebb joins me in every expression\n            of respect & good will to Mrs Adams & Miss\n            Adams & I remain truly yrs\n            I beg respects to Col. Smith.\u2014I shuld wish to see yr servt. agn. if convenient at y[thorn sign]e same House as before\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0439", "content": "Title: Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 20 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Tufts, Cotton\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your Favour of Sept. 9th I recd. and your Present of\n            Neckar for which I return You Thanks and am much gratified with Your\n            Sentiments on the Whale Oil Fishery, to this Branch of Business, the General Court have\n            given Encouragement as You will find by a Bill sent You by Mr Cranch\u2014Every Day more and more convinces me, that the commerical Restraints of\n            Great Britain, so far as they respect America, will in general, greatly serve us, those\n            that affect our whale Fishery may possibily injure us for some Time. But well tim\u2019d\n            Exertions, an Attention to our own particular Interest and an independent Spirit will\n            not only reinstate us in the full Extent of our whale Fishery, but put it upon a much\n            better Footing than formerly\u2014. Almost every Measure respecting America adopted by Gt. Britain for many Years past, have by the Intervention of\n            Providence and the general Course of Things have surprizingly forwarded and I\n            had almost said driven us into the Road of Greatness\u2014However fond many of my Countrymen\n            may be of continuing a Trade with that Nation, for my own Part I am much in doubt,\n            whether any advantageous Trade with her can be expected for many Years to\n            come, if ever. it cannot I think untill our Merchants have paid their Debts, untill that\n            System of Credit heretofore practised upon, is annihilated, untill the American Merchant\n            can exchange American Produce for British on equal Terms, and further untill He has it\n            in his Power to pay for what he wants, from a Surplus proceeding from the Labours of the\n            People beyond what is necessary for their Support and the Payment of Taxes\u2014I mean here\n            to include what arises from Fisheries, Manufactures & Agriculture\u2014The Debts\n            owing to the People of that Nation must be paid\u2014There is such a Dependance flowing from\n            those Debts as is truly humiliating\u2014By these, the Eyes of my Countrymen have been\n            blinded\u2014false Maxims of Trade adopted\u2014public Measures often influenced, and the\n            Ascendancy which the British Merchant has gained by his giving Credit is but too visible\n            in a thousand Instances and has prevented numerous & beneficial Enterprizes that\n            would otherwise have taken Place: This joined with the private Interest of our Merchants\n            has ever discouraged every Attempt to Independance in Trade and the Establishment of our\n            Manufacturies\u2014The Restrictions of Great Britain and the Refusal of further Credit are\n            however happily calculated to remove these Difficulties: And can We but continue a few\n            Years in a State of Exclusion from her Commerce, Our Debts will be paid and our\n            Independance of Mind established\u2014\n          The Writers of Great Britain, their Merchants & Ours, have\n            but too succesfully propagated the Doctrine, That Manufactures cannot be carried on to\n            Advantage in America, That it is not for the Interest of the People even to make their\n            own Cloaths, inasmuch as they can buy them much cheaper from Britain & [. . .\n            ]\u2014employ their Time to much better Purpose on their Lands\u2014 \u2014 \u2014They have wrought us up to\n            a Prejudice in favour of british Manufacturers and to a Contempt of our own\u2014But how\n            little have they considered the real State of our Country! Is there not a considerable\n            Part of the Year, that our Men cannot be employed in Agriculture and it is well known\n            that our Women are but seldom in any Part of the Year\u2014This is a known Fact in our\n            Northern State\u2014it is also true that We may have it in our Power to furnish\n            all the Materials for manufacturing necessary Cloathing and what else we have reall Need\n            of\u2014 \u2014I say We may have it in our Power, because if in a State of Eight Years\n              War We cou1d principally cloath the Inhabitants and a greater Part of the\n            Soldiery with our own Manufactures, surely in Peace We may do much more\u2014What are our\n              People to do where the Earth is sealed and neither Spade nor Plough will\n            enter And How are we to employ our poor Men Women & Children who must otherwise\n            be a Bill of Charge\u2014Could We in 1781 in the Town of Bridgewater convert 70 Tons of Iron\n            into Nail Rods manufacture them into Nails in that & a few other Towns (not a\n            Spoonfull of Corn the less raised that Year) which is affirmed to be a Fact and\n              shall we Can We not in a State of Peace do much more\n          There is near a Quarter Part of the Year that a large Proportion of\n            our Males are unemployed, Multitudes of our Women are not fully employed And from\n            our Children We get but little Advantage till 9 or 10 Years of Age\u2014If all these\n            Classes of People were profitably employd in Manufactures, We should have but little\n            Occasion for those of Europe those being withheld I am very sure We should become more\n            virtuous, more frugal, more industrious and should lay solid Foundations for Wealth\u2014In\n            this Point of View, Would it not be happy for us if all Intercourse with Gt. Britain should be Cut off for 20 Years at least or untill\n            We had lost all connection with her Customs & Manner, Worn of the Habits of\n            Englishmen and acquird the Art of living independent. In short I cannot view my Country\n            independent untill She can draw her Support & Defence from within her self, nor\n            any Trade beneficial that exceeds the Surplus of Labour abovementioned and which has not\n            for its Object, the Increase, of our Cash, the Payment of Debts and Supplies such only\n            as shall serve to excite Industry and render it more useful\u2014\u2014But where does all this\n            lead to? Youll be ready to think that I am not an Advocate for a commercial\n            Treaty with Gt. Bn. I confess\n            that I have my Doubts and am ready to fear that almost all the beneficial Effects I have\n            mentioned would in a great Measure cease\u2014That a free Intercourse, would keep us\n            dependent. That it would prevent any Stability in our Manufactures, for want of which\n            their Manufacturers will not emigrate & set down with us\u2014That it will build up\n            their Plantations, which otherwise might tumble to Pieces\u2014That it will prevent a\n            Domestic Market for our Excess of Provisions, which the Establisment of Manufacturies\n            would give That it would subject us to an annual Expense that We are little able to\n            bear, That the Residence of Foreign Ministers Consuls\n            &c here would spread Corruption in Places where they may reside\u2014That it would\n            give the greatest Advantage for destroying our Civil Form of Government\u2014\u2014These are my\n            Fears and many others wch might be mentioned, but sensible\n            that the narrow Sphere in which I move, forbids my deciding on this National Question\u2014I\n            shall no longer prevent You from Your better Thoughts, but conclud[e] myself With much\n            Esteem & Affection / Your Friend & Very Hume\n              Cotton Tufts\n            PS. I hope in my next to be able to announce to You a most useful\n              Discovery, no less than that of extracting fresh from Salt Water by a very simple\n              Machine\u2014said to be invented by a Mr. Allen of Martha\u2019s\n                Vineyard It is much talk\u2019d [. . . ] gains Credit\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0441", "content": "Title: Samuel Austin to John Adams, 23 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Austin, Samuel\nTo: Adams, John\n          I am now to advise you, that John Rowe Esqr. Capt. Patridge Capt. Dashwood & myself have applied to our General\n            Court, for their aid and assistance, to recover our money of Genl. How, for goods taken from us y[thorn sign]e.\n              11th. March 1776. our cases being Similar, altho\u2019 in some\n            instances, altogether different from many other persons, who as well, as well\n              as we, have lost their goods by the Kings troops, but being out of Town, could\n            not know who took them, Consequently could not know who to demand them of.\u2014\n          But obviously different is our case, We were all of us in the Town,\n            during the whole time the Town was shut up, in the Peace of\n              the King, and had as good a right to the Kings\n              Protection as any Subject in England, and accordingly was Promis\u2019d by the Genl., we should have, both in Person & Property.\u2014The\n            Court has taken Order upon the Premises, heard of\n            our Petition, and thoroughly Consider\u2019d the Justice of our demand, and sent\n            forward to Congress, all the Necessary Papers & Vouchers, and desir\u2019d them to\n            forward the same to your Excellency, that you may be Properly Authorizd to make demand\n            for the reimbursment of our Monies, which papers I hope you will recieve soon after this\n            reaches yr. hands.\n          The above is wrote in Conjunction.\u2014I beg leave now to give you an\n              Accot. of Tracts relative to my own affair, which are\n            Vouched by Papers Properly authenticated, and which will accompany the Papers sent to\n            Congress to be forwarded to you.\u2014I apprehend it needless to Say anything about the rude,\n            and insulting behavior of the officer (Crean Brush) who took my goods, all which I was\n            oblidg\u2019d to Submit to.\u2014Suffice it to say that on y[thorn sign]e 11th. March 1776 Crean Brush, an officer appointed\n            by Genl. How, and by his written Orders (a Coppy of which\n            you will have Sent you among the Papers from Congress) did by force and Arms, with near\n            Twenty Soldiers, with their Guns and Bayonets enter my House and took from me in goods\n            & Merchandize to the amount of Two Thousand Four hundred and Thirty Pounds 18/7\n            Neat Sterling Cost, to which I have aded Fifty pct. Advance, which would not pay the Insurance &n Freight, as also\n            Interest on the same, untill paid, as you will see by my Accot. sent to Congress.\u2014Soon after Genl. How sent for the Selectmen to acquaint them, that the Kings troops were about\n            leaving the Town, and gave some Orders relative thereto. I at that time having the Honor\n            of being one of that Board, waited on him. By this interview I had an Opportunity of\n            Conversing with him on the Subject of taking my goods from me in the manner\n            he did, He Expressd himself with great Surprize and Indignation, that I should even\n            think he mean\u2019t to Alienate the Property of my goods, by no means he said, he mean\u2019t no\n            such thing, on the Contary, he Assured me in the most Sollemn manner my goods should all\n            be returnd me again, or the Cash paid for them. He aded it was a Common thing for an\n            Army when retreating and another army Pursuing, for the retreating Army to take from the\n            inhabitants, every thing that might any ways be servicable to the Pursuers, but that as\n            soon as the Confusion was over, the inhabitants had their goods return\u2019d or\n            the mony paid them, to the amount of what was taken away, and this he Asur\u2019d me should\n            be the case with mine.\u2014He said further that what he had done was in Conformity to orders\n            rec\u2019d from the Minster, to Prevent the rebels as he calld them from being benifitted by\n            them. Accordinly in a letter he writes Lord Dartmouth (which I have seen) given him an\n              Accot. of Evacuating the Town, he has these words, \u201call\n            the Woolen good also, that I could find room for belonging to those who chose to stay\n            behind, the want of which is more distress: to the Enemy than any other Article\n            whatever, has been shipd, Inventories of them taken in the best manner Possible, and Put\n            under the Charge of proper persons, in order hereafter to be stor\u2019d.\u201d\n          Agreeable to this, is his Orders to Crean Brush when he\n            took the goods (Coppy of which you\u2019ll have wi the Papers sent you from Congress) in\n            which are these words, \u201cYou are hereby authorizd, and requir\u2019d to take into your\n            Possession, all such goods as Answer this discription, to give Certificates to the\n            owners that you have receiv\u2019d them for their use, and will deliver them to\n            the owners orders, unavoidable Accidents Excepted.\u201d Both the above Extracts, Plainly\n            Evince, that it was never the intention, or design either of Genl. How or the Minister, that such goods so taken, should be look\u2019d upon as\n            forfited goods, on the Contrary, they were to be inventoried and Stored, and taken\n            Proper care of, for the bennefit of the owners, and to be deliverd to their\n            Orders, all which is Exactly agreeable to Genl\n            Hows declaration to me, that they or the money should be return\u2019d.\n          But Contrary to this as I have been informd, the goods when they\n            arriv\u2019d at Hallifax, were all sold at Publich Vendue.\u2014Possibly it may be objected that\n            part of the goods were retaken, and I had part of them back again.\u2014However true this in\n            part may be, yet I concieve the Force of it will Vanish instantly when it is\n            Considerd that those goods so retaken, only remov\u2019d them still further from\n            me, they being retaken from Genl. How, became instantly the\n            Property of the Captors, and I never availd myself of any part of them, without Paying\n            for the same\u2014You will find among the Papers sent you from Congress, an Accot. given by Mr. Lane of a\n            Conversation between him and Genl. How wherein he tells Mr. Lane, he took the goods for Security of\n            for the Merchants in London, if so how unreasonable as well as unjust, is it,\n            for the Merchants in London to be Pressing the debtor here, for those very goods, their\n            Goverment has taken away from him, for their Security\u2014But whether the goods taken, were\n            for the Security of the Merchant, or whether for the reasons assign\u2019d above, Viz to\n            Prevent the rebels so call\u2019d, from being bennifitted by them, I say in either case, I\n            take it my Claim will not in the least be invallidated, On the Contrary, it will rather\n                add strength thereto, and show very Plainly, that either the\n            Merchant or the Goverment have got my money without any Consideration for the same\u2014The\n            only difficulty, th\u2019at I can possible Concieve attending this affair, is Not\n            distinguishing the different Circumstances of my case, and many others who\n            have lost their Property as well as me, but not knowing who took them, know not where,\n            nor to whom to apply for redress. but this is not my case, I know who took my goods,\n              Genl. How took them, by his given to Crean Brush an\n              Order for that Purpose, which Order I have by me for that Purpose and\n            also his most Solemn Assurances the goods should be return\u2019d or paid for.\u2014\n          View the two case as Stated above, how Essentially different are\n            they, and I cannot but think every Candid person will instantly see there opposition. I\n            am rather the more Particular here, because for want of making this distinction, some of\n            the great men on your side the water, when they have been applied to upon\n              these affairs have jumbled them altogether, and gave for answer there can\n            no diffence be made, if we pay one, we must pay all, and there will be no end of Paying,\n            this I Confess is a curious way of reasoning, but keeping the two cases in View the\n            above way of reasoning appears altogether Childish and futile.\u2014\n          I own for myself, I never saw the Justice of Genl. How\u2019s being answerable for that he knew nothing about, it\n            may be thought quite sufficient, if he makes good his own Engagements, which\n            he has most Solemly promis\u2019d to fulfill, and this is what I have right to\n            Expect Goverment will see done.\u2014In fine I have not been Plunderd by Soldiers, nor had my\n            goods Confiscated No, The King has had my money, and it has I suppose been appli\u2019d to\n            his use.\u2014I don\u2019t make application to Goverment to make good a loss that I\n            have Sustain\u2019d, which they have not been bennifited by, they have had my\n            money, and to Suppose they won\u2019t upon Proper Application pay me again, would reflect\n            such disshonor on the English Goverment, as the most abandon\u2019d of Mankind would detest\n            and be asham\u2019d of.\u2014Upon the whole I thought it Proper to give your Excellency\n            a history of my case, as well as to send the Vouchers to prove the facts. I know not\n              whether Either of the above Gentlemen write you \u214c this Conveyance, this in\n            all probibillity will reach you, before the Papers from Congress comes to hand, This\n            affair of mine, I sent forward to my Corespondent Messrs.\n            Harrison & Ansley \u214c the first Conveyance after Peace was Settled but nothing has\n            been done but Perefect trifling\u2014I have only to add, with the highest Esteem\n            and respect to you, and yr good Lady\u2014 \u2014Your Most Obedient and / Humble\n              Samuel Austin\n            P. S. Querie whether the 4th. Article of the Treaty peace don\u2019t include my case", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0442", "content": "Title: David Ramsay to John Adams, 23 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Ramsay, David\nTo: Adams, John\n          Though personally unknown to you I take the liberty to inform you\n            that the bearer of this Capt Coupar carries to London sixteen hundred copies of an\n            original American work entittled\n            \u201cthe History of the late revolution of South Carolina\u201d consigned to Mr Dilly for sale.\n            Mr Dilly has my orders to present you with a copy of it in my name. I beg that you would\n            please to accept it as a testimony of my great veneration of your public character\n            & as a mark of my gratitude for the services you have renderd & are now\n            rendering to our common country\n          I have the honor to be / with great esteem / your most obedient\n              David Ramsay.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0444", "content": "Title: John Adams to Nathaniel Barrett, 24 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Barrett, Nathaniel\n              Grosvenor square\n          I am happy to learn, by your favour of the 10th. that your prospects are satisfactory to yourself and promising for the\n          You may depend upon every Personal and official exertion of Mr Jefferson, and the Marquis will take a pleasure and a Pride\n            in assisting you, both by his knowledge of the Language, the Usages and the Characters\n            in the Nation, by his powerful and numerous Connections, and by his own Reputation and\n            Influence at Court & in the City, the Country and the seaports for no Man is\n            more earnestly desirous of a friendly Commercial Intercourse between France and the\n            United States\u2014\n          I think you will find that the United States may be supplied with\n            many Articles of Cloathing, a Velvets, silks, Ratteens Cloaths, Cottons &\n            Linnens & others from that Country at least as well as from this\u2014\n          The United States will probably Lay heavy Duties upon tonnage on\n            the Vessels of those Nations, with Whom we have not commercial Treaties: and such will\n            be prohibited from importing into our Ports\u2014any Productions or Manufactures not the\n            growth or Manufacture of the Country importing them\u2014This will aid you very much\u2014You will\n            oblige me, by informing me from time to time, as far as may be proper of your\n          If you can make it appear as I think you may that our Oil is\n            cheaper than the Composition in use in the Paris Lamps, you will easily succeed\u2014to this\n            End an analisis of that Composition will be necessary, & a Price of the Parts\n            must be known in order to compute the Cost of the whole\u2014\n          I wish well to your enterprize & if can be of any use to\n            you in the pursuit of it, you will oblige me by informing when and how\u2014\n          I have the honour to be very respectfully Sir / Yours &c ", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0445", "content": "Title: John Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 24 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n              Grosvenor Square\n          I am honoured with your Letter of 23 octr. and I must confess to you, that the situation I am in is the most pleasant in\n            many respects, that I have ever been in, on this side the ocean. But still there is\n            something wanting, which is quite essential. I mean a more benevolent spirit in the\n            Nation towards the United States, a more honest disposition too is wanting. I even wish\n            that my Candour could extend as far as yours, and exculpate the Court and Nation by\n            imputing all to \u201ca Delusion created by the most vindictive Characters in the world,\n            meaning the Tory Refugees\u201d. But I cannot be so charitable. The Refugees would be as\n            insignificant as they are revengeful if the Nation was not as malicious and revengeful\n            as they are and as dishonest too.\u2014You have known me very well for eleven years, and you\n            never knew me in Love with England, or possess\u2019d of much Confidence in their wisdom or\n            sincerity. You have often heared me say in Congress, that the national Character was\n            altered, and had lost its best Characteristiks, Generosity & sincerity\n           I assure you, Sir, I have found it since my residence here much\n            worse and more universal than I ever before believed it to be. There is so general a\n            Want of Principle, that I really consider the Nation as lost. I dont see a Possibility,\n            that it should ever get over the Loss of America.\n          We must look out for Commerce and Alliance, wherever we can find\n            them, and suppose them necessary. We must consider the Commerce and Friendship, and even\n            the continuance of Peace with England, as mere Contingencies, which may happen, but\n            which are rather improbable.\n          You give me great Spirits when you say \u201cyou have no doubt but that\n            Smart Duties of Tonnage will be laid by all the States on the Vessells of those Nations\n            with whom We have not commercial Treaties, and that such will be prohibited from\n            importing into our Ports, Productions, or Manufactures not the Growth or Manufacture of\n            the Country importing them.\n          This alone, if the States go no further will do a great deal it\n            will prevent British ships from carrying to America Russian Hemp & Duck,\n            Sweedish Iron, Prussian ic, Silesian Linnens, Irish linnens, and all East India Goods\n            nay spanish & Portugal Wines. I dont love to mention Cargoes from Affrica, for\n            the rage of our Countrymen for Credit is such that they would take from England even\n            Claret and Burgundy, if they could get it upon Tick\u2014I hope the states will be careful to\n            prohibit all Irish Productions in British Ships.\n          I expect that the answer to our Project of a Treaty will be given\n            in an Act of Parliament, The Ministry have lately consulted the Merchants, at least four\n            houses and have a report from them\u2014it is given out that it respects the Treaty with\n            france, but it really relates to the American Commerce, Ministry have ordered a state of\n            Shipping and Tonnage Trade to be made out, & preparations are making\n            for a great Noise in Parliament\u2014But it will not end in any system satisfactory to\n          The Hypocricy & Servility of this Nation has never appeared\n            in any Thing more gross, than in the present universal cringing to the French,\u2014Their\n            stupidity appears in it, indeed as much as their Meanness, But the whole Nation would\n            clean the wooden Shoes of the French upon Condition they would permit them to wreak\n            their Vengence on us.\n          Capt. Miller I presume has informed\n            you, that your friend Mr. Steptoe unhappily died at Batavia\n            on his return home.\n          With great esteem I am &c &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0446", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 27 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n          Your favors of the 13th. &\n              20th. were put into my hands today. this will be delivered\n            you by mr[expansion sign] Dalrymple, secretary to the legation of mr[expansion sign]\n            Crawfurd. I do not know whether you were acquainted with him here. he is a young man of\n            learning & candor, and exhibits a phaenomenon I never before met with, that is,\n            a republican born on the North side of the Tweed.\n          You have been consulted in the case of the Chevalr. de Mezieres nephew to Genl.\n            Oglethorpe, and are understood to have given an opinion derogatory of our treaty with\n            France. I was also consulted, and understood in the same way. I was of opinion the\n            Chevalier had no right to the estate, & as he had determined the treaty gave him\n            a right, I suppose he made the inference for me that the treaty was of no weight. the\n            Count de Vergennes mentioned it to me in such a manner that I found it was necessary to\n            explain the case to him, & shew him that the treaty had nothing to do with it. I\n            inclose you a copy of the explanation I delivered him.\n          Mr. Boylston sold his cargo to an Agent\n            of Monsieur Sangrain. he got for it 55. livres the hundred weight. I do not think that\n            his being joined to a company here would contribute to it\u2019s success. His capital is not\n            wanting. Le Couteux has agreed that the Merchants of Boston sending whale oil here, may\n            draw on him for a certain proportion of money, only giving such a time in their draughts\n            as will admit the actual arrival of the oil into a port of France for his security. upon\n            these draughts mr[expansion sign] Barrett is satisfied they will be able to\n            raise money to make their purchases in America.\u2014the duty is 7H-10 on the barrel of 520[TJ pound sign] French, and 10. sous on every livre,\n            which raises it to 11H-5, the sum I mentioned to you. France\n            uses between 5. & 6. millions of pounds weight French, which is between 3.\n            & 4000 tons English. their own fisheries do not furnish one million &\n            there is no probability of their improving. Sangrain purchases himself\n            upwards of a million. he tells me our oil is better than the Dutch or English, because\n            we make it fresh, whereas they cut up the whale & bring it home to be made, so\n            that it is by that time entered into fermentation. mr[expansion sign] Barrett says that\n            50. livres the hundred weight will pay the prime cost & duties & leave a\n            profit of 16. per cent to the merchant. I hope that England will within a year or two be\n            obliged to come here to buy whale oil for her lamps.\n          I like as little as you do to have the gift of appointments. I hope\n            Congress will not transfer the appointment of their Consuls to their ministers. but if\n            they do, Portugal is more naturally under the superintendance of the minister at Madrid,\n            & still more naturally under the minister at Lisbon, where it is\n            clear they ought to have one. if all my hopes fail, the letters of Govr. Bowdoin & Cushing, in favor of young mr[expansion\n            sign] Warren, & your more detailed testimony in his favor, are not likely to be\n            opposed by evidence of equal weight in favor of any other. I think with you too that it\n            is for the public interest to encourage sacrifices & services by rewarding them,\n            and that they should weigh to a certain point in the decision between candidates.\n          I am sorry for the illness of the Chevalr. Pinto. I think that treaty important: & the moment to urge it is that\n            of a treaty between France & England.\n          Lamb, who left this place the 6th. of\n            Nov. was at Madrid the 10th. of this month. since his\n            departure mr[expansion sign] Barclay has discovered that no copies of the full powers\n            were furnished to himself, nor of course to Lamb. Colo.\n            Franks has prepared copies which I will endeavor to get to send by this conveiance for\n            your attestation: which you will be so good as to send back by the first safe conveiance\n            & I will forward them. mr[expansion sign] Barclay & Franks being at this\n            moment at St. Germain\u2019s, I am not sure of getting the papers\n            in time to go by mr[expansion sign] Dalrymple. in that case I will send them by\n            mr[expansion sign] Bingham.\n          Be so good as to present me affectionately to mrs[expansion sign]\n            & miss Adams, to Colos. Smith & Humphries\n            & accept assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir / Your friend\n              Th: Jefferson\n            P.S. be pleased to forward the inclosed, sealing that to Congress\n              after you have read it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Adams/99-01-02-0447", "content": "Title: John Adams to Philip Mazzei, 29 Dec. 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\n              Grosvenor Square\n          I have found in the Remembrancer of the Year 1775, page 309, that a\n            Petition was presented to his Majesty on Wednesday the 11th.\n            of September, from the City of Bristol by Mr Burke, one of\n            the Representatives of that City, in which are the following Words.\n          \u201cWe owe a Testimony of Justice to your Colonies, which is, that in\n            the midst of the present distractions, We have received many unequivocal Proofs, that\n            our Fellow Subjects in that part of the world are very far from having lost their\n            ancient Affection and regard to their mother Country, or departed from the Principles of\n            commercial honour and private Justice. Notwithstanding the Cessation of the Powers of\n            Government throughout that vast continent, We have Reason to think, judging by the\n            Imports into this City, and by our extensive correspondencies, that the Commodities of\n            American Grouth, enumerated by Acts of Parliament, have been as regularly brought to\n            Great Britain, as in the most quiet times. We assure your Majesty that the Trade of this\n            Port, and the Subsistence of a great part of your Kingdom, have depended very much on\n            the Honourable, and, in this Instance, amicable Behaviour of your American Subjects. We\n            have in this Single City received, within one Year, from the first of September 1774\n            more than one million bushells of Wheat, to Say nothing of the great quantity of other\n            valuable Commodities essential to our navigation and commerce.\u201d\n          Perhaps the foregoing is the Paragraph you are looking for.\u2014 \u2014I had\n            an Idea that there was Something to the Same purpose, in a Petition of the Merchants of\n            London but as I have not yet been able to find it, I might be mistaken.\u2014If I Should,\n            Stumble upon any thing like it, I will send it you. \n          After all, you must put an End to the Temptations to Emigration\n            before you will Succeed in your Attempt to Silence Obloquy, against America, in the\n            publick Prints.\u2014The Mercure de France, the Gazettes de Deux Ponts, D\u2019Avignon, De\n            Bruxells which circulate in Paris, and all the Gazettes of Germany teem with Lies to our\n            Disadvantage no less than the English Prints. The Strongest Motive to them all, is the\n            Danger of Emigration and as long as Men prefer eating to starving Cloaths to Nakedness,\n            and warm lodgings to the cold Air, this danger will not cease, nor the Fictions invented\n          Yours as usual", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0400", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Hercules Mulligan, 7 January 1785\nFrom: Mulligan, Hercules\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, January 7, 1785. At the bottom of an itemized account of money owed Mulligan by Philip Schuyler, Mulligan signed the following receipt: \u201cRecd payment (by the hands of Col. Hammelton) in full.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0401", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Pickering, 7 January 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pickering, Timothy\nNew York, January 7, 1785. \u201cI am mortified in being obliged to acknowlege to you my neglect of the business you committed to my care for your friend Mr. Holt. \u2026 I have applied to Mrs. Holt. I find she has some time since taken out letters of Administration with the will annexed during the absence of the Executors; a matter in which she never could have found any difficulty. It would indeed be in Mr. Holts power, on coming within the state to take the business out of her hands.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0402", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Hugh Seton, 8 January 1785\nFrom: Seton, Hugh\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[England, January 8, 1785. On February 2, 1785, Seton wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI also wrote you a few Lines the 8th of this Month.\u201d Since Seton wrote this letter on February 2, he must have been referring to January 8. Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0403", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Neil Jamieson, 10 January 1785\nFrom: Jamieson, Neil\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, January 10, 1785. Itemizes amounts of money paid for a house in New York City during the British occupation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0406", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Chaloner, 26 January 178[5]\nFrom: Chaloner, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, January 26, 178[5]. Requests the opinion of Hamilton on \u201ca Transaction in which Mr Church is deeply interested,\u201d and in which the protested bills of John Holker are involved.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0410", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Walter Stewart, 21 February 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Stewart, Walter\nNew York, February 21, 1785. \u201cI have delayed answering the letter you lately wrote me in expectation of Mr. Templetons making some proposals, which it appeared to me he had some thoughts of doing, but as he has not come to any explanation, it is unnecessary to wait any longer for it. All that I can recommend to you to do, is to procure and send out all original letters or orders from Templeton or his partner directing the appropriation of the proceeds of the Cargo to their benefit.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0411", "content": "Title: Committee of Accounts for Columbia College, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander,Committee of Accounts for Columbia College\nTo: \nNew York, March 8, 1785. Approves an \u201cAccount of the Repairs of the Buildings of Columbia College in this City.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0412", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, [10 March 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDr. Sir,\n[New York, March 10, 1785]\nI am requested by Mr. Oudinarde to transmit you the Inclosed Account. I observed to him that it was a little extraordinary the account had not been presented before; and that it was probable your accounts with the public had been long since closed, and that, by the delay, you may have lost the opportunity of making it a public charge, as it ought to have been. But as the person was very importunate I told him I should have no objection to be the vehicle of conveyance to you. In this view I transmit the account; and remain with much respect \u2003 D Sir \u2003 Yr Obed & humb\nAlex Hamilton\n\u27e8Mrs.\u27e9 Hamilton joins in compliments to \u27e8Mrs.\u27e9 Washington\nNew York March 10. 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0413", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Thomas Pearsall, 16 March 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pearsall, Thomas\n[March 16, 1785. Pearsall wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI have thy Letter of this date.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0414", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Thomas Pearsall, 16 March 1785\nFrom: Pearsall, Thomas\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, March 16, 1785. \u201cI have thy Letter of this date. I recollect thy Application to me with a Copy of Oliver Arnolds Judgment obtained against me in Rhode Island for the Outfit of my Quarter of Sloop Diana. My present Determination is \u2026 not to pay it, as \u2026 I never gave Orders either in Writing or Verbally for the outfit.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0415", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 17 March 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Chester, New York, March 17, 1785. Hamilton wrote to Elizabeth Hamilton: \u201cI have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0416", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, [17 March 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, Elizabeth\n[Chester, New York, March 17, 1785]\nI have just written to you My beloved by the person who will probably be the bearer of this. Col Burr just tells me, that the house we live in is offered for sale at \u00a32100. I am to request you to agree for the purchase for me, if at that price. If you cannot do better, you may engage that the whole shall be paid in three months; but I could wish to pay half in a short time and the other half in a year. Adieu my Angel\nA Hamilton\nChester March 17. 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0418", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 1 April 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\n[New York, April 1, 1785. On April 7, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Jeremiah Wadsworth: \u201cIn mine to you of the first instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0419", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 3 April 1785\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nHartford April 3d 1785\nI have received very unfavorable accounts respecting Isaac Moses & Co House in Holland. As you have the recet for our Monies I wish you inquire of him if our concerns are so involved in his matters that we shall be liable to any loss in case of his ruine by this misfortune in holland. I am Dear Sir Your very Hum Servant\nJere Wadsworth\nHave you any news from Church by ye last Packet? I have not a line.\nCol Hamelton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0422", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Henry Laurens, 6 April 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Laurens, Henry\n[New York, April 6, 1785. On April 19, 1785, Laurens wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0423", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 7 April 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nDr. Sir,\nNew York April 7th. 1785\nIn mine to you of the first instant I informed you that the house of Samuel and Moses Myers of Amsterdam had stopped payment in consequence of which an assignment of property had there taken place for the benefit of the English and Dutch Creditors. How far this assignment will operate cannot now be determined; as we are not sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances. It happened the Mr. Moses, who is one of the partners, called upon me to consult me professionally as to the measures I should think it adviseable for him to pursue. I told him of my having his notes for monies due from him to Mr Church on your partnership; but that as I did not think your interest incompatible with his I should freely give him my council. The first steps I advised him to, was to make an assignment of all partnership effects in Pensylvania, Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina to Trustees for the general benefit of Creditors. My reason for this was that in those states partial attachments would lie for the benefit of the persons making them and I have no doubt but that orders would have arrived from different parts of Europe for that purpose before any sent from here could reach either of those places. The fact has turned out as was supposed.\nMr Moses has lately exhibited a sketch of his affairs; in which he makes out seven thousand pounds more than he owes. But as this is but a sketch\u2014as his affairs are very extensive and complicated\u2014it is probable he cannot ascertain their true state, and it is rather to be apprehended that he draws a flattering picture. There is thus far every appearance of fairness in his conduct; and his Creditors here seem inclined to be indulgent.\nHis object is to obtain a letter of license for five years; there will I suspect be great difficulties in this. He urges against an immediate assignment of his whole property that it will probably, by being precipitately disposed of fall greatly short of the real value to the injury of his Creditors as well as him self. On the other hand, however if it remains with him, as he is very enterprising the result must be a mere chapter of accidents. In the state of his affairs, he exhibits \u00a312000 debts of Isaac Moses and \u00a321000 property. Your demand is against Isaac Moses, so that if his state in this respect be at all accurate and he makes no improper disposition of Isaac Moses\u2019 property, you will be safe; as his private property must first be applied to the payment of his private debts and the ballance to the partnership debts; and so vice versa. He has assured me he will make no disposition to your prejudice. Upon the whole I am of opinion (as he will have much in his power) that it will be most prudent for your interest not in the first instance to be one of those who shall press; if others begin you can keep pace with them; and by indulgent conduct, if others press, I think Moses will be induced to take care of you. He appears to think him self under peculiar obligations to your concern. His general state of affairs is\u2014\nDebts due from himself & Copartnership\nGood Debts and effects belong to himself and partners\nSurplus\nBut supposing the worst there seems to be little doubt that he will be able to pay 15/ in the pound.\nShould it not be convenient to you to be on the spot yourself, Let me hear from you on this head.\nMr. Burr has delivered me a declaration against Henly. I find it was a partnership business, so the suit not abated as I at first supposed, by Archibald Blairs insolvency. I shall ask some friend of yours on your account to become bail to the action. As an Atty I cannot do this.\nBy our advices from Albany I have great reason to apprehend General Schuyler is no more. This I consider as a great loss to his family, friends and the public.\nWith sincere regards. I remain Dr Sir \u2003 Your Obedt sert\nP.S\u2014Yrs of the third instant is just handed me.\nNew York April 7. 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0424", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Marquis de Lafayette, 13 April 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nMy dear Hamilton\nParis April the 13th 1785\nAltho I have just now writen to McHenry Requesting him to impart My Gazette to you, a very barren one indeed, I feel within myself a Want to tell you I love you tenderly. Your Brother Church Has sailed for America since which I Had a letter from His lady who is in very good Health. By an old letter from our friend Greene I Have Been delighted to find He consents to send His son to be educated with mine. The idea makes me very Happy. I wish, dear Hamilton, you would Honour me with the same Mark of your friendship and confidence. As there is no fear of a War I intend \u27e8visiting\u27e9 the \u27e8Prussian\u27e9 and Austrian \u27e8troops\u27e9. In one of your New York Gazettes I find an \u27e8Association\u27e9 Against the slavery of negroes which seems to me \u27e8worded\u27e9 in such a way as to give no offense to the moderate Men in the Southern States. As I ever Have Been partial to my Brethren of that Colour, I wish if you are one in the Society, you would move, in your own Name, for my Being Admitted on the list. My Best Respects wait on Mrs. Hamilton. I kiss Phil, and the Young lady. Adieu Your affectionate friend\nLafayette\nMention me most affectionately to the doctor, His lady, Genl Schuyler and family, your sister Peggy, Fish, Webb, and all our friends.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0425", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from David Beekman, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Beekman, David\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, April 15, 1785. \u201cI yesterday saw Mr. Cor[neliu]s P. Low & he is not willing to do anything, & now says the money belongs to the state. He alters his opinion often. Will you be so kind, and take this affair in your hands for me & if you think I can recover it, I beg you will.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0426", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 17 April 1785\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nHartford April: 17 1785\nI have this moment received a letter from you of the 7th Instant. Our concern with Moses by his sketch of an account exhibited me at New York was in sundry Vessels. I am so well persuaded that in these concerns we shall loose Money, even if Moses pays all his debts that I would willingly give up 5/ in the pound & \u27e8\u2013 \u2013\u27e9 & give discharges for 15/ in the pound. I do not \u27e8think\u27e9 I can be at NYork before the end of June & beg you will do every thing you think proper with Moses. I am glad to find by Mr. Colt who left NYork the 14th that Gen Schuyler is not dead. As to Henlys matter I suppose you will be able to decide on examining the papers exhibited by the plantiff the probability of the suits succeeding or not. If there is like to be any considerable ballance due from Henly I would try to & have him set ye final tryal. I pray you to write me when that will be. It has been reported here that Church has wrote you he has resolved to stay in Europe. I find nothing in yr. letter on this Subject & therefore disbelieve it.\nI am dear Sir Your very Hume Servant\nJere Wads\u27e8worth\u27e9\nCol Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0427", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Laurens, 19 April 1785\nFrom: Laurens, Henry\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nCharleston S. Carolina19. April 1785\nI was yesterday honored by receipt of your very obliging Letter of the 6th. inclosing Mr. Frederic\u2019s Narrative. A tissue of Lies. During the Seige of Charleston, when he pretends he carried arms & to have acted in the Trenches, he was at my Mepkin Plantation, whence some time after the Town fell, he joined the temporary Conquerors; he also seduced his Wife, she thro\u2019 the persuasion of faithful Scaramouch returned, he was afterward captured by an American Cruizer, carried into George Town & claimed by one of my Attornies, he broke thro\u2019 & escaped and had not been heard of till now We learn he is in the Jail of New York.\nScaramouch, Berry & others who know the whole history of my Negroes aver, he never was about the person of our dear departed friend; Our dear friend was too tenacious of propriety to have manumitted a Slave not his own; this is evinced by his conduct to the black Man who was actually with him and who continues with me.\nOur dear friend and his father entertained but one opinion respecting Slavery, excepting that his generous Soul would have precipitated a Work, which to make it glorious his father thought he saw could only be accomplished by gradual Steps. Haste would make havoc. Could I but prevail upon my fellow Citizens to prohibit further importations, I should deem it progress equal to carrying all the outworks; my attempts hitherto have been fruitless, I have some ground for beleiving offensive; speaking generally a whole Country is opposed to me, pressing the Business which We had in view would not forward it, nor afford happiness even to the Negroes, witness Frederick\u2019s Case. I am acting therefore agreeable to the dictates of my Conscience and the best lights of my understanding. Some of my Negroes to whom I have offered freedom have declined the Bounty, they will live with me, to some of them I already allow Wages, to all of them every proper indulgence, I will venture to say the whole are in more comfortable circumstances than any equal number of Peasantry in Europe, there is not a Beggar among them nor one unprovided with food, raiment & good Lodging, they also enjoy property; the Lash is forbidden; they all understand this declaration as a Substitute\u2014\u201cIf you deserve whipping I shall conclude you don\u2019t love me & will sell you, otherwise I will never sell one of you, nor will I ever buy another Negro, unless it shall be to gratify a good Man who may want a Wife.\u201d\nYou may remember George in Philadelphia, I had given him absolute freedom before I went last to Europe, he embarked with me, but returned long before I came home, is now about my house and says he does not want to be more free than he is. Yet I beleive no man gets more work from his Negroes than I do, at the same time they are my Watchmen and my friends; never was an absolute Monarch more happy in his Subjects than at the present time I am, how long this will continue is uncertain, but I will endeavor to do right to day.\nI think I see the rising gradations to unlimited freedom and view the prospect with pleasure. When We shall be wise enough to stop importation, such happy Families will become more general and time will work manumission or a state equal to it. Policy and Decency will dictate proper reservation; We shall then insure good Servants, good Soldiers, our Strength in time of Need; at present the Number of wretched Slaves, precarious Riches, is our greatest Weakness\u2014but alas! these Southern States are not at this moment in a disposition to be persuaded tho\u2019 one should rise from the dead\u2014God forbid our conversion by too long a Delay, shall be the Effect of a direful Struggle.\nBut to return to Frederic, he was always a very good Lad before the War, contaminated no doubt by bad Examples in that dreadful Scene. He is according to the Law of the Land my property, I paid a valuable consideration for him to those, meaning the British, who debauched and carried him off. If he is to be freed from my claim, let him be a Slave to no other Man, Your Corporation I should think will interpose, If you my dear Sir can prevail upon him to return, I will receive and put him upon a footing with his fellow Servants, without resenting his past Errors, his future Welfare will depend upon his own Behaviour. Whatever Expences may attend I will repay as soon as I am informed, and shall ever thank you for this friendly interference on my Behalf.\nCould Frederic read all this he would perceive his Master is not very anxious to remand him to good Quarters, there was a time when he would have been valued at \u00a3100. or \u00a3150 Sterling\u2014the time is when I only wish to collect my Family. It would grieve me to hear he was enslaved by any one, who has a shorter claim of property in him than I have. I wish to give him a chance of being rescued from Slavery.\nMy health is somewhat mended since my arrival in Carolina, but a constitution broken down by Long & close confinement of an aged Man, cannot be recovered by increasing Age\u2014for happiness, since receiving the Wound to which We have alluded, ever green, I have learned to be at least half happy by a quiet submission in every Event; comparatively I am very happy, my landed property remains & I am not in debt.\nI beg my dear Sir you will do me the honor to present my respectful Compliments to Mrs. Hamilton and to be assured that with great Respect & Esteem I am, your obliged and obedt Servant", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0428", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Robert Livingston, [25 April 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Livingston, Robert\nDr Sir,\nMr. W. Livingston mentioned to me lately in New York, that you would wish to have measures speedily taken concerning the controversy between the Chancellor and yourself. Though I am upon the maturest reflection of opinion that the law is with you; yet you know my sentiments as to the uncertainty of the event. Much will depend on the whim of a jury; and therefore previous to entering upon a prosecution which may be long, complicated and expensive, I should be happy you would honor me with your ideas of the practicability of a compromise, and of the conditions, if any, on which you would think it admissible. Suppose the Chancellor would content himself with one Mill, relinquish all pretensions to erecting more, and bind himself in firm covenants not to do it, would you think it adviseable to close with such a mode of settling the dispute? I should be glad to hear from you on the subject; and in the mean time, I will take measures to sound the Chancellor. Should the matter after all come to extremities, I shall do every thing in my power for your Interests; but if it could be terminated to your satisfaction in an amicable way it would give me pleasure to contribute to it.\nIt may appear to you, Sir, a little extraordinary that I should take occasion in this professional letter to mention politics; but the situation of the state at this time is so critical that it is become a serious object of attention to those who are concerned for the security of property or the prosperity of government, to endeavour to put men in the Legislature whose principles are not of the levelling kind. The spirit of the present Legislature is truly alarming, and appears evidently directed to the confusion of all property and principle. The truth is that the state is now governed by a couple of New England adventurers\u2014Ford and Adgate; who make tools of the Yates and their Associates. A number of attempts have been made by this junto to subvert the constitution and destroy the rights of private property; which but for the Council of Revision would have had the most serious effects. All men of respectability, in the city, of whatever party, who have been witnesses of the despotism and iniquity of the Legislature, are convinced, that the principal people in the community must for their own defence, unite to overset the party I have alluded to. I wish you to be persuaded Sir, that I would not take the liberty to trouble you with these remarks with a view to serving any particular turn; but, from a thorough conviction, that the safety of all those who have any thing to lose calls upon them to take care that the power of government is intrusted to proper hands. Much depends on the ensuing election. You Sir have much in your power; and I have no doubt you will have heared from other quarters and from your immediate connections, a like account of public affairs to that which I have now given.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem \u2003 Sir \u2003 Your obed & hum ser\nAlex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0429", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from William Cooper and Andrew Craig, 9 May 1785\nFrom: Cooper, William,Craig, Andrew\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBurlington [New Jersey] May 9, 1785. Ask for information and advice on the progress being made in the sale of 40,000 acres in the Otsego Patent.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0430", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Duer, [14 May 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Duer, William\nMy Dear Sir\n[Westchester, New York, May 14, 1785]\nI wrote you from Albany informing you that the Chancellor had given you till the first of June to bring into Court the money allowed to be due, to wit such part of the principle with interest at five \u214c Cent as became due to 1776 and the residue of the principal which afterwards became due. I am doubtful whether that letter may not be delayed. I do not now recollect precisely the order but it is pretty nearly as I state and I would advise to write to Lansing for greater certainty. The Injunction continues in the mean time, and will continue if the money is brought in \u2019till the decision of the cause. I believe you will think this determination of the Chancellor a reasonable one; though I wish it could have been put upon a footing more convenient to You.\nI congratulate you on your election. I hope you may not find yourself fettered by some of your Colleagues. Abilities like yours ought always to be employed for the public good; and I have no doubt this will be your object. When I left Albany there was every reason to believe, General Schuyler with all his friends (whose views correspond with yours) would be elected in exclusion of Ford, Adgate, Yates &c.\nI remain \u2003 Affectionately \u2003 Yr. friend & servant\nAlex Hamilton\nChester 14th May 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0433", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John D. Coxe and Tench Coxe, 21 May 1785\nFrom: Coxe, John D.,Coxe, Tench\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, May 21, 1785. Request Hamilton to represent them and to provide information on lands in dispute between John and Tench Coxe and Robert Lettis Hooper and James Wilson. Request Hamilton to forward certain legal documents to the commissioners of the Land Office of New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0437", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jarvis Coles, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Coles, Jarvis\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[June 7, 1785. According to the catalogue description of this letter, Coles, on Hamilton\u2019s orders, had occupied a house for military purposes. Coles, who after the war was sued by the owner for rent, requested Hamilton to defend him. Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0441", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Livingston, 13 June 1785\nFrom: Livingston, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDr. Sir\nManor Livingston [New York] 13 June 1785\nYour kind & interesting letter of the 25th. April did not come to my hands before the 23 May, when I was at my Iron works endeavouring to git them repaird & to Sett the Furnace going which gave me much trouble & realy exercised my patience & from whence I return\u2019d last Saterday, much fateagu\u2019d, this troublesome Job, am persuaded will appologise for my not answering your polite letter Sooner.\nWith regard to the practicabelity of a Compromise with the Gentm. in Question I think it Scarcely possible as his pretentions are so very wild, Romantic & Extensive, in so much that he would if in his power take all & leave me none.\nWherefore I think it most prudent for me, to carry on a sute against him, not only for Building a Griss Mill with two pair of Stones & using my waters but also for the proffitts he has & does, make of it, to my prejudice & damage.\nAnd while I am determind not to possess anything to which he can lay a just clame, so my intention is, not to suffer him to possess any to which I have a just right, this in my judgement is Strictly honest, of corse nothing but the Law can deside us, and the Sooner this is enterd upon the Sooner its hoped it will be determind, am fully resolved not to be frightened by any, or all his threats, from time to time thrown out against me, & mean to have my right, and this perswade my Self a jury will give me.\nI will however write Mr Duane on the Subject altho I think a Compromise in this Case inadmissable, and thank you kindly for proposing it.\nI do not my good Sir, think it any ways Extraordinary you should make mention of the Politics of the present dangerous times, on the Contrary I feal happy in finding your Sentiments so justly accord with mine, and my Sons, as we observed for some time past the pernitious intentions of those you mention, & in order to prevent, & counter act, as much as in us laid, their politics, and prevent ourselves, & Countrye from ruin, which we clearly Saw rappedly decending on our heads, we did endeavour the last year for an alteration in the representation, but without the desir\u2019d Success, while we stood almost alone, as if no one saw the danger, but ourselves, nor did this falure discourage us, but reather hightend our diligence in this last Election, by Compleating the necessary Junction previous to the day of Election we have so often desired & Endeavourd for; by uniting the interests of the Rensselaer, Schuyler, & our family, with other Gentm. of property in the County in one Interest; by which means we Carryed this last Election to a man as you must have heard from your friends, and I trust we Shall always have the like Success provided we Stick Close to Each other; and our Countryes interest; which is our Sincear desire; and of which we Should be Cautious of letting our Enemyes know anything while that may be dangerous: these Sir, are our Sentiments on the Politcks of the times & our firm resolutions to abide by, and to which Shall now most cordially desire your interest and influence in future, remain with respect & Esteem Dr. Sir. your Most Humble Servant\nRobt. Livingston\nAlexander Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0442", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nDr. Sir,\nNew York June 15. 1785\nBefore I left Town for Albany some time since, I requested Mr. Duer to mention to you, that I believed it would depend upon yourself to be President of the bank here. Since my coming to Town I find you are elected director; and I have no doubt you may be President if you please. I will be much obliged to you to let me know in confidence whether the appointment if made will be accepted.\nYou may imagine Your acceptance is a thing I wish for much. It will be of great advantage to the Institution and not disreputable to yourself. As an Inducement, I think I may safely assure you there is a much better prospect of a Charter with the present Legislature than there has been with any former one. Let me hear from you speedily & believe me to be Your friend & servt\nAlex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0443", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Ezekiel Forman, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Forman, Ezekiel\n[New York, June 17, 1785. On the back of a letter that Forman wrote to Hamilton on May 31, 1785, Hamilton wrote: \u201cAnswered June 17th. 1785.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0444", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to James Hamilton, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Hamilton, James Jr. (1753\u20131786)\nMy Dear Brother:\nNew York, June 22, 1785.\nI have received your letter of the 31st of May last, which, and one other, are the only letters I have received from you in many years. I am a little surprised you did not receive one which I wrote to you about six months ago. The situation you describe yourself to be in gives me much pain, and nothing will make me happier than, as far as may be in my power, to contribute to your relief. I will cheerfully pay your draft upon me for fifty pounds sterling, whenever it shall appear. I wish it was in my power to desire you to enlarge the sum; but though my future prospects are of the most flattering kind my present engagements would render it inconvenient to me to advance you a larger sum. My affection for you, however, will not permit me to be inattentive to your welfare, and I hope time will prove to you that I feel all the sentiment of a brother. Let me only request of you to exert your industry for a year or two more where you are, and at the end of that time I promise myself to be able to [invite you to a more] comfortable settlement [in this Country. Allow me only to give you one caution, which is to avoid if possible getting in debt. Are you married or single? If the latter, it is my wish for many reasons it may be agreeable to you to continue in that state.\nBut what has become of our dear father? It is an age since I have heared] from him or of him, though I have written him several letters. Perhaps, alas! he is no more, and I shall not have the pleasing opportunity of contributing to render the close of his life more happy than the progress of it. My heart bleeds at the recollection of his misfortunes and embarrassments. Sometimes I flatter myself his brothers have extended their support to him, and that he now enjoys tranquillity and ease. At other times I fear he is suffering in indigence. I entreat you, if you can, to relieve me from my doubts, and let me know how or where he is, if alive, if dead, how and where he died. Should he be alive inform him of my inquiries, beg him to write to me, and tell him how ready I shall be to devote myself and all I have to his accommodation and happiness.\nI do not advise your coming to this country at present, for the war has also put things out of order here, and people in your business find a subsistence difficult enough. My object will be, by-and-by, to get you settled on a farm.\nBelieve me always your affectionate friend and brother,\nAlex. Hamilton.\n[Mr. James Hamilton]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0445", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to William Floyd, [7 July 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Floyd, William\n[New York, July 7, 1785]\nReceived of William Floyd Esquire Fifty seven pound and ten shillings being the amount of a note of hand with Interest from him to John Carter alias John Church for Fifty pound New York Currency dated in Philadelphia sometime about the last of April in the year One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three and which note has been mislaid in my hands. New York July 7th 1785\nFor John Church\nAlex Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0448", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Angelica Church, [3 August 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Church, Angelica\n[New York, August 3, 1785]\nYou have been much better to me My Dear friend since you left America, than I have deserved, for you have written to me oftener than I have written to you. I will make no apology; for I am sure you will attribute it to any thing else rather than to a defect of pleasure in writing to you.\nMr. Van Schaik delivered me your last; if he were not a man of merit (as he is) your patronage would be a conclusive title to my good will.\nBut now my Dear Sister let us talk a little of something else that interests us all much more nearly. You have I fear taken a final leave of America and of those that love you here. I saw you depart from Philadelphia with peculiar uneasiness, as if foreboding you were not to return. My apprehensions are confirmed and unless I see you in Europe I expect not to see you again.\nThis is the impression we all have; judge the bitterness it gives to those who love you with the love of nature and to me who feel an attachment for you not less lively.\nI confess for my own part I see one great source of happiness snatched away. My affection for Church and yourself made me anticipate much enjoyment in your friendship and neighbourhood. But an ocean is now to separate us.\nLet me entreat you both not precipitately to wed yourselves to a soil less propitious to you than will be that of America: You will not indeed want friends wherever you are on two accounts: One is You will have no need of them: another is that You have both too many qualities to engage friend ship. But go where you will you will find no such friends as those you have left behind.\nYour Good and affectionate sister Betsey feels more than I can say on this subject. She sends you all a sisters love: She does not write now because I do but promises to be a more punctual correspondent. I remain as ever Your Affectionate friend & Brother\nA Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0449", "content": "Title: Power of Attorney from John B. Church, 3 August 1785\nFrom: Church, John B.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, August 3, 1785. Appoints Hamilton \u201cattorney at law, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to my use to ask, demand, sue for, recover, and receive of and from all and every person and persons whatsoever, whom it doth shall or may concern, All and every such sum and sums of money, debts and demands whatsoever which now are due and owing and hereafter may grow due and owing unto me the said John Barker Church.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0452", "content": "Title: Power of Attorney from Nathanael Greene to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 16 August 1785\nFrom: Greene, Nathanael\nTo: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\n[New York] August 16, 1785. On this date Hamilton witnessed a power of attorney from Greene to Wadsworth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0454", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Stephen De Lancey, 12 September 1785\nFrom: Lancey, Stephen De\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nScarsdale [New York] September 12, 1785. Renews request made on May 27, 1785, for information on various legal actions taken to recover numerous debts.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0455", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Cleland Kinloch, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Kinloch, Cleland\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBelvoir near Charlottesville, Virginia, September 20, 1785. Discusses measures taken to pay John B. Church the amount of a bond given by the executors of Kinloch\u2019s father\u2019s estate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0456", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Peter Silvester, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Silvester, Peter\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSeptember 24, 1785. Discusses pending litigation between Captain Phillips and Colonel Van Rensselaer concerning a debt contracted by Phillips in 1776.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0457", "content": "Title: Certificate for Lieutenant Thomas Pool, [30 September 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Pool, Thomas\n[New York, September 30, 1785]\nI certify that I was privy to the Petitioners being employed by the Commander in Chief in the manner he mentions and that he made several trips to New York before he was taken up by the British. I further certify that from the accounts repeatedly received at Head Quarters of the treatment he experienced there is no reason to doubt he suffered every thing he could bear without loss of life.\nA. Hamilton\nNew York Sepr. 30th. 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0458", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Adams, 19 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir\nGrosvenor Square London Oct. 19. 1785\nAt the Instance of Mr. Hartley in behalf of his Friend Mr Francis Upton, I advised Mr Upton to apply to some Councillor in New York and particularly to Mr Hamilton, whose Reputation was known to me although his Person was not.\nMr Hartley now requests for Mr Upton a Letter of Introduction. As a total Stranger but by Character, it would be very difficult to find a Pretence to excuse the Liberty I take in presenting Mr Upton to you, and recommending his Case to your Attention. but as we say at the Bar, where I wish I was, Valeat quantum valere potest.\nWith much Esteem I have the Honour to be Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant\nJohn Adams\nMr. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0459", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 19 October 1785\nFrom: Lowell, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[Boston, October 19, 1785. On October 30, 1785, Hamilton wrote to Lowell: \u201cMr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0461", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Lansing, Junior, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lansing, John, Jr.\nNew York, October 22, 1785. Requests information concerning several cases in which Hamilton was serving as an attorney.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0463", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Nicholas Low, 30 October 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Low, Nicholas\n[New York, October 30, 1785. \u201cSince you were here I concluded to write a line in answer to Mr. Lowell which I send you open to be forwarded in your letter to Mr Russell. Yr Obed. Ser., A. Hamilton.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0464", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Lowell, 30 October 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Lowell, John\nNew York, October 30, 1785. States that \u201cMr. Lowe has delivered me your letter of the 19th. Instant.\u201d Discusses the laws governing the attachment of property in New York State and the applicability of Massachusetts bankruptcy laws in New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0466", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Wilkes, John De Ponthieu\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir.\n[New York] Nov 8th. 1785\nI received just now a Note from Mr. Atkinson which you had written to him for Mr. Hearts obligations to Mr. Mc.Cauley and which I suppose was occasioned by my Message to you yesterday. I am very glad at any rate that the creditors are likely to obtain some settlement But I think at the same time that you have adopted a strange and injurious line of Conduct to me. It is now near six months since I first waited on you on that concern during which I have repeatedly called and left Messages for you requesting a settlement but you did not deign even any answer. I luckily saw you once prior to your going to Philadelphia when you promised me on your return that you would settle it but when you returned no notice was taken of me; you went out of Town again and still when you came back I received no news. I called after several days had elapsed and left word with one of your young Gentlemen that I requested you would see me on Mr. Mc.Cauleys business but without any effect; I wrote to you and sent my servant twice one day and on three successive days without even one line in answer although common civility demanded that, at last you were pleased to signify that you would shortly see me on the subject I waited four days more without hearing one word from you. The trustees and several of the Creditors kept calling on me and they must think I was in fault. I was not willing to assign so derogatory a reason to myself as that I could not obtain an answer from Colonel Hamilton, it would have appeared a very strange one. My Character for Attention to my business was in Question, my Bread depends on my Character & it behoved me to clear it. I called again & not being able to see you, I desired my Compliments and that I requested an early answer as \u201cI was suffering by your neglect.\u201d I desired the Gentleman to make use of those very words. I thought they would have aroused you to a sense of shame for having so long neglected me in a concern which would take so little time to determine and where I was acting as an Agent and neither demanded or wished the least favor. And I confess I felt particularly hurt that in a business where I am so singularly situated I should meet with less attention than is commonly given from one Gentleman to another in the same line of Profession however inferior the circle they move in. You are now Sir acquainted with my motives and if you persist in acting in the same manner you will add injury to injury and in my opinion inconsistently both as a Gentleman and a man of understanding and very much alter the favorable sentiments which I did and ever wished to entertain of your Character.\nI am Sir with due respect Your most obedt. Servt.\nJohn Wilkes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0467", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Wilkes, John De Ponthieu\nSir:\n[New York] November 8, 1785.\nThe message which you sent me yesterday, and your letter today, were conceived in terms to which I am little accustomed. Were I to consult my feelings only upon the occasion, I should return an answer very different from that which I have, in justice to my own conduct, resolved upon. But in whatever light we are to view each other hereafter, and however harsh and indelicate I may think the method you have taken to obtain an explanation to be, I shall, for my own part, leave no room to suppose that I intentionally gave you any cause to complain. I shall, therefore, explicitly declare, that whatever inattention may have appeared towards you, was solely owing to the continual hurry in which my engagements, for a long time past, have kept me; and that, so far from its having been occasioned by any designed neglect, it was what, under the circumstances, might have happened to my best friend. Indeed, much of what you mention to have been done by you, I am a stranger to. The frequent callings, by yourself and by your servant, did not, that I recollect, come to my knowledge. It is possible some of them might have been mentioned to me, and, in the hurry of my mind, forgotten. Once, I remember, I saw your servant just as I was going out on some urgent business. I sent a verbal message, promising that I would see you; which I intended to do, as soon as I had made up my resolution on the business of the interview. When I received your note I was about sending you an answer in writing; but, upon inquiring for your servant, and finding him gone, I omitted it, with an intention to see you personally.\nYou say it is near six months since you first applied to me on the business in question. A great part of the time I gave you all the answer I could give you\u2014to wit, that I had written to Mr. Macaulay, and only waited his answer. About two months since, I received it. I have been the greater part of the time out of town on indispensable business. In the intervals I have been occupied about objects of immediate and absolute necessity, which could not have been delayed without letting my business run into utter confusion. Mr. Macaulay\u2019s concerns have been hanging upon my spirits. I have been promising myself, from day to day, to bring them to a conclusion, but more pressing objects have unavoidably postponed it. I thought the delay required some apology to Mr. Macaulay, but I never dreamt of having given occasion of offence to you.\nI will not, however, deny, upon a review of what has passed, that there have been, through hurry and inadvertency on my part, appearances of neglect towards you; but between gentlemen and men of business, unfavorable conclusions ought not to be drawn before explanations are asked. Allowances ought to be made for the situations of parties; and the omissions of men, deeply involved in business, ought rather to be ascribed to that cause than to ill intentions.\nHad you, in the first instance, expressed to me (in such a manner as respect for yourself and delicacy to me dictated) your sense of these appearances, I should have taken pains to satisfy you that nothing improper towards you was intended by me. But to make one of my clerks the instrument of communication, and the bearer to me of a harsh accusation, was ill-judged and ungenteel. To take it for granted that you had received an injury from me, without first giving me an opportunity of an explanation, and to couch your sense of it in terms so offensive as some of those used in your letter, is an additional instance of precipitation and rudeness. Inadvertencies susceptible of misapprehension, I may commit; but I am incapable of intending to wound or injure any man who has given me no cause for it; and I am incapable of doing any thing, sir, of which I need be ashamed. The intimation, on your part, is unmerited and unwarrantable. After thus having explained my own conduct to you, and given you my ideas of yours, it will depend on yourself how far I shall be indifferent, or not, to your future sentiments of my character. I shall only add, that tomorrow you shall receive from me my determination on the matter of business between us.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0468", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Lowell, 9 November 1785\nFrom: Lowell, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nBoston, November 9, 1785. States that there is no bankruptcy act in Massachusetts and sends information concerning the transfer of property by a citizen of Massachusetts to a New York creditor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0469", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John De Ponthieu Wilkes, 9 November 1785\nFrom: Wilkes, John De Ponthieu\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nSir.\n[New York] Novr. 9. 1785\nThe moment I received yours I perceived the precipitancy of my own Conduct and was very sorry I had so far mistaken both our Characters to act in the manner I have done. I flatter myself that the same Candor which has dictated yours will be exerted towards mine and that you will only view it as the act of a Man who conceived himself injured. As you have never experienced the cruel reverses of fortune you can scarcely judge how the least insinuation, to their prejudice will affect those persons who have, or how much more suspicious they are of the Behaviour of Mankind towards them.\nThe morning I left the message for you I had been called upon by one of the Creditors of Mr. Heart who thought it very strange no dividend was made and He insinuated some party must be interested in the delay. It is the first money transaction I have engaged in since my release I felt the insinuation as alluding to me and with a force which perhaps I should not, however, that moment I went to your Office. The next morning when I saw your Note to Mr. Atkinson and found myself totally set aside in a business where I had most undoubtedly been originally neglected I felt myself very much agitated and in that frame of Mind I wrote my last to you. So much I thought it necessary to add in explanation. I am convinced now I have been too hasty and I am sorry for it. It will put me on my Guard in future and I make no doubt prove beneficial to me Provided it has not been the means of hurting me in your Estimation which I am now more desirous than ever of obtaining.\nI am Sir with respect your much obliged & most obedient Servant\nJohn Wilkes\nCol. Hamilton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0470", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Wadsworth, Jeremiah\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir,\nHartford Novr 11th 1785\nI received your favor of the 29th ulto. Thursday. I have been very uneasy about my stock in the Bank of North America and long before the repeal of the Pensilvania act of Incorporation, I had determined to take the first favorable opportunity to withdraw it. When I was last at New York it was pretty certain the state of Pensilvania would repeal their Act. I then wrote a letter to Mr Pettit of which the inclosed is a Copy\u2014and hoped that would have put me in possession of my money\u2014but it failed and has I am told very much offended the president & directors of ye Bank\u2014and their great Mr Francis the Cashier has been very busy I hear in trying to shew that I have acted inconsistently as he had read a letter to Chaloner which I wrote at an earlier period\u2014in which I gave it as my opinion that their assembly had proceded with \u201cViolence & injustice.\u201d It seems Mr. F. has construed my letter into a censure of the conduct of the President & directors\u2014and is exceedingly angry and so I believe are some of those who have heretofore been my friends. But I am perfectly willing they shoud think & act as they please if I can rescue my property from their grasp and I will come to New York before January and Co-opperate with You & such other friends as we can find in measures that may be most proper to obtain our wishes. Mr Arthur Lee (who has as Many Votes as any body can have according to the present System) proposed to me to join in measures to withdraw our Stock & seemed to be exceedingly anxious & determined to withdraw his. Duer expressed a desire to have us employ our Stock in a private Bank at New York and mentioned the brother in Law of Mr Constable who is a large Stock holder as desireous to withdraw from Phila and join at New York. This was a Scheme I liked pretty well & gave some encouragement to it. but did not agree on any thing, but wished to have Mr Constables brother in Law pursue the same measures with us respecting the Bank of N.A. Mr Constable lately wrote me a letter of which I inclose you a Copy. I wrote him for answer that I could decide on Nothing before I arrived in New York.\nI will endeaver to sell Churchs Land as soon as possible\u2014but I have missed the best opportunity of doing it before ye Spring\u2014as our General Assembly is over & Canfield gone home. Mrs W & the Children join me in every good wish. Be assured that I am sincerely & affectionately \u2003 Your friend & Humle. Servant\nJere Wadsworth\nPS. \u2003 Constable is perhaps so bound to Mr Morris he dare not act against ye Bank of NA & Duer Livingston &c. are anxious to have a Bank to play of[f] their Continental paper with. Think of all these things. I will come to you early in December.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0471", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Theodorus Bailey, 20 November 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Bailey, Theodorus\n[New York, November 20, 1785. On January 17, 1786, Bailey wrote to Hamilton: \u201cAn indisposition which has confined me the chief of the time since the receit of your favor of the 20th of november, has prevented me from giving it an earlier attention.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0472", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 24 November 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Church, John B.\n[New York, November 24, 1785. On April 5, 1786, Church wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby.\u201d Letter of November 24 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0474", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John Auldjo, November 1785\nFrom: Auldjo, John\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nNew York, November, 1785. \u201cYou have herewith the papers relating to the dispute with Mr. Rhinelander, but lest the business should still be treated with the same trifling attention it has hitherto had, I beg you to press for an explicit answer whether Mr. Rhinelander is seriously disposed to bring it to a hearing.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0476", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John B. Church, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Church, John B.\n[New York, December 6, 1785. On April 5, 1786, Church wrote to Hamilton: \u201cI am in your Debt and have to thank you for your Letters of the 24 Novr. 6 Decr. & 1st Feby.\u201d Letter of December 6 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0477", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Francis Upton, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Upton, Francis\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nLondon, December 6, 1785. \u201c\u2026 you will perceive that a considerable tract of land in the province of New York has been long since given in trust by My late Father for the use of myself Brother & Sister. As they are both Minors & Myself but just come of Age, it prevented our making a More early Application to take possession of these Lands; but I am now having the proper writings prepared \u2026 to invest me with full powers to Act by myself, or my Attorney, in such Manner as shall hereafter by you be advised; and as soon as they are so prepared I shall either immediately set out myself, or transmit you a proper Autjority to Act for me.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0478", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Howe, 8 December 1785\nFrom: Howe, Robert\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDecember 8, 1785. \u201cMr. & Mrs. Wilson \u2026 are in very embarassed Circumstances. As I know you have the direction of Baron Polnitz\u2019s House now Empty, if you could acommodate them with a few Rooms thro\u2019 the winter it would be of espestial service to them.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0479", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Decr 11th. 1785\nI have been favoured with your letter of the 25th. of November by Major Farlie.\nSincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would, adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens, they must subscribe to the alterations which were at that time adopted.\nThat the Jealousies of, and prejudices against this Society were carried to an unwarrantable length I will readily grant\u2014and that less than was done, ought to have removed the fears which had been imbibed, I am as clear in, as I am that it would not have done it; but it is a matter of little moment whether the alarm which siezed the public mind was the result of foresight\u2014envy & jealousy\u2014or a disordered imagination; the effect of perseverance would have been the same: wherein then would have been found an equivalent for the separation of Interests, which (from my best information, not from one state only but many) would inevitably have taken place?\nThe fears of the people are not yet removed, they only sleep, & a very little matter will set them afloat again. Had it not been for the predicament we stood in with respect to the foreign Officers and the charitable part of the Institution I should, on that occasion, as far as my voice would have gone have endeavoured to convince the narrow minded part of our Country men that the Amor Patri[ae] was much stronger in our breasts than theirs\u2014and that our conduct through the whole of the business was actuated by nobler & more generous sentiments than were apprehended, by abolishing the Society at once, with a declaration of the causes, and the purity of its intention. But the latter may be interesting to many, and the former, is an insuperable bar to such a step.\nI am sincerely concerned to find by your letter that the Baron is again in straighted circumstances. I am much disinclined to ask favors of Congress, but if I knew what the objects of his wishes are I should have much pleasure in rendering him any services in my power with such members of that body as I now and then corrispond with. I had flattered myself, from what was told me sometime ago, that Congress had made a final settlement with the Baron much to his satisfaction.\nMy Compliments and best wishes, in which Mrs. Washington joins me, are presented to Mrs. Hamilton.\nI am Dear Sir \u2003 Yr. Most Obedt. Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. When you see Genl. Schuyler and family I pray you to offer my best respects to them.\nAlexr. Hamilton Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0480", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Varick, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Varick, Richard\n[New York] December 20, 1785. \u201cIn the cause of Macaulay v. Ludlow \u2026 I will thank you to take the suit to yourself and carry it on.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0481", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from John B. Church, 21 December 1785\nFrom: Church, John B.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[December 21, 1785. On the back of a letter that Church wrote to Hamilton on April 5, 1786, Hamilton wrote: \u201cLetters from J B Church December 21 April 5. 1786.\u201d Letter of December 21 not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-03-02-0483", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Robert R. Livingston, 25 December 1785\nFrom: Livingston, Robert R.\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDecember 25, 1785. \u201cI recd your notes with Mr. Hoffmans Letter. I have no objections to waving any formalities with respect to the return of the writ of error. I should be extremly sorry if any part of my letter strikes you disagreeably. The passage you allude to was inserted as well to contradict an assertion that I had treated Mr. Hoffmans memory with severity, as to express my resentment at the harsh things that have been publicly said of an ancestor whose memory I am bound to respect.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-10-02-0060-0016", "content": "Title: Enclosure Q: Letter from Robert Forsyth, 3 March 1785\nFrom: Forsyth, Robert\nTo: \nSavannah, 3d March 1785.\nIt having been insinuated by some, and propagated by others, that the honorable General Greene was concerned in the Charleston speculation, with John Banks and Company, and with the contract for the army, I do hereby certify, that the General was in no ways interested in either, with the said Copartnership.\nRobert Forsyth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0105", "content": "Title: To Alexander Hamilton from Abel James, 21 January 1785\nFrom: James, Abel\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nPhiladelphia, January 21, 1785. Apologizes for not answering Hamilton\u2019s letter of December 4, 1783, and states that he has been ill. Sends part of information requested by Hamilton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0106", "content": "Title: Petition of John Lamb, [1\u20139 February 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: \n[New York, February 1\u20139, 1785]\nTo The Honorable The Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled.\nThe Memorial and Petition of John Lamb of the State of Connecticut humbly sheweth\nThat Your Memorialist believing it to be the interest of the United States to form some treaty of amity and Commerce with the States of Barbary; and inferring from the general sense of persons with whom Your Memorialist has conversed, that it is the desire of Congress to set on foot negotiations for that purpose, Your Memorialist is induced to offer his services for conducting those negotiations.\nYour Memorialist can offer no other inducements to this trust than his zeal for the service of the United States and his knowlege of the Country, to which he desires to be sent, acquired by an intercourse of five years; and asks no rewards for his services, all he requires being to have the sanction of the United States and the necessary powers to treat.\nYour Memorialst to this end prays that the Honorable the Congress if they think him worthy of such Confidence would be pleased to vest him with such character & power correspondent thereto as they may judge necessary & expedient. And Your Petitioner as in duty bound shall pray &c", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0107", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to John Chaloner, [2 February 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Chaloner, John\n[New York, February 2, 1785. \u201cI have received your letter with the state of the case enclosed. If you can make no arrangement for securing Mr. Carter without the assistance of the law, I am upon the whole of opinion it will be advisable to rely on the first bill of exchange, instituting another suit against Turnbull Marmie & Co. Though it may be a question whether they are not discharged by the acceptance of the second bill, yet there is law enough to the contrary to justify an experiment to make them answerable. And it will be prudent to hold fast all the security to which you have any pretensions. I suppose there has [been] no receipt or other thing past considering the second bills as absolute payment for so much of the first. No doubt \u2026 you have employed able counsel in the matter on the first who know the genius of your courts. You will do well to follow their advice rather than my opinion. I shall be happy at all times to give you the best I can in whatever relates either to our friend or yourself.\u201d Letter not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0108", "content": "Title: Conveyance from James Barclay and Others, [17 September 1785]\nFrom: Barclay, James\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\n[New York, September 17, 1785]. James Barclay and others convey \u201cAll that certain messuage or dwelling house and the store house thereunto adjoining, as also the lott of ground whereon the said dwelling house and store house do stand and which is thereunto belonging situate lying and being in the South Ward of the City of New York Fronting to a certain street called Wall Street.\u2026\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0109", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to \u2014\u2014\u2014 Townsend, [27 December 1785]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Townsend\n[New York, December 27, 1785.] Instructs Townsend on how to proceed with the execution of a conveyance.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Hamilton/01-26-02-0002-0110", "content": "Title: From Alexander Hamilton to Egbert Benson, [1785\u20131787]\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Benson, Egbert\n[1785\u20131787.] Recounts the facts in the case of Mary Franklin, Executor of Henry Franklin v Teunis Slingerlands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0254", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Mirabeau, with Franklin\u2019s Note for a Reply, 1 January 1785\nFrom: Mirabeau, Marie-Genevi\u00e8ve de Vassan, marquise de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tCe 1 janvier 1785\n\t\t\t\tPermestes monsieur que je me rappelle dans lhonneur de votre souvenir et que je vous renouve le dans le commencement de\nlann\u00e9 les voeux que je fait pour vous cest une hommage qui vous est due a tant de titres par a venerattion que vous vous attires de tout ce qui vous connoit et que je vous rand avec empressement.\n\t\t\t\tOserais je vous demander une grace pour un homme a talent et honnete qui sappelle bourgoin honnete homme ag\u00e9 de 25 ans imprimeur en taille douce et habille qui desireroit pass\u00e9 chez les insurgen que vous vouliez bien lui accorder votre protection pour pass\u00e9; ma r\u00e9connoissance esgallera le respectueux attachement avec lequels jai lhonneur detre monsieur votre tres humble et tres obbeissante servante\n\t\t\t\t\tVASSAN MARQUISE DE MIRABEAUrue neuve des maturin chaus\u00e9e dantin numero 30\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le docteur franclin pleinipotencie / et ministre en son hotel / A passi\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: That if he can pay for his Passage, and obtain a Passport from this Government, he may easily pass into America by the Pacquet Boat from L\u2019Orient and I will at her desire recommend him to be employ\u2019d. That I have no means in my Power of sending People to America.\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Mirabeau la Mse. De. 1er. Janvr. 1785.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0256", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Glier, 2 January 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Glier, Marie\n\t\t\t\t\tPassy le 2 Janr. 1785.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire au sujet d\u2019un nomm\u00e9 Thomas Dunlop, se disant Americain:\u2014 Et Je vous dois des Remerciements pour le soin que vous en avez pris le supposant tel.\u2014 Mais par le Compte qu\u2019il a rendu de lui meme, Je soup\u00e7onne tr\u00e8s fort, qu\u2019il est ou Anglois, ou Irlandois. Il y a deja eu plusieurs Exemples de pareilles Supercheries: et s\u2019il avoit eu, comme il le dit, Envie de passer en Amerique, il auroit pu le faire aussi facilement en Angleterre qu\u2019en France.\u2014 Je crois donc, Monsieur, qu\u2019il seroit bien de le faire travailler pour sa Subsistance, et de prendre la premiere\nOccasion pour se debarrasser de lui\u2014en l\u2019embarquant sur quelque Vaisseau destin\u00e9 pour son Pays.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre tr\u00e8s parfaitement, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble es tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur.\u2014\n\t\t\t\t\tB Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tM. Glier.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Glier, Lieutenant / G\u00e9n\u00e9ral du Baillage. / au Havre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0257", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Joseph de Mayer, 2 January 1785\nFrom: Mayer, Charles-Joseph\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tJe viens, monsieur, vous faire une priere: cest de vouloir bien m\u2019indiquer chez qu\u2019el libraire je trouverai \u00e0 paris, le recueil des constitutions fed\u00e9rales des insurgens. Ce livre que je demande inutilement, m\u2019est nec\u00eassaire, dans le moment, et j\u2019ai cru devoir enfin vous prier, ou de me le procurer en lecture, ou de me donner des moyens de m\u2019en rendre possesseur; si vous jug\u00e9s \u00e1 propos d\u2019aller aux informations, on vous dira quel est l\u2019usage que je fais de \u00e7es Sortes de livres. Le votre, monsieur, me donnera des occasions de rendre \u00e0 votre genie un hommage bien merit\u00e9, et recev\u00e9s mes excuses et d\u2019avance le temoignage de ma\nreconnaissance et du respect avec lesquels jai lhonneur d\u2019etre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDe Mayerofficier de cavalerie\n\t\t\t\t\tparis aux arcades du palais Royal No. 60", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0258", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 January 1785\nFrom: Williams, Jonathan Jr.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tDear & hond Sir\n\t\t\t\t\tSt Germain 2 January 1785.\n\t\t\t\tMariamne has made me a new Years Present of a very fine Girl, both mother & Child are in a fine way & I am in hopes the Scheme of Nursing will Succeed.\n\t\t\t\tAccept my hearty good wishes for as many returns of this Season as you yourself desire, I don\u2019t know how many that is, but I hope at least it will not interfere with your Dixenniel Custom for at least twice more. Please to make my affectionate Compliments of the Season acceptable to Mrs Hewson with Love to Billy Ben & the little folks.\n\t\t\t\tI am as ever most respectfully & Dutifully Your affectionate Kinsman\n\t\t\t\t\tJ Williams\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Americain / A Passy / pres Paris\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Williams 2 Jany. 1785.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0259", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Antoine Roucher, [before 3 January 1785]\nFrom: Roucher, Jean-Antoine\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\t[before January 3, 1785]\n\t\t\t\tVERITE\u2234 UNION\u2234 FORCE\u2234\n\t\t\t\tL\u2234 R\u2234 L\u2234 des Neuf S\u0153urs, est convoqu\u00e9e pour le Lundy 3 du iieme. mois D\u2234 L\u2234 D\u2234 L\u2234 V\u2234 L\u2234 5784, en son local, Hotel du Mus\u00e9e, rue Dauphine, \u00e0 Onze heures pr\u00e9cises.\n\t\t\t\tLa S\u00e9ance Acad\u00e9mique Sera remplie par les ff\u2234 Du Paty, Marn\u00e9sia, Pastoret, Roucher, De Cubi\u00e8res, Lantier et Le Changeux, Et Sera Suivie d\u2019un Banquet.\n\t\t\t\tVous \u00eates pri\u00e9 d\u2019y venir augmenter les douceurs de l\u2019union Fraternelle.\n\t\t\t\tJe suis par les N\u2234 C\u2234 D\u2234 V\u2234 M\u2234 V\u2234 T\u2234 H\u2234 & affectionn\u00e9 Frere\n\t\t\t\t\tRougherSecretaire de la R\u2234 L\u2234\n\t\t\t\t\tL\u2019adresse de la Loge est \u00e0 M. Rougher, premier Secretaire de L\u2234 R\u2234 L\u2234, rue de l\u2019Eperon.\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / franklin / N\u2234 S\u2234 ./. A Passy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0260", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 3 January 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hartley, David\n\t\t\t\t\tMy Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tI received your kind letter of December 1, from Bath. I am glad to hear that your good sister is in a fair way towards recovery; my respects and best wishes attend her.\n\t\t\t\tI communicated your letter to Mr. Jefferson, to remind him of his promise to communicate to you the intelligence he might receive from America on the subjects you mention; and now having got it back, I shall endeavour to answer the other parts of it.\n\t\t\t\tWhat you propose to draw up of your opinions on American negociation, may be of great use, if laid, as you intend, before administration, in case they seriously intend to enter on it after the meeting of parliament: for I know your ideas all tend to a good understanding between the two countries and their common advantage; and in my mind too, all selfish projects of partial profit are the effects of short-sightedness, they never producing permanent benefits, and are at length the causes of discord and its consequences, wherein much more is spent than all the temporary gains amounted to.\n\t\t\t\tI do not know that any one is yet appointed by your Court to treat with us. We some time since acquainted your minister with our powers and disposition to treat, which he communicated to his Court, and received for answer that his Majesty\u2019s ministers were ready to receive any propositions we might have to make for the common benefit of both countries, but they thought it more for the honour of both, that the treaty should not be in a third place. We answered that though we did not see much inconvenience in treating here, we would, as soon as we had finished some affairs at present on our hands, wait upon them, if they pleased, in London. We have since heard nothing.\n\t\t\t\tWe have no late accounts from America of any importance. You know the Congress adjourned the beginning of June till the beginning of November. And since their meeting there has been no account of their proceedings. All the stories in your papers relating to their divisions, &c. are fiction, as well as those of the people being discontented with Congressional Government. Mr. Jay writes to me, that they were at no time more happy or more satisfied with their government, &c. than at present, nor ever enjoyed more tranquillity or prosperity. In truth the freedom of their ports to all nations has brought in a vast plenty of foreign goods, and occasioned a demand for their produce, the consequence of which is the double advantage of buying what they consume cheap, and selling what they can spare dear.\n\t\t\t\tIf we should come to London, I hope it may still be with you that we are to do business. Our already understanding one another may save on many points a good deal of time in discussion. But I doubt whether any treaty is intended on your part, and I fancy we shall not press it. It may perhaps be best to give both sides time to enquire, and to feel for the interests they cannot see. With sincere and great esteem, I am ever, my dear friend, yours most affectionately,\n\t\t\t\t\tB. Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0261", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mayer, 3 January 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Mayer, Charles-Joseph\n\t\t\t\tI have just receiv\u2019d the Piece, entitled, Asgill, &c. which you have been so good as to send me. Please to accept my Thanks,\ntogether with the Book of our Constitutions, which I send herewith. I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\tB. Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tM. de Mayer.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0262", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mordejay Delamar, 3 January 1785\nFrom: Delamar, Mordejay\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMogador 3 Jany. 1785\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding the grief I withold when misfortunes befalls my fellow Creatures and the Supreme Being is pleased to punish us with Prudence we must Resign to his pleasure. Also I must Acqt. you by ordr. of His Imperial Majesty of Morocco that the Brig Betsey from Philadelphia bound to Tereneffe taken on the Barbary Coast by one of his Privateers & Suspended with her Cargo. Yesterday I Receivd Letters from the Emperor whom as Addressd to my Care as his Chief Employer Captn. James Hervey Comandr. of sd. Brig & all the Crew with whom all Humanity & Civility is & shall be used to them till an Embassador of the United States of America does Appear. Then in Course the Brig Cargo & the whole will be Honourably Discharged. Persuadg. yourself Sr. The Gentlemn. Appointd. as such will be Shewn all honour by the Emperor and Afterwards by whom\nSubscribes himself to be with all Regard Your Excelencies Most Hble. & Obt. Servt.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMordejay Delamar\n\t\t\t\t\tTo: His Excelency Dr. Franklin Ministr. Plenimenty of the United States of America\n\t\t\t\tNotation: M. Delamar to B. Franklin 3d. January 1785.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0264", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Du Calvet, 4 January 1785\nFrom: Calvet, Pierre du\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\ta londres le 4e. Janvier 1785. a no. 9, Cannon-Street,near general post office.\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur L\u2019ambassadeur,\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai re\u00e7ue le 28 de decembre par penny post la lettre que Votre Excellence m\u2019a fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 14 d\u2019octobre dernier. Si cette lettre est partie de passy par la voie directe de la poste, il n\u2019est pas difficile de deviner la cause, qui la prolonge\u00e9 Si ong tems Sur la route, avant de parvenir jusqu\u2019a moi; les Soup\u00e7ons et la malice du despotisme ne Sont pas confin\u00e9s \u00e1 qu\u00e9bec; ils regnent \u00e1 londres, avec moins d\u2019audace peut \u00eatre, mais avec non moins de r\u00e9alit\u00e9, qu\u2019oi qu\u2019en exercice dans les t\u00e9n\u00e9bres et Sous le masque; ils m\u2019ont port\u00e9 et ils ne cessent encor d\u2019essayer tous les jours \u00e1 me porter de rudes coups: mon c\u0153ur y est Sensible Sans doute; la Nature et l\u2019honneur lui en font une loi; Mais, Monsieur, l\u2019ambassadeur, la Sensation la plus forte de l\u2019adversit\u00e9, ne monte jamais ches moi, jusqu\u2019\u00e1 la t\u00eate, m\u00eame pour en affecter l\u2019a memoire.\n\t\t\t\tJe S\u2019avois et je ne l\u2019ai jamais oubli\u00e9, que votre excellence ne m\u2019avoit promis, que d\u2019envoyer au congr\u00e9s les doubles de mes papiers, et d\u2019en appuyer la liquidation de Sa recommandation. La moindre connoissance du monde m\u2019avoit appris, qu\u2019un ambassadeur n\u2019est pas Solidairement responsable, des dettes contract\u00e9es par Ses ma\u00eatres, hors de Son district, et qu\u2019il ne peut ni ne\ndoit m\u00eame y Satisfaire Sans ordre. Mais le general haldimand ne consultant que Sa haine pour l\u2019am\u00e9rique, S\u2019etoit hautement refus\u00e9 \u00e1 me delivrer un passe-port, pour faire le voyage d\u2019europe, \u00e1 travers les \u00eatats unis, les pr\u00e9paratifs de mon attaque judicielle contre ce tiran, ne me permettoient pas de me d\u00e9rober Si long-tems de londres, pour aller Solliciter en personne, mon payement aupr\u00e9s du congr\u00e9s; dans des conjonctures Si critiques, je pris le parti de m\u2019addresser \u00e1 v\u00f4tre Excellence, non pas comme \u00e1 un d\u00e9biteur personnel, a qui je demand\u00e2sse mon d\u00fb, mais comme \u00e1 un protecteur g\u00e9n\u00e9reux et humain, dont je visois \u00e1 me conciler la protection, la bienfaisance et la justice, pour-faciliter et acc\u00e9l\u00e9rer e payement de la dette de Ses ma\u00eetres; cette addresse, fonde\u00e9 Sur la haute ide\u00e9 que Mr. le Docteur franklin \u00e1 donne\u00e9 au monde de Ses vertus civiles et Sociales assur\u00e9ment n\u2019a p\u00fb \u00eatre que dans les regles. Je n\u2019ai jamais port\u00e9 mes Esp\u00e9rances du c\u00f4t\u00e9 de v\u00f4tre Excellence, au dela de cette r\u00e9commandation, de cette protection, de cette Sollicitation en ma faveur aupr\u00e9s du congr\u00e9s. Ma lettre du 24. de Septembre \u00e1 la quelle v\u00f4tre Excellence me r\u00e9pond, l\u2019atteste dans les termes les plus positifs. La longue lettre qui l\u2019a Suivie n\u2019intime rien de plus Sur ce point; elle n\u2019est r\u00e9lative, qu\u2019\u00e1 l\u2019information de Mr. lambert, qui, Sur les d\u00e9clarations de v\u00f4tre Excellence, (dit il,) me Sommoit de retirer mes papiers originaux de Ses mains. V\u00f4tre Excellence en Se chargeant de devenir mon protecteur aupr\u00e9s du congres, avoit e\u00fb la bont\u00e9 de m\u2019assurer en Surplus, qu\u2019elle m\u2019informeroit du Succ\u00e9s; Je n\u2019avois pas re\u00e7ue cette information de Sa part; c\u2019est \u00e1 ce Sujet que je me r\u00e9tranchai contre la demande de Mr. lambert, Sur la probit\u00e9 de Mr. le Docteur franklin, incapable d\u2019en appeller de Ses promesses.\u2014 Qu\u2019oi qu\u2019il en Soit de cet expos\u00e9, qui n\u2019est que l\u2019explication pure et Simple des faits, je ne balance pas d\u2019ajouter, que Si je n\u2019esperois pas, que v\u00f4tre Excellence me pay\u00e2t, je ne m\u2019avisai jamais de former le moindre doute, que l\u2019ordre de me payer \u00e1 paris, ne Suivit de pr\u00e9s Ses r\u00e9pr\u00e9sentations en m\u2019a faveur. C\u2019est Sur cette persuasion, bien fonde\u00e9 assur\u00e9ment, (puisque v\u00f4tre Excellence ne me parla en aucune fa\u00e7on \u00e1 lors de faire par moi m\u00eame, aucune\napplication au congr\u00e9s) que j\u2019ai rest\u00e9 tout le tems dans l\u2019inaction; inaction, aujourdhui bien fatale pour moi.\n\t\t\t\tAu reste, Monsieur L\u2019Ambassadeur, je me flatte que v\u00f4tre Excellence dans Son approbation de la nomination des commissaires, propos\u00e9s par le congr\u00e9s pour l\u2019examen des dettes canadiennes, n\u2019a point e\u00fb en v\u00fbe de mettre la mienne dans la masse de celles, que la friponerie a essay\u00e9 en canada ou ailleurs, d\u2019extorquer Subtilement de vos ma\u00eetres. Elle \u00e1 e\u00fb en main les t\u00eetres Sur lesquels m\u2019a cr\u00e9ance est fonde\u00e9, t\u00eetres dont elle fit elle m\u00eame la v\u00e9rification; et c\u2019est Sur cette v\u00e9rification, qu\u2019elle Se d\u00e9termina \u00e1 devenir elle m\u00eame mon protecteur et mon Solliciteur aupr\u00e9s du congr\u00e9s. Apr\u00e9s une telle r\u00e9solution, il ne peut plus rester de nuage et de doute Sur la r\u00e9alit\u00e9 et la justice de la dette. Les lumieres et la justice de Mr. le Docteur franklin en Sont garans.\n\t\t\t\tMalgr\u00e9 tout ce mal-entendu, v\u00f4tre Excellence conclut \u00f4bligeamment Sa lettre, par une nouvelle promesse de r\u00e9it\u00e9rer Ses r\u00e9commandations en m\u2019a faveur aupr\u00e9s du congr\u00e9s, pour mon juste et prompt payement. Si elle pense, qu\u2019en cas de r\u00e9ussite, ce payement ne d\u00fbt pas \u00eatre effectu\u00e9 \u00e1 paris, contre ma premiere persuation, Si bien autoris\u00e9e, je la Suppli\u00e9rois de mettre le comble \u00e1 Ses bont\u00e9s, en m\u2019en donnant avis. Il est bien tard, j\u2019ai perdu plus d\u2019une anne\u00e9 d\u2019une bien infructueuse et bien cruelle attente. Le g\u00e9n\u00e9ral haldimand est attendu \u00e0 chaque instant \u00e1 londres, n\u2019importe, il faudra bien Se Soumettre alors \u00e1 la mauvaise \u00e9toile, qui ne cesse de me poursuivre, retirer mes papiers des mains de Mr. lambert, et envoyer une procuration en am\u00e9rique, pour les faire valoir, quand on pourra, car depuis\nle d\u00e9part de mon beau frere de philadelphie, je ne Sai aujourdhui personne, \u00e1 qui m\u2019addresser. Ce que je puis ajouter en finissant cette, peut-\u00eatre, trop longue lettre, c\u2019est que J\u2019ai Souffert pour le compte de l\u2019am\u00e9rique; je ne crois pas que l\u2019am\u00e9rique veuille entrer Sur les rangs, et Se mettre Sur la liste de mes oppresseurs, en me privant longtems des moyens de la venger, en me vengeant de mon tiran. Les vertus citoyennes dont elle marqu\u2019a Son horreur pour la tirannie, justifient mon opinion.\n\t\t\t\tA tout \u00e9v\u00e9n\u00e9ment, je Suis m\u2019ortifi\u00e9 des peines que j\u2019ai donn\u00e9es \u00e1 v\u00f4tre Excellence, et je l\u2019assure en homme d\u2019education et d\u2019honneur et du plus profond de mon c\u0153ur de toute ma r\u00e9connoissance pour Ses bienfaits pass\u00e9s et a v\u00e9nir.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec le plus profond respect. Monsieur L\u2019ambassadeur, De v\u00f4tre Excellence Le tr\u00e9s h\u00fbmble et tr\u00e9s \u00f4beiss[ant] Sr.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPierre du Calvet\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Pierre du Calvet 4 Janvier 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0265", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Ferdinand Grand, 9 January 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Grand, Ferdinand\n\t\t\t\tI received your Letter of the 29th. past with the State of the Interest Money claimed by the Department of Finance as due the 1st. Inst, the Account of your Advances for the United States, and a Copy of the Letter of Messrs. Willink & Staphorst offering you by Order of Mr. Morris 400,000 Livres the Sum due in November last for the Interest of the Dutch Loan, on all which you propose it for Consideration, whether (that Interest\nbeing already advanc\u2019d for us & duly paid by this Government according to its Guarantee) it would not be more prudent to delay the full Reimbursement of that Sum, reserving one Half to answer the still arriving old Loan-Office Drafts, Ministers Salaries & contingent Expences & to reimburse you for your Advances; unless Messrs W. & Staphorst, having more Money of the States in their Hands, would on an order from us advance 200,000 Livres which are necessary for those Purposes. I communicated your Letter with the other Papers to Mr. Adams under whose Direction the Loans managed by Messrs. W. & S. have been transacted. He undertook to write to those Gentlemen for Information what Money they might have in Hand beyond 400,000 Livres; and they have written in answer that the two Loans being nearly full, they shall have (if I remember right) above a Million of Florins, which would discharge honourably all our Engagements to this Court, a Thing I much wish would be done, but Mr. Adams alledges that he has no Power to draw on or dispose of that Fund without Orders from Congress; and certainly Mr. Jefferson and myself have, without him, no such Power. I have since received your Letter of the 5th. Instant on the same Subject, and being of Opinion with you that, (unless there be Reasons for delaying the Payment, which we are unacquainted with) the Congress cannot be pleas\u2019d with this Breach of Punctuality, while they have Money lying dead in the Hands of those Merchants in Holland, I communicated also this your second Letter to Mr. Adams but he continues of the same Opinion, and was rather displeas\u2019d with my Importunity, so that I can carry it no farther.\n\t\t\t\tWith regard to your Request that I would give you Orders in Writing for the Payment to Government of a Part of the 400,000 Livres, it does not seem necessary or proper for me to give such Orders. I can only give you my Opinion of what I should do were I in your Case. Your Advances have been considerable, the Inconveniency to you not a little, the mentioned Sum has already been advanced for the States by Government, and our Credit in Holland thereby secur\u2019d till the next Year\u2019s Interest becomes due before which time, Funds will probably be prepared for the regular Discharge of all Interests due to our European Creditors. I would therefore at least retain the Reimbursement of my Advances, and sufficient to pay the Salaries engag\u2019d for to the End of 1784, and discharge the probable Demands by Loan Office Bills still coming; for there is no reason why you should continue longer in Advance or advance farther.\n\t\t\t\tThe House of Fizeaux & Grand have wrote to me that they have drawn on me for the last Year\u2019s Interest of their Loan. You will please to pay the Draft as usual. Do you think it probable, in the present State of Things, that that Loan could now be extended, if so I still have by me the Promisses and Coupons, which that House return\u2019d to me. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\tB Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tMr Grand, Banker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0268", "content": "Title: John Jay to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: American Commissioners\n\t\t\t\t\tOffice for Foreign Affairs New York14th. January 1785\n\t\t\t\t\tGentlemen,\n\t\t\t\tOn the 21st. Ultimo I accepted the Place of Secretary for foreign Affairs. All the foreign letters which had been received during the recess of Congress were then and are still in the hands of a Committee to whom they had been referred\u2014none have since arrived.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tThe adjournment from Trenton to this Place necessarily occasioned delay in business\u2014 Congress yesterday made a House, and I expect that some of these more important measures will soon be matured. By the next opportunity I flatter myself with having the pleasure of writing to you more particularly. Judges are nominated and will doubtless be appointed to decide the interfering claims of Massachusetts and New York. Advices just received give reason to apprehend an attack of the Cheroquees on Kentucky, a settlement which encreases with a degree of rapidity scarcely credible. It is rumored but not ascertained that the Spaniards encourage them.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tI have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obt. & hum. servt.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Jay\n\t\t\t\t\tTo the Honorable John Adams, Benjn. Franklin & Thos. JeffersonEsqrs.\n\t\t\t\tNotation: New York Janry. 14. 1785 from Mr Jay Secry of Foreign Affairs", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0271", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 14 January 1785\nFrom: Ingenhousz, Jan\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tDear friend!\n\t\t\t\t\tVienne en Autriche Jan. 14. 1785\n\t\t\t\tI send this inclosed in a lettre to Dr. LeBegue by a privat hand, only to inform you, that I continue in good health, and to make you remembre how much I desire to hear from you. I was in hopes, that, now your country enjoys the happiness, that has been the object of your desires, you would spend the remainder of your days in Philosophical leasure, as you proposed to doe. But I see with great concern, that politicks keep you still out of the philosophical world, and ingross all your attention. If this my disappointment is a real loss for the sciences, it is a particular loss for me, as you may have observed in my last letters. It would have been a particular Satisfaction to me if you had had a moment time to inform me, if the inclosed lettres, to mr. Williams, Wharton, Duker &c have been recieved and forwarded. You know very well, how much I am concerned in the affaires of mr. Wharton, of whom I hear nothing at all.\n\t\t\t\tI hear from time to time by mere accident, that you continue in tolerably good health. Not long ago I was inform\u2019d of it by the Countesse de Fries, who I introduced to you last year. However great the plaisur of such happy intelligence may be for me, yet it would be an infinitely greater satisfaction for me to be informed of your good health by your self. Some weaks ago I recieved some few German American Newspapers, which came from you. But I was Greately disappointed in finding them unaccompanyed by a lettre. However, I trust upon your promis and your frindship to me, to hear Soon of you, before the treatening ware between France and the Emperour breaks out and shut of our correspondence. I doe not dare to make you any reflexions on this head, except that I lament the fate of my Country and of mankind.\n\t\t\t\tYou will be Sorry to hear the good bishop I recommended to you is dead. Poor man was not one of the best philosophers, tho verry desirous to become one.\n\t\t\t\tGive my best Compliments to your grandson.\n\t\t\t\tMy book Melanges de Physique et de medecine, dedicated to you, now above three years in the press and finish\u2019d a whole year ago, is however not yet publish\u2019d. The German translation of that book is not only sold out, but a second edition and a second volum of it is all ready printed and perhaps sold out for the half. Who provoking this is you may judge. Mr. le begue de Presle has the care of it. He professes to be my friend.\n\t\t\t\tI am very respectfully My dear Friend Your most obedient humble servant\n\t\t\t\t\tJ. Ingen Housz\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: \u00e0 Son Excellence / Mr. Benj. Franklin / Ministre Plenip. des Etats unis / de l\u2019Amerique / a Passy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0272", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Fortunato Bartolomeo de Felice], 15 January 1785\nFrom: Felice, Fortunato Bartolomeo de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tyv. [Yverdon] 15 Janvier 1785\n\t\t\t\tPermettez qu\u2019un admirateur depuis 35 ans aumoins de vos grands talens vous adresse la lettre ci jointe, elle servira de preface a quelques id\u00e9es que j\u2019ai mises par \u00e9crit ces jours passes et que je viens de donner \u00e0 l\u2019imprimerie.\n\t\t\t\tUn personnage distingu\u00e9 de la Haye m\u2019envoya il y a 6 semaines les Observations de M. l\u2019Abb\u00e9 de Mably, sur les differentes Constitutions de vos Republiques, et en souhaita mon avis. Je parcourus avec empressement cette brochure, et je fus \u00e9trangement surpris de me trouver \u00e0 la fin sans avoir \u00e9t\u00e9 arret\u00e9 par une seule remarque qui e\u00fbt merit\u00e9 mon attention. Je n\u2019ai pas reconnu dans cette production M. de Mably, mais plutot un chirugien doux, qui flatte les plyes [plaies] qui vont devenir funestes \u00e0 votre Patrie, si on n\u2019y employe pas le fer promptement\net avec prudence. J\u2019ai fais quelques remarques sur les Observations de M. de Mably et sur les principales de vos constitutions. J\u2019ai pris la libert\u00e9 d\u2019en exposer avec franchise les fautes que je crois y avoir remarqu\u00e9es, et j\u2019enverrai cet ouvrage dans une 15ne de jours \u00e0 mon ami de la Haye.\n\t\t\t\tLa libert\u00e9 dont j\u2019ai crus devoir faire usage dans cette production, m\u2019oblige \u00e0 rester cach\u00e9 derriere le ridau, mais si vous en souhaitez un exemplaire, vous pouvez Monsieur le faire venir de la Haye ou M. Adams le connaitra d\u2019abord par le cannal de mon \u00e0mi \u00e0 qui je l\u2019enverrai par la Poste.\n\t\t\t\tIl y as quelques annees que je travaille \u00e0 un ouvrage qui as pour titre le Developpement de la raison en 4 gros ou 6 vol. mediocre 8\u00b0. Je me suis apper\u00e7us qu\u2019une des principales causes de la coruption g\u00e9n\u00e9rale des m\u0153urs, est l\u2019ignorence o\u00f9 croupit la plupart du genre humain. Je me suis appliqu\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019instruire. Quelques grands hommes qui ont parcourus mon Mss. qui est finis, m\u2019ont assur\u00e9s que j\u2019y ai reussi. Je pensois de l\u2019envoyer pour le faire imprimer \u00e0 Paris ou \u00e0 la Haye. Pour peu que cet ouvrage p\u00fbt faire plaisir ou \u00eatre de la plus petite utilit\u00e9 aux Etats-Unis; je me ferois un plaisir de leur en faire hommage: d\u2019autant plus que mon ouvrage est bien plus propre \u00e0 conserver les moeurs l\u00e0 o\u00f9 il y en a, qu\u2019\u00e0 les ramener o\u00f9 il n\u2019y en as point, comme en Europe o\u00f9 mon ouvrage ne feras pas une fortune brillante. En un mot, Monsieur, si je pouvois \u00eatre de la moindre utilit\u00e9 \u00e0 votre respectable pays, je le ferois avec un tr\u00e8s grand plaisir.\n\t\t\t\tJe lis les Affiches o\u00f9 le journal General de France que fait \u00e0 Paris M. l\u2019Abb\u00e9 de Fontenai rue St Hyacinte le 3e porte coch\u00e8re \u00e0 droite par la place St Miche, si vous trouviez chez-moi quelques choses qui merit\u00e2t votre attention, vous pouriez faire demander par cette feuille que l\u2019Auteur du Developpement de la raison se fit conna\u00eetre.\n\t\t\t\tEn attendant, j\u2019ai lhonneur d\u2019etre avc l\u2019estime que vos grands talans ont su m\u2019inspirer Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s Ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: \u00e0 Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / Min. Plenipot. des Etats-Unis / de l\u2019Amerique en son Hautel / \u00e0 Paris\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: L\u2019Auteur du Developement", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0273", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de La Rou\u00ebrie, 15 January 1785\nFrom: La Rou\u00ebrie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\tThe ponctuality of america in her engagement with us having impressed our hearts with gratitude & respect, we have\nwished to communicate and fire theses sentiments in every honest Breast in our Country\u2014we have thought that, by publishing the inclosed paper\u2014we would, in some measure, attain our purpose\u2014I send it to your Exellency for your approbation, and as we hope you will grant it to us, I request you would send it to me\u2014 I have the honor to Be with great respect your Exellency\u2019s Sir the most obdt. hbl. Servte.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tArmand Mqis. de la Rouerie\u2014\n\t\t\t\t\this Exellency B\u2014 franklin\u2014\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: his Exellency Bmin. franklin\u2014 / ministre plenipotentiary from the united / states of america to the Court of / france / passy\u2014\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Armand Ms de la Rouerie 15 Jany 85\n\t\t\t\t[Enclosure]\n\t\t\t\t\tparis Ce 14 Janvier 1785\u2014\n\t\t\t\tLes etats unis viennent de faire payer la premiere ann\u00e9e de rente sur les Contrats accord\u00e9s a Ceux des officiers fran\u00e7ois qui avoient servi dans leurs arm\u00e9es pendant et Jusqu\u2019a la Conclusion de la derniere Guerre\u2014 La ponctualit\u00e9 de ce payement fait le plus grand honneur \u00e0 cette republique naissante, et ne peut manquer de retablir la Confiance publique que sur des Bruits mal fond\u00e9s on etoit que trop dispos\u00e9 a leur refuter\u2014 La dete des officiers fran\u00e7ois etoit sans doute des plus sacr\u00e9es, C\u2019etoit le prix de leur veilles, de leurs travaux et de leur vies prodigu\u00e9s dans une revolution aussi difficile que glorieuse\u2014mais si Ces officiers avoient des droits particuliers \u00e1 la reconnoissance publique, on ne peut trop admirer l\u2019empressement et l\u2019exactitude avec lesqu\u2019els les etats unis ont Commanc\u00e9 \u00e0 la leur temoigner\u2014 Cet evenement qui prouve incontestablement ce que l\u2019on doit attendre de la probit\u00e9 nationalle de Ce peuple, est sans doute le fruit de l\u2019ordre etabli dans le departement des finances par l\u2019habile surintendant Robert Morris, et l\u2019heureux presage d\u2019une administration sage et equitable de la part de ses successeurs\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0275", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from \u2014\u2014\u2014 Beyer, 17 January 1785\nFrom: Beyer, \u2014\u2014\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur,\n\t\t\t\t\tParis ce 17. Janvier 1785.\n\t\t\t\tLes bont\u00e9s dont vous daign\u00e9s m\u2019honorer m\u2019enhardissent \u00e0 prendre la libert\u00e9 de vous informer que MM. de l\u2019acad\u00e9mie m\u2019ont fait dire de me rendre \u00e0 leur assembl\u00e9e de mercredi prochain, avec l\u2019instrument dont je Suis l\u2019inventeur. Comme je ne fais aucun doute, Monsieur, du plaisir que vous aur\u00e9s \u00e0 apprendre le Jugement que ces Mrs. auront port\u00e9 Sur la Construction de mon instrument, Je me ferai un devoir de vous en instruire et de vous demander de nouveau la Continuation de vos bont\u00e9s et de votre puissante protection.\n\t\t\t\tJe Suis avec un tr\u00e9s profond respect, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBeyer\n\t\t\t\t\tM. francklin.\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Beyer 17 Jan. 85", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0277", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Henri Fizeaux & Cie., 20 January 1785\nFrom: Fizeaux, Henri, & Cie.\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tAmsterdam le 20, Janvr. 1785.\n\t\t\t\tMrs. Pott & Cie. de Lausanne nous ont fait parvenir Suivant vos ordres un ballot de Livres, en nous en recommandant l\u2019expedition ulterieure \u00e0 M Thompson \u00e0 Philadelphie, ce que nous ne differerons pas d\u2019executer, si vous ne nous en ordonn\u00e9s pas autrement, nous prierons ensuite M. Grand de nous rembourser de nos frais, pr\u00e9sumant que telles Sont vos intentions.\n\t\t\t\tNous avons l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec une Consideration Respectueuse Monsieur Vos tr\u00e9s humbles & tr\u00e9s obeissans Serviteurs\n\t\t\t\t\tH. Fizeux & Cie.\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis \u00e0 Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0278", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to Thulemeier: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, 21 January 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm von\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8Passy, January 21, 1785: We have received your letter of December 10. We assumed that the principles contained in the draft treaty, which we sent to you, would answer the request made at the end of your letter of October 18. According to Articles 2 and 3, the citizens and subjects of each power may visit all the coasts and countries of the other and reside and trade therein all kinds of goods, paying no greater duties than the most favored nation. According to Article 4, each party shall have the right to carry their own goods in their own vessels to any parts of the dominion of the other, where it shall be lawful for the subjects or citizens of both parties to purchase them and sell their own goods, paying in all cases only those duties as shall be paid by the most favored nation. If Prussia wanted to establish a free port or a depot, we suggest that both Emden and Stettin should be selected. If we needed to choose one or the other, we would have to request instructions from Congress.\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0279", "content": "Title: Pio to the American Commissioners: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Pio, Luigi\nTo: American Commissioners\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8Paris, January 22, 1785, in French: I gave the king your letter of September 27, 1784, offering to conclude a treaty of amity and commerce. He has authorized me to assure you that nothing\nwould give him greater pleasure. His Majesty has lately opened and established a free port at Messina in Sicily, open to all nations, as the enclosed edict will show. Moreover, he has charged me to make you a formal declaration that United States merchant ships will be received at Messina and our other ports with the most sincere friendship; that we will always come to their and and furnish them with whatever they may need; and that they will be free to trade their own produce as well as merchandise of their own and other countries\u2019 manufacture. Tobacco being the most essential part of American trade, as you told me during one of our private interviews, I must inform you that the king has abolished all duties on this commodity. As for other produce, you may import whatever you choose and export whatever you find useful or appealing. Commercial relations may and should be established as soon as possible, while the court considers carefully the objects of a treaty. Allow me to also point out that none of the other nations trading extensively and profitably with the Sicilies has a treaty with my court.\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0280", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Gioanni Francesco Viglione: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Viglione, Gioanni Francesco\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8Turin, January 22, 1785, in Italian: Most illustrious and honorable Professor, I send you my work in the fervent hope that\nyou will enjoy such a first effort, and forgive the many mistakes in printing. Drawing on the fundamental principles of your theory, I have dared to slightly disagree with you and Professor Beccaria in my own experiments and findings. I learned only recently that Dr. Cigna, Professor of Anatomy at the Royal University of Turin, had reached similar conclusions using different methods. I became aware of Professor Cigna\u2019s work when I presented him with a complimentary copy of my book and he directed me to his own experiments, which were published in the volumes of the Miscellany of the Royal Academy of Turin. I am presently reading his work, having been given that volume by the president of the Academy, the Count of Saluzzo.\n\t\t\t\tIf your response confirmed that I have been moving in the right direction, it would be a great reward for all my efforts and would spur me to continue following in the luminous tracks traced by you and Professor Beccaria, two of the most enlightened figures of this century in the area of electrical studies.\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0281", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, 23 January 1785\nFrom: Walter, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\tBy your Grandson I had the Honor to transmit you a Copy of the first Letter in the Alphabet in the Mode I pursue in printing, which I hope came safe to Hand, though the Rect I am not honor\u2019d with an Acknowledgemt. of.\n\t\t\t\tSeveral Books having been issued from my Press on various Subjects among the rest Adams on Electricity & the first Volume of a Series of Works which your Grandson was so polite to set down your Name for as a Subscriber, which is likewise honor\u2019d by the Duk[es of] Richmond & Northumberland, Earls of Bute & Ma[nsfield] Ld. Romney Sr. Jos. Banks & about 150 other very respectable Names & I flatter myself to place his Majesty\u2019s Name at the Head of it\u2014\n\t\t\t\tIf you will please to signify by what Conveyance I shall send You the first Vol: which is in twelves, & 17 others (of which Dr. Watts on the Improvement of the Mind will be the first) will be all in Octavo\u2014 It shall be sent to your Order by Sir Your Much Oblig\u2019d & Obedt Servt\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Walter.\n\t\t\t\t\tDr. Franklin\u2014\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: Dr. Franklin / at Passy near / Paris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0282", "content": "Title: Thulemeier to the American Commissioners: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, 24 January 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm von\nTo: American Commissioners\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8The Hague, January 24, 1785, in French: The king has authorized me to transmit to you some observations on the counterproject of the treaty of commerce, which you sent me on November 10 and which a Dutch courier delivered on the twenty-sixth. An express courier charged with dispatches for the Dutch ambassador at Paris provides me today with a safe and swift opportunity. Since the Prussian chancellery as well as the king and his ministers are unfamiliar with the English language, I had to have a French translation of the treaty made, and to demonstrate its accuracy, I had it placed alongside the enclosed observations. I flatter myself that the latter will appear to you dictated by the spirit of justice, equity, and humanity that characterizes all the endeavors of my monarch. I do not doubt that your next letter will facilitate an agreement and enable us to complete the treaty.\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0283", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Hare, 25 January 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Hare, Georgiana\n\t\t\t\t\tMy dear Friend\n\t\t\t\tYour Letter of the 12th Inst. came duly to hand. I congratulate you & Mr Hare on your Marriage, & wish you every Felicity.\n\t\t\t\tI will answer your Enquiries as well as I can. The Cultivators of Land are a respectable Part of our People in Pensilvania, being generally Proprietors of the Land they cultivate, out of whom are chosen the Majority of our Magistrates, Legislators, &c. and a Year\u2019s Residence gives a Stranger all the Rights of a Citizen. I am not much acquainted with Country Affairs, having been always an Inhabitant of Cities; but I imagine a good Plantation ready form\u2019d, with a Dwelling House, &c. may be bought for half the Sum you mention to be now in your Possession, and that the other half would amply furnish the Stock &c. necessary for working the Land to Advantage. A Farm of two or three Hundred Acres, in the hands of a Man who understands Agriculture and will attend to it, is capable of furnishing Subsistance to a Family: If this may be the Case with Mr Hare, you see that your 300\u00a3 a Year will be an accumulating Fund, providing for the Establishment of Children, and for a Retirement of Ease & Comfort in Old Age. The Law is also an honourable Profession with us, and more profitable than Agriculture; and if Mr Hare is already acquainted with the English Common Law, which is the Basis of ours, he might be admitted to practice immediately, and would find but little Difficulty in acquiring a Knowledge of our few Additions to, or Variations of that Law; I have known in my time several considerable Estates made by that Profession. But the Study is dry and laborious and long, that is requisite to arrive at Eminence; and if Mr Hare has not already gone thro\u2019 it, he will consider whether he has the Habits of Application, Industry & Perseverance that are necessary. Not knowing his Character & Dispositions it is impossible for me to advise well, or to judge whether sitting down quietly in some cheap part of Europe, and living prudently on two thirds of your Income, may not be preferable to any Scheme in America. I can only say, that if I should be there when you are, my best Counsels and Services will not be wanting, and to see you happily settled & prosperous there would give me infinite Pleasure; but I have not yet obtained Leave to go home, and am besides in\nmy 80th Year; of course if I ever arrive there my stay can be but short.\u2014 While I do exist, wherever it is, you will find me with unalterable Esteem & Affection, my dear Friend, Yours most sincerely.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0284", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from \u2014\u2014\u2014 Archambault, with Franklin\u2019s Note for a Reply, 25 January 1785\nFrom: Archambault, \u2014\u2014\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tParis 25 Janvier 1785\n\t\t\t\tM. Mottin de la Balme, apr\u00e9s s\u2019estre retir\u00e9 de l\u2019Etat Major de la Gendarmerie avec rang de Capitaine de Cavalerie, avec l\u2019agr\u00e9ment du Ministere passa en am\u00e9rique pendant la Guerre qu\u2019elle \u00e1 Soutenue contre l\u2019Angleterre, avec titre de Colonel, et la permission d\u2019emmener avec lui vingt cinq volontaires. Le General Wasingthon le fit inspecteur G\u00e9n\u00e9ral de toute la Cavalerie de Son arm\u00e9e, il \u00e1 e\u00fb lhonneur de le Servir en cette qualit\u00e9 pendant plusieurs ann\u00e9es, apr\u00e9s quoi il Se retira aux Environs de Philadelphie, ou il avoit mont\u00e9 un attelier d\u2019arts et m\u00e9tiers, Ennuy\u00e9 Sans doute de la mauvaise r\u00e9ussite de Son Entreprise il a pass\u00e9 chez les Illinois a ce que jai appris par voye indirecte.\n\t\t\t\tComme il est oncle paternel de mon Epouse qui \u00e1 beaucoup d\u2019amitie pour lui, et a qui il n\u2019a pas donn\u00e9 Signe de vie depuis au moins cinq ans, en reponse \u00e1 une lettre qu\u2019elle lui \u00e9crivit, et qu\u2019elle prit la ibert\u00e9 de vous adresser Suivant Ses ordres, pour lui la faire tenir, comme elle en est Extremement En peine, elle vous prie Monsieur de la tranquilliser Sur Son Sort, et Si vous ne le pouvi\u00e9s a pr\u00e9sent, de me dire Si vous auri\u00e9s la bont\u00e9 d\u2019ecrire en amerique pour Savoir de ses nouvelles, il Seroit tres important qu\u2019elle le S\u00e7\u00fb pour des arrangemens de famille.\n\t\t\t\tJe vous fais bien des Excuses de l\u2019Embarras mais on ma assur\u00e9 que vous aimi\u00e9s tellement \u00e1 rendre Service, que Cela ma Enhardi \u00e1 vous Importuner.\n\t\t\t\tJai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec un profond Respect, Monsieur Votre tr\u00e9s humble & tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\tArchambaultRue Thevenot au No. 6.\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: That I know nothing of the present Situation of M. Mottin de la Balme. That it would be well to enquire of M. le Marquis de la Fayette who is just arrived from America, & in case he can give no Information, then to write to M. de Marbois Consul of France at Philadelphia.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Archambaud 25 Janvr. 1785.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0285", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Ann Ourry, 27 January 1785\nFrom: Ourry, Ann\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tKinsale Jany 27\u2014 1785\u2014\n\t\t\t\tI did myself the Honor of Writing to You by a Similar opportunity about two Years ago, but am certain that letter never reach\u2019d you, for exclusive of the long friendship that subsisted between You & my Dear Father, & the kind attention You were so good to shew my Mother, & me in my Childhood, I know the Unfortunate have a claim on Your humanity that wou\u2019d have induc\u2019d You to Answer it. Shall therefore proceed without farther preface to acquaint You with the reason of my troubling You with this.\n\t\t\t\tYou are no Stranger to My fathers long Services in America, nor to the reward appointed by Government for them. He, with other Officers fix\u2019d on a tract of Land near Albany, illegally occupied by \u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014 Ransler. After a considerable expence in a\nLawsuit it was at last given in their favor, & Governor Tryon had Orders to take it up, & see it properly located, You know he was not permited to land, I only mention those circumstances to Shew why my Father had not his lands as well as other Officers. You left Him on half pay at Hammersmith. In 72 he got a Company in the 15 Regt. but on its being order\u2019d to America in 77 he Sold out, tho Still so Attach\u2019d to the Military line as to purchase the Fort Majority of Kinsale. In 78 he was appointed Commissary for Prisoners of War, & in a few Months he fell a Victim to his great Humanity to the poor Wretches under his care, having caught a violent putrid fever in the prison. The remainder of the purchase money of His Company was unfortunately left at interest in the hands of His Agent Jerves Hall of Dublin, Who became a Bankrupt soon After His Desease. So that all the benefit which remains to us, of My Dear Fathers Three & Thirty Years service, is Captns. Widows pension \u00a326 per Anum during My Mothers life, our only inducement to stay in this Kingdom.\u2014 Now Sir, as no person I presume will dispute My Fathers former pretentions to Lands in America, You are the best Judge whether He ever forfeited them, as also (if He never did), of the Measures proper for me to pursue to recover them. I shall not Apologize for requesting Your Advice & Interest in this Affair. Necessity is Bold, & I flatter Myself I have everything to hope, from the generosity & Justice of the Congress of the United States of America, Under Your Patronage.\n\t\t\t\tI have frequently made enquiries concerning Your Health, & with sincere pleasure have learn\u2019d that You were well, & most Agreeably Situated. I cannot conclude without beging You to excuse any Errors in this Epistle, as it is written in haste. Madam Boulle\u00e9, who charges herself with this to Paris, Sailing very unexpectedly to Morrow Morning & if it is not properly addressd intreat You to impute it entirely to My Ignorance. My Mother joins Me in best Wishes for many happy Years, And I am with the greatest Respect and the Highest Esteem, Sir, Your Oblig\u2019d Humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAnn Ourry.\n\t\t\t\t\tTo Benmn. Franklin Esqr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0287", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 1 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Price, Richard\n\t\t\t\t\tMy dear Friend\n\t\t\t\tI received duly your kind Letter of Oct. 21. and another before with some of your excellent Pamphlets of Advice to the United States. My last Letters from America inform me that every thing goes on well there; that the new elected Congress is met, and consists of very respectable Characters with excellent Dispositions; and the People in general very happy under their new Governments. The last Year has been a prosperous one for\nthe Country; the Crops plentiful and sold at high Prices for Exportation, while all imported Goods, from the great Plenty, sold low. This is the happy Consequence of our Commerce being open to all the World, and no longer a Monopoly to Britain. Your Papers are full of our Divisions and Distresses, which have no Existence but in the Imaginations and Wishes of English Newswriters and their Employers.\n\t\t\t\tI sent you sometime since a little Piece intitled, Testament de M. Fortun\u00e9 Ricard, which exemplifies strongly and pleasantly your Doctrine of the immense Powers of compound Interest. I hope you receiv\u2019d it. If not I will send you another. I send herewith a new Work of Mr Necker\u2019s on the Finances of France. You will find good Things in it, particularly his Chapter on War. I imagine Abb\u00e9 Morellet may have sent a Copy to Lord Lansdowne. If not, please to communicate it. I think I\nsent you formerly his Conte rendu. This Work makes more Talk here than that, tho\u2019 that made abundance. I will not say that the Writer thinks higher of himself and his Abilities than they deserve, but I wish for his own sake that he had kept such Sentiments more out of sight.\n\t\t\t\tWith unalterable Esteem & Respect, I am ever, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately.\n\t\t\t\t\tB Franklin\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: To / The Reverend Dr Price / Newington Green / near / London / per favour of / Dr Bancroft. / with a Pacquet of Books\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: Letter from Dr Franklin dated Feb 1st. .85 with another inclosed from Mr Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0290", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame \u2014\u2014\u2014 D\u00fceil, 6 February 1785\nFrom: D\u00fceil, Madame \u2014\u2014\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\t\ta paris le 6 fevrier 1785\n\t\t\t\t\tLes bont\u00e9 dont Madame adelaide honnore ma familles mayant atire a versalles pour luy faire des remercimant jesper\u00e9 profitt\u00e9 de Ce momant pour avoir lhonneur de vous faire ma Cours et vous demand\u00e9 vos hordre [ordres] pour du vin de chanpangne ayant lieux desper\u00e9 que vous av\u00e9s esttes Contans de Celuy que\njay heut lhonneur de vous fournir au moy daout quatre vintroy. Commes je vas enlivr\u00e9 a Monsieur le Compte de Mallebois pour un voage qui ce propose de faire je desireret savoir sis vous en navez bezoint dans Ce momant isis sis Contre mont atante il ne vous avez pas plus autans quatouts les [grand?] a qui jan nes fournis de pareil jannes de diferante espesse a paris donc je pouv\u00e9 vous faire un petty pannier desc\u00e9e est je vous livreret Celuy qui vous pler\u00e9 le plus je vous suplie de me donn\u00e9 vos hordre pronte mayant peut detans areste a paris. Je Croy que vostre ecellance ce rapellera esemant que Monsieur le Compte de Mallebois vous a dit que je meritt\u00e9 vostre Confiance tans du Cott\u00e9 de la delicatesse defasont depanc\u00e9 que sur la bonne Callit\u00e9 des vin il est tres inportans pour la sante davoir du vin bien franc et qui ne soit pas ferlat\u00e9. Jattans les hordre de vostre ecellance est jay lhonneur de lasur\u00e9 deu profond respect avec lequel je suis Vostre tres hunble est tres obeisante servante\n\t\t\t\t\t\tD\u00dcEILfammes de laide major de gravellines\n\t\t\t\t\tdemeurant a paris rue de la cheze pret la rue de grenelles faubour st jermain chez Madame bossus\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A sont escellance / Monsieur de franckellin / l\u2019enbasassadeur des province / unie de lamerique en sont / autel / a pass\u00ff\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Dueil 6. Fevr. 1785.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0294", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Henry Lee, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n\t\t\t\tI received by the Marquis de la Fayette the two Letters you did me the Honour of writing to me the 11th & 14th of December; the one enclosing a Letter from Congress to the King; the other a Resolve of Congress respecting the Convention for establishing Consuls. The Letter was immediately deliver\u2019d, and well receiv\u2019d. The Resolve came too late to suspend Signing\nthe Convention, it having been done in July last; and a Copy sent so long since that we now expected the Ratification. As that Copy seems to have miscarried, I now send another. I am not informed what Objection has arisen in Congress to the Plan sent me. Mr Jefferson thinks it may have been to the Part which restrain\u2019d the Consuls from all Concern in Commerce. That Article was omitted, being thought unnecessary to be stipulated, since either Party would always have the Power of imposing such Restraints on its own Officers, whenever it should think fit.\u2014 I am however of Opinion that this or any other reasonable Article or Alteration may be obtain\u2019d at the Desire of Congress, and establish\u2019d by a Supplement.\n\t\t\t\tPermit me, Sir, to congratulate you on your being call\u2019d to the high Honour of presiding in our National Councils,\u2014and to wish you every Felicity; being with the most perfect Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient & most humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\tB. Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tHis Excellency Richard Henry Lee, Presidt of Congress.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0296", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to Richard Henry Lee: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, [9] February 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8Paris, February [9], 1785: In our letter to Congress of December 15, we enclosed our letter to the Portuguese ambassador with our proposed draft treaty. Since then, he wrote to inform us that he had received it and forwarded it to his court (Enclosure No. 1). Baron Thulemeier wrote a similar letter (No. 2) and requested, as he had done in his letter of October 8, that we choose a port in the Prussian king\u2019s dominion for trade between our two countries. We supposed that we had answered this by proposing in our draft treaty that all places in the dominions of either party should be open for commerce to the subjects or citizens of the other. As Thulemeier repeated the king\u2019s desire that we choose some place, we answered him (No. 3) and now ask for instructions from Congress.\n\t\t\t\tA few days ago, Baron de Walterstorff called on us separately to inform us that he had been granted permission to return to Copenhagen on personal business, and had been asked to bring with him our proposals, so that the court might consider them during his visit. He communicated this more particularly in a letter (No. 4), which we answered (No. 5), enclosing the draft treaty.\n\t\t\t\tWe also enclose the answers we received from the charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires of Naples and the ambassador of Turin (Nos. 6 and 7). We do not propose to respond, unless future overtures from them or other circumstances render it necessary or proper.\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0297", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Williamos, 9 February 1785\nFrom: Williamos, Charles\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWednesday 9th: febry: 1785\n\t\t\t\tM: Williamos has the honor to present his Most respectfull Compliments to Doctor Franklin, will wait on his Excellency with Much pleasure on Monday Next.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0298", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Reichsgraf Windisch-Gr\u00e4tz, 9 February 1785\nFrom: Windisch-Gr\u00e4tz, Josef Niclas Reichsgraf\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tBruxelles le 9 de fev: 1785\n\t\t\t\tVous avez fait tant de bien a votre patrie, et vous avez rendu de Si grands Services a l\u2019humanit\u00e9 en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral par les lumieres, que vous avez r\u00e9pandues; que tout homme, qui croit avoir des vu\u00ebs utiles, peut Se flatter, que vous voudrez bien concourrir a les propager.\n\t\t\t\tC\u2019est l\u00e0 Monsieur ce qui me d\u00e9termine, quoique je n\u2019aie pas l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre connu de vous, a vous envoyer par mon beau frere le Comte Auguste de la Marck quarante exemplaires Allemands et cinquante latins d\u2019un ecrit que je fais r\u00e9pandre dans toute l\u2019Europe, dans lequel je propose la Solution d\u2019un probleme, que vous trouverez peut \u00eatre digne de l\u2019attention des hommes.\n\t\t\t\tSi mon ecrit a le bonheur Monsieur de m\u00e9riter votre approbation, je desirerois, que vous eussiez la bont\u00e9 de faire passer ces exemplaires en Amerique, et d\u2019etayer mon programme de votre Suffrage dans les deux continents:\n\t\t\t\tVous Savez mieux que moi, ce que peut le Suffrage d\u2019un homme illustre; desirant vivement, que l\u2019on S\u2019occupe S\u00e9rieusement de la Solution de mon probleme, il est assez Simple, que j\u2019ambitionne le votre.\n\t\t\t\tJe n\u2019ai pas mis mon nom a la t\u00eate de cet ecrit, parceque je ne veux pas \u00eatre nomm\u00e9 publiquement, mais je ne peux pas me r\u00e9soudre de garder l\u2019anonime en vous parlant Monsieur de cette profonde \u00e9stime, que vous etez Si fait pour inspirer aux habitans de toutes les parties du monde, et pour vous prier d\u2019agr\u00e9er l\u2019hommage de la v\u00e9n\u00e9ration avec laquelle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLe Comte de Windisch: Gr\u00e4tz\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Windisch Gratz 9 Fevr. 1785.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0300", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Vernier, 10 February 1785\nFrom: Vernier, Pierre\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonseigneur;\n\t\t\t\t\tA Lyon le 10e. fevrier 1785.\n\t\t\t\tJe vous Supplie d\u2019excuser la libert\u00e9 que je prends de m\u2019addresser \u00e0 vous, pour vous prier de me faire la grace de m\u2019instruire Sur ce que je dois faire \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard de trois Contrats ou obligations du Congr\u00e8s des Etats de Pensilvanie de 1000. Dollars chacun qui m\u2019ont \u00e9t\u00e9 C\u00e9d\u00e9s par les Sieurs Lavabre Doerner et Compe. de Paris, par acte du 9. Janvier 1781. payables avec Int\u00e9r\u00eats \u00e0 la fin de l\u2019ann\u00e9e 1783.; J\u2019ay \u00e9crit \u00e0 Philadelphie on ne m\u2019a rien r\u00e9pondu. Mr. Lavabre me dit \u00e9 Paris au mois d\u2019Aoust 1783, qu\u2019il falloit attendre de Savoir quel parti le Congr\u00e8z prendroit pour le rembourssement de ces \u00e9ffets; C\u2019est pourquoy, comme je ne doute pas que vous n\u2019en Soyes instruit, Je vous Supplie vouloir bien m\u2019en faire part. Je joints icy Copie de l\u2019acte de C\u00e9ssion qui m\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 faitte des dits trois Contrats pour vous en faire conno\u00eetre la nature, il me seroit tr\u00e8s int\u00e9r\u00e9ssant de Savoir \u00e0 quoy m\u2019en tenir pour cet objet; En m\u2019obligeant vous rendri\u00e9s un Service tr\u00e8s \u00e9ssentiel \u00e0 celui qui a l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec le plus profond\nRespect De Votre Exc\u00e9llence; Le tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s Ob\u00e9issant Serviteur./.\n\t\t\t\t\tPierre VernierMarchd. Tireur d\u2019or\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Vernier 10 Fevr. 1785.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0301", "content": "Title: Thulemeier to the American Commissioners: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, 11 February 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm von\nTo: American Commissioners\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8The Hague, February 11, 1785, in French: The letter that you wrote to me in January, without indication of a specific date, reached me a few days ago. I transmitted to the king the offer to establish the ports of Emden and Stettin as free ports, and I await His Majesty\u2019s orders, which I will hasten to make known to you. You will have received by now the counterproject, enclosed with my letter of January 24, and I earnestly hope that we can complete the work that has been the object of our common concerns.\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0303", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Laumoy, 13 February 1785\nFrom: Laumoy, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur,\n\t\t\t\t\tA paris le 13 fevrier 1785.\n\t\t\t\tMessieurs du Portail Gouvion et moi avons regu dernierement des lettres de Mr. de Marbois Consul Genal. de france \u00e0 Philadelphie, par lesquelles il nous mande que Mr. Millegan lui a dit vous avoir envoy\u00e9 les nouveaux certificats des Sommes qui nous Sont dues par le Congr\u00e8s, et dont l\u2019Interest doit \u00eatre\nd\u2019or\u00eanavant pay\u00e9 \u00e0 paris par Mr. Grand.\u2014 Oserois-je vous prier, Monsieur et au nom de ces Messrs. de vouloir bien me faire Savoir Si vous les avez re\u00e7us, ou Si vous en avez quelques nouvelles. Je vous en aurois une obligation infinie.\n\t\t\t\tJe Suis avec un tr\u00e8s profond Respect Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tres ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\tLaumoyLt. Col. d\u2019Infanterie, \u00e0 l\u2019hotel d\u2019hollande rue du Bouloy,A paris\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Laumoy 13 Fevr. 1785.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0304", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Delacolonge, 14 February 1785\nFrom: Delacolonge, Louis\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tLyon Le 14e fevrier 1785\u2014\n\t\t\t\tComme plusieurs personnes m\u2019ont propos\u00e9 de n\u2019achetter de ma fonderie que certains articles, laquelle fonderie j\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de vous offrir dans le temps, je me suis decid\u00e9 de la vendre par parties d\u00e9tach\u00e9es; cette vente Se fera ch\u00e9s moi, et commencera le 20 ou le 25 avril prochain au plus tard; jj\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous en pr\u00e9venir pour que Si vous \u00eates dans l\u2019intention d\u2019y achetter quelques choses, vous puissi\u00e9s en charger quelqu\u2019un pour ce temps la; j\u2019ai celui d\u2019\u00eatre avec un tr\u00e8s profond Respect./.\n\t\t\t\tMonsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\tDelacolongefondeur en Caracteres d\u2019imprimerie pr\u00e8s les carmelitesA Lyon\n\t\t\t\t\tMr franklin de paris\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Delacolonge 14. Fev. 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0305", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis and Marquise de Lafayette, 15 February 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tParis Ce 15. fe. [f\u00e9vrier] 1785.\n\t\t\t\tM et Mde. La Mise. De la Fayette prient Monsieur Franklin de leur faire lhonneur de Venir diner chez eux Lundy prochain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0306", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Brillon de Jouy, 16 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Brillon de Jouy, Jacques\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00e0 Passy ce 16 Fevr. 1785.\n\t\t\t\tMr. Franklin fait mille Compliments \u00e0 Monsieur Brillon. Il lui envoie selon sa Promesse l\u2019Extrait de la Lettre que M. Bache lui a \u00e9crite, au quel il a joint une Traduction, et le prie de vouloir bien les remettre \u00e0 M. Thomas.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0307", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Michel, 16 February 1785\nFrom: Michel, Pierre\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\tVotre Excellence est peut \u00eatre inform\u00e9e que Le Capne Buttler Commandant L\u2019Ar\u00e9thuse arriv\u00e9 en ce port e Vingt huit du Mois dernier & Venant de Baltimore auroit amen\u00e9 avec lui dudit Lieu Une jeune fille ag\u00e9e d\u2019environ dix Sept ans qui Se Seroit engag\u00e9e Sous l\u2019habit D\u2019homme en qualit\u00e9 de Novice. Le Navire \u00e9toit bien amar\u00e9 Dans notre port depuis deux jours Lorsque je fus inform\u00e9 qu\u2019un jeune homme avoit \u00e9t\u00e9 indignement Mal traitt\u00e9 par l\u2019equipage dudit Capne & le Commissaire de Police qui avait ete temoin de La scene M\u2019assura que Le Pretendu jeune homme Maltraitt\u00e9 \u00e9toit une femme. Je fis Venir le Capne qui me jura sur Sa parole D\u2019honneur n\u2019avoir appris que Sur la fin de Sa travers\u00e9e que le Novice qu\u2019il avoit engag\u00e9 f\u00fbt d\u2019un autre Sexe; jacceuillis cette Malheureuse & La mis dans une Maison ou on Voulut bien Se charger d\u2019elle jusqua ceque je f\u00fbsse inform\u00e9 exactement de cequelle \u00e9toit et d\u00e9cid\u00e9 au party \u00e0 prendre. Jai Scu depuis quelle appartenait a une famille honn\u00eate de Boston Connue d\u2019une Maison de Commerce de cette Ville & javois d\u00e9ja Vu M Limozin pour lui obtenir une place dans le premier Navire qui repasserait a Boston, quand l\u2019h\u00f4te ch\u00e9z lequel je l\u2019avois Mise en attendant V\u00eent Me dire quil ne Vouloit plus me repondre de cette femme folle d\u2019amour pour le Second Capitaine du Navire Sur lequel\nelle \u00e9toit Venue & quelle etoit quelque fois comme fr\u00e9n\u00e9tique. Je Crus devoir M\u2019assurer d\u2019elle & la fis Conduire Sans le Lui dire a la prison de la Ville ou ass\u00e9s doucement traitt\u00e9e je puis au moins attendre a Son \u00e9gard les ordres quil plaira a votre excellence me faire passer.\n\t\t\t\tJe Crois devoir observer que le Capne Ma assur\u00e9 qu\u2019elle a les inclinations les plus Vicieuses, port\u00e9e a Boire & libertine. Jai \u00e9t\u00e9 Moy m\u00eame temoins de la violence de Sa passion pour le Second capitaine en question. Absolument Nue quand elle est arriv\u00e9e, jay Cru devoir par humanit\u00e9 M\u2019occupper de la faire Vetir & de lui adoucir autant que possible la rigueur de La Saison.\n\t\t\t\tJose Me flatter que Votre Excellence approuvera la Conduite que jay tenue jusqu\u2019icy & je Seray attendant les ordres quelle Voudra bien Me donner pour la Conduite a tenir par la Suite & le rembours des avances que j\u2019ay faites; & a faire.\n\t\t\t\tCette femme S\u2019appelle Elisabeth Tingis de Baltimore & le Cape Buttler poura partir Sous peu pour Londres & de la pour Baltimore.\n\t\t\t\tJai l\u2019honneur detre avec Respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le tr\u00e8s humble & tr\u00e8s Ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\tMichelP du Roy de L\u2019amt\u00e9\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Michel 16 Fevr. 1785.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0308", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 17 February 1785\nFrom: Childs, Francis\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tHonored Sir,\n\t\t\t\tIt is some time since I did myself the honor to Address you, & in the present instance I importune you with this only that my situation in Life demands it,\u2014sensible that your time must be engrossed by your attention to matters of more importance.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tI have experienced considerable loss by being as yet disappointed in not receiving the Types which so long has been expected.\u2014 If I remind you of this, think not but that it is with due deference to dignity, & veneration & Gratitude for the Countenance & Favor you have already shewn me.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tI wish Sir, that by the next Packet you would do me the honor to send me a line or two that I might know where to fix my hopes.\u2014 As to be suspended betwixt the hopes of receiving them & the Fear of being Disappointed, you will admit is certainly not a very agreeable situation.\n\t\t\t\tMy Most unfeigned Respects to you accompany this with every wish for your happiness, & believe that I am Honored Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFrancis Child\n\t\t\t\t\tHis Excellency Benj. Franklin Esqr. Passey\u2014\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / Passey / near Paris / per Packet.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0309", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Michel, 19 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Michel, Pierre\n\t\t\t\tThe Humanity you have shown to that miserable young Female, Elizabeth Tingis, is very laudable, notwithstanding the Depravity of her Character. If it be true that she is of a respectable Family in America, there can be no doubt but they will repay the Expence with Thanks; but I never knew there any Family of that Name, and I question her being an American; I rather think she may be one of the late Emigrants from Ireland or Britain; and I think the Captain who brought her should be oblig\u2019d to pay the Expence she has occasion\u2019d, and take her away with him. I have the honour to be, Sir,\n\t\t\t\t\tM. Michel P. du Roy de l\u2019Amiraut\u00e9, \u00e0 le Havre", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0310", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vernier, 19 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Vernier, Pierre\n\t\t\t\t\tPassy ce 19 Fevrier 1785.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019\u00e9crire le 10 de ce Mois, relativement \u00e0 3 Contrats du Bureau d\u2019Emprunt des Etats Unis dont vous \u00e9tez Porteur [Text deleted by Franklin: Le Congr\u00e8s s\u2019occupe maintenant des moyens de rembourser ces Effets, et a pris de m\u00e9sures \u00e9fficaces pour assurer le Payement des Inter\u00e9ts, qui a souffert quelque Retard; ceux de l\u2019Ann\u00e9e 1782 ont d\u00e9ja \u00e9t\u00e9 pay\u00e9s, et ceux de l\u2019Ann\u00e9e 1783 le seront vraisemblablement bien t\u00f4t. Mais comme dans tous les Pays on ne peut payer ni l\u2019Int\u00e9r\u00eat ni le Principal que sur la Repr\u00e9sentation de ces Contrats, Les Proprietaires ont tres mal fait de les faire passer en Europe o\u00f9\nils ne sont bons \u00e0 rien. En cons\u00e9quence Je pense qu\u2019il est necessaire de les renvoyer en Amerique \u00e0 quelque N\u00e9gociant ou \u00e0 M. de Marbois Consul de France \u00e0 Philadelphie, car il y a d\u00e9ja longtemps que Mr. Oster a chang\u00e9 de Consulat, ce qui est peut\u00eatre cause que vous n\u2019avez pas re\u00e7u de Reponse \u00e0 la Lettre que vous avez \u00e9crite \u00e0 ce Sujet. Afin de prevenir le Risque que vous courez en leur faisant passer la mer une seconde fois, vous feriez peut\u00e9tre bien d\u2019en prendre ici des Copies Authentiques, qui puissent vous servir en cas qu\u2019ils soient perdus dans le Voyage.]\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur./.\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00e0 M. Pierre Vernier.\n\t\t\t\t[Revised text to be translated and inserted:] & which were deposited in the Hands of Mr Oster then Vice Consul of France at Philada. I know nothing certain of the present State of those Contracts, but suppose they may be now in course of Payment. I hear that Mr Oster is remov\u2019d from Philadelphia to the State of Maryland or Virginia; which is probably the reason that you have had no Answer to your Letter. It would be well, I think, to write to Mr Marbois, present Consul of France at Philadelphia, (in whose Hands probably Mr Oster may have left the Papers deposited in the Consular Office,) and empower him to receive and transmit to you the Money.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0311", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 21 February 1785\nFrom: Pierres, Philippe-Denis\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur & respectable ami,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tParis, le 21 f\u00e9vrier 1785.\n\t\t\t\t\tVous m\u2019aviez fait l\u2019amiti\u00e9 de me promettre que vous m\u2019avertiriez quand le petit modele de presse que vous attendiez d\u2019Angleterre vous seroit parvenu. Je vous serai infiniment oblig\u00e9 de vouloir bien me le faire savoir, parce que j\u2019irai la visiter jeudi prochain si vous voulez me donner \u00e0 d\u00eener.\n\t\t\t\t\tJe serai bien enchant\u00e9 d\u2019avoir le plaisir de passer quelques momens avec vous, & de vous renouveller les sentimens de l\u2019inviolable attachement avec lequel je suis pour la vie, Monsieur & respectable ami, Votre tres-humble & tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPierres\n\t\t\t\t\tJe vous prie de trouver bon que M. Votre petit fils re\u00e7oive ici l\u2019assurance de mes tr\u00e8s humbles civilit\u00e9s.\n\t\t\t\t\tMa femme & mes Enfans vous assurent de leurs respect./.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tM. franklin.\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Pierres 21 Fevr. 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0312", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Windisch-Gr\u00e4tz, 22 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Windisch-Gr\u00e4tz, Josef Niclas Reichsgraf\n\t\t\t\t\tPassy le 22 Fevrier 1785.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, la Lettre infiniment honn\u00eate dont vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9 le 9 de ce Mois, et Je ne puis qu\u2019approuver l\u2019Ecrit qui y etoit joint: il ne pourra manquer d\u2019\u00eatre utile. Je m\u2019empresserai de faire passer en Am\u00e9rique suivant votre Desir les Exemplaires que vous m\u2019annoncez d\u00e8s qu\u2019ils me seront parvenus; car jusqu\u2019a pr\u00e9sent Je n\u2019ai re\u00e7u que celui qui \u00e9toit Joint \u00e0 votre Lettre, et pour le quel Je vous prie de recevoir mes sinceres Remerc\u00eements.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec une respectueuse Consid\u00e9ration, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humbe et tres obeissant Serviteur./.\n\t\t\t\t\tB Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tM. le Cte. de Wiadisch: Gr\u00e4tz\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Conte de Wiadisch: Gratz / \u00e0 Bruxelles.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0313", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 23 February 1785\nFrom: Vaughan, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMy dearest sir,\n\t\t\t\tIt is long since I have heard from you. The present is the first opportunity I have had for writing to you by a private hand, & my ignorance of the party still prevents my being particular.\n\t\t\t\tYou will receive herewith a parcel of books. I am sorry not to have another copy of the Cincinnati at hand, with one or two other pamphlets, but these shall come by another occasion.\n\t\t\t\tI have given Count M\u2014\u2014some notes; And in the greater part of them I had named you, or alluded to your principles. He has made alterations, some of which I am not content with. You will see he has been hard at work here in the literary, and unfortunately in the legal way.\u2014 He is a good-hearted man, diligent, acquainted with many good principles, and possessing\na ready stile, but too warm not to have many enemies & many accidents.\n\t\t\t\tI have often felt pleased that I had no means of writing you, because I had no means of giving you pleasure by the contents of my letters.\u2014 Public matters that have lately reached you will explain this sentiment fully.\u2014 There is a sensible agitation in the interior of things, which I am inclined to suppose will not long remain concealed from all the world.\n\t\t\t\tYour wisdom will lead you to see the tendency of the Westminster scrutiny & the Irish concern, besides which there are two India matters that rankle here, to say nothing of the reform of parliament.\n\t\t\t\tI cannot suppose my judgment of the minister here has proved a very mistaken one. Two centuries ago he would have been the first school disputant in Europe, though I cannot recollect that either these disputants or the antient sophists have added much to the real science of mankind.\u2014 But these are invidious topics.\n\t\t\t\tDr. Priestley has delivered in a paper to the Royal Society which will be read tomorrow in part. He has made some valuable experiments, which plainly shew that more must be made, before we can speak with certainty on either side of the subject now discussing between him & Mr Lavosier & Mr Meusnier.\u2014 At a future time I will detail these experiments, or the chief of them.\n\t\t\t\tYour trouble with your lamp will, I hope, cease by the adoption of the invention here for raising & sinking the wick.\u2014 I have tried my old scheme for having four wicks (very thin) in one tallow candle, & with a great increase of light. In wax, I presume two wicks would answer. I mean to try three in a tallow candle that is dipped, & four in a mould candle. I have found no inconvenience in my (single) experiment but that of gutturing, which might be remedied perhaps.\u2014 I use no perforation.\u2014 Having lately read K\u00e6mpfer\u2019s Acct. of Japan, found in the second Vol (folio English) an account of a candle with a perforation, which I wish you to refer to. Some of our philosophers\nhere, to whom I have made it known, talk of its being badly translated.\n\t\t\t\tI am much alarmed at your late severe indisposition.\u2014 I hope the letter I so often teized Mr. Nairne to write you, and which he says he [did] write you, came safe to hand.\u2014 How happy [am] I to think my poor castor oil stood you in stead in the moment of your agony.\n\t\t\t\tYour son has never once done me the favor of a visit, since your grandson left me, which astonishes me, & sometimes with your & your grandson\u2019s silence alarms me very much. I hope I have not offended the last family in the world I desire to be separated from.\n\t\t\t\tYour present of the \u201cTestament\u201d to Dr. Price strikes us all very much. It is full of humor & sense, which either come from you we suppose, or has been imitated from you.\u2014 There is a hope that Dr. Price may add it, or an acct. of it, to the pamphlet for America, which he is republishing here.\n\t\t\t\tI am, ever my dearest sir, Your devoted, grateful, & affect.\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A son Excellence / Monsr Franklin, / &c &c &c / a Passy, / pres Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0314", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Deumi\u00e9 Groc, 25 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Deumi\u00e9 Groc, (Jean-Baptiste?)\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\tJay recu la Lettre que Vous m\u2019aviez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u00e9crire le 26me. 9bre. dernier Touchant L\u2019aimable Elizabeth Vau.\n[Vaisseau] fran\u00e7ois destin\u00e9 pour philadelphie, mais d\u00e8sert\u00e9 En mer par son Capitaine et Equipage et Ensuitte Conduit \u00e0 terre neuve. Jay immediatement Ecrit \u00e0 Monsieur Barclay notre Consul pourlors \u00e1 Lorient requerant de lui \u00e1 me procurer une copie du proc\u00e9s Verbal dont Vous faites mention \u00eatre fait par le capne. francois et par le Capne. Shewell qui l\u2019a conduit chez vous et qui ont rapport au dit navire. Quand je les ay re\u00e7us & L\u00fb j\u2019\u00e9tois Surpris de Trouver qu\u2019aucun d\u2019eux comme Vous lobservez ne fait aucune mention des huit hommes \u00e0 bord d\u2019un navire qui est depeint Etre dans une Situation aussi d\u00e9sesperante. Environ Le m\u00eame Tems jay re\u00e7u une Lettre du Capitaine Shewell lui m\u00eame Contenant quelques papiers relatifs \u00e0 la m\u00eame affaire avec un ordre du Congr\u00e9 ladessus, detout quoy je vous Envoie les copies ci inclus; En comparant ces papiers avec les deux proc\u00e9s Verbaux, plusieurs circonstances sont \u00e1 observer et demandent des Explications, Comme aussy L\u2019omission mentionn\u00e9 ci dessus, que celle de la nature et Valeur des marchandises prises du navire coulant Bas d\u2019eau et port\u00e9es \u00e0 bord du capitaine Shewell par le Capne. francois, le motif qui porte \u00e1 faire un trou au navire & comment est arriv\u00e9 que la quantit\u00e9 d\u2019eau qui est Entr\u00e9 dans le navire n\u2019a point fond\u00fb le Sel et pourquoi les Vents qui ont\nconduit Le capne. Shewell avec le capitaine fran\u00e7ois et Ses gens au port de LOrient n\u2019ont pas p\u00fb Servir \u00e9galement pour L\u2019aimable Elizabeth conformement aux ordres qu\u2019on dit lui avoir donn\u00e9. Ces points n\u2019\u00e9tants pas clair aucune application n\u2019a Encore Et\u00e9 fait \u00e0 cette occasion \u00e0 la cour d\u2019angleterre. On pense Etre aussi plus r\u00e9gulier que le capitaine Shewell devroit le 1er. r\u00e9clamer justice \u00e0 La cour de L\u2019amiraut\u00e9 d\u2019angleterre. Vous avez ici Toutes les informations que je puis Vous donner dans cette affaire, si plus Est n\u00e9cessaire, je vous Conseillerois d\u2019Ecrire \u00e0 Mr. Barbois [Marbois] Consul de france \u00e0 philadelphie qui probablement pourra Vous les procurer.\n\t\t\t\tJay Lhonneur d\u2019\u00e9tre, Monsieur Votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\tsign\u00e9 B. FRANKLIN.\n\t\t\t\t\tM. Deumier Groc", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0315", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 25 February 1785\nFrom: Lenoir, Jean-Charles-Pierre\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\ta Paris le 25 fevrier 1785\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u Monsieur, la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019Ecrire, Et J\u2019ai fait Expedier aussitot le Passeport dont a besoin le sr. Vonheinen pour retourner En hollande.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019Etre avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e9s humble Et tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLenoir\n\t\t\t\t\tM. franklin ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l\u2019amerique a Passy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0316", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Chevalli\u00e9, 26 February 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Chevalli\u00e9, Pierre-Fran\u00e7ois\n\t\t\t\tI duly receiv\u2019d in its time, the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 21st. of October last, with the Papers that accompany\u2019d it, relating to your Demands against the State of Virginia, the Congress, & sundry private Persons in America. Mr Jefferson, a principal Person and late Governor of that State, being in Paris, I thought I could not do better with your Papers than to refer them to him, he being also a Member of Congress. I receiv\u2019d from him a Letter on the Subject, which I ought to have communicated to you immediately, but being ill at the Time, it was omitted, and mislaid till lately. I now send it enclos\u2019d, and beg you will excuse the Delay. By taking the Steps he advises, I have no doubt of your obtaining Payment of what is due from the Publick. And your private Debtors, if able to pay, may be oblig\u2019d to it by the Laws. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant\n\t\t\t\t\tB. Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tM. Chevalli\u00e9\n\t\t\t\tNotations in different hands: Repondu\u00eb le 17. mars / Recu Le 5. Mars port 2 l.t. 2 s. / Passy 25. feby. 1785. Bn. franklin to P. Chevalli\u00e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0317", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 27 February 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tDear Sir\n\t\t\t\tI have delayed writing to your Excy in Expectation of having it in my power to advise you that the unfortunate Mr Hartwell would be entirely extricated from the Situation to which however as you will see by the inclosed papers, his imprudence exposed him. Much About the Time I recd. your Excys. Letter respecting his confinement at Logro\u00f1o One written to me from Bourdeaux gave me the Same information. I immediately wrote to Bilboa to obtain a circumstantial acct of Case of the Abovementioned Gentleman, but not receiving in course of Post an answer to my Letters, I made use of that of your Excy. in an office I passed to his Excy the Ct. de F. Blanca reclaiming his Liberty & the restitution of his Property. The annexed No 1 is a Copy of the answer thereto. Your Excy will perceive by its Contents, That some time must elapse, owing to the forms established by the Tribunal of the Inquisition, before the Prisoner could receive any Material Benefit from my application, & in consequence, altho\u2019 I frequently pressed dispatch in an Affair which Affected the Liberty & Interests of a Countryman I did not receive further Advice from the Minister until the 2d of last month. No. 2 is a copy of the Ct. de Florida Blanca\u2019s Letter. In the Interval between the reception of the Abovementioned Letters the inclosed No. 3 was sent me without Signature\nby a person at Bilbao whom I know to be connected with Mr Hartwell. On Receiving the Answer of the Court No. 2 I wrote to Mr Hartwell to know what I could do further for his Service. I have lately received a Letter from him requesting me to procure him entire Liberty. The Ct de F. Blanca will readily grant his request on condition that he will Leave Spain\u2014 The condition is not made by the Minister, but by the Confessor and Inquisitor General. The Altercation which the Case of Mr Hartwell has occasioned between the Ct de F. B. & the two Latter, will give a great Shock to the Power of the Inquisition, as I am assured that the Tribunal will be restricted in future from passing sentence on any Grandee of Spain, on all Persons employed in the Councils, in the Army, Navy &c or on any foreigner until the Process has been submitted to his Majesty, that is to his Minister.\n\t\t\t\tIn the Month of Novr. I recd advice from Cadiz of the Capture of an American vessel by a Corsair of the Emperor of Morrocco. I was also informed you had been applied to on the Same Subject. I immediately requested the Charg\u00e9 D\u2019Affaires of France agreeable to the 8th Article of our Treaty, to write to the Consul of his Nation to employ his good Offices to procure the Liberation of the vessel & Crew & to endeavour to induce the Emperor to suspend further Hostilities until Congress have time to take Such measures as they might Judge proper to produce a good understanding between the two Countries. I also prevailed on the Ambassador of Holland, the Minister of Sweden & charg\u00e9 D\u2019Affaires of Denmark to write to their\nRespective Consuls for the same purpose. Finding by Letters which I recd. from the Seaports of this Kingdom that the Merchants were under the greatest apprehensions for vessels expected from America, I took Occasion to insinuate to the Ct. de Florida Blanca how agreeable it would be to the People in America to learn that his C.M. had interposed his interference on a subject of such Importance to their Commercial Interests, That not being authorized, I could not Officially request it, but that Animated by a sincere desire to promote a good understanding between the two Countries I could not let Slip the Occasion of giving his Excy. an opportunity of exerting his influence with his Majesty to render a service which could not be but productive of the happiest Consequences. That Minister with much apparent Candor assured me of his readiness to serve us on this Occasion, but seemed to think it requisite that I should write to him on the Subject, This I did & No. 4 is the Copy of his Answer. The inclosed Copies of Letters which I have recd. from Barbary will shew your Excy. the Situation in which this Affair remains.\n\t\t\t\tI lately recd. Letters from Robt. Morris Esqr. containing a Letter from the Presidt of the Committee of the States & copies\nof Letters from Mr Pollock & others at the Havanna complaining of the cruelty & Injustice of the Spanish Government. I immediately laid these Complaints before the Minister & have obtained Orders to render justice to the Parties Aggreived. The Governor will be reprimanded by the Kings direction. I have not yet recd these Assurances in writing, but have been Promised an Answer to my Office, in time for the March Packet\u2014\n\t\t\t\tI meant to have written more fully to your Excy, but as the Person to whose care I commit this, is only waiting for My letters, I must conclude with praying you to Make the proper Compliments for me to Messrs Adams & Jefferson, to the Marquis de La Fayette & my Name Sake & to believe me with Much respect & Affection Your Excys Obliged & Obedt. Sert\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWm. Carmichael\n\t\t\t\t\tHis Excy Benjamin Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0318", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Baron von Grimm, 28 February 1785\nFrom: Grimm, Friedrich Melchior, Baron von\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\t\u00e0 Paris, ce 28 F\u00e9vrier 1785.\n\t\t\t\tLe Bon. de Grimm, Ministre Pl\u00e9nipe. de Saxe Gotha, prend la libert\u00e9 de recommander aux bont\u00e9s de Monsieur Franklin les porteurs de ce billet, M. Landolt de Zurich et Son Mentor, M. le Chanoine Neckerman de Coblence. Ces deux voyageurs ne peuvent Se r\u00e9soudre \u00e0 quiter la France, Sans avoir rendu leurs\nhommages \u00e0 Monsieur Franklin. Le Bon. de Grimm Supplie Monsieur Franklin d\u2019agr\u00e9er les Siens, et de lui pardoner l\u2019importunit\u00e9 qu\u2019il lui cause, en faveur du juste motif de ces voyageurs.\n\t\t\t\tNotation: Bn de Grimm 28 Feb 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0319", "content": "Title: William Vernon, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 28 February 1785\nFrom: Vernon, William Jr.\nTo: Franklin, William Temple\n\t\t\t\t\tDear Sir\n\t\t\t\tThe liberal & friendly manner with which you made me the offer of your services induces me to have recourse to you. You\nwill most essentially oblige me if without any inconvenience you could lend me ten or even five Lou\u00efs untill I can dispose of my Carriage. My present situation of which you are well informed will apologize for importunity. Whatever might be my position & however pressing my circumstances I could never prevail upon myself to sacrify all the feelings of delicacy were I not encouraged by the conviction of your indulgence.\n\t\t\t\tI am Dear Sir most sincerely your\u2019s\n\t\t\t\t\tW. H. Vernon\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: W. T. Franklin Esqr\u2014 / \u00e0 Passy\n\t\t\t\tNotation: W. H. Vernon Feby. 28 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0320", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Pownall, 1 March 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Pownall, Thomas\n\t\t\t\t\tDear old Friend\n\t\t\t\t\tPassy, March 1. 85\n\t\t\t\tThe above is Extract of a Letter I wrote you in Septr. 1782. I had been misinformed as to the Receipt of the Box at Ostend. It had it seems been put on board a London Ship which was to touch at Ostend for Imperial Papers; but was not landed there,\nThe Ship being bound to the West Indies, carried it thither, where it has lain till lately that a Correspondent of my Nephew Mr Williams, conjectured from its Mark BF, and its not being claim\u2019d there, that it probably belong\u2019d to me; he accordingly sent it to Dunkirk, from whence I receiv\u2019d it a few Days since. I inclose a Copy of your Letter respecting this Matter, in which you say the Ballance of Almon\u2019s Account is made up by the Copies of the Work delivered. This on reconsidering the Account you will find to be a Mistake. The Copies delivered ballance the Account of the Number printed, but not of the Money. On reviewing the Account I find the Ballance due to Mrs Barry by your Benefaction to be still greater than abovementioned, the Amount of 776 sold at 8/6 being not as Mr Almon makes it \u00a3312.16.0 but \u00a3329.16.0. from which Substracting his \u00a3300.11.0 there remains \u00a329.5.0. No one but yourself can properly recover this of Mr Almon; and I hope you will be able to do it, and thereby render your intended Bounty effectual.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tWith great & sincere Esteem, I am, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately\n\t\t\t\t\tB Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0321", "content": "Title: Thomas Jefferson to Franklin and John Adams: R\u00e9sum\u00e9, 1 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John\n\t\t\t\t\u27e8March 1, 1785: Mr. Jefferson sends Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin his notes on the treaty with Prussia. When Mr. Adams has perused them, he should send them to Dr. Franklin. Mr. Jefferson proposes a meeting at Passy on Thursday [March 3] at 12 o\u2019clock. He sends \u201cthe Prussian propositions, mr. Adams\u2019s & Dr. Franklin\u2019s notes, & the former project & observations which were in the hands of Colo. Humphreys.\u201d\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0322", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 1 March 1785\nFrom: Lettsom, John Coakley\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tHonoured Friend,\n\t\t\t\tThe enclosed is a rough sketch of a few data, which I mean to enlarge, as soon as I am informed; of the certainty of these data. May I request the favour of a line; which shall be confidential. I have a copy of the enclosed, which need not be returned. I have desired my frd, Des Gesnettes to wait upon thee for any commands; in order to take off any trouble of conveying me any Packet\u2014\n\t\t\t\tOur Ministry are now doing that for Ireland, which is her natural right, and which should have been done for America ten years ago; but the attempt will shake our young Minister\u2014 I am very respectfully\n\t\t\t\t\tJ. C. Lettsom\u2014\n\t\t\t\tAddressed by Lettsom: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin / Passey / pres de / Paris\n\t\t\t\tNotation: M. des Genettes de la societ\u00e9 m\u00e9dic. de Londres H\u00f4tel Dauphin\u2014Ru\u00eb de Seine F. St. G.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0324", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Partridge, 3 March 1785\nFrom: Partridge, James\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tParis 3d March 1785\n\t\t\t\tThe packet sent me for Mrs Barry shall be taken care of, & this letter for Governor Pownal as it relates to her affairs I shall deliver my self & shall be glad if he can say any thing that may be advantageous to the good little Woman.\n\t\t\t\tMy Niece & I return you our warmest thanks for your polite wishes on our journey & for the many Civilities shew\u2019d us at your House.\n\t\t\t\tIf ever you should have any occurrences in Italy in which I could be any ways useful to you, I beg you will favor me with your Commands, & if any of your friends pass through Leghorn I hope you will give them a line of introduction to my house that I may shew them every Civility in my power & convince them & you of the great Respect with which I have the honour to be Sir your most obedient & most humble Servt\n\t\t\t\t\tJames Partridge:\n\t\t\t\tNotation: James Partridge 3 March 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0325", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Windisch-Gr\u00e4tz, with Franklin\u2019s Note for a Reply, 3 March 1785\nFrom: Windisch-Gr\u00e4tz, Josef Niclas Reichsgraf\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tBruxelles le 3 Mars 1785\n\t\t\t\tC\u2019est avec le plus grand plaisir du monde, que je vois par l\u2019obligeante reponse dont vous m\u2019honnorez Monsieur, que vous approuvez mon d\u00e9ssein; mais je Suis bien Surpris, que les exemplaires, que j\u2019ai eu lhonneur de vous addresser ne vous Soient point parvennus. Le paquet a \u00e9t\u00e9 ferm\u00e9 Sous mes yeux, et la ettre, que j\u2019ai eu lhonneur de vous ecrir Se trouvoit dans le m\u00eame paquet, qui contenoit 50 exemplaires latins et 40 allemands, il faut donc que ce paquet ait \u00e9t\u00e9 ouvert Soit a la diligence, Soit a la douane ce qui est fort desagr\u00e9able. J\u2019ai ecrit avant-hier au Comte de la Marck, pour lui demander en quel etat le paquet etoit arriv\u00e9 chez lui, et pour le prier de S\u2019informer ce que ces exemplaires Sont devennus, et de vous les faire parvennir. Je respecte trop vos loisirs Monsieur, pour ne pas vous Suplier de ne pas me repondre a cette Seconde lettre, a moins que les exemplaires ne tarde\u00e2ssent a vous arriver, dans ce cas je vous prierois de m\u2019en faire avertir.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai pris la libert\u00e9 de vous en destiner des allemands parceque c\u2019est dans cette langue que j\u2019ai fait ce petit ecrit, et que je ne Suis pas parfaitement content de la traduction latine.\n\t\t\t\tDes que je Saurai Si les unniversit\u00e9s auxquelles j\u2019ai propos\u00e9 de juger les ecrits, acceptent de S\u2019en charger, je ferai paroitre ce programme en francois, et y ajouterai des eclaircissements pour ceux, qui doute de la possibilit\u00e9 de la Solution.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai lhonneur d\u2019etre avec les Sentimens de la plus parfaite v\u00e9n\u00e9ration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLe Comte de Windisch: Gr\u00e4tz\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: Write a few Lines informing that the Pacquet is since come to hand.\n\t\t\t\tNotation: De Windisch-Gratz 3 Mars 83", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0329", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles de Butr\u00e9, with Franklin\u2019s Note for a Reply, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Butr\u00e9 (Butret), Charles de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tTours ce 8. mars 1785.\n\t\t\t\tJe viens de lire avec un attendrissement inexprimable les lettres d\u2019un cultivateur am\u00e9ricain, elles me confirment dans ce\nque j\u2019avois toujours pens\u00e9 Sur la fausse description faite de ce pa\u00ffs par l\u2019abb\u00e9 Raynal historien peu v\u00e9ridique Sur les principaux points de Son histoire politique. C\u2019est une Suite vari\u00e9e des tableaux les plus touchans et les plus int\u00e9ressans, entrem\u00eal\u00e9s de Sc\u00e9nes d\u2019horreur et d\u2019abobination qui portent dans l\u2019ame l\u2019\u00e9x\u00e9cration pour ces brigands f\u00e9roces qui ont commis de tels exc\u00e8s d\u2019atrocit\u00e9 et de fureur. Comment est il possible que des hommes ayent p\u00fb se livrer a de pareilles barbaries contre des familles paisibles et innocentes retir\u00e9es aux extr\u00e9mit\u00e9s du monde dans des for\u00eats, qui ne pr\u00e9sentoient que des mod\u00e9les de toutes les vertus Sociales et devoient inspirer un St. respect pour les ours et les loups m\u00eames qui les entouroient. La nation qui a commis de tels forfaits ainsi que ceux du bengale doit terriblement craindre la justice divine qui paroit commencer a leurs faire \u00e9prouver ses justes decrets.\n\t\t\t\tParmi tous les gouvernemens que pr\u00e9sente cet int\u00e9ressant nouveau monde, je n\u2019en vois point de plus conforme a l\u2019ordre physique essentiel, et aux droits naturels qu\u2019il donne a tous les hommes que celui du fameux guillaume penn. Cette d\u00e9claration Solemnelle et cet hommage qu\u2019il rend au tol\u00e9rantisme auro\u00eet du \u00eatre l\u2019esprit universel de tous les hommes et particuli\u00e9rement de ceux qui chass\u00e9s par la persecution et la plus grossi\u00e9re ignorance, Se Sont r\u00e9fugi\u00e9s Sur cet heureux climat ou ils ont trouv\u00e9 un asile, la paix, et la tranquilit\u00e9: on est \u00e9tonn\u00e9 qu\u2019ils ayent oubli\u00e9 en arrivant les causes de leur \u00e9migration, et qu\u2019ils Soient devenus pers\u00e9cuteurs et intol\u00e9rans\u2014heureux quakers repandez votre esprit de fraternit\u00e9 Sur toutes ces contr\u00e9es! Ce Sont les liens qui doivent vous unir tous, et l\u2019ordre physique r\u00e9productif etre la Seule loi que doivent promulguer et faire conno\u00eetre vos institutions, et la Seule base d\u2019instruction g\u00e9n\u00e9rale qui doit \u00eatre \u00e9tablie, afin d\u2019en graver la connoissance dans tous les coeurs, par ce moyen de les r\u00e9unir tous par le m\u00eame int\u00e9r\u00eat commun et r\u00e9ciproque et de former par l\u00e0 la plus grande puissance Sur la terre.\n\t\t\t\tIl est bien Singulier de voir des hommes vouloir former des loix et se casser la t\u00eate pour en r\u00e9diger des Codes comme S\u2019il\n\u00e9toit possible de changer celles faites par le cr\u00e9ateur pour le plus grand avantage possible des hommes et Si elles n\u2019\u00e9toient pas \u00e9crites en caract\u00e9res ostensibles et calculables Sur la terre.\n\t\t\t\tIl y a 30 ans que je parcoure des champs dans toute l\u2019europe pour calculer ces loix essentielles qui r\u00e9glent par poids et mesure les droits primitifs des Soci\u00e9t\u00e9s les plus compliqu\u00e9es; il est si facile a tous les gouvernemens d\u2019en faire jouir tous les membres Sociaux et de leurs procurer par l\u00e0 leur plus grand bien \u00eatre possible, et faire le leur en m\u00eame tems: mais je n\u2019en vois aucun (except\u00e9 le chinois) ou on n\u2019ait pas m\u00e9connu cette base essentielle, et ou on n\u2019ait voulu faire des loix pour d\u00e9truire celles du ciel, et par cons\u00e9quent attaquer tous les Sentimens naturels donn\u00e9s a tous les hommes. Aussi toutes nos histoires ne Sont qu\u2019un tissu de forfaits et de brigandages, et un monstrueux cahos de tous les d\u00e9sordres humains, qui Sont pl\u00fbt\u00f4t l\u2019exc\u00e8s des lions et des vautours que les expressions justes et Stes. de la Sagesse et de la philosophie.\n\t\t\t\tAinsi que la nation am\u00e9ricaine qui commence a jetter les fondemens d\u2019un vaste empire en voie les fondemens dans ses vastes domaines, ou elle peut lire Ses loix trac\u00e9es par Ses charrues; comme yao, chum, et yu, les y avoient prises a la chine il y a plus de 40 Si\u00e9cles ou elles Subsistent encore, et dureront autant que les Si\u00e9cles puisqu\u2019elles Sont conformes aux d\u00e9crets \u00e9ternels qui Sont inalt\u00e9rables.\n\t\t\t\tJe vous ai dit que je parcourois des champs pour \u00e9tudier les droits des hommes; j\u2019ai consign\u00e9 un extrait de mes travaux dans une brochure intitul\u00e9e Loix naturelles de [\u2019agriculture et de l\u2019ordre Social. J\u2019en ai laiss\u00e9 quelques \u00e9xemplaires chez Mr. L\u2019abb\u00e9 de Baulieu rue de favart lettre K pr\u00e9s la com\u00e9die italienne ou vous pourrez en avoir Si vous le Souhaittez. Je Suis un chevalier francois qui a consacr\u00e9 Sa vie a deffendre les droits des peuples\nenvahis par tous les gouvernemens; je Suis actuellement cette partie en allemagne, ou je compte retourner apr\u00e8s p\u00e2ques. Le livre Sur les am\u00e9ricains m\u2019a tellement touch\u00e9 que je n\u2019ai p\u00fb r\u00e9sister au desir de vous t\u00e9moigner tout mon int\u00e9r\u00eat pour votre nation vous qui en \u00eates le digne repr\u00e9sentant. Je compte \u00eatre la Semaine Ste. a paris. Si vous Le permettez J\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur de vous voir et d\u2019en conf\u00e9rer avec vous, je recevrai votre r\u00e9ponse la dessus chez le marquis de nesle ou je Loge, vis a vis le pont royal.\n\t\t\t\tJe Suis charm\u00e9 que d\u2019aussi int\u00e9ressants motifs me procurent l\u2019occasion de vous assurer de la haute consideration, et de toute la v\u00e9n\u00e9ration profonde avec laquelle J\u2019ai Lhonneur d\u00eatre Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tres ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDe Butr\u00e9\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: That I am always at home, and shall be glad to see him whenever it may please him to do me the honour of calling on me.\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0330", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay: Two Letters, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDear Sir\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOffice for foreign Affairs 8th March 1785\n\t\t\t\t\tYou will perceive from the enclosed Resolution of Congress which passed Yesterday That you are permitted to return to America as soon as convenient.\n\t\t\t\t\tThis Circumstance must afford great Pleasure to your Family and Friends here, and I am persuaded you will derive great Satisfaction from revisiting a Country which, exclusive of ordinary motives of Attachment, must be exceedingly dear to you from having so long and usefully served it\u2014\n\t\t\t\t\tWith great Respect and Esteem I have the Honor to [be] Dear Sir Your most obt. and very hble. Servt.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Jay\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Honorable Doctr. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary of theUnited States at the Court of France.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDear Sir\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOffice for foreign Affairs 8th March 1785\n\t\t\t\t\tThis will be delivered to you by Paul Randall Esqr. whose Father is a respectable Merchant of this City, and together with all his Family espoused the american Side of the Question during the late War. Permit me to recommend this Gentleman to your friendly Attention, and be assured that I am with great Respect and Esteem\u2014Dear Sir Your obliged & obt. Servt.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Jay\n\t\t\t\t[In John Jay\u2019s hand:] P.S I have taken the Liberty of addressing to You a parcel containing between three & four pounds of Green (bayberry) wax which I beg the Favor of You to send with my\nCompliments to Abb\u00e9 de Chalut\u2014 Mr Randal is so obliging as to take Charge of it\u2014\n\t\t\t\t\tHis Excellency Doctr. Franklin\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: The Honble / Doctor Franklin / minister plenipotentiary of the United States / at the Court of France / Passy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0331", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lorenzo Manini, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Manini, Lorenzo\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMonsieur\n\t\t\t\t\tCremone le 8 Mars 1785\u2014\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai et\u00e9 tres sensible \u00e0 l\u2019honneur de vos bont\u00e9s, Monsieur, et je Vous en marque ma satisfaction par la version, que j\u2019en ai fait moi m\u00eame. Ce compliment passe la regle ordinaire, il Vous convient, agr\u00e9ez-le, Monsieur; et si j\u2019ai reussi, procurez moi d\u2019autres occasions d\u2019augmenter, s\u2019il se peut, v\u00f4tre celebrit\u00e9 en Italie. Vos Constitutions auront leur tour si t\u00f4t, qu\u2019elles me parviendront.\n\t\t\t\tL\u2019auteur des Lettres Ameriquaines me charge de Vous dire les choses les plus flatteuses de sa part; il est fier de v\u00f4tre approbation, et du bien que Vous dites de lui.\n\t\t\t\tRecevez l\u2019hommage de mes sentimens; il ne nuit point \u00e0 celui de mon profond respect Monsieur! V\u00f4tre Tres Humble et Tres obeissant Serviteur\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLorenzo Manini\n\t\t\t\tEndorsed: M. Manini Printer, Cremona 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0332", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tA Versailles le 8. Mars 1785.\n\t\t\t\tJ\u2019ai communiqu\u00e9 M. a M. le Mal. de Castries la nouvelle note que vous m\u2019aviez fait l\u2019honneur de me remettre relativement \u00e0 la Contestation qui S\u2019etoit elev\u00e9e a Nantes entre le Contre maitre et le Capne. du navire americain La marianne. Ce ministre vient de me faire la reponse dont je joins icy une copie. Vous y verrez, M. les raisons qui lui font penser que la Sentence rendue par l\u2019amiraut\u00e9 de Nantes le 5 mars 1784, doit avoir Son execution. Cette reponse indique aussi les voyes qui Sont ouvertes aux parties qui peuvent avoir \u00e0 Se plaindre de cette Sentence.\n\t\t\t\t\tM. franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0334", "content": "Title: The American Commissioners to Thulemeier, 14 March 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Thulemeier, Friedrich Wilhelm von\n\t\t\t\t\tPassy March 14th. 1785.\n\t\t\t\tWe had the honour of receiving your letter of Janry. 24. covering a translation into French of the Draught of a treaty proposed between His Majesty the King of Prussia & the United States of America, together with answers to the several articles. We have considered them with attention, & with all those\ndispositions to accomodate them to the wishes of His Majesty which a respect for his character, & a desire of connecting the two nations in amity & commerce would naturally produce. We will now take the liberty of troubling you with the result of our deliberations article by article.\n\t\t\t\tArt. 2. We agree to add the restriction proposed to the end of this clause, to wit, \u201csubmitting themselves nevertheless to the laws & usages there established, and to which are submitted the citizens of the United States, and the citizens & subjects of the most favoured nations.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 3. Agreed to add a like clause, to wit, \u201csubmitting themselves nevertheless to the laws & usages there established, and to which are submitted the subjects of His Majesty the King of Prussia & the subjects & citizens of the most favoured nations.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 4. Three effects of this article are objected to.\n\t\t\t\t\t1. the permission to export & import all the merchandize of either country without exception.\n\t\t\t\t\t2. the permission to all persons to be buyers & sellers.\n\t\t\t\t\t3. the not extending in express terms the right of transportation beyond the vessels of the two contracting parties.\n\t\t\t\tAs to the first we agree to make to the clause the addition proposed, to wit, \u201cNevertheless the King of Prussia & the United States, and each of them, reserve to themselves the right to prohibit in their respective countries the importation & exportation of all merchandize whatsoever, when reasons of State shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. But if one of the contracting parties permits any other nation to import or export the same merchandize, the subjects or citizens of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tWith respect to the second object, a permission to all persons to become buyers & sellers in this intercourse, it does indeed interfere with the practice of some nations of Europe, wherein the right of buying & selling particular articles of merchandize is frequently given to particular persons or discriptions of persons exclusively. The origin of this practice is to be found in a very remote & unenlightened period, when religion, physics, & every other branch of science was sophisticated & abused. The progress of information & of liberal sentiment has led to reformations in those, and in this also seems to have matured principles which should produce a reformation equally wanted. Commerce performs the important office of procuring vent for superfluities, of supplying wants, & of adjusting prices on a reasonable scale. This it does best where it is freest. Casting an eye over the states of Europe we find them wealthy & populous nearly in proportion to the freedom of their commerce, and we may conclude from thence that were it perfectly free, they would probably attain the highest points of wealth & population of which their other circumstances would admit. A free competition between buyers & sellers, is the most certain means of fixing the true worth of merchandize: on the other hand the restraint of this right to particular persons, which constitutes a monopoly, has been found in experience the most powerful engine ever employed for the suffocation of commerce. It is interesting to both parties therefore to guard against this in their stipulations. The law of Konigsberg which prohibits a foreigner from selling his merchandize to any but native subjects, is a monopoly in a certain degree. It would rather seem desireable that foreigners should come into our ports & there transact together all their business of exchange. It is not for us to judge whether under actual circumstances this law of Konigsberg is a proper object of reformation. His Prussian Majesty will decide this, who has already so much extended the limits of happiness for his subjects by the removal of other bars to which time & habit had given their sanction. Should it be indispensable to save the\nforce of this law, we would propose to retain the expressions in this article which give freedom to all buyers & sellers but that at the end of the addition before agreed to a farther one should be made in this form. \u201cNor shall this article derogate from the force of the laws of the city of Konigsberg which forbid traffic between foreigners within the limits of their jurisdiction.\u201d This will guard against monopoly so much of the field of commerce as is not already occupied by it. We wish however that in this article the word \u201cpersons\u201d should be substituted instead of the \u201csubjects or citizens of that other\u201d & again instead of \u201cthe said subjects or citizens\u201d.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tThe third objection to this article is that it does not extend the right of transportation beyond the vessels of the two countries. It was thought that the securing this right so far was making a valuable step towards the freedom of intercourse. A right would remain to each party of refusing that privilege to vessels foreign to both; a right which probly would never be exercised but in retaliation on any particular nation adopting that narrow principle. We abandon freely the reservation in its general form in pursuit of an object so valuable to mankind as the total emancipation of commerce & the bringing together all nations for a free intercommunication of happiness. And agree after the words \u201cin their own\u201d to insert \u201cor any other\u201d. But we still propose it for consideration whether it will be expedient to either party to disarm itself entirely of the power of retaliating on any particular nation which may restrain the loading of vessels to articles of the growth or manufacture of the country to which they belong? Circumstances may be produced which would render the retaliation essential to the honour & interests of the parties. We therefore propose after the words \u201creserve to themselves the right\u201d in the amendment before agreed to, to insert these \u201cwhere any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture, to establish against such nation retaliating regulations; and also the right\u201d.\n\t\t\t\tThis fourth article with the several amendments which we have proposed or agreed to will stand thus \u201cMore especially each party shall have a right to carry their own produce, manufactures & merchandize in their own or any other vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them, and thence to take the produce, manufactures & merchandize of the other, which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them paying in both cases such duties, charges & fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favored nation. Nevertheless the King of Prussia and the United States & each of them reserve to themselves the right where any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture to establish against such nation retaliating regulations; and also the right to prohibit in their respective countries the importation and exportation of all merchandize whatsoever when reasons of state shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. But if one of the contracting parties permits any other nation to import or export the same merchandize the citizens or subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty. Nor shall this article derogate from the laws of the city of Konigsberg which forbid traffic between foreigners within the limits of their jurisdiction.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 5. We agree that the fifth article shall stand in the form proposed, to wit, \u201cthe merchants, commanders of vessels, or other subjects or citizens of either party shall not within the ports or jurisdiction of the other be forced to unload any sort of merchandize into any other vessels, nor to receive them into their own, nor to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 8. Agreed to omit the words \u201cand without being obliged to pay any duties charges or fees whatsoever, or to render any account of their cargo\u201d and to substitute those proposed, to wit, \u201cand without being obliged to render any account of their cargo, or to pay any duties charges or fees whatsoever, except those\nestablished for vessels entered into port and appropriated to the maintenance of the port itself, or of other establishments for the safety and convenience of navigators, which duties charges & fees shall be the same, & shall be paid on the same footing as in the case of subjects or citizens of the country where they are established.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 9. We agree to the amendment proposed by adding to this article these words \u201cthe antient & barbarous right to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished with respect to the subjects or citizens of the two contracting parties.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 10. By the laws of the United States copied in this instance from those of England, aliens are incapable of holding real estate. When an estate of that nature descends to an alien, it passes on by escheat to the State. The policy of the United States does not permit the giving to the subjects of any other power a capacity to hold lands within their limits, which was proposed by the project formerly delivered to Mr Adams. But they are perfectly willing to relieve such persons from all loss on this account by permitting them to sell the inheritance and withdraw the proceeds without any detraction. Again, tho\u2019 with them it is a fundamental principle that every man has a natural right to quit the country in which either chance or choice has placed him, and to become a member of any other where he thinks he can be happier, and the laws of some of them direct the particular form in which it is to be done, & therefore these States can pass no laws to prevent the emigration of their fellow-citizens, yet they will respect the principles of other governments where the practice is different. We consent therefore to add to the end of this clause, from the 8th of the project these words \u201cand exempt from all rights of detraction on the part of the government of the respective States.\u201d But this article shall not derogate in any manner from the force of the laws already\npublished or hereafter to be published by his Majesty the King of Prussia to prevent the emigrations of his subjects.\n\t\t\t\tArt. 12. Agreed to omit the clause \u201con the other hand enemy vessels shall make enemy goods\u201d &c to the end of the article & to leave that question undecided.\n\t\t\t\tArt. 13. The stipulation \u201cto pay a reasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors\u201d is not so determinate as to save the necessity of a future arrangement. It was thought questionable whether any mode which might now be thought of, might not, by a change of circumstances, before the case should arise, become inapplicable: and that arrangements would then be easily & amicably taken for doing justice to the individuals interested. We are ready however to receive a proposition for defining the mode at this time. We agree also to the addition proposed to this clause, to wit, \u201cbut in the case supposed of a vessel stopped for articles heretofore deemed contraband, if the master of the vessel stopped will deliver out the goods supposed to be of contraband nature he shall be admitted to do it, & the vessel shall not in that case be carried into any port, nor further detained, but shall be allowed to proceed on her voyage.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 19. A clause in the treaty with France, the first the United States ever entered into, renders necessary the exception subjoined to this Article. It has not been repeated, nor is\nproposed to be repeated in any subsequent treaty. If any antecedent treaties would require a like exception on the part of his Prussian Majesty, we shall chearfully concur in its insertion, the case being either particularly specifyed or generally described. The practice of carrying prizes into neutral ports & there selling them, is admitted by the usage of nations, & can give offence to none where they have not guarded against it by particular contract. Were the clause now under consideration to be so changed as to exclude the prizes made on the enemies of either from being sold in the ports of the other, and that kind of stipulation to take place generally, it would operate very injuriously against the United States in cases wherein it is not presumed his Majesty would wish it. For suppose them to be hereafter in war with any power in Europe, their enemy, tho\u2019 excluded from the ports of every other State, will yet have their own ports at hand, into which they may carry & sell the prizes they shall make on the United States, but the United States under a like general exclusion, having no ports of their own in Europe their prizes in those seas must be hazarded across the ocean to seek a market at home: an incumbrance which would cripple all their efforts on that element, & give to their enemies great advantage over them.\n\t\t\t\tArt. 21. Agreed to add as proposed \u201cbut by the judicatures of the place into which the prize shall be conducted.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tArt. 25 Agreed to add as proposed \u201cbut if any such Consuls shall exercise commerce, they shall be submitted to the same laws & usages to which the private individuals of their nation are submitted in the same place\u201d.\n\t\t\t\tUpon the whole it will be seen that we accomodate ourselves to the amendments proposed to the 2d. 3d. 5th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 12th. 13th. 21st & 25th articles, that we agree to the amendments proposed to the 4th. article with certain qualifications, and we cannot but hope that the 4th & the 19th articles so amended & qualified may be permitted to stand.\n\t\t\t\tWe have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect Sir your most obedt & most hble. Servts\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn AdamsB. FranklinT. Jefferson\n\t\t\t\t\tHis Excellency The Baron de Thulemeier &c. &c. &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0335", "content": "Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 14 March 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Vaughan, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMy dear Friend\n\t\t\t\tAmong the Pamphlets you lately sent me, was one intitled Thoughts on Executive Justice. In return for that I send you a French one on the same Subject, Observations concernant l\u2019Execution de l\u2019Article II de la Declaration sur le Vol. They are\nboth address\u2019d to the Judges, but written as you will see in a very different Spirit. The English Author is for hanging all Thieves. The Frenchman is for proportioning Punishments to Offences.\n\t\t\t\tIf we really believe, as we profess to believe, that the Law of Moses was the Law of God, the Dictate of divine Wisdom infinitely superior to human, on what Principles do we ordain Death as the Punishment of an Offence, which according to that Law was only to be punish\u2019d by a Restitution of Fourfold? To put a Man to Death for an Offence which does not deserve Death, is it not Murder? And, as the French Writer says, Doit-on punir un d\u00e9lit contre la soci\u00e9t\u00e9, par un crime contre la nature?\n\t\t\t\tSuperfluous Property is the Creature of Society. Simple and mild Laws were sufficient to guard the Property that was merely necessary. The Savage\u2019s Bow, his Hatchet, & his Coat of Skins, were sufficently secured without Law by the Fear of personal Resentment & Retaliation. When by virtue of the first Laws Part of the Society accumulated Wealth & grew Powerful, they enacted others more severe, and would protect their Property at the Expence of Humanity. This was abusing their Power, & commencing a Tyranny. If a Savage before he enter\u2019d into Society had been told, Your Neighbour by this Means may\nbecome Owner of 100 Deer, but if your Brother, or your Son, or yourself, having no Deer of your own, and being hungry should kill one of them, an infamous Death must be the Consequence; he would probably have preferr\u2019d his Liberty, & his common Right of killing any Deer, to all the Advantages of Society that might be propos\u2019d to him.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tThat it is better 100 guilty Persons should escape, than that one innocent Person should suffer, is a Maxim that has been long & generally approv\u2019d, never that I know of controverted. Even the sanguinary Author of the Thoughts agrees to it page 163, adding well, that \u201cthe very Thought of injured Innocence, and much more that of suffering Innocence, must awaken all our tenderest and most compassionate Feelings, and at the same time raise our highest Indignation against the Instruments of it.\u2014 But, he adds, there is no Danger of either from a strict Adherence to the Laws.\u201d\u2014 Really?\u2014 Is it then impossible to make an unjust Law?\u2014 And if the Law it self be unjust, may it not be the very \u201cInstrument\u201d which ought to \u201craise the Author\u2019s, & every body\u2019s, highest Indignation.\u201d I read in the last Newspaper from London, that a Woman is capitally convicted at the Old Bailey for privately stealing out of a Shop some Gause value 14 Shillings and threepence. Is there any Proportion between the Injury done by a Theft value 14/3, and the Punishment of a human Creature by Death on a Gibbet? Might not that Woman by her Labour have made the Reparation ordain\u2019d by God, in paying four-fold? Is not all Punishment inflicted beyond the Merit of the Offence, so much Punishment of Innocence? In this light, how vast is the annual Quantity of not only injured but suffering Innocence, in almost all the civilized States of Europe!\n\t\t\t\tBut it seems to have been thought that this kind of Innocence may be punish\u2019d by way of preventing Crimes. I have read indeed of a cruel Turk in Barbary, who whenever he bought a new Christian Slave, ordered him immediately to be hung up by the Legs & to receive an 100 Blows of a Cudgel on the Soles of his Feet, that the severe Sense of the Punishment, and Fear of incurring it thereafter, might prevent the Faults that should merit it.\u2014 Our Author himself would hardly approve entirely of this Turk\u2019s Conduct in the Government of Slaves, and yet he appears to recommend something like it for the government of English Subjects, when he applauds* [in the margin: *Page 105.] the Reply of Judge Burnet to the convict Horsestealer, who being ask\u2019d what he had to say why Judgment of Death should not pass against him, & answering that it was hard to hang a Man for only stealing a Horse, was told by the Judge, \u201cMan thou art not to be hang\u2019d only for stealing a Horse, but that Horses may not be stolen.\u201d The Man\u2019s Answer, if candidly examin\u2019d, will I imagine, appear reasonable, as being founded on the Eternal Principle of Justice & Equity, that Punishments should be proportion\u2019d to Offences: and the Judge\u2019s Reply brutal and unreasonable; tho\u2019 the Writer \u201cwishes all Judges to carry it with them whenever they go the Circuit, and to bear it in their Minds, as containing a wise Reason for all the penal Statutes which they are called upon to put in Execution:\u2014\u201d it at once illustrates, says he, the true Grounds \u201cand Reasons of all capital Punishments whatsoever, namely, that every man\u2019s Property as well as his Life, may be held sacred and inviolate\u201d. Is there then no difference in Value between Property and Life? If I think it right that the Crime of Murder should be punished with Death, not only as an equal Punishment of the Crime, but to prevent other Murders, does it follow that I must approve of inflicting the same Punishment for a little Invasion of my Property\nby Theft? If I am not myself so barbarous, so bloody-minded and revengeful, as to kill a Fellow Creature for stealing from me 14/3, how can I approve of a Law that does it? Montesquieu, who was himself a Judge, endeavours to impress other Maxims; he must have known what humane Judges feel on such occasions, and what the Effect of those Feelings; and so far from thinking severe & excessive Punishments prevent Crimes, he asserts, as quoted by our French Writer, page 4. that\n\t\t\t\t\u201cL\u2019atrocit\u00e9 des loix en emp\u00eache l\u2019execution.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cLorsque la peine est sans mesure, on est souvent oblig\u00e9 de lui pr\u00e9f\u00e9rer l\u2019impunit\u00e9.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cLa Cause de tous les rel\u00e2chemens, vient de l\u2019impunit\u00e9 des crimes, & non de la moderation des peines.\u201d\u2014\n\t\t\t\tIt is said by those who know Europe generally, that there are more Thefts committed and punish\u2019d annually in England, than in all the other Nations put together. If this be so, there must be a Cause or Causes, for such Depravity in our common People. May not one be, the Deficiency of Justice & Morality in our national Government, manifested in our oppressive Conduct to Subjects, & unjust Wars on our Neighbours.\u2014 View the long-persisted-in unjust monopolizing Treatment of Ireland at length acknowledged! View the plundering Government exercis\u2019d by our Merchants in the Indies! The confiscating War made upon the American Colonies! and to say nothing of those upon France and Spain, view the late War upon Holland, wch was seen by impartial Europe in no other Light than that of a War of Rapine & Pillage, the Hopes of an immense & easy Prey being its only apparent & probably its true & real Motive & Encouragement. Justice is as strictly due between neighbour Nations as between neighbour Citizens. A Highwayman is as much a Robber when he plunders in a Gang, as when single; and a Nation that makes an unjust War is only a great Gang. After employing your People in robbing the Dutch, is it strange that being put out of that Employ by the Peace, they should continue\nrobbing, and rob one another?\u2014 Piraterie, as the French call it, or Privateering, is the universal Bent of the English Nation at home and abroad, where ever settled. No less than 700 Privateers were, it is said, commission\u2019d in the last War!\u2014 These were fitted out by Merchants to prey upon other Merchants who had never done them any Injury. Is there probably any one of those privateering Merchants of London, who were so ready to rob the Merchants of Amsterdam, that would not as readily plunder another London Merchant of the next Street, if he could do it with the same Impunity? The Avidity, the alieni appetens, is the same, it is Fear alone of the Gallows that makes the Difference. How then can a Nation which among the honestest of its People has so many Thieves by Inclination, and whose Government encourag\u2019d & commission\u2019d no less than 700 Gangs of Robbers; how can such a Nation have the Face to condemn the Crime in Individuals, and hang up 20 of them in a Morning. It naturally puts one in Mind of a Newgate Anecdote. One of the Prisoners complain\u2019d that in the Night somebody had taken his Buckles out of his Shoes. What the Devil, says another, have we then Thieves among us?\u2014 It must not be suffer\u2019d. Let us search out the Rogue, & pump him to death.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tThere is however one late Instance of an English Merchant who will not profit by such ill-gotten Gains. He was it seems part Owner of a Ship which the other Owners thought fit to employ as a Letter of Marque, and which took a Number of French Prizes. The Booty being shar\u2019d, he has now an Agent here, enquiring by an Advertisement in the Gazette, for those who suffer\u2019d the Loss, in order to make them, as far as in him lies, Restitution.\u2014 This consciencious Man is a Quaker. The Scotch\nPresbyterians were formerly as tender, for there is still extant an Ordinance of the Town Council of Edinburgh, made soon after the Reformation, forbidding \u201cthe purchase of Prize Goods under Pain of losing the Freedom of the Burgh for ever, with other Punishment at the Will of the Magistrate, the Practice of making Prizes being contrary to good Conscience and the Rule of treating Christian Brethren as we would wish to be treated: and such Goods are not to be sold by any godly Men within this Burgh\u201d The Race of these godly Men in Scotland is probably extinct, or their Principles abandoned, since as far as that Nation had a Hand in promoting the War against the Colonies, Prizes & Confiscations are believ\u2019d to have been a considerable Motive.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tIt has been for some time a generally receiv\u2019d Opinion, that a military Man is not to enquire whether a War be just or unjust; he is to execute his Orders. All Princes who are dispos\u2019d to become Tyrants must probably approve of this Opinion, & be willing to establish it. But is it not a dangerous one? since, on that Principle, if the Tyrant commands his Army to attack and destroy, not only an unoffending Neighbour Nation, but even his own Subjects, the Army is bound to obey. A Negro Slave in our Colonies, being commanded by his Master to rob or murder a Neighbour, or do any other immoral Act, may refuse, and the Magistrate will protect him in his Refusal. The Slavery then of a Soldier is worse than that of a Negro! A consciencious Officer, if not restrain\u2019d by the Apprehension of its being imputed to another Cause, may indeed resign; rather than be employ\u2019d in an unjust War; but the private Men are Slaves for Life, and they\nare perhaps incapable of judging for themselves.\u2014 We can only lament their Fate; and still more that of a Sailor, who is often dragg\u2019d by Force from his honest Occupation, and compell\u2019d to imbrue his Hands in perhaps innocent Blood. But methinks it well behoves Merchants, Men more enlightned by their Education, and perfectly free from any such Force or Obligation, to consider well of the Justice of a War, before they voluntarily engage a Gang of Ruffians to attack their Fellow Merchants of a neighbouring Nation, to plunder them of their Property, & perhaps ruin them & their Families, if they yield it, or to wound, maim & murder them if they endeavour to defend it.\u2014 Yet these Things are done by Christian Merchants, whether a War be just or unjust; and it can hardly be just on both sides.\u2014 They are done by English and American Merchants, who nevertheless complain of private Thefts, and hang by Dozens the Thieves they have taught by their own Example.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tIt is high time for the sake of Humanity that a Stop be put to this Enormity. The United States of America, tho\u2019 better situated than any European Nation, to make Profit by Privateering, most of the Trade of Europe with the West Indies passing before their Doors, are, as far as in them lies, endeavouring to abolish the Practice, by offering in all their Treaties with other Powers, an Article engaging solemnly that in Case of future War no Privateers shall be commission\u2019d on either Side, and that unarm\u2019d Merchant Ships on both sides shall pursue their Voyages unmolested. This will be a happy Improvement of the Law of Nations. The Humane and the Just cannot but wish general Success to the Proposition.\u2014\n\t\t\t\tWith unchangeable Esteem & Affection, I am, my dear Friend Ever yours\n\t\t\t\t\tB Franklin\n\t\t\t\t\tMr Vaughan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Franklin/01-43-02-0337", "content": "Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Vaughan, Benjamin\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\n\t\t\t\t\tMy dearest sir,\n\t\t\t\tIn reply to your favor of the 5th: instt. I send you the Extract from the English translation of K\u00e6mpfer\u2019s history of Japan Vol. 2nd. Book 5. c. 6. p. 444\u20135, as follows. \u201cThe candles brought in at night, are hollow in the middle; the wick, which is of paper, being wound about a wooden stick, before the tallow is laid on. For this reason also the candlesticks have a punch\nor bodkin at top, which the candles are fixed upon. They burn quick, and make a great deal of smoke & stink, because the oil or tallow is made out of the berries of bay-trees, camphire trees, and some others of this kind. \u2019Tis somewhat odd & ridiculous to see the whirling motion of the ascending smoke followed by the flame, when the candle is taken off from the punch at the top of the candlestick.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tI wish that you would at your leisure make the trial of a solid candle with three or four very thin wicks, placed sufficiently contiguous for the flames of each to touch. You may snuff the wicks in pairs, or perhaps altogether. After being lighted a short time, the wicks will be found to carry their several flames at a great distance above the melting substance of the candle.\n\t\t\t\tOur Irish propositions go on much better than I expected. After a series of contests in the West India meetings, we carried a question this day by 86 to 31, for which see the papers of tomorrow. I hope the neutrality of our body will leave the Irish resolutions a safer, though it is likely to be still a tumultuous passage, through our house of Commons. Ministry seem to have overlooked the relation this question bore to the West India interest.\u2014 As a friend to free trade this intelligence above will not displease you.\n\t\t\t\tI have sent a bottle of Blackrie\u2019s lixivium through Mr Nepean, and shall send another on Monday by a private opportunity.\u2014 Castor oil, you may always have genuine & fresh, when your stock declines, as I can command abundance, & for no occasion so zealously.\n\t\t\t\tI beg you will remember me very affectionately to your grandson, whom I thank for his book, which I have sent to a\nfriend prior to my own reading.\u2014 No bookseller would touch the former pamphlet on the same subject sent by him.\n\t\t\t\tI am, my dearest sir, Your ever faithful, respectful, & devoted,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBenjn. Vaughan\n\t\t\t\tAddressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin, / &c &c &c / a Passy, / pres Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 3d. Doctr. Stuart\u2014his wife Betcy & Patcy Custis who had been here since the 27th. ulto. returned home. Doctr. Craik visited Mr. Peake & returned to Dinner. While we were at Dinner Colo. Blackburne & his daughter Sally came. The whole remained the Evening. Variable & very squally weather with Snow & Sunshine alternately. Towards evening the Wind came from the No. West & blew violently. Turned very cold & froze hard.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 4th. Colo. Blackburne went to Alexandria leaving his daughter here. Doctr. Craik attempted to cross the river at my Ferry, but failing on acct. of the Ice returned, & stayed dinner & the evening. Wind variable & cold.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 7th. Road to my Mill, Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations.  Preparing my dry well, and the Well in my New Cellar for the reception of Ice. But little wind, and that Southwardly. Day very pleasant\u2014tho\u2019 it thawed but little.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 8th. Drawing Ice from the river to my well in the Cellar\u2014got it \u00be full & well pounded, as it was thrown in. Wind pretty fresh from the Southwest. The little Snow, not exceeding 2 Inches with which the ground was covered began to disappear and the ground to soften very much. The day for the greater part was lowering & variable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 9th. Not much wind, and that at West, & So. West. Moderate & thawing a little. The Mercury in the Thermometer was at 32 this afternoon. Appearances of Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 10th. Mercury at Sun rise was at 38\u2014at Noon the same and at Night 42. Drizzly all day with but little wind\u2014that westerly. Made a finish of the Ice in my well in the Cellar and began to fill the dry well\u2014but the Ice unexpectedly leaving the Shore was obliged to quit. But little thawing to day, notwithstanding the wind & weather.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 11th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon & 44 at Night. Until Noon it was foggy, with but little wind. Afternoon it cleared, & was very pleasant. The wind pretty fresh from the So. West\u2014which bringing the Ice to the Shore again I renewed the Work of filling my dry Well with it by assembly Carts & hands from my Plantations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 12th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon & 38 at Night.  Morning very fine with but little Wind from the So. Wt. At 10 o\u2019clock it shifted to the No. Wt. blew very hard & turned Cold. Road to my Mill Swamp, where my Dogue run hands were at work & to other places in search of the sort of Trees I shall want for my walks, groves, & Wildernesses. At the Sein Landing & between that & the point at the old Brick kiln I found about half a dozn. young Elm trees, but not very promising ones. Many thriving ash trees on high (at least dry) ground of proper size for transplanting and a great abundance of the red-bud of all sizes. In the field which I bought of Barry & Miss Wade along the drain, & prongs of it, are one or two more; but rather of large size\u2014but in the latter (a prong of the drain in Barry\u2019s field) there are great abundance of the white thorn (now full of the red Berries in clusters). Within the Meadow fence at the Mill, & within that Inclosure next Isaac Gates\u2019s are some young Crab apple trees and young Pine trees in the old field of all sizes. And in the Branch of Hell hole betwn. the Gate & its mouth are a number of very fine young Poplars\u2014Locusts\u2014Sasafras and Dogwood. Some Maple Trees on high ground & 2 or 3 Shrubs (in wet ground) wch. I take to be of the Fringe tree. About Sundown Lewis Lemart\u2014one of my Tenants in Fauquier & Collector of the Rents arising from the Tract on which he lives came in with some money & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 13th. Mercury in the Thermomiter at 26 about Sunrise\u201430 at Noon & 32 at Night.  Morning clear & cold, the Wind being fresh from the No. West, Which, about Noon, died away and grew moderate. Was envited, & went to the Funeral of Mr. Peake who died on Tuesday night. Returned to Dinner, accompanied by the Revd. Doctr. Griffith. Found a Mr. Dalby (an English Gentleman) here\u2014both of whom stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 14th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning 34 at Noon & 38 at Night. The Wind tho\u2019 there was not much of it came from the So. West and continued at the same point the whole day. Appearances of Snow in the Forenoon but clear afterwards until Sunset\u2014when it went down in a bank. Mr. Griffith & Mr. Dalby both went away after breakfast. Received an Invitation to the Funeral of Mr. Thos. Kirkpatrick at 3 oclock tomorrow, but excused myself. Yesterday, & this day also was closely employed in getting Ice into my dry well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 15th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and the same at Night. Wind Easterly in the Morning but before noon it shifted to the So. West & blew fresh & towards Night it veered round to the No. Wt. & blew very hard.  With the Easterly wind there was a little rain which ceased with it. Grew clear & turned cold.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 17th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning\u201436 at Noon & 46 at Night. Day fine & pleasant\u2014wind at South. Went to and returned from Alexandria to day. At my return found dispatches from the assembly respecting the Potomack Navigation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 18th. Mercury at 50 this Morning\u201455 at Noon & 58 at Night. Wind Southwardly & fresh all day and now and then dripping of rain. In the evening the Clouds dispersed & the Sunset clear. Sent the dispatches which came to me yesterday to Messrs. Fitzgerald and Hartshorne (managers named in the act for improving & extending the Navigation of Potomack and) who are appointed to receive Subscriptions\u2014that they might get copies of the Act printed and act under them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 19th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u2014the same at Noon and at Night. Day clear & fine. The Wind at No. West & Cool. Employed until dinner in laying out my Serpentine road & Shrubberies adjoining. Just as we had done dinner a Mr. Watson\u2014late of the House of Watson & Cossoul of Nantes\u2014and a Mr. Swift Merchant in Alexandria came in, and stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 20th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 45 at Night. Wind at No. Et.\u2014day raw\u2014lowering\u2014damp & disagreeable.  Mr. Watson and Mr. Swift went away after breakfast. I continued my employment of yesterday\u2014arranging the Walk &ca. Began to grub & clear the under growth in my Pine Grove on the margin of Hell hole.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 21st. Mercury at 52 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon & 55 at Night. More or less rain all night and variable wind\u2014which, at times, blew exceedingly hard. In the Morning the wind was at No. Et. attended with rain. Before Noon it shifted to the Southward\u2014blowing pretty fresh. The weather then cleared. This day a large Ship went up\u2014on Tuesday last 4 square rigged vessels also went past wch. was the first day the Navigation opened so as to admit this since the frost commenced, on the 4th. instant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 22d. Mercury at 45 in the Morning\u2014the same at Noon & 44 at Night. Clear weather\u2014the wind being at No. West all day. In the Evening Doctr. Craik Junr. came here & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Tuesday 25th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning 38 at Noon\u2014and  at Night. In the Morning early it rained a little, but the wind coming out from the No. West it soon cleared\u2014blowing hard until night when it moderated & soon ceased. A little before Dinner a Doctor Gilpin & a Mr. Scott\u2014two West India Gentlemen came here introduced by a letter from Mr. Rob. Morris of Philadelphia and a little after them a Mr. Blaine all of whom stayed the Evening. Day very cold\u2014latter part.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 26th. Mercury at 29 in the Morning, 38 at Noon & 39 at Night. But little Wind and that from the Southward\u2014day clear & very pleasant overhead, but sloppy & disagreeable under foot, after it began to thaw\u2014the ground having been hard froze in the Morning\u2014which freezings & thawings it is apprehended, will be very injurious to the Winter grain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 27th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning\u2014the same at Noon & 37 at Sunsetting. Wind at No. West & clear all day\u2014air pretty sharp in the forenoon. Made Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington a mornings visit\u2014from thence I went to Belvoir and viewed the ruined Buildings of that place. In doing this I passed along the side of Dogue Creek & the river to the white Ho[use] in search of Elm & other Trees for my Shrubberies &ca. Found none of the former but discovered one fringe Tree and a few Crabtrees in the first field beyond my line and in returning home (which I did to Dinner) by the way of Accatinck Creek I found several young Holly trees growing near Lawson Parkers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 28th. Mercury at 32 this Morning\u201442 at Noon and the same at Night. Wind pretty fresh from the Southward, with Sun shine, and appearances of rain alternately. In the evening it lowered very much. Road to day to my Plantations in the Neck\u2014partly with a view to search for Trees; for which purpose I passed through the Wood and in the first drain beyond the Bars in my lower pasture, I discovered in tracing it upwards, many small & thriving plants of the Magnolio and about & within the Fence, not far distant, some young Maple Trees; & the red berry of the Swamp. I also, along the Branch within Colo. Masons field, where Mr. T. Triplett formerly lived came a cross a mere nursery of young Crabtrees of all sizes & handsome & thriving and along the same branch on the outerside of the fence I discovered several young Holly Trees. But whether from the real scarcity, or difficulty of distinguishing, I could find none of the fringe tree.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 29th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning and the same at Noon & Night. Raining until about 10 Oclock when it ceased. About 12 the\nSun appeared and the day became exceedingly pleasant afterwards. The Wind, until some time after noon came from the Southward but not very fresh. Towards the evening it inclined to the westward more\u2014blew fresh & grew cold.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 30th. Mercury this morning at 26 at Noon 32 and at Night 28. Wind fresh from the No. Wt. & Cold\u2014day clear. In the Afternoon Mr. Willm. Scott with the two Miss Blackburns came in and stayed the Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001-0031", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 January 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 31st. Mercury at 22 in the Morning 28 at Noon & 29 at Night. Wind at No. Wt. & pretty fresh in the forenoon\u2014less of it & from the Eastward in the afternoon. Day clear until the Evening when it lowered & after dark turned very cloudy. About one oclock Mr. Wm. Hunter of Alexa. with a Mr. Hadfield (a Manchester Mercht.) recommended by Colo. Sam Smith of Baltimore & Colo. Fitzgerald & a Mr. Dawson came in. Dined & returned to Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0001", "content": "Title: January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFirst Monday. Colo. Bassett, who brought his daughter Fanny to this place to remain on the 24th. of last Month set off on his return to the Assembly now sitting at Richmond.\nI took a ride to my Plantations in the Neck, & called to see my neighbour Humphrey Peake who has been long afflicted with ill health and appears to be in the last stage of life & very near his end.\nWind Southwardly. The day very fine & pleasant.\n   Frances (Fanny) Bassett\u2019s mother, Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett, had died in 1777, and since then Fanny seems to have spent much time visiting various relatives. She came to Mount Vernon in Dec. 1784 to make her permanent home with her aunt and uncle.\nSunday 2d. Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.\nDrizzly Morning which first turned to rain, & then to snow.\nMonday 3d. Doctr. Stuart\u2014his wife Betcy & Patcy Custis who had been here since the 27th. ulto. returned home.\nDoctr. Craik visited Mr. Peake & returned to Dinner.\nWhile we were at Dinner Colo. Blackburne & his daughter Sally came. The whole remained the Evening.\nVariable & very squally weather with Snow & Sunshine alternately. Towards evening the Wind came from the No. West & blew violently. Turned very cold & froze hard.\n   Dr. David Stuart (1753\u2013c.1814) had, late in 1783, married John Parke Custis\u2019s widow, Eleanor Calvert Custis. Stuart was the son of Rev. William Stuart of St. Paul\u2019s Parish, then located in Stafford County (HARDYStella Pickett Hardy. Colonial Families of the Southern States of America: A History and Genealogy of Colonial Families who Settled in the Colonies Prior to the Revolution. 2d ed. Baltimore, 1958., 493). Stuart attended the College of William and Mary and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1777. He practiced medicine in Alexandria, and was at this time living four miles above the city. Elizabeth Parke (Betsy) Custis (1776\u20131832) and Martha Parke (Patsy) Custis (1777\u20131854), the two eldest children of John Parke Custis, lived with their mother and stepfather. The two youngest children lived at Mount Vernon. Stuart was a member of the Virginia Assembly 1785\u201388 and of the Virginia ratifying convention of 1788 and was one of the first three commissioners appointed by GW for the District of Columbia. About 1792 he moved his family to his Hope Park farm and, in later life, to Ossian Hall, both in Fairfax County. In the 1780s\nStuart served as translator for the many French letters that GW received, and during the presidency, he helped to keep GW informed of public sentiments in Virginia.\n   Sarah (Sally) Blackburn was the daughter of Col. Thomas and Christian Scott Blackburn of Rippon Lodge.\nTuesday 4th. Colo. Blackburne went to Alexandria leaving his daughter here.\nDoctr. Craik attempted to cross the river at my Ferry, but failing on acct. of the Ice returned, & stayed dinner & the evening.\nWind variable & cold.\nWednesday 5th. The Doctr. in vain attempted my ferry & being disappointed went to George Town with a view of crossing on the Ice.\nColo. Blackburn returned this Evening from Alexandria.\nWind Northwardly & cold.\nThursday 6th. Colo. Blackburn & his daughter left this after breakfast.\nWind from the Southwest, raw, cold & disagreeable.\nFriday 7th. Road to my Mill, Ferry, Dogue run, & Muddy hole Plantations.\nPreparing my dry well, and the Well in my New Cellar for the reception of Ice.\nBut little wind, and that Southwardly. Day very pleasant\u2014tho\u2019 it thawed but little.\n   The well in the new cellar was to prove unsatisfactory (see entry for 5 June). The dry well that GW used as an icehouse was first mentioned in 1773, when it was being repaired (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 140). It was located at the southeast corner of the river lawn. In 1784 GW had considered building a new icehouse but decided instead to repair and improve the old one. On 2 June he wrote Robert Morris that the snow with which he had packed his icehouse was already gone, and requested advice and a description of Morris\u2019s icehouse (DLC:GW). Morris suggested, among other things, that GW not use snow but pound ice into small pieces so it would freeze into a mass (15 June 1784, DLC:GW).\nSaturday 8th. Drawing Ice from the river to my well in the Cellar\u2014got it \u00be full & well pounded, as it was thrown in.\nWind pretty fresh from the Southwest.\nThe little Snow, not exceeding 2 Inches with which the ground was covered began to disappear and the ground to soften very much. The day for the greater part was lowering & variable.\nSunday 9th. Not much wind, and that at West, & So. West.\nModerate & thawing a little. The Mercury in the Thermometer was at 32 this afternoon. Appearances of Rain.\nMonday 10th. Mercury at Sun rise was at 38\u2014at Noon the same and at Night 42.\nDrizzly all day with but little wind\u2014that westerly.\nMade a finish of the Ice in my well in the Cellar and began to fill the dry well\u2014but the Ice unexpectedly leaving the Shore was obliged to quit.\nBut little thawing to day, notwithstanding the wind & weather.\nTuesday 11th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning 40 at Noon & 44 at Night.\nUntil Noon it was foggy, with but little wind.\nAfternoon it cleared, & was very pleasant. The wind pretty fresh from the So. West\u2014which bringing the Ice to the Shore again I renewed the Work of filling my dry Well with it by assembly Carts & hands from my Plantations.\nWednesday 12th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon & 38 at Night.\nMorning very fine with but little Wind from the So. Wt. At 10 o\u2019clock it shifted to the No. Wt. blew very hard & turned Cold.\nRoad to my Mill Swamp, where my Dogue run hands were at work & to other places in search of the sort of Trees I shall want for my walks, groves, & Wildernesses.\nAt the Sein Landing & between that & the point at the old Brick kiln I found about half a dozn. young Elm trees, but not very promising ones. Many thriving ash trees on high (at least dry) ground of proper size for transplanting and a great abundance of the red-bud of all sizes. In the field which I bought of Barry & Miss Wade along the drain, & prongs of it, are one or two more; but rather of large size\u2014but in the latter (a prong of the drain in Barry\u2019s field) there are great abundance of the white thorn (now full of the red Berries in clusters). Within the Meadow fence at the Mill, & within that Inclosure next Isaac Gates\u2019s are some young Crab apple trees and young Pine trees in the old field of all sizes. And in the Branch of Hell hole betwn. the Gate & its mouth are a number of very fine young Poplars\u2014Locusts\u2014Sasafras and Dogwood. Some Maple Trees on high ground & 2 or 3 Shrubs (in wet ground) wch. I take to be of the Fringe tree.\nAbout Sundown Lewis Lemart\u2014one of my Tenants in Fauquier & Collector of the Rents arising from the Tract on which he lives came in with some money & stayed all Night.\n   walks, groves, & wildernesses: Before the Revolution, GW designed a formal English landscape for the western front of Mount Vernon. Little work was done on it, however, until after the war. The design called for a small circular courtyard, bounded by a carriage road. Beyond this was to be a bowling green with a serpentine drive bordering both sides down to a gate at the road. On the outer edges of this serpentine drive, between the drive and the north and south gardens, were what GW called his shrubberies and wildernesses. The shrubberies extended from each side of the courtyard to a point just beyond the gardens, while the wildernesses, more thickly planted areas, stretched from the shrubberies to the road. At the north and south ends of the mansion were to be thick plantings of trees which GW called his groves.\n   The trees named here are Ulmus americana, American elm; Fraxinus americana, white ash; Cercis canadensis, redbud; Crataegus crus-galli, white thorn; Malus coronaria, American crab; Pinus virginiana, Virginia scrub pine; Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip poplar; Robinia pseudo-acacia, black locust; Sassafras albidum, sassafras; Cornus florida, dogwood; Acer sp., maple; Chionanthus virginica, fringe tree.\nThursday 13th. Mercury in the Thermomiter at 26 about Sunrise\u201430 at Noon & 32 at Night.\nMorning clear & cold, the Wind being fresh from the No. West, Which, about Noon, died away and grew moderate.\nWas envited, & went to the Funeral of Mr. Peake who died on Tuesday night.\nReturned to Dinner, accompanied by the Revd. Doctr. Griffith. Found a Mr. Dalby (an English Gentleman) here\u2014both of whom stayed all Night.\n   David Griffith (1742\u20131789), a native of New York, was educated for the medical profession and practiced in New York for several years before studying for the ministry. He was ordained by the bishop of London in 1770. In 1771 he became minister of Shelburne Parish in Loudoun County. During the Revolution, Griffith served as chaplain and surgeon of the 3d Virginia Regiment. In Feb. 1780 he was chosen rector of Fairfax Parish (Christ Church, Alexandria), where he remained until his death. Griffith was a deputy at the first general convention of the Episcopal church in 1785 and was chosen first bishop of Virginia in 1785. A lack of funds kept him from journeying to London for consecration, and he resigned from the post in 1789.\n   Philip Dalby, a merchant, in May 1785 opened a store in Alexandria on the corner of Royal and Cameron streets. He offered \u201ca large Assortment of Goods\u201d for cash, produce, or credit (Va. Journal, 12 May 1785).\nFriday 14th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning 34 at Noon & 38 at Night.\nThe Wind tho\u2019 there was not much of it came from the So. West and continued at the same point the whole day.\nAppearances of Snow in the Forenoon but clear afterwards until Sunset\u2014when it went down in a bank.\nMr. Griffith & Mr. Dalby both went away after breakfast.\nReceived an Invitation to the Funeral of Mr. Thos. Kirkpatrick at 3 oclock tomorrow, but excused myself.\nYesterday, & this day also was closely employed in getting Ice into my dry well.\n   Thomas Kirkpatrick, of Fairfax County, was in 1782 head of a household of two whites and one black (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Virginia; Records of the State Enumerations, 1782 to 1785. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1970., 16). He signed the resolution forming the Virginia nonimportation association, in Williamsburg in 1770, as a merchant from Alexandria (VA. REG.William Maxwell, ed. Virginia Historical Register. 6 vols. 1848-53. Reprint. Spartanburg, S.C., 1973., 3:79). Thomas Kilpatrick, probably the same man, was a wheat purchaser and inspector of flour at Alexandria in 1775 (HARRISON [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 417).\nSaturday 15th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and the same at Night.\nWind Easterly in the Morning but before noon it shifted to the So. West & blew fresh & towards Night it veered round to the No. Wt. & blew very hard.\nWith the Easterly wind there was a little rain which ceased with it. Grew clear & turned cold.\nSunday 16th. Mercury at 36 in the morning\u201438 at Noon & night.\nWind light all day from the No. West. Weather clear & pleast.\nMonday 17th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning\u201436 at Noon & 46 at Night.\nDay fine & pleasant\u2014wind at South.\nWent to and returned from Alexandria to day.\nAt my return found dispatches from the assembly respecting the Potomack Navigation.\n   On 22 Jan. 1785 GW wrote to William Grayson, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Fairfax County, acknowledging receipt of \u201cyour letter, with the Books, Potomac bill and other papers\u201d (DLC:GW). Included in the dispatches was the actual engrossed copy, \u201cspared indulgently from the Clerks office,\u201d of \u201cAn act for opening and extending the navigation of Potowmack river\u201d (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 11:510\u201325), passed by the Virginia Assembly on 5 Jan. 1785; a \u201ccover\u201d note from the House clerk, John Beckley; several books for enrolling the subscriptions of the private capital authorized to finance the Potowmack Company; and a list of \u201cthe James River rate of Tolls\u201d for the newly authorized James River Company, authorized to open navigation on the James River above Richmond (GW to John Fitzgerald and William Hartshorne, 18 Jan. 1785, DLC:GW; HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 11:450\u201362).\n   Also included in today\u2019s dispatches from Grayson was a letter to GW from James Madison (1751\u20131836), member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Orange County (9 Jan. 1785, ICU). Madison had visited Mount Vernon just before the fall 1784 session of the Virginia General Assembly in which he shepherded the Potomac and James River navigation bills through the lower house. In his letter to GW he enclosed three resolutions regarding internal improvements passed in that session (see MADISONWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds. The Papers of James Madison, Congressional Series. 17 vols. Chicago and Charlottesville, Va., 1962\u201391., 8:235).\nTuesday 18th. Mercury at 50 this Morning\u201455 at Noon & 58 at Night.\nWind Southwardly & fresh all day and now and then dripping of rain. In the evening the Clouds dispersed & the Sunset clear.\nSent the dispatches which came to me yesterday to Messrs. Fitzgerald and Hartshorne (managers named in the act for improving & extending the Navigation of Potomack and) who are appointed to receive Subscriptions\u2014that they might get copies of the Act printed and act under them.\n   William Hartshorne, a Pennsylvania Quaker, was a merchant in Alexandria. He was elected treasurer of the Potowmack Company on 17 May 1785 and served until Jan. 1800 (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 61, 100).\n   The Virginia Act provided: \u201cWhereas . . . many persons are willing to subscribe large sums of money to effect so laudable and beneficial a work; and it is just and proper that they, their heirs, and assigns, should be empowered to receive reasonable tolls forever, in satisfaction for the money advanced by them in carrying the work into execution, and the risk they run . . . it shall and may be lawful to open books in the city of Richmond, towns of Alexandria and Winchester in this state, for receiving and entering subscriptions for the said undertaking.\u201d Hartshorne and John Fitzgerald were named in the act to be the managers of the Alexandria subscription book (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 11:510\u201311). Subscription books also were opened in Annapolis, Georgetown, and Frederick, Md.\nWednesday 19th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u2014the same at Noon and at Night.\nDay clear & fine. The Wind at No. West & Cool.\nEmployed until dinner in laying out my Serpentine road & Shrubberies adjoining.\nJust as we had done dinner a Mr. Watson\u2014late of the House of Watson & Cossoul of Nantes\u2014and a Mr. Swift Merchant in Alexandria came in, and stayed all Night.\n   Elkanah Watson (1758\u20131842), born in Massachusetts, was apprenticed just before the Revolution to John Brown, of Providence, a merchant who became active in importing gunpowder and other supplies for the army. In 1779 Watson went to France as agent for Brown and others. He opened a mercantile business in Nantes in partnership first with Benjamin Franklin\u2019s grandnephew, Jonathan Williams, and later with Francis Cossoul (Cassoul). The business failed in 1783 and Watson returned to the United States in 1784 (HEDGESJames B. Hedges. The Browns of Providence Plantations: The Colonial Years. Providence, 1968., 245\u201354). While he was abroad, Watson sent GW some Masonic ornaments from France (GW to Watson & Cossoul, 10 Aug. 1782, DLC:GW). Watson was greatly interested in both agriculture and canals and, in later life, founded the Berkshire (Mass.) Agricultural Society and endeavored to raise capital for building canals. He came to Mount Vernon bearing a gift for GW from Granville Sharp, the British philanthropist and founder of the colony of Sierra Leone in Africa. Sharp had entrusted to Watson two bundles of books for GW, \u201cembracing his entire publications on emancipation and other congenial topics\u201d (WATSON [2]Winslow C. Watson, ed. Men and Times of the Revolution; or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson, Including His Journals of Travels in Europe and America, from the year 1777 to 1842, and His Correspondence with Public Men, and Reminiscences and Incidents of the American Revolution. New York, 1856., 233). During his visit to Mount Vernon, Watson and GW discussed canals at great length, and particularly the Potowmack Company and its plans for navigation of that river (WATSON [2]Winslow C. Watson, ed. Men and Times of the Revolution; or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson, Including His Journals of Travels in Europe and America, from the year 1777 to 1842, and His Correspondence with Public Men, and Reminiscences and Incidents of the American Revolution. New York, 1856., 244\u201345).\n   Jonathan Swift (d. 1824) was a merchant who had moved to Alexandria from New England sometime before 1785. In September of this year, he married Ann Roberdeau, daughter of Brig. Gen. Daniel Roberdeau. In his later years, Swift served as a consular agent for several European countries (BUCHANAN [2]Roberdeau Buchanan. Genealogy of the Roberdeau Family, Including a Biography of General Daniel Roberdeau of the Revolutionary Army, and the Continental Congress; and Signer of the Articles of Confederation. Washington, D.C., 1876., 122\u201323).\nThursday 20th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 45 at Night.\nWind at No. Et.\u2014day raw\u2014lowering\u2014damp & disagreeable.\nMr. Watson and Mr. Swift went away after breakfast. I continued my employment of yesterday\u2014arranging the Walk &ca.\nBegan to grub & clear the under growth in my Pine Grove on the margin of Hell hole.\nFriday 21st. Mercury at 52 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon & 55 at Night.\nMore or less rain all night and variable wind\u2014which, at times, blew exceedingly hard.\nIn the Morning the wind was at No. Et. attended with rain. Before Noon it shifted to the Southward\u2014blowing pretty fresh. The weather then cleared.\nThis day a large Ship went up\u2014on Tuesday last 4 square rigged vessels also went past wch. was the first day the Navigation opened so as to admit this since the frost commenced, on the 4th. instant.\nSaturday 22d. Mercury at 45 in the Morning\u2014the same at Noon & 44 at Night.\nClear weather\u2014the wind being at No. West all day.\nIn the Evening Doctr. Craik Junr. came here & stayed all Night.\n   James Craik, Jr. (died c.1803), was the son of Dr. James Craik. His company, Jas. Craik & Co., did some business with GW in 1786 (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 212). In 1787 he dissolved his mercantile business but continued selling drugs and medicines in his store (MOORE [1]Gay Montague Moore. Seaport in Virginia: George Washington\u2019s Alexandria. 1949. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1972., 190). There is no indication that he ever practiced medicine, although he received a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1782 and was frequently referred to as Dr. Craik, Jr. (LIPPINCOTTHorace Mather Lippincott. George Washington and the University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, 1916., 32).\nSunday 23d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning\u201438 at Noon & 42 at Sun setting.\nClear & quite calm all the forenoon. Towards evening the Wind sprung up from the Eastward.\nDoctr. Craik left this after breakfast\u2014attending Miss Bassett to his Fathers\u2014to the wedding of his Sister Sally.\n   Sarah (Sally) Craik, daughter of Dr. James Craik, was married 25 Jan. 1785 to Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756\u2013c.1809).\nMonday 24th. Mercury at 41 in the morning\u201457 at Noon & 54 at Night.\nDrizzly at intervals all day\u2014Fresh wind from the South.\nRenewed my labors on the Walks, Shrubberies &ca.\u2014but was much interrupted by the unsettledness of the weather.\nIn the Night it rained pretty much.\nTuesday 25th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning 38 at Noon\u2014and  at Night.\nIn the Morning early it rained a little, but the wind coming out from the No. West it soon cleared\u2014blowing hard until night when it moderated & soon ceased.\nA little before Dinner a Doctor Gilpin & a Mr. Scott\u2014two West India Gentlemen came here introduced by a letter from Mr. Rob. Morris of Philadelphia and a little after them a Mr. Blaine all of whom stayed the Evening.\nDay very cold\u2014latter part.\n   A third member of Dr. Gilpin and Mr. Scott\u2019s party, called Mr. Colby, \u201cremained indisposed at Baltimore\u201d (GW to Robert Morris, 1 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW). mr. blaine: may be Thomas Blane (Blaine) of Westmoreland County.\nWednesday 26th. Mercury at 29 in the Morning, 38 at Noon & 39 at Night.\nBut little Wind and that from the Southward\u2014day clear & very pleasant overhead, but sloppy & disagreeable under foot, after it began to thaw\u2014the ground having been hard froze in the Morning\u2014which freezings & thawings it is apprehended, will be very injurious to the Winter grain.\nThursday 27th. Mercury at 32 in the Morning\u2014the same at Noon & 37 at Sunsetting.\nWind at No. West & clear all day\u2014air pretty sharp in the forenoon.\nMade Mr. & Mrs. Lund Washington a mornings visit\u2014from thence I went to Belvoir and viewed the ruined Buildings of that place. In doing this I passed along the side of Dogue Creek & the river to the white Ho[use] in search of Elm & other Trees for my Shrubberies &ca. Found none of the former but discovered one fringe Tree and a few Crabtrees in the first field beyond my line and in returning home (which I did to Dinner) by the way of Accatinck Creek I found several young Holly trees growing near Lawson Parkers.\n   In 1779 Lund Washington married his cousin Elizabeth Foote, daughter of Richard Foote of Prince William County. The couple lived at Mount Vernon until 1784 when they moved into their newly built home, Hayfield, located on the Alexandria Road five miles south of Alexandria. Lund\u2019s property consisted of about 450 acres, comprising most of the three parcels of land GW had acquired from Simon Pearson and George and John Ashford in 1761\u201363 and a small piece of wasteland obtained in 1771. This land was not formally deeded to Lund by GW until 25 Feb. 1785. However, there\nseems to have been an earlier lease on at least a part of the land, probably with GW\u2019s promise to deed the land to Lund at a later date. GW specified in the deed that the land was in repayment of \u00a35,304 Lund had earlier paid to Thomas Hanson Marshall for land on GW\u2019s behalf (Fairfax County Deeds, Book P\u20131, 415\u201317, Vi Microfilm; see entry for 15 Feb. 1785).\n   ruined buildings: Belvoir had been badly damaged by fire in 1783. GW wrote George William Fairfax of this visit to his home: \u201cI took a ride there the other day to visit the ruins\u2014& ruins indeed they are. The dwelling house & the two brick buildings in front, under went the ravages of the fire; The walls of which are very much injured: the other Houses are sinking under the depredation of time & inattention, & I believe are now scarcely worth repairing. In a word, the whole are, or very soon will be a heap of ruin. When I viewed them\u2014when I considered that the happiest moments of my life had been spent there\u2014when I could not trace a room in the house (now all rubbish) that did not bring to my mind the recollection of pleasing scenes; I was obliged to fly from them; & came home with painful sensations, & sorrowing for the contrast\u201d (27 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW). In 1814 the remaining walls of Belvoir were leveled by shells from British ships (MUIRDorothy Troth Muir. Potomac Interlude: The Story of Woodlawn Mansion and the Mount Vernon Neighborhood, 1846\u20131943. Washington, D.C., 1943., 23). holly: Ilex opaca, American holly.\nFriday 28th. Mercury at 32 this Morning\u201442 at Noon and the same at Night.\nWind pretty fresh from the Southward, with Sun shine, and appearances of rain alternately. In the evening it lowered very much.\nRoad to day to my Plantations in the Neck\u2014partly with a view to search for Trees; for which purpose I passed through the Wood and in the first drain beyond the Bars in my lower pasture, I discovered in tracing it upwards, many small & thriving plants of the Magnolio and about & within the Fence, not far distant, some young Maple Trees; & the red berry of the Swamp. I also, along the Branch within Colo. Masons field, where Mr. T. Triplett formerly lived came a cross a mere nursery of young Crabtrees of all sizes & handsome & thriving and along the same branch on the outerside of the fence I discovered several young Holly Trees. But whether from the real scarcity, or difficulty of distinguishing, I could find none of the fringe tree.\n   magnolio: This may be any one of several varieties indigenous to the area: Magnolia virginiana, or sweet bay, which in the eighteenth century was called Magnolia glauca, or swamp laurel; Magnolia tripetala, or umbrella tree, a deciduous variety; or Magnolia acuminata, or cucumber tree. red berry of the swamp: Ilex verticillata, black alder or winterberry.\nSaturday 29th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning and the same at Noon & Night.\nRaining until about 10 Oclock when it ceased. About 12 the\nSun appeared and the day became exceedingly pleasant afterwards.\nThe Wind, until some time after noon came from the Southward but not very fresh. Towards the evening it inclined to the westward more\u2014blew fresh & grew cold.\nSunday 30th. Mercury this morning at 26 at Noon 32 and at Night 28.\nWind fresh from the No. Wt. & Cold\u2014day clear.\nIn the Afternoon Mr. Willm. Scott with the two Miss Blackburns came in and stayed the Night.\n   William Scott (c.1751\u2013c.1787) was a son of Rev. James and Sarah Brown Scott of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, and the uncle of the Blackburn girls. Scott lived at Strawberry Vale \u201cnear the Lower Falls of Potomack, in Fairfax County\u201d (Va. Journal, 15 April 1784). There were four unmarried Blackburn girls at this time\u2014Julia Ann (Nancy), Sarah, Catherine, and Mary Elizabeth (Polly). Sarah Blackburn was to marry Nathaniel Craufurd of Prince George\u2019s County, Md., in about two weeks and Nancy Blackburn (1768\u20131829) would marry GW\u2019s nephew Bushrod Washington on 13 Oct. 1785.\nMonday 31st. Mercury at 22 in the Morning 28 at Noon & 29 at Night.\nWind at No. Wt. & pretty fresh in the forenoon\u2014less of it & from the Eastward in the afternoon. Day clear until the Evening when it lowered & after dark turned very cloudy.\nAbout one oclock Mr. Wm. Hunter of Alexa. with a Mr. Hadfield (a Manchester Mercht.) recommended by Colo. Sam Smith of Baltimore & Colo. Fitzgerald & a Mr. Dawson came in. Dined & returned to Alexandria.\n   William Hunter, Jr. (1731\u20131792), a Scottish-born merchant of Alexandria, carried on extensive trade with London and Liverpool. He was a member of GW\u2019s Masonic lodge and mayor of the city 1788\u201390 (BROCKETTF. L. Brockett. The Lodge of Washington. A History of the Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. 22, A.F. and A.M. of Alexandria, Va., 1783-1876. Alexandria, Va., 1876., 95; POWELLMary G. Powell. The History of Old Alexandria, Virginia: From July 13, 1749 to May 24, 1861. Richmond, 1928., 237, 361).\n   Joseph Hadfield (1759\u20131851), a member of the Manchester firm of Hadfield & Co., was one of a host of British agents who came to America after the Revolution to try to collect pre-Revolutionary debts owed to their firms by American merchants (HADFIELDDouglas S. Robertson, ed. An Englishman in America, 1785: Being the Diary of Joseph Hadfield. Toronto, 1933., v\u2014vii).\n   Samuel Smith (1752\u20131839) served in the Continental Army 1775\u201379 and was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 4th Maryland Regiment in 1777. After the war, Smith returned to his father\u2019s mercantile house in Baltimore, becoming a prosperous trader and land speculator.\n   Mr. Dawson was possibly George Dawson, a friend of Hadfield who had served under Banastre Tarleton during the Revolution as a captain in the King\u2019s Orange Rangers, a Loyalist company. He accompanied Hadfield on some of his travels through the colonies (SABINELorenzo Sabine. Biographical Sketches of Loyalists of the American Revolution. 2 vols. 1864. Reprint. Baltimore, 1979., 2:504; WRIGHTLouis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, eds. Quebec to Carolina in 1785\u20131786: Being the Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter, Jr., a Young Merchant of London. San Marino, Calif., 1943., 131, 137).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 1st. Mercury at 29 in the Morning, 28 at Noon and 34 at Night. Snowing, raining, or Hailing all day & Night and very disagreeable. Wind at No. Wt. and West the whole time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 3d. Mercury this morning at 22 at Noon  and at Night 28. Wind at No. West all day but it did not blow hard\u2014clear & cold. Mr. Benja. Dulany came here to Dinner & returned afterwards. We concluded a bargain which has been long in agitation for the Exchange of his Land in this Neck which he & his wife have the reversion of for the tract I bought of Messrs. Adam Dow & McIver on Hunting Creek. The Exchange is simply Tract for Tract\u2014but as he cannot put me in possession of his, Mrs. French his wife\u2019s mother having her life in it he is to pay me, during that period\u2014or until she shall relinquish her right therein, and the full & absolute possession is vested in me\u2014the same annual rent I now receive from Mr. Dow\u2014viz. One hundd. and twenty pounds Virga. Curry. Writings & conveyances to this effect to be drawn by Mr. Charles Lee\u2014Who from both is to be furnished with the necessary Papers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 5th. Mercury at 25 in the Morning\u201432 at Noon & 32 at Night. Day lowering with appearances of Snow. In the Morning the Wind (tho\u2019 there was not much of it) was at No. West. At Noon there was scarce any and towards night that which did blow came from the No. East.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 6th. Mercury at 31 in the morning\u201438 at Noon and 39 at Night. Morning lowering with appearances of Snow or rain. Abt. Noon the Sun came out\u2014but soon disappeared and became thick & lowering. No Wind. Doctr. Brown was sent for to Frank (waiter in the House) who had been seized in the Night, with a bleeding of the Mouth from an Orifice made by a Doctr. Dick who some days before attempted in vain to extract a broken tooth & coming about 11 Oclock stayed to Dinner & returned afterwards.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Monday 7th. Mercury at 39 this morning\u201444 at Noon and 48 at Night. Day clear, perfectly calm, Warm & pleasant. The Snow began to dissolve fast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 8th. Mercury at 39 in the morning\u201442 at Noon\u201446 at Night. Morning lowering\u2014clear at Noon, & cloudy afterwards. Wind in the forenoon abt. So. East. Afterwards it veered more Easterly, & blew fresher. Thawed a good deal. Finding that I should be very late in preparing my Walks & Shrubberies if I waited till the ground should be uncovered by the dissolution of the Snow\u2014I had it removed Where necessary & began to Wheel dirt into the Ha! Haws &ca.\u2014tho\u2019 it was it exceeding miry & bad working.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 9th. Mercury at 44 in the morning\u2014at Noon 50 and at Night 56. Morning lowering\u2014but clear, calm, warm & pleast. afterwards\nwhich with the rain that fell last night had uncovered the ground in many places & was dissipating the Snow very fast. Transplanted an English Walnut tree from the Corner near where the old School house stood to the opposite side wch. with the one that was moved in the fall were intended to answer the two remaining ones\u2014but from their size and age I have little expectation of their living. Also moved the Apricots & Peach Trees which stood in the borders of the grass plats which from the same causes little expectation is entertained of their living. These were placed under the Wall in the North Garden on each side of the Green House and an old pair tree was movd at the same time into the lowr. Square of the South Garden from which less hopes of its living were entertained than of any of the others. Road to where my Dogue run people were grubbing in the Mill Swamp & Meadow. In the Afternoon Fanny Bassett returned from Doctr. Craiks accompanied by his son William.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 10th. Mercury this Morning at 46 at Noon  and at Night 52. Day clear, calm, & pleasant until the Evening when it grew a little hazy & the Sunset in a bank. The little wind that stirred came from the Southward. Road up to Alexandria today and dined with Colo. Fitzgerald.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 11th. Mercury at 46 this Morning\u201451 at Noon and the same at Night. The first part of the Morning was hazy & rather cool. Before Noon it grew clear, warm, and pleasant and towards the Evening it lowered & the Sun set in a bank. The Wind in the Morning was Northwardly. Afterwards it got round to the Southward but there was very little of it. Employed all day in marking the ground for the reception of my Shrubs. In the Evening a Mr. Andrews, Jeweller in Philadelphia,\ncalled to shew me an Eagle medal, which he had made, & was about to offer as Specimen of his Workmanship to the Members of the Society of Cincinnati in hopes of being employed by them in that way. He was accompanied by a Mr.  name not known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 12th. Mercury at 44 this Morning, 44 at Noon and 44 at Night. Planted Eight young Pair Trees sent me by Doctr. Craik in the following places\u2014viz. 2 Orange Burgamots in the No. Garden, under the back wall\u20143d. tree from the Green House at each end of it. 1 Burgamot at the Corner of the border in the South Garden just below the necessary. 2 St. Germains, one in each border (middle thereof) of the upper Squares by the Asparagas Bed & Artichoake Ditto upper bordr. 3 Brown Beuries in the west square in the Second flat\u2014viz. 1 on the border (middle thereof) next the Fall or slope\u2014the other two on the border above the walk next the old Stone Wall. Received an Invitation to the Funeral of Willm. Ramsay Esqr. of Alexandria\u2014the oldest Inhabitt. of the Town; & went up. Walked in a procession as a free mason\u2014Mr. Ramsay in his life time being one & now buried with the Ceremony & honors due to one. The ground getting uncovered, I again with my people from the Quarters, began to clean up the ground under the Pines, and along the hollow of H. Hole & its branches. This Work I renewed yesterday, & contd. it to day. Mr. Willm. Craik called and dined in his way home. The Sun rose clear this Morning, but it soon overcast begun to Snow & then to rain wch. continued until abt. 10 Oclock. About Noon the wind sprung up pretty fresh from the No. West & grew colder.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 14th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning\u201434 at Noon and 33 at Night. Morning clear and calm\u2014Ground hard froze. Wind afterwards, fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds which gave a rawness & chill to the air. In company with Mrs. Washington made a visit to Colo. McCarty & family. Dined there and returned home afterwds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 15. Mercury at 28 this morning\u2014at noon not observed, but at Night 36. Morning fine, wind Southwardly, which shifted to the Eastward & grew colder. Abt. Noon it began to Snow, & continued to do so until past 3 oclock. Went this day to ascertain the quantity of Land given to, and received from Mr. Willm. Triplett by way of exchange & to run a dividing line betwn. him & the Land I let Mr. Lund Washington\u2014but the badness of the day prevented the execution. Thursday next I appointed to go again on this business.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 16th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon & 49 at Night. Wind Southwardly & pretty fresh in the forenoon\u2014calm afterwards and somewhat lowering.  Transplanted along the So. side of the Wall of the No. Garden, the Ivy; which I had taken up with as much dirt about the roots of it as I could obtain. Weather soft and thawing\u2014the Southwardly having dissolved all the Snow that fell yesterday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 17th. Mercury at 39 in the Morng.\u201446 at Noon and 49, at Night. Wind at No. West all day but not hard. Clear and cold in the Morning. More moderate about Noon & very pleasant in the Afternoon being calm. In the morning early I went to Mr. L. Washingtons (to Breakfast) in order to finish the Work I had began on Tuesday last but after having plotted & measured the slipes which were to be given in Exchange for the Land below the Race, I found it did not agree with my former measurements & therefore left the business undetermined until I could go there again & run some lines of Harrisons Patent or compare it more carefully with my former works. Dined with Mr. Willm. Triplett & returned home in the Afternoon\u2014soon after which the two Doctr. Jenifers came, & stayed the Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Saturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 43 at Noon, and 48 at Night. Morning lowering, but the Clouds dispelling about Noon, it became warm & pleasant afterwards. The Sun set in a bank. Little or no wind at any time of the day. Went to Mr. Tripletts and rectified the mistakes in running the Lines and finished the business respecting the quantities of Land given in Excha. and the partition between him and Mr. Lund Washington. Finished planting Ivy in front of the Gardens. My Nephew George Steptoe Washington came here to Dinnr. from the Acadamy at George Town.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 20th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 47 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Morning lowering. About Noon great appearances of rain\u2014but towards sunsetting the clouds dispersed and the Sun came out. A large, but not a very distinct circle about the moon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 22d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning, 42 at Noon and the same at Night. Wind pretty fresh all day from the No. Wt. and Cool. Weather perfectly clear\u2014ground hard froze. Removed two pretty large & full grown Lilacs to the No. Garden gate\u2014one on each side, taking up as much dirt with the roots as cd. be well obtained\u2014also a Mock Orange to the Walk leading to the No. Necessary. I also removed from the Woods and old fields, several young Trees of the Sassafras, Dogwood, & red bud to the Shrubbery on the No. Side the grass plat.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 23d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon and 42 at Night. In the Morning it was calm and clear. About 10 oclock the wind, for about an hour, blew pretty fresh and cool from the No. West. It then shifted to the Eastward\u2014died away and grew cloudy and towards Night had all the appearances of falling weather. Planted trees on the South Shrubbery similar to those of yesterday, in the South Shrubbery except the Lilacs for which I thought the ground too wet. Brought down a number of young Aspan trees from one Saml. Jenkins\u2019s near the old Court House to transplant into the Serpentine Avenues to the Door. As they came late I had the roots buried until they could be transplanted in the places they are intended to grow.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Thursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 44 at Noon and 42 at Night. About two Inches of Snow fell in the Night. Before daylight, it began to rain, and continued to do so until near Sundown when it ceased, & the horizon became clear to the Westward. Prevented by the weather from preparing my grounds or transplanting trees. Wind Eastwardly in the forenoon & westwardly afterwds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 26th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning, 38 at Noon and 37 at Night. Wind at No. West all day and at times pretty fresh\u2014more or less cloudy and in the evening lowering. The ground was hard froze this morning. Finished laying out my Serpentine Roads. Dug most of the holes where the trees by the side of them are to stand and planted some of the Maple which were dug yesterday and some of the Aspan which had been brought here on Wednesday last.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 27th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning 34 at Noon and 37 at Night. Weather clear\u2014Wind fresh from the No. West all day. After Breakfast Mr. Crawford, his wife & Sister went away\u2014they crossed at my Fer\u27e8ry\u27e9 to Marlborough. Mr. Bushrod Washington also set off for his fathers passing through Maryland.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 February 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 28th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning 36 at Noon and 43 at Night. Wind No. Wt. & westerly all day & cool\u2014ground hard froze\u2014Flying clouds but no appearance of rain. Planted all the Mulberry trees, Maple trees, & Black gums in my Serpentine walks and the Poplars on the right walk\u2014the Sap of which and the Mulberry appeared to be moving. Also planted 4 trees from H. Hole the name unknown but of a brittle wood which has the smell of Mulberry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0002", "content": "Title: February\u20141785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n   Tuesday 1st. Mercury at 29 in the Morning, 28 at Noon and 34 at Night.\nSnowing, raining, or Hailing all day & Night and very disagreeable.\nWind at No. Wt. and West the whole time.\nWednesday 2d. Mercury at 28 in the Morning 32 at Noon and  at Night.\nThe Snow this morning is about 9 Inches deep & pretty well compressed.\nWind at No. West and very cold.\nMr. Scott went away after Breakfast. Employed myself (as there could be no stirring without) in writing Letters by the Post and in Signing 83 Diplomas for the members of the Society of the Cincinnati and sent them to the care of Colo. Fitzgerald in Alexandria\u2014to be forwarded to General Williams of Baltimore the Assistant Secretary of the Society.\n   The Society of the Cincinnati, founded in 1783, was open to American officers who had served for three years in the army, or were in the army at the end of the Revolution, and to French officers of the rank of colonel\nand above. Later, naval officers were also included. The hereditary nature of the new society in particular aroused much bitter opposition. It was usual practice for GW to sign blank diplomas and send them to the state secretaries to be completed and issued to members (HUMEEdgar Erskine Hume, ed. General Washington\u2019s Correspondence concerning the Society of the Cincinnati. Baltimore, 1941., xi\u2014xvii).\n   Otho Holland Williams (1749\u20131794) was born in Prince George\u2019s County, Md., the son of Joseph and Priscilla Holland Williams. He was secretary of the Maryland chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati and the first assistant secretary general of the national society. Williams had joined the army as a lieutenant in 1775 and retired as a brigadier general in 1783. After the war, he was appointed naval officer of Baltimore and, under the new Constitution, collector of customs for the port of Baltimore, a post he retained until his death.\nThursday 3d. Mercury this morning at 22 at Noon  and at Night 28.\nWind at No. West all day but it did not blow hard\u2014clear & cold.\nMr. Benja. Dulany came here to Dinner & returned afterwards.\nWe concluded a bargain which has been long in agitation for the Exchange of his Land in this Neck which he & his wife have the reversion of for the tract I bought of Messrs. Adam Dow & McIver on Hunting Creek. The Exchange is simply Tract for Tract\u2014but as he cannot put me in possession of his, Mrs. French his wife\u2019s mother having her life in it he is to pay me, during that period\u2014or until she shall relinquish her right therein, and the full & absolute possession is vested in me\u2014the same annual rent I now receive from Mr. Dow\u2014viz. One hundd. and twenty pounds Virga. Curry.\nWritings & conveyances to this effect to be drawn by Mr. Charles Lee\u2014Who from both is to be furnished with the necessary Papers.\n   his land in this neck: a tract of 543 acres on Dogue Creek, part of the 5,000 acres granted by Lord Culpeper to Nicholas Spencer and John Washington in 1674. With the exception of a small tract still held by the heirs of Harrison Manley, GW, by this exchange, now would control the entire neck of land lying between Little Hunting Creek and Dogue Creek, which had composed the original grant. To own the whole grant had long been one of GW\u2019s ambitions, and he made every effort over a period of years to purchase the French-Dulany land. In 1782 GW had bought the 376\u2013acre Dow tract, located on Hunting Creek and up the Long Branch of Hunting Creek, for the express purpose of trading it for the French-Dulany land. However, despite Mrs. Penelope French\u2019s earlier approval of a trade for land nearer her home, a change of heart had led to a stubborn refusal on her part to relinquish her lifetime rights to the land (Benjamin Dulany to GW, 28 Feb. 1782, and GW to Lund Washington, 21 Nov. 1782, two letters, DLC:GW; Lund Washington to GW, 20 Nov., 4 and 11 Dec. 1782 and 8 Jan. 1783, ViMtvL). It was not until 1786 that the Dulanys and GW finally prevailed\nupon Mrs. French to sign a deed giving up her rights. Peter Dow, one of the former owners of the Hunting Creek Tract, was then living on that land (agreement between Dulany and GW, 4 Feb. 1785, PHi: Gratz Collection).\n   Charles Lee (1758\u20131815), the brother of Col. Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee, was naval officer of the South Potomac District. In 1789 he was appointed collector of customs at Alexandria and from 1793 to 1795 was a member of the Virginia General Assembly from Fairfax County. He also practiced law in Alexandria and after the Revolution handled much of GW\u2019s legal work. In 1795 GW appointed him attorney general of the United States.\nFriday 4th. Mercury at 22 in the Morng.\u201428 at Noon and at 32 at Night.\nCalm, clear, and very pleasant over head, all day.\nThe Snow began to melt a little.\nThe two Miss Blackburns left this after breakfast, in order to return home\u2014but it is to be feared they would meet with some difficul\u27e8ty\u27e9 at the ferry at Occoquan.\nSaturday 5th. Mercury at 25 in the Morning\u201432 at Noon & 32 at Night.\nDay lowering with appearances of Snow. In the Morning the Wind (tho\u2019 there was not much of it) was at No. West. At Noon there was scarce any and towards night that which did blow came from the No. East.\nSunday 6th. Mercury at 31 in the morning\u201438 at Noon and 39 at Night.\nMorning lowering with appearances of Snow or rain. Abt. Noon the Sun came out\u2014but soon disappeared and became thick & lowering. No Wind.\nDoctr. Brown was sent for to Frank (waiter in the House) who had been seized in the Night, with a bleeding of the Mouth from an Orifice made by a Doctr. Dick who some days before attempted in vain to extract a broken tooth & coming about 11 Oclock stayed to Dinner & returned afterwards.\n   Elisha Cullen Dick (1762\u20131825), of Alexandria, was a Pennsylvanian who had received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1782. He settled in Alexandria after taking his degree and soon became a popular member of Alexandria society. One of the founders of the Masonic lodge at Alexandria, he served as its master 1787\u201399, except for a year and a half when GW was master. He held several offices in Alexandria, including that of mayor. GW seems not to have used Dick\u2019s services again after his servant\u2019s unfortunate experience. Dick was, however, one of the doctors called in for consultation by Dr. Craik during GW\u2019s final illness.\nMonday 7th. Mercury at 39 this morning\u201444 at Noon and 48 at Night.\nDay clear, perfectly calm, Warm & pleasant. The Snow began to dissolve fast.\nTuesday 8th. Mercury at 39 in the morning\u201442 at Noon\u201446 at Night.\nMorning lowering\u2014clear at Noon, & cloudy afterwards.\nWind in the forenoon abt. So. East. Afterwards it veered more Easterly, & blew fresher. Thawed a good deal.\nFinding that I should be very late in preparing my Walks & Shrubberies if I waited till the ground should be uncovered by the dissolution of the Snow\u2014I had it removed Where necessary & began to Wheel dirt into the Ha! Haws &ca.\u2014tho\u2019 it was it exceeding miry & bad working.\n   ha! haws, &ca: A ha-ha wall was a sunken wall which prohibited cattle from approaching the house, but left an uninterrupted view of the landscape.\nWednesday 9th. Mercury at 44 in the morning\u2014at Noon 50 and at Night 56.\nMorning lowering\u2014but clear, calm, warm & pleast. afterwards\nwhich with the rain that fell last night had uncovered the ground in many places & was dissipating the Snow very fast.\n   Transplanted an English Walnut tree from the Corner near where the old School house stood to the opposite side wch. with the one that was moved in the fall were intended to answer the two remaining ones\u2014but from their size and age I have little expectation of their living. Also moved the Apricots & Peach Trees which stood in the borders of the grass plats which from the same causes little expectation is entertained of their living. These were placed under the Wall in the North Garden on each side of the Green House and an old pair tree was movd at the same time into the lowr. Square of the South Garden from which less hopes of its living were entertained than of any of the others.\nRoad to where my Dogue run people were grubbing in the Mill Swamp & Meadow.\nIn the Afternoon Fanny Bassett returned from Doctr. Craiks accompanied by his son William.\n   The schoolhouse was a small building at the west end of the north garden. The greenhouse was located at the north end of the north garden, and at this time was incomplete. GW had undertaken the construction of the greenhouse soon after his return from the war. On 11 Aug. 1784 he wrote his former aide, Tench Tilghman, for the dimensions and other details of a greenhouse at Mrs. Margaret Tilghman Carroll\u2019s plantation in Maryland (RPJCB). Tilghman replied on 18 Aug., sending details and sketches (DLC:GW). Completion of the building was delayed, and not until 1787 were the roofing and flooring finished (Mount Vernon Store Book, ViMtvL).\n   The two wings designed as slave quarters were not finished until after 1791 (GW to Anthony Whitting, 14 Aug. 1791, ViMtvL).\nThursday 10th. Mercury this Morning at 46 at Noon  and at Night 52.\nDay clear, calm, & pleasant until the Evening when it grew a little hazy & the Sunset in a bank. The little wind that stirred came from the Southward.\nRoad up to Alexandria today and dined with Colo. Fitzgerald.\nFriday 11th. Mercury at 46 this Morning\u201451 at Noon and the same at Night.\nThe first part of the Morning was hazy & rather cool. Before Noon it grew clear, warm, and pleasant and towards the Evening it lowered & the Sun set in a bank.\nThe Wind in the Morning was Northwardly. Afterwards it got round to the Southward but there was very little of it.\nEmployed all day in marking the ground for the reception of my Shrubs.\nIn the Evening a Mr. Andrews, Jeweller in Philadelphia,\ncalled to shew me an Eagle medal, which he had made, & was about to offer as Specimen of his Workmanship to the Members of the Society of Cincinnati in hopes of being employed by them in that way. He was accompanied by a Mr.  name not known.\n   eagle medal: Maj. Pierre-Charles L\u2019Enfant, a French engineer who served in the Continental Army, designed the badges and diplomas for the Society of the Cincinnati and had them produced in France. He returned to America with a supply in time for the May 1784 meeting. The medal was a gold eagle, with an enameled medallion on its breast bearing a motto and a representation of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, the Roman general-farmer after which the Society was named. It was suspended from a sky-blue ribbon edged in white (HUMEEdgar Erskine Hume, ed. General Washington\u2019s Correspondence concerning the Society of the Cincinnati. Baltimore, 1941., xii\u2014xiv). Jeremiah Andrews advertised the medals for sale in the Pa. Packet, 5 July 1787.\nSaturday 12th. Mercury at 44 this Morning, 44 at Noon and 44 at Night.\nPlanted Eight young Pair Trees sent me by Doctr. Craik in the following places\u2014viz.\n2 Orange Burgamots in the No. Garden, under the back wall\u20143d. tree from the Green House at each end of it.\n1 Burgamot at the Corner of the border in the South Garden just below the necessary.\n2 St. Germains, one in each border (middle thereof) of the upper Squares by the Asparagas Bed & Artichoake Ditto upper bordr.\n3 Brown Beuries in the west square in the Second flat\u2014viz. 1 on the border (middle thereof) next the Fall or slope\u2014the other two on the border above the walk next the old Stone Wall.\nReceived an Invitation to the Funeral of Willm. Ramsay Esqr. of Alexandria\u2014the oldest Inhabitt. of the Town; & went up. Walked in a procession as a free mason\u2014Mr. Ramsay in his life time being one & now buried with the Ceremony & honors due to one.\nThe ground getting uncovered, I again with my people from the Quarters, began to clean up the ground under the Pines, and along the hollow of H. Hole & its branches. This Work I renewed yesterday, & contd. it to day.\nMr. Willm. Craik called and dined in his way home.\nThe Sun rose clear this Morning, but it soon overcast begun to Snow & then to rain wch. continued until abt. 10 Oclock. About Noon the wind sprung up pretty fresh from the No. West & grew colder.\n   eight young pair trees: Varieties not previously mentioned are the St. Germain, a large, long pear which is picked green and allowed to ripen\nfor winter use, and the \u201cBrown Beuries.\u201d Many varieties were called Beurre or butter pears, which GW is here rendering as \u201cBeuries.\u201d\n   Asparagus officinalis, asparagus, and Cynara scolymus, French or globe artichoke, were common garden vegetables at the Mansion House.\n   william ramsay: GW undoubtedly means the earliest inhabitant of Alexandria.\nSunday 13th. Mercury at 34 this Morning, 38 at Noon, & the same at Night.\nWind at No. West all day but not fresh\u2014clear & not unpleasant\u2014ground hard froze.\nMonday 14th. Mercury at 31 in the Morning\u201434 at Noon and 33 at Night.\nMorning clear and calm\u2014Ground hard froze. Wind afterwards, fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds which gave a rawness & chill to the air.\nIn company with Mrs. Washington made a visit to Colo. McCarty & family. Dined there and returned home afterwds.\nTuesday 15. Mercury at 28 this morning\u2014at noon not observed, but at Night 36.\nMorning fine, wind Southwardly, which shifted to the Eastward & grew colder. Abt. Noon it began to Snow, & continued to do so until past 3 oclock.\nWent this day to ascertain the quantity of Land given to, and received from Mr. Willm. Triplett by way of exchange & to run a dividing line betwn. him & the Land I let Mr. Lund Washington\u2014but the badness of the day prevented the execution. Thursday next I appointed to go again on this business.\n   GW needed a small piece of land owned by William Triplett which bordered on GW\u2019s tumbling dam and millrace. He proposed to give Triplett some small strips of land in exchange. The negotiations had gone on for years because of boundary disputes and GW\u2019s long absence during the war. Some of the land GW was leasing to Lund Washington was also involved in the dispute. On 18 May 1785 a deed was signed giving Triplett 29 acres on the northwest side of the millrace. The acreage involved was part of land GW had bought from George Ashford and Simon Pearson, and also a small strip of wasteland granted him in 1771. In return, Triplett gave GW 26 acres on the lower, or east, side of the millrace with 5s. token fee (Fairfax County Deeds, Book P\u20131, 432\u201335, Vi Microfilm).\nWednesday 16th. Mercury at 36 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon & 49 at Night.\nWind Southwardly & pretty fresh in the forenoon\u2014calm afterwards and somewhat lowering.\nTransplanted along the So. side of the Wall of the No. Garden, the Ivy; which I had taken up with as much dirt about the roots of it as I could obtain.\nWeather soft and thawing\u2014the Southwardly having dissolved all the Snow that fell yesterday.\n   ivy: Here GW is not referring to Hedera helix, the classic English ivy, or even to the domestic Parthenocissus quinquefolia, the Virginia creeper. Rather, it is Kalmia latifolia, the mountain laurel. Curtis\u2019s Botanical Magazine, which GW had in his own library, reproduces a drawing of K. latifolia and describes it as vulgarly called mountain ivy. Writing some instructions to Lund Washington 19 Aug. 1776, GW explained his wishes for plantings in his groves by the mansion house (CSmH). In the south grove he wanted flowering trees such as crabapple, dogwood, and tulip poplar, interspersed with such evergreens as holly, pine, cedar, and ivy. Evidently he was attempting to produce a showy undergrowth among his flowering trees and was not calling for a climbing ivy. The flowers of GW\u2019s ivy were coming\ninto bloom when he made his 30 May 1785 diary entry, another indication that this was mountain laurel.\nThursday 17th. Mercury at 39 in the Morng.\u201446 at Noon and 49, at Night.\nWind at No. West all day but not hard. Clear and cold in the Morning. More moderate about Noon & very pleasant in the Afternoon being calm.\nIn the morning early I went to Mr. L. Washingtons (to Breakfast) in order to finish the Work I had began on Tuesday last but after having plotted & measured the slipes which were to be given in Exchange for the Land below the Race, I found it did not agree with my former measurements & therefore left the business undetermined until I could go there again & run some lines of Harrisons Patent or compare it more carefully with my former works.\nDined with Mr. Willm. Triplett & returned home in the Afternoon\u2014soon after which the two Doctr. Jenifers came, & stayed the Evening.\n   The two doctors are Dr. Walter Hanson Jenifer and Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756\u2013c.1809), of Maryland, sons of Daniel and Elizabeth Hanson Jenifer (see main entry for 28 Aug. 1774).\nFriday 18th. Mercury at 36 this Morning, 40 at Noon and 44 at Night.\nNot much Wind. In the forenoon, the little that blew was Northwardly\u2014in the afternoon Eastwardly.\nThe two Doctr. Jenifers went to Alexandria after breakfast.\nPlanted border of Ivy under the No. side of the So. Garden wall.\nAlso four Lime or Linden Trees, sent me by Govr. Clinton of New York which must have been out of the ground since the middle of Novr. without any dirt about the Roots and only a covering of Mat. These were planted in the Serpentine Roads to the door\u2014the 3d. trees on each side next the Walls & the second trees on each side next the grass plat.\n   lime or linden trees: Tilia americana, linden or basswood. GW wrote to Gov. George Clinton that the seedlings had been delayed at Norfolk by the severity of the winter and that he did not expect them to live. He asked for other plants and seeds, saying he would make no apology because \u201cI persuade myself you will have pleasure in contributing to an innocent amusement\u201d (20 April 1785, DLC:GW).\nSaturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 43 at Noon, and 48 at Night.\nMorning lowering, but the Clouds dispelling about Noon, it became warm & pleasant afterwards. The Sun set in a bank.\nLittle or no wind at any time of the day.\nWent to Mr. Tripletts and rectified the mistakes in running the Lines and finished the business respecting the quantities of Land given in Excha. and the partition between him and Mr. Lund Washington.\nFinished planting Ivy in front of the Gardens.\nMy Nephew George Steptoe Washington came here to Dinnr. from the Acadamy at George Town.\n   George Steptoe Washington (c.1773\u20131809) was the second of the three sons of Samuel Washington and his fourth wife, Anne Steptoe Washington. He and his younger brother, Lawrence Augustine Washington (1775\u20131824), were being educated under GW\u2019s supervision and largely at his expense. Samuel Washington had left his estate badly encumbered by debts, and its proceeds were not enough to provide for his children. GW placed George and Lawrence in Rev. Stephen Bloomer Balch\u2019s academy at Georgetown in 1784, but their extravagances led him to remove them in November 1785 to the Alexandria academy. The two boys were to cause problems for GW for several years. During his presidency, GW sent them to the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1792 both went to study law with Atty. Gen. Edmund Randolph, then living in Philadelphia (DECATURStephen Decatur, Jr. Private Affairs of George Washington: From the Records and Accounts of Tobias Lear, Esquire, his Secretary. Boston, 1933., 180, 270). The money that GW expended on behalf of the two nephews was never recovered, but by the terms of his will the debt, amounting to nearly \u00a3450, was erased.\nSunday 20th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 47 at Noon and 50 at Night.\nWind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Morning lowering. About Noon great appearances of rain\u2014but towards sunsetting the clouds dispersed and the Sun came out.\nA large, but not a very distinct circle about the moon.\nMonday 21st. Mercury at 42 in the Morning  at Noon, and 46 at Night. Wind at No. West, and pretty fresh all day\u2014weather clear and very pleasant.\nWent to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington. Dined at Mr. Dulany\u2019s and exchanged Deeds for conveyance of Land with him & Mrs. Dulany\u2014giving mine, which I bought of Messrs. Robt. Adam, Dow & McIvor for the reversion of what Mrs. Dulany is entitled to at the death of her Mother within the bounds of Spencer & Washington\u2019s Patent.\nFanny Bassett who went on Thursday last to the wedding of\nMiss Blackburn returned\u2014accompanied by my Nephew Bushrod Washington. George Steptoe Washington returned this morning to the Academy at George Town & in the Evening the Manager of his & Brothers Estate came here with some money for their use\u2014Sent by my Brother Charles.\n   The manager of the estate of George Steptoe Washington and his brother was Robert Carter (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 229, 301).\nTuesday 22d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning, 42 at Noon and the same at Night.\nWind pretty fresh all day from the No. Wt. and Cool. Weather perfectly clear\u2014ground hard froze. Removed two pretty large & full grown Lilacs to the No. Garden gate\u2014one on each side, taking up as much dirt with the roots as cd. be well obtained\u2014also a Mock Orange to the Walk leading to the No. Necessary.\nI also removed from the Woods and old fields, several young Trees of the Sassafras, Dogwood, & red bud to the Shrubbery on the No. Side the grass plat.\n   Syringa vulgaris, lilac, and Philadelphus coronarius, mock orange.\nWednesday 23d. Mercury at 36 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nIn the Morning it was calm and clear. About 10 oclock the wind, for about an hour, blew pretty fresh and cool from the No. West. It then shifted to the Eastward\u2014died away and grew cloudy and towards Night had all the appearances of falling weather.\nPlanted trees on the South Shrubbery similar to those of yesterday, in the South Shrubbery except the Lilacs for which I thought the ground too wet.\nBrought down a number of young Aspan trees from one Saml. Jenkins\u2019s near the old Court House to transplant into the Serpentine Avenues to the Door. As they came late I had the roots buried until they could be transplanted in the places they are intended to grow.\n   In his second reference to \u201cSouth Shrubbery\u201d in this entry GW apparently should have written \u201cNorth Shrubbery.\u201d aspan trees: Populus tremuloides, aspen or quaking aspen.\n   Fairfax Old Court House was built in 1742 on the road leading from Hunting Creek to Key\u2019s, or Vestal\u2019s, Gap. In 1755 the county seat was moved to Alexandria and in 1800 removed to its present location southwest of the old courthouse, on the road from Alexandria to Williams\u2019, or Snickers\u2019 Gap (HARRISON [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 321\u201326).\nThursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning, 44 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nAbout two Inches of Snow fell in the Night. Before daylight, it began to rain, and continued to do so until near Sundown when it ceased, & the horizon became clear to the Westward.\nPrevented by the weather from preparing my grounds or transplanting trees.\nWind Eastwardly in the forenoon & westwardly afterwds.\nFriday 25. Mercury at 40 in the Morng. 42 at Noon and 38 at Night.\nWind Westwardly and cloudy all day\u2014rather cool\u2014although the ground was not frozen this morning.\nLaid off part of the Serpentine Road on the South side the grass plat, to day. Prevented going on with it, first by the coming in of Mr. Michael Stone about 10 oclock (who went away before noon)\u2014then by the arrival of Colo. Hooe, Mr. Chas. Alexander, & Mr. Chs. Lee before dinner and Mr. Crawford, his Bride & sister after it.\nThe same cause prevented my transplanting trees in my Shrubberies, & obliged me to cover the roots of many which had been dug up (particularly Dogwood, Maple, Poplar, & Mulberry) the ground not being marked for their reception.\nColo. Hooe, Mr. Chs. Alexander & Mr. Lee went away after Dinner.\n   GW is probably referring to Michael Jenifer Stone (1747\u20131812), the son of David Stone and his second wife, Elizabeth Jenifer Stone, of Charles County, Md. Stone served in the Maryland House of Delegates 1781\u201383, as a member of the Maryland ratification convention in 1788, and in the federal House of Representatives 1789\u201391. He was appointed judge of the first Maryland judicial district in 1791. mr. crawford: probably Nathaniel Craufurd and his new wife, Sarah Blackburn Craufurd.\nSaturday 26th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning, 38 at Noon and 37 at Night.\nWind at No. West all day and at times pretty fresh\u2014more or less cloudy and in the evening lowering. The ground was hard froze this morning.\nFinished laying out my Serpentine Roads. Dug most of the holes where the trees by the side of them are to stand and planted some of the Maple which were dug yesterday and some of the Aspan which had been brought here on Wednesday last.\nSunday 27th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning 34 at Noon and 37 at Night.\nWeather clear\u2014Wind fresh from the No. West all day.\nAfter Breakfast Mr. Crawford, his wife & Sister went away\u2014they crossed at my Fer\u27e8ry\u27e9 to Marlborough. Mr. Bushrod Washington also set off for his fathers passing through Maryland.\nMonday 28th. Mercury at 33 in the Morning 36 at Noon and 43 at Night.\nWind No. Wt. & westerly all day & cool\u2014ground hard froze\u2014Flying clouds but no appearance of rain.\nPlanted all the Mulberry trees, Maple trees, & Black gums in my Serpentine walks and the Poplars on the right walk\u2014the Sap of which and the Mulberry appeared to be moving. Also planted 4 trees from H. Hole the name unknown but of a brittle wood which has the smell of Mulberry.\n   black gums: Nyssa sylvatica.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 1st. Mercury at 34 in the morning 38 at Noon and 42 at Night. Wind at No. West all day, & sometimes pretty fresh; at others very moderate. In general clear with some flying clouds.  Planted the remainder of the Poplars & part of the Ash Trees\u2014also a circle of Dogwood with a red bud in the Middle close to the old Cherry tree near the South Garden Ho[use]. Began with my two Tumblers to Cart Dung upon the Ground designed for Clover and Orchard grass.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 2d. Mercury at 35 this Morning\u201440 at Noon and 39 at Night. Wind at No. West all day, and for the most part of it pretty fresh and cold. Cloudy and towards Sunsetting much the appearance of Snow. Planted the remainder of the Ash Trees\u2014in the Serpentine walks\u2014the remainder of the fringe trees in the Shrubberies\u2014all the black haws\u2014all the large berried thorns with a small berried one in the middle of each clump\u20146 small berried thorns with a large one in the middle of each clump\u2014all the swamp red berry bushes & one clump of locust trees.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 3d. Mercury at 34 in the Morng., 40 at Noon and  at Night. Morning calm, warm, and very pleasant\u2014wind afterwards from the Southward & pretty fresh. Sun set in a bank. Planted the remainder of the Locusts\u2014Sassafras\u2014small berried thorn & yellow Willow in the Shrubberies, as also the red buds\u2014a honey locust and service tree by the South Garden House. Likewise took up the clump of Lilacs that stood at the Corner of the South Grass plat & transplanted them to the clusters in the Shrubberies & standards at the south Garden gate. The Althea trees were also planted. Employed myself the greatest part of the day in pruning and shaping the young plantation of Trees & Shrubs. In the Evening Mr. Story formerly an assistant to Genel. Greene & afterwards Aide de Camp to Lord Stirling came in and spent the Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Friday 4th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning. 46 at Noon and the same at Night. Morning thick and heavy, with appearances of rain. Before noon the Sun made some feeble efforts to shine, but was again obscured in the afternoon; & towards Night it began a mizling rain and in the Night there fell more, so as to wet the ground. Planted two more Service trees at the North Garden wall one on each side the gate\u2014two Catalpas (large) West of the Garden Houses\u201428 Crab trees and the like number of Magnolia\u2014besides a number of little Sprouts, from 6 Inches to two feet high of the last mentioned tree. The Magnolia had good roots wch. were well enclosed with the Earth they grew in. Also compleated my Serpentine walks with Elm trees. After breakfast Mr. Story went away and about Noon Colo. Mercer came in & spent the remaining part of the day & Night here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 5th. Mercury at 45 in the Morning  at Noon and 54 at Night. Morning cloudy; but clear by 10 Oclock; the wind being at No. West tho\u2019 neither fresh nor cool. About noon the wind shifted to So. West grew quite warm & pleasant. Sun Set in A Bank. Planted all the Holly trees to day\u2014most of them with a good deal of dirt about the Roots\u2014but they were very indifferent trees having stragling limbs & not well leeaved. Colo. Mercer went away after breakfast. I rid into the Neck & to Muddy hole Plantn.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 6th. Mercury at 48 in the morning, 50 at Noon and 55 at Night. Morning a little lowering & calm\u2014Wind afterwards pretty fresh from the Southward\u2014weather Mild.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Munday 7th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning, 50 at Noon and 48 at Night. Wind Southwardly in the forenoon & until about 3 oclock when it shifted to the No. West blew pretty fresh & turned cold. The morning lowered, and until Noon, sprinkled rain at Intervals. About 12 Oclock the Sun came out very warm & pleasant & continued so until the wind shifted which brot. up Clouds again. Planted all my Cedars, all my Papaw, and two Honey locust Trees in my Shrubberies and two of the latter in my groves\u2014one at each \u27e8side\u27e9 of the House and a large Holly tree on the Point going to the Sein landing. Began to raise the Bank of Earth & to turf it, along the Northernmost row of Trees in the Serpentine Walk in the right. Finished Plowing the Ground adjoining the Pine Grove, designed for Clover & Orchard grass Seed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 8th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 42 at Noon and 38 at Night. In the Night there fell a good deal of rain which about Sun rise changed to hail & sleet wch. prevailed through the day and loaded the Trees with Ice with the weight of which the Evergreen in my Shrubberies were a good deal bowed. Wind pretty fresh all day at East. The ground was covered about an Inch with the hail &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 10th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning, 38 at Noon and 32 at Night. Wind fresh from the No. Wt. all day and cold. Ground hard froze in the morning and but little thawed through the day. Sent my Waggon with the Posts for the Oval in my Court Yard to be turned by a Mr. Ellis at the Snuff Mill on Pohick & to proceed from thence to Occoquan for the Scion of the Hemlock to plant in my Shrubberies. Continued with my jobbers to pound the Plaister of Paris as the Earth was too hard frozen to be dealt with. Went to return the visits of Colo. Mason and others in his Neighbourhood. Called first at Mr. Lawrence Washington\u2019s, who being from home, I proceeded to Colo. Masons, where I dined & lodged.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 13th. Mercury at 42 this Morning, 46 at Noon and 48 at Night. Wind very fresh from the So. West, and great appearances of Rain in the forenoon. About Noon the wind ceased, and the Sun came out\u2014after which it again clouded\u2014the wind shifted to the No. Et. and it set in for a serious rain about 5 oclock which was unlucky on acct. of an open Boat load of Flour from my Mill, bound to Alexandria for Mr. Hartshorne and wch. I was obliged to detain at my Fish house under as good cover as I could provide for it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMunday 14th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning, 46 at Noon and 48 at Night. A great deal of rain fell in the Night, which never ceased until after 8 oclock. My Boat with the flour went off about day break but whether the flour received any damage or not I cannot tell. The wind remained at No. East until 9 oclock when it died away and sprung up pretty fresh from the No. West when the Sun came out. It did not turn cold notwithstanding the point from whh. the wind blew and the freshness of it. Planted the 9 young peach Trees which I brought from Mr. Cockburns in the No. Garden\u2014viz.\u20144 on the South border of the second walk (two on each side of the middle walk)\u20142 in the border of the Walk leading from the Espalier hedge towards the other cross walk and 3 under the South wall of the Garden; that is two on the right as we enter the gate & one on the left. The other Peachtree to answer it on that side & the two on the West Walk, parrallel to the Walnut trees were taken from the nursery in the Garden. Drove Stakes to support the largest of the evergreens in my Shrubberies\u2014the wind shaking & giving too much disturbance to the roots of them especially when the ground is soft.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 15th. Mercury at 36 in the morning\u201438 at Noon and 40 at Night. Ground hard frozen in the Morning\u2014Wind brisk (and cold) all day from the No. West; which made the borders to my Walk, progress slowly.  Laid out a walk for the wilderness, intended on the No. of the Serpentine road on the right. Began to open Vistos throw the Pine grove on the Banks of H. Hole. Visited my Plantations at the Ferry, Muddy hole, & Dogue run.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 16th. Mercury at 26 in the morng.\u201427 at Noon and 33 at Night. Ground very hard froze & air Sharp from the No. West all day which prevented any movement of Earth. About 1 Oclock a Mr. Alexander Donald came here introduced by a letter from Govr. Henry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 17th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning\u201432 at Noon and 30 at Night. Ground hard froze\u2014the Creeks quite fast with Ice & the river covered with it to the channel. Wind Southerly all day, but not very fresh. The day, until after the middle of the afternoon, was very clear\u2014it then began to lower, & at Sunset looked very much like rain. No earth could be moved until the afternoon; and even then, it not being in good order, it was not attempted. Laid out a walk for the Wilderness intended on the South of the Serpentine road on the left. After breakfast Mr. Donald went away and to dinner Colo. Andrew Lewis (son of Genl. Andw. Lewis) and a Mr. Neiley, came\u2014afterwch. they crossed into Maryland. Trimmed the Weeping and Yellow trees which were transplanted on the 10th. & put 80 cuttings of the former into a nursery.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 43 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day; and more or less rain mixed in sml. degree with Snow; which with what fell in the Night made the ground so wet that I could plant no trees to day. Many of those planted yesterday yielded to the Wind & Wet, and required propping. Received a Swan, 4 Wild Geese, & two Barrels of Holly Berries (in Sand) from my Brother John and a Barrel of the early Corn from New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 21st. Mercury at 40 in the Morning  at Noon and 46 at Night. Very little wind all day but foggy and moist which carried away the Snow & hail that fell in the Night rather better than an Inch thick. Staked up the largest of my Trees in the avenues and Wilderness and Shrubberies to day, which from the softness of the ground & impression made on them by the Wind were leaning. Bought 150 Bushels of clean & good Oats from an Eastern shore man at 2/4 pr. Bushel. Major Jenifer left this for Alexandria after Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 22d. Mercury at 45 in the Morning, 52 at Noon and 51 at Night. Mizling Morning and very little Wind. About 8 Oclock it\nsprung up at No. West, & encreasing, blew hard all the remaining part of the day from that point & West. Mrs. Grayson sent me 8 Yew & 4 Aspan trees & Colo. Mason some Cherry Grafts. Planted the intermediate holes round the Walk in the Wilderness on the right and filled the spaces between with young Pines. Went to Alexandria\u2014dined & returned in the Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 23d. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon and 40 at Night. Wind fresh and cool all day from the No. West. Very clear. Finished Planting the Pine trees in the wilderness on the left and planted 4 of the live Oak Trees (which I had received from Norfolk) in the Shrubberies on the right and left on the grass plat in front of the House. Staked most of the Pines that had been planted.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon and 45 at Night. Wind Southerly. The Sun, tho\u2019 it rose clear had a Watery look and soon became obscured. The Weather very lowering. About 4 Oclock it began to Snow (fine Snow) & continued to do so with a small mixture of rain until I went to bed. Finding the Trees round the Walks in my wildernesses rather too thin I doubled them by putting (other Pine) trees between each. Laid off the Walks in my Groves, at each end of the House. Sent my Carriage to Alexandria for Colo. Mason according to appointment\u2014who came in about dusk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 25th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon and 45 at Night. A thick fog, or mist, all day; with little or no wind. Planted some of the largest Pine trees on the Circular bank which is intended to inclose the Court yard, Shrubberies &ca. and Staked most of those wch. had been planted in the two Wildernesses. About One O\u2019clock Major Jenifer, Mr. Stone, Mr. Chase, & Mr. Alexr. Henderson arrived here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 26th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon and 44 at Night. Morning clear, but a watery Sun, which was soon obscured by clouds; the whole day was lowering; towards Sundown it began to Snow, which continued until it became two Inches deep. The Wind was at No. East all day & was raw & chilling. My jobbers spent the greater part of this day in placing stakes for the Support of the young Pine trees. Mr. G. Mason Jr. & Dr. Brown came, dined, & returned.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 27th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning  at Noon and 52 at Night. All the Pines, & other evergreen Trees which were not well staked, being heavily loaded with Snow, yeilded to the weight, and where the ground was very soft (which was the case in many places) quite laid to the ground. Wind Southerly all day but not much of it. Morning cloudy & more or less so all day. The Snow which was not more than two Inches deep, soon disappeared. Mr. Waltr. Stone dined here and went away afterwards. Mr. Henderson also went to Colchester after dinner to return in the morning.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 29th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning  at Noon and 54 at Night. The Sun rose with a watery appearance tho\u2019 the hemisphere was clear\u2014which however soon clouded & towards evening began to rain. Wind at No. East all day but not very fresh until dark. Major Jenifer, Mr. Stone and Mr. Henderson went away before breakfast & Colo. Mason (in my carriage) after it by the return of which he sent me some young Shoots of the Persian Jessamine & Guilder Rose. Transplanted in the groves at the ends of the House the following young trees. Viz.\u20149 live oak\u201411 Yew or Hemlock\u201410 Aspan\u20144 Magnolia\u20142 Elm\u20142 Papaw\u20142 Lilacs\u20143 Fringe\u20141 Swamp berry & 1 H \u27e8 \u27e9 Doctr. Stuart came in the afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 30th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and  at Night. A good deal of rain fell in the Night\u2014showers all day with thunder; & alternate Squals and calm. Doctr. Stuart went away after breakfast & carried the three Children Betcy, Nelly, & Washington Custis with him to Abingdon. Arthur Lee Esqr. came to Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003-0031", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 March 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 31st. Mercury at 52 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind very hard all day from west\u2014weather clear. Mr. Lee went away after Breakfast and in the Afternoon Mr. Thos. Hanson & two of his Sisters arrived and Nelly Hanson came in. Planted the Scarlet or French honey suckle (as my Gardner calls it, & which he says blows all the Summer) at each Column of my covered ways\u2014as also against the circular walls between the Store house &ca. and the two new necessaries. Also planted the Gilder rose & Persian Jessamine opposite thereto on the Walks leading up to these necessaries\u20144 of the first and Six of the latter on each walk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0003", "content": "Title: March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 1st. Mercury at 34 in the morning 38 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nWind at No. West all day, & sometimes pretty fresh; at others very moderate. In general clear with some flying clouds.\nPlanted the remainder of the Poplars & part of the Ash Trees\u2014also a circle of Dogwood with a red bud in the Middle close to the old Cherry tree near the South Garden Ho[use].\nBegan with my two Tumblers to Cart Dung upon the Ground designed for Clover and Orchard grass.\nWednesday 2d. Mercury at 35 this Morning\u201440 at Noon and 39 at Night.\nWind at No. West all day, and for the most part of it pretty fresh and cold. Cloudy and towards Sunsetting much the appearance of Snow. Planted the remainder of the Ash Trees\u2014in the Serpentine walks\u2014the remainder of the fringe trees in the Shrubberies\u2014all the black haws\u2014all the large berried thorns with a small berried one in the middle of each clump\u20146 small berried thorns with a large one in the middle of each clump\u2014all the swamp red berry bushes & one clump of locust trees.\nThursday 3d. Mercury at 34 in the Morng., 40 at Noon and  at Night.\nMorning calm, warm, and very pleasant\u2014wind afterwards from the Southward & pretty fresh. Sun set in a bank.\nPlanted the remainder of the Locusts\u2014Sassafras\u2014small berried thorn & yellow Willow in the Shrubberies, as also the red buds\u2014a honey locust and service tree by the South Garden House. Likewise took up the clump of Lilacs that stood at the Corner of the South Grass plat & transplanted them to the clusters in the Shrubberies & standards at the south Garden gate. The Althea trees were also planted.\nEmployed myself the greatest part of the day in pruning and shaping the young plantation of Trees & Shrubs.\nIn the Evening Mr. Story formerly an assistant to Genel. Greene & afterwards Aide de Camp to Lord Stirling came in and spent the Evening.\n   His yellow willow is Salix pentandra, now called the bay-leaved willow, and his service tree is Amelanchier obovalis, serviceberry or juneberry. A specimen of the English service tree, Sorbus domestica, was still standing in 1917 near the northwest corner of the bowling green (SARGENT [2]Charles Sprague Sargent. The Trees at Mount Vernon. Rev. ed. N.p., [1926]., 12\u201313), perhaps surviving from the cuttings of this species which GW acquired from William Bartram in 1792. The althea, Hibiscus syriacus, is also called rose of Sharon.\n   Maj. John Story (1754\u20131791), of Massachusetts, served as deputy quartermaster general of the Continental Army from 1777 to 1780, having earlier held several minor posts. He later acted for a short time as aide to Maj. Gen. Lord Stirling until the general\u2019s death in 1783.\nFriday 4th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning. 46 at Noon and the same at Night.\nMorning thick and heavy, with appearances of rain. Before noon the Sun made some feeble efforts to shine, but was again obscured in the afternoon; & towards Night it began a mizling rain and in the Night there fell more, so as to wet the ground.\nPlanted two more Service trees at the North Garden wall one on each side the gate\u2014two Catalpas (large) West of the Garden Houses\u201428 Crab trees and the like number of Magnolia\u2014besides a number of little Sprouts, from 6 Inches to two feet high of the last mentioned tree. The Magnolia had good roots wch. were well enclosed with the Earth they grew in. Also compleated my Serpentine walks with Elm trees.\nAfter breakfast Mr. Story went away and about Noon Colo. Mercer came in & spent the remaining part of the day & Night here.\n   Catalpa bignonioides, catalpa.\n   Lt. Col. John Francis Mercer (1759\u20131821) was the son of John Mercer of Marlborough. During the Revolution he served in the Continental Army, at one time acting as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. He was a member of the Continental Congress 1782\u201385 and the Virginia House of Delegates 1782 and 1785\u201386. On 3 Feb. 1785 Mercer married Sophia Sprigg (1766\u20131812), eldest daughter of Richard Sprigg of Strawberry Hill at Annapolis. Soon after his marriage he moved to his wife\u2019s home in Annapolis, and in 1789 moved to the Sprigg family farm in Anne Arundel County. He later served in the Maryland House of Delegates, the United States House of Representatives, and as governor of Maryland.\nSaturday 5th. Mercury at 45 in the Morning  at Noon and 54 at Night.\nMorning cloudy; but clear by 10 Oclock; the wind being at No. West tho\u2019 neither fresh nor cool. About noon the wind shifted to So. West grew quite warm & pleasant. Sun Set in A Bank.\nPlanted all the Holly trees to day\u2014most of them with a good deal of dirt about the Roots\u2014but they were very indifferent trees having stragling limbs & not well leeaved.\nColo. Mercer went away after breakfast. I rid into the Neck & to Muddy hole Plantn.\nSunday 6th. Mercury at 48 in the morning, 50 at Noon and 55 at Night.\nMorning a little lowering & calm\u2014Wind afterwards pretty fresh from the Southward\u2014weather Mild.\nMunday 7th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning, 50 at Noon and 48 at Night.\nWind Southwardly in the forenoon & until about 3 oclock when it shifted to the No. West blew pretty fresh & turned cold.\nThe morning lowered, and until Noon, sprinkled rain at Intervals. About 12 Oclock the Sun came out very warm & pleasant & continued so until the wind shifted which brot. up Clouds again.\nPlanted all my Cedars, all my Papaw, and two Honey locust Trees in my Shrubberies and two of the latter in my groves\u2014one at each \u27e8side\u27e9 of the House and a large Holly tree on the Point going to the Sein landing.\nBegan to raise the Bank of Earth & to turf it, along the Northernmost row of Trees in the Serpentine Walk in the right.\nFinished Plowing the Ground adjoining the Pine Grove, designed for Clover & Orchard grass Seed.\n   Juniperus virginiana, red cedar, and Asimina triloba, papaw.\nTuesday 8th. Mercury at 43 in the Morning, 42 at Noon and 38 at Night.\nIn the Night there fell a good deal of rain which about Sun rise changed to hail & sleet wch. prevailed through the day and loaded the Trees with Ice with the weight of which the Evergreen in my Shrubberies were a good deal bowed.\nWind pretty fresh all day at East. The ground was covered about an Inch with the hail &ca.\nWednesday 9th. Mercury at 38 in the morning, 44 at Noon and 48 Night.\nA great deal of rain fell last Night and the heaviest Sleet I ever recollect to have seen.\nThe bows of all the trees were incrusted by tubes of Ice, quite round, at least half an Inch think\u2014the weight of Which was so great that my late transplantation in many instances sunk under it either by bending the bodies of the young trees\u2014breaking the limbs\u2014or weighing up the roots. The largest pines, in my outer circle were quite oppressed by the Ice; and bowed to the ground: whilst others were loosened at the roots and the largest Catalpa trees had some of their principal branches broken. The ground also where the holes had been dug to receive the Trees, and Where it had not been rammed, was a mere quagmire.\nThe ground this morning was covered nearly two inches deep with Snow\u2014little of wch. remained at Night.\nThe morning was cloudy with the wind at No. West wch. soon died away and then, abt. Noon, sprung up pretty brisk from the Southwest\u2014which a little before sun down again Shifted to the No. West and as Night approached came on to blow pretty fresh & cold.\nThe ground being covd. with Snow the fore part of the day, & in no condition to work the latter part I set the jobbers to pounding the plaister of Paris by hand for want of other & better convenience to do it.\n   GW began experimenting with plaster of paris (gypsum) as a fertilizer about this time. The plaster was pounded into a powder and spread over the ground. Although he mentions in his entry of 9 May 1785 that he can see no benefit from its use on the circle in his courtyard, the results were evidently satisfactory in other instances, for he continued to use it on grass and some crops for the rest of his life.\nThursday 10th. Mercury at 34 in the Morning, 38 at Noon and 32 at Night.\nWind fresh from the No. Wt. all day and cold. Ground hard froze in the morning and but little thawed through the day.\nSent my Waggon with the Posts for the Oval in my Court Yard to be turned by a Mr. Ellis at the Snuff Mill on Pohick & to proceed from thence to Occoquan for the Scion of the Hemlock to plant in my Shrubberies.\nContinued with my jobbers to pound the Plaister of Paris as the Earth was too hard frozen to be dealt with.\nWent to return the visits of Colo. Mason and others in his Neighbourhood. Called first at Mr. Lawrence Washington\u2019s, who being from home, I proceeded to Colo. Masons, where I dined & lodged.\n   mr. ellis: GW means William Allison, who, in partnership with Col. George Mason\u2019s son Thomson Mason, operated a snuff mill or factory in Fairfax County. The mill was on Pohick Creek above Gunston Hall, on land owned by George Mason of Pohick (MASON [2]Robert A. Rutland, ed. The Papers of George Mason, 1725\u20131792. 3 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1970., 2:777\u201379, 874).\n   scion of the hemlock: In grafting today, a scion is considered to be that portion of the plant to be grafted to the main stock. Here and elsewhere GW uses the term to mean young seedlings. The hemlock is Tsuga canadensis.\n   Lawrence Washington (1740\u20131799), Lund\u2019s brother, had moved from the Chotank area during the Revolution and settled at Belmont, the old Catesby Cocke home near the mouth of Occoquan Creek in Fairfax County.\nFriday 11th. Mercury at 30 in the Morning, 34 at Noon and 41 at Night.\nLeft Colo. Masons about 12 oclock. Dined with Mr. Martin Cockburn, & came home in the afternoon.\nPlanted the Hemlock Scions which were brought home yesterday, 28 in Number in the Shrubbs\u20142 poplar trees wch. had been omitted (by an oversight) in my Serpentine Walks before; and 13 Weeping and 13 Yellow Willow trees alternately along the Post & rail fence from the Kitchen to the South ha-haw & from the Servants Hall to the Smith\u2019s Shop.\nBrought 9 Scions of the Portugal Peach from Mr. Cockburn with me.\n   The weeping willow is ordinarily Salix babylonica, but GW often interchanges the words \u201cweeping\u201d and \u201cyellow.\u201d Here he may be referring to S. alba vitellina, an introduced species. servants hall: The new dependency adjoining the mansion on the north was used for white servants. The blacksmith shop lay a short distance north of the servants\u2019 hall.\n   The Portugal peach is a large clingstone. In sending a few pits to George Mason, Thomas Jefferson said the Portugal required more care than common peaches but, when carefully cultivated, was the finest he had ever tasted (BETTS [2]Edwin Morris Betts, ed. Thomas Jefferson\u2019s Garden Book, 1766\u20131824: With Relevant Extracts from His Other Writings. Philadelphia, 1944., 91).\nSaturday 12th. Mercury at 34 in the morning, 38 at Noon & 44 at Night.\nDay clear and pleasant until about 5 oclock, when it began to lower, and the Sun set in a bank.\nWind Southerly all day. After dark it shifted to the No. Et. blew pretty fresh and grew colder.\nWent to Abingden to see Mr. John Lewis who lay sick there. Returned in the Afternoon and brot. Betcy Custis home with me.\nPlanted two Hemlock trees in a line with the East end of my Kitchen, & Servants Hall; & 10 feet from the corner of the Post & rail fence at each.\nHad a Bushel of the Plaister of Paris (which my people had been pounding) sifted & Weighed\u2014which, in this State, amounted to 82 lbs.\nLaid the borders of the gravel walk to the No. Necessary\u2014from the circle in the Court yard.\n   Abingdon, the home of Jacky Custis\u2019s widow, Nelly, and her second husband, David Stuart, was situated on the Potomac River just north of Four Mile Run. Jacky and Nelly Custis, who had lived at the Custis White House on Pamunkey River after their marriage, had both wanted to return to the Mount Vernon\u2014Mount Airy neighborhood. In 1778 Jacky bought this house and about 900 acres of land from Robert Alexander, agreeing to pay him \u00a312 per acre, the principal and compound interest to be paid in 24 years. GW was horrified at this latest example of his stepson\u2019s fecklessness and reminded him that \u201c\u00a312,000 at compound Interest, [amounts] to upwards of\n   \u00a348,000 in twenty four Years. . . . No Virginia estate . . . can stand simple Interest; how then can they bear compound Interest\u201d? (GW to John Parke Custis, 3 Aug. 1778, DLC:GW). The Stuarts lived at Abingdon until about 1792 (STETSON [1]Charles W. Stetson. Four Mile Run Land Grants. Washington, D.C., 1935., 24\u201327; STETSON [2]Charles W. Stetson. Washington and His Neighbors. Richmond, Va., 1956., 78\u201379).\nSunday 13th. Mercury at 42 this Morning, 46 at Noon and 48 at Night.\nWind very fresh from the So. West, and great appearances of Rain in the forenoon. About Noon the wind ceased, and the Sun came out\u2014after which it again clouded\u2014the wind shifted to the No. Et. and it set in for a serious rain about 5 oclock which was unlucky on acct. of an open Boat load of Flour from my Mill, bound to Alexandria for Mr. Hartshorne and wch. I was obliged to detain at my Fish house under as good cover as I could provide for it.\nMunday 14th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning, 46 at Noon and 48 at Night.\nA great deal of rain fell in the Night, which never ceased until after 8 oclock.\nMy Boat with the flour went off about day break but whether the flour received any damage or not I cannot tell.\nThe wind remained at No. East until 9 oclock when it died away and sprung up pretty fresh from the No. West when the Sun came out. It did not turn cold notwithstanding the point from whh. the wind blew and the freshness of it.\nPlanted the 9 young peach Trees which I brought from Mr. Cockburns in the No. Garden\u2014viz.\u20144 on the South border of the second walk (two on each side of the middle walk)\u20142 in the border of the Walk leading from the Espalier hedge towards the other cross walk and 3 under the South wall of the Garden; that is two on the right as we enter the gate & one on the left. The other Peachtree to answer it on that side & the two on the West Walk, parrallel to the Walnut trees were taken from the nursery in the Garden.\nDrove Stakes to support the largest of the evergreens in my Shrubberies\u2014the wind shaking & giving too much disturbance to the roots of them especially when the ground is soft.\nTuesday 15th. Mercury at 36 in the morning\u201438 at Noon and 40 at Night.\nGround hard frozen in the Morning\u2014Wind brisk (and cold) all day from the No. West; which made the borders to my Walk, progress slowly.\nLaid out a walk for the wilderness, intended on the No. of the Serpentine road on the right.\nBegan to open Vistos throw the Pine grove on the Banks of H. Hole.\nVisited my Plantations at the Ferry, Muddy hole, & Dogue run.\nWednesday 16th. Mercury at 26 in the morng.\u201427 at Noon and 33 at Night.\nGround very hard froze & air Sharp from the No. West all day which prevented any movement of Earth.\nAbout 1 Oclock a Mr. Alexander Donald came here introduced by a letter from Govr. Henry.\n   Alexander Donald was a Richmond merchant who often acted for Robert Morris in business matters. He had been for many years an intimate friend of Thomas Jefferson (JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 12:132, 347). GW did business with Donald over a period of several years, probably on behalf of the Custis estate. For a brief time after 1789, Donald was in London as a partner in the firm of Donald & Burton, which failed in 1793 (HAMILTON [2]Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 27 vols. New York, 1961\u201387., 15:619, n.3).\nThursday 17th. Mercury at 24 in the Morning\u201432 at Noon and 30 at Night.\nGround hard froze\u2014the Creeks quite fast with Ice & the river covered with it to the channel.\nWind Southerly all day, but not very fresh. The day, until after the middle of the afternoon, was very clear\u2014it then began to lower, & at Sunset looked very much like rain.\nNo earth could be moved until the afternoon; and even then, it not being in good order, it was not attempted.\nLaid out a walk for the Wilderness intended on the South of the Serpentine road on the left.\nAfter breakfast Mr. Donald went away and to dinner Colo. Andrew Lewis (son of Genl. Andw. Lewis) and a Mr. Neiley, came\u2014afterwch. they crossed into Maryland.\nTrimmed the Weeping and Yellow trees which were transplanted on the 10th. & put 80 cuttings of the former into a nursery.\n   Col. Andrew Lewis (1759\u20131844) was a son of Brig. Gen. Andrew Lewis (1720\u20131781), the hero of Point Pleasant. Lewis at this time resided on the south side of the Roanoke River in Botetourt County (MCALLISTERJohn Meriwether McAllister and Lura Boulton Tandy, eds. Genealogies of the Lewis and Kindred Families. Columbia, Mo., 1906., 183; KEGLEYF. B. Kegley. Kegley\u2019s Virginia Frontier: The Beginning of the Southwest: The Roanoke of Colonial Days, 1740-1783. Roanoke, Va., 1938., 566). mr. neiley: possibly one of the several sons of Capt. James Neely, who lived near Col. Andrew Lewis (KEGLEYF. B. Kegley. Kegley\u2019s Virginia Frontier: The Beginning of the Southwest: The Roanoke of Colonial Days, 1740-1783. Roanoke, Va., 1938., 566\u201367).\nFriday 18th. Mercury at 38 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 44 at Night.\nWind Southerly all day\u2014very lowering in the forenoon. Soon after 12 Oclock there began a light mixture of Snow & rain, which continued through the day; encreasing as it advanced.\nI went to my Dogue run Plantation to make choice of the size, & to direct the taking up of Pine trees, for my two wildernesses. Brought 3 waggon load of them home, and planted every other hole round the Walks in them. Began with that on the right, which was planted before the wet fell, & better planted; that is with more pains the other (on the left) being hurried more and the ground wet and sticky.\nAlso planted 20 Pine trees in the lines of Trees by the sides of the Serpentine roads to the House.\nReceived from Mr. Josh. Parke of Norfolk a box containing young trees of the live oak and 10 Acorns which I presume is from the same sort of Trees.\nA good deal of rain fell in the Night.\n   mr. josh. parke: Col. Josiah Parker (1751\u20131810), of Macclesfield, Isle of Wight County, had been a member of the committee of safety and the Virginia conventions of 1775 and an officer in the American army. After resigning as colonel of the 5th Virginia Regiment on 1 April 1778, Parker became commander of all Virginia militia south of the James River until the end of the war. In 1780 and 1781 he was a member of the House of Delegates and from 1783 to 1789 was naval officer and collector at Portsmouth. He served in the United States Congress 1789\u20131801.\n   Quercus virginiana, live oak, is an evergreen ranging along the east coast of the United States from Virginia to Florida.\nSaturday 19th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 43 at Night.\nWind at No. Et. all day; and more or less rain mixed in sml. degree with Snow; which with what fell in the Night made the ground so wet that I could plant no trees to day. Many of those planted yesterday yielded to the Wind & Wet, and required propping.\nReceived a Swan, 4 Wild Geese, & two Barrels of Holly Berries (in Sand) from my Brother John and a Barrel of the early Corn from New York.\n   The early corn from New York had been sent by Gov. George Clinton, who called it \u201csmall white Indian corn.\u201d On 5 Mar. 1785 he told GW that if it thrived in Virginia he ought to obtain new seed every three years. It was probably a flint variety, as were most northern corns of that period (DLC:GW).\nSunday 20th. Mercury at 39 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 40 at Night.\nMorning lowering. About Noon the Sun came out and the Weather looked promising but in the afternoon it clouded & threatned, and sometime after dark began a mixture of Snow and rain.\nWind was at East, and So. East all day\u2014sometimes pretty fresh but for the most part of it moderate.\nMajor Jenefir came here to dinner and my carriage went to Gunston Hall to take Colo. Mason to a meeting of Comrs. at Alexandria for settling the Jurisdiction of Chesapeak Bay & the rivers Potomack & Pocomoke between the States of Virginia & Maryland\u2014The Commissioners on the Part of Virginia being Colo. Mason\u2014The Attorney General\u2014Mr. Madison & Mr. Henderson\u2014on that of Maryland, Major Jenifer Thoms. Johnson, Thos. Stone & Saml. Chase Esqrs.\n   Conflicting claims of colonial Virginia and Maryland over the control of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay were put to rest only temporarily during the Revolution. In 1784 Virginia authorized the four commissioners here named to confer with agents of Maryland for the purpose of settling those questions. The Virginians were also authorized to consult with the Maryland commissioners on how to gain the cooperation of Pennsylvania in developing a water and land route from the Potomac Valley to the Ohio Valley, wherein the Potomac River water route would be developed by the\nPotowmack Company recently authorized by Maryland and Virginia. GW hoped that the project \u201cmay be of great political, as well as commercial advantages . . . as it may tie the Settlers of the western Territory to the Atlantic States by interest, which is the only knot that will hold\u201d (GW to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW).\n   attorney general: Edmund Randolph (1753\u20131813) was at this time attorney general of Virginia and a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was the son of John Randolph, the attorney general of the colony who had fled with Governor Dunmore at the outbreak of the Revolution. Randolph served as an aide to GW, 1775\u201376, and was a member of the Virginia Convention of 1776.\n   James Madison, of Montpelier, Orange County, sponsored the resolutions establishing the Virginia commission. Thomas Stone (1743\u20131787), one of the six sons of David and Elizabeth Jenifer Stone of Poynton Manor, Charles County, Md., studied law in Annapolis under Thomas Johnson, who appears here. Stone married Margaret Brown (d. 1787), one of nine daughters of Dr. Gustavus Brown (1689\u20131762) of Rich Hill, Charles County, Md. His home, Habre-de-Venture, was near Port Tobacco in Charles County, Md. Stone, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for Maryland, was now serving his second term in the senate of that state. Samuel Chase (1741\u20131811), a lawyer, merchant, and speculator, now of Annapolis, had been a Maryland leader in the Revolution, and as a member of both Continental Congresses, he had been a strong supporter of GW throughout the war. GW later appointed Chase to the United States Supreme Court where, although impeached during Jefferson\u2019s presidency, he served until his death.\n   The Virginia commissioners had not been notified that this first meeting was to be held in Alexandria this week, and only George Mason and Alexander Henderson, who both lived nearby, were present on the day appointed (see FREEMANDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 6:30; MASON [2]Robert A. Rutland, ed. The Papers of George Mason, 1725\u20131792. 3 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1970., 2:812\u201323; MADISONWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds. The Papers of James Madison, Congressional Series. 17 vols. Chicago and Charlottesville, Va., 1962\u201391., 8:89\u201390, 206\u20137, 337\u201339).\nMonday 21st. Mercury at 40 in the Morning  at Noon and 46 at Night.\nVery little wind all day but foggy and moist which carried away the Snow & hail that fell in the Night rather better than an Inch thick.\nStaked up the largest of my Trees in the avenues and Wilderness and Shrubberies to day, which from the softness of the ground & impression made on them by the Wind were leaning.\nBought 150 Bushels of clean & good Oats from an Eastern shore man at 2/4 pr. Bushel.\nMajor Jenifer left this for Alexandria after Dinner.\nTuesday 22d. Mercury at 45 in the Morning, 52 at Noon and 51 at Night.\nMizling Morning and very little Wind. About 8 Oclock it\nsprung up at No. West, & encreasing, blew hard all the remaining part of the day from that point & West.\nMrs. Grayson sent me 8 Yew & 4 Aspan trees & Colo. Mason some Cherry Grafts. Planted the intermediate holes round the Walk in the Wilderness on the right and filled the spaces between with young Pines.\nWent to Alexandria\u2014dined & returned in the Evening.\n   Eleanor Smallwood Grayson was the wife of GW\u2019s friend and former aide, Col. William Grayson. GW had written William Grayson, asking him to send him scions of the aspen and shoots of the yew or hemlock growing along Quantico Creek near Dumfries, which Grayson had offered during an earlier conversation. \u201cPlantations of this kind are now become my amusement & I should be glad to know where I could obtain a supply of such sorts of trees as would diversify the scene\u201d (22 Jan. 1785, DLC:GW). Grayson replied from New York that he had procured some aspen trees from Landon Carter\u2019s plantation on Bull Run and that Mrs. Grayson promised to send them to Mount Vernon along with any of the yew scions she could procure (10 Mar. 1785, DLC:GW).\n   If GW went to Alexandria today to check on the progress of the Potomac commissioners, he discovered they had already \u201cwaited some Days\u201d for the two absent Virginia commissioners (George Mason to James Madison, 9 Aug. 1785, MASON [2]Robert A. Rutland, ed. The Papers of George Mason, 1725\u20131792. 3 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1970., 2:826).\nWednesday 23d. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon and 40 at Night.\nWind fresh and cool all day from the No. West. Very clear.\nFinished Planting the Pine trees in the wilderness on the left and planted 4 of the live Oak Trees (which I had received from Norfolk) in the Shrubberies on the right and left on the grass plat in front of the House. Staked most of the Pines that had been planted.\nThursday 24th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon and 45 at Night.\nWind Southerly. The Sun, tho\u2019 it rose clear had a Watery look and soon became obscured. The Weather very lowering. About 4 Oclock it began to Snow (fine Snow) & continued to do so with a small mixture of rain until I went to bed.\nFinding the Trees round the Walks in my wildernesses rather too thin I doubled them by putting (other Pine) trees between each.\nLaid off the Walks in my Groves, at each end of the House.\nSent my Carriage to Alexandria for Colo. Mason according to appointment\u2014who came in about dusk.\n   The \u201cappointment\u201d was probably an agreement made on 22 Mar. that if the two absent Virginia commissioners did not appear in another day, the remaining commissioners would accept GW\u2019s hospitality at Mount Vernon to proceed with their conference. GW and Mason had this evening and the following morning to review prospects for the meeting.\nFriday 25th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon and 45 at Night.\nA thick fog, or mist, all day; with little or no wind.\nPlanted some of the largest Pine trees on the Circular bank which is intended to inclose the Court yard, Shrubberies &ca. and Staked most of those wch. had been planted in the two Wildernesses.\nAbout One O\u2019clock Major Jenifer, Mr. Stone, Mr. Chase, & Mr. Alexr. Henderson arrived here.\n   In his letter of 9 Aug. 1785 to James Madison, George Mason reported that the Potomac conference had \u201cadjourn\u2019d to Mount-Vernon . . . at the particular Invitation of the General\u201d (MASON [2]Robert A. Rutland, ed. The Papers of George Mason, 1725\u20131792. 3 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1970., 2:827).\nSaturday 26th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning\u201445 at Noon and 44 at Night.\nMorning clear, but a watery Sun, which was soon obscured by clouds; the whole day was lowering; towards Sundown it began to Snow, which continued until it became two Inches deep.\nThe Wind was at No. East all day & was raw & chilling.\nMy jobbers spent the greater part of this day in placing stakes for the Support of the young Pine trees. Mr. G. Mason Jr. & Dr. Brown came, dined, & returned.\nSunday 27th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning  at Noon and 52 at Night.\nAll the Pines, & other evergreen Trees which were not well staked, being heavily loaded with Snow, yeilded to the weight, and where the ground was very soft (which was the case in many places) quite laid to the ground.\nWind Southerly all day but not much of it. Morning cloudy & more or less so all day.\nThe Snow which was not more than two Inches deep, soon disappeared.\nMr. Waltr. Stone dined here and went away afterwards. Mr. Henderson also went to Colchester after dinner to return in the morning.\n   Walter Stone may be either Walter Stone (died c.1791), son of David and Elizabeth Jenifer Stone, or Walter Hanson Stone (1765\u20131792), son of Samuel and Anna Hanson Mitchell Stone.\nMonday 28th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nWind Southerly all day and clear weather.\nMr. Henderson returned to the Meeting of the Commissioners abt. 10 Oclock and Mr. Chase went away after dinner.\n   The commissioners\u2019 final agreement and official letters all were dated Mount Vernon, 28 Mar. 1785, and historians have since referred to this meeting as the Mount Vernon Conference (see MASON [2]Robert A. Rutland, ed. The Papers of George Mason, 1725\u20131792. 3 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1970., 2:812\u201322; FREEMANDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 6:30).\nTuesday 29th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning  at Noon and 54 at Night.\nThe Sun rose with a watery appearance tho\u2019 the hemisphere was clear\u2014which however soon clouded & towards evening began to rain.\nWind at No. East all day but not very fresh until dark.\nMajor Jenifer, Mr. Stone and Mr. Henderson went away before breakfast & Colo. Mason (in my carriage) after it by the return of which he sent me some young Shoots of the Persian Jessamine & Guilder Rose.\nTransplanted in the groves at the ends of the House the following young trees. Viz.\u20149 live oak\u201411 Yew or Hemlock\u201410 Aspan\u20144 Magnolia\u20142 Elm\u20142 Papaw\u20142 Lilacs\u20143 Fringe\u20141 Swamp berry & 1 H \u27e8 \u27e9\nDoctr. Stuart came in the afternoon.\n   Syringa persica, Persian jasmine, and Viburnum opulus roseum, guelder rose or snowball.\nWednesday 30th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and  at Night.\nA good deal of rain fell in the Night\u2014showers all day with thunder; & alternate Squals and calm.\nDoctr. Stuart went away after breakfast & carried the three Children Betcy, Nelly, & Washington Custis with him to Abingdon.\nArthur Lee Esqr. came to Dinner.\n   Eleanor Parke (Nelly) Custis (1779\u20131852) and George Washington Parke Custis (1781\u20131857), usually called Washington, were the two youngest children of David Stuart\u2019s wife Nelly and her first husband, John Parke Custis. Little Nelly had been brought to Mount Vernon soon after her birth for her mother was too ill to take care of her. Washington, too, had lived with his grandparents most of his life. Although there seem to have been no legal documents drawn up, GW spoke of these two youngest children as \u201cadopted\u201d by him and Mrs. Washington (GW to Lawrence Lewis, 20 Sept. 1799, DLC:GW).\n   Arthur Lee, who served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1781\u201383 and the Continental Congress 1781\u201384, was one of the commissioners who concluded treaties with the Indians in Oct. 1784 and Jan. 1785, and was at this time awaiting the action of the Congress on his nomination to the Board of Treasury.\nThursday 31st. Mercury at 52 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nWind very hard all day from west\u2014weather clear.\nMr. Lee went away after Breakfast and in the Afternoon Mr. Thos. Hanson & two of his Sisters arrived and Nelly Hanson came in.\nPlanted the Scarlet or French honey suckle (as my Gardner calls it, & which he says blows all the Summer) at each Column of my covered ways\u2014as also against the circular walls between the Store house &ca. and the two new necessaries.\nAlso planted the Gilder rose & Persian Jessamine opposite thereto on the Walks leading up to these necessaries\u20144 of the first and Six of the latter on each walk.\n   Capt. Thomas Hawkins Hanson, son of Samuel Hanson of Green Hill, had served in the 3d Maryland Battalion of the Flying Camp in 1776. He was married to Rebecca Dulany Addison, widow of Thomas Addison (d. 1774), and lived at the old Addison farm, Oxon Hill, across the Potomac River from Alexandria. He was probably a partner in the Alexandria firm of his brother, Samuel Hanson of Samuel. Hanson had several sisters including Sarah Hawkins, Anna, and Chloe. Nelly Hanson may have been a niece or cousin.\n   Lonicera sempervirens, trumpet honeysuckle. my gardner: Philip Bateman (Bottiman), GW\u2019s gardener, had been at Mount Vernon as early as 1773 (GW\u2019s tithable list for 1773, DLC:GW). In 1783 Lund Washington had written GW: \u201cAs to Bateman (the old gardener) I have no expectation of his ever seeking another home. Indulge him but in getg. Drunk now and then, and he will be Happy. He is the best Kitchen gardener to be met with\u201d (Lund Washington to GW, 1 Oct. 1783, ViMtvL). Philip Bater, gardener, who appears in the ledgers from 1786 through 1789, is probably the same man.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 2d. Mercury at 50 in the Morning\u201446 at Noon and 42 at Night. Wind at No. Et. & pretty fresh until the afternoon, when it got to the No. West & turned cold. About day breaking it began to Snow, & continued to do so until the ground was covered with it about an inch deep, after which there fell a mixture of Snow & rain till about ten oclock when it turned to constant rain the remainder of the day; accompanied by pretty sharp thunder.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 3d. Mercury at 38 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 44 at Night. Wind very fresh all day from So. Wt. & West, and unpleasant. After Dinner Mr. George Lewis & his wife & Mr. Chas. Carter and his wife and Child came here having been detained on the Road by the Weather.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 4th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 46 at Night.  Wind fresh indeed hard at No. W. all day, with flying Clouds. Grafted Six of the May white heart Cherry growing in my walk and Six of the small cherry opposite, or transplanted stocks, which were placed by the Area in front of the Green Ho[use] left hand approaching it, and in a line with the young Mulberry Cuttgs.\u2014the first sort standing next the cross Walk, with a stake between them and the second sort. And my Gardener to shew his cunning, grafted ten Pairs from the Tree transplanted from the grass plat Feby. 9 (as will appear from this Diary) on Plumb Scions, & removed them to the Area above mentioned and along side the 12 Cherries wch. I grafted & planted as above. Went to Alexandria to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Ramsay who died (after a lingering illness) on Friday last and to present Colo. Hooe with Major Jenifer\u2019s order, & to obtain a draft, consequent thereof on New York towards payment of my debt to Governor Clinton\u2014but his indisposition prevented my doing business with him. Dined at Mr. Muirs & after the funerl. obsoques were ended returned home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 6th. Mercury at 47 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night.  Clear, calm & pleasant in the Morning. Wind afterward springing up from the Eastward, it began to lower and before Night had much the appearance of rain. Sowed the semicircle North of the front gate with Holly berries sent me by my Brother John\u2014three drills of them\u2014the middle one of Berries which had been got about Christmas and put in Sand\u2014the other two of Berries which had been got earlier in the year, gently dried, & packed in Shavings. Planted in a Nursery in my Vineyard 17 Live Oaks sent me by Colo. Parker of Norfolk 13 of one, and 7 of another kind of what I suppose to be the wild Honeysuckle, they being in different Bundles, and he having been written to for the wild Honey Suckle. Sent my Shad Sein and Hands to the Ferry to commen\u27e8ce\u27e9 Fishing for Mssrs. Douglas & Smith who had engaged to take all the Shad & Herring I can catch in the Season\u2014the first at 15/. a hundred, and the other at 4/. a thousand. A Mr. Vidler, to whom I had written (an Undertaker at Annapolis) came here and opened the cases wch. contained my Marble chimney piece\u2014but for want of Workmen could not undertake to finish my New room. Mr. Carter, & Mr. Geo. Lewis returned here this afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 8th. Mercury at 47 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night. Morning clear, wind fresh from the No. West, which rather decreased wth. the Sun\u2019s altitude and in its decline, became nearly calm. The ground being too wet to stir where it had been before plowed or worked, I was unable to touch that which I had been preparing for grass; and therefore began to hoe that wch. lyes between the New circular ditches, & the Wild rose hedges; on which I propose to make experiments of the quantity of the Plaister of Paris which is most proper to manure an acre of Land & to sow the same in grass seed.  Colo. Fitzhugh & Mr. Clair went away after breakfast. I rid to the Sein Landing at the Ferry. Scattered 2\u00bd bushels of the Powdered plaister of Paris on little more than half of the circle in my Court yard\u2014next the Servants Hall (on the poor part of the ground); the Mould having been taken off that to raise the other side, which was the lowest.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 9th. Mercury at 47 this morning\u201452 at Noon and 50 at Night. Morning calm & clear. Abt. Nine Oclock the wind sprung up at No. West, with flying Clouds and abt. Noon shifted to the So. West, & looked showery; but only a few drops of rain fell. Laid of a piece of my Wheat field, containing 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] At Muddy hole, & part of the adjoining field, containing 4 A[cres] o R[ods] 8 P[erches] for Grass seeds. The first I propose to sow Orchard grass seed on, & to roll it in. The other having been spread pretty thick with Dung from the Farm yard, I set the Plows to breaking it up & to prepare it for the reception of the Seed. From hence I rid to my Dogue run Plantation and thence to the fishing Landing at the Ferry. Mr. Geo. Lewis, his Wife and Sister (Mrs. Carter) went up to Abingdon to see their Brother Mr. John Lewis; & returned in the Evening. The two Miss Hansons crossed the river in order to return\u2014but their Carriage not having arrived\u2014came back again. Continued Hooeing the grd. between my Circles by the outer gate, as noted on friday.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 10th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 60 at Night. Clear all day\u2014Morning calm; about 8 Oclock the Wind sprung up pretty fresh from the South West; which before ten got to No. West, & continued to blow hard. Just as we had dined the two Doctr. Jenifers and Mr. Willm. Craik came in. The eldest of the Jenifers after getting his Dinner went away, to visit Mr. Wagener.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 12th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning, 58 at Noon and 66 at Night. Clear all day; Wind until late in the afternoon, pretty fresh from No. West\u2014Sunset red with appearances of dry Weather. Plowing, rolling, and Harrowing my ground for grass seeds. Sowed on the inner side of the Post & rail fences running from the Kitchen to the South Haw, ha! & from the Servts. Hall to the North Haw ha! three rows of Holly berries 6 Inches a part\u2014the middle one of the berries wch. were preserved in Shavings. The first row is 9 Inches from the outer edge of the Posts. Mr. Duchi went away after breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 13th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 61 at Night.  Wind variable. In the morning it was Eastwardly. About 10 Oclock it came from the Southward and after Noon fresh from the No. West. Clear all day. Received from Colo. Henry Lee of Westmoreland 12 Horse Chesnut Trees (small) and an equal number of cuttings of the Tree Box. They appeared to have been sometime out of the ground being very dry. Planted 4 of the Chesnuts in my Serpentine Walks and 4 of the Box in my shrubberies\u2014two on each side\u2014the rest in the Vineyard. Sowed the Guinea grass seed sent me by  in the ground I had been preparing in the Hop inclosure\u20144 Rows and a piece next the fence. At the beginning & end of each Row drove in a peg\u2014Rows 18 Inches a part. Planted & Sowed in boxes placed in front of the Green House the following things\u2014Box No. 1 partition No. 1 Six buck eye nuts, brought with me from the Mouth of Cheat River; they were much dried & shrivelled\u2014but had been steeped 24 hours in water\u2014Same Box partn. No. 2, Six acorns, which I brought with me from the South Branch. These grew on a tree resembling the box Oak, but the cup which contained the Acorn, almost inclosed it; & was covered with a soft bur. Same Box partn. No. 3 Eight Nuts from a tree called the Kentucke Coffee tree; these had been steeped 48 hours. Box No. 2 partn. No. 1 Ten acrons sent me by Colo. Josiah Parker with the first live Oak Trees; and which I take to be the Acorn of that Tree. Same box, Partn. No. 2, Six Acrons from the same Gentleman wch. came in a Paper accompanying the second parcel of Trees, & a small Keg of Acorns\u2014which I also suppose to be those of the live Oak. Box No. 6 a Scarlet triangular berry the cover of which opens in 3 parts and looks well upon the Shrub. Box 7 Berry of a Shrub, brot. from the western waters with me. Box 8 a Seed brot. from the same place. Box 9 Seed of a cluster of red Berrys which looks pretty and if I recollect right grows on a Vine. Rid to Muddy hole Plantation and the fishing Landing at the Ferry between breakfast & Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 14th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u201450 at Noon and 58 at Night. Winds variable\u2014in the Morning Easterly\u2014then, Southerly\u2014then Calm. Afterwards pretty fresh at So. West\u2014Sometimes with appearances of rain\u2014but generally clear. Sowed the ground at Muddy hole, which had been twice plowed\u2014once harrowed & gone over with the Hoes to break the clods. Began to Sow the field at the House, but my Seedsman (Dolls Will) by sowing it much thicker than I intended, put 60 pints, or pounds of Clover Seed, on abt.  Acres of Ground. Leaving a space of about 6 feet, I sowed half a bushel of Orchard grass Seed & five pints (or lbs.) of clover Mixed, in a breadth through the Field. On the ground at Muddy hole I sowed 40 lbs. of clover seed. It was in tolerable good tilth considering the Season, but ought to have been in better. The field at the House had been three times Plowed\u2014twice Rolled, & twice harrowed; upon the last of which the Seed was Sowed & was in better order than I ever expected to get it, from the unfavorable weather which we have had during the winter and Spring. Sowed 5 rows and a small piece of the bird grass seed (sent me by Mr. Sprig of Annapolis) by the side of the Guinea grass, leaving 3 feet between the kinds; & the rows 18 Inches apart, as in the other. At the end of the piece of a row of the Guinea grass & to the next stake I planted the everlasting Pea\u2014one at every Six Inches. And by the side of the bird grass but 3 feet from it, are planted two rows and a piece of the Acorn of the live Oak 6 Inches apart\nin the rows, & the rows 18 Inches asunder. The piece of a row I planted with the Spanish Nut. Rid to Muddy hole Plantation with Miss Bassett.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 15th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night. Rid to my Muddy hole Plantation and thence to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry. Sowed the 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] which I had laid of (on Saturday last) in my Wheat field at Muddy hole, with 3 Bushels of Orchard grass Seed, and 6 bushels of the Plaister of Paris, in powder; which I ordered to be rolled in. Harrowed with a bush, the clover seed which was sowed at that place yesterday and ordered it to be rolled also. Leaving a space of Six feet between the breadth which was sowed yesterday with Clover & orchard grass, I sowed 4\u00bd Pecks of the orchard grass Seed unmixed; & had the whole of both days sowing, harrowed with a brush harrow. Next the Planting of the acorns of the live Oak, I planted (two feet from them, & six Inches a part in the Row) a row of the Shellbark hickory Nutt, from New York. Winds variable to day & fresh, first from East with appearances of rain\u2014then from No. West until the Afternoon, then at East again & very raw and cold. Mr. Delasier & Mr. Dulany; Doctr. Craik, his wife, & three Daughters came here to Dinner. The two first went away after it, & in the Evening Colo. Allison & Miss Harrison (Daughter of Judge Harrison) came here.  This day was very unfavorable for sowing my Seeds\u2014but the advanced Season, and fear of rain which might retard the operation I did not incline to Postpone it\u2014but to render the disadvantage as small as possible instead of Sowing up and down the Land I sowed all one way.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 16th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning\u201450 at Noon and 54 at Night. A great Hoar frost and Ice at least the \u215b of an Inch thick. What injury this may have done to the fruit & vegetation, will soon be seen. The Buds of every kind of tree & Shrub are swelling. The tender leaves of many had unfolded. The Apricot blossoms were putting forth. The Peaches, & Cherries were upon the point of doing the same. The leaves of the Apple tree were coming out. Those of the weeping willow & Lilac had been out many days, and were the first to show themselves. The Sasafras was ready to open. The red bud had begun to open but not to make any show. The Dogwood had swelled into buttons. The Service tree was showing its leaf and the Maple had been full in bloom ten days or a fortnight. Of this tree I observed great difference in the colour of the blossoms; some being of a deep scarlet, bordering upon Crimson\u2014others of a pale red, approaching yellow. Rid to Muddy hole and discovered that the Wheat ground which had been sowed with Orchard grass Seed had received little or no benefit from the rolling it had obtaind being two hard & dry, & two much baked for the roller to make a proper impression. The Corn hills yielded but little to its weight, and the interstices scarcely being touched. It is to be feared therefore that the Seed (especially if rain shd. not come soon) will be all lost. The Clover field seems to be well broke by the Roller at the place.  Sowed one Bushel & three Pecks of the Albany, or field Pea in the inclosure behind the Garden, called the Vineyard. This ground had been Hooed in the winter\u2014lately plowed; cross plowed; & Harrowed and the Pease harrowed in. Cross harrowed with a bush the field of Grass which had been Sowed the two preceeding days at the Home House and began to Roll it abt. 2 Oclock for the third time. Planted some Filberts given me by my Sister Lewis, in the row in which the Everlasting Pea was planted on Thursday; and stuck a stake where they finished. These were planted Six Inches a part in the row. After Breakfast Doctr. Craik went up to Alexandria & returned in the Afternoon. Mrs. Charles Stuart, Nelly Stuart, & Betsey Custis came to Dinner & stayed all Night. After Dinner Colo. Allison and Miss Harrison returned to Alexa.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 17th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind fresh all day from the So. West but more moderate in the Afternoon. Doctr. Craik and his family went to Colo. McCartys after Breakfast and to Dinner came Mr. Chas. Steward & Mr. George Digges\u2014Doctr. Walter Jenifer and his wife Mr. Wilson Mr. Hunter & a Mr. Lymebarie\u2014all of Whom, with the two Mrs. Stuarts & Betcy Custis went away after dinner. Fanny Bassett went up with Mrs. Doctr. Stuart.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 18th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind Southerly with great appearances of rain until the afternoon\nwhen there was a red sky and clear horizon towards the sun setting. Rid to Alexandria to the Election of Delegates for this County and dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds. Colo. Syme & Doctr. Steuart were chosen & for whom I gave my suffrages. Had the Roots, shrubs (which had been grubbed) & Tussics of broom Straw in the point of New ground below the field I had been sowing in clover & Orchard grass, next the Hop inclosure raked of & burnt. I then sowed it up to stakes which run a cross the ground at a double Chesnut Tree with Barley and Orchard grass Seed. On the East side I sprinkled two Bushels of the plaister of Paris (powdered) and harrowed it in along with the Barley\u2014after which the grass Seed was Sowed & harrowed with a Bush harrow. I intended to have sprinkled the same quantity of Plaister, on the West side, but Night coming on I could only get the Barley sowed & harrowed in with the Iron harrow, and the Grass seed with the Bush. The Plaister was postponed until the Morning. I intended this as an experiment (the ground being poor, & equal in quality)\u2014first to try the effect of the Plaister & next whether spreading it on the Surface, or burying it with the Seed was most efficatious. The slipe adjoining the Fence of the hop ground was also sowed in Barley & Orchard grass Seed this day. This had been well spread with Stable & farm Yard Dung upon the Hooeing it had received previous to the Plowings.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 21st. Mercury at 40 in the Morning  at Noon and 58 at Night. Ground hard crusted with frost this morning (no hoar frost)\u2014Ice the the \u215b of an Inch thick\u2014day clear\u2014Wind pretty fresh from the No. West in the Morning. My Seedsman (foolishly) renewed his Sowing of the Barley this Morning; the ground being too wet to plough or harrow it. He sowed all the Seed he had, & left 5 or 6 rod unfinished for want of Seed. Did not sow grass seed\u2014nor attempt to harrow the Barley in. Rid to the Fishing Landing\u2014No fish caught\u2014thence through the ferry Wheat field, to Muddy hole. Found the Roller had passed once over the grass Seed. Ordered it over a second time, crosswise. Found what is called the spice bush (a fragrant Aromatic shrub) in bloom. Perceived this to be the case on Monday also as I returned from Alexandria, & supposed it had been blown 2 or 3 days. It is a small greenish yellow flower growing round the twigs, & branches, and will look well in a shrubbery. The Sassafras not yet full out, nor the red bud. Dogwood blossom still inclosed in the button. After an early dinner, I went up in my Barge to Abingdon, in order to bring Mr. John Lewis (who had lain there sick for more than two months) down. Took my Instruments, with intent to Survey the Land I hold by purchase on 4 Mile run of Geo. & Jas. Mercer Esqrs. Called at Alexandria & staid an hour or two.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Friday 22d. Mercury at 50 in the morning\u201456 at Noon and 63 at Night. Took an early breakfast at Abingdon; & accompanied by Doctr. Stewart & Lund Washington, and having sent for Mr. Moses Ball (who attended); I went to a Corner of the above Land, within about 3 poles of the Run (4 Miles run) a white Oak, 18 Inches in diameter, on the side of a hill abt. 150 yards below the Ruins of an old Mill, & 100 below a small Branch which comes in on the No. Et. side and after having run one course & part of another, My Servant William (one of the Chain Carriers) fell, and broke the pan of his knee wch. put a stop to my Surveying; & with much difficulty I was able to get him to Abingdon, being obliged to get a sled to carry him on, as he could neither Walk, stand, or ride; At Mr. Adam\u2019s Mill I took Lund Washingtons horse & came home. After my return I had the grd. which was sowed yesterday Morning with Barley harrowed. Perceived the Service tree to be full in bloom. It bears a white flour in clusters but on single stems, and is a tolerable handsome tree in bloom. Sowed the remainder of the circle which (on acct. of wet) was left unfinished on the Seventh instant. Put both kind of the Holly Berries together mixing them well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 23rd. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 71 at Night. Wind fresh all day from the South West & weather clear and warm. Vegetation much quickened. Sowed all the Orchard grass Seed I had remaining of my first Stock on part of the ground which was sowed on thursday with Barley. Rolled it. Sent to Alexandria for another parcel which had just arrived for me from Philadelphia, and brought it home  Bushels. Sowed three Rows of the Holly Berries next the row of shell bark Hickory Nutt; leaving 2 feet space between the Nutts and the Berries, & 18 Inches betwn. the rows of Berries\u2014sticking a stake down at both ends of each row. Rid to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry, and all over my Wheat field there. Found the Wheat in general good\u2014in places greatly destroyed by the Winters frost, but some of it, by fibres wch. had retained a little footing in the ground, beginning to vegetate feebly. Whether it can recover so much as to produce Wheat remains to be tried. From here rid to my Plantation on Dogue run, & examined that Wheat, & perceived that it had sustained greater injury than that at the Ferry had done\u2014being in places entirely destroyed & the ground generally, not so well covered. No appearances of any of the Clover, or Orchard grass seed of the first sowing (now the 9th. day) coming up\u2014which affords cause to apprehend defect in them\u2014especially the first. The Sassafras buds had perfectly displayed but the numerous flowers within had not opened. The Dogwood buttons were just beginning to open as the Redwood (or bud) blossom for though they had appeared several days the blossoms had not expanded. The Peach Trees were now full in bloom and the apples, Pears, and Cherries pretty full of young leaf. Mr. John Lewis & his Brother Lawrence came down from Abingdon in my Barge before Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 25th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 72 at Night. Perfectly calm all the forenoon, & very little wind in the Afternoon. Clear & very warm\u2014all nature seemed alive. Cherries, Plumbs, Pears & Apples bloomed forth and the forest trees in general were displaying their foliage. Got the ground, on the North side of the gate\u2014between the outer ditch & the Sweet brier hedge in a proper state of preparation to receive grass seed; and for making a compleat experimt. of the Plaister of Paris as a manure. Accordingly, I divided it into equal sections; by a line from the Center of the old gate, between the New Garden Houses, stretched to the outer ditch at which they were 18\u00bd feet apart and 16 apart at the outer edge of the Holly berries by the Sweet brier hedge. Each of these Sections contained 655 square feet. On the 1st. that is the one next the road I sprinkled 5 pints of the Plaister in powder\u2014on the 2d. 4 pints\u2014on the 3d. 3 pints\u2014on the 4th. 2 pts. on the 5th. one pint and on the 6th. none. On the 7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. & 11th. 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1 pints again; and on the 12th. nothing and on the 13th. 14th. 15th. 16 & 17th.\u20145, 4, 3, 2 & 1 in the same manner as before. On these three grand divisions (as they may be called) I sowed Orchard Grass Seed. But before I did this, I harrowed the first grand division with a heavy Iron toothed harrow\u2014The 2d. grand\ndivision was gone over with a Bush harrow (without the Iron harrow)\u2014and the third grand division was only rolled without either of the above harrowings. The whole of this ground was, in quality, as nearly alike as ground cou\u2019d well be and this experiment, if the grass seed comes up well, will show first what quantity is most proper for an acre (the above being, as nearly as may be, in the proportion of 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Bushels to the acre) and secondly, whether burying the Powder of Paris deep (as a heavy harrow will do it)\u2014shallow\u2014or spreading it on the Surface only, is best. Adjoining to this, on a piece of grass ground, as nearly alike in quality as may be, I staked off 5 square rod side by side and on the 1st. Beginning at the fence I sprinkled 2 gills of the powdered Stone\u2014on the next 4 gills\u2014on the 3d. 6 gills\u2014on the 4th. 8 Gills and on the 5th. 10 gills\u2014which as nearly as may be is (also) at the rate of 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Bushels to the acre. On this piece of circular ground I sowed about 8 quarts of the orchard grass Seed which was Nothing like so clean as the first parcel I received. I also finished Sowing all the ground behind the Barn, and adjoining the Pine groves, with the Orchard grass Seed which took about  Pecks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 26th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201471 at Noon and 76 at Night. Quite calm, clear, and very warm all day. The ground on the South side of the Road (between the Ditches) being prepared I sprinkled the same quantity of Powdered stone on it\u2014sowed the same quantity of Seed (orchard Grass) on it and Managed it in all respects as I did that on the North side opposite yesterday\u2014beginng. with the greatest quantity of powdered Stone next the road, & decreasing it Southerly, as I did Northerly yesterday. The 2 circles took 1\u00bd Bushels of the Stone. The Barley and Pease were seen coming up\u2014the first very generally\u2014the latter just making its appearance. Doctr. Stuart came here to Breakfast, & returned after Dinner. Doctr. Griffith came to the latter, & stayed all night. The blossom of the Red bud was just beginning to display. The Dogwood blossom tho\u2019 out make no figure yet: being small and not very white. The flower of the Sassafras was fully out and looked well. An intermixture of this and red bud I conceive would look very pretty\u2014the latter crowned with the former or vice versa.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Wednesday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at noon and 78 at Night. Marked out a new place for my front gate & serpentine Post & rail fences from it to the Outer Ditch. Sowed in drills, 18 Inches a part, & 3 feet from the Holly berries in the inclosure by the Hop Patch 10 rows of the small berried thorn. Rid to Muddy hole. Upon my return, found General & Mrs. Moylan here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 28th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201475 at Noon and  at Night. Clear & warm\u2014Wind from the So. Wt. & in the Evening pretty fresh. To Dinner Mr. Pine a pretty eminent Portrait, & Historian\nPainter arrived in order to take my picture from the life & to place it in the Historical pieces he was about to draw. This Gentleman stands in good estimation as a Painter in England, comes recommended to me from Colo. Fairfax\u2014Mr. Morris Govr. Dickenson\u2014Mr. Hopkinson & others. Colo. Hooe, Mr. Hilbert, & a Captn.  also came here to Dinner & returned after it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 76 at Night. Dull day and not much wind; Weather not very warm. Leaving Genl. Moylan & Lady, and Mr. Pine at Mt. Vernon, I set off for the appointed meeting of the Dismal Swamp Company at Richmond. Dined at Dumfries, & lodged at My sister Lewis\u2019s (after visiting my Mother) in Fredericksburgh. Showers in the Afternoon to the Eastward of where I was.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 April 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 30th. Mercury (by Mrs. W\u2019s acct.) in the Morning at 68\u2014at Noon 69 and at Night 62. Wind Northerly all day, & towards Night cold. Dined at General Spotswoods, and lodged at Mr. Jno. Baylors (New Market).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0004", "content": "Title: April\u20141785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n[1.] Mercury at 50 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nWind variable\u2014from So. West to No. Wt.\u2014pretty fresh, and towards Evening more cool; then being at No. West.\nMr. Hanson went away after breakfast.\nGrafted 12 Duke, 12 May Duke and 12 black May heart\nCherries & 12 Burgamy Pears. The Cherries were chiefly on Stocks wch. had been taken up a considerable time, & the roots covered with Earth. These Cherries and pears are planted on the left of the Area leading from the Gate to the Green House in the following manner\u2014next the cross walk are the Duke Cherries\u2014then the May Duke\u2014then the black May Heart and lastly the Burgamy Pears. A Peg is driven between each sort\u2014the last being nearest the back Wall.\nAgain began to right my Trees & ram round them.\nRid to my Ferry and Muddy hole Plantations.\nSaturday 2d. Mercury at 50 in the Morning\u201446 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nWind at No. Et. & pretty fresh until the afternoon, when it got to the No. West & turned cold.\nAbout day breaking it began to Snow, & continued to do so until the ground was covered with it about an inch deep, after which there fell a mixture of Snow & rain till about ten oclock when it turned to constant rain the remainder of the day; accompanied by pretty sharp thunder.\nSunday 3d. Mercury at 38 in the Morning\u201442 at Noon and 44 at Night.\nWind very fresh all day from So. Wt. & West, and unpleasant.\nAfter Dinner Mr. George Lewis & his wife & Mr. Chas. Carter and his wife and Child came here having been detained on the Road by the Weather.\n   George Lewis (1757\u20131821) was a son of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. At the beginning of the Revolution, he had been captain of an independent troop of cavalry which acted as part of GW\u2019s personal bodyguard. In 1777 this troop was incorporated into the newly established 3d Continental Dragoons. Lewis was married during the Revolution to Catherine Daingerfield (1764\u20131820), daughter of Col. William and Mary Willis Daingerfield of Coventry, Spotsylvania County. They lived for a time near Berryville in what was then Frederick County, but by 1785 seem to have been living in Fredericksburg. In 1796 they moved to Marmion in King George County.\n   Charles Carter, Jr. (1765\u20131829), son of Edward and Sarah Champe Carter of Blenheim, was married in 1781 to GW\u2019s niece, Betty Lewis (1765\u20131830), daughter of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. The Carters lived for a time in Culpeper County, and Charles was often designated as \u201cof Culpeper.\u201d They later moved to Frederick County and then to Pittsylvania. At this time Betty and Charles Carter had two children.\nMonday 4th. Mercury at 40 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 46 at Night.\nWind fresh indeed hard at No. W. all day, with flying Clouds.\nGrafted Six of the May white heart Cherry growing in my walk and Six of the small cherry opposite, or transplanted stocks, which were placed by the Area in front of the Green Ho[use] left hand approaching it, and in a line with the young Mulberry Cuttgs.\u2014the first sort standing next the cross Walk, with a stake between them and the second sort. And my Gardener to shew his cunning, grafted ten Pairs from the Tree transplanted from the grass plat Feby. 9 (as will appear from this Diary) on Plumb Scions, & removed them to the Area above mentioned and along side the 12 Cherries wch. I grafted & planted as above.\nWent to Alexandria to attend the Funeral of Mrs. Ramsay who died (after a lingering illness) on Friday last and to present Colo. Hooe with Major Jenifer\u2019s order, & to obtain a draft, consequent thereof on New York towards payment of my debt to Governor Clinton\u2014but his indisposition prevented my doing business with him. Dined at Mr. Muirs & after the funerl. obsoques were ended returned home.\n   grafted . . . on plumb scions: No gardener today is \u201ccunning\u201d enough to make pears grow on plum stocks. GW does not say whether or not the grafts were successful.\n   Ann McCarty Ramsay, daughter of Denis and Sarah Ball McCarty, was the widow of William Ramsay, whose funeral GW attended 13 Feb. Mrs. Ramsay\u2019s son Dennis Ramsay wrote on 7 April 1785 to his absent brother Dr. William Ramsay, Jr., to say their mother had been buried \u201con Monday Evening attended by a very respectable number of the Inhabitants and Strangers in this place [Alexandria], the Revd Mr Griffith preached a Sermon on the unhappy event\u201d (DSI: Ramsay Papers).\n   debt to governor clinton: GW had been forced to borrow money from Gov. George Clinton of New York to make his purchase of the land from Adam, Dow & McIver (see entry for 3 Feb. 1785). For further information see George Clinton\u2019s bond with GW, 1 Dec. 1782, NjP; GW to Clinton, 18 Dec. 1782, GW to Robert Morris, 8 Jan. 1783, DLC:GW.\nTuesday 5th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning\u201450 at Noon and 53 at Night.\nWind very brisk all day from the No. West, & cool for the Season.\nMr. Carter and Mr. Geo. Lewis went to Abingdon after breakfast.\nWednesday 6th. Mercury at 47 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night.\nClear, calm & pleasant in the Morning. Wind afterward springing up from the Eastward, it began to lower and before Night had much the appearance of rain.\nSowed the semicircle North of the front gate with Holly berries sent me by my Brother John\u2014three drills of them\u2014the middle one of Berries which had been got about Christmas and put in Sand\u2014the other two of Berries which had been got earlier in the year, gently dried, & packed in Shavings.\nPlanted in a Nursery in my Vineyard 17 Live Oaks sent me by Colo. Parker of Norfolk 13 of one, and 7 of another kind of what I suppose to be the wild Honeysuckle, they being in different Bundles, and he having been written to for the wild Honey Suckle.\nSent my Shad Sein and Hands to the Ferry to commen\u27e8ce\u27e9 Fishing for Mssrs. Douglas & Smith who had engaged to take all the Shad & Herring I can catch in the Season\u2014the first at 15/. a hundred, and the other at 4/. a thousand.\nA Mr. Vidler, to whom I had written (an Undertaker at Annapolis) came here and opened the cases wch. contained my Marble chimney piece\u2014but for want of Workmen could not undertake to finish my New room.\nMr. Carter, & Mr. Geo. Lewis returned here this afternoon.\n   Lonicera periclymenum, wild honeysuckle. nursery in my vineyard: This was one of several experimental or nursery areas GW had on his Mount Vernon farms. The vineyard was behind the stables, south of the mansion house. douglas & smith: Smith & Douglass of Alexandria, also bought the shad and herring for the 1786 season, paying GW a slightly increased rate (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 225). The firm partnership was dissolved late in 1786 (Va. Journal, 26 Oct. 1786).\n   There was an Edward Vidler living in Annapolis in 1785 (Va. Journal, 25 Aug. 1785). an undertaker: a contractor or subcontractor.\n   my marble chimney piece: Samuel Vaughan, a London merchant in the colonial trade, had enthusiastically supported the colonies during the Revolution, and had immigrated with his family to Philadelphia in 1783. He was a great admirer of GW and wrote to him in 1784 offering to send a marble chimney piece for his New Room at Mount Vernon (8 April 1784, DLC:GW). The chimney piece, packed in ten cases, arrived in Alexandria in Feb. 1785 aboard Capt. W. Haskell\u2019s brig May. GW wrote Vaughan\u2019s son Benjamin that \u201cby the number of cases . . . I greatly fear it is too elegant & costly for my room, & republican stile of living\u201d (GW to Benjamin Vaughan, 5 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW; Va. Journal, 3 Feb. 1785).\n   new room: the large room at the north end of the mansion, now called the Banquet Hall, but always referred to by GW as the New Room. Construction on this room had been begun during the Revolution by Going Lanphier under Lund Washington\u2019s supervision (see main entry for 25 April 1774), but Lanphier had left before the interior of the room was\ncompleted. After his return to Mount Vernon GW was anxious to have work resumed on the unfinished structure.\nThursday 7th. Mercury at 48 in the Morng.\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nWind at East & fresh all day; Morning heavy, with great appearances of rain which began to fall about One clock moderately, but encreasing, it came on by Night to rain hard and in the Night much fell.\nThis day I had Assembled a number of Plows to prepare, if possible, the enclosure by my Barn. & the Pine groves for sowing my Grass Seeds; but I had not plowed one half of it before the Rain obliged me to desist.\nSowed the South Semicercle\u2014rather half of it, for the lower part was too wet, with Holly berries in the same manner I did the No. one with this difference, that the middle drill was sowed with the berries which had been dried & were packed in Shavings & the outr. drills of the othr. sort.\nColo. Willm. Fitzhugh of Maryland, & a Mr. Clare came here to Dinner; as did Nelly & Washn. Custis.\n   Col. William Fitzhugh (1721\u20131798) was the son of George Fitzhugh (died c.1722), of Stafford County. He represented Stafford in the House of Burgesses 1748\u201358. Shortly after his second marriage, to Ann Frisby Rousby of Maryland in 1752, Fitzhugh moved to Rousby Hall in Calvert County, Md. He was a member of the Maryland Council 1769\u201374 and commissary general of the state from 1773 until the Revolution. Fitzhugh served with GW\u2019s half brother Lawrence in the Cartagena campaign and his close friendship with GW dated back to the French and Indian War. Mr. Clare may have been a relative or a retainer of Fitzhugh\u2019s, for the colonel was infirm and blind at this time, and would have needed a traveling companion to care for him.\nFriday 8th. Mercury at 47 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nMorning clear, wind fresh from the No. West, which rather decreased wth. the Sun\u2019s altitude and in its decline, became nearly calm.\nThe ground being too wet to stir where it had been before plowed or worked, I was unable to touch that which I had been preparing for grass; and therefore began to hoe that wch. lyes between the New circular ditches, & the Wild rose hedges; on which I propose to make experiments of the quantity of the Plaister of Paris which is most proper to manure an acre of Land & to sow the same in grass seed.\nColo. Fitzhugh & Mr. Clair went away after breakfast. I rid to the Sein Landing at the Ferry.\nScattered 2\u00bd bushels of the Powdered plaister of Paris on little more than half of the circle in my Court yard\u2014next the Servants Hall (on the poor part of the ground); the Mould having been taken off that to raise the other side, which was the lowest.\n   wild rose hedges: Rosa eglanteria, sweetbrier or eglantine. The sweetbrier is not a wild rose in the sense of being a native species but can grow into a disheveled planting if not trimmed.\nSaturday 9th. Mercury at 47 this morning\u201452 at Noon and 50 at Night.\nMorning calm & clear. Abt. Nine Oclock the wind sprung up at No. West, with flying Clouds and abt. Noon shifted to the So. West, & looked showery; but only a few drops of rain fell.\nLaid of a piece of my Wheat field, containing 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] At Muddy hole, & part of the adjoining field, containing 4 A[cres] o R[ods] 8 P[erches] for Grass seeds. The first I propose to sow Orchard grass seed on, & to roll it in. The other having been spread pretty thick with Dung from the Farm yard, I set the Plows to breaking it up & to prepare it for the reception of the Seed.\nFrom hence I rid to my Dogue run Plantation and thence to the fishing Landing at the Ferry.\nMr. Geo. Lewis, his Wife and Sister (Mrs. Carter) went up to Abingdon to see their Brother Mr. John Lewis; & returned in the Evening. The two Miss Hansons crossed the river in order to return\u2014but their Carriage not having arrived\u2014came back again.\nContinued Hooeing the grd. between my Circles by the outer gate, as noted on friday.\n   Dactylis glomerata, orchard grass.\nSunday 10th. Mercury at 46 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nClear all day\u2014Morning calm; about 8 Oclock the Wind sprung up pretty fresh from the South West; which before ten got to No. West, & continued to blow hard.\nJust as we had dined the two Doctr. Jenifers and Mr. Willm. Craik came in. The eldest of the Jenifers after getting his Dinner went away, to visit Mr. Wagener.\n   eldest of the jenifers: Walter Hanson Jenifer.\nMonday 11th. Mercury at 52 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and the same at Night.\nClear all day, with appearances of dry settled weather.\nCalm in the Morning, but pretty brisk Southerly wind the remainder of the day.\nAs the ground had dryed a good deal I set the plows (tho\u2019 it was not in such order as I could wish) to work in the field they were driven from by the rain on Thursday last and the Hooes also in the piece adjoining.\nRid to Muddy hole & Neck Plantations.\nAfter breakfast Mr. Carter, Wife & Child\u2014Mr. Lewis & his wife, Mr. Craik & the youngest Doctr. Jenifer went away. Soon after which a Mr. Duchi a french Gentleman recommended by the Marquis de la Fayette to me, came in.\n   youngest doctr. jenifer: Dr. Daniel Jenifer, Jr. (1756\u2013c.1809).\n   Gaspard Joseph Amand Ducher was a Parisian lawyer who came to America to study the commercial laws of the states. In a shipwreck on the Long Island coast he lost a large part of his personal fortune and suffered badly from exposure (NUSSBAUMFrederick L. Nussbaum. Commercial Policy in the French Revolution: A Study of the Career of G. J. A. Ducher. 1923. Reprint. New York, 1970., 14). Lafayette\u2019s letter of introduction asked GW\u2019s advice and patronage for him (14 Sept. 1784, PEL). GW replied that there was nothing he could do to help Ducher, since he was a foreigner and spoke no English. Many states, he added, demanded a period of residence and study as a prerequisite to practice in the courts. His suggestion was that Ducher\u2019s friends procure him a consular post (GW to Lafayette, 12 April 1785, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.). On 1 Sept. 1785 Ducher was appointed vice-consul ad interim at Portsmouth, N.H., and in 1787 he was transferred to Wilmington, N.C. His extensive reports and writings were influential in forming French commercial policies, including the Navigation Act of 21 Sept. 1793 (NUSSBAUMFrederick L. Nussbaum. Commercial Policy in the French Revolution: A Study of the Career of G. J. A. Ducher. 1923. Reprint. New York, 1970., 14\u201317, 34\u201336; NASATIR AND MONELLAbraham P. Nasatir and Gary Elwyn Monell. French Consuls in the United States: A Calendar of their Correspondence in the Archives Nationales. Washington, D.C., 1967., 560).\nTuesday 12th. Mercury at 50 in the Morning, 58 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nClear all day; Wind until late in the afternoon, pretty fresh from No. West\u2014Sunset red with appearances of dry Weather.\nPlowing, rolling, and Harrowing my ground for grass seeds.\nSowed on the inner side of the Post & rail fences running from the Kitchen to the South Haw, ha! & from the Servts. Hall to the North Haw ha! three rows of Holly berries 6 Inches a part\u2014the middle one of the berries wch. were preserved in Shavings. The first row is 9 Inches from the outer edge of the Posts.\nMr. Duchi went away after breakfast.\nWednesday 13th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 61 at Night.\nWind variable. In the morning it was Eastwardly. About 10 Oclock it came from the Southward and after Noon fresh from the No. West. Clear all day.\nReceived from Colo. Henry Lee of Westmoreland 12 Horse Chesnut Trees (small) and an equal number of cuttings of the Tree Box. They appeared to have been sometime out of the ground being very dry. Planted 4 of the Chesnuts in my Serpentine Walks and 4 of the Box in my shrubberies\u2014two on each side\u2014the rest in the Vineyard.\nSowed the Guinea grass seed sent me by  in the ground I had been preparing in the Hop inclosure\u20144 Rows and a piece next the fence. At the beginning & end of each Row drove in a peg\u2014Rows 18 Inches a part.\nPlanted & Sowed in boxes placed in front of the Green House the following things\u2014Box No. 1 partition No. 1 Six buck eye nuts, brought with me from the Mouth of Cheat River; they were much dried & shrivelled\u2014but had been steeped 24 hours in water\u2014Same Box partn. No. 2, Six acorns, which I brought with me from the South Branch. These grew on a tree resembling the box Oak, but the cup which contained the Acorn, almost inclosed it; & was covered with a soft bur. Same Box partn. No. 3 Eight Nuts from a tree called the Kentucke Coffee tree; these had been steeped 48 hours. Box No. 2 partn. No. 1 Ten acrons sent me by Colo. Josiah Parker with the first live Oak Trees; and which I take to be the Acorn of that Tree. Same box, Partn. No. 2, Six Acrons from the same Gentleman wch. came in a Paper accompanying the second parcel of Trees, & a small Keg of Acorns\u2014which I also suppose to be those of the live Oak. Box No. 6 a Scarlet triangular berry the cover of which opens in 3 parts and looks well upon the Shrub. Box 7 Berry of a Shrub, brot. from the western waters with me. Box 8 a Seed brot. from the same place. Box 9 Seed of a cluster of red Berrys which looks pretty and if I recollect right grows on a Vine. Rid to Muddy hole Plantation and the fishing Landing at the Ferry between breakfast & Dinner.\n   Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee was now master of Stratford Hall, having married in 1782 Matilda Lee, elder daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee (1727\u20131775).\n   The horse chestnut tree is Aesculus hippocastanum.\n   Guinea grass, or Panicum maximum, is a coarse perennial, reaching ten feet in height. It does not endure frost and it is unlikely that GW suceeded in growing it. The species was brought from the coast of Guinea to Jamaica and at one time was second only to sugarcane as a Jamaican crop. It is now commonly grown in the South.\n   The common Ohio buckeye is Aesculus glabra; those planted by GW this day were nuts that he had brought from the Cheat River, an affluent of the Monongahela, in 1784. Botanist Charles S. Sargent once thought that this planting was A. octandra var. virginica, sweet buckeye, and called it the only tree known to have been discovered and first planted by GW. Sargent later decided that the trees in question could not be of that variety. Today no specimen of the Ohio buckeye is growing at Mount Vernon and the lone remaining specimen of A. octandra has been shown by trunk borings to have been growing no earlier than the 1840s.\n   box oak: Quercus stellata, post oak. Jefferson had not heard of this species in 1803 (BETTS [2]Edwin Morris Betts, ed. Thomas Jefferson\u2019s Garden Book, 1766\u20131824: With Relevant Extracts from His Other Writings. Philadelphia, 1944., 288).\n   His \u201cKentucke Coffee tree\u201d is still the Kentucky coffee tree, Gymnocladus dioica.\n   scarlett triangular berry: Euonymus americana, strawberry bush, the fruit or seed pods of which have a triangular appearance, and the seeds of which have a red skin.\nThursday 14th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u201450 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nWinds variable\u2014in the Morning Easterly\u2014then, Southerly\u2014then Calm. Afterwards pretty fresh at So. West\u2014Sometimes with appearances of rain\u2014but generally clear.\nSowed the ground at Muddy hole, which had been twice plowed\u2014once harrowed & gone over with the Hoes to break the clods.\nBegan to Sow the field at the House, but my Seedsman (Dolls Will) by sowing it much thicker than I intended, put 60 pints, or pounds of Clover Seed, on abt.  Acres of Ground. Leaving a space of about 6 feet, I sowed half a bushel of Orchard grass Seed & five pints (or lbs.) of clover Mixed, in a breadth through the Field.\nOn the ground at Muddy hole I sowed 40 lbs. of clover seed. It was in tolerable good tilth considering the Season, but ought to have been in better. The field at the House had been three times Plowed\u2014twice Rolled, & twice harrowed; upon the last of which the Seed was Sowed & was in better order than I ever expected to get it, from the unfavorable weather which we have had during the winter and Spring.\nSowed 5 rows and a small piece of the bird grass seed (sent me by Mr. Sprig of Annapolis) by the side of the Guinea grass, leaving 3 feet between the kinds; & the rows 18 Inches apart, as in the other.\nAt the end of the piece of a row of the Guinea grass & to the next stake I planted the everlasting Pea\u2014one at every Six Inches.\nAnd by the side of the bird grass but 3 feet from it, are planted two rows and a piece of the Acorn of the live Oak 6 Inches apart\nin the rows, & the rows 18 Inches asunder. The piece of a row I planted with the Spanish Nut.\nRid to Muddy hole Plantation with Miss Bassett.\n   dolls will: GW had several slaves named Doll and Will. This is probably the dower slave Will, who was made overseer of Muddy Hole farm later in the year (see entries for 19 Dec. 1785 and 18 Feb. 1786). He was probably the son of Doll, a dower slave at the River plantation.\n   bird grass: Poa trivialis, rough-stalked meadow grass.\n   mr. sprig of annapolis: Richard Sprigg of Strawberry Hill, near Annapolis. He also sent GW grass seed in 1786 and corresponded with him at various times concerning farm matters. Sprigg\u2019s home was famous for its gardens and orchards (GW to Richard Sprigg, 28 June 1786, DLC:GW).\n   everlasting pea: Lathyrus latifolius, perennial or everlasting pea. It is considered an ornamental today but GW may have been trying to develop it as a field crop, as it was recommended for large yields of hay and pasture grass.\n   spanish nut: Castanea sativa, Spanish or Eurasian chestnut; the foreign variety best known in GW\u2019s day, with a nut nearly as large as that of the horse chestnut (DOWNINGA. J. Downing. The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America; or, The Culture, Propagation, and Management, in the Garden and Orchard, of Fruit Trees Generally; with Descriptions of all the Finest Varieties of Fruit, Native and Foreign, Cultivated in this Country. New York, 1845., 262). GW had bad luck with this variety; at first the crop seemed promising but later the burs began to fall prematurely, as he advised Samuel Powel in a letter 23 Sept. 1788 (PHi: Gratz Collection).\nFriday 15th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nRid to my Muddy hole Plantation and thence to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry.\nSowed the 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] which I had laid of (on Saturday last) in my Wheat field at Muddy hole, with 3 Bushels of Orchard grass Seed, and 6 bushels of the Plaister of Paris, in powder; which I ordered to be rolled in.\nHarrowed with a bush, the clover seed which was sowed at that place yesterday and ordered it to be rolled also.\nLeaving a space of Six feet between the breadth which was sowed yesterday with Clover & orchard grass, I sowed 4\u00bd Pecks of the orchard grass Seed unmixed; & had the whole of both days sowing, harrowed with a brush harrow.\nNext the Planting of the acorns of the live Oak, I planted (two feet from them, & six Inches a part in the Row) a row of the Shellbark hickory Nutt, from New York.\nWinds variable to day & fresh, first from East with appearances of rain\u2014then from No. West until the Afternoon, then at East again & very raw and cold.\nMr. Delasier & Mr. Dulany; Doctr. Craik, his wife, & three Daughters came here to Dinner. The two first went away after it, & in the Evening Colo. Allison & Miss Harrison (Daughter of Judge Harrison) came here.\nThis day was very unfavorable for sowing my Seeds\u2014but the advanced Season, and fear of rain which might retard the operation I did not incline to Postpone it\u2014but to render the disadvantage as small as possible instead of Sowing up and down the Land I sowed all one way.\n   shell-bark hickory nutt: Carya ovata, shellbark hickory. mr. delasier: a member of the Delozier family of Maryland, possibly Daniel Delozier (d. 1813), who was deputy collector of customs at Baltimore c.1786\u201393. In 1793 he was appointed surveyor for the district of Baltimore and inspector of the revenue for the port of Baltimore (EXECUTIVE JOURNALJournal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America: From the commencement of the First, to the termination of the Nineteenth Congress. Vol. 1. Washington, D.C., 1828., 1:143; Delozier to GW, 8 Aug. 1793, DLC:GW).\n   The three daughters of Dr. James and Mariamne Ewell Craik were Sarah, who was married to Dr. Daniel Jenifer, and Mariamne and Nancy, still unmarried.\n   Col. Allison is probably Lt. Col. John Allison, an Alexandria merchant. He had served with a Virginia state regiment throughout most of the Revolution. Robert Hanson Harrison had two daughters, Sarah and Dorothy. Their mother Sarah was a daughter of George Johnston of Belvale.\nSaturday 16th. Mercury at 44 in the Morning\u201450 at Noon and 54 at Night.\nA great Hoar frost and Ice at least the \u215b of an Inch thick. What injury this may have done to the fruit & vegetation, will soon be seen. The Buds of every kind of tree & Shrub are swelling. The tender leaves of many had unfolded. The Apricot blossoms were putting forth. The Peaches, & Cherries were upon the point of doing the same. The leaves of the Apple tree were coming out. Those of the weeping willow & Lilac had been out many days, and were the first to show themselves. The Sasafras was ready to open. The red bud had begun to open but not to make any show. The Dogwood had swelled into buttons. The Service tree was showing its leaf and the Maple had been full in bloom ten days or a fortnight. Of this tree I observed great difference in the colour of the blossoms; some being of a deep scarlet, bordering upon Crimson\u2014others of a pale red, approaching yellow.\nRid to Muddy hole and discovered that the Wheat ground which had been sowed with Orchard grass Seed had received little or no benefit from the rolling it had obtaind being two hard & dry, & two much baked for the roller to make a proper impression. The Corn hills yielded but little to its weight, and the interstices scarcely being touched. It is to be feared therefore that the Seed (especially if rain shd. not come soon) will be all lost. The Clover field seems to be well broke by the Roller at the place.\nSowed one Bushel & three Pecks of the Albany, or field Pea in the inclosure behind the Garden, called the Vineyard. This ground had been Hooed in the winter\u2014lately plowed; cross plowed; & Harrowed and the Pease harrowed in.\nCross harrowed with a bush the field of Grass which had been Sowed the two preceeding days at the Home House and began to Roll it abt. 2 Oclock for the third time.\nPlanted some Filberts given me by my Sister Lewis, in the row in which the Everlasting Pea was planted on Thursday; and stuck a stake where they finished. These were planted Six Inches a part in the row. After Breakfast Doctr. Craik went up to Alexandria & returned in the Afternoon. Mrs. Charles Stuart, Nelly Stuart, & Betsey Custis came to Dinner & stayed all Night. After Dinner Colo. Allison and Miss Harrison returned to Alexa.\n   filberts: Corylus americana, hazelnut or filbert, which GW also calls cob nuts.\n   sister lewis: that is, his sister Betty Lewis.\n   mrs. charles stuart: In June 1780 Eleanor Custis Stuart\u2019s sister, Elizabeth Calvert, had married Dr. Charles Steuart of Annapolis.\nSunday 17th. Mercury at 48 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nWind fresh all day from the So. West but more moderate in the Afternoon.\nDoctr. Craik and his family went to Colo. McCartys after Breakfast and to Dinner came Mr. Chas. Steward & Mr. George Digges\u2014Doctr. Walter Jenifer and his wife Mr. Wilson Mr. Hunter & a Mr. Lymebarie\u2014all of Whom, with the two Mrs. Stuarts & Betcy Custis went away after dinner. Fanny Bassett went up with Mrs. Doctr. Stuart.\n   Mr. Wilson is probably William Wilson (died c.1823) of Alexandria. William and his brother James (1767\u20131805) emigrated from Scotland c.1777 and were partners in a Glasgow-based mercantile and shipping business, James Wilson & Sons (NORFLEET [1]Fillmore Norfleet. Saint-M\u00e9min in Virginia: Portraits and Biographies. Richmond, 1942., 222; Alexandria City Hustings Court Deed Book C, 215\u201319, Vi Microfilm). Wilson was involved in the settlement of the complicated Colvill estate which had burdened GW for so many years.\n   mr. lymebarie: Adam Lymburner (c.1745\u20131836), a Scottish merchant who had settled in Quebec in 1776. In 1791 he was appointed to the executive council of Lower Canada but never served. He was on a tour of the United States during the spring of 1785 (WRIGHTLouis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, eds. Quebec to Carolina in 1785\u20131786: Being the Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter, Jr., a Young Merchant of London. San Marino, Calif., 1943., 19\u201320, 50).\nMonday 18th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nWind Southerly with great appearances of rain until the afternoon\nwhen there was a red sky and clear horizon towards the sun setting.\nRid to Alexandria to the Election of Delegates for this County and dined at Colo. Fitzgeralds. Colo. Syme & Doctr. Steuart were chosen & for whom I gave my suffrages.\nHad the Roots, shrubs (which had been grubbed) & Tussics of broom Straw in the point of New ground below the field I had been sowing in clover & Orchard grass, next the Hop inclosure raked of & burnt. I then sowed it up to stakes which run a cross the ground at a double Chesnut Tree with Barley and Orchard grass Seed. On the East side I sprinkled two Bushels of the plaister of Paris (powdered) and harrowed it in along with the Barley\u2014after which the grass Seed was Sowed & harrowed with a Bush harrow. I intended to have sprinkled the same quantity of Plaister, on the West side, but Night coming on I could only get the Barley sowed & harrowed in with the Iron harrow, and the Grass seed with the Bush. The Plaister was postponed until the Morning. I intended this as an experiment (the ground being poor, & equal in quality)\u2014first to try the effect of the Plaister & next whether spreading it on the Surface, or burying it with the Seed was most efficatious. The slipe adjoining the Fence of the hop ground was also sowed in Barley & Orchard grass Seed this day. This had been well spread with Stable & farm Yard Dung upon the Hooeing it had received previous to the Plowings.\n   col. syme: Charles Simms (1755\u20131819), son of Alexander Simms of Cecil County, Md., was lieutenant colonel of the 6th Virginia Regiment during the Revolution. Shortly before the end of the war he moved from his home near Pittsburgh to Alexandria, where he practiced law. He served in the House of Delegates from West Augusta in 1776 and in 1785\u201386, 1792, and 1796 he served as delegate from Fairfax County. In later years Simms was collector of the port of Alexandria and mayor of the city. He was also at this time a member of the Potowmack Company.\nTuesday 19th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201455 at Noon and 50 at Night.\nWind at East all the forenoon and fresh, with constant rain. About Noon it got more to the Northward, and turned colder. Ceased raining for a while but began again after a small intermission, & continued until Night.\nTook the advantage of the intermission, & sprinkled the 2 Bushels of Plaister which was left undone last Night.\nWednesday 20th. Mercury at 44 this Morning. 44 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nMorning clear and tolerably pleasant; but before eight Oclock the Wind coming hard from the No. West it clouded\u2014grew cold and was very disagreeable, all day.\nNo working of ground but sent my Roller to Muddy hole to Roll the orchard grass Seed wch. had been sowed in the 2 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 22 P[erches] of Wheat, friday last, and which from the hardness of the Earth received no benefit from the former rolling.\nThursday 21st. Mercury at 40 in the Morning  at Noon and 58 at Night.\nGround hard crusted with frost this morning (no hoar frost)\u2014Ice the the \u215b of an Inch thick\u2014day clear\u2014Wind pretty fresh from the No. West in the Morning.\nMy Seedsman (foolishly) renewed his Sowing of the Barley this Morning; the ground being too wet to plough or harrow it. He sowed all the Seed he had, & left 5 or 6 rod unfinished for want of Seed. Did not sow grass seed\u2014nor attempt to harrow the Barley in.\nRid to the Fishing Landing\u2014No fish caught\u2014thence through the ferry Wheat field, to Muddy hole. Found the Roller had passed once over the grass Seed. Ordered it over a second time, crosswise.\nFound what is called the spice bush (a fragrant Aromatic shrub) in bloom. Perceived this to be the case on Monday also as I returned from Alexandria, & supposed it had been blown 2 or 3 days. It is a small greenish yellow flower growing round the twigs, & branches, and will look well in a shrubbery. The Sassafras not yet full out, nor the red bud. Dogwood blossom still inclosed in the button.\nAfter an early dinner, I went up in my Barge to Abingdon, in order to bring Mr. John Lewis (who had lain there sick for more than two months) down. Took my Instruments, with intent to Survey the Land I hold by purchase on 4 Mile run of Geo. & Jas. Mercer Esqrs.\nCalled at Alexandria & staid an hour or two.\n   spice bush: Benzoin aestivale, also known in the southern United States as Roman laurel.\n   The boundaries of the two patents on Four Mile Run had been in dispute since 1774 when GW wrote James Mercer that he intended to run the lines of the two tracts himself (26 Dec. 1774, WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 3:252\u201355). However, before he could do so, the war intervened (see STETSON [1]Charles W. Stetson. Four Mile Run Land Grants. Washington, D.C., 1935. for discussion of these disputed boundaries).\nFriday 22d. Mercury at 50 in the morning\u201456 at Noon and 63 at Night.\nTook an early breakfast at Abingdon; & accompanied by Doctr. Stewart & Lund Washington, and having sent for Mr. Moses Ball (who attended); I went to a Corner of the above Land, within about 3 poles of the Run (4 Miles run) a white Oak, 18 Inches in diameter, on the side of a hill abt. 150 yards below the Ruins of an old Mill, & 100 below a small Branch which comes in on the No. Et. side and after having run one course & part of another, My Servant William (one of the Chain Carriers) fell, and broke the pan of his knee wch. put a stop to my Surveying; & with much difficulty I was able to get him to Abingdon, being obliged to get a sled to carry him on, as he could neither Walk, stand, or ride; At Mr. Adam\u2019s Mill I took Lund Washingtons horse & came home. After my return I had the grd. which was sowed yesterday Morning with Barley harrowed.\nPerceived the Service tree to be full in bloom. It bears a white flour in clusters but on single stems, and is a tolerable handsome tree in bloom.\nSowed the remainder of the circle which (on acct. of wet) was left unfinished on the Seventh instant. Put both kind of the Holly Berries together mixing them well.\n   Moses Ball (1717\u20131792) received a grant from Lord Fairfax of 91 acres lying on the south side of Four Mile Run in Fairfax County near Alexandria, the land adjoining GW\u2019s on the west. He seems to have been one of the earliest patentees to clear land and live in the Four Mile Run area, and probably built a house there in 1755. GW undoubtedly requested Ball\u2019s presence as much because of his long familiarity with the area as for his personal interest in the boundaries; Ball had earlier made lengthy depositions during several boundary disputes over these and surrounding lands (see STETSON [1]Charles W. Stetson. Four Mile Run Land Grants. Washington, D.C., 1935.).\n   ruins of an old mill: probably on the land of Moses Ball.\n   my servant william: The accident to his servant put an end to the surveying of this land for another year (see entries for 4 and 5 May 1786). William (also called Billy or Will) Lee broke the other kneepan in 1788 and was a cripple for the rest of his life. GW greatly indulged Will in his later years because he was an old and faithful servant. \u201cThis is enough for the President to gratify him in any reasonable wish\u201d (Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 3 May 1789, DLC:GW). In his will, GW gave William his freedom but allowed him, if he preferred, to remain at Mount Vernon in his present situation. In either case, he was to have an annuity of $30 for the rest of his life.\n   mr. adam\u2019s mill: GW is probably referring to a mill at the ford over Four Mile Run, where the road from the ford over Hunting Creek passed on its way north to the ferry crossing at Georgetown. This mill is listed on a 1789\nmap as \u201cAdam\u2019s\u201d (COLLESChristopher Colles. A Survey of the Roads of the United States of America, 1789. Edited by Walter W. Ristow. Cambridge, Mass., 1961., 182), and in earlier years was called Chubb\u2019s Mill (STETSON [1]Charles W. Stetson. Four Mile Run Land Grants. Washington, D.C., 1935., 97\u201398). It was probably the mill operated by Robert Adam, the Alexandria merchant.\nSaturday 23rd. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 71 at Night.\nWind fresh all day from the South West & weather clear and warm. Vegetation much quickened.\nSowed all the Orchard grass Seed I had remaining of my first Stock on part of the ground which was sowed on thursday with Barley. Rolled it. Sent to Alexandria for another parcel which had just arrived for me from Philadelphia, and brought it home  Bushels.\nSowed three Rows of the Holly Berries next the row of shell bark Hickory Nutt; leaving 2 feet space between the Nutts and the Berries, & 18 Inches betwn. the rows of Berries\u2014sticking a stake down at both ends of each row.\nRid to the Fishing Landing at the Ferry, and all over my Wheat field there. Found the Wheat in general good\u2014in places greatly destroyed by the Winters frost, but some of it, by fibres wch. had retained a little footing in the ground, beginning to vegetate feebly. Whether it can recover so much as to produce Wheat remains to be tried. From here rid to my Plantation on Dogue run, & examined that Wheat, & perceived that it had sustained greater injury than that at the Ferry had done\u2014being in places entirely destroyed & the ground generally, not so well covered.\nNo appearances of any of the Clover, or Orchard grass seed of the first sowing (now the 9th. day) coming up\u2014which affords cause to apprehend defect in them\u2014especially the first.\nThe Sassafras buds had perfectly displayed but the numerous flowers within had not opened. The Dogwood buttons were just beginning to open as the Redwood (or bud) blossom for though they had appeared several days the blossoms had not expanded. The Peach Trees were now full in bloom and the apples, Pears, and Cherries pretty full of young leaf.\nMr. John Lewis & his Brother Lawrence came down from Abingdon in my Barge before Dinner.\n   parcel . . . from philadelphia: a parcel of grass seed sent by Clement Biddle (GW to Biddle, 16 May 1785, NNC), who had probably procured it from Elias Boudinot. In a letter of 31 Jan. 1785, GW thanked Boudinot for grass seed the latter had promised to send through Biddle but protested against Boudinot\u2019s depriving himself of the seed (owned by Adm. Lewis L. Strauss, Brandy Station, Va.).\n   John Lewis\u2019s illness (see entry of 12 Mar.) must have been severe, for he would remain at Mount Vernon recuperating for almost two more months before he returned home (see entry for 15 June 1785). Lawrence Lewis (1767\u20131839) was the son of Fielding Lewis and his second wife, Betty Washington Lewis. He was half brother to John Lewis.\nSunday 24th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 71 at Night.\nCalm and clear all day\u2014at least till the afternoon when there was a little breeze & variable.\nUpon a close examination I perceived the clover seed was coming up\u2014but could discover no appearance of the Orchard, Guinea, or Bird grass Seed rising.\nAn Express arrived with the Acct. of the Deaths of Mrs. Dandridge & Mr. B. Dandridge, the Mother and Brother of Mrs. Washington.\n   Mrs. Frances Jones Dandridge was Martha Washington\u2019s mother and Col. Bartholomew Dandridge her last surviving brother. Colonel Dandridge had charge of the tangled affairs of John Parke Custis\u2019s estate.\nMonday 25th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nPerfectly calm all the forenoon, & very little wind in the Afternoon. Clear & very warm\u2014all nature seemed alive. Cherries, Plumbs, Pears & Apples bloomed forth and the forest trees in general were displaying their foliage.\nGot the ground, on the North side of the gate\u2014between the outer ditch & the Sweet brier hedge in a proper state of preparation to receive grass seed; and for making a compleat experimt. of the Plaister of Paris as a manure. Accordingly, I divided it into equal sections; by a line from the Center of the old gate, between the New Garden Houses, stretched to the outer ditch at which they were 18\u00bd feet apart and 16 apart at the outer edge of the Holly berries by the Sweet brier hedge. Each of these Sections contained 655 square feet. On the 1st. that is the one next the road I sprinkled 5 pints of the Plaister in powder\u2014on the 2d. 4 pints\u2014on the 3d. 3 pints\u2014on the 4th. 2 pts. on the 5th. one pint and on the 6th. none. On the 7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. & 11th. 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1 pints again; and on the 12th. nothing and on the 13th. 14th. 15th. 16 & 17th.\u20145, 4, 3, 2 & 1 in the same manner as before. On these three grand divisions (as they may be called) I sowed Orchard Grass Seed. But before I did this, I harrowed the first grand division with a heavy Iron toothed harrow\u2014The 2d. grand\ndivision was gone over with a Bush harrow (without the Iron harrow)\u2014and the third grand division was only rolled without either of the above harrowings. The whole of this ground was, in quality, as nearly alike as ground cou\u2019d well be and this experiment, if the grass seed comes up well, will show first what quantity is most proper for an acre (the above being, as nearly as may be, in the proportion of 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Bushels to the acre) and secondly, whether burying the Powder of Paris deep (as a heavy harrow will do it)\u2014shallow\u2014or spreading it on the Surface only, is best.\nAdjoining to this, on a piece of grass ground, as nearly alike in quality as may be, I staked off 5 square rod side by side and on the 1st. Beginning at the fence I sprinkled 2 gills of the powdered Stone\u2014on the next 4 gills\u2014on the 3d. 6 gills\u2014on the 4th. 8 Gills and on the 5th. 10 gills\u2014which as nearly as may be is (also) at the rate of 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 Bushels to the acre. On this piece of circular ground I sowed about 8 quarts of the orchard grass Seed which was Nothing like so clean as the first parcel I received.\nI also finished Sowing all the ground behind the Barn, and adjoining the Pine groves, with the Orchard grass Seed which took about  Pecks.\nTuesday 26th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201471 at Noon and 76 at Night.\nQuite calm, clear, and very warm all day.\nThe ground on the South side of the Road (between the Ditches) being prepared I sprinkled the same quantity of Powdered stone on it\u2014sowed the same quantity of Seed (orchard Grass) on it and Managed it in all respects as I did that on the North side opposite yesterday\u2014beginng. with the greatest quantity of powdered Stone next the road, & decreasing it Southerly, as I did Northerly yesterday. The 2 circles took 1\u00bd Bushels of the Stone.\nThe Barley and Pease were seen coming up\u2014the first very generally\u2014the latter just making its appearance.\nDoctr. Stuart came here to Breakfast, & returned after Dinner. Doctr. Griffith came to the latter, & stayed all night.\nThe blossom of the Red bud was just beginning to display. The Dogwood blossom tho\u2019 out make no figure yet: being small and not very white. The flower of the Sassafras was fully out and looked well. An intermixture of this and red bud I conceive would look very pretty\u2014the latter crowned with the former or vice versa.\nWednesday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at noon and 78 at Night.\nMarked out a new place for my front gate & serpentine Post & rail fences from it to the Outer Ditch.\nSowed in drills, 18 Inches a part, & 3 feet from the Holly berries in the inclosure by the Hop Patch 10 rows of the small berried thorn.\nRid to Muddy hole. Upon my return, found General & Mrs. Moylan here.\n   Stephen Moylan (1737\u20131811), an Irish-born Philadelphia merchant, was appointed muster-master general of the Continental Army in Aug. 1775, secretary to GW in Mar. 1776, and quartermaster general in June 1776. From 1777 to 1783 Moylan served as colonel of the 4th Continental Dragoons. GW appointed him commissioner of loans for Pennsylvania in 1793. Moylan was married to Mary Ricketts Van Horn, of Phil\u2019s Hill, N.J.\nThursday 28th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201475 at Noon and  at Night.\nClear & warm\u2014Wind from the So. Wt. & in the Evening pretty fresh.\nTo Dinner Mr. Pine a pretty eminent Portrait, & Historian\nPainter arrived in order to take my picture from the life & to place it in the Historical pieces he was about to draw. This Gentleman stands in good estimation as a Painter in England, comes recommended to me from Colo. Fairfax\u2014Mr. Morris Govr. Dickenson\u2014Mr. Hopkinson & others. Colo. Hooe, Mr. Hilbert, & a Captn.  also came here to Dinner & returned after it.\n   Robert Edge Pine (1730\u20131788), an English portrait painter well known for his historical works, was in the United States to complete a series of paintings of the Revolution. During his stay at Mount Vernon, Pine also painted portraits of Martha Washington, her four grandchildren, and her niece Fanny Bassett. George William Fairfax\u2019s letter of introduction was dated 23 Aug. 1784 (DLC:GW). Robert Morris\u2019s letter, dated 15 April 1785, informed GW that Pine wanted to take Martha Washington\u2019s portrait, as well as GW\u2019s (DLC:GW). John Dickinson of Pennsylvania had moved to Delaware during the Revolution, where he became president of the executive council in 1781. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania where he was elected president of the executive council. Francis Hopkinson (1737\u20131791) of New Jersey had been an active pamphleteer during the Revolution. A member of the Continental Congress in 1776, he was chairman of the Continental Navy Board 1776\u201378, treasurer of loans 1778\u201381, and judge of the admiralty court in Pennsylvania 1779\u201389.\n   mr. hibert: probably Mr. Huiberts, of the firm of Leertouwer, Huyman &\nHuiberts of Alexandria. The firm had a store for a short time in Hooe & Harrison\u2019s house on Water Street, where it sold goods from Holland (Va. Journal, 29 April 1784 and 26 May 1785).\nFriday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 76 at Night.\nDull day and not much wind; Weather not very warm.\nLeaving Genl. Moylan & Lady, and Mr. Pine at Mt. Vernon, I set off for the appointed meeting of the Dismal Swamp Company at Richmond. Dined at Dumfries, & lodged at My sister Lewis\u2019s (after visiting my Mother) in Fredericksburgh.\nShowers in the Afternoon to the Eastward of where I was.\n   The affairs of the Dismal Swamp Company were in abeyance during the years of the Revolution. GW wrote Hugh Williamson of North Carolina on 31 Mar. 1784 that he was \u201cunaquainted with the opinions, & know as little of the Affairs & present management of the Swamp Company, in Virginia, (tho\u2019 a Member of it) as you do, perhaps less, as I have received nothing from thence nor have heard any thing of my interest therein, for more than nine years\u201d (DLC:GW). On 10 April 1785 GW wrote Dr. Thomas Walker: \u201cI have requested a meeting of the Proprietors of the Dismal Swamp in Richmond on Monday the 2d. day of May next, at which time and place I should be glad to see you as it is indispensably necessary to put the affairs of the Company under some better management. I hope every member will bring with him such papers as he is possessed of respecting this business\u201d (WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 28:127; see also BROWN [3]Alexander Crosby Brown. The Dismal Swamp Canal. Chesapeake, Va., 1970.; NORFLEET [2]Fillmore Norfleet. Suffolk in Virginia, c.1795\u20131840: A Record of Lots, Lives, and Likenesses. Richmond, 1974., 114\u201317; PARKERJohn C. Parker. The Dismal Swamp: Memoranda Concerning Its History and Ownership from 1763 to 1962. Franklin, Va., 1962., 1\u20132, 8\u201311).\nSaturday 30th. Mercury (by Mrs. W\u2019s acct.) in the Morning at 68\u2014at Noon 69 and at Night 62.\nWind Northerly all day, & towards Night cold.\nDined at General Spotswoods, and lodged at Mr. Jno. Baylors (New Market).\n   Alexander Spotswood (1751\u20131818), son of John and Mary Dandridge Spotswood and grandson of the governor, lived at New Post, his home on the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County. He was married to Elizabeth Washington (1750\u20131814), eldest daughter of GW\u2019s half brother Augustine. Spotswood served in the 2d Virginia Regiment from Feb. 1776 until his resignation with the rank of colonel in Oct. 1777. In Mar. 1781 the Virginia legislature appointed him brigadier general and empowered him to raise two legions for the defense of the state. Spotswood shared GW\u2019s interest in scientific agriculture, and the two men often exchanged letters on this subject.\n   John Baylor (1750\u20131808), the brother of GW\u2019s former aide-de-camp George Baylor, lived at Newmarket, his farm in Caroline County. George Baylor had died in Barbados in Nov. 1784 as the result of old war wounds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday\u2014First. Mercury 51 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 60 at Night. Day cool, Wind at No. West & clear all the forenoon, with flying clouds afterwards. Took a late breakfast at Hanover C[our]t House. Went from thence to Mr. Peter Lyon\u2019s where I intended to dine, but neither he nor Mrs. Lyon being at home, I proceeded to, & arrived at Richmond about 5 oclock in the afternn. Supped & lodged at the Governor\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday\u20142d. Mercury at 54 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 56 at Night. Received and accepted an invitation to dine with the Sons of Saint Taminy, at Mr. Andersons Tavern, and accordingly did so at 3 Oclock. About Noon, having Assembled a sufficient number of the Proprietors of the Swamp, we proceeded to business in the Senate Chamber; & continued thereon till dinner, when we adjourned till nine Oclock next day. Raw & cold Easterly Wind the whole day. Towards evening it turned very cloudy & very like Rain & became quite cold.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 4th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning 59 at Noon and 64 at Night. Raining until 7 O\u2019clock, when the wind getting to the Westward, the Clouds broke, & the weather cleared & was tolerably pleast. After doing a little business, & calling upon Judge Mercer and the Attorney General, I left Richmond about 11 Oclock. Dined at one Winslow\u2019s abt. 8 Miles from the City, & lodged at Clarkes Tavern 10 Miles above Hanover Court House.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 5th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and the same at Night. Wind Southerly in the forenoon & clear, but Showery afterwards where I was, between Fredericksburgh & Dumfries. Breakfasted at the Bowling Green. Dined with my Sister Lewis in Fredericksburgh. Spent half an hour with my Mother and lodged at Stafford C[our]t House (at one Taylors Tavern).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 6th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 64 at Night. Dark foggy Morning, with little wind, but great appearances of rain all the forenoon\u2014after noon clear & pleasant. Breakfasted at Dumfries, & dined at home; where I found Mrs. Moylan (Genl. Moylan having gone on some business towards Fredericksburgh) Mr. Pine, Mr. Jno. Lewis & his Brother Lawrence\u2014all of whom I had left at Mt. Vernon\u2014and where I found everybody and thing well except little Washington Custis who had had two or three fits of the Ague & fever.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 11th. Mercury at 57 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 59 at Night. Raining more or less all day moderately. Wind at No. Et. & pretty fresh.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 12th. Mercury at 59 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 68 at Night. Foggy Morning\u2014Wind at So. Wt. About noon the Clouds dispersed and afterwards became clear, warm, & pleasant. Added some more Filberts to those planted on the 16th. of last Mo[nth] in the 5th. row of the Guinea grass seeds, below the Everlasting Pease and at the end of these, & below the 3d. Stake, I planted some Cobb Nuts (given me by my Sister Lewis) at the distance of Six Inches a part. Yesterday (tho\u2019 it escaped Notice at the time) I sowed in drills (three) on the South side the gate, adjoining the Orchard grass Seeds and upon the bank of the old ditch which I had levelled a few Seeds of a grass given me by Colo. Archibald Cary\u2014who had it from Colo. Wm. Peachy who speaks of it in high terms. This I did just before the rain set in.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 13th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201467 at Noon and 68 at Night. Growing Weather\u2014day clear and pleasant. Wind fresh from the Southward.  Began to set my turned Posts in the Circle in the C[our]t yard. The Guilder roses in my Garden had just got into bloom\u2014but as the Trees had been transplanted this spring I presume they were backened by it, for I observed some in the Gardens at Fredericksburgh (but these were in a sandy Soil) as forward eight days ago as mine are now. Saturday 14th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201469 at Noon and 68 at Night. Rid to My Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run, & Muddy hole. Found the Wheat had grown a good deal since the last rain & warm weather. The wood honey suckle wch. has been in bloom about 8 days is an agreeable looking flower and deserves a place in my Shrubberies. My Nephew, George Augustine Washington arrived here from Charles Town after having been to Burmuda & the West Indies in pursuit of health which he had but imperfectly recovered.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 15th. Mercury at 59 in the morning\u201463 at Noon and 65 at Night. General Cadwallader came here yesterday. Today Colo. Fitzgerald\u2014Mr. Murray,\u2014Mr. Porter\u2014Mr. Munser Mr. Darby & the Revd. Mr. Prince came here to dinner, & went away after it. In the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart Mrs. Stuart & Miss Stuart came and stayed all Night. Wind at So. East all day, with some appearances of Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 16th. Mercury at 63 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon, and 68 at Night. General Moylan, Mrs. Moylan, Doctr. Stuart, Wife & Sister, went away after Breakfast.  Mr. Mazzai came here to breakfast and went away afterwds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 17th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night. General Cadwallader went away after Breakfast, and I went to Alexandria to the appointed meeting of the Subscribers to the Potomack Navigation. Upon comparing, & examining the Books of the different Managers, it was found, including the Subscriptions in behalf of the two States, & the 50 Shares which the Assembly of Virginia had directed to be Subscribed for me, (& which I then declared I would only hold in trust for the State) that their were 403 Shares Subscribed, which being more than sufficient to constitute the Company under the Act\u2014the Subscribers proceeded to the choice of a President & 4 Directors; the first of which fell upon me. The votes for the other four fell upon Governors Johnson & Lee of Maryland and Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin of this State. Dined at Lomaxs and returned in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 18th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 72 at Night. Wind Southerly in the forenoon and Westerly afterwards. The forepart of the day was very warm. In the Evening it turned much Cooler. Finished Planting Corn at Muddy hole. Rid to Alexandria to enter myself security for Doctr. Stuarts administration of Mr. Custis\u2019s Estate. At the same time exchanged Deeds in Court with Mr. Willm. Triplett for the Lands we had swapped. The Locust blossom is beginning to display.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 19th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning\u201463 at Noon and 66 at Night. Mr. Pine left this (on his return to Philadelphia) in my Phaeton, which was to carry him to Annapolis. Sent My Overseer & Barge to Popes Creek for the Baggage of Geo. Auge. Washington, and such Articles as he had brot. from the West Indies & South Carolina for my use\u2014as also some Wild Geese which Mr. Wm. Washington had procured for me. Wind at East all the day; until towards Sun down, when it turned quite calm. The forenoon was a little dripping but not much rain fell.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 20th. Mercury at 61 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 72 at Night. Brisk Southerly Wind until Noon when it became calm till the Evening\u2014then the Wind sprung up again from the same point. Day warm and clear. Rid to my Mill, and to Morris\u2019s. Planted in boxes No. 10 & 11 in the garden, adjoining to the other boxes 48 seeds of the Mahogany tree brot. by Mr. G. A. Washington from the West Indies. A Mr. Noah Webster came here in the Afternoon & stayed all Night. As did one Richd. Boulton a House joiner and Undertaker recommended to me by Colo. Wm. Fitzhugh of Maryld.  Upon enquiry, found that my overseer at the ferry had begun to plant Corn on the 12th. and Morris at Dogue run on the 18th.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 22d. Mercury at 66 in the Morning 68 at Noon and 64 at Night. Wind Easterly all day, and at times fresh. About 9 \u2019Oclock it began to rain & continued to do so, more or less all day. In the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart & Mrs. Stuart arrived here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 23d. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night. Calm, cloudy, & warm all day; at times, when the sun came out it was hot. Veg[it]ation rapid by the warmth & moisture of the weather. Set out the Palmeto Royal in my garden\u2014in number  Plants and put the box in which the Magnolio, live oak & Sower Oranges were in the Area in front of the Green House. Doctr. Stuart went away after Dinner. Mrs. Stuart & the Girls remained.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 24th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night. Much rain fell in the Night (& continued Showery at intervals all day) with thundr. & Lightng. Wind very high in the Morning, and at times through the day from the Southward. Bought 15, 114 feet of Inch Pine Plank a 10/. pr. Ct.  Laid a Margin of grass between the pavement, & the Post & rail fence from the Servants Hall, to the cross fence. Doctr. Brown came here on a Visit to Richmond (a boy) who had hurt his Shoulder. Dined and returned afterwards.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 25th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201467 at Noon and 70 at Night. Wind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Clear, and pleasant\u2014very conducive to Vegetation. The blossom of the transplanted fringe tree was beginning to display. The locust blossom full out. Expected General Roberdeau and some Methodist Clergymen to dinner but they did not come. Had Peas for the [first] time in the season at Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 28th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201458 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind at No. West all day, & pretty fresh scattered Clouds and disagreeably cool.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 29th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 64 at Night. But little wind all day and much pleasanter than it had been for several days\u2014being also clear. The Honble. Mr. Sitgreave a Delegate to Congress from the State of North Carolina, Mr. Tillotson & Mr. Edward Livingston came to Dinner and stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 30th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 69 at Night. But little Wind, and that Southwardly\u2014warm\u2014& pretty clear. The Gentlemen who came here to Dinner yesterday went away after Breakfast. I went to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Co. Dined at Colo. Fitzgerald and returned in the Evening\u2014after\nthe Directors had agreed to meet at Mount Vernon tomorrow at 10 Oclock. The flower of the Ivy is just getting pretty fully into Bloom & the trees which I transplanted from the Blind Pocoson & to which I could find no name were putting forth their blossoms\u2014white, in small Clusters.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 May 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 31st. Mercury at 66 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night. Govrs. Lee & Johnson, Colo. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin came here according to appointment. Fanny Bassett returned. Raining more or less all day\u2014in the Evening & Night much fell.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0005", "content": "Title: May [1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday\u2014First. Mercury 51 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nDay cool, Wind at No. West & clear all the forenoon, with flying clouds afterwards.\nTook a late breakfast at Hanover C[our]t House. Went from thence to Mr. Peter Lyon\u2019s where I intended to dine, but neither he nor Mrs. Lyon being at home, I proceeded to, & arrived at Richmond about 5 oclock in the afternn.\nSupped & lodged at the Governor\u2019s.\n   Peter Lyons (1735\u20131809) was an Irish-born Virginia lawyer. In 1763 he was attorney for Rev. James Maury in the \u201cParson\u2019s Cause.\u201d In 1779 Lyons was made judge of the General Court; in 1789 he became a member of the Virginia Court of Appeals and in 1803 became its president (LYONS\u201cJudge Peter Lyons\u2019 Letters to His Granddaughter.\u201d Tyler\u2019s Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine 8 (1926\u201327): 184\u201394., 184\u201385). Lyons\u2019s second wife, whom he married in 1773, was Judith Bassett of Williamsburg, an aunt of Mrs. Washington\u2019s niece, Fanny Bassett (Va. Gaz., P&D, 30 Dec. 1773; MASON [1]Frances Norton Mason, ed. John Norton & Sons, Merchants of London and Virginia, Being the Papers from Their Counting House for the Years 1750 to 1795. 1937. Reprint. New York, 1968., 295).\n   Patrick Henry (1736\u20131799) served his fourth and fifth terms as governor of Virginia from Nov. 1784 to Nov. 1786. The governor\u2019s residence in Richmond impressed a visitor in 1782 as being \u201cvery plain but spacious,\u201d and was later described as \u201ca very plain wooden building of two stories, with only two moderate sized rooms on the first floor\u201d (CHASTELLUXMarquis de Chastellux. Travels in North America in the Years 1780, 1781 and 1782. Translated and edited by Howard C. Rice, Jr. 2 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1963., 2:428; MORDECAISamuel Mordecai. Virginia, Especially Richmond, in By-Gone Days; with a Glance at the Present: Being Reminiscences and Last Words of an Old Citizen. 2d ed. Richmond, 1860., 73; see DUMBAULDEdward Dumbauld. Thomas Jefferson, American Tourist: Being an Account of His Journeys in the United States of America, England, France, Italy, the Low Countries, and Germany. Norman, Okla., 1946., 220\u201327). Governor Henry also kept a farm, Salisbury, in Chesterfield County about 12 miles west of the capital, to which his family often retired during the summer (MEADE [3]Robert Douthat Meade. Patrick Henry. 2 vols. Philadelphia and New York, 1957-69., 302, 507).\nMonday\u20142d. Mercury at 54 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 56 at Night. Received and accepted an invitation to dine with the Sons of Saint Taminy, at Mr. Andersons Tavern, and accordingly did so at 3 Oclock.\nAbout Noon, having Assembled a sufficient number of the Proprietors of the Swamp, we proceeded to business in the Senate Chamber; & continued thereon till dinner, when we adjourned till nine Oclock next day.\nRaw & cold Easterly Wind the whole day. Towards evening it turned very cloudy & very like Rain & became quite cold.\n   The Sons of St. Tammany, a democratic society opposing aristocracy and privilege, was named for a seventeenth-century Delaware chief supposed to have befriended the whites. The first society was formed in 1772 in Philadelphia, as the Sons of King Tammany, a Loyalist group, but shortly afterwards, as political attitudes changed, the name was changed to the Sons of St. Tammany. After the Revolution, the number of societies in various cities greatly increased. The first of May was normally the day celebrated in St.\nTammany\u2019s honor, but in 1785 the first of May fell on Sunday, thus postponing the celebration by a day.\n   Anderson\u2019s tavern was commonly used for civic meetings until it burned in 1787. It may have been opened by Robert Anderson (d. 1784), who operated a tavern in Williamsburg in the 1770s (MARSHALL [2]Herbert A. Johnson et al., eds. The Papers of John Marshall. 12 vols. Chapel Hill, N.C., 1974\u20132006., 1:140; GIBBSPatricia Ann Gibbs. \u201cTaverns in Tidewater Virginia, 1700\u20131774.\u201d Master\u2019s thesis, College of William and Mary, 1968., 145\u201347).\n   proceeded to business: At this meeting of the proprietors of the Dismal Swamp Company, there was a discussion of proposals for procuring a large number of laborers from Holland or Germany and for obtaining a large foreign loan to aid in the work of draining the swamp (GW to Jean de Neufville, 8 Sept. 1785, GW to John Page, 3 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW; NORFLEET [2]Fillmore Norfleet. Suffolk in Virginia, c.1795\u20131840: A Record of Lots, Lives, and Likenesses. Richmond, 1974., 115; see also editorial note for 15 Oct. 1763).\nTuesday 3d. Mercury 54 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nRaining more or less all day, with the wind fresh at East.\nMet according to adjournment & finished the business by 3 oclock. Dined at the Governors.\nWednesday 4th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning 59 at Noon and 64 at Night.\nRaining until 7 O\u2019clock, when the wind getting to the Westward, the Clouds broke, & the weather cleared & was tolerably pleast.\nAfter doing a little business, & calling upon Judge Mercer and the Attorney General, I left Richmond about 11 Oclock. Dined at one Winslow\u2019s abt. 8 Miles from the City, & lodged at Clarkes Tavern 10 Miles above Hanover Court House.\n   judge mercer: James Mercer of Fredericksburg was a judge of the General Court 1779\u201389. He later served on the Virginia Court of Appeals from 1789 until his death in 1793.\n   Winslow\u2019s was located near the Henrico-Hanover County line. This tavern, recorded by GW in his accounts as \u201cWinsters\u201d (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 203), may have been the \u201cWinstons\u2019 Ordinary\u201d that was in existence in that area in 1751 (VSPWilliam P. Palmer et al., eds. Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts. 11 vols. Richmond, 1875\u201393., 1:244). clarkes: The tavern located ten miles up the stage road from Hanover Court House was owned during the Revolution by James Head Lynch, of Caroline County, and appears in a 1789 map as the tavern of \u201cHead Lynch.\u201d Clarke may have been the tavern keeper in 1785 (CAMPBELL [1]Thomas Elliott Campbell. Colonial Caroline: A History of Caroline County, Virginia. Richmond, 1954., 413; COLLESChristopher Colles. A Survey of the Roads of the United States of America, 1789. Edited by Walter W. Ristow. Cambridge, Mass., 1961., 189; and see 25 April 1786).\nThursday 5th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and the same at Night.\nWind Southerly in the forenoon & clear, but Showery afterwards where I was, between Fredericksburgh & Dumfries.\nBreakfasted at the Bowling Green. Dined with my Sister Lewis in Fredericksburgh. Spent half an hour with my Mother and lodged at Stafford C[our]t House (at one Taylors Tavern).\nFriday 6th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 64 at Night. Dark foggy Morning, with little wind, but great appearances of rain all the forenoon\u2014after noon clear & pleasant.\nBreakfasted at Dumfries, & dined at home; where I found Mrs. Moylan (Genl. Moylan having gone on some business towards Fredericksburgh) Mr. Pine, Mr. Jno. Lewis & his Brother Lawrence\u2014all of whom I had left at Mt. Vernon\u2014and where I found everybody and thing well except little Washington Custis who had had two or three fits of the Ague & fever.\nSaturday 7th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nDay clear, and tolerably pleasant till the Afternoon, when it turned cold. The Wind being at No. W. all day.\nUpon enquiry, found that William Skilling, a hired man has done no work in my absence; nor since the 21st. Ulto.; occasined by a fever, and violent Cough wch. there is reason to apprehend may prove fatal to him.\n   Most of my transplanted trees have a sickly look. The small Pines in the Wildernesses are entirely dead. The larger ones in the walks, for the most part, appear to be alive (as yet). Almost the whole of the Holly are dead. Many of the Ivy, wch. before looked healthy & well seem to be declining. Few of the Crab Tree had put forth leaves. Not a single Ash tree has unfolded its buds whether owing to the trees decline, or any other cause, I know not; as those in their native places are all in leaf (tho\u2019 late putting out) and some of all the other kinds have displayed their leaves, it is somewhat singular that not one of these should yet have discovered signs of life. The lime trees, which had some appearance of Budding when I went away, are now withering and the Horsechesnut & Tree box from Colo. Harry Lee\u2019s discover little signs of shooting. The Hemlock is almost entirely dead, & bereft of their leaves and so are the live Oak. In short half the Trees in the Shrubberies, & many in the Walks, are dead & declin[in]g.\nThe Barley & Pease seem to have come on well\u2014but the clover has not advanced much. The first Sowed Orchard grass Seeds are making their appearance but none of the Second are yet to be seen. Nor can I discover anything yet of the Guinea, or bird grass seeds coming up; or any of the Acorns or Nutts which were planted by the side of them any more than I can of those things which were put in boxes\u2014the seeds of the Crab apple are up and the woodbine (or Honey suckle) which I cut & set out, appears to be about half alive.\nI cannot discover that the grass ground on which the Powdered plaister of Paris was strewed, in different quantities, is benefitted in the smallest degree by it\u2014nor the circle in the Court yard.\n   William Skilling, a laborer, worked for GW as early as 1767 (General Ledger AGeneral Ledger A, 1750\u20131772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 249). Articles of agreement on 25 Feb. 1775 between Skilling and GW provided for Skilling to take GW\u2019s servants and Negroes to his Ohio lands, there to work with them on whatever was necessary (DLC:GW). There is no further word of Skilling until 1784, when GW offered him \u00a330 per year and two pairs of shoes to work again at Mount Vernon. \u201cIt may be to ditch, to Garden, to level & remove Earth, to work alone, or with several others, & in the last case, to keep them closely employ\u2019d as well as yourself\u201d (GW to Skilling, 22 July 1784, DLC:GW). Skilling replied that he would come in mid-November if his health permitted (28 July 1784, DLC:GW). The last entry in GW\u2019s\nledger for Skilling is for 17 July 1785, when GW paid \u201cNegro Moll on Accot. of Willm. Skilling\u201d \u00a31 10s. (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 203). Skilling died in 1785 or 1786 (GW to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 3 Aug. 1788, DLC:GW).\nSunday 8th. Mercury at 56 in the Morning\u201461 at Noon and  at Night.\nCool all day; Wind at No. West with flying Clouds.\nMonday 9th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nClear & warm\u2014But little Wind & that Southerly.\nRid to my Muddy hole & Dogue run Plantations and from the latter to the fishing Landing at the Ferry.\nPerceived the Orchard grass seeds which had been sown on the Wheat at Muddy hole were coming up tolerably well\u2014but could not discover that the Wheat had derived any benefit from the Plaister of Paris which had been sprinkled thereon\u2014or from the rolling.\nMathew Baldridge who had been engaged for me by Mr. John Rumney, as a Joiner, and sent over in his Brig the Caesar, Captn. Atkinson, and who arrived here yesterday, set in to work today.\nThe blossom of the Crab tree is unfolding, & shedding its fragrant perfume. That of the black Haw, had been out some days; and is an ornamental flower being in large clusters, tho\u2019 individually small upon single foot stems. They are white with a yellowish cast. The flower of the small berry thorn is also good looking\u2014the tree being full of blossoms, which is not much unlike the blossom of the apple tree, but quite white.\n   On 3 July 1784 GW wrote John Rumney, Jr., who was going to England, to say that he, \u201cbeing in want of a House Joiner & Bricklayer . . . would thank Mr. Rumney for enquiring into the terms upon which such workmen could be engaged for two or three years . . . Bed, board & tools to be found by the Employer, cloaths by the Employed.\u201d GW added that \u201crather than encounter delay [he] would be obliged to Mr. Rumney for entering into proper articles of agreement on his [GW\u2019s] behalf with them, & for sending them out by the Vessel to this port\u201d (DLC:GW). The articles of agreement with Mathew Baldridge, a joiner, were signed for three years (bill from Peter How Younger, 8 Jan. 1785, DLC:GW). GW paid Baldridge \u00a325 sterling for the first two years and \u00a331 10s. for the third year (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 249). He seems to have left Mount Vernon after this three-year period.\n   John Rumney, Jr. (1746\u20131808), was a partner in the English mercantile firm of Robinson, Sanderson & Rumney, which had a store in Alexandria in the 1780s and early 1790s. In addition to his request for a joiner and a bricklayer, GW asked Rumney to make inquiries regarding flagstones for the piazza at Mount Vernon (GW to Rumney, 3 July 1784, DLC:GW). Rumney\u2019s search for a bricklayer was unsuccessful, but he did contract for the\nflagstones to be delivered to GW. Later, Rumney moved to Geneva, N.Y., where he lived until his death (BROCKETTF. L. Brockett. The Lodge of Washington. A History of the Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. 22, A.F. and A.M. of Alexandria, Va., 1783-1876. Alexandria, Va., 1876., 107\u20138). Rumney may have been a brother of Dr. William Rumney.\n   The brig Cesar, Capt. J. Atkinson, had stopped at the Mount Vernon wharf on its way to Alexandria, where it arrived by 12 May. The brig brought European goods for sale by Robinson, Sanderson & Rumney (Va. Journal, 12 May, 26 May 1785).\nTuesday 10th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind pretty fresh all day from So. East\u2014raw, cold, & not much unlike rain.\nQuitted fishing at the ferry landing, as I had done at the House landing on Saturday last.\nBegan to weed a yard for Brick making at home.\nRid into the Neck. Found my Wheat there tolerably promising.\nGeneral Moylan returned before dinner. Doctr. Jenifer & his wife came here to dinner & stayed all Night. A Mr. Stephens from the red stone Settlement came in the afternoon & remained all Night.\n   Mr. Stephens is possibly Dennis Stephens, who had built the mill on GW\u2019s Pennsylvania land.\nWednesday 11th. Mercury at 57 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 59 at Night. Raining more or less all day moderately. Wind at No. Et. & pretty fresh.\nThursday 12th. Mercury at 59 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 68 at Night. Foggy Morning\u2014Wind at So. Wt. About noon the Clouds dispersed and afterwards became clear, warm, & pleasant.\nAdded some more Filberts to those planted on the 16th. of last Mo[nth] in the 5th. row of the Guinea grass seeds, below the Everlasting Pease and at the end of these, & below the 3d. Stake, I planted some Cobb Nuts (given me by my Sister Lewis) at the distance of Six Inches a part.\nYesterday (tho\u2019 it escaped Notice at the time) I sowed in drills (three) on the South side the gate, adjoining the Orchard grass Seeds and upon the bank of the old ditch which I had levelled a few Seeds of a grass given me by Colo. Archibald Cary\u2014who had it from Colo. Wm. Peachy who speaks of it in high terms. This I did just before the rain set in.\nFriday 13th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201467 at Noon and 68 at Night. Growing Weather\u2014day clear and pleasant. Wind fresh from the Southward.\nBegan to set my turned Posts in the Circle in the C[our]t yard.\nThe Guilder roses in my Garden had just got into bloom\u2014but as the Trees had been transplanted this spring I presume they were backened by it, for I observed some in the Gardens at Fredericksburgh (but these were in a sandy Soil) as forward eight days ago as mine are now.\nSaturday 14th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201469 at Noon and 68 at Night. Rid to My Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run, & Muddy hole. Found the Wheat had grown a good deal since the last rain & warm weather.\nThe wood honey suckle wch. has been in bloom about 8 days is an agreeable looking flower and deserves a place in my Shrubberies.\nMy Nephew, George Augustine Washington arrived here from Charles Town after having been to Burmuda & the West Indies in pursuit of health which he had but imperfectly recovered.\n   George Augustine Washington sailed from Alexandria to the West Indies in the spring of 1784 in an effort to recover his health. He had suffered for some time from what may have been tuberculosis. GW gave him 100 guineas to cover his expenses (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 197). After visits to several of the islands, George went to South Carolina and spent the winter in Charleston and at\nSandy Hill, the nearby farm of his distant cousin, Col. William Washington (1752\u20131810). GW sometimes refers to George, who served as an aide to Lafayette during the Revolution, as Major Washington.\nSunday 15th. Mercury at 59 in the morning\u201463 at Noon and 65 at Night. General Cadwallader came here yesterday.\nToday Colo. Fitzgerald\u2014Mr. Murray,\u2014Mr. Porter\u2014Mr. Munser Mr. Darby & the Revd. Mr. Prince came here to dinner, & went away after it.\nIn the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart Mrs. Stuart & Miss Stuart came and stayed all Night.\nWind at So. East all day, with some appearances of Rain.\n   John Cadwalader served as a brigadier general of the Pennsylvania militia during the Revolution. In 1778 his admiration for GW led him to challenge Maj. Gen. Thomas Conway and seriously wound him in a duel, after Conway had made disparaging remarks about GW. In 1785 Cadwalader was living at his country seat in Kent County, Md., and was a member of the Maryland legislature.\n   Mr. Murray is probably John Murray, an Alexandria merchant. Murray\u2019s store was at this time located on Fairfax Street, nearly opposite the courthouse, but shortly afterwards moved to the corner of Prince and Water streets (Va. Journal, 4 Nov. 1784 and 13 April 1786).\n   Thomas Porter (d. 1800) was a partner in the Alexandria firm of Porter & Ingraham which operated a store near the corner of Fairfax and King streets at this time (Va. Journal, 23 Dec. 1784). Porter was recommended to GW by Benjamin Lincoln (GW to Lincoln, 5 Feb. 1785, DLC:GW) and seems to have become a close friend of George A. Washington.\n   mr. munser: William Mounsher, \u201can intimate friend and confident\u201d of Thomas Porter (Porter to Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 19 July 1787, MHi: Benjamin Lincoln Papers), advertised a store, counting room, and cellar for rent on King Street in Alexandria (Va. Journal, 5 April 1787). A few months later he gave notice of his intended return to Europe (Va. Journal, 17 May 1787), but continued to visit Mount Vernon for another year. GW had difficulty with Mounsher\u2019s name and spelled it various ways (Monshur, Munsher).\n   mr. darby: probably a son of Elias Hasket Derby, a wealthy merchant and shipowner of Salem, Mass. Rev. Mr. Prince is probably John Prince (1751\u20131836), minister of the First Church in Salem. Derby and Prince were traveling together with a letter of introduction from William Grayson (Grayson to GW, 5 May 1785, DLC:GW).\n   Miss Stuart is undoubtedly Dr. David Stuart\u2019s sister Ann, who was living at Abingdon with her brother and sister-in-law at this time (TORBERTAlice Coyle Torbert. Eleanor Calvert and Her Circle. New York, 1950., 49). She later became the second wife of William Mason, son of Col. George Mason of Gunston Hall.\nMonday 16th. Mercury at 63 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon, and 68 at Night. General Moylan, Mrs. Moylan, Doctr. Stuart, Wife & Sister, went away after Breakfast.\nMr. Mazzai came here to breakfast and went away afterwds.\n   Philip Mazzei (1730\u20131816), born in Italy, had been a wine merchant in London for 18 years before coming to Virginia in 1773. He purchased an estate named Colle, adjoining Thomas Jefferson\u2019s Monticello in Albemarle County, where he carried on agricultural experiments. In 1774 GW subscribed for one share at \u00a350 sterling to Mazzei\u2019s scheme to form a company \u201cfor the Purpose of raising and making Wine, [olive] Oil, agruminous Plants and Silk\u201d (JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 1:156\u201358). The project came to a halt during the Revolution, and in June 1779 Gov. Patrick Henry sent Mazzei to France to borrow money for the state. He returned in 1783 but sailed for Europe again in June 1785, shortly after his visit to Mount Vernon. In 1788 Mazzei published his history of America, Recherches historiques et politiques sur les \u00c9tats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique septentrionale (Paris, 1788), based in part on notes Jefferson gave him.\nTuesday 17th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nGeneral Cadwallader went away after Breakfast, and I went to Alexandria to the appointed meeting of the Subscribers to the Potomack Navigation. Upon comparing, & examining the Books of the different Managers, it was found, including the Subscriptions in behalf of the two States, & the 50 Shares which the Assembly of Virginia had directed to be Subscribed for me, (& which I then declared I would only hold in trust for the State) that their were 403 Shares Subscribed, which being more than sufficient to constitute the Company under the Act\u2014the Subscribers proceeded to the choice of a President & 4 Directors; the first of which fell upon me. The votes for the other four fell upon Governors Johnson & Lee of Maryland and Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin of this State.\nDined at Lomaxs and returned in the Afternoon.\n   The law authorizing the creation of the Potowmack Company provided for the subscription of 500 shares at 444 and 4/9 dollars (\u00a3100 sterling) each, and stipulated that if at least half the shares were not subscribed by the end of the meeting set for this day the company could not be organized (HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 11:512). The state governments of Virginia and Maryland each subscribed for 50 shares. In addition, the Virginia Assembly had voted 50 shares (plus 100 shares of James River navigation company stock) to GW as thanks from the state for his services in the Revolution.\n   Holding firm to his determination to accept no gifts or remuneration for his Revolutionary War services, GW agreed, as here stated, only to hold the shares in trust for the public benefit. By his will GW devised the Potowmack Company shares to a national university, to be established in the District of Columbia (these shares depreciated and became worthless), and the James River shares to Liberty Hall Academy, Rockbridge County, Va., which later became Washington and Lee University (Fitzpatrick, DiariesJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Diaries of George Washington, 1748\u20131799. 4 vols. Boston and New York, 1925., 2:376 n.4; FREEMANDouglas Southall Freeman. George Washington: A Biography. 7 vols. New York, 1948\u201357., 6:28\u201330).\n   Thomas Sim Lee (1745\u20131819), son of Thomas Lee (d. 1749) and Christian (Catherine) Sim Lee and grandson of Philip Lee, founder of the Maryland Lees, served as governor of Maryland, 1779\u201382 and 1792\u201394, and as a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress 1783\u201384. He married Mary Digges (1745\u20131805), daughter of Ignatius Digges of Melwood, and settled in Frederick County, Md., at Needwood, located about 12 miles west and south of Frederick Town. He had acquired the estate during the Revolution (LEE [5]Edmund Jennings Lee. Lee of Virginia, 1642\u20131892: Biographical and Genealogical Sketches of The Descendants of Colonel Richard Lee . . .. Philadelphia, 1895., 306\u201311; W.P.A. [2]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. Maryland: A Guide to the Old Line State. American Guide Series. New York, 1940., 347).\n   George Gilpin (1740\u20131813) was born in Cecil County, Md., and settled in Alexandria before the Revolution. A wheat merchant, Gilpin was inspector of flour in Alexandria in Mar. 1775 (MERCHANTSKate Mason Rowland. \u201cMerchants and Mills. From the Letter Book of Robert Carter, of Nominy, Westmoreland County.\u201d William and Mary Quarterly, 1st ser., 11 (1902\u20133): 245\u201346., 246). During the Revolution he was a colonel of Fairfax County militia and a member of the committee of safety. He was one of the most active members of the Potowmack Company and in July 1785 went to Seneca Falls to procure workmen (NUTEGrace L. Nute. \u201cWashington and the Potomac: Manuscripts of the Minnesota Historical Society, (1754) 1769\u20131796 I [and] II.\u201d American Historical Review 28 (1922\u201323): 497\u2013519, 705\u201322., 713, n.1). He also for many years served as a vestryman for Fairfax Parish (POWELLMary G. Powell. The History of Old Alexandria, Virginia: From July 13, 1749 to May 24, 1861. Richmond, 1928., 203\u20134, 162\u201363).\n   John Lomax\u2019s tavern, on the southwest corner of Princess and Water (now Lee) streets, was the site of today\u2019s meeting (Va. Journal, 21 April 1785).\nWednesday 18th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nWind Southerly in the forenoon and Westerly afterwards.\nThe forepart of the day was very warm. In the Evening it turned much Cooler.\nFinished Planting Corn at Muddy hole.\nRid to Alexandria to enter myself security for Doctr. Stuarts administration of Mr. Custis\u2019s Estate. At the same time exchanged Deeds in Court with Mr. Willm. Triplett for the Lands we had swapped.\nThe Locust blossom is beginning to display.\n   exchanged deeds in court: see 15 Feb. 1785.\nThursday 19th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning\u201463 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nMr. Pine left this (on his return to Philadelphia) in my Phaeton, which was to carry him to Annapolis.\nSent My Overseer & Barge to Popes Creek for the Baggage of Geo. Auge. Washington, and such Articles as he had brot. from the West Indies & South Carolina for my use\u2014as also some Wild Geese which Mr. Wm. Washington had procured for me.\nWind at East all the day; until towards Sun down, when it turned quite calm.\nThe forenoon was a little dripping but not much rain fell.\n   my overseer: In the fall of 1784, GW hired John Fairfax (c.1764\u20131843) as his overseer for the Mansion House farm and grounds at a wage of \u00a330 for\nthe year, and when the contract was renegotiated in the fall of 1785 Fairfax obtained a raise to \u00a340 (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 209). John was distantly related to the Fairfaxes of Belvoir through his great-grandfather, John Fairfax, a Roman Catholic who emigrated from Yorkshire to Charles County, Md., in the early eighteenth century. In 1785 the head of the Maryland Fairfaxes was William Fairfax, Sr. (d. 1793), who moved from Charles County in 1789 to settle near Occoquan, Prince William County. By his two wives he had six daughters and four sons, one of whom was John (CARTMELLT. K. Cartmell. Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia, From its Formation in 1738 to 1908. Winchester, Va., 1909., 244, 247\u201348).\n   wild geese: GW must have written his nephew, William Augustine Washington, to be on the lookout for some wild geese for his Mount Vernon estate. Washington wrote GW shortly after this that he had \u201cbeen industrious in inquiring for some Wild Geese & Swans for you, at length I have procured these Geese, which I now send you. . . . I shall indeavour to procure you some Swans this Winter\u201d (William Augustine Washington to GW, 1 June 1785, CSmH).\nFriday 20th. Mercury at 61 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nBrisk Southerly Wind until Noon when it became calm till the Evening\u2014then the Wind sprung up again from the same point. Day warm and clear.\nRid to my Mill, and to Morris\u2019s.\nPlanted in boxes No. 10 & 11 in the garden, adjoining to the other boxes 48 seeds of the Mahogany tree brot. by Mr. G. A. Washington from the West Indies.\nA Mr. Noah Webster came here in the Afternoon & stayed all Night. As did one Richd. Boulton a House joiner and Undertaker recommended to me by Colo. Wm. Fitzhugh of Maryld.\nUpon enquiry, found that my overseer at the ferry had begun to plant Corn on the 12th. and Morris at Dogue run on the 18th.\n   mahogany tree: Swietenia mahogani.\n   Noah Webster (1758\u20131843), of Massachusetts, had a short time before this published his Grammatical Institute of the English Language. The failure of Congress to enact copyright laws had led him to spend several years traveling through the states in an effort to encourage local legislation. During this year he had also published Sketches of American Policy, a plea for a strong federal government. He probably brought a copy to GW during this visit or during a return visit in November, for in December he wrote GW from Alexandria, asking to borrow his pamphlet long enough to have excerpts printed in the newspaper (16 Dec. 1785, PHi: Gratz Collection).\n   Richard Boulton of Charles County, Md., signed an agreement with GW on 21 May 1785 in which he agreed to finish the New Room \u201cin a plain and elegant manner; either of Stucco, Wainscot, or partly of both.\u201d He was also, among other things, to make repairs to the roof of the mansion, wainscot the new piazza which had gone up under Lund Washington\u2019s supervision, and \u201cdo the necessary work of a Green House\u201d (DLC:GW). In employing a joiner to finish the New Room, GW was contradicting his earlier assertion to Samuel Vaughan on 14 Jan. 1784 (DLC:GW): \u201cI found my new room, towards the completion of which you kindly offered your house-joiner, so far advanced in the wooden part of it, the Doors, Windows, & floors being done, as to render it unnecessary to remove your workman with his Tools (the distance being great) to finish the other parts; especially as I incline to do it in stucco, (which, if I understood you right, is the present taste in England).\u201d Despite his contract with GW, Boulton reneged on his promise to come to Mount Vernon, and so the finishing work on the New Room was delayed for another year (Boulton to GW, 4 June 1785, GW to Boulton, 24 June 1785, GW to William Fitzhugh, 14 July 1785, DLC:GW).\n   my overseer at the ferry: Hezekiah Fairfax, overseer at the Ferry plantation for several years, was a son of William Fairfax (d. 1793), of Maryland and Occoquan, by his first wife, and thus a half brother to John Fairfax, GW\u2019s Home House overseer. Hezekiah married Margaret Calvert and lived in Prince William County.\nSaturday 21st. Mercury at 67 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nCalm all the forepart of the day, and warm. The wind came out from the Southward afterwds.; and a thunder shower of no long continuance Succeeded; thence it turned cool, the wind getting to the Westward.\nMy Phaeton which had been with Mr. Pine to Annapolis returned about 3 Oclock to day; as did my Barge which had been sent to Popes Creek on thursday last. The latter brought the Plants of the large Magnolio of South Carolina\u2014Some scions of the live Oak, & a few young Trees of the Civil, or sower oranges in a box, all of which seem to be in a thriving State. As also\nsundry kinds of Seed which Mr. G. Washington had provided for me in his travels & the Palmeto royal which Mr. Blake of So. Carolina had sent me accompanied by some of the Plants.\nAgreed with one Richd. Boulton a House joiner & undertaker, to do my New Room, & other Work\u2014who is to be here in abt. 3 Weeks with his Tools.\nMr. Webster went away after breakfast and in the Afternoon Captn. Kalender came & stayed all Night.\n   the large magnolio: Magnolia grandiflora. civil, or sower orange: Citrus aurantium, the Seville or sour orange. palmeto royal: Sabal palmetto, palmetto, or S. umbraculifera, palmetto royal; some botanists say they are the same species. For the entry on other seeds and plants brought to GW by George Augustine Washington, see 13 June 1785. William Blake, of Charleston, S.C., wrote on 20 Mar. 1785, informing GW that he was sending him the plants and seeds he requested (DLC:GW). captn. kalender: Eleazer Callender of Fredericksburg had been a captain in the Virginia State Navy during the Revolution. He had come to Mount Vernon to visit his friend George Augustine Washington (Callender to George A. Washington, 19 May 1785, ViMtvL).\nSunday 22d. Mercury at 66 in the Morning 68 at Noon and 64 at Night.\nWind Easterly all day, and at times fresh. About 9 \u2019Oclock it began to rain & continued to do so, more or less all day.\nIn the Afternoon Doctr. Stuart & Mrs. Stuart arrived here.\nMonday 23d. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nCalm, cloudy, & warm all day; at times, when the sun came out it was hot. Veg[it]ation rapid by the warmth & moisture of the weather.\nSet out the Palmeto Royal in my garden\u2014in number  Plants and put the box in which the Magnolio, live oak & Sower Oranges were in the Area in front of the Green House.\nDoctr. Stuart went away after Dinner. Mrs. Stuart & the Girls remained.\nTuesday 24th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nMuch rain fell in the Night (& continued Showery at intervals all day) with thundr. & Lightng.\nWind very high in the Morning, and at times through the day from the Southward.\nBought 15, 114 feet of Inch Pine Plank a 10/. pr. Ct.\nLaid a Margin of grass between the pavement, & the Post & rail fence from the Servants Hall, to the cross fence.\nDoctr. Brown came here on a Visit to Richmond (a boy) who had hurt his Shoulder. Dined and returned afterwards.\n   Richmond, a dower slave, was about nine years old. He was the son of Lame Alice, a seamstress at the Home House (see entry for 18 Feb. 1786).\nWednesday 25th. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201467 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nWind pretty fresh all day from the Southward. Clear, and pleasant\u2014very conducive to Vegetation.\nThe blossom of the transplanted fringe tree was beginning to display. The locust blossom full out.\nExpected General Roberdeau and some Methodist Clergymen to dinner but they did not come. Had Peas for the [first] time in the season at Dinner.\n   Daniel Roberdeau (1727\u20131795), once a Philadelphia merchant dealing largely in the West Indies trade, served as a brigadier general of Pennsylvania militia during the early years of the Revolution and later served in the Continental Congress. He had moved his family to Alexandria some time before 1780, when he became a member of a fire company in that town (MOORE [1]Gay Montague Moore. Seaport in Virginia: George Washington\u2019s Alexandria. 1949. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1972., 152).\nThursday 26th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 67 at Night.\nWind Southerly and warm in the forenoon and till about 5 O\u2019clock afternoon when Clouds to the westward arose attended With high wind from the No. West Which continued an hour or two & changed the temparature of the air remarkably.\nRid to Muddy hole and the Neck Plantations.\nUpon my return found Mr. Magowan, and a Doctr. Coke & a Mr. Asbury here\u2014the two last Methodest Preachers recommended by Genl. Roberdeau\u2014the same who were expected yesterday.\nMrs. Stuart and Betcy & Patcy Custis accompanied by Fanny Basset set out for Abingdon after Breakfast and my Nephew G. A. Washington did the same for Richmond.\nAfter Dinner Mr. Coke & Mr. Asbury went away.\n   Thomas Coke (1747\u20131814) and Francis Asbury (1745\u20131816) were sent to America by John Wesley as missionaries to superintend the Methodist movement in this country. Asbury came shortly before the Revolution and Coke in 1784. They were at Mount Vernon to ask GW to sign an antislavery petition which was to be presented to the Virginia legislature. Coke later wrote that GW informed them that \u201che was of our sentiments, and had signified\nhis thoughts on the subject to most of the great men of the State: that he did not see it proper to sign the petition, but if the Assembly took it into consideration, would signify his sentiments to the Assembly by a letter\u201d (VICKERSJohn Vickers. Thomas Coke: Apostle of Methodism. Nashville, and New York, 1969., 98).\nFriday 27th. Mercury at 60 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nWind at No. Wt. all day with flying clouds and little sprinklings of rain. Cold and disagreeable.\nMr. Magowan went away after breakfast.\nSaturday 28th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201458 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nWind at No. West all day, & pretty fresh scattered Clouds and disagreeably cool.\nSunday 29th. Mercury at 58 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 64 at Night. But little wind all day and much pleasanter than it had been for several days\u2014being also clear.\nThe Honble. Mr. Sitgreave a Delegate to Congress from the State of North Carolina, Mr. Tillotson & Mr. Edward Livingston came to Dinner and stayed all Night.\n   John Sitgreaves (1757\u20131802) served in the Continental Congress 1784\u201385 and was later appointed a district judge for North Carolina. He was on his way home to North Carolina and carried with him a copy of the Northwest Ordinance of 1785, adopted by the Congress on 20 May, providing for the surveying, subdividing, and disposal of public lands.\n   Thomas Tillotson (1750\u20131832), who served in the Maryland militia during the Revolution, in 1780 was appointed physician and surgeon general of the Northern Department. He married Edward Livingston\u2019s sister, Margaret, in 1779 and was now practicing medicine in New York.\n   Edward Livingston (1764\u20131836), son of Robert R. Livingston (1718\u20131775), of New York, was a young lawyer. He was later to represent both New York (1795\u20131801) and Louisiana (1823\u201331) in Congress and become mayor of New York City (1801\u20133), secretary of state (1831\u201333), and minister to France (1833\u201335).\nMonday 30th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 69 at Night.\nBut little Wind, and that Southwardly\u2014warm\u2014& pretty clear.\nThe Gentlemen who came here to Dinner yesterday went away after Breakfast.\nI went to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Co. Dined at Colo. Fitzgerald and returned in the Evening\u2014after\nthe Directors had agreed to meet at Mount Vernon tomorrow at 10 Oclock.\nThe flower of the Ivy is just getting pretty fully into Bloom & the trees which I transplanted from the Blind Pocoson & to which I could find no name were putting forth their blossoms\u2014white, in small Clusters.\nTuesday 31st. Mercury at 66 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nGovrs. Lee & Johnson, Colo. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin came here according to appointment.\nFanny Bassett returned. Raining more or less all day\u2014in the Evening & Night much fell.\n   The directors of the Potowmack Company agreed at this meeting to divide the clearing of the Potomac into two areas of responsibility, one above and one below Harpers Ferry. For each of these two areas 50 men under an assistant manager would be hired, and both groups would be under a general manager to be chosen at the next meeting of the directors, set for 1 July in Alexandria (Va. Journal, 9 June 1785). In this way, GW wrote to the marquis de Lafayette, work could begin \u201cin those parts which require least skill; leaving the more difficult \u2019till an Engineer of abilities & practical knowledge can be obtained\u201d (25 July 1785, DLC:GW).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 1st. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 72 at Night. But little Wind and that from the Southward\u2014day clear, warm & growing. Govrs. Johnson & Lee, and the other Gentlemen with a Son of the first went away after Breakfast. In the Afternoon Mr. Mathew Whiting, Mr. Wm. Booth, & a Doctr. Graham [came] here & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 2d. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201473 at Noon and 77 at Night. Wind, what there was of it, came from the Westward. Day very warm, & the forepart of it clear\u2014the latter part cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 4th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201480 at Night [Noon] and 80 at Night. Not much Wind, and that Southerly\u2014very warm. In the afternoon a thunder Gust above & below this but little rain fell here. In the Afternoon the celebrated Mrs. Macauly Graham & Mr. Graham her Husband, Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Lux of Baltimore arrived here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 5th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.\u201480 at Noon and 80 at Night. Opened the Well in my Cellar in which I had laid up a store\nof Ice, but there was not the smallest particle remaining. I then opened the other repository (called the dry Well) in which I found a large Store. Colo. Fitzgerald went away after Breakfast. My Nephew Geo. Auge. Washington returned in the afternoon. Wind Southwardly, but not much of it, warm & clear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 6th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201479 at Noon and 78 at Night. Wind at East all day but not very fresh\u2014Clouds & Sunshine alternately. Mr. Herbert (Willm.) came here to dinner & returned after it. Mr. Lux rid to Alexandria after Breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 7th. Mercury at 70 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 67 at Night. Wind at East and Cloudy all day, with fine Rain at times. Mr. Dulany, Mr. Saml. Hanson, and Mr. Roberdeau (Son to Genl. Roberdeau) as also Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner. The three first went away after it\u2014the latter stayed all Night. Mr. Lux returned in the evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 8th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and  at Night. A great deal of rain fell last Night and much fine rain this day. Wind at East all day and at times pretty fresh. Placed my Military records in to the Hands of Mrs. Macauly Graham for her perusal & amusemt. (these indeed were placed there yesterday). Doctr. Stuart returned home after Breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 9th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 65 at Night. Tolerably clear in the Morning, but more or less cloudy all day afterwards. Not much Wind and that Southwesterly. Captn. Brooke dined here. I rid to my Mill and to the Dogue run & Muddy hole plantations.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 12th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night.  Very little Wind in the forenoon, in the Afternoon there was more, & variable with Clouds & thunder but no rain. Captn. Conway and his Wife, Colo. Hooe & De Neufville, Colo. Henley Mr. Sanderson & Mr. George Digges dined here\u2014all of whom went away [after] dinner except Mr. Digges. Whilst we were at dinner, a Mr. Aldge & a Mr. Patterson came in recommended by Genl. Greene & Mr. Benjn. Harrison Junr. Mr. Ballendine left this in the forenoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 13th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 80 at Night. But little wind in the Morning. At times afterwards it blew pretty fresh from the Westward, but was nevertheless very Warm. Colo. Mercer, Lady & Sister went away after breakfast. My Brother, Mr. John Lewis and G. A. Washington dined at Mr. Lund Washingtons & returned in the Evening. Sowed the following Nuts, & Seeds, in the inclosure I had prepared for a Nursery\u2014viz. In the first Section\u2014beginning by the walk next the Ho[use]  I built for a hospital (since used for Spinning)\u2014the first row contains 17 Nuts of the Sand Box tree. Next to these are 2 rows containing 85 of the Palmetto Nut, or acorn. Next, 2 rows 87 Physic Nut; Next 3 rows of the Seed of the Pride of China. Next 9 rows containing 635 Acorns of the live oak (wch. seemed bad). Next (which compleated the section) 3 rows of a species of the Acacia (or Acasee) used in the West Indias for incircling their Gardens. In the next section to this, (immediately back of the Salt House) the first row, and parallel thereto\u2014is the same as the last\u2014that is Acacia. The next is the flower fence, also used as an inclosure to Gardens. Next to this are two rows of the Bird pepper\u2014then one row of the Cayan pepper. Then 2 rows of the Seed of the Privy. The remainder of this Section was compleated with Guinea Grass\u2014which, as all the others, were planted and Sowed in Drills 12 Inches a part. Colo. Harrison left this by Sunrise today.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 14. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon And 80 at Night. Calm in the Morning and very little wind at any time in the day. In the Morning there was rumbling thunder at a distance and Clouds indicative of rain as there also was in the Afternoon but none of it reached us. About 7 Oclock Mr. Graham & Mrs. Macauly Graham left this on their return to New York. I accompanied them to Mr. Digges\u2019s to which place I had her Carriage & horses put over. Mr. Digges escorted her to Bladensburgh. Sowed on each side of the Great Gate in front of the Ho[use] (between the Serpentine railing and the Orchard grass plats, & Ditches) Seeds of the Palmetto royal in Drills 15 Inches a part.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 16th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon And 86 at Night. Light wind from the Southward all day. Weather very warm. Some appearances of rain in the afternoon, but none fell here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 19th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon And 82 at Night. Very little wind all day, & none in the Afternoon. Mr. Montgomery came here to dinner & went away afterwards.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 20th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 86 at Night. Clear with very little wind, Sultry in the Afternoon. My Brother John went up to Alexandria after an early Breakfast. Began to pull the seeds of the Blew, or English grass, and cut the top from the Walnut tree wch. I transplanted in the Spring, as it seemed to be declining; the leaves which had put out falling off by degrees. The Weather being hot and dry I commenced the Watering of the Guinea grass Seeds wch. were sowed on the 13th. Instt. & perceiving the physic Nut & the Seeds of the Flower fence & Acacia to be coming up, I watered these also.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 22d. Mercury at 82 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 80 at Night. Calm, and very warm in the forenoon. About one Oclock it began to cloud, and to thunder. Soon after which the clouds parted, and powerful rains went above, and below us. Very little more than laid the dust fell here, but we had a pretty high Wind from the Westward. After Breakfast Mr. & Miss Ballendine and Mr. Bushrod Washington went away. And just as we had done dinner Colo. Bassett & his two Sons, Burwell & John, arrived. The little rain which fell prevented my continuing to pull the Seeds of the blew or English grass altho there was not a sufficiency to wet the Earth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 23d. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning lowering with appearances of rain. About 10 Oclock the clouds dispersed and it turned very warm. A little after noon a cloud arose in the So. West quarter and thundered and about 3 Oclock we had a fine shower wch. gave sufficient refreshment to vegetation. Very little Wind in the forenoon\u2014Eastwardly afterwards. A Mr. Brisco, introduced by a letter from Colo. R. H. Harrison came here to offer himself to me as a Secretary. Cut the grass in my Court yard and began to do the like in the river front of the House. Mr. Brisco after dining went away. I took 8 or 10 days to give him a definitive answer in. My Brothr. Jno. returned home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 26th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 77 at Night. Southerly wind and clear. Major Edwards and a Mr. Philips came here before Dinner. Mr. Charles Lee also came to Dinner. The whole stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 28th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear & pleasant, wind what their was of it, westerly. Finished my Hay at and about the House & got it into large Cocks or small stacks on the grd. where cut.  Doctr. Stuart, Mr. Booth and a Mr. Hawkins came here to dinner, the first of whom went away after it. In the Afternoon my Brother Charles came.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 29th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon And 76 at Night. Clear & pleasant all day except being warm. Wind Westerly. Messrs. Philips and Edwards, and Mr. Booth & Mr. Hawkins left this after Breakfast. Colo. Bassett his two Sons, Fanny Bassett, and Nelly & Washington Custis, followed soon after for Abingdon. Mr. George Lee & Doctr. Craik came here to breakfast and after Dinner returned. Discovered the Cayan pepper Which was sowed on the 13th. to be coming up.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 June 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 30th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night. Clear & warm, with little Wind at any time of the day. My Brother Charles left this after breakfast and G. Auge. Washington went up to Abingdon. Rid to my Hay field at the Meadow\u2014from thence to my Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations and dined with only Mrs. Washington which I believe is the first instance of it since my retirement from public life.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0006", "content": "Title: June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 1st. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nBut little Wind and that from the Southward\u2014day clear, warm & growing.\nGovrs. Johnson & Lee, and the other Gentlemen with a Son of the first went away after Breakfast.\nIn the Afternoon Mr. Mathew Whiting, Mr. Wm. Booth, & a Doctr. Graham [came] here & stayed all Night.\n   Gov. Thomas Johnson had three sons: Thomas Jennings, James, and Joshua.\n   Matthew Whiting (d. 1810), formerly of Gloucester County, had moved to Snow Hill on Bull Run in Prince William County by about 1770. In 1782 he paid a tax on 4 whites and 73 slaves in Prince William. Whiting had been married to Warner Washington\u2019s sister Hannah, and had by her an only son, Matthew, who was lost at sea during the Revolution (FOTHERGILLAugusta B. Fothergill and John Mark Naugle. Virginia Tax Payers, 1782\u201387: Other Than Those Published by the United States Census Bureau. 1940. Reprint. Baltimore, 1974., 135; Whiting to GW, 10 Aug. 1786, DLC:GW; W.P.A. [1]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. Prince William: The Story of Its People and Its Places. American Guide Series. Manassas, Va., 1941., 179\u201380).\n   Dr. Graham is probably either William Graham (1751\u20131821), son of John Graham of Dumfries and a surgeon\u2019s mate in the 2nd Virginia Regiment during the Revolution, or George Graham, a member of the committee of\nsafety and a surgeon in the Prince William County militia during the Revolution (BLANTONWyndham B. Blanton. Medicine in Virginia in the Eighteenth Century. Richmond, 1931., 404; W.P.A. [1]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. Prince William: The Story of Its People and Its Places. American Guide Series. Manassas, Va., 1941., 31, 33).\nThursday 2d. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201473 at Noon and 77 at Night.\nWind, what there was of it, came from the Westward. Day very warm, & the forepart of it clear\u2014the latter part cloudy with appearances of Rain but none fell.\nFriday 3d. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201475 at Noon and 78 at Night.\nRid to my Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue Run and Muddy hole Mr. Whiting, Mr. Booth, and Doctr. Graham having first set out for Maryland, immediately after breakfast.\nVery little Wind in the forenoon but Warm when the Sun was out. Afternoon Raining, with the Wind pretty violent from the So. West.\nSaturday 4th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201480 at Night [Noon] and 80 at Night.\nNot much Wind, and that Southerly\u2014very warm.\nIn the afternoon a thunder Gust above & below this but little rain fell here.\nIn the Afternoon the celebrated Mrs. Macauly Graham & Mr. Graham her Husband, Colo. Fitzgerald & Mr. Lux of Baltimore arrived here.\n   Catherine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham (1731\u20131791), a prominent English author, wrote the much-lauded History of England from the Accession of James I to That of the Brunswick Line, published in London, in eight volumes, 1763\u201383. Richard Henry Lee\u2019s letter of introduction to GW indicated that her only reason for going as far south as Virginia was to see GW (Lee to GW, 3 May 1785, DLC:GW). GW thanked Lee for the introduction to Mrs. Macaulay Graham, \u201cwhose principles are so much, & so justly admired by the friends of liberty and of Mankind. It gives me pleasure to find that her sentiments respecting the inadequacy of the powers of Congress... coincide with my own\u201d (GW to Lee, 22 June 1785, PPAmP: Lee Papers). Mrs. Macaulay Graham\u2019s first husband, George Macaulay, had died in 1766 and her remarriage in 1778 to the 21\u2013year-old William Graham, 26 years her junior, had caused her much criticism and ridicule.\n   George Lux (1753\u20131797) was a merchant in Baltimore, Md. (GRAYDONAlexander Graydon. Memoirs of a Life, Chiefly Passed in Pennsylvania, within the Last Sixty Years; With Occasional Remarks upon the General Occurrences, Character and Spirit of that Eventful Period. Harrisburg, Pa., 1811., 304\u2013305).\nSunday 5th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.\u201480 at Noon and 80 at Night.\nOpened the Well in my Cellar in which I had laid up a store\nof Ice, but there was not the smallest particle remaining. I then opened the other repository (called the dry Well) in which I found a large Store.\nColo. Fitzgerald went away after Breakfast.\nMy Nephew Geo. Auge. Washington returned in the afternoon.\nWind Southwardly, but not much of it, warm & clear.\nMonday 6th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201479 at Noon and 78 at Night.\nWind at East all day but not very fresh\u2014Clouds & Sunshine alternately.\nMr. Herbert (Willm.) came here to dinner & returned after it.\nMr. Lux rid to Alexandria after Breakfast.\nTuesday 7th. Mercury at 70 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 67 at Night.\nWind at East and Cloudy all day, with fine Rain at times.\nMr. Dulany, Mr. Saml. Hanson, and Mr. Roberdeau (Son to Genl. Roberdeau) as also Doctr. Stuart came here to Dinner. The three first went away after it\u2014the latter stayed all Night.\nMr. Lux returned in the evening.\n   Mr. Roberdeau is Isaac Roberdeau (1763\u20131829), oldest child of Daniel Roberdeau; Daniel\u2019s only other son was an infant at this time. Although some sources claim Isaac was at school in England until 1787 (BUCHANAN [2]Roberdeau Buchanan. Genealogy of the Roberdeau Family, Including a Biography of General Daniel Roberdeau of the Revolutionary Army, and the Continental Congress; and Signer of the Articles of Confederation. Washington, D.C., 1876., 104), he had certainly returned by the spring of 1786, for in April of that year he was one of three men put in charge of the engine for the Sun Fire Company, in Alexandria (MOORE [1]Gay Montague Moore. Seaport in Virginia: George Washington\u2019s Alexandria. 1949. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1972., 50). Isaac became a well-known engineer, working with Pierre L\u2019Enfant in laying out the city of Washington.\nWednesday 8th. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and  at Night.\nA great deal of rain fell last Night and much fine rain this day. Wind at East all day and at times pretty fresh.\nPlaced my Military records in to the Hands of Mrs. Macauly Graham for her perusal & amusemt. (these indeed were placed there yesterday).\nDoctr. Stuart returned home after Breakfast.\n   military records: In 1783 GW ordered \u201csix strong hair Trunks, well clasped and with good Locks\u201d in which to transport his military papers (GW to Daniel Parker, 18 June 1783, DLC:GW). On 9 Nov. of that year the papers were packed, loaded on wagons, and under military escort sent to Virginia. One bundle, containing GW\u2019s accounts as commander in chief, was left with the superintendent of finance at Philadelphia. The remaining manuscripts\nThursday 9th. Mercury at 62 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 65 at Night.\nTolerably clear in the Morning, but more or less cloudy all day afterwards. Not much Wind and that Southwesterly.\nCaptn. Brooke dined here. I rid to my Mill and to the Dogue run & Muddy hole plantations.\n   captn. brooke: probably Walter Brooke (d. 1798), a son of Thomas Brooke (1706\u20131748) and Sarah Mason Brooke of Charles County, Md. During the Revolution, Brooke served as captain of the sloop Liberty in the Virginia navy and in 1777 was made a commodore. He was now living in Fairfax County, probably in the vicinity of Mount Vernon (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Virginia; Records of the State Enumerations, 1782 to 1785. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1970., 86).\nFriday 10th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning\u201471 at Noon and  at Night. But little wind in the forenoon. In the afternoon it was at Et. with a pretty heavy shower of rain about 5 Oclock.\nIn the Afternoon Mr. Whiting Doctr. Graham and a Mr. Wyat came here.\nIn the Morning Mr. Lux set out on his return home.\n   mr. wyat: perhaps Dr. William E. Wyatt (1762\u20131802) of Prince William County, who was married in 1781 to Mary Graham (b. 1753), daughter of John Graham of Dumfries (STANARD [3]William G. Stanard. \u201cAbstracts of Virginia Land Patents.\u201d Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 3 (1895-96): 177\u201388., 3:178).\nSaturday 11th. Mercury at 71 in the Morning\u201475 at Noon and  at Night.\nAfter Breakfast Mr. Whiting, Doctr. Graham, & Mr. Wyatt went away and my Brother Charles Washington, Colo. Robt. H. Harrison of Maryland & Mr. Ballendine & his Sister Fanny came to Dinner.\nIn the Evening Colo. Jno. Mercer his wife & Miss Sprig came\u2014All of whom stayed the Night.\nShowers around us, but none fell here. The Morning was quite calm. In the Afternoon a small Southerly Breeze and very warm.\n   Thomas William Ballendine (died c.1797), of Prince William County, and Frances Ballendine were children of John and Frances Ewell Ballendine. Thomas attended the College of William and Mary about 1779\u201380 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (TYLER [1]Lyon G. Tyler. \u201cOriginal Records of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.\u201d William and Mary Quarterly, 1st ser., 4 (1895\u201396): 213\u201359., 224\u201326, 232\u201336).\n   Miss Sprigg was one of Mrs. Mercer\u2019s sisters from Strawberry Hill at Annapolis.\nSunday 12th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night.\nVery little Wind in the forenoon, in the Afternoon there was more, & variable with Clouds & thunder but no rain.\nCaptn. Conway and his Wife, Colo. Hooe & De Neufville, Colo. Henley Mr. Sanderson & Mr. George Digges dined here\u2014all of whom went away [after] dinner except Mr. Digges.\nWhilst we were at dinner, a Mr. Aldge & a Mr. Patterson came in recommended by Genl. Greene & Mr. Benjn. Harrison Junr.\nMr. Ballendine left this in the forenoon.\n   Capt. Richard Conway was married to Mary West Conway (died c.1805), daughter of Col. John West (d. 1777).\n   Leonard de Neufville was the son of Jean de Neufville (1729\u20131796), formerly of Amsterdam. Jean de Neufville had been a good friend and commercial agent to the United States in Holland during the Revolution. His firm, Jean de Neufville en Zoon, refitted John Paul Jones\u2019s squadron in 1779, tried to raise money for a loan for the United States, and in 1778 negotiated with William Lee an unauthorized and abortive treaty between the United States and the Netherlands. The Neufville firm by 1783 was going bankrupt, and Jean de Neufville and his son Leonard came to America and settled at Albany. On 22 April 1785 Leonard de Neufville wrote to Congress requesting payment of debts due Jean de Neufville en Zoon for its services in the Revolution, but was refused. After Jean de Neufville\u2019s death, Congress authorized the payment of $3,000 to de Neufville\u2019s widow and his son and daughter. The account of the United States with Jean de Neufville en Zoon was finally settled in 1851 (BIOGRAFISCH WOORDENBOEKP. C. Molhuysen et al., eds. Nieuw Nederlandsch Biografisch Woordenboek. 10 vols. Leiden, Netherlands, 1911\u201337., 8:1211\u201314; WHARTONFrancis Wharton, ed. The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States. 6 vols. Washington, D.C., 1889., 3:379\u201380, 597, 817\u201318, 855\u201357; ADAMS [1]L. H. Butterfield, ed. Diary and Autobiography of John Adams. 4 vols. Cambridge, Mass., 1961., 2:444\u201345; Stat.Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67., 6:29 [2 Mar. 1797]; 9 StatRichard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67.. 814 [3 Mar. 1851]).\n   David Henley (1748\u20131823) was a partner in the Boston firm of Otis & Henley, \u201cAgents for the purpose of supplying clothing (or materials for it) for the Army\u201d during the Revolution (GW to Henley, 5 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW). He had also served as colonel of one of the 16 Additional Regiments of the Continental Army. About this time, Henley was made a commissioner for settling the claims of Virginia on account of the western territory ceded to the United States. Robert Sanderson was a partner in the firm of Robinson, Sanderson & Rumney of Whitehaven, Eng. The firm\u2019s Alexandria store was located on Fairfax Street.\nMonday 13th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 80 at Night.\nBut little wind in the Morning. At times afterwards it blew pretty fresh from the Westward, but was nevertheless very Warm.\nColo. Mercer, Lady & Sister went away after breakfast. My Brother, Mr. John Lewis and G. A. Washington dined at Mr. Lund Washingtons & returned in the Evening.\nSowed the following Nuts, & Seeds, in the inclosure I had prepared for a Nursery\u2014viz.\nIn the first Section\u2014beginning by the walk next the Ho[use]\nI built for a hospital (since used for Spinning)\u2014the first row contains 17 Nuts of the Sand Box tree. Next to these are 2 rows containing 85 of the Palmetto Nut, or acorn. Next, 2 rows 87 Physic Nut; Next 3 rows of the Seed of the Pride of China. Next 9 rows containing 635 Acorns of the live oak (wch. seemed bad). Next (which compleated the section) 3 rows of a species of the Acacia (or Acasee) used in the West Indias for incircling their Gardens.\nIn the next section to this, (immediately back of the Salt House) the first row, and parallel thereto\u2014is the same as the last\u2014that is Acacia. The next is the flower fence, also used as an inclosure to Gardens. Next to this are two rows of the Bird pepper\u2014then one row of the Cayan pepper. Then 2 rows of the Seed of the Privy. The remainder of this Section was compleated with Guinea Grass\u2014which, as all the others, were planted and Sowed in Drills 12 Inches a part.\nColo. Harrison left this by Sunrise today.\n   All the planting done this day was apparently with materials brought to GW by George Augustine Washington. In addition to the plants already identified, they include:\n   Hura crepitans, sandbox tree, a native of the West Indies and South America, reaching a height of 100 feet.\n   Jatropha curcas, Barbados nut or physic nut, a small tropical tree cultivated for its purgative oil.\n   Melia azedarach, chinaberry, Indian lilac, or pride of China, widely planted in the South from the Atlantic to western Texas.\n   Acacia sp., acacia. There are about 450 species, but as GW says it was used in the West Indies to encircle gardens it is possibly A. cavenia, a shrub with a stout spine good for hedges, found in tropical America. Most acacias are native to Australia.\n   Poinciana pulcherrima, Barbados flower fence or Barbados pride.\n   Capsicum frutescens, bird pepper.\n   C. frutescens longum, cayenne pepper.\n   Ligustrum vulgare, common privet.\n   GW had written to George Augustine Washington on 6 Jan. 1785 that he would be glad to receive trees not native to his area \u201cwhich would be ornamental in a grove or forest, and would stand our climate\u201d (owned by H. Bartholomew Cox, Washington, D.C.). His nephew replied that he would do his best, with the assistance of Col. William Washington and that of an unnamed botanist and gardener who lived in the vicinity (25 Feb. 1785, ViMtvL).\nTuesday 14. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon And 80 at Night.\nCalm in the Morning and very little wind at any time in the day. In the Morning there was rumbling thunder at a distance and Clouds indicative of rain as there also was in the Afternoon but none of it reached us.\nAbout 7 Oclock Mr. Graham & Mrs. Macauly Graham left this on their return to New York. I accompanied them to Mr. Digges\u2019s to which place I had her Carriage & horses put over. Mr. Digges escorted her to Bladensburgh.\nSowed on each side of the Great Gate in front of the Ho[use] (between the Serpentine railing and the Orchard grass plats, & Ditches) Seeds of the Palmetto royal in Drills 15 Inches a part.\nWednesday 15th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 84 at Night.\nMr. John Lewis after a stay of almost 8 Weeks took his departure, very well recovered. My brother Charles also left this on his return home.\nRid to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Ferry, and Dogue run. Also to the Mill.\nMr. Bushrod Washington came here before dinner.\nThursday 16th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon And 86 at Night.\nLight wind from the Southward all day. Weather very warm. Some appearances of rain in the afternoon, but none fell here.\nFriday 17th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 83 at Night. Between 4 & 5 Oclock it was at 85.\nWesterly Wind in the forenoon & So. Wt. afterwards with rumbling thunder at a distance & some appearances of rain\u2014but none fell near this.\nCut down the Weeds in the ground which had been sowed with Clover & Orchard Grass Seeds in the Inclosure adjoining H[ome] H[ouse]\u2014as also those in the orchard Grass in the South Circle by the Gate, which had got high where the ground was strong & was about to Seed.\nThe Catalpa Trees were pretty generally displaying their Blossoms; & Chesnut also.\nMr. Geo. A. Washington went up to Alexandria to Dinner & returned in the Afternoon.\nSaturday 18th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning\u201481 at Noon and 82 at Night.\nWind Westwardly in the forenoon, & Southwardly afterwards.\nIn the Afternoon my Brother John came hither from Alexandria, having gone to that place by Water.\nSunday 19th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon And 82 at Night.\nVery little wind all day, & none in the Afternoon.\nMr. Montgomery came here to dinner & went away afterwards.\nMonday 20th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 86 at Night.\nClear with very little wind, Sultry in the Afternoon.\nMy Brother John went up to Alexandria after an early Breakfast.\nBegan to pull the seeds of the Blew, or English grass, and cut the top from the Walnut tree wch. I transplanted in the Spring, as it seemed to be declining; the leaves which had put out falling off by degrees.\nThe Weather being hot and dry I commenced the Watering of the Guinea grass Seeds wch. were sowed on the 13th. Instt. & perceiving the physic Nut & the Seeds of the Flower fence & Acacia to be coming up, I watered these also.\nTuesday 21st. Mercury at 82 in the Morning\u201486 at Noon And 88 at Night.\nLittle or no Wind but extremely Sultry.\nMr. Ballendine came here abt. 5 Oclock in the Afternoon and my Brother returned from Alexandria abt. 8 Oclock.\nWednesday 22d. Mercury at 82 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 80 at Night.\nCalm, and very warm in the forenoon. About one Oclock it began to cloud, and to thunder. Soon after which the clouds parted, and powerful rains went above, and below us. Very little more than laid the dust fell here, but we had a pretty high Wind from the Westward.\nAfter Breakfast Mr. & Miss Ballendine and Mr. Bushrod Washington went away. And just as we had done dinner Colo. Bassett & his two Sons, Burwell & John, arrived.\nThe little rain which fell prevented my continuing to pull the Seeds of the blew or English grass altho there was not a sufficiency to wet the Earth.\n   Burwell Bassett was a member of the Virginia Senate, where he served from 1777 until his death in 1793. Burwell Bassett, Jr. (1764\u20131841), eldest surviving son of Burwell Bassett, enjoyed a long career in the Virginia House of Delegates (1787\u201389, 1819\u201321), the Virginia Senate (c.1794\u20131805), and the United States House of Representatives (1805\u201313, 1821\u201329). He resided at Eltham, which he inherited at his father\u2019s death in 1793. John Bassett (1765\u20131826), a lawyer, lived in Hanover County. In 1786 he married Elizabeth Carter Browne, daughter of William Burnet and Judith Walker Carter Browne of Elsing Green, King William County.\nThursday 23d. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning lowering with appearances of rain. About 10 Oclock the clouds dispersed and it turned very warm. A little after noon a cloud arose in the So. West quarter and thundered and about 3 Oclock we had a fine shower wch. gave sufficient refreshment to vegetation.\nVery little Wind in the forenoon\u2014Eastwardly afterwards.\nA Mr. Brisco, introduced by a letter from Colo. R. H. Harrison came here to offer himself to me as a Secretary.\nCut the grass in my Court yard and began to do the like in the river front of the House.\nMr. Brisco after dining went away. I took 8 or 10 days to give him a definitive answer in. My Brothr. Jno. returned home.\n   mr. brisco: Harrison introduced William Briscoe as a close relative of his wife (Harrison to GW, 20 June 1785, DLC:GW). He may have been a son of Harrison\u2019s sister-in-law, Mary Hanson Briscoe and her husband, John Briscoe. Briscoe was not hired for the job. For further information on GW\u2019s search for a secretary, see 2 July 1785.\nFriday 24th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nA good deal of rain fell at and before day break\u2014continued cloudy all day with the Wind at East.\nFinished cutting all the grass within the inclosures on both Sides the House.\nSaturday 25th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 77 at Night.\nClear and but little wind during the whole day.\nMaking, with the jobbers about the House, the Hay which had been cut the preceeding days\u2014got it into Shocks.\nMy Nephew, George Steptoe Washington came here in the Afternoon.\nSunday 26th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 77 at Night.\nSoutherly wind and clear. Major Edwards and a Mr. Philips came here before Dinner. Mr. Charles Lee also came to Dinner. The whole stayed all Night.\n   Evan Edwards of Pennsylvania served throughout the Revolution in various Pennsylvania regiments. In 1777 he acted as aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. After the Revolution, Edwards moved to Charleston, S.C. He was probably on his way north from there at this time to visit his family in Pennsylvania or to inspect land in Berkeley County which had been willed to him by General Lee (LEE [6][Charles Lee]. The Lee Papers. 4 vols. New York, 1872-75. In Collections of the New-York Historical Society, vols. 4\u20137., 4:31). Charles Lee (1758\u20131815), who came to dinner at Mount Vernon today, was no relation to the general.\n   Charles Philips bore an introduction from Jacob Read of South Carolina. He was \u201ca Gentleman of very ample fortune in the West Indies and is now on his return to Europe after visiting his Estates.\u201d Philips, a native of Yorktown, was educated in Europe and spent most of his life there (Jacob Read to GW, 8 May 1785, DLC:GW).\nMonday 27th. Mercury at 77 in the Morning\u201479 at Noon and 77 at Night. A little rain in the Morning\u2014with Clouds and appearances of it in the Afternoon, but none fell here. In the Morning there was but little wind. The Clouds which appeared in the Afternoon produced a good deal of wind from the West & No. West wch. changed the Air & made it much Cooler.\nMr. Lee went away before Breakfast.\nTuesday 28th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear & pleasant, wind what their was of it, westerly.\nFinished my Hay at and about the House & got it into large Cocks or small stacks on the grd. where cut.\nDoctr. Stuart, Mr. Booth and a Mr. Hawkins came here to dinner, the first of whom went away after it. In the Afternoon my Brother Charles came.\n   Col. Josias Hawkins (c.1735\u20131789) of Charles County, Md., commanded a battalion of militia during the Revolution. He and William Booth, who appear together at Mount Vernon, probably were engaged in a business transaction of some sort, for a few months later GW wrote Hawkins at Booth\u2019s request, defending Booth\u2019s character \u201cfrom the injurious aspersions, which he says have been cast at it\u201d (GW to Josias Hawkins, 27 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW).\nWednesday 29th. Mercury at 69 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon And 76 at Night.\nClear & pleasant all day except being warm. Wind Westerly.\nMessrs. Philips and Edwards, and Mr. Booth & Mr. Hawkins left this after Breakfast. Colo. Bassett his two Sons, Fanny Bassett, and Nelly & Washington Custis, followed soon after for Abingdon.\nMr. George Lee & Doctr. Craik came here to breakfast and after Dinner returned.\nDiscovered the Cayan pepper Which was sowed on the 13th. to be coming up.\n   George Lee is probably the son of Philip Lee of Maryland and younger half brother of Squire Richard Lee of Blenheim.\nThursday 30th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night.\nClear & warm, with little Wind at any time of the day.\nMy Brother Charles left this after breakfast and G. Auge. Washington went up to Abingdon.\nRid to my Hay field at the Meadow\u2014from thence to my Dogue run and Muddy hole Plantations and dined with only Mrs. Washington which I believe is the first instance of it since my retirement from public life.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nJuly 1st. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201478 at Noon and 80 at Night. Clear with but little Wind and warm. Went to Alexandria to a meeting of the Board of Directors, who by Advertisement were to attend this day for the purpose of agreeing with a Manager and two Assistants to conduct the\nUndertaking of the Potomack Navigation\u2014but no person applying with proper Credentials the Board gave the applicants until thursday the 14th. to provide these & for others to offer. Returned in the Evening accompanied by Colo. Bassett & Colo. Spait, a Member of Congress for the State of No. Carolina. Fanny Bassett, her Brothers\u2014G. Washington & Betcy & Washington Custis came down to Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 3d. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and  at Night. A little wind from the Westward till towards Noon; then Calm until near 5 Oclock when there was a squall from the No. Wt. with appearances of rain but little or none fell here. Mr. McCrae and Mr. Shaw left this after Breakfast, & Doctr. Stewart, his wife, Sister & Betcy & Patcy Custis after dinner. In the Evening Mrs. and Miss Blackburn came here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 4th. Mercury at 76 in the Morng.\u201480 at Noon and 82 at Night. Tolerably pleasant in the forenoon, the Wind being No[rth]wardly, but warm afterwards. Rid to my Ferry\u2014Dogue run & Neck Plantations\u2014at all of\nwhich my Wheat Harvests had begun. That in the Neck had commenced on thursday last.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 5th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 82 at Night. Very warm in the forepart of the day altho the wind was Northerly. About One Oclock a cloud arose in the So. W.; and an hour or two after, we had a fine Shower of rain for about 10 or 15 minutes, preceeded by a squall of wind from the same quarter, wch. cooled the Air & made the Afternoon pleasant. After dinner Mr. Govournr. Morris and Mr. Wm. Craik came in.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 6th. Mercury at 80 in the Morning 84 at Noon and 84 at Night. Clear and warm, with but little Wind & that variable. Mrs. Blackburn and her daughter went away before breakfast. General Lincoln & his Son; Mr. Porter, & a Doctr. Milne came to Dinner & returned afterwards. Received from Genl. Lincoln 3 young trees of the Spruce Pine and two of the Fir or Hemlock in half Barrels which seemed to be healthy & vegitating. Also received from Doctr. Craik by his Son a parcel of Chinese Seeds similar to those presented to me by Mr. Porter on the 2d Instt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 9th. Mercury at 80 in the Morng.\u201482 at Noon and 82 at Night. Morning very warm, with but little Wind, which coming from the Eastward in the Evening & blowing brisk cooled the Air and made it pleasant. Burwell & John Bassett and G. A. Washington set out after Breakfast for the Sweet Springs in Bottetourt County. I rid to my Harvest fields at the Ferry and at Dogue run and over my Cornfields at each of those places and at Muddy hole. Found the first not good\u2014the 2d. very indifferent and the third\u2014viz. that at Muddy hole as good as could be expected from the Land. A Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman, a Gentleman of Lisbon recommended by Govr. Henry to me as a Man of fortune & one who had been exceedingly attentive and kind to the American prisoners in captivity came here, dined, and continued his journey afterwards to New York with letters of Introduction from me to the Presidt. of Congress, and to Messrs. Wilson Grayson and Chase Members of it, from me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 10th. Mercury at 76 in the Morng.\u201478 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning calm\u2014but the Wind fresh afterwards from the Eastward. Cool and pleasant. At home all day alone.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Monday 11th. Mercury at 75 in the Morning 80 at Noon and 79 at Night. Wind at So. West in the Morning, fresh & Cloudy. About Noon it began to thunder, & at 3 Oclock to Rain; and continued Showery at Intervals till near sun down\u2014one of which was very hard, accompanied by heavy wind from the No. West or more Northerly. Rid to my Harvest fields in the Neck, Dogue Run, & Ferry Plann. Perceived the Sand box trees (the Nuts of which I sowed on the 13th. of June) to be coming up.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 13th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 78 at Night. Morning calm & clear. Afternoon clear with the Wind from the Southward but not very fresh. Transplanted the Spruce & Fir (or Hemlock) from the Boxes in which they were sent to me by General Lincoln to the Walks by the Garden Gates. The Spare one (Spruce) I placed in my Nursery, or Botanical Garden.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 14th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.\u201477 at Noon and 79 at Night.  Day clear\u2014with a little Wind from the Southward. Went through my Harvest field at Muddy hole to Alexandria, to a Meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company. Agreed with Mr. James Rumsey to undertake the Management of our works and a Mr. Stuart from Baltimore as an Assistant. Gave them directions\u2014passed some Accts.\u2014paid my quota of the demand for these purposes to Mr. Hartshorne the Treasurer\u2014Made Mrs. Dalby a visit and came home in the evening. Found Mr. Bryan Fairfax & his son Ferdinando here at my return who had come down before dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 15th. Mercury at 74 in the Morng.\u201478 at Noon and 76 at Night. Lowering Morning with the Wind at So. West, and pretty fresh. A black cloud, with high wind, and a little rain about 3 Oclock. Observed the Seeds of the Palmetto Royal which I had sowed on each side of the Gate in Front of the House were coming up. Mr. Fairfax and his Son Ferdinando left this after breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0016", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 16 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Saturday 16th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 80 at Night. Day clear & warm, with but little Wind and that Southerly. Rid to my Wheat fields at Muddy hole and in the Neck; the first would be finished harvesting this day, the next not till Monday. Finished cutting the Wheat at Dogue run on Tuesday, and at the ferry on Wednesday last.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 18th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 74 at Night. Wind Westerly in the Morning with Clouds, and appearances of rain. In the Afternoon it got to the Southwest & cleared. Finished my Wheat Harvest in the Neck and began to cut Grass at Morris\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 19th. Thermomiter at 70 in the Morng.\u201474 at Noon and 76 at Night. Very little Wind through the day, and in general clear. Rid to the Plantation in the Neck\u2014to Muddy hole, and to Dogue run at the last of which they were cutting grass and at the first just begin[nin]g.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 21st. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.\u201479 at Noon and 80 at Night. Cloudy morning, but clear Afternoon with a brisk Southerly Wind all day and warm. Mr. Thompson, a Presbaterian Minister (introduced by Mr. Robt. Adam) came here, dined and Stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 23d. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201478 at Noon and 80 at Night. Wind Westwardly in the forenoon, but quite calm afterwards; afternoon cool. Rid to Muddy hole and River Plantations. Finished my Hay Harvest in the Neck. Perceived a few Plants of the Pride of China (the Seed of which were Sowed on the 13th. of June) to be coming up. And also the Jien pien Cou fa\u2014between the 8 & 9 pegs and the Seeds without name (only one) between the 4 & 5 pegs\u2014the 1st. in the Second, & the other in the 3d. Row of the Chinese Sowing. These tho unnoticed at the time have been up several days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 25th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201476 at Night [noon] and 76 at Night.  Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run and in the Neck. Southerly Wind, and warm in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 27th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morng.\u201480 at Noon and 80 at Night. Morning a little lowering\u2014forenoon perfectly calm & the wind at South afterwards. A Cloud rising about 5 Oclock afforded a pretty Shower for about 10 or 15 Minutes. Finished cutting my Meadows at Dogue run but the Rain prevented my getting it secured either in Cocks or otherwise. Also cut my Field Pea\u2019s the Seed of which came from Albany. Mrs. Fendal, Miss Lee (eldest daughter of the Presidt. of Congress) Miss Nancy Lee, Grand daughter of Richd. Lee Esqr. of Maryland\u2014Mr. Chas. Lee & Mr. Lawe, Washington, Lund Washington & their wives and Mr. Lawe. Washington, Son of Lawrence & Mr. Thos. Washington Son to Robert all dined here and went away in the Afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 28th. Thermometer at 77 in the Morng.\u201481 at Noon and 84 at Night. Southerly wind in the forenoon. Calm afterwards until about 5 Oclock & very warm\u2014Southerly from thence through the Night. Finished my Harvest at Dogue run, which compleated the business of Haymaking for this year.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0007-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 July 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 30th. Thermometer at 70 in the Morng.\u201472 at Noon and 75 at Night. Clear with but little Wind at any time of the day. Put shades over the Spruce & Hemlock pines, brought me by Genl. Lincoln, which seemed to be declining fast. Mr. Shaw went this Afternoon to Dumfries.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 1st. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 78 at Night.  But little wind, weather clear & day very warm. Left home at 6 Oclock P. M. and after escorting Fanny Bassett to Alexandria I proceeded to Doctr. Stuarts where I breakfasted; and from thence went to George Town to the Annual Meeting of the Potomack Company appointed to be held at that place. About Noon, a sufficient number of sharers having assembled to constitute a meeting, we proceeded to business\u2014Mr. Danl. Carroll in the Chair\u2014when the President & directors of the Company made a report of their transactions since their appointment, which was received & approved of. The Board of Directors then sat, and after coming to some resolutions respecting rations to be allowed the Workmen\u2014the mode of payment\u2014manner of keeping an acct. of their work &ca. &ca. and to a determination of proceeding first to the Senneca Falls and next to those at the Mouth of Shannondoah for the purpose of investigation & to direct the operations thereat adjourned Sine Die. Dined at Shuters Tavern, and lodged at Mr. Oneals.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 2d. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.\u201478 at Noon and  at Night. Weather clear and Warm with but little wind. Left George Town about 10 Oclock, in Company with all the Directors except Govr. Lee who went to Mellwood to visit Mr. Igns. Digges (his father in Law) who lay at the point of death and being accompanied by Colo. James Johnson (Brother to Govr. Johnson) and Messrs. Beall, Johns & others who took with them a cold Collation with Spirits wine &ca. We dined at Mr. Bealls Mill 14 Miles from George Town and proceeded\u2014that is the Directors and Colo. Johnson\u2014to a Mr. Goldsboroughs, a decent Farmers House at the head of the Senneca falls\u2014about 6 Miles and 20 from George Town.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 3d. Wind at No. West & tolerably pleasant with appearances of Rain, without any falling. Having provided Canoes and being joined by Mr. Rumsay the principal Manager, & Mr. Stewart an Assistant to him, in carrying on the Works, we proceeded to examine the falls; and beginning at the head of them went through the whole by water, and continued from the foot of them to the Great fall. After which, returning back to a Spring on the Maryland Side between the\nSeneca & Great Falls, we partook (about 5 O\u2019clock) of another cold Collation which a Colo. Orme, a Mr. Turner & others of the Neighbourhood, had provided and returned back by the way of Mr. Bealls Mill to our old Quarters at Mr. Goldsboroughs. The distance as estimated 8 Miles. The Water through these Falls is of sufficient depth for good Navigation; and as formidable as I had conceived them to be; but by no means impracticable. The principal difficulties lye in rocks which occasion a crooked passage. These once removed, renders the passage safe without the aid of Locks & may be effected for the Sum mentioned in Mr. Jno. Ballendine\u2019s estimate (the largest extant) but in a different manner than that proposed by him. It appearing to me, and was so, unanimously determined by the Board of Directors, that a channel through the bed of the river in a strait direction, and as much in the course of the currant as may be, without a grt. increase of labour & expence, would be preferable to that through the Gut which was the choice of Mr. Ballendine for a Canal with Locks\u2014the last of which we thought unnecessary, & the first more expensive in the first instance, besides being liable to many inconveniences which the other is not, as it would, probably be frequently choaked with drift wood\u2014Ice\u2014and other rubbish which would be thrown therein through the several inlets already made by the rapidity of the currts. in freshes and others which probably would be made thereby; whereas a navigation through the bed of the river when once made will, in all probability, remain forever, as the currt. here will rather clear, than contribute to choak, the passage. It is true, no track path can be had in a navigation thus ordered, nor does there appear a necessity for it. Tracking, constitutes a large part of Mr. Ballendines estimate\u2014The want of which, in the rapid parts of the river, (if Mr. Rumseys plan for working Boats against stream by the force of Mechanical powers should fail) may be supplied by chains buoyed up to haul by which would be equally easy, more certain, and less dangerous than setting up with Poles\u2014whilst track paths, it is apprehended can not be made to stand, and may endanger the Banks if the Wood is stripped from them, which is their present security against washing. The distance between the Seneca & Great Falls, is about 5 Miles; and except in one place within \u00be of a Mile of the latter, the navigation now is, or easily may be made, very good; and at this place, the obstruction arises from the shallowness of the Water. Boats may go almost to the Spout with safety. To the place\nwhere the water passes when the river is full it is quite easy & safe to descend to, being in a Cove of still Water.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 5th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 76 at Night. After Breakfast, and after directing Mr. Rumsey when he had marked the way and set the labourers to Work to meet us at Harpers ferry on the Evening of the Morrow at Harpers Ferry (at the conflux of the Shannondoah with the Potomack) myself and the Directors set out for the same place by way of Frederick Town (Maryland). Dined at a Dutch mans 2 Miles above the  Mo[uth] of Monocasy & reached the former about 5 \u2019Oclock. Drank Tea\u2014supped\u2014and lodged at Govr. Johnsons. In the Evening the Bells rang, & Guns were fired; & a Committee waited upon me by order of the Gentlemen of the Town to request that I wd. stay next day and partake of a public dinner which the Town were desirous of giving me. But as arrangements had been made, and the time for examining the Shannondoah Falls, previous to the day fixed for receiving labourers into pay, was short I found it most expedient to decline the honor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 6th. Thermometer 76 in the Morning\u201488 at Noon and 82 at Night. Breakfasted in Frederick Town, at Govr. Johnsons, and dined at Harpers ferry. Took a view of the River, from the Banks, as we road up the bottom from Pains falls to the ferry, as well as it could be done on Horse back. Sent a Canoe in a Waggon from the Ferry to Keeptriest Furnace in ordr. to descend the Falls therin tomorrow. In my ride from George Town to this place, I made the following observations. That the Land about the first, is not only hilly, & a good deal mixed with flint stone, but is of an indifferent quality \u2019till we left the great Road, (3 Miles from G. Town) which leads to the former. The quality of the Land then improves,\nand seems well adapted to the culture of small grain but continues broken and by No means in a state of high cultivation. It is also better timbered and of a sameness to the Seneca Falls. That about the Maryland Sugar Lands (1400 Acres of which belong to George Plater Esqr.) which is five Miles above Seneca It is remarkably fine, & very level. From thence to Monocasy about 12 Miles further they are less levl. and of much inferior quality. That from Monocasy to Frederick Town (distant 12 or 13 Miles) nothing can well exceed them for fertility of Soil\u2014convenient levelness and luxurient growth of Timber. The Farms seem to be under good cultivation, which is somewhat Surprizing, as the possessors of them (on a Mannor belonging to Chs. Carroll Esqr. of Carrolton who holds in one Tract, 12 or 14,000 Acres) are Tenants at will\u2014paying for the low grounds on Potomack & Monocasy 5/. Maryland Curry. pr. acre & for the high land 4/. for all the land within the boundaries of their respective Tenements. That from Frederick Town to the Kittoctan Mountain (about 7 Miles) the Land is nearly similar but not quite so luxurient to the eye. And from that Mountain to the river estimated 10 Miles it is more hilly & of a second quality but strong & very productive especially of small grain. That the remaining 3 Miles to the Ferry is river bottom and of course good. Frederick Town stands on a branch of Monocasy, and lyes rather low. The Country about it is beautiful & seems to be in high Cultivation. It is said to contain about  Houses; for the most part of wood; but there are many of Brick and Stone, & some good ones. The number of Inhabitants are computed to be  Souls. There are Churches, a Court House\u2014Work House & other public buildings. The Mechanics are numerous, in proportion to the aggregate; and the Spirit of Industry seems to pervade the place\u2014tho\u2019 Trade, it is said, has slackened.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 7th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 76 at Night. About Sunrising, the Directors & myself rid up to Keeptrieste, where Canoes were provided, in which we crossed to the Maryland side of the river and examined a Gut, or swash through which it is supposed the Navigation must be conducted. This Swash is shallow at the entrance, but having sufficient fall, may easily (by removing some of the rocks) admit any quantity of water required. From the entrance to the foot, may be about 300 yards in a semicircular direction with many loose, & some fixed rocks to remove. Having examined this passage, I returned to the head of the Falls, and in one of the Canoes with two skilful hands descended them with the common Currt. in its Natural bed\u2014which I found greatly incommoded with rocks, shallows and a crooked Channel which left no doubt of the propriety of preferring a passage through the Swash. From the foot of the Swash the Water is pretty good for 3 or 400 yards further, when there is another fall of it, or rapid with an uneven bottom which occasions a considerable ripple at Top\u2014but as their is sufficient depth, & the channel Middling straight, the difficulty here in descending is not great but to return without the aids spoke of at the Seneca falls may be labourious. From hence the Water is good to the head of the Island just above the ferry by which it is shoal on the Virginia side with some rocks and tho\u2019 deeper on the Maryland side is worse on acct. of the\nRocks which are more numerous. The distance from the head of the Falls to the Ferry may be about a Mile & half. Here we breakfasted; after which we set out to explore the Falls below; & having but one Canoe, Colo. Gilpin, Mr. Rumsay (who joined us according to appointment last Night) and Myself, embarked in it, with intention to pass thro\u2019 what is called the Spout (less than half a mile below the ferry) but when we came to it, the Company on the shore on acct. of the smallness, and low sides of the Vessel, dissuaded us from the attempt, least the roughness of the Water, occasioned by the rocky bottom, should fill, & involve us in danger. To avoid the danger therefore we passed through a narrow channel on the left, near the Maryland Shore and continued in the Canoe to the lower end of Pains falls distant, according to estimation 3 Miles. These falls may be described as follow. From the Ferry, for about 3 hundred yards, or more, the Water is deep with rocks here and there, near the surface, then a ripple; the Water betwn. which, and the Spout, as before. The Spout takes its name from the rapidity of the Water, and its dashings, occasioned by a gradual, but pretty considerable fall, over a rocky bottom which makes an uneven surface & considerable swell. The Water however, is of sufficient depth through it, but the Channel not being perfectly straight; skilful hands are necessary to navigate and conduct Vessels through this rapid. From hence, their is pretty smooth & even Water with loose stone, & some rocks, for the best part of a Mile; to a ridge of rocks which cross the river with Intervals; thro\u2019 which the Water passes in crooked directions. But the passage which seemed most likely to answer our purpose of Navigation was on the Maryland side being freest from rocks but Shallow. From hence to what are called Pains falls the Water is tolerably smooth, with Rocks here and there. These are best passed on the Maryland side. They are pretty Swift\u2014shallow\u2014and foul at bottom but the difficulties may be removed. From the bottom of these Falls, leaving an Island on the right, & the Maryland Shore on the left the easy & good Navigation below is entered. At the foot of these falls the Directors & myself (Govr. Lee having joined us the Evening before) held a meeting\u2014At which it was determined, as we conceived the Navigation could be made through these (commonly called the Shannondoah) Falls without the aid of Locks, and by opening them would give eclat to the undertaking and great ease to the upper Inhabitants as Water transportation would be immediately had to the Great Falls\nfrom Fort Cumberland to employ the upper hands in this work instead of removing the obstructions above, and gave Mr. Rumsey directions to do so accordingly\u2014with general Instructions for his Governmt. Govr. Lee, on Acct. of the death of his Father in Law, Mr. Igs. Digges, & consequent circumstances; left us at this place with a view of carrying his Lady next day to Mellwood. The rest of us returned to the Tavern at Harpers Ferry.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 8th. Thermometer at 68 this Morning\u201470 at Noon and 70 at Night. This being the day appointed for labourers to engage in the work we waited to see the issue until Evening, when Mr. Johnson & his Brother Colo. Johnson took leave of us. Many Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood visited us here today\u2014among whom Mr. Wormeley Senr., my Brother Charles\u2014Colo. Morgan, Captn. Shepherd and Colo. Shepherd his Brother of Wheeling on the Ohio were of the number. A few hands offered and were employed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 74 at Night. Having provided a light & convenient Boat\u2014hired two hands to work her and laid in some Stores, Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin, and myself embarked in it, leaving Mr. Rumsey to engage more hds. & to set those he had to work about 6 Oclock P.M. In this Boat we passed through the Spout, and all the other Falls and rapids, and breakfasted at a Captn. Smiths on the Maryland side; to which place our horses had been sent the Evening before\u2014after which and dining on our prog at Knowlands Ferry (about 15 Miles from Harpers) we lodged at the House of a  Mr. Tayler, about three Miles above the Mouth of Goose Creek and about 10 M. below Knowlands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 10th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 80 at Night. Before Sun rise we embarked and about Nine Oclock arrived at the head of the Seneca Falls and breakfasted with our old Landlord Mr. Goldsborough to which place our horses had proceeded the Over Night from Captn. Smiths. The Nature of the river, from the foot of Pains falls to which a description has already been given, is\u2014From that place to Smiths ferry, on the No. of the Island already noticed (about 2 Miles) the Water, generally, is pretty smooth, with round Stones of different sizes at the bottom and in places shallow. From hence to Luckets ferry at the Mouth of the Maryland Kittoctan (about 5 Miles further) the Water is Smooth and of sufficient depth in one part or other of the river for Boats, except at one ripple near to, and just above Luckets ferry which is occasioned principally by a fish dam. From & between this, & the Virginia Kittoctan where the river passes through the Mountain of that name is what are called Hooks falls which are no otherwise difficult than from the Shallowness of the Water & crookedness of the Channel\u2014both of which it is presumed, may be much improved. From these Falls to Knowlands ferry, which is about 4 Miles and Six from Luckets the Navigation leaving Trammels Islands on the Left & Peach Island on the right is easy & pleasant, with only Shoal Water in one or two places which may be deepned without much expence. From hence to the Seneca Falls, the Navigation is in no part difficult. In one or two places, particularly above tht upper Island now, or formerly, belonging to the Hites the water is rather Shoal, but may readily be deepned (as the bottom is of round Stone) if a better passage cannot be had on the No.\nside of the Island. The Fish pots, of which there are many in the River, serve to clog the Navigation, & to render the passage more difficult upon the whole. Between the Shannondoah falls, and those of Seneca, there are many valuable Islands\u2014but those of Lee, McCarty, Hites, & Trammels, may greatly claim the preference; the River Bottoms have also a rich & luxurient appearance & in some places look to be wide. After Breakfasting, and spending sometime with the labourers at their different works, of blowing, removing stone, getting Coal wood &ca.\u2014we left the Seneca Falls about 2 Oclock A.M. & crossing the River about half a mile below them and a little above Captn. Trammels we got into the great Road from Leesburgh to Alexandria and about half after Nine O\u2019clock in the Evening I reached home after an absence from it of 10 days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 11th. Thermometer 77 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 84 at Night. The Drought, the effects of which were visible when I left home, had, by this (no rain having fallen in my absence) greatly affected vegetation. The grass was quite burnt & crisp under foot\u2014Gardens parched and the young Trees in my Shrubberies, notwithstanding they had been watered (as it is said) according to my direction were much on the decline. In a word nature had put on a melancholy look\u2014everything seeming to droop.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 12th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 83 at Night. Very little wind, but some appearances of rain in the West but none fell. Mrs. Fendall and Miss  second Daughter of the President of Congress dined here and returned home after it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 13th. Thermometer at 80 in the Morng.\u201484 at Noon and 86 at Night. Rid to my Muddy hole and Neck Plantations, and beheld Corn in a melancholy situation, fired in most places to the Ear with little appearance of yielding if rain should soon come & a certainty of making nothing if it did not. Attempts had been made at both these Plantations to sow Wheat, but stirring the ground in the parched condition it was in, had so affected the Corn as to cause well grounded apprehensions that it would die if not restored by seasonable & sufficient Rains. This put a stop to further Seeding which is almost as bad as the injury done by it to the Corn as latter sowing in old Corn ground seldom produces. At the first mentioned place about 30 Bushels had been sowed\u2014at the latter less. The two kinds of Chinese Seeds which had appeared before I left home were destroyed either by the drought or insects. That between the 8th. & 9th. stakes in the 2d. row was entirely eradicated\u2014indeed some kind of fly, or bug, had begun to prey up on the leaves before I left home. The other was broke of near the ground & cannot I fear recover. In the Evening late, Doctr. Craik arrived, on a Visit to John Alton (my Overseer in the Neck) who has been ill, & confined to his bed for near 3 Weeks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 14th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and  at Night. Morning calm & clear. Abt. Noon the wind came out from the Westward and in the afternoon there were appearances of rain No. Wt. & Southward of us with rumbling thunder at a distance but the clouds vanished without shedding any of their Watry particles. Doctr. Craik left this after Breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 17th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 86 at Night. Cloudy & damp Morning, with the Wind at South. In the Afternon Clouds gathered all round us with thunder & lightning and a good deal of rain appeared to fall upon Patuxent and above us on this river but not enough fell here to wet a handkerchief. Mr. [and] Mrs. Fendall and Miss Nancy went away before breakfast and my Brother John directly after it. Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner on a visit to John Alton and stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Thursday 18th. Thermometer at 81 in the Morning\u201486 at Noon and 88 at Night. About 4 Oclock the Mercury was at 90. The fore part of the day was quite calm, and the whole of it intensely hot. About Noon it began to cloud & sprinkle rain which went off again. At 4 another cloud arose, out of which we had a pretty shower for about 15 or 20 Minutes, but not sufficient to wet the ground more than an Inch where it had been fresh worked. On Patuxent there was the appearance of abundant rain. Doctr. Craik set off after brakfast to return home\u2014but a Messenger recalled him to Jno. Alton where he remained all day & Night. Mrs. Washington & Nelly Custis visited Mrs. Stuart, and returned in the Evening with Fanny Bassett. Began with James and Tom to work on my Park fencing. Cut down the two Cherry trees in the Court yard.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 19th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 82 at Night. Morning lowering, and very like for rain, but about noon it cleared after a very slight sprinkling, not enough to wet a man in his shirt. Doctr. Craik returned from John Alton\u2019s, took breakfast, & proceeded home. Encouraged by the little rain which had fallen, and the hope that more would fall I sowed about half an Acre of Turnips at home, and some at Dogue run Plantation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 20th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 82 at Night.  Clear, with the wind at East the greater part of the day but not very fresh. Mr. Shaw went to Dumf[rie]s. Rid to all my plantations, and visited John Alton, who still lay ill, and in great danger. At Muddy hole, there appeared to have fallen more rain than at any other of my Plantations. At this place my Overseer had recommenced sowing of Wheat, & was continuing it. In the Neck they had done the same, but finding the ground only superficially wet, they had discontinued it. Neither at the Ferry nor dogue run had they attempted to sow any, tho at the latter there had been a good shower, but by no means a sufficiency of Rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 22d. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201477 at Noon and 77 at Night. Very cloudy morning with the Wind at So. West. About 8 Oclock it began to rain moderately and with intervals continued to do so through the day, and Night\u2014but as the rain was fine, & not const[an]t the ground was not penetrated deep by it especially where it was before hard.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 24th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201475 at Noon and 74 at Night. Weather clear and but little wind and that variable. Doctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.  Sowed some more of the Guinea Grass seed today in the manner of yesterday. Measured round the ground which I intend to inclose for a Paddock, and find it to be abt. 1600 yards. Receiv\u2019d Seven hounds sent me from France by the Marqs. de la Fayette, by way of New York viz. 3 dogs and four Bitches. My Boat went to Alexandria and brought home 100 Bushels of Salt, a hogshead of common rum, and a Cask of Nails 20d.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 25th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 78 at Night. Wind Southwardly in the forenoon, but not much of it. About Noon a Cloud arose in the West & promised rain but none fell here, but the Wind shifting to the Westward it blew hard for a few minutes & the cloud went above us. Finished sowing the Spaces of the Guinea Grass in the little Garden.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 80 at Night. Morning clear with the wind pretty fresh from the Southward. About 10 Oclock it clouded up, and rained a little; then cleared; but about 5 Oclock, a very black and heavy cloud arose in the Southwest, out of which (about Six oclock) proceedd for a few minutes very heavy wind, & a powerful Shower; the last of which continued about 12 or 15 Minutes. This being succeeded by lighter Showers, wch. with intervals continuing thro the Night afforded abundance of rain. Before this camp up (and during the slight shower in the Morning) I planted in a small piece of ground which I had prepared in the inclosure below the Stable (vineyard) about 1000 grains of the Cape of Good Hope Wheat (which was given to me by Colo. Spaight) in Rows 2 feet a part, and 5 inches distant in the Rows. Fanny Bassett crossed the River immediately after dinner, on a visit to Miss Hanson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 28th. Mercury at 74 in the Morng.\u201476 at Noon and 76 at Night. Wind Southerly; with clouds, slight Showers, and Sunshine by intervals all day. In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came here\u2014on a visit to Jno. Alton.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 73 at Night. Wind Southerly, with Showers in the Morning, and Clouds all day, with appearances of Rain but none fell after noon. Doctr. Craik after visiting John Alton before breakfast, went after it to see Lund Washingtons child who had been siezed with fits & the family alarmed by it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 August 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Tuesday 30th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 74 at Night. But little Wind and that westerly\u2014clear and pleasant. Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run and Muddy hole. Found the Corn a good deal improved in its looks, and that it had put forth many young Shoots but it is to be apprehended that the tassel in a great deal of it had got too dry for the farina to impregnate the grain. The Wheat which had been Sowed before the late rains fell was up, and coming up, very well. I observed that Corn, whh. had been planted under the Persimon trees in the fields looked as thriving and well as that which was not shaded\u2014the same thing I had observed before (formerly) with respect to Wheat under these sort of trees and also of grass which proves them to be a valuable tree in Inclosures. Mrs. Washington visited the Sick Child of Mr. L. Washington, and returned to dinner. Finished gravelling the right hand Walk leading to the front gate from the Court yard.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0008", "content": "Title: August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 1st. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 78 at Night.\nBut little wind, weather clear & day very warm.\nLeft home at 6 Oclock P. M. and after escorting Fanny Bassett to Alexandria I proceeded to Doctr. Stuarts where I breakfasted; and from thence went to George Town to the Annual Meeting of the Potomack Company appointed to be held at that place.\nAbout Noon, a sufficient number of sharers having assembled to constitute a meeting, we proceeded to business\u2014Mr. Danl. Carroll in the Chair\u2014when the President & directors of the Company made a report of their transactions since their appointment, which was received & approved of.\nThe Board of Directors then sat, and after coming to some resolutions respecting rations to be allowed the Workmen\u2014the mode of payment\u2014manner of keeping an acct. of their work &ca. &ca. and to a determination of proceeding first to the Senneca Falls and next to those at the Mouth of Shannondoah for the purpose of investigation & to direct the operations thereat adjourned Sine Die.\nDined at Shuters Tavern, and lodged at Mr. Oneals.\n   shuters tavern: In 1783 John Suter (d. 1794) opened a tavern in Georgetown, Md., on the east side of Water Street (now Wisconsin Ave.) several doors south of Bridge (now M) Street. During the 1780s this tavern was commonly used for meetings of the Potowmack Company and the commissioners of Georgetown. Suter later moved his business around the corner and opened the Fountain Inn on the south side of Bridge Street near the eastern edge of the original town (see HOLMESOliver W. Holmes. \u201cThe Colonial Taverns of Georgetown.\u201d Records of the Columbia Historical Society 51-52 (1951-52): 1\u201318.; ECKERGrace Dunlop Ecker. A Portrait of Old George Town. Richmond, Va., 1951.). Bernard O\u2019Neill, who became a commissioner of Georgetown in 1782, was a member of the Potowmack Company (ECKERGrace Dunlop Ecker. A Portrait of Old George Town. Richmond, Va., 1951., 10; BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 59).\nTuesday 2d. Thermometer at 76 in the Morng.\u201478 at Noon and  at Night.\nWeather clear and Warm with but little wind.\nLeft George Town about 10 Oclock, in Company with all the Directors except Govr. Lee who went to Mellwood to visit Mr. Igns. Digges (his father in Law) who lay at the point of death and being accompanied by Colo. James Johnson (Brother to Govr. Johnson) and Messrs. Beall, Johns & others who took with them a cold Collation with Spirits wine &ca. We dined at Mr. Bealls Mill 14 Miles from George Town and proceeded\u2014that is the Directors and Colo. Johnson\u2014to a Mr. Goldsboroughs, a decent Farmers House at the head of the Senneca falls\u2014about 6 Miles and 20 from George Town.\n   Col. James Johnson (b. 1736) lived in Frederick County, Md., and helped to manage several furnaces and forges owned by the Johnson family both\nthere and in Loudoun County, Va. He served during the Revolution as colonel of a battalion of infantry in the Flying Camp (DELAPLAINEEdward S. Delaplaine. The Life of Thomas Johnson: Member of the Continental Congress, First Governor of the State of Maryland, and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. New York, 1927., 13\u201314; WILLIAMS [2]Thomas J. C. Williams. A History of Washington County, Maryland, from the Earliest Settlements to the Present Time. 2 vols. 1906. Reprint. Baltimore, 1968., 1062).\n   Thomas Beall, son of George Beall, signed his name \u201cThomas Beall of George\u201d to distinguish himself from other contemporary Thomas Bealls. A commissioner for Georgetown and a local landholder, Beall was a member of the Potowmack Company (ECKERGrace Dunlop Ecker. A Portrait of Old George Town. Richmond, Va., 1951., 10; BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 59). Mr. Johns was probably Thomas Johns, a merchant of Georgetown, who had been a member of the pre-Revolution Potomac navigation project (Va. Gaz., D&H, 7 Jan. 1775; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 86).\n   The 1790 federal census of Montgomery County, Md., shows no Goldsboroughs, but does list the household of Jonathan Goldsberry, with three adult males, one female, and seven slaves (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 87).\nWednesday 3d. Wind at No. West & tolerably pleasant with appearances of Rain, without any falling.\nHaving provided Canoes and being joined by Mr. Rumsay the principal Manager, & Mr. Stewart an Assistant to him, in carrying on the Works, we proceeded to examine the falls; and beginning at the head of them went through the whole by water, and continued from the foot of them to the Great fall. After which, returning back to a Spring on the Maryland Side between the\nSeneca & Great Falls, we partook (about 5 O\u2019clock) of another cold Collation which a Colo. Orme, a Mr. Turner & others of the Neighbourhood, had provided and returned back by the way of Mr. Bealls Mill to our old Quarters at Mr. Goldsboroughs. The distance as estimated 8 Miles.\nThe Water through these Falls is of sufficient depth for good Navigation; and as formidable as I had conceived them to be; but by no means impracticable. The principal difficulties lye in rocks which occasion a crooked passage. These once removed, renders the passage safe without the aid of Locks & may be effected for the Sum mentioned in Mr. Jno. Ballendine\u2019s estimate (the largest extant) but in a different manner than that proposed by him. It appearing to me, and was so, unanimously determined by the Board of Directors, that a channel through the bed of the river in a strait direction, and as much in the course of the currant as may be, without a grt. increase of labour & expence, would be preferable to that through the Gut which was the choice of Mr. Ballendine for a Canal with Locks\u2014the last of which we thought unnecessary, & the first more expensive in the first instance, besides being liable to many inconveniences which the other is not, as it would, probably be frequently choaked with drift wood\u2014Ice\u2014and other rubbish which would be thrown therein through the several inlets already made by the rapidity of the currts. in freshes and others which probably would be made thereby; whereas a navigation through the bed of the river when once made will, in all probability, remain forever, as the currt. here will rather clear, than contribute to choak, the passage. It is true, no track path can be had in a navigation thus ordered, nor does there appear a necessity for it. Tracking, constitutes a large part of Mr. Ballendines estimate\u2014The want of which, in the rapid parts of the river, (if Mr. Rumseys plan for working Boats against stream by the force of Mechanical powers should fail) may be supplied by chains buoyed up to haul by which would be equally easy, more certain, and less dangerous than setting up with Poles\u2014whilst track paths, it is apprehended can not be made to stand, and may endanger the Banks if the Wood is stripped from them, which is their present security against washing.\nThe distance between the Seneca & Great Falls, is about 5 Miles; and except in one place within \u00be of a Mile of the latter, the navigation now is, or easily may be made, very good; and at this place, the obstruction arises from the shallowness of the Water. Boats may go almost to the Spout with safety. To the place\nwhere the water passes when the river is full it is quite easy & safe to descend to, being in a Cove of still Water.\n   Col. Archibald Orme (1730\u20131812), of the Rock Creek neighborhood in Montgomery County, Md., was an active surveyor in the area. Mr. Turner may be Samuel Turner, who was living in that neighborhood in 1790, or Hezekiah Turner (1739\u2013c.1812), of Fauquier County, Va., who was active after the Revolution as a surveyor of lands in the upper Potomac Valley (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 88; MACKENZIE [1]George Norbury Mackenzie, ed. Colonial Families of the United States of America. 7 vols. 1907-20. Reprint. Baltimore, 1966., 2:564; SCHARF [3]J. Thomas Scharf. History of Western Maryland. Being a History of Frederick, Montgomery, Carroll, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties from the Earliest Period to the Present Day; Including Biographical Sketches of Their Representative Men. 2 vols. 1882. Reprint. Baltimore, 1968., 1:744; BLUMWilletta Baylis Blum and William Blum, Sr., comps. The Baylis Family of Virginia. Washington, D.C., 1958., 426).\n   track path: The problem GW is discussing is that of aiding boats to ascend the Seneca Falls (actually rapids). The track path was a towing path used to tow the boats through the rapid part of the river. GW disliked the cost of constructing and maintaining canals and locks and accepted the necessity of cutting a canal only when locks were clearly necessary, as at the Great Falls (GW to Edmund Randolph, 16 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW). the spout: The point in a river where the banks formed a narrow channel, thus creating rapids, was called a spout. In his tour this week GW passes through three such sections of the Potomac, referring to each as \u201cthe Spout.\u201d For the sake of clarity, each spout will be referred to by the name of the rapids or falls associated with it. This one is the Great Falls Spout, described in 1760 by Andrew Burnaby: \u201cthe channel of the river is contracted by hills; and is . . . narrow. . . . It is clogged moreover with innumerable rocks; so that the water for a mile or two flows with accelerated velocity\u201d (BURNABYRufus Rockwell Wilson, ed. Burnaby\u2019s Travels through North America. 1798. Reprint. New York, 1904., 68\u201369).\nThursday 4th. In order to be more certain of the advantages and disadvantages of the Navigation proposed by Mr. Ballendine, through the Gut; we took a more particular view of it\u2014walking down one side & returning on the other and were more fully convinced of the impropriety of its adoption first because it would be more expensive in the first instance and secondly because it would be subject to the ravages of freshes &ca. as already mentioned, without any superiority over the one proposed through the bed of the River unless a track path should be preferable to hauling up by a Chain with buoy\u2019s.\nEngaged nine labourers with whom to commence the Work.\nThermometer  in the Morng.\u201476 at Noon and 78 at Night.\nFriday 5th. Thermometer at 74 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and 76 at Night.\nAfter Breakfast, and after directing Mr. Rumsey when he had marked the way and set the labourers to Work to meet us at Harpers ferry on the Evening of the Morrow at Harpers Ferry (at the conflux of the Shannondoah with the Potomack) myself and the Directors set out for the same place by way of Frederick Town (Maryland). Dined at a Dutch mans 2 Miles above the\nMo[uth] of Monocasy & reached the former about 5 \u2019Oclock. Drank Tea\u2014supped\u2014and lodged at Govr. Johnsons.\nIn the Evening the Bells rang, & Guns were fired; & a Committee waited upon me by order of the Gentlemen of the Town to request that I wd. stay next day and partake of a public dinner which the Town were desirous of giving me. But as arrangements had been made, and the time for examining the Shannondoah Falls, previous to the day fixed for receiving labourers into pay, was short I found it most expedient to decline the honor.\n   Robert Harper (d. 1782), of Philadelphia, settled at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers in Virginia before 1747, and there developed a ferry which crossed the Potomac to Maryland just above the mouth of the Shenandoah. By 1785 Harper\u2019s home had become a nucleus for a small village, variously called Shenandoah Falls and Harpers Ferry (BUSHONGMillard Kessler Bushong. Historic Jefferson County. Boyce, Va., 1972., 17\u201321). In 1795 GW, as president, chose Harpers Ferry as a site for a federal arsenal and armory.\n   Frederick Town was laid out and settled in the 1740s on land owned by\nthe Dulany family of Maryland. Lying on a major crossroads in the heart of the Monocacy River Valley, it became the seat of Frederick County, Md., when that county was formed in 1748. Its population was for many years heavily German, mostly immigrants from German communities in Pennsylvania whom the English colonists commonly referred to as \u201cDutch\u201d (LANDAubrey C. Land. The Dulanys of Maryland: A Biographical Study of Daniel Dulany, the Elder (1685\u20131753) and Daniel Dulany, the Younger (1722\u20131797). Baltimore, 1955., 180, 252). The \u201cDutch mans\u201d may have been the inn located on the road between the Potomac River and Frederick Town, which in 1780 was being kept by Leonhard Heil (MERENESSNewton D. Mereness, ed. Travels in the American Colonies. New York, 1916., 591).\nSaturday 6th. Thermometer 76 in the Morning\u201488 at Noon and 82 at Night.\nBreakfasted in Frederick Town, at Govr. Johnsons, and dined at Harpers ferry. Took a view of the River, from the Banks, as we road up the bottom from Pains falls to the ferry, as well as it could be done on Horse back. Sent a Canoe in a Waggon from the Ferry to Keeptriest Furnace in ordr. to descend the Falls therin tomorrow.\nIn my ride from George Town to this place, I made the following observations. That the Land about the first, is not only hilly, & a good deal mixed with flint stone, but is of an indifferent quality \u2019till we left the great Road, (3 Miles from G. Town) which leads to the former. The quality of the Land then improves,\nand seems well adapted to the culture of small grain but continues broken and by No means in a state of high cultivation. It is also better timbered and of a sameness to the Seneca Falls. That about the Maryland Sugar Lands (1400 Acres of which belong to George Plater Esqr.) which is five Miles above Seneca It is remarkably fine, & very level. From thence to Monocasy about 12 Miles further they are less levl. and of much inferior quality. That from Monocasy to Frederick Town (distant 12 or 13 Miles) nothing can well exceed them for fertility of Soil\u2014convenient levelness and luxurient growth of Timber. The Farms seem to be under good cultivation, which is somewhat Surprizing, as the possessors of them (on a Mannor belonging to Chs. Carroll Esqr. of Carrolton who holds in one Tract, 12 or 14,000 Acres) are Tenants at will\u2014paying for the low grounds on Potomack & Monocasy 5/. Maryland Curry. pr. acre & for the high land 4/. for all the land within the boundaries of their respective Tenements. That from Frederick Town to the Kittoctan Mountain (about 7 Miles) the Land is nearly similar but not quite so luxurient to the eye. And from that Mountain to the river estimated 10 Miles it is more hilly & of a second quality but strong & very productive especially of small grain. That the remaining 3 Miles to the Ferry is river bottom and of course good.\nFrederick Town stands on a branch of Monocasy, and lyes rather low. The Country about it is beautiful & seems to be in high Cultivation. It is said to contain about  Houses; for the most part of wood; but there are many of Brick and Stone, & some good ones. The number of Inhabitants are computed to be  Souls. There are Churches, a Court House\u2014Work House & other public buildings. The Mechanics are numerous, in proportion to the aggregate; and the Spirit of Industry seems to pervade the place\u2014tho\u2019 Trade, it is said, has slackened.\n   Johnson\u2019s house in Frederick Town was on Market Street; his country estate was about four miles northeast of the town (SCHARF [3]J. Thomas Scharf. History of Western Maryland. Being a History of Frederick, Montgomery, Carroll, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties from the Earliest Period to the Present Day; Including Biographical Sketches of Their Representative Men. 2 vols. 1882. Reprint. Baltimore, 1968., 1:487).\n   The Keep Triste iron furnace was located on the right (Virginia) bank of the Potomac near the mouth of Elk\u2019s Run, about two miles above the confluence of the Potomac with the Shenandoah River. This area is now in Jefferson County, W.Va.\n   GW left the Great Road to Frederick Town to follow the river road along the Potomac. The Sugar Lands were named for the stands of sugar maple trees found in the Broad Run area in the western part of Montgomery County, Md., which also extended across the Potomac into the Sugar Land Run neighborhood of Virginia.\n   George Plater (1735\u20131792), of Sotterly, on the Patuxent River in St. Mary\u2019s County, Md., practiced law in Maryland and took a leading role in\nthe Revolution, representing Maryland in the Second Continental Congress (1778\u201380). In 1776 Plater participated in a joint Virginia-Maryland commission for safer navigation of the Potomac River.\n   Carrollton, a tract of land of over 10,000 acres in the fork of the Potomac and Monocacy rivers in Frederick County, Md., was given to Charles Carroll (1737\u20131832) by his father Charles Carroll (1702\u20131782) when the younger Charles returned to America in 1765 following his schooling in Europe. The younger Charles Carroll added \u201cof Carrollton\u201d to his name to distinguish himself from three other Charles Carrolls then living, although he never maintained a home at Carrollton. His regular residence was on the great plantation Doughoregan Manor in Anne Arundel (after 1851 in Howard) County, Md., about 16 miles west of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Carrollton. In 1821 Carroll divided Carrollton among a dozen members of his family, while retaining a life interest in the rentals from his tenants there (W.P.A. [2]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. Maryland: A Guide to the Old Line State. American Guide Series. New York, 1940., 331; Charles Carroll to Charles Carroll [of Carrollton], 10 April 1764, Md. Hist. Mag., 12:167; ROWLAND [1]Kate Mason Rowland. The Life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 1737\u20131832, with His Correspondence and Public Papers. 2 vols. New York, 1898., 1:68\u201369, 180\u201381, 196, 2:49, 409).\n   GW\u2019s party apparently followed the old road from Frederick Town to the gap in South Mountain made by the Potomac River. kittoctan: now Catoctin Mountain, which runs almost due south through Frederick County Md., into Loudoun County, Va., and is cut by the Potomac at Point of Rocks, Md.\nSunday 7th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 76 at Night.\nAbout Sunrising, the Directors & myself rid up to Keeptrieste, where Canoes were provided, in which we crossed to the Maryland side of the river and examined a Gut, or swash through which it is supposed the Navigation must be conducted. This Swash is shallow at the entrance, but having sufficient fall, may easily (by removing some of the rocks) admit any quantity of water required. From the entrance to the foot, may be about 300 yards in a semicircular direction with many loose, & some fixed rocks to remove. Having examined this passage, I returned to the head of the Falls, and in one of the Canoes with two skilful hands descended them with the common Currt. in its Natural bed\u2014which I found greatly incommoded with rocks, shallows and a crooked Channel which left no doubt of the propriety of preferring a passage through the Swash.\nFrom the foot of the Swash the Water is pretty good for 3 or 400 yards further, when there is another fall of it, or rapid with an uneven bottom which occasions a considerable ripple at Top\u2014but as their is sufficient depth, & the channel Middling straight, the difficulty here in descending is not great but to return without the aids spoke of at the Seneca falls may be labourious. From hence the Water is good to the head of the Island just above the ferry by which it is shoal on the Virginia side with some rocks and tho\u2019 deeper on the Maryland side is worse on acct. of the\nRocks which are more numerous. The distance from the head of the Falls to the Ferry may be about a Mile & half.\nHere we breakfasted; after which we set out to explore the Falls below; & having but one Canoe, Colo. Gilpin, Mr. Rumsay (who joined us according to appointment last Night) and Myself, embarked in it, with intention to pass thro\u2019 what is called the Spout (less than half a mile below the ferry) but when we came to it, the Company on the shore on acct. of the smallness, and low sides of the Vessel, dissuaded us from the attempt, least the roughness of the Water, occasioned by the rocky bottom, should fill, & involve us in danger. To avoid the danger therefore we passed through a narrow channel on the left, near the Maryland Shore and continued in the Canoe to the lower end of Pains falls distant, according to estimation 3 Miles. These falls may be described as follow.\nFrom the Ferry, for about 3 hundred yards, or more, the Water is deep with rocks here and there, near the surface, then a ripple; the Water betwn. which, and the Spout, as before. The Spout takes its name from the rapidity of the Water, and its dashings, occasioned by a gradual, but pretty considerable fall, over a rocky bottom which makes an uneven surface & considerable swell. The Water however, is of sufficient depth through it, but the Channel not being perfectly straight; skilful hands are necessary to navigate and conduct Vessels through this rapid. From hence, their is pretty smooth & even Water with loose stone, & some rocks, for the best part of a Mile; to a ridge of rocks which cross the river with Intervals; thro\u2019 which the Water passes in crooked directions. But the passage which seemed most likely to answer our purpose of Navigation was on the Maryland side being freest from rocks but Shallow. From hence to what are called Pains falls the Water is tolerably smooth, with Rocks here and there. These are best passed on the Maryland side. They are pretty Swift\u2014shallow\u2014and foul at bottom but the difficulties may be removed. From the bottom of these Falls, leaving an Island on the right, & the Maryland Shore on the left the easy & good Navigation below is entered.\nAt the foot of these falls the Directors & myself (Govr. Lee having joined us the Evening before) held a meeting\u2014At which it was determined, as we conceived the Navigation could be made through these (commonly called the Shannondoah) Falls without the aid of Locks, and by opening them would give eclat to the undertaking and great ease to the upper Inhabitants as Water transportation would be immediately had to the Great Falls\nfrom Fort Cumberland to employ the upper hands in this work instead of removing the obstructions above, and gave Mr. Rumsey directions to do so accordingly\u2014with general Instructions for his Governmt.\nGovr. Lee, on Acct. of the death of his Father in Law, Mr. Igs. Digges, & consequent circumstances; left us at this place with a view of carrying his Lady next day to Mellwood. The rest of us returned to the Tavern at Harpers Ferry.\n   the falls: Shenandoah Falls, running about two miles down the Potomac from Elk\u2019s Run to the mouth of the Shenandoah River. his governmt.: In these instructions Rumsey was directed to hire as many workers as necessary to open the Shenandoah and Seneca Falls (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 64).\nMonday 8th. Thermometer at 68 this Morning\u201470 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nThis being the day appointed for labourers to engage in the work we waited to see the issue until Evening, when Mr. Johnson & his Brother Colo. Johnson took leave of us.\nMany Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood visited us here today\u2014among whom Mr. Wormeley Senr., my Brother Charles\u2014Colo. Morgan, Captn. Shepherd and Colo. Shepherd his Brother of Wheeling on the Ohio were of the number.\nA few hands offered and were employed.\n   Col. William Morgan (d. 1788), of Shepherdstown, Berkeley County (now in W.Va.), was a founding justice when that county was organized in 1772 (NORRIS [1]J. E. Norris, ed. History of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. 1890. Reprint. Berryville, Va., 1972., 220\u201321; DANDRIDGEDanske Dandridge. Historic Shepherdstown. Charlottesville, Va., 1910., 336; James Rumsey to William Hartshorne, 24 Oct. 1785, ViU). Abraham Shepherd (1754\u20131822), a captain in Stephenson\u2019s Maryland and Virgina Rifle Company, was captured at Fort Washington during the New York campaign (1776) and was later exchanged and returned home due to illness. The Shepherd brothers were sons of Thomas Shepherd, founder of Shepherdstown (DANDRIDGEDanske Dandridge. Historic Shepherdstown. Charlottesville, Va., 1910., 346; HEITMAN [2]Francis B. Heitman. Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution, April, 1775, to December, 1783. 1893. Rev. ed. Washington, D.C., 1914., 493).\nTuesday 9th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 74 at Night.\nHaving provided a light & convenient Boat\u2014hired two hands to work her and laid in some Stores, Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin, and myself embarked in it, leaving Mr. Rumsey to engage more hds. & to set those he had to work about 6 Oclock P.M.\nIn this Boat we passed through the Spout, and all the other Falls and rapids, and breakfasted at a Captn. Smiths on the Maryland side; to which place our horses had been sent the Evening before\u2014after which and dining on our prog at Knowlands Ferry (about 15 Miles from Harpers) we lodged at the House of a\nMr. Tayler, about three Miles above the Mouth of Goose Creek and about 10 M. below Knowlands.\n   captn. smiths: probably the home of Capt. John Smith, near the Smith\u2019s ferry mentioned by GW on 10 Aug. (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 63). prog: food, victuals, provender; especially provisions for a journey. knowlands ferry: Noland\u2019s Ferry crossed the Potomac downstream of Noland\u2019s Island from Loudoun County, Va., to the mouth of Tuscarora Creek in Montgomery County, Md. The ferry was established before 1757 by Philip Noland (Knowland) and in 1785 was owned by Philip\u2019s son Thomas (HARRISON [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 503\u20134). mr. tayler: possibly Thomas Taylor who lived in the vicinity of Harrison\u2019s Island. Taylor appears in the Montgomery County, Md., census of 1790 and his will, probated in Loudoun County in 1797, shows him as owning land in both Virginia and Maryland (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 67; KING [6]J. Estelle Stewart King, comp. Abstracts of Wills, Inventories, and Administration Accounts of Loudoun County, Virginia, 1757\u20131800. Beverly Hills, Calif., 1940., 73).\nWednesday 10th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 80 at Night.\nBefore Sun rise we embarked and about Nine Oclock arrived at the head of the Seneca Falls and breakfasted with our old Landlord Mr. Goldsborough to which place our horses had proceeded the Over Night from Captn. Smiths.\nThe Nature of the river, from the foot of Pains falls to which a description has already been given, is\u2014From that place to Smiths ferry, on the No. of the Island already noticed (about 2 Miles) the Water, generally, is pretty smooth, with round Stones of different sizes at the bottom and in places shallow. From hence to Luckets ferry at the Mouth of the Maryland Kittoctan (about 5 Miles further) the Water is Smooth and of sufficient depth in one part or other of the river for Boats, except at one ripple near to, and just above Luckets ferry which is occasioned principally by a fish dam. From & between this, & the Virginia Kittoctan where the river passes through the Mountain of that name is what are called Hooks falls which are no otherwise difficult than from the Shallowness of the Water & crookedness of the Channel\u2014both of which it is presumed, may be much improved. From these Falls to Knowlands ferry, which is about 4 Miles and Six from Luckets the Navigation leaving Trammels Islands on the Left & Peach Island on the right is easy & pleasant, with only Shoal Water in one or two places which may be deepned without much expence. From hence to the Seneca Falls, the Navigation is in no part difficult. In one or two places, particularly above tht upper Island now, or formerly, belonging to the Hites the water is rather Shoal, but may readily be deepned (as the bottom is of round Stone) if a better passage cannot be had on the No.\nside of the Island. The Fish pots, of which there are many in the River, serve to clog the Navigation, & to render the passage more difficult upon the whole.\nBetween the Shannondoah falls, and those of Seneca, there are many valuable Islands\u2014but those of Lee, McCarty, Hites, & Trammels, may greatly claim the preference; the River Bottoms have also a rich & luxurient appearance & in some places look to be wide.\nAfter Breakfasting, and spending sometime with the labourers at their different works, of blowing, removing stone, getting Coal wood &ca.\u2014we left the Seneca Falls about 2 Oclock A.M. & crossing the River about half a mile below them and a little above Captn. Trammels we got into the great Road from Leesburgh to Alexandria and about half after Nine O\u2019clock in the Evening I reached home after an absence from it of 10 days.\n   Smith\u2019s ferry, in Frederick County, Md., crossed the Potomac just below the mouth of Dutchman Creek in Loudoun County, Va. Near the ferry landing on the Maryland shore was founded in 1787 the town of Berlin, later renamed Brunswick (W.P.A. [2]W.P.A. Writers\u2019 Project. Maryland: A Guide to the Old Line State. American Guide Series. New York, 1940., 348\u201349).\n   luckets ferry: The Luckett family of that part of Frederick County in the 1780s was headed by William Luckett (FREDERICKMillard Milburn Rice. New Facts and Old Families: From the Records of Frederick County, Maryland. Redwood City, Calif., 1976., 55, 69; HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 66). trammels islands: John Trammell (d. 1794), of Frederick County, Md., owned several islands by Point of Rocks, the largest of which is now called Conoy. Lee\u2019s Island was possibly that island once owned by Thomas Lee, father of Gov. Thomas Sim Lee (LEE [5]Edmund Jennings Lee. Lee of Virginia, 1642\u20131892: Biographical and Genealogical Sketches of The Descendants of Colonel Richard Lee . . .. Philadelphia, 1895., 156). It may be the Lee\u2019s Island at the mouth of Broad Run, Loudoun County, which was later renamed Seldon\u2019s Island (SCHEELEugene M. Scheel. The Guide to Loudoun: A Survey of the Architecture and History of a Virginia County. Leesburg, Va., 1975., 5).\nThursday 11th. Thermometer 77 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 84 at Night.\nThe Drought, the effects of which were visible when I left home, had, by this (no rain having fallen in my absence) greatly affected vegetation. The grass was quite burnt & crisp under foot\u2014Gardens parched and the young Trees in my Shrubberies, notwithstanding they had been watered (as it is said) according to my direction were much on the decline. In a word nature had put on a melancholy look\u2014everything seeming to droop.\nFriday 12th. Thermometer at 76 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 83 at Night.\nVery little wind, but some appearances of rain in the West but none fell.\nMrs. Fendall and Miss  second Daughter of the President of Congress dined here and returned home after it.\n   The second daughter of Richard Henry Lee, president of Congress, was Hannah Lee (1766\u2013c.1801), who was married in 1787 to GW\u2019s nephew, Corbin Washington. GW usually followed the custom of referring to the eldest daughter of a family only by her family name (i.e., Miss Lee) and to her younger sisters by their given names (Miss Hannah Lee). Thus, since he could not remember the girl\u2019s given name, he left a blank in the manuscript.\nSaturday 13th. Thermometer at 80 in the Morng.\u201484 at Noon and 86 at Night.\nRid to my Muddy hole and Neck Plantations, and beheld Corn in a melancholy situation, fired in most places to the Ear with little appearance of yielding if rain should soon come & a certainty of making nothing if it did not. Attempts had been made at both these Plantations to sow Wheat, but stirring the ground in the parched condition it was in, had so affected the Corn as to cause well grounded apprehensions that it would die if not restored by seasonable & sufficient Rains. This put a stop to further Seeding which is almost as bad as the injury done by it to the Corn as latter sowing in old Corn ground seldom produces. At the first mentioned place about 30 Bushels had been sowed\u2014at the latter less.\nThe two kinds of Chinese Seeds which had appeared before I left home were destroyed either by the drought or insects. That between the 8th. & 9th. stakes in the 2d. row was entirely eradicated\u2014indeed some kind of fly, or bug, had begun to prey up on the leaves before I left home. The other was broke of near the ground & cannot I fear recover.\nIn the Evening late, Doctr. Craik arrived, on a Visit to John Alton (my Overseer in the Neck) who has been ill, & confined to his bed for near 3 Weeks.\nSunday 14th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and  at Night.\nMorning calm & clear. Abt. Noon the wind came out from the Westward and in the afternoon there were appearances of rain No. Wt. & Southward of us with rumbling thunder at a distance but the clouds vanished without shedding any of their Watry particles.\nDoctr. Craik left this after Breakfast.\nMonday 15th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and  at Night.\nWind Westerly in the Morning wch. died away about Noon\u2014when clouds in the Southwest indicated Rain but none fell.\nRid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole. Found the two first were suffering as I had described the other two on Saturday and that both had discontinued sowing of Wheat after putting about 30 Bushels at each place in the ground.\nMy Overseer at the Ferry (Fairfax) ascribes the wretched condition of his Corn to the bug which has proved so destructive to both Wheat and Corn on James River and elsewhere equally with the drought & shewed me hundreds of them & their young under the blades at the lower joints of the Stock. The Corn is effected by their sucking the juices which occasions a gradual decline of the whole plant. He also shewed me a piece of course grass that was quite killed by them, by the same kind of operation.\nMrs. Washington and Fanny Bassett went to Abingdon to day on a visit to Mrs. Stuart who had been sick of a fever and head Ach for 15 or 16 days. The former returned, the latter stayed.\nIn the Evening my Brother John came in.\nFrom the Accts. given me by my Overseers the yield of my Wheat stacks is very indifferent.\n   the bug which has proved so destructive: probably the chinch bug, Blissus leucopterus. GW also had trouble with this pest in 1786 (see entries for 22, 24, and 25 July 1786).\nTuesday 16th. Thermometer at 79 in the Morning\u201486 at Noon and 86 at Night.\nFoggy & close morning with but little wind all day.\nAccompanied my Brother to Alexandria and meeting Mr. & Mrs. Fendal & Miss [Nancy] Lee who proposed to dine here I made but little stay in Town. My Brother not being able to complete his business did not return \u2019till the Evening. Mr. Fendall, Mrs. Fendall &ca. stayed all Night.\nWednesday 17th. Thermometer at 78 in the Morning\u201484 at Noon and 86 at Night.\nCloudy & damp Morning, with the Wind at South. In the Afternon Clouds gathered all round us with thunder & lightning and a good deal of rain appeared to fall upon Patuxent and above us on this river but not enough fell here to wet a handkerchief.\nMr. [and] Mrs. Fendall and Miss Nancy went away before breakfast and my Brother John directly after it.\nDoctr. Craik came here to Dinner on a visit to John Alton and stayed all Night.\nThursday 18th. Thermometer at 81 in the Morning\u201486 at Noon and 88 at Night. About 4 Oclock the Mercury was at 90.\nThe fore part of the day was quite calm, and the whole of it intensely hot. About Noon it began to cloud & sprinkle rain which went off again. At 4 another cloud arose, out of which we had a pretty shower for about 15 or 20 Minutes, but not sufficient to wet the ground more than an Inch where it had been fresh worked. On Patuxent there was the appearance of abundant rain.\nDoctr. Craik set off after brakfast to return home\u2014but a Messenger recalled him to Jno. Alton where he remained all day & Night.\nMrs. Washington & Nelly Custis visited Mrs. Stuart, and returned in the Evening with Fanny Bassett.\nBegan with James and Tom to work on my Park fencing.\nCut down the two Cherry trees in the Court yard.\n   james and tom: two of GW\u2019s slave carpenters. Tom is called Tom Nokes in the 1786 list of slaves (see main entry for 18 Feb. 1786).\n   park fencing: GW was laying out an English-style deer park or paddock in the area between the mansion house and the Potomac River. He planned to stock it with English and native species and received deer from several friends, including Benjamin Ogle of Maryland, Andrew Lewis, and William Fitzhugh of Chatham (GW to George W. Fairfax, 25 June 1786, MoSW; GW to Lewis, 1 Feb. 1788, GW to Fitzhugh, 11 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW). In his long absence from Mount Vernon during the presidency, the fences surrounding the park fell into disrepair and the deer escaped to roam over much of the farm, doing considerable damage to the gardens and shrubberies. In spite of this, GW would not permit them to be hunted and killed, either by his own dependents or by neighbors (GW to the Messrs. Chichester, 25 April 1799, DLC:GW). He wrote a neighbor in 1792 that he had given up all his own foxhounds because they frightened the deer (GW to Richard Chichester, 8 Aug. 1792, DLC:GW).\nFriday 19th. Mercury at 79 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 82 at Night.\nMorning lowering, and very like for rain, but about noon it cleared after a very slight sprinkling, not enough to wet a man in his shirt.\nDoctr. Craik returned from John Alton\u2019s, took breakfast, & proceeded home.\nEncouraged by the little rain which had fallen, and the hope that more would fall I sowed about half an Acre of Turnips at home, and some at Dogue run Plantation.\nSaturday 20th. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 82 at Night.\nClear, with the wind at East the greater part of the day but not very fresh. Mr. Shaw went to Dumf[rie]s.\nRid to all my plantations, and visited John Alton, who still lay ill, and in great danger.\nAt Muddy hole, there appeared to have fallen more rain than at any other of my Plantations. At this place my Overseer had recommenced sowing of Wheat, & was continuing it. In the Neck they had done the same, but finding the ground only superficially wet, they had discontinued it. Neither at the Ferry nor dogue run had they attempted to sow any, tho at the latter there had been a good shower, but by no means a sufficiency of Rain.\nSunday 21st. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201482 at Noon and 82 at Night.\nCalm & foggy Morning with but little Wind all day, and no appearances of rain.\nMonday 22d. Mercury at 78 in the Morning\u201477 at Noon and 77 at Night.\nVery cloudy morning with the Wind at So. West. About 8 Oclock it began to rain moderately and with intervals continued to do so through the day, and Night\u2014but as the rain was fine, & not const[an]t the ground was not penetrated deep by it especially where it was before hard.\nTuesday 23d. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 75 at Night.\nMorning lowering, with drops of rain now and then, but none fell to wet the ground. Wind for the most part of the day Easterly.\nDoctr. Craik came here before Dinner. Visited John Alton in the Evening and returned and stayed all Night.\nMr. Shaw returned home in the Afternoon.\nWith the Guinea grass Seed I had on hand, I began to make good the missing spaces of what was sowed in my small or Botanical Garden on the 13th. of June last but did not finish half of it.\n   The botanical garden was a plot of ground between the spinning house and the flower garden. It was used for experimenting with seeds and fertilizers.\nWednesday 24th. Mercury at 76 in the Morning\u201475 at Noon and 74 at Night.\nWeather clear and but little wind and that variable.\nDoctr. Craik went away after Breakfast.\nSowed some more of the Guinea Grass seed today in the manner of yesterday.\nMeasured round the ground which I intend to inclose for a Paddock, and find it to be abt. 1600 yards.\nReceiv\u2019d Seven hounds sent me from France by the Marqs. de la Fayette, by way of New York viz. 3 dogs and four Bitches.\nMy Boat went to Alexandria and brought home 100 Bushels of Salt, a hogshead of common rum, and a Cask of Nails 20d.\n   GW had requested Lafayette to send him some French hounds. Lafayette wrote GW that \u201cFrench Hounds are not now very easily got because the King Makes use of english dogs, as Being more swift than those of Normandy. I However Have got seven from a Normand Gentleman Called Monsieur le Comte doilliamson. The Handsomest Bitch Among them was a favourite with his lady who Makes a present of Her to You\u201d (13 May 1785, PEL). The dogs were accompanied from France to New York by young John Quincy Adams and were shipped from New York to Mount Vernon in Capt. S. Packard\u2019s sloop Dove (Lafayette to GW, 16 April 1785, PEL; William Grayson to GW, 5 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW; Va. Journal, 1 Sept. 1785).\nThursday 25th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 78 at Night.\nWind Southwardly in the forenoon, but not much of it. About Noon a Cloud arose in the West & promised rain but none fell here, but the Wind shifting to the Westward it blew hard for a few minutes & the cloud went above us.\nFinished sowing the Spaces of the Guinea Grass in the little Garden.\nFriday 26th. Mercury at 72 in the Morng.\u2014 at Noon and 76 at Night.\nClear with but little wind at any time of the day.\nA Mr. Mar\u27e8t\u27e9el (or some such name) a Frenchman came in and dined, and just before dinner Mr. Arthur Lee, and Mr. P. Fendall got here; all of whom went away after it was over. In the Afternoon\u2014Doctr. Marshall and his Sister, and Miss Hanson crossed the River, drank Tea, and returned.\nReceived 63 Bushels of Stone Lime from Loudoun for which I paid 2/6 pr. Bushl. & allowed 18/ for the difference of coming to this place instead of going to Alexandria.\nMy Boat brot. home another 100 Bushels of Salt from Alexandria and two Casks of 30d. Nails containing upwards of 13 M. The Cask of 20d. Nails which were brot. home on Wednesday, being returned.\n   Dr. Thomas Marshall (c.1757\u20131829), son of Thomas Hanson Marshall of Marshall Hall, Charles County, Md., had lost his eyesight during his service as a surgeon in the Revolution. His sister, Mary Marshall (1767\u20131789), married Philip Stuart in 1787 (GERALDHerbert P. Gerald [annotator]. \u201cMarshall Hall Burying Ground at Marshall Hall, Md.\u201d Maryland Historical Magazine 24 (1929): 172\u201376., 173\u201375).\nSaturday 27th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201480 at Noon and 80 at Night.\nMorning clear with the wind pretty fresh from the Southward. About 10 Oclock it clouded up, and rained a little; then cleared; but about 5 Oclock, a very black and heavy cloud arose in the Southwest, out of which (about Six oclock) proceedd for a few minutes very heavy wind, & a powerful Shower; the last of which continued about 12 or 15 Minutes. This being succeeded by lighter Showers, wch. with intervals continuing thro the Night afforded abundance of rain.\nBefore this camp up (and during the slight shower in the Morning) I planted in a small piece of ground which I had prepared in the inclosure below the Stable (vineyard) about 1000 grains of the Cape of Good Hope Wheat (which was given to me by Colo. Spaight) in Rows 2 feet a part, and 5 inches distant in the Rows.\nFanny Bassett crossed the River immediately after dinner, on a visit to Miss Hanson.\n   cape of good hope wheat: GW tried this variety for three years in succession without much luck. It never produced a full grain, and one year succumbed to frost.\nSunday 28th. Mercury at 74 in the Morng.\u201476 at Noon and 76 at Night.\nWind Southerly; with clouds, slight Showers, and Sunshine by intervals all day.\nIn the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came here\u2014on a visit to Jno. Alton.\nMonday 29th. Mercury at 74 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 73 at Night.\nWind Southerly, with Showers in the Morning, and Clouds all day, with appearances of Rain but none fell after noon.\nDoctr. Craik after visiting John Alton before breakfast, went after it to see Lund Washingtons child who had been siezed with fits & the family alarmed by it.\n   Lund and Elizabeth Foote Washington had at least two daughters who died in infancy.\nTuesday 30th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 74 at Night.\nBut little Wind and that westerly\u2014clear and pleasant.\nRid to my Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run and Muddy hole. Found the Corn a good deal improved in its looks, and that it had put forth many young Shoots but it is to be apprehended that the tassel in a great deal of it had got too dry for the farina to impregnate the grain.\nThe Wheat which had been Sowed before the late rains fell was up, and coming up, very well.\nI observed that Corn, whh. had been planted under the Persimon trees in the fields looked as thriving and well as that which was not shaded\u2014the same thing I had observed before (formerly) with respect to Wheat under these sort of trees and also of grass which proves them to be a valuable tree in Inclosures.\nMrs. Washington visited the Sick Child of Mr. L. Washington, and returned to dinner.\nFinished gravelling the right hand Walk leading to the front gate from the Court yard.\nWednesday 31st. Mercury at 70 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nWesterly wind and Clouds all day. Rid the Plantations in the Neck, & at Muddy hole. Found the Corn at the first as mentioned yesterday at the other places.\nMrs. Washington rid to see the Sick Child of Mr. Lund Washington from whence Doctr. Craik came here to Breakfast\u2014after which he visited John Alton, and then returned to Maryland.\nThe Cape of Good hope Wheat which I sowed on Saturday, was perceived to be coming up to day.\nAnd the Bird pepper which was sowed in the Botanical garden on the 13th. of June was just making its appearance and thick.\nMr. Shaw went to Alexandria immediately after breakfast and did not return to day.\nThis day I told Doctr. Craik that I would contribute One hundred Dollars pr. Ann., as long as it was necessary, towards the Education of His Son Geo. Washington either in this Country or in Scotland.\n   sick child: manuscript reads \u201csilk child.\u201d\n   George Washington Craik (1774\u20131808) was one of several children whose education GW helped to finance. Young Craik probably studied law; he practiced for a short time in Alexandria but was appointed a private secretary to GW in 1796. In 1799 he became a lieutenant of light dragoons and served until 1800 (CRAIK [2]Mary Craik Morris. \u201cBoyhood Memories of Dr. James Craik, D.D., L.L.D.\u201d Virginia Magazine of History and Biography 46 (1938): 135\u201345., 135\u201337).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday first. Mercury at 70 in the Morng.\u201469 at Noon and 68 at Night. Cloudy Morning\u2014with the Wind at East. Between 9 & 10 Oclock it began to drip slow rain, in which I planted the remainder of the Wheat from the Cape of Good Hope leaving 230 grains to replant the missing seeds, & some that had been washed up by the late rains; the whole number of grains given me by Colo. Spaight amounting to 2476; which in measure, might be about half a Gill. Below the Wheat, and in a continuation of the rows, nearly to the bottom of the Inclosure, I sowed the Guinea grass Seed which I reserved from my sowing on the 13th. of last June in my Botanical Garden. Mr. Shaw came home about Noon. In the Afternoon\u2014about 4 Oclock the wind got more to the Northward\u2014nearly No. Et. and began a close (tho not hard) & constant rain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 3d. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night. Much such a day as yesterday until the Evening when the Sun made a feeble effort to appear and the clouds began to thin and disperse. In the Evening James Madison Esqr. came in.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 5th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night. Day clear & pleasant with very little wind. About 2 Oclock, Fanny Bassett and Mr.  Craik third Son of the Doctr. came here; the last of whom went away after dinner. Mr. Madison left this after Breakfast.  Began to spade up the Lawn in front of the Court yard. And also began to prepare the Scaffolds for Cieling the Piazza.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 7th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 70 at Night. Clear day with the Wind fresh & Cool from the No[th]ward in the forenoon but still & warm in the Afternoon. Fanny Bassett returned before Dinner, and Doctr. Craik came to it & went away afterwards to visit John Alton, and his Children at Mr. Chichesters from thence. About Noon brought two Negro men from the River Plantation to assist in spading up the ground in front of the Court yard and Cornelius being Sick Tom Davis went to assist them. Bought 28,430 good Cyprus Shingles. At Night, a Man of the name of Purdie, came to offer himself\nto me as a Housekeeper, or Household Steward. He had some testimonials respecting his character\u2014but being intoxicated, and in other respects appearing in an unfavorable light I informed him that he would not answer my purposes, but that he might stay all night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 8th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night. Calm clear and pleasant. Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole and in the Neck. Found that at the first they had begun to sow Rye yesterday (as they had also done at the Ferry Plantation) and at the latter to day. Doctr. Craik came here to Breakfast & crossed the river afterwards. Purdie went away.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 9th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 72 at Night. Clear and rather warm, with but little Wind. Rid up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington, who wanted to get some cloathing for little Washington Custis; and for the purpose of seeing Colos. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin on the business of the Potomack Company. Returned home to Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 12th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng.\u201468 at Noon and 71 at Night. Wind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon, but calm afterwds. and perfectly clear. Rid to my Ferry\u2014Dogue run\u2014& Muddy hole plantations. A Mr. Cawood, Sheriff of Charles County in Maryland, came here in the forenoon with an acct. of Taxes of the Land I hold in that County & in Nangemy Neck. Promised to get Doctr. Craik to enquire into the matter & to lodge money with him to pay it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 14th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night. Wind still at So. and pretty fresh in the Morning with Clouds and some Appearances of rain in the forenoon but more in the Afternoon as there was distt. thunder and a good deal of Lightning. Colo. Fitzhugh & Son and Doctr. Marshall went away after Breakfast, and Docter Craik came to Dinner, and stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 15th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 73 at Night. Brisk Southerly wind all the forenoon, and cloudy\u2014in the Afternoon the wind was more moderate & clear. Doctr. L\u2019Moyer came in before Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 17th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201471 at Noon and 70 at Night. At or before Sunrising it began to rain moderately\u2014after which it continued by hard Showers with intervals until between One & two in the Afternoon accompanied with sharp lightning and loud thunder. The rain coming on moderately, induced me to Sow the Ground which I had levelled of the Lawn whilst it was raining\u2014but the heavy showers wch. fell afterwards washed and floated it into heaps. In the Afternoon when the rain had ceased, I made an experiment of transplanting Turnips to see if the method would succeed in practice. In a part of the Turnip Inclosure, where the Seed had been sowed the 19th. of last Mo[nth], I pulled up all that growed on a square of about ten feet\u2014cut the Taproot of a sufficient Number of Plants and transplanted them thereon at the distance of a foot each way, from one another.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng.\u201467 at Noon and 69 at Night.  Clear, and the Wind fresh from No. West all day. Colo. Henley, Mr. Porter, Mr. Hunter and Doctr. & Colo. Ramsay came here, dined and returned in the afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 20th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night. Wind Easterly. Morning & whole day lowering. About Sunsetting it began to rain slow and moderately & continued to do so through the Night. About Noon, agreeably to an appointment I set off for the Seneca Falls. Dined at Colo. Gilpins and proceeded afterwards with him to Mr. Bryan Fairfaxs where we lodged.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 21st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at N. The rain continuing without intermission until 10 or 11 Oclock, and no appearances of fair weather until Noon, we did not leave Mr. Fairfax\u2019s \u2019till a little after it and then meeting much difficulty in procuring a vessel, did not get to the works at the Seneca fall until the labourers had quit them. We then went to our old quarters at Mr. Goldsboroughs were lodged. Mr. Fairfax\naccompanied us. The Wind for the greater part of the day (though there was not much of it) was at No. West. Thursday 22d. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Nig[ht]. The Wind having shifted to the Eastward in the Night it commenced a fine raining again, and did not altogether cease until Noon. However about 10 Oclock we left Mr. Goldsboroughs, & in a boat passed down the Seneca falls to the place where the work men were blowing Rocks, but the Water having raised, and the river being muddy, I could form no accurate judgment of the progress which had been made. To me it seemed, as if we had advanced but little\u2014owing to the fewness, and sickliness of the hands which it appeared ought to be encreased and their Wages raised in order to obtain them. After viewing the works we crossed to the Virginia side and proceeded to the Great Falls where by appointment we were to have met Colo. Fitzgerald and Vessells to take us by Water to the little Falls in order to review the river between the two. The latter we found, but not the first, & parting with Mr. Fairfax here, and sending our Horses by Land to Mr. Hipkins\u2019s at the Falls Warehouse we did, after having examined the ground along wch. it is proposed to open the Canal, and which nature seems clearly to have marked out, embarked about 3 Oclock; Colo. Gilpin myself & one hand in one Canoe, and two other people in another Canoe, and proceeded down the river to the place where it is proposed to let the water again into a Canal to avoid the little Falls. The place for the Canal at the Great Falls as I have just observed is most evidently marked along a glade which runs quite from the still water above the spout, or Cataract, to the river \u00be or a Mile below it & from appearance will not be deep to dig; but at the upper and lower end, is a good deal incommoded with rocks. The glade itself seems tolerably free from them but how the bottom may turn out when the Soil is taken of I know not. More than probably it will be found Stony. At the Mouth of the branch wch. issues from this glade locks I think may be well secured by the point of a hill & Rocks just above it. Here we embarked in smooth water, that is not very rapid; and in a quarter of a mile passed a short rapid not difficult\u2014a Mile further another rapid rather worse but not very bad and afterwards two more the last of which in its present state is the worst but none of them very bad. In many parts the River is\ntolerably smooth\u2014the current by no means rapid, and upon the whole easier than I had conceived. In places it is tole[r]ably wide and not deeper than I had supposed. Between the two Falls, there are several smal Islands, most of them rocky but one tolerably large & to appearance of good Land. The place at which it is proposed to take the Canal out, above the little falls, seems favourably formed for it by an Island which may be abt. half a mile above the Falls & the Land through which it must pass on the Maryland Side level but Stoney all the way to the mouth or near it of the Canal begun by Mr. Ballendine if it is carried on a slope. If on the other h[an]d it is to go on a level the Hill side adjoining does not appear unfavourable. Lodged this Night at Mr. Hipkens\u2019s at the Falls warehouse where we arrived at Dark tho\u2019 we were only 2 hours & an half from the place of embarkation at the Great Falls to the debarking above the little Falls. The little falls, if a Rock or two was removed might be passed without any hazard\u2014more especially if some of the Rocks which lye deep & which occasion a dashing surface could be removed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Sunday 25th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng.\u201466 at Noon and 69 at Night. Clear & serene with the Wind & pretty fresh about Midday. Morning & Evening calm. Doctr. La Moyer & Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner. The latter went away afterwards. The other stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 27th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morng. 59 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds, and Cold. Doctr. Craik who came here last Night, returned this Morning to Maryland.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 28th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 60 at Noon and 62 at Night. Morning lowering, with appearances of rain but Evening clear, wind still to the No[rth]ward. Doctr. Jenifer and his wife came here to Dinner, and went away after it, to Colo. McCartys. Mr. Tayler having finished the business which brought him here, I sent him up to Alexandria to take a passage in the Stage, for New York.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 September 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Thursday 29th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and 66 at Night. Day clear, and not much wind, especially in the Afternoon. Mr. Sanders, an Undertaker in Alexandria, came down between breakfast & Dinner to advise a proper mode of Shingling\u2014putting Copper in the Gutters between the Pediments & Dormants, and the Roof and to conduct the Water along the Eves to Spouts & promised to be down again on Tuesday next to see the work properly begun.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0009", "content": "Title: September [1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday first. Mercury at 70 in the Morng.\u201469 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nCloudy Morning\u2014with the Wind at East. Between 9 & 10 Oclock it began to drip slow rain, in which I planted the remainder of the Wheat from the Cape of Good Hope leaving 230 grains to replant the missing seeds, & some that had been washed up by the late rains; the whole number of grains given me by Colo. Spaight amounting to 2476; which in measure, might be about half a Gill.\nBelow the Wheat, and in a continuation of the rows, nearly to the bottom of the Inclosure, I sowed the Guinea grass Seed which I reserved from my sowing on the 13th. of last June in my Botanical Garden.\nMr. Shaw came home about Noon.\nIn the Afternoon\u2014about 4 Oclock the wind got more to the Northward\u2014nearly No. Et. and began a close (tho not hard) & constant rain.\nFriday 2d. Mercury at 64 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 65 at Night.\nWind at No. Et. and pretty fresh all day, with misling Rain wch. sometimes became stronger.\nSaturday 3d. Mercury at 65 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nMuch such a day as yesterday until the Evening when the Sun made a feeble effort to appear and the clouds began to thin and disperse.\nIn the Evening James Madison Esqr. came in.\nSunday 4th. Mercury at 66 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night. Foggy, or Misling morning, and Cloudy most part of the day, with but little Wind.\nMonday 5th. Mercury at 68 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nDay clear & pleasant with very little wind. About 2 Oclock, Fanny Bassett and Mr.  Craik third Son of the Doctr. came here; the last of whom went away after dinner.\nMr. Madison left this after Breakfast.\nBegan to spade up the Lawn in front of the Court yard. And also began to prepare the Scaffolds for Cieling the Piazza.\n   The third son of Dr. Craik was probably Adam Craik. He later married Mrs. Sarah Harrison Jordan, a daughter of GW\u2019s friend and former aide, Robert Hanson Harrison. In the 1790 census Adam Craik was listed as head of a household in Charles County, Md.\n   lawn in front of the court yard: The lawn on the west front of the house was to be made into a bowling green.\nTuesday 6th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 73 at Night.\nWind at No. West, and fresh all day, yet warm in the Sun.\nFanny Bassett went to Mr. Lund Washington\u2019s and stayed all Night. I rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run and Muddy hole and returned about 12 Oclock.\nA Mr. Tayler, Clerk to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs came here whilst we were at Dinner, sent by Mr. Jay, by order of Congress, to take Copies of the report of the Commissioners who had been sent in by me to New York, to take an Acct. of the Slaves whch had been sent from that place (previous to the evacuation) by the British.\n   George Taylor, Jr., in 1785 was appointed clerk to the secretary for foreign affairs, John Jay. Commissioners for embarkation had been appointed by GW in 1783 to go to New York to superintend the embarkation of the British troops and to try to enforce article seven of the provisional treaty of peace of Nov. 1782, which forbade British troops to carry off any American property, notably runaway slaves. There was, however, little the commissioners could do to enforce the provision, and so they withdrew. The report GW refers to is probably that of 30 May 1783, written by Egbert Benson and William Stephens Smith, two of the commissioners (DLC:GW). On 23 June of that year GW sent a letter to Congress, enclosing copies of his entire correspondence with the commissioners (DLC:GW).\nWednesday 7th. Mercury at 67 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nClear day with the Wind fresh & Cool from the No[th]ward in the forenoon but still & warm in the Afternoon.\nFanny Bassett returned before Dinner, and Doctr. Craik came to it & went away afterwards to visit John Alton, and his Children at Mr. Chichesters from thence.\nAbout Noon brought two Negro men from the River Plantation to assist in spading up the ground in front of the Court yard and Cornelius being Sick Tom Davis went to assist them.\nBought 28,430 good Cyprus Shingles.\nAt Night, a Man of the name of Purdie, came to offer himself\nto me as a Housekeeper, or Household Steward. He had some testimonials respecting his character\u2014but being intoxicated, and in other respects appearing in an unfavorable light I informed him that he would not answer my purposes, but that he might stay all night.\n   Cornelius was undoubtedly the Irishman, Cornelius McDermott Roe, who signed an agreement with GW on 1 Aug. 1786 for one year as a \u201cStone Mason, Bricklayer, and (when not employed in either of these) in other jobs which he may be set about.\u201d McDermott Roe was to receive \u00a332 in addition to board, washing, and lodging \u201cas he has been usually accustomed to in the family; and will give him the same allowance of spirits with which he has been served\u201d (DLC:GW). This portion of the agreement indicates that McDermott Roe had already been employed at Mount Vernon under an earlier arrangement, and he appears several times in the diaries before the Aug. 1786 agreement. Tom Davis, a dower slave, worked primarily as a bricklayer and stonemason. He also occasionally did painting and carpentry.\n   GW had advertised for a \u201cHouse-Keeper, or Household Steward, who is competent to the charge of a large family, and attending on a good deal of company\u201d (Va. Journal, 18 Aug. 1785). Because of the increasing number of visitors at Mount Vernon since the Revolution, GW felt it necessary to hire someone to help run the household.\nThursday 8th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nCalm clear and pleasant. Rid to my Plantations at Muddy hole and in the Neck. Found that at the first they had begun to sow Rye yesterday (as they had also done at the Ferry Plantation) and at the latter to day.\nDoctr. Craik came here to Breakfast & crossed the river afterwards. Purdie went away.\nFriday 9th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nClear and rather warm, with but little Wind.\nRid up to Alexandria with Mrs. Washington, who wanted to get some cloathing for little Washington Custis; and for the purpose of seeing Colos. Fitzgerald & Colo. Gilpin on the business of the Potomack Company. Returned home to Dinner.\n   GW and the directors, after discussing reports of unruly Potowmack Company workers at the Shenandoah Falls, agreed to inquire into the purchasing of indentured servants and the hiring of slaves (see PICKELLJohn Pickell. A New Chapter in the Early Life of Washington, in Connection with the Narrative History of the Potomac Company. New York, 1856., 77; GW to Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 10 Sept. 1785, DLC:GW).\nSaturday 10th. Thermometer at 68 in the morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nCalm and warm, with some appearances of rain which vanished in the evening.\nRid with Fanny Bassett, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Shaw to meet a Party from Alexandria at Johnsons Spring (on my Land where Clifton formerly lived) where we dined on a cold dinner brought from Town by water and spent the Afternoon agreeably\u2014returning home by Sun down or a little after it.\nFrom the Scarcity of Apples generally this year and the depredations which were committing every Night upon the few I have, I found it necessary (tho much too early) to gather & put them up for Winter use. Finishd the Cieling of the Piaza.\n   Johnston\u2019s (Johnson\u2019s) Spring was on Clifton\u2019s Neck (now GW\u2019s River Farm) near the ferry-house, which served travelers using Clifton\u2019s (Johnston\u2019s) ferry to cross over into Maryland. This locality across from Broad Creek and Piscataway in Maryland was a favorite with eighteenth-century duelists (SNOWDENW. H. Snowden. Some Old Historic Landmarks of Virginia and Maryland, Described in a Hand-Book for the Tourist over the Washington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon Electric Railway. Alexandria, Va., 1904., 34, 37).\nSunday 11th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 74 at Night.\nWind fresh at No. West all day & clear\u2014warm notwithstanding.\nMr. Potts, and Doctors Mortimer and Craik Junr. dined here and returned to Alexandria in the Evening.\nMr. Shaw and Mr. Tayler went to Alexandria after breakfast in my barge & did not return until after midnight.\n   John Potts, Jr. (1760\u20131809), a Pennsylvanian, in partnership with William Herbert operated an import store on the corner of Fairfax and Queen streets in Alexandria. The partnership was dissolved in 1787 (Va. Journal, 19 May 1784 and 4 Oct. 1787). Potts was a subscriber to the Potowmack Company and for several years was secretary of the company.\n   Dr. Charles Mortimer, Jr., advertised in 1784 that he was setting up a practice in Alexandria. He claimed to be \u201cbred to the practice of Physic, Surgery, and Midwifery, both in America and Europe\u201d (Va. Journal, 9 Dec. 1784). Mortimer was probably a son or nephew of Dr. Charles Mortimer of Fredericksburg, Mrs. Mary Washington\u2019s personal physician.\nMonday 12th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng.\u201468 at Noon and 71 at Night.\nWind pretty fresh at No. West in the forenoon, but calm afterwds. and perfectly clear.\nRid to my Ferry\u2014Dogue run\u2014& Muddy hole plantations.\nA Mr. Cawood, Sheriff of Charles County in Maryland, came here in the forenoon with an acct. of Taxes of the Land I hold in that County & in Nangemy Neck. Promised to get Doctr. Craik to enquire into the matter & to lodge money with him to pay it.\n   Benjamin Cawood, Jr., was the sheriff of Charles County, Md. GW later stated that \u201cthis was the first application ever made to me, for the same\u201d and noted that he intended to ask Lund Washington whether he had had any earlier demands for the taxes (GW Memoranda, 30 Mar. 1787, DLC:GW). This was the land GW had acquired from Daniel Jenifer Adams (see main entry for 22 Jan. 1775), and consisted of \u201cJosias\u2019s help, 109 acres; Wades Addition, 33\u00bd; Adam\u2019s Retirement, 100; Ditto Outlet, 50 and Williams\u2019s folly 260\u201d (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 99).\nTuesday 13th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201472 at Noon and 74 at Night.\nCalm morning, but a brisk Southerly wind all day afterwards and clear.\nBegan to level the ground which had been spaded up in the lawn fronting the House, having turned it up as far as to where the old cross wall of the former Gardens stood.\nColo. Willm. Fitzhugh of Maryland & his Son William and Doctor Marshall came here to Dinner and stayed all Night.\n   William Fitzhugh, Jr. (c.1760\u20131839), was a son of Col. William Fitzhugh (1721\u20131798) by his second wife, Ann Frisby Rousby Fitzhugh. He served as an officer in the 3d Continental Dragoons during the Revolution. After the war he moved to Hagerstown, Md., where he remained until about 1800, when he moved his family to Livingston County, N.Y. Col. William Fitzhugh had written GW on 25 July that he had to attend a land sale in Virginia on 20 Sept. and intended stopping at Mount Vernon (DLC:GW). Before leaving Mount Vernon, he paid GW \u00a310 for the use of the treasurer of the Potowmack Company (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 204). He also collected \u00a346 17s. 9\u00bdd. from GW for some surplus building materials he sent GW earlier (Fitzhugh to GW, 13 May and 25 July 1785, DLC:GW; General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 204).\nWednesday 14th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night.\nWind still at So. and pretty fresh in the Morning with Clouds and some Appearances of rain in the forenoon but more in the Afternoon as there was distt. thunder and a good deal of Lightning.\nColo. Fitzhugh & Son and Doctr. Marshall went away after Breakfast, and Docter Craik came to Dinner, and stayed all Night.\nThursday 15th. Mercury at 72 in the Morning\u201474 at Noon and 73 at Night.\nBrisk Southerly wind all the forenoon, and cloudy\u2014in the Afternoon the wind was more moderate & clear.\nDoctr. L\u2019Moyer came in before Dinner.\n   Jean Pierre Le Mayeur (Lamayner, L\u2019Moyer), a French dentist who came to New York during the Revolution, went to GW\u2019s headquarters in 1783\nto do some work on his teeth (GW to Le Mayeur, 16 July 1783, GW to William Stephens Smith, 15 May and 18 June 1783, Smith to GW, 20 May 1783, DLC:GW). Le Mayeur visited Mount Vernon in the summer of 1784 and evidently became a favorite with little George Washington Parke Custis. He played games with the child and in August sent him a new red toy horse \u201cjust big Enough for the little house which master George and myself built on the side of the hill\u201d (Le Mayeur to GW, 14 Aug. 1784, DLC:GW). After this visit to Mount Vernon, Le Mayeur went to Richmond where he advertised that he performed \u201coperations on the teeth, hitherto performed in Europe, such as transplanting, &c., &c., &c.\u201d Le Mayeur also offered a payment of three guineas for good front teeth from anyone but slaves (Va. Mag., 10 [1902\u20133], 325).\nFriday 16th. Thermometer at 69 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 75 at Night.\nCalm and clear in the forenoon\u2014Southerly wind afterwards with clouds and appearances of rain but none fell here.\nMr. Hiebert came here to dinner and returned to Alexandria afterwards.\nSent my Chariot at the request of Mrs. Stuart with Betcy & Patcy Custis to Mr. Calverts. Nelly & Washington Custis went with them to return with the Carriage.\n   mr. hiebert: probably Mr. Huiberts (see entry for 28 April 1785).\nSaturday 17th. Thermometer at 72 in the Morning\u201471 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nAt or before Sunrising it began to rain moderately\u2014after which it continued by hard Showers with intervals until between One & two in the Afternoon accompanied with sharp lightning and loud thunder.\nThe rain coming on moderately, induced me to Sow the Ground which I had levelled of the Lawn whilst it was raining\u2014but the heavy showers wch. fell afterwards washed and floated it into heaps.\nIn the Afternoon when the rain had ceased, I made an experiment of transplanting Turnips to see if the method would succeed in practice. In a part of the Turnip Inclosure, where the Seed had been sowed the 19th. of last Mo[nth], I pulled up all that growed on a square of about ten feet\u2014cut the Taproot of a sufficient Number of Plants and transplanted them thereon at the distance of a foot each way, from one another.\nSunday 18th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng.\u201467 at Noon and 69 at Night.\nClear, and the Wind fresh from No. West all day.\nColo. Henley, Mr. Porter, Mr. Hunter and Doctr. & Colo. Ramsay came here, dined and returned in the afternoon.\n   Dr. William Ramsay, Jr., and Col. Dennis Ramsay were the two sons of William and Ann McCarty Ramsay of Alexandria, whose funerals GW attended earlier this year. Doctor William, whose education at the College of New Jersey at Princeton was financed by GW, served as a naval surgeon in the Revolution, making at least one voyage on the George Washington, a privateer out of Alexandria (Va. Mag., 17:175\u201378). He then returned to Alexandria to practice medicine. William\u2019s younger brother Dennis (1756\u20131810), whose colonelcy was apparently in the militia, began his business career in Alexandria with the firm of Jenifer & Hooe.\nMonday 19th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning 70 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nClear, calm, and serene all day.\nRid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole. Took my French Hounds with me for the purpose of Airing them & giving them a knowledge of the grounds round about this place.\nUpon my return, found a Mr. John Defray here\u2014a Dane from Copenhagen, who had been cast away on the coast of No. Carolina.\nDoctr. La Moyer left this for Alexandria in my Carriage after Breakfast.\nTuesday 20th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nWind Easterly. Morning & whole day lowering. About Sunsetting it began to rain slow and moderately & continued to do so through the Night.\nAbout Noon, agreeably to an appointment I set off for the Seneca Falls. Dined at Colo. Gilpins and proceeded afterwards with him to Mr. Bryan Fairfaxs where we lodged.\nWednesday 21st. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at N.\nThe rain continuing without intermission until 10 or 11 Oclock, and no appearances of fair weather until Noon, we did not leave Mr. Fairfax\u2019s \u2019till a little after it and then meeting much difficulty in procuring a vessel, did not get to the works at the Seneca fall until the labourers had quit them. We then went to our old quarters at Mr. Goldsboroughs were lodged. Mr. Fairfax\naccompanied us. The Wind for the greater part of the day (though there was not much of it) was at No. West.\nThursday 22d. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Nig[ht].\nThe Wind having shifted to the Eastward in the Night it commenced a fine raining again, and did not altogether cease until Noon. However about 10 Oclock we left Mr. Goldsboroughs, & in a boat passed down the Seneca falls to the place where the work men were blowing Rocks, but the Water having raised, and the river being muddy, I could form no accurate judgment of the progress which had been made. To me it seemed, as if we had advanced but little\u2014owing to the fewness, and sickliness of the hands which it appeared ought to be encreased and their Wages raised in order to obtain them.\nAfter viewing the works we crossed to the Virginia side and proceeded to the Great Falls where by appointment we were to have met Colo. Fitzgerald and Vessells to take us by Water to the little Falls in order to review the river between the two. The latter we found, but not the first, & parting with Mr. Fairfax here, and sending our Horses by Land to Mr. Hipkins\u2019s at the Falls Warehouse we did, after having examined the ground along wch. it is proposed to open the Canal, and which nature seems clearly to have marked out, embarked about 3 Oclock; Colo. Gilpin myself & one hand in one Canoe, and two other people in another Canoe, and proceeded down the river to the place where it is proposed to let the water again into a Canal to avoid the little Falls.\nThe place for the Canal at the Great Falls as I have just observed is most evidently marked along a glade which runs quite from the still water above the spout, or Cataract, to the river \u00be or a Mile below it & from appearance will not be deep to dig; but at the upper and lower end, is a good deal incommoded with rocks. The glade itself seems tolerably free from them but how the bottom may turn out when the Soil is taken of I know not. More than probably it will be found Stony.\nAt the Mouth of the branch wch. issues from this glade locks I think may be well secured by the point of a hill & Rocks just above it. Here we embarked in smooth water, that is not very rapid; and in a quarter of a mile passed a short rapid not difficult\u2014a Mile further another rapid rather worse but not very bad and afterwards two more the last of which in its present state is the worst but none of them very bad. In many parts the River is\ntolerably smooth\u2014the current by no means rapid, and upon the whole easier than I had conceived. In places it is tole[r]ably wide and not deeper than I had supposed. Between the two Falls, there are several smal Islands, most of them rocky but one tolerably large & to appearance of good Land.\nThe place at which it is proposed to take the Canal out, above the little falls, seems favourably formed for it by an Island which may be abt. half a mile above the Falls & the Land through which it must pass on the Maryland Side level but Stoney all the way to the mouth or near it of the Canal begun by Mr. Ballendine if it is carried on a slope. If on the other h[an]d it is to go on a level the Hill side adjoining does not appear unfavourable.\nLodged this Night at Mr. Hipkens\u2019s at the Falls warehouse where we arrived at Dark tho\u2019 we were only 2 hours & an half from the place of embarkation at the Great Falls to the debarking above the little Falls. The little falls, if a Rock or two was removed might be passed without any hazard\u2014more especially if some of the Rocks which lye deep & which occasion a dashing surface could be removed.\n   mr. hipkins\u2019s: Lewis Hipkins (died c.1794), of Fairfax County, lived near the Virginia tobacco warehouse at the Little Falls which had been authorized in 1742 (HEADS OF FAMILIES, VA.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Virginia; Records of the State Enumerations, 1782 to 1785. 1908. Reprint. Baltimore, 1970., 17, 86; HARRISON [1]Fairfax Harrison. Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia. Berryville, Va., 1964., 149; HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 5:143). The island with \u201cgood Land\u201d may have been Sycamore Island. The island about \u201chalf a mile above the Falls\u201d was probably High Island, just off the Maryland shore. Shortly before the Revolution, John Ballendine had begun cutting a canal around the Little Falls on the Maryland side on a piece of land that he named Amsterdam (BACON-FOSTERCorra Bacon-Foster. Early Chapters in the Development of the Patomac Route to the West. Washington, D.C., 1912., 26\u201328; TAGGARTHugh T. Taggart. \u201cOld Georgetown.\u201d Records of the Columbia Historical Society 11 (1908): 120\u2013224., 177). A canal \u201con a slope,\u201d carrying a downstream current just as in the river, would make locks unnecessary.\nFriday 23d. After taking an Early breakfast at Mr. Hipkins\u2019s I set out & reached home about 11 Oclock.\nThermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nMorning cloudy, and afternoon raining. Wind at No. Et.\nAbout One Oclock My Nepw. G. A. Washington & the two Mr. Bassetts arrived.\nFound the late rains had brought up the Seeds of the pride of China, and several more of the Palmetto.\nSaturday 24th. Thermometer at 62 in the morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nWind at No. & No. Et. all day & tempestuous with allmost a constant rain.\nSunday 25th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng.\u201466 at Noon and 69 at Night.\nClear & serene with the Wind & pretty fresh about Midday. Morning & Evening calm.\nDoctr. La Moyer & Doctr. Craik came here to Dinner. The latter went away afterwards. The other stayed all Night.\nMonday 26th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nClear day, and calm Morning but brisk wind afterwards from the No. West.\nWent up to Alexandria to meet Colonels Gilpin & Fitzgerald on business of the Potomack Compa. Doctr. La Moyer, Mr. B. Bassett and G. A. Washington accompanied me the first of whom remained there. Dined at the New Tavern, kept by Mr. Lyle.\nBrought home Mr. Thomas McCarty, with whom I had agreed to serve me in the capicity of a Ho[use] keeper\u2014or Household Steward at Thirty pounds pr. Ann.\n   GW and the directors of the Potowmack Company ordered that 60 indentured servants be purchased in Philadelphia or Baltimore (PICKELLJohn Pickell. A New Chapter in the Early Life of Washington, in Connection with the Narrative History of the Potomac Company. New York, 1856., 78). new tavern: Capt. Henry Lyles (d. 1786) of Maryland had recently opened the commodious, three-story Alexandria Inn and Coffeehouse on the corner of Fairfax and Cameron streets. Lyles, who had served in the 3rd Maryland Regiment during the Revolution, also had a store on Fairfax Street near King Street (Va. Journal, 12 May and 29 Sept. 1785 and 18 May 1786).\n   Thomas McCarty was probably not related to GW\u2019s close neighbor, Daniel McCarty. He worked for only a year at Mount Vernon and proved unsatisfactory as a steward (see 12 Aug. 1786).\nTuesday 27th. Thermometer at 57 in the Morng. 59 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nWind fresh from the No. West with flying Clouds, and Cold.\nDoctr. Craik who came here last Night, returned this Morning to Maryland.\nWednesday 28th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 60 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nMorning lowering, with appearances of rain but Evening clear, wind still to the No[rth]ward.\nDoctr. Jenifer and his wife came here to Dinner, and went away after it, to Colo. McCartys.\nMr. Tayler having finished the business which brought him here, I sent him up to Alexandria to take a passage in the Stage, for New York.\nThursday 29th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nDay clear, and not much wind, especially in the Afternoon.\nMr. Sanders, an Undertaker in Alexandria, came down between breakfast & Dinner to advise a proper mode of Shingling\u2014putting Copper in the Gutters between the Pediments & Dormants, and the Roof and to conduct the Water along the Eves to Spouts & promised to be down again on Tuesday next to see the work properly begun.\n   mr. sanders: John Saunders, a joiner and carpenter in Alexandria, seems to have been originally from Philadelphia. He later served as a member of the Alexandria City Council (Fairfax County Deed Book M\u20131, 15, 41\u201346; Alexandria City Hustings Court Deed Book, D, 74\u201381, 330\u201341). dormants: dormers.\nFriday 30th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nDay clear, wind pretty brisk from the Southward\u2014till the Evening when it veered more to the Eastward.\nMr. Hunter, and the right Honble. Fred. von Walden, Captn. in the Swedish Navy\u2014introduced by Mr. Richd. Soderstroin came here to Dinner, and returned to Alexandria afterwards. In the Evening a Mr. Tarte\u2014introduced by letter from a John Lowry of Back river came in to request my Sentiments respecting some Entrys they, in Partnership, had made in the Great Dismal Swamp, which I gave unreservedly, that they had no right to.\nOne of the Hound Bitches wch. was sent to me from France brought forth 15 puppies this day; 7 of which (the rest being as many as I thought she could rear) I had drowned.\nRun round the ground which I designed for a Paddock for Deer & find it contains 18 A[cres] 3 R[ods] 20 P[erches].\nBegan again to Smooth the Face of the Lawn, or Bolling Green on the West front of my House\u2014what I had done before the Rains, proving abortive.\n   Capt. Frederick von Walden on 28 July laid before Congress a plan of coinage of \u201ccopper to the amount of 100,000 \u00a3 Stg.\u201d No action had yet been taken on his plan, and he may have been at Mount Vernon to try to enlist GW\u2019s support for the scheme (LMCCEdmund C. Burnett, ed. Letters of Members of the Continental Congress. 8 vols. 1921\u201336. Reprint. Gloucester, Mass., 1963., 8:171, 210\u201311; JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904\u201337., 29:587).\n   richd. soderstroin: Richard S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m, the new Swedish consul at Boston, had been recently embroiled in a controversy with Congress because he had presented his credentials to the governor of Massachusetts before presenting them to Congress. S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m\u2019s act was soon recognized, not as a sign of disrespect, but as an innocent blunder (see LMCCEdmund C. Burnett, ed. Letters of Members of the Continental Congress. 8 vols. 1921\u201336. Reprint. Gloucester, Mass., 1963., 8:33, 51\u201352; JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904\u201337., 28:360\u201361, n.2, 393\u201394; State of S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m\u2019s Case, n.d., NNGL: Knox Papers). S\u00f6derstr\u00f6m\u2019s letter of introduction was dated 12 Sept. 1785 (DLC:GW).\n   John Lowry was probably the son of John Lowry (died c.1766) and Mary Lowry of Elizabeth City County. Back River runs through Elizabeth City County and empties into the Chesapeake Bay, midway between James and York rivers. Several members of the Tarte (Tart) family lived in Elizabeth City County\u2014Norfolk County area.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday first. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night. Southerly Wind and clear. Began to raise a Scaffold for Shingling the Front side of my House, next the Court yard. Rid to my River, Muddy hole, and Dogue run Plantations. Doctr. Stuart came in whilst we were at Dinner & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 2d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night. Weather warm. Forenoon clear, Afternoon lowering. Went with Fanny Bassett, Burwell Bassett, Doctr. Stuart, G. A. Washington, Mr. Shaw & Nelly Custis to Pohick Church; to hear a Mr. Thompson preach, who returned home with us to Dinner, where I found the Revd. Mr. Jones, formerly a Chaplin in one of the Pensylvania Regiments. After we were in Bed (about Eleven Oclock in the Evening) Mr. Houdon, sent from Paris by Doctr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson to take my Bust, in behalf of the State of Virginia, with three young men assistants, introduced by a Mr. Perin a French Gentleman of Alexandria, arrived here by water from the latter place.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 3d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind at So. West, weather variable until Noon when it became more cloudy & dripping. Towards evening it began to Rain and the Night was wet. The two reverend Gentlemen who dined and lodged here, went away after breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0004", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 4 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 4th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 66 at Night. Wind at So. West, veering more Westerly. Morning wet, and till Noon dripping; Clear afterwards, and wind fresh.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0005", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 5 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 5. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng.  at Noon and 68 at Night. Brisk wind from the Southward all day. Weather clear.  Stripped the Shingles of the South side of the Pediment of the West front of the House, in expectation of Mr. Sanders\u2019s coming to direct the Shingling of it, but he never appeared. Colo. Ramsay introducing a Mr. McComb, & a Mr. Lowry; dined here, & went away afterwards. Mr. Perin went from this after Breakfast.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 6th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and 66 at Night. Flying clouds and a Rainbow in the Morning with but little wind; drippings of rain, more or less all day. Mr. Burwell Bassett, and Mr. Shaw set out after Breakfast for Dumfries. The appearances of the day, and the impracticability of giving, on acct. of the clammyness of the Earth, an even face to any more of my lawn, until the grd. should get dryer, of which there is no immediate prospect, I sowed what was levelled & smoothed of it, with English grass Seeds; and as soon as the top was so dry, as not to stick to the Roller, I rolled & cross rolled it; first with a light wooden roller; and then with a heavy wooden roller; with a view of compressing the Ground\u2014smoothing the Surfice of it & to bury the Seeds. Mr. Sanders not coming according to expectation I began with my own people to shingle that part of the Roof of the House wch. was stripped yesterday, & to copper the Gutters &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 7th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and  at Night. Wind Southwardly all day and weather clear, warm, & pleasant. Sat to day, as I had done yesterday, for Mr. Houdon to form my Bust. Mrs. Jenifer, wife of Doctr. Walter Jenifer, dined here, and returned afterwards; and Doctr. Craik came here in the afternoon, and stayed all Night. Mr. Shaw and Mr. Bassett returned from Dumfries about Noon\n& Doctr. Brown came in the afternoon to visit a sick Servant of the Mr. Bassetts, & returned. Finished trenching my Lawn, the spading of which had recd. several interruptions by odd Jobs intervening. The ground getting a little drier I began again to level & smooth it. Plowed up a Cowpen in order to sow the ground with Orchard Grass Seeds.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 8th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 68 at Night. But little wind\u2014weather clear, and exceedingly pleasant. Sowed the ground which was plowed yesterday, and which might amount to about a quarter of an Acre, with near half a Bushel of the Orchard Grass Seeds; which was neither very clean nor I fear not very good. Also sowed with English Grass Seeds, as much more of the Lawn as I could get levelled & smoothed and rolled it in the same manner as that on thursday last was done.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 9th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Morning and Evening lowering. Midday tolerably clear, warm & pleasant. Accompanied by Mr. Houdon and the two Mr. Bassetts, attended the Funeral of Mrs. Manley at the Plantation of Mr. Willm. Triplett, and returned to Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 10th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 74 at Night. Thunder about day. Morning threatning but clear & pleasant afterwards. A Mr. Jno. Lowe, on his way to Bishop Seabury for Ordination, called & dined here. Could not give him more than a general certificate, founded on information, respecting his character; having\nno acquaintance with him, nor any desire to open a Corrispondence with the new ordained Bishop. Observed the process for preparing the Plaister of Paris, & mixing of it\u2014according to Mr. Houdon. The Oven being made hotter than it is usually heated for Bread, the Plaister which had been previously broken into lumps\u2014that which was hard, to about the size of a pullets egg; and that which was soft, and could be broken with the hands, larger; was put in about Noon, and remained until Night; when, upon examination, it was further continued until the Morning without any renewal of the heat in the Oven, which was close stopped. Having been sufficiently calcined by this operation, it was pulverized (in an Iron Mortar) & sifted for use through a fine lawn sieve, & kept from wet. When used, it is put into a Bason, or other Vessel with water; sifted through the fingers, \u2019till the Water is made as thick as Loblolly or very thick cream. As soon as the plaister is thus put into the Water, it is beat with an Iron spoon (almost flat) until it is well Mixed, and must be immediately applied to the purpose for which it is intended with a Brush, or whatever else best answers, as it begins to turn hard in four or five minutes, and in Seven or ten cannot be used, & is fit for no purpose afterwards as it will not bear wetting a second time. For this reason no more must be mixed at a time than can be used within the space just mentioned. The brush (common painters) must be put into water as soon as it is used, and the plaister well squeezed out, or this also becomes very hard. In this case to clean it, it must be beaten \u2019till the plaister is reduced to a powder, & then washed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 12th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 62 at Night. The Rain which fell last Night had made the ground so Wet that I could neither level or in any manner work it. I was obliged therefore to employ the labourers thereon in other Jobs. Mr. Livingston (son of Peter Van brugh Livingston of New York) came to Dinner, & stayed all Night. And in the Evening Mr. Madison arrived. Wind at No. Et. and thick weather all day; and fine Rain with intervals.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 13th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind at No. Et. all day, and raining more or less\u2014sometimes hard. Mr. Livingston, notwithstanding the Rain, returned to Alexandria after dinner. A Suspension of all out doors work.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 14th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and 66 at Night. Lowering most of the day, but no wind.  Mr. Madison went away after Breakfast. My Chariot which went up for, brought down Miss Sally Ramsay & Miss Kitty Washington, to be Bridesmaids tomorrow at the wedding of Miss Bassett. Mr. George Washington, & Mr. Burwell Bassett went to the Clerks Office & thence to Colo. Masons for a license, & returned to Dinner; having accomplished their business. The ground being too wet, I employed the labourers who had been levelling the Lawn, in cleaning & weeding the Shrubberies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 15th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 68 at Night. A Heavy lowering morning with the wind at South. Clear afternoon and fine Evening. The Reverend Mr. Grayson, and Doctr. Griffith; Lund Washington, his wife, & Miss Stuart came to Dinner\u2014All of whom remained the Evening except L. W. After the Candles were lighted George Auge. Washington and Frances Bassett were married by Mr. Grayson. The ground continuing too wet to level, the labourers worked in the Shrubberies. Put two thousand of the Common Chestnuts into a box with dry Sand\u2014a layer of each & two hundred of the Spanish Chesnut in like manner to plant out in the Spring. These were put into Sand in a day or two after they were taken from the Trees.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 18th. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night. After an early breakfast at Mr. Fairfax\u2019s, Govr. Johnson & I set out for the Falls (accompanied by Mr. Fairfax) where we met\nthe other Directors and Colo. Gilpin in the operation of levelling the ground for the proposed cut or Canal from the place where it is proposed to take the Water out, to the other where it will be let into the river again. In the highest of which, and for near 70 rod, it is between five & Seven feet higher than the Surface of the water at the head. After which it descends, & for at least 300 yards at the lower end, rapidly. This Cut, upon the whole, does not appear to be attended with more difficulty than was apprehended, for tho\u2019 the ground is higher than was expected\u2014it appears from some experiments of sticking a spiked stake down in those parts, that there is two or 3 feet of soft earth at Top, & the lower end of the Canal well calculated to receive locks to advantage; as also to dam the water, to throw it back into the Canal, & thereby reduce the digging\u2014wch. may also be done at the head by loose Stones being thrown into the River to a Rocky Island. The length of the Cut, from the work of to day, is found to be about 2400 yards\u2014a little more or less\u2014upon exact measurement. Took a view of the River from the Spout, or Cateract to the proposed entrance of the Canal below, to see if I could discover (as some supposed there was) the advantage of a Canal on the Maryland side in preference to one on this, but saw no likely appearances of it. About 400 yds. below the Cateract, there is a Cove into which emptys a small part of the river, thro deep & steep rocks on both sides which is a good defence to it, and some little distance below this again, is another Cove, but how a Canal was to be brought thither, I could not (having the river between) discover. However, at, & below both, is rapid water\u2014one little, if any, inferior to the Spout at Shanondoah. Having taken a rough level of the proposed cut, formed general ideas for the Canal\u2014determined to go on with it this winter, as soon as our operations on the water, on acct. of the Season must cease\u2014& come to some resolutions respecting the hireg. of Negros, we broke up, after dark & I returned to Mr. Fairfax\u2019s.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 20th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morng. 66 at Noon and 65 at Night. Wind fresh at South East and weather threatning, with Showers of rain (some pretty heavy) through the day. George Washington & his wife, Bushrod Washington, his wife Sister & Brother, the two Mr. Bassetts, Mr. Craik and Mr. Shaw, notwithstanding the weather set out for the races at Alexandria, and were disappointed of seeing them, as they were put off. They did not return.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 22d. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 52 at Night.  Wind at No. West and fresh; & Cold with appearances of unsettled weather. Went up again to day, with my Brother, and the rest of the Gentlemen to the Race, & dined at Mr. Herberts. All returned, except Mr. Jno. Bassett, who got hurt on the race field, and Mr. Shaw. Mr. Willm. Scott came here in the Evening, from Alexandria.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 23d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 59 at Night. Fine & pleasant all day, with the Wind at South. No frost as was expected. My Brother, his wife Daughter and Son; Mr. Willm. Washington his wife & 4 Children; Mr. Bushrod Washington & wife; and Mr. Scott all went away after Breakfast. Mr. Jno. Bassett & Mr. Shaw came home in the forenoon and Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Genl. Spotswood, Mr. McCarty of Pope Creek, and a Colo. Middleton of South Carolina came here to dinner, & went away afterwards. Perceived the Orchard Grass Seeds which I sowed on the 8th. Instt. in the same Inclosure of the Turneps, to be coming up thick & well.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Monday 24th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning\u201458 at Noon and 58 at Night. Variable, & squally with a little rain. Wind at South in the Morning, and Westwardly afterwards. The two Mr. Bassetts (Burwell and John) left this after breakfast, to return home. In the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came in, and stayed all Night. I rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole\u2014found the Orchard grass Seeds which had been sowed at Dogue run come up very well\u2014as the Timothy also had\u2014and that my Corn fields, now that the Fodder was taken off, looked miserably bad\u2014the wheat on the other hand very good.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 25th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and 56 at Night. Forenoon clear and serene, and pleasant; but the Afternoon Windy & cold, with flying clouds. Wind about West. Doctr. Craik went away before Breakfast\u2014he intended to [go to] Alexa. but was to call upon John Alton. Rid to my Plantation in the Neck. Found my Corn & Wheat\nthere similar with those at the other plantations as described yesterday. Finding the Seeds of the Honey locust had come nearly, or quite to a state of maturity although the thick part of the pod still retained its green colour I had them gathered, lest when ripe they should be gathered by others, to eat.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 28th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 62 at Night. Wind Southerly; clear and pleasant all day. Finished levelling and Sowing the lawn in front of the Ho[use] intended for a Bolling Green\u2014as far as the Garden Houses. Also began to sow clover seed at Dogue run plantation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 29th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning 64 at Noon and 65 at Night. Morning clear, calm, and very pleasant. About Noon it began to lower a little, and continued to do so all the Afternoon. Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Dogue run\u2014at the last of which finished Sowing the Clover Seed which I sent there the 26th.; With this I mixed 9 Bushels of the pounded Plaister of Paris; and Sowed the whole on about 4\u00bc acres of Ground (on the Side of the run along the old Mill race) as near as I could judge from stepping it. Sunk the inner well in the Dry well now fitting up for an Ice house, about 8 feet untill I came to a pure sand. Mrs. Stuart & Child Nancy, & Miss Allan, came here this Evening.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 30th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201463 at Noon and 60 at Night. Thunder and lightning about day Break and Raining more or less all day, attended in the forenoon with very high Wind from the Westward. Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria after Breakfast, & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010-0031", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 31 October 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 31st. Thermometer at 52 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and 56 at Night. A raw and moist air, with a westerly wind & lowering Sun. Mr. Shaw returned to Breakfast, & Mrs. Stuart, Miss Allan &ca. went away after it. A Captn. Fullerton came here to Dinner on business of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pensylvania; for whom I signed 250 Diplomas as President. Went away after. Sent half a Bushel of Clean Timothy Seed to Morris\u2014to sow at Doeg run Plantation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0010", "content": "Title: October [1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday first. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nSoutherly Wind and clear.\nBegan to raise a Scaffold for Shingling the Front side of my House, next the Court yard.\nRid to my River, Muddy hole, and Dogue run Plantations.\nDoctr. Stuart came in whilst we were at Dinner & stayed all Night.\nSunday 2d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning\u201476 at Noon and  at Night.\nWeather warm. Forenoon clear, Afternoon lowering.\nWent with Fanny Bassett, Burwell Bassett, Doctr. Stuart, G. A. Washington, Mr. Shaw & Nelly Custis to Pohick Church; to hear a Mr. Thompson preach, who returned home with us to Dinner, where I found the Revd. Mr. Jones, formerly a Chaplin in one of the Pensylvania Regiments.\nAfter we were in Bed (about Eleven Oclock in the Evening) Mr. Houdon, sent from Paris by Doctr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson to take my Bust, in behalf of the State of Virginia, with three young men assistants, introduced by a Mr. Perin a French Gentleman of Alexandria, arrived here by water from the latter place.\n   James Thomson (1739\u20131812), the minister of Leeds Parish, Fauquier County, 1769\u20131812, was a Scotsman who had emigrated to Virginia as a tutor in 1767. He went to England in 1769 to take holy orders and returned to Fauquier County where he preached at the four churches in Leeds Parish (MEADE [1][William] Meade. Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia. 2 vols. Philadelphia, 1857., 2:218\u201319). David Jones (1736\u20131820), minister of the Great Valley Baptist Church, Chester County, Pa., had been a chaplain in the 3rd and 4th Pennsylvania regiments during the Revolution.\n   Virginia in 1784 adopted a resolution commissioning a statue of GW; and Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, then ministers to the Court of France, agreed to locate and engage an outstanding sculptor for the commission. Jean Antoine Houdon (1741\u20131828) agreed to make the statue but insisted that he come to America to make a life mask of GW and then return to France to complete the work. Jefferson\u2019s agreement with Houdon provided for a salary of 1,000 guineas plus expenses to America and the purchase of an insurance policy on the sculptor\u2019s life during the journey. Although the fee was much less than Houdon had asked, he was eager to make\na statue of GW and agreed to the terms, leaving such clients as Catherine the Great of Russia to await his return to Europe (JEFFERSON [1]Julian P. Boyd et al., eds. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. 41 vols. to date. Princeton, N.J., 1950\u2013., 7:566\u201367, 8:282\u201384, 279\u201380).\n   Joseph Marie Perrin, a merchant in Alexandria, had a store on Royal Street next to John Wise\u2019s tavern and opposite the courthouse. By Aug. 1786 the business was operated under the name of Perrin & Brothers (Va. Journal, 21 April 1785 and 17 Aug. 1786). Perrin came to Mount Vernon as an interpreter for Houdon\u2019s party.\nMonday 3d. Thermometer at 70 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nWind at So. West, weather variable until Noon when it became more cloudy & dripping. Towards evening it began to Rain and the Night was wet.\nThe two reverend Gentlemen who dined and lodged here, went away after breakfast.\nTuesday 4th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nWind at So. West, veering more Westerly. Morning wet, and till Noon dripping; Clear afterwards, and wind fresh.\nWednesday 5. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng.  at Noon and 68 at Night.\nBrisk wind from the Southward all day. Weather clear.\nStripped the Shingles of the South side of the Pediment of the West front of the House, in expectation of Mr. Sanders\u2019s coming to direct the Shingling of it, but he never appeared.\nColo. Ramsay introducing a Mr. McComb, & a Mr. Lowry; dined here, & went away afterwards.\nMr. Perin went from this after Breakfast.\n   Mr. Lowry is William Lowry, an importer of English goods who had a store in 1784 on Fairfax Street, at the corner of Queen Street in Alexandria (Va. Journal, 16 Sept. and 21 Oct. 1784). Lowry, an Englishman, had by 1787 moved his wife and seven children to Alexandria (VAUGHANSamuel Vaughan. \u201cMinutes Made by S. V. from Stage to Stage on a Tour to Fort Pitt or Pittsburgh in Company with Mr. Michl. Morgan Obrian, from Thence by S. V. Only through Virginia, Maryland, & Pensylvania (18 June to 4 Sept. 1787).\u201d Manuscript diary in the collection of the descendants of Samuel Vaughan., 58).\nThursday 6th. Thermometer at 65 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nFlying clouds and a Rainbow in the Morning with but little wind; drippings of rain, more or less all day.\nMr. Burwell Bassett, and Mr. Shaw set out after Breakfast for Dumfries.\nThe appearances of the day, and the impracticability of giving, on acct. of the clammyness of the Earth, an even face to any more of my lawn, until the grd. should get dryer, of which there is no immediate prospect, I sowed what was levelled & smoothed of it, with English grass Seeds; and as soon as the top was so dry, as not to stick to the Roller, I rolled & cross rolled it; first with a light wooden roller; and then with a heavy wooden roller; with a view of compressing the Ground\u2014smoothing the Surfice of it & to bury the Seeds.\nMr. Sanders not coming according to expectation I began with my own people to shingle that part of the Roof of the House wch. was stripped yesterday, & to copper the Gutters &ca.\nFriday 7th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and  at Night.\nWind Southwardly all day and weather clear, warm, & pleasant.\nSat to day, as I had done yesterday, for Mr. Houdon to form my Bust.\nMrs. Jenifer, wife of Doctr. Walter Jenifer, dined here, and returned afterwards; and Doctr. Craik came here in the afternoon, and stayed all Night.\nMr. Shaw and Mr. Bassett returned from Dumfries about Noon\n& Doctr. Brown came in the afternoon to visit a sick Servant of the Mr. Bassetts, & returned.\nFinished trenching my Lawn, the spading of which had recd. several interruptions by odd Jobs intervening. The ground getting a little drier I began again to level & smooth it.\nPlowed up a Cowpen in order to sow the ground with Orchard Grass Seeds.\n   plowed up a cowpen: This cow pen, containing about a quarter of an acre, was on the west front of the house, on ground intended for the bowling green (GW\u2019s \u201cNotes and Observations,\u201d 1785\u201386, DLC:GW).\nSaturday 8th. Thermometer at 63 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nBut little wind\u2014weather clear, and exceedingly pleasant.\nSowed the ground which was plowed yesterday, and which might amount to about a quarter of an Acre, with near half a Bushel of the Orchard Grass Seeds; which was neither very clean nor I fear not very good.\nAlso sowed with English Grass Seeds, as much more of the Lawn as I could get levelled & smoothed and rolled it in the same manner as that on thursday last was done.\nSunday 9th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 70 at Night.\nMorning and Evening lowering. Midday tolerably clear, warm & pleasant.\nAccompanied by Mr. Houdon and the two Mr. Bassetts, attended the Funeral of Mrs. Manley at the Plantation of Mr. Willm. Triplett, and returned to Dinner.\n   Sarah Harrison Manley (d. 1785), a sister of George Harrison of Fairfax, had been married first to John Triplett and second to John Manley. William Triplett, at whose home the funeral took place, was probably a nephew of her first husband, and was, moreover, the executor of the estate of her son, Harrison Manley.\nMonday 10th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morng. 70 at Noon and 74 at Night.\nThunder about day. Morning threatning but clear & pleasant afterwards.\nA Mr. Jno. Lowe, on his way to Bishop Seabury for Ordination, called & dined here. Could not give him more than a general certificate, founded on information, respecting his character; having\nno acquaintance with him, nor any desire to open a Corrispondence with the new ordained Bishop.\nObserved the process for preparing the Plaister of Paris, & mixing of it\u2014according to Mr. Houdon. The Oven being made hotter than it is usually heated for Bread, the Plaister which had been previously broken into lumps\u2014that which was hard, to about the size of a pullets egg; and that which was soft, and could be broken with the hands, larger; was put in about Noon, and remained until Night; when, upon examination, it was further continued until the Morning without any renewal of the heat in the Oven, which was close stopped. Having been sufficiently calcined by this operation, it was pulverized (in an Iron Mortar) & sifted for use through a fine lawn sieve, & kept from wet.\nWhen used, it is put into a Bason, or other Vessel with water; sifted through the fingers, \u2019till the Water is made as thick as Loblolly or very thick cream. As soon as the plaister is thus put into the Water, it is beat with an Iron spoon (almost flat) until it is well Mixed, and must be immediately applied to the purpose for which it is intended with a Brush, or whatever else best answers, as it begins to turn hard in four or five minutes, and in Seven or ten cannot be used, & is fit for no purpose afterwards as it will not bear wetting a second time. For this reason no more must be mixed at a time than can be used within the space just mentioned.\nThe brush (common painters) must be put into water as soon as it is used, and the plaister well squeezed out, or this also becomes very hard. In this case to clean it, it must be beaten \u2019till the plaister is reduced to a powder, & then washed.\n   John Lowe (1750\u20131798), a minor Scottish poet, was born in the Galloway district of Scotland and educated at the University of Edinburgh. He came to Virginia in 1772 and became a tutor in the family of John Augustine Washington. He later ran an academy in Fredericksburg attended by Fielding Lewis\u2019s children. After his ordination at St. George\u2019s Church, Hempstead, Long Island, he became minister at Hanover Parish in King George County, Va.\n   Samuel Seabury (1729\u20131796) was the first bishop of the Episcopal church in America. He had been an outspoken and active Tory before and during the Revolution, and his choice by the Episcopal clergy of Connecticut as their candidate for consecration caused much controversy among the American churchmen and laity. The fact that he was consecrated in Scotland rather than in England made some question the validity of his office, and he was a controversial figure until his death.\n   plaister of paris: Houdon used the plaster of paris to make a life mask of GW, from which he made two busts. One of these he took back to France with him, along with the mask; the other remained at Mount Vernon.\nTuesday 11th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u201470 at Noon and 71 at Night.\nA Very heavy fog until near 10 Oclock, with very little wind, from the Eastward. From thence till five P. M. it was tolerably clear; when it clouded again, & looked like rain.\nSowed more English grass Seed on All the ground that had been levelled, & Smoothed on the Lawn.\nBegan the foundation of the House at the Southwest Corner of the South Garden.\nMr. Dulany, Mr. Sanderson and Mr. Potts dined here and returned afterwards to Alexanda.\nAfter dark it began to rain and continued to do so fast, more or less, all Night\u2014which appeared to have washed all the Seeds (at least all the Chaff with its contents) which had been just sowed from the ground, and carried it to the lowest parts of it.\nWednesday 12th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nThe Rain which fell last Night had made the ground so Wet that I could neither level or in any manner work it. I was obliged therefore to employ the labourers thereon in other Jobs.\nMr. Livingston (son of Peter Van brugh Livingston of New York) came to Dinner, & stayed all Night. And in the Evening Mr. Madison arrived.\nWind at No. Et. and thick weather all day; and fine Rain with intervals.\n   Peter Van Brugh Livingston (1710\u20131792), of New York, was the brother-in-law of William Alexander, Lord Stirling, and had been his partner in a mercantile business. In 1775 Livingston had been presiding officer of the New York provincial congress but resigned shortly afterwards because of ill health. Livingston\u2019s two sons were Philip Peter Livingston (b. 1740) and Peter Van Brugh Livingston (b. 1753).\nThursday 13th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201462 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nWind at No. Et. all day, and raining more or less\u2014sometimes hard.\nMr. Livingston, notwithstanding the Rain, returned to Alexandria after dinner. A Suspension of all out doors work.\nFriday 14th. Thermometer at 62 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nLowering most of the day, but no wind.\nMr. Madison went away after Breakfast. My Chariot which went up for, brought down Miss Sally Ramsay & Miss Kitty Washington, to be Bridesmaids tomorrow at the wedding of Miss Bassett.\nMr. George Washington, & Mr. Burwell Bassett went to the Clerks Office & thence to Colo. Masons for a license, & returned to Dinner; having accomplished their business.\nThe ground being too wet, I employed the labourers who had been levelling the Lawn, in cleaning & weeding the Shrubberies.\nSaturday 15th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nA Heavy lowering morning with the wind at South. Clear afternoon and fine Evening.\nThe Reverend Mr. Grayson, and Doctr. Griffith; Lund Washington, his wife, & Miss Stuart came to Dinner\u2014All of whom remained the Evening except L. W.\nAfter the Candles were lighted George Auge. Washington and Frances Bassett were married by Mr. Grayson.\nThe ground continuing too wet to level, the labourers worked in the Shrubberies.\nPut two thousand of the Common Chestnuts into a box with dry Sand\u2014a layer of each & two hundred of the Spanish Chesnut in like manner to plant out in the Spring. These were put into Sand in a day or two after they were taken from the Trees.\n   Spence Grayson (1734\u20131798) was a son of Benjamin Grayson of Prince William County and a brother of William Grayson. He lived at Belle Air, two miles from Occoquan River, and had been for a number of years minister of Cameron Parish, Loudoun County. At this time Grayson was serving as minister of Dettingen Parish, Prince William County, which included two churches, one near Dumfries and the other near Broad Run and Slater Run. During the Revolution, Spence Grayson served as chaplain of Grayson\u2019s Additional Continental Regiment, commanded by his brother William.\n   David Griffith was probably at Mount Vernon to deliver to GW some Cape of Good Hope wheat, which Samuel Powel of Philadelphia had sent (GW to Powel, 2 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW).\n   Miss Stuart is probably David Stuart\u2019s sister Nancy.\n   Although he was still concerned about George Augustine\u2019s health (see 14 May 1785), GW wrote Fanny\u2019s father on 23 May 1785, \u201cIt has ever been a maxim with me thro\u2019 life, neither to promote, nor to prevent a matrimonial connexion, unless there should be something indispensably requiring interference in the latter . . . & therefore, neither directly nor indirectly have I ever said a syllable to Fanny or George upon the subject of their intended connexion; but as their attachment to each other seems to have been early formed, warm & lasting, it bids fair to be happy: if therefore you have no objection, I think the sooner it is consummated the better.\u201d He added that he and Mrs. Washington wished the young couple to live at Mount Vernon (GW to Burwell Bassett, DLC:GW).\nSunday 16th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 68 at Noon and 72 at Night.\nMorning thick and lowering, with appearances of rain, which vanished about Noon; after which it was clear and very pleasant\u2014wind continuing at South.\nMr. Grayson went away very early in the Morning, & Mr. Griffith, Mrs. Lund Washington and Miss Stuart after Dinner.\nMonday 17th. Thermometer at 68 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night.\nFoggy & lowering morning, with but little wind. Clear afterwards, and Wind at No. West & cool.\nSet out to meet the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at George Town. Where, having all assembled, we proceeded towards the Great Falls, and dispersing for the convenience of obtaining Quarters, Govr. Johnson and I went to Mr. Bryan Fairfax\u2014Govr. Lee, Colo. Fitzgerald, Mr. Potts the Secretary, Mr. Rumsay the Manager, & Mr. Stuart the Assistant, went to a Mr. Wheelers near the G. Falls. Colo. Gilpin\u2014I should have said before\u2014had proceeded on to prepare the way for levelling &ca. at that place, in the morning.\nTuesday 18th. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night.\nAfter an early breakfast at Mr. Fairfax\u2019s, Govr. Johnson & I set out for the Falls (accompanied by Mr. Fairfax) where we met\nthe other Directors and Colo. Gilpin in the operation of levelling the ground for the proposed cut or Canal from the place where it is proposed to take the Water out, to the other where it will be let into the river again. In the highest of which, and for near 70 rod, it is between five & Seven feet higher than the Surface of the water at the head. After which it descends, & for at least 300 yards at the lower end, rapidly. This Cut, upon the whole, does not appear to be attended with more difficulty than was apprehended, for tho\u2019 the ground is higher than was expected\u2014it appears from some experiments of sticking a spiked stake down in those parts, that there is two or 3 feet of soft earth at Top, & the lower end of the Canal well calculated to receive locks to advantage; as also to dam the water, to throw it back into the Canal, & thereby reduce the digging\u2014wch. may also be done at the head by loose Stones being thrown into the River to a Rocky Island. The length of the Cut, from the work of to day, is found to be about 2400 yards\u2014a little more or less\u2014upon exact measurement.\nTook a view of the River from the Spout, or Cateract to the proposed entrance of the Canal below, to see if I could discover (as some supposed there was) the advantage of a Canal on the Maryland side in preference to one on this, but saw no likely appearances of it. About 400 yds. below the Cateract, there is a Cove into which emptys a small part of the river, thro deep & steep rocks on both sides which is a good defence to it, and some little distance below this again, is another Cove, but how a Canal was to be brought thither, I could not (having the river between) discover. However, at, & below both, is rapid water\u2014one little, if any, inferior to the Spout at Shanondoah.\nHaving taken a rough level of the proposed cut, formed general ideas for the Canal\u2014determined to go on with it this winter, as soon as our operations on the water, on acct. of the Season must cease\u2014& come to some resolutions respecting the hireg. of Negros, we broke up, after dark & I returned to Mr. Fairfax\u2019s.\n   The lock canal around the Great Falls became the major project of the Potowmack Company. Completed in 1802 with five locks, it was the most ambitious civil engineering project in America in the eighteenth century (see BROWN [2]Alexander Crosby Brown. \u201cAmerica\u2019s Greatest Eighteenth Century Engineering Achievement.\u201d Virginia Cavalcade 12 (Spring 1963): 40\u201347.).\nWednesday 19th. Thermometer at  in the Morng.  at Noon and  at Night.\nWind which had been at No. Wt. yesterday, & clear, had now shifted to the So. Et. and lowered till Night, when it began to\nrain; which it did more or less through the Night, the wind blowing fresh.\nImmediately after breakfast I set out for my return home\u2014at which I arrived a little after Noon. And found my Brother Jno., his Wife; Daughter Milly, & Sons Bushrod & Corbin, & the wife of the first\u2014Mr. Willm. Washington & his wife & 4 Children & Colo. Blackburn\u2014to whom was added in the Evening Mr. Willm. Craik.\nMr. Houdon having finished the business which brot. him hither, went up on Monday with his People, work, and impliments in my Barge, to Alexandria, to take a Passage in the Stage for Philadelphia the next Morning.\nSowed (after making good the vacancies of the former) about a pint of the Cape of Good hope Wheat, sent me by Mr. Powell of Philadelphia, in 14 rows alongside of the other in the enclosure behind the Stables.\nAlso\u2014sowed about a table Spoonful of the Buffaloe or Kentucke Clover sent me by Doctr. Stuart alongside of the Guinea grass at the foot of the above Wheat & continuance of the rows thereof.\n   the wife of the first: Bushrod Washington was married on 13 Oct. to Julia Ann (Nancy) Blackburn (1768\u20131829), daughter of Col. Thomas Blackburn, of Rippon Lodge.\n   GW\u2019s nephew, William Augustine Washington, and his wife, Jane, usually called Jenny, were now living at Blenheim in Westmoreland County. This\n   house was only a short distance inland from Wakefield, their former residence, which had burned in 1780. Shortly after this visit, the Washingtons moved again, to Haywood, across Bridges Creek from Wakefield. Their four children living at this time were Hannah Bushrod Washington (1778-1797), Augustine Washington (c.1780\u20131797), Ann Aylett Washington (1783\u20131804), and Bushrod Washington, Jr. (1785\u20131830).\n   mr. powell of philadelphia: Samuel Powel (1739\u20131793) held several political offices in Philadelphia and was for many years mayor of the city. He strongly supported the Revolution and had subscribed \u00a35,000 for the support of the Continental Army. Powel was a member of the American Philosophical Society, a founder of the University of Pennsylvania, a manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital, and president of the newly founded Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture. Powel and his wife, Elizabeth Willing Powel, became intimate friends of the Washingtons during GW\u2019s presidential years.\n   buffaloe or kentucke clover: Trifolium stoloniferum, a native perennial found in open woodlands and prairies from West Virginia to South Dakota.\nThursday 20th. Thermometer at 67 in the Morng. 66 at Noon and 65 at Night.\nWind fresh at South East and weather threatning, with Showers of rain (some pretty heavy) through the day.\nGeorge Washington & his wife, Bushrod Washington, his wife Sister & Brother, the two Mr. Bassetts, Mr. Craik and Mr. Shaw, notwithstanding the weather set out for the races at Alexandria, and were disappointed of seeing them, as they were put off. They did not return.\nFriday 21st. Thermometer at 57 in the Morning\u201455 at Noon and 53 at Night.\nFlying Clouds and cold, with appearances of Snow; wind being at No. West.\nMy Brother, Mr. Willm. Washington and his wife went up with me to this days races at Alexandria. We dined at Colo. Ramsays & returned in the Evening with the Company who went from here the day before, Except Mr. Wm. Washington, the two Mr. Bassetts and Mr. Shaw.\n   There were two races in Alexandria on this day. In the morning, the Alexandria Jockey Club Purse of 100 guineas was won by Capt. Edward Snickers\u2019s horse Careless. The afternoon race, for a purse of 50 guineas, also sponsored by the Jockey Club, was won by \u201cMr. Hammersley\u2019s bay Colt Spry\u201d (Va. Journal, 27 Oct. 1785).\nSaturday 22d. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nWind at No. West and fresh; & Cold with appearances of unsettled weather.\nWent up again to day, with my Brother, and the rest of the Gentlemen to the Race, & dined at Mr. Herberts. All returned, except Mr. Jno. Bassett, who got hurt on the race field, and Mr. Shaw. Mr. Willm. Scott came here in the Evening, from Alexandria.\n   The race today, for the Alexandria Town Purse of 50 guineas, was won by Gen. Alexander Spotswood\u2019s horse Cumberland (Va. Journal, 27 Oct. 1785).\nSunday 23d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 59 at Night.\nFine & pleasant all day, with the Wind at South. No frost as was expected.\nMy Brother, his wife Daughter and Son; Mr. Willm. Washington his wife & 4 Children; Mr. Bushrod Washington & wife; and Mr. Scott all went away after Breakfast. Mr. Jno. Bassett & Mr. Shaw came home in the forenoon and Mr. Fitzhugh of Chatham, Genl. Spotswood, Mr. McCarty of Pope Creek, and a Colo. Middleton of South Carolina came here to dinner, & went away afterwards.\nPerceived the Orchard Grass Seeds which I sowed on the 8th. Instt. in the same Inclosure of the Turneps, to be coming up thick & well.\n   William Fitzhugh (1741\u20131809), of Chatham in Stafford County, was the son of Lucy Carter and Henry Fitzhugh (1706\u20131742) of Eagle\u2019s Nest. He had been a member of the House of Burgesses 1772\u201375, the Virginia conventions of 1775 and 1776, and the Continental Congress 1779\u201380. He served in the House of Delegates 1776\u201377, 1780\u201381, and 1787\u201388 and in the Senate 1781\u201385. Fitzhugh was one of the foremost enthusiasts in Virginia of breeding and racing horses.\n   mr. mccarty of pope creek: The second son of Speaker Daniel McCarty, named Daniel McCarty (d. 1744), remained at the original family home, Longwood, at Pope\u2019s Creek, Westmoreland County. He was a neighbor of the Augustine Washington family during their years at their Pope\u2019s Creek home, and Augustine and Daniel named each other as executors in their wills. This Daniel had one son, also named Daniel (d. 1795), of Pope\u2019s Creek, who appears here. A contemporary of GW\u2019s, he is often confused with his first cousin and GW\u2019s close neighbor, Colonel Daniel McCarty of Mount Air in Fairfax County.\n   Arthur Middleton (1742\u20131787), of Middleton Place near Charleston, had been in the South Carolina militia during the Revolution. He served in the South Carolina assembly, was a member of the council of safety, and in 1776 had been on the committee which prepared the South Carolina constitution. Middleton served in the Continental Congress for several terms.\nMonday 24th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morning\u201458 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nVariable, & squally with a little rain. Wind at South in the Morning, and Westwardly afterwards.\nThe two Mr. Bassetts (Burwell and John) left this after breakfast, to return home.\nIn the Afternoon Doctr. Craik came in, and stayed all Night.\nI rid to my Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and Muddy hole\u2014found the Orchard grass Seeds which had been sowed at Dogue run come up very well\u2014as the Timothy also had\u2014and that my Corn fields, now that the Fodder was taken off, looked miserably bad\u2014the wheat on the other hand very good.\nTuesday 25th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nForenoon clear and serene, and pleasant; but the Afternoon Windy & cold, with flying clouds. Wind about West.\nDoctr. Craik went away before Breakfast\u2014he intended to [go to] Alexa. but was to call upon John Alton.\nRid to my Plantation in the Neck. Found my Corn & Wheat\nthere similar with those at the other plantations as described yesterday.\nFinding the Seeds of the Honey locust had come nearly, or quite to a state of maturity although the thick part of the pod still retained its green colour I had them gathered, lest when ripe they should be gathered by others, to eat.\n   Wednesday 26th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nA large white frost this morning. Wind brisk and cold from the No. West all the day, after 9 O\u2019clock.\nTook the cover off my dry Well, to see if I could not fix it better for the purpose of an Ice House, by Arching the Top, and planking the sides.\nHaving received by the last Northern Mail advice of the arrival at Boston, of one of the Jack Asses presented to me by His Catholic Majesty, I sent my Overseer John Fairfax, to conduct him, and his Keeper, a Spaniard, home safe; addressing him to Lieutt. Governor Cushing, from whom I received the information.\nSent to Morris (Overseer of my Dogue run Plantation) a Bushel of clover seed (reserving Six pounds) to sow as fast as he could get the ground which is intended for the reception of it, in order.\nYesterday I transplanted a Cornation Cherry tree, and Apricot tree, which were within the Lawn before the door into the North Garden\u2014little expecting that either will live\u2014the first being 33 Inches in circumference and the latter 21 inches and a good deal decayed.\nFinished the Shingling on the West front of the House.\n   GW had decided not to build a new icehouse but to remodel the old one extensively along lines suggested in Robert Morris\u2019s letter of 15 June 1784 (DLC:GW). The rebuilt icehouse had an inner well within the first, which was lined with wood for better insulation. Over the well was an arch, covered with soil and sodded. There was a tunnel in the face of the hill through which the ice could be carried from the river (MVARAnnual Report of the Mount Vernon Ladies\u2019 Association of the Union. Mount Vernon, Va., 1854\u2013., 1939, 30\u201331).\n   one of the jack asses: Knowing that Spain produced excellent jackasses, GW made some inquiries about how he might obtain one for breeding purposes. Upon learning of this, Charles III, king of Spain, sent word that two Spanish jacks were being shipped to him as a gift (Thomas Jefferson to GW, 10 Dec. 1784, DLC:GW). Early in October, GW was notified by Lt. Gov. Thomas Cushing, of Massachusetts, that one of the jacks had arrived at Beverly in the care of Pedro Tellez, and that another animal was expected soon (Cushing to GW, 7 Oct. 1785, GW to Francisco Rendon, 19 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW). GW dispatched John Fairfax to Boston with instructions to escort the Spaniard and the two jacks (26 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW). It later developed that the second jack had died at sea (GW to Tench Tilghman, 30 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW). Setting out from Boston on 10 Nov., Fairfax and Tellez reached Mount Vernon on 5 Dec. (Cushing to GW, 16 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW; see entry for 5 Dec. 1785). It soon appeared that while the jack itself was a gift, GW was expected to pay all charges except Tellez\u2019s wages (GW to Cushing, 26 Oct. 1785, GW to William Hartshorne, 20 Feb. 1786, DLC:GW). The jack, to be named Royal Gift, seemed a disappointment at first. GW wrote Lafayette 10 May 1786 that although the animal was handsome, \u201chis late royal master, \u2019tho past his grand climacteric, cannot be less moved by female allurements than he is\u201d (DLC:GW). \u201cI have my hopes that when he becomes a little better acquainted with republican enjoyments, he will amend his manners & fall into our custom of doing business; if the case should be otherwise, I shall have no disinclination to present his Catholic Majesty with as valuable a present as I received from him\u201d (GW to William Fitzhugh, 15 May 1786, DLC:GW). Subsequent letters indicate that Royal Gift did amend his manners. GW wrote to Richard Sprigg: \u201cIt is, I believe, beyond a doubt that your Jenny is with foal by my Spaniard\u201d (1 April 1787, owned by Mr. Sol Feinstone, Washington Crossing, Pa.).\nThursday 27th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nA remarkably great white frost and the ground a little frozen.\nWind Southerly all day, after it rose in the Morning, but not very fresh. Forenoon clear but the afternoon, especially towards the Suns setting, a little hazy & lowering.\nMr. Battaile Muse came here before dinner but would not stay to it. After finishing some business with me respecting my Tenants and my agreeing to allow him Six pr. Ct. for Collecting my Rents, he went up to Alexandria.\nPurchased 1000 Bushels of Wheat of him, to be delivered as fast as he could have it brot. down, at my Mill\u2014for which I am to give Six Shillings in March next or when he comes here in April.\nBegan to put up my Hogs at the different Plantations, to fatten for Porke.\n   Battaile Muse (1751\u20131803), son of Col. George Muse of Caroline County, had settled in Berkeley County. Muse, who in 1784 was the agent for George William Fairfax\u2019s Virginia properties, was hired by GW as the rental agent for his tenant lands in Frederick, Fauquier, Berkeley, and Loudoun counties.\nFriday 28th. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nWind Southerly; clear and pleasant all day.\nFinished levelling and Sowing the lawn in front of the Ho[use] intended for a Bolling Green\u2014as far as the Garden Houses.\nAlso began to sow clover seed at Dogue run plantation.\nSaturday 29th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning 64 at Noon and 65 at Night.\nMorning clear, calm, and very pleasant. About Noon it began to lower a little, and continued to do so all the Afternoon.\nRid to the Plantations at the Ferry and Dogue run\u2014at the last of which finished Sowing the Clover Seed which I sent there the 26th.; With this I mixed 9 Bushels of the pounded Plaister of Paris; and Sowed the whole on about 4\u00bc acres of Ground (on the Side of the run along the old Mill race) as near as I could judge from stepping it.\nSunk the inner well in the Dry well now fitting up for an Ice house, about 8 feet untill I came to a pure sand.\nMrs. Stuart & Child Nancy, & Miss Allan, came here this Evening.\n   child nancy: Ann (Nancy) Calvert Stuart, born in Aug. 1784, was the eldest child of David and Eleanor Calvert Custis Stuart and the first of many half brothers and sisters to the four Custis children.\n   Sarah Allen lived at the Calvert home, Mount Airy. She seems to have\nbeen a close friend of Eleanor Stuart\u2019s and often helped her with the education of the Custis and Stuart children.\nSunday 30th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201463 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nThunder and lightning about day Break and Raining more or less all day, attended in the forenoon with very high Wind from the Westward.\nMr. Shaw went up to Alexandria after Breakfast, & stayed all Night.\nMonday 31st. Thermometer at 52 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nA raw and moist air, with a westerly wind & lowering Sun.\nMr. Shaw returned to Breakfast, & Mrs. Stuart, Miss Allan &ca. went away after it.\nA Captn. Fullerton came here to Dinner on business of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pensylvania; for whom I signed 250 Diplomas as President. Went away after.\nSent half a Bushel of Clean Timothy Seed to Morris\u2014to sow at Doeg run Plantation.\n   Richard Fullerton (d. 1792) served throughout most of the Revolution, first as a volunteer and then as an officer in the 3d and 1st Pennsylvania regiments. He was breveted captain in 1783. As assistant secretary of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, he was at Mount Vernon to obtain GW\u2019s signature on a supply of blank diplomas for the state society.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday first. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 56 at Night. A White frost and damp kind of a Morning, with but little Wind. Rather hazy all day, & towards evening lowering. Rid to my Plantations at Dogue run and Muddy hole\u2014at the former preparing, & Sowing Ground with Timothy seed. Mrs. Fendall, Mrs. Lee & Miss Flora Lee, daughters of the former with Doctr. Skinner, came here to Dinner. And stayed all Night. A Mr. Sacket from Tygers Valley on the Monongahela, and another person came here before Dinner and shewed me some propositions they had to make to Congress for a large territory of Country West of the Ohio, which I discouraged them from\noffering, as I was sure they never would be acceded to by that body.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 3d. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 58 at Night. Morning clear, Calm, and very pleasant; but the wind springing up about 10 Oclock in the No. West, & blowing pretty fresh, it turned cool towards Evening. Borrowed a Scow from Colo. Gilpin, with which to raise Mud\nfrom the Bed of the river or Creek, to try the efficacy of it as a Manure, and sent it to the river Plantation for that purpose. Went over there myself to mark off a piece of ground to spread it on, after it should get mellowed by the frosts of the Winter. Mrs. Fendal, Mrs. & Miss Lee & Doctr. Skinner went away, breakfasting first. Took up 11 Pines of a large size & planted them in the green brier hedge & circle at the extremity of the Lawn within the Gate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 6th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night. Clear, Calm, and remarkably pleasant all day. Sun set in a bank. Mr. Webster and Mr. Lee went away after breakfast. Mr. Geo. Washington & wife went to Church at Alexandria\u2014as did Mr. Shaw. The two first returned to dinner. The other not \u2019till some time in the Night\u2014after the family were in bed. Although it was omitted in the occurrences of Yesterday, I tried 2 quarts of the pulverized plaister of Paris; one of them burned, the other unburnt; upon two sections of the Circle in front of\nthe House\u2014from the Dial Post to the Center post, opposite to the pavemt. leading to the Gate by the Quarter. The section nearest the House was sprinkled with the burned Plaister. These sections are only from one Post to another in the circle, and do not contain more than about 145 square ft. A quart therefore on each is at the rate of 8 Bushels to the Acre. This was the poorest part of the Circle.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0008", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 8 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 8th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night. A very heavy fog (with little or no wind) until near Noon\u2014when it dispelled; became clear, warm & pleasant. Rid to Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations\u2014the first preparing Ground, & sowing Timothy Seed. Began to replace the dead trees in my shrubberies. Doctr. Craik first, and a Captn. Lewis Littlepage afterwards, came here to Dinner; the first went away after it\u2014the other stayed all Night. This Captn. Littlepage has been Aid de Camp to the Duke de Crillon\u2014was at the Sieges of Fort St. Phillip (on the Island of Minorca) and Gibralter; and is an extraordinary character. In the Evening Doctr. Griffith came, & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 9th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night. A red, & watery Sun in the Morning, which about Noon was obscured, slow rain afterwds. Wind Southerly all day; and at Night appeared to be getting to the Westward. Mr. Griffith went away after Breakfast and Captn. Littlepage after Dinner. Having put in the heavy frame into my Ice House I began this day to Seal it with Boards, and to ram straw between these boards and the wall. All imaginable pains was taken to prevent the Straw from getting wet, or even damp, but the Moisture in the air is very unfavourable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0010", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 10 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 10th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night. There having fallen so much rain in the Night as to convince me that the Straw which I had placed between the Cieling & the Wall of my Ice House, must have got wet, and being in some doubt before of the propriety of the measure, lest it should get damp, heat, & rot; I had it all taken out, leaving the Space between unfilled with any thing. Went up to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. Dined at Mr. Fendalls (who was from home) and returned in the Evening with Mrs. Washington. Mr. George Washington & his wife who accompanied us remaining to a Ball. Planted 8 of the Hemlock Pine which were brought from Neabsco in my Shrubberies\u2014More still wanting to make up the deficiencies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 12. Thermometer at 54 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and 60 at Night. Wind a little west of the No. and pretty fresh all the forenoon; and cloudy. Afternoon clear, still, & very pleasant. Received 215 Apple trees (red striek) from Major Jenifer; wh[ic]h I sent to the river plantation in the Neck, to be planted. At the same time, and from the same place, received two New Town & 2 Golden Pippin trees\u2014Two of the Bury, & two St. Germain Pear Trees and 2 duke Cherry Trees. Rid to my Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run and Muddy hole; at the second of which they were yet preparing ground, & sowing grass-seeds\u2014at the last gathering Corn. Covered my exotic plants in that section of my Botanical Garden between the Salt House & the House next the Circle; & began to cover the Guinea grass, which two days before I had cut of near the Crown\u2014but did not finish it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 13th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon\u201465 at Night. Clear all day. Morning calm & very pleasant; but Windy afterwards from the No. West. Mr. Saml. Hanson and his wife, Mr. Thos. Hanson and their two sisters, & Mrs. Dulany wife to Waltr. Dulany, lately from England came to Dinner, & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0014", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 14 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 14th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 62 at Night. Calm, clear, & pleasant Morning. Wind pretty brisk afterwards from the No. Wt., but fine notwithstanding.  The Company who came to dinr. yesterday, & lodged here last Night went away after breakfast\u2014upon which I went to my Neck Plantation in the Neck with intention to take a descriptive list of my Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Working Tools &ca., but the forenoon being far spent I could only do it of the Horses & Tools. Began to Plant the Apple Trees which were brought from Major Jenifers on Saturday. Finished covering the Guinea grass in my Botanical Garden except 6 rows of it which I left uncovered\u2014and uncut\u2014to try the effect of the Winters frosts & snows upon it. In the Evening Mr. Willm. Craik returned from his trip over the Alligane Mountains having effected no business for his father or me, being disappointed of seeing those with whom he had it to transact.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 15. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 60 at Noon [night]. Wind Southerly and pretty fresh. Weather somewhat hazy and Smoaky. Went to my Neck Plantation and compleated the Acct. of my Stock there\u2014except that of the Hogs\u2014which stand thus. \nHorses\nA grey dray Stallion\t1\nBuck a Sorrel\t16 yr. old\tWorking Horses\nGilbert a black\t17 Do.\nRandolph a Grey\t7 Do.\nDoctr. a Grey\t7 Do.\nPrentice a Bay\t10 Do.\nJolly a Black\t9 Do.\nDick a White\t12 Do.\nGrunt a Bay\t9 Do.\nPompey a Bay\t14 Do.\nDiamond White\t9 Do.\nPossum\u2014Grey\t10 Do.\nJack\u2014Black\t10 Do.\t12\nKit\ta black Mare\t5 yrs.\tWorkg. Mares\nFly\tDark brown\nPatience\nBetty White Stockgs.\t9 Do.\nPunch grey flea bittn.\nJenny light grey\t9 Do.\nBrown\t11 Do.\nFanny\tBlack\t9 Do.\nOversrs\tBlack\t9\nA brown Horse\t5\tunbroke Hors.\nBright Bay\trising\t3\nBlack\tDo.\t3\nBrown Mealy Cod.\tDo.\t3\nBlack\tDo.\t3\nBlack\tSmall\tDo.\t3\nDitto\tDo.\t2\nIron Grey\tDo.\t2\nBlack bald face\t2\t9\nA Grey spring Colt\t1\nDark bay\t9\tunbroke Mares\nSorrel\t5\nBrown\t6\nBlack\trising\t3\nDark brown\t3\nGrey\t3\nBlack\trising\t2\t7\nBlack Spring Colt\t1\nIn all\t40\nCattle\nBulls y[oun]g\t3\nWorking Oxen\t7\nFatting Steers in Corn field\t5\nCows\t41\nHeifers\t6 yrs. old\t6\n3 yrs. old\t15\n2 yrs. old\t11\n1 yr. old\t7\nSpring\tCow calves\t19\t58\nSteers\u2014full grown\t18\n4 yrs. old\t2\n3 yrs. old\t4\n2 yrs. old\t7   \n1 yr. old\t3\nSpring\tBull calves\t11\t45\nCows brot. to the Home for Milk & to go back\t8\nTotal Cattle\t167\nSheep\nRams\t7\nEwes\t92\nWeathers\t12\nDitto in Corn field\t16\nWeathers brot. to Ho[me] Ho[use]\t42\nTotal\t169\nTools & Implemts.\nA Waggon Saddle and Gier for 4 Horses\t1\nAn Oxe Cart\u2014good\t1\nDitto not good\t1\t2\nOxe Chains\t2\nBolts for Tongues\t2\nYokes, Rings &ca.\nBar shear Plows\t9\nTwo pr. Iron traces to each\t18\nOld Bridles for ditto\t18\nNB. These Traces serve the Waggon\nHilling Hoes helved\t20\nunhelved pretty gd.\t3\nindifferent\t2\nAt the Smiths Shop\t2\t27\nMattocks but indifft.\t6\nDitto said to have come to the Home Ho[use]\t7\t13\nGrubbing Hoes indifft.\t3\nAxes\t7\nDitto at Smiths Shop\t1\nDitto old Iron\t1\t9\nIron Wedges\u2014pairs\t3\nOpen Iron wire Sieve\t1\nSand Sieve\t1\t2\nNote these to be sent to the Home Ho[use]\nHarvest Rakes\t5 only gd.\t13\nPitch forks\t1\nHalf Bushels\tnew\t1   \nOld Do\t1\t2\nPlantation Gun\t1", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0018", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 18 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 18th. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 50 at Night. Morning clear & serene\u2014a white Frost and ground froze\u2014Ice an eighth of an Inch thick. Wind at No. Wt. & pretty fresh untill the afternoon when it was almost calm. Began to take up a number of small Pines to replace the dead ones in my wilderness. Got them with much dirt about the Roots. Took an Account of the Horses, Cattle & Sheep at Home. viz. \nHorses\nMagnolia\u2014an Arabian\t1\nNelson . Riding Horse\t1\nBlewskin . Ditto\t1\t2\nheight\tage\nPartner . A Bay\t15\t12\tFor the Chariot\nAjax . lightr. Bay\t15\t11\nChatham . dull Bay\t15\t8\nValiant . Yellowh. Bay\t14\u00be\t16\nEnglish . Bay\t15\tvery old\nMcIntosh . Bay\t14\u00bd\t9\nCareless . Bay\t14\u00bd\t5\nYoung . Bay\t8\nDragon . Black \t15\t6\tWaggn. Hors.\nJolly . Ditto\t15\t14\nChichester . Bay\t14\u00bd\nJock . Grey\t14\u00bc\t5\t4\nBlack . Mare dray\t15\told\tCart H.\nBlack . Horse Ditto\t14\told\nused in Tumblers\t2\nA Brown Bay\t14\t6\tHacks\nChevalier \tdull bay\t14\u00bd\nBrown Bay\tMuddy hole\nColumbus\tbr[own] Do.\t14\t4\nTotal\t21\nCattle\nWorking Oxen\told\t2\nDitto Do\tyoung\t2\t4\nCows from Camp\t4\nRivr. Plantn.\t8\nDogue run Do.\t6\nFerry Do.\t3\t21\nBull\t1\nIn all\t26\n Note. One of the Cows that came from the River Plantn. (making the above, 9) got mired this Fall and died, and of the above, the 4 Cows from Camp\u2014two from the Ferry\u2014three from Dogue run\u2014and one from the Neck are ordered to be detained here\u2014and all the rest to be sent to their respective places. \nSheep\nWeathers\t40\nEwes\tsucking Lambs\t4\nLambs\tfor killing\t4\t48\n Began to take up my summer Turnips at the House. Got abt. half up to day. Sent to Mr. Digges for Papaw Bushes to replace the dead ones in my Shrubberies. Coming late I had not time to plant them but put the Roots in the ground until tomorrow. Planted the two duke Cherries\u2014sent me by Major Jenifer in the two gardens\u2014one under each Wall, abt. 30 feet from the Garden Houses\u2014and planted the Bury & 2 St. Germain Pairs also sent me by him in the No. Garden\u2014new part thereof\u2014one of each kind on the circular Walk and the other two on the Strait walk. Put the Box with the Magnolia, & other exotics from So. Carolina and that with the Kentucke Coffee tree under a bush cover in the open part of the Green Ho[use] and began to cover the Palmetto Royal at the Front gate with Brush with the leaf on\u2014but got a small part only South of the gate & South part thereof done before night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and  at Night. Wind at No. West and cold all day, with Clouds which threatned Snow in the evening. Ground very hard frozen. Finished digging my Summer Turnips and putting them in a Cellar. Also finished covering the Palmetto royal at the front gate, except a small piece on the south side, nearest the gate, for which brush could not be got in time. My Ice House Walls except the Pediment over the outer door and the inner Walls of the arch were compleated this day likewise. Doctr. Craik whom I had sent for to visit York George (in the Neck) who is much afflicted with the gravel came here about Sundown and stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 20th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 54 at Night. Clear and calm all day, but the Air keen notwithstanding. George Washington & wife & Mr. Shaw went to Lund Washingtons to Dinner & returned in the afternoon. Colo. Harrison (Judge) came here to Dinner and Doctr. Craik (who went away early this Morning) at Night.  My Nephew Lawe. Washington came here with a letter today from Mr. Bayley respecting their Board &ca.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0021", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 21 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 21st. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at N. Lowering morning, with the wind at No. Et. About half after ten A.M. it began to Snow & continued to do so (of a Wet kind) until Night, when it ceased tho\u2019 the ground was not covered more than an Inch thick. Colo. Harrison & Doctr. Craik left this after Breakfast, and I went up to Alexandria with G. Washington to meet the Directors of the Potomack Coma. and to a Turtle feast (the Turtle given by myself to the Gentlemen of Alexa.). Returned in the Evening and found the Count Doradour recommended by, & related to the Marqs. de la Fayette here, as also the Revd. Mr. Magowan.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0022", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 22 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 22d. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning\u201446 at Noon and 52 at Night. Clear and cold Wind at No. West all day. The Snow, except on the No. side of Hills & Houses had dissolvd. The Count Doradour and Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast. The Reverd. Mr. Keith of Alexandria and a Mr. Bowie of Philadelphia came to Dinner and returned to Alexandria in the Evening. Gave my People their Cloathing pr. list taken. Removing Earth to day, as yesterday, to cover my Ice Ho[use].", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0023", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 23 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 23d. Thermometer at 48 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and  at Night. Clear, warm, and pleasant, with the Wind at South. Finished all the Brick work of my Ice House today. Miss Kitty Washington, Genl. Lincoln, Colonels Hooe & Lyles, Mr. Porter, Captn. Goodwin, Doctr. Swift, Mr. Potts, Mr. Dalby, Mr. Monshur Mr. Williams, Mr. Philips & a Mr. Cramer or Cranmur came here to Dinner and all of them returned in the evening except Kitty Washington. Sent Mr. Shaw through Alexandria, to agree for the Schooling & Board of my Nephews George & Lawrence Washington now at the Academy at George Town & thence to the latter place to conduct them to the former for the purpose of going to School at the Alexandria Academy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0024", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 24 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Thursday 24th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 55 at Night. Clear, Warm & pleasant, wind being still southerly. Immediately after Breakfast, rid to my Plantation at the Ferry and took the following Acct. of my Stock\u2014viz. \nHorses\nhands\tage\nPrince a black Horse\t14\t20 old\tW.H.\nDitto\u2014a Sorrel Do.\t14\u00bc\t2\nJenny\u2014bla. Mare\t14\u00bc\told\tWorking Mares\nPeggy\u2014White Do.\t14\t10\nFly\u2014Dark Grey Do.\t13\u00bd\t8\nKitty\u2014Small bay\u2014Do.\t13\t15\nBonny\u2014Sorrel\u2014Do.\t14\t10\nNancy\u2014black\u2014Do.\tsml.\t12\t6\nA Black Mare\tunb. Ms.\nSteady, likely\t13\u00bd\t4\nA sorrel Ditto,\nLeonidas Do.\t1\nA bay\u2014Do. very small\tSpring\t3\nA bla. Horse . unlikely\t4 1 Sprg.\tunb. Hors.\nA Small bay\nLeonidas\u2014likely\nA black\u2014bald face\t3\nTotal\t14\nCattle\nage\nDarling\u2014a red & W. Ox\t6\nBembo\tWhite & red Do.\t9\nMark black & White Do.\t11\nDuke red brindle\tvery old\t4\nCows\t14\nHeifers\t4 Years old\t1\n3 years.\t2\n2 years\t2\nCalves this spg.\t5\t10\nSteers\tfull grown\t2\n4 years old\t2\n3 years old\t5\n2 years Do.\t3\n1 years Do.\t1\nSpring Calves\t7\t20\nBulls\t2 years old\t1\nBeeves in Corn field\t2\nTotal\t51\nSheep\nRams\t1\nEwes\t9\nWeathers\t5\nTotal\t15\nTools & Implements\nA good Cart\n2 Yokes with Rings\nA Cain\nWheat Fans\t1\nWire riddles\u2014course\t4\nSand Sieves\t1\nCourser Size\t1\t6\nPlows Bar shears\t4\nIron Traces\tpairs\t8\nHaims, Clevis, Bridles &ca. compleat for them\nWeeding Hoes\t1\nHilling Ditto\t13\nGrubbing Ditto\t1\nMattocks\t4\nAxes\t5\nIron Wedge\u20141\u00bd pair\n From the Ferry, I went to the Plantation at Dogue run and took the following Account of the Tools there\u2014being omitted when I was there last. \nViz.\nOxe Carts\t1\nAt the Ho[use] for repair\t1\t2\nOxe Yokes with rings\t4\nOxe Chains\t2\nWheat Fans\t1\nRiddles\u2014viz.\n1 Open & tolerable good\n1 Sand Sieve & much worn\nAxes\t9\nMattocks\t6\nGrubbing Hoes\t6\nHilling Ditto\t16\nIron Wedges\u2014pairs\t4\nSpades\u2014good\t1\nBar shear Plows\t4\nIron Traces\t8\nHaims, Clevis, Bridles &ca. complete\nSpare Colters\t3\nAdzes\t1\nDrawing knife\t1\nHandsaws\t1\nFroes\t1\nBroad Chissels\t1\nNarrow Do.\t1\nGouge\t1\nAuger\u2014\u00be Inch\t1\n       Recapitulation of all my Stocks of Horses, Cattle & Sheep. Horses\nStud Horse. Magnolio\t1\nDitto\tDray\t1\t2\nRiding Horses\t2\nChariot Horses\t8\nHack Horses\t4\nWaggon Horses\u2014Home Ho[use]\t4\nCart Ditto Do. Do.\t1\t5\nPlow Ditto Plantns.\t18\nCart Mare Home Ho[use]\t1\nPlow Ditto Planns.\t28\t29\nBroke Ditto, not worked\t5\nUnbroke Do. ove[r] 4 yr. old\t13\nDitto\t3 yrs.\t5\nDitto\t2 yrs.\t3\nDitto\t1\t8\nDitto\tColts\t5\t68\nUnbroke\tHorses 4 & upwds.\t3\nDitto\tDitto\t3 yrs\t6\nDitto\tDo.\t2 Ditto\t4\nDitto\tDo.\t1 Ditto\t4\nDitto\tDo.\tSpring Colts\t6\t23\nIn all\t130\n  Note, In the above Acct., are included 2 English Mares and their Colts\u2014the one a Horse, and the other a Mare which by being at a Meadow had not been included in any of the foregoing lists. Of the above Mares 16 may go to Magnolio and 33 to the Jack Ass if he should arrive safe, and both of them be in order at the proper Season for covering. \nCattle\nBulls\taged\t2\n2 yrs. old\t2\nDraught Oxen\t26\nSteers\u2014full grown\t35\n4 yrs. old\t4\n3 yrs. old\t10\n2 yrs. old\t14\n1 yr. old\t12\nCalves\t27\t102\nCows\t101\nHeifers\t6 yrs. old\t6\n4 yrs. old\t6\nCalves\t31\t92\nBeeves fatting\t9\nIn all\t336\nSheep\nRams\t19\nEwes\t167\nLambs\t15\nWeathers\t59\nDitto\u2014fatting\t23\t82\nIn all\t283", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0025", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 25 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 25th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng.  at Noon and  at Night. Wind Westerly & cooler than it had been the two days preceeding. About Noon a black Cloud arose to the Westward out of which came a mixture of Snow and Rain\u2014this disappearing the Sun shone but the day upon the whole was variable & unpleast. Set out after breakfast, accompanied by Mr. G. Washington, to\nmake Mr. Mason at Colchester a Visit, but hearing on the road that he had removed from thence I turned into Gunston Hall where we dined and returned in the Evening & found Colo. Henry Lee & his Lady here. Mr. Shaw returned, having removed George & Lawe. Washington to the Alexandria Academy & fixed them at the Widow Dades.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 26th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning\u201451 at Noon and 50 at Night. Wind Westerly and rather Cool in the Morning but less of it & warmer afterwards. Day variable\u2014Clouds & sunshine. Colo. Lee & his Lady went away after breakfast\u2014crossing to Maryland on their Way home.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0029", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 29 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 29th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 54 at Night. A large hoar frost followed by Southerly Wind and some Clouds\u2014but upon the whole tolerably clear & pleasant. Sent my Boat to Alexandria for a Hhd. of Common Rum and some Articles brought from Boston for me by General Lincoln. Majr. G. Washington went up to receive them.  Went out after Breakfast with my hounds from France, & two which were lent me, yesterday, by young Mr. Mason. Found a Fox which was run tolerably well by two of the Frh. Bitches & one of Mason\u2019s Dogs. The other French Dogs shewed but little disposition to follow and with the second Dog of Mason\u2019s got upon another Fox which was followed slow and indifferently by some & not at all by the rest until the sent became so cold that it cd. not be followed at all.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 November 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 30th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 55 at Night. Morning very thick with Clouds & Smoak. About 9 Oclock it began to snow very moderately, which neither continued long\u2014nor lay on the ground. At one the Sun came out, and the afternoon became clear & pleasant, the Wind, though not much of it, being Southerly all day. On the Wheat which was given to me by Colo. Spaight from the Cape of Good hope, and which having been sowed forward\nhad become very forward\u2014full half leg high\u2014and jointed, I determined to try an experiment and accordingly on three Rows next the fencing on the East side the Inclosure I cut it within 4 Inches of the ground just above the Crown of the plant from whence the Shutes had issued. The remainder I suffered to remain in its exuberent state to try the difference.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0011", "content": "Title: November [1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday first. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nA White frost and damp kind of a Morning, with but little Wind. Rather hazy all day, & towards evening lowering.\nRid to my Plantations at Dogue run and Muddy hole\u2014at the former preparing, & Sowing Ground with Timothy seed.\nMrs. Fendall, Mrs. Lee & Miss Flora Lee, daughters of the former with Doctr. Skinner, came here to Dinner. And stayed all Night.\nA Mr. Sacket from Tygers Valley on the Monongahela, and another person came here before Dinner and shewed me some propositions they had to make to Congress for a large territory of Country West of the Ohio, which I discouraged them from\noffering, as I was sure they never would be acceded to by that body.\n   Mrs. Lee was Matilda Lee, the wife of Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee. Flora Lee, Matilda\u2019s sister, was the younger daughter of Elizabeth Steptoe Lee Fendall and her first husband, Philip Ludwell Lee. In 1788 Flora married her cousin Ludwell Lee (1760\u20131836).\n   Alexander Skinner (1743\u20131788) served as head of the military hospital at Suffolk in 1776. He later served as surgeon of the 1st Virginia Regiment and of Lee\u2019s Legion.\n   mr. sacket: possibly Nathaniel Sackett of New York who had, during the Revolution, supplied GW with intelligence from behind the British lines. He laid before Congress on 22 Aug. 1785 a plan for making a \u201cnew state intended for the relief of all our distressed and neglected citizens.\u201d For this purpose, Sackett wanted a grant of western lands bounded by the Ohio, Scioto, and Muskingum rivers and Lake Erie. Congress did not act on the memorial, and so Sackett again presented the plan with 340 supporting signatures on 28 Dec. Nothing ever came of the scheme (Sackett to GW, 23 May 1789, DNA:PCC, Item 78; Sackett to GW, 7 April 1777, GW to Sackett, 8 April 1777, NNgWHM; BOND [2]Beverley W. Bond, Jr. The Foundations of Ohio. Vol. 1 of The History of the State of Ohio. Edited by Carl Wittke. Columbus, Ohio, 1941., 273; JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904\u201337., 29:650, n.3, 788, n.1, 909). GW\u2019s designation \u201cfrom Tygers Valley\u201d may have meant that Sackett had just come from a visit to Tygart Valley River.\nWednesday 2d. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and  at Night.\nA Very thick, damp Morning, & heavy Fog until about 9 Oclock, when it began to Rain; & continued to do so until Noon, when it thinned, and looked as if it would be fair, but soon recommenced raining, which lasted until near night.\nPerceived the Wheat from the Cape, which had been sent to me by Mr. Powell of Philada., & which I sowed on the 19th. of last Month had come up very well.\nThe Guinea Grass in my Botanical Garden was as much injured by the frosts which we have had, and the colour of the blade as much changed, as those of Indian Corn would have been from the same cause.\nCould perceive none of the Guinea grass up which I sowed in the Inclosure behind the Stable (old Vineyard)\u2014the 1st. day of Sepr.\nThursday 3d. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nMorning clear, Calm, and very pleasant; but the wind springing up about 10 Oclock in the No. West, & blowing pretty fresh, it turned cool towards Evening.\nBorrowed a Scow from Colo. Gilpin, with which to raise Mud\nfrom the Bed of the river or Creek, to try the efficacy of it as a Manure, and sent it to the river Plantation for that purpose. Went over there myself to mark off a piece of ground to spread it on, after it should get mellowed by the frosts of the Winter.\n   Mrs. Fendal, Mrs. & Miss Lee & Doctr. Skinner went away, breakfasting first.\nTook up 11 Pines of a large size & planted them in the green brier hedge & circle at the extremity of the Lawn within the Gate.\nFriday 4th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morng.  at Noon and 60 at Night.\nLowering, and the wind very brisk from the So. West in the Morning; but clear, calm, warm, and very pleasant afterwards.\nRaised the heavy frame in my [Ice] House to day and planted 16 Pines in the avenues on my Serpentine Walks.\nRid to my Dogue run Plantation, where they were still preparing ground for, & sowing of, Timothy seed. Went from thence to Mr. Lund Washington\u2019s on a visit to Mr. Robt. Washington who was gone up to Alexandria. Returned home by the way of Muddy hole.\nIn the Evening a Mr. Jno. Fitch came in, to propose a draft & Model of a Machine for promoting Navigation, by means of a Steam.\n   John Fitch (1743\u20131798), of Bucks County, Pa., had been experimenting with a steam-driven boat for the navigation of rivers. He applied to the Continental Congress for financial assistance in Aug. 1785 and to the American Philosophical Society in September, but without success. He was at this time on his way to Richmond to try, again unsuccessfully, to procure assistance from the state legislature. On his way south, Fitch had stopped at former governor Thomas Johnson\u2019s in Frederick Town, Md., where he first heard of James Rumsey\u2019s boat. Concerned about the possibility that Rumsey too was experimenting with steam power, Fitch had, at Johnson\u2019s suggestion, stopped to ask GW whether Rumsey was experimenting with steam. According to Fitch, GW evaded a direct answer and gave him no encouragement (WESTCOTTThompson Westcott. The Life of John Fitch, the Inventor of the Steam-Boat. Philadelphia, 1857., 127\u201347).\nSaturday 5th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morng. 64 at Noon and 65 at Night.\nMorning a little lowering with the wind pretty brisk from the Southward until about Noon when it became Calm & clear.\nWent over the Creek to see how my people went on in raising mud from the bed of the Creek\u2014their progress but slow.\nMr. Robert Washington of Chotanck\u2014Mr. Lund Washington & Mr. Lawrence Washington dined here, as did Colo. Gilpin and Mr. Noah Webster. The 4 first went away afterwards\u2014the last stayed all Night. In the afternoon a Mr. Lee came here to sollicit Charity for his Mother who represented herself as having nine Children\u2014a bad husband and no support. He also stayed the Evening.\n   Noah Webster, in his effort to get the state to enact a copyright law, had come to request letters of introduction from GW to the governor of Virginia and to the speakers of both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. Webster wrote GW, on 16 Dec. 1785, to inform him that the legislature had passed such an act. He also offered to come to Mount Vernon to act, without pay, as tutor for the Custis children, provided he would be given access to GW\u2019s papers (PHi: Gratz Collection). GW refused this offer, as he needed someone who could also act as secretary (GW to Webster, 18 Dec. 1785, NN: Washington Collection).\nSunday 6th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201468 at Noon and 68 at Night.\nClear, Calm, and remarkably pleasant all day. Sun set in a bank.\nMr. Webster and Mr. Lee went away after breakfast.\nMr. Geo. Washington & wife went to Church at Alexandria\u2014as did Mr. Shaw. The two first returned to dinner. The other not \u2019till some time in the Night\u2014after the family were in bed.\nAlthough it was omitted in the occurrences of Yesterday, I tried 2 quarts of the pulverized plaister of Paris; one of them burned, the other unburnt; upon two sections of the Circle in front of\nthe House\u2014from the Dial Post to the Center post, opposite to the pavemt. leading to the Gate by the Quarter. The section nearest the House was sprinkled with the burned Plaister. These sections are only from one Post to another in the circle, and do not contain more than about 145 square ft. A quart therefore on each is at the rate of 8 Bushels to the Acre. This was the poorest part of the Circle.\nMonday 7th. Thermometer at 66 in the Morng. 69 at Noon and 69 at Night.\nClear, calm, and remarkably pleasant all day, but rather too warm for the Season.\nMrs. Peake and Miss Eagland dined here and returned in the Eveng.\nEmployed since I first began to supply the dead Trees in the Serpentine Walks which I compleated this day except with the lime (or Linden) and horse chesnut, neither of wch. I have or could easily get at. The numbers replanted are as follow\u2014of Pine 19\u2014of Elm 2\u2014of Poplar 18\u2014of the black Gum 17\u2014of the Aspan 2\u2014of the Mulberry 5\u2014Ash 2\u2014and of the Maple none.\n   miss eagland: probably Mrs. Peake\u2019s niece, Frances Edelen. GW constantly misspelled her name, calling her Eaglin, Eldredge, England, and Evelin.\nTuesday 8th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nA very heavy fog (with little or no wind) until near Noon\u2014when it dispelled; became clear, warm & pleasant.\nRid to Dogue run & Muddy hole Plantations\u2014the first preparing Ground, & sowing Timothy Seed.\nBegan to replace the dead trees in my shrubberies.\nDoctr. Craik first, and a Captn. Lewis Littlepage afterwards, came here to Dinner; the first went away after it\u2014the other stayed all Night. This Captn. Littlepage has been Aid de Camp to the Duke de Crillon\u2014was at the Sieges of Fort St. Phillip (on the Island of Minorca) and Gibralter; and is an extraordinary character.\nIn the Evening Doctr. Griffith came, & stayed all Night.\n   Lewis Littlepage (1762\u20131802), of Hanover County, served briefly in John Jay\u2019s legation in Spain in 1780 and as a volunteer with the Spanish army in the sieges of Port Mah\u00f3n (Fort St. Philip) 1781\u201382 and Gibraltar 1782\u201383. He had received an invitation from the king of Poland to accept a position at his court, and had been given a year\u2019s leave of absence to arrange his affairs in America. In Richmond, Littlepage received from Gov. Patrick\nHenry a letter of introduction to GW and also a draft for \u00a3300 on the state of Virginia, to be conveyed to the sculptor Houdon as a partial payment for his statue of GW. Littlepage stopped at Mount Vernon on his way to New York. After he arrived in New York a long-standing feud with John Jay almost sent him to jail, and he used the money belonging to the state of Virginia to extricate himself from his difficulties. This done, he sailed for France and by 1786 was serving as chamberlain and envoy in the service of Stanislas II Augustus, king of Poland.\n   Louis de Berton des Balbes de Quiers, duc de Crillon-Mah\u00f3n (1717\u20131796), was a Frenchman in the service of Spain. In 1782 he had captured Fort St. Philip, the fortification for Port Mah\u00f3n on Minorca, and then commanded an unsuccessful Franco-Spanish siege of Gibraltar.\nWednesday 9th. Thermometer at 64 in the Morning\u201466 at Noon and 66 at Night.\nA red, & watery Sun in the Morning, which about Noon was obscured, slow rain afterwds. Wind Southerly all day; and at Night appeared to be getting to the Westward.\nMr. Griffith went away after Breakfast and Captn. Littlepage after Dinner.\nHaving put in the heavy frame into my Ice House I began this day to Seal it with Boards, and to ram straw between these boards and the wall. All imaginable pains was taken to prevent the Straw from getting wet, or even damp, but the Moisture in the air is very unfavourable.\nThursday 10th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at Night.\nThere having fallen so much rain in the Night as to convince me that the Straw which I had placed between the Cieling & the Wall of my Ice House, must have got wet, and being in some doubt before of the propriety of the measure, lest it should get damp, heat, & rot; I had it all taken out, leaving the Space between unfilled with any thing.\nWent up to Alexandria to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. Dined at Mr. Fendalls (who was from home) and returned in the Evening with Mrs. Washington. Mr. George Washington & his wife who accompanied us remaining to a Ball.\nPlanted 8 of the Hemlock Pine which were brought from Neabsco in my Shrubberies\u2014More still wanting to make up the deficiencies.\nFriday 11th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and 55 at Night.\nWind at No. Et. and fresh all day. Very cloudy and sometimes dripping. At Night it began to fall a little more seriously, but in no great qty.\nSent my Carriage up for & brought George Washington & his wife down after dinner.\nSaturday 12. Thermometer at 54 in the Morng. 58 at Noon and 60 at Night.\nWind a little west of the No. and pretty fresh all the forenoon; and cloudy. Afternoon clear, still, & very pleasant.\nReceived 215 Apple trees (red striek) from Major Jenifer; wh[ic]h I sent to the river plantation in the Neck, to be planted. At the same time, and from the same place, received two New Town & 2 Golden Pippin trees\u2014Two of the Bury, & two St. Germain Pear Trees and 2 duke Cherry Trees.\nRid to my Plantations at the Ferry\u2014Dogue run and Muddy hole; at the second of which they were yet preparing ground, & sowing grass-seeds\u2014at the last gathering Corn.\nCovered my exotic plants in that section of my Botanical Garden between the Salt House & the House next the Circle; & began to cover the Guinea grass, which two days before I had cut of near the Crown\u2014but did not finish it.\nSunday 13th. Thermometer at 59 in the Morning\u201465 at Noon\u201465 at Night.\nClear all day. Morning calm & very pleasant; but Windy afterwards from the No. West.\nMr. Saml. Hanson and his wife, Mr. Thos. Hanson and their two sisters, & Mrs. Dulany wife to Waltr. Dulany, lately from England came to Dinner, & stayed all Night.\n   Samuel Hanson of Samuel was married to Mary Key (Kay) Hanson, of New Jersey, and was a merchant in Alexandria at this time. GW\u2019s ledger entries between 1784 and 1786 include several business transactions with the \u201cMessrs. Hansons\u201d (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 180, 207). Maj. Walter Dulany, Jr., brother-in-law of Thomas Hawkins Hanson, served in the Maryland Loyalist Regiment during the Revolution. In 1785 he returned to Maryland from England with his new wife, Elizabeth Brice Dulany, widow of his uncle, Lloyd Dulany.\nMonday 14th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning\u201464 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nCalm, clear, & pleasant Morning. Wind pretty brisk afterwards from the No. Wt., but fine notwithstanding.\nThe Company who came to dinr. yesterday, & lodged here last Night went away after breakfast\u2014upon which I went to my Neck Plantation in the Neck with intention to take a descriptive list of my Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Working Tools &ca., but the forenoon being far spent I could only do it of the Horses & Tools.\nBegan to Plant the Apple Trees which were brought from Major Jenifers on Saturday.\nFinished covering the Guinea grass in my Botanical Garden except 6 rows of it which I left uncovered\u2014and uncut\u2014to try the effect of the Winters frosts & snows upon it.\nIn the Evening Mr. Willm. Craik returned from his trip over the Alligane Mountains having effected no business for his father or me, being disappointed of seeing those with whom he had it to transact.\n   no business for his father or me: GW had given young Craik a letter to be delivered to Maj. Thomas Freeman of Red Stone, now Brownsville, Pa., detailing what Freeman was to do regarding the lands in Pennsylvania under lease to Gilbert Simpson (16 Oct. 1785, DLC:GW). Simpson was dissatisfied with his lease and had been threatening to leave the tenement (see entries for 15 and 17 Sept. 1784).\nTuesday 15. Thermometer at 54 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 60 at Noon [night].\nWind Southerly and pretty fresh. Weather somewhat hazy and Smoaky.\nWent to my Neck Plantation and compleated the Acct. of my Stock there\u2014except that of the Hogs\u2014which stand thus.\nHorses\nA grey dray Stallion\t1\nBuck a Sorrel\t16 yr. old\tWorking Horses\nGilbert a black\t17 Do.\nRandolph a Grey\t7 Do.\nDoctr. a Grey\t7 Do.\nPrentice a Bay\t10 Do.\nJolly a Black\t9 Do.\nDick a White\t12 Do.\nGrunt a Bay\t9 Do.\nPompey a Bay\t14 Do.\nDiamond White\t9 Do.\nPossum\u2014Grey\t10 Do.\nJack\u2014Black\t10 Do.\t12\nKit\ta black Mare\t5 yrs.\tWorkg. Mares\nFly\tDark brown\nPatience\nBetty White Stockgs.\t9 Do.\nPunch grey flea bittn.\nJenny light grey\t9 Do.\nBrown\t11 Do.\nFanny\tBlack\t9 Do.\nOversrs\tBlack\t9\nA brown Horse\t5\tunbroke Hors.\nBright Bay\trising\t3\nBlack\tDo.\t3\nBrown Mealy Cod.\tDo.\t3\nBlack\tDo.\t3\nBlack\tSmall\tDo.\t3\nDitto\tDo.\t2\nIron Grey\tDo.\t2\nBlack bald face\t2\t9\nA Grey spring Colt\t1\nDark bay\t9\tunbroke Mares\nSorrel\t5\nBrown\t6\nBlack\trising\t3\nDark brown\t3\nGrey\t3\nBlack\trising\t2\t7\nBlack Spring Colt\t1\nIn all\t40\nCattle\nBulls y[oun]g\t3\nWorking Oxen\t7\nFatting Steers in Corn field\t5\nCows\t41\nHeifers\t6 yrs. old\t6\n3 yrs. old\t15\n2 yrs. old\t11\n1 yr. old\t7\nSpring\tCow calves\t19\t58\nSteers\u2014full grown\t18\n4 yrs. old\t2\n3 yrs. old\t4\n2 yrs. old\t7\n1 yr. old\t3\nSpring\tBull calves\t11\t45\nCows brot. to the Home for Milk & to go back\t8\nTotal Cattle\t167\nSheep\nRams\t7\nEwes\t92\nWeathers\t12\nDitto in Corn field\t16\nWeathers brot. to Ho[me] Ho[use]\t42\nTotal\t169\nTools & Implemts.\nA Waggon Saddle and Gier for 4 Horses\t1\nAn Oxe Cart\u2014good\t1\nDitto not good\t1\t2\nOxe Chains\t2\nBolts for Tongues\t2\nYokes, Rings &ca.\nBar shear Plows\t9\nTwo pr. Iron traces to each\t18\nOld Bridles for ditto\t18\nNB. These Traces serve the Waggon\nHilling Hoes helved\t20\nunhelved pretty gd.\t3\nindifferent\t2\nAt the Smiths Shop\t2\t27\nMattocks but indifft.\t6\nDitto said to have come to the Home Ho[use]\t7\t13\nGrubbing Hoes indifft.\t3\nAxes\t7\nDitto at Smiths Shop\t1\nDitto old Iron\t1\t9\nIron Wedges\u2014pairs\t3\nOpen Iron wire Sieve\t1\nSand Sieve\t1\t2\nNote these to be sent to the Home Ho[use]\nHarvest Rakes\t5 only gd.\t13\nPitch forks\t1\nHalf Bushels\tnew\t1\nOld Do\t1\t2\nPlantation Gun\t1\nWednesday 16th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morng. 66 at Noon and  at Night.\nA large circle round the Moon last night\u2014a red & angry looking sky at the Suns rising and a brisk Southerly Wind all day with rain in the Evening and Night.\nFinished the Arch over my Ice House to day.\nWent early in the Morning to take an acct. of My Stocks &ca. at Dogue run & Muddy hole Planns.\nAt the first\nHorses\nHeight\tAge\nDabster\ta grey\t14\u00bc\t8\tWorkers\nBuck\tBay\t14\t6\t2\nNancy\tBay\t14\told\tWorkg. Mares\nFrom\nCamp\tDitto\t14\u00bc\nFly\tDitto\t13\t8\nBrandy\tDitto\t13\u00bd\nFancy\tBlack\t13\told\n\u2014\tSorrel\t13\told\n\u2014\tDitto\t13\nBonny\tBay\tvery old\t8\nEnglh.\nHunter\tBrown\t15\told\tOld M.\nGrey Mare bot. at Bristol\tDo.\nDray\tBlack\tCamp\tDo.\t3\nBay\tlikely in foal\t14\t6\nBay Roan\u2014white face\t14\t5\nSorrel\t14\u00bd\nBlack\u2014Snip on the nose\t13\tUnbroke Mares\nIron grey\u2014dark\t14\t3\nBlack\u2014from Hunter\t2\nBlack Star & Snip likely\t2\nBay\u2014white face\t1\nBlack\u2014long star\t1\nBay near hind foot wh[ite]\t1\nBay small Star\t1\nBay (blood) near hind f[oot] W[hit]e\t1\nBay\u2014star & snip\t1\t13\nA Grey\tsnip\t14\t3\n\u273bBay Roan wh. face\t1\tUnbroke Horses\n\u273bSorrel\tSnip\t1\n\u273bDark Grey\t1\nGrey Colt frm. Bristl.\tM[are]\tSp[rin]g\n\u273bIt is not certain whether these are horses or Mares not having distinguished them on the Spot at the time\t5\nIn all\t31\nCattle\nWorking Oxen\t7\nFatting Steers in Meadow\t2\nCows\t15\nHeifers\t4 yrs. old\t5\n3 yrs. old\t3\n2 yrs. old\t6\n1 yr. old\t2\nSpring Calves\t6\t22\nSteers\tfull grown\t7\n3 years old\t1\n2 yrs. old\t2\n1 yr. old\t7\nSpring Calves\t5\t22\nBulls\t1\nTotal\t69\nSheep\nRams\t7\nEwes\t32\nWeathers\t7\nDitto in Meadow fattg.\t7\t14\nTotal\t53\nOld Cows in the Meadw.\t2\nN.B. The Tools not being got up no Acct. was taken of them at this time.\nMuddy hole Plantation\nHorses\nheight\tage\nJockey . a black\t13\u00bd\t14\tW.H.\nDiamond . Ditto\t14\t10\t2\nRankin\t14\t10\tWorkg. Mares\nFly\ta Grey\t14\u00bc\t2\nJenny . Brown\t13\u00bc\t8\nFinwick . Dun Sorrel\t13\u00bd\t7\nFancy . Grey\t13\u00bc\t9\t5\nWhite\t13\t7\nBay . small Star &ca.\t13\t5\nBay . long blaze\t13\t5\tunbroke Mares\nBay . very small Star\t13\t5\nDark Bay sml. star & snp.\t13\nDark Brown Simpson\t13\u00bd\t3\nBay . midlg. likely\t1\nBay . small Star\tSpring\nBlack . sml. star\tSpring\t9\nBrown Bay . crookd blaze . 13 hands high\t5 yrs. old\tunbroke Hors.\nGrey . unlikely\t2\nBay . sml. star . unlikely\nGrey . natural pacer\tspg.\t4\nTotal\t20\nCattle\nWorking Oxen\t4\nCows\t10\nHeifers\t1 yr. old\t1\nCow Calves\tthis spring\t1\nSteers\tfull grown\t8\n2 years old\t2\n1 year old\t1\t11\nMale Calves\t4\nTotal\t31\nSheep\nRams\t5\nEwes\t39\nLambs\t11\nTotal\t50\nTools & Implements A good oxe Cart\u20142 Oxe yokes & Iron Rings\u2014Compleat\t1\nOxe Chain \t1\nBar shear plows \t3\nIron Traces . pairs\t6\nHaims, Collars, Bridles &ca. Compt. 2 spare Colters\t2\nMattoxs\t5\nAxes\u2014includg. 1 at the Home Ho[use]\t4\nIron Wedges . pairs \t1\nHilling Hoes\t11\nPitch fork\t1\nA Wheat Fan\t1\nHalf Bushel\t1\nThe Hogs at all the Plantations running in the Woods after the Mast, no Acct. could be taken of them.\nRichard Henry Lee, lately President of Congress; his Son Ludwell, Colo. Fitzgerald, and a Mr. Hunter (Mercht.) of London came here to Dinner & stayed all Night.\nThe Stock at the Ferry not being got up, Postponed taking the Acct. of them until they shod. be got together.\n   Richard Henry Lee\u2019s son Ludwell Lee lived at Shuter\u2019s (Shooter\u2019s) Hill near Alexandria.\n   Mr. Hunter was a son of Robert Hunter, a Scottish merchant living in London and trading primarily with Canada. Hunter\u2019s son Robert Jr., or John, as he is identified in some sources (Pa. Mag., 17:76\u201382), was only 20 years old when his father sent him to America in 1785, at a time when representatives of British mercantile houses were swarming into the country to collect pre-Revolutionary debts. In Montreal young Hunter met Joseph Hadfield, who was also collecting debts for his family\u2019s firm, and the two joined forces for part of their journey through the states (see 31 Jan. 1785). Hadfield, who had visited Mount Vernon in January, remained in Baltimore while Hunter went to Alexandria and Mount Vernon. Among the subjects discussed during Hunter\u2019s visit was navigation of the Potomac River. GW \u201cgave success to the navigation of the Potomac for his toast, which he has very much [at] heart. . . . He is quite pleased at the idea of the Baltimore merchants laughing at him and saying it was a ridiculous plan and would never succeed. They begin now, says the General, to look a little serious about the matter, as they know it must hurt their commerce amazingly\u201d (WRIGHTLouis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, eds. Quebec to Carolina in 1785\u20131786: Being the Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter, Jr., a Young Merchant of London. San Marino, Calif., 1943., 193).\nThursday 17th. Thermometer at 58 in the Morning\u201460 at Noon and 62 at Night.\nColo. Lee & all the Company went away after Breakfast.\nMr. Shaw went up to the Assembly in the Afternoon \u2019at Alexand.\nMorning a little foggy & thick but clear afterwards with the Wind at No. West and cool.\n   assembly . . . at alexand.: \u201cThe Gentlemen of Alexandria, who are desirous to become Subscribers to the Assemblies for the approaching Season, are requested to meet at the Coffee-House this Evening at 6 o\u2019Clock, to form Regulations for the same. It is intended that the Assemblies commence on Thursday the 17th Instant, at Mr. Wises\u2019s new Room\u201d (Va. Journal, 10 Nov. 1785). John Wise\u2019s Fountain Tavern, where the assemblies were held, was located on Royal Street (Va. Journal, 16 June 1785 and 17 Aug. 1786).\nFriday 18th. Thermometer at 49 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 50 at Night.\nMorning clear & serene\u2014a white Frost and ground froze\u2014Ice an eighth of an Inch thick. Wind at No. Wt. & pretty fresh untill the afternoon when it was almost calm.\nBegan to take up a number of small Pines to replace the dead ones in my wilderness. Got them with much dirt about the Roots.\nTook an Account of the Horses, Cattle & Sheep at Home.\nviz.\nHorses\nMagnolia\u2014an Arabian\t1\nNelson . Riding Horse\t1\nBlewskin . Ditto\t1\t2\nheight\tage\nPartner . A Bay\t15\t12\tFor the Chariot\nAjax . lightr. Bay\t15\t11\nChatham . dull Bay\t15\t8\nValiant . Yellowh. Bay\t14\u00be\t16\nEnglish . Bay\t15\tvery old\nMcIntosh . Bay\t14\u00bd\t9\nCareless . Bay\t14\u00bd\t5\nYoung . Bay\t8\nDragon . Black \t15\t6\tWaggn. Hors.\nJolly . Ditto\t15\t14\nChichester . Bay\t14\u00bd\nJock . Grey\t14\u00bc\t5\t4\nBlack . Mare dray\t15\told\tCart H.\nBlack . Horse Ditto\t14\told\nused in Tumblers\t2\nA Brown Bay\t14\t6\tHacks\nChevalier \tdull bay\t14\u00bd\nBrown Bay\tMuddy hole\nColumbus\tbr[own] Do.\t14\t4\nTotal\t21\nCattle\nWorking Oxen\told\t2\nDitto Do\tyoung\t2\t4\nCows from Camp\t4\nRivr. Plantn.\t8\nDogue run Do.\t6\nFerry Do.\t3\t21\nBull\t1\nIn all\t26\nNote. One of the Cows that came from the River Plantn. (making the above, 9) got mired this Fall and died, and of the above, the 4 Cows from Camp\u2014two from the Ferry\u2014three from Dogue run\u2014and one from the Neck are ordered to be detained here\u2014and all the rest to be sent to their respective places.\nSheep\nWeathers\t40\nEwes\tsucking Lambs\t4\nLambs\tfor killing\t4\t48\nBegan to take up my summer Turnips at the House. Got abt. half up to day.\nSent to Mr. Digges for Papaw Bushes to replace the dead ones in my Shrubberies. Coming late I had not time to plant them but put the Roots in the ground until tomorrow.\nPlanted the two duke Cherries\u2014sent me by Major Jenifer in the two gardens\u2014one under each Wall, abt. 30 feet from the Garden Houses\u2014and planted the Bury & 2 St. Germain Pairs also sent me by him in the No. Garden\u2014new part thereof\u2014one of each kind on the circular Walk and the other two on the Strait walk.\nPut the Box with the Magnolia, & other exotics from So. Carolina and that with the Kentucke Coffee tree under a bush cover in the open part of the Green Ho[use] and began to cover the Palmetto Royal at the Front gate with Brush with the leaf on\u2014but got a small part only South of the gate & South part thereof done before night.\n   Magnolia, or Magnolio, was an Arabian horse which GW had bought for \u00a3500 from the estate of John Parke Custis (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 224). He was a five-year-old, \u201ca chesnut colour, near sixteen hands high, finely formed, and thought by all who have seen him to be perfect. He was got by the Ranger Arabian, his dam by Othello son of Crab, her dam by Morton\u2019s Traveller, and her dam was Selima by the Godolphin Arabian\u201d (Va. Journal, 24 Mar. 1785).\n   Nelson and Blueskin, two horses that had carried GW during the Revolution, were now in honorable retirement at Mount Vernon. Nelson was, according to George Washington Parke Custis, the chestnut which GW rode at Yorktown. He was named for Gov. Thomas Nelson, Jr., of Virginia, and was probably the horse which Governor Nelson sent GW as a gift in 1778 after hearing of GW\u2019s difficulties in finding a suitable animal to replace one he had been riding (CUSTISGeorge Washington Parke Custis. Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington. New York, 1860., 166; Nelson to GW, 11 Aug. 1778, DLC:GW). Blueskin seems to have been sold or given to GW by Benjamin Dulany or his wife, and GW wrote late in 1785 to Elizabeth French Dulany, presenting the horse to her: \u201cMarks of antiquity have supplied the place of those beauties with which this horse abounded in his better days. Nothing but the recollection of which, & of his having been the favourite of Mr. Dulany in the days of his Court ship, can reconcile her [Mrs. Dulany] to the meagre appearance he now makes\u201d (GW to Elizabeth French Dulany, c.23 Nov. 1785, MdHi).\nSaturday 19th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and  at Night.\nWind at No. West and cold all day, with Clouds which threatned Snow in the evening. Ground very hard frozen.\nFinished digging my Summer Turnips and putting them in a Cellar.\nAlso finished covering the Palmetto royal at the front gate, except a small piece on the south side, nearest the gate, for which brush could not be got in time.\nMy Ice House Walls except the Pediment over the outer door and the inner Walls of the arch were compleated this day likewise.\nDoctr. Craik whom I had sent for to visit York George (in the Neck) who is much afflicted with the gravel came here about Sundown and stayed all Night.\nSunday 20th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 54 at Night.\nClear and calm all day, but the Air keen notwithstanding.\nGeorge Washington & wife & Mr. Shaw went to Lund Washingtons to Dinner & returned in the afternoon.\nColo. Harrison (Judge) came here to Dinner and Doctr. Craik (who went away early this Morning) at Night.\nMy Nephew Lawe. Washington came here with a letter today from Mr. Bayley respecting their Board &ca.\n   William Bailey, a Georgetown merchant, boarded GW\u2019s nephews George Steptoe and Lawrence Augustine Washington during part of their stay at the Georgetown academy, furnishing them with supplies from his store (GW to Stephen Bloomer Balch, 26 June 1785, Benjamin Stoddert to GW, 21 June 1785, DLC:GW).\nMonday 21st. Thermometer at 48 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and  at N.\nLowering morning, with the wind at No. Et. About half after ten A.M. it began to Snow & continued to do so (of a Wet kind) until Night, when it ceased tho\u2019 the ground was not covered more than an Inch thick.\nColo. Harrison & Doctr. Craik left this after Breakfast, and I went up to Alexandria with G. Washington to meet the Directors of the Potomack Coma. and to a Turtle feast (the Turtle given by myself to the Gentlemen of Alexa.).\nReturned in the Evening and found the Count Doradour recommended by, & related to the Marqs. de la Fayette here, as also the Revd. Mr. Magowan.\n   The directors of the Potowmack Company met to approve some accounts receivable (PICKELLJohn Pickell. A New Chapter in the Early Life of Washington, in Connection with the Narrative History of the Potomac Company. New York, 1856., 82).\n   The comte de Doradour, a Frenchman from Auvergne, was \u201cgoing to look for a settlement in America. His fortune Has Been partly deranged By a law suit, and what Remains of it He intends to fix in some of the United States\u201d (Lafayette to GW, 11 May 1785, PEL). Doradour carried letters of introduction to numerous Virginians from Thomas Jefferson, at this time United States minister to France, and eventually purchased a large tract of land west of the mountains (Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 19 Dec. 1786, DLC: Jefferson Papers).\nTuesday 22d. Thermometer at 40 in the Morning\u201446 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nClear and cold Wind at No. West all day. The Snow, except on the No. side of Hills & Houses had dissolvd.\nThe Count Doradour and Mr. Magowan went away after Breakfast.\nThe Reverd. Mr. Keith of Alexandria and a Mr. Bowie of Philadelphia came to Dinner and returned to Alexandria in the Evening.\nGave my People their Cloathing pr. list taken.\nRemoving Earth to day, as yesterday, to cover my Ice Ho[use].\n   Isaac Stockton Keith (d. 1813) became minister of the Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria in 1780 and was one of the first trustees of the Alexandria\nacademy. He left to go to Charleston, S.C., in 1788. Keith was probably the Isaac Keith, a Pennsylvanian, who received a degree from Princeton in 1778 (MCGROARTYWilliam Buckner McGroarty. The Old Presbyterian Meeting House at Alexandria, Virginia, 1774\u20131874. Richmond, 1940., 17\u201318; POWELLMary G. Powell. The History of Old Alexandria, Virginia: From July 13, 1749 to May 24, 1861. Richmond, 1928., 101; HENINGWilliam Waller Hening, ed. The Statutes at Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the Legislature, in the Year 1619. 13 vols. 1819\u201323. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1969., 12:393).\n   John Bowie asked permission in 1784 to write a biography of GW. Although GW initially agreed to the proposal, he had second thoughts and put so many restrictions on Bowie that it is doubtful that the book was ever completed. GW\u2019s foremost worry seems to have been that he would be thought vain for allowing his biography to be written during his lifetime, and he insisted the book not be published until after his death (see GW to James Craik, 25 Mar. 1784, GW to John Witherspoon, 8 Mar. 1785, DLC:GW).\nWednesday 23d. Thermometer at 48 in the Morng. 54 at Noon and  at Night.\nClear, warm, and pleasant, with the Wind at South.\nFinished all the Brick work of my Ice House today.\nMiss Kitty Washington, Genl. Lincoln, Colonels Hooe & Lyles, Mr. Porter, Captn. Goodwin, Doctr. Swift, Mr. Potts, Mr. Dalby, Mr. Monshur Mr. Williams, Mr. Philips & a Mr. Cramer or Cranmur came here to Dinner and all of them returned in the evening except Kitty Washington.\nSent Mr. Shaw through Alexandria, to agree for the Schooling & Board of my Nephews George & Lawrence Washington now at the Academy at George Town & thence to the latter place to conduct them to the former for the purpose of going to School at the Alexandria Academy.\n   William Lyles, a merchant from Charles County, Md., who had moved to Alexandria c.1782, had a distillery and a dry goods store there and rented the house formerly owned by George W. Fairfax on Prince Street (Va. Journal, 10 June 1784, 30 Nov. 1786; MOORE [1]Gay Montague Moore. Seaport in Virginia: George Washington\u2019s Alexandria. 1949. Reprint. Charlottesville, Va., 1972., 87\u201392).\n   Capt. Nash Goodwin of the ship Mary was a cousin of Thomas Porter and nephew of Josiah Watson. His ship was due to leave for Le Havre, France, on 10 Dec. (Va. Journal, 1 Dec. 1785; WRIGHTLouis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, eds. Quebec to Carolina in 1785\u20131786: Being the Travel Diary and Observations of Robert Hunter, Jr., a Young Merchant of London. San Marino, Calif., 1943., 190).\n   Dr. Foster Swift, of Massachusetts, settled in Alexandria to practice medicine (Va. Journal, 7 July 1785). He later moved to New London, Conn., and eventually became resident physician on Governors Island in New York harbor (BROCKETTF. L. Brockett. The Lodge of Washington. A History of the Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. 22, A.F. and A.M. of Alexandria, Va., 1783-1876. Alexandria, Va., 1876., 128). Swift was the brother of the Alexandria merchant Jonathan Swift and a friend of Benjamin Lincoln, who introduced him to GW on this day (BUCHANAN [2]Roberdeau Buchanan. Genealogy of the Roberdeau Family, Including a Biography of General Daniel Roberdeau of the Revolutionary Army, and the Continental Congress; and Signer of the Articles of Confederation. Washington, D.C., 1876., 92, 96).\n   The Alexandria academy was formed in 1785 through the efforts of Dr. William Brown and other Alexandria residents. In November, GW became a trustee of the academy.\nThursday 24th. Thermometer at 48 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 55 at Night.\nClear, Warm & pleasant, wind being still southerly.\nImmediately after Breakfast, rid to my Plantation at the Ferry and took the following Acct. of my Stock\u2014viz.\nHorses\nhands\tage\nPrince a black Horse\t14\t20 old\tW.H.\nDitto\u2014a Sorrel Do.\t14\u00bc\t2\nJenny\u2014bla. Mare\t14\u00bc\told\tWorking Mares\nPeggy\u2014White Do.\t14\t10\nFly\u2014Dark Grey Do.\t13\u00bd\t8\nKitty\u2014Small bay\u2014Do.\t13\t15\nBonny\u2014Sorrel\u2014Do.\t14\t10\nNancy\u2014black\u2014Do.\tsml.\t12\t6\nA Black Mare\tunb. Ms.\nSteady, likely\t13\u00bd\t4\nA sorrel Ditto,\nLeonidas Do.\t1\nA bay\u2014Do. very small\tSpring\t3\nA bla. Horse . unlikely\t4 1 Sprg.\tunb. Hors.\nA Small bay\nLeonidas\u2014likely\nA black\u2014bald face\t3\nTotal\t14\nCattle\nage\nDarling\u2014a red & W. Ox\t6\nBembo\tWhite & red Do.\t9\nMark black & White Do.\t11\nDuke red brindle\tvery old\t4\nCows\t14\nHeifers\t4 Years old\t1\n3 years.\t2\n2 years\t2\nCalves this spg.\t5\t10\nSteers\tfull grown\t2\n4 years old\t2\n3 years old\t5\n2 years Do.\t3\n1 years Do.\t1\nSpring Calves\t7\t20\nBulls\t2 years old\t1\nBeeves in Corn field\t2\nTotal\t51\nSheep\nRams\t1\nEwes\t9\nWeathers\t5\nTotal\t15\nTools & Implements\nA good Cart\n2 Yokes with Rings\nA Cain\nWheat Fans\t1\nWire riddles\u2014course\t4\nSand Sieves\t1\nCourser Size\t1\t6\nPlows Bar shears\t4\nIron Traces\tpairs\t8\nHaims, Clevis, Bridles &ca. compleat for them\nWeeding Hoes\t1\nHilling Ditto\t13\nGrubbing Ditto\t1\nMattocks\t4\nAxes\t5\nIron Wedge\u20141\u00bd pair\nFrom the Ferry, I went to the Plantation at Dogue run and took the following Account of the Tools there\u2014being omitted when I was there last.\nViz.\nOxe Carts\t1\nAt the Ho[use] for repair\t1\t2\nOxe Yokes with rings\t4\nOxe Chains\t2\nWheat Fans\t1\nRiddles\u2014viz.\n1 Open & tolerable good\n1 Sand Sieve & much worn\nAxes\t9\nMattocks\t6\nGrubbing Hoes\t6\nHilling Ditto\t16\nIron Wedges\u2014pairs\t4\nSpades\u2014good\t1\nBar shear Plows\t4\nIron Traces\t8\nHaims, Clevis, Bridles &ca. complete\nSpare Colters\t3\nAdzes\t1\nDrawing knife\t1\nHandsaws\t1\nFroes\t1\nBroad Chissels\t1\nNarrow Do.\t1\nGouge\t1\nAuger\u2014\u00be Inch\t1\nRecapitulation of all my Stocks of Horses, Cattle & Sheep.\nHorses\nStud Horse. Magnolio\t1\nDitto\tDray\t1\t2\nRiding Horses\t2\nChariot Horses\t8\nHack Horses\t4\nWaggon Horses\u2014Home Ho[use]\t4\nCart Ditto Do. Do.\t1\t5\nPlow Ditto Plantns.\t18\nCart Mare Home Ho[use]\t1\nPlow Ditto Planns.\t28\t29\nBroke Ditto, not worked\t5\nUnbroke Do. ove[r] 4 yr. old\t13\nDitto\t3 yrs.\t5\nDitto\t2 yrs.\t3\nDitto\t1\t8\nDitto\tColts\t5\t68\nUnbroke\tHorses 4 & upwds.\t3\nDitto\tDitto\t3 yrs\t6\nDitto\tDo.\t2 Ditto\t4\nDitto\tDo.\t1 Ditto\t4\nDitto\tDo.\tSpring Colts\t6\t23\nIn all\t130\nNote, In the above Acct., are included 2 English Mares and their Colts\u2014the one a Horse, and the other a Mare which by being at a Meadow had not been included in any of the foregoing lists.\nOf the above Mares 16 may go to Magnolio and 33 to the Jack Ass if he should arrive safe, and both of them be in order at the proper Season for covering.\nCattle\nBulls\taged\t2\n2 yrs. old\t2\nDraught Oxen\t26\nSteers\u2014full grown\t35\n4 yrs. old\t4\n3 yrs. old\t10\n2 yrs. old\t14\n1 yr. old\t12\nCalves\t27\t102\nCows\t101\nHeifers\t6 yrs. old\t6\n4 yrs. old\t6\nCalves\t31\t92\nBeeves fatting\t9\nIn all\t336\nSheep\nRams\t19\nEwes\t167\nLambs\t15\nWeathers\t59\nDitto\u2014fatting\t23\t82\nIn all\t283\nFriday 25th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng.  at Noon and  at Night.\nWind Westerly & cooler than it had been the two days preceeding. About Noon a black Cloud arose to the Westward out of which came a mixture of Snow and Rain\u2014this disappearing the Sun shone but the day upon the whole was variable & unpleast.\nSet out after breakfast, accompanied by Mr. G. Washington, to\nmake Mr. Mason at Colchester a Visit, but hearing on the road that he had removed from thence I turned into Gunston Hall where we dined and returned in the Evening & found Colo. Henry Lee & his Lady here.\nMr. Shaw returned, having removed George & Lawe. Washington to the Alexandria Academy & fixed them at the Widow Dades.\n   Mrs. Dade was probably Parthenia Alexander Massey Dade, widow of Townshend Dade (d.1781), and the aunt of GW\u2019s neighbor, Robert Alexander. GW\u2019s two nephews boarded at Mrs. Dade\u2019s house in Alexandria until Jan. 1787, when they were moved to the home of Samuel Hanson of Samuel (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 206, 229). Hanson had difficulties with the boys and eventually they were removed to the care of GW\u2019s old friend, Dr. Craik (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 301; GW to Hanson, 5 May 1788, GW to George Steptoe Washington, 23 Mar. 1789, DLC:GW).\nSaturday 26th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning\u201451 at Noon and 50 at Night.\nWind Westerly and rather Cool in the Morning but less of it & warmer afterwards. Day variable\u2014Clouds & sunshine.\nColo. Lee & his Lady went away after breakfast\u2014crossing to Maryland on their Way home.\nSunday 27th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morng. 52 at Noon and 50 at Night.\nVery little wind all day but smoaky with some Clouds and rather chilly.\nGeneral Lincoln and Colo. Henley Dined here & returned in the Afternoon.\nMonday 28th. Thermometer at 46 in the Morning\u201450 at Noon and  at Night.\nThick Smoak and Clouds in the morning & great appearances of Snow until one Oclock, when the Sun came out and was More pleasant but cold notwithstanding.\nWent with G. Washington to dine with Colo. Lyles in Alexandria. Returned in the evening.\nTuesday 29th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 54 at Night.\nA large hoar frost followed by Southerly Wind and some Clouds\u2014but upon the whole tolerably clear & pleasant.\nSent my Boat to Alexandria for a Hhd. of Common Rum and some Articles brought from Boston for me by General Lincoln. Majr. G. Washington went up to receive them.\nWent out after Breakfast with my hounds from France, & two which were lent me, yesterday, by young Mr. Mason. Found a Fox which was run tolerably well by two of the Frh. Bitches & one of Mason\u2019s Dogs. The other French Dogs shewed but little disposition to follow and with the second Dog of Mason\u2019s got upon another Fox which was followed slow and indifferently by some & not at all by the rest until the sent became so cold that it cd. not be followed at all.\n   articles brought from boston: Among the items received on this day were eight boxes of \u201cSpermacita Candles\u201d and \u201c68 lbs. New England Cheese\u201d (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 205). young mr. mason: GW probably means George Mason, Jr., oldest son of George Mason of Gunston Hall. He and his new wife, Elizabeth Mary Ann Barnes Hooe Mason, lived at Lexington, a plantation on Dogues Neck given him by his father (COPELANDPamela C. Copeland and Richard K. MacMaster. The Five George Masons: Patriots and Planters of Virginia and Maryland. Charlottesville, Va., 1975., 238).\nWednesday 30th. Thermometer at 45 in the Morning\u201452 at Noon and 55 at Night.\nMorning very thick with Clouds & Smoak. About 9 Oclock it began to snow very moderately, which neither continued long\u2014nor lay on the ground. At one the Sun came out, and the afternoon became clear & pleasant, the Wind, though not much of it, being Southerly all day.\nOn the Wheat which was given to me by Colo. Spaight from the Cape of Good hope, and which having been sowed forward\nhad become very forward\u2014full half leg high\u2014and jointed, I determined to try an experiment and accordingly on three Rows next the fencing on the East side the Inclosure I cut it within 4 Inches of the ground just above the Crown of the plant from whence the Shutes had issued. The remainder I suffered to remain in its exuberent state to try the difference.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0001", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 1 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 1st. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night. White frost, and clear morning\u2014very little wind all day, and that Southerly. Took the Hounds out before Sun rise and about 8 Oclock, after being upon several drags, or the same drag several times, put up a Fox which the Dogs run very indifferently\u2014being very much dispersed and often at Cold Hunting until about 12 or between that and one when the Scent had got so cold that they could follow it no longer. 3 or 4 of the French Hds. discovered no greater disposition for Hunting today than they did on tuesday last. Miss Kitty Washington went from this After Breakfast, to Alexandria and Mr. Shaw who with G. Washington went out a Hunting with me meeting her in the Road accompanied her to that place. In order to try the difference between burning Spermaciti and Tallow Candles\u2014I took one of each\u2014\nThe\n1st.\nweighing\n3 oz.\n10 p[enny] w[eight] 6 g[rams]\nDitto\nand lighted them at the same instant. The first burnt 8 hours and 21 Minutes; when, of the latter, their remained 14 penny weight; which continued to burn one hour and a quarter longer, making in all 9 hours & 36 Minutes. By which it appears (as both burnt without flairing) that, estimating Spirmaciti Candles at 3/. pr. lb. & Tallow Candles at 1/. pr. lb. the former is dearer than the latter as 30 is to nearly 13. In other words more than 2\u00bc dearer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0002", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 2 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 2d. Thermometer at  in the morning\u201456 at Noon and 56 at Night. Colo. & Mrs. Macarty came here to Dinner\u2014as did Colonels Fitzgerald and Gilpin and Mr. Chas. Lee & Doctr. Baker. Wind Southerly all day\u2014clear & pleasant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0003", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 3 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \n Saturday 3d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 61 at Night. The day very pleasant until the afternoon, when it began to lower. The Wind in the morning was Westerly, & in the Evening Easterly but not much of it. Employed all day at my writing Table on business of the Potomack Company. Brot. 2 Hounds fm. Colo. McCarty. George Washington & wife went up to Abingdon after Breakfast. Doctr. Brown dined here and went away afterwards. Finished covering my Ice House with dirt, & sodding of it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0006", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 6 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 6th. Thermometer at 52 in the morng. 57 at Noon and 59 at Night. Morning clear & very pleasant with but little wind. Before Noon it sprang up from the Westward and afterwards became cloudy but the Sun set clear. Finished getting in the Woods the Posts & railing for the fencing of my paddock. Made another experiment of the difference in expence between burning Spirmaciti & Tallow Candles which stand thus: A Tallow Candle weighing 3 oz. 11 py. Wt. burned 5 Hrs. 48 M. A Spirma Citi Do. weighing 3 oz. 9 P.W. 18 grms. burned 7 Hrs. & 28 M. Which is an hour and 40 mints. longer than the Tallow Candle & of which when the latter was burnd out there remained 14 penny Wt. 6 grs. Hence, reckoning as in the former instance Tallow at 1/. pr. lb. & Spirma Citi at 3/. pr. lb. the latter is dearer than the former as 31\u00bd is to ten & an half or", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0007", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 7 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 7th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning & 59 at Noon\u2014but removing it afterwards out of the room where the fire was, into the East Entry leading in to my Study, this circumstance with the encrease of the cold fell the Mercury to 42. Morning clear calm & pleast.; but the wind coming out violently from the No. West about half after eight Oclock, it turned cold & uncomfortable. Doctr. Baynham went away after breakfast. Sent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria, to discharge Lieutt. Governor Cushings draft on me for 300 Silver Dollars in favor of Mr.  the Order being in the hands of Mr. Tayler\u2014and to do other business. Took away the supports to the Arch over my Ice house.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0009", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 9 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 9th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning\u201439 at Noon and  at Night. Not much wind\u2014thick and Misting all day. Towards Night it began to rain fast & continued to do so until day.  Planted the Crab trees which were brought home yesterday and more young pines.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0011", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 11 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSunday 11th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morng. 50 at Noon and 58 at Night. A heavy mist all day with little or no wind. At or before dusk it began to rain fast and about 9 at Night it cleared with a puff of Wind from the Southward and the Moon & Stars appeared. Mr. Wilson, Mr. Sanderson and a Mr. Hugh Mitchel dined here and went away in the afternoon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0012", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 12 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 12th. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 58 at Night. Morning cloudy and soft without any wind. In the Evening it began to Mizzle, and after dark to rain fast and continued to do so until I went to bed and how much longer I know not. Majr. Farlie went away before breakfast, with 251 Diplomas which I had signed for the Members of the Cincinnati of the State of New York, at the request of General McDougall Presedent of that Society. After an early breakfast George Washington, Mr. Shaw & my self went into the woods back of Muddy hole Plantation a hunting and were joined by Mr. Lund Washington and Mr. William Peake. About half after ten Oclock (being first plagued with the Dogs running Hogs) We found a fox near Colo. Masons Plantation on little Hunting Creek (West fork) having followed on his\nDrag more than half a Mile; and run him with Eight Dogs (the other 4 getting, as was supposed, after a second Fox) close and well for an hour\u2014When the Dogs came to a fault, and to cold Hunting until 20 Minutes after 12 When being joined by the missing Dogs they put him up a fresh and in about 50 Minutes killed [him] up in an open field of Colo. Mason\u2019s\u2014every rider & every Dog being present at the death. Two Hounds which were lent, and sent to me yesterday by Mr. Chichester\u2014viz.\u2014a Dog named Rattler, & a Bitch named Juno\u2014behaved very well. My French Dogs also come on\u2014all, except the Bitch which raized Puppies, running constantly whilst the Scent was hot. Mr. Peak & Lund Washington came home to dinner with us.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0013", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 13 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 13th. Thermometer at  in the Morng. 47 at Noon and  at Night. Wind Westerly, fresh, & air turning cold. Flying Clouds all day, but clear at Night, and still. Finished killing my Hogs\u2014The Number & weight of which are as follow. \nNo.\nWt.\nRiver Plantn.\nDogue run Do.\nMuddy hole Do.\nFerry\u2014Do.\nTotal\n Out of the above Thos. Bishop & Thos. Green are each to have 500. Hezekiah Fairfax has had 480 & Morris 416 and Davy 414\u2014leaving for family use 15075 lbs. which with 4 Hogs killed for early Bacon (in October) Weighing 810 lbs. make in all 15,885 lbs. laid up for the consumption of my Table\u2014use of my People\u2014and the poor who are distressed for it. Mr. Baldwin, formerly a Chaplain in the Army from Connecticut\u2014now a Lawyer in the state of Georgia called here on his way to the last but would not stay [to] dinner. A Mr. Douglas came here to rent my Land on Difficult run for which I asked him \u00a350 pr. Ann. and to which he is to give an Answer after consulting his Brothers in Alexanda.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0015", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 15 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 15th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morng. 45 at Noon and  at Night. Moderate & clear all the fore part of the day with the Wind at So. East, but not fresh. In the Afternoon it began to lower\u2014at Dusk turned very cloudy and in the Night set in to a constant rain. Mr. Shaw went up to Alexandria, after dinner, to a Ball I presume. And in the Evening Joseph Winzor & Willm. Kirchwall 2 of my tenants from Frederick came in & stayed all Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0017", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 17 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nSaturday 17th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng.  at Noon and  at Night. Rainy Morning, wind though not fresh at No. West which afterwards more to the No. & East & continued raining off & on all day. Went to Alexandria to meet the Trustees of the Academy in that place and offered to vest in the hands of the said Trustees, when they are permanently established by Charter, the Sum of One thousand pounds, the Interest of which only, to be applied towards the establishment of a charity School for the education of Orphan and other poor Children\u2014which offer was accepted. Returned again in the Evening\u2014Roads remarkably wet & bad.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0019", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 19 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 19th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 52 at Night. Calm and pleasant all day, especially in the Morning. Towards evening the wind, though very little of it, came from the Eastward & the weather lowered. Rid to the Mill, and to Dogue run Plantation. Took the Hounds with me, and in the Pincushion found a fox, which the Dogs run very well for an hour\u2014after which, coming to a fault\u2014they took (as I presume) the heel, & in Muddy hole found a fresh Fox, which was only run by part of the Dogs. The others did not seem inclined to hunt. Davy a Mulatto Man who has for many years looked after my Muddy hole Plantation, went into the Neck to take cha[rge] of the River Plantation in the room of Jno. Alton deceased. And Will (Son of Doll) was sent to Muddy hole as an Overseer in his place. Both my Mills stopped & repairing.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0020", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 20 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 20th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 47 at Night and 45 at Noon. Morning tolerably clear; but a red sky at the place of the Suns rising (which is an indication of dirty weather) and the wind (tho not fresh) at No. East. The day continued tolerably clear and pleasant, until the Evening when it began to lower. Dispatched at his own reqt. the Spaniard who had the cha[rge] of my Jack from Spain. Sent him with Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to go in the Stage to New York. Brought some Carts and Cutters from my Plantations to assist in laying in a Stock of Fire wood for Christmas. Mr. Shaw returned in the evening accompanied by my Nephew Ferdinando Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0026", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 26 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nMonday 26th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon and 38 at Night. Clear and cold in the Morning with the wind high at No. West which moderated a little towards Night.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0027", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 27 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nTuesday 27th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning\u201444 at Noon and  at Night. Clear with the wind very high from the Southward until the Evening when it shifted to the Westward & blew equally hard but did not get to be very cold.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0028", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 28 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nWednesday 28th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning\u201438 at Noon and  at Night. Colo. Ball went away yesterday, after breakfast\u2014tho\u2019 it was unnoticed in the occurrances of the day. Wind exceedingly high from the No. West & clear. A Mr. Israel Jenny of Loudoun County came here in the Afternoon, respecting some Land which he has been endeavouring to obtain under an idea of its being waste, but which he finds to be within the lines of my Chattin run tract in Fauquier County, though claimed by Mr. Robert Scott who has put a Tenant upon it of the name of Jesse Hitt, who has now been upon it three years and thereafter to pay Rent. Mr. Muse my Collector to be written to on this Subject as also concerning my Land in Ashbys Bend part of wch. is claimed by Mr. Landon Carter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012-0030", "content": "Title: [Diary entry: 30 December 1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nFriday 30th. Thermometer at 46 in the [morning]\u2014 at Noon and  at Night. A good deal of rain fell in the Night which ceased about day break but the Wind from the Southward continued to blow very hard all day with flying Clouds. Went to Dogue run again to compleat my Surveys of the Fields which I did about 2 Oclock and upon my r[e]turn Found Miss Sally Ramsay Miss Kitty Washington\u2014Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik Junr. here. Mr. Shaw also returned from Alexandria before Dinner.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/01-04-02-0002-0012", "content": "Title: December [1785]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nThursday 1st. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nWhite frost, and clear morning\u2014very little wind all day, and that Southerly.\nTook the Hounds out before Sun rise and about 8 Oclock, after being upon several drags, or the same drag several times, put up a Fox which the Dogs run very indifferently\u2014being very much dispersed and often at Cold Hunting until about 12 or between that and one when the Scent had got so cold that they could follow it no longer. 3 or 4 of the French Hds. discovered no greater disposition for Hunting today than they did on tuesday last.\nMiss Kitty Washington went from this After Breakfast, to Alexandria and Mr. Shaw who with G. Washington went out a Hunting with me meeting her in the Road accompanied her to that place.\nIn order to try the difference between burning Spermaciti and Tallow Candles\u2014I took one of each\u2014\nThe\n1st.\nweighing\n3 oz.\n10 p[enny] w[eight] 6 g[rams]\nDitto\nand lighted them at the same instant. The first burnt 8 hours and 21 Minutes; when, of the latter, their remained 14 penny weight; which continued to burn one hour and a quarter longer, making in all 9 hours & 36 Minutes. By which it appears (as both burnt without flairing) that, estimating Spirmaciti Candles at 3/. pr. lb. & Tallow Candles at 1/. pr. lb. the former is dearer than the latter as 30 is to nearly 13. In other words more than 2\u00bc dearer.\nFriday 2d. Thermometer at  in the morning\u201456 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nColo. & Mrs. Macarty came here to Dinner\u2014as did Colonels Fitzgerald and Gilpin and Mr. Chas. Lee & Doctr. Baker.\nWind Southerly all day\u2014clear & pleasant.\n   Dr. Baker is probably Dr. William Baker of Alexandria.\nSaturday 3d. Thermometer at 50 in the Morning\u201456 at Noon and 61 at Night.\nThe day very pleasant until the afternoon, when it began to lower. The Wind in the morning was Westerly, & in the Evening Easterly but not much of it.\nEmployed all day at my writing Table on business of the Potomack Company. Brot. 2 Hounds fm. Colo. McCarty.\nGeorge Washington & wife went up to Abingdon after Breakfast.\nDoctr. Brown dined here and went away afterwards.\nFinished covering my Ice House with dirt, & sodding of it.\nSunday 4th. Thermometer at 53 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 59 at Night.\nA thick fog, or rather mist in the morning, without any Wind until about 10 Oclock when it turned to a slow rain\u2014which ceased about Noon and assumed the appearance of fair Weather\u2014but about 4 Oclk. it began to drip again.\nLast Night Jno. Alton, an Overseer of mine in the Neck\u2014an old & faithful Servant who had lived with me 30 odd years died of an imposthume in his thigh after lingering for more than 4 Months with it, and being reduced to a mere skeleton\u2014and this evening the wife of Thos. Bishop, another old Servant who had lived with me an equal number of years also died.\n   Thomas Bishop\u2019s wife, Susanna, had served as midwife for slaves and servants on the Mount Vernon plantations.\nMonday 5th. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u201458 at Noon & 58 at Night.\nLowering all day\u2014with very little wind and that Northerly.\nIt being a good scenting morning I went out with the Hounds (carrying the two had from Colo. McCarty). Run at different two foxes but caught neither. My French Hounds performed better to day; and have afforded hopes of their performing well, when they come to be a little more used to Hunting, and understand more fully the kind of game they are intended to run.\nWhen I returned home, wch. was not until past three Oclock found a Doctr. Baynham here\u2014recommended to me by Colo. Fairfax of England.\nGeorge Washington and his Wife returned in the Evening from Abingdon.\nMy Overseer Fairfax also returned this Evening with Jack Ass, and his Keeper, a Spaniard from Boston.\n   William Baynham (1749\u20131814), from Caroline County, Va., was introduced by George W. Fairfax as \u201ca young Gent. of a most worthy character, held in the highest Esteem by all that know him, in Scotland, where he lived many years, prosecuting his Studies in Surgery, also in London, where I understand he was in considerable practice sometime past\u201d (Fairfax to GW, 23 June 1785, DLC:GW). Baynham was returning to his native country after 16 years abroad. He settled in Essex County, where he practiced surgery and medicine, enjoying a national reputation as one of the ablest surgeons in the United States.\nTuesday 6th. Thermometer at 52 in the morng. 57 at Noon and 59 at Night.\nMorning clear & very pleasant with but little wind. Before Noon it sprang up from the Westward and afterwards became cloudy but the Sun set clear.\nFinished getting in the Woods the Posts & railing for the fencing of my paddock.\nMade another experiment of the difference in expence between burning Spirmaciti & Tallow Candles which stand thus:\nA Tallow Candle weighing 3 oz. 11 py. Wt. burned 5 Hrs. 48 M.\nA Spirma Citi Do. weighing 3 oz. 9 P.W. 18 grms. burned 7 Hrs. & 28 M.\nWhich is an hour and 40 mints. longer than the Tallow Candle & of which when the latter was burnd out there remained 14 penny Wt. 6 grs. Hence, reckoning as in the former instance Tallow at 1/. pr. lb. & Spirma Citi at 3/. pr. lb. the latter is dearer than the former as 31\u00bd is to ten & an half or \nWednesday 7th. Thermometer at 52 in the Morning & 59 at Noon\u2014but removing it afterwards out of the room where the fire was, into the East Entry leading in to my Study, this circumstance with the encrease of the cold fell the Mercury to 42.\nMorning clear calm & pleast.; but the wind coming out violently from the No. West about half after eight Oclock, it turned cold & uncomfortable.\nDoctr. Baynham went away after breakfast.\nSent Mr. Shaw to Alexandria, to discharge Lieutt. Governor Cushings draft on me for 300 Silver Dollars in favor of Mr.  the Order being in the hands of Mr. Tayler\u2014and to do other business.\nTook away the supports to the Arch over my Ice house.\n   cushings draft: This was for money that Gov. Thomas Cushing had expended for the care of the Spanish jackass after its arrival in Boston and\nbefore GW\u2019s overseer arrived to take it to Mount Vernon (see entry for 26 Oct. 1785). Cushing wrote that he had \u201cat present taken the liberty to draw a sett of bills of exchange dated November 16th. 1785 for the sum of three hundred dollars in favour of Messrs. Isaac & William Smith merchants of this Town or their order, payable at sight\u201d (Thomas Cushing to GW, 16 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW).\n   mr. tayler: probably Jesse Taylor, Sr., a Belfast merchant who immigrated to America in 1779. He had a store in Alexandria which dealt in imported goods (Va. Journal, 3 June 1784; BROCKETTF. L. Brockett. The Lodge of Washington. A History of the Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. 22, A.F. and A.M. of Alexandria, Va., 1783-1876. Alexandria, Va., 1876., 95).\nThursday 8th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning\u201438 at Noon and  at Night.\nWind to the Eastward of North, in the Morning, and Cold\u2014ground hard frozen. Afterwards it died away in a great Measure and Shifted more to the westward backing.\nFinished removing the Earth for covering of, and the way in to my Ice House. And again set the People to taking up & planting small Pines in the Wilderness on the Right of the lawn.\nAlso sent to Colo. Masons Quarter, and got young Crab trees for the Shrubberies\u2014but not getting them home in time to plant, the Roots were buried until they could be planted in the places designed for them to morrow or &ca.\nCaptn. Sullivan, of a Ship at Alexandria, agreeably to my request, came here to dinner, to interpret between me and the Spaniard who had the care of the Jack Ass sent me. My questions, & his Answers respecting the Jack, are committed to writing. Captn. Sullivan returned after dinner & Captn. Fairley of New York came here in the afternoon.\n   Capt. Giles Sullivan\u2019s ship Union was lying in Alexandria harbor awaiting a cargo of tobacco for L\u2019Orient (Va. Journal, 24 Nov. 1785). Sullivan was connected with the firm of Hooe & Harrison in Alexandria.\n   captn. fairley: James Fairlie (d. 1830), a major and aide-de-camp to Baron von Steuben during the Revolution, had brought GW letters from Alexander Hamilton (25 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW) and Henry Knox (22 Nov. 1785, DLC:GW). Hamilton requested GW\u2019s help in getting financial relief through Congress for Steuben, whose affairs were in serious difficulties. He also, as did Knox, informed GW of problems in getting the state chapters of the Society of the Cincinnati to accept the recommendations of the general meeting held at Philadelphia on 12 May 1784. These recommendations had been designed to quiet the widespread fear and criticism of the society.\nFriday 9th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning\u201439 at Noon and  at Night.\nNot much wind\u2014thick and Misting all day. Towards Night it began to rain fast & continued to do so until day.\nPlanted the Crab trees which were brought home yesterday and more young pines.\nSaturday 10th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning\u201438 at Noon and 40 at Night.\nLittle or no wind all day but thick and Mizling as yesterday till Night when it began to rain fast again.\nOpened a drain into the Shoar that goes from the Cellers, to receive the water from the Gutters, and spout from the House top that it may be carried of under ground.\nFlooring the Ice House. Preparing with the Negros for Killing Hogs on Monday.\n   shoar: shore, an open sewer or drainage ditch.\nSunday 11th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morng. 50 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nA heavy mist all day with little or no wind. At or before dusk it began to rain fast and about 9 at Night it cleared with a puff of Wind from the Southward and the Moon & Stars appeared.\nMr. Wilson, Mr. Sanderson and a Mr. Hugh Mitchel dined here and went away in the afternoon.\n   Hugh Mitchell is probably a member of the large Mitchell family of Maryland, whose members were intermarried with the Hansons and Jenifers. A Hugh Mitchell was listed as a juror in Fairfax Court in 1786 (Fairfax County Order Book, 1783\u201388, 277, Vi Microfilm). In 1790 there was a Hugh Mitchel living in Anne Arundel County, Md. (HEADS OF FAMILIES, MD.Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: Maryland. 1907. Reprint. Baltimore, 1965., 12).\nMonday 12th. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 58 at Night.\nMorning cloudy and soft without any wind. In the Evening it began to Mizzle, and after dark to rain fast and continued to do so until I went to bed and how much longer I know not.\nMajr. Farlie went away before breakfast, with 251 Diplomas which I had signed for the Members of the Cincinnati of the State of New York, at the request of General McDougall Presedent of that Society.\nAfter an early breakfast George Washington, Mr. Shaw & my self went into the woods back of Muddy hole Plantation a hunting and were joined by Mr. Lund Washington and Mr. William Peake. About half after ten Oclock (being first plagued with the Dogs running Hogs) We found a fox near Colo. Masons Plantation on little Hunting Creek (West fork) having followed on his\nDrag more than half a Mile; and run him with Eight Dogs (the other 4 getting, as was supposed, after a second Fox) close and well for an hour\u2014When the Dogs came to a fault, and to cold Hunting until 20 Minutes after 12 When being joined by the missing Dogs they put him up a fresh and in about 50 Minutes killed [him] up in an open field of Colo. Mason\u2019s\u2014every rider & every Dog being present at the death.\n   Two Hounds which were lent, and sent to me yesterday by Mr. Chichester\u2014viz.\u2014a Dog named Rattler, & a Bitch named Juno\u2014behaved very well. My French Dogs also come on\u2014all, except the Bitch which raized Puppies, running constantly whilst the Scent was hot.\nMr. Peak & Lund Washington came home to dinner with us.\n   Alexander McDougall (1732\u20131786), a Scottish emigrant, was a prosperous New York merchant. He had been a leading radical in New York before\nthe Revolution, and became a brigadier and major general in the Continental Army. He served in the Continental Congress in 1781\u201382, 1784\u201385 and was president of the New York chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati from its organization until his death.\nTuesday 13th. Thermometer at  in the Morng. 47 at Noon and  at Night.\nWind Westerly, fresh, & air turning cold. Flying Clouds all day, but clear at Night, and still.\nFinished killing my Hogs\u2014The Number & weight of which are as follow.\nNo.\nWt.\nRiver Plantn.\nDogue run Do.\nMuddy hole Do.\nFerry\u2014Do.\nTotal\nOut of the above Thos. Bishop & Thos. Green are each to have 500. Hezekiah Fairfax has had 480 & Morris 416 and Davy 414\u2014leaving for family use 15075 lbs. which with 4 Hogs killed for early Bacon (in October) Weighing 810 lbs. make in all 15,885 lbs. laid up for the consumption of my Table\u2014use of my People\u2014and the poor who are distressed for it.\nMr. Baldwin, formerly a Chaplain in the Army from Connecticut\u2014now a Lawyer in the state of Georgia called here on his way to the last but would not stay [to] dinner.\nA Mr. Douglas came here to rent my Land on Difficult run for which I asked him \u00a350 pr. Ann. and to which he is to give an Answer after consulting his Brothers in Alexanda.\n   Thomas Green, overseer of the plantation carpenters, was working at Mount Vernon as a joiner by Jan. 1783 and stayed until late 1794. He was a drunken incompetent, and although GW often threatened to fire him, his compassion for the man\u2019s family restrained him. Green finally ran away or was fired and left his wife Sarah (Sally), daughter of GW\u2019s old servant, Thomas Bishop, and several small children destitute (General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 170, 209, 239, 243, 252, 279, 350; THANEElswyth Thane. Potomac Squire. New York, 1963., 246, 328\u201330).\n   Morris and Davy, two of GW\u2019s slaves, were at this time in charge of Dogue Run and Muddy Hole farms, respectively.\n   Abraham Baldwin (1754\u20131807) was a tutor at Yale during the early years of the Revolution and then served as chaplain of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment. He later studied law and in 1784 settled in Georgia where he became a member of the Georgia Commons House of Assembly. He was influential in setting up an educational system in Georgia and was the first president of Franklin College (later the University of Georgia). Baldwin was a member of the Continental Congress 1785, 1787\u201388, and of the Federal\nConvention in 1787. He was in the United States House of Representatives 1789\u201399 and the United States Senate 1799\u20131807. He was undoubtedly on his way home from the Continental Congress at this time.\n   mr. douglas: This may have been Hugh Douglass (Douglas) of Garrallan in Loudoun County (WISEJennings Cropper Wise. Col. John Wise of England and Virginia (1617\u20131695): His Ancestors and Descendants. Richmond, Va., 1918., 292\u201396). GW\u2019s 300\u2013acre tract on Difficult Run in Loudoun County was of value chiefly for its location at Difficult Bridge on the road from Alexandria to Leesburg and Winchester (WRITINGSJohn C. Fitzpatrick, ed. The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745\u20131799. 39 vols. Washington, D.C., 1931\u201344., 37:295).\nWednesday 14th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morng.  at Noon and 42 at Night.\nMorning and day clear & pleasant\u2014wind at So. East. Ground a little froze in the Morning.\nMr. George Washington and his Wife set off to visit her friends in New Kent &ca.\u2014Mr. Bassetts Carriage & Horses having come up for them on Sunday Night last.\nRid to the Ferry Plantn. The Mill, and Dogue run Plantation and went & came by the place (in front of the Ho[use]) where Muddy hole [people] were at Work.\nThursday 15th. Thermometer at 40 in the Morng. 45 at Noon and  at Night.\nModerate & clear all the fore part of the day with the Wind at So. East, but not fresh. In the Afternoon it began to lower\u2014at Dusk turned very cloudy and in the Night set in to a constant rain.\nMr. Shaw went up to Alexandria, after dinner, to a Ball I presume. And in the Evening Joseph Winzor & Willm. Kirchwall 2 of my tenants from Frederick came in & stayed all Night.\n   tenants from FREDERICKMillard Milburn Rice. New Facts and Old Families: From the Records of Frederick County, Maryland. Redwood City, Calif., 1976.: GW had bought two lots totaling about 570 acres at George Mercer\u2019s 1774 sale of a 6,500\u2013acre tract in Frederick County. The land, now in Clarke County, was on the Shenandoah River near the present town of Berryville. Late in 1784 Joseph Windsor of Maryland bargained with Edward Snickers, who was acting as GW\u2019s agent in the matter, for a 14\u2013year lease on 172 acres of the land. Although GW preferred a shorter lease, he honored Snickers\u2019s agreement with Windsor for a lease commencing 1 Jan. 1785 and ending 31 Dec. 1798, at a rent of \u00a317 4s. per year. William Kirchwall\u2019s (Kercheval) lease for 172 acres was for 13 years, commencing 1 Jan. 1786 and ending 31 Dec. 1798 at a rental of \u00a317 6s. per year. Both men had their rent increased slightly after the 1789 resurvey, when their farms were discovered to total 174\u00bd acres each (CHAPPELEAR [3]Curtis Chappelear. \u201cEarly Landowners in the Benjamin Harrison and Robert Carter Nicholas Tracts.\u201d Proceedings of the Clarke County Historical Association 7 (1947): 33\u201348., 33\u201336; GW to Battaile Muse, 28 July 1785, DLC:GW; GW\u2019s rental accounts, 1788\u201390 and 1791, ViMtvL).\nFriday 16th. Thermometer at 50 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 56 at Night.\nRainy Morning and an Easterly wind, but not much of it.\nDrizzling all day and towards Night it began to rain again and threatned a wet Night. Very light wind all day.\nBefore dinner Joseph Hickman, another of my Tenants from Frederick came in, to whom and those that came yesterday and  Williams, I passed Leases for the Land on which they live. All went away after it.\nMr. Shaw returned before dinner from Alexandria.\n   Joseph Hickman and John Williams seem to have been living on GW\u2019s Frederick lands before the leases were made out. Both were given 14\u2013year leases, retroactive from 1 Jan. 1785 to 31 Dec. 1798. Hickman\u2019s tenement was 116 acres, for which he paid \u00a311 12s. per year. Williams leased 100 acres for \u00a310. GW wrote his rental agent, Battaile Muse, on this day, instructing Muse to use his own judgment in making decisions about whether the tenants were complying with the terms of the leases. Since Williams did not come to Mount Vernon on this day, GW sent his lease to Muse for completion. GW also requested that Muse send him a list of his tenants, with an account of the lots they leased, the rents due, and the amounts paid (GW to Muse, 28 July and 16 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW; CHAPPELEAR [3]Curtis Chappelear. \u201cEarly Landowners in the Benjamin Harrison and Robert Carter Nicholas Tracts.\u201d Proceedings of the Clarke County Historical Association 7 (1947): 33\u201348., 33\u201336; GW\u2019s rental accounts, 1788\u201390 and 1791, ViMtvL).\nSaturday 17th. Thermometer at 56 in the Morng.  at Noon and  at Night.\nRainy Morning, wind though not fresh at No. West which afterwards more to the No. & East & continued raining off & on all day.\nWent to Alexandria to meet the Trustees of the Academy in that place and offered to vest in the hands of the said Trustees, when they are permanently established by Charter, the Sum of One thousand pounds, the Interest of which only, to be applied towards the establishment of a charity School for the education of Orphan and other poor Children\u2014which offer was accepted. Returned again in the Evening\u2014Roads remarkably wet & bad.\n   GW wrote the trustees: \u201cIt is not in my power at this time to advance the above sum; but that a measure which may be productive of good may not be delayed\u2014I will until my death, or until it shall be more convenient for my Estate to advance the principal, pay the interest thereof (to wit, Fifty pounds) annually\u201d (GW to Trustees of the Alexandria Academy, 17 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW). In his will, GW left 20 shares of stock in the Bank of Alexandria, valued at $4,000, to fulfill this promise. The charity school was incorporated as an integral part of the academy, to be governed by the same board of trustees. In 1786 there were 20 charity children attending the school.\nSunday 18th. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning\u201454 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nMorning perfectly clear & pleasant, with but little wind and continued so through the day. Serene moderate and pleasant.\nMonday 19th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 56 at Noon and 52 at Night.\nCalm and pleasant all day, especially in the Morning. Towards evening the wind, though very little of it, came from the Eastward & the weather lowered.\nRid to the Mill, and to Dogue run Plantation. Took the Hounds with me, and in the Pincushion found a fox, which the Dogs run very well for an hour\u2014after which, coming to a fault\u2014they took (as I presume) the heel, & in Muddy hole found a fresh Fox, which was only run by part of the Dogs. The others did not seem inclined to hunt.\nDavy a Mulatto Man who has for many years looked after my Muddy hole Plantation, went into the Neck to take cha[rge] of the River Plantation in the room of Jno. Alton deceased. And Will (Son of Doll) was sent to Muddy hole as an Overseer in his place.\nBoth my Mills stopped & repairing.\n   the pincushion: The Devil\u2019s Pincushion, or Mother Minton\u2019s Pincushion, was a large rock near the Alexandria-Colchester road about halfway between Dogue Run and Little Hunting Creek. The land around the rock was called the Pincushion (MUIRDorothy Troth Muir. Potomac Interlude: The Story of Woodlawn Mansion and the Mount Vernon Neighborhood, 1846\u20131943. Washington, D.C., 1943., 51\u201352).\nTuesday 20th. Thermometer at 42 in the Morng. 47 at Night and 45 at Noon.\nMorning tolerably clear; but a red sky at the place of the Suns rising (which is an indication of dirty weather) and the wind (tho not fresh) at No. East. The day continued tolerably clear and pleasant, until the Evening when it began to lower.\nDispatched at his own reqt. the Spaniard who had the cha[rge] of my Jack from Spain. Sent him with Mr. Shaw to Alexandria to go in the Stage to New York.\nBrought some Carts and Cutters from my Plantations to assist in laying in a Stock of Fire wood for Christmas.\nMr. Shaw returned in the evening accompanied by my Nephew Ferdinando Washington.\n   the spaniard: Pedro Tellez, who had accompanied the Spanish jackass to Mount Vernon (see entry for 26 Oct. 1785), had asked to return to Spain by way of New York, where he would see the Spanish minister, Don Diego de Gardoqui. He refused any payment from GW, asserting that he was being paid by the king, but GW did prevail upon him to take \u00a321 \u201cas an acknowledgment\nof the obligation I am under to him, for his care of the animal on which I set the highest value\u201d (GW to Francisco Rendon, 19 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW; General Ledger BGeneral Ledger B, 1772\u20131793. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers., folio 205). GW also gave the Spaniard two certificates. One, for the benefit of the king, acknowledged Tellez\u2019s care and attention to the animal; the other, addressed to the public at large, identified Tellez and solicited aid in his behalf: \u201cNot being able to speak any other language than that of his native tongue, it is requested as a favor of the good people on the road to assist & direct him properly\u201d (19 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW).\n   Ferdinand, or Ferdinando, Washington (1767\u20131788) was the oldest son of GW\u2019s brother Samuel and Anne Steptoe Washington. In 1783 GW had written his brother John Augustine about the possibility of a berth in the navy or on a merchant ship for their nephew but nothing seems to have come of this inquiry. Ferdinand, by extravagance and bad conduct, incurred GW\u2019s displeasure, and GW later refused to assist in settling the young man\u2019s estate (GW to Robert Chambers, 28 Jan. 1789, DLC:GW).\nWednesday 21st. Thermometer at 44 in the Morning\u201444 at Noon and 46 at Night.\nLowering all day with but little Wind and that Easterly.\nMr. Danl. Dulany (son of Danl.) Mr. Benja. Dulany, Messrs. Saml. & Thos. Hanson, Mr. Philp. Alexander, and a Mr. Mounsher came here to Dinner and Stayed all Night.\nFinished measuring my Corn at the several Plantations, which stand thus.\nRiver Plantation viz.\nBarrels\nLarge end of Corn Ho[use]\nSmall end of Ditto.\nFatting Hogs have eat\nFor Mrs. Alton\nMuddy hole Plantn. viz.\nIn the Corn House\nGiven to the fattg. Hogs\nDogue Run Plantn. viz.\nIn Corn House\nGiven to the Hogs\nFerry Plantation\u2014viz.\nIn the Corn House\nFatting Hogs\nOverseers Share\nTotal\nDeduct\nCorn already expd. on Hogs\nOverseers Shares\nRemaining for all my purps., only\n   Daniel Dulany, Jr. (1750\u20131824), had come back to America to try to settle problems arising from the confiscation of his family\u2019s estates during the Revolution. He sailed for England a few months later, never to return to his native land.\n   This Alexander was either Philip Alexander (died c.1790), son of Gerard Alexander (d. 1761), of the \u201cRobert\u201d Alexanders, or Philip Alexander (b. 1742), son of Philip Alexander of the \u201cPhilip\u201d branch. The second Philip served Fairfax County on the committee of safety (1774) and in the House of Delegates (1777).\n[Thursday 22d.] Went a Fox hunting with the Gentlemen who came here yesterday\u2014together with Ferdinando Washington and Mr. Shaw, after a very early breakfast. Found a Fox just back of Muddy hole Plantation and after a Chase of an hour and a quarter with my Dogs, & eight couple of Doctor Smiths (brought by Mr. Phil. Alexander) we put him into a hollow tree, in which we fastned him, and in the Pincushion put up another Fox which in an hour & 13 Minutes was killed. We then after allowing the Fox in the hole half an hour put the Dogs upon his Tracks & in half a Mile he took to another hollow tree and was again put out of it but he did not go 600 yards before he had recourse to the same shift. Finding therefore that he was a conquered Fox we took the Dogs off and all came home to Dinner except Mr. Danl. Dulany who left us in the Field after the first Fox was Treed. Lund Washington came home with us to dinner.\nDoctr. Brown who had been sent for to Philip Bateman came to Dinner and returned afterwards as did all the Gentlemen except the two Mr. Hansons and Mr. Alexander.\nThe Morning of this day indeed all the forenoon was very lowering but the Evening was clear & very pleasant.\n   Lund Washington by this time was winding up his long tenure as manager at Mount Vernon. He had told GW in November that he wished to leave his employment as soon as convenient, and by 20 Dec., GW had made definite arrangements for the change. \u201cHaving come to a fixed determination . . . to attend to the business of my plantations; and having enquired of Geo: [Augustine] Washington how far it would be agreeable to him & his wife to make this place a permanent residence, (for before it was only considered as their temporary abode, until some plan could be settled for them) & finding it to comport with their inclinations, I now inform you that it will be in my power to comply with your wishes with less inconvenience than\nappeared when you first proposed to leave my employment\u201d (DLC:GW). GW did request that Lund continue to help with the mill and some business matters until George Augustine Washington became familiar with these. \u201cNothing else occurs to me at this time in which it is essential to give you any trouble after the present year; for if I should not be able to visit the plantations as often as I could wish . . . I am resolved that an account of the stock & every occurence that happens in the course of the week shall be minutely detailed to me every saturday. Matters cannot go much out of sorts in that time without a seasonable remedy\u201d (GW to Lund Washington, 20 Nov. and 20 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW).\nFriday 23d. Thermometer at  in the Morng. 44 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nMorning cloudy, with the Wind at West; which shifting to the No. Et. produced strong, and encreasing appearances of falling weather before the Evening.\nWent out with the two Mr. Hansons & Mr. Alexander, when they set out on their return after breakfast, with the Dogs; just to try if we could touch on a Fox as we went along the Road\u2014they homewards and I to my Plantation in the Neck. This we did, but the Scent being Cold, and seeing no great prospect of making it out the Dogs were taken off and the Gentlemen Went home and I to Muddy hole Plantation instead of the Neck\u2014it being too late to go to, and return from the former before Dinner.\nSaturday 24th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morng. 34 at Night and 36 at Noon.\nWind at No. East with rain in the Morning (a good deal of wch. appeared to have fallen in the Night). About 10 Oclock it began to Snow & continued to do so untill about 2 Oclock when it ceased\u2014just covering the ground the Snow being wet.\nSunday 25th. Thermometer at 34 in the Morng. 42 at Noon and 42 at Night.\nMorning perfectly clear and fine without Wind. About 9 Oclock it sprung up from the Southward and blew fresh with various appearances of weather sometimes much like rain & then clearing. At Night the Wind Shifted to the Westward and before Morning got to No. West blowing hard all the while.\nCount Castiglioni, Colo. Ball, and Mr. Willm. Hunter came here to dinner\u2014the last of whom returned to Alexandria afterwards.\n   Count Luigi Castiglioni (1757\u20131832) of Milan, a student of natural sciences, arrived in America in May 1785 and spent two years traveling throughout\nthe states, studying various aspects of American life, especially the political institutions and the flora and fauna. He was a great admirer of GW and an impartial observer of American life. His Viaggio negli Stati Uniti dell\u2019 America Settentrionale was published in Milan in 1790.\n   Burgess Ball (1749\u20131800), formerly of Lancaster County, served in various Virginia regiments throughout most of the Revolution, retiring in 1781 as a lieutenant colonel. He was at this time married to Frances Washington (1763\u20131815), sister of George Augustine Washington, and was living in Spotsylvania County.\nMonday 26th. Thermometer at 32 in the Morning\u201440 at Noon and 38 at Night.\nClear and cold in the Morning with the wind high at No. West which moderated a little towards Night.\nTuesday 27th. Thermometer at 38 in the Morning\u201444 at Noon and  at Night.\nClear with the wind very high from the Southward until the Evening when it shifted to the Westward & blew equally hard but did not get to be very cold.\nWednesday 28th. Thermometer at 36 in the Morning\u201438 at Noon and  at Night.\nColo. Ball went away yesterday, after breakfast\u2014tho\u2019 it was unnoticed in the occurrances of the day.\nWind exceedingly high from the No. West & clear.\nA Mr. Israel Jenny of Loudoun County came here in the Afternoon, respecting some Land which he has been endeavouring to obtain under an idea of its being waste, but which he finds to be within the lines of my Chattin run tract in Fauquier County, though claimed by Mr. Robert Scott who has put a Tenant upon it of the name of Jesse Hitt, who has now been upon it three years and thereafter to pay Rent.\nMr. Muse my Collector to be written to on this Subject as also concerning my Land in Ashbys Bend part of wch. is claimed by Mr. Landon Carter.\n   Israel Janney (died c.1823) was a son of Jacob Janney (d. 1786) of Loudoun County. He was interested in agricultural experimentation and was a pioneer in the use of gypsum (plaster of paris) to improve his lands.\n   GW\u2019s Chattins Run tract in Fauquier County was on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge near Rector Town. The land in question amounted to 170\u201380 acres, and the suit brought against GW by Robert Scott ran on for years and was still unsettled in 1791. For further details of the dispute, see GW to Battaile Muse, 5 Jan. and 4 Feb. 1786, Muse to GW, 7 Feb., 21 Mar. 1789,\n22 Aug. 1791, DLC:GW. GW\u2019s Ashby\u2019s Bent land, amounting to approximately 2,500 acres, was located in both Fauquier and Loudoun counties on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge. Both this and the Chattins Run land was subdivided into small farms, or tenements, of about 100\u2013200 acres each, which were rented out for periods of time varying from ten years to three lives.\n   It is uncertain which of the three Landon Carters then living in Virginia claimed the Ashby\u2019s Bent land.\nThursday 29th. Thermometer at 29 in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 40 at Night.\nMorning clear with very little wind and that from the South. Pleasand all day until the evening when it began to lower and about eight at Night set in to raining with a strong Southerly wind wch. continued through the Night.\nCount Castiglioni went away after breakfast, on his tour to the Southward.\nMr. Jenny also left this at the same time.\nAfter which I went to my Dogue run Plantation to measure, with a view to new model, the Fields at that place. Did not return until dark nor finish my Survey.\nMr. Shaw went to Alexandria to the Assembly.\nFriday 30th. Thermometer at 46 in the [morning]\u2014 at Noon and  at Night.\nA good deal of rain fell in the Night which ceased about day break but the Wind from the Southward continued to blow very hard all day with flying Clouds.\nWent to Dogue run again to compleat my Surveys of the Fields which I did about 2 Oclock and upon my r[e]turn\nFound Miss Sally Ramsay Miss Kitty Washington\u2014Mr. Porter and Doctr. Craik Junr. here.\nMr. Shaw also returned from Alexandria before Dinner.\nSaturday 31st. Thermometer at  in the Morning\u2014 at Noon and 37 at Night.\nA Raw Wind from the Eastwd. blew in the forenoon. Afternoon Calm, but chilly with appearances now & then of a change in the weather.\nRid to my Plantations in the Neck Muddy hole, and Ferry. George Steptoe Washington came here to dinner and after it went away the Company that came yesterday.\nLanded 230 Bushels of Oats today from an Eastern shore Vessel\nand by her had brought from Alexandria the Pictures drawn by Mr. Pine of Fanny Bassett now Washington and the young Custis.\n   bushels of oats: GW\u2019s Indian corn crop for 1785 was very poor and did \u201cnot amount to one third of what I made last year; which is insufficient to feed my negroes, much more to afford support for my Horses\u201d (GW to David Stuart, 24 Dec. 1785, DLC:GW). He was forced to buy grain to supplement his own supply.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0179", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 1 January 1785\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia January 1st 178[5]\nThe Gentlemen who will have the honor to deliver you this Letter are from the West Indias they were Recommended to me by an old acquaintance and I find them very Genteel agreable Men. The Brilliancy of your Character attracts the attention of the World, they cannot pass to the Southward without gratifying their Wishes by an interview with the first Man of the Age and I am sure they will meet a kind reception.\nMay the present Year be as propitious to you as the last was, and may you long live to enjoy a succession of them is the sincere Wish of Dear Sir Your most obedient & very humble Servant\nRobt Morris\nby Messrs Scott, Colby & Gilpin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0180", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jeremy Belknap, 5 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Belknap, Jeremy\nRevd Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Jan. 1785.\nA few days ago, under cover from Mr Hazard of Philadelp[hi]a, I was honored with your favor of the 19th of July; and the first volume of your History of New Hampshire. For both, I pray you to accept my thanks\u2014but my acknowledgments are more particularly due, for your favorable expression in the former, of my past endeavors to support the Cause of liberty.\nThe proof you have given of your approbation of this, is interesting\u2014I receive it with gratitude\u2014and am with great respect Revd Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0181", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 5 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Chase, Samuel\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Jany 1785.\nReceive my thanks for your favor of 31st ulto, & for the copies therewith enclosed: they will answer my purposes equally with the fairest that could be made.\nWhen I found your Express at Mount Pleasant, & was unable to procure another in Marlbro\u2019, I commenced one myself\u2014got home before dinner, & dispatched one of my servants to Hooes ferry immediately. He placed the packet into the hands of the Express there waiting, before nine o\u2019Clock next morning: on Friday with ease the business might have been laid before the Assembly of this State, yet sitting I believe. When I hear from thence, I will with pleasure communicate the result.\nThe attention which your Assembly is giving to the establishment of public schools, for the encouragement of literature, does them great honor: to accomplish this, ought to be one of our first endeavours; I know of no object more interesting. We want something to expand the mind, & make us think with more liberallity\u2014& act with sounder policy, than most of the States do. We should consider that we are not now in leading strings. It behooves us therefore to look well to our ways. My best wishes attend the Ladies of your family. I am, Dr Sir Yr mo. obt Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0182", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Jan. 1785\nAbout the beginning of last month I wrote you a pretty long letter, & soon after, received your favor of the 23d of November. It is not the letters from my friends which give me trouble\u2014or adds ought to my perplexity. I receive them with pleasure, and pay as much attention to them as my avocations will admit. It is references of old matters with which I have nothing to do. Applications, which oftentimes cannot be complied with. Enquiries, which would employ the pen of a historian to satisfy. Letters of compliment, as unmeaning perhaps as they are troublesome, but which must be attended to. And the commonplace business, which employs my pen & my time; often disagreeably.\nIndeed, these with company, deprive me of exercise, and unless I can obtain relief, may be productive of disagreeable consequences\u2014I already begin to feel the effect. Heavy, & painful oppressions of the head, and other disagreeable sensations, often trouble me. I am determined therefore to employ some person who shall ease me of the drudgery of this business. At any rate, if the whole of it is thereby suspended, I am resolved to use exercise. My private concerns also, require infinitely more attention than I have given, or can give, under present circumstances. They can no longer be neglected without involving my ruin.\nThis, my dear Sir, is a friendly communication\u2014I give it in testimony of my unreservedness with you\u2014& not for the purpose of discouraging your letters; for be assured that, to correspond with those I love is among my highest gratifications, and I perswade myself you will not doubt my sincerity when I assure you, I place you among the foremost of this class. Letters of friendship require no study, the communications are easy, and allowances are expected, & made. This is not the case with those which require re-searches\u2014consideration\u2014recollection\u2014and the de\u2014l knows what, to prevent error, and to answer the ends for which they are written.\nIn my last I informed you that I was endeavouring to stimulate my Countrymen to the extension of the inland Navigation of our rivers; and to the opening of the best and easiest communication for Land transportation between them and the Western waters. I am just returned from Annapolis to which place I was requested to go by our Assembly (with my bosom friend Genl G\u2014tes, who being at Richmond contrived to edge himself into the Commission) for the purpose of arranging matters, and forming a Law which should be similar in both States, so far as it respected the river Potomack, which seperates them. I met the most perfect accordance in that legislature; & the matter is now reported to ours, for its concurrence.\nThe two Assemblies (not being in Circumstances to undertake this business wholly at the public expence) propose to incorporate such private Adventurers as shall associate for the purpose of extending the navigation of the River from tide water as far up as it will admit Craft of ten Tons burthen, & to allow them a per[pe]tual toll & other emoluments to induce them to subscribe freely to a Work of such magnitude; whilst they have agreed (or, I should rather say, probably will agree, as the matter is not yet concluded in the Virginia Assembly) to open, at the public expence, the communication with the Western territory. To do this will be a great political work\u2014May be immensely extensive in a commercial point\u2014and beyond all question, will be exceedingly beneficial for those who advance the money for the purpose of extending the Navigation of the river, as the tolls arising therefrom are to be held in perpetuity, & will encrease every year.\nRents have got to such an amazing height in Alexandria, that (having an unimproved lot or two there) I have thoughts, if my finances will support me in the measure, of building a House, or Houses thereon for the purpose of letting. In humble imitation of the wise man, I have set me down to count the cost; and among other heavy articles of expenditure, I find lime is not the smallest. Stone lime with us, owing to the length of (Land) transportation comes very high at that place. Shell lime, from its weakness, & the consequent quantity used, is far from being low\u2014These considerations added to a report that this article may be had from your State by way of Ballast, upon terms much easier than either can be bought here, inclines me without\nmaking an apology, to give you the trouble of enquiring from those who might be disposed to enter into a contract therefor, & can ascertain the fact with precision.\n1st\u2014At what price by the Bushel, a quantity of slaked stone lime could be delivered at one of the Wharves at Alexandria (freight & every incidental charge included), or to a Lighter opposite to my own House.\n2d\u2014At what price burnt lime stone, but unslaked (if it be safe to bring such) could be delivered as above.\n3d\u2014At what price unburnt lime stone, could be delivered at the latter place.\nIn the last case, it might I should suppose, come as Ballast very low. In the second, it might also come as Ballast, and (tho\u2019 higher than the former, yet) comparatively, cheap, if the danger of Waters getting to it, and its slaking & heating in the Hold, would not be too great\u2014In the first case, their would be no certainty of its goodness, because lime from the late judicious experiments of a Mr Higgens, should be used as soon as it slaked; and would be still better, if it was so, immediately after burning; as air as well as water, according to his observations, weakens & injures it. Your information upon these points from those who might incline to Contract, and on whom dependance could be placed, would much oblige me\u2014and the sooner I get it the better, as my determination is suspended.\nOur amiable young friend the Marquis de la Fayette could not be other wise than well pleased with his reception in America. Every testimony of respect, affection & gratitude has been shewn him, wherever he went; if his heart therefore has not been impressed with these expressions (which I am far from supposing) the political consequence which he will derive from them must bear them in his remembrance, & point to the advantages wch must flow.\nYou informed me that Mrs Knox had got another\u2014but left me to guess, boy or girl. On the birth of either Mrs Washington & I sincerely congratulate you both; & offer our best wishes for you all\u2014hoping the good health which Mrs Knox & the Children enjoyed at the time your letter was written, may be of long continuance.\nThe report of my coming to Boston was without foundation\u2014I do not, at this time, know when, or whether ever, I may\nhave it in my power to do this, altho\u2019 to see my compatriots in War, would be great gratification to my mind. with every sentiment of esteem and friendship, I am, My dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt, & Affece Ser.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0185", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 6 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, George Augustine\nDear George,\nMount Vernon 6th Jan. 1785.\nAs soon as I got your letter announcing your intention of spending the Winter at Charleston I wrote you by Post, under cover to Colo. Willm Washington\u2014& sometime after by Mr Laurens\u2014by whom also I forwarded the articles of clothing you desired might be sent to you\u2014there can be little doubt (as the Post now goes regularly) of both getting to hand. I need not therefore repeat any part of the contents of those Letters. I had the pleasure to hear yesterday\u2014from Colo. Parker of Norfolk\u2014that you had left the Island of Burmuda with encreased health. I flatter myself the mildness of a Southern Winter will perfectly restore you\u2014in addition to this, a trip in the Packet to Philadelphia when you determine to return to Virginia, may be of Service\u2014this, at a proper Season wd be, I conceive, the easiest, cheapest, and best method of getting back, as the Stage from Philadelphia comes to Alexandria twice a week regularly\u2014You would by this means avoid the dreary roads, & bad accomodation, which is to be encountered I am told, all through North Carolina.\nSince my last Colo. Basset has been here & brought up Fanny, who is now with us. She has been unwell all the Fall, as most others in this Country have been\u2014she is not yet recovered, but the change of air & exercise will soon give her health.\nWe have nothing new in this Quarter\u2014our Assembly has been sitting since the middle, or last of October\u2014but we have little information of what they have done\u2014A plan is now on foot for improving & extending the Navigation of the River by private Subscription, & opening a good road between it and the nearest western waters\u2014I hope it will succeed; as the Assemblies of this State & Maryld seem disposed to give it their Countenance.\nIf it is not too late in the Season to obtain them, I wish you would procure for me in So. Carolina a few of the acorns of the live Oak\u2014and the Seeds of the Ever-green Magnolia\u2014this latter is called in Millers Gardeners dictionary greater Magnolia\u2014it rises according to his Acct to the height of Eighty feet or more\u2014flowers early, & is a beautiful tree; there is another Species\nof the Magnolia of which I wish to get the Seeds\u2014it is called the Umbrella tree. but unless these Seeds grow in cones, & the Cones are now on the Trees, there is no chance of obtaining them at this Season; in which case prevail on Colo. Washington, or some acquaintance on whom you can depend, to supply me next Seed time. The Acorns, & Seeds of every kind, should be put in dry sand as soon as they are gathered: and the box which contains them might (if no oppertunity offers to Alexandria) be sent either to Mr Newton of Norfolk, or to Colo. Biddle of Philadelphia, with a request to forward it safely, & by the first oppertunity, to me. If there are any other trees (not natives with us) which would be ornamental in a grove or forest, and would stand our climate, I should be glad to procure the Seeds of them in the way abovementioned. All here unite in best wishes for you; and Mrs Washington joins me in compliments to Colo. Washington and Lady; & other friends of our Acquainte. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dr George yr Affecte friend\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Your Father and family were well some little time ago\u2014& I have heard nothing to the contrary since. G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0186-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 9 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond [Va.] Jany 9th 1785\nI have now the pleasure of confirming the expectations hinted in my last concerning the result of the measures which have been favoured with your patronage. The Bill for opening the Potowmac has passed precisely on the model transmitted from Maryland, the last conditional clause in the latter being rendered absolute by a clause in the former which engages this State for fifty shares in the Company. Before the receipt of your despatches, some progress had been made in a bill for James River founded on different principle. After the receipt of them, the bill was exchanged for one on the Potowmac principle which has passed into a law with the same rapidity & unanimity which attended the other. The circumstancial variations with respect to James River are. 1. that the Sum to be aimed at in the first instance is 100,000 Dollars, only. 2. the shares are fixed at 200 Dollars and the number of public shares at 500. 3. the tolls are reduced to one half of those granted on Potowmac. 4. in case the falls at this place, where alone tolls are to be paid shall be first opened, the Company are permitted to receive them immediately and to continue to do so until the lapse of ten years, within which period all the works are to be compleated under the same penalties as are specified in the case of the other River. 5. a pre-emption is reserved to the public on all sales and transfers of shares. We endeavoured to preserve an equal eye in this business to the interests of the two Rivers, and to regulate the dates in the two bills in such a manner as to allow the members of each Company to participate in the transactions of the other. The excessive hurry however and the length of the bills may have produced inaccuracies in these as well as in other respects.\nThe Assembly have likewise taken several kindred measures in the form of Resolutions, of which copies are herewith inclosed.\nNo. 3 was meant to carry into effect an idea suggested in your letter to the late Governour & explained in conversations with which several members were honoured during your visit to Richmond. It had passed before the recept of your report from Annapolis. I observed in my last that the subject of it ought to have made a part of your negociation with Maryland, and mentioned the circumstances which prevented it. I regret the omission the more, as the task devolved on Gentlemen to a notification of whose appointment and object, no answer I am informed has yet been vouchsafed to the Governour by Maryland, and whose commission it may be presumed is not altogether palatable to that State. Taking a more candid supposition, that the Silence of the latter is the effect of some miscarriage, the delay or the necessity of a separate representation to Pennsylvania, are inconveniences still to be regretted. As this goes by Col: Grayson who means to pay his respects to Mount Vernon on his way to Trenton, I forbear to anticipate farther, communications which he can more fully make, and beg leave to subscribe myself with all possible respect and regard Sir Your Obedient & most humble Servt\nJ. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0186-0003", "content": "Title: Enclosure II: Resolution of the Virginia Assembly, 1 January 1785\nFrom: Virginia Assembly\nTo: \n[Richmond] The 1st of January 1785\nResolved that Thomas Massey Esqr., or in case of his death or failing to act through other cause, such other person as shall be appointed by the Executive in his stead, be authorized in conjunction with the person appointed or to be appointed on the part of Maryland, to open and keep in repair a convenient Road from such part of the Waters of the Potowmack, to such part of the River Cheat or of the River Monongalia, as on examination they shall Judge most eligible; and that the sum of three thousand three hundred thirty three and one third Dollars, arising from the Taxes of the year 1784, out of the Money subject to the votes of the General Assembly, be paid by the\nTreasurer, on the joint Order of the Persons to be appointed as aforesaid, to be by them applied together with a like sum voted by the State of Maryland to the purpose aforesaid.\nResolved that the Governor be desired to write to the State of Pensylvania, requesting permission to lay out and improve a Road through such part of the said States, as may be necessary in the best and most proper direction from Fort Cumberland to the navigable part of the River Yohogania.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0188", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 10 January 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nJamaica Plain [Mass.] Jany 10. 1785\nIn arranging the intelligence obtained from the inspection of your papers, I found that an extract from the private letters Vol. 1st dated Oct. 22. 1779, which alluded to one of the most important events of the late war, was not so complete as I wish. It relates to the capture of Fort Washington, which I apprehend ought now to be placed in its true light, as the public cannot suffer from its being done. The extract I have made, begins\u2014When I came to Fort Lee, & found no measures towards an evacuation in consequence of the order aforementioned. I have omitted taking the order aforementioned, which is material. If it will not trespass too much upon your Excellency\u2019s time, Shall reckon it a\ngreat favour to have that order transmitted with the place from whence, & the date when given. With renewed & affectionate respects to Self & Family I remain with great esteem Your Excellency\u2019s sincere Friend & very humble Servant\nWilliam Gordon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0189", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Henderson, 11 January 1785\nFrom: Henderson, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDumfries [Va.] 11th Janry 1785\nYour favor of the 20th came duly to hand, neither Ryan nor Mr Rumsey were in Richmond while I was there, Ryan was sick at Petersburgh.\nThe acts for opening the Navigation of Patowmack and James river passed all the forms fortunately the day before the hard weather obliged the assembly to separate\u2014Resolutions similar to those in Maryland have also passed both Houses\u2014of these Copies will be brought up by Mr Grayson, I do myself the pleasure to inclose a Copy of one other Act passed during the present Session. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem Sir Your obedt Sert\nAlexr Henderson\nYou have inclosed Ryans Note \u2014and some of the proceedings of the Assembly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0190", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 14 January 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Battaile Muse, 14 Jan. 1785. On 5 Feb. GW wrote to Muse: \u201cI have lately received two letters from you, one of the 14th & the other of the 25th of last month.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0192", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Filson, 16 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Filson, John\nSir,\nMt Vernon 16th Jan: 1785.\nI have been favored with two letters from you: that which was first written came last to hand, & neither of them long since. Your history & map of Kentucke I have not yet seen. For the honor you have done me in the dedication of them, you will please to accept my acknowledgments; & for the favourable sentiments you have been so polite as to express for me in both your letters, you have my thanks.\nIt has long been my wish to see an extensive & accurate map of the Western Territory set on foot, & amply encouraged: but I would have this work founded upon actual surveys and careful observations\u2014any thing short of these is, in my opinion, not\nonly defective & of little use, but serve as often to mislead as to direct the examiner. My sentiments upon this subject are well known to many members of Congress, & to the Legislature of the State in which I have the honor to live: but what steps will be taken by both, or either, to accomplish this useful undertaking, is not for me to say.\nAltho\u2019 I possess a pretty general knowledge of the Ohio & its waters between Fort Pitt & the Gt Kanhawa, & have some parts of that Country laid down from actual surveys; yet they are not so connected, nor founded with such precision as to incline me to suffer my name to be given as the author of them, or any information in a Map or topographical description of the Country, that would not stand the test of future examination.\nThat the river Potomac communicates by short portages (which may be improved to great advantage) with the Yohoghaney & Cheat rivers, (branches of the Monongahela) for the countries East & West of the Apalachian mountains, as James river also does with the waters of the Great Kanhawa, none can deny: & that these will be the channels thro\u2019 which the trade of the Western Country will principally come, I have no more doubt of myself, than the States of Virga & Maryland had, when within these few days, they passed Laws for the purpose of extending & improving the navigation of those rivers, & opening roads of communication between them & the western waters.\nWhenever business or inclination may bring you to this part of the country, it would give me pleasure to see you. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0193", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 16 January 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nNew York Jany 16. 1785\nI had the honor of writing to you last by the post that left Trenton just before I quitted that place, and I should not so soon have troubled you again, if it were not to furnish you with the very excellent pamphlet that accompanies this letter\u2014Doctor Price has lately sent over a few of those pamphlets to the President of Congress and left the disposal of them to him\u2014I am very sure that I shall gratify the Doctors feelings as well as my own, when I request your acceptance of one of them \u2014We have no news here, except the account brought by the packet from England just arrived, and which is current in Town\u2014That the war between the Emperor & Holland has certainly commenced[.] A small engagement, near Lillo upon the Scheldt, has taken place, in which a Dutch Regiment is said to have lost 20 or 30 Men\u2014Prussia is said to have taken part with Holland, & the Empress of Russia with the Emperor\u2014It is probable that this quarrel, if it proceeds, will embroil the greatest part of Europe\u2014I hope Great Britain will find herself compelled to engage. My best respects attend your Lady. I am dear Sir, with the truest esteem & regard sincerely yours\nRichard Henry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0195", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 17 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Johnson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 17th Jan: 1785\nYesterday, & not before, I received authentic information, that the Assembly of this State had passed a similar Act & resolutions, with those of your Legislature, and have fixed upon the 8th of Feby to open Books for the purpose of receiving subscriptions in the City of Richmond & Towns of Alexandria & Winchester: which Books are to be kept open until the 10th day of May following. They have granted equal sums towards the navigation & roads, with your Assembly.\nI have pleasure in giving you this information\u2014nothing remains now but to act with dispatch & vigor.\nI presume official notice of the passing of this act, & attendant resolutions, will be made by the Executive of this State to your Governor; but lest thro\u2019 the hurry of business it may be delayed, I will take care that he shall have advice of it, as soon as copies can be taken; that if promulgation is necessary, & he thinks proper to act upon private information, it may not be wanted.\nOur Assembly have passed a similar Law for the purpose of opening & improving the navigation of James river and a communication between it, and the nearest Western waters. With great esteem & regard I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0197", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hanna Moore, 20 January 1785\nFrom: Moore, Hanna\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore [Md.] January 20th 1785\nAn ardent desire for the Administration of the strictest Right in every Minutia which may fall under any inspection, added to that Respect due the preserver of a Country, influences me notwithstanding my repugnance to intrude, in advising you: That since my Mr Francis Moore Merchant at Baltimore exhibiting of a Testament made by Mrs Savage to you unattested, it has been transmitted to the Executors in Ireland, authenticated there, and by them with a Letter of Attorney remitted to him (now deceased) tho\u2019 not yet come to my hands; from good information whereof, and too Conscious of the Immorality, Capacity and designs of Men, an Apprehension arrises that it probably might have been handed you by the bearer of it from Ireland named William Moore, or others, who may have thought proper to personate my deceased Husband\u2014therefore should much esteem on Account of my friends in Ireland, and least they should presume my Husband or myself neglectfull\nof their Interest, and that I may enter into further Enquiry, you wou\u2019d by a single Line, or two, intimate, whether you have received or heard of it; As I expect as soon as the Executors in Ireland are informed of my Husbands Decease, and my Continuation they will send me Letters to act fully\u2014Please to direct under Cover to Zachariah Allen Esqre Baltimore \u2014I have the Honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s Humble and Obedient servant\nHanna Moore", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0198", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Brenton, 21 January 1785\nFrom: Brenton, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNewport [R.I.] the 21. January 1785\nI am Encouraged to address your Excellency from a Confidence of your willingness to Overlook defects and from your well known disposition to promote the happyness of others.\nYou have Inclosd a Petition from the master wardens and some of the members of the St Johns lodge of this City of which I had the Honor of being master at the breaking out of the late warr. the reasons assignd therein I hope will be found of Sufficient weight with your Excellency to grant us the prayer of the\npetition which you will please to Observe is for the Revival of the Lodge St Johns or for putting it on Such a footing as that the Charter may Retain its Original powers\u2014as by Virtue of that Charter the lodge St Johns purchasd a Real Estate for the accomodateing themselves with a building to be held by the master & wardens of Sd Lodge in Perpetuity. So that whether a new Constituted Lodge Can Claim the priviledge of the Charter Granted to the lodge St Johns in our Idea is doubtfull\u2014Your Excellencys Knowledge in these matters will Set us right. I have the Honor, to be with great Respect your Excellencys most Obedt Hble Servt\nSamel Brenton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0199", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Fitzgerald and William Hartshorne, 21 January 1785\nFrom: Fitzgerald, John,Hartshorne, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria [Va.] Jany 21st 1785\nWe are duly honor\u2019d with your letter of 18th Inst. with the Virginia Bill & other enclosures the Bill we have put into the Printer\u2019s hands & order\u2019d him to strike one Hundred Copies which we expect will be compleated by monday next at which time we intend to forward Copies to the Managers at Richmond & Winchester\u2014Mr Richards has promis\u2019d to be very carefull of the Original.\nWe now return you all the other papers & would wish to know how many of the printed Copies we shall send to you as we are fully of opinion that the notification to the executive of Maryland will come with greater propriety from you than us.\nWe have taken a full comparative view of the Bills pass\u2019d in each State, & find no difference except what we have noted on the other side\u2014some of which we are induced to believe have happen\u2019d thro\u2019 mistake & the only one that appears essential is that respecting the width of Ground in which we are of opinion that the Maryland resolution is the most eligible.\nWe have given the Bill only to the Printer, should you be of opinion that any of the resolutions sent by Mr Maddeson &\nnumber\u2019d 1. 2 & 3 should be printed you will please return such to us & they shall be added.\nWe have full confidence that through the course of this Business you will be pleased to assist us with your kind advice in any matters which may occur to you. We have the honor to be with the highest respect & Esteem Sir your mo. Obedt Servants\nJohn FitzgeraldWm Hartshorne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0201", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Grayson, William\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 22d Jany 1785\nYour letter, with the Books, Potomac bill & other papers, did not reach this until past eleven o\u2019Clock on monday forenoon; at which hour having set off for Alexandria\u2014I did not receive the dispatches until my return in the evening. The next morning I forwarded the Bill to Messrs Fitzgerald & Hartshorn to act upon, & to get a number of copies struck for promulgation, & the benefit of those who might wish to become subscribers. For the trouble you have had with the Books & for your care of the letters & papers which accompanied them, you will please to accept my thanks.\nIt would have given me much satisfaction if, instead of pursuing the rout thro\u2019 Frederick, you had resolved to have taken this road to the seat of Congress: besides the pleasure of seeing you, I wished to have had some conversation with you on the subject of the late generosity of the Assembly towards me; for I will freely confess to you My dear sir, that no circumstance has happened to me since I quited the walks of public life that has given me more embarrassment, than the act vesting me with 150 shares in the tolls of each of the rivers Potomac & James. On the one hand I consider this instance of the regard & attention of my native State as more than a mere compliment: this evidence of her good opinion & wishes to serve me is unequivocal & substantial\u2014it has impressed me with sentiments of the deepest gratitude; & I should be hurt, if I could think that my non-acceptance of her favors would be considered as an ostentatious display of public virtue, and disinterestedness\u2014or disrespectful to the Country to slight her favors. On the other hand it is my wish that my mind, and the actions resulting from it, may be as free as Air\u2014Not content therefore with the consciousness of having, in all this navigation business, acted upon the clearest conviction of the political importance of it, I would have every individual who shall hear that I had interested myself in the plan, be convinced that I had no other motive for giving it support than the happiness which I thought it wou\u2019d be productive of to the confederation in general & this State in particular\u2014by extending the commerce of the latter & affording convenience to its Citizens\u2014& preparing an indissoluble\nbond for the former. How would this matter stand then in the eye of the world, & what would be the opinion of it, when it comes to be related, that G.W. exerted himself to effect this work\u2014& G.W. had received\u2014gratuitously, 20,000 Dollars in the one\u2014& \u00a35,000 Sterling in the other, of the public money, as an interest therein\u2014Would not this, (in their estimation\u2014if I am entitled to any merit for the part I have acted\u2014& without it there is no foundation for the donation) deprive me of the principal thing which is laudable in it? Would it not in some respects, be considered in the same point of view as a pension? And would not the apprehension of this make me less a free agent in other matters, and be productive of greater unwillingness to suggest for consideration such things as my experience and opportunities may have brought me to the knowledge of? In a word, altho\u2019 custom may have given sanction to the measure, of rewards where there are no stipulations, should I not thenceforward be considered as a dependant? one moments thought of which would give me more pain, than I should receive pleasure from the product of all the tolls; altho\u2019 I view them as the most improving Estate in this Country.\nI have written to you with frankness\u2014I could have said more on the subject; but I have said enough to give you the state of my mind on this act of the Legislature. I wished to have seen, & conversed fully & freely with you on the subject of it. I wished to know whether the ideas I entertain of this matter occurred to, & were expressed by any member, in or out of the House\u2014Upon the whole, I do assure you my mind is not a little agitated. I want the best information & advice to settle it. I have no inclination, as I have observed before, to avail myself of the generosity of the Country on the one hand\u2014nor on the other, do I want to appear ostentatiously disinterested; which, more than probable would be the construction of my refusal; or to slight the favor, which is as valuable for the flattering expressions with which it is conveyed, as for the magnitude of the sum. My difficulties however shall not impede the progress of the undertaking\u2014I will receive the frank & candid opinions of my friends with thankfulness, & shall have time enough to consider them between this & the next session of Assembly.\nDid you not my good Sir tell me when I had the pleasure of spending an evening with you at Dumfries, that you either had\nor could procure me some Scions of the Aspin tree? Are there any young shoots which could be had of the Yew tree, or Hemlock (for I do not now recollect which of these it is) that grows on the margin of Quantico Creek? Plantations of this kind are now become my amusement & I should be glad to know where I could obtain a supply of such sorts of trees as would diversify the scene. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr mo: Obt humble Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0202", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Harrison, Benjamin\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 22d Jan. 1785.\nIt is not easy for me to decide by which my mind was most affected upon the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst.\u2014surprize or gratitude: both were greater than I have words to express. The attention & good wishes which the Assembly have evidenced by their act for vesting in me 150 shares in the navigation of each of the rivers Potomac & James, is more than mere compliment\u2014there is an unequivocal & substantial meaning annexed\u2014But believe me sir, notwithstanding these, no circumstance has happened to me since I left the walks of public life, which has so much embarrassed me. On the one hand, I consider this act, as I have already observed, as a noble and unequivocal proof of the good opinion, the affection, & disposition of my Country to serve me; & I should be hurt, if by declining the acceptance of it, my refusal should be construed into disrespect, or the smallest slight put upon the generous intention of the Country: or, that an ostentatious display of disinterestedness or public virtue, was the source of the refusal.\nOn the other hand, it is really my wish to have my mind, & the actions which are the result of contemplation, as free & independent as the air, that I may be more at liberty (in things\nwhich my opportunities & experience have brought me to the knowledge of) to express my sentiments, & if necessary, to suggest what may occur to me, under the fullest conviction, that altho\u2019 my judgment may be arraigned, there will be no suspicion that sinister motives had the smallest influence in the suggestion. Not content then with the bare consciousness of my having, in all this navigation business, acted upon the clearest conviction of the political importance of the measure; I would wish that every individual who may hear that it was a favorite plan of mine, may know also that I had no other motive for promoting it than the advantage I conceived it would be productive of to the Union, & to this State in particular, by cementing the Eastern and Western Territory together, at the same time that it will give vigor & encrease to our Commerce, & be a convenience to our Citizens.\nHow would this matter be viewed then by the eye of the world; and what would be the opinion of it, when it comes to be related that G: W\u2014\u2014n exerted himself to effect this work\u2014and G.W. has received 20,000 Dollars, and \u00a35,000 Sterling of the public money as an interest therein? Would not this in the estimation of it (if I am entitled to any merit for the part I have acted; & without it there is no foundation for the act) deprive me of the principal thing which is laudable in my conduct? Would it not, in some respects, be considered in the same light as a pension? And would not the apprehension of this make me more reluctantly offer my sentiments in future? In a word, under what ever pretence, & however customary these gratuitous gifts are made in other Countries, should I not thence forward be considered as a dependant? one moments thought of which would give me more pain, than I should receive pleasure from the product of all the tolls, was every farthing of them vested in me: altho\u2019 I consider it as one of the most certain & increasing Estates in the Country.\nI have written to you with an openess becoming our friendship\u2014I could have said more on the subject; but I have already said enough to let you into the State of my mind. I wish to know whether the ideas I entertain occurred to, & were expressed by any member in or out of the House. Upon the whole, you may be assured my Dr Sir, that my mind is not a litt[l]e agitated\u2014I want the best information & advice to settle it. I have no inclination\n(as I have already observed) to avail myself of the generosity of the Country: nor do I want to appear ostentatiously disinterested, (for more than probable my refusal would be ascribed to this motive) or that the Country should harbour an idea that I am disposed to set little value on her favours\u2014the manner of granting which is as flattering as the grant is important. My present difficulties however shall be no impediment to the progress of the undertaking. I will receive the full & frank opinions of my friends with thankfulness. I shall have time enough between this & the sitting of the next Assembly to consider the tendency of the act\u2014& in this, as in all other matters, will endeavor to decide for the best.\nMy respectful compliments & best wishes, in which Mrs Washington & Fanny Bassett (who is much recovered) join, are offered to Mrs Harrison & the rest of your family. It would give us great pleasure to hear that Mrs Harrison had her health restored to her. With every sentiment of esteem, regard & friendship, I am My Dr Sir &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0203", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nDear Bushrod,\nMount Vernon Jany 22d 1785\nThe enclosed letter was brought here some days ago. I desire you will present Mr Ryan\u2019s note to him for payment; which, if not immediately made, or such assurances as you can rely on, that he will make in a very short time, return it to me or to Mr Rumsey, if he is in Richmond, as I do not incline to transfer the debt from him to Ryan. It was not my intention to receive an order upon any one, for the Sum contained in the note. It was sent about the time it became due to Mr Henderson (one of the Members for this Country) to receive for me, who not having an oppertunity of presenting it (on Acct of Mr Ryans indisposition at Petersburgh) returned it to me a few days since.\nAs you are now at the fountain head of information, I should be glad if you would examine into, and send me a Copy of some Ordainance which must have passed (according to Colo.\nCrawfords letter to me) at the Session next preceeding the 20th of Septr 1776 (which is the date of that letter).\nThere are some other little matters which I wanted you to do for me in Richmond, but they have escaped my recollection at this moment\u2014when they occur again, I will write\u2014the Ordainance above, may be necessary in the prosecution of my Ejectments over the Mountains, as Colo. Crawford in his letter to me says, it passed with an eye to such cases as mine, upon his representation. All here join in best wishes for you\u2014and I am Dr Bushrod Yrs affectionately\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0204", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 24 January 1785\nFrom: Diriks, Jacob Gerhard\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nNew-York 24th Jany 1785\nThe honor of having served under your Excellency engages me, arrived in America lately, to take a view of the States made happy by a peace, after a war ended with glory under you\u2014to testify my great respect for you, as the Officer, under whose auspices, I received my Military Education\u2014How happy should I be, if I could in person renew the acknowledgements I so justly owe you\u2014But the distance of your dwelling, the rude season of the year, wc. renders travelling difficult, the little time I have to\nstay, before my departure for Holland, my country; and my business with Congress assembled here all deprive me of this pleasure. Your Excellency will permit me I hope to sollicit a continuation of your former kindness\u2014I was once honored with it, and this engages me the more, still to sollicit it\u2014Yes Sir, I feel my bosom animated on this present occasion, with the same fire as formerly; and I desire nothing, but to be able to be useful to my Country; at present menaced by a neighbouring power\u2014Your Excellency, as my General, is acquainted with my conduct in the American war\u2014If then you will be pleased to favor me with a letter to the count de Maasdam, General of the army of the united Provinces; a soldier devoted to liberty & his Country; and who, tho\u2019 personally unknown to you, has the highest esteem for you, I am persuaded, it will place me in the service of my Country, agreeable to my rank, where following the lessons I learned from you, I hope to acquit myself with honor\u2014I hope Your Excellency will not refuse me this gracious mark of your friendship wc. will be ever dear to me, & crown my highest wishes \u2014I have the honor to be with profound respect, your Excellency\u2019s Very Hble & Obent servant\nJ. G. Diriks", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0206", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Armstrong, 25 January 1785\nFrom: Armstrong, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General.\nCarlisle [Pa.] 25th January 1785\nMy last to your Excellency was of the congratulatory Sort, written on the joyfull & acceptable subject of our Peace \u2014and whatever time has elapsed since that period, you have had a Silent Share of the best wishes that either my leisure or reflexion, enabled me to bestow; and altho\u2019 they are founded in publick considerations never to be forgotten, they have comparatively left the lofty Scenes of various description, wherin for a Season you have happily & necessarily been employed, chusing rather\nto follow you to the peaceful, but still important retreat of domestick life\u2014happy indeed in itself\u2014happy in the concurrence of a thousand temporal blessings; and many, too many there are, whos wishes either for themselves or their friends, reach no farther\u2014but sorry should I be that (for the man to whom my country is so much indebted) mine should terminate in any thing below that felicity, for which we look in the far more important world which is to come, for this felicity, you & I, by the sparing mercy of God are still candidates\u2014but the heavenly road is to be fought inch by inch! Your Corporeal Armour is laid off, I hope never to be put on again, but our Spiritual Armour, my dear General, is if possible every day more & more necessary\u2014the three grand enemies of our immortal life, yet keep the field, and display their force in various direction; they are potent, implacable, insatiable\u2014not to be diverted by the things in which too many place safety or happiness\u2014as in learning\u2014streng[t]h of reason\u2014external peace\u2014affluence &c.\u2014nay so far from it, that often, these are the avenues, or covert ways thro\u2019 which we are either assailed by double force, or ensnared by double Subtilty\u2014The mode in which these adversaries generally make their attacks, is either tht of Violence, or Subtilty\u2014and a great Similarity I make no doubt there is, in the first operations of the Devil by seduction\u2014the workings & tendency to moral evil ariseing from the natural, or inbred corruptions of the human heart and flesh\u2014and the allurements of the present World. the former is thougt to carry his approaches to the human mind, by gaining it\u2019s outworks Viz. the imagination, or fancy. and whatsoever, by our lapsed State is wrong in us, being his offspring, will probably imitate his Steps. With none of these adversaries, are we in our own Strength by any means able to cope\u2014nor will their indefatigable & perfidious nature, safely admit of any negociation\u2014parley or Truse, the moment we agree to a Ceasession of Arms, and have recourse to supposed reason, in looking out for appologies to the temptation, or evil in question, metigating it\u2019s nature or extent, covering or at least palliating a total or partial compliance, by peculiar circumstances & resolve of future resistance &c. all this is forbidden & unequal ground, on which we shall infallibly be overcome. A rigid resistance therefore, ought both to begin & end, this kind of debate; and blessed be God that altho\u2019 we must\nbe instruments in this necessary War, and employ the weapons prescribed by his word with fidelity & hope, the final event is not left to us, but secured by the Captain of our Salvation, to all who truly fight under his banner, in the use of such Spiritual means as he hath appointed & graciously proposed to bestow. Many dutys indeed are required of us far above our natural Strength to perform; and for this cause many appear to stumble and Charge God foolishly\u2014not considering that the divine right, and power to demand is not mutual, was not losst & imbezled, as was our Strength and power to obey, in our voluntary violation of the first Covenent with Adam. Nor do such consider that in the Lord Christ, the Second Adam, the federal & Spiritual head of his Church, full provision is made, not only for the removal of guilt, but also the quallification of all believers for glory\u2014or in other words, there is not a duty required of man, but for which we may find a correspondent promise, made in consequence of the Covenant of grace with Christ, enabling all believers in the performance thereof\u2014\u2019tis in him all the promises center, and in order to be entitled to them, we must by faith receive, or accept him both for righteousness & Strength.\nFrom the above considerations, I am led to wish yr Excellency three things\u2014first, that too much, of yr present precious time, may not be engrossed by company & the ceremony of polite life\u2014That your Library, be rather well chosen than large; particularly on theological Subjects, doctrinal, practical & Polemical, and that some Orthodox & pious divine may minister to the Church in reach of your House. On the Subject of Christianity, I think the Divines of the last Centuary rather deserve a preference\u2014Deism of late begins to speak proudly on this, Dr Leelands View of the Deistick writers may be Satisfactory. Socinianism that has slept for many years, has for it\u2019s revival the patronage of that great philosoper, but wretched divine\u2014Dr Priestley of London, who has lately wrote & published in favour of that antient heresy\u2014but this I think any Sensible man who believes and understands his Bible may refute. but the Young generation is in danger from both these errors. For the hints thrown out above, I shall use no other appology, than that you know I am nearer the threescore & ten than you are\u2014I think by the Space of fourteen years; and that we are bound to excite\neach others remembrance. My health is Still tolerable, except in the extremities of the Season, both of which I find difficult. My Eldest Son Dr Armstrong has for upward of a year past laboured under a threatning disorder of the pulmonary kind\u2014has for the benefit of the Sea Spent most of last summer in England, chiefly in London which he much dislikes, but is returned with no more apparent advantage than that his Cough only appears to have ceased, he is trying the utmost that a weak regimen may do\u2014rideing as the weather will permit, intends to meet an early Spring on the Rappahannock and thence proceed to what is called the Sweet Springs in Agusta, of which his friends in Berkley, give in that complaint a very favourable account. I am Dear General, with the highest esteem Your invariable friend And most Obedt & humble Servant\nJohn Armstrong\nWe hear nothing favourable nor certain from the Western Treaty\u2014only it\u2019s said it will be tedious, and that the Shawanese refuse to attend, but desire a Seperate treaty in the Spring.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0207", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Clarke, 25 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clarke, Thomas\nSir,\nMt Vernon 25th Jan: 1785\nIn your name & behalf Mr Laurens, as he passed thro\u2019 this State last Month on his way from the seat of Congress to Charleston \u2014presented me a very handsome gold headed cane: & accompanied it with such favorable sentiments of your\ngood wishes towards the American revolution\u2014& the flattering opinion you entertained of me, as to induce me, contrary to my usual custom, to accept of it. With this acknowledgment thereof, I beg you to receive my thanks for so evincive a mark of your esteem & approbation, & the assurances of my being\u2014Sir, Yrs &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0208", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Jay, 25 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jay, James\nSir,\nMount Vernon Jany 25th 1785\nBy means of the frost, & the consequent interruption of the Post, your favor of the 20th of December did not come to my hands until the 17th instant\u2014It is to be regretted that Lady Huntingtons communications were not earlier made to the several Legislatures to whom they were addressed; for if the circumstances of any will allow them to be adopted, it will be found that a year will have been lost by the delay. In some States, they must have reached the Exe[cu]tive after the Assemblies were up; in others, would get there towards the close of them, when fresh matters are rarely attended to\u2014& some Sessions (as in this State) holden but once a year.\nI am clearly in sentiment with her Ladyship, that Christianity will never make any progress among the Indians, or work any considerable reformation in their principles, until they are brought to a state of greater civilization; & the mode by which she means to attempt this, as far as I have been able to give it consideration, is as likely to succeed as any other that could have been devised, & may in time effect the great & benevolent object of her Ladyships wishes; but that love of ease, impatience under any sort of controul, & disinclination to every kind of pursuit but those of hunting & war, would discourage any person possessed of less piety, zeal & philanthropy than are characteristick of Lady Huntington.\nOf all the States to which her Ladyships addresses are gone,\nNew York I believe is the only one that now possesses unlocated lands in such quantities, & so contiguous to any Indian settlement, as to subserve her Ladyships plan of emigration; & whether that State can accommodate them to her & their satisfaction, you can determine with more precision than I. No part of the Western Territory of Pennsylvania is very contiguous to the habitations of the Indians, & if I mistake not, is besides otherwise appropriated. Virginia is not more convenient to them than Pennsylvania, & in her cession to the United States she was obliged to reserve Lands No. West of the Ohio to fulfil her own engagements to the military of the State: nothing then, in my opinion can be expected from her. And North Carolina having also made a similar cession is I believe, equally incapacitated to grant any great quantity of land in a body, or much in parcels. It is my opinion therefore, that Lady Huntington\u2019s proposals would come more properly before the United States, than any one, or more of them individually; & it is my sentiment clearly, that besides the pious & humane purposes which are in view, & of which we should never lose sight, motives of a political nature, should have considerable influence; because such a migration as her ladyship proposes must be an acquisition to any Country. There are but two reasons which my imagination suggests that can be opposed to it: the first is, the pressing Debts of the United States which may call for all the revenue which can be drawn from the most advantageous sale of their lands, and the discontents which might flow from discrimination, if peculiar exemptions in the original purchase, or indulgencies thereafter, are expected in favor of the class of Settlers proposed by the plan. And secondly, (which may have more weight) the prejudices of Monarchical people when they are unmixed with republicans, against those who have separated from them, & against their forms of Government; & this too in the vicinity of a British one\u2014viz: Canada\u2014Whether these are to be placed in competition with the charitable design of the plan, considered in a religeous point of view; or the great good which may result from the civilization of numerous tribes of Savages when measured on the political scale, becomes the wisdom of that honorable body to weigh with attention.\nIf they should decide in favor of the measure, valuable Lands with respect to fertility of soil, salubrity of climate & other natural advantages might, in one body, & in any quantity, be reserved\nfor the purposes of such emigration, until the result of her Ladyships endeavors to obtain them could be known; & this too either in the vicinity of the Indians towns, or at such convenient distance from them as might be most agreeable to the emigrants, there being no settlements or appropriations (except the reservation in favor of the Virginia line of the Army) to my knowledge in all the Country No. West of the Ohio, that could interfere therewith.\nAs I am well acquainted with the President of Congress, I will in the course of a few days write him a private letter on this subject giving the substance of Lady Huntington\u2019s plan, & asking his opinion of the encouragement it might expect to receive from Congress if it should be brought before that honorable body. Were you to do the same with your brother Mr John Jay now in Congress, and than whom none can judge better of the propriety of the measure, or give greater support to it if it should ultimately come before that supreme Council of the Nation, it might lay the foundation which might be serviceable hereafter.\nWithout reverberating the arguments in support of the humane & benevolent intention of Lady Huntington to christianize & reduce to a state of civilization the Savage tribes within the limits of the American States, or discanting upon the advantages which the Union may derive from the Emigration which is blended with, & becomes part of the plan, I highly approve of them, & having, tho\u2019 concisely, touched upon the material parts of your letter, it only remains for me to express my good wishes for the success of such a measure, and to assure you that wherein I can be instrumental to its execution, my best endeavours may be commanded. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0209", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 25 January 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Battaile Muse, 25 Jan. 1785. On 5 Feb. GW wrote to Muse: \u201cI have lately received two letters from you, one of the 14th & the other of the 25th of last month.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0210", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 26 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Boudinot, Elias\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 26th Jan. 1785\nEarly in Novr  I had the pleasure, by Post, to congratulate you & Mrs Boudinot on the Marriage of your daughter; & on her restoration to health; both of which we (Mrs Washington & I) heard with much satisfaction.\nI took the liberty, at the sametime, to request the favor of you, if it could be done without much inconvenience to yourself, to procure for me as much of the Orchard grass Seed as would Sow about ten Acres of Land\u2014to be forwarded by any Vessel which might be coming from New York to Alexandria; or if none should offer for that Port\u2014then, to the care of Colo. Biddle of Philadelphia, who would contrive it to me from thence by Land, or Water, as an opportunity might offer\u2014Having heard nothing from you since, and as the season is fast approaching when it shd be sowed if to be had, I have taken the liberty of repeating the substance of my former letter\u2014to which I prayed the direction of some good farmer respecting the quantity which ought to be Sowed on an Acre. The cost of the Seed I will cause to be paid the moment I am acquainted with the price.\nMrs Washington joins me in every good wish for you and Mrs Boudinot\u2014& in compliments to the Newly Married pair\u2014with sentiments of great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dr Sir Your Most Obt Hble Sen\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0211", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanway, 26 January 1785\nFrom: Hanway, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nOld Town [Md.] January 26th 1785\nIn a Short time after you left my office I Examin\u2019d the falls of Cheat river agreeable to your request and find that it will be Imposible to effect a navigation up it through the Laurell Hill, I have made the stri[c]test Enquiry whare the most advantagious and nearest Communication by Land can be had from the north branch to the Western Waters, and find it Will be to the\nfalls of the Tyeger Valley fork of Monongalia River, it will not Exceed forty miles from Logstones ford on the North Branch to the Said falls and I have reason to believe and am Confident from my own knowledge of the greatest part of the way and the Information I have had of the other part that a good road may be made[.] the falls of the Tyger Valley fork is about nine miles from its Junction With the West fork, and upwards of thirty miles above the mouth of Cheat river and near the Center of the most settled as well as most fertile part of the Counties of Monongalia and Harrison thence a navigation may easyly be had up the West fork and Consequently by a Short Land Carriage Down the little Kenhawa. I am Sir your most obedient and Verry humble Servant\nSaml Hanway", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0212", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 January 1785\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nBoston [Mass.] 26 Jany 1785.\nThe bearer Mr Laurence is a gentleman from Denmark who has been here some time, and is largely concerned in commerce to this Continent He is extremely anxious to have the honor to see you before he leaves the Country and has requested me to introduce him to you. I am my Dear Sir With the most perfect respect and attachment your affectionate humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0213", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Melancton Smith, 26 January 1785\nFrom: Smith, Melancton\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York Jany 26th 1785\nI received your favor of the 20th Decr.\nI am extremely mortified that you have been subjected to the\ninconveniency and loss you mention by not receiving timely information of the arrival of the Plate. You may be assured, Sir, that my not giving you earlier advice was not owing to the want of a disposition to oblige you, but to casualties that could not be prevented. I was out of Town when the Box arrived. Docr Craige received it, and had no directions how to dispose of it, when I returned which was several Weeks after, he informed me that the plate was in his possession. In a few days after it was forwarded to Philadelphia by Water, and I sent a Letter by a private hand to Philadelphia to Messrs Cox & Fraser to forward to you as soon as possible.\nI have made out the Account as you request, giving a credit for the Sum you mention to have paid Mr Parker (his Books are not with me) and have requested Messrs Porter & Ingraham Merchts in Alexandria to receive the Ballance for which purpose I have transmitted them a copy of the Account with an Order at foot. The Original Invoice is inclosed. I am with respect Sir Your Obed. serv.\nMelancton Smith\nThe Invoice having a Letter on the same sheet, which it is probable may be wanted, I will thank you Sir to return after inspecting. I am as before Yours respectfully, M. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0214", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Stone, 28 January 1785\nFrom: Stone, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nAnnapolis [Md.] 28 Jan. 1785\nIt gives me much pleasure to know that our Act for opening the Navigation of Potomack arrived in time to be adopted by the Assembly of Virginia. If the scheme is properly executed I have the most sanguine expectation that it will fully succeed to the wishes of those who are anxious to promote the wellfare of these States and to form a strong chain of connection between the Western & atlantic governments. Mr Jenifer[,] Johnson[,] Chase & myself are appointed Commissioners to Settle the Jurisdiction and Navigation of the Bay & the Rivers Potomack & Pocomoke with»the Commissioners of Virginia. We have also instructions to make application to Pennsylva. for leave to clear a Road from Potomack to the Western Waters\u2014Our Assembly propose the Meeting of the Commissioners to be on the 21st of March at Alexandria, if agreable to the Commissioners of Virginia. I have no doubt but the Subjects of our Mission will be setled to mutual satisfaction & it will add much to the satisfaction I shall feel in discharging this trust that I shall have an Opportunity of paying my respects to You at Mount Vernon; which I have long wished to do, but in truth the necessary attention to professional and public business have kept Me so closely employed that I have never had a time when I could gratify my inclination without neglecting some duty which I was particularly bound to perform. I hope nevertheless that You will do Me the justice to beleive that I warmly participate in the high Regard and Esteem in which You are held by all the friends of this Country & that I am sir with Sentiments of very sincere Attachment Yr most Obt & most humb. Sert\nT: Stone", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0217", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Joseph Wright, 30 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wright, Joseph\nSir,\nMount Vernon 30th Jany 1785.\nIt has so happened that your card of Septr 1st, with the Bust which accompanied it, did not get to my hands until some time in the course of last month: & that a letter from your good mother dated Decr 8th 1783, only reached me the 12th of last December.\nFor the first you will please to receive the united acknowledgements & thanks of Mrs Washington & myself. The large one she prays may give you no uneasiness or hurry; your convenience in the execution will be most agreeable to her wishes.\nIn answer to the second, I give you the trouble of forwarding the enclosed letter when you may have occasion to write to England \u2014our best wishes attend you; & I am Sir, Yr Mo: Obedt Servant\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0218", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patience Wright, 30 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wright, Patience\nMadam,\nMount Vernon Jany 30th 1785.\nBy what means it came to pass, I shall not undertake to devise; but the fact is, that your letter of the 8th of December 1783, never got to my hands until the 12th of the Same Month in the year following. This will account for my not having acknowledged the receipt of it sooner\u2014and for not thanking you as I now do, before, for the many flattering expressions contained in it.\nIf the Bust which your Son has modelled of me should reach your hands, and afford your celebrated Genii any employment that can amuse Mrs Wright, it must be an honor done me. and if your inclination to return to this Country should overcome other considerations, you will, no doubt, meet a welcome reception\nfrom your numerous friends: among whom, I should be proud to see a person so universally celebrated; & on whom, nature has bestowed such rare & uncommon gifts. I am\u2014Madam Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0220", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Udny Hay, 31 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hay, Udny\nSir,\nMount Vernon 31st Jany 1785\nThe interruption of the Post, by the frost, will occasion a delay of this answer, which otherwise would have been avoided. \nNot being able to decypher the name of the Merchant in London, to whose care you desired my letter to your brother might be addressed, I send the enclosed certificate for him, under cover to you.\nI thank you for your kind and friendly wishes, & with Mrs Washington\u2019s compliments to Mrs Hay & yourself, & a return of friendly sentiments. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0221", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 January 1785\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nBoston [Mass.] 31st January 1785\nI have the satisfaction, my dear Sir, to acknowledge the receipt of your kind favors of the 5th of Decr and of the 5th instant for which I beg you to receive my warmest thanks. I regard these letters as fresh proofs of your unchanging friendship and kindness, which I shall ever esteem among the cheif blessings of my Life.\nThe Indians being in a bad temper when you went to the Westward I felt great solicitude for your safety, as I was apprehensive you would have proceeded to the utmost distance you at first intended. I was glad to learn that you altered your determination. You must have been chagrined to have found your lands possessed by a lawless people who hold in contempt Equity, one of the first principles of society. This and other circumstances, my dear Sir, you will experience as excercises to your Philosophy. But it will be to you a consolation, full of peace, to reflect, that you have in all your actions, obeyed the dictates of a mind replete with patriotism, and universal benevolence. This is a happiness that few possess, and perhaps not one on Earth, has reason to possess it, in a more eminent degree than you.\nYour remarks on the present situation of our Country, are indeed too just. The different states have not only different views of the same subject, but some of them have views that sooner or later must involve the Country in all the horrors of civil War. If\nthere is any good policy which prevades generally our public measures it is too misterious to be comprehended by people out of the Cabinet\u2014A Neglect, in every State, of those principles which lead to Union and National greatness\u2014An adoption of local, in preference to general measures, appear to actuate the greater part of the State politicians\u2014We are entirely destitute of those traits which should Stamp us one Nation, and the Constitution of Congress, does not promise any capital alteration for the better. Great Measures will not be carried in Congress so much by the propriety, utility and necessity of the thing, but as a matter of compromise for something else, which may be evil itself, or have a tendency to evil. This perhaps is not so much the fault of the members, as a defect of the Confederation\u2014Every State considers its representative in Congress not so much the Legislator of the whole Union, as its own immediate Agent or Ambassador to negociate, & to endevour to create in Congress as great an influence as possible to favor particular views &c. With a Constitution, productive of such dispositions, is it possible that the American \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 can ever rival the Roman Name? The operation of opening the navigation of the Rivers so as to communicate with the Western Waters, is truly noble, and if successful, of which I hope there is not a doubt, it must be followed by the most extensively beneficial consequences, which will encrease in exact proportion to the encrease of the population of the Country. I am pleased that you interest yourself so much in this great Work.\nYou are so good as to ask whether General Lincoln and myself had an agreable tour to the eastward? and whether the State societies arnt making moves towards obtaining charters? We Went to the eastern Line of this State, and found that the British had made excessive encroachments on our territories. There are three Rivers in the Bay of Passamaquoddy to which the british have within 20 years past with a view to confound the business given the name of St Croix. But the ancient St Croix is the eastern River. The British have settled, and built a considerable Town called St Andrews on the Middle River, which has always sustained among the people in that Country, the Indian name Scudar. The proper St Croix, and the Scudar are only nine miles distant at their mouths\u2014They run into the County about Sixty miles, and they diverge from each other so\nmuch, that athough at their mouths they are only nine miles apart yet at their Sources they are one hundred miles distant from each other. and it is from the source the North Line to the Mountains is to begin. The mountains are distant from the source about 80 or 100 miles\u2014so the difference to this State is one hundred miles square above the heads of the Rivers and the Land between the Rivers, which must be 60 by 50 mile Square. Our Legislature have transmitted the report we made on this business to Congress and the Governor of Nova Scotia\u2014The matter has been involved designedly by the british in such a manner but it can now be settled only by commissioners mutually appointed for that purpose. I have seen a letter from Mr John Adams, dated last October, which mentions that the River meant by the treaty of peace was decidedly the River next to St Johns River westward\u2014And there are plenty of proof that the ancient St Croix was the next to St Johns\u2014I have been particular, in this narration that you may know the precise State of this affair which it is probable will sooner or later occasion much conversation.\nAs to the Cincinnati, the objections against it are apparently removed\u2014But I beleive none have yet applied for Charters. In this State it is pretty evident from communicating with the members of the Legislature that we should not succeed\u2014Howevever we shall attempt it previous to our next meeting in July.\nI pray you my dear Sir, that you carry into execution your determination, that no circumstances of Civility shall restrain you from taking a proper proportion of exercise. Unless you do this, you will soon languish, and every ill conseq[u]ence to your health may be expected to ensue. Your own happiness, and the happiness of your friends depend upon it.\nMost of the Stone Lime used in this Town and the neig[h]boreing Seaport Towns, is made at St Georges about 150 miles eastward of this place\u2014before the War it used to be sold here from 20/ to 25/ \u214c hogshead of an 100 gallons each, the hogshead included\u2014It is always brought to Market in hogsheads and unslacked\u2014This lime is of excellent quality\u2014The lowest price last year was five dollars \u214c hogshead, and it is supposed that the same sum will be nearly the price the Year ensuing\u2014The price of the frieght to your house, or Alexandria would be uncertain, as much would depend, upon the quantity of loading\nthe Vessell had, which should take it\u2014I have made enquiry of the most intelligent who say that it might be 2 dollars, or if the Vessell had but little frieght, perhaps one and an half \u214c hogshead, or perhaps even so low as one dollar\u2014This price of one dollar is given for the frieght from St Georges to this Town.\nAs the Lime is never sold slaked, but when it gets slaked by accident, and then it is always sold at an inferior price as damaged\u2014and the masons say that it would be unfit for service before it reached you\u2014No Vessell will take the unslaked Lime in Bulk on account of the danger attending it\u2014It must be transported in hogsheads.\nI never have heard of the Stone being sold unburnt, but undoubtedly it would be the cheapest method by which you could obtain the Lime as you have hands, and Wood of your own\u2014If it were possible to find a Vessell (which it is not) going from St Georges to Alexandria it would fix the Matter\u2014If we had the stone in this place, we might probably find Vessels going to Alexandria which might take it as ballast free of frieght\u2014But frieght must be paid for it from St Georges here, as all the Vessells come from thence fully loaded with Lumber, wood &c.\u2014I cannot say what this frieght would be, as there are no vessells in during this severe season.\nAs the Lime Stone is upon an Estate which belonged to Mrs Knox\u2019s family, I should be able to prevail upon the persons who occupy it, to send me the Stone, although contrary to thier general Custom, and to charge it low\u2014In either case whether you would have the Lime burnt or the Stone unburnt I would chearfully undertake to send you the quantity you should require\u2014and embrace the earliest conveyances to forward it\u2014If you should find that you could obtain the Lime or Stone, on better terms here than elsewhere, the sooner you forward your orders to me the better, as it will require some time, to negoiate the matter at St Georges the distance being so great, and passages precarious during the Winter.\nAfter what you have said about writing too much it may appear strange that I should request you to embarrass yourself still more, but I am so circumstanced as to be constrained to make the application, and rely upon your goodness to excuse it\u2014An Intimate freind of mine Mr Swan, a member of our Legislature and a gentleman of large Fortune intends going to\nFrance with his wife to pass a year or two there and in other parts of Europe. He has solicited me that I would request two or three letters from you to Count DEstaing, Count Rochambeau, or whoever you may think proper\u2014I will be responsible, that he will not disgrace your credentials.\nLieut. Seaver and Lieut. Henly two officers who served with perfect reputation in the Massachusetts Line intend going into Foreign Service, the one in the Dutch and the other in the Russian Service. As the basis of their future happiness they request honorary certificates from you. I beg you to grant these for their sakes, & Mr Swans for mine.\nMrs Knox\u2019s\u2014was a daughter, and a fine one it is. Mrs K. joins me in the most affectionate respect to you and Mrs Washington. I am my dear Sir with the utmost sincerity Your obliged & affectionate humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0222", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Paca, 31 January 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Paca, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon Jany 31st 1785.\nAltho\u2019 I have no doubt but that your Excelly has been, or will be, informed of the Act of the Virginia Assembly respecting the Potomack Navigation from the Governor of the State, yet, as the Act could not be printed at Richmond in time for the use of the Managers, and was brought to Alexandria for that purpose\u2014and as a pressure of other public matters may, possibly, have delayed the official communication, I do myself the honor of inclosing one of the copies wch was struck at the above place; and which only came to my hands in time to be forwarded by this Post.\nIf it should be the first that reaches you, you will have it in your power to make such use thereof as you shall think proper. If it should follow the official one, I have but to pray that it may be considered as an evidence of my good wishes to the undertaking, and not as an officious interference in the business of the Executive. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most Obedt & Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0223", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 1 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 1st Feby 1785.\nIn a letter of the 14th of Decr from Mr Boudinot (which only came to my hands by the last Post) he informs me that he should send Six bushls of the Orchard grass Seeds to your care, for my use. If this has been done, I pray you not to forego the first opportunity of forwarding it to me, as it ought to be sowed as soon as the ground can be prepared, which I am now getting in order for its reception.\nI do not know how to account for it, but so the fact is, that altho\u2019 I am a subscriber to Messrs Dunlaps & Claypoole\u2019s Packet & daily Advertiser, I do not get one paper in five of them\u2014was I to say one in ten, I should be nearer the mark. Once I wrote to Mr Claypoole on this subject, but he never vouchsafed to give me an answer, and since I have been worse served. If I recollect right, this letter was accompanied with one to you requesting payment of my subscription; lest a tardiness in this respect, on my part, might occasion the omissions on his. I now ask the same favor of you, and pray also, that you would be so obligeing as to enquire into, and let me know the cause of my disappointments\u2014which I have regretted the more, since their publication of Cooks voyages; having never been able to get a bound and lettered sett of them.\nBe it remembered that, if the fulfilment of these requests of mine, places you in advance for me, it is because I cannot get a Statement of the acct between us, that I may know how the Balle stands. You talked of coming to Virginia, and I assure you I should be very glad to see you\u2014but it seems as if it would end in talk.\nI have received a Cask of clover Seeds & a box with a cast (from Mr Wright) unaccompanied by a letter or Invoice. I do not know therefore whether to expect the English grass seeds of which you gave me hopes, or not \u2014We have heard of Mrs Shaws Marriage, on which occasion please to offer her mine, and Mrs Washingtons compliments of congratulation: at the sametime present our best wishes for Mrs Biddle & your family. I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr most obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Be so good as to let the enclosed go safe to Messrs Lewis\u2019s. it is to request them to provide me a good Miller of which I am much in want\u2014and in the doing of which, if you could contribute, it would render me an essential Service. G.W.\nSince writing the foregoing, I have recollected a matter of business which I intended when you came here to have asked the favor of you to negotiate for me. I now enclose it, & would thank you for getting it settled, if it can be done, at the proper office in Philadelphia. The endorsements upon the cover of the Papers (which was made at the time they were put into my hands) contain all the light I can throw upon the business. I\npray you to take care of it with the rest of the Papers and let me have it again with whatever settlement is made, or decision is come to; as I have no copy or other Memm by which I can settle an Acct with Gilbert Simpson, or John Johns relative to this matter. I am as above. G. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0225", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Richards, 1 February 1785\nFrom: Richards, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nHonoured Sir\nPlymo[uth]. Dock [England] Febry 1st/85\nI most humbly presume to take on me the freedom of acquainting your Noble Excellency that Richard Richards of Guynepe parish in the County of Cornwall lately posses\u2019d of Severall plantations in Virginia and died there about 37 years Agone and left a Will in the possesion of your Excellency\u2019s hands Concerning the plantations with fourteen thousand pounds in Cash And by proof the will being produced the whole was left to Edmund Richards being my father and I being call\u2019d Edmund after my Father\u2019s own Name but Richard Richards the Younger Brother of my fathers, after My father\u2019s death posses\u2019d the plantations for Severall Years and died about 18 or 19 Years ago and he being Very Intimately acquainted with your Excellency left the Will in Your Hands with all the\nCash and Lands belonging to Richard Richards As your Excellency offer\u2019d to be a Trustee for the same and whereas your Excellency was pleas\u2019d to appoint Lawyer Haines of Virginia to draw out a Copy of the will and to Send itt to Lawyer Britton of Collumpton To have the Copy advertiz\u2019d in the public papers So as to find out the Nearest Relation and I Edmund Richards hearing of the Same Can with every circumstance of truth prove that Richard Richards Was my Only Uncle Brother to My father Edmund Richards as no Other person can with fidelity and truth prove any other and now With advice from my Lawyer and Severall Responsible Gentlemen As Every thing being Settled Amicably between Great Brittain and the United States of America took this opportunity of Sending to your Excellency To Enquire into every particular Circumstance So as I might have itt from Under Your hand Whatt is my true and lawfull right as Me and no other Can Claim a Just and proper right to it.\nAnd now Sir your Excellency will I hope be Carefully pleas\u2019d to peruse this and youll find that the Whole properly belongs to me And I hope your Excellency on receiving this or Some Short Time After will be so Kind and Obligeing as to Send me the Whole particulars and in So doing youll Ever oblige Sir Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient Humble Servt to Command.\nEdmund Richard\u2019s", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0227", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 2 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 2d Feb. 85.\nThe Writer of the inclosed letter, in person & character, is entirely unknown to me. I have been at a loss therefore to determine what notice to take of it\u2014at length I concluded to write the answer which is also enclosed; and to request the favor of you to send it to him, or return it to me, as you should just  best from the result of your enquiries; or from your own knowledge of the author, or his Works. If he is a man of decent deportment, & his productions deserving encouragement, I am very willing to lend him any aid he can derive from the proposed dedication, if he conceives a benefit. His letter & proposals you\nwill please to return me\u2014& Seal the letter to him, if it is forwarded to the address. I am\u2014Dr Sir Yr most obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0228", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 2 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Williams, Otho Holland\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 2d Feby 1785.\nYour letter of the 24th ulto with eighty three Diplomas came to my hands on Monday last. I have signed and returned them to Colo. Fitzgerald to be forwarded to you.\nIt would be hard indeed upon Majr Turner & Captn Claypoole not only to give them the trouble of producing the Diplomas, but to saddle them with the expence of it also. Was there no provision made therefor at the General Meeting? Do not the minutes of that meeting devise some mode of payment? I well remember that the matter was agitated, but I forgot what, or whether any conclusion was come to: & I recollect also that I desired Genl Knox when difficulties arose with respect to the business which had been entrusted to Majr L\u2019Enfant to suggest, that the sum which I had proposed to subscribe for the purposes of the Society might be applied to any uses the Meeting\nshould direct; but what the result of it was, I know not. It was observed at that time, that there was money in the hands of the Treasurer General\u2014but not having the proceedings to refer to, and a bad memory to depend upon\u2014these things appear like dreams to me. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr ob: humble Servant\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0229", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sullivan, 3 February 1785\nFrom: Sullivan, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nExeter in New Hampshire Feby 3d 1785\nThe state meeting of the Cincinnati in New Hampshire have received and considered the proceedings of the General Meeting held at Philadelphia in May Last[.] when we view the respectable Characters which attended that Meeting and call to mind the repeated proofs they have given of their great abilities and penetration Nothing But the clearest conviction could bring us to believe an Error or an inconsistencey in their proceedings\u2014The Society was Instituted by officers who having Endured Every species of Toil & danger Distress were about to return [to] their respective families many of which were by the Long absence brought to a Degree of poverty and Even those which were before in the most affluent Circumstances considerably reduced\u2014such was the state of our public funds That instead of receiving & carrying home with them the reward of their services or the wages which they had stipulated for to relieve those who had patiently Suffered a Tedious absence they could only present them with Scars & ruined Constitutions\u2014The freedom of their Country being effectually secured They then devised a Method for perp[et]uating that friendship for Each other which had subsisted among them through the Course of a Long & Tedious war supported under the severest\ntrials & Cemented by their Blood\u2014They considered the Emblems of the society as the most Endeuring tokens of that friendship and wishd that it might be Cherishd among their Children.\nThe funds were intended to relieve the widows and orphans of their Brethren who had fallen in Defense of their Country & Members of the Society who might become objects of their Charity\u2014If these were the principles upon which the Society was founded what good Reason can be assigned for not Suffering the same marks of mutual friendship to be held in grateful remembrance by their Children  which are allowed of Such high Estimation among the parents.\nYou will pardon us for observing that by placing the funds in the hands of the respective Legislatures it seems to indicate that Instead of officers reduced in Circumstances by the  want of pay & the common misfortunes of war they had arrived to such a Degree of wealth & affluence That they had Even so great a plenty of Cash that a new & unheard of method must be contrived to take it from them & place in hands which could at pleasure deprive them of it without their having the Least possible controul over it\u2014or voice in Disposing of it\u2014And we flatter ourselves that we cannot be accused of indecencey when we observe that as the Existence of the society is to End with the Lives of the present members the funds must consequently be a gift to the Several Legislatures or if continued by the admission of new members under Charters obtaind as proposed in the Last Meeting the funds will be Lost to the Donors & their posterity & together with those Endeuring Marks of friendship will be Enjoyed by neither the persons who had a right to claim them or by their Desendants\u2014we know the uneasiness which the Institution of this Society created among the people & are at no Loss to conjecture the Occasion but if it was thought necessary to Quiet the minds of people & to Silence the Tongue of Envy, would it not have been done more Effectually by removing the Cause of Complaint\u2014& abolishing the Society at once we are not Tenacious of contending for the power of writing to Each other as Societies though it might be difficult to assign a Reason why Ever[y] member of the united states Every Convention Committee of Safety & the persons Composing a Town Meeting should have a priviledg of Corrisponding with Each\nother upon public affairs & the officers of the American Army alone be Deprived of it.\nThe Establishing a Common fund & reserving Liberty to Dispose of it for Charitable uses has been complained of as Dangerous to the Liberties of this Country. societies of various kinds have often done this without alarming the people & if Joint merchants free masons or the Members of any other society took the Liberty of Disposing of their own money for Charitable purposes the right has never before been called in Question or the Charitable Disposition been Deemed a Crime.\nBut if pretences Like these are to be regarded or fears so ill founded are to be Quieted we wish the Ax may be Laid to the Root of the Tree & the Society be intirely abolished & Every member take back & Enjoy what he has put in the funds or dispose of it\u2014according to his pleasure.\nWe became Members of the Cincinnati upon the original plan & cannot conceive ourselves bound by Articles to which we never subscribed and in Case it should become necessary to Establish a new system we shall Individually claim a right to determine for ourselves whether we will become members or whether we will not.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0230", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Beckley, 5 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Beckley, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.\nHere with you will receive the ingrossed Bill which was forwarded to me by Colo. Grayson for the purpose of getting printed copies taken.\nI hope it will get safe to your hands\u2014that I may be satisfied of this, be so good as to inform me thereof.I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0231", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 5 February 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Patrick Henry, 5 Feb. 1785. On 27 Feb. GW wrote to Henry: \u201cI have had the honor to receive your Excellency\u2019s letter of the 5th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0232", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lincoln, Benjamin\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.\nNot until within these few days have I been favored with your letter of the 18th of Octr introductory of Mr Porter. I beg you to be assured that I shall have pleasure in shewing him every civility in my power while he makes this region the place of his residence\u2014as I shall to any other, to whom you may give letters recommendatory.\nA few days ago I received from on board some vessel in the harbor of Alexana\u2014two cheese\u2019s, & a barrel (wrote thereon Major rice) of Cranberries, unaccompanied by a letter, but said to be a present from you. If this be the fact I pray you to accept my thanks for this token of your recollection\u2014or to offer them to Majr Rice, if the barrel came from him.\nWe have nothing stirring in this quarter worthy of observation, except the passing of two acts by the Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland (exactly similar) for improving & extending the navigation of the river Potomac from tide water, as high up as it shall be found practicable, & communicating it by good roads with the nearest navigable waters to the Westward: which acts in their consequences, may be of great political, as well as commercial advantages: the first to the Confederation, as it may tie the Settlers of the Western Territory to the Atlantic States by interest, which is the only knot that will hold. Whilst those of Virginia & Maryland will be more immediately benefited by the large field it opens for the latter. Books for receiving subscriptions are to be opened at Alexandria & other places the 8th instant, & continue so until the 10th of May; as the navigable part of the business is to be undertaken by a company to be incorporated for the purpose. With great truth & sincerity I am My Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0233", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 5 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir,\nMount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.\nI have lately received two letters from you, one of the 14th & the other of the 25th of last month.\nThe Bonds which you have taken from Mr Whiting had better remain in your hands until they are discharg\u2019d. And by the time you propose to be at Belvoir, in April\u2014I will endeavour to prepare a proper rental for you, if it shall be in my power, from the pressure of other matters.\nIt was always my intention, & ever my expectation, that the Tenants should pay the tax of their own Lotts; but if the Leases neither express nor imply it, I do not suppose there is anything else to compel them\u2014consequently Mr Whiting must be allowed what he has actually paid\u2014look however at his lease, and judge yourself of the fact; as I speak more from my expectation than reallity perhaps, & do not want to enter into an improper litigation of the matter. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S.\u2014Mrs Washington begs you would get from some of my Tenants, or others 10 or a dozen lbs. of good hackled Flax for her.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0234", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Vaughan, 5 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vaughan, Benjamin\nSir,\nMount Vernon 5th Feby 1785\nI pray you to accept my acknowledgement of your polite letter of 31st of October; & thanks for the flattering expressions of it. These are also due in a very particular manner to Doctr Price, For the honorable mention he has made of the American General, in his excellent observations on the importance of the American revolution\u2014\u201cAddressed to the free and united States of America\u201d which I have seen & read with much pleasure.\nCapt. Haskeill in the Ship May arrived at the port of Alexandria a few days since; but the frost which at present interrupts the navagation of the river, has prevented my sending for the Chimney piece; by the number of cases in which it is packed, I greatly fear it is too elegant & costly for my room & Republican stile of living\u2014I regret, exceedingly, that the politeness of your good Father, should have overcome my resolution, & thereby occasion the trouble & difficulty which this business seems to have involved. Nothing could have been more remote from my intention than to give this; & I earnestly, but in vain, entreated Mr Vaughan to countermand the order for its shipment. I have the honor to be Sr, Your most obedt humble Serv.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0235", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 5 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vaughan, Samuel\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Feby 1785.\nI have the honor to inform you that the Chimney piece is arrived, & by the number of Cases (ten) too elegant & costly by far I fear for my own room, & republican stile of living\u2014tho\u2019 it encreases the sense of my obligation to you for it. The Ship arrived at her Port just as this second frost set in, so that it has not been in my power to send up for these cases by water, & I would not hazard the transportation of them by land, nine miles.\nThey were accompanied by a very polite letter from your Son Benjamin Vaughan Esqr. of London \u2014to whom under cover with this, I have acknowledged the receipt, with thanks for the favorable expression of it. I hope Mrs Vaughan & your family enjoy good health, to whom with Mrs Washington\u2019s compliments, I pray to be presented in respectful terms. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yrs &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0236", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Josiah Parker, 6 February 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Parker, Josiah\nLetter not found: to Josiah Parker, 6 Feb. 1785. On 24\u201328 Feb. Parker wrote to GW: \u201cI feel myself much honored with your very friendly polite letter of the 6th Ultimo.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0237", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Christopher Chamney, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Chamney, Christopher\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWhitehaven [England] February 8th 1785\nI have been 26 Years from Virginia Septr last, and for the last 7 Years I have enjoy\u2019d an uninterupted State of good Health owing to Temperance, Exercise, & early going to Rest without Supper.\nThe Irish are aiming at Independance\u2014they have had no less than 5 Lord Lieutenants in 3 Years vizt\nEarl of Carlisle\nDuke of Portland\nEarl Temple\nLord Northington, & at present the Duke of Rutland a Son of the late Marquis of Granby\nOur Sir James Lowther is lately advanc\u2019d to the House of Lords with the pompous Titles of\n1. Baron Lowther of Lowther in the County of Westmorland.\n2. Baron of the Barony of Kendal in the said County.\n3. Baron of d[itt]o Borough in the County of Cumberland.\n4. Viscount Lonsdale.\n5. Viscount Lowther, &\n6. Earl of Lonsdale\nMr John Hudson told me he saw you, & your Son Lund at Alexandria, it gave me great Pleasure to hear ye were well My best Respects to all my surviving old Acquaintance. I should be glad to hear from you yearly by some of our Whitehaven Vessels that load at Alexandria, a Virginia Almanack, & a Gazette will be very acceptable. Wishing you & Your\u2019s many happy Years I am Your most obedt Servant\nChristr Chamney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0238", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Filson, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Filson, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWilmington [Del.] Feby 8th 1785\nI herewith send you a book and a Map enfolded, requesting Your Excellency to receive them, and if upon perusal you think them worth Notice, I presume you will favour the following requests with a letter to the Author, Containing a permission to dedicate a Second edition of this Narrative to Your Excellency, to which will be added interresting accounts. About the first of March the printer will begin the work, I request you will honour the publication with Your sentiments respecting the Commercial Circumstances practicable to be effected between the waters of Potowmack and Cheat rivers: This Sir may be of public utility and Certainly more acceptable from you than any other. Your Concern for the public good so gloriously Manifested to the world, and so deeply impressed on the hearts of Your grateful Countrymen will by this favour render the publication more acceptable and beneficial to Mankind. In November\nlast I Consigned a Number of these books & Maps to Mr John Page at Rosewel desiring him to forward one to you, and a letter importing the substance of this, but probably they are Miscarried. If we are to expect your addition to this work, it is humbly wished for before March, at present Will subscribe Myself Your Excellencies Sincere friend and humble Servt\nJohn Filson\nP.S. perhaps a few of these would be acceptable in your part.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0239", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Harrison, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nBerkley [Charles City County, Va.]Feby 8th 1785\nYour esteem\u2019d favor of the 22d of last month reached me but a few days ago. Letters by post are some time geting to me, owing to the distance I am from the post road.\nI was fully aware of the difficulties the compliment made you by the assembly would lay you under, and assure you that the love and friendship I entertain for you, my earnest wishes that you might still support that noble disinterestedness of character that has hitherto mark\u2019d all your steps and actions, and a perfect knowlege of the delicacy of your feelings, gave me a full share of perplexities on the occasion. If you were without enemies, or the eye of melevolence was not intently fixed on all your actions, I should not see the least impropriety in your accepting a present from your greatful country, particularly as every care has been taken in the preamble to the grant, to guard against the most distant appearance of its being a gratuity for the important services you have render\u2019d America, and to fix it to the true objects of the Acts, the great and real advantages that will derive to the country from the extention of its navigation, the parent of which you have been, and to whom alone they owe their existence, or will probably owe their completion. But on the other hand when I view mankind, their\npronen[e]ss to put the worst construction on every action of those of exalted character, and the triumph it will give your enemies, to have an apparent th\u2019o false opportunity to attempt the lessening your reputation, I am at a loss what advice to give, and shall therefore leave the determination to your own far better judgment.\nAs to your fears of appearing ostentatious by a refusal, I think they are altogether groundless, your countrymen have too high an opinion of your discernment not to acquiesce in your determination but more especially in points where reputation is the stake. Their motives for what they have done were of the purest kind, they saw with concern the sacrafises you had made for their benefit, by a total neglect of your domestic affairs, and they have been earnestly seeking an opportunity to show their gratitude and love for you; they thought one presented itself that was out of the reach of detraction, and therefore embraced it with one voice, and as far as I could see with one mind, and I am certain would sensibly feel any slur cast on your reputation, with these sentiments th\u2019o they will feel unhappy that they cannot be gratified in their wishes, yet they will not take amiss a refusal dictated by motives that have hitherto done you so much honor.\nI am happy to find that th\u2019o you have not taken your final resolution with respect to the compliment, that you will still forward the schemes, as the works under your patronage and protection will advance more rapidly than they would otherwise do, and the subscription probably be fill\u2019d, as I fear would not be the case, if advantage is not taken of the ardour of the present moment.\nI am extremely oblig\u2019d to my good friends at mount Vernon for their kind inquirey after the health of Mrs Harrison, who is geting better th\u2019o slowly. I have hopes and indeed expect she will mend faster when the weather will permit her to use excercise, which seems to be her only remedy She and the girls join me in the most friendly and affect. compliments to you and the Ladies. I am my dear Sir with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and regard, your most obidient Humble Servant\nBenj. Harrison", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0240", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Feby 8th 1785\nSince my last I have had the honor to receive your favors of the 26th of December, & 16th of January.\nI have now the pleasure to inform you, that, the Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland have enacted Laws for improving & extending the Navigation of Potomk of which the inclosed is a copy\u2014They are exactly similar in both States. at the sametime, and at the joint & equal expence of the two Governments, the sum of 6666\u2154 dollars are voted for opening, & keeping in repair, a road from the highest practicable navigation of this River, to that of the river Cheat, or Monongahela as Commissioners (who are appointed to Survey & lay out the same) shall judge most convenient, & benificial to the Western Settlers; and have concurred in an application to the State of Pensylvania for permission to open another road from Fort Cumberland to the Yohiogany; at the three forks or Turkey foot. A similar Bill to the one inclosed, is passed by our Assembly, respecting the Navigation of James River; & the Communication between it & the Waters of the Great Kanhawa. And the Executive is Authorized, by a resolve, to appoint Commissioners to examine, & report the most convenient course for a Canal between Elizabeth River & the Waters of Roanoke; with an estimate of the expence; and if the best communication should be f[oun]d to require the concurrence of the State of North Carolina thereto, to make application to the Legislature thereof, accordingly.\nTowards the latter part of the year 1783, I was honored with a letter from the Countess of Huntingdon, briefly reciting her benevolent intention of spreading Christianity among the tribes of Indians, inhabiting our Western Territory; & expressing a desire that my advice & assistance might be afforded her, to carry this charitable design into execution. I wrote her Ladyship for answer that, it would by no means comport with the plan of retirement I had promised myself, to take an active or responsible part in this business; and that it was my belief, there would be no other way to effect her pious & benevolent\ndesign, but by first reducing these people to a state of greater civilization; but that I would give every aid in my power consistent with that ease, & tranquillity  I meant to devote the remainder of my life [to,] to facilitate her views\u2014Since this\u2014I have been favored with other letters from her, & a few days ago, under cover from Sir James Jay I received the Papers herewith inclosed.\nAs the Plan contemplated by Lady Huntingdon, according to the outlines exhibited, is not only unexceptionable in its design and tendency, but has humanity & charity for its object\u2014and may, as I conceive, be made subservient to valuable political purposes, I take the liberty of laying the matter before you, for your free & candid sentiments thereon. The communication I make of this matter to you, Sir, is in a private way; but you are at full liberty to communicate the Plan of Lady Huntingdon to the members individually, or officially to Congress, as the importance, & propriety of the measure may strike you.\nMy reasons for it are these, 1st I do not believe that any of the States to whom she has written (unless it may be New York) are in circumstances since their cession of territory, to comply with the requisition respecting emigration; for it has been privately hinted to me (& ought not to become a matter of public notariety) that notwithstanding the indefinite expressions of the address, respecting the numbers, or occupations of the emigrants (which was purposely omitted, to avoid giving alarms in England)\u2014the former will be great, & the useful artizans among them, many. 2d because such emigration, if it should accomplish the object in view, besides the humane & charitable purposes which would thereby be answered, would be of immense political consequence: & even if this should not succeed to her Ladyships wishes, it must nevertheless be of considerable importance; from the increase of population by orderly & well disposed characters, who wd at once, form a barrier; & attempt the conversion of the Savages without any expence to the Union.\nI see but one objection to a compact, unmixed, & powerful Settlement of this kind (if it should ever become so)\u2014the weight of which you will judge of\u2014it is (and her Ladyship seems to have been aware of it, and endeavors to guard against it) placing a people, in a body, upon our exterior, (contiguous\nto Canada) who may bring with them strong prejudices against us, and our forms of Government; and equally strong attachments to the Country & constitution they leave; without the means, being detached & unmixed with Citizens of different sentiments, of having them eradicated.\nHer Ladyship has spoken so sensibly, & feelingly on the religeous, & benevolent purposes of the plan, that no language of which I am possessed, can add ought, to enforce her observations: and no place, in my opinion, bids so fair to answer her views, as that spot in Hutchins\u2019s Map Marked Miami Village, & Fort. From hence their is a communication to all parts by water; and at which, in my judgemt, there ought to be a Post.\nDo not think it strange, my good Sir, that I send you the original papers from Lady Huntington. Many, mistakingly, think I am retired to ease, & that kind of tranquillity which would grow tiresome, for want of employment. but at no period of my life\u2014not in the eight years I served the public, have I been obliged to write so much myself as I have done since my retirement. was this confined to friendly communications, & to my own business, it would be equally pleasing & trifling; but I have a thousand references of old matters with which I ought not to be troubled, but which nevertheless must receive some answer. These, with applications for certificates, copies of Papers, &ca &ca &ca deprive me of my usual, & necessary exercise\u2014I have tried to get a Secretary, or Clerk to take the drudgery of this business off my hands, but hitherto in vain. That you might not wonder at my parting with original papers, upon an interesting subject, I thought it incumbent on me to assign the reason\u2014but I pray you to be assured that I have no other motive for it.\nPlease to accept my thanks for the Pamphlet you sent me\u2014and the resolutions respecting the temporary & permanent residence of Congress \u2014If I might be permitted to hazard an opinion of the latter, I would say that, by the time your f\u0153deral buildings on the banks of the Delaware; als in  the point of a triangle (when compared to the Shape, & extent of the Confed[erate]d States) are fit for the reception of Congress it will be found that they are very inconveniently placed, for the Seat of the Empire &c. will have to undergo a Second edition, in one more convenient. If the Union continues and this is not the case\nI will agree to be placed amongst the false prophets, & suffer for evil predictions.\nThe letter which went undr cover of my former, & which arrived too late for the Marqs de la Fayette, I pray you to forward to him by the Packet. With great esteem & regard I have the honr to be Dr Sir Yr Most Hble & Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0241", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 9 February 1785\nFrom: Boudinot, Elias\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nElizabeth Town [N.J.] Febry 9th 1785\nThis Moment I am honored with your favour of the 26th Janry and am greatly mortified to find, that mine of the latter End of December had not then reached you, altho I delivered it to the post-Master myself.\nIt ever gave me a peculiar Pleasure to obey your Commands, and to Oblige you in any thing this Country can afford, or to comply with your wishes, in any other way, will add greatly to the felicity, I enjoy from those domestic Blessings you with Mrs Washington so kindly participate in.\nAs soon as I recieved your favour of Novr I tryed to obtain the quantity of seed you requested, but the Season being past, could get only Six or Seven Bushells, which was immediately\nforwarded by the Stage to Coll Biddle, under the Care of our old Friend Coll Gibbs, who happened to be a Passenger, and by the next Post, I advised you of it.\nSince which, I have accidentally met with three Bushells and an half more, which I shall also immediately forward by the same Conveyance to Coll Biddle \u2014The reason of my preferring the Stage, arises from the incertainty of a Passage from New York, the danger of its being lost in the City, and the importance of your not being disappointed in having it early in the Season.\nI have had another Conversation with a very experienced Farmer, on the manner of sowing it\u2014He informs me that the Soil should be good, moderately dry and in good tilth\u2014The Quantity of Seed, must be proportioned to the goodness of the Soil\u2014the better the Ground, the greater the quantity of Seed\u2014He has known in very high cultured Grounds, two Bushells used for one Acre, and he thinks it, the cheapest in the End\u2014In good Land, he has generally used from one, to one & an half Bushell \u214c Acre\u2014The more seed the finer the Grass. The earlier it is sown the better; provided you can harrow it, with some light Body, as a Thorn Bush or some other thick Bush, as it then covers the Ground well, before the Heats of Summer\u2014To make Hay of it, you must cut it young when in full bloom.\nIt will give me great Satisfaction to hear, that both Parcells have got safe to hand, and answer your Expectation.\nMrs Boudinot enjoys a very good state of Health, as does Mrs Bradford in the City \u2014Mrs B. feels herself greatly indebted to Mrs Washington for her kind remembrance\u2014She joins me in the most cordial wishes, for every Blessing of the Season to attend you both. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect My dear Sir Your most obedt & very Hble Servt\nElias Boudinot", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0243", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 9 February 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nVersailles february the 9th 1785\nAfter a pretty tedious passage of thirty days we Have Safely Arrived at Brest, from whence I Came to paris through Rennes, where the States of Britanny were Assembled, and where their kindness to me Made it Necessary for me to Stop one day\u2014My family, wife, children, and friends I found in perfect Health\u2014the politics of Europe are not in a tranquil Condition, and from their situation a dreadfull war may Break out\u2014What I Could Collect I Have writen to Mr jay, and inclose a Copy of my letter \u2014prince de Condi, and Marechal de Broglio are spoken of to Command the two Armies\u2014Where I would Serve, I Had not yet time to Arrange\u2014But it will not Be with my dear General, and Every thing is so short of that Happiness, that Nothing, when Compared to it, Can possibly please me\u2014However, notwistanding all preparations, I still am of opinion matters will Be Compromised and, at least for this Year, I Hope no war will Be Necessary\u2014the propriety of my not Arriving later than Now is very obvious\u2014irish disputes are But little Spoken of, But may Revive with their Congress and their Reviews\u2014England will\ntake no part in the war, at least in the Begining\u2014I Have obeyed your orders, my dear General, and Besides those you told me, I Have presented your Compliments to every Acquaintance of yours\u2014in a few days I Hope for a letter from you\u2014now, my dear General, that I Had once more Got Used to the Happiness of Being with, or at Least Near You, A punctual Correspondance, at least, is more than ever Necessary to my Heart\u2014should a packet Come without a letter from you, I would indeed feel very unHappy\u2014this letter will Be But short, not so much on Account of my late Arrival than Because I did not think the third tuesday was on the 15th\u2014for the Same Reason my little girl will Be deprived of the Honour of Answering Her Sweet Correspondant untill next packet\u2014those two letters Have almost turned Her Head \u2014Mde de Lafayette Requests Her most affectionate Compliments to you, and Mrs Washington. The Chevalier joins with me in Assurances of Respect to Her, to your Excellency, and we Beg to Be Remembered to the Young ones, and Mrs Stuard\u2014My Compliments to the doctor and Mr lund W. Give me leave once more to Recommend two things to you\u2014Riding now and then\u2014and getting a Secretary\u2014Adieu, Adieu, My dear General, Every Sentiment that love, Gratitude, Regard Can inspire, Every filial, friendly feelings, shall for ever Combine to put me at the Head of all those who ever loved a father and friend as Your affectionate and Humble Servant\nLafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0244", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Rumney, Jr., 9 February 1785\nFrom: Rumney, John Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nW[hi]t[e]haven [England] 9th Feby 1785\nIn Compliance with your request to me when in America I have made every Enquiry relating to the Flags that I could, I have sent you three Patterns in a Box, viz. one of black Stone or Marble from the Isle of Man which comes at 13d. \u214c Flag deliv\u2019d in Douglass, the Freight from thence to this Place will be but\ntrifeling, & whatever you pitch upon to have sent out, we shall be as reasonable as possible in the freight out from here. The next is a white Flag from this Neighbourhood, with Veins in it, the Person which furnishes that will not do it under 9d. \u214c Flag, the other is a white Flag pretty hard & I think of a better Quality than the other, got in this Neighbourhood, which may be got for 7\u00bd or 8d. I have been disappointed in getting some from Ireland, which I expect every Tide, I shall send them by a Vessel we have going to Alexa. in abt 6 Weeks. I have inclos\u2019d you a Plan I got from Ireland with Directions for laying the Flags for your Perusal, also one from the Person that furnishes the Vein\u2019d Flag. I have made every Enquiry I could for a Joiner & Bricklayer, but have only succeeded in the former who I now send out in the C\u00e6sar Ct. Atkinson, he is a very sober industrious Young Man & a complat Worker. I got him on the best Terms I could as you will see by the inclos\u2019d Indenture. We have advanc\u2019d him as under, which you will please stop out of his first Years Wages by Agreement, & at any Convenient Opportunity may pay said Sum into our Store in Alexandria to Mr Sanderson. On your writing to me upon fixing which Flag you will have, I shall give the Orders to have them provided. I am with Compts to Mrs Washington, with the greatest Esteem, Sr Yr mo. obt Servt\nJohn Rumney\n                  Advanced Mathew Baldridge\n                  his passage to Alexandria\n                  two Agreements on Stamps", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0246", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Keith, 10 February 1785\nFrom: Keith, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 10th Feby 1785\nYour Excellency will remember in Octr 1782 I was tried upon the following charges (Viz.) 1st for presuming \u201cto detach a party of armed Men from the Garrison of West Point, without the consent or knowledge of the Commandant, and putting them under the direction of a person who was not an Officer; to the prejudice of good Order and Military discipline. 2d For a palpable contempt and disobedience of General Orders; having connived at, and assisted in the pernicious and illicit intercourse of traffic with the Enemy, by furnishing Joseph Brown with a Military Guard, which he made use of for the protection of Stores and merchandize brought from within the Enemy\u2019s lines;\u201d Putting the Guard under the direction of a person who was not an Officer was the only part of the Charge of which I was found guilty; but such were the Clammours of the People, at that time, against the injurious practice of bringing goods from New York, that policy made it necessary to mark for a Victim the man, who first should be found in any degree, to have encouraged it. Appearances being suspicious, the censure of the Court Martial fell heavily upon me.\nAlthough from the complexion of the whole case, one would naturally be induced to draw the most unfavorable conclusions respecting my intentions; yet with the utmost sincerity, I now Assure your Excellency (and appeal to that great being who knows the heart, as a Witness to the truth of the Assertion) that I had not, at the time, the most distant Idea, that the Stores and Merchandize, mentioned above, were of the contraband kind\u2014they were reported to me to consist of boots, Shoes, and other Articles, of which I knew both officers & men stood in the greatest need; and considering the pressing wants of the Army, I conceived myself not only authorised, but in duty bound, to give them every protection in my power, under these impressions, I was incausiously led, for the greater security of the goods, to leave the Guard to the direction of the Owner of them. and however unwarrantable, or even Criminal, this measure might, at that time, appear; or with what degree of severity soever a military tribunal might have animadverted upon it, I am persuaded, from the tenderness shown by your Excellency to Officers who have been rather unfortunate than base, that I\nshould have been treated as a Subject of pardon, had not policy dictated the impropriety of the Grant.\nI have therefore to solicit (as no evils can now result from the indulgence) that, should your Excellency be convinced that my Misfortune arose rather from inadvertence than foul design, and that the Claims of Justice are satisfied, you would condescend so far as to signify it by a line\u2014this will wipe the reproach from my name\u2014cheer the hearts of an indigent tho\u2019 innocent family\u2014replace me in the Esteem of my Countrymen, and, by recommending me to the Compassion of Congress, may, possibly prove a means of procuring those emoluments, to which, after more than seven Years hard Service, I conceive myself justly Entitled.\nThe papers accompanying this Address, as they speak the sentiments of a number of Gentlemen who from a long and intimate Acquaintance are best able to decide the motives of my Conduct, I beg leave to submit to your Excellency\u2019s perusal.\nConscious I am that the freedom with which I have intruded upon your Excellency\u2019s retirement needs more than an appology\u2014If a regard for my own quiet and a future wellfare of those with whom I am Connected by the dearest & most tender Affections have tempted me to the Commission of a second Offence, I have only to rely on your Excellency\u2019s goodness to pardon, what your nobility of Mind must forbid you to censure as a fault. I have the Honour to be With the most perfect Respect Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedient and Most Humbe Servt\nJames Keith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0250", "content": "Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 15 February 1785\nFrom: La Luzerne, Anne-C\u00e9sar, chevalier de\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nParis February 15th 1785.\nThe Marquis de la Fayette has delivered to me the letters of your Excellency and I am extreemely flattered by this mark of your attention and of your remembrance. I have executed your commissions near his Majesty and the Royal family, and the King is concerned that your domestic affairs deprive him of the satisfaction to see a man, whose talents and virtues have procured the hapiness of his Country and excited the admiration of all others.\nI thank You heartily for the news, your Excellency has been pleased to give me of America. The present excellent formation of Congress gives me great hopes that the public debt will be secured and that all the other branches of administration will take a more regular form. A nation, which has done so great things, as Yours, during ten years, is expected to crown their atchievements by acts of justice. This qualification is so common in America that I am persuaded it\u2019s voice will be heared in all your assemblies and America will be at last as just in time of peace as it has been patient and brave during the War.\nSince my arrival in Europe the different cabinets have been much agitated; the Emperor has produced some pretentions against holland which are not yet adjusted. He has likewise manifested a desire to annex the Dutchy of Bavaria to his Dominions and to cede by way of Exchange to the Elector the Austrian possessions in the Netherlands. This arrangement seems to displease very much to the different military powers in Europe. Preparations of War are going on at Vienna, at Berlin, in holland and in France. It is however very probable that the War will not take place in the course of this year; but a general flame is certainly very near to break out & tho\u2019 France and England be very far from wishing for War it will be very difficult to prevent the troubles of Germany if the Emperor does not of his own accord give up his pretentions. The Imperial Court seems to be intimately united with that of Russia; two powers rich in ressources\nand full of ambition; and as they are not happy enough to have, like America, at their head a man, who prefers the welfare of Mankind to his private advantage, there are great aprehensions of a general War in Europe. The events of it will be read by your Excellency in your retreat with a small degree of satisfaction, for you will observe that far from giving liberty to some nation this War will only serve to encrease the miseries of several countries during many years.\nI am very thankful for the interest you are pleased to take in my fate, which is not yet decided. If I was allowed to follow my own inclination I should wish to return to America and to be happy with my old friends; but a consequence of my profession is: to accept of the destination which is prescribed to me. Whatever it may be I shall never forget the attention and friendship of your Excellency. I beg you to continue in those sentiments and to honor me sometimes with your letters. With the most sincere and respectful attachment and acknowledgement I have the honor to be Sir your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and very humble Servant,\nle che. de la luzerne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0251", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Love, 15 February 1785\nFrom: Love, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n15th February 1785\nMy Brother Colo. Philip Love of botitourt Coty (formerly a Subaltern officer in the Maryland Troops in the time of the Last French and Indian war) on his way down this winter to visit us, Lodged with Colo. Thomas Lewis of Augusta County\u2014who inform\u2019d him you was anxious to See or hear from Some person that Could give any acct of the distance navigation, and Situation of the Several water Courses and hights of Land from fort-Pitt to Lake arie\u2014at his Request inclos\u2019d is a Rough Ideal map of the water Courses &c. from fort-pitt to Lake arie \u2014by which you will the better understand the description he gives of that part of the Country &c.\u2014he Says that the alliganey River Continues nearly the Same width and depth as at pittsburg to the Mouth of French Creek\u2014the distance 130 measured miles\u2014to\nVinago a french fort thereon, from thence as the Road goes Sundry times Crossing French-Creek to Fort Lebeuff near a small Lake of the Same name, from which french Creek has its Source, is about 40 miles\u2014from thence to the French fort on Lake Arie 15 Miles\u2014that, there is a very wide Swamp or Readier Morass with a Small Stream of water Runing through the middle Cover\u2019d all over with what they Call White Pine of an amazing Size and So very thick Set, that the Sun is hid at noon day\u2014the Rise and Extent of this morass is unknown to him but is Some where beyond Lake arie and has its direction by that Lake (on the westward) at the distance of about a mile, and from thence Runs in a pretty Straight direction and falls into French Creek about 5 or 6 miles below fort-Lebeuff\u2014the banks of the Lake my brother Say\u2019s are on that Quarter appearantly very high Except at the French fort and there he thinks they are not more than 8 or 10 feet from the Surface of the water to the top of the bank\u2014from which the ground gradually descends to the morass above mention\u2019d the distance about a mile or at the most not more than 1\u2013[1]/2 miles\u2014in his opinion the Surface of the Swamp Lays Several feet below the Level Surface of the water in the Lake\u2014and thinks that if it was not for the Large and thick groth of pine in the Swamp\u2014that if the water was let out of the Lakes it would of it Self Shortly make a passage for battows to French Creek. the ground all the way is very boggey and deep, So Soft that the French were obliged to Cossway the Road\u2014from the enterance of the morass near Lake arie to fort Lebeuff for the Conveniance of Carriages and indeed Could no[t] now travel without, from fort to fort\u2014but to Return to French Creek\u2014my Brother Says he was Station\u2019d at fort Lebeuff in fall 1760\u2014and Continued till the Spring 1761\u2014that he frequently visited the garrison wc. Likewise keept at the french fort on the Lake\u2014by which he Came acquainted with the Situation of both places that at the time he took possession of fort Lebeuff there was a number of Large battows there nearly finished by the French (as they Supposed with which to Retake fort-pitt[)]\u2014he Says, the French Creek is from Sixty to Eighty yards wide and a great part of the way deep water, yet there is Such a number of very Sharp turns and Shoales in it that it [is] not possible to Carry a vessel of burden down but in a high fresh and then very dificult on Some of the Shoales and\npoints\u2014the Creek is Remarkably Crooked and formes a number of horse Shoes which in Circumferance are five or Six miles and not more in many places then half a mile aCross from point to point\u2014the french Left Likewise Several thousand feet of plank at Lebeuff which our people floated down with Some deficultly to Vinango\u2014thus Sir, I have given you the best description of that part of the Country I Could from the notes my Brother Left with me. he Express\u2019d a great desire to wait on you himself for the purpose: but time would not permit\u2014he will be down again next fall if nothing prevents\u2014and if you think to Converse with him will be more Satisfactory. he will then wait on you\u2014in the mean time, if this Imperfect information will be of any Service to you it will give pleasure both to him and me\u2014am with high Esteem and all due Respect Sir Your Most Hble Servt\nSaml Love", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0253", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Hugh Williamson, 19 February 1785\nFrom: Williamson, Hugh\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 19th Feby 1785\nApplication has been made to Congress lately by James McMechen who is connected with James Rumsey of Virga in the newly invented Machinery for pressing Boats through the Water. Mr McMechen has laid before the Committee, to whom his Memorial was refer\u2019d, a Certificate that you was pleas\u2019d to give him respecting the Invention. We observe your Opinion that \u201cHe has discovered the Art of working Boats by Mechanism and small manual Assistance against rapid Currents.\u201d\nThough this Opinion is clearly in favour of the Invention the Committee have great Doubts whether Mr McMechen has interpreted it fairly. He says that his Boat will by means of the Machinery and without any manual assistance ascend a rapid Stream and that the small manual assistance which you mention refers only to working the Boat in dead Water. If this is true the motion of the Boat depends on the adverse motion of the Stream and it\u2019s Speed must be as the Resistance. The Committee\nwould have presumed that the Progress of the Boat depended on the Mechanism, which being well contrived; the Boat with few Hands or with little force would go much faster either in a Current or in dead water than by help of any former Invention. But if it is true, as Mr McMechen alledges, that the Boat is forwarded by the Opposition of the Stream & that against swift Streams it does not even require the aid of manual Assistance the Case is essentially different and the Discovery extremely important.\nMr McMechen we find expects a Patent for the Invention from the Legislatures of the several States, but he further requests that Congress would give him a large Tract of Land in consideration of the Benefit which the western Country must receive from his Boat. Certainly an Improvement so well calculated to promote Commerce and Agriculture as Mr McMechen supposes his Boat, ought to be liberally encouraged but we fear that he colours too high, mistakes the Facts or miss-represents them.\nIt is with much Reluctance I give you any Trouble on this subject but being very desirous to know in what Rank this Improvement should be placed I am to request your Opinion on this Position that the Boat stems the Current and requires least manual help where the opposite Stream is most swift, for such Powers does he ascribe to his Boat.\nYou have probably heard some Time since that the Indian Commissioners have finished the second Treaty. The last was held with the Wiandot Delaware, Chippawa and Ottawa Nations. The Shawnees did not attend.\nIt is difficult even at this Hour to say how much Land is purchased for the Use of the United States. By the first Treaty the six Nations ceded all to the Westward of a certain Line, say to the west of Pensylvania. By the second Treaty the Indians first mentionned have reserved a Quadrangular Piece of Land viz.\nBeginning at the Mouth of Cayahoga thence up the River to the Portage to the Tuscarawas Branch of Muskingum, then down that Branch to the Forks above Fort Lawrence, then West to the Portage of big Miami which runs into the Ohio, then along the Portage to the great Miami or Omai, thence down to its Mouth, thence along the south Shore of L. Erie to the Mouth of Cayahoga. Those Indians cede all to the East, South & West of the reserved Tract. Probably there may be 12 or 14\nmillions of Acres clear of any interfering Claims of Indians to the West or North. I presume Congress will soon try whether they can agree on the best mode of sinking Part of their Debt by this Land. I have the Honor to be with the utmost Regard Sir Your obedt hble Servt\nHu. Williamson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0255", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Frederick Weissenfels, 21 February 1785\nFrom: Weissenfels, Frederick\nTo: Washington, George\nSir:\nNew York Febr: 21st 1785.\nWhen I had the honor to be under your Comand, my Sufferings, were alleviated in your presence, I underwent the Fatigues of the different Campaingns with Pleasure, and when finished I returned with my Numerous Family to the Cottage, not without Some hopes, of being rewarded by my Country but my reward proved paper Notes Which from necessity of my Family I am obliged to Sell at 2/6 for Every 20/. What litle I had before I entered in the Service, I Spent during the Contest; I have been an inhabitant of this State for upwards of 20 Years, no notice is taken of me, and I have reason to believe by Cause I am a foringner, with patience I have borne this neglect. I now take Shelter under your Exellencys Pattronage and take the liberty to ask for no more then a Letter of recomendation, Such as your Exellency thinks propre to bestow on my Military Character, and perhaps abilietys, in ordre that I may awaile mySelf of the Bounty Congress has been pleased to grant to foringn Officers, Which will Ennable me, to offer my Services Elsewhere, I wass bred to a Militairy life from my infancy, in that Employ I probable muss End my Days, and Which is infinitely more desirable then to linger out a life of Neglect and disappointment.\nI flatter my Self, Sir, you will pardon the liberty I have taken,\nand permit me with the Sincerest Esteem and respect to be Your Exellencys Most obiedient Humble Servant\nFredr. Weissenfels\nI have to produce ample testimonials that I have Served in my Early days in the Prussian army and the States of Holland, from the latter, I Entered the last French Warr in the Brittish army and Came to this Country as a Comissiond officer. F:W:", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0256", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Rumsey, 22 February 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rumsey, James\nLetter not found: to James Rumsey, 22 Feb. 1785. On 10 Mar. Rumsey wrote to GW: \u201cYour favour of the 22d Ultimo has Just Came to hand.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0257", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Josiah Parker, 24\u201328 February 1785\nFrom: Parker, Josiah\nTo: Washington, George\nPortsmouth [Va.] February 24[\u201328]th 1785.\nI feel myself much honored with your very friendly polite letter of the 6th Ultimo, which by some means or other did not reach me untill the 10th Instant. About the 1st I sent to Richmond by my deputy a letter to my care from your Nephew to you. this letter was put into the post office at Richmond, but least it should miscarry I have the pleasure to inform you that about the middle of December he was at Turks Island on his way to Charles Town and much on the recovery. next Saturday I am to have your acorns from Princess Anne and some of the honey Suckles if to be found, but as it is not an evergreen it may be difficult now to procure, but as the Mistake if any will be of so little consequence I have requested my friends Colo. Thorowgood & Willoughby to send those supposed to be the Honey Suckle which probably may be the wild Jessamine, both of which I think beautifull; some of my friends indeed I myself have some very good grape vines. It is not known by me if you have those things in abundance with you or not. The Live oak if\nit will live with you at all must be in your most sandy soil. & the Jessamines & Honey Suckles in the most swampy.\nThe mode you have adopted for the remainder of your days are I think the most agreable you could fix on. nothing can be so delightfull to a great mind, as mixing in the most agreable walks of Nature richly cultivated by art; and so deranged as to have the most chosen of our heavenly beauties all arranged & mixed in pleaseing variety in one field, it is indeed my dear sir a paradise, and my ardent wish is that you may live to make one of your own in this world and that you will meet an everlasting one hereafter I doubt not. should it so happen that I could add any thing to the field it will add to my pleasure on every reflection; was our old friend Colo. Tayloe alive he would feel himself happy in your retirement and would add every thing to your happiness in his power.\nThe vessell that carries this was ordered of very suddenly or the acorns &c. would have accompanied this, the next opportunity to Alexandria will certainly carry them if any time in March, but Should it so happen that no other goes, the vines as well as the Shrubs shall be conveyed in the fall, and in the course of the summer I shall make every enquiry into the vegetable fields that can be procured.\nEvery body here expresses there great desire to see you at this place and I flatter them it is probable you will feel an inclination in the spring to visit this part of the state. I can assure you there is no people more gratefull for your Services, or who would be more happy in convincing you of it than the citizens of the lower Counties, with every wish sir for your happiness, I do myself the honor and pleasure of writeing myself your obliged very humble servant\nJ: Parker\nSince writeing Colo. Willoughby has sent me up a box which accompanies this and is forwarded by Dear Sir your obliged friend & humble servt J: Parker\nPortsmouth Feby 28th 1785", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0258", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Rochambeau, 24 February 1785\nFrom: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear G\u00e9n\u00e9ral\nParis february the 24th 1785.\nI have Received by the Marquis de la fayette\u2019s hands the two letters wherewith you have honoured me on August the 20th and November the 25th ultimate, you may believe that Since his coming-back you are the main subject of our conversations. I have been ravished to Learn that you Was Philosophically Enjoying of the glory and of the G\u00e9n\u00e9ral consideration that the part which you had in the most memorable revolution during Eight years, has So rightfully deserved to you from all your countrymen and from all the universe.\nWe have here Some Storms which rumble about our heads, and yet, I do not believe that the navigation of the Escaut\u2019s river will bring us to war, and I believe that this navigation\u2019s quarral Will be sooner Settled than your pretentions against the Spanish on that of Mississipius.\nas Soon as the Shores of the oyo will be peopled, that the Lands will be covered with harvest, the opening of this Wares will Engage your countrymen to force the barriers that the Spanishs lay on their territory to all Strange nations\u2014I am Very Sorry that Mr Le Jay has not Settled this affair before his disparture. there were Some Conferences about it, and I was told, may be wrongfully, that the americans had been too Stiff. this affair cannot be conciliated but by a Convention of trade to the advantage of the two Neighbouring nations, which prevents every wrong use.\na Gread affair which threatens us here of War more than any other, it is the Succession of Bavaria circle, that the Emperor\nhas an unmeasurable mind of joining to his other States, whether by Exchange or by any other Way, it is believed that the King of Prussia, and the other Sovereign States thire, will not Suffer that the Emperor increase So considerably his territorialy Dominion. The Elector of Bavaria is devoted to him and hates the Duc des Deux Ponts his natural inheriter. but the King of Prussia, but the Empire, but the Greatest part of Europe do not thing the Same.\nmy respects I beseech you, my Dear G\u00e9n\u00e9ral, to M[adam]e Washington and to all your familly, M[adam]e de Rochambeau and the mine give thousand Compliments, the most Sincere, to you, and take part as much as me to your happiness and to all What can Satisfy you. I am with respect and the most inviolable attachment my Dear G\u00e9n\u00e9ral Your most obedi\u00e9nt and very humble servant.\nle cte de rochambeau", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0259", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th Feb. 1785\nI had the pleasure to find by the public Gazettes that your passage to France had been short, and pleasant. I have no doubt but that your reception at the Court has been equally polite, & agreeable.\nI have the honor to inclose you the copy of an Act which passed the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland at the close of their respective Sessions; about the first of last month. The circumstances of these States, it is said, would not enable them to take the matter up, altogether, on public ground; but they have granted at the joint and equal expence of the two, 6666\u2154 dollars for the purpose of opening a road of communication between the highest navigation of the Potomac, & the river Cheat; and have concurred in an application to the State of Pensylvania for leave to open another road from Fort Cumberland or Wills Creek, to the Yohiogany, at the three forks, or Turkey foot.\nBesides these Joint Acts of the States of Virginia & Maryland the former has passed a similar law respecting the navigation of James River, and its communication with the Greenbrier; and\nhave authorized the Executive to appoint Commissioners, who shall carefully examine & fix on the most convenient course for a Canal from the Waters of Elizabeth River in this State, to those passing through the State of North Carolina; and report their proceedings therein, with an estimate of the expence necessary for opening the Same, to the next General Assembly; and in case they shall find that, the best course for such canal, will require the concurrence of the s[t]ate of North Carolina in the opening thereof, they are further authorized & instructed to signify the same to the said State, and to concert with any person or persons who may be appointed on the part thereof, the most convenient and equitable plan for the execution of such work; & to report the result to the General Assembly.\nWith what Success the Books will be opened, I cannot, at this early stage of the business, inform you; in general the friends of the measure are better stocked with good wishes than money; the former of which unfortunately, goes but a little way in works where the latter is necessary, and is not to be had. and yet, if this matter could be well understood, it should seem that, there would be no deficiency of the latter, any more than of the former; for certain I am, there is no speculation of which I have an idea, that will ensure such certain & ample returns of the money advanced, with a great, and encreasing interest, as the tolls arising from these navigations; the accomplishment of which, if funds can be obtained, admits of no more doubt in my mind, under proper direction, than that a ship with skilful Mariners can be carried from hence to Europe. What a misfortune therefore would it be, if a project which is big with such great political consequences\u2014commercial advantages\u2014and which might be made so productive to private adventurers should miscarry; either from the inability of the two States to execute it, at the public expence, or for want of means, or the want of spirit or foresight to use them, in their citizens.\nSupposing a danger of this, do you think, Sir, the monied men of France, Holland, England or any other Country with which you may have intercourse, might be induced to become adventurers in the Scheme? Or if from the remoteness of the object, this should appear ineligable to them, would they incline to lend money to one, or both of these States, if their should be a disposition in them to borrow, for this purpose? Or, to one or\nmore individuals in them, who are able, & would give sufficient security for the repayment? At what interest, and on what conditions respecting time, payment of interest, &ca could it be obtained?\nI foresee such extensive political consequences depending on the navigation of these two rivers, & communicating them by short & easy roads with the waters of the western territory, that I am pained by every doubt of obtaining the means for their accomplishment: for this reason, I also wish you would be so obliging as to direct your enquiries after one or more characters who have skill in this kind of work; that if Companies should be incorporated under the present Acts, and should incline to send to France, or England for an Engineer, or Man of practical knowledge in these kind of works, there may be a clue to the application. You will perceive tho\u2019, my dear Sir, that no engagement, obligatory or honorary can be entered into at this time, because no person can answer for the determination of the Companies, admitting their formation.\nAs I have accustomed myself to communicate matters of difficulty to you, & have met forgiveness for it, I will take the liberty, my good Sir, of troubling you with the rehearsal of one more, which has lately occurred to me.\nAmong the Laws of the last Session of our Assembly, there is an Act which particularly respects myself; and tho\u2019 very flattering, is also very embarrassing to me. This Act, after honorable, flattering and delicate recitals, directs the treasurer of the State to Subscribe towards each of the Navigations fifty Shares for my use & benefit; which it declares, is to be vested in me & my heirs forever. It has ever been my wish, & it is yet my intention, never to receive any thing from the United States, or any individual State for any Services I have hitherto rendered, or which in the course of events, I may have it in my power to render them hereafter as it is not my design to accept of any appointment from the public, which might make emoluments necessary: but how to decline this act of generosity without incurring the imputation of disrespect to my Country, & a slight of her favors on the one hand, or that of pride, & an ostentatious display of disinterestedness on the other, is the difficulty. As none of these have an existence in my breast, I should be sorry, if any of them should be imputed to me. The Assembly, as if determined that\nI should not act from the first impulse, made this the last act of their Session; without my having the smallest intimation or suspicion of their generous intention. As our Assembly is now to be holden once a year only, I shall have time to hit upon some expedient that will enable me to endulge the bent of my own inclination, without incurring any of the imputations before mentioned; and of hearing the sentiments of my friends upon the subject; than whose, none would be more acceptable than yours.\nYour friends in our Assembly have been able to give you so much better information of what has passed there, & of the general state of matters in this Commonwealth, that a repetition from me is altogether unnecessary, & might be imperfect.\nIf we are to credit Newspaper Accts the flames of War are again kindled, or are about to be so, in Europe\u2014None of the sparks, it is to be hoped will cross the Atlantic and touch the inflameable matter in these States\u2014I pray you to believe that with sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I have the honor to be Dr Sir\u2014Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0261", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Dashiell, 26 February 1785\nFrom: Dashiell, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWorcester County Maryland Feby 26th 178\u27e85\u27e9\nIn consequence of my promise when at Annapolis I have the Honour to inform you that the price of Lumber is much Higher with us this winter than usual, On acct its being remarkably\ndry, Many of our Mills not having water to cut more than half their usual quantity: shingles appear to be (from reasons I cannot account for) kept up in Proportion with plank.\nI have thought proper to Insert the prices current at this time, for the articles inserted below.\nIf you should stand in need of any of the Articles here Mentioned, and cannot furnish them on better terms shall be glad to serve you, in forwarding a complyance with Any Bill you may send over. I am Dear Sir with much Esteem your Very Hubl. Servt\nJoseph Dashiell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0262", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 27 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fairfax, George William\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 27th Feby 1785.\nIn a letter of old date, but lately received, from the Countess of Huntington, she refers me to a letter which her Ladyship says you obligingly undertook to forward to me: never having received one from her to the purport she mentions, there can be no doubt but that this letter with your cover to it, have met the fate of some of mine to you; as I have wrote several within the last twelve or eighteen months, without any acknowledgement of them from you.\nThe only letters I recollect to have received from you since my retirement are dated the 9th of Decr 1783, and 10th of June 1784. the first, relates to the heir of Mr Bristow\u2014the second, to a case with pictures, which you were so obliging as to commit to the care of the revd Mr Bracken; & which has not yet got to hand. In Novr last at richmond, I happened in company with this gentleman who told me it was then in his possession at Wmsburgh, and that it should be forwarded by the first safe conveyance to this place\u2014for your kind & polite attention in this matter, I pray you to receive my sincere thanks.\nAs soon as your letter of the 9th of Decr, abovementioned (accompanied by one from Mrs Bristow, & the memorial from the Executors of the Will of her deceased husband) came to my hands, I transmitted them to the Govr, who laid them before the Assembly which was then sitting; but what the result of it was, I have never yet heard, precisely. The case was involved in the general confiscation of British property, which makes discrimination difficult \u2014How far the Law on national ground is just\u2014or the expediency of it in the political scale, Wise & proper, I will not undertake to determine; but of this I am well convinced, that the most wretched management of the sales has pervaded every State; without, I believe a single exception in favor of any one of them.\nI cannot at this moment recur to the contents of those letters of mine to you which I suspect have miscarried; further than that they were all expressive of an earnest wish to see you & Mrs Fairfax once more fixed in this country; & to beg that you would consider Mt Vernon as your home until you could build with convenience\u2014in which request Mrs Washington joins very sincerely.I never look towards Belvoir, without having this uppermost in my mind. But alas! Belvoir is no more! I took a ride there the other day to visit the ruins\u2014& ruins indeed they are. The dwelling house & the two brick buildings in front, underwent the ravages of the fire; the walls of which are very much injured: the other Houses are sinking under the depredation of time & inattention, & I believe are now scarcely worth repairing. In a word, the whole are, or very soon will be a heap of ruin. When I viewed them\u2014when I considered that the happiest moments of my life had been spent there\u2014when I could\nnot trace a room in the house (now all rubbish) that did not bring to my mind the recollection of pleasing scenes; I was obliged to fly from them; & came home with painful sensations, & sorrowing for the contrast\u2014Mrs Morton still lives at your Barn quarters\u2014The management of your business is entrusted to one Muse (son to a Colonel of that name, whom you cannot have forgotten)\u2014he is, I am told, a very active & industrious man; but in what sort of order he has your Estate, I am unable to inform you, never having seen him since my return to Virginia.\nIt may be & I dare say is presumed that if I am not returned to my former habits of life, the change is to be ascribed to a preference of ease & indolence, to exercise & my wonted activity: But be assured my dear sir, that at no period of the War have I been obliged myself to go thro\u2019 more drudgery in writing, or have suffered so much confinement to effect it, as since what is called my retirement to domestic ease & tranquillity. Strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true\u2014that I have been able since I came home, to give very little attention to my own concerns, or to those of others, with which I was entrusted\u2014My accounts stand as I left them near ten years ago; those who owed me money, a very few instances excepted, availed themselves of what are called the tender Laws, & paid me off with a shilling & sixpence in the pound\u2014Those to whom I owed I have now to pay under heavy taxes with specie, or its equivalent value. I do not mention these matters by way of complaint, but as an apology for not having rendered you a full & perfect statement of the Accot as it may stand between us, \u2019ere this. I allotted this Winter, supposing the drearyness of the season would afford me leisure to overhaul & adjust all my papers (which are in sad disorder, from the frequent hasty removals of them, from the reach of our transatlantic foes, when their Ships appeared): but I reckoned without my host; company, & a continual reference of old military matters, with which I ought to have no concerns; applications for certificates of service &c.\u2014copies of orders & the Lord knows what besides\u2014to which whether they are complied with or not, some response must be made, engross nearly my whole time. I am now endeavoring to get some person as a Secretary or Clerk to take the fatigueing part of this business off my hands\u2014I have not yet succeeded,\nbut shall continue my enquiries \u2018till one shall offer, properly recommended.\nNothing has occurred of late worth noticing, except the renewed attempts of the Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland to improve & extend the navigation of the river Potomac as far as it is practicable\u2014& communicating it by good roads (at the joint & equal expence of the two States) with the waters of the amazing territory behind us\u2014A copy of this Act (exactly similar in both States) I do myself the honor to enclose you. One similar to it passed the Legislature of this State for improving & extending the navigation of James river, & opening a good road between it & Green-briar. These acts were accompanied by another of the Virginia Assembly very flattering & honorable for me\u2014not more so for the magnitude of the gift, than the avowed gratitude, & delicacy of its expression, in the recital to it\u2014The purport of it is, to vest 100 shares (50 in each navigation) in me & my heirs forever. But it is not my intention to accept of it; altho\u2019, were I otherwise disposed, I should consider it as the foundation of the greatest & most certain income that the like sum can produce in any speculation whatever. So certain is the accomplishment of the work, if the sum proposed should be raised to carry it on\u2014& so inconceivably will the tolls increase by the accumulating produce which will be water borne on the navigation of these two rivers; which penetrate so far & communicate so nearly, with the navigable waters to the Westward.\nAt the same time that I determine not to accept the generous & gratuitous offer of my Country, I am at a loss in what manner to decline it, without an apparent slight or disrespect to the Assembly on the one hand, or exposing myself to the imputation of pride, or an ostentatious display of disinterestedness on the other\u2014neither have an existence in my breast, & neither would I wish to have ascribed to me. I shall have time however to think of the matter, before the next session; for as if it was meant that I should have no opportunity to decline the offer at the last, it was the closing act thereof, without any previous intimation, or suspicion in my mind, of the intention. Admitting that Companies should be incorporated for the purposes mentioned in the Act, do you conceive my good Sir, that a person perfectly skilled in works of this sort, could be readily obtained from England? and upon what terms?\nIt is unnecessary I persuade myself, to use arguments to convince Mrs Fairfax & yourself, of the sincere regard & attachment & affection Mrs Washington and I have for you both, or to assure you how much, I am, My Dr Sir &c. &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S. Do you think it would be in your power, with ease & convenience, to procure for me, a male & female Deer or two. the cost of transportation I would gladly be at. If I should ever get relieved from the drudgery of the pen, it would be my wish to engage in these kind of rural amusements\u2014raising of shrubberies &c. After what I have said in the body of this letter, I will not trouble you with an apology for such a scrawl as it now exhibits\u2014You must receive it, my good Sir, as we have done better things\u2014better for worse. G.Wn", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0264", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Countess of Huntingdon, 27 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Huntingdon, Selina Hastings, countess of\nMy Lady,\nMount Vernon 27th Feby 1785.\nThe very polite & obliging letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 8th of April by Sir James Jay, never came to my hands until the 17th of last month; & is the best apology I can make for a silence, which might otherwise appear inattentive, if not disrespectful, to a correspondence which does me much honor.\nThe other letter which your Ladyship refers to, as having passed thro\u2019 the medium of our good friend Mr Fairfax\u2014has never yet appeared; & it is matter of great regret, that letters are so often intercepted by negligence, curiosity or motives still more unworthy. I am persuaded that some of my letters to Mr Fairfax, as well as his (covering your Ladyships) to me, have miscarried, as I have never received an acknowledgment of some of mine to him, tho\u2019 long since written.\nWith respect to your humane & benevolent intentions towards the Indians; & the plan which your Ladyship has adopted to carry them into effect, they meet my highest approbation; & I should be very happy to find every possible encouragement given to them. It has ever been my opinion, since I have had opportunities to observe, & to reflect upon the ignorance, indolence & general pursuits of the Indians, that all attempts to reclaim, & introduce any system of religeon or morallity among them, would prove fruitless, until they could be first brought into a state of greater civilization; at least that this attempt should accompany the other\u2014& be enforced by example: & I am happy to find that it is made the ground work of your Ladyships plan.\nWith respect to the other parts of the plan, & the prospect of obtaining Lands for the Emigrants who are to be the instruments employed in the execution of it; my letter to Sir James Jay in answer to his to me on this subject, will convey every information,\nwhich is in my power, at this time to give your Ladyship; & therefore I take the liberty of enclosing a transcript of it. Agreeably to the assurance given in it, I have written fully to the President of Congress, with whom I have a particular intimacy, and transmitted copies of your Ladyships plan, addresses & letter to the several States therein mentioned, with my approving sentiments thereon. I have informed him, that tho\u2019 it comes to him as a private letter from me; it is nevertheless optional in him to make it a matter of private communication to the members individually, or officially to Congress, as his judgment shall dictate; giving it as my opinion, among other reasons, that I did not belive since the cession of Lands by individual States to the United States, any one of them (except New York) was in circumstances, however well inclined it might be, to carry your Ladyships plan into effect.\nWhat may be the result of your Ladyships Addresses to the States of North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York, individually; or of my statemt of the matter in a friendly way to the President of Congress for the united deliberaion of the whole\u2014is not for me to anticipate, even were I acquainted with their sentiments. I have already observed, that neither of the States (unless Nw York may be in circumstances to do it) can in my opinion furnish good Lands in a body for such emigrants as your Ladyship seems inclin\u2019d to provide for. That Congress can, if the treaty which is now depending with the Western Indians should terminate favourably & a cession of Lands be obtained from them, which I presume is one object for holding it, is certain; & unless the reasons which I have mentioned in my letter to Sir James Jay should be a let or bar, I have not a doubt but that they would do it; in which case, any quantity of Land (within such cession or purchase) might be obtained. If, ultimately, success should not attend any of these applications, I submit as a dernier resort, for your Ladyships information & consideration, a Gazette containing the terms upon which I have offered several tracts of Land (the quantity of which is since encreased) of my own in that country, & which lie as convenient to the Western Tribes of Indians, as any in that territory (appertaining to an individual State)\u2014as your Ladyship may perceive by having recourse to Hutchens\u2019s[,] Evans\u2019s, or any other map of that Country, and comparing the descriptive\nLands therewith; & being informed that Virginia has ceded all her claim to lands No. West of the Ohio, to the United States\u2014& that the Western boundary of Pennsylvania is terminated by a meredian which crosses the river but a little distance from Fort Pitt.\nIt will appear evident, from the date of my publication, that I could not at the time it was promulgated, have had an eye to your Ladyships plan of emigration; and I earnestly pray that my communication of the matter at this time, may receive no other interpretation than what is really meant\u2014that is, a last (if it should be thought an eligible) resort.\nI have no doubt but that Lands, if to be had at all, may be obtained from the United States, or an individual State, upon easier terms than those upon which I have offered mine; but being equally persuaded that these of mine, from their situation & other local advantages, are worth what I ask, I should not incline to take less for them, unless the whole by good & responsible characters (after an agent in their behalf had previously examined into the quality & conveniency of the land) should be engaged upon either of the tenures that are published; especially as these Lands, from their particular situation, must become exceedingly valuable, by the Laws which have just passed the Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland for improving and extending the navigation of Potomac, as high as is practicable, & communicating it with the nearest western waters by good roads: & by the former assembly to do the same thing with James river, & the communication between it & the Great Kanhawa\u2014by means of which the produce of the settlers on these Lands of mine, will come easily & cheaply to market. I am &c. &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0265", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 27 February 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nNew York feby 27th 1785\nI am now to thank you for the letter that you did me the honor to write to me on the 8th of this month, and which I received on the 17th with the enclosures.\nSir James Jay had mentioned the plan of Lady Huntingdon to me, previous to the receipt of your letter, and at the same time that your packet reached me, there came one to Congress from Governor Henry with her Ladyships letter and plan enclosed, which the Governor strongly recommended. It was presently observed that the terms upon which lands had been ceded to the United States did not leave it in the power of Congress to dispose of them for any purpose but for paying the debts of the public by a full and fair sale of all the ceded lands\u2014It was indeed remarked, that those religious people whom her Ladyship had in prospect to transplant & fix on our frontier were remarkable in the late war for an unanimous and bitter enmity to the American cause, and as such might form a dangerous settlement at so great a distance, contiguous to the Indians, & easily accessible to Canada. Especially in the present very unfriendly temper of mind that we now suppose the British nation possesses with respect to us. It was therefore ordered that Governor Henry\u2019s letter with the enclosures should be filed, but nothing more done in the affair \u2014Finding this, I concluded it not necessary to shew your letter, either publickly or privately\u2014I have therefore returned to you, Lady Huntingdon packet. It appears to me, that Georgia is the most likely State in the Union to close with her Ladyship, if the latter argument mentioned in Congress should not prevent it. I am sorry to hear that you are so interrupted by applications that ought not to be made\u2014I hope however that you will not suffer them so to prevent your necessary exercise, as to injure your health.\nThe investigating and opening our western navigation is an object of great importance and well worthy of your patronage\u2014I believe, as I hope, that it will be found by experience to be of great utility both to the public and to the private adventurers. Very little has yet been done in Congress respecting the Western Country\u2014but a very full discussion of that business\nwill soon come on, when it is to be expected that our affairs in that quarter will be put under better regulations than hitherto they have been. The mischiefs that experience & reason both join in proving to flow from the Sessions of Congress being held in our large Citys, produced the necessity of determining on some place of easy retirement for the federal government, and the unhappy neglect of attendance on the part of the Southern States has furnished an opportunity for a Majority in Congress to fix on a spot too excentric\u2014My wishes would have been to have gone further south, but of two evils it was best to choose the least, and therefore we thought it better to fix somewhere in retirement than to continue wandering, or to fix in the midst of dissipation.\nWe had but just determined upon sending a Minister to the Court of London (Mr John Adams) when this day 28th feby, we receive a letter from our Commissioners for making treaties &c. at Paris, the copy of a letter from the Duke of Dorset, Minister from London to Versailles, to our Ministers, in answer to a proposition from them for making a treaty of Commerce with G. Britain for settling other points of difficulty arising from the late peace\u2014for which his Grace declares the determination of his Court to be ready to settle all these affairs upon terms of equal & lasting good to both countries whensoever the U. States shall send to their Court a Minister properly authorised for the business\u2014This looks well at least\u2014and we shall shortly make the experiment of their sincerity\u2014The King of Prussia thinks that there will be no war between the Emperor & Holland, and indeed it does now seem probable that his judgement will prove right\u2014I have sent the letter you committed to my care for the Marquis on to France by the packet. I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem and regard dear Sir Your most obedient & very humble servant\nRichard Henry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0267", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 28 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nMy Dear Sir,\nMount Vernon 28th Feby 1785\nYour favor of the 31st Ulto came to my hands by the last Post. enclosed are letters under flying Seals to Count de Rochambeau & the Marqs de Chastellux (late Chevr) introductory of Mr Swan. also certificates for Lieutts Seaver & Henley. if these will answer the purposes designed, I shall think nothing of the trouble, but be happy in having given them.\nUpon summing up the cost of my projected building in Alexandria, I found my finances not equal to the undertaking; & have thereupon suspended, if not altogether declined it. Notwithstanding, if any Vessel should be coming hither from that part of your state where the Limestone abounds, & where it is to be obtained at a low price, & would bring it at a low frieght, unburn\u2019d: or if in this State it could be brought hither from Boston as Ballast, or at a low freight, I should be glad to get some; in either of these ways. I use a great deal of lime every\nyear, made of the Oyster shells, which, before they are burnt, cost me 25 a 30/ pr hundred Bushels; but it is of mean quality, which makes me desirous of trying Stone lime.\nThe Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland passed laws before their adjournment, for improving and extending the Navigation of this River as far as it shall be found practicable; a copy of which (for they are exactly the same in both States) I send you\u2014they also gave a sum of money for the purpose of opening, & keeping in repair, a good road of communication between the Eastern & Western Waters. And this State passed a Similar Act respecting James River, & the Communication with Green Brier (a branch of the Great Kanhawa) which opens equally advantageously to another part of the Western territory; Shares in either or both of which, in my opinion, presents to monied men the most certain, & lucrative Speculation of any of wch I can have any idea.\nThe State of Virginia accompanied these proceedings with another Act, which particularly respected myself; & tho\u2019 generous in the extreme, is rendered more valuable by the flattering, yet delicate expression of its recitals. It directs their Treasurer to subscribe for my use & benefit, one hundred Shares (50 in each Navigation); which it declares vested in me & my heirs for ever. But I can truly aver to you, my dear Sir, that this Act has given me more pain than pleasure\u2014It never was my inclination\u2014nor is it now my intention, to accept any thing pecuniary from the public: but how to decline this gift without appearing to slight the favors (which the assembly ascribe to a sense of gratitude) of my Country, and exhibiting \u27e8an\u27e9 act of seeming disrespect to the Legislature on the one hand\u2014or incurring \u27e8the\u27e9 imputation of pride, or an ostentatious display of disinterestedness on the other, is my embarrassment: but I must endeavor to hit upon some expedient before the next Session (for I had not the smallest intimation of the matter before the rising of the last) to avoid any of these charges, and yet follow the bent of my wishes; which are to be as independent as the Air\u2014I have no body to provide for, & I have enough to support me through life in the plain, & easy style in which I mean to spend the remainder of my days.\nI thank you for the particular acct which you have given me of the different Rivers to which the British have given the names of St Croix\u2014I shall be much mistaken if they do not in\nother matters, as well as this, give us a good deal of trouble before we are done with them. and yet, it does not appear to me, that we have wisdom, or national policy enough to avert the evils which are impending\u2014How should we, when contracted ideas, local pursuits, and absurd jealousy are continually leading us from those great & fundamental principles which are characteristic of wise and powerful Nations; & without which, we are no more than a rope of Sand, and shall as easily be broken.\nIn the course of your literary disputes at Boston (on the one side to drink Tea in Company, & to be social & gay\u2014on the [other] to impose restraints which at no time ever were agreeable, & in these days of more liberty & endulgence, never will be submitted to) I perceive, & was most interested by something which was said respecting the composition for a public walk; which also appeared to be one of the exceptionable things. Now, as I am engaged in works of this kind, I would thank you, if there is any art in the preparation, to communicate it to me\u2014whether designed for Carriages, or walking. My Gardens have gravel walks (as you possibly may recollect) in the usual Style, but if a better composition has been discovered for these, I should gladly adopt it. the matter however which I wish principally to be informed in, is, whether your walks are designed for Carriages, and if so, how they are prepared, to resist the impression of the wheels. I am making a Serpentine road to my door, & have doubts (which it may be in your power to remove) whether any thing short of solid pavement will answer.\nHaving received a letter from Majr Keith (dated at New York) and not knowing where to direct my answer, I take the liberty of putting it & the Papers wch it enclosed] under cover to you, as he was of the Massachusetts State, & I presume only came to New York on business. He is one, among numberless others, who want me to do inconsistent things, namely to annul\u2014or rather do away, the effect of his Court Martial. The other letter for a Mr Palmer, be so good as to put into a channel for delivery.\nMrs Washington joins me in affectionate regards for Mrs Knox, and the rest of the Family, & I am My dear Sir, With great truth and sincerity\u2014Yrs\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0269", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles MacIver, February 1785\nFrom: MacIver, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency\nAt the Printing-office in Alexandria [Va.][February 1785]\nI presumed to do myself the Honour of writing you last November, on the first Prospect of Convalescence, after a lingering Illness. A few Weeks afterwards my Health was perfectly reestablished; in so much that I might have resumed my Business, or accepted more eligible Offers. But the Affair on which I wrote your Excellency lay so much at my Heart that I was unwilling to come under any permanent Engagements till I should hear from your Excellency. In such Circumstances, may I therefor hope that your Excellency will condescend to drop me a Line expressing your Opinion of the Practicability or Expedience of my Proposals. I am, very respectfully, Sir Your most devoted & humble Sert\nChas MacIver", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0270", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Matthew Campbell, 1 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Campbell, Matthew\nSir,\nMount Vernon [c.1] March 1785\nYou cannot be more concerned than I am at the misunderstanding respecting the plaister of Paris, but as I conceive you have been much imposed upon in the cost at New York, & in the freight of it to Virginia (for it certainly might have come as ballast)\u2014and as your reduced price is far above what I ever had the smallest idea of giving by the quantity, it must await your order at my landing: or, as it was landed there from a want of that previous advice of the price which I expected, & which was to have determined me as to quantity\u2014I will, if it is more\nagreeable to you, send it to Alexa. to whomsoever you may direct. This is all Mr Graham\u2019s letter (which I enclose for your satisfaction) required of me, if I did not like the price.\nIf Mr Graham did not tell me that you believed you could afford to take about ten Dollars per ton for it; I am more mistaken than I generally am in transactions of this sort. But as it was not my intention to give even this price by the quantity, I requested\u2014& Mr G\u2014\u2014m promised to let me know your lowest price & inform me thereof: this advice I expected by the Post, for I do not recollect to have heard that any was to be sent to Alexandria. I told Mr Gra[ha]m then, & I repeat it now, that for a small quantity merely for the purpose of experiment I should not regard the price: but to pay thirty odd pounds, & to be at the expence of preparing it by pulverization afterwards, is too costly an essay to satisfy my curiosity to discover whether it be a good manure or not.\nYou have been deceived too Sir by the person or persons, to whom you entrusted the measuring or weighing; for as soon as I return\u2019d from Annapolis, I made my overseer, John Fairfax, weigh the whole very carefully, and it amounted to no more than 17,550 pounds, which he is ready to swear to\u2014& this after a good deal of wet had fallen on it, part of which it must have imbibed; especially that part which was in powder in two large casks, & which I conceive must have lost all its virtue.\nIf you incline to let me have a small part of what was landed here, I should be glad to know it by return of the Post; as it must either be run thro\u2019 a Mill (which I believe millers will hardly agree to) or be pounded by hand (which will be a tedious operation) before it can be used, & the season is at hand for spreading it on the ground. I will render an exact accot of every ounce I use, & you may charge what you think proper for it. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0272", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles MacIver, 1 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: MacIver, Charles\nSir,\nMount Vernon 1st March 1785.\nWhilst I was at Richmond in November last, I received a letter & extracts from you on the subject of emigration\u2014It was put into my hands at a time when I was much engaged, accompanied by many other papers, which with them were put by & forgotten, until your second letter reminded me of them. As I do not clearly comprehend your plan, & if I did, as a discussion\nof it by letter would be tedious & less satisfactory; if you will be at the trouble of calling upon me at any time when I am in Alexandria, or of riding down here; I will give you my sentiments with freedom & candour, when I more fully understand it. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0273", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph Mandrillon, 1 March 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Mandrillon, Joseph\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Joseph Mandrillon, 1 Mar. 1785. On 22 Aug. GW wrote Mandrillon: \u201cI had the honor to receive your letter of the first of March.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0274", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 3 March 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Newenham, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Edward Newenham, 3 Mar. 1785. GW wrote Newenham on 25 Nov.: \u201cI have been favored with your letter of the 3d of March. . . .\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0275", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Boyle, Jr., 4 March 1785\nFrom: Boyle, John Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRichmond [Va.] 4th March 1785.\nI have now the honour to forward your Excellency a Letter from my good friend Sir Edwd Newhenham, as also four small Packages for you, which were entrusted to my care by the same Gentleman\u2014Upon my Arrival here I was inform\u2019d you was gone with Le Marquis de Fayette to Annapolis, & I could not learn with any certainty how soon you might return to Mount Vernon, as it was my intention immediately upon my Arrival, to have done myself the honor of waiting upon your Excellency with the said Packages &c. I was at a loss what to do, the Ice blocked my Vessell up a considerable time in the river, & the danger of the Thaw\u2019s made my Attendance there, absolutely necessary. So that \u2019tis only within these few days that I was inform\u2019d of your Excellency\u2019s return to Mount Vernon. I still intended to have done myself the pleasure of waiting upon you, but that the hurry of Business & having just parted with my Chief Mate, to go Master of another Vessell, made my stay here indispensably requisite. So that I hope your Excellency, will excuse this seeming inattention in me, & attribute it solely to the true cause which sprung from my desire of delivering them in person\u2014His Excellency Govr Henry, having intimated that he\nwould forward them, I have accordingly given them into his hands for that purpose. Should your Excellency have any thing to forward to Sir Edwd Newenham or any other Gentleman in Ireland, shall be happy in being favor\u2019d with your Commands, As I shall be ready to Sail about the 30th Inst. for Dublin, and have the honor to be with much respect, Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedt hble servt\nJohn Boyle Junr\nP.S. You have also inclosed a Letter for Lady Washington, but I don\u2019t know who it is from as it was put on board the Ship in my Absence.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0277", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 5 March 1785\nFrom: Clinton, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNew York 5th March 1785\nI wrote you on the 26th December inclosing a Deed &c. which I hope came safe to Hand. In that Letter I also mentioned my having shipped on Board of a Vessel bound to Suffolk several small Articles for your Excellency, the Gentleman to whom they were addressed has since advised Colo. Walker of their safe arrival at that place, and promissed to forward them by the first safe Conveyance, so that before this I flatter myself you must have recevd them. It was not a Little unfortunate that having been disapointed by the Change of Voyage in the first Vessel on Board of which they were to have gone, that we shipped them for Suffolk, but a very few days before a Vessel of Colo. Sears\u2019s was advertised for Alexandria and which I have since been Informed Landed some Articles for your Excellency at your own House.\nI now send by the Ship Gustavis Capt.  which is to sail on Monday next for Alexandria, one Barrel of small white Indian Corn and a Box both marked GW the latter contains a Glass Case with Wax or Grotto Work, presented by Mr Francis to Mrs Washington and by him left with Mrs Clinton to forward. I have put it up with all possible Care and earnestly hope it may arrive safe, tho\u2019 I confess I would not be willing to Insure it as it appears to me to be a very Ginger Bread piece of work\u2014If any of the parts should get loose they must be fastened with a little Rosen and white Wax\u2014this is the makers direction which he desired might be communicated.\nIn Consequence of your Excellency\u2019s last Letter I applied to Mr Beekman for the Grape Vines in order to forward them by the present Conveyance, It being about the proper Season, but to my great disappointment I find there is no such Thing\u2014They were put in his Garden after a very tedious passage from Europe and not a single Cion lived nor did one of the seeds which accompanied them ever come up. Mr Beekman informs me that Mr Williamous was apprized of this in July last, and\nthat from their bad Condition when put in the Ground he had little hopes of their growing and when he found they did not, he said he would bring over a new Assortment from France for which place he Sailed last Fall.\nThe River yet remains shut up with Ice so that it is not possible at present to procure the other Plants as soon as it is they shall be forwarded.\nShould the Indian Corn succeed, and I presume the present will be sufficient to make the Experiment it will be best to procure at least every three years new Seed from this Quarter.\nMrs Clinton begs you to present her Affectionate respects to Mrs Washington and joins in sincerest wishes for your Felicity with Dear Sir your most Affectionate Humble Servant\nGeo. Clinton\nP.S. Colo. Walker will transmit your Excellency the Capt. Receipt for the Articles now Shipped with advice where to find them at Alexandria\u2014The Box should be brought from thence by Water as it will not bear Land Carriage.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0278", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 5 March 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond [Va.] March 5th 1785\nThe Bearer hereof Mr Alexander Donald wishes to have the Honor of presenting himself to you, & has entreated of me to sollicit for him permission to do so.\nI take the Liberty therefore to introduce him to you, not doubting but you will find him agreable. With the highest Esteem & Regard I am Dear sir, your most obedient Servant\nP. Henry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0281", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis & Sons, 8 March 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Robert Lewis & Sons\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Robert Lewis & Sons, 8 Mar. 1785. On 5 April they again wrote to GW: \u201cWe had the pleasure of writing to your Excellency the 8th Ulto by Post.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0282", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Witherspoon, 8 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Witherspoon, John\nrevd Sir,\nMount Vernon 8th March 1785.\nFrom the cursory manner in wch you expressed the wish of Mr Bowie, to write the Memoirs of my life\u2014I was not, at the moment of your application & my assent to it, struck with the consequences to which it tended: but when I came to reflect upon the matter afterwards, & had had some conversation with Mr Bowie on the subject; I found that this must be a very futile work (if under any circumstances it could be made interesting) unless, he could be furnished with the incidents of my life, either from my papers, or my recollection, and digesting of past transactions into some sort of form & order with respect to times & circumstances: I knew also that many of the former relative to the part I had acted in the war between France & G:\nBritain from the year 1754, until the peace of Paris; & which contained some of the most interesting occurrences of my life, were lost; that my memory is too treacherous to be relied on to supply this defect; and, admitting both were more perfect, that submitting such a publication to the world whilst I continue on the theatre, might be ascribed (however involuntarily I was led into it) to vain motives.\nThese considerations prompted me to tell Mr Bowie, when I saw him at Philada in May last, that I could have no agency towards the publication of any memoirs respecting myself whilst living: but as I had given my assent to you (when asked) to have them written, & as he had been the first to propose it, he was welcome if he thought his time would not be unprofitably spent, to take extracts from such documents as yet remained in my possession, & to avail himself of any other information I could give; provided the publication should be suspended until I had quitted the stage of human action. I then intended, as I informed him, to have devoted the present expiring winter in arranging all my papers which I had left at home, & which I found a mere mass of confusion (occasioned by frequently shifting them into trunks, & suddenly removing them from the reach of the enemy)\u2014but however strange it may seem it is nevertheless true, that what with company; referrences of old matters with which I ought not to be troubled\u2014applications for certificates, and copies of orders, in addition to the rotine of letters which have multiplied greatly upon me; I have not been able to touch a single paper, or transact any business of my own, in the way of accots &[c]. during the whole course of the winter; or in a word, since my retirement from public life.\nI have two reasons, my good sir, for making these communications to you\u2014the first is, by way of apology for not complying with my promise in the full extent you might expect in favor of Mr Bowie. The second is, not knowing where that Gentleman resides I am at a loss without your assistance, to give him the information respecting the disordered state of my papers, which he was told should be arranged, & a proper selection of them made for his inspection, by the Spring. Upon your kindness therefore I must rely to convey this information to him; for tho\u2019 I shou\u2019d be glad at all times, to see Mr Bowie here, I should be unhappy if expectations which can not be realized (in\nthe present moment) shou\u2019d withdraw him from, or cause him to forego some other pursuits which may be more advantageous to him. My respects if you please to Mrs Witherspoon. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0283", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Read, 9 March 1785\nFrom: Read, Jacob\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 9th March 1785\nWhen I had the pleasure to See you last Summer at Mount Vernon I believe I informed you in answer to a question on the Subject that Congress had received a Copy of the Roll of Negroes &Ca taken by the Commissioners for Superintending the Embarkations at New York at the time of the removal of the Refugees and British Garrison from this City\u2014I now find I was mistaken and that the one I had Seen in the office of the Secretary of Congress was only of 168 Negroes being the last Inspection of the Whole and made on board some Transports at that time at Anchor at Staten Island\u2014The General roll never has been seen by Congress and is at this time wanted to enable our Ministers in Europe to proceed to execute the Instructions of Congress of 1783 on the Subject of Negroes Carried off in Contravention of the Treaty of peace.\nI request Your Excellency to forward the Document alluded to as early as possible.\nAs I embark in a day or two for So. Carolina to be absent for 2 or 3 Months I cannot flatter myself with the pleasure of any Correspondence with you till my return unless I can tender you any Service in Charles Town\u2014I beg you\u2019l Command me in such Case Without reserve and assure yourself I Shall feel the greatest pleasure in obeying your Commands.\nThe Public Prints will ere this have informed you that Mr Jno. Adams is elected Minister to the Court of London. I had\nthe happiness to Succeed in my endeavours to Send Col. Wm Smith as Secretary to the Legation. Mr McHenry of Maryland now in Congress offerrd himself & there were sevl other Candidates but finding himself not likely to be elected, Mr McHenry with a wonderful dexterity rose & nominated the very man whom he in a conversation with me had offered a great many arguments to defeat, it was the Coll\u2019s wish to Stand on the Nomination of So. Carolina, but we were Supplanted by this little Son of Esculapius, however Smith was at once Elected.\nCongress Yesterday Elected Genl Knox Secretary at War. I put Coll Walker of your late Family in Nomination & he had an Honourable Support. The Sallary is Cut down to Twenty four hundred & fifty Dollars, not I am Sure Sufft to render it worth Genl Knox\u2019s acceptance. With this Idea I brought forward Col. Walkers Name\u2014he woud have been Elected but the New Englanders thought Genl Knox wou\u2019d accept & rely on the future generosity of Congress to make him Some Allowances of Hou. rent travelling expences &Ca.\nFrom the want of a full Congress the great national questions Still remain untouched & will not be attempted till late in the Spring When tis hoped we may assemble the Whole force of the Union & try if we can Act as a Nation, which by the bye I very much doubt now the Common tye of danger is removed.\nDo me the favour to present my most respectful Complements to Mrs Washington.\nI thank your Excellency for you[r] full Communications in answer to my Enquiries. They afforded me great Satisfaction & have confirmed sevl Opinions I had early adopted. I am with the greatest respect & regard Sir Your most obedt and most Humle Servt\nJacob Read", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0285", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Grayson, 10 March 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNew York March 10th 1785.\nI had the honor of your favor of the 22nd of Jany just as I was setting of from Dumfries, and I should have answered it from Mr Orr\u2019s in Loudoun, where I was detained some time on\naccount of Mrs Grayson\u2019s illness, if I had not wish\u2019d for more time to reflect on the subject matter of it: It would have giv\u2019n me great pleasure (if my particular situation would have permitted) to have waited on you at Mount Vernon and to have convers\u2019d with you on the occasion as I could in that case have entered more fully into the different circumstances than it is practicable to do by any communication on paper; I shall now however give you the best information in my power, as also my own sentiments with the utmost candor & sincerity; It was talk\u2019d of by gentlemen of the House that some mark of attention and respect (not barely complimentary) should be paid you by your native Country; that the other States in the Union knew you only as an American, but that your own knew you as an American and a Virginian; the only difficulty was, how to fall on any expedient that might not wound your feelings on the one hand or be unworthy of the Legislature on the other; While matters remain\u2019d in a situation altogether inconclusive, a gentleman of the Ass[embl]y made a motion respecting you, which it was thought adviseable to oppose on the principle of particular impropriety; however it was soon discovered from the temper of the House that if the question had been put it would have been carried without a dissentient as those in the opposition would also have voted for the measure; recourse was therefore had to intreaty & he was prevail\u2019d on to withdraw it, on being promis\u2019d a plan should be brought forward which should in some degree imbrace his views as well as the wishes of the House; accordingly the act which took effect was presented the next day, & immediately pass\u2019d both Houses.\nSome of the reasons which suggested it were these; It had appeared by conversations out of doors, on the passage of the river bills, that the House were anxious (as you had patronized them and opened their importance to public view) that the credit of the undertaking should be ascrib\u2019d to yourself & it was wish\u2019d that this might appear by some public act of the legislature; In pursuing this idea, it was thought that such an act might with propriety contain a grant of a certain number of shares to yourself which at the same time that it would be an instance of the attention of the House might also serve in part as a reason for taking up the subject and introducing the other matter; It was reasoned by those who countenanc\u2019d this particular\nplan, that the grant when measured by the European scale (the only criterion by which it could be judged) was so relatively inconsiderable, as to exclude every idea of it\u2019s being looked upon as a reward for services; that the value of the subject was so precarious, & depended on such a variety of circumstances as almost to prevent the sensation of property in the mind; That the act would carry to Posterity an evidence of the part you had acted in this great undertaking, the remembrance of which would be kept up by the possessions which were granted by the Assembly and retained by your family; That under every view of the subject it could be considered in no other light than the Act itself set forth, an honorable testimonial of the gratitude & affection of your native Country; The gentlemen who favored this particular mode, designedly contracted the number of shares in order to guard it against the objections which you now suppose it to be liable to, as the blank with equal facility might have fill\u2019d up in such a manner as to have comprehended objects of much greater magnitude; The idea of your being subjected to the performance of any particular service never once occurred and so far from it\u2019s being suppos\u2019d that you are in any degree circumscribed by the act I am perfectly satisfyed you will yourself confer the obligation by the acceptance; I will not pretend to say that the House do not wish you to devote some portion of your leisure reflections to the furtherance of this great national object; this is also I verily believe the case with every man in the State who has reflected on the matter; indeed numbers rest the success of the measure in a great degree on such an event; But then Sir this is hop\u2019d for, not as the effect or condition of the act but merely as the result of your own inclinations; they suppose such a line of conduct will at the same time be highly honorable to yourself & that this is one of those few great objects on which you can now with propriety fix your attention; The House I am convinc\u2019d would feel very sensibly if they suppos\u2019d you concieved yourself to be less independant on this account, or that any act of theirs should have a tendency to prevent you from offering your advice to your Country whenever you concieved it to be necessary.\nThese were the ideas which prevaild in general on the occasion; there was a great variety of sentiments, and a great deal said about the matter particularly with[ou]t doors where every\nman spoke his mind freely; indeed candor obliges me to inform you that there were not wanting some who thought you were plac\u2019d in a situation which call\u2019d for assistance of a very different nature from the present; With respect to what you hint as to it\u2019s being considered in the light of a pension, I am satisfyed it can never be the case under any view of the subject; indeed I cannot concieve there can be any such thing in our goverments according to the ideas generally annex\u2019d to it, and if instead of a precarious unproductive property it had been the grant of an annuity from the United States, I think it would not have been liable to this appellation, for I look upon the uninfluenced grant of a free people in a very different light from a gift which proceeds from the caprice of Princes or Ministers and which is always supposed whether true or false to be founded on the principle of favoritism; this distinction is preserved in the Brittish constitution & is productive of sensations essentially different, the one conveying the idea of personal favor and the other that of acknowledg\u2019d merit; if then the grants of parliament in a Monarchy are looked upon as highly honorable to the person who recieves them, how much stronger ought the impression to be in a republican government, where the principle of action is always suppos\u2019d to be Virtue. Upon the whole however as you have plac\u2019d so much confidence in me as to consult me on the occasion, and as the subject is a very delicate one, I would rather advise that you should not accept the grant at present in any other manner than that of acting under it, leaving your ultimate decision to time & future reflection. There are persons in the world interested in defeating the whole undertaking, and from motives of resentment alone might be induc\u2019d to misrepresent the purity of your intentions; & though I have not the least doubt myself of the propriety of your accepting the grant yet it would be a painful reflection in me to think I had recommended a measure which had the most distant tendency in lessening you in the estimation of the world; it is certain if I had thought it not  decidedly right, I never would have voted for it as a representative of the people; and I have every reason to believe that this was the case with every member of the House, who never would have offered a thing which they conciev\u2019d it was improper in you to recieve; If you should at a future period and after the maturest consideration find yourself\nunalterably determined against converting it to your own use, you will always have it in your power to appropriate either the principal or profits to public purposes of essential utility; though this will contradict the desires and wishes of your fellow Citizens, and counteract the purposes which gave rise to the measure, I think it will be less objectionable than an absolute rejection in the first instance It will shew a willingless on your part to comply with their request as far as your own sensations would permit you; I hope however that at some future period, and after you have thoroughly weighed all the circumstances, you will find yourself disposed as well from the propriety of the thing itself, as the impulse of your own feelings towards your parent State, to accept of the grant in the manner originally designed by the legislature, and that the same may go and descend to your representative agreable to their intentions; The Assembly of Virginia have no doubt a reguard for your interest, but I am satisfyed they have a much higher one for your personal fame & honor. I shall now leave this subject with observing that there are strong reasons to be urged against your parting with the favor  giv\u2019n you by the act, and which in my opinion essentially reguards the success of the undertaking, but as your own feelings are connected with the subject I find a repugnance in pressing them in point of delicacy, I shall therefore leave them & their operations to the suggestions of your own mind making no doubt they will have such an effect as the magnitude of the object and your attachment to it\u2019s success may with propriety point out. With respect to the Aspen & Yew trees, I beg leave to acquaint you, that I sent to Sprigg\u2019s ford to see if the tree which the Doctr had giv\u2019n me had produc\u2019d any scions, and was inform\u2019d there were none; I then applied to Mr Landon Carter who had several at his plantation on Bull run; Mrs Grayson whom I left at Mr Orr\u2019s promis\u2019d me to carry them behind her carriage to Dumfries & to send them from thence to Mount Vernon together with any scions of the yew tree which she with the assistance of Doctr Graham & Mr R. Graham, might be able to procure. We have very little news here, Mr Marbois has inform\u2019d us there will be no war between the Emperor and the Dutch, & the Minister of the latter expresses himself to the same purpose, but neither have communicated the terms of the pacification.\nCongress are engaged in a plan for opening their Land Office on the Western waters.\nIn recommending a plan for extending their powers in forming Commercial treaties.\nIn regulating the Post Office and in making a Peace establishment. They have directed a treaty to be form\u2019d if practicable with the Piratical States on the Coasts of Africa; I expect a Minister will be appointed to the Court of Spain after the arrival here of Don Diego Gardoqui; & one I presume will be appointed to Holland in the room of Mr Adams who goes to the Court of St James. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Affecte friend & Most Obedt Servt\nWillm Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0286", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 10 March 1785\nFrom: Hamilton, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nNew York March 10:1785\nI am requested by Mr Oudinarde to transmit you the Inclosed Account \u2014I observed to him that it was a little extraordinary the account had not been presented before; and that it was probable your accounts with the public had been long since closed, and that, by the delay, you may have lost the oppurtunity of making it a public charge, as it ought to have been. But as the person was very importunate I told him I should have no objection to be the vehicle of conveyance to you. In this view I transmit the account; and remain with much respect D. Sr Yr Obed. & humb.\nAlex. Hamilton\n\u27e8Mrs\u27e9 Hamilton joins in compliments to \u27e8Mr\u27e9s Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0287", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John de Neufville, 10 March 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Neufville, Jean (John) de\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John de Neufville, 10 Mar. 1785. On 8 Sept. GW wrote de Neufville: \u201cI have lately been honored with your favors of the 10th & 15th of March.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0288", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Rumsey, 10 March 1785\nFrom: Rumsey, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBath [Va.] March the 10th 1785\nYour favour of the 22d Ultimo has Just Came to hand And it gives me much Uneasyness that I Should though unintentionly, have gave you So much trouble abought Ryans note, as well as not Comeing up to my promis in the Repayment of the money you Lett mr Herbert have on my acount, I am also hurt that from the present apearance of things you have Reason to think me a person not posessed of the Least honor Or Delicacy, to be Capable, as you have Very Justly Observed, of Sending you the note of a Shufling player, for Shufling he Certainly is, But your goodness Sir, is Conspecuous in your Letter to me (as well as on all Other ocations,) to give me Such Indulgences as you have proposed at a time when you have Reason to think I Do not Deserve it. But although I am Senceable that nothing I Can offer as Excuse Should be Receivd as full Satisfaction as the money was not paid yet I trust that you may not think So hard of me when I give you a Detail of my proceedings after I had the honour of Seeing you Last. I Stayed at Richmond near two weeks after my buisness was Done Endeavouring to get Sum money of Ryan But To Little purpose Except Sufisiant to pay my Expences I then Toald Him the Solemn Ingagement I was under to you For the payment of fifty pounds in a few weeks and as I thought It might tend to make him punktial I took the Liberty to have the note drawn in your name But never Intended you Should See it much more to have So much troubl with it. When I was On my way home I met with a Mr Klinehoof of Alexandria knowing him to be a Safe hand, and thinking my acquantance with Mr Herbert, would Intitle me to ask him a Small favour, as I Conceivd it, I Enclosed the note in a Letter to\nhim and beged him In the most Serious and pressing terms to Send the note to his freind in Richmond for payment against the Day it was Due and if the money was Obtained to give it to you Immediately But by no means to present the note to you that it was only Drew in your name to urge the other to payment. my hearing no more of the matter for Sumtime gave me hopes that the money was Receivd by Mr Herbert, A bought the first of Febuary I had an Opertunity of writeing to Mr Herbert abought the matter and Sum other Buisness But to my great Surprize his answer Respecting the note was\u2014\u201cThe note being Drawn In the Generals name I Delivered it to him,[\u201d] This answer gave me great uneaseyness Least it Should turn out as it Realy has. I had one Chance that I thought good in Berkeley to get the money where it was Due me, But all my Indavours proved Inefectual or I Should have Immediately Came Down, I therefore waited the Event of Ryans note with great anxiety, your Letter Announced it and your Indulgence Exceeded my most Sanguine Expectations. I had an Opertunity to Richmond and pressed Ryan hard to pay the note had no answer but heard of his Sickness and his Since Removeing to Norfolk if you will be kind enough to Leave the note with Mr Herbert when I Come or Send to alexandria perhaps I may yet get in his favour to forward it to Ryan if not I Can have it home.\nRespecting your houses Sir, they will Shorely be built agreeable to your Directions, and would have been had I not have heard from you at all as I had Spoke to a man before I went to Richmond that kept two or three workmen to build me the kitchens and Stables of all the houses I had to build, my Stay was So Long that before I got home the Loggs were all hewed the Shingles got and are all on the Spott Readey for Raising. I hope Sir you Will not Disaprove when I tell you of my proceedings Respecting your Big house, nor Constru it Into a Desire of me to Revive our old agreement, But I have it under way the window Shutters Doors and Sash are All made and the most of the moaldings Every Inch of the Stuff is Sawed and I have agreed with a man to frame and Raise it against the first Day of may, I Shall not Call upon you nor Draw any Orders more for money nor Do I Desire that you Should Send me any Except you Can Spare it with the greatest Convenance, and I now give you my word that I Will not Distress myself to finish it if I find I Cannot Do it without, I will Quit when I have it Inclosed which\nI Can Do with But Little more Expence, and it will then Be as Secure against the weather as if it Was Done.\nRespecting my Boats[,] Georgia & South Cariline I have petioned, North Carolina I have But have not heard what they have Done, maryland, I hear has gave me an Exclusive Right under a redemtion by the Legeslature, pensylvania has Done the Same, the Jerseys threw it out of the house by a majority of four, new york asembly was not Siting which was the farthest that I made applycations to northward\u2014I have made many neat and accurate Experiments with my Boats Since I Saw you, and find She far Exceeds my Expectations on the first Experiments made Last fall I find She will go a greater proportion of the Velosity of the water in Rapid Currents than Slow ones. the Reason is, the friction is nearly the Same In Boath Cases, it therefore takes a greater part of the force of a Small Current to over Come it, when a Very Small proportion will Do it with Ease in Rapid water, I have Deduced a Rule from Experiments By which I can tell what Quantity of paddle Boards a head, to Each tun, the Boat Caryes, is nesasary to go up with any proportion you think proper to the Stream that Comes Down, by which I find that the Resistance of water against Boats Increases Exactly as the Squares of the Velosity of the Boats against it, Nether Can their be a general Rule to give the Resistance that Boats of the Same Burthen and Velosity meets with If their formes is Different for I find that Bad Shaped Boats meets with nearly three times the Resistance that good ones Do of the Same Burthen, a well Shaped Boat will move a head be her Burthen what it may, as fast as the water Comes Down with three Square feet of paddle Board ahead for Each tun weight taken Up, the Boats weight Included, the fourth part of that much paddle Board will move her up half as fast as the Current Comes Down and four times that much paddle Board will Move her up twice as fast as the Current Comes Down, it then follows that if a Boat and her Load weighing Eight tun, with twenty four Square feet of paddle Boards, a head was to move up a River as fast as the Current Came Down, that if Six tuns was taken out of Said boat which would Leave But Little more than an Emty Boat that She would then go up the River with twice the Velosity that the Current Came Down So much for the kind of Boats, the Modle of which you Saw.\nI have taken the greatest pains to afect another kind of Boats\nupon the princeples I was mentioning to you at Richmond I have the pleasure to Inform you that I have Brought it to the greatest perfection It is true it will Cost Sum more than the other way But when Done is more mannagable and Can be worked by as few hands the power is amence and I am Quite Convinced that Boats of pasage may be made to go against the Current of the Mesisipia or ohio River, or in the gulf Stream from the Lewerd to the Windward Islands from Sixty to one hundred miles per Day I know it will apear Strange and Improbeble and was I to Say thus much to most people in this neghbourhood they would Laugh at me and think me mad But I Can ashore you Sir that I have Ever Been Very Cautious how I aserted any thing that I was not Very Certain I Could perform Besides it is no phenomena when known, But Strictly agreeble To philosiphy, The princeples of this Last kind of Boat I am Very Cautious not to Explain, to any person, as it is Easey performed and the method would Come Very nateral to a Rittenhouse, or an Elicott. The plann I mean to persue is to Build the Boats with Boath the powers on Board on a Large Scale and then Sir if you would Be good enough Once more to See it make actual performances I make no Doubt but the asembleys will alow me Sumthing Clever which will be better for the public as well as my Self, than to have the Exclusive Rights. I am astonished that it is So hard to force an Advantage on the public. admit \u27e8it\u27e9 Did make the fortune of one man. I Cannot help But Stare when I Look back at the Lenth of my Letter. it is a very Strikeng Representation of the propensity a man has to Say a great deal when he gets upon his favorite Theme, Least the Lenth of my Scrawl Should become tiresom to Read. I shall threfore Conclude by Returning you my most Sincere thanks for the many favours you have Done me, & am with Every Sentiment of Regard your Sincere freind and Very hble Servt\nJames Rumsey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0289", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Walker, 11 March 1785\nFrom: Walker, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nNew York March 11th 1785\nI had the pleasure to write to your Excellency in Decr last and at the same time to send you (Via Norfolk) some Trees and other things which must I think have got to hand as I heard of their safe arrival at Norfolk from whence they were to be immediately forwarded.\n   Mr John Blagge who went supercargo of the Ship Hope for Alexandria which Sailed yesterday was so good as to take Charge of a Case and a barrell\u2014the former containing some Wax Work and the latter some Pease delivered me by the Governor to ship to you[.] the Vessell sailed rather sooner than I expected & thereby prevented my giving the Letter to Mr Blagge\u2014I do not know whether Gov. Clinton informd you that the Grape Cuttings left by Mr Williamos\u2014with Mr Beekman\u2014all Died it seems they were so far gone on their arrival that they could not be recovered tho\u2019 great pains were taken, by Mr Beekmans Gardiner, for the purpose.\nYour Excellency I doubt not has such frequent & better information than I could give\u2014of the State of public matters, that it [is] not worth while for me to enter on them\u2014You will have heard that Genl Knox is put at the head of the War Office\u2014my old Friend the Baron is here and I believe is making a final Settlement with Congress\u2014I sincerely wish they had the power and disposition to do something that would enable him to pass the remainder of his days easy but your Excellency knows as well as myself\u2014that it is not a small matter would suffice for this\u2014I believe he means to go to Europe if a War should break out there & he cannot get a provision here.\nColo. Smith has obtained the Post of Secy to the Embassy to the Court of London with an appointment of 3000 Dollars\u2014without any profession but the Military and accustomed to\nmove in a certain Stile he really wanted something of the kind and I am heartily glad he has got it\u2014Humphreys it seems has not lost his Military views but has written to Congress for a Regiment on any Establishment that may take place.\nPermit me to present my most respectfull Compliments to Mrs Washington and to the rest of the family and be assured of the inviolable attachment with which I have the honor to Dr Sir Your Excellys obliged & Obedient Servant\nBen Walker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0291", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 12 March 1785\nFrom: Lee, Henry Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Genl\nStratford [Va.] 12h March 1785\nApprehending the escape of the season before your vessel may arrive, I have got the favor of Mr Hall to permit his servant to call at Mount-Vernon.\nHe has twelve horse chesnut, twelve box-cuttings & twelve dwarf box-cuttings\u2014you may have any supply of either box, you please to order\u2014I can supply you also with cypress & holly which can be ready at the shortest notice\u2014Perhaps we may have some fruit trees you may want\u2014In any thing please to command me, as I feel singularly happy in adminestering to the wishes of a character I so much love and respect.\nMrs Lee joins in compliments to your lady. I am dear Genl unalterably your friend & servt\nHenry Lee Junr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0293", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carey, Mathew\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th Mar: 1785\nI purposed, so soon as I understood you intended to become the Publisher of a News Paper in Philadelphia to request that a copy of your weekly production might be sent to me. I was the more pleased with this determination, when, by a letter from\nmy friend the Marquis de la Fayette, I found he had interested himself in your behalf.\nIt has so happened, that my Gazettes from Philadelphia, whether from inattention at the Printing or Post offices, or other causes; come very irregularly to my hands: Let me pray you therefore, to address those you send me, in the appearance of a letter. The common paper, usually applied, will do equally well for the cover\u2014It has sometimes occurred to me, that there are persons who wishing to read News Papers without being of the expence of paying for them, make free with those which are addressed to others. under the garb of a letter, it is not presumable this liberty would be taken. I am\u2014Sir Yr most obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0294", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Cross, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Cross, James\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nManchester [Va.] 15th March 1785\nI beg leave to hand you inclosed copy of a Letter I received from Dr Patrick Wright of Glasgow respecting a tract of Land which fell to a Brother of his Leut. William Wright who was killed in Genl Braddock\u2019s defeat and now belong\u2019s to him or some of his other Brothers, and requests I will inform how it may be recovered and what it may be worth\u2014as I am utterly at a loss to whom to apply for this information but to You, I have therefore taken the liberty to request the favour that You will\ntake the trouble to advise me what mode should be adopted for the recovery of it, what it may be worth.\nI applyed at the Land office and was informed by Mr Harvey that he expected, that the right of that whole Grant Still lay in You and it was only in your power to make a Deed for it. Altho I have no power to transact the Business further then gett information respecting\u2014Yett if a Deed could be gott for it I woud pay any expence attending it, and write for a Power of Attorney if You thought proper. I am with Esteem most respectfully\u2014Sir Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant\nJames Cross", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0295", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Diriks, Jacob Gerhard\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th March 1785.\nYour letter of the 24th of January came duly to hand; but being written in French (a language I do not understand) some time elapsed before an opportunity presented to get it translated\u2014This I hope will be received as an apology for the delay of my answer.\nHowever much your merits deserve recommendation\u2014& however pleasing it might be to me to offer my testimony to such facts as have come to my knowledge, respecting the services you have rendered to these States, yet to comply with your request of a letter to the Count de Maasdam, would be inconsistent with the line of conduct I have prescribed for my Government.\nIt is a maxim with me Sir, to take no liberties with exalted characters to whom I am not personally known, or with whom I\nhave had no occasion to correspond by letter: but if you shou\u2019d think a certificate of service from me can avail you in any degree, & you would please to furnish me with your appointmts & places of service (as they have not been much under my immediate command) I shall have pleasure in furnishing one.\nIf circumstances had permitted, I should have been happy in the honor of a visit from you. I have a grateful sense of the polite & flattering expression of your letter; & with best wishes for you in your future pursuits, I have the honor to be Sir, &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0297", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Arthur Lee, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Arthur\nDr Sir,\nMo[un]t Vernon 15th March 1785.\nI had the honor to receive a letter from you dated at Carlisle the 19th of Novr last, which should not have remained unacknowledged until this time, if I had known of any opportunity of addressing a letter to you in the Western Territory.\nI have now heard of your passing thro\u2019 Philada on your way to Congress, & have been honor\u2019d with a copy of your second\ntreaty with the Western tribes of Indians, from the President. I am pleased to find that the Indians have yielded so much: from the temper I heard they were in, I apprehended less compliance on their part. This business being accomplished, it would give me pleasure to hear that Congress has proceeded to the disposal of the ceded Lands at a happy medium price, in a District sufficient & proper for a compact State. Progressive seating will be attended with many advantages; sparse settlements with many evils.\nI congratulate you on your safe return: the season was inclement, and very unfit for the place & business you were engaged in. Mrs Washington presents her compliments to you, and I have the honor to be Yrs &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0301", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Hugh Williamson, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Williamson, Hugh\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th March 1785\nIt has so happened, that your favor of the 19th Ulto did not come to my hands until the last mail arrived at Alexandria. By the return of which, I have the honor to address this letter to you.\nMr McMeikenss explanation of the movements of Rumsey\u2019s newly invented Boat, is consonant to my ideas; and warranted by the principles upon which it acts. The small manual assistance to which I alluded, was to be applied in still water; & to the purpose of steering the vessel. The counteraction being proportioned to the action, it must ascend a swift currt faster than a gentle stream; and both, with more ease than it can move on dead water. But in the first there may be, & no doubt is, a point beyond wch it cannot proceed without involving consequences which may be found insurmountable.\nFurther than this I am not at liberty to explain myself; but if a model, or thing in miniature can justly represent a greater object in its operation, there is no doubt of the utility of the invention. A view of this model with an explanation, removed the principal doubt I ever had in my mind, of the practicability of its progressing against stream, by the aid of mechanical Powers; but as he wanted to avail himself of my introduction of it to the public attention, I chose, previously, to see the actual performance of the model in a descending stream, before I passed my certificate, & having done so, all my doubts were done away.\nI thank you, Sir, for your acct of the last Indian treaty. I had received a similar one before, but do not comprehend by what line it is, our northern limits are to be fixed.\nTwo things seem naturally to result from this Treaty. The terms on which the ceded lands are to be disposed of; & the mode of settling them. The first, in my opinion, ought not to be delayed. The second, ought not to be too diffusive. Compact and progressive Seating will give strength to the Union; admit law & good government; & f\u0153deral aids at an early period. Sparse settlements in several new States; or in a large territory for one State, will have the direct contrary effects. & whilst it opens a large field to Land jobbers and speculators, who are prouling about like Wolves in every shape, will injure the real occupants & useful citizens; & consequently, the public interest. If a tract of Country, of convenient Size for a new State, contiguous to the present Settlements on the Ohio, is laid off, and a certain proportion of the land therein actually seated; or at least granted; before any other State is marked out & no land suffered to be had beyond the limits of it; we shall, I conceive, derive great political advantages from such a line of conduct, & without it, may be involved in much trouble & perplexity, before any New state will be well organized, or can contribute any thing to the support of the Union. I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obt Hble Sert\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0302", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 19 March 1785\nFrom: Fairfax, George William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nBath [England] 19th March 1785\nMr Thomas Corbin, now in my House, proposing to Embark in a few days for Virginia, has earnestly Sollicited, that I would give him a line to you, respecting his Conduct since his return to England. The unfortunate youth, has been most cruelly used, and barbarously aspersed by his Brother Dick, and his adherents, insomuch that Tom had a property of five thousand Pounds in the Funds, he must have rotted in a Jail, but for the interposition of his Fathers friend Mr Athawes, who stept in to save him from impending destruction. All this is not yours or my affair, I hear you say, and my good Sir it is true, but as there has been a Combination to destroy the reputation of a young Man, just setting out in Life, I cannot refuse when called upon, to give my Testimony, that from the information of a Gentn of great Probity, intimately acquainted with all the horrid transactions of Dick Corbin, Tom has acquitted himself through the whole business, as a Man of honor, honesty, and great humanity, as will appear by his paying about 1400\u00a3 for his Brother Dick and also the debts of Frank, who could not have left England but by his assistance.\nI beg your forgiveness for troubling You with the above tedious detail, be assured, I have done it with the greatest reluctance, but a particular friend of mine coming from London with Mr Corbin, to ask this address of me, it was not to be parried. Since the Peace I have availd myself of several opportunities of enquiring after your, and Mrs Washingtons hea[l]th, but have received only one from you, And some time ago, I took the liberty of sending a beautiful Print of the great Revolution, in which you had so principal a part, it would give me pleasure to hear it got safe and was acceptable. Mrs Fairfax and myself has been better this severe Winter, than any one of those we have spent in England.\nIt would give us pleasure to hear, when your leisure will permit, that you and your good Lady enjoy health. That you may be long blessed with it, and every other felicity is the earnest wish of my Dear Sir Your Affecte and much Obliged Friend and humble Servt\nGo: Wm Fairfax\nMr David Hartley (whos character you must know) has often requested, that I would present his best respects to you. he added that it would give him infinite pleasure to take by \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 Person whoes health he has so often drunk.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0304", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 19 March 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond [Va.] March 19th 1785\nThe Honor you are pleased to do me in your Favor of the 27th ulto, desiring my Opinion in a friendly Way on the Subject of the Act for vesting the Shares in the Patowmack & James River Navigation, is very flattering to me. And I should ill deserve the Confidence you are pleased to place in me if I should forbear to give you my unreserved Sentiments on it.\nI will freely own to you that I am embarrassed to reconcile the Law taken in its full Extent, with the Declarations you mention, & a fixed purpose of refusing pecuniary Rewards. If this was the sole Object of the Act, I should not hesitate to dissent to its propriety. The united States seem most properly constituted to take into Consideration a Matter of that Nature, for a Variety of Reasons, which I need not enumerate. But the Preamble of the Law, compared with a few Facts that preceded the enacting of it, will present it in a View different from that of rewarding past military Services. The Facts I allude to are these.\nThe great Business of opening the Navigation of Patowmack & James River, & connecting it with that of the western Waters, was taken up by you, & pressed with that Earnestness so interesting a Matter deserved. The Difficultys which Nature had interposed, were encreased by a Combination of Interests, hard to develope & explain, & stil harder to reconcile. To all these was added another Impediment arising from the Scarcity of Money & the exhausted condition of the Country. The Time however was critical; & your Observations sent to the Assembly, proved that it was good policy to encounter every Obstacle & begin the Work. The patronage of it seemed naturally to devolve on you Sir; & the Assembly desiring to give Efficacy to that patronage vested the Shares in you.\nThis Navigation depends upon private Subscription for Success: So that unless you had subscribed, you could not have been concerned. You will forgive me for supposing that your Finances could not have made it desirable, to risque a Sum of\nMoney on the Success of an Enterprize like this. For your Estate could not have been exempted from that Loss in its produce experienced by other Gentlemens Estates throughout the Country during the War\u2014Considering then, that your promoting this great Affair necessarily obliged you to subscribe to it, & besides to encounter all the Difficultys arising from the Nature of it, the Variety of Interests, Veiws, & Circumstances which attended it, and that in arranging & conducting all these, not only great Labor & Attention as well as Abilitys are requisite, but also Expence of Money & Loss of Time, it would seem at Least, that you ought to be secured against the Chance of loosing by subscribing. And this is all the Law can be said to do, inasmuch as it must remain uncertain whether the Shares are worth any thing \u2019til the Business is compleated. If this never happens to be accomplished, your Labor Time, &c. &c, are lost, & the Donation proves an empty Sound.\nYour Acceptance of it, will prevent that Shock which you justly observe will be given by a Refusal\u2014And I submit to your Reflection how far your Resignation of the Shares may throw a Damp on that Ardor, which I have the pleasure to hear prevails at present, to promote the Undertaking. I must beleive, that at least a temporary Check would be given to its progress \u2019til the Means of replacing so many Shares could be found, & I am really not able to find out the Way to do it.\nYour Acceptance will avoid this embarrassing Circumstance. And if after reviewing the whole Matter you shall think it inadmissable to hold the Shares in the Manner the Law gives them, You will be at Liberty to make such alteration in the Interest, or Disposition of the Use, as shall be most agreable to your self.\nIf I have exceeded in the Freedom with which I have treated this Subject, I must entreat your Forgiveness; For I have no Motive but to evince on every Occasion that I am with unalterable Affection & the most sincere Attachment dear sir your very obedient Servant\nP. Henry\nP.S. Two other large packets from Ireland accompany this. The post could not carry them all at once. No other Conveyance seems to present soon, & the Capt (Boyle) begs to receive your Commands soon as convenient.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0305", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 19 March 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nParis March the 19th 1785\nYour letter december the 23d Has Safely Come to Hand, and Nothing short of the pottowmack plan Could Have Accounted with me for Your leaving Mount Vernon. I am glad to Hear You are likely to succeed, as it seems to me a Matter of Great Moment\u2014and the part You Have taken in the Business Cannot fail, still more particularly to interest me in its success\u2014I thank you, my dear General, for your information Respecting the Act of Maryland\u2014it is an Honour Equally flattering to my pride, and pleasing to My Heart.\nEuropean politics are not Yet settled\u2014but there is much Reason to Hope this will end without Bloodshed\u2014inclosed you will find a declaration from the king of France to the Emperor Respecting the dutch war\u2014Count de Ma\u00efllebois is gone to Holland where they are Raising troops, and where parties Run very High\u2014a plan of the Emperor for the Exchange of Baviera, of which I spoke to you in my last, Has Been opposed By the duke of deux ponts Nephew and Heir to the elector\u2014So that Upon the whole I don\u2019t think we shall Have a war\u2014in Case the dutch make Some sacrifices, they will Be small\u2014the intervention of France has saved them\u2014and Count de Vergennes deserves great Credit.\nGreat Britain Continues to Be very Backward in treating with America\u2014our friend john temple is appointed British Consul to the United States\u2014Notwistanding the ill will and Narrow policy of England they Run a way with all the Commerce of America\u2014that total interruption of trade gives a new force to the Clamours of the French Merchants Against the late Admission of foreigners in the West indias, and Makes it impossible to obtain the addition of flour and sugars\u2014at least in the present period\u2014I am Very Busy about introducing the Whale oils in France, and notwistanding Every obstacle, Hope at least partially to succeed.\non my Arrival, I Have Repeated what I Had writen Respecting the Mississipy\u2014viz.\u2014the idea, either to get New Orleans, or to advise the Spaniards to make it a free port\u2014the former is impossible\u2014as to the second I Had no positive Answer\u2014But I am sure my opinion Was not thrown a Way\u2014I Have Requested a Conference with the duke de La Vauguion who is going to spain as an Ambassador\u2014it will Be very difficult to get that point, and altho I would not advise America to deviate from firmness, I think they must act with Moderation in this affair.\nInclosed is the extract from a Book of Mr Necker which I thought Might give Agreable information\u2014I send it in French, Because You will find translators enough\u2014that Book is a Very Good one, But Has Raised Both a jealousy against, and an adoration for the Author which Runs into an Excess\u2014He is However one of the ablest men in Europe, and certainly one of the first financeers.\nThe irish affairs seem to subside\u2014in the Course of the summer, I will, I think, Visit the prussian and austrian armies, provided there is no war\u2014my ideas about 29 are not very Unlikely to succeed\u2014102 in this Kingdom are My present object \u2014and I am not without Hopes, with Respect to a part of what a Rational Man Might Expect at this period. My little family Have Been writing to Yours By Mr Williams an American Gentleman \u2014they join with Mde de lafayette and me in Most affectionate Respects to Mrs Washington and You\u2014Remember me to all our friends\u2014Adieu, Adieu, My Beloved General, think often of Your absent, tender friend\u2014Never Could any Being in Creation love you more, Respect you more than I do\u2014Be so Kind as to let me Hear from You By every packet\u2014Adieu, My dear General, Your Respectfull and affectionate friend\nLafayette\nChevalier de Caraman presents His Best Respects to Mrs Washington and to You\u2014I kiss Squire tub, and the young ladies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0307", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Blake, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Blake, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCharleston [S.C.] March 20th [1785]\nThe want of an Opportunity has prevented me from hitherto forwarding you the Seeds and Plants I promised when I had the Honor of paying you my Respects at Mount Vernon; I wish they may answer your Expectations, such a Hedge will be an acquisition.\nOur State is anxious for the Honor of a Visit from you, I need not repeat, it woud gratify the summit of our Desires. Permit me, Sir, without intruding more on your Time to make a\nTendre of my best Respects to Mrs Washington, and to assure you with greatest Regard & Esteem I remain Dear Sir Your most Obedient Humble Sert\nWilliam Blake", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0308", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th Mar. 1785\nYour favor of the 12th together with the letters and parcels from Sir Edward Newenham, came safe to hand. For the trouble you have had with the latter I offer you my thanks, at the sametime I beg your excuse for adding to it by causing the letter herewith enclosed to be forwarded to Captn Boyle of the ship Jane & Diana when a safe conveyance offers.\nI hope this letter will find your family in better health than when you last wrote, and your Grandson perfectly restored. With very great esteem regard & respect I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obt Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0309", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Francis Mercer, 20 March 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Mercer, John Francis\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Francis Mercer, 20 Mar. 1785. On 27 Mar., GW wrote Mercer: \u201cMr Stone gave me your favor of the 20th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0310", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Newenham, Edward\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th March 1785.\nI regret very much that your letters of the 2d & 13th of October should have been detained from me until this time. The last Post only, from Richmond, brought them to me.\nIf you should have fulfilled your intention of embarking at the early period proposed in the first of the above letters\u2014and I hope no untoward accident will have happened to prevent it\u2014this answer will come too late, and my silence will leave you in doubt respecting Horses; besides carrying with it the appearance of inattention. As, however, there is a possibility that this letter may yet find you in Ireland, I will relate the mode of travelling in this Country, and submit to your own Judgment the propriety of depending on it, or bringing Saddle or Carriage Horses of your own.\nFrom the Southern parts of this State, say from Norfolk, through Hampton, Richmond, Fredericksburgh, and Alexandria (which is within a few miles of this Seat) there is regular Stages which passes thrice every week. They are not of the best, nor worst kind\u2014From Alexandria, through the Metropolis of every State, Annapolis in Maryland excepted (which lyes a little to the right of the Post road to Baltimore) there are also regular Stages to Portsmouth in New Hampshire. These are of a similar kind, & pass as often as those last mentioned. So that not more than three days can intervene betwn one Stage day & another. A person may therefore, at any time between the first of April, & middle of November, travel from Richmond (the Metropolis of this State) to Boston in ten or twelve days, and return in the sametime. Between this State & Charleston (South Carolina) no Stages are, as yet, established; and the Country for the most part being poor, and thinly inhabited, accomodations of every kind, I am told, are bad.\nSo much for public convenience. I do not think I should decieve you much, were I to add that Sir Edward Newenham would find no difficulty to get accomodated in this, and some other States, with the Horses and Carriages of private Gentlemen from place to place, where inclination, or business, might induce him to go.\nWhat the expence of transporting Horses to this Country would be, I am unable to decide; but I conceive they would not be fit for immediate use if they were brought, if the passage should be long; but at the sametime I deliver this opinion, I must accompany it with another, viz.\u2014that if you should bring Horses, and might not incline to take them back again, you could if they are young, likely and well bought, sell them for their original cost & the charges of transportation at least, especially if they should happen to be of the female kind.\nI have not had the pleasure of seeing either Mr Rutherford or Captn Boyle; but the latter accompanying your Letters & packages\u2014for which I pray you to accept my thanks\u2014with a few lines giving reasons for their detention, and information of his Sailing in the course of a few days; I have, in haste, wrote you this letter by return of the Post, hoping it may get to Richmond in time to receive a conveyance by the Jane and Diana, that it may repeat to you (if it should arrive in time) the pleasure I shall have in seeing you, and your fellow travellers under my roof, and in paying you & them, every attention in my power.\nThe chances being against this letter\u2019s finding you in Ireland, I will not, at this time, touch upon the other parts of your several favors; but leaving them as matters for personal converse beg that my respectful compliments, in which Mrs Washington joins, may be presented to Lady Newenham: With very great esteem and regard I am\u2014Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0311", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 20 March 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, Bushrod\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Bushrod Washington, 20 Mar. 1785. On 3 April GW wrote to his nephew Bushrod: \u201cYour letter of the 20th Ulto did not come to my hands until the 31st.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0313", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Craig, 22 March 1785\nFrom: Craig, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhilad[elphi]a March 22nd 1785\nThe Knowledge I have of your Benevolence & Condescencion Encourages me to Take a Liberty, which by any other than your Excellency might be deemed unpardonable\u2014The Request of a Self Interested Individual who has not the honor to be much Known to your Excellency requires both Preface & Apology, but Rather than Trespass on your Time, I take the Liberty to begin Rather Abruptly & doubt not but your Excellency will Dispense with the Form\u2014The Discouraging Prospect of Trade in General here & the little Probability that it will Soon take a favourable turn has induced me to turn my thoughts towards a Country Life\u2014I wish to Settle myself in a place of Retirement in Such a Situation as woud Soon Afford the Conveniencies of Life & ultimately promise Essential Advantages\u2014I have heard there are Situations on the Susquehanna & Monogahela Rivers which Promise in Time to be very Valuable, but it is So Difficult to Procure Information on which one may Depend, that I have at last determined to apply to the Fountain head & Request your Excelency to favour me with a few Lines of Advice upon the Execution of my Plan \u2014My Father has Some Lands on Cheat River which I mean to Explore this\nSpring, but I think the Susquehanna which will Communicate with the Potomack promises to yield the most Profitable Settlements & Could I Procure (on tollerable easy Terms) a healthy fruitfull Place with the Advantages of Navigation & one or two Mill seats, I would Gladly Employ what little Capital I have in the purchase & Cultivation of it.\nI have not yet mentioned my Plan to any Person, nor shall I till I am determined by your Excellencys Advice on what part of the Country you would think it most advantageous to Settle\u2014Once more I beg your Excellencys forgiveness for the Liberty I take\u2014the Wellfare of my family Depending on yr Information will I am sure be a sufficient Apology to a heart so Benevolent as yours, I have the honor to be with the Greatest Respect & Esteem yr Excellencies very hble Servt\nJohn Craig", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0314", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Elkanah Watson, 22 March 1785\nFrom: Watson, Elkanah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nProvidence [R.I.] 22d March 1785\nI have bore steadily in mind the circumstance of the dutch gardener, but Mr Brown cannot recommend him so fully as he could wish.\nThis will be handed by Mr Howel a gentleman who is connected with Mr Brown & who intends doing himself the honour to pay his respects to your Excellency. The information you was so polite as to communicate to me, relative the plan of opening the Potowmack, the interior country &c.\u2014I trust will not be fruitless as I took my notes, & have uniformly made it my standard of conversation along the Continent, & I cannot but hope with some success, as I find the Potowmack has now become an object of such magnitude as to draw the attention of our enterprizing genius\u2019es to Alexandria which I am persuaded will shortly feel the effects.\nMr Brown has it seriously in contemplation to lay the foundation\nof a new City between the first falls & Alexandria upon the Virginia side I am not authoriz\u2019d by him to write your Excellency upon the subject, but I am so intimately connected with him that I am well persuaded If you thought the plan eligible, & he could obtain information respecting the debth of water near the falls that he would bend his Interest & efforts to this point which you are sensible would be an important acquisition in the infant state of your noble river.\nPermit me to tender my respectfull compliments to Lady Washington & to assure your Excellency of my profound veneration & hommage.\nE. Watson\nI should be highly flatter\u2019d to receive your Excellencys commands in this quarter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0315", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Hunter, 24 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hunter, William\nMount Vernon 24th March 1785.\nG. Washingtons Compliments to Mr Hunter\u2014would thank him for forwarding the enclosed letter by a good oppertunity when any such offers.\nHe would thank Mr Hunter for the Currt Cash prices of good Plank in Alexandria\u2014Inch\u2014Inch & Quarter\u2014and Inch and half. this by the bearer.\nIf there is any Vessel in the harbor with these, & do not meet a ready Sale, he would take some, if good, of each, if the Master would call in his way down.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0316", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 March 1785\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir.\nBoston [Mass.] 24 March 1785\nI thank you for your kind favor of the 28th ultimo, which I received last evening with its enclosures & I sincerely hope I shall not be under the necessity of troubling you so much again. But in the present instance I am under the necessity of mentioning that Major Winthrop Sargent has repeatedly informed me, that a certificate from you would be one of the most desirable and acceptable things to him. I at length promised him that I would request it of you. He is really clever, and was an excellent Artillery officer.\nI will endevor to make an arrangement of the lime stone in\nthe manner that shall be the least expensive; but our spring is so backward that we have but little prospect of getting the Stone from the eastward before the month of June, It shall be forwarded by the earliest opportunity to your house, or Alexandria. The weather is now as severe as at any time during the Winter, and the Snow & Ice are nearly three feet upon a level.\nI am highly delighted with the delicate gratitude of Virginia, and am at the same time charmed with your sentiments, and reasoning upon it. I sincerely hope circumstanced as you are that you may find a mode of declining the intended appropriation so as to enhance the respect and affection of your fellow citizens. My jealousy for your fame is so high, that I should prefer seeing you Cincinnatus-like following your plow, rather than accept the least pecuniary reward whatever. Your services are of that nature as to demand the approbation and admiration of succeeding generations, but cannot be rewarded by money. Thank the supreme God you are happily placed above the necessity of receiving any assistance.\nPerhaps my dear Sir you could intimate to the Legislature in a manner which would be clear of every indelicate imputation that should they think proper to apply the produce of this fund to the maintainance of the Widows, and the support, and education of the children of those men of their own line, who sacrificed their lives in defence of their Country, and of the maimed soldiers, that the measure would rear an eternal monument to the virtue of the Commonwealth of Virginia. An event of this kind, which I am persuaded has been among the number of expedients conceived by you, would rank Virginia higher in the annals of America than any other State, and the idea coming from you, would place your warm and disinterested attachment to suffering in a durable and glorious point of view\u2014let my affection plead my excuse for this freedom.\nThe Mall in this Town has been repaird and the trees replaced. But I beleive the gravel walk is only upon the common principle without any cement whatever. I will however enquire and if there should be any improvement, I will with pleasure communicate it\u2014You may probably have heard that Congress have been pleased to appoint me secretary at War. I have accepted of the office and expect to be in New York about the 15th of next month. From the habits imbibed during the War,\nand from the opinion of my friends that I should make but an indifferent trader, I thought upon mature consideration that it was well to accept it although the salary (2450 dollars) would be but a slender support. I have dependence upon an unweildy Estate belonging to Mrs K.s family, and upon the public certificates given for my services, but neither of these are productive, and require a course of years to make them so. In the mean time my expences are considerable, and require some funds for their supply\u2014Congress have rendered the powers, and duties of the Office respectable, and the circumstances of my appointment were flattering, being without solicitation on my part, and nine states out of eleven voting for me\u2014for this favorable opinion of Congress I conceive myself indebted to your friendship\u2014I do not intend to move my family to New York Untill next June\u2014Mrs Knox who with her little ones, are well Unites with me in presenting our affectionate respects to Mrs Washington. I am my dear Sir Your truly affectionate humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0317", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Carmichael, 25 March 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMadrid 25 March 1785\nP.S. As I have lately recd Letters from the Marquis & Marchioness de la Fayette which announce his arrival in Europe, I take the Liberty of sending you a Triplicate of a Letter which I had the honor to write you under cover to the Marquis the 3d of Decr 1784. His return to Europe may otherwise occasion surmises which would hurt me as a delay of this communication might appear Singular on my part. I shall have the honor to send you with the Jack Asses an acct of the mode of treating them & of rendering them useful to the propagation of Mules. Mr Gardoqui I hope will be in America & treating with Congress before this can reach you. I beg your Countenance to\nthis Gentleman, who Mr Jay will inform you, has had ever the most Liberal Sentiments with respect to America. I am informed the English wish to blow the flame of Discord between us & Spain in America on acct of the Navigation of the Missisippi. I can assure you that the Same Endeavours are imployed here\u2014The Minister of G.B. has just left me, holding the Same Language, while I know he holds the Contrary to the Ministers of this Country. Union & Energy in the Representants of the States & activity in each State respectively to support the Confederation will soon show the futility of these little political maneuvres & place America on that firm basis of Political consistance which must make the United States Usefull friends or dangerous Enemies. Their Consequence in the political & Commercial scale may be accelerated by the Turn affairs are like to take in Europe. In the meantime I cannot but counsel from what I see & what I know, but firmness, a proper sense of National honor & vigor & unanimity the Most Cordial in every State.\nI am not afraid of hazarding these Sentiments to you. They are your own. With the highest respect & affection I have the honor to repeat Myself your Most Obedt & Most Humble Sert\nWm Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0318", "content": "Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 25 March 1785\nFrom: La Luzerne, Anne-C\u00e9sar, chevalier de\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nParis March 25th 1785.\nI have received by the Marquis de la Lafayette, on his arrival in France, the letters your Excellency has honoured me with. I\ncan not express how much I am sensible of these marks of your Kindness and Friendship; I am likewise extreemely flattered by the interest you take in my future employments. Permit me to assure you that wherever the King may send me, he can not entrust me a commission as flattering as that which has rendered me a Wittness of the glory and hapiness of a people which owes it\u2019s liberty to the superior talents and Wisdom of Your Excellency.\nThe King, his Court and the whole nation, Sir, had been pleased in the expectation to see you at Paris and it is with the greatest regret that I saw by your last letters that we must give up our hopes. I can assure you that you would have found amongst my Countrymen as many Friends and Admirers as amongst your own fellow citizens.\nWe have heared with pleasure the happy turn of the American negociations with the Indians and I hope that Your Country will enjoy at last a perfect tranquillity. However I do not see without concern the delays of England with respect to the restitution of the forts of Detroit and Niagara. I hope that the new Congress, who, I am informed, are very well chosen, will take the proper measures to terminate this business. Another very interesting object for your Nation will be to raise a fund for paying the interest of and sinking the national debt. You can not imagine how much so just an operation would encrease the credit and consideration of your Country.\nThey intended in England to propose in Parliament a Bill for the regulation of Commerce between great Britain and the united States; but I believe the Bill will not even be debated this Year. Ireland, the East India affairs and above all the altercations between Mr Fox and Pitt engrosse the whole attention of Parliament. Mr Pitt has had great advantages in the beginning of the Sessions but his Antagonist seems to have since gained a superiority and the King of England will perhaps be once more obliged to take him into the Ministry.\nThe other European affairs are not yet arranged. The Emperor requests from the States General a Step, which these think to be injurious to their dignity. However it is not likely that we shall have a War this Summer; and the preparations that had been made every where are considerably abated. Some days ago matters appeared even entirely adjusted and the difficulty\nto satisfy the honor and dignity of the two powers has more retarded the business than the principal object.\nI have not failed to present to the King and the Royal Family the regrets of your Excellency not to be able to offer them your respect and your acknowledgements. They participate with the whole nation the esteem and Veneration, which Your eminent qualities have inspired them, and are very sorry not to have it in their power to give you any direct proof of their sentiments.\nI hope that in some moments of leisure you will remember me; you may rely upon an European Correspondent who is very devoutly attached to you and who most sincerely wishes to convince you of his veneration and of the sentiments of respect with which he has the honor to be Sir, your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and very humble servant\nle che. de la luzerne\nP.S. Will you be so obliging as to present my respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0320", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Frederick Weissenfels, 27 March 1785\nFrom: Weissenfels, Frederick\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nNew York March 27th 1785.\nYour Exellencys favour of the 15th instant, With which I was honored, leaves my Mind in the most perfect tranquility, that I may Expect the honor to recieve your Certificate, when your Exellency is furnished with one from his Exellency Governor Clinton, Which I here inclose.\nThe Governor has mentioned my derangement, from the Continental Line, and although no Date by him Citet, I beg leave to Say, that it wass in the year 1780, after I had without intermission Served from the year 1775, (When in Canada with the late General montgomorie,) to that Periode. as upon the Journals of Congress will appear, that I wass promoted by their authority to a Lt Colo. in the year 1776.\nI have with Chearfulness So Early Complied with your Exel\u2019cys request, and mentain a pleasing prospect on its return. I am with Sentiments of great respect Your Exellencys most obiedent most humble Servant\nFredk Weissenfels", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0321", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 28 March 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nJamaica Plain [Mass.] March 28. 1785\nYour obliging favours of the 8th inst. were recd on the Saturday. From them I infer not only the continuance of your friendly assistance, but that the papers are regularly received; as yet I have not missed sending, tho\u2019 the post has at times been delayed thro\u2019 the snows: The face of the earth is still covered with them, in these parts, a few trifling spots excepted; & should a thaw come on rapidly, the floods that must follow will probably do great damage. We have no prospect of gardening for some weeks.\nThe present of your miniature cuts is highly acceptable, as they are a token of affection; but they are indeed too imperfect to admit of my copying from them. I shall endeavour to procure a more expressive likeness, in one way or other, by which all who know the original may be at once reminded of him, & those who know him not may obtain such an idea of him, that should they meet him in the street they may know him, as happened\nmany years back in reference to Mrs Gordon, who when going thro\u2019 the streets of London to her Brothers, was known by a maid servant in the family, from her having frequently seen a miniature picture in the Brother\u2019s possession. In some cases profiles will not answer, & where I find it to be so, must have a recourse to pictures. Your mention of Mr Semitere was kind. I shall make application to some friend at Philadelphia to inquire concerning his engravings, & when the likeness is good will endeavour to procure them or the prints.\nI do not recollect that the private letter alluded to takes notice that it was consequent of a resolve of Congress, that Fort Washington was so pertinaciously held, previously to the ships passing that Post. The re-capitulation of it, & other matters relating to it, is therefore serviceable. Your private letters, & the silence you observed upon the subject at the time, shew that you want not to exculpate yourself from any censure which may have fallen upon you (when justly) by charging another. Lee had a peculiar mode of writing, which was not always pleasing even when he confined himself to truth: but I believe he was right, when he imputed the loss of the Fort to your depending upon another persons judgment, instead of relying upon your own: & have been ready to think, that, had not Genls Putnam & Greene told you what they did when you met them recrossing from the Fort, & thereby encouraged you to risk it, you would have withdrawn the garrison the night before the attack. But that our military officers, tho\u2019 not wanting in personal courage, should be deficient in experience, & thereby be led into errors, in that early stage of the war, is not to be wondered at. Scarce any had seen service upon so large a scale; & mere instructions & knowledge gained by reading will not make an adept in practice, there must also be experience. I was pleased with your wish\u2014& the reason for it\u2014\u201cI hope none of the sparks will light on American ground\u2014which I fear is made up of too much combustible matter, for its well being\u201d\u2014for I had the same hope, & the same fear. By what Mr Jefferson writes about the 16th of last Decr to Mr Lowell I am apprehensive that the flames of war have burst out in Europe. The purport of his letter as related to me by Mr Lowell is, that tho\u2019 the people at large talked of an accommodation, there were no whispers of that kind from the cabinets; \u27e8th\u27e9at the measures taken indicated the\ncontrary; so that he expected Holland & France would engage the Emperor for a while, that Russia would then join the latter, on which Prussia & the Turks would become the \u27e8enem\u27e9ies of the former, while Britain from her present weakness or good policy would not take part in the quarrel, but reap from it all the benefit that a neutrality would procure. I learnt also from Mr Lowell, that the Duke of Dorset was appointed to negotiate a treaty of commerce with our Commissioners, that he had written to them, observing that while France & America were allies in war, there was a propriety in treating at Paris; but that the case being altered, it did not consist with the dignity of his Sovereign to treat now at Paris: that if the Americans chose it, an agent would be sent to America to transact the business, or that he should be ready to treat with them at London, upon which our Commissioners intended to repair to London.\nMy young Friend by his spontaneous answer has given me the tone of the family, for which I am much obliged to him; we know from the proverb that children speak true, not being versed in the arts of deceit. My love to him: but tho\u2019 I recollect with pleasure the entertainments afforded me at Mount Vernon, I have little or no expectation of being in the way of a repetition. Am sorry that your Lady is so often troubled with billious complaints. I am no M.D., or might give my opinion, but as I am a lover of porter may mention having heard of its being good in such cases. I frequently drink half a pint at night, & pronounce myself better for it. Billious complaints I am not subject to. The porter I drink, tho\u2019 bottled, is not windy; the utmost extent of its life serves only to varnish it out with a thin surface of white. Your Excellency will be pleased to present our best respects to the Family. With increasing esteem I remain Your Excellency\u2019s sincere Friend & very humble Servant\nWilliam Gordon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0323", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Craig, 29 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Craig, John\nSir,\nMt Vernon 29th March 1785.\nIf I could give you any useful information on the subject of your letter to me, I would do it with pleasure; but, altho\u2019 I have a good general knowledge of the Western Country, I am very little acquainted with local situations\u2014& less with those on the Susquehanna than any other. Monongahela, of which Cheat river is a branch, is gentle in its current\u2014easy of navigation\u2014& besides, is supposed, either by the Cheat, or the Yohioganey (which is another branch of it) to approach nearest to, & to afford the best communication or portage with the Atlantic waters of any in all that extensive territory: consequently seats thereon, from this circumstance alone, must be valuable; but the quality of the Land is inferior to none, until you penetrate much further to the Westward, or much lower down the Ohio; and is besides much better settled than any part of the Country beyond the Alleghaney Mountains. Upon what terms you could buy (to rent I presume you are not inclined, or the difficulty might be less) a Seat having such conveniencies as you want, I am unable to inform you. The prices of Land there are rising every day, & if the plan which is now in contemplation for extending the navigation of Potomac & opening roads of communication short & easy, between it and the waters above mentioned, should be effected, of which I have no doubt\u2014the price will encrease much faster. My complimts & best wishes to Mrs Craig \u2014I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0325", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 29 March 1785\nFrom: Hooe, Robert Townsend\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nAlexandria, [Va.] March 29. 1785.\nI had the honor of receiving Your Excellency\u2019s favor of this date by your Man this day.\nMajor Jenifer writes me he intended to draw in your favor for 1000\u2014or 1200\u00a3 Md Currency\u2014every attention shall be paid to his draft\u2014& I wish immediately to know the exact sum you want in New York, as I can accommodate you there, I believe\u2014The sooner I get your demand upon that place the sooner I can make provision for it. I am sir, Yr Excellencys most Affe Servt\nR. Td Hooe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0326", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 29 March 1785\nFrom: Hooe, Robert Townsend\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nAlexandria [Va.] March 29th 1785.\nIt is with pleasure I sit down to do myself the Honor of giving Your Excellency an extract of a Letter I received Yesterday from Cadiz. It is as follows\u2014\u201cWe have the pleasure to inform you that on Licence being asked of the King to Ship a Jack Ass for Genl Washington, his Majesty not only granted it, but at the same time most Graciously insisted on making a present of two of them to the Genl\u2014adding he was happy in an oppty of Testifying his esteem and regard for so great a Character\u2014Orders are given for the Purchase of two of the best in the Kingdom to be put under the direction of Mr Carmichael, who will send them down here or to Bilboa to be Shipt by different Vessells. Mr Carmichael & ourselves are equally pleased with the exit of this little Negotiation, & of which you will be pleased to advise his Excellency.\u201d\nI hope both these valuable Annimals will before long arrive safe\u2014And I beg Yr Excellency to believe me to be sir, Yr most Affe hble servt\nR. Td Hooe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0330", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lucretia Wilhelmina van Winter, 30 March 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Van Winter, Lucretia Wilhelmina\nMadame\nMount Vernon 30th March 1785\nThe honor which your Pen has done me, so far exceeds my merits, that I am at a loss for words to express my sense of the compliment it conveys.\nThe Poem, in celebration of my exertions to establish the rights of my Country, was forwarded to me from Philadelphia by Mr Vogels, to whom I should have been happy to have offered civilities, but he did not give me the pleasure of seeing him.\nAt best, I have only been an instrument in the hands of Providence to effect, with the aid of France, and many virtuous fellow Citizens of America, a revolution which is interesting to the liberties of Mankind\u2014and to the emancipation of a Country which may afford an asylum (if we are wise enough to pursue the paths which lead to virtue & patriotism) to the oppressed and needy of the Earth.\nOur region is extensive. Our plains are productive. and if they are cultivated with liberallity and good sense, we may be happy ourselves, and diffuse it to all those who incline to participate of it.\nThe lady of whom you have made Such honourable mention, is truly sensible of the obligation, and joins me in wishing you every happiness which is to be found here, and met with hereafter. I have the honor to be Madame Yr most Obedt and Most Hble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0331", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 31 March 1785\nFrom: Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nIntend[an]ts Office [Annapolis, Md.]March 31st 1785\nInclosed your Excellency will receive an Order on Col. Hooe & Co. for \u00a31069.1.7 which I have not the smallest doubt will be duely honored  you have also the Account of your Certs. liquidated by the Auditor.\nI shall always be made happy by the execution of any business that you may have to transact on this side of Potomack, being with the most perfect respect & esteem for all at Mount Vernon. I am Dr Sir Your Excellencys most affectionate & obedient Servant\nDan. of St Thos Jenifer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0332", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 3 April 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hooe, Robert Townsend\nLetter not found: to Robert Townsend Hooe, 3 April 1785. On the same day Hooe wrote to GW: \u201cYour favor of this Date I have just rec\u2019d.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0333", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 3 April 1785\nFrom: Hooe, Robert Townsend\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nAlexandria [Va.] April 3rd 1785.\nYour favor of this Date I have just rec\u2019d and have only to inform that you may rely on me for the Amount of twenty five Hundred Dollars in New York. I am, Sir, Yr most obdt Servant\nR. Td Hooe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0334", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 3 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Bushrod\nDear Bushrod,\nMount Vernon 3d April 1785.\nYour letter of the 20th Ulto did not come to my hands until the 31st \u2014Whenever you have occasion to write to me from the line of the Post, always put your letter into the Mail. all other conveyances are uncertain; at best, irregular.\nNot expecting you were going to Richmond, I did, previously to the receipt of your letter, write to the Attorney General (to whose care my letter to you had been addressed) requesting him to open it; and so far as it respected the promisary Note of Ryan, \u27e8to\u27e9 comply with my desire on that \u27e8head.\u27e9 Being on the spot, you can be informed of the state of this matter, & govern yourself accordingly.\nBy the last Post I inclosed an Advertisement to Mr Hayes (the Printer) requesting a meeting of the Proprietors of the Great\ndismal Swamp. The Servant by whom I sent it to Alexandria got there after the Mail was dispatched; but meeting with the Stage, he says he put it into the hands of somebody who promised to take care of it; as this may, or may not be the case, I beg you will make immediate enquiry, & in case of failure, desire him to insert the one herewith inclosed three weeks in his Gazette. And, as the Notice will be short, to have it also published in some other Paper of general Circulation. If nothing unforeseen should happen to prevent it, I expect to be in Richmond at the appointed time, & having no other business, should regret a disappointment.\nThe Holly berries, Geese & Swan, are here, but no mention made of the Cotton \u2014All here join me in best wishes for you. I am, Yr Affecte Uncle\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Upon second thoughts I have sent the Advertisement to the Printer himself lest this letter should lye in the Post Office for want of your knowing it is there. The one inclosed for Doctr Walker endeavor to forward by some safe hand.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0335", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 4 April 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nRichmond [Va.] April 4th 1785\nI beg Leave to introduce to you the Bearer Mr Arnold Henry Dohrman. He is of Lisbon, but has spent a year or two in America, gratifying himself with the Sight of a Country to whose Interests he devoted himself & his Fortune in the very early Periods of the late War. Hundreds (I believe I am within bounds) of our captive Countrymen, bereft of Clothes Victuals Friends & Money, found all these in his Bounty; And this at a Time & place when the Fury & Rage of our Enemys against what they called Rebellion carry\u2019d them to Acts of Cruelty & great Inhumanity. Congress sensible of his Merit, several years ago made him Agent for the united States in Portugal, & I beleive would have gladly given him more substantial proofs of the public Gratitude had oppertunity presented. Our Senate gave him their Thanks & I beleive the Delegates would have done so, had it not been that he arrived here just at the close of a tedious Session, in very bad Weather when every Member was anxious to get away & Business of great Extent & Magnitude was crouded into the Compass of one or two Days Discussion.\nMr Dohrman has liberal, extensive, & usefull Intentions respecting America. He has a good Deal of Business with Congress & intends to spend some time at New York. I feel myself much interested in the Reception he meets with there, sensible as I am of his great Merit & amiable Disposition. And I cannot but hope, our Country may be availed of his unbounded Zeal for her Service, joined to very respectable Abilitys, & Experience in European Business & Politics.\nIn giving this worthy person your Countenance you will much oblige him who is with the sincerest Attachment Dear sir your most obedient Servant\nP. Henry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0336", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clinton, George\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Apl 1785.\nA few days ago I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 5th Ulto\u2014Your other letter of the 26th of December came duely to hand, and should not have remained so long unacknowledged had I not been in daily expectation of accompanying my answer with a remittance.\nDisappointment followed disappointment, but my expectation being kept up, I delayed writing from one Post day to another until now, that I am assured by a Merchant in Alexandria that I may depend upon a Bill, in a few days, upon a Mr Sylvanus Dickinson of the City of New York for Two thousand five hundred Dollars.\nAs it is probable I shall receive it before the next Weeks Post, I will, on that occasion, write you more fully\u2014At present I will only add the sincere good wishes, & best respects of Mrs Washington to Mrs Clinton, yourself & family, in wch I sincerely unite\u2014and with great esteem & regard remain, Dr Sir\u2014Yr most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the above I have received the inclosed Bill \u2014The Second shall be sent by next Post when I will be more particular. Go: W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0337", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Sidney Lee, 5 April 1785\nFrom: Lee, Sidney\nTo: Washington, George\nSr\nWestminster [London] April 5th 1785\nYour very obliging Letter of October 20th I had not the pleasure of receiving before the last month was pretty far advanced, when I was extremely ill, occasion\u2019d by a cold I brought out of the Country with me, that at first seemed very insignificant, but afterwards brought on a severe indisposition, that prevented my presenting my sincere thanks by the last packet for the many acts of kindness you have honor\u2019d me with and that I now warmly beg your acceptance of.\nWas brought here in consequence of the most satisfactory accounts from Mr White and Mr Morris of Philadelphia (of who\u2019s integrity I have the highest Opinion) of the train they had put the business in which I am interested. And powers sufficient to give full security to Messieurs M: & W., that they could not possibly run any risque in paying the money to wch they deny not my right. But Este\u27e8emed\u27e9 Sr these Contractors bear no resemblance to Mr Morris & Mr White; therefore have catched at a slight Ommission in a matter of form to protract payment And as we must now wait for further authority from my American friends, intend to return into the country next Week. But could not bear the thoughts of removing without first assuring you I must to the end of my days, remain with the truest gratitude & respect, Sr Your exceedingly obliged, faithful & obedient humble Servant\nSidney Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0338", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 5 April 1785\nFrom: Mason, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nGunston-Hall April 5th 1785.\nI have broach\u2019d four or five Hogsheads of Cyder, & filled Your Bottles with what we thought the best; tho\u2019 the Difference\nin any of it is hardly distinguishable, all I now have being made of the Maryland red streak, & managed in the same Manner. I hope it will prove good, tho\u2019 my Cyder this Year is not so clear & fine, as it generally has been; from what Cause I don\u2019t know, unless that I ground my Apples last Fall rather later than usual. As the Cyder in the Bottles will not ripen, fit for use, \u2019til late in May, I have also filled a Barrel, out of the same Hhd which I beg Your Acceptance of. If You use it out of the Barrel, You will find it (as all sweet Cyder is) much more grateful to the Stomach, by having a little Ginger grated upon it.\nI beg pardon for having forgot the Water-Melon Seed; & now send it by the Bearer. I was a good deal alarm\u2019d two or three Days ago, by the Gout in my Stomach; which after giving me a very uneasy Night, has gone off again, as it has done several times this Winter, without getting into my Feet; and until it does, I have little Hopes of recovering a tollerable State of Health; so that, notwithstanding the extream pain I know a regular Fit must bring with it, I most heartily wish for one.\nMrs Mason & the Family here  join in their Compliments to You, Your Lady, and Miss Bassett, with Dear Sir Your affecte & obdt Sert\nG. Mason", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0339", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 April 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond [Va.] april 5. 1785.\nYour favor of the 19th Ulto was put into my hands this evening for the first time. I accordingly opened the inclosed letter to Mr Bushrod Washington, which has remained with me to the present moment. It would give me the sincerest satisfaction to execute, what you there confided to him. But I believe it is too notorious, that Mr Ryan has quitted Virginia, utterly incompetent to discharge his debts, and that an attempt to collect the note from him would have been too late, even at the date of your letter to your nephew. I therefore now inclose the letter and its inclosures.\nMrs Randolph and myself present our best respects to Mrs Washington and yourself: and I particularly request you to believe, that I am My dear sir yr obliged and affectionate friend\nEdmund Randolph.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0340", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis & Sons, 5 April 1785\nFrom: Robert Lewis & Sons\nTo: Washington, George\nPhilad[elphi]a April 5th 1785.\nWe had the pleasure of writing to your Excellency the 8th Ulto by Post, under cover from Coln. Biddle, & have now to acquaint you, that we have partly engaged one Joseph Davenport to serve you as a Miller for one Year on trial, or longer as may hereafter be agreed on by both parties.\nHe served an Apprenticeship at one of our Mills, & we have known him from a Boy, to be of good Character, is about 25 Years of Age, has a Wife, two Children, & a bound Girl of about ten Years old, who compose his Family\u2014He is a sober Man, not by any means addicted to Drink too excess, is a good Miller & Cooper, can fasten a Gudgion, put in a Cogg, & perform other Jobs of the kind about a Mill, but is not a MillWright\u2014He writes a tolerable hand, is capable of making Entrys in a common Day Book of the transactions in a Mill, casting up the Measure or weight of Wheat & Flour, receiving & paying Money, but is not acquainted with the method of Posting Books\u2014We have every reason to believe him strictly honest & inoffensive, being a plain Man of few words, & no great address, but on the whole we hope he will prove a suitable Person to transact your Business. But we are much at a loss to stipulate his Wages & privileges, not having such full directions from you as we could wish on that head, The terms he proposes are, to be furnish\u2019d with a comfortable Dwelling-House & Garden (such as you mention) rent free, keeping of one Cow the year round, a sufficient quantity of Fire Wood, standing in the Woods, as convenient as possible to the Dwelling House, six hundred weight of good Pork, or equivalent in Beef & Pork, deliver\u2019d to him in killing time, or this present Year when he may want it, & two hundred Dollars in Cash. Also, to be supply\u2019d with Flour, Midlings, Corn &ca as much as will support his Family from time to\ntime as they may have occasion, at the same rates & prices as those Articles are sold to others for Cash out of the Mill, charging himself therewith.\nHe will be ready to set out from hence in the course of three Weeks, & depends on your paying all reasonable Expences of removing his Family from this City to Virginia, & he will proceed in the cheapest manner, & with as few Articles of Houshold Goods as possible\u2014We hope those terms will meet your approbation, but should you be of Opinion they are too high, we will endeavour to persuade him to lessen the sum payable in Cash if possible, but we think he cannot well do without the privileges proposed, to which we hope you will have no material objection, & should you judge the terms rather too low, he relys on your Excellency\u2019s generosity according to his industry & good conduct, in case you should think proper to continue him in the employment next Year, or for a number of Years to come\u2014But we should be glad to receive a line of directions from you respecting Wages & privileges, before the contract is finally closed, so that we may endeavour to give satisfaction to both parties, & commit the Agreement to Writing, in Order to prevent any after claims, or uneasiness \u2014A number of applications have been made to us, in consequence of an Advertisement publish\u2019d in several Papers, & other enquirys, but none in our Opinion equal to Davenport. We have done every thing in our power to serve your Excellency in this matter, & wish our endeavours may give satisfaction, which will afford great pleasure to Your sincere Friends\nRobt Lewis & Sons.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0342", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 6 April 1785\nFrom: Hooe, Robert Townsend\nTo: Washington, George\nsir,\nAlexandria [Va.] April 6th 1785.\nI am extremely sorry it was not my power to wait on Your Excellency the other day, and Yesterday I found my self so very unwell all day as to be unable to do any thing or would have sent down the Bill. I now enclose one for 2500 Dollars on Mr Sylvanus Dickenson of New York. The Ballance of Major Jenifers draft I will be Collecting together as fast as in my power. I am, sir, Yr Excellencys Most Obt Serv\u2019t\nR. Td Hooe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0344", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Chastellux, 8 April 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Chastellux, Fran\u00e7ois-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Chastellux, 8 April. On 5 Sept. GW wrote Chastellux: \u201cI am your debtor for two letters\u2014one of the 12th of Decemr\u2014the other of the 8th of April.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0345", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Crocker Fox & Sons, 8 April 1785\nFrom: George Crocker Fox & Sons\nTo: Washington, George\nFalmouth [England] April 8. 1785\nGeorge C. Fox & Sons, very respectfully, beg leave to inform General Washington that the inclosed letter from their Friends Rolland & Co. Amsterdam, was receiv\u2019d a few days too late for the March Mail, but now goes forward \u214c the Halifax Packet for Newyork.\nIf they can be useful to Genl Washington in forwarding any letters he may have occasion to send to Europe thro\u2019 this Post, it will give them pleasure to obey his commands.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0346", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Christopher Richmond, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Richmond, Christopher\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAnnapolis [Md.] 8th April 1785\nI had the honour of receiving your Letter of the 6th Instant, this day. In answer to that part of it relating to the depreciation on Continental Loan Office Certificates\u2014I have to inform you, that the value of them is calculated from, and by, a table published by order of Congress; which commences the First day of September 1777 at par, and from that day, daily varying to the Eighteenth day of March 1780; when the Value of One hundred Continental, was Two Dollars and forty five Ninetieths of a Dollar\u2014or Forty, for one, to this Table the Act of Assembly of Maryland directing its officers to liquidate Loan Office Certificates; both Continental and State, refers\u2014I hope, I have been accurate in taking the Rates off the table abovementioned, for those belonging to you\u2014however in the Manner you calculated\nthem by the monthly rates of Depreciation, it is very likely, there would be the difference mentioned in your Letter.\nI most heartily wish, I could give an Account of a much larger Subscription for the opening Potowmack, than this District has afforded, or is likely to do. Enclosed is a Copy of the Subscription as it now stands, which I think would be considerably encreased, were not many persons detered from subscribing by their Fears of not being able to make good their Payments at the Times prescribed by the Acts of Assembly.\nI have been lame for Eight Weeks past, so that I could not waite upon several Persons who I believe will subscribe. I will not neglect them when able to walk about. With the highest Respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your obedient hble servant\nChrisr Richmond", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0350", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Freeman, 11 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Freeman, Thomas\nSir,\nMt Vernon April 11th 1785.\nNot having heard a tittle from you since I left Mr Simpsons in Septr last, I wish for the detail of your proceedings in my business since that period, particularly with respect to applications, if any, for my Lands in your neighbourhood or elsewhere, & what has been done with the mill. I have obtained, some time since, a Patent for the round bottom above Captenon, which may be rented upon the terms of my printed advertisements.\nMr Smith (especially as he lives at a distance, & is only in the County at the assizes) should have every assistance in hunting up the evidence necessary for the prosecution of my ejectments in the Court of Washington, particularly as they respect the improvements in my behalf, antecedent to the possession of the Land by the present occupants; & the notices given them of its being mine, at, or immediately after the Settlements made by them. Colo. John Stephenson, Mr Marc[u]s Stephenson & Mr Danl Morgan are, I shou\u2019d suppose, most likely to be acquainted with Colo. Crawfords proceedings in this business. It is of consequence to ascertain all the improvements which were made for my use & benefit previous to the settlements of the present possessors. Colo. Crawford in a letter to me says, he built four houses on different parts of the Land; or made four improvements of some kind: if this can be proved it would defeat my opponents upon their own ground.\nI should be glad to hear frequently from you\u2014Letters lodged in the Post Office at Baltimore or Alex[andri]a, will not fail of getting safe to my hands. I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0351", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nPhiladelphia April 12. 1785\nBy a Schooner Capt. McLean which saild last week for Alexandria I sent a barrel which I received from Mr Boudinot with Orchard Grass seed\u2014it went to the Care of Colo. Hooe to whom I forwarded the Captains receipt\u2014this was the first Conveyance I could hear of since it came to hand.\nI shall pay Mr Boudinots Account & send you the same with his receipt.\nInclosed is your account Current previous to my failure ballance \u00a32.3.0\u00bd which you will please to examine if right especialy the sums paid to Mr Richardson which I have from his Books.\nMajor Storey is appointed an additional Auditor to settle the Accounts in this state against the United States & is expected here to act in a few days therefore I thought it more prudent to keep the Accounts you inclosed me to lay before him than to trust them to Lancaster or Carlile where the other Auditor now attends.\nMr Paine being in town I Shewd your Letter to Mr Lamont to him & he advised that I should not deliver it without your further Order, As the Author of the Poems might say it was dedicated by your Permission when the work might not merit it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient & very humle servt\nClement Biddle", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0352", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 12th Apl 1785.\nThe Post preceeding the last, brought me your favor of the 31st Ulto\u2014The next day I waited upon Colo. Hooe with your order, but he was confined to his bed & unable to do business. Two days after he sent me a Bill on New York for 2500 Dollars, payable at fifteen days sight; & gave me assurances that he wd pay the Balle shortly.\nIn consequence, you have my receipt for \u00a31069.1.7 specie at the foot of the enclosed list. I have given it for specie because you desired it; in full confidence however, that if the Bill shd not be duely honored; or that I should meet with delays, or difficulty in receiving the Balle, that it will be null, or have proper attention paid to the circumstances; for, otherwise, the interest of this money which was intended to pay a debt at New York will, cease, when a higher interest there, will be accumulating that debt & defeat my intention.\nI had taken up an idea, that, depreciation was the same thro\u2019 he Mo.; & had calculated my demand accordingly. Mr Richmond varies the depreciation every day; by which his acct & mine differ \u00a364.14.7\u215b. I suppose he is right, & that I must submit to the disappointment.\nI am exceedingly obliged to you for your ready, & pointed attention to this business. Mrs Washington & Fanny Bassett present their Compliments to you; & I pray you to be assured of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am, Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt and Affectionate Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0353", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy dear Marqs\nMount Vernon April 12th 17\u27e885\u27e9\nYour letter of the 15th of Septr last year, introductory of Mr Duchi, I had the honor to receive a few days since.\nHowever great that Gentleman\u2019s merits are, and however much I might be inclined to serve him, candor required me to tell him, as I now do you, that there is no opening (within my view) by which he could enter, & succeed in the line of his profession, in this Country.\nBesides being a stranger, and unacquainted with the language of these States\u2014perfectly\u2014many of them, to prevent an inundation of British Attorneys of which they were apprehensive, & of whose political principles they entertained not the most favorable sentiments; have passed qualifying Acts, by which residence & study in them for a specific time, is made essential to entitle a Lawyer to become a practitioner in our Courts of justice.\nTherefore, should Mr Duchi incline, notwithstanding, to settle, altogether, or spend any Considerable portion of his time in this Country, his friends cannot serve him better than by obtaining for him some appointment in the Consular department; for the discharge of which, I presume he must be well qualified. With great attachment and the most Affectionate regard I am\u2014My dear Marqs Yr sincere friend and Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0354", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis & Sons, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Lewis & Sons\nGentlemen,\nMount Vernon 12th Apl 1785.\nI have received two letters from you\u2014one of the 8th of March\u2014the other the 5th instt\u2014& thank you for both.\nI acquiesce readily to the conditional terms you have made on my behalf with Joseph Davenport. His demand of Wages are as high as the best Mills in this Country afford; & the priviledges for wch he stipulates, shall be granted him with this addition, that his fire wood shall be Carted to his door, at my expence; and he may raise Poultry for his own eating at my cost; but under no pretence whatever to sell any.\nI wish the charge of removing him could be stipulated, & made as reasonable as possible; otherwise the addition of it to his Wages & priviledges for a year only, will make him come high to me. for this reason, if you entirely approve of him as a Miller & man of character, I had rather the contract should be for two years than one, if he can be engaged for that term. At present my Mill has the reputation of turning out superfine flour of the first quality; it commands a higher price in this Country & the West Indies than any other, & I should be unwilling it should loose its character from ignorance, or bad management of the Miller.\nWilliam Roberts (my present Miller) for skill in grinding & keeping a Mill in order, is inferior to No Man\u2014Owing to this\u2014to the times\u2014and to the aversion I have to frequent changing of people, I have submitted for more than Seven yrs to his impositions. He is an excellent Cooper & Millwright\u2014He has lived with me near 15 years, during which period I have not paid a shilling for repairs \u2014He came to me with a full grown Apprentice\u2014for both I only paid \u00a380 Pensa Cy pr Ann: but during my absence he was continually encreasing his wages and previledges, in proportion as he faultered in his Services; so\nthat I had determined, now that I could look a little into my own business, even if there had been an entire reformation in his conduct, to have reduced his wages & previledges (or parted with him) to the very standard of your letter; which I believe is as high as the best, & most extensive Manufacturing Mills in this State afford. Mine is but a poor stream, wanting water near half the year; for which reason, if Davenport (being a Cooper) is to work at this business (there being a very good shop within 50 yds of the dwelling Ho. & Mill) when he is not engaged in grinding, Packing &ca, I wish it to be specified. In short, whatever is expected of either, by the other party, I pray may be explicitly declared, to avoid all disputes, misconceptions, afterclaims, & uneasinesses. You know full well what I ought to expect from a Miller, and whatever you engage on my behalf, shall be religiously fulfilled.\nAs you must have incurred expence on my Acct, in this business, I am ready, & willing, to discharge it with many thanks for the trouble you have been at, to serve me\u2014and if it should ever be in my power to render you any return, I should be happy in doing it. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt & obliged Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0355", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Washington, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Charles\nDear Brother,\nMount Vernon \u27e812\u27e9th April \u27e817\u27e985.\nThe enclosed is the last letter I have had from your Son George\u2014why it is so, I cannot r\u27e8eadil\u27e9y Acct, except \u27e8for\u27e9 the irregularity of the Post Office \u27e8which\u27e9 seems to be under very bad management. Another letter of his, of the \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 to a young Lady of this family \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 reason to look for him here the latter \u27e8end\u27e9 of this, or beginning of next Month.\nI lend our Nephew Geo: Steptoe Washington a horse Saddle & Bridle to visit his \u27e8moth\u27e9er\u2019s, of which he seems desirous\u2014it would be well for you to have attention to his return in time. Mr\nBalch, Master of the Academy at which he is, speaks of him in favorable terms.\nImmediately upon receipt of the \u27e8mon\u27e9ey I informed Mr Balch that I was ready to discharge any Expences which had been incurred on Acct of the Boys\u2014the enclosed letter from him is the only answer I have got to it. As they have been there near Eight Months the Sum you sent me will not, I expect, discharge what may be due for Schooling, Board & Cloathing. I therefore wish to have more sent me as my own expenditures are too great to allow me to be in advance for them. I have desired Mr Balch to receive the Boys into his own family again as soon as his house is in order for it. Mrs Washington joins in love to my Sister & yr family. And I am Yr Affecte\nGo: Washington\nHow does yr Subscriptions to the Potomk Navigation go on?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0357", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William M. Roberts, 14 April 1785\nFrom: Roberts, William M.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n14th of April [1785]\nyour Exsellency has Got in A Pasion with Me Which I am Vary Sorry for, & Taking Me at anon plush in Many Respects I always thought From the Bisoness I Call my Salf Master of I aught To have the wages you have Genaresty paid Me, but As your Stream is Light & I at this Time Know Not Whare to Go I woud Take 70 pound a year if youd Agree to Imploy Me for 10 years if its pleas God To Continew you & Me So Long, And As for my folley of Drinking I Shall Sollomly Decline As its hurtful To Me in this Life As wall As that to Come\u2014Pray Consider my Destress & how Unwelling I am To Leve you. From Sir your Exsellencys Most Obt Servt\n   W:M. Roberts", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0360", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nIntendants Office [Annapolis, Md.] Apl 15. 1785\nShould you meet with delay, or disappointments from Col. Hooe in payment of my Order; the Interest shall be allowed on any sum that he may be tardy in paying, but to prevent this being the case, I wish that Mr Lund Washington would put the Colo. in mind of the promise he made me, that you should not be disappointed.\nMr Richmond has calculated the depreciation on your Certs. agreeably to the scale laid down by our Law. With my respectful Compliments to the Ladies I am my dear Sir Your most affectionate friend and Obedient Servant\nDan. of St Thos Jenifer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0361", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Adrienne, Marquise de Lafayette, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nsir,\nparis ce 15 april 1785\nevery mark of your kindness, is very precious to me, and amidst all my feelings at the marquis\u2019s return, I received an additional joy, by the obliging Letter, he brought me from you. I hope that during this Late stay at mount vernon, where he was so happy, he has found an opportunity, in some of your conversations, about domestic Life, to mention his wife and his children, and speak to you of the Sentimens, of attachment and tender respect to you, that grows with them, and with which their mother is so strongly impressed. how happy should I be, to meet with mrs Washington, to recall together, all the circumstances of the war, every period of our anguish, and of your glory, and to see our children playing together. wishing for so happy a moment, anastasie and Georges beg Leave, to send to the two youngest, miss Custis a toilett and a doll that is two play things with which my daughter is more delighted since two months, she is in possession of that she hopes, that her remembrance being some time mingled, with their entertainements, she may obtain some part in their frienship, whose she is so desirous of.\nfor the eldest miss Custis, we have so exalted an idea, of her reason and gravity, that we have only dared send to her a neeting bag, because she may with it, keep mrs Washington company, because I hear that she Likes this kind of work. we send master Georges also, an optick with different wiews; but we have been moved by a personal interest, making him this gift. I hope that Looking at it, he will become fond of travelling that his travels will conduct him, into france, and perhaps he may bring you and mrs Washington here. this idea is too delightful, to fix my mind upon it, without a founded hope. permit me only to Lament here that the marquis, could not obtain this favour, from you. at Least I hope to go my Self to america, at the marquis\u2019s first journey. he is returned Loaded with every mark of kindness, and goodness, from all the united States, his heart is full of gratitude, and the mine partak it. I should be delighted to be a Witness of all this favours, but one of my greatest pleasure, would be to present to General Washington the hommage of the gratitude, and all the sentimens of the\ngreat affection and regard with which I have the honour, to be sir your most humble and very most obedient servant\nnoailles de la fayette\nShould I dare, beg you to pay my respects to your mother, I will certainly receive, an additional pleasure, in america, to present my self in person my respectful hommage.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0362", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 16 April 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nSt Germain Near Paris April the 16th 1785\nTo My Great disappointement I Had no letter from You By this packet\u2014it is However the only Regular Way to Get intelligences, and Mercantile Opportunities are not By far So much to Be depended on\u2014I warmly Beg, my dear General, you will not let me Be Uneasy for want of a line from You\u2014the distance is already so great in itself, and So much Greater for the feelings of the tenderest friendship, that the only means ought to Be Scrupulously observed that tend to Alleviate the Cruel Separation\u2014Since my last letter, there is Very little News \u2014Warlike preparations Have not Been Given up\u2014But the Negotiations are Come to this point Which leaves no probability of a War\u2014the proposition to Exchange Baviera for the Austrian low Countries, With the title of Kingdom of Austrasia, Has not Been Accepted\u2014a New object for disputes Might Be the Election of a King of the Romans, which you know is the title which marks the Successor to the Empire\u2014the Emperor\u2019s interest will Be in favour of His Nephew the Young arch duke Francis of tuscany\u2014England and ireland are negotiating with each other, and will Be puzzled to agree, unless the Volonteering flame once spent out Ceases to Support their Country\u2014the British Governement Seems in no Hurry to make a treaty of Commerce\u2014much less so, if possible, to give up the posts\u2014I Have\nHad a Conference With the duke de la vauguion who is gone to Madrid Respecting the Mississipy\u2014But the Spaniards are still obstinate, and You Will Have full time to oppen Your Navigation, which I Consider as the first political, Mercantile, and National plan which Can now Employ the United States\u2014there are Great Complaints of the Merchants Against the Arr\u00eat du Conseil in favour of the West india trade\u2014altho\u2019 flour and sugars are Excepted\u2014But the Ministry will stick By it, and More Cannot Be Got for the present\u2014Every thing in Europe More and More Convinces me of the Necessity there is for the States to give Congress power to Regulate trade.\nBy mr Ridout\u2019s Vessel my children Have Sent to yours at Mount Ve[r]non a few trifles which are very indifferent But may Amuse them two or three days \u2014English dogs are so much in fashion Here that the King who likes to Ride fast Has no french Hounds which, says He, are Very Slow\u2014at last I Have discoverd a tolerable good Breed of them, which young M. Adams will take with Him in the Next packet \u2014a jack ass Has Been Sent to You from Cadix\u2014I expect one from the isle of Maltha and will forward it.\nin the Course of the Summer I will Visit the prussian and Austrian troops\u2014I will Have the pleasure to speack much of You\u2014But Had Rather Speack with you\u2014and instead of those German troops, I wish I could once more Give you a dinner with my light infantry friends.\nAdieu, My dear General, Be So kind as to present My Most tender Respects to Mrs Washington\u2014Mention me to the Young ones\u2014mrs Stuard, the doctor, m. Lund W., Miss Basset if she is with you\u2014I am Uneasy about George\u2014My Respects wait Upon Your Respected Mother, and all the family\u2014Remember me to our friends\u2014mde de Lafayette Begs you and mrs Washington to accept Her most Affectionate Compliments\u2014Adieu, My dear General, think often of your Bosom friend, your adoptive son, who loves you So tenderly, and who is with every Sentiment of Respect, Gratitude, and Affection Your devoted friend\nLafayette\nThe queen and Her second son are in perfect Health.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0363", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 April 1785\nFrom: Lee, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nLeesylvania [Va.] April 16th 1785\nI have Sent you by your Servant 2\u00bd bushels of the Naked Italian Barley wch will be Enough for your ground as it branches much I never Sewed it very thick; it requires Strong Land, & never grows tall, has a thick Stem & large luxuriant heads, wch hangs near the Earth, and if Cut there is a great waste of the grain in harvesting; therefore I have it pulled up by the hand, and as it is a rear ripe grain to Prevent the birds (who are very fond of it) from distroying it I Sow it in the Neighbourhood of Oats\u2014I have also Sent you a few of Madzays Italian Peas wch are fine for the table I think nearly equal to the Marrowfat\u2014you will also receive 14 of the Cotton Scions wch require Low sunken ground, Mrs Lee joins in best Wishes for Mrs Washington & yourself With the greatest Esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Your Most Obt hble Servt\nHenry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0364", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 17 April 1785\nFrom: Morris, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia April 17th 1785.\nI received in due time the Letter you were so obliging as to write me of the 1st February and am quite ashamed that I should have suffered so long a period to elapse, without acknowledging its Receipt, but this was owing to my having delivered it to some of my Friends for their Perusal who detained it longer than I expected, and have only now, returned it to me.\nThe Extent of inland Navigation therein pointed out is amazing indeed, and if brought to perfection cannot but be productive of the greatest advantage to the neighbouring Country, and indeed to all America. I think Alexandria must in that case, become a very flourishing City, where such an Establishment as you mention, I have no doubt would meet with very great Success, but for my own part I have no Intention at present to form other Connections in a Commercial Line than those I already hold. I shall make it a point to promote the undertaking by every means in my Power and particularly by recommending my Friends to become adventurers and shall subscribe some Shares for my Children, who, if the Plan succeeds will reap the Benefit thereof at a future day.\nBe assured Sir, that I am sensible of the pure & disinterested motives which have induced you to take the trouble of giving me the very useful Information contained in your Letter\u2014I know that none others can enter your mind, and I request you will accept my warmest acknowledgements.\nMrs Morris and the Family are well and join me in affe. Regards\nto Mrs Washington and yourself. With Sentiments of the most perfect Attachment I am Dear Sir Your most obedient & humble Servant\nRobt Morris\nP.S. I yesterday took the liberty to give Mr Pine, an Historical & portrait painter of some Eminence, a line of Introduction. He is drawing some interesting parts of our History and your Portrait is indispensably necessary to his Werks.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0365", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 19 April 1785\nFrom: Biddle, Clement\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nPhilad[elphi]a April 19. 1785\nSince my last I paid Mr Claypoole your account for Advertisements for which the receipt is enclosed\u2014he again assures me the papers have been Constantly sent & their miscarriage must be owing to the post Office.\nI wrote to a Gentleman at New York to pay Mr Boudinots Account at Elizabeth Town.\nI hope the last Grass seed by Capt. McClean has come safe to hand. I could not procure any of the other Kind of seed tho\u2019 the different Collectors of seeds, here promised if any came in to let me have it\u2014Major Storey has not yet Opend his Office. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Mo: Obedt & very hume sert\nClement Biddle\nMr Claypoole could not make out the Account for the papers but will soon furnish it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0367", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 20 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carey, Mathew\nSir,\nMount Vernon Aprl 20th 1785.\nI have received your letter of the 30th Ulto \u2014If it should ever be in my power to render you any Service, I shall be ready, & happy to do it. With the Gentlemen of my acquaintance in Philadelphia, I persuade myself you stand as well, as my introduction could place you. If there are any here, to whom the mention of your case would be of any avail, I should have pleasure in doing it.\nI thank you for your kind offer of forwarding, with safety, the Gazettes of Philadelphia; but believe there will be no occasion for giving you the trouble at present. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0368", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 20 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Clinton, George\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th April 1785.\nI promised you a letter by the last Post, but it was not in my power to fulfill it, business not my own, & with which I really ought not to be troubled, engrosses so large a portion of my\ntime (having no assistance) that that which is essential to me, is entirely neglected.\nI now send you Hooe & Harrisons second Bill upon Mr Sylvanus Dickenson; altho\u2019 I hope, & expect the first will have been paid before it reaches. I also send you a statement of the payments, as they ought to have been made to you, & should be obliged to you for comparing them with your own receipts, & for informing me of their correspondence \u2014The money now remitted I wish to have placed to the credit of my Bond; & the balance, if any, carried to that of the accot sent me in December last\u2014I should be glad also to have as early & long notice of the call for this last sum, as can knowingly and conveniently be given; for I find it (under my present circumstances) very difficult to raise money equal to the pressure of my wants: those who owed me before the commencement of hostilities, having taken advantage of my absence & the tender laws, to discharge their debts with a shilling or six pence in the pound: & those to whom I owed money, I have now to pay in specie at the real value.\nI have to thank you my dear Sir, for the duplicate Deed, & plan of our purchase in the Ochriskeney Patent; & pray you to take the trouble of doing with my moiety the same as you would do with your own at all times & in all respects.\nThe lime trees which you were so obliging as to send me last November were unfortunate; they lay at Norfolk until the frosts were entirely over, & only came to my hands the 18th of Feby: I immediately planted, & have since been nursing them; they have yet the appearance of feeble life, but I have no expectation of their living. My thanks nevertheless are equally due for these\u2014for the nutts, the corn & the pease; the last of which I sowed yesterday: if I am too late in doing it, the Spring (which has been the most unfavourable I ever knew)\u2014& not me, is to blame; if too early, it is from ignorance & my neglect in not making the necessary enquiry for the proper season. The corn I shall begin to plant in a few days & will renew the seeds occasionally.\nI will rely upon your Excely for the seeds of the Balm tree, White & Spruce Pine\u2014I believe it is the most certain way of raising them: most of the trees evergreen, not sowed where they are to stand, or not raised in Nurseries & early transplanted,\nare unsuccessful; & tho\u2019 our impatience will not suffer us to adopt the practice, it is the opinion of Miller (in his Gardeners Dy) who seems to understand the culture of Trees equal to any other writer I have met with, that it is the most expeditious method of rearing them. As a quantity of these seeds would be bulky in the cones, they would be equally good taken out & packed in dry sand; & is the method I would beg leave to recommend. To them I should be glad to have added some of the Hemlock\u2014& indeed any other seeds of trees which are not common in this climate. I shall make no apology for the trouble I know this request must give you, because I persuade myself you will have pleasure in contributing to an innocent amusement. I have planted within these few days many of the hickory nuts which you sent me, not doubting their successful growth here. Mrs Washington desires me to present her compliments & thanks to you, for your care of the case of Grotto work\u2014it came very safe\u2014She also joins me very sincerely in congratulating Mrs Clinton & yourself on her restoration to health, & in wishing it may be of long continuance.\nI am sorry for the loss of my Vines, they were of the first quality in France; & sent to me by one of the first characters in it, for abilities, respectability & his curious attention to these things. I was in hopes there had been an abundance, & that you would have participated in the fruit of them.\nAs you are at the source of intelligence, it would be idle in me to reverberate what is brought by the packets, & we have little of a domestic nature worthy of attention. There are plans in agitation for improving and extending the inland navigation of this country; & opening roads of communication between the heads of the rivers Potomac & James, & the western waters. They have received public countenance & support\u2014but I cannot at this moment speak decisively to the issue\u2014we flatter ourselves it will be favourable, but may be mistaken. Mrs Washington joins me in very best wishes for you & all your family. With regard & attachment I am Dr Sir, Yrs &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0370", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Otho Holland Williams, 20 April 1785\nFrom: Williams, Otho Holland\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore [Md.] 20th April 1785\nI have not had the honor of a line, or message from you since I forwarded, to Mount Vernon, the Parchments which Major Turner sent to me from Philadelphia, and I was uncertain of your intentions respecting the Diplomas \u2019till about ten days ago, a gentleman Mr Hamilton, \u27e8(\u27e9of this town) desired me to look at two blanks to which your name was subscribed\u2014they were Diplomas, and upon enquiry I found they had been taken from a fellow suspected of a theft\u2014He was in prison and I used every means in my power to know how he came by them, but to no effect\u2014He said he found them in a particular part of the Town. I went there, but to no purpose; it was the residence of Vice, and my researches were fruitless\u2014I concluded that the packet of parchments had been sent by the Stage Waggon and [I] went to the Stage office to know if it had not been stolen from thence, but no bill or entry of it could be found there I am now in doubt about the cause of the miscarriage and think it incumbent on me to give you the trouble of this information. I am most respectfully Sir, your Most obedt & mo: Hble Servt\nO.H. Williams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0372", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Harvie, 22 April 1785\nFrom: Harvie, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRichmond [Va.] April 22nd 1785\nUpon my Researches into the Ordinances of Convention and Acts of Assembly to see if I could discover any General principle in either, Effective of your Title to the 2813 Acres of patented Land, that is the present Subject of your Ejectments, I can find no Law or Ordinance, in my Opinion Materially applicable, except the Act of Assembly that pass\u2019d in the year 1779, Intitled an Act for Adjusting and Settling the Title of Claimers to Unpatented Lands under the present and former Government previous to the Establishment of the Commonwealths\nLand Office\u2014in the first Section of which Act, Surveys upon all Military Rights are declar\u2019d good and Valid, in a Subsequent clause indeed of the same Law it is provided that where Locations upon Military Warrants shall Interfere with the Rights of Settlers, in such Cases the latter shall be prefer\u2019d, but this Rule is Specially confin\u2019d to Locations\u2014and cannot apply to Warrants Carry\u2019d into Effect by actual Survey, and much less so to Patents which have been Regularly Obtain\u2019d under our former Government; for it is well known to you Sir, that the King of Englands Instructions to his Governors in Virginia in and after the year 1763 restrain\u2019d them from Granting or Signing patents for any Lands on the Western Waters\u2014except upon Surveys for such Lands as was given as Bountys for Military Service, and from the date of the proclimation in 1763 untill the time of opening the Commonwealths Land Office in the year 1779 No County Surveyor could receive or admit an Entry on his Books for such Lands upon any other Right, and so farr from the Settlers on the Western Waters being Countenanced by Government they were by repeated proclimations Order\u2019d off from those Lands\u2014wherefore Titles by Occupancy was in no Instance whatever Recognized by the Laws of Virginia till the Convention of 1775\u2014when Occupants were put on the footing of Freeholders as to Electing or being Elected Members of the Convention\u2014in the years 1776 & 1777 other Resolutions pass\u2019d still farther declaratory of their Rights and Subjecting them to the payment of Taxes for such Lands as they had Mark\u2019d out as the Limmits of their respective claims in right of Settlement\u2014in the year 1778 another Resolution pass\u2019d forbidding any farther Settlement of the Western Lands untill a Land Office for the Commonwealth should be Establish\u2019d\u2014in the year 1779 the Commonwealths Land Office was Open\u2019d and as a Variety of rights had taken rise upon the Western Waters from the time the Governors had refus\u2019d to Sign patents, the Law under the Title I have first mention\u2019d preceded the Land Law, by which all such Rights as appear\u2019d to be just and Reasonable were Confirmed & Establish\u2019d, & others declar\u2019d Void & of no Effect\u2014but where Lands had been Patented under the former Government, the Legislature most Carefully Avoided any Interference, not Conceiveing they had the Power to destroy a Title Convey\u2019d by the Crown whose perogative it was to Grant\nthose Lands when & to whom the King should think proper\u2014and here it may not be amiss to observe that by the Laws of this Country when a Legal Title is Vested by Patent, such Title cannot ever be call\u2019d in Question in the Courts of Common Law, but the party who Supposes himself Injur\u2019d must Resort to the Chancery Court for Relief, the previous Title Act, directs the Appointment of Commissioners to adjust the claims to all Unpatented Lands lying on the Western Waters (patented Lands not comeing under their Jurisdiction) which Commissioners were also Impower\u2019d to hear and determine all Disputes between Partys Contending, and upon a Right of Settlement founded upon a Residence of twelve Months or raiseing a Crop of Corn in the Country, being Establish\u2019d, the Commissioners were directed to Grant a Certificate of such Right to the person Intitled\u2014which Certificate was Sufficient authority for the Surveyor of the County where the Lands were to lay off and Survey the Land therein Described, and upon a Survey therefor being return\u2019d to the Land Office, and lying Six Months open to the Caveat of any person who should lay claim to the whole or any part thereof\u2014if no Caveat should be Enter\u2019d in that time a Grant was Ex Officio to issue to the person in whose Name the Survey was made\u2014such Settler was also Intitled to the preemption of 1000 Acres adjoining his Settlement upon his first paying the price that the State demanded for other Lands Sold by them\u2014and takeing from the Land Office a Warrant under the Register\u27e8s\u27e9 Hand and Seal for the same, which Warrant should Intitle him to an Entry with the County Surveyor where the Land lay\u2014and upon a Survey being Return\u2019d and lying in the Office as above mention\u2019d a Grant shall issue\u2014As the Commissioners for the District of Monongalia Yohogany and Ohio had several meetings and Continued to sit till they went through all Business that came before them under their Commission\u2014putting your patent Intirely out of the Question\u2014the Occupants who are Contending with you could no otherways acquire Titles to those Lands than by Submitting their Rights to the Commissioners and Obtaining from them Certificates Agreable to the directions of this Law, and if they could have made such Submission, as your first Settlement and Improvement preceeded theirs your Right to 1400 Acres of the tract must have been prefer\u2019d\u2014but no such Submission could have been by\nthem Legally made as the patent is Conclusive as to the Title\u2014and as your Opponents set up a Right to the Land the Law was Open to them, for they had it in their Option to Enter a Caveat against a patent issueing to you, till the Matter of right should be determin\u2019d between you, and as they fail\u2019d to do this, I must again observe that your Title under the Patent in a Court of Common Law seems to me to be Unimpeachable\u2014what I have here Stated to you are the Laws, Rules & Regulations for Acquireing Landed property upon the Western Waters in this State, and by which I Conceive your Title must be determin\u2019d, as the Resolution I now Inclose you fixing a Temporary Boundary between the States of Virginia and Pensylvania\u2014which was Consented to and Adopted by the State of Pensylvania[,] Saves the private property and Rights to all persons who may have Acquir\u2019d Titles under either Country Respectively previous to the Asscertaining and Running such Boundary although they should be found to fall within the Other\u2014thus Sir have I endeavour\u2019d to give you Information respecting the Land Rights of Settlers or Occupants on our Western Waters and wish Sincerely that it may in any Measure Illustrate the permenancy of your Title\u2014the Law of 1779 that I have particularly Refer\u2019d to, if you have it not\u2014may I immagine be Easily obtain\u2019d from any Gentleman of the Law in your Neighbourhood[.] however if this should not be the Case, and either you, or Mr Smith who Advocates your Title, should think it Necessary to be produced on the Tryal, I will at any time forward it to you, I have to Lament that the Original Survey upon which your Patent issued with a Number of other Publick papers fell into the Hands of the Enemy and were destroy\u2019d by them, wherefore the date of Capt. Poseys Warrant assign\u2019d to you cannot be asscertain\u2019d in the Land Office\u2014if any farther Enquiry dureing the prosecution of this Business should Occur to you, I beg that you will at all times Command my Attention to it without Reserve\u2014for believe me Sir that it will ever afford me the highest Gratification to be in any Respect whatever Useful or Convenient to you. I have the Honour to be Sir Yr Most Obt & Very Humble Servt\nJohn Harvie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0374", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Baylor, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Baylor, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nNewmarket [Va.] Ap\u27e8ril the\u27e9 25 1785\u2014\nI am just returned from Richmond, where by appointment, I was to have met Mr Dandridge and to have fixed upon some Mode of settling the Debt due from my Father\u2019s Estate to Mr Custis\u2019s, as his Death prevents that settlement and the only Administrator \u2014as I am informed. I should now bee happy to have an interview with you, I should have waited upon you, but by your Advertisment, I find you are to be in Richmond in a few Days, therefore hope if not inconvenient, that I may either have the pleasure of your Company here or meet you at the Bowling Green the Day that you will be there \u2014This sum is to be raised by my Brother George\u2019s Estate, I have given a replevy Bond for upward of thirty three hundred Pounds, and if the affair is rigorously enforced, it would greatly prejudice my Brother\u2019s Estate, he has directed by his Will that as much of his Land shall be sold as will pay his proportions of my Father\u2019s and his own Debts, I would also give up as many Negroes at present as would prevent Mr Custis\u2019s Estate from falling into any disagreeable Situation\u2014Mr Dandridge in a late letter did observe that if I could raise about one fourth Part of the Sum this Month, that he could wait for the Ballance  I very much wish to see you\u2014I have the Honor to be Dr Sir Yr\nJohn Baylor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0375", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Grayson, William\nDr Sir,\nMt Vernon 25th Apl 1785.\nI will not let your favor of the fifteenth, for which I thank you, go unacknowledged, tho\u2019 it is not in my power to give it the consideration I wish, to comply with the request you have made; being upon the eve of a journey to Richmond to a meeting of the Dismal Swamp company, which by my own appointment is to take place on monday next; & into that part of the country I am hurried by an express which is just arrived with the accot of the deaths of the mother & Brother of Mrs Washington\u2014in the last of whose hands (Mr B. Dandridge) the embarrassed affairs of Mr Custis had been placed, & call for immediate attention.\nTo be candid, I have had scarce time to give the report of the Committee, which you did me the honor to send me, a reading\u2014much less to consider the force & tendency of it. If experience has proven that the most advantageous way of disposing of Land, is by whole Townships, there is no arguing against facts; therefore, if I had had time I shou\u2019d have said nothing on that head: but from the cursory reading I have given it, it strikes me that by suffering each State to dispose of a proportionate part of the whole in the State, that there may be State jobbing: in other words, that the Citizens of each State may be\nfavored at the expence of the Union; whilst a reference of these matters to them has, in my opinion, a tendency to set up seperate interests; and to promote the independence of individual States upon the downfall of the f\u0153deral government, which in my opinion is already too feeble, much too humiliated & tottering to be supported without props.\nIt is scarcely to be imagined that any man, or society of men, who may incline to possess a township, would make the purchase without viewing the Land in person or by an agent\u2014wherein then lies the great advantage of having the sale in each State, & by State officers? for from the same parity of reasoning, there should be different places in each State for the accommodation of its citizens. Would not all the ostensible purposes be fully answered by sufficient promulgation in each State, of the time & place of Sale to be holden at the nearest convenient place to the Land, or at the seat of Congress. Is it not highly probable that those who may incline to emigrate, or their Agents would attend at such time & place? and (there being no fixed prices to the Land) would not the high or low sale of it depend upon the number of purchasers & the competition occasioned thereby; & are not these more likely to be greater at one time & place than at thirteen? One place might draw the world to it, if proper notice be given: but foreigners would scarcely know what to do with thirteen\u2014to which, or when to go to them. These are first thoughts\u2014perhaps incongruous ones, & such as I myself might reprobate upon more mature consideration: at present however, I am impressed with them\u2014and (under the rose) a penetrating eye, & close observation, will discover thro\u2019 various disguises a disinclination to add new States, to the confederation, westward of us; which must be the inevitable consequence of emigration to, & the population of that territory: and as to restraining the citizens of the Atlantic States from transplanting themselves to that soil, when prompted thereto by interest or inclination\u2014you might as well attempt (while our Governmts are free) to prevent the reflux of the tide, when you had got it into your rivers.\nAs the report of the Committee goes into minuti\u00e6, it is not minute enough, if I read it aright; it provides for the irregular lines, and parts of townships, occasioned by the interference with the Indian boundaries, but not for its interference with\nLake Erie, the western boundary of Pennsylvania (if it is governed by the meanders of the Delaware) or the ohio river which separates the ceded Lands from Virginia\u2014all of which involve the same consequences.\nI thank you for the sentiments & information, given me in your letter of the 10th of March, respecting the Potomac navigation. My present determination is, to hold the shares which this State has been pleased to present me, in trust for the use & benefit of it: this will subserve the plan\u2014encrease the public revenue, & not interfere with that line of conduct I had prescribed myself. I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0376", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Greene, Nathanael\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nCharleston [S.C.] April 25th 1785\nSome little time ago Capt. Gunn formerly an officer in the horse sent me a challenge to fight him upon the footing of equality as Citizens. His reasons for it are he says I injured him in a tryal while I was in command in this Country. He sold a public horse and was called to account for it. To avoid breaking him I refered the matter to a board of Officers in preference to a Court Martial. I was at the time charitably disposd to think he had done the thing partly through ignorance. His pretence was that the public owed him a horse and that he thought he had a right to sell their property to pay himself. Such a precedent in our service would have given a fatal stab to the very existence of the Army\u2014for soldiers might with the same propriety sell their Arms as Officers their horses. But to my very great surprise the Board of Officers reported that Captain Gunn had a right to sell a public horse. I disapproved of the opinion of the board in General Orders and refered the matter to Congress. They also condemned the proceedings of the board, confirmed my sentiments on the subject, and pointedly censured Capt. Gunn and\ndirected him to return the horse. Capt. Gunn thought himself injured because I did not confirm the opinion of the board of officers and urged it very indecently both by letter and language for which I gave him a reprimand. It is for this he says he thinks himself entitled to satisfaction affecting to discriminate what was in the line of my duty as an officer and what was other wise. I refused to give him any satisfaction having done nothing more than my public duty imposed upon me in support of the dicipline of the Army. If a commanding Officer is bound to give satisfaction to every Officer who may pretend he is injured and the pretence would not be wanting to try to wipe off the disgrace of a public tryal and condemnation, it places him in a much more disagreeable situation than ever had occured to me before. But as I may have mistaken the line of responsibility of a commanding officer I wish for your sentiments on the subject. It is possible you may be placed by the ignorance of sum or the impudence of others in the same predicament tho I believe few will be hardy enough to try such an experiment. If I thought my honor or reputation might suffer in the opinion of the World and more especially with the Military Gentlemen I value life too little to hesitate a moment to answer the challenge. But when I consider the nature of the precedent and the extent of the mischief that it may produce I have felt a necessity to reject it. Thus far I have offered nothing but my public reasons; but the man is without reputation or principle. Indeed he is little better than a public nuisance being always engaged in riots and drunken fl\u27e8aunts\u27e9. I do not wish these circumstances to have any influence upon your Opinion. Because if they were the only objections I would fight him immediately.\nI am still embarassed with Banks affairs and God knows when I shall be other wise. Present me affectionately to Mrs Washington and the family. I am dear Sir with esteem & affection Your Most Obed. humble Sert\nNathl Green", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0377", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Murray & Co., 25 April 1785\nFrom: John Murray & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria [Va.] April 25th 1785\nAgreable to your request have sent you twelve yard of the Calicoe you pick\u2019d out when up here, being the Amot of the money sent by your Servant.\nThe enclosed was left with us by a person from N. England. Very respectfully and Yr Excellency Most obedt Servts\nJohn Murray & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0378", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles-Louis de Montesquieu, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Br\u00e8de et de\nTo: Washington, George\nGeneral,\nParis 25th April\u20141785\nI recieved at Paris, the letter Your Excellency did me the honor of addressing to me, in behalf of Mr Ridout \u2014I regret much, I was not at Bourdeaux, at the time he arrived there\u2014But, if he passes any time there, I shall still have the pleasure of seeing him; and making him acquainted with my friends\u2014I have written to my Father, to make amends for my absence from Boudeaux, by being as useful as possible to Mr Ridout\u2014But I have to lament, from his great age, and unhappy loss of sight, he cannot be so serviceable to him, as I would wish him to be; and, as he will himself wish to be, on the reciept of my letter \u2014Your Excellency\u2019s remembrance of me, flatters me much\u2014I shall never forget the kindnesses with which I have been loaded by you. It will ever be a new source of pleasure to me, to call to mind, the time I have spent, near the greatest,\nand, most virtuous man of his Age. I beg you will not consider this as flattery\u2014it is the real sentiment of my heart; and, I have not renounced the hope of again seeing America, and admiring the Author of her liberties.\nI shall depart for Metz, about May, to my Regiment; where, I shall often with my Officers, drink to your Excellency\u2019s health\u2014All who have been under your orders in America, would get drunk with pleasure to this toast. We all love, and respect you\u2014Such is the effect of Virtue. She maintains her empire over all men, notwithstanding their profligacy, and corruption.\nIt will not be in my power to be at Bourdeaux, \u2019till October; when I shall have the pleasure of conversing with Mr Ridout about you\u2014But, I percieve, my letter is already too long; and that I ought not to trespass so much, even on your leasure. I beseech you to be persuaded of the respect, and unalterable attachment, with which, I am General, Your very Humble & Ob[edie]nt servant\nMontesquieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0379", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Powel, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia 25 April 1785\nTho\u2019 I am apprehensive that you may be fatigued with Letters of Recommendation, yet I cannot suffer the Bearer hereof, Dr Moyes, to leave this City on his intended Tour to the southern States, without requesting Permission to introduce him to your Notice. To General Greene I am indebted for an Introduction to this Gentleman, & hold myself his Debtor for remembering me on the Drs Subject, from whose interesting Conversation I have derived both Amusement & Instruction. His Lectures, on the Philosophy of chemistry & natural History, in this City, have been much frequented & greatly approved; & he is, I believe, universally esteemed to be both a rational & agreeable Companion, by those who have had the Opportunities of knowing him best.\nMrs Powel begs Leave to join her best Wishes, for Mrs Washington & yourself, to those of Dear Sir Your most obedt humble Servt\nSamuel Powel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0380", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lyonel Bradstreet, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Bradstreet, Lyonel\nTo: Washington, George\nShip Potowmack Apl 26 1785\nIt is with Pleasure that I now forward your Excellency a Case which was delivered to my Care in London, & for which I paid 16/ Sterlg for Custom House Charges &C. it being foreign, I hope it will be delivered to you in Safety. I am with the utmost Respect Your Excellencys Mo: Obt Servt\nLyonel Bradstreet.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0381", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 27 April 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Newton, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Thomas Newton, 27 April. GW wrote Newton on 3 Sept.: \u201cI have suffered your letter of the 27th April . . . to remain . . . unacknowledged.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0384", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 2 May 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nMaryland. Millmont May 2 1785\nMy delay to Address you on the the subject of Mr Bolton, & his to wait on you before the 25 ulto as you desir\u2019d\u2014Have proceeded from his being absent on an Excursion to Baltimore when I return\u2019d from Virga\u2014I have seen Him to day, and He promises to wait on you about the 20th of this Month the time I supposed you wou\u2019d be return\u2019d from Richmond\u2014He will then carry a List of Materials which I have Imported from England, for a Larger Building than I now intend to Execute\u2014such as Crown Glass 10 Inches by 12\u2014white lead\u2014Oil\u2014paint, Nails, Sprigs Brads Hinges Gross window Lead\u2014Line and pullies with Brass Boxes\u2014Particularly Large Brass Spring Hinges which may suit your doors & I shall not want\u2014such of these Articles as are wanting You may have at cost & charges.\nBolton I believe is one of the first trademen in America  & particularly calculated for the work you want Executed\u2014He has since my return from Virga lost His wife, so that he has now no Family Except a Negro Lad an apprentice.\nMrs Fitzhugh Joins in respectful Complts to you your Lady & Family. I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem & respect Dear General Your affect. & oblig\u2019d Hle Sevt\nWillm Fitzhugh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0385", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Montesquieu, 2 May 1785\nFrom: Montesquieu, Jean-Baptiste de\nTo: Washington, George\nBordeaux [France] 2d May 1785\nMy Son has Order\u2019d me to Send to your Excellency One Hundered & Twenty Bottles of White Wine, made at Bordeaux. he Told me that during his Stay in America, He never had Seen So good a Sort of Nutts, as those in France, I have Sent at all events Some Nutts of a very fine Sort, although the Season for Sowing them is over. There will be possibly Some one that will Spring up & will Produce a Tree, Provided there be Some Care taken of it, as Soon as Your Excellency will receive them, you must make them be Steep\u2019d in Water, for the Space of Two or Three Days. Directly Sow them in Good Earth Mouldered, or Sifted, Water them very often, & keep them from the Excessive Burning heat of the Sun. I am very happy of this opportunity to Offer my Respect, the most Profound, to the Hero of the World, who has Reunited, all the Virtues of Ancient Rome, with all the Politeness of the Grand World.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0386", "content": "Title: Resolutions of the Dismal Swamp Company, 2 May 1785\nFrom: Dismal Swamp Company,Washington, George\nTo: \n[Richmond, 2 May 1785]\nThat the money, which can at present be raised, be put into the hands of some proper person, and such person be empowered to engage as many German, or other labourers at Baltimore, or any other part of this continent, as the money will procure.\nThat, if this scheme should prove wholly or in part abortive, the managers hire as many negroes as they may think proper, untill they can import from Holland, Germany, or some other Country of Europe, any number (not exceeding 300) labourers, acquainted with draining, and other branches of agriculture, which they are hereby required to do.\nTo carry the last resolutions into execution, Resolved that Mr Wm Anderson be, and \u27e8he\u27e9 is hereby empowered to borrow \u27e8the sum of\u27e9 \u00a35,000. sterlg for \u27e8a term not less than seven years at an interest not exceeding five pr Ct to be paid annually\u27e9 [for] the use of the company, and that the managers \u27e8or any three of them\u27e9 be and are hereby authorized to execute a bond \u27e8or bonds\u27e9 to secure the repayment of the \u27e8principal & interest of the Sum so borrowed\u27e9 and the members \u27e8of the sd Co. do hereby jointly\u27e9 and severally bind themselves, their heirs, executors &c. to indemnify the managers therein, in proportion to their respective interests.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0387", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 3 May 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nNew York May 3d 1785\nI have long had a letter prepared for you in answer to your last favor which I have kept for the honorable Mr Sitgreaves to be the bearer of, as he proposed to visit you on his return to North Carolina; and the more especially as his stay has been occasioned by the necessity of seeing the very important ordinance passed for selling the western lands, which I wished you to have in its perfected state \u2014The principal design of this letter is, to introduce to you Mr Graham, and his Lady the justly celebrated Mrs Macauley Graham, whose reputation in the learned world and among the friends to the rights of human nature is very high indeed. Her merit as an Historian is very great, and places her as an Author in the foremost rank of writers. I am well pleased to find that she, as well as all other judicious foreigners, think themselves when in America, however distant from Mount Vernon, obliged to pay their respects to you. I believe that this has been her only motive for going so far South as Virginia. We are amused here with an account that does not indeed come officially to us, but however, in such a way as to merit attention\u2014It is, a plan of the Emperor of Germany, which seems calculated to quiet his quarrel with Holland, altho perhaps it may not prevent a war in Europe\u2014He is said to have made a treaty with the Elector of Bavaria, by which he exchanges his Netherland dominions for those of Bavaria, and transfers with the exchange, all his rights and claims upon Holland: reserving Namure and Luxembourg with a district of country around, as a douc\u0153ur to France for obtaining the consent of that Court to the exchange. The Bavarian dominions being much more contiguous to the Austrian than those of the Netherlands, must greatly increase the Emperors power by a concentration of his force, heretofore so much divided, as to render the Netherlands of no great aid in case of war. This however, by increasing the Austrian power, must of course excite greatly the jealousy of Prussia in particular, whose King will probably risk a war rather than see his rival thus strengthened. Holland in the mean time will be relieved, by injurious claims being transferd from a strong to a weak hand, and the Emperor may find himself brought to a more equal contest by\ncombating one, instead of three powers lately combined against him. What may be the issue of this new System, time must develope. I wish that I may be enabled by Mr Sitgreaves to furnish you with the final sense of Congress upon the momentous business of selling the western lands, in doing which, the first and greatest object seems to be, the discharging effectually the great weight of debt that the war has created, and which obstructs so effectually every arrangement for future security. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the sincerest respect and esteem dear Sir Your most obedient and very humble servant\nRichard Henry Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0388", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Marshall, 3 May 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Marshall, Thomas\nLetter not found: to Thomas Marshall, 3 May. On 12 May Marshall wrote GW: \u201cYour favor of the 3d Inst. I received by my Son.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0389", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Bibby, 4 May 1785\nFrom: Bibby, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York 4th May 1785\nThe enclosed letter and a parcell which accompanies it was entrusted to my care by Sr Edward Newenham, to be delivered to Your Excellency; I regret much the not having it in my power to present them myself, an honor which the situation of my affairs in this state deprives me of. I have hopes however before my return to Europe, to be enabled to receive in person any Commands Your Excellency may please to honor me with\nfor that part of the World. I have the honor to be with respect Your Excellency\u2019s most Obedient humble Servant\nT: Bibby Captn Royl Brit[is]h Fuzileers", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0390", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Grayson, 4\u20138 May 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir.\nNew York [c.4\u20138] May 1785.\nI have recieved your letter of the 25th of Aprill, for which I am much oblig\u2019d to you; I am sorry for the melancholy occasion which has induc\u2019d you to leave Mount Vernon, and for the affliction which the loss of such near relations must involve Mrs Washington in.\nThe Ordinance for disposing of the Western territory has been under consideration ever since I wrote you last & has underwent several alterations, the most considerable of which is that one half the land is to be sold by sections or lots, & the other half by intire Townships; & the dimension of each township is reduc\u2019d to six miles; I now expect the Ordinance will be completed in a few days, it being the opinion of most gentlemen that it is better to pass it in it\u2019s present form nearly, than to delay it much longer & incur the risque of losing the country altogether. As soon as it is finished I shall do myself the honor to inclose you a copy, and though it will be far from being the best that could be made, yet I verily believe it is the best that under present circumstances can be procured: There have appeared so many interfering interests, most of them imaginary, so many ill founded jealousies & suspicions throughout the whole, that I am only surpris\u2019d the ordinance is not more exceptionable; indeed if the importunities of the public Creditors, & the reluctance to pay them by taxation either direct or implied had not been so great I am satisfyed no land Ordinance\ncould have been procured, except under such disadvantages as would in a great degree have excluded the idea of actual settlements within any short length of time; This is not strange when we reflect that several of the states are averse to new votes from that part of the Continent & that some of them are now disposing of their own vacant lands, & of course wish to have their particular debts paid & their own countries settled in the first instance before there is any interference from any other quarter. With respect to the different places of sale, it is certainly open to the objections you mention, but it was absolutely necessary to accede to the measure, before we could advance a single step. Since the receipt of your letter I have hinted to some of the members the propriety of altering this part, but find that the idea of allowing the Citizens of each State an equal chance of buying the good lands at their own doors, was one of the strongest reasons with them for consenting to the Ordinance. As to the individual states interfering in the sale, it is guarded against; and in case the loan Officer who is responsible only to Congress, cannot dispose of the land in a limited time, it is to be return\u2019d to the Treasury board: With respect to the fractional parts of Townships the Ordinance has now provided for all cases which can occur, except with respect to the Pensylvania line\u2014The Course of the new state from the Ohio will be due North, and the dispute with Pensylvania will be open to discussion hereafter. I am sorry to observe that throughout this measure, there has been a necessity for sacrificing one\u2019s own opinion to that of other people for the purpose of getting forward. There has never been above ten States on the floor & nine of these were necessary to concur in one sentiment, least they should refuse to vote for the Ordinance on it\u2019s passage. The price is fix\u2019d at a dollar the acre liquidated certificates, that is the land is not to be sold under that; The reason for establishing this sum was that a part of the house were for half a dollar, and another part for two dollars & others for intermediate sums between the two extremes, so that ultimately this was agreed upon as a central ground. If it is too high (which I am afraid is the case) it may hereafter be corrected by a resolution.\nI still mean to move for some amendments which I think will not only advance the sale, but increase the facility of purchasing\nto foreigners, though from present appearances I own I have but little hopes of success.\nAfter this affair is over, the requisition for the current year will be brought forward The article of 30,000 dollars for the erection of f\u0153deral buildings at Trenton I have already objected to, & shall continue to oppose by every means in my power, as I look upon the measure to be fundamentally wrong, & I am in hopes nine States cannot be found to vote for it; should those in opposition to the measure be able to put off the execution for the present year it is to be expected that the Southern States will open their eyes to their true interests & view this subject in a different light. What I at present fear is, that failing to get this article allowed in the requisition they will attempt to draw the money from Holland by a vote of seven States inasmuch as a hundred thousand dollars were voted at Trenton for that purpose although no particular fund was assigned. I own this matter has giv\u2019n me some disgust, as I see an intemperate ardor to carry it into execution before the sense of the Union is know\u2019n; and I have no doubt that some gentlemen have come into Congress expressly for that purpose.\nI take the liberty of introducing Mr StGreave\u2014a delegate from North Carolina a gentleman of great worth who is travelling through our state to his own Country: He will be very happy to communicate to you the news of this place. I inclose you the report of a Comm[itte]e for altering the first paragraph of the 9[t]h article of the confederation, & which embraces objects of great magnitude, & about which there is a great difference of sentiment. I have the honor to be with the highest respect yr Affect, frd & Most Obdt sert\nWillm Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0393", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 May 1785\nFrom: Knox, Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir.\nNew York 5 May 1785\nIt has been my intention ever since I have been in this City which is fourteen days to have written to you, but my business has been such as to prevent this gratification.\nCongress have directed 700 Men to be raised for three years, to be apportioned upon the states of Connecticut New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, for the protection of the Western\nfrontiers, to defend the Settlers on the lands belonging to the united States from the depredations of the Indians, and to prevent unwarrantable intrusions thereon, and for guarding the public Stores. As This Corps is to be under my direction as secretary at War, I should be extremely obliged by your Excellencys opinion, with respect to the posts they ought to occupy on the frontiers\u2014I suppose about thirty or forty men and two officers will be retained at Westpoint for guarding the public Stores, and the remainder will be sent to the Westward. The nu\u27e8mber\u27e9s must be small at any point, but I imagine that circums\u27e8tances\u27e9 will hereafter dictate the necessity of Keeping up an efficient force in that Country.\nI expect to be at Boston about the first of June, and to return here again with my family by the first of July. I hope Mrs Washington and her grand Children are well, and I request that you would be pleased to present my best respects to her.\nThe celebrated Mrs McAuley Graham and her husband Mr Graham are now in this City on their way to visit you and Mrs Washington. I am my dear Sir With the highest respect and affection Your most obedient humble Servant\nH. Knox", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0394", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Ruthey Jones, 7 May 1785\nFrom: Jones, Ruthey\nTo: Washington, George\nWorthy Sir\nBelfast Georgia may the 7\u20141785\nLast December twelve months\u2014I had the honour of receiveing your Excellencys\u2019 Letter by major Fishbourn being the first that ever Got safe to my hands. I should have returned an earlier answer to it, had a Conveyance on which I Could have depended offered before the present\u2014I am at a loss to express the Satisfaction I felt when major Fishbourn informed me he had a letter from You\u2014it can be better felt then discribed, as I had long flattered my Self with the hope of seing you before I\ndied, in preference to the Greatest Monarch on earth, had the Visit been ever so short: But how soon did that hope Vanish, when I perrused the Contents! The disappointment was the Greatest I ever met with, as I had ever been taught from my Infancy by the old People of South Carolina (where I was born) to consider you as a Relation. But if I have committed an Error in Claiming an affinity to you, I flatter myself you will forgive me, and be assured, my Dear Sir, that it was not done with a view of imposeing on you, had this been the case\u2014was you to forgive me\u2014I never shoud have forgiven myself\u2014but as I always conceived you were acquainted with the circumstances that related to my Grand Father. Mr Jonathan Bryan, a Gentleman of Reputation and long standing here, assures me that my Grand Father, Mr John Washington, and Mr James Washington were full Brothers, and that they Came to South Carolina together about the year 1707; that my Grand Father married, but his Brother remained single until he went to Virginia, that my Mother (who was the only Child of my Grand Father who lived to a mature age[)], She perfectly remembered my Grand uncle during his residence in Carolina, and that some time before my Grand Fathers Death he haveing been killed by his own waitingman\u2014in the year 1714, his Brother left him and removed to Virgina where he married and had tow Sons, From this last Circumstance, you have ever been considered as one of them, as I am now in the decline of life, and find myself incapable of encountering much fatigue, I almost dispair of ever haaveing the happiness of seeing you, unless you should come to the southward. I beg therefore you will accept of my unfained Good wishes for your helth and prosperity, and I shall offer my Prayers to Heaven that you may long enjoy boath. I wish to prevent your Excellencys harbouring a suspicion that I had misrepresented matters to you, and have accordingly been particular, I earnesly beg your goodness will Pardon me should I be mistaken\u2014in my opinion of your being a Decendant of my Grand uncles\u2014Should I ever be so happy as to be honoured with a line from you again as nothing would offord me so much pleasure, as one soft word from you, which time nor Distance shall never efface the Greatfull rememberance of any thing you may be pleased to cummunicate, will come safe to me by being Sent to Mr John Habersham at Congress a worthy friend of\nmine, who takes Charge of this to you  I now beg leave to wish you all the happiness that this world can offord, and may Heaven Grant, that\u2014happiness to be crowned with the best of Blessings is the Sincear and most Respectfull Sentiments of Dr Sir your affectionate Friend\nRuthey Jones\nI cannot think of Sealing my Letter before I acquaint you of a most unfortuneate circumstance, a friend of mine had made me a compliment of your picture which I was to send for\u2014but the house was burnt that night with every thing in it, which has been no Small disappointment to me, that has so Long wisht to se it in Vaine\u2014I am my Dr Sir yours with the Greatest affection as before R. Jones", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0395", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 7 May 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nNew York May 7th 1785\nThis will be delivered to you by the honorable Mr Sitgreaves a very worthy delegate to Congress from N. Carolina; who has been long detained by his desire to see the Land Ordinance passed, but he is obliged at last to quit us before it is finally so\u2014The reasons he can give you. I had some time ago written a letter for you in answer to your last faver & kept it to go by this Gentleman, whose detention has been so long as to render a new letter more fit. I have now the honor to enclose you the Ordinance above alluded to, which meets the assent of nine States & every member of these Nine States, except one Man, who keeps the Ordinance from passing by the joint causes, as he alleges, of indisposition & dislike. I incline to think, however, that it will pass in the form you now receive it, with very little alteration, if any. I think there is no doubt of the agreement having been made for change of dominions between the Elector of Bavaria & the Emperor as mentioned in my last, yet, altho we have letters from our Ministers in Europe of the 9th of february, we are yet in the dark upon the question whether there will be war between the Emperor & the Dutch, or whether it will settle finally between the former & the King of Prussia. The public papers, as you will see by the enclosed, make War very certain. I had lately the honor of writing to you by Mr Graham, & his Lady Mrs Macauley Graham the celebrated Historian of England, who go to Virginia, I believe solely to pay their respects to you. I beg leave to refer you to Mr Sitgreaves for our foreign and domestic news, which indeed is not much.\nMy respects if you please to your Lady, whose health I hope is perfectly restored\u2014I am, with the truest respect, esteem, and regard, dear Sir your most obedient and very humble servant\nRichard Henry Lee.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0396", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jacob Read, 8 May 1785\nFrom: Read, Jacob\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCharles Ton [S.C.] May 8th 1785\nMr Charles Philips who does me the Honour to charge himself with the delivery of the present Letter is my most particular friend, permit me to introduce him to your Acquaintance and friendship as such\u2014He is a Gentleman of very ample fortune in the West Indies and is now on his return to Europe after visiting his Estates\u2014a very principal reason for Mr Philips\u2019s making a journey from this State to New York by land is to have the pleasure of Seeing and in person paying his respects to your Excellency, to which he is probably the more Strongly inclined from his being a native of York Town in your State. Tho\u2019 educated in Europe where he has Spent the greatest part of his life\u2014I beg leave to assure you that I shall feel a particular obligation for any Attentions Shewn Mr Philips of whose virtues and merit I have the highest Sense and with whom I have had the honor to be on the most intimate terms of friendship for many years past.\nI did myself the honour of addressing a letter to you in the beginning of March from New York about which time my private affairs obliged me to make a visit to this State\u2014Shall however return to Congress about the beginning of June.\nI unexpectedly Saw and only had the pleasure of transiently Seeing Major Washington in this City at the point of time when he was about to Embark on his return to Virginia and when the Excessive illness of my Mother prevented my having it in my power to pay him that Attention to which his own Merit entitled him and my wishes & Inclinations Strongly prompted me. a like situation will not I hope happen again and with great truth I assure you Sir, I Shall feel the utmost pleasure in tendering every Service in my power to any of your friends and much Satisfaction in Executing any Commands with which you may honour me either in this State or elsewhere.\nI pray you\u2019l do me the favour to present my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington and believe that I am with the greatest respect & regard Sir Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most Humble Servant\nJacob Read", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0397", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 10 May 1785\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nParis May [10] 1785\nSince I had the honor to receive by the last Packet your favor dated in Feby last I have been unwell with a slight fever, & tho recovered at this moment it has retarded my public business in such a manner, as will prevent me from writing so particularly as I wished to have done by the present opportunity.\nI am extremely concerned & mortified to find that you have been under the necessity of being so much occupied with unimportant & tedious applications. I hope you will have been able to procure some assistance before this time, and that you will not ultimately & altogether lose sight of the object I have more than once had the honor of suggesting to your Excellency.\nFor my own part I have not eat the bread of idleness\u2014I have been pretty constantly employed in writings of one kind or another. Besides the correspondencies which have been opened with Russia, The Emperor, Prussia, Denmark, Sweden, Saxony, Sicily, Sardinia, Venice, the Pope, Tuscany, Spain, Portugal & England\u2014and the reports which have been made in consequence to Congress, I have kept an accurate Record of the Proceedings of the Ministers, the minits of which have already more than half filled a large folio Volume\u2014Tho\u2019 Treaties have proposed to be entered into with all the beforementioned Powers (except Sweden to whom a supplementary Treaty has been proposed) yet none of them appear to be near a completion except with the King of Prussia & the Grand Duke of Tuscany\u2014Several of these Powers however, who have no commercial Treaties whatever, have declared that our vessels shall be recd in their ports in the most friendly manner & that we shall be upon equal terms with the most favored Nation.\nI am happy to learn Congress have appointed Mr Adams their Minister at the Court of London, it was a measure which had become indispensably necessary to prevent growing trouble & perhaps an open rupture between the two Nations\u2014I am pleased to find that the appointment of Secry has been given to one of your Aids de Camp.\nUpon my leaving America Mr Morris invested me with the power of procuring the several honorary presents which had been voted by Congress to different Officers in their service during the late War\u2014The Royal Academy of Inscriptions & Belles Lettres to whom I addressed a Letter on the subject, have furnished me with the following device & inscriptions for the Gold Medal which is to be executed for your Excellency\u2014\u201cOn one side the head of the General[,] Legend: Georgio Washington supremo Duci Exercituum adsertori Libertatis Comitia Americana. On the reverse: taken possession of Boston. The American Army advances in good order towards the Town, which is seen at a distance, while the British army flies with precipitation towards the shore to embark on board the vessels with which the harbour is covered. In the front of the American Army appears the General on horseback, in a groupe of officers, whom he seems to make observe the flight of the Enemy. Legend: hostibus primo fugatis. Exergue: Bostonium recuperatum die XVII Marti: MDCCLXXVI.\u201d\nI think it has the character of simplicity & dignity which is to be aimed at in a memorial of this kind, which is designed to transmit the remembrance of a great event to posterity. You really do not know how much your name is venerated on this side the Atlantic.\nI have been fortunate in making several literary & noble acquaintances, by whom I have been treated with vastly more attention & hospitality than by any officers who served in America, & I except the Marquis la Fayette & one or two more.\nIt is pretty well decided now that there will be no war this summer.\nWe have had a remarkably long & distressing winter, many cattle have died for the want of forage, & the present want of rain threatens the most disastrous consequences. With my most respectful & affectionate regards to Mrs Washington & Complts to all the family I have the honor to be my Dr General Your sincere friend & hble Servt\nD. Humphreys", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0398", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Christopher Richmond, 10 May 1785\nFrom: Richmond, Christopher\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAnnapolis [Md.] 10th May 1785\nNot having had any communication with the persons appointed by the Act of Assembly of Maryland to receive subscriptions for extending the Navigation of Potowmack, upon the Subject of advertising a Meeting; and being at a Loss how to proceed in the Business, I have taken the Liberty of addressing Your Excellency upon it.\nIt is but a few days since I saw the Act of Assembly for the first time\u2014the Maryland Printer not having published, and delivered it, until the begining of the present Week\u2014This circumstance has prevented Mr Davidson or myself from writing to the other Managers upon the subject; and as we are totally ignorant of the Ideas of the Gentlemen of Virginia, respecting the Meeting of the Subscribers; I have troubled you with this, to request your Advice thereon, and if you please direction how to proceed. The Weather has been so indifferent for sometime past, that few People have left their Homes to come to this Place. Our General Court is now sitting\u2014The Races will be next Week, and it is probable that some Subscriptions may be obtained during these Times. I have asked the advice of Major Jenifer and Mr Chase, and in consequence of it, have determined to keep the Subscription Book until the End of this Month; unless I have some directions to the contrary. Enclosed I send the present State of it; and shall esteem it as a favor that you will please to write me on the Subject by the next Post. It would have given me pleasure to have waited on the Subscribers on the 17th Instant, but my Health has so long been in a precarious State\u2014and I have been so long unused to travelling; that I dare not undertake the Journey. Mr Davidson is also prevented by having lately received a Cargo of Goods which he is now opening.\nShould it be necessary that the original Subscription be had at the Meeting of the Subscribers, it shall be sent by Express. With the highest Respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your obedient hble Servant\nChrisr Richmond", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0399", "content": "Title: To George Washington from W. Symmes, 10 May 1785\nFrom: Symmes, W.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nFredericksburg [Va.] May 10. 1785.\nI have considered well the terms your Excellency mentioned at your sisters as the best you could allow me, & find on comparing them with my present prospects in another line that I cannot with any justice to myself accept them. My views must be professional, or if I exchange them, \u2019tis natural to expect some compensation. The salary I receive from Mr Mercer, is perhaps the least advantage I derive from living in his family, & therefore should not, methinks, be made a rule in any other case where those additional advantages must all be given up, & perhaps the benefit I have already received thereby entirely lost.\nMy education, Sir, has been expensive, & I am now at that stage of it when 65\u00a3 is no equivalent for a year of my time. When your Excellency\u2019s wants were first made known to me, I conceived them to be such as would entitle me to an hundred guineas a year; & for this, with the improvement & satisfaction I made no doubt of finding in your Excellency\u2019s family, I predetermined to undertake the fatigues & application of the Office to which I had the honour to be invited. But I am certain that the sum your Excellency mentioned will not support me in the manner I should choose, though perhaps some other man may be found who can live within it. Of this, however, I am persuaded by experience, that no young man of a genteel character,\nI mean one who is received among persons of rank & distinction & would not appear unworthy that reception, ever can.\nAfter what your Excellency said, I must suppose that the treaty will cease upon this declaration. However, I will mention at large the terms on which I will with pleasure obey your summons & exert myself to the utmost in your service. My first condition is that I shall have 120\u00a3 P. Annum, payable quarterly\u2014with board, washing, & mending: my second that I shall be at liberty to attend the Gen. Court & Court of Appeals; & the last, that when I ride on your Excellency\u2019s business & am obliged to be out more than one day, I shall have a servant with me. If your Excellency should accede to these conditions, you will be sure of a person who will on all occasions consult & defend your interests committed to his care as if they were immediately his own.\nI have only now to request that your Excellency will not think hardly of me for this proposal, which is the most moderate that I can possibly make. My views extend only to a bare support, & my professional interest, which I must not wholly abandon. Were it not for these two insuperable motives, I should esteem the honour of being in your family, & enjoying some part of your confidence, a compensation amply sufficient for all the services that I could render you. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, Your Excellencys most obedient humble servant\nW. Symmes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0402", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jaquelin Ambler, 12 May 1785\nFrom: Ambler, Jaquelin (Jacquelin)\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nRichmond [Va.] 12th May 1785\nStill flattering ourselves with an expectation that some encouragement would be given here to the Scheme for opening and extending the navigation of Potowmack River, we were induced to delay closing the Subscription to the latest day which the Act admitted of: It is matter of real regret to us that our endeavours have proved unsuccessful.\nMy whole attention being necessarily engrossed by the duties of the Treasury, it will be impracticable for me, without manifest injury to that Department, to attend at Alexandria on Tuesday next; I am constrained, therefore, to adopt the alternative given me by the Act, and take the liberty to express my hope that you will be pleased to represent the State at the Meeting on that day: when, most probably, Subjects of the greatest import to the Success of the Scheme will be discussed, and on which my knowledge and judgment are very inadequate to enable me to give a voice. Pardon this freedom, and believe me Sir, with the most grateful esteem, and most perfect respect, Your most obedient Servant\nJ: Ambler", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0403", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Barbier de La Serre, 12 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Barbier de La Serre, Arsenne-Guillaume-Joseph\nSir,\nMt Vernon 12th May 1785.\nThe letter which you did me the honor to write to me the 20th of last month, I found at this place when I returned from Richmond a few days ago; but it had been previously lost in the high way, & came to me open & without a cover: by what means it met with this accident, I am unable to learn\u2014a neighbour of mine picked it up in the condition I have mentioned, & sent it to me.\nI pray you to be assured Sir, that I should have great pleasure\nin presenting you with a letter to the Count de Vergennes if I cou\u2019d suppose that my recommendation would have any weight at the Court of Versailles, & if I had ever opened a correspondence with the Minister thereof on a subject of this nature: but not having the vanity to suppose the first, & never having attempted the latter; I persuade myself I shall meet a ready excuse for not complying with your request in this instance.\nNot being under such delicate circumstances with my intimate acquaintance & friend the Marqs de la Fayette, I have communicated your wishes to him; & as no language can do it more emphatically than your own, I have taken the liberty of enclosing your letter to me, to him. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0404", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Marshall, 12 May 1785\nFrom: Marshall, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nFauquier [Va.] May the 12th 1785.\nYour favor of the 3d Inst. I receiv\u2019d by my Son & will with the greatest pleasure execute the small commission you are pleas\u2019d to honor me with, by collecting & sending you the different seeds agreable to the list you inclos\u2019d me. The Crown imperial\n\u2014Tulip bearing Lawrel, & Cardinal flower, I am not acquainted with, but shall I dont doubt find them out by enquiry.\nIn consiquence of a resolution of the last Assembly made in favor of such Officers as were in service in 79 & 80 and thereby deprived of the benefit of the act of Assembly allowing time for locateing Military Warrants, I have got your warrt as Assignee of Rootes, exchanged, shall carry it out with me & hope soon to give you a good account of it. I have the honor to be with the most respectful esteem Dear General Your most obedt Servt\nT. Marshall", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0405", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nMaryl[an]d Millmont May 13th 1785\nThis will be hand \u27e8to\u27e9 You by Mr Bolton. The Person I recommended to Finish your Large Room\u2014He is a masterly Hand, & I believe will Execute your work in an Elegant Manner at least equal to any in America\u2014When I had the Honor to be with you & first Mention\u2019d Mr Bolton, I told you His Foible as well as His Merrit & that I had lately discharg\u2019d Him from my service, into which He Enterd in June last at a Dollar pr Day with two Negro Boys\u2014& I to Find his Family in provission, Six in Number Inclusive\u2014I Put under his direction four of my own Negro Carpenters\u2014& the Scantlin Plank &c. was to be got from the woods\u2014I did not remove to the\u2014until the 4th of Janry last, when I found there had been Great Neglect. My Carpenters had done very Little and my work in every Part Backward. I then Expected my presence wou\u2019d alter the Case, but\nMr Bolton His Wife & Family during my Absence had got such a Habit of Entertaining Idle Visitors, that I still found my work did not go on & that he had be Led rather into Excess of Drinking, which had not been his Custom & therfore Discharged Him\u2014Indeed my work, considering that the whole was first to be taken from the woods, & that he had four Negro Carpenters of mine to Overlook, was by no means Sutable to him\u2014Had it been otherwise He probably wou\u2019d have gone on well with his work, as he is by no means an Idle Person, or subject to Liquor unless Tempted by Improper associates\u2014His wife & Daughter too were fond of Company which often Occasioned their meeting\u2014The wife is dead & the Daughter maried, & there is now only himself & one Negro apprentice.\nMr Bolton carries an Invoice of Materials, of which you may have the marble Slabb, largest window Glass\u2014Large Brass Spring Hinges, If wanting & one half of any or all the other Articles, as the other Half will be plenty for my Use, & I beg you will only Command such articles as you have Occasion for \u2014I hope you will Pardon this Scrawl & wish you may be able to read it\u2014The morning is cloudy & my sight so defective, that it is with much Difficulty I can see to write.\nMrs Fitzhugh joins with me in respectful Complts to you, your Lady & Family. I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & Respect your Excellencys Affect. & oblig\u2019d H[umbl]e Sert\nWillm Fitzhugh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0406", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Harvie, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Harvie, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nLand office [Richmond, Va.] May 13th 1785\nYou will receive with this Letter a copy of the previous Title Law that pass\u2019d in the year 1779 \u2014I also Inclose you a Certificate\nof the loss of your Original Survey for the 2813 Acres of Land \u2014likewise a copy of the Grant that issued to you and General Lewis for the Burning Spring \u2014I do not Recollect that any application has been made for the Round Bottom by Cresups Heirs or any other person since your Grant Issued. I have the Honour to be Sir Yr Most Obt Servt\nJohn Harvie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0407", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nParis May the 13th 1785\nMy Correspondance With You Will this time Be in two Volumes and Young Mr Adams, John Adams\u2019s Son, Has taken Care of a letter which I Hope He will Safely forward\u2014Your kind favour february the 15th only Came in the last Packet\u2014I Need not telling You, My dear General, How Happy I was to Hear from You, and How Happy You will Make me By an Exact Correspondance and an Attention to Send the Letters in time for the Sailing of the Packets which now will Arrive in France at the Havre a place very Near paris at the Mouth of the Seine River\u2014I am Very Glad to Hear Your Pottowmack Business Has Succeeded\u2014it is Highly important, and I feel doubly Happy By Reflecting this Good is owing to the part You Have taken in the affair\u2014the Compliment the State of Virginia Have paid You is No doubt perplexing\u2014I feel for You, and With you, My dear General, on the Occasion\u2014Your Reluctance to Receive\nSuch a present is the More pleasing to me, as I want it to Be Said in Your History\u2014General Washington Got Every thing for His Country\u2014and Would not Receive Any other Reward\u2014But on the other Hand, You Certainly Wish to Avoid Every Step which Could appear a Slight, a want of proper Respect, or of Gratitude for the Compliment which a Nation pays to an Individual\u2014You Better know what to do than I Can tell\u2014But if it Can Be gently turned towards Some public popular Establishement, You May perhaps Avoid a deviation from Your plan, and the Appearance of Slight or ostentation \u2014I will look out for Subscribers when the Matter Comes to Be a little Better known\u2014and will Have an Eye upon Your Recommendation Respecting the Engeneer.\nThere is not much News for the Present in this Country\u2014Dutch affairs seem to Be in a Good train of Pacification\u2014But if we Believe the Rumours that were Spread Yesterday, Baviera Would Be Invaded, or Rather, with the Consent of the Elector, taken Possession of By the Imperial troops\u2014it is true that Elector is a Complete fool, and His Ministry are Bought By the Emperor\u2014But I Cannot think the Report is true\u2014altho\u2019 that Baviera, or the ottoman Empire are Now more probable Grounds of a future war than the provinces of Holland\u2014duke de choiseu\u00eel died a few days Ago\u2014Some think He was not Without Hopes, and Worked pretty Hard to Reenter the Ministry.\nFrench Hounds are not Now Very Easely got Because the king Makes use of English dogs as Being more Swift than those of Normandy\u2014I However Have got Seven from a Normand Gentleman Called Monsieur le Comte doilliamson the Handsomest Bitch Among them Was a favourite with His lady who Makes a present of Her to You\u2014as He was very active in procuring the Best Blooded dogs, I Beg leave to propose Your writing a line to Him, containing a thankfull notice of the Comtesse, who Seems to take much pride in Being mentionned to You.\nM[ar]quis de st Simon Has once writen a letter to You the Answer to which did not arrive\u2014I think a Copy, or an Antidated letter would do the Business, and the Whole Will Be attributed to Naval Accidents.\nM. adams Has taken with Him Some proposals for a Contract about Whale oils which I think to Be Very advantageous to the Commerce of America, and will produce an Envoice of about 800,000 french livres. I Have Been very Busy in Bringing it on,\nand it is the Consolation I Had for failing in My Endeavours to obtain a General exemption of duties upon those oils \u2014You Have Been Very Right Not to purchase the Spanish jack ass\u2014the Best ones Come from the Isle of Maltha\u2014Admiral Suffrein who goes there Has promised He would within these Six months Send me the Handsomest in the island with a female and the Whole Will not amount to more than fifty guineas.\nMy wife, children, and myself are in perfect Health, and all join With me in Most affectionate Respects to You, to Mrs Washington, and we Send our love to the Young ones\u2014I was very Happy to Hear George Arrived at Charlestown in a Better State of Health\u2014Remember me to Him, to all your family, to my friends about you, or any of them you Happen to Meet\u2014adieu, My dear General, I grieve to think we are Now Separated By this Immense Ocean\u2014But my Heart is With You in Every Moment, My dear General, and I am Happy when I Can once more Mention to You the Sentiments of Respect, Gratitude, Unbounded affection which for Ever Render me, My Beloved general, Your Most devoted friend\nlafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0408", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Swan, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Swan, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore [Md.] May 13th 1785\nWhen I was in England my friends Messrs Harrison Ansley & Co. of London gave me Charge of a power Attorney and several authentic papers from, and proving, the Heirs and legatees of Mr Thos Colvill of Fairfax County, who appears to have made a Will and died some time in October 1766, by which will You are appointed one of the Executors. I Shall esteem it a particular favor, If you will take the trouble of giving me any information respecting the Effects & Affairs of the said Thos Colvill, and the prospect the Heirs or Legatees have of receiving any part of his Estate and to what amount.\nI beg you will excuse me for this request\u2014the Heirs are of Opinion they are intitled to some thing, which I assured them they would receive if any Property was bequeathed them and in any instance Came under Your Care I have the Honor to be with great respect and Esteem Your Excellencys most obedient and very Hble servant\nJohn Swan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0410", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 16 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon May 16th 1785.\nI stand indebted to you for your several favors of the 7th of March, and 12th & 19th of April.\nBelieve me, Sir, the first was not productive of more surprize than real concern. The acct of your failure was as much regretted, as it was unexpected by me; and I feel for the causes of it\u2014and for your present situation.\nYou are sensible that my Commissions have been more troublesome than profitable to you; and as they are growing more trifling than ever, to continue them, might add to your embarrassments; otherwise, I do assure you, I should continue them with pleasure.\nFor the many friendly offices you have rendered me, I pray you to accept my thanks\u2014The grass Seeds are all at hand (tho\u2019 late coming)\u2014Mr Lewis has engaged me a Miller\u2014The method you have taken to get the accts of the Indian Meal & Flour adjusted, is perfectly agreeable to me. and I approve of what you have done respecting my letter to Mr Lamont (the author of the Poems which were proposed to be dedicated to me).\nI have never received a paper from Messrs Claypool & Dunlap since your mention of their intention to forward them regularly; and think my self so ungenteelly treated by them, in this\nbusiness, that I do not intend ever to take another of their Gazettes. If they had really sent them, I can conceive no reason why they should not have got to hand, as safe, as those from Carey\u2014and others from Boston\u2014&ca.\nThe Balle of your Acct Currt \u00a32.3.0\u00bd I have given to Genl Moylan who will pay it to you, or to your Assignees\u2014I have done the same with respect to Claypools receipt, for \u00a33\u201315.\u2014Cost of printing my advertisement. If you have not already paid his acct for the Gazettes, do me the favor, & justice to let him know (when it is done) that I am paying for what I have not had; and that it is my request that the acct may be finally closed between us; as I do not mean, unless I can be better satisfied than I am at present, to stand longer on their Books.\nMrs Washington joins me in every good wish for you, Mrs Biddle and family\u2014and we both hope that fortune may be more propitious to you in future. If it should ever be in my way to render you any Services, I should have pleasure in doing it, being Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0411", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Francis Hopkinson, 16 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hopkinson, Francis\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon May 16th 1785\nIn for a penny, in for a pound, is an old adage. I am so hackneyed to the touches of the Painters pencil, that I am now altogether at their beck, and sit like patience on a Monument whilst they are delineating the lines of my face.\nIt is a proof among many others, of what habit & custom can effect. At first I was as impatient at the request, and as restive under the operation, as a Colt is of the Saddle\u2014The next time, I submitted very reluctantly, but with less flouncing. Now, no dray moves more readily to the Thill, than I do to the Painters Chair. It may easily be conceived therefore that I yielded a ready obedience to your request, and to the views of Mr Pine.\nLetters from England, recommendatory of this Gentleman, came to my hand previous to his arrival in America\u2014not only as an Artist of acknowledged eminence, but as one who had discovered a friendly disposition towards this Country\u2014for which, it seems, he had been marked.\nIt gave me pleasure to hear from you\u2014I shall always feel an interest in your happiness\u2014and with Mrs Washingtons compliments, & best wishes joined to my own, for Mrs Hopkinson & yourself, I am\u2014Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-02-02-0413", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Sprigg, 18 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Sprigg, Richard\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 18th May 1785.\nI received the Grass-seeds which you sent me sometime since, & thank you for them.\nThis Letter will be handed to you by Mr Pine, an Artist of acknowledged eminence; who, whilst it is yet possible is endeavouring to secure faithful representations of some of the interesting events of this War\u2014As he proposes to take Annapolis on\nhis way to Philadelphia I pray you to allow me the liberty of introducing him to your civilities  at the sametime that I assure you of the esteem & regard with which I am Dr Sir\u2014Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0004", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 20 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Greene, Nathanael\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th May 1785.\nAfter a long & boisterous passage, my Nephew G.A. Washington returned to this place a few days since, & delivered me your letter of the 25th of April.\nUnder the state of the case between you & Capt: Gun, I give it as my decided opinion that your honor & reputation will not only stand perfectly acquited for the non-acceptance of his challenge, but that your prudence & judgment would have been condemnable for accepting of it, in the eyes of the world: because if a commanding officer is amenable to private calls for the discharge of public duty, he has a dagger always at his breast, & can turn neither to the right nor to the left without meeting its point; in a word, he is no longer a free Agent in office, as there are few military decisions which are not offensive to one party or the other.\nHowever just Capt: Guns claim upon the public might have been, the mode adopted by him (according to your accot) to obtain it, was to the last degree dangerous. A precedent of the sort once established in the army, would no doubt have been followed; & in that case would unquestionably have produced a revolution; but of a very different kind from that which, happily for America, has prevailed.\nIt gives me real concern to find by your letter, that you are still embarrassed with the affairs of Banks: I should be glad to hear, that the evil is likely to be temporary only\u2014ultimately, that you will not suffer. From my Nephews account, this man has participated of the qualities of Pandora\u2019s box, & has spread as\nmany mischiefs. How came so many to be taken in by him? If I recollect right, when I had the pleasure to see you last, you said an offer had been made you of backlands, as security or payment in part for your demand\u2014I then advised you to accept it\u2014I now repeat it. you cannot suffer by doing this, altho\u2019 the lands may be high rated. If they are good I would almost pledge myself that you will gain more in ten years by the rise in the price, than you could by accumulation of interest.\nThe Marqs de la Fayette is safe arrived in France, & found his Lady & family well. From his letters, those of the Chevr de la Luzerne, Count de Rochambeau & others to me, dated between the middle & last of Feby, I think there will be no war in Europe this year, but some of the most intelligent of these writers are of opinion that the Emperial Court & Russia, will not suffer matters to remain tranquil much longer. The desire of the first to annex the Dutchy of Bavaria to its dominions in exchange for the Austrian possessions in the Netherlands, is very displeasing, it seems, to the military powers, which added to other matters may kindle the flames of a general war.\nFew matters of domestic nature are worth the relation; otherwise I might inform you, that the plan for improving & extending the navigation of this river has met a favourable beginning. Tuesday last was the day appointed by Law for the subscribers to meet\u2014250 shares were required by law to constitute and incorporate the company: but, upon comparing the Books, it was found that between four & five hundred shares were subscribed. What has been done respecting the navigation of James river I know not\u2014I fear little.\nThis State did a handsome thing, & in a handsome manner for me; in each of these navigations they gave me, & my heirs forever, fifty shares: but as it is incompatible with my principles, & contrary to my declarations, I do not mean to accept of them. But how to refuse them, without incurring the charge of disrespect to the Country on the one hand, and an ostentatious display of disinterestedness on my part on the other, I am a little at a loss: time & the good advice of my friends must aid me, as the Assembly will not meet \u2019till Octor, & made this gratuitous offer among, if not the last act of the last Session, as if they were determined I should not resolve what to do from the first impulse. Mrs Washington joins me in every good wish for you, &\nwith sentiments of attachment & regard, I am my Dr Sir Yr affte friend &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0005", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Harvie, 20 May 1785\nFrom: Harvie, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nLand office [Richmond] May 20th 1785\nWhen I last Wrote to you I did not Recollect of any Survey being in the Land office for the Round Bottom, except the One upon which your Grant Issued  but upon looking over the Caveat Book, I find a Survey for this Tract of Land return\u2019d by the Heirs of Michael Cresup decd\u2014and claim\u2019d under a Certificate for Settlement made in the year 1771\u2014Van Swearingen enter\u2019d a Caveat against their Survey, which Caveat was dismiss\u2019d during the Sessions of the last General Court, wherefore a Grant will shortly issue to the Heirs of Cresup\u2014as you have already a title to this Land I should Suppose a Subsequent Grant cannot Effect your Right\u2014yet perhaps it may be well for you to enter a Caveat against a Grant issueing to them upon this Survey\u2014as it may hereafter prevent a tedious discussion of your Title in a Court of Chancery\u2014if you choose to take this Step, you will be pleas\u2019d to Transmit me your Instructions by the next post setting forth your Causes for Caveat\u2014and the Law makes it necessary that you should make Oath before some Magistrate that you enter the Caveat with design to recover the Land for yourself and not in Trust for the Heirs of the sd Cresup\u2014the General Intention of this Oath is to prevent friendly Caveats from being enter\u2019d in the Land Office. I have the Honour to be Sir yr most Obt & Very H. Servt\nJohn Harvie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0006", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 21 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzhugh, William\nDr Sir,\nMt Vernon 21st May 1785.\nMr Boulton delivered me your letter of the 13th, last evening; I thank you for sending him to me. I have agreed with him to finish my large room, & to do some other work; & have no doubt from the character given of him by you, that he will answer my purposes, as he has no one now to lead him into temptation, and will be far removed from improper associates, unless he is at much pains to hunt them: it may therefore be expected that he will avoid the rock he has split upon lately.\nI thank you sincerely my good Sir, for the offer of such of your imported articles as you have not an immediate call for; and will take any proportion which will be most convenient for you to share, of the Spirit of Turpentine\u2014oil & paints of all sorts\u2014Lead\u2014Sash line & pullies\u2014of the different sorts & sizes of nails, as also the two plate brass Locks, if Mr Boulton upon examination, shall think they will answer my room\u2014& of the Glass 8 by 10. The large kind of glass does not suit my sashes (which are all made)\u2014& a marble slab (indeed two) I am already provided with.\nI have promised to send my waggon (a cover\u2019d one with lock & key) to Colo. Plater\u2019s, or some landing above, for Mr Boulton\u2019s tools: all, or such part of the articles as I have enumerated & you can spare, & the waggon can bring in addition to the Tools, may accompany them; & the cost & charges of them shall be paid to your order. Mrs Washington & the family join me in offering respectful compliments to, & best wishes for you & your Lady, & with very great esteem & regard, I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S. \u2019Ere this, I was in hopes of having had it in my power to have offered the service of a Jack, or two, of the first race in Spain, to some of your mares, if you should be inclined to breed\nmules\u2014but they are not yet arrived\u2014another year, & I shall be happy to do this. G. W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0007", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 21 May 1785\nFrom: Johnson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nFred[eric]k [Md.] 21 May 1785.\nI shall forward your Letter of the 18 Inst. to Mr Lee I have no Opportunity of consulting him as to the place or Hour of Meeting: as it can make very little Difference to him or me and Alexandria will be most convenient to you and the other Gent. I propose to meet there at 10 OClock and shall write Mr Lee accordingly\u2014I much wished to have been at the Meeting the 17th if I could have attended I should have endeavoured to excuse myself being under promise to attend at Williamsburgh next Month in the F\u0153deral Court and having a private Interest to adjust with the Company at the Great Falls I now agree to act as a Directer imagining that the Great Falls will not be an immediate Object but if I am mistaken in that or my Attend[an]ce at Williamsburgh will in any degree delay the Execution of the Work I shall chearfully make Room for some Body else who can attend and act with propriety. I am sir with great Truth & Respect Your most obedt Servant\nThs Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0008", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jaquelin Ambler, 22 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ambler, Jaquelin (Jacquelin)\nSir,\nMount Vernon 22d May 1785.\nI had the honor to receive your favor of the 12th in time for the meeting; and in consequence of the power given me by you, represented the State on the 17th inst.\nI have the pleasure to inform you that the subscriptions (including those in behalf of the two States) amounted to upwards of four hundred shares; consequently the company became legally constituted & incorporated\u2014a president & Directors were chosen\u2014& the business, we persuade ourselves, will be advanced as fast as the nature of it will admit. I have the honor to be &c.\nGo. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0009", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Bassett, Burwell\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 23d May 1785\nIt would have given me much pleasure to have seen you at Richmond; and it was part of my original plan to have spent a few days with you at Eltham whilst I was in the lower parts of the Country; but an intervention of circumstances not only put it out of my power to do the latter, but would have stopped my journey to Richmond altogether had not the meeting, the time, and the place been of my own appointing. I left company at home when I went away who proposed to wait my return\u2014among whom a Mr Pine, an Artist of eminence, came all the way from Philadelphia on purpose for some materials for an historical painting which he is about, and for which he was obliged to stay till I got back; which I did, after an absence of eight days only.\nMy Nephew Geo. Auge Washington is just returned from his peregrination\u2014apparently much amended in his health, but not quite free from the disorder in his Side. I have understood that his addresses to Fanny were made with your consent\u2014& I now learn that he is desirous, and she is willing, to fulfil the\nengagement they have entered into; and that they are applying to you for permission to do so.\nIt has ever been a maxim with me, through life, neither to promote, nor to prevent a matrimonial connection, unless there should be something, indispensably requiring interference in the latter. I have always considered Marriage as the most interesting event of ones life. The foundation of happiness or misery. To be instrumental therefore in bringing two people together who are indifferent to each other, & may soon become objects of disgust, or to prevent a union which is prompted by the affections of the mind, is what I never could reconcile with reason, & therefore neither directly, nor indirectly have I ever said a syllable to Fanny, or George, upon the Subject of their intended connection: but as their attachment to each other seems of early growth, warm, & lasting, it bids fair for happiness. If therefore you have no objec\u27e8tion,\u27e9 I think, the sooner it is consummated the better.\nI have just now informed them both (the former through Mrs Washington) that it is my wish they should live at Mount Vernon.\nIt is unnecessary I hope to say how happy we should be to see you, her Brothers, & any of her friends\u2014who can make it convenient, and are disposed\u2014at this place, on this occasion. All here join in best wishes for you, and with very sincere esteem and regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Affecte friend and Obedt Hble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0010", "content": "Title: Memorandum of Agreement with Joseph Davenport, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George,Davenport, Joseph,Robert Lewis & Sons\nTo: \n[Philadelphia, 23 May 1785]\nMemorandum of an Agreement made & enter\u2019d into by Robert Lewis & Sons of Philadelphia, for & in behalf of his Excellency George Washington Esquire of Mount Vernon in the State of Virginia of the one part, and Joseph Davenport of the County of Burlington in the State of New-Jersey of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said Davenport shall immediately proceed with his Family to a Mill near Mount Vernon the property of General Washington, where & by whom he is to be employ\u2019d as a Miller & Cooper for the space of two whole Years, to commence the first day of June next, in the terms & conditions herein after specified\u2014to wit, He is directly on his arrival at said Mill to take upon him, & perform the business of a Miller in all the branches of Manufacturing Wheat into Suprfine, or common Flour in a Workman-like manner, as well as attending to the Country or Grist-Work, at all times & Seasons as the said General Washington may require & direct; at the same time carefully Superintending & directing such Workmen, either white-men or Negroes, as may be employ\u2019d under him; to keep fair & honest Accounts of all Monies reciev\u2019d & paid by him, as well as of all Grain & other Articles which may be brought in, or deliver\u2019d out of said Mill, rendering those Accounts to his employer as frequent as may be required: He is also to attend to the running Gears, & every part of the said Mill, securing Gudgeons, putting in Coggs & Rounds, & such other Jobs as are usual & customary for Millers to do in Pennsylvania, & New-Jersey, but does not engage to execute the Work of a MillWright: He likewise promises to Superintend the Business of a Cooper\u2019s Shop, situate near the said Mill, to urge the Coopers who are, or may be employ\u2019d therein to perform their Work in the best manner, & prevent as much as possible the waste of Staves, Heading, & Hoop-Poles: And he further engages to do the duty of a Master-Cooper in said Shop at all times, when Water may be scant, or Business slack, or when his constant attendance is not absolutely necessary in the said Mill; and so alternately, to do & perform the duty of both Miller & Cooper in the best manner for the Interest &\nadvantage of his employer, according to the custom of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Virginia.\nAnd in consideration of those Services, the said Robert Lewis & Sons, engage on the part of his Excellency General Washington, to furnish the said Joseph Davenport with the following privileges, & payment of Money\u2014vizt\u2014a comfortable Dwelling House & Garden near the said Mill, plentifull keeping for one Cow, a sufficient quantity of Fire Wood, deliver\u2019d in due Season at the door, during the said term of two Years, six hundred weight of good Pork, or equivalent in Beef & Pork, as the said Davenport may prefer, deliver\u2019d to him in Killing time each Year, (or this present Season when he may want it)\u2014to raise Poultry for his own Family use, feeding them on Screenings, & other Offal of said Mill, free of cost, but under no pretence whatever to sell any; & besides those privileges, the said Davenport is to receive the sum of two hundred Dollars in Silver or Gold, in quarterly payments or sooner if demanded. He is to be supply\u2019d with as much Flour, Midlings, Corn &ca\u2014out of the said Mill, as will support his Family from time to time as occasion requires, charging himself for the same at such rates & prices as those Articles may be sold to others for Cash. And it is further agreed by & between the said parties, that in case either of them should think proper to discontinue or dissolve this Agreement, he shall be at Liberty to do it, at the expiration of one Year, giving the other three months previous Notice in Writing: For the true & faithfull performance of every part of this Agreement, each party hereby binds himself to the other under the penalty of one thousand Dollars to be paid by the party not complying, to the party complying\u2014Witness our Hands & Seals in Philadelphia this 23rd day of May 1785.\n                  Joseph Davenport\n                  in the presence of", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0011", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Swan, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Swan, John\nSir,\nMt Vernon 23d May 1785.\nThe little share I had in the administration of Colo. Colville\u2019s Estate, & the time which has elapsed since I had any concern at all with the Affairs of it, render me very incompetent to give the information you require.\nMr John West deceased was the principal acting Executor of the will of Colo. Colvill, & the revd Mr West of Baltimore is the executor of John, & has I am told taken much pains to adjust the papers of his brother & the business of that Estate: from him therefore you may probably obtain more precise information of the assets, & of the Claimants therefor under the wild devisses of the will, than is in my power at this time to give you.\nAll I recollect of the matter is, that the devises to certain persons in England, relations of the Testator, were so indefinite, & stirred up such a multitude of claims, that it was adjudged necessary for the safty of the Executor when the surplus Estate (if any) should be ascertained, to deposit the same in the hands of the Chancellor to be disposed of to the rightful owners upon due proof of their identity before him. What may have been the surplus, if the accots have been finally settled; what has been done with it, or under what predicament it may have been placed by the Laws of this Government, I have it not in my power, without a good deal of research, to inform you; not having been able to look into this business any more than into that which more immediately concerns my own, since my return to private life: for eight years previous to it, it is well known I could not. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0012", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 23d May 1785\nThe last Post brought me your letter of the 14th, inclosing one of the 30th of April from Mr Hollyday. As soon as it is in my power to refresh my memory by having recurrance to my Papers, I will write you, or Mr Hollyday, more fully on the subject of the legacy in Colo. Colvils Will to Miss Anderson; or person under whom she claims; for, strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that I have not been able since my retirement, to arrange my Papers, or to attend, in the smallest degree, to my private concerns. The former, from the hurry with which they have been removed from Book cases into Trunks, & sent off to escape the ravages of the enemy, when their Vessels have appeared, are in great disorder. I allotted the last Winter for the adjustment of all these matters; but never could command as much time as even to enter upon the business; and every matter and thing which respects the latter, are in the situation I left them ten years ago.\nThe numberless applications from Officers of the several lines of the Army for Certificates of Service\u2014recommendations\u2014Copies of Orders\u2014references of old matters, with which I ought not to be troubled\u2014in addition to other corrispondencies in which my situation has involved me, confine me more to my writing Desk than I ever was at any period of my life; and deprives me of necessary exercise. These, with other causes, have produced the effect I have mentioned; which I feel more sensibly, as the business of others, with which I have been concerned, is involved; and is now undergoing the same suspension, as my own.\nFor sometime past I have been (unsuccessfully) endeavouring to get a single man of good character, and decent appearance (for he will be at my Table & with my Company) to ease me of this burthen; and if you could recommend one of this description, who would not expect high wages (for these I cannot afford) I should be obliged to you for so doing. To suit me, he must be a person of liberal education\u2014a Master of composition\u2014& have a competent knowledge of Accts; for I have those often years standing, and the intermediate transactions, to overhaul & adjust.\nWill you ever come to see me? You may be assured that there are few persons in the World, whose visits would give more sincere pleasure at Mount Vernon than yours. Nothing could encrease the satisfaction of it more, than bringing Mrs Tilghman with you; to whom, and to yourself, Mrs Washington joins in every good wish with Dr Sir, Your Most Affecte Frd and Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Upon second thoughts, it occurs, that the Revd Mr West of Baltimore, can do all that is necessary for Miss Anderson, without any Agency of mine; at least may determine with precision what ought to be done. He is the Executor of his Brother, Mr John West\u2014who was the principal acting Executor of Colo. Thos Colvil\u2014and has been, I am informed, assiduously employed, lately, in adjusting the concerns of that Estate.\nAs I shall not write to Mr Hollyday until I can do it more to the purpose than at present, I will rely upon your communicating what is herementioned, to him.\nI am in want of two inch pine Plank\u2014the Man who is engaged to work for me, & who came lately from Baltimore, says he saw a good deal at that place, of the Eastern white Pine, which appeared to him to be seasoned and fit for my uses. If any Vessel should becoming round to Alexandria, and you could send me from two to 500 feet of it, you would oblige me. Yrs G. W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0013", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Minor, 24 May 1785\nFrom: Minor, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria 24th May 1785\nThe proposition that your Excellency was pleased to make of Leaving to Some Gentlemen the Matter I laid before you on Saturday the 21st Instant in Regard to my Claim against you on Account of Lawrence Posey\u2014is perfectly agreeable to me. I wish I had had presence of mind to have asked your Excellency to have Appointed Some Gentlemen to do the Business when I was at your Place\u2014but I did not know that I Cou\u2019d Stay So Long as I have done\u2014If your Excellency will be pleased to nominate any two Gentlemen in Alexandria, and let me name a third, I will be Satisfied with their Determination\u2014I am not Acquainted with any Gentlemen in this County, but Mr George Minor & Captn Moss, at whose House I shall Stay a day or two Longer\u2014Or if the Hble Gentleman who will deliver you this will do the Business for us, his Determination Shall be perfectly agreeable to Sir your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt and Most hble Servt &Ca\nWm Minor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0014", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis & Sons, 25 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Robert Lewis & Sons\nGentn\nMount Vernon 25th May 1785.\nIn consequence of your letter of the 5th of last month, I discharged Wm Roberts from my Mill. It now is, & has been for some time past without a Miller; & as Mr Davenport from your Accot would be ready to take charge of it in about three weeks (now seven), & not yet come, nor any reason given why he has not; I am apprehensive of some disappointment.\nIf this is the case I should be glad to know it as soon as possible. One Baker, who referred to you for a character, & was employ\u2019d by Colo. Biddle at his Mill at George town, has applied to me; but considering myself under engagement, I gave him no encouragement. A person who writes the enclosed letter has also offered, but I have given him no answer. Some others have likewise made application, but as I depended upon Devenport I asked for no character nor enquired into their qualifications. If Devenport should have disappointed me, would Baker answer my purpose? Would reynolds do better? Or have you any other in view which you think preferable to both? I am sorry to give you so much trouble with my affairs but hope you will excuse it. I am Gentn Yrs &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0015", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 25 May 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Newenham, Edward\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Edward Newenham, 25 May. On 25 Nov. GW wrote Newenham: \u201cI have been favored with your letters of the 3d of March, 25th of May.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0019", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Minor, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Minor, William\nsir,\nMt Vernon 27th May 1785\nMy objection to paying your account when here\u2014was, now is, &, whether it is done or not, will be\u2014that it comes neither under the letter nor spirit of my letter to Mr Baker. My object was to give Lawce Posey a years schooling, to fit him for some of the better occupations of life: to do this, I agreed to pay his board also, both of which together, I was inform\u2019d would amount at the free school, to \u00a317\u2014Md Curry. What followed? Why he neither went to the School, nor boarded with the person under whose care he was intended to be put\u2014this by your own confession. Is it just, is it reasonable then that I should look back to expences which had been incurred previous to the date of my letter; or even forward to what might be incurred, if the end which I had in view was not to be answered by it? If the Child did not go to the school nor derive the benefits which were intended him from it, could it be supposed I meant to pay for his\nboard without; when his fathers House & eye were more proper than any other? Might he not as well have been at home with his father, as at any other place idle? Upon these grounds it was & under this state I repeat it, that if there is a disinterested man upon Earth, who will say I ought to comply with your request, I will do it: & you may have the chusing of him or them; for it does not suit me to go from home on this business. I am &c.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0020", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Christopher Richmond, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Richmond, Christopher\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAnnapolis 27th May 1785\nI had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 19th this day. Since I transmitted the List John Allen Thomas has subscribed for two Shares. I will take the first opportunity of informing him of what is further to be done by him, in order to the having his subscription established. I have the Honor to be your Excellencys obedient humble servt\nChrisr Richmond", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0021", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Turnbull, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Turnbull, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourable Sir\n[Sprouston near Kelso, Scotland]May 27th 1785.\nThe greatness and dignity of your character for the virtues of a Patriot will command the Veneration of future ages; and those graces that adorn, and render aimiable your private life encourage and embolden me to address you in an affair, in which I am much interested. Tho I trust I have a mind above the Love of money, yet as old age is approaching; for I have been above forty two years a Minister of the Gospel, the just debt due to me by my deceased brother when recovered would be most convenient; just as I hope you will be convinced, by the perusal of my deceased brothers letter to me, which I have transcribed and inserted in this. The only favour Good Sir I have to request of you, is to recommend to me some man of business in Virginia, to recover by the Law of that country, this Lawful and just debt. How happy for mankind were there a free and open intercourse among the nations and all men were treated as brethern. I have wrote two letters to my nephew Robert Turnbull in Virginia who has succeeded to the whole of my Brothers estate, on what foundation I am quite uncertain (but it can never exclude the payment of a just debt) for he has not had the civility to answer my letters, neither had he the Humanity to notify to me the death of my brother. I had rather be poor with that virtue, than be possessed of the greatest riches. My residence is at Sprouston near Kelso North Britain. I am with the highest esteem your most humble Servant\nRobert Turnbull", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0023", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 29 May 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Richard Henry Lee, 29 May 1785. On 22 June GW wrote Lee: \u201cI stand indebted to you for your favors of the . . . 29th of last month.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0024", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Goddard, 30 May 1785\nFrom: Goddard, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nBaltimore, May 30th 1785.\nAs the Manuscript Papers of General Lee, after his decease, came into my hands, I have been induced from several motives to arrange & prepare them for publication. The General in his Life time requested it from me, & my Profession as a Printer & Bookseller made it an object of interest worthy my attention. But as I cannot be ignorant of some unhappy differences which subsisted between Your Excellency & General Lee, I have thought proper to acquaint your Excellency with my conduct in this Business.\nInfluenced by no party consideration, & altogether devoid of any sinister Intention of exalting one Character at the Expence of another, I have taken care to suppress many passages that might be offensive, in the General\u2019s Pieces & Correspondence\u2014while it was my duty to preserve what was useful in military & political knowledge, I took the liberty to suppress such Expressions as appeared to be the Ebullitions of a disappointed & irritated mind; so that, I flatter myself, your Excellency will be convinced of the Candor of my Intention in the Execution of the work. Inclosed I have sent a Copy of the Title Page, & the Proposals are now preparing for the Press; in a few\nWeeks I purpose to send them to your Excellency; and in the mean time, should esteem it a favour to hear, as soon as convenient, from your Excellency, whether this has come safe to your hands, & whether Your Excellency has any particular request, respecting the said Work. I am with the greatest Deference, & Esteem, Your Excellencys Most obedient & humble Servant\nWm Goddard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0025", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 30 May 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 30th May 1785.\nI have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 23d I shall communicate so much of the Contents, as respect Colonel Colvils Legacy to Miss Anderson, to her Uncle Mr Hollyday. I have applied to the Revd Mr West on this Business. I find him intirely unacquainted with such parts of his Brothers affairs as relate to his Executorship to Colo. Colvils Estate. Matters must therefore remain as they are, untill you can find leisure to look into these things yourself.\nIt gives me pleasure to think I have met with a young Man, who will probably answer your purposes. He came over to take charge of a seminary in your State, in the County of Prince William. The plan fell through, and Mr Falconer, the Gentleman in question, is left to seek a livelyhood in this Country. He had actually embarked for Charleston when your letter came to my hands\u2014I heard of him, and have prevailed upon him to suspend his purpose, untill I could make you acquainted with his Talents and Expectations\u2014His person is pleasing\u2014His manners and address diffident, but by no means awkward\u2014His Age not more than 25\u2014In the dead Languages\u2014Natural Pholosophy-\u2014and the practical Branches of Mathematics he is said to be highly accomplished\u2014of course he must be sufficiently master of Figures to answer your purpose as an Accomptant. He tells me he understands French eno\u2019 to translate a letter. His hand writing, of which I inclose you a specimen, is not of the best, but it may be mended with a little care and attention. Those with whom he has been acquainted since his short residence here, speak of him in such a manner, that they have really prepossessed me in his favor. The terms on which he came over to this Country were \u00a3100 S[terlin]g \u214c ann: and every thing found him except Cloathing. He is, however, so fully sensible of the advantages that would result to him from living with you a year or two, and being so happy as to gain your confidence and Esteem, that I am certain he would abate considerably if you could not\nmake it convenient to allow him so much. I think he might be engaged for \u00a3100 Currency.\nI send this letter under Cover to Colo. Fitzgerald, with a desire that he will dispatch it by a Messenger on Thursday. If you can return an answer by the same Messenger, it may reach me by Saturdays Stage. I take the liberty of hurrying you, because Mr Falconer wishes to prosecute his Charleston plan if he should not go to you.\nHow much you flatter me, my dear General (for by that name I must ever be allowd to call you) by your kind invitation to visit you. My circumstances require a close attention to Business, and I am, on that account, cheifly confined to the limits of this Town. I often wish for a good pretence to go as far as Alexandria or George Town. Once there I should not fail to pay my Respects at Mount Vernon. If I ever find time to make a jaunt of pleasure\u2014Mrs Tilghman will assuredly be of the party. She joins in sincerest Compliments to Mrs Washington and yourself with Dear Sir Yr most affect: humble Servt\nTench Tilghman\nI shall send your white Pine plank by the first oppertunity.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0026", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Harvie, 31 May 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Harvie, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 31st May 1785.\nI am informed that a patent (in consequence of a Certificate from Commrs appointed to enquire into, & decide upon Claims for settlement of the Western Lands) is about to issue to the heirs of Michl Cresap, from the Land Office of this Commonwealth, for a tract of land on the river Ohio formerly in Augusta County, now commonly called & distinguished by the round bottom: against granting which to the heirs of the said Cresap, I enter a Caveat for the following reasons; First, because this Land was discovered by me in the month of Octor 1770, & then marked; which was before, as I have great reason to believe, the said Cresap, or any person in his behalf had ever seen, or had the least knowledge of the tract. Secondly, because I did at that time, whilst I was on the Land, direct Captn (afterwds Colo.) Willm Crawford to survey the same for my use, as a halfway place on stage between Fort Pitt & the 200,000 acres of land which he was ordered to survey for the first Virginia regiment agreeably to Govr Dinwiddie\u2019s Proclamation of 1754. Thirdly, because consequent of this order he made the survey in the month of  the year following for 587 acres, & returned it to me accordingly: and equally certain I am that it was made before Ml Cresap or any person in his behalf had ever stretch\u2019d a chain thereon, knew of, or, as I have already observed, had taken a single step to obtain the land. Fourthly, because subsequent of this survey; but previous to any claim of Cresaps, a certain Dr Brisco possessed himself of the Land, & relinquished it, after I had written him a letter in the words contained in the inclosure No. 1. Fifthly, because upon the first information I received of Cresaps pretentions, I wrote him a letter, of which No. 2 is a copy. Sixthly, because it was the practice of Cresap, according to the information given me, to notch a few trees, & fell as many bottoms on the river above the Little Kanhawa as he could obtain purchasers, to the disquiet & injury of numbers. Seventhly, Because the Commrs who gave the certificate under which his heirs now claim, could have had no knowledge of my title thereto, being no person in that District properly authorised, during my absence, to support my claim. Eighthly, Because the\nsurvey, which was made by Colo. Crawford, who was legally appointed by the Masters of Wm & Mary College for the purpose of surveying the aforesaid 200,000 acres, is expressly recognized & deemed valid by the first section of the Act, entitled an Act\u2014see the Act\u2014as the same was afterwards returned by the surveyor of the county in which the Land lay. Ninthly & lastly, Because I have a Patent for the said Land, under the seal of the said Commonwealth signed by the Goverr in due form on the 30th day of Octor 1784; consequent of a legal Survey made the 14th of July 1773 as just mentioned, & now of record in the Land Office.\nFor these reasons I protest against a Patent\u2019s issueing for the Land for which the Commissioners have given a Certificate to the Heirs of Mr Cresap so far as the same shall interfere with mine: the legal & equitable right thereto being in me.\nIf I am defective in form in entering this Caveat, I hope to be excused, & to have my mistakes rectified. I am unaccustomed to litigations; & never disputed with any man, until the ungenerous advantages which have been taken of the peculiarity of my situation, & an absence of eight years from my country, has driven me into Courts of Law to obtain common justice. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0028", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 1 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, William Augustine\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir\nBlenheim [Westmoreland County] June 1st 1785\nYour Esteem\u2019d favr by Mr Blane, I recd and was particularly attentive in collecting of the Holly Berrys, agreeable to your request, wch I trust has got safe to hand\u2014I have been industrious in inquiring for some Wild Goose & Swans for you, at length I have procured these Geese, which I now send you, the one with a tame Goose for a Mate is a present from Mr McCarty to you, who desired me to inform you that the Wild Goose has been\nmuch attatch\u2019d to his Mate for these three Years past, for wch reasin he sends you the tame Goose, least the Wild one should leave you, as he can fly perfectly well\u2014I shall indeavour to procure you some Swans this Winter\u2014By the Bearer you will receive a Gross of \u27e8Hues\u27e9 Crabb Cyder, wch you will much oblige me by accepting \u2019tho not so good as I could wish, from the management of my Cyder last fall being left intirely to the Negroes, from the Loss of both my Overseers.\nThis fall I shall direct a Hogshead to be put up in the best manner for you\u2014Mrs Washington joins me in our Loves to you & Mrs Washington\u2014and believe me to be Dr Sir Your Sincerely Affectionate\nWm Augt. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0031", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Michael Jenifer Stone, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Stone, Michael Jenifer\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nCharles County Maryland. June 3d 1785\nI hereby authorise and request you as president of the Potomac Company to Subscribe for me two Shares to the before mentioned Copartnery; Or to consider me (if consistent with the regulations of the Company) as an Adventurer to the amount of two Shares.\nI take the liberty to observe, that I have long agoe earnestly desired the exhibition of the present Scheme\u2014and would have Subscribed forth with, but that the Company\u2019s Books were kept at a considerable distance from my home\u2014and I was not informed \u2019till lately that I could become a Partner by Letter Signifying my consent. I hope I am not too late. And if I am considered as a partner I hereby oblige Myself my Heirs Executors and Administrators to pay to the President and directors of the Potomac Company or to Such person as they shall authorise to receive the amount of two Shares in the Said Company in Such manner as the President and directors shall require. I am your most obedient\nM. J. Stone", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0032", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Boulton, 4 June 1785\nFrom: Boulton, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSt Marys County St Inegoes [Md.], June 4th 1785\nI am sorry to inform your Excellency that my Affairs in St Marys are in such a situation that it is at this time Intierly out of\nmy power to serve your Excellency or comply with my Agreement, for Reasons I will hearafter mention.\nOn my return from your Excellencies to St Marys, I ware under the Disagreeable nicessity of Offering a number of my Tules for Sail to Discharge a number of considerable Debts due from me to my Creditors. But Money being Scarce & the Tules not salible in our County which I offerd, Rendered my sail of no Use towards Satisfying my Creditors. In consiquence of which & thier hearing of my Agreement with your Excellency, and my intention of muving out of the State to Serve you, have sot them all on me, I have heard of several Rits being out against me, which I expect dailey to be served, the consiquence of which will be that I must Inavoidable goe to Joal.\nHaving wayed every Sircumstance minutely find it intierly out of my power to Serve your Excellency, Therefore intierly Relying on your Excellencyes linety & Goodness hoping youl Excuse my non complyance with my Agreement with you, as numbers of Others have s[o] universally expearencd.\nAs I apprehend Collo. Wm Fitzhugh recommended me to you as an Able Workman, I thought proper to right him a state of my Affairs and let him no it is out of my power to comply with my Agreement with you. From your Excellencies most Obt Hble Sert\nRichd Boulton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0033", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Holtzendorf, 4 June 1785\nFrom: Holtzendorff, Louis-Casimir, baron de\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNymegen [Holland] June the 4th 1785.\nThis Letter will come to your hands by favour of Colonel Senf, who is returning to america very soon. I thought it incumbent to me to take that opportunity in order to renew to you, Sir, my most grateful thanks for all the marks of Benevolence you shewed to me during my Stay under your Commands in th\u2019 American Army, the satisfaction about my military Character, as well as the Regrets about my Leaving the said service, you was\npleased to manifest even by your laest Letter, I was honoured with in answer of that by wich I informed you of my returning to France, make me hope you will be glad to learn, that I Stay as yet in the Service of the united States of Holland, having been granted by the General Count de Maillebois with a Place of Lieutenant Colonel in the Legion which he is raising for this Service.\nI\u2019ll allways regret sincerely, that circumstances did not allow my terminating with you, Sir, a war by yourself so gloriously ended; for, the French Regiment, I was from, though destinated in the year 1780 to go to america with the corps of army of the G[ener]al Rochembeau, which became one of them of his 2nd Division, that could not be carried over for want of vessels, I was obliged to see myself disappointed of that hope. I\u2019m the more sorry as I believe I would have been granted with the admission to your association of Cinsinnatus, which favour would have flatterd me particularly, as I would have considered it not only as a recompense of my zeal I shewed, you Know sir, whilst I Served your own country, but of the real hopes, Even the unjustice, I proved by the particular Illwill of Mr Lovel, whose influence prevented their good intensions to me, as well as the fulfilling of one of their Resolveds, which I Keep in original, and according to which I should be indemnified.\nWill you, Sir, give me leave to beg your influence about both them Subjects? If you think it possible, I should be very happy to be honoured with the admission to your association of Cinsinnatus. for the rest, it would be indeed an act of justice and Even of honour to congress to fulfill a resolved they gave in favour of myn in the beginning of 1778.\nthis new mark of your Benevolence, Sir, shall increase the gratitude consecrated to you for ever, with which I have the honour to remain very respectfully Sir your most obedient humble servant\nLewis Casimir Baron de holtzendorff\nLt Coll of the Legan of mailleboisin garrison at Nymegen", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0034", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Jebb, 4 June 1785\nFrom: Jebb, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nParliament Street [London] 4 Jun. 1785.\nThe Bearer, a Gentleman of whose abilities in his profession, as well as of whose attachment to the Cause of freedom I have a very favourable opinion, mentioning to me his intention of revisiting Virginia, his native Country, I felt a strong inclination to testify that high regard & veneration, in which I have ever held your exertions in support of the rights of your Countrymen & of Human nature\u2014Thank Heaven! the glorious Struggle has been crownd with full success\u2014and later posterity will with gratitude acknowledge the share which under providence you have had in establishing the liberties of Mankind.\nOur Europe groans under the lash of Tyranny Civil & Religious, & as yet scarcely feels the wish for freedom. I feel for the present inattention of my Countrymen to the noblest objects\u2014but I trust that our English spirit will revive ere long, & emulate the great example of their Transatlantic Brethren, reforming our government & assuming a character the reverse of that we have too long sustained.\nNotwithstanding the representations of the interested, I own I look to Ireland with prophetic expectation.\nThat in the full perception of every blessing which approving Heaven can bestow you may long enjoy the fruits of your many labours in the Cause of Public Virtue is the fervent wish of y[o]ur obedt Servt\nJohn Jebb", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0035", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 June 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond June 4. 1785.\nI entered upon the execution of my promise to Major Washington without delay; but the paper being lengthy cannot be compleated for this post. You will be so good as not to expect it, until the next week. I shall fortify it with as many authentications, as the situation of our public records will permit. I am Dear sir yr obliged and affectionate friend & servant\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0036", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 4 June 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 4th June 1785\nYour favor of the 2d reached me this day\u2014which was as soon as I expected your answer\u2014Had your terms been agreeable to Mr Falconer, I do not think he would have suited all the purposes for which you wanted him\u2014He is more a Man of letters than a Man of Business\u2014and altho\u2019 he might have managed your Correspondencies, I do not apprehend he would have made much hand of your Business abroad. The tutorage of the Children was a matter which he would not have wished to have undertaken\u2014Having had no personal acquaintance with this Gentleman myself, I could not have answered for his temper or political principles.\nI should imagine young Men of as good Education as this Country generally affords, and of respectable families also, might be found, who would be ambitious of the post you want filled. Their time would be profitably and agreeably passed, and I may add, without flattery, they could not carry with them into the World a better recommendation than that of General Washington. I shall still be upon the lookout for you, and shall occasionally mention those Characters that fall in my way, untill I find you are supplied.\nI sent you a few days past by the Alexandria packet, addressed to Colo. Fitzgerald, 357 feet of 2 Inch white pine plank\u2014@\n                  Carriage on Board\n                  Maryland Currency\u2014\nYou cannot make me happier than by giving me oppertunities of convincing you how sincerely I am Dear Sir Your most affect: & very humble Servt\nTench Tilghman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0037", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Rumsey, 5 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rumsey, James\nSir,\nMt Vernon 5th June 1785.\nYour letter of the 10th of March came safe, but not in a short time after the date of it. The reason which you have assigned for giving me an order on Mr Ryan, is perfectly satisfactory. I wish that that or any other expedient would have extracted from him what he owes you. From the accot given of his circumstances & conduct, I fear you have incurred a bad debt with the manager of the Theatre.\nAs the Car[ria]ge house you was to build for me, was in such forwardness at the date of the above letter, & as you expected to have had it raised by the first of May last; I am very well satisfied with the advance it has made, & that it should continue, provided you can make it convenient to wait a while for your money; but I should be wanting in candor were I to give you assurances of speedy payment. The Kitchen & stable I would gladly have finished as soon as possible & what ever the cost of them amounts to, I will settle for without delay.\nIt gives me much pleasure to find by your letter that you are not less sanguine in your Boat project, than when I saw you last; and that you have made such further discoveries as will render them of greater utility than was at first expected: you have my best wishes for the success of your plan.\nInclosed are the proceedings of the Directors of the Potomac navigation\u2014I pray you to have them set up at some public place. If the manager advertised for, can come well recommended, liberal wages will be given him. It were to be wished that the following qualities could be readily combined in the same person\u2014integrity\u2014Abilities\u2014indefatigable industry\u2014& if he has not experimental knowledge of this particular kind of work, at least that he may be possessed of a genius which may soon fit him for it.\nMr Ryan\u2019s Note is enclosed, & I am with great esteem, Sir, &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0038", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 5 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th June 85.\nThe celebrated Mrs Macauly Graham, & Mr Graham her Husband, are here on a Visit. As I wish to shew them all the respect I can, I should be glad if you, Mrs Stuart & your Sister, would come to morrow or next day, and dine with us. I am\u2014Dr Sir Yr Obedt & Affecte Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Come tomorrow if convenient.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0039", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Freeman, 9 June 1785\nFrom: Freeman, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it Please your Excellency,\nRedstone [Pa.]June 9th 1785\nI had the favour of yours dated the 11th May on the 28 of the same and shall Endeavour to comply with the Contents, I should have wrote before but expect you out this spring, in regard to the Lands on the Ohio & Kanhawa I Advertised Imediately as you left this last fall as Extensively as oppertunity offered, but had but few Applicants and not one of them would Agree to Settle on any of the Lands agreeable to my Instructions nor do I think that any of the Lands will Rent on the Terms at Present, there being so extensive a Country to Settle, the Applicants in general gave this as their reason and also the Rents too High they alow that for little more than Two Years Rent they can Patent the same Quantity of Land, there is but one thing that at present seems to favour the Settling the Kanhawa Lands and that in my opinion is Mr Lewis Building a Town at the Mouth thereof, I thought surely to have had a Tenant on the Great Meadows but am disappointed Mr Johnson who was about taking it when you was out here was the Person whom I\ncheifly depended on Indeed I ventured to make him an Offer of one Year more than what you thought was Sufficient for making repairs & Buildings but it would not do, so that in short I have not one Place Occupyed more than when you was out last fall.\nI have also taken what care and Industry I could to get the Mill Rented on some Terms but cannot, I have had Thomas Maire in her on the share but she scarcely goes at all and keeps falling down, I am forced as the last expedient to Advertise for Undertakers and shall have the meeting the first of next Month, tho\u2019 from Circumstances am of Opinion I shall not get any to undertake it; I have made what Enquiry amongst workmen I conveniently could what the rebuilding & Repairs would amount to, and they are various being from 250\u00a3 to 600\u00a3 if when I meet there should be none Offer for less than Six five four or three Hundred I shall do nothing in it untill I hear further from you as I am Convinced that the Money will never be made by the Mill before new repairs will be wanting again.\nThe Tract of Land Lying in this County is Settled as when you left it save that William Tyler moved away this Spring and I have got in his place one John Craig I have demanded the Rents as I thought due from the different Tenants but they deny there is any due on Account of your making a new Contract, that they agreed with you in taking the late Leases on this footing that all arrears whatever was done away before they agreed to take their Leases on the Present time & Rent, I should have tryed the matter with them but Expected you out here yourself, some of them have already advised With a Lawyer, however I intend to try it with them Imediately, I expect to see Mr Smith in Beeson Town next Term, (and I hope by that time to give him some Information relating the Lands in Washington County,) as far as I can understand by others the Tenants in general on this Land will remove of this fall or next spring.\nI understand by Mr Simpson that he cannot stay on the present Rent the Seasons being difficult and the Rent so high, however he says if he should remove he will give timely notice that any Person may have time to Seed down this fall all his Corn Ground and other Grounds that may be desired for Seeding by the Person coming on the Place, he likewise request you will be kind Enough to write how the Public accounts stand that you\nlook for him & John John[son] and wether they will be good against their Bonds.\nThe above is as near the State of your Affairs in this quarter as Possible, The Hay is all unsold but about 1200 lb. the Corn all on hand but 4 Bushells, the wheat likewise, the Rye I took myself I thought I could by getting it distilled sell it, but there is no Market this Season at all, however I shall make out Pay for the Rye at any rate, what Corn was made by the Mill I Sold, the greater part, which does not amount to thirty Bushells, this is a disagreeable but true Return.\nIf your Interest & Inclination should lead you to this Country any time this Season I should be happy in seeing you, if not I beg your Assistance in a Line or two if you should wish any thing done Contrary to my Present Proceedings.\nI heartily Congratulate you on your safe Return from this Quarter last fall had you Proceeded on your Tour down the River I believe it would have been attended with the most dreadfull Consequences the Indians by what means I can\u2019t say had Intelligence of your Journey and Laid wait for you, Genl Wilkinson fell in their Hands and was taken for you and with much difficulty of Persuasion & Gifts got away this is the Common Report, & I believe the Truth.\nI Received a Letter from Mr Richd J. \u27e8Waters\u27e9 falls of Ohio dated 18th April 1785 which says the Southern Indians are more troublesome than ever and Commit daily the most horrid barbarities on the defenceless outsettlers from Garrissons I doubt this will turn out a dreadfull summer of Carnage and destruction, People are so careless & hardy, that the Savage is tempted to do what his natural Ferocity would not prompt him to. &ca.\nSeveral small Companys have this spring gone down the River to make Improvements on the Indians Side and have met with a Repulse, one small Party of five went up Hohockin four of which Returned two of them much wounded & the one Missing they are assured is killed, another Company of Eight went up the Scioto four of which Returned, only, and it is said Several other small Companys have shared the same fate. I have the Honour to be with the Greatest Respect your Excellency\u2019s most Obedient Humble Servt\nThomas Freeman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0040", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Carmichael, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir,\nMt Vernon 10th June 1785.\nIt is with grateful pleasure I sit down to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 25th of March covering a triplicate of your letter of the 3d of December (which is the first that has been received), & a copy of the Count of Florida Blanca\u2019s note to you.\nI feel myself under singular obligation to you sir, as the mean of procuring two Jacks of the first race, to be sent me; but my gratitude for so condescending a mark of esteem from one of the first crowned heads in Europe, calls for a better expression than I have, to make suitable acknowledgements to His Catholic Majesty; especially too as his Majesty\u2019s very valuable present was accompanied by a sentiment of approbation which cannot fail of making a lasting impression on my mind, & of becoming very dear to my remembrance.\nIt is to you Sir, I must stand further indebted for the manner of making known in terms most acceptable, the high sense I entertain of the Kings goodness. The Jacks are not yet arrived, but I hope they soon will, & the accot which you mean to transmit, of the mode of treating them for the propagation of mules, will be equally necessary & acceptable, for my management of them.\nMr Gardoqui is safely arrived at Philada\u2014I have not had the honor of paying my compliments to him; but, as well for the respect I owe his sovereign, & his own great merit, as on acct of your recommendation of him, I shall be happy in every opportunity which shall offer of shewing him all the attention in my power.\nGreat Britain, viewing with eyes of chagrin & jealousy the situation of this Country, will not, for some time yet if ever, pursue a liberal policy towards it; but unfortunately for her the conduct of her ministers defeat their own ends: their restriction of our trade with them, will facilitate the enlargement of Congressional\npowers in commercial matters, more than half a century wou\u2019d otherwise have effected. The mercantile interests of this Country are uniting as one man, to vest the f\u0153deral Government with ample powers to regulate trade & to counteract the selfish views of other nations: this may be considered as another proof that this Country will ever unite in opposition to unjust or ungenerous measures, whensoever or from whomsoever they are offered. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0042", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Willing, Morris, & Swanwick, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Willing, Morris, & Swanwick\nGentn,\nMt Vernon 10th June 1785.\nNo such person as Mr Lang being in my employ, & having no knowledge of such a character myself, I detained the letter to him until I could make some enquiries of others: these proving fruitless, you will receive under cover, the letter which was committed to my care. with esteem I am, Gentn Yrs &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0043", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Goddard, 11 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Goddard, William\nsir,\nMt Vernon 11th June 1785.\nOn the 8th inst: I received the favor of your letter of the 30th of May: In answer to it I can only say, that your own good judgement must direct you in the publication of the manuscript papers of Genl Lee\u2014I can have no request to make concerning the work.\nI never had a difference with that Gentleman but on public ground, & my conduct towards him upon this occasion, was such only, as I conceived myself indispensably bound to adopt in discharge of the public trust reposed in me. If this produced in him unfavourable sentiments of me, I yet can never consider the conduct I pursued, with respect to him, either wrong or improper; however I may regret that it may have been differently viewed by him, & that it excited his censure and animadversions. Should there appear in Genl Lee\u2019s writings anything injurious or unfriendly to me, the impartial & dispassionate world, must decide how far I deserved it from the general tenor of my conduct.\nI am gliding down the stream of life, & wish as is natural, that my remaining Days may be undisturbed and tranquil; & conscious of my integrity, I would willingly hope that nothing would occur tending to give me anxiety; but should anything present itself in this or in any other publication, I shall never undertake the painful task of recrimination\u2014nor do I know that I shall even enter upon my justification.\nI consider the communication you have made as a mark of great attention, & the whole of your letter as a proof of your esteeem. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0044", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Walton, 11 June 1785\nFrom: Walton, George\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nSavannah, 11 June, 1785.\nI recollect, that, in the autumn of 1776, when the armies which contended for the Empire of the new Hemisphere viewed each other on the peninsula of Haarlem, you spoke to me particularly of Capt. McKay, who, in a former war for the same object, had shared the dangers and glory of some critical situations with your Excellency. This worthy and respectable old gentleman, now makes a tour to the Northward; and I think principally to pay his respects to the man whom he has such just and honorable cause to remember.\nIt gives me, too, the oppertunity of congratulating you, tho late, upon the happy, perfect and splendid close of the war which the fates imposed upon you to conduct thro\u2019 Superior difficulties. And, as it will be always, no doubt, a high gratification to your feelings, to See the effects of the Revolution prosperous and in order, it also gives me the occasion to assure you, that, whatever may have happened, or later calumnies taken place, this State is in the most flourishing condition, and its government, in all its departments, in system, harmony and efficiency. In viewing its advantages the mind opens into expansity.\nI beg, Sir, my particular respects to Mrs Washington. With regard to yourself, we were flattered, some time ago, with seeing you this way: whenever that shall take place, none will be more happy than, Sir, Your most obedient, and very humble Servt\nGeo. Walton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0045", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Fran\u00e7ois Barb\u00e9 de Marbois, 12 June 1785\nFrom: Barb\u00e9 de Marbois, Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nNewyork June 12th 1785.\nI beg leave to trouble your Excellency about the request of Msr de Corny a gentleman who in the character of a commissary general preceeded the French army in the year 1780. the \u27e85\u27e9th of June of the Same year congress resolved that a brevet commission of lieutenant of Cavalry be granted to Msr Louis Ethis de Corny. Msr de Corny has been Since employed in the service of both armies either here or in france to procure & forward their Supplies: he now is commissary general of the Suiss infantry in france. he informs me that he is desirous to be a member of the cincinnati Society in the State where your Excellency reside, & he has Send to me his quota of the Subscription according to his rank: I take the liberty to Send to you his bill\u2014due Mr Wadsworth for the amount, you\u2019ll excuse me, sir for troubling you about this affair: I would not have done it if I had had the honour to be acquainted with the officers of the Society in Virginia.\nAccording to very late intelligence from Europe the Emperor\u2014impressed with the danger of staying alone of his party, seems desirous to compromise the matter. there is little doubt but we Should Support the Dutch in case they were attacked.\nMr Gardochi is not yet arrived. Congress are uncertain what reception to make to him\u2014as his character of a Charg\u00e9 des affaires plenipotentiaire is a novelty in the diplomatic Style. There is no doubt, however that he will be made an Envoy as soon as the States Shall have resolved to Send one to Spain.\nThe governor of georgia informed the delegates of the States that there has been an encounter between the Spaniards at fort natchez & the inhabitants there, & that persons have been Killed on both Sides.\nNo determination about the 2d Treaty with the indians. Congress cannot come to a resolution as to the funds: there are eight States & two half States who are for providing all necessary expences; but it is Said Some individuals are opposed to this measure from private motives. With great respect, I have the honour to be sir your Excellency\u2019s Very humble obedient servant\nDe Marbois\nI have been told that Msr de Corny on advice of Some of the members of the society in france has taken the insignia of the\norder, as they Saw no doubt of his being a member in consequence of his commission.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0048", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Minor, 14 June 1785\nFrom: Minor, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria. 14th June 1785\nYour Letter of the 27th May was Duly recd am perfectly Satisfied with your Generous offer of Leaving this Affair to any Disinterested person whom I may Choose. I have Laid my Papers before Several But Cannot get any Gentl[ema]n to give an Opinion in Writing about the Matter. they Say ware your Excellency to ask it of them they wou\u2019d Gladly do what they thought wright but not Otherwise. but it Seems to be the General Oppinion of all that I have Spoke to that in Justice & Humanity I ought to Receive Something. at Least the difference between Six pounds Nineteen shillings & Sixpence[,] the Sum you pay Baker[,] and Seventeen pounds. as I was Brought into this Expence intirely in Consequence of your Letter\u2014I cannot think your Excellency bound to pay Any thing More but am Satisfied the Articles of Cloathing was furnish\u2019d at my Own Risque. but at the Same time for a Motive as I then thought to Oblige you. I shall be Satisfied with this Sum. Or if your Excellency will be Pleased to Say who you wou\u2019d be willing to Leave the Matter too & Signify the Same to him or them. I will Lay my Papers & your Letters before them. & get a Decided Opinion in Writing, which I will deliver or Cause to be deliver\u2019d to your Excellency, which Shall Put a\nfinal end to this Bussiness. Your Condecending to give me an immediate Answer will Conferr a great Obligation on sir, your Excellencys mo. Obedt & mo. hble servt\nWm Minor", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0049", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Ch\u00e2teaufort, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ch\u00e2teaufort, chevalier d\u2019Aristay\nSir,\nMount Vernon 15th June 1785.\nBy the Post I had the honor to receive the letter which you did me the favor to write to me on the 19th of last month, together with those of the Chevr De la Luzerne & the Baron de Viominel. I pray you to be assured Sir, that I shall have great pleasure in seeing you at this Seat on your way to Charleston. Your own merit is sufficient alone to entitle you to every attention from me; but the letters above mentioned, bring with them the force of Law. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0050", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Howe, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Howe, Robert\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 15th June 1785.\nA few days ago Mr Sitgreaves gave me the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 4th of May. It is the only one I recollect to have had from you since my return to private life.\nIt gives me pleasure to hear that Congress have dealt honorably by you, & mean to do more; it is devoutly to be wished that they could do the same by all the Officers whose meritorious services & sufferings have a just claim upon their gratitude, & call loudly for their exertions.\nAs you are at the source of intelligence, any thing I could say respecting foreign matters, would only be a reverberation of intelligence; & few things occur of a domestic nature worthy of recital. Mrs Washington is in tolerable good health & joins me in Compliments & best wishes for you, Mr Lots family, & others of our old acquaintance. I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0051", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourable Sir\nJune 15th 1785\nI was so unfortunate Some time ago as to Loose Mr Whiting Replevey Bonds due you\u2014since which I have obtained a replevey Bond for \u00a3199.8.0 with Interest there on from the Twenty fifth day of December Last[.] Mr Whiting has Promised to Confess a Judgement in Berkeley Court next Tuesday on my staying Execution untill September[.] the sheriff of Berkeley Mr James Crane has Promised to Pay the Money in September Next\u2014you may be assured that I will recover the Money for you as soon as Possable. I am sir your Most Obedient Humble servant\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0052", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Powel, Samuel\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 15th June 1785.\nI have been honoured with your favour of the 25th of April, but have not yet had the pleasure to see Doctr Moyes\u2014On the 22d Instt I shall look for him\u2014I pray you to be assured that, it is unnecessary for you to apologize to me for the introduction of any Gentleman of whom you entertain a favourable opinion; for, such as you may conceive to be worthy of my civilities, will always meet a ready reception at Mount Vernon.\nI shall now, my good Sir, give you a little trouble.\nA Gentleman whose person, whose name, and whose character are equally unknown to me, has written me the inclosed letter; to which, as yet, I have made no reply. The work, if well executed, would unquestionably be valuable; & ought to be encouraged: but the abilities of the Author I am a stranger to; and it has been too often found, that similar attempts by persons whose reputations are not established in the literary world, are either founded in ignorance\u2014or end in imposition. to encourage the first, or give sanction to the latter, would be alike disagreeable to me. I would beg therefore, if it is not likely to be attended with much trouble, that you would be so obliging as to give me your own, and the Sentiments of others on the Author, & his performance; that I may be enabled to decide properly with respect to his request.\nMy respectful Compliments & best wishes, in which Mrs Washington join, are presented to Mrs Powel, and yourself. I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0053", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Richards, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Richards, Edmund\nSir,\nMt Vernon June 15th 1785.\nYour letter of the 1st of Feby from Plymouth Dock, came safe. In explicit terms I assure you, that the information which I suppose you must have received respecting a Will, & the Plantations of a Mr Richd Richards, is without the smallest foundation. I never heard of the man, his Will, or the Estate which you say was left in my hands, until your letter reached me: equally unacquainted am I with Lawyer Haines or Lawr Briton, consequently can give you no satisfaction in any of the matters requested of me.\nIf any such event as you speak of ever did happen with any of my name, it is unknown to me\u2014it is not in my power therefore to give you any clue by which you may pursue your enquiries, or I would do it with pleasure. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0055", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Minor, 16 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Minor, William\nSir,\nMt Vernon 16th June 1785.\nYour letter of the 14th is this moment delivered to me. Moral obligations, or the obligations of humanity are equally binding on all men: if motives of humanity therefore induced me to bestow a years schooling on Lawce Posey, & to effect it I was willing to incur the expence of a years board also; the same motives might have induced you, without making a charge of it against me, to have acted a similar part in other respects by the boy; for sure I am, my connexion with him was not stronger, nor legal nor honorary obligation greater on me than on any other mans to excite them. Schooling, I reiterate in this letter, as I urged in my former, was my object; consequently, if he did not go to the Free school in Queen Anne, (the place designed) as you yourself acknowledged to me, nor to any other School\u2014for what purpose let me ask was I to pay \u00a317? Was not his Fathers house, if time was to be misspent, the best place for him to waste it in? Can it be supposed I ever had it in contemplation to board him out for the purpose of idleness? If then the conditions of my letter to Mr Baker were never complied with, as you candidly confessed to me they were not when here, where is the justice of requiring \u00a317\u2014or an iota of it from me, when the compensation was expressly stipulated? But I will be done. I am too much engaged in company & in business to go further into the detail of this matter.\nIf Genl Robardeau (whom you mentioned to me yourself in a former letter) will be so obliging as to undertake to determine the point, I shall be perfectly satisfied with his decision. I shall expect however that both this letter, & my former to you which was directed to his care, and such papers as you exhibited to me, will be laid before him\u2014one of which certified that Lawce Posey was not at the Free school: another, in effect that your charge was antecedent to the date of my letter to Mr Baker\u2014& a third, from Capt. Posey to you, which will serve to proove that\nhe was a House-Keeper at Rovers-delight (as he call\u2019d his place) at the time you want me to pay you for the boy\u2019s board, & when he was not at school, nor ever derived the benefit which was the object of my benevolence. I am Sir\u2014&c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0056", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Daniel Roberdeau, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Roberdeau, Daniel\nTo: Washington, George\nAlexandria June 17th 1785\nThe request you made of me in a letter to Wm Minor I instantly obeyed as a command, and have now the happiness to inform your Excellency, that the last Evening I convinced him of his indecency in making any demand of you, particularly in refusing your generosity in the offer of a ballance to which he had no claim, but from that principle, and for which he would consider himself obliged. I am much more obliged by this opportunity afforded of testifying my ready obedience to your commands, as an obligation conferred, which will be heightened by every intimation of your pleasure whenever and however the occasion may offer of signifying the ineffable regard I have for your Person and Character, as a pepper corn of acknowledgment of the obligations by which I am bound ever to be Your Excellencys most grateful and obedient humble Servant\nDaniel Roberdeau", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0057", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 18 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nMy dear Sir\nMount Vernon 18th June 85\nI am quite ashamed to be so long deficient in acknowledging the receipt of your favors of the 24th & 29th of March, and 5th of May; but an intervention of circumstances (with the enumeration of which I shall not trouble you) have prevented it.\nIt gave me great pleasure to hear of your appointment as Secretary\nat War\u2014without a complimt, I think a better choice could not have been made\u2014and though the Salary is low, it may, under the circumstances you mention, be considered as auxiliary.\nInclosed is a certificate of Service for Major Sergeant, of whose worth I have a high opinion; but for want of a more competent knowledge of the time of his entering the line of the Army, and of the Commissions he has borne, I could not be more particular.\nAt any time this Summer, the Limestone would be useful to me; but the sooner it comes the greater benefit I shall derive from it, as the Walls for which I want it, are now in hand.\nThe sentiment which you have dropped respecting the appropriation of the shares which were intended for me, by the Assembly of this State, in the Navigations of the Rivers Potomack & James, is very pleasing; and would give me great pleasure to see it reallized.\nFor want of a competent view of the designs of Congress respecting the Western Territory; and not knowing how matters stand with Great Britain, respecting the Posts of Detroit & other places at present occupied by British Garrisons, on the American side of the Line; I feel an unfitness to answer your question respecting such Posts as may be proper for the purposes mentioned; but under the ideas I hold at prest, I am inclined to think that if Garrisons are to be established within the limits & jurisdiction of any of the 13 States, that Fort Pitt, or Fort McIntosh, which ever shall be found most convenient and in best repair, would suit very well for a Post of deposits; from whence all the others should be supplied. and as it is my opinion that great part of the Fur & Peltry of the Lakes (when we shall have free access to them) will be transported by the Cayahoga and big beaver Creek, a Post at the Mouth of, or at some convenient Port on the former, must be eligable. The spot marked Miami Village & Fort in Hutchins\u2019s Map, I have always considered as of importance, being a central point between Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, & the river Ohio; communicating with each by Water. To these the Falls of the Ohio, or some more convenient spot for the lower settlements, may be added. Whether this chain embraces territory enough, whether it goes far enough to the Southward to afford protection to the back parts of Virginia the Carolinas and Georgia\u2014or whether these are objects which are\nmeant to be comprehended, are for those who are more behind the Curtain than I am, to determine. My opinion of the matter is, that I have described a sufficient extent of Country to answer all our present purposes; beyond which, neither Settlements nor Locations of Land ought to be admitted; because a larger would open a more extensive field for Land jobbers & Speculators\u2014Weaken our Frontiers\u2014exclude Law, good government, & taxation to a later period\u2014and injure the union very essentially in many respects. At the conflux of the Great Kanhawa & Ohio, a Post might be established so as to answer benificial purposes. Indeed it is the opinion of many, that it is a more eligable place than Pittsburgh. In time, if the Navigation of the Kanhawa should be extended, & an easy communication opened with James River, it may be so; but in the present state of things, considering the Settlements about the latter, & the sources from whence proceed all the Supplies of that Country, it certainly is not. As a protection of the River\u2014& the movements thereon, it is desirable.\nIf I am right in my principles some such distribution as the following may not be ineligable for the 700 men which are ordered to be raised.\n                  At Fort Pitt, Fort McIntosh, or the Mouth of big Beaver (being in the vicinity of a thick settlemt only\u2014\n                  Cayahoga, from whence a Detachment might occupy the Carrying place between that water & big Beaver; being on the line, & most exposed, should have\n                  Miami Fort or Village, and Dependences\u2014D[itt]o D[itt]o\n                  At the Falls of the Ohio, or some spot more convt & healthy, on that river\n                  At the Conflux of the Great Kanhawa & Ohio for security of the River\u2014protection of Trade, & covering emigrants\nMrs Macauly Graham and Mr Graham, and others, have just left this, after a stay of about 10 days. A Visit from a Lady so celebrated in the Literary world could not but be very flattering to me. Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for yourself, Mrs Knox and family; with great truth & sincerity I am My dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0059", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 June 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stoddert, Benjamin\nLetter not found: to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 June. Stoddert on 21 June wrote GW: \u201cI am honored with your favor of yesterday.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0061", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 21 June 1785\nFrom: Montgomerie, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDumfries 21st June 1785\nIt was not long after I parted with you at Mount Vernon, that I recollected a person (but a few days arrived in this Country) who I think would suit you in the character you mentioned\u2014His name is Mr William Shaw\u2014his Father a Clergyman, not many miles distant from the place of my nativity, well connected and very universally and deservedly respected\u2014he has a large family and to my knowledge they have all turned out well\u2014I was several times in Company with this Young man (who has been used in good Company) when last in Britain, and he is of pleasant conversation and manners\u2014He had an opportunity from his fathers attention and a public education to improve himself in literature, and I believe he is sufficiently informed\u2014He has been bred to business, and was engaged for two or three years in an active business in Canada He is now come out to this Country with a view of pursuing that line, with letters of strong recommendation to me from several of my friends\u2014I have inquired a little into his views and advantages, and am inclined to think he would accept of proposals from you.\nWhen you did me the honor to mention this matter to me at Mount Vernon, I confess I had no Idea that I would have named a person to you equally qualified as Mr Shaw, in fact I did not expect to have had it in my power to name one at all.\nIf you wish to make any inquiries, or to have any other information than what I have now given, I beg you will state them, it will give me very great pleasure in any way to serve you. If you wish to see and converse with Mr Shaw I can promise he shall wait on you\u2014I have the honor to be with sentiments of regard Dear Sir Your most Obt Humbe Servt\nThos Montgomerie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0062", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 21 June 1785\nFrom: Stoddert, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge Town [Md.] 21st June 1785.\nI am honored with your favor of yesterday, inclosing an order on Col. Hooe for \u00a370:8:6, for the account forwarded to Col. Charles Washington for cash & goods furnished your Nephews.\nI first began to supply them upon the Death of their Guardian Mr Nourse, without any authority, merely because at that time no other person could be instructed to do it, and was far from having any view to advantage in the transaction, & indeed, neither expected, nor wished to continue supplying them longer than \u2019till arrangements could be made for their accomodation by the Gentleman upon whom the care of them devolved. Under such circumstances, it gives me not a little pain, that the articles in my account should appear to be overcharged, as thence may be inferred an imputation which I am very happy in knowing myself incapable of meritting.\nThe Young Gentlemen now board with Mr Wm Bailey of this Town, who has a Store\u2014being continually under his Eye, he can much better Judge than I can, what will be really necessary for them\u2014like all Boys, they are apt to want too much\u2014I hope you will approve of my having requested him to accomodate them in future\u2014he agrees to supply what goods they may have, at 125 \u214cCt Maryland, on the cost, something more than 75 in Virga which is lower than I retail goods. I have the honor to be with very great esteem Yr Excellency\u2019s most Obedt Servt\nBen Stoddert", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0063", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Grayson, William\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon, 22d June 1785.\nSince my last to you I have been favored with your letters of the 5th\u201427th &  of May, & beg your acceptance of my thanks for their enclosures, & for the communications you were pleased to make me therein.\nI am very glad to find you have pass\u2019d an Ordinance of Congress respecting the sale of the Western Lands: I am too well acquainted with the local politic\u2019s of individual States, not to have foreseen the difficulties you met with in this business; these things are to be regretted, but not to be altered until liberallity of sentiment is more universal. Fixing the Seat of Empire at any spot on the Delaware, is in my humble opinion, demonstrably wrong: to incur an expence for what may be call\u2019d the permanent seat of Congress, at this time, is I conceive evidently impolitic; for without the gift of prophecy, I will venture to predict that under any circumstance of confederation, it will not remain so far to the Eastward long; & that until the public is in better circumstances, it ought not to be built at all. Time, too powerful for sophistry, will point out the place & disarm localities of their powers: In the meanwhile let the widow, the Orphan & the suffering Soldier, who are crying to you for their dues, receive that which can very well be rendered to them.\nThere is nothing new in this quarter of an interesting nature, to communicate, unless you should not have been informed that the Potomac navigation proceeds under favourable auspices: At the general meeting of the subscribers in May last, it appeared that upwards of 400 of the 500 shares had been engaged\u2014Many more have been subscribed since\u2014a Board of Directors have been chosen\u2014proper characters & Labourers advertized for, to commence the work in the least difficult parts of the river, \u2019till a skillful Engineer can be engaged to undertake those which are more so; & it is expected the work will be begun by the 10th of next month. With great esteem & regard I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0064", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nMadeira, 22d June 1785\nWe have had an order by us from our Henry Hill of Philadelphia ever since November 1783, to ship you a Pipe of fine old Wine for your own use, by any good Vessel bound to Alexandria in Virginia; but none having from that period to the present offered, & being likewise without expectations of any casting up, beg to know if we may send it to Norfolk, where we have a very careful friend, (Doctor James Taylor) who from that place will forward it to you in the most eligible manner. We have the honor to be\u2014Sir Your most obedient humble Servants\nLamar Hill Bisset & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0066", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 22 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rumney, John Jr.\nDr Sir,\nMt Vernon 22d June 1785.\nI stand indebted to you for two letters, one of the 8th of September\u2014the other of the 9th of Feby\u2014the first should not have remained so long unacknowledged, but for the expectation I had of the second\u2014the second led me to expect a third, upon the receipt of which I meant to give you but one trouble by replying to them all at the same time.\nPermit me to thank you Sir, for your attention to my Commissions: the joiner arrived safe, & I believe will fully answer your description & expectation of him; he gives great satisfaction, & seems well satisfied himself. The expence of his passage, & your advance to him, has been paid to Mr Sanderson.\nI delayed making choice of either of the samples of Flag Stone, until I had seen the Irish marble, & was made acquainted with the cost of it; but as it is not yet arrived, & I like the whitest & cheapest of the three samples wch you sent me by Capt. Atkinson, I request the favor of you to forward by the first opportunity (with some to spare in case of breakage or other accidents) as much of this kind as will floor the Gallery in front of my house, which within the margin, or border that goes round it, & is already laid with a hard stone of the Country, is 92 feet 7\u00bd inches, by 12 feet 9\u00bc inches.\nHaving given the exact dimension of the floor or space which is to be laid with flag-stone, I shall leave it to the workman to procure them of such a size (not less than one foot square\u2014& all of one size) as will answer best, & accord most with the taste of the times. I take it for granted that 7\u00bdd. or 8d. is the price of the white Stone in the prepared state in which it was sent, & that shipping charges & freight only, are to be added to the Cost: if a rough estimate of the latter had been mentioned, it would have been more pleasing, as I could then have prepared accordingly.\nI am at a loss to determine in what manner these dressed Flags can be brought without incurring much expence, or being\nliable to great damage: to put them in Cases will involve the first; & to stow them loose, the other may be sustained; unless great care is used in the stowage, which is rarely to be found among Sailors, or even Masters of Vessels. If the Flags are well dressed, a little matter will chip the edges, and break the corners; which would disfigure the work & be hurtful to the eye. I will give no direction therefore on this head\u2014your own judgment on the spot shall dictate; at the same time I have but little doubt, if they are placed in the hold of the Ship with hay or straw to keep them from rubing, of their coming free from damage.\nI will soon follow this letter with a remittance from hence, or draft upon London for a sum to enable you to discharge the undertaker. In the mean while let me pray you to hasten the execution & the Shipping of them, as my Gallery is very much in want. With great esteem & regard I am Sir, &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0067", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Shreve, Israel\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBurlington State of New Jersey 22nd June 1785\nI have been told you hold large tracts of Land upon the Waters of the Ohio Either upon the great Kanhawa or Licking Creek or both, since the Peace I with several others have an Inclination to become Adventureers to the back Country some where in that Quarter\u2014have long Wated to hear the Determination of Congress respecting the Sale of the Lands in the New States, but had no Idea of such a plan as they have Fixed, the Land no Less than a Dollar \u214c Acre, and then take it by guess and how long before this plan is carried into Execution cannot be known, I am no Speculator hold no Cirtifecates but for my own Services which I have kept with a vew of Purchaceing Land. Whether it would not be your Advantage to sell about ten Thousand\nacres at a Moderate price to be paid for in final Settle Notes Includeing Interest due thereon, to be Immediately Setled with good farmers from New Jersey, which I will engage to do, If you should Incline to Oblige me with such a purchace Adjoining the Ohio River where the Land is good well Watered and one or more good Mill Scites thereon please to Send me a Draft of the Tract So that I can find it\u2014I have the Maps of the Country and should chuse to see it and Call upon you on my return and Confirm the Bargain. I was Bred a farmer and am Determined If life and health Permits to go some where Back to settle and have thought If you could oblige me it would be an Advantage to you in Selling or Improveing your Adjoining Land, however this I Leave for you to Determine. I am Sir with Great respect your Excellencys Most Obedient Servent\nIsrael Shreve\nP.S. My son that was in the Army with me is a good Surveyor and will go with me to settle in that Country. I. Shreve.\nIf you incline to Sell please to send me the price and Quantity you will part with. I.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0068", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 23 June 1785\nFrom: Fairfax, George William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Genl,\n[near Bath] June 23d 1785.\nBy the receipt of your favor of Feby 27th I am well convinced of what I have long suspected, that your Letters to me, and mine to you are stoped, whether at the Post Office or by private Persons, I cannot guess, this I know, that you are looked upon as the most capable, and therefore the most dangerous Enemy on this side the Water, and that I am known to be such on this, as far as my abilities, and contracted power goes. For the reasons above given, I must request that your Excellency will enclose the Letters you do me the honor to write, to Mr Athawes, if they come by a London Ship, if to Bristol, be pleas\u2019d to send them to Mr Benjn Pollard, Mercht at Norfolk, in which case I hope to get them safe. Be assured my good Sir, I have address\u2019d you so frequently since the Peace, that I was apprehensive of being thought troublesome, and supposed my Letters being unnoticed proceeded from that cause. I believe Mrs Fx and I have blotted some Quire of paper to our Virginia friends, which has not been received, as the Letters has not been answer\u2019d. I am very sorry my Packet enclosing the Countess\u2019s Letter miscarried: also that one I wrote intreating the favor of your countena[n]ce, to poor Mr Pine, the ingenious painter & designer of the Print, of the great revolution, in which you had so Principal and active a part, did not get to hand; I informed you that Mr Pine was my near neighbour while he resided at Bath, that He was a Man of merit, had ever been the stanchest Friend to the American cause and the liberties of mankind, that from that reason only, he had lost his business and friends, and was obliged to leave England, tho\u2019 acknowledged to be the best Portraite painter in it. from my own knowledge, I said, that it was his earnest wish to have your Person in the place of Herorick Virtue, could your likeness have been procured, while the Picture was painting. I wrote to you, and Colo. Fielding Lewis several times, to beg that a miniature one might be sent or even a profile for that purpose. Poor Pine has a very worthy Woman to Wife and six daughters, all highly accompld in their professional Art. he is now in Philadelphia, Mrs Pine, and one Daughter, just gone over to him. If you would be so good to write a line to some of your friends in Pensylvania in his favor, it would be doing a\ncharity, and I should esteem it as an additional favor confired upon me. I cannot quit the subject without adding that He merits every favor, from all true Americans. Mrs Fairfax, and I are extremely obliged, by your very friendly and polite Invitation to Mount Vernon, which it is impossible for us to think of accepting. do you good Sir, consider our time of Life, it\u2019s much too late in it, to enter upon Building and improveing a Place of residence, as well as Emerging into the fatigue of a large Family, and keeping, or entertaining so much Company, as would be expected of a Man of my nominal fortune, for I can call it no other. The conviction of the Expediency of contracting business, and retireing from the busy Wor[l]d, induced Us, as soon as the Peace was concluded, to take a House in the Country about eight Miles from Bath. it is situated, in a plesant Vale, in a beautiful hilly Country, and surrounded by dairy-Farms, so that We have abundance of sweat Meadows to look upon, wherever we turn, those are enclosed with quick Hedges and many of them filled with fine Sheep and Cows, which altogether cons[t]itutes as perfect an Arcadia as ever Poet\u2019s fancy formed, here we enjoy sweat Air, much composure, and time for contemplation, which We esteem the first of terrestial blessings. The American War (as it\u2019s called here) humbled Us into the dust, and I trust totally eradicated the weeds of vanity and ostentation. We live in an humble, neat and comfortable way, have a Chaise and pair, have only two Men and two Women Servants, have every necessary of Life brought to our door, our Garden produces the sweetest Vegitables I ever tasted, and the Flowers and Shrubs employ me, and delight my old Woman. In short We enjoy the constant feast of content, and would not change situations with any Crown\u2019d head, upon earth.\nI blush to think, that the States should allow You to take the drudgery of regulating those Voluminous Accots. Fy, fy upon it, why should you my good Sir decline to accept the Compt that your Country, and all the world judge you so well merit; you must not come hither to look for such an instance of self denial. I believe it will be harder to find such a one, on this side the Atlantic, than it was for me to convince the People here, that you served all the War without Pay or Emolument. I will do my best to procure and send you a Buck and a doe of the best kind next Spring. Mrs Fairfax bids me say She will take care to send the\nSeeds of many kind of Shrubs that She thinks is not in Virginia. when you inform that Your Hot House is ready to receive the Plants, We will also send many kind of Myrtles and Geraniums if possible from Bristol, and if we could borrow Fortunatus\u2019s Cap, we would take a flight to see Cincinatus cultivating them in high delight. this is our Stile, you know a Flower was ever S. Fxs hobby, and at Bath we meet with the produce of all the World in that way.\nI am sorry, and ashamed to reflect upon the trouble I have given you upon the business of Mrs Bristows and my Paper, which is not now an object of consequence, I having settled that matter as far as I could here. gladly would I have evaded Mrs Bristows application, but it was not to be done. sufferers will leave no Stone unturned, where interest is concerned, in vain did I plead your having no part in the Civil affairs, your multiplicity of business, &c. She was the importunate Widow that would be heard.\nBefore the communication was stoped between Us, & You I wrote to request, that you would accept the blue damask Furniture out of Belvoir House, and then petitioned, that you would remove the two Pictures in the Dining-Room to Mount Vernon, and keep them for me, till opportunity offer\u2019d to send them over, whether Lord Dunmore, stoped that Letter, or if you received it, I never heard, but if those Pictures did escape the Flames, I would be much obliged to you, to have them well cased up, and send them to Mr B. Pollard Mercht at Norfolk, with directions to forward them to me at Bath by one of Mr Spans Ships, and could wish them to be addressd to Mr Span at Bristol for safety.\nThis my dear Sir, I hope you will receive from the hand of Mr William Baynham, a young Gent. of a most worthy Character, held in the highest Esteem by all that know him in Scotland, where he lived many years, prosecuting his Studies in Surgery. also in London, where I understand he was in considerable practice some time past, but the love of his Country was so prevalent, as to make him forego those advantages, when He had acquired the nec[e]ssary Professional knowledge, by attending the Hospitals, and every other close application to business. I never heard a young Man better spoke off for good Conduct, assiduity, and capasity. therefore it is with much pleasure, I comply\nwith his request of introducing him to the Glorious General. those are his own words. Your pathetic discription of the Ruin of Belvoir House produced many tears & sighs from the former Mistress of it, tho\u2019 at the first hearing of the Fire, she felt no shock. the Peace, which she hoped, would place her Friends in safety and happiness, had extinguished every sentiment except that of gratitude to Heaven for their deliverance.\nAdieu my Dear Genl we pray God to preserve you, and Dear Mrs Washington, long in health and happiness. I am Your sincere friend, and Affecte Humbe Servant\nGo. Wm Fairfax", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0074", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 25 June 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzhugh, William\nLetter not found: to William Fitzhugh, 25 June. Fitzhugh wrote GW on 16 July: \u201cI had the Honor of your favor of the 25th Ulto.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0075", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Montgomerie, 25 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Montgomerie, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th June 1785.\nIn the evening of yesterday, I was favored with your letter of the 21st; & thank you for your early & friendly attention to the enquiry I made of you.\nI do not now recollect whether I was so explicit as perhaps I ought to have been in communicating all the purposes for which I wanted an assistant: they are these.\nA Gentleman who can compose a good letter from the heads which shall be given to him; do all other writing which shall be entrusted to his care; keep Accounts; examine, arrange & properly methodize my papers (which from hasty removals into the interior country, are in great disorder); ride, at my expence, to do such business as I may have in different parts of this, or the other States, if I should find it more convenient to send than attend myself to the execution therof; & occasionally to devote a small portion of time to inetiate two little Children (a Girl of six, & a boy of four years of age, descendants of the deed Mr Custis who live with me & are very promising, and whom I would not wish to confine) in the first rudiments of Education.\nA fit person who inclines to accept these employments, will live as I do\u2014be company for those who visit at the House\u2014have his washing & mending found him, & such wages as we can agree upon; which I must be candid in declaring can not be high, as my finances & expenditures will not admit of it.\nIf you think Mr Shaw competent to these ends & find him\ndisposed to be employed for them, I wish to know it by the return of the Post, as there are others offering. If he would write to me, or to you upon this subject, the letter in the latter case to be enclosed to me, I could form some judgment of his hand writing & diction: he will please to signify the lowest wages which he will take per Ann: or quarterly\u2014If he chooses a personal interview, which perhaps may be more agreeable, I should be glad to see him here, with some samples of his writing. With great esteem &c. I am\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0076", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Stephen Bloomer Balch, 26 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Balch, Stephen Bloomer\nSir,\nMt Vernon 26th June 1785.\nMy Nephews are desireous of going to the Dancing School in George town kept by Mr Tarterson (I think his name is)\u2014and as it is my wish that they should be introduced into life with those qualifications which are deemed necessary, I consent to it. Sometime ago I expressed my approbation of their learning French, & a wish that when you had got your House in order to receive them, they might again board with you: Altho\u2019 I have no occasion [to doubt] the care, attention and kindness of Mr Bailey to them, I conceive they can board at no place so eligably as at their Preceptors; for it is my wish that their morals as well as educations may be attended to; & tho\u2019 I do not desire they should be deprived of necessary & proper amusements, yet it is my earnest request that they may be kept close to their studies. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0077", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Fraunces, 26 June 1785\nFrom: Fraunces, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew York June 26 1785\nI rec\u2019d yours pr Governor Clinton\u2014and can but say I receive the greatest Honor in your kind Acceptance of the Grottesque Work.\nI know not in what manner to apologize to your Excellency for my boldness in enclosing Mr Whites Letter in this, but my reliance on your goodness so often experienced\u2014My Circumstance has obliged me to quit the City and dispose of my House\u2014I have put some dependance in the State\u2019s Assistance but find it Vain\u2014I cannot either Collect in my debts so as to Clear me from the World\u2014under this Situation I have made bold to beg your Excellencys favor in recommending the enclosed\u2014Mr White perhaps you may be acquainted with and it will be of the greatest weight, as their is upwards of five hundred and Fifty pounds due me from the Estate of Gen. Lee\u2014Mr White has the Acct from Col. Hamilton\u2014The enclosed is open with a request to direct favors to me under cover to the Governor who will kindly forward any\u2014I must again beg pardon for my Assurance but your Excellency may believe me I am forced thro Necessity and therefore reassume the hope of being once more relieved thro\u2019 your Excellency\u2019s goodness. I have the Honor to remain with the utmost respect to your lady and self Your Excellencys Most Obedient and very humble Servant\u2014\nSamuel Fraunces\nMrs Fraunces and family desire their respect to you and your Lady.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0078", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 28 June 1785\nFrom: Montgomerie, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDumfries 28th June 1785\nYour favor of the 25th I duely received\u2014I communicated the contents to Mr Shaw, who seems to have no objection to the line of duty you lay down, except that of being considered as a preceptor, and I believe except in the name he would take a pleasure in giving every assistance in forwarding your wishes with respect to the two little Children\u2014He does not wish to engage for any certain time, and he means in this respect you should be equally at liberty\u2014this desire does not proceed from an intention speedily to change his situation, he expects to be happily situated, and to give you satisfaction\u2014He declines naming a sum in consideration of services, he wishes to leave this with yourself; however on a personal interview, in case matters are otherwise agreeable to you, this matter may be understood\u2014Mr Shaw would have waited upon you this week at Mount Vernon, but I am informed of a good deal of Compy that will be at your House\u2014Should you not engage with any other person in the mean time, and incline to see him, he will wait upon you any day next week you will please to name\u2014a line by Sundays post will be obliging\u2014I have the honor to be with great regard Dr Sir Your most Obed. & very Humbe Servt\nThos Montgomerie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0080", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 30 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fairfax, George William\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 30th June 1785.\nWhen I wrote you in Feby last, I intended to have followed it with a letter of earlier date than the present; but one cause succeeding another, has prevented it \u2019till now.\nI proceeded to a diligent search for the paper requested in your favor of the 23d of August last year, & after examining every bundle, & indeed despairing of success, it occurred to me that your Accot with Lord Fairfax might afford some clue by which a discovery of it might be made; & in looking in your ledger for an index, I found the receipts pasted on the cover of the Book. Having a call to Richmond the latter end of April, I took the receipts with me intending to leave them in the hands of the Attorney General; but it being his opinion there would be no occasion for them, I brought them back, & restored them to the place from whence I took them: the enclosed are copies of those receipts, which I meant should supply the place of the originals, had they pass\u2019d from me to the Attorney.\nI have not yet received the Pictures which you were so obliging as to send me by Mr Bracken; but have some prospect now of getting them, as Colo. Bassett who left this lately & who expects to be up again in Octor to the marriage of his Daughter who lives with us, with a son of my brother Charles (who acted as an Aid de Camp to the Marqs de la Fayette from the year 1780, to the close of the War) has promised to bring them. Altho\u2019 I have been so long deprived of the copy, I have lately had the plea[sure] of seeing the original in the hands of the designer\n& executioner Mr Pine, who spent three weeks with me in May last.\nMr Pine has met a favorable reception in this Country; & may, I conceive, command as much business as he pleases; he is now preparing materials for historical representations of some of the most important events of the War; & if his choice and the execution is equal to the field he has to display his talents in, the peices (which will be large) will do him much credit as an artist, & be interesting for America & its friends as a deposit for their posterity.\nThe information which you have given of the disposition of a certain Court coincides precisely with the sentiments I had formed of it from my own observations upon many late occurrences, and from a combination of circumstances. With respect to ourselves, I wish I could add, that as much wisdom had pervaded our Councils; as reason & common policy most evidently dictated; but the truth is, the people must feel before they will see; consequently, are brought slowly into measures of public utility. Past experience, or the admonitions of a few, have but little weight\u2014where ignorance, selfishness & design possess the major part: but evils of this nature work their own cure; tho\u2019 the remedy comes slower than those who foresee, or think they foresee the danger, attempt to effect. With respect to the commercial system which G: B: is pursuing with this Country, the Ministers, in this as in other matters, are defeating their own ends, by facilitating those powers in Congress which will produce a counter action of their plans, & which half a century without, would not have invested that body with. The restriction of our trade, & the additional duties which are imposed upon many of our staple commodities, have put the commercial people of this Country in motion; they now see the indispensible necessity of a general controuling power, and are addressing their respective Assemblies to grant this to Congress. Before this every State thought itself competent to regulate its own Trade, & were verifying the observations of Lord Sheffield; who supposed we never could agree upon any general plan: but those who will go a little deeper into matters, than his Lordship seems to have done, will readily perceive that in any measure where the Foederal interest is touched, however wide apart the politic\u2019s of\nindividual States may be, yet as soon as it is discovered they will always unite to effect a common good.\nThe Subscriptions for improving & extending the inland navigation of Potomac, have filled very fast: A Company is incorporated\u2014a President & Directors are chosen\u2014a Dividend of the money will soon be paid in, & the work will begin about the first of August. We still want a skilful Engineer\u2014a man of practical knowledge to conduct the business; but where to find him we know not at present: In the meanwhile, the less difficult parts of the river will be attempted, that no time may be lost in effecting so important & salutary an undertaking.\nOur course of Husbandry in this Country, & more especially in this State, is not only exceedingly unprofitable, but so destructive to our Lands, that it is my earnest wish to adopt a better; & as I believe no Country has carried the improvment of Land & the benefits of Agriculture to greater perfection than England, I have asked myself frequently of late, whether a thorough bred practical english Farmer, from a part of England where Husbandry seems to be best understood & is most advantageously practiced, could not be obtain\u2019d? And upon what terms? The thought having again occurred to me, whilst I was in the act of writing this letter, I resolved as a more certain & eligible mode of having the questions determined, to propound them to you\u2014That a man of character & knowledge may be had for very high wages there can be no doubt\u2014money we know will fetch any thing, & command the service of any man; but with the former I do not abound. To engage a man upon shares as the Overseers of this Country are, might be productive of much discontent to the employed; for we could scarcely convey to a good English Farmer a just idea of the wretched condition of our Lands\u2014what dressings they will require, & how entirely our system must be changed to make them productive: & if we do not, disappointment and continual murmurings would be the consequence. It follows then that the only means by which we can think of obtaining one, must be to give standing wages; for what then my good Sir, do you think a sober, industrious & knowing Farmer might be had to take charge of one of our Plantations\u2014say, of ten labourers? Or to bring the matter nearer to his own conception of things\u2014A Farm of about 200 or 250 acres\nof cleared Land, to be stocked with a competent number of Plows\u2014black Cattle\u2014Sheep & hogs?\nWhen I speak of a knowing Farmer, I mean one who understands the best course of Crops; how to plough\u2014to sow\u2014to mow\u2014to hedge\u2014to Ditch & above all, Midas like, one who can convert every thing he touches into manure, as the first transmutation towards Gold: in a word one who can bring worn out & gullied Lands into good tilth in the shortest time. I do not mean to put you to the trouble of actually engaging one, but I should be obliged to you for setting on foot the enquiry, & for communicating the result of it to me; because I could not receive your answer in time for the next year; the autumn being, as you well know, the season at which our Overseers are engaged, & our plans for the ensuing Crop must be formed. These enquiries, as you will readily perceive, are pointed to a Farmer of the midling class; which more than probably, would best answer my purpose: but, if it could be made convenient to you to extend your enquiries further; permit me to ask if one of a higher order could be had? And upon what terms? I mean for a Steward.\nIt may not in this place be amiss to observe to you that I still decline the growth of Tobacco; & to add, that it is my intention to raise as little Indian corn as may be: in a word, that I am desirous of entering upon a compleat course of husbandry as practiced in the best Farming Counties of England. I enquire for a man of this latter description with little hope of success\u20141st because I believe one who is compleatly fit for my purposes, wou\u2019d be above my price; & 2dly because I have taken up an idea that an English steward is not so much a farmer, as he is an Attorney or an Accomptant; because few of the Nobility & Gentry having their Estates in their own hands\u2014stand more in need of a Collector who, at the same time that he receives the rents, will see that the Covenants of the Leases are complied with, repairs made &c. &c., than of a Farmer. In this however I may be mistaken. One thing more & then I will close this long letter: if from your own observation, or from good information you should fix your eyes upon men of one or both of these descriptions\u2014& could ascertain his or their terms (leaving me at liberty to accede to them or not, within a reasonable time for an intercourse by letter)\u2014I had rather he or they should be personally known to you; or their characters well ascertained by a\nfriend in whom you can confide; because what you or such a person would say of them, I could rely upon: but how often do we find recommendations given without merit to deserve them\u2014founded in a disposition to favor the Applicant, or want of resolution to refuse Him\u2014oftentimes indeed, to get rid of a dependant who is troublesome or injurious to us, upon what are called decent terms. A man in the character of a Steward (if single, & his appearance equal to it) would live in the House with me & be at my table, in the manner Lund Washington was accustomed to do, who is now married and a House Keeper tho\u2019 still attending my business. The common Farmer would live on the Farm which would be entrusted to his care.\nI have lately had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 19th of March, & to learn by it that Mrs Fairfax & you have enjoyed better health than usual, last winter: a continuance of it Mrs Washington & I most sincerely wish you.\nI have not yet seen Mr Thos Corbin; he sent your letter under cover a few days ago with assurances of making me a visit as soon as he had recovered from a slight indisposition. He appears from your account to have been very ill treated by his brother Dick\u2014but the latter I understand has not been behind him in charges to some of his friends in this Country, who think Thos in the wrong. Mrs Washington joins me in most affectionate regards, & in every good wish for you & Mrs Fairfax\u2014With much truth I am Dr Sir &c. &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S. I thank Mr Heartley for the compliments he sent me thro\u2019 you, & for his other polite attentions to me; & pray you to make mine acceptable to him whenever a proper occasion offers. I did not know of your Nephew\u2019s intended trip to England or I would most assuredly have written to you by so good an opportunity.\nG: W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0081", "content": "Title: From George Washington to the Countess of Huntingdon, 30 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Huntingdon, Selina Hastings, countess of\nMy Lady\nMount Vernon June 30th 1785\nIn the last letter which I had the honor of writing to you, I informed Your Ladyship of the communication I had made to the President of Congress, of your wishes to obtain Lands for a number of Emigrants in the Western territory; as a means of civilizing the Savages, and propagating the Gospel amongst them.\nIn answer, he informed me that Mr Henry\u2014the Governor of this State\u2014had laid your Ladyships Letter and Plan (which were addressed to him) before Congress in a clear, & ample manner; but his private opinion of the matter was, that under the pressure of debt to which this Fund was to be appropriated; and the diversity of sentiment respecting the mode of raising it, that no discrimination would, or indeed could be made, in favor of Emigrants of any description whatever. I waited however a considerable time to know the result of Mr Henry\u2019s reference, before I would give your Ladyship the trouble of another letter on this Subject; but hearing nothing more of the matter, and having had the enclosed resolution, & Ordinance sent to me by the\nPresident himself, as the result of their long, and painful deliberation on the mode of disposing of the Western Lands; I will delay no longer to express my concern that your Ladyships humane & benevolent views are not better seconded.\nThe resolution & Ordinance herewith enclosed (on which I shall make no comment), will give the terms, and point out the mode by which the Lands belonging to the Union, are to be obtained. In other words, how difficult it is for foreigners to know when, or where, to apply for them. With the highest respect and Consideration I have the honr to be Yr Ladyships Most Obt & Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0082", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Montgomerie, 30 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Montgomerie, Thomas\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 30th June 1785.\nI received your favor of the 28th, last night. I was under promise when I wrote to you on the 25th of giving an answer to an application which had been made to me, in a few days before, which are now nearly expired: that I may be decisive on it, I should be glad to know precisely what Mr Shaw would expect for his services if he comes to me; for altho\u2019 I cannot as I observed in my last, afford to give high pay on the one hand, so neither would I, by any means, leave it indifinite on the other: whatever stipulations I enter into, shall be strictly complied with; which will leave no cause for discontent\u2014I am the more explicit in these declarations because I am apprehensive that higher pay is expected from me than I can afford to give. Mr Shaw undoubtedly has set a value upon his (those wch are to be rendered) services\u2014he knows what he has received for former services; It is not reasonable to expect that any Gentleman will lessen his prospects by coming to me, nor do I desire it\u2014I do\nnot expect them for less than he can obtain elsewhere; but if my means will not enable me to give as much, I must do without, or get one less capable of assisting me.\nAnother thing in Mr Shaw\u2019s proposals is not very agreeable to me: if a Gentn does not engage with me for some fixed time, I may in a month\u2014nay less, be put to a greater non-plus than ever, which would be inconvenient, & perhaps injurious to me\u2014short engagements & early notice of discontinuance might answer the purpose of Mr Shaw, & remove my difficulties.\nThat matters may be reduced to a certainty, & I enabled to give the answer above alluded to, in time, I send this by a special messenger. I am obliged to attend the Board of Directors in Alexandria tomorrow; but whether I shall be detained there longer is at present uncertain; I should be glad therefore if it is convenient to see Mr Shaw here this evening, or on Saturday\u2014or at Alexandria tomorrow\u2014when upon a little conversation we can readily determine whether our purposes can be reciprocally answered.\nHe will not, indeed cannot, be considered in the light of a preceptor\u2014because this, as I observed in my last, is only occasional & secondary. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0083", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 30 June 1785\nFrom: Montgomerie, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDumfries 30th June 1785\nMr Shaw will wait upon you at Mount Vernon on Saturday; should your business detain you in Alexa. till the evening of that day, you will find him there on your return home\u2014He does not at any rate mean to leave you in a short time, and at no period untill you can provide yourself agreeably.\nI have urged him strongly to name a sum in lieu of services, but I cannot get him to do it\u2014He says it is no consideration to him for the present He does not expect such wages as he could obtain in business, he came into the Country with an intention of entering into business, but he thinks there may be hereafter a more favorable juncture; and it appears to me from conversing\nwith him, that should he answer your purposes and expectations, he may still thereafter be equally servicable to you and employ his money in that line\u2014you need be under no difficulty of making him some small offer in consideration of Wages or expences\u2014I am with very great regard Dr Sir Your most obt Hume Se\u27e8rvt\u27e9\nThos Montgomerie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0084", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Vancouver, 30 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vancouver, Charles\nsir,\nMt Vernon 30th June 1785.\nYour favor of the 10th of last month came safely to hand.\nYou do me much honor by proposing to inscribe a work (of which you sent me a specimen) to my special patronage & protection: but tho\u2019 willing to give every support to the encouragment of literature & useful knowledge, which may be within my sphere of action; yet, on the present occasion I must beg leave to decline the honor of having your labors dedicated to me. With chearfulness I will follow the subscriptions (wch I presume must \u2019ere this, be pretty well advanced) of Gentn of my acquaintance; & with a proper sense of the distinction meant for me\u2014I am &:\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0085", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 30 June 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, William\nDear sir,\nMount Vernon 30th June 1785.\nMy nephew delivered me your letter of the 21st of April. For the kind attention shewn him by Mrs Washington & yourself he entertains a grateful sense, & I offer you my sincere thanks, which I should be glad to renew to you both, in person at this place. He enjoys a tolerable share of health, but is gone to (what\nare called in this Country) the Sweet Springs, to obtain a better stock to fit him for the pleasures, & duties too, of a matrimonial voyage, on wch he is to embark at his return.\nI would thank you my good Sir, for the Acorns, Nutts, or seeds of trees or plants not common in this Country; but which you think would grow here, especially of the flowering kind: the best method, I believe, to preserve those which are apt to spoil by withering & drying, & from worms, is to put them into dry Sand as soon as they are gathered; this retains the moisture in them, and vegitative properties, without sprouting. Mrs Washington joins me in best respects to you & your Lady, & I am with truth & affection, Dr Sir\u2014&c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0088", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gu\u00e9niot, 2 July 1785\nFrom: Gu\u00e9niot, Charles Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Lord\nAvallon in Bourgoyne 2d July 1785\nThe Heroes of the War, are those who are the Authors of the Peace. Without Victory there would not have been any Peace; If you had not made the American People, a Nation of Heroes, You had not received any other Peace, but what had been given you; a New Fabius; You have known how to Conquer without Drawing the Sword, & Your Hands, My Lord, have the uncommon advantage of Being Victorious without being imbrued with Blood. what inexhaustible Subject for the Poets, I have tried to Join myself, in the General Voice, for to Sing your Pacifick Victory\u2019s & I have Seen France & All Europe applauding my Songs, Since they can Assist, to Shew to Posterity your Name! The Heroes of Former times would not be known If it was not for the Assistance of the Muse. At Present the Muse themselves have need of a Celebrated Name, for to make themselves known, Your Name My Lord, is for mine, a Certain Passport, & as often as any One will Read the Name of Washington in my Verses, It will be Sufficient I Flatter myself, to render them immortal. But in Waiting for that immortality, very uncertain for my Muse, She languishes, in the Trouble, & in the Missfortune, of Being So Bold, My Lord, as to recommend her to your Noble Mind? before that it Can be immortal, It must live, & not be So unhappy as to Die, I have Chargd Madle Deon, my Compatriote & my Friend to Send you, My Lord, Some Copy\u2019s of that Ode upon the Peace, & I have Desir\u2019d her to write her Recommendation, with mine I am\nGueniot Med.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0090", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Robert Hanson Harrison, 3 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Harrison, Robert Hanson\nDear Sir:\nMount Vernon, July 3, 1785.\nIn the interval between your leaving this and the arrival of Mr. Briscoe, Mr. Montgomery, of Dumfries, recommended a young man whom he thought would answer my purpose; and being desired to speak to him, he accepted my offer, and will be with me in the course of a few days. Had it not been for this, the good character given of Mr. Briscoe by you and others would have induced me, without hesitation, to have accepted of his services. I thank you very sincerely for the ready and early attention you paid to my inquiries. To assure you of the great esteem and regard I have for you is unnecessary, because you must be convinced of it; I shall only add, therefore, that I am, very affectionately, your obedient and obliged humble servant,\nGeorge Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0091", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Rumney, Jr., 3 July 1785\nFrom: Rumney, John Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nW[hite]haven [England] 3d July 1785\nBy the Casar I did myself the Pleasure of writing you, at same Time sent you Patterns of Flags made in this Country\u2014which I hope you recd. By this Opportunity of the Ship Peggy, I send you the Patterns of three Irish Flags, which have but lately recd. you had the Particulars of them before & you can easily distinguish them. One of the Kilkenny Marble, one of the black Stone of the Country & one of Portland Stone, They seem to give the Preference to the Black Stone, rather than the Marble the latter is easily defaced. In my opinion the black Flag from the Isle of Man will answer your purpose best. I shall wait your Determination & upon receiving your Instructions, shall endeavour to execute them in the best Manner. I hope the Young Man I sent you out would give entire Satisfaction, which I should be very glad to hear. I cannot meet with a Bricklayer that would suit you, if you are not allready furnish\u2019d with one, please at some Opportunity to mention it & I shall use my Endeavours to procure you one.\nIn a Letter from my Father lately, he requests his sincere thanks to you for your very polite & genteel Letter to him. Pray present my best respects to Mrs Washington & Family. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your mo. obt & hble Servt\nJohn Rumney", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0092", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 4 July 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nMillmont [Md.] July 4th 1785\u2014\nI had the Honor of your favor by Mr Bolton of the 21st of May\u2014It came to me One month After date, Coverd by one from Him, informing me of his Contract to do your Business, but that his Creditors takeing Alarm at His going out of the state, had threatn\u2019d to Sue him, & that he was Inform\u2019d, some had Actually taken out writs against him\u2014in consequence of which he had written to the care of Colo. Hooe of Alexandria Adviseing you that it woud not be in his power to Comply with His Contract\u2014I have not seen Bolton, but am Inform\u2019d he has been drunk The Greatest Part of the time since His return from Virga\u2014I was at Colo. Platers yesterday, who says that Bolton, Immediately on his return acknowledged his Contract, and at the same time Declar\u2019d he had no Intention to Comply with it\u2014The Colo. is of oppinion that the Excuse he offers is without foundation, & that he has no other reason for disappointing you, than his unwillingness to seperate from His Idle & Drunken Associates Here\u2014I am Extreamly Sorry that I recommended so Intemperate and Imprudent a Man to You\u2014He is certainly one of the first Workmen on this Continent, & the most Capable of Performing the Business you wanted in an Elegant Manner\u2014I did flatter myself that freed from an Idle Family, & distant from Worthless Associates\u2014He wou\u2019d compleatly Answer Your Purpose\u2014But His Conduct on the present Occasion has convinc\u2019d me, that He was unworthy of Attention\u2014& I now wish your Excellency to have no dependance on him.\nI shall be Happy in Supplying the Several things you want for Building, & amongst them will venture to send the Brass Spring Locks or hinges unless you forbid it\u2014on a presumption that they will Answer your Purpose\u2014as I do not Expect Boltons advice\u2014you shall have the Crown Glass 8 Inches by ten, & a dividend of the other materials you mention\u2014you say nothing of Hinges\u2014I presume you have got the list of materials sent by Bolton\u2014As from Boltons Conduct you will have no occasion to send for His tools, wou\u2019d it not be convenient to Send the Waggon for the Building Materials, which I Suppose will weigh Near or upwards of 800 Ct\u2014or wou\u2019d you rather take the Chance of an opportunity by Water? Shou\u2019d the first be prefer\u2019d, I have\nspoke to Colo. Plater to give your Servant an Immedeate Passage to me, & I will dispatch my boat with the materials to His Seat, where the Waggon may wait.\nI Purpose going to Annapolis the 15th Inst. & shall return in a Week\u2014and be at Home until the middle of September\u2014And If not the Goods shall be Pack\u2019d\u2014ready for dispatch when Call\u2019d for.\nBe pleas\u2019d to acept my thanks for your very friendly Offer of the Service of your Jacks next Spring in case they shou\u2019d Arive, & will Accept it for two of my Mares. Mrs Fitzhugh Joins with me in respectful Complts & best wishes to you your Lady & Family. I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of respect & Esteem Your Excellencys Affectionate & Oblig\u2019d Humle Servt\nWillm Fitzhugh\u2014\nP.S. The grass seeds and corn you were so kind to give me have been attended to\u2014of the Guinea Grass not a seed has vegetated\u2014the Orchard Grass is in growth & promises to be very valuable. the Corn is Also flattering. yrs W.F.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0093", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Shaw, 4 July 1785\nFrom: Shaw, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDumfries 4th July [17]85.\nI have embraced the first opportunity of writing you my Sentiments, upon the Subject we were Speaking of at Mount Vernon. In the first Place, as to Wages, I hope your Excellency will not think Fifty Pounds Stg \u214c Annum with Bed, Board, Washing &c. too great a Demand, as I Can Assure you I have refus\u2019d much greater offers, but Preferr Staying with you, for a less Sum, as it will entitle me to be in Better Company, & a Genteeler line of Life; & Secondly as to the Time, I Shall Stay with you, I cannot at Present name, But Shall think myself always obligd to give you a Sufficient Notice, before I leave you, So as to enable you to look out for another Person Capable for doing your Bussiness, & Shall not part with you untill you have found one, &\nlastly Shall expect to have it in my Power to come down to Dumfries, or any other Place at a Small dist. for a Day or Two, when your Bussiness does not interfere, which I Shall always look upon, not only as my duty, but interest to attend to; These, Sir, are my Sentiments upon the Subject, which I hope will Coincide with yours, & you will please let me know \u214c return of Post, if they are So, & I Shall wait upon you Some time next week, as Bussiness will not allow me to Come Sooner, But Should you wish me before that time, I Shall Leave my own affairs unsettled, & wait upon you, & Believe me to be with respect Your Excellency\u2019s Mo. Obet servt\nWilliam Shaw\nN.B. You will excuse this Confus\u2019d letter, as it is wrote in haste, the Stage Being just going off, & Please let the Ladies know that there are Black & White Sattin Shoes here, & if they Wish any to Send their Measure, & I Shall do myself the Pleasure of getting them. Yours &c. W.S.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0096", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Hartshorne, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Hartshorne, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAlexandria July 5th 1785\nYour favor of this morning I recd with a Bill of Excha. for \u00a320 Stg enclosed which I am willing to take myself 40 \u214c Ct that being the rate at which I bought lately and I believe is the Currt Exchange\u2014at which rate it shall be Passed to Col. Washingtons Credit, unless you think more can be had, if so I shall do my endeavor to sell them for the most they will fetch\u2014The Bills shall not be remitted before the 15th. The \u00a320 Stg shall be immediately placed in the Potomac Companys fund and the remr\naccounted for with Col. Washington towards his next payment, or in any other way he pleases. I am very Respectfully Yours\nWm Hartshorne", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0098", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Powel, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia July 5. 1785\nThe Society for promoting Agriculture, lately established in this City, having done themselves the Honor of electing you a corresponding Member, have charged me with the Care of communicating the same to you. It is with particular Pleasure that I fulfill this Injunction, & doubt not that you, after having so eminently contributed to the Establishment of the Independence of our Country in the Field, will, chearfully, become a Member of a Society whose Views are solely directed to the Increase of it\u2019s Advantages, by cultivating one of the most usefull Arts of Peace.\nIn Conformity to the Directions of the Society, I have enclosed its Address to the public, & also a summary View of a Course of Crops &ca written by a Mr Bordely of Maryland. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedt humble Servt\nSamuel Powel", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0099", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Pieter Johan van Berckel, 5 July 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Van Berckel, Pieter Johan\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Pieter J. Van Berckel, 5 July. On 22 Aug. GW wrote Pieter J. Van Berckel: \u201cThe letter which your Excellency did me the honor to write to me on the 5th of last month, came to this place.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0100", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 6 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDear Sir:\n[Mount Vernon 6 July 1785]\nBy Mr Go[u]v\u2019r Morris I send you two Guineas and an half, which is about the cost of the plank you were so obliging as to send me by the Baltimore Packet. Please to accept my thanks for your attention to that matter, and the assurances of the sincere esteem and regard with which. I am, Dear Sir, Y\u2019r Most Obed\u2019t and Affect\u2019d Hble. Serv\u2019t,\nGeo. Washington.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0101", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Middleton Balt, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Balt, Middleton\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nGeorge Town [Md.] 7th July 1785\nBy this will Informe you of a Brother in Law of mine who has been bred a Military Enginere in the Tower of London and may Probably understand Something of inland navigation I am Desirous to Know from his Excey and the Directors Whether Such a person would meet with Encourgemt In the proposd Undertaking to render Potomac River navigable and Also what Incouragemet He might meet with from the Gentlemen Directers Heare If Such a Gentlemem Should Be wanting I will Immediately Wrighte him in the Jerseys and what he Knowes Conserning this Buisiness, He is a Compleat Drafsman And if wanted will p[r]oduce a Carector to Satisfacton. I Am Gentlem. Your Most Obt Hubl. Servt\nMiddleton Balt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0102", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Corbin, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Corbin, Thomas\nSir,\nMount Vernon 8th July 1785.\nYesterday afternoon I had the honor to receive your favor of the 24th of June; covering a letter from Colo. Fairfax of Bath, dated in Mar: last. The latter speaks of the injurious treatment you have met with, & of the aspersion of your character in England\u2014for which I am exceedingly sorry; but as he draws no conclusion, & your letter is silent, I am a little at a loss to discover the tendency of the information of them to me; & therefore shall only add that whenever it is convenient & agreeable to you to come into this part of the Country, I shall be glad to see you at this place\u2014& that, I am Sir\u2014&c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0103", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Shaw, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Shaw, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 8th July 1785.\nYour letter of the 4th I receiv\u2019d on the 6th. Altho\u2019 the sum stipulated is above the mark I had prescribed myself yet, in consideration of the good character given of you by Mr Montgomerie\u2014the idea I entertain of your knowledge of Accots, & the hope that you may answer my purposes in other respects; I accede fully to the terms of your letter, with this condition only\u2014that in payment of this sum, Dollars shall be estimated at four & six pence Sterling, & other Gold & Silver coin (currt in this Country) in that proportion. This is the legal difference of exchange of it, and will render it unnecessary for either of us to enquire into the rise or fall, to ascertain the value of any payment.\nI do not request you to come hither before the time mentioned in your letter; but should be glad if you would not exceed it. With esteem & regard, I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0104", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 9 July 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Grayson, William\n Letter not found: to William Grayson, 9 July 1785. GW wrote in his diary on 9 July that on that day he wrote and gave Arnold Henry Dohrman a letter to Grayson (DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976\u201379., 4:163).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0105", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 9 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon July 9th 1785.\nMr Dohrman who does me the honor of presenting this letter to your Excellency, is represented to me as a Gentleman of great merit; and one who has rendered most benevolent & important Services to the injured Sons of America, at a period when our Affairs did not wear the most favorable aspect.\nHe has some matters to lay before Congress which he can explain better than I. the justice due to which, & his sufferings, need no advocate; but I take the liberty nevertheless of introducing him to your countenance & civilities. With great respect, esteem & regard I am, Dr Sir Yr Excellys Most Obt & Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0106", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond July 9. 1785.\nWith this you will receive a copy of the proclamation, authenticated by the register\u2019s seal. I was indeed hopeful to add the testimonials of the state: but the lieutenant governor, not being in town nor expected until the departure of the post, I thought it adviseable rather to send the inclosed, than delay you. I believe\nthat this will answer your purpose; but for fear of cavil, I will forward by the next post an act of the Lt Govr, declaring Mr Harvie to be register, & that his official proceedings are intitled to full faith and credit. I am Dear sir with the sincerest regard yr affte friend & serv.\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0107", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Wilson, 9 July 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Wilson, James\nLetter not found: to James Wilson, 9 July 1785. GW wrote in his diary on 9 July that on that day he wrote and gave to Arnold Henry Dohrman a letter to Wilson (DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976\u201379., 4:163).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0108", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Gilpin, 10 July 1785\nFrom: Gilpin, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDr sir\nSunday July 10th 1785\non Sunday the 3d of this month I went within one mile of the Seneca falls it then rain\u2019d very fast which prevented me from going nearer, on monday the 4th I went to Mr Gideon Moss\u2019s who lives the nearest to the Falls of any person on the Virginia Side and who Issued provisons to the hands that workd under Johnston & Clapham last year, I then Crossed over the river Just above the falls to the maryland Side and went down to Where the huts was in which the people lived last fall and then to a Mr Goldsborougs at whoes house Johnston & Clapham lodged When they attended the works I found no person at any of these places who wanted to engage immediately one person who had been At mr Goldsborougs on the 1st day of the month by mistake Went away he wanted work and Said he understood blowing rocks Mr moss and others informd me that they thought hands might be procured after harvest but they ware all employd in gathering their Grain and Hay; I left a Short advertizment at those places and Some Others I then View\u2019d the falls on both Sides and then Went to Shenandoah I arvied at harpers ferry on the 5th in the evening.\non the 6th it was near 12 oclock before I Could procure an Express to Bath a few labourers Came but they did not want to enter to work there was one old dutchman who Came very drunk, I informed them of the 8th day of august as the day on which their wages would begin if they appeard and would go to work\u2014from what I Could gather from a number of gentlemen that assembled there that labourers may be had I believe anough for our porpose and 40/ Virginia Curry is about the price, the reason assignd why more did not appear was that their harvest is great and all the labourers employd I wrote a letter to Goverr Johnston and one to Goverr, S. Lee and Sent them I wrote a few Advertizements Sent one to Fredericks Town and Some to other places I viewd the falls on both Sides and got Whate Intelligence I Could Concerning the river and then waited at Capt. Breadys till Friday evening when Mr Rumsay Came we had Some Conversation about the navigation of potomack in which he informd me that he would be down on the 14th he gave me a letter for you which the bearer will deliver to you as also one from a Member of the Company a Colonel Hunter in favor of Mr Rumsay.\nI have Sent a State of the falls in the river as they now appear and have taken the liberty to make a few remarks on them, if your Excellency Should not have by you notes of this nature Sufficient Already they may be of Service & if you Should they Can be distroyd I thought it my duty to give you the best information I Could, I am with due Esteem your Excellencys Most Obt Servt\nGeorge Gilpin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0109", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis July 10. 1785.\nMr Houdon would much sooner have had the honour of attending you but for a spell of sickness which long gave us to\ndespair of his recovery & from which he is but recently recovered. he comes now for the purpose of lending the aid of his art to transmit you to posterity. he is without rivalship in it, being employed from all parts of Europe in whatever is capital. he has had a difficulty to withdraw himself from an order of the Empress of Russia, a difficulty however which arose from a desire to shew her respect, but which never gave him a moment\u2019s hesitation about his present voyage which he considers as promising the brightest chapter of his history. I have spoke of him as an Artist only; but I can assure you also that, as a man, he is disinterested, generous, candid, & panting after glory: in every circumstance meriting your good opinion, he will have need to see you much while he shall have the honour of being with you, which you can the more freely admit as his eminence and merit gives him admission into genteel societies here. he will need an interpreter. I supposed you could procure some person from Alexandria who might be agreeable to yourself to perform this office. he brings with him a subordinate workman or two, who of course will associate with their own class only.\nOn receiving the favour of your letter of Feb. 25 I communicated the plan for clearing the Patowmac, with the act of assembly, and an explanation of it\u2019s probable advantages, to mr Grand, whose acquaintance & connection with the monied men here enabled him best to try it\u2019s success. he has done so, but to no end. I inclose you his letter. I am pleased to hear in the mean time that the subscriptions were likely to be filled up at home. this is infinitely better, and will render the proceedings of the companies much more harmonious. I place an immense importance to my own country on this channel of connection with the new Western states. I shall continue uneasy till I know that Virginia has assumed her ultimate boundary to the Westward. the late example of the state of Franklin separated from N. Carolina increases my anxieties for Virginia.\nThe confidence you are so good as to place in me on the subject of the interest lately given you by Virginia in the Patowmac company is very flattering to me. but it is distressing also, inasmuch as, to deserve it, it obliges me to give my whole opinion. my wishes to see you made perfectly easy by receiving those just returns of gratitude from our country, to which you are entitled, would induce me to be contented with saying, what is a certain\ntruth, that the world would be pleased with seeing them heaped on you, and would consider your receiving them as no derogation from your reputation. but I must own that the declining them will add to that reputation, as it will shew that your motives have been pure and without any alloy. this testimony however is not wanting either to those who know you or who do not. I must therefore repeat that I think the receiving them will not in the least lessen the respect of the world if from any circumstances they would be convenient to you. the candour of my communication will find it\u2019s justification I know with you.\nA tolerable certainty of peace leaves little interesting in the way of intelligence. Holland & the emperor will be quiet. if any thing is brewing it is between the latter & the Porte. nothing in prospect as yet from England. we shall bring them however to decision now that mr Adams is received there. I wish much to hear that the canal thro the Dismal is resumed. I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Dr Sir your most ob\u27e8edie\u27e9nt & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0110", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 10 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, William Augustine\nTo: Washington, George\nDr sir\nBlenheim [Westmoreland County] July 10th 1785\nYour favour by Francis Herbert together with a Gross of Bottles came safe to hand\u2014I thank you for the information, of the demand of 5 Pr Ct upon each Share, from the Proprietors\nof the Potomck Company; I have for some time past waited with impatience, for an opportunity to Alexandria, by which I might contrive my quota, but none offering, have determined to send my servant as far as your house with the Money, and have to request the favour of you to contrive it to Mr Hartshorn. Jenny joins me in our sincere Loves to you & Mrs Washington, concludes me Dr sir Your Sincerely Affe\nWm A. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0111", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Shaw, 12 July 1785\nFrom: Shaw, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nDumfries 12th July [17]85.\nYour letter of the 8th Inst. Came duly to hand, & am Sorry you think the Sum mentioned in my last, above what you intended giving. But I Still leave you at liberty, & wish, that you will reward me, only as my Services may deserve. I am Sorry that I Cannot be with you, So Soon as I intended, as Bussiness obliges me to be at Fredricksburgh, the end of this Week, & Beginning of next, which will Detain me a few days longer, But Shall be up as Soon as it is in my power. Till then I remain Your Excellency\u2019s Mo. Obedt Servt\nWilliam Shaw", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0112", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 13 July 1785\nFrom: Graham, Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay\nTo: Washington, George\nNew York July 13. 1785\nThe intemperate heat of the air which prevailed on the morning when we parted with our illustrious friends accompanied us\nduring the whole of our journey from Mount Vernon to New York.\nWhen I arrived in this city I found my self too much indisposed to embrace so early as inclination prompted, the honor Sir of obeying the most obliging command you could have laid on me.\nWhen we address ourselves to characters so eminently distinguished Sir as yours we wish to describe the impressions which very extraordinary virtues never fail to make on the candid mind. There are some scenes however too lively for painting to do justice too in the representation, and some sentiments too strong even for Oratory to express.\nThe voice of flattery has so often swelled moderate virtues into all the magnitude of excellence which speech can convey to the immagination, that we in vain search in the language of panigeric for some arrangement of words adequate to that superiority of praise which is due to the first character in the world\u2014My present feebleness obliges me for the present to desist from the arduous undertaking especialy as I know the delicacy of your mind makes you as backward to meet applause as you are forward to deserve it. You must however give me leave to say that you above all the human race seem happily distinguished in the privilege of preserving and encreasing the esteem of mankind through the opportunity of a more intimate and correct knowledge of your character and talents.\nThe more attentively Sir you are examined by the inquisitive mind the more it finds, that the voice of fame tho noted for exaggerating the puny merit of mortals into a gigantic form of virtue has in your case even lessened truth; and whilst we contemplate with an exalted admiration the grand features of your public character we indulge with delight those softer sentiments of friendship which your domestic and private virtues are so well calculated to inspire. With impressions such as these Sir you may immagine that the virtues of the Great Hero of the Western World, the benevolence of Mrs Washingtons temper with that polite and captivating attention with which she exercises the virtues of hospitality to all the numerous visitors which resort to Mount Vernon are the favorite topicks of conversation on which we have dwelt ever since we have had the honor of being entertained\nunder your roof. These topicks are fortunately universally pleasing.\nThat Heaven may long preserve that mode of existence in which so many bright, useful, and aimable qualities, are united, and that it may long preserve to you Sir, every pleasing circumstance which marks the felicity of the present day is the sincere wish Of Your Most Obliged And Most Humbe Servnt\nCath. Macaulay Graham\nMr Graham joins me in best respects to yourself and to Mrs Washington, for whom our wishes for a long succession of happy years are most sincerely offered; we beg to be remembered to Major Washington, and Miss Basset, and that you will present our love to the very young Lady and Gentleman.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0115", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 14 July 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nTarguemines on the french fronteerJuly the 14th 1785\nBefore I leave the borders of france, I wish once more to Remind you of your absent friend, and to let You Hear that I am well and just Begining my German travels\u2014I Have Been lately Visiting Some french towns where I Spoke grat deal about American trade, and fully Answered the views I Had the Honour to Communicate in a former letter \u2014Now I am on my way to the deux ponts where Resides our friend the future elector of Baviera, to Cassel where I will See Again the Hessian Regiments, to Berlin where I am told lord Cornwallis is also going\u2014from there I will wait on the King of prussia on His Grand Maneuvres in Silesia\u2014Visit Saxony\u2014See the austrian Camps in Bohemia\u2014pay my Respects to the Emperor at Vienna\u2014Return to Berlin, where grand Maneuvres are to take place at the end of September\u2014and after I Have on My Way examined all the fields of Battle, I will Return through Holland and Be again in paris By the Middle of October This letter, my dear General, goes with our old friend doctor franklin who, I Hope, will Be Received with that Respect He So much deserves\u2014it will Be forwarded By His Grand Son a very deserving Young Man who wishes Being introduced By me to You, and whom I Beg leave to Recommend to Your Attentions. He Has Been much employed in public Service\n\u2014got Nothing By it\u2014and as the doctor loves Him Better than Any thing in the world, I think He ought to Have the Satisfaction to See Him Noticed By Congress\u2014You will oblige me to let them know that I spoke to You My Mind about it.\nYou Remember an idea which I imparted to you three years ago\u2014I am Going to try it in the french Colony of Cayenne\u2014But will write more fully on the Subject in my other letters. Nothing New Now in the political world\u2014war is far at a distance\u2014adieu, my Beloved General, my most affectinate Respects wait on Ms Washington\u2014Remember Me to the young ones\u2014to my aid George\u2014to M. lund\u2014all our friends, and particularly to Ms Stuart\u2014You Know My Heart, my dear general, and I Need not adding the assurances of the filial love, Respect, and gratitude I Have the Honour to Be with Your devoted friend\nLafayette\nGouvion is going with me and Has the Honour to present His Respects to You.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0116", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Smith, 14 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Smith, Thomas\nSir,\nMt Vernon, 14th July 1785.\nYour letter of the 9th of Feby was long on its passage to me; but my answer would not have been delayed \u2019till now, had not much time been spent in obtaining the several enclosures herewith sent you: a very necessary voucher however, viz.\u2014the British\nKings proclamation, properly authenticated, forbiding the settlement of the Western Lands, in defiance of which the Defendants took possession of the Land which was surveyed for military service, is not yet come to hand\u2014but shall be sent as soon as it does.\nThe signature to Poseys Bond has the best proof of the hand writing I can obtain without incurring much trouble & expence: there are numbers in this part of the Country, where he formerly lived, who are well acquainted with his hand writing; but these are far removed from the Executive of the State, or any of the judges of the Supreme Court of this Commonwealth. To me, I confess the proof seems unnecessary; for in my judgment there can be no higher evidence of the authenticity of the Bond, than the recognition of it in the Grant which was made in consequence; & which, if I mistake not, expressly declares that it is granted to me as Assignee of John Posey; consequently this Government must have been satisfied of the legality of the Assignment, & such as would warrant the Patent granted me thereon.\nI transmit you the Act of our Assembly passed in the session of 1779, properly authenticated, in which is included all the Law relative to the present subject: in this you will find upon what footing settlement & pre-emption rights are placed; & what are the requisites necessary for rendering them valid. It is very certain the Defendants have not taken those necessary steps pointed out by the Law, in order to give them a title by settlement or pre-emption: they knew that the Land had been surveyed for me; that it was always called mine; that one Cabbin if no more was built upon it when they came there, & they were repeatedly forewarned from settling themselves there during the life of Mr Crawford. Being thus apprized that their claim was contested, they should have submitted it to the decision of the Commissioners sent out to that Country for the special purpose of adjusting all such disputed titles; & altho\u2019 the jurisdiction of these Commissioners only extended to unpatented Lands, yet such a submission was necessary on the part of the Defendants, that they might obtain Certificates & act agreeably to the direction of the Law: as they failed to do this, I conceive they have precluded themselves from getting up a title by occupancy at this day: I say they failed to make this submission; because as\nI was never summoned to litigate their Claim, any proceeding therein without such a process would have been illegal.\nI expect that one objection to my title will be, that this Land was not surveyed by a County Surveyor, but only by one invested with a special commission for surveying the 200,000 acres which were given as a bounty to the 1st Va regiment. But you will find that my case comes fully within the first Clause of the Law; & as this Survey was covered with a Military warrant, such as is mentioned in the Act\u2014no person could more legally have made it than Mr Crawford. I will observe here, that at the time this survey was returned to the Office\u2014Mr Crawford was Deputy surveyor to Mr Lewis. You will observe by a subsequent clause in the Law, that all locations made by Officers and Soldiers upon the Lands of actual settlers, shall be void; but this cannot operate against me for several reasons: in the first place it is confined merely to Locations, & cannot extend to Patents; secondly, admitting that my survey was made lawfully, then it is evident that instead of being intruded upon\u2014the Defendants themselves were the intruders; and thirdly, setting my survey & Patent out of the question, I was the prior occupant and entitled to at least 1400 acres, admitting only one Cabbin to have been built; altho\u2019 I believe, & Capt. Crawford in letters which I left with you expressly declares it, there were more; so that whichever way you view their title, it appears to be defective. From what cause I know not, but I believe Capt. Posey\u2019s warrant is dated subsequent to the return of the Survey made by Mr Crawford, and if I remember right the recital in the Patent which you have makes this appear: I apprize you of this lest any handle should be made of it by your Opponents.\nThe only difficulty which can arise in the prosecution of the ejectments, in my conception (if my legal title shou\u2019d be thought insufficient, which I scarcely think possible) is to prove the extent of my improvement before the Defendants took possession of the Lands, & the warnings wch they received afterwards to quit it. Colo. Crawford who transacted my business in your County, or his Brother Val. could have placed these matters in a clear point of view, as I dare say many others are able to do, if I knew who to fix upon & how to come at them; but never having an idea that it was necessary, & the removal of persons &c., may give some trouble.\nTo ease you as much as I am able of this, I have in a paper enclosed, put down the ground & supports of my title under all circumstances as they have occurred to me; & the plea which I suppose will be urged in behalf of my Opponents in opposition thereto.\nI feel myself under great obligation to Mr Wilson for signifying a readiness to serve me in this suit\u2014because I am satisfied motives of friendship more than those of interest were at the bottom. His attendance in Congress must now render this impracticable if it were ever so necessary; but to me the case seems so clear & self evident, that I think nothing more is necessary but to state facts: however, as you understand the decision of your Courts better than I do, I leave it wholly to yourself to call in assistance or not, & from whom you please. I should be glad to know when you think the cause will come to issue: if I could be morally certain of the time & nothing of greater importance should happen to prevent it, I would be in the Western Country at that time. I am &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S: Since writing the above I have received an attested Copy of the Proclamation alluded to in the body of this letter, which with the letter enclosing it, from our Attoy General, I send. On a cursory reading of it, (for I was obliged to enclose it almost in the same instant I received it) it may be doubted, I think, whether military Locations beyond the sources of the rivers running into the Atlantic, do not come under the general restriction: to remove this objection, if it should be made, I will endeavor to obtain an attested copy of an order of the Governor & Council of this Dominion, recognizing the right of the Troops of this State, to Lands under the aforesaid Proclamation; & directing surveys thereof to be made on the Western Waters; tho\u2019 I fear it will be difficult to come at, as I have understood that the records of the privy Council had fallen into the hands of the Enemy, or were otherwise lost. G: W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0117", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander White, 14 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: White, Alexander\nDear Sir,\nMt Vernon 14th July 1785\nMr Fraunces\u2019s letters to you & to me, the last of which I also enclose for your perusal, are so expressive of his wants as to render it unnecessary for me to add ought, on the occasion of them.\nHe has been considered (tho\u2019 confined within the british lines) as a friend to our cause: It is said he was remarkably attentive to our prisoners in the City of New York; supporting them, as far as his means would allow, in the hour of their greatest distress: this it is which lead both Governor Clinton & myself to countenance & support him; & is the cause I presume of his applying, thro\u2019 me, to you\u2014& must be my apology for giving you the trouble of this letter.\nWith respect to his demand against the Estate of Genl Lee, I know nothing; his letter, to the best of my recollection, is the first intimation I ever had of his being a Creditor; the propriety & justice therefore of the Claim must speak for themselves, &\nwill no doubt have their due weight: the time of payment seems interesting to him.\nThe subject of this letter reminds me of an accot of my own against Genl Lee\u2019s Estate, which I put into your hands at the Springs last year. With great esteem I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0118", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Darrot, 15 July 1785\nFrom: Arrot (Darrot), Ren\u00e9-Marie, vicomte d\u2019\nTo: Washington, George\nGeneral\nTobago 15th July 1785\nAllow me the honor of recalling myself to your remembrance, and asking the news of you. Tho I have frequent opportunities by your Countrymen, who touch at this isle, (of which I am Governor) of learning this; yet I cannot resist the desire I have, of paying my respects to you, and solliciting a continuation of the kindnesses with which you loaded Coll Darrot while he had the honor of serving under you\u2014My fears of being troublesome to you, have hitherto prevented me from making you this acknowledgement; which I assure you has been a real punishment to me\u2014I shall be particularly happy, General, if you will continue your kindness to me so far, as to inform me of the news with you, and whether it will be agreeable to you, that I should profit occasionally of the opportunities of writing to you\u2014If the little isle of Tobago furnishes any productions that would be agreeable to you, the Governor, who is, and will always be at your service, will take a pleasure in executing your commissions\u2014If Mrs Washington recollects Col\u2019l Darrot, who was with his regiment of Hussars to pay his respects to her, he begs permission to offer his respects to her. I have the honor to be with the most respectful attachment\u2014Your very Hble Sert\nLe Darrot", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0119", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 15 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Shreve, Israel\nSir,\nMt Vernon 15th July 1785.\nYour letter of the 22d of June came safely to hand.\nI have no Lands in the Western Country which I incline, at this time, to make actual sale of. Between the two Kanhawa\u2019s on the banks of the Ohio, I hold (bounded by the river, & of rich bottom with good Mill Seats) about 10,000 Acres of as valuable land as any in that region; and on the Gt Kanhawa, from near the mouth upwards, I have about 30,000 acres more of equal quality with the first mentioned; all of which I have offered on Leases, for 21, 999, or 10 years, renewable forever, on encreasing rents; on certain conditions which were published in Claypoole\u2019s paper in March or April of last year, & may easily be resorted to.\nAs I have not disposed of these lands yet, I presume the terms are thought too high; but as I know the situation & convenience of them, & that the quality of the soil is inferior to none in all the Western Territory, I do not incline to make any change in my terms, unless I am in a manner compelled to it by taxation, which (however inconvenient it may be to myself) I wish to see heavily laid on, that the Officers & Soldiers, & other public creditors may receive their just dues. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0120", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 16 July 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nMillmont [Md.] July 16th 1785 Saturday\nI had the Honor of your favor of the 25th Ulto Covering one for Mr Bolton\u2014It did not come to Hand until last thursday Evening. & I yesterday sent Boltons L[ette]r to Colo. Platers, in hopes of obtaining His Answer to forward Herewith from Annapolis\u2014where I Expect to be on Monday next & to return Home at the end of the Week.\nMy address of last week in Answer to your favor of the 21st of May, went by a Gentleman Immediately to Alexandria, who promis\u2019d to deliver it to Colo. Fitzgerrald so that I have no doubt of its getting to hand, but lest it shou\u2019d not, it may be necessary to repeat that your Excellency Shall have the Crown Glass 10 Inches by 8\u2014& a dividend of the Other Materials\u2014Nails\u2014Oil, Paint\u2014Glew, Sash Lines & Pullies\u2014&c. as noted in your Letter of the 21st of may. And directly on my return from Annapolis about this day week, they Shall be divided\u2014pack\u2019d, & ready for your Call, at my Old Settlement of Rousby where they have remain\u2019d as they were Imported\u2014If you Shou\u2019d find it convenient to Send Your Waggon to Colo. Platers, tho for a light Load, it perhaps may be most Elegible for the Safety & Security of the Goods\u2014I have spoken to the Colo. who will be happy in the Accommodation of your Servants & hands, & has promis\u2019d to give me Immediate Notice of their Arival at His House\u2014When I will Send my Boat directly with the Materials to his landing\u2014If you shou\u2019d rather approve the Chance of a Water Passage the Goods Shall be ready for it at Rousby Hall.\nThe distress I feel for your disappointment\u2014the disagreeable Situation of your House, & Boltons Infamous conduct\u2014leaves me really at a Loss what to say on the Subject\u2014cou\u2019d I have foreseen that the Man had been Capable of Acting as he has done, I wou\u2019d sooner have parted with my right hand than recommended Him to you. I knew him to be an Excellent Workman, & perfectly Qualify\u2019d to Finish Your Large Room in the most Elegant Manner, And tho at times Imprudent & adicted to Liquor\u2014Expected that when Seperated from his Idle & disorderly Connections, He wou\u2019d Have perform\u2019d to Your perfect Satisfaction\u2014& I hope your Excellency will do me the Justice to\nbelieve that those were the only motives which Induced me to recommend Him to You. I wish I had never seen him\u2014He is an unworthy Man, & deserve to be prosecuted to an example, And If he has any friends who will risque their Character, in the Countenance or Support of Such Improper Conduct, they will perhaps, or at least ought to Pay the damage.\nMrs Fitzhugh & my Son William Join with me \u27e8in\u27e9 respectful Complts & best Wishes to you your Lady and Family. I have the Honor to be with perfect, Respect & Esteem Yr Excellencys Affect. & Oblig\u2019d Hie Sert\nWillm Fitzhugh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0121", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Tucker, 16 July 1785\nFrom: Tucker, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBarbados July 16, 1785\nThe sensible pleasure I feel at being Personally known to you, has Induced me to send you the Inclosed Dissertation on the Revolutions of States and Empires. It is the performance of a Worthy Clergyman of this Island; a Gentleman of a most amiable Character, and who I have the Happiness of being Intimately acquainted with.\nAs this Treatise Breaths Liberal sentiments, Favourable to the Future Happiness and Prosperity of my Country; so I please my self it will not only meet with Your Approbation, but also with the Approbation of all America.\nInclosd I send you a Letter Mr Bowcher wrote to me on the Subject; and to which I beg leave to Refer you by which you will find he has under Contemplation a Code of Laws respecting the future Prosperity and Happiness of America.\nThis Worthy Gentleman has a Numerous Family, and the Living\nof his Parish does not admit him to make that Provision for them that his Friends wish him the Power of doing, a Circumstance that has in some Measure Induced many of his Friends to undertake the disposal of these Treatises, and as I have the pleasure of being of the Number, so I shall by the first Vessel to Norfolk, send to Mr Thos Newton and to Mr Wm Pennock at Richmond One Hundred Copies to be disposed of at a Dollar Each; so that should this Gentlemans Sentiments Coincide with your Ideas, Permit me, Sir, to request the Favor of your Countenance in the Disposal of them; An Obligation that I shall be Happy to make you any return for in this Island. I am, Believe me, Dear Sir, Your very Obedt hum. Servt\nJohn Tucker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0122", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Michael Hillegas, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hillegas, Michael\nSir,\nMt Vernon 17th July 1785.\nThe enclosed packet contains necessary & valuable papers, in a Suit which I have depending in Washington County in the State of Pennsylva., under the management of the Gentn to whom they are directed. Mr Smith requested me (tho\u2019 by a circuitous rout) to address them to your care, & he should be certain of getting them: this must be my apology for the trouble I am giving you, & for which I hope to obtain your excuse.\nThe sooner the packet could be sent, by a safe hand, the better, as some of the papers point to evidence which may require time to obtain\u2014& all of them want consideration. With esteem & regard, I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0123", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Humphreys, David\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nParis July 17. 1785\nI cannot permit M. Houdon to depart for Mt Vernon without being the bearer of a line from me. I am very happy Mr Jefferson has been able to procure him to make the voyage, because I am persuaded he will be able to transmit an excellent likeness of you to the remotest ages. He is considered as one of the ablest statuaries in Europe & has performed some capital peices for the Empress of Russia. I hope Congress will also employ him to make the Equestrian Statue which they have voted for you. His having once taken a perfect likeness will facilitate very much the execution of it. The likenesses may likewise be multiplied to any number. Not only the present but future generations will be curious to see your figure taken by such an Artist. And indeed, my dear General, it must be a pleasing reflection to you amid the tranquil walks of private life to find that history, poetry, painting, & sculpture will vye with each other in consigning your name to immortality.\nAs I know you never found me guilty of adulation on any occasion, I am confident you will not believe me capable of flattery in the present instance, even if I were to express in still stronger terms the interest I feel in your reputation. Be assured the advocates of your fame are very numerous in Europe, and that they wish for the honour of human nature & the benefit of mankind to see it placed in a just & candid point of view. Since my arrival in France I have become acquainted with a circle of noble & literary Characters who are passionate admirers of your glory; and since my last letter to you I have been strongly urged by some of them to undertake to write either your life at large; or if I had not leisure & materials for that work, at least a sketch of your life & character\u2014I have answerd \u201cwere I master of my own time & possessed of adequate abilities, there is no task I would more willingly impose upon myself\u2014but with a consciousness of these defects, nothing but a fear that the work would ultimately devolve upon still worse hands could ever induce me to attempt it.\u201d This makes me wish still more devoutly my dear General (after you shall be eased of the drudgery of business by the assistance of a Secry as you propose) that you would yourself rescue the materials from the unskillfull & prophane into which they will one day or another inevitably fall.\nSome of my acquaintances here who had seen a little Poem of mine solicited for copies in such a manner as to make a publication of it necessary\u2014it has also be[en] reprinted in London & occasioned the author to be the subject of many news paper paragraphs\u2014tho the sentiments & discriptions were not calculated to please English readers: yet their criticisms, as far as I am able to learn, have been sufficiently favourable as to the merits of the composition\u2014I have the honour of forwarding a copy herewith.\nThe certainty of peace & the consequent dearth of news & politics leave me nothing to say on these subjects\u2014in the mean time I find myself here in circumstances agreeable enough for a man of moderate expectations. My publick character puts it in my option to be present at the King\u2019s Levee every tuesday, & after the Levee to dine with the whole Diplomatique Corps at the Cte de Vergennes\u2014It is curious to see forty or fifty Ambassadors, Ministers or other strangers of the first fashion from all the nations of Europe assembling in the most amicable manner &\nconversing in the same language; what heightens the pleasure is their being universal men of unaffected manners & good dispositions\u2014there is none of them more civil to us than the Duke of Dorset, with whom I often dine, & who is the plainest & best bred Englishman I have seen at Paris.\nThe Marquis la Fayette has just set off for Prussia\u2014he is as much the favourite of the Americans here as in America\u2014With my most respectful Complts to Mrs Washington & the family I have the honour to be my dear Genl Your sincere friend & hble Servt\nD. Humphreys", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0124", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nParis July 17. 1785.\nPermit me to add, what I forgot in my former letter, a request to you to be so kind as to communicate to me what you can recollect of Bushnel\u2019s experiments in submarine navigation during\nthe late war, and whether you think his method capable of being used successfully for the destruction of vessels of war. It\u2019s not having been actually used for this purpose by us, who were so peculiarly in want of such an agent seems to prove it did not promise success. I am with the highest esteem Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0126", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDr Sir\nMt Vernon 17th July 1785\nBy Mr Gouverr Morris I sent you the amount of the cost of plank, which you were so obliging as to send me from Baltimore.\nThe packet enclosed with this, for Mr Hilligas contains necessary & valuable papers for Mr Thos Smith, in a suit I have been\nobliged to commence in Washington County, State of Pennsylva., against sundry persons who taking adavantage of my absence & peculiar situation during the War, possessed themselves of a tract of Land I hold in the vicinity of Fort Pitt; for which I have a Patent, obtained in legal form, ever since the year 1774, and for which I am now compelled to bring ejectmts.\nMr Smith requested these papers to be sent to him under cover to Mr Hilligas as a certain mode of conveyance; but as much time has elapsed in obtaining them; as some of the papers point to evidence which may not readily be come at; as the Suit may come forward at the Septr term, & as the channel of conveyance pointed out by him is very circuitous; I should be much obliged, if good opportunities frequently offer from Baltimore to Carlisle, by your stripping off the address to Mr Hilligas, and forwarding the enclosure as directed to Mr Smith. With much truth & sincerity I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0128", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Paul Jones, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nParis July 18th 1785.\nI avail myself of the departure of Mr Houdon to transmit to your Hands two sets of Certificats in favor of Captain Stack and Captain McCarty, who in consequence of their Service under my Orders pray to be admitted as Members of the Society of Cincinnatus. Although Count de Rochambeau has made difficulties about giving those Officers his Certificate to support their pretentions, I am persuaded that you will, from the very honorable testimony I now transmit you, think they have deserved the gratification they ask; which I shall consider as a favor confered on me by the Society. If their prayer is granted, the Diplomas may be sent to Mr Jefferson or Colonel Humphreys, who know their address.\nI beg Pardon, if this mode of Application is irregular, and I\nbeseech you support the Object of the Certificates, if you think they deserve your protection. I am, wishing you perfect Happiness, Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant\nPaul Jones", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0129", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Noah Webster, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Webster, Noah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBaltimore July 18th 1785\nIf the request I am now to make should need any apology but such as will naturally be suggested by its own importance, I am sure it will find it in your candour. The favourable reception of my grammatical publications in the northern States, has induced me to offer them for sale in the Southern; and I am happy to find they meet with the approbation of those literary Gentlemen, with whom I have conversed on my tour to Charleston. The performance may possibly appear, at first thought, trifling; & yet as containing the rudiments of our native language, the foundation of our other scientific improvements, it doubtless ought to be considered as extremely important. If you, Sir, view it in the latter point of light & have taken the trouble to examine the general plan & execution, your name, as a patron of the Institute, would be very influential in introducing it to notice in these States. I should be very unhappy to make any request, a compliance with which would require the least sacrifice from so distinguished a character; but if it can be done, consistently with the sentiments of your heart & the delicacy of your feelings, the addition of your name, Sir, to the catalogue of patrons, will, I vainly hope, be a continuation of your public utility\u2014& will certainly be esteemed a singular favour conferred on one who is anxious to improve the literature & advance the prosperity of\nthis country. I have the honour to be Sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient most humble Servant\nNoah Webster jun.\nP.S. I shall probably remain here till October.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0131", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 19 July 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourable Sir\nBerkeley County July 19th 1785\nI wrote to you some Time ago respecting the Debt due you by Mr Henry Whiting[.] Least the Letters Fail\u2019d I have to inform you that I expect to receive the money from the Sheriff in this County the Last week in Septr. When received I shall waite on you Immediatly I shall endeavour to Collect the money and be at Mount Vernon before the middle of October next. I am Sir your Obedient Humble servant\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0132", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 19 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Powel, Samuel\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 19th July 1785.\nConsequent of your first letter respecting Mr Vancouver, & his proposed publication, I wrote to him, and declined the honor of his dedication\u2014I thank you for your second Acct of his performance, which confirms me in the propriety of the measure.\nIt would have given me pleasure to have seen a Gentlemn of Doctr Moyes[\u2019]s eminence; and I shall hope for the endulgence of it when he returns from Carolina. I am not less pleased at hearing that Mrs Macauly Graham was satisfied with her journey Southward, considering the extreme heat in which it was made & her unfitness to encounter it.\nI pray you, Sir, to offer my best respects to Mrs Powel & to assure her that great care shall be taken of her letter to my\nNephew; who lives at present in Fredericksburgh. Mrs Washington unites in compliments & best wishes for your Lady & self with Dr Sir Yr Most obedt & very Hble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0133", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 19 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Powel, Samuel\nSir\nMount Vernon 19th July 1785.\nThe honor which the Society for promoting agriculture, lately established in the City of Philada, have done me by electing me an honorary member, is highly pleasing & flattering to me; the strongest assurances of which I pray you, at the next meeting, to communicate with my respectful compliments to the Society: Accept at the same time Sir, my acknowledgement of the flattering expression, with which you have accompanied the certificate of my election.\nNo measure, in my opinion, will be more conducive to the public weal than the establishment of this Society, if the purposes of it are prosecuted with spirit. Much is it to be wished that each State would institute similar ones; & that these Societies when formed would correspond regularly & freely with each other. we are not only in our infancy of agricultural improvment; but in this State the farmers are pursuing an unprofitable course of Crops, to the utter destruction of their Lands.\nI am obliged to the Society for its address to the public, & for the summary of a course of crops by Mr Bordely: the latter I had before received from the author, who was so obliging as to send me several copies immediately after the publication thereof. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0134-0001", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 21 July 1785\nFrom: St. Clair, Arthur\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nPhilad[elphi]a July 21st 1785\nThis is accompanied by a Letter from the State Society of the Cincinnati which was written to you more than a Year ago, and by some inadvertance of the under Secretary was never forwarded. I am very sorry that it has so happened, because it would have been some satisfaction to you to have known, at an early period, that this State Society had come into the proposed Alterations\u2014It was not however without great Reluctance the first Institution was parted with; yet it was happy that it was parted with, for the Prejudices against the Society have since entirely subsided, and, if the paper Medium that has been introduced in this State can be supported, We are in the receipt of the Interest of our Funds. I have very often the Pleasure to hear of your Excellency and never fail to enquire after You with all the earnestness of Freindship and Affection. I request You to present my best Respects to Mrs Washington and to believe me ever with the greatest Respect and Esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient Servant\nAr. St Clair", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0135", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 23 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzgerald, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon July 23. 1785.\nIf there is any ship in the Port of Alexandria by which the enclosed Letters could receive a proper conveyance, you would much oblige me by giving them a passage\u2014if not, by returning them.\nIf I do not hear from my Lawyer in the Western Country before the first of August, it will be out of my power to proceed with the Directors (from the General meeting) to the Survey of the River. If my Suit should come to a hearing at the September term, wch he thought highly probable, occurances, of which he\nis to advise me, may indispensably call for my attendance at the Tryal\u2014To perform both journeys, I cannot \u27e8do\u27e9 nor would it be prudent for me, to put it out of my power, by absence on the one, to avoid the other; as the decision of the Court may make a difference of between \u00a33500 and \u00a34000 to me for which I can sell the Land in dispute if I establish my right to it; of which there can be no doubt, if justice prevails, and the title is as clearly delineated as the case will admit of. I mention this matter in time, from a hope, that similar causes may not interfere to produce the same effect in any other of the Directors\u2014with great esteem and regard I am\u2014Dr Sir Yr Obedt friend and Affecte Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0136", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 23\u201331 July 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nNew York July the 23d\u201331] 1785\nI lately had the honor of forwarding a packet for you by Post that came enclosed to me from France, by the author of a Dramatic piece on the former situation of Capt. Asgil. The subject is not a bad one, but the Author of this work seems not to have made the most of it.\nOn the 1st of May Mr Du Mas writes us, that the parties still continue to negotiate the peace in a very threatening manner\u2014In truth, this whole affair is involved in much mystery, and perhaps the truth is only known in the interior cabinets of the greatest powers. The Marquiss de la Fayette, in a late letter seems to think that the collected combustibles may be put in flame by various accidents. The Emperor he says is restless, the Empress of Russia ambitious, the King of Prussia old, with other combining causes renders the peace of Europe precarious\u2014The Marquiss proposes to visit this summer the Man\u0153uvering Troops of Austria & Prussia in the North of Europe. We have lately receivd a letter from his most Ch[ristia]n Majesty, in answer\nto one from Congress to him recommending the Marquiss, in which his Majesty is pleased to express himself in such a manner of the Marquis as promises well for the future promotion of that Nobleman\u2014Mr Adams writes that he has been received in due form at the Court of London, has had his audience, and deliverd his Credentials to that Sovereign\u2014No treaty when he wrote had been commenced, but we expect soon to hear of the commencement & progress of that business. Mr Jay is commissioned by Congress to open negotiations with Mr Gardoque the Spanish Plenepo[tentiary] here, concerning the navigation of Mississippi, Boundary, Commerce &c. The Spanish Minister appears to be well disposed towards us. It gives me singular pleasure to hear that the plan for opening the navigation of Potomac goes on successfully, as it promises such capital benefits to our country. It is sometime since I wrote to Colo. Fitgereland desiring that he would put me down for a share.\nIs it possible that a plan can be formed for issuing a large sum of paper money by the next Assembly? I do verily believe that the greatest foes we have in the world could not devise a more effectual plan for ruining Virginia. I should suppose that every friend to his country, every honest and sober Man would join heartily to reprobate so nefarious a plan of speculation. Be pleased Sir to present my best respects to your Lady and be assured that I am, with sentiments of the greatest respect, esteem, & regard, dear Sir Your most affectionate and obedient servant\nRichard Henry Lee.\nP.S. Altho I began this letter on the 23d my ill state of health and much business have prevented me from finishing it until this day the 31st of July\u2014I thank God that my health is now much better than it has been. R.H.L.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0138", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nLetter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 23 July. On 29 July Randolph wrote GW: \u201cYour favor of the 23d instant came duly to hand.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0139", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Weedon, 23 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Weedon, George\nDr Sir,\nMt Vernon 23d July 1785.\nIt is some time since I received the enclosed Bill, under cover from the Drawer: among a multiplicity of other letters it got buried & forgot; until a line from Mr de Marbois the other day, forwarding the third bill of same tenor & date, reminded me of it.\nAs I do not know who the Treasurer of the Society of the Cincinnati of this State is, I take the liberty of committing the Bill to your care, with a request that you would be so obliging as to\nask him personally if he is near you, or by letter if he is at a distance for a receipt for it, that I may transmit the same to Colo. De Corney, with an apology for my long silence. If I knew who the state Treasurer is, I would not give you any trouble in this business; but as I really do not, I hope it will be received as an excuse for having done it. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0140", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 25 July 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General\nMillmont July 25th 1785\nI had the Honor of Your favr of the 14th Currt\u2014it came to hand Yesterday\u2014I return\u2019d on Saturday last from Annapolis, where I placed for You a Letter in the Post Office to which, as I have no doubt of its safe Passage I beg leave to refer\u2014Your Excellencys Letters of the 21st of may & the 14th Inst. so clearly Ascertain The Building materials that I shall be at no loss to select those which are desirable\u2014nor do I believe it will be difficult to find a Good Passage for them to Alexandria, from whence to Baltimore is a Weekly Packet\u2014And as I intend to visit my son near Baltimore, by Water next Month, I will take the Goods up with me, & send them in the Packet, to the care of Our friend Colo. Fitzgerrald. with respect to Payment, I beg you will give Yourself no trouble, or concern\u2014I must go to Virga to attend a Sale of Lands the 20th of September, & shall have the pleasure to Visit Mount Vernon, Either going or returning.\nI am Glad You will have a tryal of the Guinea Grass & Shou\u2019d it succeed, Shall be thankful for a Little of the seed next Season. Mrs Fitzhugh, & my son William who is now here, Join with Me in respectful Complts and best wishes to You Your Lady & Family. I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & respect, Your Excellencys Affect. & Oblig\u2019d H. Sert\nWillm Fitzhugh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0142", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 25 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Humphreys, David\nMy dear Humphreys\nMount Vernon July 25th 1785.\nSince my last to you I have received your letters of the 15th of Jany and (I believe) that of the 15th of Novr; & thank you for them both\u2014It always gives me pleasure to hear from you; and I should think, if amusements would spare you, business could not so much absorb your time as to prevent your writing to me more frequently; especially as there is a regular & safe conveyance once a month, by the Packett.\nAs the complexion of European politics seem now (from the letters I have received from the Marquisses de la Fayette & Chastellux\u2014the Chevr de la Luzerne, &ca) to have a tendency to Peace, I will say nothing of War, nor make any animadversions upon the contending Powers\u2014otherwise I might possibly have added, that the retreat from it seemed impossible, after the explicit declarations of the Parties.\nMy first wish is, to see this plague to Mankind banished from the Earth; & the Sons & daughters of this World employed in\nmore pleasing & innocent amusements than in preparing implements, & exercising them for the destruction of the human race. Rather than quarrel abt territory, let the poor, the needy, & oppressed of the Earth; and those who want Land, resort to the fertile plains of our Western Country, to the second Land of promise, & there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first & great Commandment.\nIn a former letter I informed you, My dear Humphreys, that if I had talents for it, I have not leizure to devote my time & thoughts to commentaries. I am conscious of a defective education, & want of capacity to fit me for such an undertaking. What with Company, letters, & other Matters, many of them extraneous, I have not yet been able to arrange my own private concerns so as to rescue them from that disordered state into which they have been thrown, by the War; and to do which, is become indispensibly necessary for my support, whilst I remain on this stage of human action.\nThe sentiment of your last letter on this subject gave me great pleasure. I should indeed be pleased to see you undertake this business. Your abilities as a writer\u2014Your discernment respecting the principles which lead to the decision by Arms\u2014Your personal knowledge of many facts as they occurred, in the progress of the War\u2014Your disposition to justice, candour & impartiallity, and your diligence in investigating truth, combining, fits you, in the vigor of life, for this task. and I should with great pleasure not only give you the perusal of all my Papers, but any oral information of circumstances which cannot be obtained from the latter, that my memory will furnish. And I can with great truth add, that my House would not only be at your Service during the period of your preparing this work, but (and without an unmeaning compliment I say it) I shoud be exceedingly happy if you would make it your home. You might have an Apartment to yourself in which you could command your own time. You would be considered, & treated as one of the family. And would meet with that cordial reception & entertainment, which are characteristic of the sincerest friendship.\nTo reverberate European News would be idle; and we have little of a domestic kind worthy of attention. We have held treaties indeed with the Indians, but they were so unseasonably delayed that these people from our last accts from the Westward\nare in a discontented mood\u2014supposed by many to be instigated thereto by our late enemy\u2014now, to be sure, good & fast friends; who, from anything I can learn, under the indefinite expression of the treaty, hold, & seem resolved to retain, possession of our Western Posts. Congress have also\u2014after long & tedeous deliberation\u2014passed an Ordinance for laying of the Western territory into States, & for disposing of the Land; but in a manner, and on terms, which few people (in the Southern States) conceive can be accomplished. Both sides are sure, & the event is appealed to\u2014time must decide. It is to be regretted however, that local politics, & self interested views, obtrude themselves into every measure of public utility. But on such characters, be the obloquy\u2014My attention is more immediately engaged in a project which I think is big with great political, as well as Commercial consequences to these States, especially the middle ones. It is, by removing the obstructions\u2014and extending the inland Navigations of our Rivers, to bring the States on the Atlantic in close connection with those forming to the Westward, by a short & easy Land transportation. Without this is effected, I can readily conceive that the Western Settlers will have different views\u2014seperate interests\u2014and other connections.\nI may be singular in my ideas, but they are these, that to open the front door to, & make easy the way for those Settlers to the Westward (which ought to progress regularly & compactly) before we make any stir about the Navigation of the Mississipi, and before our settlements are far advanced towards that River would be our true line of policy. It can I think be demonstrated, that the produce of the Western territory (if the Navigations which are now in hand succeed, and of which I have no doubt) as low down the Ohio as the Great Kanhawa (I believe to the Falls) and between the parts above, & the Lakes, may be brought to the highest shipping Port either on this, or James River, at a less expence, with more ease (including the return) and in a much shorter time than it can be carried to New Orleans, if the Spaniards, instead of restrictions were to throw open their ports, & envite our trade\u2014But if the commerce of that Country shd embrace this channel, and connections be formed, experience has taught us (and there is a very recent one in proof, with Great Britain) how next to impracticable it is to divert it\u2014and if that shd be the case, the Atlantic States (especially as those to the\nWestward will, in a great degree, fill with foreigners) [will be no more to the present union,] except to excite\u2014perhaps with too much cause\u2014our fears than the Country of California, which is still more to the Westward, & belonging to another Power. Mrs Washington presents her compliments to you, and with every wish for your happiness I am\u2014My dear Humphreys Yr sincere friend and Affectionate Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0143", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 25 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy Dear Marquis,\nMount Vernon 25th July 1785.\nI have to acknowledge & thank you for your several favors of the 9th of February\u201419th of March & 16th of April, with their enclosures; all of which (the last only yesterday) have been received since I had the honor to address you in February.\nI stand before you as a Culprit; but to repent & be forgiven are the precepts of Heaven: I do the former\u2014do you practise the latter, & it will be participating of a divine attribute. Yet I am not barren of excuses for this seeming inattention; frequent absences from home\u2014a round of company when at it, & the pressure of many matters, might be urged as apologies for my long silence; but I disclaim all of them, & trust to the forbearance of friendship & your wonted indulgence: indeed so few things occur, in the line on which I now move, worthy of attention\u2014that this also might be added to the catalogue of my excuses; especially when I further add, that one of my letters, if it is to be estimated according to its length, would make three of yours.\nI now congratulate you, & my heart does it more effectually than my pen, on your safe arrival at Paris, from your voyage to this Country, & on the happy meeting with Madame la Fayette & your family in good health\u2014May the blessing of this long continue to them\u2014& may every day add increase of happiness to yourself. As the clouds which overspread your hemisphere are\ndispersing, & peace with all its concomitants is dawning upon your Land, I will banish the sound of War from my letter: I wish to see the sons & daughters of the world in Peace & busily employed in the more agreeable amusement, of fulfilling the first and great commandment\u2014Increase & Multiply: as an encouragement to which we have opened the fertile plains of the Ohio to the poor, the needy & the oppressed of the Earth; any one therefore who is heavy laden, or who wants land to cultivate, may repair thither & abound, as in the Land of promise, with milk & honey: the ways are preparing, & the roads will be made easy, thro\u2019 the channels of Potomac & James river.\nSpeaking of these navigations, I have the pleasure to inform you that the subscriptions, (especially for the first) at the surrender of the books, agreeably to the Act which I enclosed you in my last, exceeded my most sanguine expectation: for the latter, that is James river, no comparison of them has yet been made.\nOf the \u00a350,000 Sterlg required for the Potomac navigation, upwards of \u00a340,000, was subscribed before the middle of May, & encreasing fast. A President & four Directors, consisting of your hble Servant, Govrs Johnson & Lee of Maryland, & Colo. Fitzgerald & Gilpin of this State, were chosen to conduct the undertaking. The first dividend of the money was paid in on the 15th of this month; & the work is to be begun the first of next, in those parts which require least skill: leaving the more difficult \u2019till an Engineer of abilities & practical knowledge can be obtained; which reminds me of the question which I propounded to you in my last, on this subject, & on which I should be glad to learn your sentiments. This project, if it succeeds & of which I have no doubt, will bring the Atlantic States & the Western Territory into close connexion, & be productive of very extensive commercial & political consequences; the last of which gave the spur to my exertions, as I could foresee many, & great mischiefs which would naturally result from a separation\u2014& that a separation would inevitably take place, if the obstructions between the two Countries remained, & the navigation of the Mississippi should be made free.\nGreat Britain, in her commercial policy is acting the same unwise part, with respect to herself, which seems to have influenced all her Councils; & thereby is defeatg her own ends: the restriction of our trade, & her heavy imposts on the staple commodities\nof this Country, will I conceive, immediately produce powers in Congress to regulate the Trade of the Union; which, more than probably would not have been obtained without in half a century. The mercantile interests of the whole Union are endeavouring to effect this, & will no doubt succeed; they see the necessity of a controuling power, & the futility, indeed the absurdity, of each State\u2019s enacting Laws for this purpose independant of one another. This will be the case also, after a while, in all matters of common concern. It is to be regretted, I confess, that Democratical States must always feel before they can see: it is this that makes their Governments slow\u2014but the people will be right at last.\nCongress after long deliberation, have at length agreed upon a mode for disposing of the Lands of the United States in the Western territory\u2014it may be a good one, but it does not comport with my ideas. The ordinance is long, & I have none of them by me, or I would send one for your perusal. They seem in this instance, as in almost every other, to be surrendering the little power they have, to the States individually which gave it to them. Many think the price which they have fixed upon the Lands too high; and all to the Southward I believe, that disposing of them in Townships, & by square miles alternately, will be a great let to the sale: but experience, to which there is an appeal, must decide.\nSoon after I had written to you in Feby, Mr Jefferson, & after him Mr Carmichael informed me that in consequence of an application from Mr Harrison for permission to export a Jack for me from Spain, his Catholic Majesty had ordered two of the first race in his Kingdom (lest an accident might happen to one) to be purchased and presented to me as a mark of his esteem. Such an instance of condescension & attention from a crowned head is very flattering, and lays me under great obligation to the King; but neither of them is yet arrived: these I presume are the two mentioned in your favor of the 16th of April; one as having been shipped from Cadiz\u2014the other as expected from the Isle of Malta, which you would forward. As they have been purchased since December last, I began to be apprehensive of accidents; which I wish may not be the case with respect to the one from Cadiz, if he was actually shipped at the time of your account: should the other pass thro\u2019 your hands you cannot oblige me\nmore, than by requiring the greatest care, & most particular attention to be paid to him. I have long endeavoured to procure one of a good size & breed, but had little expectation of receiving two as a royal gift.\nI am much obliged to you My dear Marquis, for your attention to the Hounds, & not less sorry that you should have met the smallest difficulty, or experienced the least trouble in obtaining them: I was no way anxious about these, consequently should have felt no regret, or sustained no loss if you had not succeeded in your application. I have commissioned three or four persons (among whom Colo. Marshall is one) to procure for me in Kentucke, for the use of the Kings Garden\u2019s at Versailles or elsewhere, the seeds mentioned in the list you sent me from New York, & such others as are curious, & will forward them as soon as they come to my hands; whch cannot be \u2019till after the growing Crop has given its seeds.\nMy best wishes will accompany you to Potsdam, & into the Austrian Dominions whenever you set out upon that tour. As an unobserved spectator, I should like to take a peep at the troops of those Monarch\u2019s at their man\u0153uverings upon a grand field day; but as it is among the unattainable things, my philosophy shall supply the place of curiosity, & set my mind at ease.\nIn your favor of the 19th of March you speak of letters which were sent by a Mr Williams; but none such have come to hand. The present for the little folks did not arrive by Mr Ridouts Ship as you expected; to what cause owing I know not. Mrs Washington has but indifferent health; & the late loss of her Mother, & only brother Mr Barthw Dandridge (one of the Judges of our supreme Court) has rather added to her indisposition. My mother & friends enjoy good health\u2014George has returned after his peregrination thro\u2019 the West Indies, to Burmuda, the Bahama Islands, & Charlestown; at the last place he spent the winter. He is in better health than when he set out, but not quite recovered: He is now on a journey to the Sweet Springs, to procure a stock sufficient to fit him for a matrimonial voyage in the Frigate F. Bassett, on board which he means to embark at his return in October: how far his case is desperate, I leave you to judge\u2014if it is so, the remedy however pleasing at first, will certainly be violent.\nThe latter end of April I had the pleasure to receive in good\norder, by a Ship from London, the picture of your self, Madame la Fayette & the children, which I consider as an invaluable present, & shall give it the best place in my House. Mrs Washington joins me in respectful compliments, & in every good wish for Madame de la Fayette, yourself & family; all the others who have come under your kind notice present their compliments to you. For myself, I can only repeat the sincere attachment, & unbounded affection of My Dr Marqs &c. &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0144", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 26 July 1785\nFrom: White, Alexander\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nWoodville 26 July 1785\nI had the honour of your Excellencys letter 16th instant enclosing Mr Frauncis\u2019s which I have answered by this Post\u2014As your Excellency has no knowledge of Mr Frauncis\u2019s demand it would be impertement in me to trouble you with my opinion of it\u2014I can only say, that I am anxious to discharge every just debt,\nand that your Excellencys Countenance afforded to Mr Frauncis will induce me to pay particular attention to his Claim\u2014I spent a Month last Winter adjusting the Affairs of General Lees Estate with Congress and Mr Morris, and put things in such a train that, I hoped, as soon as our dispatches should arrive in England to be enabled to draw mony sufficient to discharge all his debts but his debters\u2019 cavil at the Powers sent, and refuse payment\u2014Other Writings have been drawn there, and transmitted to Mr Morris for him and me to execute, he writes me they are arrived, and that he is waiting an opportunity to send them to me, and that if one does not soon offer he will send an Express[.] I hope on their return Matters in England will be agreeably adjusted though Miss Lee in a Letter of 23d March seems of a different opinion, and thinks nothing will be paid till it is recovered by Law\u2014I have wrote her most pressingly, if that should be the Case to advance \u00a3600 Sterg to enable me to pay the many small debts which remain unpaid to the disgrace of the Generals memory. I hope she will comply\u2014I am really anxious to discharge all his debts. as soon as it is in my Power I shall give notice to his Crediters in general, and particularly to your Excellency, and am with Sentiments of the highest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obt Servt\nAlexr White", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0145", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 26 July 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Williams, Otho Holland\nLetter not found: to Otho Holland Williams, 26 July. On 15 Aug. Williams wrote to GW and referred to \u201cYour Letter dated Mount Vernon July 26th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0146", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 27 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir:\nMount Vernon, July 27, 1785.\nYour letter of the 5th. came duly to hand, and should have been acknowledged sooner, if it had been in my power, conveniently. I thank you for your attention to the Certificates which\nI committed to your care; and will obtain an order from Gilbert Simpson, by which the Interest may be received. This money is all I am likely to get for a Mill which he ran me to the Expence of \u00a31200 hard money to build, near Yohiogany, now tumbling down, and for which I can not get a farthing, rent. If Mr. Stelle has the cover, in which the Certificates were wrapped, I should be glad to have it returned to me, or, if there is any thing within, useful to him, a Copy of the memn. on the back of it. It is the only minutes I took of the different Interests in the Certificates, it enclosed.\nSince your last conference with Messrs Dunlap & Claypool, their Advertiser has come to hand regularly. I am content therefore to have it continued.\nAs you think my small Commissions will not give you more trouble than they are worth, I shall, when I find occasion, continue them with pleasure.\nWe expect to begin our operations on the Potomack Navigation about the 6th of next Month, under the Management of a Mr James Rumsey. If the Miners therefore, who have been accustomed to the blowing of Rocks under Water, are desirous of employment in this way, and are not extravagant in their demands, I am persuaded he would hire them, were they to apply to him, either at the Seneca falls, or the Falls of Shannondoah; neither of which are far from Frederick Town in Maryland, or, if they think the distance too great to come on an uncertainty if through you, they will communicate to me their lowest terms, I will see that an answer to them is obtained. Mrs. Washington joins me in compliments to, and best wishes for you, Mrs. Biddle and the family and I am, etc.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0148", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 28 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir,\nMount Vernon 28th July 1785.\nA few days ago by a Mr Hickman, who either is, or wants to be a tenant of mine in Frederick County\u2014I sent you a dozen blank Leases. The tract on which he says he is fixed, is part of two Lots which I purchased at the sale of Colo. George Mercer\u2019s Estate, in the year 1774; a plat of which I send you, that the whole may be arranged into four tenements\u2014as conveniently disposed as water &c. will admit.\nIn September last, whilst I was at my brothers in Berkeley, many persons applied for this Land; but from causes which then existed I came to no positive agreement with any; refering them to Mr Snickers, who was so kind as to promise that he would fix matters for me (as I was in a hurry & could not go upon the Land myself) on the terms which, if I recollect right, I gave him in a letter. Some time after, two men of the name of Winzer & Beaven, with the letter enclosed from Mr Snickers, came here, & were told that I would comply with whatever agreement was made with them by him. Among other things they said Mr Snickers had promised them Leases for fourteen years; this I observed could not, in my opinion, be the case, because I had expressly named ten years (the term for which Mr Burwell let his Lands adjoining)\u2014but notwithstanding if the case was so, & Mr Snickers would declare it, the Leases should be filled up accordingly: this I repeat\u2014& as far as the matter respects Winzer, for it seems Beaven has changed his mind, the other conditions\nendorsed on the back of Mr Snickers\u2019s letter to me, are to be granted him; he paying all the taxes wch may be laid on the Land he holds. However, as filling up one Lease may be a guide with respect to the others, I enclose one in the name of Winzer, with the blanks as completely filled as I can do it under my uncertainty with respect to the term of years for which he is to have it, and which is to be determined by Mr Snickers; & for want of the quantity of acres in, & a description of the Lot which he is to have.\nThere are already three Tenants on this tract, to whom you may fill up Leases on the same terms which I have done for Winzer; & whenever they will bring evidences to prove them, I will sign them. As Beaven has declined taking the Lot which he agreed for first with Mr Snickers & afterwards with me, you may let it to any good tenant who offers, upon the terms on which the others are held. The three now engaged will have rents to pay thereon the first of next January. It will be necessary to take an Assignment of Mr Whitings Lease, before one can be made to Mr Airess; or some instrument of writing by which it will be cancelled, in order to render the new one valid; and I hope payment of the money due on the replevy Bonds of the former, will not be delayed longer than the time mentioned in your last letter\u2014viz.\u2014September.\nHaving got a Gentleman to assist me in my business, I hope shortly to have my Accots so arranged as to be able to send you a rental of what is due to me in Loudoun, Fauquier & Berkeley Counties. I have a Lot in the town & common of Winchester, of which, when you have occasion to go thither, I beg you to enquire into the state & condition, & give me information of what can be made of them: the one in the Town, I believe a Doctr McKay has something to do with.\nI would be obliged to you for enquiring of Mr Wormley\u2019s manager, if he has any good red clover seed for sale\u2014what quantity & the price thereof\u2014& let me know the result by the first conveyance to Alexandria. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0149", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond July 29. 1785.\nYour favor of the 23d instant came duly to hand. But I am sorry to be unable to execute the request contained in it. The council-books are destroyed.\nThe general restriction of settlement on the western waters does, I acknowledge, extend to military rights, as well others. But it continues only, until the King\u2019s further pleasure should be known. The patent in your hands is abundant evidence, in my judgment, of his further pleasure having removed the restriction from military rights. For would a governor oppose a proclamation, without special instructions? How could an individual procure a copy of any instruction without his permission, and who can tell, that the governor has ever deposited that instruction in any of the public archives? So that to require a copy of the instruction, which wiped away the effects of the proclamation, might amount to the requiring of an impossibility.\nIt will not be amiss to obtain the certificate you mention; supported by the seal of the state. But I cannot any where procure it. Should you be able to obtain it, Mr A. Blair, the clerk of the council, will immediately authenticate it. I mention him, that you may not be disappointed by writing to me on the subject as to morrow I leave Richmond for the neighbourhood of Winchester. If I can be of any farther use to you in this matter, I pray you, my dear sir, to command me freely; as I feel the most unfeigned satisfaction in subscribing myself yr affectionate friend & servt\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0150", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Brereton, 30 July 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Brereton, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Thomas Brereton, 30 July 1785. On 12 April 1786 Brereton wrote GW: \u201cI had the Honor to Address your Excelency the 30th of July last.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0151", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon July 30th 1785.\nAltho\u2019 it is not my intention to derive any pecuniary advantage from the generous vote of the Assembly of this State, consequent of its gratuitous gift of fifty shares in each of the navigations of the rivers Potomac and James; yet, as I consider these undertakings as of vast political & commercial importance to the States on the Atlantic, especially to those nearest the centre of the Union, & adjoining the Western Territory, I can let no act of mine impede the progress of the work: I have therefore come to the determination to hold the shares which the Treasurer was directed to subscribe on my account, in trust for the use & benefit of the public; unless I shall be able to discover, before the meeting of the Assembly, that it would be agreeable to it to have the product of the Tolls arising from these shares, applied as a fund on which to establish two Charity schools, one on each river, for the Education & support of the Children of the poor & indigent of this Country who cannot afford to give it; particularly the children of those men of this description, who have fallen in defence of the rights & liberties of it. If the plans succeed, of which I have no doubt, I am sure it will be a very productive\n& encreasing fund, & the monies thus applied will be a beneficial institu[tio]n.\nI am aware that my non-acceptance of these shares will have various motives ascribed to it, among which an ostentatious display of disinterestedness\u2014perhaps the charge of disrespect or slight of the favors of my Country, may lead the van: but under a consciousness that my conduct herein is not influenced by considerations of this nature\u2014& that I shall act more agreeably to my own feelings, & more consistent with my early declarations, by declining to accept them; I shall not only hope for indulgence, but a favorable interpretation of my conduct: my friends, I persuade myself, will acquit me, the World I hope will judge charitably.\nPerceiving by the Advertisement of Messrs Cabell, Buchanan and Southall that half the sum required by the Act, for opening & extending the navigation of James river, is subscribed; & the 20th of next month appointed for the subscribers to meet at Richmond, I take the liberty, of giving a power to act for me on that occasion. I would (having the accomplishment of these navigations much at heart) have attended in person; but, the President and Directors of the Potomac Company by their own appointment, are to commence the survey of this river in the early part of next month; for which purpose I shall leave home tomorrow. Besides which, if the Ejectments which I have been obliged to bring for my Land in Pennsylva. are to be tried at the September Term, as Mr Smith, my Lawyer, conceived they would, & is to inform me\u2014I shall find it necessary I fear, to attend the trial; an intermediate journey therefore, in addition, to Richmond would be impracticable for me to accomplish. I am Sir &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0152", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Noah Webster, 30 July 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Webster, Noah\nSir,\nMount Vernon July 30th 1785.\nI received your letter of the 19th Instt.\nBeing convinced from the respectable characters whose names are prefixed to your Gramatical Institute, as well as from the cursory examination I have had it in my power to bestow on the Books, of the judicious execution, and usefulness of the Work; it would give me pleasure if I could be instrumental, in any degree, towards the introduction of it to public notice. But I am a little at a loss, from the purport of your letter, to decide, whether it is your desire that my name should appear amongst those who have already subscribed to the utility of the Work; or, by introducing its Author to some of the first characters in the Southern States (under the favourable impression he has made upon me) to act more remotely. If the first is meant, I wish to decline it; because I have not leizure to examine the Institute with that attention which ought, always, to precede a certificate\u2014and because I do not think myself a competent judge, if I had. But if the other is your object, I shall have great pleasure in giving you Letters of recommendation to some of the first Gentlemen of my Acquaintance in Charleston, or elsewhere\u2014being Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0153", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 August 1785\nFrom: McHenry, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sir.\nNew York 1st Augt 1785.\nWhilst the Marquiss de la Fayette was on his late visit to this country he suggested to me that if I could recollect the train of his military proceedings and commit them to paper, that you would send them to Doctor Gordon who is engaged in writing a history of the revolution; at least so I understood him on this occasion, for the subject being delicate I did not seek explanation. My desire that the military and patriotic proceedings of the Marquiss may be truely stated by the Doctor has been a further inducement with me to execute his wish notwithstanding it interferd with my other avocations. I have therefore comprehended in the inclosed sketch every material feature of that noblemans history, so far as the same is connected with our revolution, which I hope you will introduce to Doctor Gordon in such a manner as may render it of utility to his undertaking. It is incumbent upon history to render her aid in paying a debt to those characters which America cannot pay.\nThe Marquiss writes by every packet such information as he thinks may be of service to the union, and frequently tells congress what they do not hear from any other quarter, and does them acts of Kindness which no other person could do them. The court of France (through his mediation I imagine) has ordered their charge des affairs to withdraw the demand made some time since for the surrendrg of Lonchamp, which relieves Congress from much serious embarrassment. Yet one can see that the French court is not pleased, and hence, that we are not likely very soon to have a French minister\u2014unless Congress do something more than what has been done to satisfy the insult.\nSince I have entered upon Congressional politics I must take the liberty to detain you a little Longer. Congress have had it under consideration to recommend to the several States to vest them with the power of regulating the trade of the States as well with each other as with foriegn nations. This power to constitute a part of the confederation and to be exercised by nine states in Congress assembled. Its object to enable Congress to lay as heavy duties and restrictions upon the trade of foreign nations, as foreign nations lay upon the trade of the United States. I apprehend that both the genius and interest of the Southern States\nwill be found to be opposed to granting this power. I believe the Eastern States New York & Pennsylvania are exceedingly anxious for it; but I do not wonder at their anxiety to obtain a monopoly of the carrying trade of the union. What would be the consequence to the Southern States in particular were foreign vessels to be prevented from exporting their products. They would for example having only American vessels to carry off their commodities of export, have fewer purchasers for them, hence their prices would be unavoidably lowered. They would also have less foreign goods imported, which would oblige the consumers to pay dearer for what they must buy. It would seem therefore to be good policy in the Southern States to encourage the number of buyers for what they have to sell, and the number of importers of those articles they must buy, till they become as well peopled as the Eastern States, when a naval defence will be easily established, or come of itself without the aid of restrictions. In the mean while however it may be said, that we ought to lay the foundation for a marine, and therefore ought to begin by discouraging foriegn shipping and encouraging our own, for that the riches arising from buying what we want cheap and selling what we raise dear will avail us nothing without a navy to protect them. But is it true that a navy is at present necessary, and if necessary is it true that our people could go to the expence of supporting it? Would it be right to add to our present burthens; can we pay our present debts? Are we in a situation to enter into a war of imposts and prohibitions to force Great Britain or France to open to our shipping their west Indian possessions? Have we shipping enough to carry on our exports and imports? When Great Britain passed the navigation act she had in her harbours more than a sufficient number of vessels for her own trade. Great Britain too, was well peopled at that period and the capital of her traders equal to the exportation and purchase of her products. But our situation is different in both respects, and yet it is said we ought to force a navy\u2014that we ought to prohibit British ships from exporting our products.\nPerhaps the point of true policy lays between forcing the growth of our shipping and doing nothing that may forward their increase. Perhaps the Southern States should give up something, and the other States should not ask every thing.\nWere Congress under the latter idea to frame a navigation act, the operation of which would gradually and slowly tend to augment the seamen and shipping of the States without sensibly wounding in its progress the interests of any State, and recommend the same to their adoption, is it not highly probable in such a case that the good sense of the States would readily induce them to come into the measure. Upon this plan they would see what they were to give\u2014that it could not hurt them\u2014and that it might work a general benefit. They could repeal it too, if it was found to hurt them, which alone would be a great inducement with some states to pass it.\nYou will excuse me for being thus particular: but the subject is among the most interesting and that lead me to it, well knowing that although you have withdrawn yourself from all public employments, yet that there is nothing so near your heart as the public welfare. With respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and ardent wishes for your health I am Dr Sir very sincerely Your ob. St\nJames McHenry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0154", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 1 August 1785\nFrom: Morris, Gouverneur\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Genl\nPhiladelphia 1 Augt 1785\nI write this Letter as a Companion for some Shoes of Miss Bassett and if it is addressed to you rather than to her you must for that Trouble as well as many others accuse that Celebrity\nwhich you had no little Trouble in acquiring. But you must tell the Lady that I am far from thinking that she ought not be as much celebrated as any General among you. Indeed between ourselves I think she will probably be entitled to the civic Crown as soon as the Modes and Forms of the World will permit a free Use of the Means. Not perhaps like a roman Soldier for a Citizen saved but like a good American Wife for a Citizen born. That this Praise may be speedily and frequently carried and long enjoyed is my sincere Wish and I know not of any better Epithalamium tho I have read some more pleasant.\nSince I arrived at this Place I have heard of a Person who it was thought would suit you and I desired to see him and his Letters recommendatory &ca since which I have heard nothing more of him. Adieu[.] Present me in all proper Respect to Mrs Washington and beleive me ever yours\nGouvr Morris", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0155", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Bailey, 2 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Bailey, William\nSir,\nGeorge town [Md.] 2d Augt 1785\nBy a letter which I lately received from Mr Stoddert, I am informed that you had agreed to supply my Nephews George & Lawrence Washington with such articles from your Store as their necessities might require. For which I thank you, & I have no doubt of your doing it upon good terms: the amount of which I hope will always be ready when called for. But I have to beg Sir, that they may not be endulged in any extravagance, or with any thing improper\u2014school boys of their size, & growing, should have decent, but not expensive things; their inclinations too often prompt them to the latter, which grows upon them in\nproportion as they are indulged: nor should they have pocket money given them, unless the necessity is apparent & the application approved of.\nAny Advance for Dancing, French &a which may be directed by their Tutor Mr Balch, will be chearfully repaid. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0156", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Lowry, 2 August 1785\nFrom: Lowry, John\nTo: Washington, George\nMay it please your Excellency\nBack River 2d Augt 1785\nI once had the Honour of an Acquaintance with your Excellency which emboldens me at this Time to crave your Attention & Advice\u2014Mr Tarte & myself have Land Warrents to a considerable Amount, am informed that on the Dismal Swamp there remains a large Tract not as yet taken up[.] as your Excellency is the first of that Company that has large Possessions there beg the favour of You to inform me by Mr Tarte the Bearer of this\u2014whether there is any Land not located and if we claim in Time under our Warrents the Right & Title would stand good\u2014we wish not to injure or disturb the Right of any Person, but if any vacant Land[,] we wish with your Excellency\u2019s Approbation to make our Survey theref[.] if You would condescend to honour me with a Line should esteem it a great Obligation\u2014my Compliments to your good Lady & remain Your Excellencys mo. obedt & Hble Servt\nJohn Lowry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0158", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Solms, 4 August 1785\nFrom: Solms und Tecklenberg, Friedrich Christoph, Graf zu\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nde la Fortresse de Konigstein en Saxe 4 Augt 1785\nI owe you this Satisfaction the more Complete, that I have tried it for a long time My General, & My Heroe I have Just Received your Picture, & I am entirely taken up to give it a Sufficient embellishment by Placing it between the King of Prussia, & his Illustrious Brother Henry. You See, that this is a Trio very Harmonical, I would willingly have thank\u2019d you for your great Complaisance, but I dare not, as I Could not have express\u2019d myself in Writing in Proportion to the thanks that is due. It must be that the Picture resembles, for I regard it, as the greatest Ornament of my Fortress. I Shew it to all the Strangers, amongst whome Some are French & Some are English, many have had the Happiness of Being acquainted with you. I am with the Greatest Respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt Servt\nLe Comte de Solme\nI must yet inform you, that for to Complete my Happiness the Picture of your Excellency arrived in Saxe upon my Birth Day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0159", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Harvie, 5 August 1785\nFrom: Harvie, John\nTo: Washington, George\nDr Sr\nLand Office [Richmond] Augt 5th 1785\nThe Attorney General directed the mode of Entering your Caveat against the Heirs and Devises of Michael Cresup decd on their Survey upon your tract of Land call\u2019d the Round Bottom. and I now Inclose you a Summons from the Clk of the General Court which you will be pleas\u2019d to forward to the Sherif of the County where any of the Divisees reside\u2014& if they live out of the State, I should think that the Sherif of the County where the Land Lyes will be the proper Officer to make the Return of their not being Inhabitants, upon which Return the process will be by proclamation published in the papers\u2014The names\u2019 of the Divisees I believe are Luther Martin & Mary his wife, Elizabeth Cresap & Sarah Cresap which had titles be Inclos\u2019d\non the Back of the Summmons for the Information of the Sherif. I have the Honour to be Sir Yr most obt H. servt\nJno. Harvie\nNote[:] I am told it is \u27e8illegible\u27e9 of the General Court to Dismiss Summon\u2019s upon caveat unless this Summons is Return\u2019d to their Clks office by the 6th Day of the terms\u2014yet if the Summons come dureing their Sitting the Cause will be Reinstated. Since Writeing this Letter I have seen the clk of the General Court & have got him to Insert the names of Divisees in the Summons. J.H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0161", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 August 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nThe rocks August 8. 1785.\nBeing so near you, as I understand myself to be, I should certainly have endeavoured to pay my respects to you today in person, were it not for the fatigue, which I have lately undergone in travelling hither.\nA business, similar to that, in which you are now engaged, will oblige me to return to Richmond by the 20th instant. The subscribers to the opening of James river are then to meet. I was desired by several of them to learn, if possible, whether you would have any objection to be our president. It is not expected, that you should undertake any troublesome part; but we wish to be considered, as having your particular patronage.\nI hope that before this you are well prepared against your adversaries at Fort Pitt. If I can do anything farther on my return, I beg you to command me. I am Dear sir with the sincerest regard yr obliged friend & serv:\nEdmd Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0163", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Sedwick, 8 August 1785\nFrom: Sedwick, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nAugust the 8th 1785\nMy Father Benjamin Sedwick Deceased Purchased at the Sale of Mr Mercers Land one of the Lots and gave his Bond with Capt. Brady his Surety to yourself and the other Trustees for the Purchase Money taking a Bond for the Conveyance.\nAfterwards my Father in 1776 Sold the Land to Edward Snickers who by Agreement was to pay of the bond as a part of the Price. Mr Snickers in 1779 or 1780, Paid of the Bond in your Absence to Mr Lun Washington and obtained the Bond, and though he has had the Land in possession ever Since 1776, he has now brought A Suit in your Name, I dare say without your knowledge, on my Fathers Bond against his Executors and Security\u2014Mr Jones the Attorney for the Executors of whom I am one, has advised me to request A Certificate from you that you did not order the Suit, and Says on its being obtained there will be and end of it, otherwise that we shall be oblige to go into a troublesome and Expensive Chancery Suit, to avoid which Sr I Trouble you with my earnest request that you will be Pleased to give me Something from under your hand to the effect of what Mr Jones recommended which will very much oblige Your Most Obedt Hble Servt\nJohn Sedwick", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0164", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Sedwick, 8 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Sedwick, John\nSir,\nFalls of Shannondoah 8th Augt 1785.\nIn answer to your letter of this date, I think I may venture to assure you that no writ has issued by my order, or under my authority, against the Executors & Security of your deceased Father, for the amount of a Bond passed by him to Colo. Tayloe & myself, as Attornies for Colo. George Mercer & his Mortgagers, in England.\nThe high Court of Chancery of this Commonwealth decreed (I do not at this moment recollect when) that the Bonds, & other papers which were in my possession relative to this business (as my situation did not admit of my acting, & as I had refused to do so)\u2014should be given up to John Mercer Esqr.\u2014which was accordingly done.\nIf under this Decree such of the Bonds as were made payable to the Attornies aforesaid have been put in Suit in my name as the surviving Attorney; I presume it is a matter of course: but how a Bond which you say has been discharged, & not among the papers which were surrendered, should be under this predicament, I am not able to inform you. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0165", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Cochran, 9 August 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Cochran, John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Cochran, 9 August. GW wrote John Cochran on 31 Aug.: \u201cYour favor of the 9th . . . came safely a few days ago.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0167", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 13 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 13th Augt 1785.\nAt the time your letter from the Rocks was delivered to me, I had neither pen, ink, paper, or a table to write on at command; consequently could only verbally acknowledge the receipt of it, which I did by Mr Wormley: since my return home I have met your other favor of the 29th Ulto.\nThe great object, for the accomplishment of which I wish to see the inland navigation of the Rivers Potomac & James improved & extended, is to connect the Western Territory with the Atlantic States; all others, with me, are secondary: tho\u2019 I am clearly of opinion that it will greatly increase our Commerce, & be an immense saving, in the article of transportation, & draft Cattle, to the Planters & Farmers who are in a situation to have the produce of their labor water borne.\nThese being my sentiments, I wish to see the undertaking progress equally in both rivers; & but for my local situation, & numerous avocations, my attention to each should be alike: what little I do for the advancement of the enterprize in this river, is done, as it were en passant; and because I think the difficulties greater than in the other\u2014& not because I give it the preference\u2014For both in my opinion have their advantages, without much, if any interference with each other. The advantages arising from my patronage of either, is probably more ideal than real; but such as they are, I wish them to be thought equally\ndistributed: my contribtion to the works shall be the same\u2014I have already subscribed five shares to the Potomac navigation; & enclosed I give you a power to put my name down for five shares, to that of James river.\nWith respect to acting as President to the Board of Directors for that Company, it is a delicate subject for me to speak to: every person who knows how much my time (by company & other matters) is occupied, must also know that it would be impossible for me to discharge the duties of the Office, as they should be: even here, where the business for the most part is, & will continue to be done at Alexandria, or George-town (eight miles further from me), it was so evident to me that I could not perform the duties of President with that diligence and propriety which I thought necessary, that I wished to decline it, but could not get excused: How much more would this be the case with James river, where the journey to it alone would be a work of time & labour: & besides, let it not be forgotten my Dr Sir, that tho\u2019 some of the Subscribers may wish to see me at the head of the Board of Directors; yet there may be others who would feel disappointed & hurt if they are overlooked, and this might have an influence on their connexions. I mention these things to you with the candour & frankness of a friend, & under the rose; after which your own judgment & those of your friends, must dictate for the best. I am persuaded all of us have the same object in view, & what ever shall be deemed, by the concurrent voice of the subscribers, the best means to effect it, shall meet my hearty approbation.\nMy last letter was written to you in such haste, that I apprehend I was not sufficiently explicit to be understood. It was not my intention to apply for a copy of the Governor\u2019s instructions releasing him from the restriction of the Kings Proclamation; but for the Order of Council consequent thereof, directing or permitting Warrants to issue on military rights, agreeably thereto: because if the date of this order had been found to be antecedent to the occupancy of my Adversaries; it would remove them from their grand Fort\u2014for on possession, before I took any legal steps\u2014I know they mean to place their sole defence. The Patent, & thousands of Warrants are evidences that the restriction respecting military settlers was taken off; but they do not ascertain the time. My Patent, if I recollect right, was dated in\nJuly 1774; but the Occupants, according to their own accounts, possessed the Land in the Octobr preceeding; if therefore I could have obtained a Certificate of the loss of the Council Books; & any circumstance could have been recollected by which it should appear (as unquestionably the fact is) that the recognition of military rights was previous to October 1773, & so intimated in the Certificate aforesaid; it would have been useful: Without this indeed, the matter is so clear, in my judgment, as not to admit of dispute before an impartial Jury; but an impartial Jury I do not expect\u2014& much less since I have heard that the high Sheriff of the County (lately chosen) is of the fraternity of my competitors, & interested in the decision, so far at least as similar circumstances, & the suffrages of these people in his election, can bias him. Indeed I have lately been told that the decision of this case will be interesting to numbers whose rights are disputed on similar grounds. I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0168", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Thomas, 13 August 1785\nFrom: Thomas, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nHond Sir\nCharleston So. Carolina 13th Augst 1785\nHaving received the enclosed Letter this day from England, have taken the first opportunity of transmitting it to your Excellency.\nAs the affair has lain dormant so long, it may be some time before it can be properly adjusted; but it appears by this as well as other letters I have received, that this Edmund Richards (of the County of Cornwall) is the right Heir to the Estate of Richd\nRichards Esqr. who died in Virginia eighteen years ago. A Copy of the Will I find has been sent by Lawyer Hains to Lawyer Britton of Cullumpton in Devonshire, but he has been dead many years, & the copy cannot be found, so the matter must be left entirely to your Excellency\u2019s directions.\nI shall esteem it an unbounded favor to have a copy of the Will, together with other particulars for the information of Mr Richards, who has appointed me to act the same as he could do, was he present.\nThe situation of my Affairs in this City will not permit me to wait immediately on your Excellency in Person, but if the least matter will remain unsettled thro\u2019 my non attendance, Your Goodness will be pleased to inform me, & I will repair to Virginia with all speed.\nI hope your Excellency will be kind enough to interest yourself in this important affair, & whatever directions may be necessary for Mr Richards, by transmitting them to me at Doctor Neufville\u2019s No. 108 Broad Street will be conveyed to him with all possible dispatch. I have the Honor to be with profound respect Hond Sir Your Excellency\u2019s Obedt Humble Servt\nRichd Thomas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0170", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 16 August 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonorable Sir,\nBerkely C[ount]y Augt 16th 1785\nYour Favour dated the 28th of Last month I receiv\u2019d the 10th of this month\u2014I shall be Very Attentive to your Requisitions\u2014I shall Visit your Frederick Lands the Last of this week and will make my self acquainted with Every thing necessary\u2014and will do what may be needfull as fare as is in my Power\u2014I shall Call on Mr Whiteing for a writeing to Cancel His Lease. I expect to be In Winchester the Last of this Month\u2014then will Inquire after your Possessions their. Mr James Crane Sheriff of this County has Promised to Pay the money due by Mr Whiteing Next Month\u2014should he Fail I shall Execute Mr Whiteing and will Endeavour to recover the Money as speedily as Possable after September Berkeley Court the Time apointed for Mr Crane To raise the money\u2014after the Money falls into my hands it shall be at Mount Vernon within Ten days.\nThe day after I receiv\u2019d your Letter I sent to Mr Wormleys Manager In consequence of the Clover Seed\u2014and as I Found that many People had applyed for seed and but four bushels to spare I have Engaged that Quantity at \u00a34 P. bushel\u2014the single bushel at \u00a35\u2014should you have Ocation for any\u2014you may have the Hole or any Part. should you not want it I can dispose of it. the seed appears to be good\u2014I shall have about 2,000 bushels of good wheat for sale this next fall and winter\u2014should you Purchase for your Mill I shall be oblige to you to inform me the price you give\u2014My Crops of Wheat are Generally of the first Quality and Command the Highest price.\nI shall Visit Colo. Fairfaxes Estate at Belvoir in October\u2014should you be at Home I shall Call on you for your Commands. Please write to me by the first Post adviseing respecting the Clover seed\u2014the Post receives letters for me at the Printing Office. I am sir your Obedient Humble Servant.\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0171", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 16 August 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Battaile Muse, 16 Aug. GW wrote Muse on 22 Aug.: \u201cBoth your letters of the 16th have come safe.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0172", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 17th Augt 1785\nYour letter of the 8th came safely by last Post\u2014I will, the first time I go to Alexandria, get an order from Colo. Hooe, Mr Hartshorne, or some other who has dealings in Philadelphia (for I have none, & know of no direct and safe opportunity of sending Money) to the amount of the Sum which you have lately paid on my Acct to Mr Boudinot.\nThe inclosed is to Edward (I do not know his Surname) who formerly lived with Mr R. Morris, but now, I am informed, keeps the City Tavern, to see if he can be instrumental in procuring me a House keeper. I beg you to be so obliging as to direct, deliver, and consult him on the contents of the letter, which is left open for your perusal, & return me an answr as soon as possible.\nThe Man who at present lives with me in the capacity of a Housekeeper (and is a very good one) is bound for the port of Matrimony, and will, after 4 or 5 Weeks which he has agreed to stay, leave me in a very disagreeable Situation if I cannot get supplied in the meanwhile\u2014I give him \u00a325 this Curry pr Ann. & a suit of Clothes which cannt be less than Seven pounds more\u2014these, with the difference of Exchange, will be equal to abt\n\u00a340 pensa Cury. This Sum I am willing to give to Man, or Woman (the former I would prefer) of good character, & really knowing and competent to my purposes.\nI have seen an Advertisement in some of the Philadelphia Papers of an Office for this kind of business, but however good it may be as a channel for enquiry I would not depend upon it, without other testimonials respecting the character & abilites of an applicant for the final adoption. Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for yourself, and Mrs Biddle & family. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Ser\u27e8vt\u27e9\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the foregoing, I have met with, and now inclose you, a bank note for 30 dollars; which please to receive, and carry to my credit. Yr &c. G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0173", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Ogle, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ogle, Benjamin\nSir,\nMt Vernon 17th Augt 1785.\nThe enclosed from Mr Dulaney did not come to my hands (being from home) until sunday last. I thank you for your obliging offer of two or three Fawns; but presuming the season is now too far advanced either to catch or gentle them, I will not send before I hear further from you on this subject.\nIf it is too late to obtain them this year, I would thank you for the like number next Spring; by which time I shall have a proper inclosure for them, & for the Deer of this Country, of which I am also endeavouring to procure a stock to breed from. With compliments to Mrs Ogle, I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0174", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 17th Augt 1785\nThe Baltimore Advertiser of the 12th Instt announces the arrival of a Ship at that Port, immediately from China\u2014and by an advertisement in the same Paper, I perceive that the Cargo is to be sold by public vendue, on the first of Octr next.\nAt what prices the enumerated Articles will sell\u2014or the terms proposed\u2014can only be known from the experiment; but if the quantity at Market is great, and they should sell as goods have sold by vendue, bargains may be expected. I therefore take the liberty of requesting the favor of you, in that case, to purchase the several things contained in the inclosed list.\nYou will readily perceive, My dear Sir my purchasing, or not, depends entirely upon the prices. If great bargains are to be had, I would supply myself agreeably to the list. If the prices do not fall below a cheap retail Sale, I would decline them altogether, or take such articles only (if cheaper than common) as are marked in the Margin of the Invoice.\nBefore October, if none of these Goods are previously sold, and if they are the matter will be ascertained thereby, you will be able to form a judgment of the prices they will command by vendue. Upon information of which, I will deposit the money in your hands to comply with the terms of the Sale.\nSince I began this letter, I have been informed that good India Nankeens are selling (at Dumfries not far from me) at 7/6 a ps. this Curry\u2014But if my memory has not failed me, I used to import them before the war for about 5/ Sterlg. If so, though 50 prCt is a small advance upon India Goods, through a British Channel, (with the duties & accumulated charges thereon) yet, qu\u00e6re, would not 7/6 be a high price for Nankeens brought immediately from India, exempted from such duties & Charges? If this is a conjecture founded in fairness, it will give my ideas of the prices of other Articles from that Country; & be a government for your conduct therein, at, or before the day appointed for the public vendue. with the highest esteem and regard I am\u2014Dr Sir Yr Affecte friend and Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0175", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Marsden Pintard, 19 August 1785\nFrom: Pintard, John Marsden\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nMadeira 19th August 1785.\nYour Excellency will be Pleased to Pardon the liberty I now take in beging your acceptance of the only rarity the Island at present affords. altho I have not the Honor of being Personaly known to your Excellency nevertheless Some of my family have been So fortunate as to meet with your approbation, I mean my father Lewis Pintard Who was agent for our Unfortunate Prisoners in New york during Part of the war. I at that time was with him as an assistant and Scince the peace Have been appointed Commercial agent for the United States at the Islands of Madeira & Porto Santo to Manage the occasional concerns of Congress to assist the American Traders with my advice and to Solicit their dependencies with the Portugese Government I am truly Sensible of the Honour of this Appointment and shall ever study to merit the confidence of my countrymen if your excellency is desirous of Having any Slips of grape vines or young fig trees it would make me peculiarly happy to be Honored with your commands and I wd be carefull in putting up different qualities. That you may for a Series of years to come enjoy evry Possible degree of health and happiness is the Sincere wish and\nconstant Prayr of Sir your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and very Humble Servant\nJohn Marsden Pintard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0176", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gilpin, George\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th Augt 1785\nIf nothing unforeseen happens, I can be at the Great Falls at any hour you & Colo. Fitzgerald will name, on Thursday next; ready to proceed from thence to the little Falls, if a vessel should be in readiness at the former. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0177", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nMadeira 20th August 1785.\nSince we had the honor of writing you under the 22d last June, no oppr. has offered for Alexandria \u2019till the Bearer of this Captain Moon of the Brig Industry, & having requested the favor of him to take on b[oar]d a Pipe of Wine for you, he told us\nhe could not possibly do it, as only 5 Pipes in all offered on Freight, which he would not venture to carry, because they would subject him to make an entry in the Customhouse, which is attended with additional Expences. We hope same oppr. will soon cast up to our satisfaction, but for fear one should not, request your sentiments on the plan mentioned in our last, and not having at present to add, take the liberty to subscribe ourselves Sir Your most obedient humble Servants\nLamar Hill Bisset & Co.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0178", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Secondat de Montesquieu, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Br\u00e8de et de\nSir,\nMount Vernon 20th Augt 1785.\nBy a brig belonging to Mr Ridout of Bourdeaux, I had the honor to receive your letter of the 2d of May, & the Wine which accompanied it; which you were so obliging as to send me at the request of your worthy son\u2014it came in very good order. For this instance of his kind remembrance; & your polite attention, I pray you to accept my warmest acknowledgments: my thanks are due also in a particular manner to you, Sir, for the Walnuts you sent me, which are very fine; and I shall endeavour to propagate them in the manner directed by you.\nI pray you to forward, when you shall find a convenient opportunity, the enclosed letter for the Baron de Montesquieu, with assurances of my sincere regard and friendship for him. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0179", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Ogle, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Ogle, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBellair [Md.] Aug. 20 1785\nIn a day or two after I understood you expresd a Wish for a few Fauns, (which I do assure you will give me particular pleasure to supply) I came to this place & immediately endeavour\u2019d to get, but found them too forward\u2014They begin to drop about the 15h June & unless they are caught within ten days its as difficult as to catch the old ones, but Sir if you will please to send a carefull Servant the 20th you may be certain of not being disappointed, the younger they are taken, the easyer raised\u2014should they drop sooner I will give timely notice\u2014I am with compts to yr Lady Honrd Sir yr Most obedient Humb. Servt\nBen. Ogle", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0180", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Rawlins, 20 August 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Rawlins, John\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from John Rawlins, 20 August. On 29 Aug. GW wrote Rawlins: \u201cYour letter of the 20th of this month, only came to my hands by the last Post.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0181", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Ridout, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Ridout, Thomas\nSir,\nMount Vernon 20th Augt 1785.\nBy the return of the Brig I was favored with your letter of the 1st of May, with several Cases of wine, & a box of sundries which came to hand in good order, & I presume are of good quality; as the wine which you sent to others, is, I am informed, much esteemed\u2014my own I have not tasted. I am obliged to you for sending these things\u2014the amount shall be paid to Colo. Geo:Fitzgerald in a short time.\nFor your care of the enclosed letters, I will thank you: the one under a blank cover I shall be obliged to you for giving the proper address of the Father of Baron de Montesquieu; from whom I received a letter\u2014but under such a signature as leaves\nme at a loss how to direct my answer to him. If my letter to the Baron is like to subserve the purpose for which it was intended, it will give me pleasure.\nThe small packages which the Marqs de la Fayette intended to send by your Brig, must, I presume, have miscarried between Paris and Bourdeaux, as his letters to me speak positively as to their being sent from the former place. I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0182", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Grayson, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Grayson, William\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 22d Augt 1785.\nDuring my tour up this River with the Directors, to examine & form a \u27e8plan\u27e9 for opening and extending the Navigation of it agreeably to the Acts of the Virginia & Maryland Assemblies; your favor of the 25th Ulto came here; with the letters brought by young Mr Adam\u2019s from France. for your care of which I thank you. Apropos, did you hear him say any thing of Hounds which, (the Marquis de la Fayette has written to me) were committed to his care? If he really brought them (and if he did not, I am unable to account for the information) it would have been civil in him to have dropped me a line respecting them; especially as War is declared against the Canine species in New York; and they, being strangers, without Alliances for selfdefence; distressed, & friendless; may not only have been exposed thereto, but to pestilence & famine also. If you can say any thing on this Subject pray do it.\nI thank you for the several articles of intelligence contained in your letter, and for the propositions respecting a Coinage of Gold, Silver, & Copper\u2014a measure which, in my judgment, is become indispensably necessary. Mr Jeffersons ideas upon this subject are plain and simple, well adapted I think to the nature of the case, as he has exemplified by the plan. Without a Coinage,\nor some stop can be put to the cutting & clipping of money, our Dollars, Pistoreens &ca will all be converted (as Teague Says) into five quarters; and a Man must travel with a pair of money scales in his pocket, or run the risque of receiving gold at one fourth more by Count, than weight.\nI have ever been a friend to adequate Congressional powers; consequently wish to see the 9th Art. of the Confederaton amended and extended. Without these powers we cannot support a National character; and must appear contemptable in the eyes of Europe. But to you, My dear Sir, I will candidly confess, that, in my opinion, it is of little avail to give these to Congress. The Members seem so much affraid of exerting those which they already have, that no opportunity is slipped of surrendering, or referring the exercise of them to the states individually. Witness your late Ordinance respecting the dispersal of the Western Lands, in which no state with the smallest propriety, could have obtruded an interference.\nNo doubt the information of Congress from the back Country, on the operation of these ordinances, is better than mine; but I have understood from some sensible people therefrom, that besides going they do not know where to purchase, the Lands are of so versatile a nature, that to the end of time, they will not, by those who are acquainted with this circumstance, be bought either in Townships, or square miles. This, if I recollect right, was the sentiment I delivered to you on the first reading of the report; but past experience you said was brought in support of the measure, and appealed to for the issue\u2014I submitted to its decision, without changing my opinion.\nWe have got the Potomack Navigation in hand\u2014Workmen are employed, and the best Manager and assistants we could obtain, at the Falls of Shannondoah and Seneca; and I am happy to inform you, that upon a critical examination of them by the Directors, the Manager, & myself, we are unanimoustly of opinion that the difficulties at these two places does not exceed the expectations we had formed of them\u2014and that the Navigation through them, may be effected without the Aid of Locks. How far we may have been deceived with respect to the first (as the water, though low, may yet fall) I shall not decide; but we are not mistaken I think in our conjectures of the other. With very\ngreat esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Affecte Friend and Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0183", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 22d Augt 1785.\nIn my absence with the Directors of the Potomack Navigation, to examine the river and fix a plan of operations, your favor begun on the 23d and ended the 31st of July, came to this place. I am sorry to hear of your late indisposition, but congratulate you on your recovery; hoping that the reestablishment of your health will be of long continuance.\nThe packett which you were so obliging as to send me, came safely; and I thank you for your care of it. but for want of knowledge of the language, I can form no opinion of my own of the Dramatic performance of Monsr Servitieur la Barbier.\nThe currt of my information from France is, that the dispute between the Emperor & Holland will be accomodated without bloodshed: but after the explicit declarations which have been made on both sides, I do not see how either (especially the first)\ncan recede from his claims. To save appearances, & to let the contending parties down handsomely, say some of my letters, is now the greatest difficulty. but all agree that, a spark may set the whole in flames. indeed Bavaria it is expected will yet do that.\nIt is to be hoped that our Minister at the Court of London will bring that Government to an explanation respecting the Western Posts, which it still retains on the American side of the line, contrary to the spirit, if not to the letter, of the Treaty. My opinion from the first, and so I declared it, was that these Posts would be detained from us as long as they could be held under any pretence whatsoever. I have not changed it, though I wish for cause to do so, as it may ultimately become a serious matter. However singular the opinion may be, I cannot divest myself of it, that the Navigation of the Mississipi, at this time, ought to be no object with us; on the contrary, till we have a little time allowed to open & make easy the ways between the Atlantic States & the Western territory, the obstructions had better remain.\nThere is nothing which binds one Country, or one State to another, but interest, without this cement, the Western inhabitants (which more than probably will be composed in a great degree of Foreigners) can have no predeliction for us; and a commercial connection is the only tie we can have upon them\u2014It is clear to me that the Trade of the Lakes, and of the river Ohio as low as the Great Kanhawa, (if not to the Falls) may be brought to the Ports on the Atlantic easier, and cheaper (taking the whole voyage together) than it can be carried to New Orleans. but once open the door to the latter before the obstructions are removed from the former, let commercial connections (which lead to others) be formed, and the habit of that trade be well established, and it will be found no easy matter to divert it. and vice versa\u2014When the Settlements are stronger & more extended to the Westward, the navigation of the river Mississipi will be an object of importance; and we shall be able then (reserving our claim) to speak a more efficacious language than policy, I think, should dictate at present.\nI never have, and I hope never shall hear, any serious mention of a paper emission in this State\u2014yet such a thing may be in agitation\u2014Ignorance & design are productive of much mischief\u2014the first, is the Tool of the latter, and are often set to work\nas suddenly as unexpectedly\u2014those with whom I have conversed on this subject, in this part of the state, reprobate the idea exceedingly.\nWe have lately had the pleasure of Miss Lees, and Miss Hannahs Companies at this place. They were both well five days ago. Mrs Washington prays you to accept her complimts, and with Sentimts of great respect, esteem & regard, I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt and Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Your name, I well remember, stands amongst those of the Subscribers for a share in the Potomack Company. G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0186", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir,\nMount Vernon Augt 22d 1785\nBoth your letters of the 16th have come safe\u2014As you have engaged the Clover Seed of Mr Wormeleys Manager I will take one Bushel of it, though I had no idea of giving tha[t] price, as I could have got the same quantity from Philadelphia (I suppose equally) good for half the sum if I had applied in time\u2014If you send it to the care of Mr Hartshorne in Alexandria, it will come safe, and the sooner it is done, the better\u2014Pay for it out of the first money you receive for my use.\nI am willing to take your wheat if the quality is good, and well cleaned; and free from the fly; provided it is delivered at my Mill, to which the road (by being less used) is better than that either to Alexandria or Dumfries\u2014My prices are always governed by the Alexandria Cash Market\u2014for I neither give more, nor expect it for less. The price current there, at present (according to Richards\u2019s Gazette) is five shillings; but the state of our trade at this time is so uncertain, that it is almost impossible to determine whether it will be more, or less. If the present restriction of our Commerce continues, the manufacturing of wheat must be broke up altogether; as the West India Markets which affords the greatest demand for our Flour, are shut against our vessels. If you chuse to take the certainty of five shillings for your Wheat, it may be a bargain at that, provided you determine immediately. Or, if you prefer to abide by the rise or fall of the Alexandria market, I am willing to agree to this also, provided there is a period at which you shall determine to accept the price, which is then existing. By this I mean, and it is necessary to declare it in order to avoid misunderstandings, that if you should, for instance, be from the first of October until the first of April delivering your Crop, I shall not think myself under an obligation to allow the highest price that is given within that period\u2014because the price may rise to Six Shillings, and then fall to four, according to the demand arising from circumstances. It would be as unreasonable therefore for you to expect that I should give the highest price at which wheat had sold, within that period, as for me to suppose that, you ought to take the lowest. However to be more clearly understood, (if the price is to be regulated by the Alexandria cash market, for I shall not be governed by what the Merchants offer in Goods.) it must be the price of the day on which you determine to take it\u2014that is, if wheat should start from 5/ and keep rising until the first of December it had reached 6/ and on that day you inform me personally, or by letter that you will take the price then given, I shall think myself bound to allow six shillings for your Crop. On the other hand, if you should expect that the price would get higher and wait for its doing so until it should fall to 4/ I will pay no more than four shillings.\nI have been thus explicit because I dislike disputes, and wish to avoid them; which makes it necessary for me to mention another\nthing that sometimes happens; and that is, that what a few Bushels of wheat may sell for, or what a merchant, when he has got a Vessel just loaded may give, rather than detain her at high charges, is not to be considered as the Market price; You, from your distant situation and long Land transportation, are not in a situation to take advantage of the case last mentioned, and a few Bushels of particular wheat, or wheat for a particular use, can have no influence upon the general price; which is always very well established in such a place of Trade as Alexandria. After all, I confess it would be more agreeable to me to fix, between ourselves, a price. but I cannot at this time exceed 5/ as that is the price now cur[ren]t.\nWhen you come down in October I shall be glad to see you here, by that time I expect to have the accts against my Tenants brought into some kind of order. If you could engage me about 250 lbs. of good Fall butter from such farmers as you can depend upon for the quality, and their punctuality, I should be obliged to you\u2014If you let me have your wheat it may come down occasionally with that. I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0187", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Levi Hollingsworth, 24 August 1785\nFrom: Hollingsworth, Levi\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourd Sir\nPhilad[elphi]a 24 August 1785\nMr Samuel Jackson of your Neighbourhood, mentioning to Mr Arthur Donaldson of this City, the desire your Excelency had of raising manure from the mud in the bed of the River Patomack for the purpose of manuring Land, Mr Donalson shewed Mr Jackson his new invented Machine for Cleansing our Docks,\nwhich with a horse & three hands will raise 60 a 80 tons \u214c day. Mr Donalson the Ingenious Inventor, is so obliging as to offer your Excelency any information that may be wanting for the Constructing the machine, by a model or other wise, and begs me, while he is shewing Mr Jackson the Construction, to write you[.] Mr Donalsons mechanical abilities in the raising the Chevaux de frize from the bed of our river, together with this Contrivance, which he calls a Hippopotamos, places him amongst men of the first abilities in point of invention, and as I have seen his Hippopotamos often at work I can assure your Excelency of its great facility in raising mud or Sand from any depth of water. I am with great regard Your Excelencies most obedient Humble Svt\nLevi Hollingsworth\nI take the liberty to present my Compliments to Colo. Jno. Augustus Washington, your Brother, & to give him our price Current for Produce, viz. Fine Flour 43/6 \u214c Bbl of 1.3.0 Ntt wheat 7/6 @ 8/ Corn 3/10 @ 4/\u2014Hemp 5\u00bd \u214c Lb. Tobacco Jas River 55/ best Patowmack 45 @ 50/ Bills of Exchange 75 @ 80 \u214c \u00a3. L.H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0189", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 25 August 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 25th Augt 1785.\nI am honored with your favor of the 17th. Altho\u2019 the greater part of the Cargo of the Ship Pallas is advertised for public Sale on the 1st of October next, it is not a matter of certainty that it will be disposed of in that manner\u2014at least the whole of it. At any rate\u2014I expect it will fall in a great degree under my Management, as Mr O\u2019Donnell the Owner, who is a perfect Stranger in this Country, finds himself obliged to seek the assistance of a person acquainted with Characters here, and with our modes of Business. Before he left India he was recommended to Mr Morris, and it is thro\u2019 my Connection with him that I have to do in the matter. A large Parcel of the Teas on Board were the property of Major Shaw and Capt. Randall who went out Super Cargoes\nof the Empress of China\u2014Those Teas have all gone to Philada.\nWhether these Goods are sold at public or private sale, your Commission shall be punctually attended to. If at public\u2014the several Articles shall not be purchased for you except they go at such Rates as are much below the usual Retail prices\u2014the few marked thus in your letter \u273b excepted\u2014which shall be bought if they are as cheap as goods usually sell for Cash\u2014if a private Sale should be determined on, you shall be made acquainted with the lowest prices, and then you may judge for yourself\u2014I beg you, my Dear Sir, not to think of lodging Money with me previously\u2014A Leagure of Arrack is a large Butt. I am told it is rather new\u2014and therefore not very desirable either on Account of Quantity or Quality.\nMr O\u2019Donnell has a curiosity which pervades all Strangers, that of seeing Genl Washington before he leaves America. If he carries his present intentions into Execution, I shall take the freedom of giving him a letter of introduction. He is a Gentleman of large fortune\u2014polished Manners, and from 16 years residence in the different parts of India very capable of giving satisfactory accounts of that Country.\nThe Crew of this Ship are all Natives of India\u2014most of them from the Coasts of Malabar and Coromandel, and are much of the Countenance and Complexion of your old Groom Wormely\u2014There are four Chinese on Board, who are exactly the Indians of North America, in Colour, Feature\u2014Hair and every external Mark.\nBe good eno\u2019 to make Mrs Tilghmans Compliments with mine to Mrs Washington, and assure her that every care shall be taken to have such Goods as may be purchased, the most fashionable and perfect of their kinds\u2014With true Respect and Esteem I am Dear Sir Yours most sincerely\nTench Tilghman\nP.S. I have heard that your packet for Mr Smith of Carlisle was delivered into his own Hands.\nA ps. of fine Muslin is mentioned. If Mrs Washington will be pleased to mention the use for which she intends it a better judgment can be formed of the kind which will suit.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0190", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Woddrop, 25 August 1785\nFrom: Woddrop, John\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nBridge-Street of Glasgow,the 25th of August, 1785.\nI have this day sent off this letter for your Excellency to the Ambassador from the States of North America at the Court of London.\nAnd which is chiefly to advise you, Sir, that I do now know, for certain, of one hundred heads of familys, and who, with their Wives and Children &ca will make a Number of five hundred & fifty, or Six hundred persons, And all natives of Scotland, who propose for to Emigrate to settle in the territories belonging to the Thirteen, free, and Independant United States of north America. They are all of them brought up to the fishing trade and line of bussiness, in the Shetland Islands, on the Coast of Scotland\u2014and as I apprehend, such a body of good, hardy fisher Men & Seamen may of consequence be of some use to the States of America. I have Communicated this news to the American Ambassador, & to your friend William Lee, Esquire, late of Westmoreland County in the State of Virginia, this I did on the 17th of this Current Month, and sent the letter to Mr Lee, under Cover to the American Ambassador in London. I presume these people may be got to Embark sometime the next year. Now any approbation this Measure may be found to deserve the Attention of from your Excellency &ca I will like to be informed of, and as soon as possible. The Ling, the Tusk, the Cod Fish taken on the Coast of Shetland is selling for Export this year at 19/6 d. Sterling, prCt or 100 lb. of Ling, 17/6 d. for Tusk, & 15/6 d. for Cod. These are the real prices at the Shetland\nIslands this very year, & just at this very time, for CtWt\u2014or for every 100 lib. Weight of the above kind of Fish.\nI have thought proper to notice as much to you, Sir, by this your friends in America may be able to form some idea what the British fish will bring at the different Markets in the Commercial nations in Europe.\nI referr you to my Letter, last Spring, by Capt. William Chisholm of the Ship, Janet, bound from Glasgow to the towns of Dumfries & Alexandria on Potomack River in Virginia. With the most justly deserving Estimation, and sincer & perfect Respect. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most Obedient Humble Servant\nJohn Woddrop", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0191", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 28 August 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Varick, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Richard Varick, 28 August. GW wrote Varick on 26 Sept.: \u201cMr Taylor brought me your favor of the 28th Ulto.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0192", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Rawlins, 29 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rawlins, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 29th Augt 1785.\nYour letter of the 20th of this month, only came to my hands by the last Post, or I would have replied to it sooner.\nI have a room 32 by 24 feet, & 16 feet pitch, which I want to finish in stucco: it is my intention to do it in a plain neat style; which, independantly of its being the present taste, (as I am inform\u2019d) is my choice. The Chimney is in the centre of the longest side, for which I have a very elegant marble piece; directly opposite thereto is a Venetian window, of equal breadth & pitch of the room; on each side of the Chimney is a door, leading into other rooms; & on each of the short sides is a door & window.\nI mention these things that you may be apprized of the sort of work; the time it may take you to execute it, and that you may inform me upon what terms; and also, if you are inclined to undertake it, that you may have leisure to think of a design. The season being so far advanced, I had given up the idea of doing anything to the room this year; but if I could enter upon the\nwork with well founded assurances of accomplishing it soon, I am ready & willing to go on with it immediately; having by me stucco, & seasoned plank for the floor & other parts (if necessary)\u2014and good Joiners of my own to execute what may be wanting in their way.\nYou will please to let me hear from you without delay on this subject, & I pray you to be explicit; because, as I would undertake it at once, or not at all this year, I should like to know your terms & sentiments precisely, that I may govern myself accordingly. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0193", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 29 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 29th Augt 1785\nYour favor of the 25th in answer to mine of the preceeding week, came safely. At the time I wrote that letter, I was uninformed of the circumstances which you have since made me acquainted with. However, you will be at no loss from the contents of it, to discern that it was Bargains I had in contemplation; and which, from the quantity of Goods at Market\u2014Scarcity of Cash, according to Newspaper Accts\u2014distress of the Trade\u2014& the mode of selling, I thought might probably be obtained; but if I am mistaken therein, I shall content myself with the few marked articles, or such of them as can be had cheap. Fine Jaccanet Muslin (apron width) is what Mrs Washington wants, and abt 5 \u27e8\u00e0\u27e9 7 Yards would be sufficient. As the Arrack is in large Casks & New, I decline taking any.\nIf Mr O\u2019Donnell should feel an inclination to make this part of Virginia a visit, I shall be happy in seeing him\u2014and if, instead of giving him a letter of introduction, you should change the mode and introduce him in your own Propri\u00e6 Person\u00e6 it would add much to the pleasure of it. Before your letter was received,\nfrom my reading, or rather from an imperfect recollection of what I had read I had conceived an idea that the Chinese though droll in shape & appearance, were yet white.\nI am glad to hear that my Packet to Mr Smith had got safely to hand as there were papers of consequence transmitted. I expect some other documents for my Law Suit in the course of a few days from our Attorney Genl (Edmd Randolph Esqr.) which I shall take the liberty of enclosing to you to be forwarded to Mr Smith\u2014And as I seem to be in the habit of giving you trouble, I beg the favor of you to cause the inclosed letter to be delivered to Mr Rawlins\u2014I leave it open for your perusal\u2014My reason for it is, that thereby seeing my wants, you would be so obliging as to give me your opinion of Mr Rawlins with respect to his abilites and diligence as a workman\u2014whether he is reckoned moderate or high, in his charges\u2014and whether there is much call, at this time, for a man of his profession at Baltimore\u2014for on this, I presume, his high or moderate terms will greatly depend.\nMrs Washington joins me in best respects to Mrs Tilghman and yourself and thanks you for the obliging assurance of chusing the articles wanted, perfect of their kind. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Affecte friend & Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the foregoing, Mrs Washington has requested me to add that if any fine thin Handkerchiefs with striped or worked borders are to be had, she would be glad to get Six of them. G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0194", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 30 August 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Johnson, Thomas,Lee, Thomas Sim\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 30 Aug. 1785. On 10 Sept. GW wrote Johnson and Lee: \u201cYour favor of the 30th ulto did not reach me until the 8th instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0195", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Cochran, 31 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Cochran, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 31st Augt 1785\nYour favor of the 9th by Captn Packard, accompanying the Hounds sent by the Marqs de la Fayette to your care for me, came safely a few days ago. For the trouble you have had with the latter, I offer you my thanks; and if any expences have been incurred previous to their re-embarkation at New York, I will pay them on the first notice.\nI persuade myself you are too well convinced, my dear Doctor, of my friendship, and of my inclination to promote your interest, or wishes, to doubt my ready compliance with the request of your letter (respecting the Office of Continental treasurer) were it compatible with that line of conduct I had prescribed for my government. But from my knowledge of the Composition of Congress\u2014The State politics of its Members\u2014And their endeavors to fill every civil Office with a Citizen from their own State, (if not altogether, at least by compromise), that I early took up a determination not to hazard the mortificaton of a refusal, or of the passing by, my application, by not asking any thing from it. And to this resolution I was further prompted, by the numberless applications with which it was impracticable, and in many instances would have been improper for me, to have complied. Except in a single one, and that not pointed directly to any Office, I have never gone beyond the general recommendation which accompanied my resignation; nor do I believe I ever shall.\nMrs Washington who does not enjoy good health, presents her compliments to, and offers best wishes for, Mrs Cochran & yourself; to whom please to add, and accept, those of Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0196", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 31 August 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gordon, William\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 31st Augt 1785.\nIn my absence from home on a tour up this river, to view the nature of it & to direct the improvements agreeably the Acts of Assemblies of Virginia & Maryland; the enclosed memoirs arrived here, covered by a letter, of which the following is an extract, from a member of Congress.\nAs I am fully persuaded it is your wish to transmit to posterity a true history of the revolution, & of course you desire to receive every information which will enable you to do justice to the principal Actors therein; it cannot be unpleasing to you to receive a narrative of unadorned facts which serve to bring forward, circumstances which, in some measure, may be unknown to you: I therefore make no apology for transmitting the enclosed; nor shall I do more than hint to you, the propriety of keeping the Marquis\u2019s wishes in this business, behind the Curtain; your own good sense must dictate the measure, & furnish the reason for it.\nThe noble, conspicuous, & disinterested part which this Nobleman has acted on the American theatre deserves all the gratitude which this Country can render him, & all the eloge which the pen of a faithful historian can bestow, with its appearing to be the object of his wishes.\nThe family is as well as usual; Mrs Stuart has been sick, but is now getting better. Mrs Washington does not enjoy good health, but joins me in best respects to Mrs Gordon. I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0197", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 31 August 1785\nFrom: Ridout, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBordeaux 31. August 1785.\nI had the honor of writing to you the first of May last, by the Fanny Captain Smith bound to Alexandria by whom I sent you a few Cases of Wine. I had a day or two before that Vessel\u2019s sailing, received a letter from the marquis de la Fayette informing me that he had sent to my Care a package for Your Excellency & which was to have been shipped in the Fanny; but by a mistake in the Carrier\u2019s direction who had got some other name for mine\u2014I could not find it out till near two months after the vessel had sailed; & since that time, there has been no opportunity for Baltimore from hence, which has not a little vext me.\nI have now shipped it on board the Peggy Capt. Cunyngham, a Brig I have chartered for Baltimore that will sail in two or three days, but is to touch at Charles Town on her way. I shall address it to the Care of Col. Tilghman, who will forward it by the first opportunity\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest respect. Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient servant\nThos Ridout", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0201", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 1 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy Dr Marqs,\nMount Vernon 1st Septr 1785.\nSince my last to you, I have been favored with your letters of the 11th & 13th of May by young Mr Adams, who brought them to New York, from whence they came safely to this place by the\nPost: the first is in Cypher; & for the communications therein contained I thank you: My best wishes will always accompany your undertakings; but remember my dear friend it is a part of the military art to reconnoitre & feel your way, before you engage too deeply\u2014More is oftentimes effected by regular approaches, than by an open assault; from the first too, you may make a good retreat\u2014from the latter (in case of repulse) it rarely happens.\nIt is to be hoped that Mr Adams will bring the British Ministry to some explanation respecting the Western Posts. Nothing else can, I conceive, disturb the tranquillity of these States; but if I am mistaken in this conjecture, you know my sentiments of, & friendship for you too well to doubt my inclination to serve you to the utmost of your wishes, & my powers.\nIt gives me very singular pleasure to find the Court of France relaxing in their demand of Longchamps; to have persisted in it would have been a very embarrassing measure to this Country under the Laws & Constitution of the F\u0153deral Government, & those of the several parts which compose it.\nThe Hounds which you were so obliging as to send me arrived safe, & are of promising appearance: to Monsieur le Compte Doilliamson; (if I miscall him, your hand writing is to blame, & in honor you are bound to rectify the error), & in an especial manner to his fair Competesse, my thanks are due for this favor: the enclosed letter which I give you the trouble of forwarding contains my acknowledgement of their obliging attention to me on this occasion.\nIf I recollect right, the letter which was written by the Marquis de St Simon was on the business of the Cincinnati, and was laid before the general Meeting at Philada in May 1784; consequently, the answer must have proceeded from the Society either specially to him, or generally, thro\u2019 the Counts de Estaing & Rochambeau, who were written to as the heads of the Naval & military members of that Society in France; but as all the papers relative to the business of the Society were deposited in the care of the Secretary General, Knox\u2014or the Assistant Secretary, Williams\u2014I have them not to refer to; but will make enquiry & inform you or the Marqs de St Simon more particularly of the result.\nYour constant attention, and unwearied endeavors to serve\nthe interests of these United States, cannot fail to keep alive in them a grateful sensibility of it; & the affectionate regard of all their Citizens for you. The footing on which you have established a Market for whale Oil must be equally pleasing & advantageous to the States which are more immediately engaged in that Commerce.\nHaving heard nothing further of the Jacks which were to be sent to me from Spain, & which by Mr Carmichael\u2019s letter (enclosing one from the Count de Florida Blanca) of the 3d Decr were actually purchased for me at that date, I am at a loss to account for the delay, & am apprehensive of some accident. Be this as it may, if you could my Dr Marquis, thro\u2019 the medium of Admiral Suffrein, or by any other means that would not be troublesome, procure me a Male & female, or one of the former & two of the latter, upon the terms mentioned in your letter of the 3d of May, I should think it a very fortunate event & shou\u2019d feel myself greatly indebted to your friendship. The Mules which proceed from the mixture of these Animals with the horse, are so much more valuable under the care which is usually bestowed on draught cattle by our Negroes, that I am daily more anxious to obtain the means for propagating them.\nWhen George returns from the Springs & gets a little fixed, I will set him about copying your letters to me, which will be better than to hazard the originals at Sea, where an accident might occasion the loss of them to both of us. In my last I informed you of his intended marriage, which I suppose will take place in the early part of next month.\nI should have given an earlier acknowledgment of your letters of the 11th & 13th of May aforementioned, had I been at home when they came to this place; but at that time I was on a tour up this river with the Directors (Johnson, Lee, Fitzgerald & Gilpin) to examine the obstructions, & to fix upon a plan of operation; which having done, we commenced our labours on the 5th of last month, under a full persuasion that the work will not prove more arduous than we had conceived before the difficulties were explored. The James river Company, by my last Accounts from Richmond, is formed; a meeting of the members was summoned to be held on the 20th of last month, but what the determinations of it were, I have not yet heard; Nor (so barren are the times) have I a tittle of news to communicate to you;\nthe several assemblies are in their recesses but will be addressed I presume at their Autumnal meetings by the Commercial interests of the United States to vest Powers in Congress to regulate the Trad[e] of the Union which they see clearly must be directed by one head in order to obtain consistency & respectability at home & abroad. I am My Dr Marqs &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0202", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 1 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon 1st Septr 1785.\nI am honored with your favor of the 22d of June. As I have been very unlucky hitherto, in the transportation of Wine (in the common Craft of the Country) from one port, or one from one river to another; I had rather the old Madeira ordered by\nMr Hill for my use should remain with you (as I am not in immedate want) until a conveyance may offer directly to Alexandria. But if this is not likely to happen soon, & you should think it safe to Ship it to the address of Doctr Taylor of Norfolk; I should be glad in that case, to have it well secured against adulteration; for I had rather lose the whole, than to have part taken out & the deficiency supplied with water\u2014which is too common a practice with the river Skippers. Or if neither of these is done, I would next pray that Doctr Taylor may be requested to detain the Wine in his cellar until a conveyance; on which he can rely, may offer to Alexandria, or to my house which is nine miles below on the bank of the River. I am Gentlemen Your most Obt Servt\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0204", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond Sepr 2. 1785.\nI accomplished my purpose of being present at the meeting of the subscribers to the James river company. Those books alone, which were opened here, were laid before us. By them it appeared, that the whole number of shares was nearly compleated; but it was thought adviseable to postpone the admission of other subscribers, until the success of the upper books should be known. This step was very fortunate; as one of the managers above the falls came to town soon after we rose, and gave us an account of subscriptions, which will probably overrun the capital sum.\nThe president and directors are instructed to obtain a definition of these terms in the law, \u201cthe highest point practicable.\u201d They are first to attempt to prevail on the assembly to give the company a power to fix this point by their own vote. This, if impracticable, is to be followed by a petition to the legislature to fix it.\nThey are also instructed to prepare and report to the next meeting, such amendments as the law seems to require.\nI endeavoured to deliver you from the appointment to the office of president. But the universal suffrage called you to the post; without an expectation, however, that you should undergo more of the business, than your own convenience may reconcile to you. Messrs John Harvie, David Ross, and William Cabell and myself are directors.\nWill you do me the favor of directing a copy of the Potomack proceedings to be forwarded to me, if not too lengthy or secret in their nature? I am induced to make this request from an earnest desire to fulfil the work, assigned to us, and to lose no opportunity of procuring of every possible light\u2014Any hint, which you may think proper to suggest, will be very grateful to us.\nI have proposed a meeting of the directors at Richmond on the 26th day of this month.\nAs to the order of council, which you mention in your favor of the 13th Ulto, it cannot be procured. I am sorry for the loss of the records; but I cannot help thinking, that the title, which you can shew, is sufficient to evidence the fact, which you wished\nto prove by that order. I am Dear sir yr much obliged and affectionate friend\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0206", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 3 September 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nVienna September the 3d 1785\nThis letter Has been Requested of me as an Introduction for Mr Andr\u00e9 Michaux whom for Many Reasons I am Very Happy to present\u2014in the first place I Know you will Be Glad to Know a Man whose Genius Has Raised Him Among the Scientifick people, and who, as a Botanist, Has at His own Expense travelled through Countries very little Known\u2014He Now is Sent By the King to America, in order to Know the trees, the Seeds, and Every Kind of Natural production Whose growth May be either Curious, or Useful, and for them the King Will set up a Nursery at a Country Seat of His which He is Very fond of\u2014I am the More pleased with the plan as it oppens a New channel of intercourse and Mutual farming good offices Between the two Nations\u2014I Beg, My dear general, You will patronize this Gentlemen, and I much Want it to Be Said in france that He Has Been Satisfied with His Reception in America.\nI Have Been Visiting the prussian army, and Now am in the Austrian Capital\u2014I Had But an Hour ago a long Conversation\nwith the emperor about the United states and American trade, in which I took Care properly to Answer His Questions\u2014Where ever I go I Enjoy the Unspeackable pleasure to Hear My Beloved General Spoken of with that Respect He So well deserves. Adieu, My dear General, My Best Respects Wait on Mrs Washington, Remember me to the Young ones. Most Respectfully and affectionately Your\nLafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0207", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 3 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Newton, Thomas Jr.\nSir,\nMount Vernon 3d Sept. 1785.\nI am now about to inform you of the reason why I have suffered your letter of the 27th of April, with its enclosures, to remain so long unacknowledged.\nIn an absence of almost nine years from home, my private concerns had got so much deranged, and my accounts & papers, by the frequent hasty removal of the latter to get them out of the reach of the enemy when their shipping appeared, had got into such a jumble & confusion that it was next to impossibility for me, without spending much time, to adjust the former: I still hoped however that after a while I should have been able to accomplish it, & that long \u2019ere this I should have sent you a statement of the account as it stands between us. But reckoning without my host, I have been obliged to hire a Clerk to settle all my accounts, & to take this business off my hands; as from a variety of circumstances I found it impracticable for me to attend to it myself.\nInclosed is his statement of the account between you & me, made out from my books & your return of Sales. The balance from his accot differs widely from yours; arising first, from the charge of Jacob Williams\u2019s payment of \u00a3178.9.8. to James Hill; whereas \u00a350\u2014only of that sum, according to Lund Washington\u2019s accot (who superintended my business) was received from Williams. Secondly, from \u00a3123.7.4\u00bd charged me, as paid by Mr Wm Holt, of which I have no account. Thirdly, between \u00a3174, charged me as paid to Colo. Lewis, & my credit of \u00a3170 only which was received from him; & lastly, from the Debts yet due; amounting pr your List to \u00a3175.16.2. The three first of these you will please to enquire into; & the last, to use the most speedy, and which to you may seem the most effectual means of obtaining them.\nThe sum which is in your hands, I could wish to have remitted, or an order given me on some Gentleman in Alexandria: Or, which in part would answer my purpose equally, I wou\u2019d take one hundred pair of large, strong & well made Negro Shoes, provided I could have them at a reasonable price & by the 20th of October; formerly I know these were to be had at Norfolk readily; & it is essential for me to know immediately, whether, I may depend upon you for them or not.\nThe Drought has been so severe in these parts, that my Mill was entirely stopped: the rain which has fallen within these ten days, has done no more than to enable her to grind for my own consumption\u2014when I begin to manufacture I will consign you a parcel of superfine flour, as well to try the Norfolk Market, as\nto prove a new Miller whom I have lately got, & who comes well recommended to me from some of the best Judges in Pennsylvania.\nIf you should be able at any time to put me in a way of securing the Debt due to me from Balfour & Baraud, it would be rendering me a very acceptable service: without this, or unless some proof could be had (as I believe the fact undoubtedly is) of the partnership of these Gentlemen or connexion in this business with Messrs Hanburys of London, I must loose upwards of \u00a32000 by my sale of Flour to them. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0210", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Henley, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henley, David\nSir,\nMount Vernon 5th Septr 1785.\nI am sorry the enclosed account should be brought against me in my private character: It is a fact which I thought had been well known to all the public Departments, & to those employed by the public, that expences of the nature of Otis & Henley\u2019s Accots (which is for clothing for the servants I was obliged to employ in my public character) were paid from the public funds.\nIf I mistake not Otis & Henley were Agents for the purpose of supplying clothing (or materials for it) for the Army: to them in this character I apply\u2019d; & never, until the enclosed account was presented, had I any other idea of the matter, than that the amount had been settled for by them in their public accounts. As this is not the case, had it been presented to me whilst I had authority to do so, I should have ordered the paymaster to have discharged it, but as the matter now stands, I can do no more than certify that the Goods were receiv\u2019d on public Account for\nmy use; for I really cannot pay for them out of my private purse. It is to be regretted that the matter has lain over so long. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0211", "content": "Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: La Luzerne, Anne-C\u00e9sar, chevalier de\nSir,\nMt Vernon 5th Septr 1785.\nI am indebted to you for your several favors of the 20th of Decr introductory of Mr de Chateaufort\u2014of the 15th of Feby & 25th of March, which I should not have suffered to have remained so long unacknowledged, if anything had occurred, the relation of which could have compensated for the trouble of reading my letter.\nLong as I have waited for such an event, nothing has yet happen\u2019d of much importance in our political movements, & the Assemblies of the different States being now in their recesses, nothing probably will occur \u2019till they have met. In the meanwhile the mercantile interest feeling the necessity of giving a controuling power to Congress to regulate the trade of this Country, have prepared, & are now preparing Addresses to their respective Assemblies for this purpose. They are now clearly convinced that this power cannot be exercised with propriety unless one system pervades the whole Union, & is made competent to the\nends. It has happened in this instance as in the revolution itself, that the means which G: B. pursues to obtain advantages, defeat her own ends; for I am certain, that if she had forborne to tax our trade with those restrictions &, imposts, which are laid on it by Acts of Parliament, or Orders of the King in Council; that half a century would not have produced those powers in Congress, which, more than probably will be given to them in a few Months, & by which equal restrictions & duties may be laid; and in the interim, sorry I am to add, she would have monopolized in a very great degree, the commerce of the United States.\nAt length Congress have adopted a mode for disposing of the western Lands; but I confess it does not strike me as a very eligible one: however mine is only an opinion, & I wish to be mistaken in it, as the fund wou\u2019d be very productive & afford great relief to the public creditors if the Lands meet with a ready sale.\nTreaty has been holden with the Western Indians at Fort McIntosh on the Ohio, (twenty five miles below Pittsburgh) & advantageous terms entered into with those who met, for they ceded without any compensation as large a District, North west of that river, as we have any occasion for at present: but it should seem that others of their respective Tribes are dissatisfied, & keep the settlers of the Western Territory in a state of disquietude. This I am persuaded will be the case whilst the British retain the Posts within the American lines\u2014& when they will be surrendered, is not for me to decide.\nCongress have had also under contemplation a Mint for the coinage of Gold, Silver & Copper; a committee has reported in favor of the measure, but I believe no ultimate decision is yet come to on the subject, by that Hon[orabl]e Body.\nFrom the last European accounts we have reason to hope that the clouds which seemed to be gathering in your hemisphere, will yield to a tranquil sky; & Peace, with all its blessings will spread its mantle over the threatened Lands. My first wish is to see the sons & Daughters of the World mixing as one family, enjoying the sweets of social intercourse, & reciprocal advantages: the Earth certainly is sufficient to contain us all, & affords every thing necessary to our wants; if we would be friendly & endeavour to accommodate one another. Why then should we wrangle, & why should we attempt to infringe the rights & properties of our Neighbours? But lest you shou\u2019d suppose that I am\nabout to turn preacher, I will only add that, with the highest esteem & consideration, I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S: I had not the pleasure of seeing Mr de Chateaufort: upon the receipt of your letter of the 20th of December, enclosed to me by that Gentleman from Philada; I wrote to him praying that I might be honored with his company on his way to Carolina; but he found it more convenient at that hot season to go thither by Sea in the Packett. G. W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0214", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 7 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Sepr 7th 1785.\nThe man who at present lives with me in the capacity of a Housekeeper, or Household Steward, will leave me in a day or two; which (until his place can be supplied) will throw a great additional weight on Mrs Washington. I therefore beg, if you, or Mr Moyston, should have met with a person whom you think would answer my purposes (as described in my former letters) that you would engage him (or her) absolutely, instead of conditionally, and send him on the Stage. In the meanwhile, if one should offer to my liking here, my engagement shall be conditional. No disappontmt therefore can happen to the person engaged by you.\nInclosed is a letter to Mr Frauncis (als black Sam) late of New York, now of some place in the Jerseys. I leave it open for your perusal, to be forwarded, or destroyed, as circumstances may require. If you should have succeeded at Philadelphia, or are in the way of doing so, the latter will take place; if not, the sooner it can be got to his hands, the better. My best respects, in which Mrs Washington joins, are offered to Mrs Biddle. I am\u2014Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0216", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 7 September 1785\nFrom: Ridout, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBordeaux. 7. September 1785.\nThe letter on the other side is Copy of that I had the Honor to write your Excellency the 31 of last Month\u2014by way of L\u2019orient; this goes by the Brig, Peggy Capt. Cunynghame bound to Charles Town So. Carolina & to Baltimore on board of whom I have shipped a bale directed to you from the Marquis de la Fayette, with orders to be delivered to Colo. Tench Tilghman at Baltimore to whom I have written & sent the bill of lading\u2014Wishing you May receive it in good Condition, I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient servant\nThos Ridout", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0217", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Rochambeau, 7 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de\nMy dear Count,\nMount Vernon Sepr 7th 1785\nSince I had the honor to address you last, I have been favored with your letters of the 9th of Septr and 24th of Feby. The first enclosing a list of the new promotions, and the additional members of the Society of the Cincinnati as consented by the King; for which I thank you, as it will enable me to give answers to those Gentlemen who, unacquainted I presume, with his Majesty\u2019s pleasure, are still offering to me their pretensions to be admitted into this Order.\nEvery occasion that assures me of your health, encreases my happiness, as I have a sincere respect, and affectionate regard for you. My time now, as the Marquis de la Fayette has informed you, is spent in rural employments, and in contemplation of those friendships which the revolution enabled me to form with so many worthy characters of your Nation, through whose assistance I can now sit down in my calm retreat, and under my own vine, and my own fig tree, enjoy those pleasures which are rarely to be found in the more active pursuits of life, in a larger theatre.\nI hope the storms which rumbled about you all the Winter, and wch seemed to portend so much mischief, are dispersed; and that a tranquil sky has succeeded. Although it is against the profession of Arms, I wish to see all the world in Peace. How long this blessing may be dispensed to us, I know not, the British still hold the Posts upon the Lakes, within the Territory of the United States; and discover no inclination (that has come to my knowledge) of giving them up. With respect to the Spaniards, I do not think the Navigation of the Mississipi is an object of great importance at present\u2014when it becomes so\u2014when the Banks of the Ohio are thick settled\u2014and when the fertile plains of that Western Country are covered with people, they will not be deprived of natural advantages.\nI am very thankful for the polite attentions of Madame de Rochambeau, to whom I pray you to present my best respects\u2014and to any of our worthy compatriots in the late War. Mrs Washington, sensible of your kind remembrance of her, begs you to accept her Compliments. With sincere friendship and perfect attachment I am\u2014My dear Count Yr Most Obedt and Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nI take the liberty of putting the enclosed letter under your cover as it contains original papers wch might be a loss to Captn de Pusignan.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0218", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jean de Neufville, 8 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Neufville, Jean (John) de\nSir,\nMount Vernon Septr 8th 1785.\nI have lately been honored with your favors of the 10th & 15th of March. Until the latter explained the mistake of the former, I was puzzled to get at the meaning of it; because, I did not recollect that I had ever made application to your Son for the loan of any money; but since the subject has been started, I will take the liberty of pursuing it.\nI am a member of a company in this State, who associated many years ago for the purpose of reclaiming what is called the\nGreat dismal Swamp near Norfolk. The War gave considerable interruption, indeed almost put an entire stop to the progress of the business; but in May last the members (for the first time since the war) had a meeting, & resolved to prosecute the work with vigour: for this purpose they are inclined to borrow money on interest; & to import, if they can do it upon advantageous terms, a number of Hollanders, or Germans, as being best acquainted with the nature of the work; which is to drain & bank level, low & wet Land, which would from its situation, & the quality of its soil, be invaluable if accomplished.\nIndividually, the members possess considerable property\u2014as a company they have little money at command; but would I believe, bind themselves jointly & severally for the repayment of the principal sum borrowed, in a given number of years; & for such interest as may be agreed upon, annually; & as a collateral security they would moreover, I imagine, mortgage the Estate which they are about to improve.\nUnder this statement of the matter, permit me to ask you frankly, if four or five thousand pounds could be borrowed in Amsterdam; at what interest & for how long a term? And wether it is a matter which could be easily accomplished, to import about three hundred labourers (a few women among them would be no objection)\u2014for what time they might be engaged & upon what wages? And what expence would attend the importation?\nSince my last to you I have had the pleasure of your son\u2019s company at this place; he appeared at the time to be in good health, and I hope has been able to put your business in this Country on a more favourable footing, than your letter of the 15th of June last year indicated; in a word, I hope it is placed on as good a footing as the nature of the case will admit. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0219", "content": "Title: To George Washington from John Page, 9 September 1785\nFrom: Page, John\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\nRosewell [Gloucester County]Sept. 9th 1785\nA thousand Accidents have happened which prevented my writing to you since I had the Pleasure of seeing you at Richmond\u2014for some Time I comforted myself with the Hope of being able to wait on you: & when I was appointed by the Convention one of their Deputies to the gen\u2019l Convention to be held at Philada I then determined to wait on you in my Way\u2014but the Situation of my Affairs has detained me at Home, & Mrs Page\u2019s State of Health, who is advised to accompany me to Philada requires that she should go a great Part of the Way by Water so that I can only now send you this late Apology for a long seeming Neglect\u2014When I saw you I told you how unfortunately I missed seeing you when I went to wait upon you at York, & how totally the public Business in which I had been engaged since your Return from the Army to the Northward, had engrossed my Time & Attention; & as to not writing to you, I thought it was better, that you should suppose for some Time I had neglected you; than that I should be one amongst the thousands who I was certain were troubling you with Letters, so as to be sufficient to make you wish some of them had forgotten you. As I think you may by this Time have a little Leisure to receive my Apology, I beg you will accept this Letter as one; & you may be assured that a sincere Regard for you occasioned my refraining from troubling you with an Address so early as I could have wished\u2014As no Man is more truly sensible of the Obligations our Country is under to you for your great & glorious Exertions in her Support than I am; so I may venture to say, no one was ever more deeply affected with Gratitude & Esteem; or more eager to shew it than I have been\u2014I admired, & highly esteemed you before the late War; you may easily judge then, how much I must admire & venerate you now\u2014Although I know your Delicacy, I could not my dear Sir refrain from saying what I have: I\ncould no longer restrain the Feelings of my Heart; nor need I, for Praise much higher than I can give, is your peculiar due; & Flattery can never be charged on any one who praises you\u2014Mrs Page unites with me in presenting our Compts & best wishes to yourself & Lady\u2014I am my dear Sir with every Sentiment of the most perfect Respect & Esteem yr most obedt hbe Servt\nJ. Page\nPS. I expect to be at Philada about the 25th inst. & shall be proud to execute your Commands\u2014If you have not yet applied to any one in that City to procure Emigrants or Redemptioners for the Use of the Dismal Compy I will do anything you shall be pleased to recommend respecting that Business\u2014The Managers have not met since I was appointed one of them\u2014I have pressed Mr Jameson & Mr N. Nelson to go down & look into the Affairs of the Co. on the Spot & see what the Carolina Co. will be willing to do towards opening the Canals & am in Hopes they will go down.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0221", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 10 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nDear Sir,\nMt Vernon 10th Septr 1785.\nThe enclosed was put into my hands yesterday; & I take the liberty of forwarding it by the post to day, hoping, if no person is appointed in the place of Mr Massey, that your Excellency for the reason assigned by the Maryland Commrs, & on account of the advanced season, will cause it to be done as soon as convenient. With very great esteem & respect I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0222", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson and Thomas Sim Lee, 10 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Johnson, Thomas,Lee, Thomas Sim\nGentn\nMount Vernon 10th Septr 1785.\nYour favor of the 30th ulto did not reach me until the 8th instant; I went the next day to Alexandria & laid it before Colos. Fitzgerald and Gilpin, who with myself, acceded fully to the propriety of your proposal of buying servants. Of this, the Secretary was directed to inform you; also of our sentiments respecting the hire of Negroes by the year, & to ask your opinion of the number necessary, & of the terms on which to employ them.\nColo. Gilpin has lately seen Mr Stuart, who informed him that fifty hands were then employed at Seneca, & in his opinion going on very well until the waters were swelled by the late rains. He & I, (if I am not prevented by company which I have some reason to expect about that time) intend to be at Seneca on Wednesday the 21st\u2014& at the Great Fall at Eight o\u2019clock next morning; where we are to meet Colo. Fitzgerald for the purpose of viewing for our private satisfaction, the place talked of fer the Canal; & the water between the Great & little falls. Mr Stuart informed Colo. Gilpin that he had never seen the Butcher from\nFredk town; nor had he received an ounce of provisions from him.\nI am sorry to receive so unfavourable a report from Shenandoah as your letter contains; I hope it will mend, or the cause must be removed. If the health of Mr Johnson, and the circumstances of Mr Lee would permit them to visit that place now & then; it would, I am persuaded, have a happy effect: the eye of a Director will be of service to the Conductors. With very great esteem & regard I am Gentn &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0227", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 14 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hartshorne, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 14th Septr 1785.\nColo. Wm Fitzhugh of Maryland has this day requested me, to enter his name for one share of the Potomac navigation; of which I give you this information: he has also deposited in my hands ten pounds for the first & second advances thereon; which I will pay you when I come next to town, or to your order at any time.\nI should take it very kind of you to forward the enclosed letter by the first safe conveyance: it contains a summons of some consequence to me. I am Sir &c.\nG; Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0229", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 14 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 14th Sepr 1785\nMr Rawlins brought me your letter of the 31st Ulto, and I thank you for sending him. He is to furnish me with a design for my Room, and an estimate of the cost; after which I shall be better able to make an estimate of his conscience.\nWhen Mr O\u2019Donnell has determined on his plan, I shall expect to hear from you.\nEnclosed is the Packet mentioned in my last for Mr Smith of Carlisle, wch I pray you to send by a safe, rather than the first opportunity which may offer to that place. With great truth I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Since writing the above, Mr W. Fitzhugh of your state, has informed Mrs W. that there is, or was, very fine and pritty Dimety Muslin selling on board the India ship at half a dollar pr yard\u2014If this is yet the case, she desires me to tell you, that she should be much obliged to you for getting her two or three pieces.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0230", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 16 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 16th Septr 1785.\nIt was not in my power to obtain the enclosed in time, to forward them by the last Mail; but they will, I hope, reach you seasonably for your intended meeting on the 26th\u2014by the present mail.\nI feel very sensibly, the honor and confidence which has been reposed in me by the James river Company; & regret that it will not be in my power to discharge the duties of the office of President of the Board of Directors, with that punctuallity & attention with the trust requires. Every service however that I can render, compatible with my other avocations, shall be afforded with pleasure; & I am happy in being associated in the business with Gentlemen so competent to the purposes of their appointment\u2014and from what I have heard of the navigation, & seen of the Falls, I think your work may be soon & easily accomplished\u2014& that it will be of great public utility, as well as private emolument to the Subscribers when done: for the advantage of both, tho\u2019 I believe the business lies in another line, I would earnestly recommend it to you to press the execution of the Survey between James river & the navigable waters of the Kanhawa, & a proper investigation of the latter. It will be a source of great commerce with the Capitol, & in my opinion will be productive of great political consequences to this Country: the business of a similar nature, as it respects this river, is at an entire stand. Mr Massey, who was first appointed on the part of this State, having declined acting; the Maryland Commissioner knows of no other in his room, & is unable, tho\u2019 ready to proceed.\nBesides what appears in the minutes which are enclosed, it is in contemplation by the Board of Directors of the Navigation of this river, to endeavor to hire a number of Slaves next year as labourers therein: and as the Great Falls are tremendous, & the navigation thereof, in whatever manner it is attempted, will require much skill & practical knowledge in the execution; we propose, before this is undertaken, to invite a proper person from Europe, who has been employed in works of this kind, as a superintendant of it: With respect to the other parts of the river, tho\u2019 what are called the Shanondoah Falls are as difficult\nin my opinion as the Falls of James river, at Westham, we seem to have confidence enough in ourselves to undertake them; & mean so to do without having recourse to either Canals or Locks. Thro\u2019 all the Falls & rapids above the Great falls, we mean to attempt nothing more than to open a strait passage to avoid, as much as possible, Currents; giving sufficient depth, & as much smoothness as may be to the surface; and if Rumseys project fails (of which he has not the smallest apprehension) to pull the Boats up by chains floated by buoys; the latter, when Ice begins to form may be slipped & thereby saved; whilst the former riveted to rocks at bottom, may remain during the intemperate season undisturbed & without injury.\nUpon an estimate of the expence of these Chains & Buoys, we (that is, the Directors of the Potomac navigation & myself) are of opinion, without having an eye to the probable advantages which are expected to be derived from Rumseys mechanical discovery, that it will be infinitely less than what must arise from cutting canals, building Locks, making track paths &ca, as was the design of Ballendine & others; and will have this advantage over them, that when once done, that is when the passage is opened in a straight direction in the natural bed of the river, it is done as it were forever; whereas Canals & Locks, besides the natural decay of them, are exposed to much injury from Ice, drift-wood, & even the common freshes; in a word, are never safe where there are such sudden inundations & violent torrents, as the rivers in this Country are subject to.\nIt has so happened that Thursday the 22d inst: is a day of my own appointing to meet the Directors at the Great Falls of this river, for the purpose of examining the place proposed for a Canal; & the river & ground from thence to tide water, on which business I expect to be employed (at least to be from home) four or five days.\nAltho\u2019 I see no impropriety myself in laying the Proceedings of the Potomac Company before the Board of Directors of the James river navigation, it being my wish that every intelligence which one can give to the other should be mutually afforded; yet it is my desire that the Act may be considered as transmitted for the private information (if it shou\u2019d convey any light) of yourself & the Directors.\nWe are endeavouring to engage our Miners to bore by the\nfoot, rather than by the day; but as yet have not agreed with any in this way: they ask a shilling, which we think is too much\u2014to common labourers we pay 40/ per month; and we find paying the workmen every fortnight, rather troublesome\u2014once a month would do better: as they will be frequently moving, we have provided Tents as most convenient & least expensive, for their accommodation.\nI find I have been under a mistake with respect to the subscriptions for the James river navigation; I conceived the Books were to lie open \u2019till the general meeting appointed (as that for this river was) by Law; & if the aggregate amounted to more than the sum required by the act, at such Meeting\u2014they were then to be reduced in the manner therein directed.\nThe expression of the Law, \u201cthe highest point practicable\u201d\u2014is certainly too indifinite; & in the hurry which the Act passed, the import of it was not sufficiently adverted to: but how far it may be politic for the Potomac Company to meddle in the matter, I will not at this moment undertake to decide; as the concurrence of two States to effect the alteration, & as one of them it is said by those who are unfriendly to the measure, has been surprized into it.\nIf it would not be too troublesome for your Secretary, it would be a satisfaction to me to receive a copy of your proceedings. With great esteem & sincere friendship I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0231", "content": "Title: To George Washington from the Mademoiselles Chavexult, 17 September 1785\nFrom: Chavexult, \u2014\u2014 (Mademoiselles)\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n17th Septr 1785.\nTwo French Ladies, who have always Admired your Virtues, find themselves, by an Unlucky accident, in great Distress, & we take the liberty of Addressing you, as to a feeling, & Compassionate Heart, (with the Same Confidence, that all the World\nhave[)]. Adieu. 3000 Ml. Livres in a Purse, will be of Great Service to us, we have the Honour to be with Respect Sir Your Hble & Obedt servt\nChavexult\nMy Adress is at Saulieu en Bourgonie, This is the third letter, we had the Honour to write you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0233", "content": "Title: Lists of Tenants, 18 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George,Shaw, William\nTo: \n[Mount Vernon, 18 September 1785]\nList of Ballances due His Excelly\u2014Genl Washington by his Tennants in Berkely County, to Date 25th Decr 1784\u2014\n                  Mr Moses Collett\n                  Mr Abram Swanger not Entd\n                  Mr Joseph Kersins\n                  Mr William Bartless not Entd\n                  Mr Anthony Gholston\n                  Mr Saml Scratchfield leas\u2019d David Rankin Examine Scratchfield acct \u27e8illegible\u27e9 26\n                  Mr Saml Bailley not Entd\n                  Mr Francis Whiting Esqr.\n                  List of Ballances due His Excelly Genl Washington by his Tennants in Fauquier & Loudon, to Date 25th Decr 1784\n                  Mr Michael Henry, Leas\u2019d Israel Morris\n                  Mr Jas Ballinger\n                  Mr Thos Slater, Leas\u2019d Francis Ballinger\n                  Mr David Keas, Held by Saml Taylor\n                  Mr John Oliphant, Leas\u2019d to William Thomson & Bot of John Dyers\n                  Mr Richd Watts, Leas\u2019d to Geo. Russell\n                  Leas\u2019d Mr Edwd Wisely but not Entd\n                  Mr Lewis Lamart, His rect Inclosed\n                  Mr Thos West, for One Halfe, Leas\u2019d to William Wood\n                  Mr Jos. Milnor, for One Half, Leas\u2019d William Wood, & by West to Do\n                  Mr Ezekiel Phillips, Leas\u2019d John Dyers\n                  Mr Ezekiel Phillips, Leas\u2019d Abram Morgan\n                  Mr William Donaldson\n                  Mr Jas Deermont, Leas\u2019d to Thos Loyd\n                  Vacant, or not Leas\u2019d\n                  Leas\u2019d Mr Isaac Milnor, but not Entd\n                  Mr Abram Morgan, that Leas\u2019d it of John Glascock, owes a Ball.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0234", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nBoston Sepr 19. 1785\nHave \u27e8just reed\u27e9 your letter with the Contents written by Mr Mc\u27e8Henry\u27e9, & shall attend to your obliging hints, will be more full in my next. Was alarmed at the black seal, & find no particular mention of the occasion. Wish your Lady better health, in which Mrs Gordon would join me & in best respects to yourself, did she know of my writing. Your sincere friend & humble servant\nWilliam Gordon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0236", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Temple Franklin, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Franklin, William Temple\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nPhilad[elphi]a 20th Septr 1785.\nNot knowing when I shall have an Opportunity of paying my Respects to your Excellency, an honor which I have long ambitioned, I take the Liberty of forwarding pr Post the Letters committed to my Care. Among these is one from the Marquis de la Fayette, who is well acquainted with my Reverence for your exalted Character and eminent Services, and of which he promised me to acquaint your Exy; but should he have neglected it, I hope you will not be less persuaded of the sincerity thereof, as well as of the Regret I have, in not being at present able to assure you personally of the same. With great Respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s most obedt & most humble Servant\nW.T. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0238", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Uzal Ogden, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Ogden, Uzal\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nState of Jersey, Newark 20 Sep. 1785.\nThough late, permit me to congratulate you on the Establishment of Peace and Independence to these States, and to mention that I feel Sensations of Gratitude to those, who, under Providence, have been instrumental in obtaining these invaluable Blessings.\nMay they, by our Virtue and Wisdom, ever be secured to us, with the Enjoyment of each earthly Good!\nI have taken the Liberty to inclose two Pamphlets, which I beg your Acceptance of, and am, with affectionate Regards to Mrs Washington, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and very humble Servant\nUzal Ogden", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0239", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 21 September 1785\nFrom: Johnson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nFred[eric]k [Md.] 21 Septr 1785.\nI received your Letter of the 10th Inst, five days after it\u2019s Date and the next Day had an Opportunity of shewing it to Mr Lee he had very lately been to see Mr Rumsay and was Spectator of several successful Blasts\u2014Rumsay had discharged several disorderly Fellows and had but one left that he was any way desirous of getting rid of he had then about twenty Hands. Mr Lee says the Men seemed to work with Spirit and the Difficulties appear less in the progress of the Work than were expected it seems they only want more Strength.\nWe both think it desirable to hire Negroes as well as purchase Servants but imagine very few can be got in this State perhaps indeed they cannot be removed from hence on the Virginia Side of the Great Falls with propriety[.] we think your supply must be altogether from Virga and we are altogether unacquainted with the common Terms[.] we both must and are willing to submit this Point to yourself and the other Gent. as you are so much better informed than we are\u2014we think their Labour will be more valuable than that of common white Hirelings\u2014As to the Number there\u2019s no other check as we see but Employment for them in Winter\u2014your and the other Gents. View of the Great Falls will have enabled you to fall in with my Ideas as to beginning the Cut there or induce you to correct my Guesses[.] if we should go on I imagine we might find Employmt for 100 Hands perhaps more[.] amongst the Servants I think it would be well to have four Smiths some Carpenters and a wheel right or two\u2014As the Season is fast approaching in which we must resolve whether to do any Thing this Winter or not I had determined to meet you at Seneca today and to have gone with you to the Great Falls Tomorrow but last Night I received a pressing Message to go to Annapolis I therefore gave up so much of my Design as to seeing the Great Falls and a very rainy Day prevents my Meeting you at Seneca to remedy it[.] as far as my Situation will allow though I would prefer half an Hours Conversation on the Subject to all I can write aday I have amused myself with writing my Ideas on the Canal and Locks in detail and making Calculations of the Expence which indeed surprizes me for it\u2019s smallness in the Amount though I do not see where to add to bring it nearer my former Conjectures\u2014I inclose them to you my Intention must be their Recommendation\u2014I propose to myself the pleasure of seeing you before long.\nThe Butcher who was to have supplied Mr Stewards party would not enter into the Contract on my Return without being ascertained there should be 50 Rations issued I told him there was a probability of more instead of less and prevailed on him to take a Letter from me to Mr Steward[.] he set off with it but came back without going near Steward or coming to me on his Return[.] I was unwell and knew nothing of his Beh[avio]r for a Week or ten days afterwards\u2014I fear Mr Steward has been equally disappointed about Boats Colo. Clapham has been ill\nand as has been common with us this Season has had a great proportion of his people sick\u2014he has been obliged to take his own People out of his Crop for he could not hire Hands I dare say he is as much chagrined at the delay as Mr Steward for no Body is more friendly to the Success of the Work than he is. I am Sir Your most obedt Servant\nTh: Johnson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0240", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Freeman, 22 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Freeman, Thomas\nSir,\n[Mount Vernon] 22d Septr 1785.\nIf Mr Jonathan Johnson will give one hundred Dollars per ann: for my tract at the Great Meadows, he may have a Lease therefor, for the term of ten years without any other conditions annexed than those of reclaiming the Meadow & putting the whole under a good fence\u2014leaving it to himself to place such buildings on the premises as his own inclination may prompt him to.\nOr, if he will build a dwelling House 36 feet by 24; with three rooms below & four above\u2014with two stone chimneys, & fire places in each room\u2014the House to be of hewed Logs or framed work, with glass windows. A Kitchen 16 by 20 feet, of the same kind of work with one stone chimney; And a Stable sufficient to contain twelve horses conveniently\u2014I will allow him two years of the ten, exempt from rent. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0242", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jean Louis Le Barbier, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Le Barbier, Jean Louis (the younger)\nSir,\nMount Vernon 25th Septr 1785.\nI have been honored with the receipt of your letter dated at Paris the 4th of March; & pray you to accept my thanks for those\ncopies of your Dramatic performance which you had the goodness to send me; & in which you have made such honorable & flattering mention of my name.\nI lament Sir, that my merits are not equal to your praises\u2014& regret exceedingly that my deficiency in the knowledge of the French language does not allow me to become master of the Drama, & of those sentiments which I am told are beautifully expressed in it by the author. Upon my gratitude you have a large claim for those expressions of esteem with which your letter is replete, & which, from a Gentlemen who professes not to compliment, are the more to be valued. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0243", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Pusignan, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pusignan, Alexandre-C\u00e9sar de Genevy de\nSir,\nMount Vernon 25th Septr 1785.\nIt is not fourteen days since I was honored with your letter of the 16th of last Octr; to what cause the delay is to be ascribed I am unable to inform you; but lest this answer with the inclosure should meet with any accident, I dispatch it under cover to Count de Rochambeau at Paris.\nI am sorry Sir, it is not in my power to comply with your wishes in regard to the Order of the Cincinnati. The institution itself points out the different grades of Officers who are to be admitted into this Society; and at its last General Meeting, the members thereof in France, of which the Counts de Rochambeau & de Estaing were placed at the head; one in the Military, the other in the naval Line, were empowered to hold meetings & to decide upon the Claims of Officers belonging to either department in that Country.\nIt is there Sir, your pretensions must be offered; & if they are not precluded by the determination of your Sovereign, will I doubt not, meet with the liberal & favourable interpretation to which your merit entitles you. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0244", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Vaughan, 25 September 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Vaughan, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\n Letter not found: from Charles Vaughan, 25 Sept. 1785. GW wrote Vaughan on 18 Nov.: \u201cI have had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th of Septr.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0245", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Williams, Otho Holland\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th Sepr 1785.\nYour letter of the 15th of Augt from Bath, only got to my hands on Sunday last. The one alluded to, of April, as giving an acct of the miscarriage of the Diplomas, & the best information you could obtain respecting them, nor any other since that which accompanied the Parchments, and wch received an immediate acknowledgement, have reached me at all.\nIn a word, I never had the least intimation; or knowledge of the accident until Major Jacksons Letter (copy of which I sent you) was delivered to me.\nI have since enquired of Colo. Fitzgerald if he could recollect in whose care they were placed\u2014his memory he says does not serve him on this occasion, but he is sure they were entrusted to safe hands, or such as appeared to him at the time to be so\u2014It is a little extraordinary therefore that this person, whoever he may be, should not have given notice of the loss either to him, from whom the parcel was received, or to you, to whom it was intended.\nIt is to be feared, under these circumstances, that neither the Diploma\u2019s, or the money advanced for them, will ever be recovered. however, if you conceive that an Advertisement will effect any valuable purpose\u2014or be satisfactory to the Gentlemen for whose benefit they were designed, you can, as Secretary, recite the event and request information from any who may have it in their power to give it. With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0246", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 26th Septr 1785.\nI had just written, & was about to put into the hands of Mr Taylor, (a Gentleman in the Department of the Secretary for foreign Affairs) the enclosed Letter, when I had the honor to receive by Post your favor of the 20th inst.\nI have a grateful sense of the partiality of the French nation towards me; & feel very sensibly the indulgent expression of your letter which does me great honor.\nWhen it suits Mr Houdon to come hither, I will accommodate him in the best manner I am able, & shall endeavour to render his stay as agreeable as I can.\nIt would give me infinite pleasure to see you: at this place I dare not look for it; tho\u2019 to entertain you under my own roof would be doubly gratifying. When, or whether ever I shall have the satisfaction of seeing you at Philada is uncertain; as retirement from the public walks of life has not been so productive of the leisure & ease as might have been expected. With very great esteem & respect, I am Dr Sir, Your most obt &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0247", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Temple Franklin, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Franklin, William Temple\nSir,\nMount Vernon 26th Septr 1785.\nThe last post gave me the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 20th inst: covering, among others, a letter from the Marquis de la Fayette, who speaks of you to me in very advantageous terms. but your own merit Sir, of which I have heard frequent\nmention, is alone sufficient to impress me with very favourable sentiments of you; of which I should be happy to give you personal assurances at this place\u2014if inclination, or business should induce you to visit this part of the United States. I am Sir, &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0249", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir\nRichmond Sept. 26th 1785\nYour Favor covering Mr Deakins\u2019s Letter I received this Morning. As soon as Mr Massey\u2019s Resignation was handed to me, the Appointment of Mr Neville was made & sent out to him with a Copy of the Resolution of Assembly. But for Fear they may have miscarry\u2019d I inclose you a Copy, which I must beg you to put in a Way of being forwarded. With the highest Esteem & Regard I am dear Sir Your most obedient Servant\nP. Henry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0250", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jean Antoine Houdon, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Houdon, Jean Antoine\nSir,\nMt Vernon 26th Septr 1785.\nBy a letter which I have lately had the honor to receive from Dr Franklin at Philada, I am informed of your arrival at that place; many letters from very respectable characters in France, as well as the Doctors, inform me of the occasion\u2014for which, tho\u2019 the cause is not of my seeking, I feel the most agreeable & grateful sensations. I wish the object of your mission had been more worthy of the masterly strokes of the first Statuary in Europe; for thus you are represented to me.\nIt will give me pleasure Sir, to welcome you to this seat of my retirement: and whatever I have, or can procure that is necessary to your purposes, or convenient & agreeable to your wishes; you must freely command\u2014as inclination to oblige you, will be among the last things in which I shall be found deficient, either on your arrival, or during your stay. With sentiments of esteem, I am Sir &ca\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0251", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 26th Septr 1785\nI have had the honor to receive your favors of the 10th & 17th of July which were committed to the care of Mr Houdon; but I have not yet had the pleasure to see that Gentleman. His Instruments and materials (Doctr Franklin informs me) not being arrived at Havre when they Sailed, he was obliged to leave them; & is now employed in providing others at Philadelphia, with which he will proceed to this place as soon as they are ready. I shall take great pleasure in shewing Mr Houdon every civility, & attention in my power during his stay in this Country, as I feel my self under personal obligations to you & Doctr Franklin (as the State of Virginia have done me the honor to direct a Statue to be erected to my Memory) for havg entrusted\nthe execution of it to so eminent an Artist, & so worthy a character.\nI have the pleasure to inform you, that the subscriptions to the inland Navigations of the Rivers Potomack & James require no aid from Foreigners. the product of the first when the Books were exhibited at the General Meeting in May last, amounted to \u00a340,300 Sterling, and is since nearly compleated to the full Sum required by Law. That of the latter, of the General Meeting in August, were superabundant. The work of the former began the first of August, & is progressing very well\u2014the latter I am persuaded will do more than keep pace with it, as the difficulties are much less.\nI have the further pleasure to inform you (& I should have done it long since, had I not supposed that your information would have been more full & perfect from some of your friends in the Assembly) that a resolution authorizing the Executive to appoint Commissioners to explore & report the best communication between the Waters of Elizabeth River & those of Albemarle passed last Session\u2014That the Commrs have proceeded to the Survey\u2014and have reported in favor of that which will pass through Drummonds pond to the Pasquetank; but what will be the result I am unable to inform you, as I find by some of the principal characters of No. Carolina (Members of Congress) who have called here, that jealousies prevail, & a powerful opposition will be given to any Water Communication between the two States, lest Virginia should derive the benefits arising from their Exports &ca.\nI am very happy to find that your sentiments respecting the interest the Assembly was pleased to give me in the two navigations of Potomack & James River, coincide so well with my own. I never, for a moment, entertained an idea of accepting\u2014the difficulty which laboured in my Mind was how to refuse without giving offence. Ultimately I have it in contemplation to apply the profits arising from the Tolls to some public use\u2014In this, if I knew how, I would meet the wishes of the Assembly; but if I am not able to get at these, my own inclination leads me to apply them to the establishment of two charity Schools, one on each river, for the Education & support of poor Children; especially the descendants of those who have fallen in defence of their Country.\nI can say nothing decis[iv]ely respecting the Western Settlement of this State. The Inhabitants of Kentucke have held several Conventions, and have resolved to apply for a Seperation. But what may be the final issue of it, is not for me, at this time, to inform you\u2014Opinions, as far as they have come to my knowledge, are diverse. I have uniformly given it as mine, to meet them upon their own ground\u2014draw the best line, & best terms we can of seperation and part good friends. After the next Session of our Assembly more may be discovered, and communicated, and if you should not receive it through a better channel, I will have the honor to inform you.\nI am sorry I cannot give you full information respecting Captn Bushnals projects for the destruction of Shipping. No interesting experiment having been made, and my memory being treacherous, I may, in some measure, be mistaken in what I am about to relate.\nBushnel is a Man of great Mechanical powers\u2014fertile of invention\u2014and a master in execution\u2014He came to me in 1776 recommended by Governor Trumbull (now dead) and other respectable characters who were proselites to his plan. Although I wanted faith myself, I furnished him with money, and other aids to carry it into execution. He laboured for sometime ineffectually, & though the advocates for his scheme continued sanguine he never did succeed. One accident or another was always intervening. I then thought, and still think, that it was an effort of genius; but that a combination of too many things were requisite, to expect much Success from the enterprise against an enemy, who are always upon guard. That he had a Machine which was so contrived as to carry a man under water at any depth he chose, and for a considerable time & distance, with an apparatus charged with Powder which he could fasten to a Ships bottom or side & give fire to in any given time (Sufft for him to retire) by means whereof a ship could be blown up, or Sunk, are facts which I believe admit of little doubt\u2014but then, where it was to operate against an enemy, it is no easy matter to get a person hardy enough to encounter the variety of dangers to which he must be exposed. 1[.] from the novelty 2[.] from the difficulty of conducting the Machine, and governing it under Water on Acct of the Currents &ca 3[.] the consequent uncertainty of hitting the object of destination, without rising frequently above water\nfor fresh observation, wch when near the Vessel, would expose the Adventurer to a discovery, & almost to certain death\u2014To these causes I always ascribed the non-performance of his plan, as he wanted nothing that I could furnish to secure the success of it. This to the best of my recollection is a true state of the case\u2014But Humphreys, if I mistake not, being one of the proselites, will be able to give you a more perfect Acct of it than I have done. With the most perfect esteem & regard I have the honor to be Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0253", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 27 September 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jay, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 27th Sepr 1785\nMr Taylor presented me the honor of your favor of the 25th Ulto\u2014and gave me the pleasure of hearing that Mrs Jay & yourself were well, when he left New York.\nUpon your safe return to your native Country, after a long absence, & the important services you have rendered it\u2014in many interesting negotiations\u2014I very sincerely congratulate you, and your Lady.\nIt gave me great pleasure to hear of your late appointment as Secretary of the United States for the Department of Foreign Affairs\u2014a happier choice, in my opinion, could not have been made\u2014and I shall always rejoice at any circumstance that will contribute either to your honor, Interest, or convenience.\nMr Taylor having accomplished his mission, returns to you with the proceedings and report of the Commissioners, who\nwere sent into New York to inspect the embarkations; which, by the by, was little more than a farce as they inspected no more property than the British chose they should be witness to the embarkation of. It will always give me pleasure to hear from you\u2014Mrs Washington joins me in respectful compliments to, and best wishes for Mrs Jay & Yourself. I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0255", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Arthur Donaldson, 1 October 1785\nFrom: Donaldson, Arthur\nTo: Washington, George\nWorthy Sir\nPhiladelphia Octr the 1st 1785\nI Esteem my Self highly honourd by your Excelencys faivour to Mr Hollingsworth and Shall Imbrace the Opertunity of Serving you with the greatest freedom Theirfore in the first place hope to remove your doubts of the Hippopomos being Applicable to your purpose by Viewing the Inclosd draught & discription which was publishd in the Pennsylvania Magazine for May 1775 but on Account of the War was not put into practice untill this Sumer having the Small Alteration of bringing the hoisting rope Over the horses back & Inverting the Capston. My Maner of useing this Machine is by having Severall large lighters to Carry off the mud &c. to the most Convenient place whilst the Machine is fully Imployd in raiseing it Another Methood may probably be more Convenient for your purpose I would recomend a Vesell about 50 ft long 20 ft broad & about 4 ft deep So as to load the mud in the Same vesell that has the machine in lett hir be Intirely flatt at botom She will lay Stedy on the water & Contain 40 or 50 Cart loads & not Exceed the draught of 3 ft water when loaded She may be dischargd Again by the Griples the Contents thrown in to wagons or on a Shore that is Convenient with A border of a wharf when it may be too Soft to Shovel with Conveniency their it can lay a few days to dry hard enough to move with more ease this will Save a consider expence in equiping & working difrent vesells as well as Shoveling &c. but is not applicable here as Such a Vesell Could not work in many docks whare most wanted & other reasons which may not accur with you In adopting this alteration it will be necessary to Consider the Situation of your ground & Safety of harbour if your Shore is Clear of Stones the botom near levell it will be the better\nbut will require a Safe harbour in rough weather twoo or three men with a horse may load this vesell in a few howers & by takeing advantage of the tide Come on Shore whare She may Ground safely untill dischargd as above I flatter my Self this mode will be Equell to your Excellencys wish and will not add above one third to the Expence of the within discribed vesell but in Case more dispatch is required then this mode will Admitt of you Can adopt the difrent Vesells in Either Case the Expence of Machinery will be much the Same the whole of which will add about one hundred pound to the price of the vesell & horse to work with.\nIf After this Information youl think proper to go into the buisness by Either methood and will honour me with your directions I Shall proceed Accordingly if you wish to have a Good workman Sent to Conduct the building a Sutable vesell Shall endeavour to procure one to whome I Can give particular directions it may be best to gett the Prin[c]iple Ironwork don here by the hand that did mine whoes Experience may be Improv\u2019d and on whome I Can readily Attend & when ready have them Conveyd round by wa\u27e8ter\u27e9 If you wish to hurrey the work (as I Conceive the winter frost us\u27e8e\u27e9full to pulverize the manure) I Shall make free to recomend the procureing 1500 or 2000 ft of 2 & \u00bd Inch Oake plank & the Same Quantity of 2 In. d[itt]o which may probably require time the other Stuff can undoubtedly be got on Short notice Such as the large Vesell would Cost about \u00a3300 in this place but Expect your plenty of timber will greatly reduce the price as to the other methood you Can be better informd the Cost of lighters by your neighbours If you wish to Imploy a Carpenter in your neighbour hood to direct the building I will Send you a Sutable Draught or modell for him to work by if required of Either Sort you Chuse\u2014In Case you proceed I will do my Self the pleasure of an Excurtion into your neighbourhood a few weeks to See the works put together when prepared for beliv\u27e8e\u27e9 me Sir it will give me great pleasure to have it in my power to Convay Any usefull Information to mankind More Especially in So usefull an Obiect as the reinstating the firtilety of so valuable a part of your first Setlements under the patronage of the first Charactor to whome the united States are Indebted theirfore heartily desire your Excelency to use the freedom of nameing Any thing I have in my power to\nServe you in without entertaneing the Idea of trouble to me I will not for the present tire your patience with more particulars but to Inquire if you think to Imploy the griples in any thing but Soft Mud as difrent Shapes are necessary for difrent purposes I have twoo pair one without teeth for Soft Mudd and Sand (which I raise for morter) the others have Circular lips with Strong teeth for hard dirt gravell Stones &c. the former supose to be most Sutable for your purpose. I have the honour to be with submition your Excelencys Most Obligd H. Sert\nAr. Donaldson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0257", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 1 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon Oct. 1st 1785.\nIt has so happened, that your letter of the first of last Month did not reach me until Saturdays Post.\nYou know, too well, the sincere respect & regard I entertained for your venerable fathers public and private character, to require assurances of the concern I felt for his death\u2014or of that sympathy in your feelings for the loss of him, which is prompted by friendship. Under this loss however, great as your pangs may have been at the first shock, you have every thing to console you.\nA long, & well spent life in the Service of his Country, placed Govr Trumbull amongst the first of Patriots. In the social duties he yielded to none\u2014and his Lamp, from the common course of Nature, being nearly extinguished\u2014worn down with age & cares, but retaining his mental faculties in perfection, are blessings which rarely attend advanced life. All these combining, have secured to his memory universal respect & love here, and no doubt immeasurable happiness hereafter.\nI am sensible that none of these observations can have escaped you\u2014that I can offer nothing which your own reason has not already suggested upon this occasion\u2014& being of Sterne\u2019s opinion, that \u201cBefore an affliction is digested, consolation comes too soon\u2014and after it is digested\u2014it comes too late: there is but a mark between these two, as fine almost as a hair for a comforter\nto take aim at.\u201d I rarely attempt it, nor shall I add more on this subject to you, as it would only be a renewal of sorrow by recalling afresh to your remembrance things which had better be forgotten.\nMy principal pursuits are of a rural nature, in which I have great delight, especially as I am blessed with the enjoyment of good health\u2014Mrs Washington on the contrary is hardly ever well, but thankful for your kind remembrance of her, and joins me in every good wish for you, Mrs Trumbull & your family. Be assured that with sentiments of the purest esteem & regard I am, Dear Sir Yr Affecte friend and Obedient Servant\n\u27e8Go: Washington\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0258", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 2 October 1785\nFrom: Mason, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nGunston-Hall [Fairfax County] Octor 2d 1785\nI take the Liberty of inclosing You a Memorial and Remonstrance to the General Assembly, confided to me by a particular Freind, whose Name I am not at Liberty to mention; and as the Principles it avows entirely accord with my Sentiments on the Subject (which is a very important one) I have been at the Charge of printing several Copys, to disperse in the different parts of the Country. You will easily perceive that all Manner of Declamation, & Address to the passions, have been avoided, as unfair in themselves, & improper for such a Subject, and altho\u2019 the Remonstrance is long, that Brevity has been aimed at; but the Field is extensive.\nIf upon Consideration, You approve the Arguments, & the principles upon which they are founded, Your Signature will both give the Remonstrance weight, and do it Honour. I wou\u2019d have waited on you personally, upon this Occasion; but have been so shattered by a late violent Fit of the convulsive Cholic, complicated with the Gout in my Stomach, that I am hardly able to walk across the Floor.\nThe Bearer will deliver you a packet, inclosing another Copy for my Friend Dr Stuart. I am in Hopes He, & his Colleague,\nwill endeavour to forward the Subscriptions in this County. Mrs Mason, & the Family here, present their Compliments to You, Your Lady, & Miss Bassett, with Dear Sir Your affecte & obdt Sert\nG. Mason", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0259", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Grayson, 3 October 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nNew York Octob. 3rd 1785\nThe requisition is at length finished, & which I have now the honor of inclosing; the article of 30,000 dollars for f\u0153deral buildings at Trenton is expunged; & I think the opposition to that measure is gaining strength. Some of the Southern States begin to view it in a different light.\nCongress have passed a resolution authorizing the Post Master general under the direction of the Board of Treasury to contract with the Owners of the Stage coaches for the transportation of the Mail; it is expected the contracts will be formed in the course of the next month: after which there will be three mails a week through the Southern States. A new Ordinance for the Post Office is ready to be reported in which there are clauses for cross posts from Alexandria to Fort Pitt, & from Albany to the limits of Canada, but it is doubtful whether in this present Congress either will take effect.\nMr Payne has a memorial before Congress, to be allowed a sum of money for his services, to which there is a favorable report from a Commee but I am fearful that nothing of consequence will take effect. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Affect, fd & Most Obedt Serv.\nWillm Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0262", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lucretia Wilhelmina van Winter, 5 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Van Winter, Lucretia Wilhelmina\nMadame,\nMount Vernon 5th Octr 1785.\nTo find that the letter which I had the honor of writing to you on the 30th of March last, in acknowledgement of the Poem you\nhad the goodness to send me through the hands of Mr Vogels, has never reached you, gives me pain. I now enclose a copy of it, presuming that the original must have miscarried from my having addressed it to the care of that Gentleman at Philadelphia when, possibly, he might not have been in this Country.\nI have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th of April, with the duplicate of the above Poem for which I thank you, and can only repeat to you my wish, that the subject of it was more deserving of your lays. I pray you, Madame, to have the goodness to offer my Compliments to Mr Van Winter, and to be assured of the respect & esteem with which I have the honor to be Your Most obedt & Most Humble Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0264", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Brown, 7 October 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Brown, William\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from William Brown, 7 Oct. 1785. GW wrote Brown on 24 Nov.: \u201cI am really ashamed, at this late hour to have the receipt of your favor of the 7th of Octor, to acknowledge.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0267", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Blackburn, 10 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Blackburn, Thomas\nMonday 10th Octor 1785\nGenl & Mrs Washington present their compliments to Colo. & Mrs Blackburne; are much obliged to them for their kind invitation to the Wedding on Thursday. They would attend with pleasure, but for the indisposition of the latter; & the particular engagements of the former which confine him at home this week, & oblige him to attend the Board of Directors at George town, the Great Falls &c. the beginning of next.\nThe Genl & Mrs Washington will always be happy to see the young couple at Mount Vernon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0268", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Lawrence Kortright, 10 October 1785\nFrom: Kortright, Lawrence\nTo: Washington, George\nGood Sir\nNew York 10th Octor 1785\nGive me leave to address myself to your Excellency, in order to put in my power to get settled my Acct against the United States, in regard to my Sloop Hester, wch Capt Randall, at perticular request of your Excellency, had in the Service for an Arm\u2019d Vessell, wch was taken into pay the 8th April 1776 & discharg\u2019d the 23d August, wch has been Valued And apprais\u2019d by the Wardens of this port wch will undoubtedly be paid. on my Sloop Hester being discharg\u2019d, it was thought proper to dispose of her, w[it]h her warlike stores, for fear of her falling into the hands of the British. Accordingly She was apprais\u2019d for Twenty Eight\n   Hundred pounds, wch Mr Isaac Sears took at the appraisement, & says he gave Col. Moiland his obligation for the Same; payable to your Excellency, Col. Moiland Says, if so, it must have been lost w[it]h the papers he sent to Brunswick. The Wardens of this port have valued my Sloop w[it]h [t]he Tackel, at Eleven Hundred & Eighty one pounds, so that a Ballance of Sixteen Hundred & Nineteen pounds is in Favor of the States, w[it]h Interest. I shall esteem it a particular kindness done me; if your Excellency will be kind enough to order, in w[ha]t way I shall get payment for my Vessell. Your Goodness in this, will much Oblige your Excellency\u2019s Very Humble Sert\nLawrence Kortright", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0271", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Graham, 12 October 1785\nFrom: Graham, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nDumfries October 12, 1785\nI received your packet by last post directed to Mr Henderson enclosing the Surveys of the Great Kanhawa Lands\u2014& the courses of the Lands on the Little Kanhawa for which your Excellency will please accept our thanks. I have taken a Copy of the Surveys & now return them. I must make out a plott of the Little Kanhawa Lands including these Surveys that we may See what Land is left out on the dividing Ridge where Col. Crawford has entered between 40 & 50,000 Acres for Mr Henderson & myself\u2014& we are likely to meet with some difficulty in finding them out\u2014We have the first fifty seven enterys that were made on Mr Maddisons Books Surveyor at that time, of Monongalia County\u2014I have taken the liberty to Send you a sketch of the Enterys\u2014As you probably may be able, from your knowledge of that Country to give us Some usefull hints\u2014I have the honor to be with the highest esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant\nRichd Graham", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0273", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 14 October 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir.\nRichmond October 14th 1785\nI beg Leave to introduce to your Acquaintance the Bearer Capt. Lewis Littlepage who wishes for the Honor of being known to you. I have no Doubt but the Merits of this young Gentleman will render him agreable to you. I have spent some little Time in his Company very happily, & feel myself interested in his future Welfare.\nAs soon as the Report concerning the intended Water communication with Carolina is made, I shall certainly communicate it to you. I expect it now daily. With the highest Regard & Esteem I am dear sir your very obedient Servant\nP. Henry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0275", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Freeman, 16 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Freeman, Thomas\nSir,\nMt Vernon 16th Octr 1785.\nIt is sometime since I wrote in very great haste an answer, or rather an acknowledgement of your letter of the 9th of June. I will now by Mr Craig, endeavour to be more explicit than I was, or could be at that time.\nWith regard to my Lands on the Ohio & Great Kanhawa, I am not yet inclined to relax from the terms of my printed Advertisement, with a copy of which I furnished you: When I see cause to do it, you shall be duly advertised of the change: in the mean time, if you could discover the most advantageous terms which could be obtained, & would advise me thereof, I should be obliged to you. As to the Great Meadow tract, you may rent it on the best terms you can, not exceeding ten years from the first day of January next. My sentiments with respect to the Mill were so fully given to you in my last (by Dr Knight) that it is unnecessary to add aught on that score now. It has cost me too much already (without any return) to undergo a repetition of the like expence. If you cannot rent or sell her as there directed, let her return to dust\u2014the first loss may be best.\nI informed you in my last, & I presume you were well convinced of it before, that I made no agreement with the Tenants on the tract near you, which could exonerate them from paying the rents which were then due; consequently they must be made to pay them; otherwise the most deserving of favor (by having paid) are on a worse footing, than the least deserving who ought to have paid before I went into the Country & explained the terms on which I had directed them to be let.\nWith respect to Mr Simpsons quitting the Tenement\u2014I observed to you in my last; that when I make a bargain I consider it, to all intents & purposes, as binding on me; consequently that it is so on the person with whom it is made. He may well remember, that upon his expressing an idea that he would try the place one year on the rent it now goes at, I told him explicitly he must take it for the period on which it was offered, or not at all; as I did not intend to go thro\u2019 the same trouble every year by making an annual bargain for it; & that he acquiesced thereto. It behooves him therefore, & the Tenant likewise, to consider what they are about\u2014as one or the other will be liable to me for the\nrent, agreeably to the tenure of the Lease. I informed you in my last what had been done with the Accounts which were put into my hands by him & Mr John Jones, & requested him to assign the Certificate which I then enclosed, & to return it to me; but have heard nothing from him since on the subject\u2014which is a little surprizing.\nI hope the Hay, Corn & other articles have been sold \u2018ere this, & that you have received the Cash for them, or good security for the payment of the amount of them.\nIf Mr Simpson, contrary to his agreement and good faith, should have moved off my Land; I am at a loss to decide what had best be done with my Negroes. It was in consideration of his taking the Plantation, that I agreed to let him have the negroes so cheap: If he is gone, or going from it, he shall hold them no longer on the same terms he has them this year\u2014but my wish would be that you could send them to me at this place, if the measure can be reconciled to them. Simon\u2019s countrymen, & Nancy\u2019s relations are all here, & would be glad to see them; I would make a Carpenter of Simon, to work along with his shipmate Jambo. At any rate I will not suffer them to go down the river, or to any distance where you can not have an eye over them.\nWhat Capt: Crawford did upon my Land on Shirtee in order to save it, must, undoubtedly be well known to those who were most intimately connected with him & his movements at that period. Mr Chas Morgan is as likely to possess this knowledge as any other; but certainly there must be more, & it may be essential to find them out & to call upon them as evidences in the cause.\nIn a former Letter I informed you that I had obtained a Patent for the round Bottom; & that it might be rented on the same terms with my other Lands on the Ohio & Great Kanhawa; & I repeat it in this, lest a miscarriage should have happened.\nWhen I was out last fall, I left all my Baggage at Mr Simpson\u2019s\u2014viz.\u2014Tents\u2014Bed\u2014Bedding & many other things; of which I hope proper care has & will be taken, if he has, or is about to leave the place. Among other Articles there were two, eight gallon Kegs of West India rum\u2014one of them of the first quality. As this is a commodity which is subject to a variety of accidents &\nmisfortunes, I request it may be sold: I will take my chance to procure more when I may come into that Country; which, at present, is uncertain. If the Tents & bedding should get wet, & are not dryed, they will be ruined; I therefore pray that particular attention may be paid to them, my Canteens, travelling Trunk &c. &c.\nIf you have received & paid anything on my account since I was out; it may be well to render a statement of it by Mr Craig, who will offer a safe & good opportunity to remit what Cash may be in your hands consequent of the sales of last fall or by other means, after you have deducted your commissions. If the Bonds which were taken at that time are not paid agreeably to the terms of them\u2014delay no time to recover the money as soon as you can; as I am not inclined to be put off with unmeaning promises, & obliged to sue at last.\nIf my Negros are to come down, the sooner it could happen the better for the young ones: & a careful person should be hired to take care of them. In this case I would wish to have my Baggage (except the Liquor) sent to me at the same time\u2014one trouble & expence would serve both purposes. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0277", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Taylor, Jr., 17 October 1785\nFrom: Taylor, George Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nNew York 17th October 1785\nFrom a desire to give some information respecting my Success in Executing the Commands I had the Honor of receiving from, I have \u2018till now delayed writing to Your Excellency, nor can I at present give any satisfactory account with respect to a conveyance for the Apples; not a Vessel at present, that I can find, being advertised to Sail for Virginia: But as your Excellency may wish to be informed of the manner in which I have disposed of the Letters committed to my Care, I have the Honor to give you the following account, Vizt.\nOn my arrival in Philadelphia I waited on the Honorable Doctor Franklin, to whom I delivered the Letter addressed to him\u2014The one enclosed for his Grandson, he requested I would bring on with me, he having left Philadelphia for this Place a few days before, which I accordingly did, and delivered it to Mr\nFranklin at the Office. The Letter for Mr Jay I also delivered on my arrival here, I enquired of him, agreeably to your Excellency\u2019s desire, whether the Postage of Letters, by the Packet for Europe, was paid here, and was informed that it was not paid until their arrival in Europe. Your Excellency\u2019s Letters for Paris will be forwarded with Mr Jay\u2019s dispatches by the Packet, which I am told will Sail in three or four Days from this.\nWhen in Philadelphia I made inquiry for Mr De Neufville and was told that he had come on to this Place; but on my repeating it here, I found that he had returned. I therefore took the Liberty of Lodging your Excellency\u2019s Letter for that Gentleman with the Dutch Embassador, supposing, that it would have a much more direct and safe conveyance from him, than I could possibly give it.\nI did myself the Honor to call on His Excellency the Governor and make your Excellency\u2019s and Mrs Washington\u2019s compliments to Mrs Clinton and himself\u2014the former was then indisposed and has since been blessed with a Daughter.\nAgreeable to your Excellency\u2019s desire, I made the Governor acquainted with your Reason for not writing him by me\u2014His Excelly told me that Business had prevented him from writing your Excellency the long Letter he promised on his return from the northward.\nI shall delay the purchase of the Apples until I find a Conveyance, which I am informed is very uncertain at this Season\u2014Your Excellency may rely, however, on their being sent, should a seasonable one offer.\nMr Hardy, late a Delegate in Congress from Virginia, died this Morning\u2014He has not been confined to his bed, but I am informed he has long been in a weakly state of Health.\nI do myself the Honor to enclose herewith, for your Excelly\u2019s perusal, some late News Papers which contain all the News we have here. Permit me to present my most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington. I have the Honor to be, with every Sentiment of Respect, Your Excellency\u2019s, Most obedient and Very humble servant,\nGeo: Taylor, Junr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0278", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Grouchet, 20 October 1785\nFrom: Grouchet, comte de\nTo: Washington, George\nMy General\nParis 20th Octr 1785\nDesirous of that which leads to Glory, & the Protection of those, who Commands, I aspire to that of your Excellency, in Demanding to be admitted into the Military Order of Cincinnatus, the Marechall de Richelieu whose Lieutenant I am, & who will be Answerable for me, as he has been a Witness of my first Campaigne at Port Mahon, in the Electorate of Hanover; The Orders of My King, having Oblig\u2019d me to America, whc. I have done my Endeavours to Shew you, by the Writing & Cerficate; that I have now the Honour to Inclose you. If Mr Suffren, whose Relation I am, had been at Paris, he would have Join\u2019d his Supplication to mine, having told me the last year, to ask this favour of your Excy, Emulous of your Esteem my General, Certain of your Justice, I Conjure you beforehand, the Profound Respect, for your Goodness, & the Gratitude, that a Heart like mine owes to the Kindnesses, of a Great Soul like yours, whc. does So much honour, to Humanity I am with the most Profound Respect My General your Excys most Obed. H. S.\nGrouchet\nto Mr le Cte de Grouchet lieut. of the Marechl of France at Dept of St Germain en Paye ches le Marechall de Richelieu in his Hotel at Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0279", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 20 October 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from James Madison, 20 Oct. 1785. On 29 Oct. GW wrote Madison: \u201cReceive my thanks for your obliging favor of the 20th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0280", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon Oct 22nd 1785\nI thank you for the perusal of the enclosed reports\u2014Mr Jay seems to have laboured the point respecting the Convention.\nIf any thing should occur that is interesting, & your leizure will permit it, I should be glad to hear from you on the subject;", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0281", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 24 October 1785\nFrom: Gibbs, Caleb\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear General\nBoston Octobr 24th 1785.\nThe uneaqual distribution of this worlds goods amongst mankind make it necessary for those in a dependent Line to look\nseriously about them for the mere comforts and necessaries of life, and more particularly when necessity spurs on the subject.\nWeavering fortune some times smiles on those (perhaps) lest deserving, in consequence of which makes them happy in this life, with a competency sufficient, to set themselves down in the lap of ease and Independence, while others is carried away with the current of shagreen and disappointment.\nThis is the case with many of my worthy Brother Officers who have left service, and I will candidly confess, I feel the force of the argument myself, for when thinking to retire from the Feild of Glory after having been instrumental in the establishment, of the Liberties, and Independence of my Country, to be obliged to part with my notes at two shillings in the pound (which is the current price they sell for here & which I have received from the public as silver and Gold) makes my blood thrill thro my veins.\nThis necessity obliges me to live \u0153conomical in every instance, and to part with no more of my securities than my wants immediately call for, yet trusting, if possible to survive a few years longer, that this Country cannot but make good the money paid to their Army.\nSince the dissolution of the Regiment Commanded by Genl Jackson (in which I had the honor to be arranged) I have been floating about from Philadelphia to New Hampshire, negociating a little business partly on Commission, and have never determined to fix muself till within these few months. The unsettled state in which I have lived has occasioned my being totally seperated from my baggage, and since I have collected it, in perusing my papers I find a ballance due me from the United States of 1603 continental dollars, which I borrowed, and lent principally in the month of Octobr 1780, for the use of the Commander in Chiefs family. This your Excellency will easily find by stating the foot of the Account of Expences at the time I left your family, with the monies drawn and received by me; No monies could be obtained from the Pay Master General in all the month of Octobr and in fact none from the public, except of Colo. Pickering of whom on the 15th of Novembr I received 1,000 dollars which was the last sum I received from the public. On the 28th of Novr we went into winter quarters, On the 15th of Decr I went on furlough and returned to Head Quarters, On the 21st\nof April following and Joined my Regiment the 23d of the same month the day which I gave your Excellency the Books and papers.\nThose papers alluded too I have never seen from the time I Joined my regiment till with these few months past, and altho the ballance is intrinsickly small, yet it will be of great service to me, and if any person who has been a Creditor of the United States and can call on them for any ballance no one can do it with more propriety than the American Officers and Soldiers.\nIf your Excellency agrees with me as I am fully persuaded you will, I will thank you to transmit me a Certificate by an early conveyance, that it may be presented the board of Treasury for payment after they have liquidated the sum agreable to the scale of depreciation between the 4th and 28th of Octobr 1780. If your Excellency directs to me at this place your Letter will find me here, as I shall not leave this Capital but for a few days this winter.\nMy Love and regard for you and Mrs Washington has several times prompt me the last season to undertake a visit to Mount Vernon but on reconnoitreing my finances I have found it impossible to attempt the march. Therefore I could only offer you to heaven for the best of protections in this life, and the full enjoyment and fruition of Happiness in that which is to come.\nContinental as well as State bodies too soon forget their esteem for those they expressed freindship for when in hour of danger, particularly this State, not one Officer since the dissolution of the American Army has been appointed to any post of profit and I beleive with propriety I may venture to assert will not be till they totally eradicate the Idea of his ever being a Continental Officer.\nCongress in like manner soon forgot their promise to your Excellency at the time you took leave of them when they told you that those Gentlemen who had been nigh your person thro\u2019 the principal dangers of the War should be remembered on some future day (or in words to this effect) that day is far distant for some I fear and which is honesty to confess is somewhat mortifying more especially when we see those who were only Soldiers of a day filling posts of honor and profit.\nI beg your Excellency to offer me in most respectful terms to Mrs Washington and family, and all those who ever ask after me.\nI have the honor to be With the most profound respect And Esteem Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient and most humble Servant\nC. Gibbs", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0285", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Fairfax, 26 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fairfax, John\nMount Vernon 26th Octr 1785.\nYou will proceed in the Stage from Alexandria to Boston, without losing a day that can possibly be avoided; & when arrived at the latter place, deliver the Letter herewith given you to the Hone Thos Cushing, Lieut: Governor of the State of Massachusetts, who resides in the town of Boston, & whose directions you are to follow.\nThe intention of your going thither is, to bring one\u2014perhaps two Jack asses, which have been imported for me from Spain: a\nSpaniard is arrived with, & attends the first; & probably if the second is arrived, there will be one with him also: one, or both of these men, according to the instructions they may have received in Spain, or agreeably to the directions you may receive from the Lieut: Governor, are to come on with you & the Jacks.\nAs you will have to ride back, & as this will be the case also with the Spaniards, (if there are more than one) Horses, if it is thought improper to ride on the Jacks, will be to be bought\u2014& as females will answer my purposes best, I desire you to buy Mares: let them be young, sound & of good size, as I propose to put them to the Jacks in the season for covering: Lieut: Govr Cushing will furnish you with money, and aid you with his advice in this purchase; as also to defray your expences in returning.\nYou know too well the high value I set upon these Jacks, to neglect them on the road in any instance whatsoever; but if the one which is now at Boston, & the other if it arrives in time, should come on under their proper keepers, your business will then be to see that every thing necessary is provided\u2014leaving the management of them to the Spaniard or Spaniards who will attend them, & who best know how to travel & feed them. See however (if their keepers are drunken & neglectful) that due attention & care are bestowed on these animals.\nAs I do not mean to be at the expence of hiring & bringing on an Interpreter (altho\u2019 neither of the Spaniards should speak English) you would do well before you leave Boston, where by means of one you can communicate your sentiments to each other, to settle all the necessary points for your journey: that is, your hour for setting out in the morning, which let be early; taking up in the evening\u2014number of feeds in the day, & of what kind of food\u2014also the kind & quantity of Liquor that is to be given to the Spaniards in a day. In this govern yourself by the advice of the Lieut: Governor\u2014I would not debar them of what is proper; any more than I would indulge them in what is not so. Be attentive to the conduct of these men, as from their good or bad dispositions I shall be enabled to judge whether to keep one of them or not; if either shou\u2019d incline to stay in the Country with the Jacks. Having settled the principal points with them before you leave Boston, you will easily understand each other in smaller matters by signs, \u2018till you return to New York; where,\nby means of the Spanish minister\u2019s attendants, you may if necessary, settle a fresh plan.\nNot expecting that you will travel back faster than the Jacks can walk, it is possible you may reach New York before you take a halting day, which, if not too far, would be best, as here probably the Spaniards will require it, on account of meeting their Countrymen in the family of Mr Gardoqui, the Spanish Minister: however, if they think a halt sooner is necessary, you must be governed by their opinions\u2014as the Jacks must not be hurt by travelling them too fast, or improperly.\nLet the Jacks be put separate & with no other Creatures, lest they should get kicked, & hurt themselves or hurt others; & if it is necessary they should be cloathed, (which you must know before you leave Boston) provide Blankets or such other cloathing as their keepers think best, at that place.\nKeep an exact account of your expences from the time you leave home until you return to it again; remembering that Dollars in the States of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania & part of New Jersey, pass at 7/6; bordering on New York, & in that State for 8/\u2014and in all the New England Governments at 6/ as in Virginia\u2014all other silver, & gold, in that proportion.\nAltho\u2019 I do not think there is any probability of the Jack, or Jacks having left Boston before you will arrive there; yet at, & after you leave the City of New York, it may be well to enquire now & then along the road whether this may not have taken place; the circumstance of which will be very notorious if it has happened. For this reason, if there is a Stage which passes thro\u2019 Hartford in Connecticut, & so along the post road to Boston; it will be better to pursue this rout than to go by the Stage-boat from New York to Providence.\nAs soon as the Stage gets to its Quarters at night, immediately engage your passage for the next day\u2014lest you may be too late & thereby detained a day or two for its return. Make use of the Stage Waggons\u2014the Stage Coaches are too expensive.\nAs soon as you get to Boston, write to me, or get somebody to do it, by the Post\u2014informing me whether there are one, or two Jacks; in what condition they are, with other particulars\u2014& when you expect to commence your journey back.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0286", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tupper, 26 October 1785\nFrom: Tupper, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nDear General,\nPittsburgh Octr 26th 1785.\nWe have just returned to this place from an unsucessful attempt to Survey the Western Territory, Coll Parker who will deliver this will be able to inform your Excellency the reasons of our not succeeding agreeable to our wishes\u2014I am greatly charmed with the Country, it exceeds any I ever saw, and I know of nothing that will prevent me Commenceing one of the first adventurers in that delightfull Country\u2014I intend on my return to Consult with General Putnam and no doubt we shall fall upon some plan to engage a number of our friends to join in a scheme so interesting as that of settling in that Garden of America\u2014One thing which will induce me to settle in that Country is, that your Excellency promise to honour us with a visit which I shall set more by than the Interest I possess in Massetchusetts.\nI hope these will find your Excellency in possession of all the happiness human nature is capable of\u2014Coll Sherman, Capt. Martin and the Surveyors with us desire their most dutiful regards to your Excellency, please to present mine to your Lady, to Mr Lun Washington and his Lady.\nDear General, some of your friends may exceed me in expressions of regards &c. but believe me when I assure your Excellency that no one can exceed in affection that of Your Excellencies most dutiful humble Servant\nBenj. Tupper", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0289", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 29 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Octr 29th 1785\nInclosed I give your Excellency the trouble of receiving an official letter from me, which I beg the favor of you to lay before the General Assembly.\nYour letter of  enclosing the appointment of Colo. Neville, in the room of Majr Massey, came duly to hand; & the latter was forwarded by a safe convey[anc]e.\nI have never yet seen the report of the Commissioners for examining the best course for a cut between Elizabeth River & the Waters of No. Carolina\u2014Your Excellency was so good as to offer me a copy of it, but the matter has either slipped your memory, or the letter which contained it has miscarried. With respectful compliments, in which Mrs Washington joins me, to Mrs Henry\u2014& with very great esteem & regard. I have the honr to be\u2014Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0290", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 29 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nMount Vernon Octr 29th 1785\nYour Excellency having been pleased to transmit me a copy of the Act appropriating to my benefit certain shares in the Companies for opening the navigation of James and Potomack Rivers, I take the liberty of returning to the General Assembly through your hands, the profound & grateful acknowledgments inspired by so signal a mark of their benificent intentions towards me. I beg you, Sir, to assure them, that I am filled on this occasion with every sentiment which can flow from a heart warm with love for my Country\u2014sensible to every token of its approbation and affection\u2014and sollicitous to testify in every instance, a respectful submission to its wishes.\nWith these sentiments in my bosom, I need not dwell on the anxiety I feel in being obliged, in this instance, to decline a favor which is rendered no less flattering by the manner in which it is conveyed, than it is affectionate in itself.\nIn explaining this obligation, I pass over a comparison of my endeavours in the public Service with the many honorable testimonies of approbation which have already so far overrated, and overpaid them; reciting one consideration only which supercedes the necessity of recurring to every other.\nWhen I was first called to the station with which I was honored during the late conflict for our liberties, to the diffidence which I had so many reasons to feel in accepting it, I thought it my duty to join a firm resolution to shut my hand against every pecuniary recompence. To this resolution I have invariably adhered. From this resolution (if I had the inclination) I do not consider my self at liberty, to depart.\nWhilst I repeat therefore my fervent acknowledgments to the Legislature for their very kind sentiments and intentions in my favor\u2014and at the sametime beg them to be persuaded that a remembrance of this singular proof of their goodness towards me, will never cease to cherish returns of the warmest affection and gratitude, I must pray that their Act, so far as it has for its object my personal emolument, may not have its effect. But if it should please the General Assembly to permit me to turn the destination of the fund vested in me from my private emoluments, to objects of a public nature, it will be my study in selecting\nthese, to prove the sincerity of my gratitude for the honor conferred on me, by preferring such as may appear most subservient to the enlightened, and patriotic views of the Legislature. With great respect & considn I have the honor to be Yr Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0292", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Washington, 29 October 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Charles\nLetter not found: to Charles Washington, 29 Oct. 1785. On 23 Nov. Charles Washington wrote GW: \u201cYour Letter of the 29 of Octr, I recd by Mr Muse.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0293", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 30 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Humphreys, David\nMy dear Humphreys.\nMount Vernon Octr 30th 1785.\nSince my last of the 1st of September I have received your favor of the 17th of July, which was brought to this Country by Mr Houdon; to whom, tho I had no Agency in the matter, I feel great obligation for quitting France, & the pressing calls of the Great Ones to make a Bust of me, from the life. I am not less indebted to the favourable opinion of those who you say are anxious to perpetuate my name, and to be acquainted with the Memoirs of my life. So far as these are connected with the history of the revolution, and other public documents, they may easily be got at\u2014all beyond these is, I conceive very unimportant. My letter of the 25th of July which I presume you have received long \u2018ere this (but for fear of a miscarriage, having a rough copy by me, I send you a duplicate) will have conveyed my sentiments so fully that I shall add nothing further on the subject at this time, than to assure you that I was then, and am still, perfectly sincere in the proposal it contained.\nI am very much obliged to you for the Poem you sent me, I\nhave read it with pleasure, and it is much admired by all those to whom I have shewed it.\nNothing new has happened since my last; nor is it probable anything interesting will happen until the different Assemblies convene\u2014Congress as usual, are proceeding very slowly in their business\u2014and, shameful as it is, are often at a stand for want of a sufficient representation. The States have been addressed by them on the subject, but what will be the effect I know not. To me there appears such lassitude in our public Councils as is truly shocking; & must clog the Wheels of Government; which, under such circumstances, will either stop altogether, or will be moved by ignorance, or a few designing Men. With every sentiment of esteem and regard I am your sincere friend and affecte Servant\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0294", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles McKiernan, 30 October 1785\nFrom: McKiernan, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nPhiladelphia October 30th 1785.\nThe inclosed letter from Sir. Edward Newingham with the small package that accompanies this, I hoped to have the honor of delivering to your Excellency in person, but I find that my deceased fathers affairs require my immediate attention in this quarter.\nI regret Sir. that no opportunity has offered to forward them to you before.\nSomtime before I return to Europe I intend myself the honor to wait on your Excellency in person, to receive your commands, should you be pleased to favour me with any, for that part of the world\u2014I am respectfully your Excellencys most Humble and verry Obedient servant\nCharles McKiernan", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0295", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Luke Cuisnier, 31 October 1785\nFrom: Cuisnier, Luke\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Lord (Copy)\nBaltimore 31st Octr 1785\nI am a Frenchman, Arrived in the Continent the 14th June 1782. I was One of the Passengers of the Briga[ntine] Betsey, Obliged to Save ourselves at Lewis Town, at the Entrance of the Delaware, that Briga[ntine] having been Captured by Two of the Ennemy\u2019s Frigates; Monsr Le Chevlr de La Luzern, Gave me Charge of the Affairs of his House, of his Cash, of his Correspondence, & of his Private Bussiness, I found it Dissagreeable in his House, as the Ennemy\u2019s I had in France followed me. I Complain\u2019d of it, in a Letter I had the Honour to write Monsr Luzerne, then at his Country House, he wrote me for Answer I had nothing to fear from my Ennemy\u2019s in Continuing to do my duty, & I Stayed with him till the time of his Departure. I have tried for this Some time, to have myself Instructed in the language of this Country, for which reason, I wish\u2019d to place myself with an American in his Counting House, not having Succeeded, I put up Different Bills in Philadelphia, that I would work in a Counting House, or with any other Person, in another line of Bussiness, Should it be in the Town or in the Country, without demanding a Farthing of Wages. I was at that time in a Condition to make that Sacrifice, Monsr Luzerne having given me at Parting 1000 Tournois of Gratuity, & 500 for my Passage, when I would Return home, with a Certificate of his Satisfaction & not having Succeeded there, I Came to Baltimore. Monsr Danmeurs has received me in Quality of his Secretary the 27th June last, I have Suspected that Some Persons here, or Some of my Phila. Ennemy\u2019s have endeavoured to Dissaffect the\nPeop\u27e8le\u27e9 that Interest themselves in my favor, against me, I Can Attest My Lord, that I have never Said any thing, to the Prejudice of any Person, in France, or upon the Continent, nor have I wrote any thing either Directly or Indirectly, (but what my Superiors made me write) I know my Ennemys Seek to hurt me, with all their Power, which is very unlucky for me, but Nevertheless, I hope My Lord, that you will permitt me, to lessen my Trouble, in taking my Part, for that Slander is always Dangerous for a Person, that has not any Protection in a Country, If there was any Proof to the Contrary of that, I now have the Honour to write you, my Lord, I merit your Indignation & Punishment having Spent the Money I had for my Passage to France & not havng any thing for my Present Employ, If I Could be of any Service to you My Lord in Managing any Part of your Affairs, I Should think myself much Oblig\u2019d to you in obtaining that favor, I have it in my Power to be of Some Service, Should it be in writing & to take Care of your Possessions, as also in Agriculture. I am &c.\nL: Cuisnier\nI know not My Lord, to Speak the English Language, but I Can write it tolerable, or pretty well, but as I write with greater ease the French language, I use it to write this Letter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0297", "content": "Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gilpin, George\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Novr 1st 1785.\nAfter I had written to you on Saturday, I saw Lund Washington, who informed me that he had seen you the day before, & understood from you, that it would not be convenient for you to spare your Scow until next Week\u2014as your letter to me says it may be had tomorrow I fear, in order to accomodate me, you have been induced to put your self to an inconvenience. To prevent which, I give you the trouble of this letter, as it would give me real concern if this were to be the case. The difference to me is very trifling whether I get it this Week or next; I therefore beg that you would make the time perfectly suitable to your own business, & let me know it, to which I will conform thankfully.\nI am much obliged by the assurance of procuring me a level, and shall depend upon it. and am very much so, for your kind offer to come down & put me in the best mode of getting up Mud, which may facilitate my experiments greatly\u2014With great esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0299", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William le Washington, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, William le\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nPhiladelphia 1st Novr 1785\nI have the Honour to Inclose your Excellency a Lr which Charles Anderson Pelham Eqr. Member of Parliamt in England gave me, w\u2019erein he inform\u2019s me he has acquainted your Excellency who I am & my Intent of making a Tower of America.\nHaving Deposited fifteen hundread Pounds Stirling in the Hands of Messrs Saml Smith & Son, Bankrs\u2014London, of which they, give me an acknowledgment in their Lrs of Credit to me dated the 7th, & 9th July 1785\u2014to be disposed of in Bills of Exchange as I may find it Necessary\u2014Upon which Lrs I have received One Hundread pounds Stirling of Nath. Tracy Esqr. Boston, but Some Merchts in this City not knowing Messrs Saml Smith & Son, Sign[at]ur[e] made difficultys in taking my Drafts.\nMr Pelham likwise informes me he has a Short time ago had the Honour of Introducg a gent. to your Excellency so that his Sign[at]ur[e] I make no dought but is known to your Excellency.\nAs I find a Difficulty in disposing of my drafts as afore mentioned, I take the Liberty of forwarding the Inclosed Letter of Introduction from Mr Pelham to your Excellency requesting that if your Excellency find the Inclos\u2019d Lr to your Sattisfaction that you\u2019ll do me the Honour of a Letter by the Earliest Oppertunity which may give Sattisfaction to the Merchts of this City in regard to my person & Cercumstances.\nAs Soon as I have Setteled my Affairs in this City I Shall have the honour to pay my respects in person to your Excellency as I pass for South Carolina\u2014and I most Sincearly wish that my personally Acquaintance may procure me an Oppertunaty in having it in my power to return the great Obligation which your Excellency will lie me under by applying with my request. I have the Honour to ratify myself with the Highest respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedt & most Hble Servant\nWillm le Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0300", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 2 November 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir\nChatham, Novr 2n[d] 1785\nI beg Leave to return you my Thanks for the Loan of Peter\u2014and I am happy that I have it in my Power to send him Home unhurt. Tarquin has recover\u2019d the Laurells he lost at Alexandria\u2014His Opponents were, old Cumberland, and Herod, the Property of Doctr Ross; both which he beat with great Ease.\nI have a fine 2 year-old Doe, perfectly tame, which I beg your Acceptance of. She shall be sent with the Orchard Grass Seed, as soon as I can get a small Cart or waggon that can carry her without Injury. I am with respectfull Compliments to your Lady & Family, in which I am join\u2019d by Mrs Fitzhugh, Dear Sir your Aff. & most Ob. Ser.\nW. Fitzhugh", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0301", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Jean Le Mayeur, 2 November 1785\nFrom: Le Mayeur, Jean-Pierre\nTo: Washington, George\nsir\nRichmond 2 9bre [November] 1785\nthe letters of introduction your Excellency was pleased to honor me for frederiskBurg and Richmond have all been delivered, in consequance of them i have received Great civility from Mr Fitzhugh, General Spotswood, the attornay General, Mr harrison spiker of the house of delegates, Mr Carry, speker of the Senate, and Mr George weeb; i have dine or Engage\u2019d to dine with Every one of this gentlemen. i Lodge in the same house with Col. Carry and we dine togedeur whan he is in town.\nGouvneur henry to whom i Gave the first letter offerd me his services.\ni am short of Expretion to make proper thinks for your Excellencys fevors as well by these letters of introduction as by your other kindness. also to make to honorable Mrs Washington sufficient ackenoledgments for the Extreme obligation i am under to her\u2014i have the honor to be with a Great Respect of your Excellency the most obeissain and humble serviteur\ndoct. Le Mayeur\nThe races have bigen this day and the flage of trus bilong to Mr Good wene, also at petesburg.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0304", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 3 November 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nLetter not found: to Patrick Henry, 3 Nov. 1785. The ALS was advertised by Charles Hamilton, sale no. 98, item 298, 29 July 1976.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0306", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 4 November 1785\nFrom: Ridout, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\u2014\nBordeaux 4th Novemr 1785.\nI had the honour to receive a few days ago Your Excellency\u2019s letter of the 20 August, inclosing others for the Marquis de la Fayette, Mr Humphreys & the Baron de Secondat the two first I forwarded immediately\u2014the other I directed & delivered. I\nhave not yet had the pleasure to see the Baron de Montesquieu. As he passed thro\u2019 this place not many days ago, on his way to a Seat in the Neighbourhood of it\u2014he was so obliging as to call on me, but unfortunately I was not at home; he will spend the winter here.\nI wrote your Excellency the 7th of September by the Brig Peggy Capt. Cunnyngham, bound to Baltimore by whom I sent the Package mentioned in your letter\u2014& which by mistake, had not been delivered me in due time\u2014I addressed it to the Care of Colo. Tilghman, who has I hope by this time received it\u2014I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient & very Humble Servant\nThos Ridout", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0307", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 5 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 5th Novr 1785.\nPursuant to the request of your last letter (dated about the middle of Septr) I had an attested copy of the proceedings of the Potomac Company\u2014& those of the Directors, taken from their Books and sent it to you by Post, in time for the Meeting which was proposed to be held by the Directors of the James river navigation on the 26th of that month in Richmond; and requested, if it should be agreeable, to have a copy of your proceedings sent me in return. Having heard nothing from you since, & having experienced many instances of inattention & neglect in the Post Offices; I now take the liberty of enquiring whether my letter written as above, has reached you\u2014If it has not, I will send another copy, tho\u2019 it will not come so seasonably as the first. My best respects to your Lady, & with very great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0309", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Pearce, 6 November 1785\nFrom: Pearce, David\nTo: Washington, George\nExclent Sur\nGlocestur [Mass.] 6 Novmr 1785\nhave it once mor to hand your oner my Respeckts ass it has So hapend I had a Ship at bilboa onbord Sd Ship Mnsur Gardequa Pleased to Ship a jackass for your oner & Sd anemal Saf has arived & from my Regards have goot him on ther & Nursed him\nStroong & by gardequa Dereckton have Sent him on to boston to Letent governr how after he had him was Desears to have me Carey him by warter ass I had a wesell bound to your Place I allso aquanted him that I would cary him but after wating a most a weeck heard nothing from him the wind f[a]ir was obligd to Send Sd wesell on I have Persented by the hands off mr Harts horn the bil of Ladn & charg of Paseg & wilst at cap ann wish if free from arror Pleeas to Pay \u214c gentelman. Reman your Very Humbel St\nDavid Pearce", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0313", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nMy Dr Marqs\nMount Vernon 8th Novr 1785.\nHaving written fully to you about the first of Septr; & nothing having occurred since worth reciting, I should not have given you the trouble of receiving a letter from me at this time, were it not for the good opportunity afforded me by Captn Littlepage, & my desire not to suffer any of your letters to remain long by me unacknowledged.\nI have now to thank you for your favors of the 9th & 14th of July; the first by Mr Houdon, who stayed no more than a fortnight with me; & to whom, for his trouble & risk of crossing the Seas (altho\u2019 I had no agency in the business) I feel myself under personal obligations. The second giving an account of your intended tour, which, if compleated in the time you propose, will\nexhibit a fresh instance of the celerity of your movements. My good wishes have attended you thro\u2019 the whole of it; and this letter I hope will find you arrived at Paris in good health.\nDoctr Franklin has met with a grateful reception in Pennsylvania. He has again embarked on a troubled Ocean; I am persuaded with the best designs, but I wish his purposes may be answered\u2014which, undoubtedly are to reconcile the jarring interests of the State. He permitted himself to be nominated for the City of Philadelphia as a Counsellor\u2014a step to the chair, wch no doubt he will fill; but whether to the satisfaction of both parties is a question of some magnitude, & of real importance to himself\u2014at least to his quiet. His Grandson shall meet with every civility & attention I can shew him when occasions offer.\nOne of my Jacks is, by advices, arrived at Boston; but I still adhere to the request contained in my last, if you can have it complied with without much difficulty.\nYour old aid George has taken to himself the wife of his choice: the honey Moon is not yet passed; when that is over, I will set him about copying your Letters. I add no more at present but the sincere & affectionate regard which I bear to you, & in which Mrs Washington & all here join\u2014as we do in respectful compliments & best wishes for Madame de la Fayette & your little flock. It is unnecessary to tell you how much I am, My Dr Marquis Yrs &c. &c.\nGeo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0314", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Cushing, 9 November 1785\nFrom: Cushing, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBoston November 9th 1785\nThis will be handed you by Mr Fairfax, to whom I have delivered the Jack, & sincerely wish you may receive him in safety, & in good order\u2014I have directed Mr Fairfax in general to observe the directions received from Spain, with respect to managing & feeding this animal. I have delivered him also a good Mare which I have purchased on your account, for one hundred Spanish dollars. I did not purchase another as it was unnecessary\u2014the Spaniard declined to ride, he said it was necessary for him to walk in order to lead the Jack\u2014I understood upon his first arrival that he was to accompany this animal in order to take the care of him until he was delivered to you, but now he says, it was left with him to do as he pleased, either to go forward to Virginia, or to return to Spain from this State\u2014I suppose his being something out of health & a little home sick, discourages him from proceeding on so long a journey\u2014however I have prevailed upon him to proceed as far as New York, where I hope the Spanish Minister will either persuade him to proceed on to Virginia or permit one of his servants, who may understand the management of these creatures, to proceed with & take the care of the Jack\u2014I have furnished Mr Fairfax with thirty dollars to defray their charges upon the road, I offered him as much more as he should judge necessary to carry him thr\u00f4 the Journey, but he said, as he had some money left that you gave him, he did not chuse to take any more, for fear of being robbed on the road, more espescially as he could readily procure more at New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, if he found he had occasion for it\u2014he has bought a saddle & bridle to return with for which he gave three pounds, Nine shillings Lawfull Money. I remain with great respect Your Most obedient, humble Servt\nThomas Cushing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0315", "content": "Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 9 November 1785\nFrom: Mason, George\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nGunston-Hall Novemr 9th 1785.\nThe Bearer waits on you with a Side of Venison (the first we have killed this Season) which I beg Your Acceptance of.\nI have heard nothing from the Assembly, except vague Reports of their being resolved to issue a Paper Currency: upon what Principles, or Funds, I know not; perhaps upon the old thread-bare Security, of pledging solemnly the Public Credit. I believe such an Experiment wou\u2019d prove simular to the old vulgar Adage, of carrying a Horse to the Water. They may pass a Law to issue it, but twenty Laws will not make People receive it.\nI intended to go down to Richmond about the 15th of this month, to have reported the Compact with the Maryland Commissioners; but I have lately had so severe a Fit of the convulsive cholic, or the Gout in my Stomach, that I dare not venture far from Home: it held me from Sunday Evening \u2019til Tuesday Morning, & has left me so weak, that I am hardly able to walk across the Floor.\nWe hope to hear that you, your Lady, & Family are well; to whom Mrs Mason & the Family here present their best Compliments, with those of Dear Sir Your affecte & obdt Sert\nG. Mason", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0316", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Samuel Vaughan, 9 November 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Vaughan, Samuel\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Samuel Vaughan, 9 Nov. 1785. On 30 Nov. GW wrote Vaughan that he had received his \u201cfavor of the 9th.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0318", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 10 November 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 10th Novemr 1785.\nI have had the honor of your letter of the 2d with one for Mr Rawlins inclosed, which I delivered myself. He confesses his delinquency, but pleads sickness\u2014business at Annapolis and other matters, by way of Excuse\u2014he however has promised to have your Designs compleated by saturday Night\u2014If he keeps his word, I will forward them by the Monday\u2019s Stage under cover to Fitzgerald. Mrs Tilghman desires to be joined in Compliments to Mrs Washington and yourself with Dear Sir Yr most Affect: Hble Servt\nTench Tilghman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0319", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzhugh, William\nMy Dr Sir\nMount Vernon 11th Novr 1785.\nI pray you to accept my thanks for your favor of the second, & for the present which it announced\u2014than which nothing could be more acceptable, as I am desireous of getting into a stock of Deer with as much expedition as the nature of the case will admit. But if the Doe you offer me is not inconvenient to yourself; I shou\u2019d be glad if she could remain at Chatham until a small paddock which I intend to enclose this Winter for the reception of these animals, is railed in\u2014when I will fall upon some method, least liable to accidents, to bring her up.\nI congratulate you on your success on the Falmouth turf. Our old acquaintance Saml Gallaway retired from the Alexa races, & from the pomps & vanities of this World almost in the same instant\u2014having taken his departure for the impervious shades of death as soon as he got home. My respectful compliments, in which Mrs Washington [joins], are offered to Mrs Fitzhugh. I am Dr Sir &c.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0320", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Washington, George\nDear sir.\nRichmond novr 11th 1785\nThe post Yesterday brought me your Favors. That which was official I have just sent down to the Assembly. The Result shall go to you as soon as I get it\u2014The Report concerning the intended Canal I could not send you \u2019til now, having obtained a Copy of it only two Days ago. Mr Andrews tells me the Comrs could not take a very particular View of the Ground, having gone to it shortly after the great Storm which happen\u2019d in Sepr. But it seems universally agreed that the Cut ought to go from Pasquotank thro\u2019 the Dismal as reported. I understand Opposition will be made to this usefull Undertaking by some people in Carolina, & that it will be usher\u2019d forth under the Guise of public Spirit, taking Alarm at a Measure which will place the Trade of that Country in a Situation of Dependance upon the Will & Pleasure of this\u2014To obviate such Cavils I have recommended to some Friends of the Scheme to preface the Act proposed to be passed on the Subject with a Declaration, in the clearest Terms, that the Benefits resulting shall be reciprocal to both States, & that a Conference be offer\u2019d to hear & refute Objections\u2014I am apprehensive that the Measure may not be brot forth into Discussion with the Advantages that could be wished, & the Nature of it requires: The Men of Business in the House being generally unacquainted, & in some Measure inattentive to it. I think a Line from you on the Subject, if the Report has yr approbation, would have a good Effect\u2014If Success can be given to this Navigation, & at the same Time to that of Potowmack & James River, great Things must result. And indeed, nothing more is necessary in this Canal Business, than giving a proper Direction to the Efforts which seem ready for Exertion.\nMr Andrews further tells me he thinks one Lock necessary for the southern, & another for the northern End of the Canal, for letting out & in the Vessels, &c. & that the Waters of the Lake\nwill be sufficient for a constant Supply to the Canal. I wish the Report had been more particular, but such as it is I inclose it to you, & will be much obliged by yr Observations on the Subject. Mrs Henrys Compliments with mine are respectfully presented to your self & your Lady & with the most sincere Attachment I remain dear sir your most humble Servant\nP. Henry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0322", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 15 November 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourable Sir,\nBerkeley County Novr 15th 1785\nas I returned from Alexandria I directed the Overseers on Doctr Seldens Estate to get out their Wheat as Fast as Possable and Send it down, which I expect they will do. I have ready here 200 bushels but I cannot get waggons to Hall it untill next month\u2014when the weather Permits I Shall Send down as fast as I can get waggones to hall it. what butter I have which may be about 140 lb. I shall Lodge at Mr Andrew Wales, about the 10th of next month.\nI shall be much oblige to you to give me Perticular Instructions how I am to settle with the Tenants where they have paid Paper money\u2014as its\u2019 a Matter of Consequence to you as well the Tenants, a Final Settlement cannot Take place until that is fixed\u2014and where the Tenant In possession has Purchased He is desirous to have the Matter setled before He Pays for His write of the Lease, the Former Tenant will not Make good the depreciation and forbids the Tenant in Possession to do so\u2014therefore if the Law is in your Favour they will not Pay nor settle only agreeable to the receipts given them unless they are distressed\u2014which must be the Case Should the Law Intitle you to a settlement by the secale. I am not Fully acquainted with the Law but in my opinion that the words of the Law are that where their has not been a Final Settlement of accts that then the depretiation is To Take Place\u2014but where accts have been fully Settled they are to remain so. I See by a receipt of Mr Lunn Washington given Collet for \u00a336 in 1779 when their was only thirty pounds due this Looks Like their might have been something said on the Subject when Mr Washington received the money. I shall be much Oblige to you to Instruct me Perticularly on this business \u2014as I wish to sattisfy the Tenant\u27e8s\u27e9 and to make a Proper statement in a Renttal that it may be Known from Time to Time the ballances due. I Suppose Colo. Samuel Washingtons receipts given the Tenants are good and that I need not Take\nup any receipts of His or others. I have the Honour to be your Obedient Humble Servant\nB. Muse\nP.S. I have not received any money, I Visit your Fauquier Tenants next week\u2014I a\u27e8s be\u27e9fore. B.M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0324", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Antoine-F\u00e9lix Wuibert, 15 November 1785\nFrom: Wuibert de M\u00e9zi\u00e8res, Antoine-F\u00e9lix\nTo: Washington, George\nGeneral\nHispaniola Cap-fran\u00e7ais 15. of November 1785\nPray, give me the Leave to remember to your Excellency my most Respectfull duty, & Enquire about the present State of your Health, for Which Every good Citizen must pray, Since you are our Common father & the Protector of those Who Have Endured the Calamities of this Last Great War.\nAltho\u2019 I came over here on account of the Benefit of the air for the Recovery of my Health; & Shelter myself under the Hospitable Roof of few Charitable friends of mine against the Want I Was, in While in Philadelphia; & the disagreable Consequences of the Horrid poverty in a Country Where I Had no Credit, nor friend, nor any Kind of Support to relieve & Keep myself With; I am, However, no Less resolved & it is my only & Last Wish to Return to the Liberty-Land again & Die in a Country Which I Have always Considered as my own native one, Ever Since June 1776.\nTherefore, General, I do Humbly Entreat you Would be So good as for tell me, in the most Certain Way, When & in What time the Congress Will pay the interets of our Certificates, mine is a Continental one, Also my Little proportion in the Lands to be divided among the officers & Soldiers of the Late Continental Army: I do Sincerely Wish to Have Some good Information about that, for I do much dislike to be at the Other\u2019s Expence & troubles; Indeed, I do not Live but in the most piercing Anguish of mind! Here is, then, the Sad Consequences Which fall upon us, But much more peculiarly on mySelf, Who Have amazingly Suffered or in England or on Board of the British Squadrons for mostly all the War. Since the close of the Hostilities, I Was Confined in my Bed By many Infirmities for near 9 months: Doctr Chovet one of the Phisicians I Had Called for, Governor Dickinson, Colo. Shee & many other good & Credible gentlemen Dare Say & assert that I Was on the point to Lose my Left Leg. In that fatal Illness during 9 months, I Was twice in Less than 4 in a Dying State, Walking afterwards on my Hands & Knees for 6 Weecks; & upon Crutches for 3 months: I do only thank to Doctr Chovet\u2019s Sagacity & tender Cares; &, Since, the Change of the air in Hispaniola Which has been of great benefit to me, Since my Both Legs are Entirely Cured & Safe: Nevertheless\nI am not Less reduced, as now, to the grievous & Shamefull Condition to ask to Some & Beg to Other for my But too Well deserved Bread.\nPardon me, Worthy & Memorable Commander, for this Sudden Start from my part! I do Really Know But too Well all What you Have Said & Done in the Behalf of Every Individual of your Army: all America, But What I Say! all the World Rightly proclaims your Eminent Virtus & Hallow your Blessed Name! When, then, Shall We Cease to be tormented By the Horros of su\u27e8ch\u27e9 Distress; & Complain for the Congress\u2019s undeserved forgetfulness? it is What I dont \u27e8see\u27e9.\nSuppose the Congress Would not Soon pay the interets of the Continental Certificates, So is mine, neither deliver up our allowance of Land; I shall Humbly Beg Your Excellency\u2019s goodness & recommandation, for Some new appointment of Engineer in the Congress or any of the States Service; then I Shall Deem mySelf much Honored & too Happy to find Some opportunity to Shew My faithfull attachment to the Public Service: at Least, General, at Least, I \u27e8would\u27e9 Honestly keep my Life!\nI Do quietly Live on a retired Place, the Marquis De Gallifet\u2019s plantation, 6 miles from the City of Cap-fran\u00e7ais, administered By one Mo. Odelucq Senior, an old friend of mine, Who, With much ado & Cares, has, at last Restored me to the former State of Health Which I had Lost for this 2 years past. the Said plantation, Sugar Work, is the Very Rural delights Seat for Somebody Who don\u2019t Like the noise of the World, on account of Mo. Odelucq\u27e8\u2019s\u27e9 peacefull, meek & Studious temper, &, above all, His aversion for all Who We may Rightly Deem Hurtfull in the Least to the Body, Estate & the dignity of the Man. Not Any Body, General, But men of Credit & Wisdom, Comes Here, unless invited By my friend: I dare Say that Gentleman is one of the most devoted, among the french, to the Continental Soldiers, & the Best Wishes for the good & the Wellfare of the American Liberty; for He took always Very friendly much part in our distresses as Well as in our Prosperity; In a Word he is true Republican & Born to be free. He Would Esteeme Himself But too Happy in Entertaining the Protector of the Rights of Mankind Rather than many Idle & Vain Glorious Generals in the World, By Some of Whom he is Sometimes diverted from, When they Land Here; this is his Dearest Wish & Greatest piece of Consolation,\nabout What We talk together most all Long Day. There is about one thousand of Slaves upon that plantation, all Well & tenderly Keept & managed accordingly to the principles of Humanity & Charity of that Honest Superintendant 12 years ago There is one fine Kitchin garden Wherein Roots, Vegetables of Every Kind may be Seen. the Waters abundantly Runs all the year, in the Spite of the Hotest Summer\u2019s Days, through the plantation, So that the people may Commodiously Wash & Bath any Where they Walk about the place. the game is But Very Little; But as for the fish, there is in plenty. Saddle & chair-horses are in great number. We Have one Very good & able Phisician With a Very Large & Compleat apothecary\u2019s Stock. In fine that Place is Generally provided With all the Conveniencies of the Life; profit With pleasure may, at Will; be found & Joined in this Beautifull & Solitary Country-Seat. I have the Honor to Be With the most profound Respect General your Excellency\u2019s The Most Humble & the most obedient Servant\nColonel Wuibert, Cinctusof the Late Continental Corps of Engineers\nP.S. Being one among the members of the Society of the Cincinnati, I do now Stand in Need of the Engraved Patent or Diplome & the Silver medal of our Order, for Such pieces Cannot be dispensed With: the french are much Cavilling upon that Head. I do Belong to the Committee of the State of Pennsylvania. Pardon, General, Pardon, if I take upon mySelf to be So free & Give you So many Troubles. \u27e8A.\u27e9 Wbt", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0325", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Cushing, 16 November 1785\nFrom: Cushing, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nBoston November 16th 1785\nThe foregoing is a copy of mine of the 9th instant by Mr Fairfax, who set out on his journey together with the Spaniard & the Jack on the 10th instant\u2014I have not as yet been able to procure from Mr Peirce of Gloucester, nor from Mr Cabot of Beverly their respective Accounts for the passages of the Jack Asses, & therefore cannot as yet send your account of expenditures relative to the Jacks, but have at present taken the liberty to draw a Sett of bills of exchange dates November 16th 1785 for the sum of three hundred dollars in favour of Messrs Isaac & William Smith merchants of this Town on their order, payable at \u27e8mutilated\u27e9 sight, which I doubt not you will honour, \u27e8as soon\u27e9 as I can procure the accts above referrd to, I shall send forward your account. In the mean time, I remain With great respect & esteem Your most humble Servant\nThomas Cushing", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0326", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 16 November 1785\nFrom: Stuart, David\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\nNovr 16th [17]85 Richmond\nIt was my misfortune soon after my arrival here, to be confined for several days by sickness; occasioned by lodging in a house newly built, whose walls were perfectly damp\u2014I mention this circumstance by way of accounting, for my not having written to you as yet, and given you some account of our proceedings\u2014Tho\u2019 indeed so little is yet done, that I can now only inform you of what is proposed to be done, rather than what is done\u2014Much time at the beginning, was spent in examining the legality of the Speaker\u2019s, and Mr Lee\u2019s elections. I have only to observe on this matter, that from the manner in which it was conducted, it appears to have originated more from a spirit of\nfaction, than any regard to an infringment of the Constitution\u2014An attempt is making, which I fear will prove too successful, to postpone the payment of the present taxes\u2014Indeed, some state the inability of the people to be such, as to require an entire remission\u2014This, considering the pressing demands of Congress, and the necessity of a punctual compliance with our own domestic engagements, is certainly strange policy\u2014I think for my part, it may be attended with very fatal consequences; since the people, from being unaccustomed to a regular payment of taxes, may at length refuse to pay any. I have heard so many express favorable sentiments of the Port bill, that I am induced to hope, it will take place; and with the amendment, of striking out some of the places now nominated\u2014Soon after the news of the declaration of war by the Algerines, against us, arrived; information was given to the Executive, that there had three of that nation just come to Norfolk\u2014As it was concieved they were spies, they have been sent for\u2014On examination, however, it seems they are Moors, and subjects of the Emperor of Morocco\u2014Tho\u2019 not confined, yet I understand they are watched. The inhabitants of Kentuck, have sent in their petition by their Delegates, praying a separation\u2014It is so sensible, respectful, and moderate, that it seems to produce conviction on every mind, of the propriety of the measure\u2014The members nominated to Congress, in lieu of Mercer and Hardy, are Coll Lee, and Coll Carrington\u2014There were several other Candidates for these places, who were not ashamed openly to sollicit votes. Indeed, I am very sorry to observe, that Richmond abounds with people watching for place\u27e8s\u27e9 and who omit no opportunity of paying court to the very honourable Members\u2014Mr Braxton has been chosen into the Council\u2014The embarrassed state of his affairs, ought to perhaps to have been an objection to putting him in a place, which may be considered in some measure as an asylum\u2014Your letter to the Governor has been read in the House; and a bill is brought in, repealing the former law according to your petition; and giving you full power, to appropriate to any purposes you may think fit, the donations of the Assembly\u2014It will I suppose be transmitted to you by order of the House, as soon as it has passed. I have heard much approbation and satisfaction expressed at your declining those donations\u2014I inclose to you a bill, now under the consideration of\nthe House, giving powers to Congress to regulate our trade\u2014its fate will not be decided till friday week. If therefore any amendment occurs to you, I shall receive it with pleasure\u2014I believe I have now unloaded my budget\u2014I therefore conclude with desiring my Compliments to Mrs Washington, and the family at Mount Vernon\u2014I am Dr Sir with sincere regard Your Obt Servt\nDavid Stuart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0328", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 18 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company\nGentn\nMount Vernon 18th Novr 1785.\nInclosed you have a copy of my last\u2014Since which I have been honored with your favor of the 22d of Augt\u2014This Letter will be\nconveyed to you by \u2014\u2014 in the \u2014\u2014, which will return immediately to this river & afford a safe & good conveyance for the Wine ordered by Mr Hill\u2014the cost of wch as soon as I am advised of it shall be paid by a Bill on London. I am Gentn &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0329", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Marsden Pintard, 18 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Pintard, John Marsden\nSir,\nMount Vernon 18th Novr 1785.\nI have had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th of August from Madeira, accompanied by a box of Citron, Lemons & Onions; for which I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. If a favourable opportunity should offer directly to this river, at a proper season of the year, you would encrease the obligation you have already laid me under, by sending me a few slips of the vines of your best eating Grape; and a young fig tree or two.\nFrom my esteem for your father, & the good opinion I have always heard expressed of you, it gives me pleasure to learn that you are appointed by Congress Commercial Agent for the United States at the island of Madeira & Porto Santo, & I wish you may long continue in the Office to the mutual satisfaction of yourself & employers. I am Sir, Yr mo: Obt hble Servt\nGeo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0330", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 18 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rumney, John Jr.\nSir,\nMount Vernon 18th Novr 1785.\nSince my last, I have been favored with your Letter of the 3d of July, accompanied by patterns of the Irish flag; but as the prices were not annexed, I could form no judgment, nor make any choice from a comparison thereof with those of the former: nor indeed is it now essential, as the one I had fixed upon in my\nlast, is cheaper I presume than either of the present samples wou\u2019d be, & will answer my purposes equally well. I hope too the former are in forwardness, & that I may expect them soon\u2014at any rate before the season for laying them shall advance upon me.\nInclosed I send you a Bill on London for fifty pounds sterling, towards payment for those Flags; & will follow it with another to the full amount as soon as I am informed of the Cost of them.\nI acquainted you in my last that the House Joiner whom you sent me, answered my expectations fully. He is a good workman & a sober well behaved man. I am thankful to you for making so advantageous a choice; but as there seems to be a difficulty in obtaining a Brick layer, & indeed a risk attending it which I was not acquainted with at the time I applied to you to procure these artizans for me\u2014I now wish you to decline all further enquiries after one.\nI pray you to present (when opportunity offers) my respects to your father; and to be assured yourself of the esteem & regard with which I am, Sir, &c.\nG. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0331", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 18 November 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 18th Novr 1785\nI have, by dint of dunning, obtained the plans in Stucco from Mr Rawlins, sooner than I expected\u2014I forward them under cover to Fitzgerald, with a desire that he will send them to Mount Vernon as quickly as he conveniently can.\nWe are told by the prints that his Catholic Majesty has presented you with four Jacks, and that one or two of them have actually arrived. If this be so, and they all come safe, I should suppose you would not keep them all about you, but divide them in such a manner as to make them extensively useful, and at the same time prevent their interfering with each other in\ncovering\u2014In such case, I have been strongly sollicited by a number of Gentlemen upon the Eastern Shore of this State to write to you, and request if you have not already made other arrangements, that you would be good eno\u2019 to let one of these useful Animals go to that part of the Country\u2014My Brother James lives at Talbot Court House, the Central spot of the Eastern Shore Counties, and convenient to the State of Delaware also\u2014If you should incline to send one of the Jacks there, he would engage not only to take charge of him, but to be accountable for the Monies you may set upon him for covering\u2014I do not mean to press this matter upon you. I will only say that by complying with the request I have made, you will confer the greatest of obligations upon a number of your fellow Citizens, who from the peculiar situation of their Country, have occasion for draught Cattle less expensive in the Articles of Forage than Horses\u2014I am with Sincere Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt & very hble Servt\nTench Tilghman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0332", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Vaughan, 18 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vaughan, Charles\nSir,\nMount Vernon Novr 18th 1785.\nI have had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th of Septr by Mr Corbett.\nI am at a loss to express my sense of the great attention of Mr Vaughan (your good father) to me, or of the obliging manner in which you have executed his request. The Puncheon of rum is safe arrived. & I pray you to receive my acknowledgments of, and to present my thanks for it, to your generous Parent. I wish I had something more agreeable to offer.\nPermit me to ask your acceptance of a dozn barrls of the Superfine Flour which I make at my Mill. The quality of it is generally esteemed, & I hope what I now send will not discredit the Brand.\nIt is to be regretted that Countries which could mutually assist\n& benefit each other, & which have dispositions to do so, should be prevented by an interposing power. but this being the case, I despair of seeing any change in the political system, until G:B. shall be convinced, by experience, that the contracted & illiberal policy she is now pursuing, has recoiled upon herself. In the meantime, it is to be lamented, that, any of her distant dependencies should suffer from the effect of such ill-judged regulations.\nBeing now fixed under my own Vine & my own Fig tree, it would give me great pleasure to entertain you in the shade of them. There to assure you of the esteem & regard with which I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr Most Obedt and obliged Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nThe Flour intended for your use, is branded on the head of the Cask, G. Washington Burr Superfine and marked & numbered on the side SV\u2014No 1. a 12.\nThere was a misapprehension wch occasioned the S. instead of C.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0334", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Lund\nDear Lund,\nMount Vernon 20th Novr 1785.\nI know as little of G:W.s plans or wishes as you do, never having exchanged a word with him upon the subject in my life. By his Advertisemt\u2014& from what has frequently dropped from Fanny, he is desireous of getting a place in this Country to live at. Before their marriage he & Fanny were both told that it\nwould be very agreeable to Mrs W. & myself, that they should make this House their home \u2019till the squalling & trouble of Children might become disagreeable. I have not repeated the matter since, because it was unnecessary\u2014an offer once made is sufficient. It is hardly to be expected that two people as young as they are, with their nearest connexions at extreme points, would like confinement: & without it, he could not answer my purposes as a Manager or Superintendant, unless I had more leisure to attend to my own business, which by the by I shall aim at, let the consequences, in other respects, be as they may.\nThese however are no reasons for detaining you a moment longer in my employ than suits your interest, or is agreeable to your inclination, & family concerns. But as the proposition is new, & hath never been revolved in my mind, it will take some time to digest my own thoughts upon the occasion before it is hinted to another. In the mean while if I can do with the aids you offer, & for which I sincerely thank you, I will ask your constant attention no longer than this year\u2014at any rate not longer than the next. The inexplicitness of this answer cannot, I presume, put you to much if any inconvenience as yet; because retirement from, & not a change of business, is professedly your object.\nHowever unlucky I may have been in Crops &c. of late years, I shall always retain a grateful sense of your endeavours to serve me; for as I have repeatedly intimated to you in my Letters from Camp, nothing but that entire confidence which I reposed, could have made me easy under an absence of almost nine years from my family & Estate; or could have enabled me, consequently, to have given not only my time, but my whole attention to the public concerns of this Country for that space. I am your sincere friend &ca\nGeo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0335", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Archibald Cary, 21 November 1785\nFrom: Cary, Archibald\nTo: Washington, George\nMy Dear Sir,\nSenate Chamber [Richmond] No. 21st 1785\nI have to Acknowledge the rect of two of your letters one by Doctor Lamair, an agreable and skilfull Gentleman in his Profession, the other by Mr Webster which I only recd on Thursday last.\nIt will always Give me pleasure to Shew every Mark of Civility to Any Gentleman who is Honord with your notice. the latter Gentleman has Solicited and obtained an Act for Secureing to the Authors of Litterary Works an Exclusive Property therein for a limitted Time, which I think just.\nWe have had but little business of Consequence before the Senate as Yet, one of the most Consiquence was for appointing\nDelegates to Congress. Hardys Death and Doctor Lee\u2019s Appointment Occasined two Vacance\u2019s which are Fill\u2019d with Edwd Carrington and Henry Lee Junr We have placed Braxton in the Council in the Place of Wm Nelson resign\u2019d and Confirm\u2019d Tazwell on the Genl Court bench.\nThe House of Delegates have been and are busy on the New Code of Laws, I Expect from them Several of the Bills this day or to Morrow. at this Moment they are debateing a Bill for Takeing off the half Tax which is now Collecting, a very impolitick Step and which if it should pass as it is now on its Passage, I judge will be rejected in the Senate.\nI omitted to Mention a Bill which has passd both Houses founded on Your letter respecting James & Potomack Rivers. in which your request is Fully Comply\u2019d with.\nI Am realy Fearful we Shall not rise before March. I Am Sure if they go through the new Code of Laws it will Imploy them near that time. Nothing determined yet as to the Assessment but judge it will be rejected. A Petition for a General Emancipation has met justly that Fate. on recollection I mention a Bill Passd both Houses for Naturalisation of the Marquis De La Fayette. and one for Fixing the value of Gold pr Penny waight. all of which Except German is to Pass at 5/4 the latter at 4/\u27e810\u27e9 the Penny Waight.\nA Warm Contest took place for the Chair of the Delegates You must have heard our Friend Succeeded, after which a Strong push was made to Vacate his Seat in the House Many who Assisted in placeing him in the Chair, were of opinion he was not elligible and many who was agst his Takeing the chair were of opinion his Seat was Legal and he Carry both by near the Same Majoraty Say 6. or 7.\nWhen does my Friend Intend Sending for his Bull and his Ladys Cow Calf, they are Fine, and shall be taken good Care of. but I design You shall pay by the Perticular Exertions of Your Jack Ass this Spring on a Jenny of Mine, I had two but by far the Finest died from the bite of a Mad Dog this Summer.\ndo you never Intend to Spend a little time with Your old J[ame]s River Friends, and altho all are truly so Yet Few of your old ones are left, but Neither on this river or Any other is there one More Sincerely so than Your Most Obt & Hble Servt\nArchibald Cary\nPresent my Complyments to your Lady. the Grass Seed I Gave You is the Guania Grass I saved about 6 Qts of Seed it is an Annual Plant. A.C.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0336", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Bailey, 22 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Bailey, William\nSir,\nMount Vernon 22d Novr 1785.\nI have received your favor of the 19th. The expensive manner in which my Nephews are proceeding at George Town, added to some other considerations, have determined me to remove them from the Academy at that place, to Alexandria.\nI have already for about fourteen months residence, paid to Mr Stoddart & yourself \u00a3125.11.0 on their Accot; & it appears from your letter of the above date, that for near half that time, they are yet owing for Board\u2014& have an Accot besides for cloathing; & these too almost independent of their schooling. I am Sir Yr Obt hble Servt\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0337", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Stephen Bloomer Balch, 22 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Balch, Stephen Bloomer\nrevd Sir,\nMount Vernon 22d Novr 1785.\nThe expence attending the residence of my Nephews at Georgetown so far exceeds the idea I was led to entertain when they went there, that, in behalf of their Guardian, I am compelled to remove them.\nWhen they were sent to the Academy under your management, I was informed by Colo. Fitzhugh, that the charge for schooling & Board (if I am not mistaken) was \u00a331 each\u2014Cloathing if judiciously applied & properly attended to, I knew could not be a very great expence, for boys of their standing. But to my surprize, I have already paid Mr Stoddert \u00a367.18.6\u2014Mr Bayly \u00a355.5.2\u2014& yesterday in a letter from the latter, I am informed that there is half a years board due to him for each\u2014& an accot of cloathing besides, yet to be exhibited.\nThe leading motive Sir, which influenced me to send them to Georgetown was, their boarding with you; & I expected from what had passed between us, after the intervention which had occasioned the suspension of it, they would have returned to you: but now Mr Bayly writes me that he also declines boarding them after the 24th inst: & points out a third person.\nThese several circumstances combining, added to a conviction founded in experience, that I cannot restrain the profuse & improper advances of Goods for them at a distance, have induced me to bring them to Alexandria, where I shall be a witness to their wants, and can supply their necessities upon more advantageous terms, than they have been hitherto. I am revd Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0339", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Drayton, 23 November 1785\nFrom: Drayton, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir,\nCharleston S.C. 23. Nov. 1785\nAs Chairman of the Committee of the South Carolina Society for promoting & improving Agriculture & other rural Concerns, I am directed to inform your Excellency, that you are unanimously elected the first honorary member of that Society.\nThis mark of their Respect the Society thought \u27e8wa\u27e9s with peculiar Propriety due to the man, who by \u27e8his\u27e9 gallantry & Conduct, as a Soldier, contributed so \u27e8em\u27e9inently to stamp a Value\non the Labours of every \u27e8A\u27e9merican Farmer; and who by his Skill and Industry \u27e8in\u27e9 the Cultivation of his own Fields, has likewise distinguish\u2019d himself as a Farmer.\nIt adds to the Satisfaction, which I feel in conveying to you these Sentiments of the Society, that it affords me at the same Time an opportunity of expressing the high Esteem & Regard, with which I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant\nWm Drayton, C.J.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0340", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth French Dulany, 23 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Dulany, Elizabeth French\nFriday\u2014past 2 \u2019Oclock [c.23 November 1785]\nGeneral Washington presents his best respects to Mrs Dulany with the horse blueskin; which he wishes was better worth her acceptance.\nMarks of antiquity have supplied the place of those beauties with which this horse abounded\u2014in his better days. Nothing but the recollection of which, & of his having been the favourite of Mr Dulany in the days of his Court ship, can reconcile her to the meagre appearance he now makes.\nMrs Washington presents her Compliments and thanks to Mrs Dulany for the Roots of Scarcity.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0344", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Paul Jones, 25 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Jones, John Paul\nSir,\nMount Vernon Novr 25th 1785\nI have been honoured with your letter of the 18th of July from Paris enclosing certificates in favor of Captns Stack & Macarthy.\nI pray you to be assured that I should have pleasure in doing justice to the merits of these Officers, and obliging you if the power of deciding lay with me. But, though I am in sentiment with the Gentlemen who have declared in favor of the pretensions of Captns Stack & Maccarthy\u2019s right to become members of the Cincinnati, yet, in matters of opinion I have no authority to pronounce them such.\nAs French Officers, having borne Continental Commissions, my opinion is that their best mode would have been, to have got themselves admitted as members of State Society before the Kings edict, or order in Council took effect, for if I mistake not all Officers in the Service of France whose names are not particularly enumerated in that order are excluded thereby. This however is a matter of which they, or you, can be better ascertained of than I. At any rate nothing can be done in this Country until the next General Meeting; and that cannot happen in less than Eighteen months, and may be much longer delayed. I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0345", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lawrence Kortright, 25 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Kortright, Lawrence\nSir,\nMount Vernon 25th Novr 1785.\nIf it was in my power to give you the information, & the satisfaction which is required in your letter of the 10th of October; I would do it with pleasure: but not recollecting enough of the\nparticular circumstances attending the Sloop Hester\u2014the whole of the business respecting this & other vessels, being entirely within the Department of the Quarter Mr General, I can offer nothing which will facilitate your settlement with the public.\nI do remember very well that the service, in the Spring of 1776, required an impress, & purchase of Vessels; that orders issued to the Quarter Master General for that purpose; & I have some recollection that the Sloop Hester was one of those Vessels which were taken into the service of the public, & that she was afterwards sold to Colo. Sears: but upon what terms; what became of her after that; how the Accots respecting her stand\u2014or how the matter is to be finally settled, I know not. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0346", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 25 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Newenham, Edward\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 25th Novr 1785\nSince I had the honor of writing to you on the 20th of March, which was done in haste (having but little notice of Capt: Boyle\u2019s intended departure, before the time appointed for his sailing\u2014& then to send my dispatches to Richmond 125 miles)\u2014I have been favored with your letters of the 3d of March, 25th of May, & 23d of July. The first was forwarded to me by Captn Bibby, whom I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing; tho\u2019 he gives me assurances of it, & to whom I shall have pleasure in rendering any services in my power consistently\u2014if it should be found necessary.\nThe opposition which the virtuous characters of Ireland have given to the attemps of a British Administration\u2019s interfering with its manufactures, fettering its commerce, restraining the liberties of its subjects by their plan of reform &[c]a &ca, will hand their names to posterity with that veneration & respect to which their amor patriae entitles them.\nPrecedents, as you justly observe, are dangerous things\u2014they form the arm which first arrests the liberties & happiness of a Country. In the first approaches they may indeed assume the garb of plausibility & moderation, & are generally spoken of by the movers as a chip in porrage (to avoid giving alarm)\u2014but soon\nare made to speak a language equally decisive and irresistible; which shews the necessity of opposition in the first attempts to establish them, let them appear under what guise or Courtly form they may; & proves too that vigilance & watchfulness can scarcely be carried to an excess in guarding against the insiduous arts of a Government founded in corruption.\nI do not think there is as much wisdom & sound policy displayed in the different Legislatures of these States as might be; yet I hope every thing will come right at last. In republican Governments it too often happens that the people (not always seeing) must feel before they act: this is productive of errors & temporary evils\u2014but generally these evils are of a nature to work their own cure.\nThe situation of affairs in Ireland, whilst the propositions were pending in the Parliament of it, would, I concluded, be a means of postponing your voyage to this Country; but as those seem to have met their quietus, I hope nothing else will intervene to prevent your fulfilling your expectation of coming in the Spring; the season will then be favourable for crossing the Atlantic.\nHad I been present & apprized of your intention of making an aerial voyage with Monsr Potain, I should have joined my entreaties to those of Lady Newenham to have prevented it. As yet, I see no object to warrant a gentleman of fortune (happy in himself\u2014happy in a family wch might be rendered miserable by a disaster, against which no human foresight can guard) running such a risk. It may do for young men of science & spirit to explore the upper regions: the observations there made may serve to ascertain the utility of the first discovery, & how far it may be applied to valuable purposes. To such alone I think these voyages ought at present to be consigned\u2014& to them handsome public encouragements should be offer\u2019d for the risk they run in ascertaining its usefulness, or the inutility of the pursuit.\nI have neither seen, nor heard of Mr Tharpe the s[t]ucco worker mentioned in your letter of the 23d of July. A good man acquainted with that business would have come very opportunely to me, as I had, & now have a large room which I am about to finish in this way. I have at length engaged a person to do it; who from having no rival, imposes his own terms, which\nI think are exorbitant\u2014good workmen of any profession, would meet encouragement in these States.\nFor the many marks of attention which you have been pleased to bestow on me\u2014I feel myself your Debtor: could my picture which is placed in a groupe with Dr Franklin, the Marqs de la Fayette & others in your library, speak the sentiments of the original, it would salute you every morning with its acknowledgements. I have never seen more than one picture of Genl Green, & that a mezzotinto print, sent to me a few days ago only, by the publisher a Mr Brown at No. 10 George Yard, Lombard street, London; taken it is said from a painting done at Philada.\nThe Magazines, Gazettes &ca which you had the goodness to forward to me, came safe: & I pray you to accept my thanks for them. My best respects, in which Mrs Washington joins, are presented to Lady Newenham & yourself. With sentiments of great esteem & regard, I am Dr Sir Yrs &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0347", "content": "Title: Farm Reports, 26 November 1785\u201315 April 1786\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: \nEditorial Note\n   In the fall of 1785 Lund Washington indicated to GW his wish to give up the management of the Mount Vernon plantation, a task he had performed for the past twenty-one years including the nearly nine years that GW was away during the war (GW to Lund Washington, 20 Nov. 1785). GW decided to ask his nephew George Augustine Washington, who was living at Mount Vernon with his bride, Fannie Bassett Washington, to assume Lund Washington\u2019s position, which the young major agreed to do before departing in December to spend the winter with the Bassetts at Eltham in New Kent County. In the meantime GW himself had taken over the day-to-day general supervision of his five Mount Vernon farms, Muddy Hole, Dogue Run, River, Ferry, and Home House. The first three of these had overseers who were slaves, and the half brothers Hezekiah and John Fairfax were the overseers of the Ferry and Home House farms respectively. Upon his return to Mount Vernon at the end of March 1786, George Augustine Washington was able to relieve GW of some of the tasks relating to the management of the plantation. The arrival three weeks later of the English farmer James Bloxham, whom GW had hired with the help of George William Fairfax, also meant that in the future GW would have additional expert aid in his efforts to improve agricultural practices at Mount Vernon. But GW remained, as before, intimately involved in all the details of plantation life. See GW to Lund Washington, 20 Dec. 1785, George William Fairfax to GW, 23 Jan. 1786, George Augustine Washington to GW, 3 Feb. 1786, and DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976\u201379., 4:302, 315.\nFive days before writing to Lund Washington consenting to his departure from Mount Vernon, GW began, on 15 Nov. 1785, to take an inventory of the horses, cattle, tools, and implements on each farm at Mount Vernon. In February 1786 he made a detailed census of the 216 slaves on the five farms, classifying each according to age, sex, and skill, function, or condition. Both of these inventories he included in his diaries, in which he customarily recorded when at Mount Vernon the main decisions made and actions taken each day regarding the operation of the farms. He also began on 10 Jan. 1785 to enter in a separate notebook what he called \u201cNotes and Observations\u201d on his farming operations. These notes and observations form a running record of the sowing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting of crops in the fields and gardens at Mount Vernon. The contents of the notebook, which runs until the end of 1786, and also includes GW\u2019s general discussion\nof individual crops raised and harvested during the year, have been transcribed for CD-ROM:GW, but because GW incorporated in his diaries nearly all of the material contained in the notebook, this particular manuscript is not being printed in the Papers. Similar notes or observations on his farming which GW made at other times have been printed as part of his diaries.\nWhen he assumed direct control of his farms in November 1785, GW began keeping still another running record of his farming operations, the one printed here. He assembled these farm reports himself through the week of 15 April, when he turned the task over to George Augustine Washington. For the rest of his life GW demanded from his estate manager these weekly farm reports, as they were called. They are simply reports on what work had been undertaken and accomplished on the Mount Vernon farms during the preceding week. Many sets of the farm reports, some covering only a brief time and others running for many months, have been located. Only a few will be printed in the volumes of the Papers; all eventually will be included in the CD-ROM:GW edition.\nThe initial farm reports prepared by GW himself and printed here set the pattern for those that followed. Every Saturday, aided by reports from the overseers of River, Dogue Run, Muddy Hole, Ferry, and Home House farms, GW compiled a report of what tasks had been assigned each day to the agricultural workers on the plantation and also recorded births and deaths in his livestock during the week. According to his slave census of February 1786, these agricultural workers included 86 field hands (38 male, including the overseers, and 48 female), 4 carpenters, 3 coopers, 3 drivers and stablers, 2 blacksmiths, 2 stock keepers, 1 wagoner, 1 miller, 1 carter, and 1 gardener. In recording how each of these was employed during the week, GW often identifies the worker by name. The names of more than thirty of them appear in the reports at least once, many of them several times. The farm reports printed here are essentially GW\u2019s record of how he sought to manage his labor force during the winter and spring of 1786.\n[Mount Vernon, 26 Nov. 1785\u201315 April 1786]\n1785\u2014Morris\u2019s People\u201426th Novr\nMonday\u2014Sowing Seed\u2014the Women\u2014Men getting Corn. Tuesday all hands treading & getting out Wheat\u2014Wednesday taking an Acct of Stock & cleaning Wheat. Thursday cleaning the above Wheat & getting Corn. men making drains in the meadow. Friday treading a Bed of Wheat\u2014Men getting Corn.\nSaturday cleaning up the Wheat which was tread yesterday\u2014& making a bridge over Dogue run.\nMuddy-hole 26th Novr\nThe People at this Plantation gathering drawing in, and husking Corn at the Neck.\nDogue Run\u201426th Novr\nGathering & Husking Corn\u2014Grubbing\u2014One of the old Cows in the Meadow dead.\nDavy\u201426th Novr\nGathering Corn 4 Days\u20142 days thrashing Wheat. Cart with one hand helped Carrying Hoop poles to the Mill.\nDogue Run\u20143d Decr\nFinished Gathering husking & Lifting of Corn. In all, besides what the Hogs had Eaten, amounting to  Barrels. Tread out a Bed of Wheat yesterday & cleaning it up to day\u2014People not employed in this Work grubbing the Swamps. Stock all well.\nMuddy hole\u20143d Decr\nGathering husking measuring & Lifting of Corn\u2014112 Barrels\u2014Hogs have eat 28 and is laid by for them 28 Barrls\u2014one day beating out Corn. Stock all well except an old sheep dead\u20142 Lambs since acct taken.\nFerry Plantation 3d Decr\nGathering Corn & Getting Wheat & Carrying it to the Mill. the Stock all Well. Recd on Accot of Ferriages \u00a33.14.9\nRiver Plantation\u20143d Decr\nFrom Timber Landing all the Corn has been brought in and lifted. 153 in all. The Remainder of the Week getting in Corn breaking Oxen\u2014and Carting rails to make the Fence round the fodder stock high. the Cut next the Gate, left hand side is got to the Corn House and husked.\nDogue Run. 10th Decr\nTreading a bed of Wheat Tuesday\u2014Wednesday cleaned it up\u2014Thursday put down another bed\u2014but cd not clean it up on accot of the Rain yesterday: Making up the Fence round the Wheat yard\u2014Men cutting & mauling\u2014grubbed a little. Stock all well\u2014one Cow has calved. The Beef killed on monday came from this Plantation.\nMuddy-hole 10th Decr\nMonday beat out all the old Corn\u2014viz.\u2014two loads one for the Home Ho[use] the other for themselves. Made a Pen to winter\nthe Colts at the farm pen\u2014All the People thrashing until last Night\u2014cleaning Wheat to day\u2014Stock all well. 19 young Lambs 2 killed by Eagles\nRiver Plantatn 10th Decr\nGathering and Measuring Corn all the Week\u2014the whole of the hands\u2014Stock all well\u2014except an old ewe which is dead.\nFerry Plantation 10th Decr\nFinished getting out wheat & carrying it to Mill\u2014Gathering & huskg of Corn\u2014stock all well.\nMuddy hole\u201417th Decr\nMonday Catching & bringing the fatting Hogs to the Home House. the rest of the day grubbing\u20143 days & an half grubbing\u2014the other days thrashing Wheat & moving Day into the Neck.\nFerry Plantation 17th Decr\nPeople employed in Killing & cleaning Hogs\u2014and in Gathering, bringing in, & husking of Corn.\nRiver Plantation\u201424th Decr\n3 days gathering Measuring and lofting of Corn\u2014Thursday the women cleaning up Wheat to carry to Mill\u2014the Men cutting & mauling of Rails\u2014Friday put in half a stack of Wheat into the Barn. Men mauling &ca Rails\u2014Saturday Thrashing of Wheat.\nDogue Run\u201424th Decr\nWomen all grubbing until Friday\u20143 of the Men at home House cutting wood for Christmas\u2014the rest getting Posts for fencing except two who were plowing\u2014Friday women raking up the old Dung of the last years Pens\u2014Men still getting Posts. Saturday grubbing when not raining\u2014Men cutting posts\u2014Stock all well. One Lamb.\nMuddy hole\u201424th Decr\n4 days grubbing with all hands except the Carter who was Carting wood at the House, & Mink Will who was two days & half Plowing\u2014Friday about the Wheat Field Fence\u2014and getting in wood. Saturday threshing Wheat all day.\nFerry Plantation\u201424th\nAll hands employed on Monday in gathering & measuring of Corn\u2014Tuesday, Wednesday & thursday in Carting & lifting it. Friday in sevl kinds of Jobbs\u2014& Saturday getting w[oo]d for Christmas.\nCarpenters\u201424th\nIsaac all the Week at the Mill\u2014James repairing Barn & Stables at Muddy hole and Tom & Sambo\u2014pointing 1073 Pallisado\u2019s.\nDogue Run Qr Decr 31st\nStock all well. had one young Calve and one Lamb this Week. Men cutting\u2014& women grubbing thursday Friday & this day\u2014Plowed a little when the ground was not too hard froze or too wet.\nRiver Plantn 31st Decr\nThursday getting Posts for fencing and other Timber for Rails\u2014and cutting down Corn stalks with the Women. 4 Plows at work in the afternoon after the ground had thawed. Friday afternoon 4 Plows at Work. Men cutting & mauling Rails Posts, & Forks\u2014and women threshing & putting up Farm pen. Saturday same.\nFerry Plantn 31st Decr\nMen employed since the Hollidays making Horse pen\u2019s\u2014Women cutting down Corn Stalk. Saturday covering the Horse Pen.\nMuddy hole Plantn 31st Decr\nThursday & Friday Grubbing\u2014Saturday beating out Corn & sending it to Mill & filling farm Pen with leaves. Plough at work when the weather would permit. Jupiter getting Rails.\nCarpenters\u201431st Decr\nPointing 876 Rails, for Parke Fencing getting a Stock for arms of Mercht Mill Wheel.\nDogue Run\u2014Jany 7th 1786\nStock all well. 3 Lambs fallen this week and then calved. Men cutting and women scrubbing all the Week\u2014today (Saturday) putting Straw in the Farm pen\u2014Old Man Bonny dead\u2014and one old ewe dead.\nFerry Plantation Jan. 7th\nPreparing with one hand, Shelter for the Horses &ca\u2014the rest grubbing & cutting in front of the House. Stock all well and no alteration.\nRiver Plantation Jan. 7th\nMonday all hands threshing\u2014Tuesday Women filling gullies, Men cutting\u2014Wednesday thursday friday & Saturday \u27e8some\u27e9 of men cutting the rest & the women making farm Pen for cattle which was compleated and littered this day.\nMuddy hole. 7th Jany\nWill Ploughing when the ground would admit & he & Jupiter Cutting & Mauling of Rails when it wd not\u2014all hands threshing a day and half and the remainder of the Week grubbing in front of the House. Stock all well\u2014no deaths nor increase.\nCarpenters\u20147th Jany 1786\n700 Rails pointed\u2014One stock sawed 17 feet long 14 Inches broad 3 pieces 4\u00be Inches thick 4 Oars 20 feet long of Pine\u2014Monday Raining & working in the Shop.\nDogue Run\u201414th Jany\nMen Cutting and Mauling Rails as usual\u2014Monday Women Grubbing\u2014Tuesday and ever since adding a fence to enlarge the upper meadow clearing all within and repairing the fence round it. Stock All well\u2014fallen 15 lambs this week two of which (dble ones) dead. No Calves this Week\u2014Ewes & Lambs turned into the Wheat field.\nRiver Plantation\u201414th Jan.\nMen Cutting & Mauling all the Week except the day it Snowed\u2014when they were (half the day) cutting mortices, & hewing Posts for Post & Rail fencing\u2014Waggon & Cart Carting Rails ensuing fencing of the Corn fields\u2014Monday Women putting up a cross fence. Tuesday & Wednesday filling up gullies\u2014Thursday & friday littering farm pen with leaves\u2014today filling up gullies.\nMuddy hole. 14th Jany\n41 Old Sheep\u201416 Lambs\u20142 Men Cutting & Mauling (except one day Will was sick) women Grubbing all the week.\nCarpenters\u201414 Jany\nPieces for a Ladder for the Ice house\u201410 feet long 5 by 3 when sawed. A Stock for the framing of a door: 26 Posts Morticed 8 pieces tenanted at each end. 1000 Rails pointed\u2014James & Sambo Sawing 2 days. Made 2 Hoops for gravel Sieves. Sawed a stock into 16 ps. 20 ft long\u20144 by 3.\nFerry Plantation 14 Jany\nGrubbing all the Week except a few odd Jobbs No alteration in the Stock.\nDogue Run\u201421st\nFencing all the Week with the women\u2014Men Cutting and Mauling as usual and morticing some of the Posts. 3 Lambs came this Week\u2014one old Ewe dead\u2014one calve this week\u20144 in all\u2014and\n21 Lambs. all the Horses well except the Dray & Caleb Stones Mares\nRiver Plantation 21st Jany\nMonday & Tuesday the Women were filling up Gullies in the large field. Overseer Will & the Women two days making Fence\u2014two days Women only threshing Wheat\u2014Men for a days Cutting & Mauling of Rails\u2014two days the Men Hewing and Morticing of Posts\u20145 Days Cart & Waggon drawing Rails\u2014one Sheep dead one Lamb yeaned\u2014Horses & Cattle well.\nFerry Plantation 21st Jan.\nThe People cutting and grubbing till Thursday when the weather set in\u2014after that employed in Jobs. An Increase of 1 Calf and 1 Ewe Lamb.\nMuddy hole\u201421st 1786\n4 days grubbing & clearing and two days threshing\u2014One Ewe killed by Dogs\u2014all the Horses & other Stock as usual.\nCarpenters\u201421st\nAn axle tree for the Cart over the Creek with skeens in it. 5/\u20141 pr of Boxes put in the wheels for a Cart 5/. Sides of A new Waggon body framed\u2014Rough hewed the timber for a harrow plow\u2014A Rack made for the Cow Ho. 12 feet long 22 yds in it. 300 rails hewed from end to end for the Paddock\u2014600 d[itt]o pointed. One Tongue for the New Roller.\nRiver Plantation 28th Jany\nMonday threshing Wheat with the women. Tuesday Cleaning Wheat with half the Women\u2014the other half making fence\u2014The other 4 days the Women all making fences\u2014Six days the men cutting & mauling Rails. 2 Carts & Waggon Carting Rails the whole week except carrying Wheat & Corn to Mill. 2 young Calves\u2014one of the yearlings in the field dead.\nMuddy hole Plantn 28th Jan.\n41 Sheep\u201416 Lambs\u201432 Cattle\u201422 Horses\u2014Monday women threshing in the Barn\u2014the other 5 days grubbing\u2014little Will 6 days cutting Rail Timber and Posts. Jupiter 3 days Mauling\u2014& 3 days sick.\nCarpenters\u2014Jany 28th\n30 feet of R\u27e8ac\u27e9ks with 60 sticks in it\u2014Waggon gates framed & planked\u2014sides planked. 58 White Oak saplins got & split for Sheep fold. 300 Sticks got for it. 335 Rails hewed & pointed for\nPark fencing. 15 forks & 8 large Poles cut for the removal of the Garden Houses. p\u27e8ieces tie\u27e9d up for a harrow plow.\nFerry Plantn\u201428 Jany\nWomen Grubbing all the Week. Men cutting & mauling rails all the Week. One old mare dead\u20141 Ewe killed by Dogs. The rest as usual.\nDogue run\u201428th Jan.\nFinished the fence from the Mill Meadow to the other Meadow\u2014& began the cross fences by the wood. Men cutting & Mauling\u2014old Mary getting better\u20143 young Lambs this Week 24 in all\u20142 young Calves this Week.\nRiver Plantation Feb 4th\nMonday, Women Threshing\u2014Men (except Essex who was making Baskets for home house) Morticing posts. Tuesday, Women making fence round Timberlanding field; Men cutting and Mauling\u2014Wednesday\u2014Ditto\u2014D[itt]o\u2014Thursday the same\u2014Friday same. Saturday Women Toating leaves into the Farm pen\u2014Then, assisting in removing Houses at Mt Vernon. & then making a pen to feed Jocky hogs the year round\u2014One old Cow dead\u2014& one Calf came. 10 lambs\u2014Carts getting rails to fence\u20142 days Plowing with 4 plows.\nDogue Run. 4th Feby\nMen Cutting & Mauling as usual. Women making new fence along the Wood to the Corner by the old gate, & from thence to the present Wheat field fence with old rails\u2014lodging all the New ground in order to Hoe, all\u2014also did part of the fence from the New fence towards the Meadow fence by the House. plowed a little yesterday and today within the enclosure of the upper meadow\u20142 lambs Yeaned this week & one died\u201425 in all\u20146 Calves in all\u2014an old Oxe Pompey dead. The old mares mending.\nCarpenters\u20144th Feby\n42 White Oak Saplins for sheep fold\u2014125 bars rived for D[itt]o 2 trees cut down & 4 cuts taken of one for Do\u201411 forks for removing the Garden Houses\u201412 Stocks 10 feet long 12\u00bd Inches Square\u20142 of which sawed.\nFerry Plantation 4th Feby\nWomen Grubbing except Flora, who was sick\u20142 Men getting rails for the Plantation\u20142 Lambs and 1 Calf this Week\u2014all the\nrest of the Stock as usual. Ferry men (when not in the Boat) cutting where the women are Grubbing.\nMuddy hole Plantn 4th Feb.\n41 Sheep\u201417 Lambs (one yeaned this Week) 32 Cattle\u201422 Horses\u2014Women grubbing all the week with the overseer. little Will plowed half a day Monday, tuesday, Wednesday & thursday, & all friday. & part of this day after going from M. Vernon. Charles & Jupiter Mauling, Will cutting Rails &ca when not plowing\u2014Cart drawing Rails round fence yesterday, & part of this day.\nDogue Run Plantn 11th Feb.\nFinished Staking & ridering all the new fences\u2014Hoed up a good deal of the fresh land lying in this fence and in the Swamps. Three plows at work all the week\u2014Men cutting & clearing in the swamps\u20142 more lambs this week\u201427 in all. \u27e8illegible\u27e9 Calf this week\u2014the old dray Mare declining again\u2014the other\nFerry Plantn 11th Feby\n1 hand plowing & laying of Corn ground\u20141 Mauling & getting of Rails\u20141 D[itt]o carting\u2014Women Grubbing\u2014Ferry men all have turns cutting\u2014increase one calf\u2014and one Lamb\u2014all the rest of the stock as it were.\nRiver Plantation\u201411th Feb.\n6 days 6 plows at Work\u20145 days filling up gullies with the women\u20144 days 3 Men cutting & Mauling\u20145 days 2 Carts hauling Rails\u20141 day making fences with the women\u201425 Lambs this Week\u2014one cart went to the mill today. 2 Calves this Week\u20141 Cow (old) died this week.\nMuddy-hole\u201411th Feby\nOverseer sick and no acct from thence.\nCarpenters\u201411th Feb.\nSawing Posts and Rails for yards for the Jack & Magnolia\u2014amountg to 506 ft\u2014getting 5 Stocks 9\u00bd feet long 12 inchs sqr. Making two Plows 5/ each\u20144 Posts for an Ox Sling for shoeing\u20149 feet long 10 Inchs sqr. and getting 2 ox yokes.\nDogue Run\u201418th Feby\nMonday hoed up ground with the Women. Men cleaning up the swamps\u2014cleared up the ground where the Hog pen was & continued the cross fence toward the Ho. House meadow as far\nas the logs would go. cleaning & burning up the swamps\u2014Men during the bad weather hueing Posts. One Lamb this week (28 in all)\u2014Black Mare in the lift all the rest of the stock well.\nRiver Plantation 18th Feb.\nMonday filling up Gullies with the Women\u20145 days threshing with D[itt]o\u2014Monday 7 plows running. 4 Men cutting & mauling in the Woods\u2014Tuesday Men morticing Posts; & 4 days cutting & mauling in the woods. 2 Carts hauling Rails 4 days & the Waggon two days\u20148 Lambs this Week\u20141 Calf.\nCarpenters\u201418th Feby\n66 Mortices dug two Inches wide & 6 Inches deep 80 Tenants made 1 Inch thick\u2014300 laths rived of pine\u20142 Corner posts got today & sawed for the inclosures for the stud horses\u2014Isaac lame all this week and last.\nFerry Platn 18th Feby\n1 Fellow plowing & cutting straw all the Week. 1 D[itt]o Mauling and loading the Waggon with Hay 1 Do employed Carting\u2014Sam & London when not at the ferry employed Cutting\u2014and all the Woman grubbing this Week\u2014Stock all well, & as usual\u20141 Lamb this Week.\nDogue Run\u2014Plann Feb. 25th\nMen cutting & mauling all the week in the swamp\u2014women cleaning up D[itt]o\u2014Old black Mair dead\u2014the other two old Mares better. 3 Lambs dead\u2014one of which just Yeaned\nFerry Plantn 25 th Feby\nMonday 2 hands cutting straw. 2 days plowing\u20143 days mauling\u20142 Women plowing 1 day all the rest except Betty (who was sick) grubbing\u2014Cupid Cutting\u2014Cart hauling rails Straw &ca\u2014Stock all as usual\u2014One of the fatting Beeves brought from thence a few night ago.\nRiver Plantation\u2014[Feb.] 25th\nWomen threshing & cleaning Wheat all the Week\u2014Men cutting & Mauling all but one day when they were Hueing & morticing Posts except some that were threshing 1 plow laying off rows Tuesday\u2014Waggon 2 days carrying Wheat to the mill\u20142 Carts drawing rails for fencing & old rails to fill up gullies\u20147 Lambs this Week & 1 Calf.\nMuddy hole\u2014[Feb.] 25th\nOverseer sick no Acct given in.\nCarpenters\u2014[Feb.] 25th\n147 rails tenanted for the deer paddock 20 for the pen for the stud horses. 8 Posts headed: 850 laths rived for the New Room.\nRiver Plantation\u2014Mar. 4th\nMonday women cutting down Corn stalks half the day. the other part taking into the Barn a stack of Wheat. Tuesday & Wednesday employed in making a fence with them\u2014thursdays, threshing & cleaning wheat with them\u2014Men 4 days cutting & Mauling Rails\u2014Two other days cutting & morticing Posts\u20144 days 2 Carts & the Waggon Carting Rails\u2014stock as usual\u2014No calves nor no lambs this Week.\nFerry Plantation Mar. 4th\nMonday 3 plows at Work\u20141 hand Carting\u20141 Mauling\u2014Sam & London cutting Wood when not at the Ferry & the Women Grubbing. The same kind of employment through the Week when the Weather would permit the people to be out & the Plows to run.\nCarpenters\u20144th March\n160 Tenants in the rails for the Paddock\u20142 Stock 18 feet long & 1 Sixteen feet got, and the two first sawed into scantlings 4 by 5\u20141 stock of Poplar sawed 10 feet long 18 inches deep\u20147 plank 2 Inches thick\u20143 Boxes put into New Wheels & the Mortices cut\u2014One axle got for the ferry Cart\u201420 feet of Hurdle done in the bad Weather.\nDogue Run\u20144th March\nNo account from thence.\nMuddy-hole\u20144th March\nNo acct from thence neither.\nMuddy hole\u201411th March\n40 Sheep (one old ewe dead since last acct rendered)\u201422 Lambs. (5 since last acct). 32 head Cattle. 1 young Calf since last acct\u201422 horses\u2014Women all except Peg & Nanny grubbing all the Week. Nanny sick 5 days & Peg one day. 3 Men Morticing Posts monday & part Tuesday. little Will plowing 3 days\u2014and Morticing Posts 3 days.\nDogue run\u201411th Mar.\nMonday so wet could neither hoe ground nor clean up the Swamps Men Morticing Posts\u2014Tuesday Men & women both logging up ground. Wednesday Thursday & friday cleaning\nup the Swamps & preparing the ground for the Plows. Friday one plow laying off Corn rows, one D[itt]o doing the same to day, & 2 braking up ground. The Bull & 1 Cow dead since last. only 16 Lambs\u201412 have died out of 28\u201411 Calves in all 4 Since last acct. Ox Cart & 2 hands at the home House all the Wk\u201429 Posts for fencing Morticed in all.\nRiver Plantatn\u201411th Mar.\nThree days with one Man & 4 Women cleaning wheat\u2014the other 3 days making fences all the rest of the women abt farms. The Men cutting & mauling\u2014Nat & Doll 2 half days plowing\u20148 plows at work today in the ground intended for oats\u20142 half days (Mornings) cutting down Corn stalks\u20141 Calf this week (9 in all)\u20142 Cows dead.\nFerry Plantation\u201411th Mar.\nMonday\u2014men cutting & mauling\u2014women grubbing. Tuesday\u2014the same. Wednesday Caesar plowing\u2014the other men cutting & mauling & women Grubbing\u2014Thursday 3 plows at Work\u20142 hands \u00bd a day getting Beef to Ho[me] Ho[use]\u2014Men cuttg & mauling women Grubbg\u2014Friday 3 plows at Wk other people employed as yesterday & loadg waggon with hay\u2014Saturday 3 plows at Work rest employed as yesterday\u2014Doll 4 days sick.\nCarpenters\u201411th Mar.\nA poplar stock Hewed 17 Inches deep and sawed into 7 pieces 14 feet long. 1 six inches thick\u20141[,] 3\u00bd inches thick split into 3 pieces, 5\u00bd by 3\u00bd\u2014the rest of 7 pieces were 2 Inches thick\u2014One Oak Stock 14 feet long 12 Inches square split into two pieces\u20142 Axle trees made\u20141 for Morris & 1 for Muddy hole 5/ each\u2014221 Rails Tenanted\u20142070 laths.\nDogue Run\u201418th Mar. 1786\nMonday & Tuesday Men & Women Hoeing\u2014Wednesday raining\u2014Men did something to the Posts\u2014Thursday completed the cross fence & removed all stumps and other rubbish along the Wood side & cross fence. Yesterday (friday) cleaning before the plows again. 3 plows at work\u20142 laying off the flush plowing & breaking in a young mare. 11 Posts Morticed this Week. 21 Lambs (5 this Week) No calves this week\u2014stock all well.\nRiver Plantation 18th Mar.\nMonday 2 plows laying off the grd for Corn &c., 7 plows crossing the ground for oats. Women filling gullies\u20142 Men grubbing\n\u20141 sick\u2014on Tuesday the same except that one plow was added to the 7 abt the oat ground & taken from laying off. Wednesday 1 plow laying off, & 8 cross plowing oat ground half the day the other half the day men morticing posts & women threshing in the Barn. Friday 1 plow laying off, and 8 plows crossing Oat ground 2 Men removing stumps 1 sick\u2014and women threshing. Saturday 6 plows crossing oat ground till twelve oclock\u2014Then went to listing in timber landing field 2 others laying off\u2014& 1 plowing in the first plow\u20143 Men removing stumps & women making fence anew round Wheat field\u2014Waggon Carting rails thursday\u2014One cart carrying stuff to fill up gullies two days\u20142 days and an half carting rails\u2014the other half carting Provender & litter for the stock. 7 Lambs this Week & two Calves.\nMuddy hole\u201418th Mar.\n40 Sheep 22 Lambs 32 Cattle & 1 young Calf\u2014the same as last week. 22 horses\u2014Monday 3 plows crossing\u20142 Men Cutting Rails & Mauling\u2014Women grubbing except Peg who was sick\u2014Tuesday 3 plows crossing\u20142 Men cutting & Mauling\u2014same women grubbing\u2014Wednesday plows stopped by rain 3 Men Cutting & mauling\u2014women all on the New ground\u2014Thursday\u2014the same as yesterday\u2014Friday\u20142 plows laying off 2 Men Cutting & mauling\u2014women all into the new grd Saturday\u20141 Man cuttg\u20141 went to Alexandria in the Boat\u20141 Sick\u2014Women all in the new grd.\nCarpenters\u201418th Mar.\nStable-partition 26 feet in length 6 feet high\u20142 gates one to each division\u2014a Rack and Manger in one end. 2 Axle trees got & made\u2014one for the river & the other for the Plantations\u201430 feet of hurdles\u20141 new lay gum\u20149 boxes for setting turkeys\u2014Poplar stock 14 feet long 17 Inches deep\u2014Sawed into 2 planks 2 Inch thick\u20141 ditto 3\u00bd Inch thick & split into 2 pieces 8\u00bd\u2014Tom makes 3 days repairing fish Boat\nFerry Plantn 18th Mar.\nMonday 3 days plowing\u20141 loading Waggon with Hay for the Ho. House & mauling between while\u2014Cupid Mauling\u2014London & the Women grubbing\u2014The Cart hauling straw to the farm pen\u2014Tuesday and Wednesday all hands employed as on Monday. Thursday & friday C\u00e6sar cutting straw for horse feed Sam mauling London, Cupid & the women grubbing\u2014Saturday\n3 people plowing Sam cutting & Mauling London cupid and the women grubbing. Tuesday Wednesday thursday friday Cart employed at the Ho. House, & Saturday in Carting straw to the farm Pens.\nDogue run Plantn 25th March\nMonday Hoeing until it rained\u2014Tuesday hoeing all day\u2014Wednesday hoeing till the afternoon and then repairing Piney run dam. Thursday till dinner time repairing leaks and breaches in the Mill race\u2014afterwards Hoeing. Friday Hoeing all day. Sowing & harrowing Oats till the afternoon\u2014then plowing them\u2014Saturday\u2014making up pasture (or outward) fencing\u2014Plows at Work all the Week\u2014one laying off\u2014the others listing till yesterday afternoon & this day when they were plowing in Oats\u20148 Posts morticed this Week by Brunswick one lamb this week (making 22 in all). 1 calf this Week. 1 cow & Calf brot to home house this Week\u20141 fatted weather ditto.\nMuddy hole\u201425th Mar. 1786\n40 Sheep. 22 Lambs. 32 Cows & a calf as last week 22 horses\u2014Monday Charles mauling\u2014little Will & Jupiter sick. first of the day 3 women plowing the rest in the new ground\u2014the latter part threshing Wheat. Tuesday Mauling Rails with Charles Will & Jupiter Sick\u2014Women all in the New ground Wednesday\u2014Charles went to Town Will & Jupiter sick\u20143 plows at Work (with women) rest of the women in New ground\u2014Thursday Will & Jupiter sick 3 plows at Work, all the rest of the people repairing fencing for Corn ground. Friday Jupiter & Will yet sick\u20143 Women plowing all the rest repairing fencing\u2014Saturday: Will and two Women plowing all the rest (including Jupiter) repairing fencing. Monday Gabriel & the Cart at Ho. House till it began to rain\u2014Tuesday & Wednesday Carting rails to the new ground\u2014Thursday, Friday & Saturday (except bringing Meal from the mill) stopped and Gabriel assisting about the fencing.\nRiver Plantn 25th Mar.\nMonday\u2014nine plows running till the rain began Tuesday Nine plows running all day\u2014the same Wednesday, thursday, friday & Saturday. part of friday afternoon, & all Saturday, 8 of them were plowing the Oat ground\u2014Women taking in a part of a stack of Wheat & threshing on Monday. Men threshing, morticing\nposts, & carrying a roller &ca from Ho. House\u2014Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & friday: 3 Men digging stumps. The rest of the Men (not at the Plan[tation]) & the Women making fence round the orchard\u2014Tuesday, Wednesday, & thursday cutting down corn stalks\u2014friday filling up gullies & making fences\u2014Saturday turning dung. Adam with the Oxen, 3 days harrowing ground for oats\u20143 Men carried 52\u00bd bushels of wheat to the mill in the large Boat. 3 Calves this week 3 Lambs ditto stock (the rest) as usual.\nCarpenters\u201425th Mar.\n1 Stock for rafters 12 inches square, 24 feet long sawed into 12 rafters 4 by 3\u20141 ditto 18 feet long 12 by 15 square, sawed into 15 rafters\u20141 ditto 18 feet long 12 inches square\u2014sawed into 12 rafters. 1 ditto 12 feet long 10 by 12 not sawed\u20141 Sill for the Gt House 22 feet long 9\u00bd by 12 Inches. 44 feet of Sill for the ferry fish house put in 6 inches by 8\u201422 rafters put up at the said House. 163 boards sawed, dubbed, and nailed up. 1 pannel of the Sheep hurdle made & 2 or 3 pieces dressed for more\u2014Thom. Noaks 3 days repairing fish Boat.\nFerry Plantatn 25th [Mar.]\nMonday\u2014C\u00e6sar cutting straw for horse feed\u2014the rest grubbing & cutting, till it set into raining\u2014after which London & Cupid went about Baskets, and the Women to shelling Corn. Tuesday, Wednesday, thursday, friday & Saturday C\u00e6sar and two women plowing (except one day C\u00e6sar was stopped by the breaking of his plow) Sam Kit cutting and Mauling all the Week. and London Cupid and the Women grubbing. The Cart employed all the Week in taking out dung\u2014except when it went to Mill for Meal & Bran & carried home Oats\u2014Increase one young colt\u2014the rest of the stock as usual.\nMuddy-hole. April 1st\n40 Sheep. 2 lambs. 32 Cows & a Calf. 22 horses. Monday & Tuesday. Charles & Gabriel about a drain\u2014Ov[ersee]r Jupiter and the Women about Corn field fence. Little Will Nan & Nancy cross plowing. Wednesday Thursday & friday little Will laying of Rows in the plowed ground\u2014the other two plows listing & harrowing after him\u2014Cart assisting on thursday to carry Corn to the Mill\u2014the rest of the hands about the Corn Stalks\u2014Cart Carting dung all day friday. Saturday threshing & cleaning.\nRiver Plantation\u2014Apl 1st\nMonday All the Plows were at Work\u2014viz.\u2014one laying off. 7 Plowing in Oats\u2014& one Team harrowing ditto\u2014Breechy Ben & Bath digging stumps\u2014Women til ten oclock heaping dung\u2014afterwards cutting Corn stalks in the Crk field\u2014Tuesday\u2014the same\u20142 Carts carrying out dung\u2014Wednesday the same\u2014excepting that the Plows havg finished Plowing in Oats went to listing in Timberlanding field till abt 1 Oclock & then to plowing a piece of ground in front of the Overseers Ho. for grass seeds. Thursday\u2014the same as yesterday\u2014Friday, plows went again (having plowed & cross plowed the ground for grass) to listing in Timberlanding field and the harrow to harrowing the grass ground\u2014women making fence. Saturday\u2014Women threshing\u2014men that were not threshing were employed in Morticing Posts\u2014One Cow had a Calf pulled from her yesterday & is very bad to day\u2014another in the same condition today. An old Cow\u2014& a yearling on the lift\u2014all the rest as usual.\nDogue run Plantn Apl 1\nMonday hoeing & cleaning up ground in the Swamp with the women & part of the men\u2014the rest at the Plow\u2014Tuesday Plows at Work\u2014the rest cutting down stalks\u2014Wednesday & part of thursday the same\u2014the remainder of thursday pounding of Clods in the Oat field\u2014Friday till 12 Oclock breaking clods again and then went to hoeing ground for Mellon patch\u2014Men abt Posts\u2014Brunswick did 10 this Week\u2014Stock all well\u20141 Calf this Week.\nCarpenters Apl 1\n22 rafters put up at the fish Ho. at the ferry 22 Studs put up. \u27e8A plate\u27e9 6 inches square and 22 feet long got & put in the main body of the Ho. 5\u27e802\u27e9 boards nailed up. 2 doors 4\u00bd feet square made for the same Ho. 53 rails mauled & pointed & 4 Posts for the Paddock fencing\u20141 length of sheep hurdle. Sambo sick 3 days.\nFerry Plantn Apl 1st\nMonday 3 hands plowing\u2014the Cart hauling straw the rest of the people cutting Corn stalks. Tuesday 3 hands plowing\u2014Cart hauling Corn stalks the rest of the people picking them up. Wednesday 3 hands plowing, Cart hauling & the rest cutting Stalks\u2014Thursday 3 hands plowing Cart carrying Corn to the Mill to be spread in the loft. the rest cutting stalks the forepart\nof the day the latter part getting ground in order for Spring Wheat. Friday 3 hands plowing\u2014Cart hauling dung, & straw for the Stock\u2014the rest pulling Corn Stalks\u2014Saturday\u2014Caesar cutting straw\u2014men making baskets\u2014women shelling corn. Increase of 4 calves this Week\u2014the rest of the stock as usual.\nMuddy-hole Apl 8th\n40 Sheep. 22 lambs\u201432 Cattle besides a young calf 22 Horses. Monday Charles & the women cleaning Wheat in the Barn little Will Jupiter and Gabriel Hewing & Morticing Posts\u2014Tuesday the same except that Charles went to the fishing landing\u2014Wednesday and thursday all hands about Fencing (except Charles). Friday little Will and one woman plowing\u2014a little while fixing & trying my drill plow but chiefly laying off ground for Corn\u2014Women cutting & burning Corn Stalks\u2014Saturday the same as yesterday except that the Cart made one trip to the Mill. & that little Will was employed drilling in Oats & Nanny harrowing.\nRiver Plantn 8th Apl\nMonday 2 Men & all the women threshing Wheat\u2014the rest of the men cutting & mauling in the Woods. Tuesday & Wednesday the same except some of the Men being employed in Morticing Posts Wednesday\u2014Thursday & friday 5 Women were cleaning wheat in the Barn\u2014the rest making fencing\u2014Breechy & Bath came to the fishing landing on thursday\u2014the rest of the men taking up straw. Friday the plows, which had been stopped all the preceding days of the week began to work again. Saturday\u2014Spread the manure plowed twice & harrowed the Oats in the ground intended for the experiment\u2014after which the Plows returned to listing again\u2014& the Women to cutting stalks. Monday & Tuesday the Waggon carried Wheat to Mill Thursday Carting rails\u2014Monday Tuesday thursday friday & Saturday two Carts carrying out Dung. 2 Calves this Week 3 lambs D[itt]o\u20142 Cows & 1 calf dead\u2014& 1 cow & a working steer upon the lift.\nDogue run\u20148th April\nMonday carrying logs over the Swamp & began to make the fence up to the Meadow\u2014Tuesday & Wednesday raining & nothing done Thursday about the fence again wch was finished to day\u2014stopping gullies\u2014laying off to day\u2014the 3 young calves\ndead 2 oxen upon the lift\u2014One small Sorrel work mare dead\u2014the rest of the horses & sheep well. One Cow & Calf sent to the Mill for the use of the Miller.\nCarpenters\u20148th Aprl\n800 boards got\u2014304 nailed up\u201413 short studs to support the rafters all for the Fish house at the ferry. 1 poplar stock sawed into 5 pieces 5 by 3 Inches\u201440 feet of sheep hurdles\u2014James two days Sick\u2014Tom Nokes with the Sein Haulers.\nFerry Plantn 8th Apl\nMonday, C\u00e6sar cutting straw & carrying Mare to Jack. The Rest of the hands fencing Corn field\u2014Tuesday the same, in the first part the day latter part the men making baskets\u2014the women shelling Corn (being raining)\u2014Wednesday the same (was then still raining)\u2014Thursday all hands fencing\u2014Friday 3 hands listing Corn ground the rest fencing\u2014Saturday the same. Cart employed in hauling Rails, dung, & Meal from the Mill\u2014The Ferrymen hauling Sein when they were not transporting travellers across One Lamb yeaned\u2014and one lost, supposed to be stolen.\nRiver Plantation 15th Apl\nSunday 9 plows at Work\u20143 days 12 women cutting corn stalks. 3 days 2 men & 3 Women planting grass seeds. 2 days 2 men cutting stumps 6 days 2 Carts carrying dung\u20142 Cows dead.\nMuddy hole\u2014Plantn 15th Apl\nMonday & Tuesday 8 people picking Corn Stalks & cutting them down. Wednesday 8 ditto sowing Carrots. Thursday 8 d[itt]o grubbing. friday & saturday doing the same. 6 days plowing & harrowing with 3 teams. 6 days Carting dung. 1 Ewe dead\u2014the rest of the stock as usual\u20142 colts which were in the wheat field brought to the home house pasture.\nDogue run\u201415th\nMonday, Tuesday & Wednesday tredding & cleaning wheat. with the women\u2014Men that were not at plow & Cart, cleaning up Swamp & logging it\u20141 Jack constantly at the fishing landing\u2014Thursday & friday Hoeing Saturday Spreading dung on ground intended for Carrots\u2014Monday & Tuesday horses treading wheat the rest of the days plowing\u2014Oxen carrying Wheat to Mill, Dragging the Roller, and Carting Dung 1 Mare (Hunter) dead\u20141 Ox very low\u20143 young Calves.\nFerry Plantn 15th Apl\nMonday, Tuesday, & Wednesday getting grd in order & Sowing Spring wheat\u2014the rest of the People employed in Spreading dung these 3 days. Thursday 3 plows at work listing, Cupid & the women picking up Corn Stalks; Friday 3 plows listing till dinner time, then breaking up ground for Potatoes, & drilled Corn\u2014Cupid & the Women fencing meadow. Saturday the same\u2014Sam & London fishing\u2014carting dung 3 days. Stock all well.\nCarpenters 15th Apl\n535 Boards nailed on at the Fish House at the ferry landing, 2 doors hung there one with a lock\u2014A stock for Posts got 16 feet long, 9 Inches sqr.\u20142 Stocks 11 feet long 16 inches sqr. for outer gate 80 feet of sheep hurdles putting in 4 boxes to new Charriot Wheels.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0348", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 26 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Fitzgerald, John\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Novr 26th 85\nIf the necessary alterations are made in the petition and Bills which were drawn by Mr Johnson\u2014and fair copies of them taken the sooner they are forwarded to the respective assemblies the better.\u2014Time is gliding away\u2014at the latter part of a session the members get impatient and but too often reject matters, because they will not spare time to attend to them.\u2014I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Obed. Servt G. Washington\nP.S. I am to dine with Col. Lyles on Monday\u2014If there is anything before the Board, and you will let me know the hour of attendance; and will give Colo. Silpit [Gilpin] notice of it, I will be there\u2014not expecting, nor indeed will it be convenient for me, to be up again in a short time. G.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0350", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 26 November 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonorable Sir,\nFauquier C[ount]y Novr 26th 1785\nthe bea[rer] Mr Daniel Harrel who Lives in this County is desirous to become a Tenant of yours on Lott No. 2. 140 acres\u2014which Lott is now Inhabited by Michael Ruse a Man not worth anything\u2014I have recommended the bearer to you for your approbation for a Lease on the following Terms\u2014to have a Lease agreeable to the Covenants of your Late Lease for the Term of\nTen years His paying the annual rent of Ten pounds \u214c year\u2014the small grain that is now soun the said Harrel is to Pay for on demand at what Ever its Valued at by Capt. John Edmonds\u2014the Said Harrel is to Produce to you a Satisfactory recommendation respecting His Carracter. I am now on the Land and Shall advise you soon of my Proseedings the Back rents of this Lott No. 2 appears to be Lost as well some others by removeal of the tenants. I am Sir your Humble Servt\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0352", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 28 November 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nJamaica Plain [Mass.] Nov 28. 1785\nMy design of publishing is now in such forwardness, that I expect the proposals for the History of the American Revolution, will be circulated through the United States by the first week in January. I have given direction, that a few should be forwarded to your Excellency from New York as soon as printed. Shall think myself greatly honoured & served by your countenance. I have requested of my friend Mr Roberdeau to receive subscriptions for me at Alexandria, & promise myself from his former acts of kindness, that he will oblige me in it; through the advice of Col. Gibbs have made a like application to Col. Fitzgerald; Col. Gibbs has supported by a letter. Mrs Gordon unites in sincere regards to your Excellency, your Lady, & the rest of the family, the young gentleman especially, with my Dear Sir, Your sincere friend & very humble servant\nWilliam Gordon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0353", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 28 November 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonourable Sir,\nBerkeley County Novr 28th 1785\nI returned yesterday from your Lands In Fauquier I received only Eighteen pounds which was paid me by Daniel Harris who informs me that He Lives on Lott No. 11 He beleaves\u2014Least you Should want the money I have enclosed and order on Mr Andrew Wales in Alexandria for \u00a320 being over what I have Received, the Tenants all Promise to Pay after Christmast but I expect it will be next spring before I shall receive money from them. I have advised them to make good Payments if they expected to have indulgence and the Sooner they get clear the better\u2014they in general are so Very Pooer in Fauquier that I expect many will never Pay up the arrears, which will Ocation a Loss to you and an Evil to the Tenant\u2014had the rents been annually Collected they would have been in a Better Sittuation as well your accts, which I am not able to Settle nor Can it be done in my Opinion with any Certainty unless you are on the Spot\u2014they not haveing all their receipts and Two Tenants on one Lease add to this the Conveyances that has hapned and many other circumstances\u2014makes it uncertain for me to State a Final Settlement So as to make my Self Safe therefore could you or Mr Lunn Washington who is Perhaps acquainted with their situations attend a True state might be made\u2014after which Should I be Favoured with the business I will Ensure that all things needfull shall be done. I Shall Collect all I Can by next spring and when i can with Certainty state their accts I will endeavour to do So\u2014there is on the Tract Land in Ashbys Bend three Lotts Vacant\u2014I mean that the Persons there are Worth nothing\u2014Lott No. 1. No. 2. No. 9 which Lott No. 9 no one has liveed on for many years if Ever. Please to advise whether I am to advertise the renting them or whether I Shall Let them by private Bargain as Some of them are Under Lease\u2019s\u2014the number of years Let them for, & what rents. There is three more Lotts that are in a bad sittuation, I am Told their is good Men Comeing to\nthem which will Pay the Back rents\u2014which if done, I suppose will be Sufficient\u2014as the Land is not Very good\u2014but Very few has Complyed with their Leases\u2014but they promise they will attend to the Covenants now as Quick as Possable\u2014the Widow Lemart is not able to Pay the ballance of her acct She Promises to Pay me rent after Christmast, the others that Can Pay att al, say they will Try To make up half of their arrears by next Spring and Pay the other half out of the next Crop\u2014but their Complying is a Doubt with me, and indeed I am Certain that half of them will not Comply To distress them they Can not give Security and to Sell their all would not Pay off. I shall not distress unless in Cases of Necessity untill they worke of some of their arrears unless you advise It. where only one rent is due I make a Point to distress unless its Paid in a reasonable Time so as To Prevent Two rents To be due at once.\nThere are Several Tenants on Chattins run Tract\u2014Lott No. 1 John Thompson Lives 196 acres in the Lott He says He only agreed to Pay for one Lott which was not to exceed 130 acres He is a Very Poor Man but of good Carrecter\u2014would it not be best to divide the Lott as He will not be able to Pay more than for 96 acres at \u00a35. Take of that Quantity and Lease out the 100 acres for Ten years and charge Thompson with arrears for 130 acres which is more than He will ever Pay. Lott No. 2\u2014206 acres has a good Tenant\u2014one Charles Rector who is able to Pay arrears & the annual Rent he sayes He will Pay half next spring and the hole if He can Possably Collect His Money\u2014Lott No. 3. 278 acres has three Persons thereon\u2014William Hanburry, Jacob Rector & Jesse Rector I can say nothing in Favour of those People and as I think they have Trespassed they should be distressed for the arrears of rents.\nLott No. 4\u2014200 acres\u2014Lives three Tenants\u2014Edward Graham who is not able to worke\u2014James Rector who works for the old Man Graham\u2014Peter Rector who is to Pay half of the rents\u2014these People are Poor therefore the arrears will be dificult to Collect.\nThe foregoing is as full a State of your Tenants as I have yet had in my Power to Communicate\u2014I have been Tedious and Expect to be Troublesome to you untill I am better acquainted with your affairs\u2014as Its\u2019 my desire to do all things for the best. indeed I am so Fearfull of doing wrong that it\u2019s Possible I Fail\nsome Times in doing what I Aught to do\u2014with your advice I shall do every thing I can untill the spring by that Time things may be better understood\u2014in this Time the Vacant Lands should be Let as the Lotts Improvements may not be Lost\u2014as the Lands are not rich I suppose they might be Let for three Years on the old Terms on Paying up the arrears by such Time\u2014when there is no Probability of geting arrears a Lease for Ten years on Paying agreeable to the present Improvements & Soil, I suppose will be sufficient\u2014as I before observed I wish to be advised whether its Necessary To Advertise Those Places that are Vacateed.\nI have 1,000 bushels of wheat ready to send down but I cannot get waggons to engage to go to your mill\u2014the bearer of this takes down a Load and If Possable your mill shall receive a Quantity by Christmass as its necessary that Some instruement of writeing should be produced respecting a Bargain in case of Death\u2014I shall be oblige to you to Send me a line respecting Your Purchase of the thousand Bushels wheat\u2014the Butter I mentiond to you shall be down at Mr A. Wales on or before the 23d day of December unless the roads are not Passable.\nShould the rents in Berkeley and Frederick not be discharged by the first day of March it\u2019s my Opinion that distresses should Take Place as the Inhabitants here Look for Law before Payment otherwise I do not expect you will recover the rents in the Course of next year as their is so many stages of Law to Pass through\u2014I have the Honour to Be your Obedient Humble Servant\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0356", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nDear Sir.\nMount Vernon Novr 30th 1785\nI have had the honor to receive your Excellency\u2019s favor of the 11th & am much obliged to you for the Commissioners report respecting the cut from the Waters of Elizabeth River to those of Albemarle Sound. And it is with great pleasure I have since heard that that matter is in a prosperous way in our Assembly, & placed on a footing (reasonable & just I think) which is likely to meet the approbation of the Legislature of No. Carolina.\nIt has always been my opinion since I first investigated the Great dismal Swamp as a member & manager of that Company that the most advantageous Cut would be found to be through Drummonds pond to the head of Pasquotank and I have Surveys & Notes which prove this I think, incontestably\u2014Mr Andrews\u2019s conjectures, with respect to Locks, I conceive is justly founded; for if the bed of the lake is above the level of the Water of Elizabeth River & Pasquotank the reflux by means of the Canal being greater than the influx must undoubtedly drain the Pond & render it useless as a reservoir without these Locks\u2014but the places at which it may be proper to establish them must\nI should suppose depend upon the level & suitableness of the ground to receive them after the cut is made which should be begun at the extreme ends that the water may run of (and if with any velocity) to contribute to the work.\nIf this cut is effected, the obstructions in the Roanoke removed (which will most assuredly follow) and the inland Navigation of the Rivers James & Potomack compleated according to Law it will open channels of convenience & wealth to the Citizens of this State that the imagination can hardly extend to and render this the most favoured Country in the Universe. These measures only require a beginning to shew the practicability, ease & advantage with which they may be effected. Rappahanock & Shanondoah (the latter through a long extent of it) will follow the example & I see nothing to prevent the two b\u27e8ran\u27e9ches of York River from doing the sam\u27e8e.\u27e9 The consequence in the article of draug\u27e8ht\u27e9 Cattle alone\u2014and to our Roads will be inconceivably great. The latter with small amendments will always be in good order when the present number of Carriages are no longer taring them to pieces in the most inclement seasons of the year. and the ease to, and saving in the former will be felt most interestingly by the farmer & Planter in their annual operations.\nBut until these things are accomplished & even admitting they were done, do you not think, my good Sir, that the credit, the saving, and the convenience of this Country all require that our great roads leading from one public place to another should be shortned\u2014straighned\u2014and established by Law\u2014and the power in the County Courts to alter them withdrawn? To me these things seem indispensably necessary, & it is my opinion they will take place in time the longer therefore they are delayed the more people will be injured by the Alterations when they happen\u2014It is equally clear to me, that putting the lowest valuation possible upon the labour of the people who work upon the roads under the existing Law & custom of the present day the repairs of them by way of Contract to be paid by an assessment on certain districts (until the period shall arrive when turnpikes may with propriety be established) would be infinitely less burthensome to the community than the present mode. In this case too the Contracter would meet with no favor\u2014every man in the district wd give information of neglects\u2014whereas negligence\nunder the present system is winked at by the only people who know how, or can inform against the Overseers\u2014for strangers had rather encounter the inconvenience of bad roads than the trouble of an information and go away prejudiced against the Country for the polity of it. With great esteem & respect I have the honor to be Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0357", "content": "Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon Novr 30th 1785.\nReceive my thanks for your obliging communications of the 11th\u2014I hear with much pleasure that the assembly are engaged, seriously, in the consideration of the revised Laws. A short & simple code, in my opinion, tho\u2019 I have the sentiments of some of the Gentlemen of the long robe against me, would be productive of happy consequences, and redound to the honor of this or any Country which shall adopt such.\nI hope the resolutions which were published for the consideration of the House, respecting the reference to Congress for the\nregulation of a Commercial system will have passed. The proposition in my opinion is so self evident that I confess I am at a loss to discover wherein lyes the weight of the objection to the measure. We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a National character to support\u2014If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it. for whilst we are playing a dble game, or playing a game between the two we never shall be consistent or respectable\u2014but may be the dupes of some powers and, most assuredly, the contempt of all. In any case it behoves us to provide good Militia Laws, and look well to the execution of them\u2014but, if we mean by our conduct that the States shall act independently of each other it becomes indispensably necessary\u2014for therein will consist our strength and respectabity in the Union.\nIt is much to be wished that public faith may be held inviolate\u2014Painful is it even in thought that attempts should be made to weaken the bands of it. It is a dangerous experiment\u2014once slacken the reins and the power is lost\u2014and it is questionable with me whether the advocates of the measure foresee all the consequences of it. It is an old adage that honesty is the best policy\u2014this applies to public as well as private life\u2014to States as well as individuals. I hope the Port and assize Bills no longer sleep but are awakened to a happy establishment. The first with some alterations, would in my judgment be productive of great good to this Country\u2014without it, the Trade thereof I conceive will ever labor & languish\u2014with respect to the Second if it institutes a speedier administration of Justice it is equally desirable.\nIt gives me great pleasure to hear that our assembly were in a way of adopting a mode for establishing the Cut betwn Elizabeth river & Pasquotank which was likely to meet the approbation of the State of No. Carolina\u2014It appears to me that no Country in the Universe is better calculated to derive benefits from inland Navigation than this is\u2014and certain I am, that the conveniences to the Citizens individually, and the sources of wealth to the Country generally, which will be opened thereby will be found to exceed the most sanguine imagination\u2014The Mind can scarcely take in at one view all the benefits which will result therefrom\u2014The saving in draught Cattle, preservation of Roads &ca &ca will be felt most interestingly\u2014This business\nonly wants a beginning\u2014Rappahanock\u2014Shannondoah\u2014Roanoke\u2014and the branches of York River will soon perceive the advantages which water transportation (in ways hardly thought of at first) have over that of Land and will extend Navigation to almost every Mans door.\nFrom the complexion of the debates in the Pensylvania it should seem as if that Legislature intended their assent to the proposition from the States of Virginia & Maryland (respecting a road to the Yohiogany[)] should be conditional of permission given to open a Communication between the Chesapeak & Delaware by way of the rivers Elk & Christeen\u2014which I am sure will never be obtained if the Baltimore interest can give it effectual opposition.\nThe Directors of the Potomack Company have sent to the Delegates of this County to be laid before the Assembly a Petition (which sets forth the reasons) for relief in the depth of the Canals which it may be found necessary to open at the great & little Falls of the River\u2014As public \u0153conomy and private interest equally prompt the measure and no possible disadvantage that we can see will attend granting the prayer of it, we flatter ourselves no opposition will be given to it.\nTo save trouble\u2014to expedite the business, and to secure uniformity without delay, or an intercourse between the Assemblies on so trivial a matter we have taken the liberty of sending the draught of a Bill to Members of both Assemblies which if approved will be found exactly similar. With the highest esteem and regard I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt & Affecte Hble Ser.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0358", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Rawlins, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rawlins, John\nSir,\nMount Vernon 30th Novr 1785.\nYour Letter & plan came safe; tho\u2019 I do not pretend to be a competent judge of this kind of work, yet from the little experience\nI have had in it, & from a certain knowledge that most of the mouldings & decorations are with great ease & expedition cast, of a material too which is by no means expensive, I do not scruple to declare that your Estimate exceeded my expectation.\nThis, & not understanding the plan fully from an unaccustomedness to drawings, together with the indifinite charge of travelling expences, which may be great or little; and a desire of having something finally determined without giving the trouble of coming here again; or of fixing matters by an intercourse of letters which might be tedious & troublesome\u2014& the first of which by no means suiting me, as I must be upon a certainty\u2014having been twice disappointed & put to much inconvenience for want of the room. These reasons I say, have induced me to communicate my ideas to Colo. Tilghman on this business, & to authorize him on the spot to fix matters decidedly with you. Any Agreement therefore which he may make on my behalf, will be as obligatory on me as if I was present to sign & ratify it.\nIf an Agreement takes place, I wish to know precisely, & as soon as may be, what will be previously necessary for my Joiners & Carpenters to do, or to prepare that there may be no delay after you arrive; for besides the inconvenience I already feel from the want of the new room\u2014you know that to complete this, the communication with another must be opened\u2014& that unless both are finished before the season arrives which requires fire, I shall be much distressed. Whilst the weather is warm, the Common Hall & piazza will do very well, as a substitute for the Drawing room or Parlour; but when the weather becomes cool, we must retire to a fireside.\nI think it highly probable that the ceilings of my upper rooms may want plaistering, which would make the job more deserving attention; some of them I am sure do, & if we can agree upon a price I may be inclined to renew the whole. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0359", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 30th Novr 1785.\nYour favor of the 16th came duly to hand, & I thank you for its several communications. The resolutions which were published for consideration, vesting Congress with powers to regulate the Commerce of the Union, have I hope been acceded to. If the States individually were to attempt this, an abortion, or a many headed monster would be the issue. If we consider ourselves, or wish to be considered by others as a united people, why not adopt the measures which are characteristic of it, & support the honor & dignity of one? If we are afraid to trust one another under qualified powers there is an end of the Union\u2014why then need we be sollicitous to keep up the farce of it?\nIt gives me pleasure to hear that there is such an accordance of sentiments between the Eastern & Western parts of this State. My opinion of the separation has always been, to meet them halfway, upon fair & just grounds; & part like friends disposed to acts of brotherly kindness thereafter\u2014I wish you had mention\u2019d the territorial line between us. The Port Bill; the Assize Law (or any substitute for the speedy Administration of Justice) being established; good faith with respect to treaties, preserved by public acts; taxation continued & regularly collected, that justice to one part of the community may keep pace with relief to the other, & our national character for Justice, thereby supported; a due attention to the Militia, and encouragements to extend the inland navigation of this Commonwealth where it is useful & practicable, (which will not only be of amazing convenience & advantage to its Citizens, but sources of immense wealth to the Country through some of its channels)\u2014are among the great & important objects which will come before you; & a due attention to them will, I hope, mark the present epocha for having produced able statesmen, sound patriots & liberal minded men.\nAt a late meeting of the Directors of the Potomac navigation at the great Falls, & from a critical examination of the ground at that place; we unanimously determined to petition the Assemblies of the two States to be relieved from the expence of sinking our Canals four feet deep; as a considerable expence, & no advantage that we could discover, was likely to attend it. As the petition\nwhich is herewith sent under cover to you & Colo. Syme, recites the reasons on which it is founded I shall not repeat them: the public as well as the company\u2019s interest calls for an \u0153conomical use of the fund which is subscribed for this undertaking; the enemies therefore (if there are any) to the navigation, are equally bound with its friends, to give it support.\nI should be much obliged to you for desiring the public printer to send me the Journals of the present Session from its commencement, & to do it thro\u2019 the session as fast as they are printed, by the Post. I pray you to pay him for them, & for my Gazette (if Hay is the public printer)\u2014& I will repay you with thanks when you return.\nI am very glad to hear you have got so well over your fever. Mrs Stuart has had a bad cold, but is getting better. all here join me in best wishes for you\u2014& I am &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0360", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 30th Novr 1785\nSince my last I have been favoured with your letters of the 10th & 18th Instt. The last covering Mr Rawlins\u2019s plan & estimate for my new room\u2014for your exertions to obtain which, I thank you.\nThe plan is plain, as I requested\u2014but the estimate, I think, is large; however as I pretend not to be a competent judge of work, and know that we are always in the power of workmen, I will not decide absolutely upon the moderation he pretends to have observed; especially as I confess that I do not clearly understand the plan\u2014but as your readiness to oblige me in this business has already involved you in trouble, I will request the favor of you to take a little more, to bring it to an explanation, & close.\nFor this purpose, I send you herewith Rawlins\u2019s plan & estimate; and would beg the favor, as I have understood that Mr Goff of Baltimore has had much work of this kind done by Rawlins, to compare my plan & estimate with his work & prices; and if Mr Goff is a Gentleman of information, & one who scrutinizes into work & prices by a comparison of them, to ask his opinion of these charges. If the result of your enquiries is in favor of Mr Rawlinss moderation I have then to pray that the matter may be fixed with him; and a time (not to exceed if possible the middle of April) agreed on to begin the work with a serious intention to execute it with dispatch. also, that the article of travelling expences may be defined, & reduced to a stipulated sum. or, which would come cheaper to me, that my Waggon (a covered one) should remove his people & Tools hither & back; and an equivalent named in lieu of expences for himself. This will leave no ground for discontent on either side; than which nothing being more disagreeable to me\u2014I always endeavour to avoid. I wish to know also whether he or I are to furnish the materials. If on the other hand it shall be found that his terms are too high (for it is not amiss to observe here, that almost the whole of the mouldings & ornaments are cast) I should be obliged to you to know from him whether he will take less; and precisely the sum; to execute the work according to the Plan. and this too without much time for consideration, for having been twice disappointed already, & the work thereby considerably delayed to my great inconvenience; I am determined if Mr Rawlins will not do it reasonably & begin it seriously in the Spring, to write immediately to Sir Edward Newenham of Dublin, who hath already introduced the subject to me, and has given me assurances of a visit in the spring, to bring me a complete workman when he comes, on yearly wages; but this I would avoid (as you will please to inform Mr Rawlins) if he will do my work at near its value, & in season. If you finally engage with Mr Rawlins, I should like to have a specific agreement drawn, to prevent mistakes, or further delay; for the drawing of wch I would chearfully pay an Attorney.\nInclosed is a letter for Mr Rawlins, open. Had the public prints spoke truth respecting the present from his Catholic Majesty, & the Jacks had arrived, it would have given me great pleasure to have obliged your friends on the Eastern shore, by a\ncompliance with your request. There were only two presented to me by the King of Spain. one of which by the advices I have received from Boston, was lost on its Passage to Beverley, in a storm\u2014the other will scarcely do more (if he gets home safe) than answer my own purposes. but if you, or any friend of yours, has a she Ass that you would wish to put to him, for preservation of the breed, he shall be much at your service, & you shall be welcome to the use of him to her. Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for Mrs Tilghman & yourself, and with sentiments of sincere esteem & regard I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Affecte frd & obedt Serv.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0361", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Vaughan, Samuel\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 30th Novr 1785.\nI have been honored with your favor of the 9th\u2014& have received the pamphlet which you were so obliging as to send me, entitled \u201cConsiderations on the Order of Cincinnatus, by the Count de Mirabeau.\u201d I thank you my good Sir, for this instance of your attention; but wish you had taken time to have perused it first, as I have not yet had leisure to give it a reading. I thought, as most others seem to think, that all the exceptionable parts of that Institution had been done away at the last general Meeting; but with those who are disposed to cavil, or who have the itch of writing strongly upon them, nothing can be made to suit their palates: the best way therefore to disconcert & defeat them, is to take no notice of their publications; all else is but food for declamation. There is not I conceive, an unbiased mind that would refuse the Officers of the late Army the right of associating for the purpose of establishing a fund for the support of the poor & distressed of their fraternity\u2014when many of them it is well known are reduced to their last shifts by the\nungenerous conduct of their Country, in not adopting more vigorous measures to render their Certificates productive. That charity is all that remains of the original Institution, none who will be at the trouble of reading it can deny.\nI have lately received a letter from Mr Vaughan (your son) of Jamaica, accompanied by a puncheon of rum, which he informs me was sent by your order as a present to me. Indeed my Dr Sir, you overwhelm me with your favors, & lay me under too many obligations to leave a hope remaining of discharging them. Hearing of the distress in which that Island, with others in the Wt Indies is involved by the late hurricane, I have taken the liberty of requesting Mr Vaughans acceptance, for his own use, of a few barrels of superfine Flour of my own manufacturing. My best respects, in which Mrs Washington joins, are offered to Mrs Vaughan, yourself & family, & with the highest esteem and regard, I am, Dear Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0362", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Rochambeau, 1 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de\nMy dear Count,\nMount Vernon Decr 1st 1785.\nYour letter of the 2d of June, which you had the goodness to write to me at the moment of taking leave of the venerable Doctr Franklin, now lyes before me; and I read the renewed assurances of your friendship with sentiments of gratitude and pleasure, short of nothing but the satisfaction I should feel at seeing you; and the recollection of the hours, in which, toiling together, we formed our friendship\u2014A friendship which will continue, I hope, as long as we shall continue Actors on the present theatre.\nA Man in the vigor of life could not have borne the fatigues of a passage across the Atlantic, with more fortitude, and greater ease than Doctor Franklin did; and since, instead of setting himself down in the lap of ease, which might have been expected from a person of his advanced age, he has again entered upon\nthe bustling scenes of public life, and in the chair of State, is endeavouring to reconcile the jarring interests of the Citizens of Pensylvania\u2014If he should succeed, fresh laurels will crown his brow; but it is to be feared that the task is too great for human wisdom to accomplish. I have not yet seen the good old Gentleman, but have had an intercourse by letters with him.\nRumours of War still prevail, between the Emperor and the Dutch; & seem, if News Paper Accounts are to be credited, to be near at hand. If this event should take place, more powers must ingage in it, and perhaps a general flame will be kindled \u2019ere the first is extinguished. America may think herself happy in having the Atlantic for a barrier, otherways, a spark might set her ablazing. At present we are peaceable; & our Governments are acquiring a better tone. Congress, I am persuaded will soon be vested with greater powers. the Commercial interest throughout the Union are exerting themselves to obtain these, and I have no doubt will effect it. We shall be able then, if a Commercial treaty is not entered into with Great Britain to meet her on the restrictive & contracted ground she has taken; and interdict her Shipping, & trade, in the same manner she has done those of these States. This, and this only, will convince her of the illiberallity of her conduct towards us\u2014or, that her policy has been too refined, & over strained, even for the accomplishment of her own purposes.\nMrs Washington is thankful for your constant remembrance of her & joins me in every good wish for you & Madame de Rochambeau\u2014with sentiments of the warmest attachment, & greatest respect I have the honor to be My dear Count yr Most Obedt and Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0363", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Chase, 3 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Chase, Samuel\nDr Sir,\nMt Vernon 3d Decr 1785.\nEnclosed you have a petition from the Directors of the potomac Company, which we pray you to lay before the Maryland\nAssembly, & to use your exertions & influence to carry it into effect.\nThe measure prayed for is so reasonable, that we do not conceive there can be any other opposition given to it, than what may proceed from delay; for the enemies to this undertaking (if there are any) ought to support the present Bill upon the principle of public \u0153conomy.\nMr Johnson is the drawer of the Bill which accompanies the Petition; exact copies of both are sent to the Assembly of this State. We took the liberty of furnishing the draft, that they may be exactly similar in both States without the trouble of an intercourse between the Assemblies on so trifleing a business. I have the honor to be &c.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0364", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 3 December 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear sir\nRichmond decr 3. 1785.\nThe post-offices have not been in fault in every respect; altho\u2019 I did not receive from the one here your favor of the 5th Ulto until last night, notwithstanding my application for letters.\nYour inclosures of the proceedings of the Potowmack company were duly received by me: and the business of the general court pressing very urgently upon me, the answer to your favor was undertaken by the other directors. It was prepared, but waited for the proceedings; in a copy of which we were disappointed by the clerk. We shall forward them, as soon as he has finished them. Indeed, sir, we shall be obliged from our imperfect knowledge of the business, to intreat your assistance on many occasions; and shall from this as well as many other considerations be anxious for a frequent and unreserved communication with the Potowmack company.\nA lengthy and earnest debate has been held on the propriety of vesting congress with a controul of commerce. But the advocates for the measure will scarcely succeed; so strong are the apprehensions in some minds of an abuse of the power. I am my dear sir with the greatest esteem and respect yr affectionate friend & serv.\nEdm: Randolph", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0365", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles Simms and David Stuart, 3 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Simms, Charles,Stuart, David\nGentn\nMount Vernon 3d Decr 1785.\nAs president of the Board of Directors for the Potomac company, I have the honor to enclose you a Petition which we pray you to present to your honorable House; & to use your best endeavours to have the prayer of it enacted into a Law. The petition is so full, & the request of it so reasonable, that we do not suppose there can be the least opposition to it, otherwise than by delay; because the enemies of it (if there are any) must on the score of public saving, yield assent to it.\nWe have taken the liberty to accompany the Petition with the draft of a Bill to be enacted into a Law. A Petition & Bill similar to these have been sent to the Maryland Assembly. The reasons for this you will see into at once; they are, to render it unnecessary for the two Assemblies to correspond on so trivial a subject\u2014to prevent trouble to each\u2014to prevent delay, & that both Acts may be exactly similar. I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0366", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 4 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir,\nMount Vernon Decr 4th 1785.\nYour letters of the 15th & 26th of last month are both at hand, with respect to the latter, I agree that Daniel Harrel may have the Lott No. 2 on the terms mentioned therein. and you may fill up leases accordingly.\nIn answer to the first letter, rather than involve my self in uncertain Lawsuits\u2014but certain expence & perplexities, I would allow for paper payments of Rents the same as specie\u2014But as you know what has been the practice, and the consequence thereof in your own case as Collector for Colo. Fairfax; and in that of others under similar circumstances, I should conceive that you could determine the point of conduct proper to be pursued\nbetter than I, who have been entirely out of the way of knowing what the Law\u2014custom\u2014or judicial proceedings in the Courts have decided. However, as I have already observed, rather than go into a litigation of the matter (unless there is abundant reason to expect a decision in my favor) I would make the same allowance for Paper, however unjust & rascally it has been imposed, as I would for Specie, taking care to shew no indulgence hereafter to those who had made them.\nReceipts for Rents from my Brother will be sufficient for the Tenants; but it will be necessary in your Settlement with them to take an Acct of all these payments, that I may be able to settle with his Estate. This is indispensably necessary\u2014as, from what I can learn, he has been very inattentive himself in making proper Entries of the sums paid him. The date of each receipt is as essential as the name of the person is, to whom given. I am\u2014Sir Yr Very Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0367", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, 5 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Corny, Dominique-Louis Ethis de\n      Mount Vernon 5th Decr 1785.\nI am really ashamed to have been so long in acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 3d of August last year; but circumstances which would be more tedious in the recital, than important when told, have been the cause of it.\nI have now the honor of enclosing you the receipt of the Treasurer of the Society of the Cincinnati of this State, for your Bill on Colo. Wadsworth; & wish it was in my power to have accompanied it with a Diploma: but it has so happened, that except a few which were struck at Philadelphia for the members of that State at their own expence, none have yet been presented to me by the Secretary, for signing. I have the honor to be &c.\nGeo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0368", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Louis Guillaume Otto, 5 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Otto, Louis-Guillaume (comte de Mosloy)\nMount Vernon Decr 5th 1785\nThe letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 16th of October only came to hand the 28th of last month.\nMy particular acknowledgments are due to you for your recollection of and attention to me; and I pray you to be assured of the pleasure I felt at hearing that the place lately filled by Mr de Marbois, near the Sovereignty of these States, was so happily supplied\u2014On this instance of his most Christian Majesty\u2019s attention to your merits, I offer you my sincere congratulations.\nFor the favourable Sentiments entertained of me in France & particularly by the Court all my gratitude is due: but to none in a higher degree than to the Chevalier de la Luzerne, for whom I have the highest esteem & regard. For yr obliging offers of Service here \u27e8or in\u27e9 France, I sincerely thank you and at the same time I give you the trouble of forwarding a few letters by the Packet, beg you to believe with much truth I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr Most Obed. Very Hble Serv.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0369", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Richard Thomas, 5 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Thomas, Richard\nSir,\nMt Vernon 5th Decr 1785.\nHaving, a few days ago only, received your letter of the 13th of August from Charleston, enclosing the duplicate of one from a Mr Edmund Richards of Plymouth Dock, dated the first of Feby last; I delay not a post to inform you, as I have already\ndone the said Edmd Richards, that he is under a delusion which has not a single reality for a support\u2014that I am astonished at his information, and wish he had been at the trouble of enquiring a little more minutely into matters, before he had determined to make such a pointed application to me, or to have communicated his demands of me to others, for an Estate; First, because such an Estate as he speaks of was never left in trust to me; Secondly, because I never had the least acquaintance with his uncle Richard Richards, or ever knew that there was such a man in existence; Thirdly, because I have just as much, & no more knowledge of Lawyer Haines & Lawyer Baitain, than I have of Richd Richards; And fourthly, because I never heard of such an Estate as he claims, or the most trifling circumstance concerning it.\nOf all these things Sir, you may, as I shall never write to Edmd richards again, give him the clearest & most unequivocal assurances; & add, that the most incontestible proofs of wch he, or you in his behalf, may find, if either are disposed to examine further into the matter. I am Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0370", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Gordon, William\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 6th Decr 1785.\nAltho\u2019 I am so great a delinquent in the epistolary way, I will not again tread over the usual ground for an excuse, but rather silently throw myself upon your philanthropy to obtain one.\nIn reading the Memoir which passed thro\u2019 my hands to you (for I have no copy of it) I do not recollect that I was struck with any exagerations or improprieties in it; nor is it in my power to give you a precise detail of the facts about which you enquire, without unpacking my papers, & entering upon a voluminous research therefor; which might not after all elucidate the points.\nWhether Genl Howe commanded in person at the intended surprize & attack of the Marqs de la Fayette at Baron Hill, I am unable positively to say; I would suppose however that he did\u2014\nfirst, because the narrative says so\u20142dly because he did not relinquish the command until within a few days of the evacuation of Philada\u2014& 3dly, because the British army came out in full force. That the column on the right commanded by Genl Grant was strong, can admit of no doubt; (and report to the best of my recollection made the number 7000) because it was design\u2019d to turn the Marquis\u2019s left flank, get into his rear, & cut of his retreat by the nearest & most direct roads; whilst he was to have been attacked in front, & on his right (which was next the Schuylkill) by the Commander in chief, & light infantry; by the first in front, by the other on the flank.\nThe French troops which were landed from on board the fleet, formed a junction with the American Troops before, & were all under the command of the Marquis \u2019till my arrival. The position at Williamsburgh was taken I believe, with a view to form the junction, being favorable to it; the defile between the College Creek which empties into James river, & Queen\u2019s Creek which empties into York river, being very narrow, & behind the former of which the French landed in perfect security.\nMy excursions up this river (for I have made several) have afforded me much satisfaction, as we find the undertaking to extend & improve the navigation of it, is not only practicable; but that the difficulties which were expected to be met with, rather decrease than multiply upon us.\nI come now, my good Doctor, to acknowledge in a particular manner the receipt of your obliging favor of the 7th ulto, & to thank you for your kind & valuable present of Fish which is very fine & had a more successful passage than the last, no Accot of which having ever yet been received. I have too Mrs Washington\u2019s particular thanks to offer you for the flower roots & seeds, which she will preserve in the manner directed. I have put into a box with earth, shrubs of the redwood (or red-bud) & Fringe tree, which General Lincoln promised his Vessel should heave to & take for you as she passed by. I was going to send other flowering shrubs, but upon mentioning the names of them, the Genl & Colo. Henley said your Country already abounded with them. I forgot however, to ask them if you have the Magnolio; if you have not, I can send some by another opportunity.\nI hope this Letter will find you quite relieved from the feverish complaint you had when you wrote last, & Mrs Gordon in\nperfect health, to whom & yourself Mrs Washington & the family (who are all well) join me in every good wish. Fanny Bassett & my nephew Geo: A. Washington have fullfilld an engagement of long standing, & are now one bone, and one flesh. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir, &c. &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0372", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 6 December 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Tilghman, Tench\n Letter not found: to Tench Tilghman, 6 Dec. 1785. Tilghman wrote on 13 Dec: \u201cI have been honored with both your letters of the 30h and 6h instant.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0373", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 7 December 1785\nFrom: Harrison, Benjamin\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear Sir\nRichmond Decr 7th 1785.\nI have the pleasure to enclose to you a copy of the act of assembly, pass\u2019d in consequence of your letter to the Governor, which I hope will meet your entire approbation. your conduct on this occasion will add new lustre to your character and fully prove, if there was a doubt remaining in the melevolent hearts of any, that all your actions have been dictated by the pure motives of virtue and a love to your country. That you may live to perfect any plan you shall think fit to adopt is the fervent wish of Dear Sir your most affectionate and obedient Humble Servant\nBenj. Harrison", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0375", "content": "Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 9 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond Decr 9. 1785\nYour favour of the 30 Novr was received a few days ago. This would have followed much earlier the one which yours acknowledges had I not wished it to contain some final information relative to the commercial propositions. The discussion of them has consumed much time, and though the absolute necessity of some such general system prevailed over all the efforts of its adversaries in the first instance, the stratagem of limiting its duration to a short term has ultimately disappointed our hopes. I think it better to trust to further experience and even distress, for an adequate remedy, than to try a temporary measure which may stand in the way of a permanent one, and must confirm that transatlantic policy which is founded on our supposed distrust of Congress and of one another. Those whose opposition in this case did not spring from illiberal animosities towards the Northern States, seem to have been frightened on one side at the idea of a perpetual & irrevocable grant of power, and on the other flattered with a hope that a temporary grant might be renewed from time to time, if its utility should be confirmed by the experiment. But we have already granted perpetual & irrevocable powers of a much more extensive nature than those now proposed and for reasons not stronger than the reasons which urge the latter. And as to the hope of renewal, it is the most visionary one that perhaps ever deluded men of sense. Nothing but the peculiarity of our circumstances could ever have produced those sacrifices of sovereignty on which the f\u0153deral Government now rests. If they had been temporary,\nand the expiration of the term required a renewal at this crisis, pressing as the crisis is, and recent as is our experience of the value of the confederacy, sure I am that it would be impossible to revive it. What room have we then to hope that the expiration of temporary grants of commercial powers would always find a unanimous disposition in the States to follow their own example. It ought to be remembered too that besides the caprice, jealousy, and diversity of situations, which will be certain obstacles in our way, the policy of foreign nations may hereafter imitate that of the Macedonian Prince who effected his purposes against the Grecian confederacy by gaining over a few of the leading men in the smaller members of it. Add to the whole, that the difficulty now found in obtaining a unanimous concurrence of the States in any measure whatever, must continually increase with every increase of their number and perhaps in a greater ratio, as the Ultramontane States may either have or suppose they have a less similitude of interests to the Atlantic States than these have to one another. The propositions however have not yet received the final vote of the House, having lain on the table for some time as a report from the Com[itt]ee of the whole. The question was suspended in order to consider a proposition which had for its object a Meeting of Politico-Commercial Comissrs from all the States for the purpose of digesting and reporting the requisite augmentation of the power of Congress over trade. What the event will be cannot be foreseen. The friends to the original propositions are I am told rather increasing, but I despair of a majority in any event for a longer term than 25 years for their duration. The other scheme will have fewer enemies and may perhaps be carried. It seems naturally to grow out of the proposed appointment of Commissioners for Virga & Maryd concerted at Mount Vernon for keeping up harmony in the commercial regulations of the two States. Maryd has ratified the Report, but has invited into the plan Delaware & Pena who will naturally pay the same compliment to their neighbors &c. &c. Besides these general propositions on the subject of trade, it has been proposed that some intermediate measures should be taken by ourselves, and a sort of navigation act will I am apprehensive be attempted. It is backed by the mercantile interests of most of our towns except Alexandria which alone seems to have liberality or light on the subject. It has refused\neven to suspend the measure on the concurrence of Maryd or N. Carolina. This folly however can not one would think, brave the ruin which it threatens to our Merchts as well as people at large, when a final vote comes to be given.\nWe have got thro\u2019 a great part of the Revisal, and might by this time have been at the end of it had the time wasted in disputing whether it could be finished at this Session been spent in forwarding the work. As it is, we must content ourselves with passing a few more of the important bills, leaving the residue for our successors of the next year. As none of the bills passed are to be in force till Jan. 1787, and the residue unpassed will probably be least disputable in their nature, this expedient tho\u2019 little eligible, is not inadmissible. Our public credit has had a severe attack and a narrow escape. As a compromise it has been necessary to set forward the half tax till March, and the whole tax of Sepr next till Novr ensuing. The latter postponement was meant to give the planters more time to deal with the Mercht[s] in the sale of their Tobo, and is made a permanent regulation. The Assize bill is now depending. It has many enemies and its fate is precarious. My hopes how[ever] prevail over my apprehensions. The fate of the Port bill is more precarious. The failure of an interview between our commissioners and commissioners on the part of N. Carolina has embarrassed the projected Canal between the Waters of the two States. If N.C. were entirely well disposed the passing an Act suspended on & referred to her legislature would be sufficient, and this course must, I suppose be tried, tho\u2019 previous negociation would have promised more certain success. Kentucky has made a formal application for independen[ce]. Her memorial has been considered, and the terms of separation fixed by a Com[mitte]e of the whole. The substance of them is that all private rights & interests derived from the laws of Virginia shall be secured that the unlocated lands shall be applied to the objects to which the laws of Va have appropriated them\u2014that nonresidents shall be subjected to no higher taxes than residents\u2014that the Ohio shall be a common high way for Citizens of the U.S. and the jurisdiction of Kentucky & Virga as far as the remaing territory of the latter will lie thereon, be concurrent only with the new States on the opposite Shore\u2014that the proposed State shall take its due share of our State debts\u2014and that the separation shall not take place unless\nthese terms shall be approved by a Convention to be held to decide the question, nor untill Congs shall assent thereto, and fix the terms of their admission into the Union. The limits of the proposed State are to be the same with present limits of the district. The apparent coolness of the Representatives of Kentucky as to a separation since these terms have been defined indicates that they had some views which will not be favored by them. They disliked much to be hung up on the will of Congs. I am Dr Sir, with the highest esteem and unfeigned regard Yr obedt & hble Servt\nJ. Madison, Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0376", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Bibby, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Bibby, Thomas\nSir,\nMount Vernon Decr 10th 1785\nThe delay in acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 4th of May from New York, is to be ascribed more to the expectation I have been under of the pleasure of seeing you in this State, & at this House, than to any other cause. and I take the present occasion of assuring you, that if business or inclination should bring you to the Southward, I shall be happy in the opportunity of testifying my respect to the introduction of Sir Edward Newenham, and of offering you the civilities which are due to a Gentlemen of your merit.\nBy mistake, a packet whh I herewith send, was forwarded to me by a Mr McKiernan; to whose care with another for myself, it was committed by Sir Edward. I hope it will reach you safe; and that the delay occasioned by the circuitous rout it has taken,\nwill be attended with no inconvenience to you. I have the honor to be Sir yr most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0377", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Charles McKiernan, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: McKiernan, Charles\nSir,\nMount Vernon 10th Decr 1785\nI have been favoured with your letters of the 30th of Octr and 8th of November, I thank you for your care of the packets which were entrusted to you by Sir Edward Newenham. The last sent was for Captain Bibby, altho\u2019 the outer cover was addressed to me. I now forward it to that Gentlemen.\nIf business or inclination should bring you to this state, I shall have pleasure in seeing you at this place. I am Sir &c.\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0378", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Muse, Battaile\nTo: Washington, George\nHonorable Sir\nBerkely C[ount]y Decr 10th 1785\nI have at Last Sent down to be Lodged at your mill three Cask butter Stated below If you Take only the Fresh butter my Price is \u2153 \u214c Ct for that, if you Take the whole the price is 1/ \u214c Ct as I am Told that is the Current price, and the Price I Told you I askt for it. Should you not approve of the Butter I shall be much Obliged if you will direct it to the care of Mr Andrew Wales in Alexandria who will procure me a markett for it. as I charge nothing for casks I wish to have the use of them Next Spring when the Butter may be out of them, and they will be of service to me; and perhaps none to you\u2014I am happy To see your millers Receipt that my wheat weighs 61 ct \u214c bushels as the general\nweight here is about 56 ct \u214c bushel owing To the unfavorable Season Last Spring and the Farmers being reather neglectfull. I have the Promise of four Waggons To Load with wheat next week for your Mill. I am sir your Very Hble servant.\nBattaile Muse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0380", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Thomas, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Thomas, Richard\nTo: Washington, George\nHond Sir\nCharleston [S.C.] 10th December 1785\nHaving on the 13th of August last enclosed to your Excellency a Letter from Mr Edmund Richards of Plymouth Dock in the County of Devon in England, who informs me of his being the Heir to an Estate left in the hands of your Excellency by Richd Richards Esqr. who died in Virginia many years ago. But having no answer, am led to suppose the Letter never came to hand, for which reason I have taken the liberty to address your Excellency a second time. And shall acknowledge the obligation to be informed of the truth, & whether recoverable.\nBy directing for me at Doctor Neufville\u2019s No. 108 Broad Street Charleston So. Carolina, it will come safe to hand. I have the honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s Obedt Humble Servt\nRichd Thomas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0381", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Biddle, Clement\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon 11th Decr 1785\nI have received your favor of the 29th Ulto and thank you for your repeated offer of Services in Philadelphia. By Major Fairlie\nI send you Six pounds Pensylvania Curry and would thank you to pay Mr Cary Printer for his Paper\u2014and to pay Oswald for his\u2014I know not upon what footing he sends them. by no order of mine do they come, and it is only now and then, I get one. yet I do not want to lay under any obligation to him\u2014Claypoole & Dunlaps Papers now come regularly & I could wish they were also paid.\nFor what can sheet copper be bought in Phila. at this time? I believe I shall have occasion to add to the quantity which was sent me from thence last year, to complete my buildings.\nMrs join me in every good wish for you, Mrs Biddle & family\u2014with great esteem I am Dear Sir: Yr Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0382", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hamilton, Alexander\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon Decr 11th 1785\nI have been favoured with your letter of the 25th of November by Major Farlie.\nSincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would; adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the\nCincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens, they must subscribe to the Alterations which were at that time adopted.\nThat the jealousies of, and prejudices against this Society were carried to an unwarrantable length, I will readily grant. and that less than was done, ought to have removed the fears which had been imbibed, I am as clear on, as I am that it would not have done it; but it is a matter of little moment whether the alarm which siezed the public mind was the result of foresight\u2014envy & jealousy\u2014or a disordered imagination; the affect of perseverance would have been the same: wherein then would have been found an equivalent for the seperation of Interests, which (from my best information, not from one State only but many) would inevitably have taken place?\nThe fears of the people are not yet removed, they only sleep, & a very little matter will set them afloat again. Had it not been for the predicament we stood in with respect to the foreign Officers and the charitable part of the Institution I should, on that occasion, as far as my voice would have gone have endeavoured to convince the narrow minded part of our Country men that the Amor Pat[ria]e was much stronger in our breasts than theirs\u2014and that our conduct through the whole of the business was actuated by nobler & more generous sentiments than were apprehended, by abolishing the Society at once, with a declaration of the causes, and the purity of its intention. But the latter may be interesting to many, and the former, is an insuperable bar to such a step.\nI am sincerely concerned to find by your letter that the Baron is again in straigh[te]ned circumstances\u2014I am much disinclined to ask favors of Congress, but if I knew what the objects of his wishes are I should have much pleasure in rendering him any services in my power with such members of that body as I now and then corrispond with\u2014I had flattered myself, from what was told me sometime ago, that Congress had made a final settlement with the Baron much to his satisfaction.\nMy Compliments and best wishes, in which Mrs Washington joins me, are presented to Mrs Hamilton I am\u2014Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt\nGo: Washington\nP.S. When you see Genl Schuyler and family I pray you to offer my best respects to them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0383", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Knox, Henry\nMy dear Sir\nMount Vernon 11th Decr 1785.\nMajr Farlie gave me the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 22d Instt, & thereby knowing that you, Mrs Knox & the family were all well.\nIt has always been my opinion you know, that our Affairs with respect to the Indians would never be in a good train whilst the British Garrisons remained on the American side of the territorial line\u2014& that these Posts would not be evacuated by them, as long as any pretext could be found to with-hold them. They know the importance of these Posts too well to give them up soon, or quietly, their Trade with the Indians in a great measure depend upon the possession of them, knowing full well that all the assertions of our Commrs with respect to the Articles of Peace, & their obligation to surrender them, is no more than chaff before the wind when opposed by the scale of possession.\nI am sorry the State Societies should hesitate to comply with the recommendation of the General meeting of the Cincinnati, holden at Phila. in 1784. I then thought, & have no cause since to change my opinion, that no thing short of what was then done would appease the clamours which were raised against this Institution. Some late attacks have been made upon it; amongst which a Pamphlet written by the Count de Mirabeau, a French Gentleman, has just made its appearance. It is come to my hands translated into English, but I have not had time yet to read it.\nI am sorry you have undergone any chagreen on acct of the lime Stone. I have got through my Summers work without any disappointment therefrom; having had it in my power at all times, when wanted, to buy Shells. Nor would I wish to have any sent me now, unless by contract not to exceed One shilling and three pence at the Ships side at Alexandria, or opposite to my House; and this I do not expect, as Stone lime is oftener higher at the former place.\nIt is unnecessary to assure you of the pleasure I should feel at\nseeing you at this place, whenever business or inclination may bring you to this State. Every good wish, in which Mrs Washington joins me, is offered to you, Mrs Knox and the Children\u2014With every sentiment of friendship & regard, I am\u2014My dear Sir Yr Affecte Hble Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0384", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Robert Pleasants, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Pleasants, Robert\nTo: Washington, George\nHonour\u2019d General.\nCuries 12th mo. 11th 1785\nSeeing the Lord has done great things for thee, not only in \u201ccovering thy head in the day of Battle,\u201d but making thee instrumental in bringing about an extraordiny Revolution (a revolution which has given thee great reputation among men, and Calls for reverent thankfulness to him, who \u201cRules in the Kingdoms of men,\u201d and declared by his Prophet that, \u201che will not give his Glory to another, or his praise to graven Images,\u201d) a strong desire attends my mind, that thou may not in any respect Sully in thy private retirement, the honours thou hast acquired in the Field. Remember the cause for which thou wert call\u2019d to the Command of the American Army, was the cause of Liberty and the Rights of Mankind: How strange then must it appear to impartial thinking men, to be informed, that many who were warm advocates for that noble cause during the War, are now siting down in a state of ease, dissipation and extravigance on the labour of Slaves? And more especially that thou, who could forego all the Sweets of domestic felicity for a number of years, & expose thy Person to the greatest fatigue & dangers in that cause, should now withhold that enestimable blessing from any who are absolutely in thy power, & after the Right of freedom, is acknowledg\u2019d to be the natural & unalienable Right of all mankind.\nI cannot suppose from the uncommon generosity of thy conduct in other respects, that this can proceed altogether from interested motives; but rather, that it is the effect of long custom, the prejudices of education towards a black skin, or that some\nother important concerns may have hitherto diverted thy attention from a Subject so Noble and interesting, as well to thy own Peace & reputation, as the general good of that People, and the community at large. But whatever may have been the Cause, I sincerely wish thou may not longer delay a matter of such importance. It is a Sacrifise which I fully belive the Lord is requiring of this Generation; and should we not submit to it, Is there not reason to fear, he will deal with us as he did with Pharaoh on a similar occasion? For as he is declared to be, \u201cno respecter of persons,\u201d how can we expect to do such Violence to human Nature in this enlighten\u2019d age with impunity? We Read, \u201cwhere much is given, the more will be requird\u27e8\u201d\u27e9 and as thou hast acquired much fame, in being the Successful Champion of American Liberty; It seems highly probable to me, that thy example & influence at this time, towards a general emancipation, would be as productive of real happiness to mankind, as thy Sword may have been: I can but wish therefore, that thou may not loose the opertunity of Crowning the great Actions of thy Life, with the sattisfaction of, \u201cdoing to Others as thou would (in the like Situation) be done by,\u201d and finally transmit to future ages a Character, equally famous for thy Christian Virtues, as thy worldly achievements: For notwithstanding thou art now receiving the tribute of praise from a grateful people, the time is coming when all actions will be weighed in an equal ballance, and undergo an impartial examination; how inconsistant then will it appear to posterity, should it be recorded, that the Great General Washington, without fee or reward, had commanded the united forces of America, and at the expence of much Blood & treasure been instrumental in relieving those States from Tyranny & oppression: Yet after all had so far countinanced those Evils, as to keep a number of People in absolute Slavery, who were by nature equally entitled to freedom as himself. O Remember I beseech thee that \u201cGod will not be mocked,\u201d and is still requiring from each of us, to, \u201cdo justly, love mercy and walk humbly before him.\u201d\nPerhaps General Washington may think it presumptious in me, who cannot boast a perticular acquaintance, to address him in this manner, but I hope when he considers the Nature of the Subject, and that I can have no selfish views in offering these hints to his serious consideration, than what may arise from the\npleasure of hearing he had done those things\u2014which belong to his present, & future happiness, and the good of those over whom Providence hath placed him, he will at least excuse the freedom; & believe that I am with great sincerity & Respect, his Real Friend,\nRobert Pleasants\nP.S. I herewith send thee a small Pamphlet on the subject of Slavery, said to be wrote by John Dickinson, which if thou hast not before seen, I doubt not will afford pleasure in the perusal and am as above &c. R.P.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0385", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Chastellux, 12 December 1785\nFrom: Chastellux, Fran\u00e7ois-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de\nTo: Washington, George\nDear general\nParis Decber 12 1785\nas long as the Marquis continued in America, I persuaded myself that I had an agent near your excellency who could recall his friend to your memory. now the poor helpless and lonely idea of your Servant is wandering about Mount Vernon, desiring, may be in vain, to find admittance through the crowd of your devoted soldiers and good countrymen. how happy are those who after having followed you in the field of battle, are allowed to participate of your leasure! What satisfaction should it be for me, if I was walking upon your bowlingreen, to look upon the Potomack, and endeavour with the help of a Telescope to distinguish, whether the aproaching vessel wears the american, the french or the brittish colours; to say: \u2019tis a brittish \u27e8illegible\u27e9 who comes and fetch tabacco; then continue quietly our walk and go towards the grove to observe the growth of your trees, even of your vineyard, that a french man can, I dare say, examine\nwithout jealousy; for, my dear general, you can sow and reap laurels, but grapes and wine are not within the compass of your powers: do not be angry, dear general: foreigners have been always welcome at your house, and black billy is an exceeding good gentleman usher for madeyra, champain, and Burgundy\u2019s \u27e8travellers\u27e9\u2014but I reflect, my dear general, that while I indulge my nonsense with your excellency, you may expect some important news from Europe. You receive dayly letters and news papers which are all speaking of war. believe me my dear general, we shall have no war: negotiations we \u27e8expect\u27e9 and the emperor is grown now more and more cautious, no doubt but the brittish wish to see a continental quarrel, and hope to mix in the fray, when we began to be exausted: but it will not be the case. they ought to pay the past taxes, and it is beyond their powers; for they continue to run in debts, and there shall be a deficit of one million st. in the recipts of the present year 1784. Peace and the preservation of all the nations in their present state, is the only aim of our government who has nothing to \u27e8care\u27e9 but the universal equilibrium. I wish america might concur in these wise measures, but she must make at home the first trial of what she is to do abroad. your excellency should never forget that you are the soul of a immense body. Your arms may indulge themselve a dear boughten rest, but your genius must always \u27e8wake\u27e9, such is the ardent wish of a friend to America and of your most humble and obedient servant\nThe Mqis de chastelleux\nI have the pleasure to enjoy the presence of Col. Humphrys, and have the happiness to assist him in a very pleasing Task.\npermit me dear general to offer my purest respects to Mrs Washington\u2014", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0386", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 13 December 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 13th Decemr 1785.\nI do myself the honor to introduce to you Count Castiglioni knight of the Order of St Stephen, an Italian Nobleman, who, in pursuit of Botanical Knowledge, has thought it worth his\nwhile to visit this, hitherto, almost unexplored Continent. The recommendations he brings from Europe, not only ascertain his Rank, but, what you will esteem of more consequence, they speak in the most favorable manner of the amiableness of his private Character.\nThe Count having other introductory letters from your Friends to the Northward, rendered this, in fact, unnecessary. I could not however refuse his request of adding mine to the number. I have the honor to be with perfect Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt and humble Servt\nTench Tilghman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0388", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Mary Bristow, 15 December 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Bristow, Mary Harding\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Mary Bristow, 15 Dec. 1785. When writing to Mary Bristow on 2 June 1786 GW refers to \u201cyour favr of the 15th of December last.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0389", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 16 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Muse, Battaile\nSir,\nMount Vernon 16th Decr 1785\nSince I wrote you last I have received your letter of the 28th of Novr\u2014Although you could not make out an exact settlement of the Accts, as they stand between the Tenants and me, I wish you had returned me a list of them, and the Lotts on which they live, with the Rent each man pays.\nI see no advantage that is to be derived now, from my being on the Tenemants. As you have power, and your judgment must direct, your enquiries may be extended as far as mine could, was I on the Spot. Supposing this to be the case\u2014What could I do, more than to see, in the first place, to whom Lot No. 1 (and so\non with all the rest) was originally granted; in whose possession it now is; and what transferances have taken place. What Rents the lot has credit for in the Acct I sent you (which is the best that could be made out!) and what receipts can be produced\u2014in case of a difference between my Accts and the Tenants, in proof of his having paid more than he stands credited for. What, more than this, I say, could I do were I on the Land? And is not all this in your Power? The Leases which I gave you (for this purpose) testifies to the first. The tentent on the land solves the Second. and the information of themselves, compared, & corroborated by the testimony of the neighbourhood, if necessary, is the only means I know, of coming at the truth of the third matter\u2014that is\u2014the transferences. With respect to the Rents which are due on any lot, my Accts compared with the Tenants receipts, is the only mode by which this can be ascertained. I readily grant that, my business with respect to these people have been most shamefully neglected\u2014but there is no help for that now\u2014to recover it out of the State of disorder & confusion into which it has run\u2014and to place it on as just a footing both for Landlord & tenant as the nature of the case will admit of, is all that remains to be done; and some of the letters which I have already written to you on this subject, and to which I now refer, gives you my ideas fully on the Subject. and wch in one word are these\u2014to deal justly, honourably, and even generously by them; But where it shall appear that the Tenants have disregarded every Covenant in the leases, which were intended to secure a mutual benefit to myself; & their sole aim has been to make a Market of the Land for their own private emolument. Or where the tenant in possession has taken advantage of the times, & paid their rents in Paper money when it was of no value\u2014In either of these cases, I would have no scruple to set the Leases aside, if they are clearly, & legally forfeited, provided, the Lots can be let to a better advantage than on the present terms, of the Leases. And all these things must be submitted to your own judgment, after the fullest information of the circumstances, is obtained.\nIf the Tenants have paid money to any other than Lund Washington or myself, I should have an Acct of it; & when it was done; that I may look for it in some quarter\u2014but where there is no reciept, nor no credit in my acct, I shall pay no regard to\nbear assertions. I may quit scores at once if these are to be considered as discharges. With respect to their being two tenants on a Lot, unless they have something to shew, which authorizes it, the Lease itself must be your guide & director, without application to me. It is evidence of the agreement between the Landlord & tenant, and must be resorted to every year, to see that the terms are fulfilled on the part of the latter; for it may be laid down as a certainty that there is no obligation on the former that will not be exacted.\nLund Washington\u2019s going upon the Land could answer no purpose\u2014he knows no more how matters stand than I do\u2014and much less I believe than yourself, or the business would not be in the confusion it is at present.\nIt is essentially necessary that yr collection should be as large as possible, because, independant of other considerations, I have not made half bread corn enough this year to serve my People & stock; and shall have to purchase it at a high price, in addition to my other heavy & numerous expenditures. Notwithstanding this, it is not my wish to push matters to the last extreme in order to obtain all the rents which may be due, unless there is, in your opinion, good cause for it. in short, circumstances & your own discretion must direct you.\nWith respect to the vacant Lots I have in the Tracts committed to your Inspection & management I can give but one general direction for them all\u2014And that is this\u2014let the notice that they are to be let, be as long before hand and as extensive as you can conveniently give of the day you will let them\u2014(to the highest bidder if you shall think it best)\u2014and then let them for as much as you can obtain for a term not exceeding 14 years; ten years I should prefer\u2014If the season is now too far advanced, (and it is highly probable that few Tenants have places to look for at this late Season of the year)\u2014perhaps it might be better to rent them upon any terms for the coming year, and endeavor in time next year to render them as advantageous to me as the Land will procure.\nI think it would be best to divide the lot of Chattins Run, occupied by John Thompson, and to put it on the footing wch you have suggested\u2014It also appears that the other Lots on the same tract, had also better be divided\u2014they will rent much higher for it, as there are so many more people of small force\nwanting land than great\u2014& when they are divided, rent them for as much as you can get. An Advertisement of these vacant Lots in the Alexa. Paper\u2014At Dumfries\u2014Falmouth\u2014and Port Tobacco would, I am persuaded, (if the Season is not too far advanced) bring you tenants in abundance\u2014for many have applied to me, and I told them, as I really thought, that I had not an Acre of Land in those part untenanted.\nIt may be well to attend a little closely to the line between some person, or persons of the name of Rector, and me on Chattins run\u2014It is now, some years ago, since I was told, his Mill was on my Land; and that he was making some other encroachments, and was endeavoring to support a claim to it, merely because it was convenient for, and his interest to possess it.\nInclosed you have a memo. of the agreement between us respecting the Wheat. I made a bad bargain of it\u2014not more than 5/6 has been given at Alexandria for this article\u2014the market there now dull\u2014and the price expected to fall. What Wheat of yours that has come to my Mill, the Miller says is good & I hope your orders will be fulfilled with respect to the good cleaning of that which is to come. It is all I can expect for the high price given. I am\u2014sir yr Very Hble Servt.\nGo: Washington\nP.S. Williams not coming down, the Counterpart of his Lease is not signed by him. I have directed that it shall be delivered to you.\nThis letter is written in so great a hurry, that I wish it may be understood. If you can get at my meaning it is all I wish. the opportunity for sending it being sudden and unexpected.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0391", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Noah Webster, 16 December 1785\nFrom: Webster, Noah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nAlexandria Decr 16 1785\nI have just returned from Richmond where I was happy enough to succeed in my application to the Legislature. For this success I acknowledge myself indebted, in some measure, to your politeness.\nShould the same success attend me in the States of Delaware & New York, my whole plan will be accomplished; & if on my return to the Northern States, I find myself in tolerably easy circumstances, I propose to sit down & devote my attention to literary pursuits. This has long been my plan & to this I direct all my views. Within a few days past, a new idea has struck me & made so great an impression on my mind that I have determind to write to you on the subject.\nI have thought, Sir, that it might be possible for me to answer your views in the superintendence of your children\u2019s education & at the same time, to pursue my own designs. Could these two points be reconcild, Mount Vernon would furnish an agreeable philosophical retreat. The particular motive which has influencd me to mention this, is, that a part of my plan would probably be a work in the execution of which I should have occasion for Letters & other papers in your possession. At any rate I should want many articles of intelligence which I could not obtain in any way so well as by the assistance of your letters.\nIf your wishes could be gratified in a person of my character & abilities, I should expect no compensation for any services, but your table & other domestic conveniences.\nIt is uncertain whether I could adopt such a plan myself; even if it should prove agreeable to you & your family; besides, Sir, I can start objections even on your part. No consideration however could prevail on me to suppress this communication.\nIf any material objection should at once oppose itself to this idea, a line from you, Sir, will satisfy me. If, on the other hand, the plan should strike your mind favourably, I should wish for a more particular explanation before I proced on my journey; as I must, within five or six days. At any rate, no person can be more ready to render you any services in his power, than Sir your most obliged most obedient & very humbl. Servant\nNoah Webster jr\nP.S. I have been repeatedly solicited to permit the Sketches of American Policy to be retailed in the public papers. I have hitherto declined, partly on account of some exceptionable passages. If, Sir, some extract from the Pamphlet can have any influence in harmonizing the views of the Citizens of different States, I am willing to see them made & published. But I have no copy, & there is none in this State, but that in your possession. If you will mark such passages as you deem most useful & send the pamphlet to Mr Richards or to me, that I may do it, it shall be returned as soon as convenient. N.W.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0392", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Trustees of the Alexandria Academy, 17 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Trustees of the Alexandria Academy\nGentn\n17th Decr 1785.\nThat I may be perspicuous & avoid misconception, the proposition which I wish to lay before you is committed to writing; & is as follows;\nIt has long been my intention to invest, at my death, one thousand pounds current money of this State, in the hands of Trustees\u2014the interest only of which, to be applied in instituting a school in the Town of Alexandria for the purpose of educating orphan children who have no other resource\u2014or the children of such indigent parents as are unable to give it. The objects to be considered of & determined on by the Trustees for the time being, when applied to by the parents or friends of the children who have pretensions to this provision.\nIt is not in my power at this time to advance the above sum; but that a measure which may be productive of good may not be delayed\u2014I will until my death, or until it shall be more convenient for my Estate to advance the principal, pay the interest thereof (to wit, Fifty pounds) annually.\nUnder this state of the matter, I submit to your consideration the practicability & propriety of blending the two institutions together, so as to make one Seminary under the direction of a President, Visitors, or such other establishment as to you shall seem best calculated to promote the objects in view, & for preserving order, regularity & good conduct in the Academy.\nMy intention, as I have before intimated, is that the principal sum shall never be broken in upon\u2014the interest only to be applied for the purposes above mentioned. It was also my intention to apply the latter to the sole purpose of education, & of that kind of education which would be most extensively useful to people of the lower class of citizens, viz.\u2014reading, writing & arithmetic, so as to fit them for mechanical purposes. The fund, if confined to this, would comprehend more subjects; but if you shall be of opinion that the proposition I now offer can be made to comport with the institution of the School which is already established; & approve of an incorporation of them in the manner before mentioned, and there after, upon a full consideration of the matter, should conceive that this fund would be more advantageously applied towards cloathing & schooling, than solely\nto the latter, I will acquiesce in it most chearfully\u2014& shall be ready (as soon as the Trustees are established upon a permanent footing) by Deed or other instrument of writing, to vest the aforesaid sum of One thousand pounds, in them & their successors forever, with powers to direct and manage the same agreeably to these my declared intentions.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0393", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, 18 December 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Newton, Thomas Jr.\nLetter not found: to Thomas Newton, Jr., 18 Dec. 1785. It was advertised by Parke-Bernet Galleries in its second sale of the contents of John Grebbel\u2019s library, 22\u201324 Jan. 1941, as \u201cabout 65 words.\u201d The letter, quoted in the Carnegie Book Shop catalog no. 193, reads: \u201cI should be glad if it was paid to Doctr David Stuart, a Delegate in Assembly at Richmond from this County and who I am sure would readily oblige me by bringing it up. . . .\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0394", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 18 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Harrison, Benjamin\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 18th Decr 1785.\nI have had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th inst: enclosing an Act of the General Assembly, which passed at my request.\nThis new proof of the confidence repos\u2019d in me by my Country, lays me under additional obligations to it; and I am equally\nsensible of its favors, and the polite & friendly wishes with which you accompanied the act.\nIf the etiquette of business makes it necessary for me officially to acknowledge the receipt of this Act, let me entreat you my Dr Sir, to offer to the House in my behalf but in your own words, the grateful sense I have of its goodness upon this occasion, with assurances that the confidence reposed in me, shall not intentionally be abused. With great esteem &c. &c: I am\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0395", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Stone, 18 December 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Stone, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nLetter not found: from Thomas Stone, 18 Dec. 1785. The Libby catalog, 3 Dec. 1892, quoted this sentence from a letter Stone wrote GW from Annapolis: \u201cThe Compact made at Mount Vernon was ratified by our assembly I believe without a dissent in either house. I hope it will meet with as friendly a reception in your Assembly.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0396", "content": "Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 18 December 1785\nFrom: Stuart, David\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir,\n18th Decemr\u2014[17]85\u2014Rich[mon]d\nI yesterday made the contract you desired me, for oats, with Mr Savage, at two and six-pence the bushel, as you will see by the inclosed, which I send you. This Gentleman was employed by Mr Dandridge, to rescue Mr Custis\u2019s estate on the Eastern shore, from Posey\u2019s hands; and having befriended it in a particular manner without recompence; I early in the Summer sollicited a continuance of his kindness\u2014As the estate there is all rented out, and the money arising from the rents will be due the first of January, I have desired him to detain the amount of the contract\u2014This was indeed a great inducement to him, to make the contract, and I considered it as agreeable to all parties\u2014Mr Henley falls greatly short of his expectations, both in corn and tobacco\u2014he has not yet informed me how much he will have for sale\u2014I shall know by Christmas, and shall instruct him to reserve for you the quantity you request.\nAn act has just passed for paying in hard money, the interest due on money put into the Continental loan office\u2014I send you the act, lest you might not attend to it in the papers\u2014If you have any business of this sort to be transacted, I shall be happy\nto serve you in it\u2014But you will observe the time will be soon elapsed\u2014It did not occur to me before, that you might have money in the Office, or I should have given you earlier notice of it.\nYou will have seen from the journals, that nothing is yet done on the subject of trade. I doubt much if any thing effectual will be done\u2014If there is, it may be ascribed to a letter from the legislature of Maryland, requesting an appointment of Commissioners by each State to fix on a similarity of restrictions.\nThe consideration of British debts is now before us, and from the opposition made by Mr Smith to leave, to bring in a bill on that subject, I have my fears about the success of it. I expect to get the bill you transmitted, passed the ensuing week; as it is reported reasonable by the Committee, to whom it was referred\u2014The situation of the roads in our part of the Country, has induced my Colleague and myself, to sollicit leave, to bring in a bill for putting and keeping them in better order, in future\u2014As one expedient, we have fixed on a moderate toll on all carriages, at the two great entrances to the town\u2014It is in other respects, similar to the bill passed in the \u27e8yr\u27e9 seventy two \u2014I am Dear sir very respectfully and sincerely Your Obnt Servant\nDavid Stuart", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0397", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Washington, 18 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, William\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nSandy-Hill [S.C.] Decembr 18th 1785\nIn complyance with the request contain\u2019d in your Letter of June 30th it gives me much pleasure to forward to Mr Wm Hammond in Baltimore two Boxes, one containing Acorns & the other, Plants of the Live-Oak-Tree, which I have requested him to send you by the first opportunity. You will observe a difference in the Form of the Acorns, those of an oval Figure are from the Live-Oak Tree, an ever-green much esteemed for Ship-building & the delightful Shade it affords: those which are nearly round are from a Tree called the Water-Oak, which altho\u2019\nnot an ever-green, is tall & majestick in appearance. I don\u2019t recollect having observ\u2019d any of the same species to the Northward of this State. I have not sent you so many of the Live-Oak Acorns as I cou\u2019d have wish\u2019d, there were near a Peck collected, but I had the mortification to find that most of them were destroy\u2019d by the Rats. In order however to repair the loss in some measure I have sent you a box containing twenty odd of the Plants which have been growing in it ever since they were placed there by the hands of Major Washington. In the \u27e8closed\u27e9-Box you will find a paper containing some seeds of the Laurel-Tree which are all that I could procure; the Birds are so fond of them that it is a difficult matter to get them fully ripe. The Laurel-Tree is an evergreen, grows very tall & bears a large Beautiful Flower very fragrant in its smell. In the Box containing the Live-Oak Plants I have inserted upwards of twenty of the sweet-scented Shrub, which bears an odoriferous Flower. It will allways give me pleasure to execute any commands you may have in this country. Mrs Washington joins me in best respects to yourself & Lady I am Dr Sir With much esteem & respect yr Very obedt Servt\nW. Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0398", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Noah Webster, 18 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Webster, Noah\nSir,\nMount Vernon 18th Decr 1785\nYour letter of the 16th, with others, were put into my hands yesterday in Alexandria; but being engaged at the time I did not open them until I returned home in the evening; or, I would have sought an opportunity of conversing with you on the subject of it, whilst I was in Town.\nOn the footing you have placed your offer, though I feel myself obliged by it, I am unable, from the indecision of it, to return a satisfactory answer. It would by no means suit me to await the determinations of the Assemblies of those States (which are mentioned in your letter) on the applications you are about to make to them; and afterwards, a consultation of your circumstances & convenience, before you could resolve on what plan to fix. Nor indeed, does your offer go to more than one point, whilst I have three objects in view\u2014namely\u2014the education of the Children\u2014aiding me in my corrispondencies\u2014and keeping my Accounts\u2014The last of which, I beleive might be dispensed with\u2014or, at any rate when they are once digested, and brought into order (which is the present employment of Mr Shaw) they will require very little attention\u2014but the other two are essential to my purposes.\nI send you the sketches of American policy, and conceive that the publication of extracts therefrom will be pleasing, and may be beneficial. All possible lights ought, in my opinion, to be thrown on subjects of this importance; for it should seem that, ignorance, or design, have too great a share in the government of public measures. I am with esteem Sir yr most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0399", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Noah Webster, 18 December 1785\nFrom: Webster, Noah\nTo: Washington, George\nSir.\nAlexandria Decr 18th 1785\nYours of this date, with the Pamphlet, is just handed me, by which I acknowledge myself obliged.\nThe determinations of the States, to which my application will be made, will be known next month. These are however not essential to my present plans. My own resolutions on the subject can be formed as soon as I can visit New England; probably before you can recieve an answer from Europe, or furnish yourself with a man from any of the States.\nIn my last I mentioned one article only, education, but I should not have made a proposal which I did not intend should answer your wishes. I meant to be understood as offering what you wanted, if my abilities, in your opinion, should extend so far.\nI was not decided, nor did I suppose that you would hazard a decision, without a more perfect knowledge of my domestic character. Certain I am I do not wish it. I supposed, Sir, that my decision on this subject, would be as early as yours, provided no insuperable objection should be immediately started.\nThe matter is reduceable to a few simple points. If your business requires a man\u2019s whole attention & will require it for years, I am not the person. The education of three children would not interfere with my pursuits\u2014On this I can judge. Your correspondences might require all ones time\u2014on this I am incompetent to decide. The other article, you seem to think, may in future demand less attention.\nIf I understood you, Sir, it is your wish to find a suitable person & employ him for a number of years. I am so far advanced in life & have so far accomplished my wishes, that I have no idea of continuing single for any long period; my circumstances do not require it & my feelings forbid it. You will perhaps smile, Sir, at the expression; but if I am frank, I am certainly not singular. This circumstance may probably be an insuperable objection; it almost prevented my writing to you on the subject. But I considered that it is an objection, if it occurs on your part, that will be against most young gentlemen.\nIf, Sir, I could do your business & have a small part of my time for other pursuits\u2014if my views of domestic felicity could be in any measure answered, without any accessions of attendants to\nyour family\u2014I should be satisfied with a residence with you, till your purposes are accomplished. My particular view in making the proposal was to obtain from your personal knowledge or from official letters, such articles of intelligence as could not be obtained in any other way: in order to execute a work under your inspection which otherwise I shall not attempt. I would not however undertake the plan, unless I could gratify your utmost wishes in business. Faithfulness & industry are all I can promise\u2014The first, I believe proceeds from principle, the last, both from principle & habit.\nI flatter myself that my circumstances will be tolerably easy without making business a drudgery; but it will always be a pleasure. I wish to be settled in life\u2014I wish not for solitude, but to have it in my power to be retired. I wish to enjoy life, but books & business will ever be my principal pleasure. I must write\u2014it is a happiness I cannot sacrifice; & were I upon the throne of the Grand Seign\u27e8eu\u27e9r, I feel as tho\u2019 I could take pleasure in the education of youth.\nThus, Sir, I have been explicit\u2014tho\u2019 I have little expectations that the plan can be reconciled to your views. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Sir your most obedient humble servant\nN. Webster", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0401", "content": "Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 19 December 1785\nFrom: Gordon, William\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nJamaica Plain [Mass.] Decr 19. 1785\nI find in my minutes the following story to have been reported, the truth or error of which I wish to have ascertained, & therefore make my application to You as the proper person to establish or contradict it, viz., \u201cWhen Genl Washington was at Morris Town in 1777 with the fewest men, a British officer was taken in a skirmish, who was permitted to go about upon his parole; within a few days he forfeited his honour & went off. Genl Washington being told it, cried out, then I am ruined; but sent for a counter-spy, who went off for Cornwallis; on coming to his quarters, Cornwallis with other officers were in consultation. The spy insisted upon seeing Cornwallis, & sent in his name, on which he was ordered into the room, when he delivered a return to Cornwallis, according to which Genl Washington had one regiment at Bound Brook, another at this place, a\nthird at that & soon, making his whole force between three & 4,000 men\u2014upon reading of which Cornwallis cursed & said Did I not tell you so? What a pretty scrape we should have been brought into, had we attended to our information! It does not signify, I never will trust to the information of a man that will break his parole\u2014And so nothing was attempted.\u201d I am now full as busy as a hen with one chick. Your Excellency will therefore excuse my enlarging, which may possibly be equally adapted to your numerous engagements. Mrs Gordon unites in most sincere regards to Self Lady & friends, the young one particularly, with your Excellys affectionate friend & humble servant\nWilliam Gordon", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0402", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendon, 19 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Rendon, Francisco\nSir,\nMount Vernon 19th Decr 1785.\nThis letter will be handed to you by Mr Peter Tellez, who attended the Jack Ass, which arrived safe, to this place: for want of an Interpreter I have not been able to understand him perfectly; but as far as his wishes have been explained to me, they are, that he may be permitted to return to Spain as soon as possible; that it is proper he should go by the way of New York to see his Excellency Don Gardoqui; that as he was employed by his Catholic Majesty, & in the Kings pay until he return\u2019d (his wife receiving part of it from Mr Gardoqui at Bilboa) he would take none from me.\nUnder these circumstances I have forwarded him to Nw York, after prevailing on him to take a trifle as an acknowledgment of the obligation I am under to him, for his care of the animal on which I set the highest value. He has some expectation \u27e8in\u27e9deed, that at his return his Majesty may bestow some humble appointment on him, in the Collection of his Customs; & therein he has my wishes, but I could not ask it for him, or even hint it to the Minister.\nNot having the honor of an acquaintance with his Excely Mr Gardoqui, I have taken the liberty of making these communications to you; & to pray, if there is anything improper in my sending Mr Tellez to Nw York, or in my conduct towards him, that it may be ascribed to misconception, & misunderstanding his wants by bad interpretation. Altho\u2019 unknown, I pray you to make a tender of my respectful compliments to Mr Gardoqui, & to accompany them with the strongest assurances of the pleasure I should feel in seeing him at this Seat of my retirement, if inclination should ever induce him to visit the States to the southward of Nw York. It is unnecessary to offer you the same assurances, because I have repeatedly done it before, & you must have been convinced of my sincerity. With very great esteem & regard, I have the honor to be &c.\nG: Washington\nP.S. Mr Tellez is charged with a Letter from me to Mr Carmichael, enclosing one to His Exy the Count de Florida Blanca, praying that my homage & gratitude may be presented to his Catholic Majesty for the favor he has conferred on me & for the honor of his royal notice. G. W\u2014\u2014n", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0403", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Johnson, Thomas\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th Decr 1785.\nIt so happened that your letter of the 4th ulto with its enclosures, did not meet a quick passage to me; & that some delays afterwards, more the effect of accident than neglect, prevented the petition & Bill, (which you were so obliging as to draw) from getting to the Assemblies of the two States, so soon as were to be wished; however they are now before them; & from that of Maryland, I am inform\u2019d by a gentleman to whom I had written on the occasion, that the business could meet with no opposition there; & from that of this State that it was reported reasonable. Acts, it is to be hoped, will therefore pass, conformably to our desires.\nI feel myself much obliged by the calculations you have been at the trouble to make & to transmit to me; & at all times shall be happy in a full & unreserved communication of your sentiments on this, or any other business. This, in particular, is a new work\u2014stands in need of all the information we can obtain, & is much indebted to you for many estimates, & ideas which have been very useful.\nIt is to be apprehended, notwithstanding the great encouragements which have been offered by the Directors of the Company for the hire of negroes, that we shall not succeed in obtaining them. An idea is entertained by the proprietors of them, that the nature of the work will expose them to dangers which are not compensated by the terms. Servants I hope are purchased \u2019ere this; Colo. Fitzgerald was to have gone yesterday to George town for this purpose. If the appearance of the people\nis at all favorable, the price at which Colo. Deakens offers them will be no obstacle.\nThis letter, handed to the care of Colo. Deakens, will be accompanied by a small bag of Spanish Chesnutts\u2014half of which you will please to accept, & the other contrive to Mr Lee\u2014they were sent to the Alexandria races in October to be given to him, but the delivery was neglected. It might be well perhaps to put them in sand to prevent an over drying, to the injury of vegetation\u2014With very great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0405", "content": "Title: From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Mercer, John Francis\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 20th Decr 1785.\nFrom the assurances you gave me I had flattered myself that I should \u2019ere this have received a payment from you; & I had no doubt of it after Colo. Fitzgerald informed me, five months ago that \u00a3200 had passed thro\u2019 his hands from Mr White to you; which was the fund, if I understood you rightly, which you had appropriated for this purpose.\nI beg you to be assured that the disclosure I made to you of my circumstances was candid; & that it cannot be more disagreeable\nto you to hear, than it is to me to repeat that my wants are pressing\u2014some debts which I am really ashamed to owe, are unpaid; & I have been, for want of money, unable to do more with my manufacturing Mill, (which is expensive to me without) than to grind up my own Crops; for wheat is not to be bought on credit, & I have not cash to pay for it. But this is not the worst\u2014I have not made half grain enough to support my people & stock this year\u2014the deficiency must be bought at a high price, and (for there is no question of the Articles bearing it) for ready money. I must therefore get it at an advanced price, if to be had at all, on credit; or I must sell something at a low price to enable me to pay ready money. This is truly my situation. I am &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0406", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Washington, Lund\nDr Lund,\nMount Vernon 20th Decr 1785.\nHaving come to a fixed determination (whatever else may be left undone) to attend to the business of my plantations; and having enquired of Geo: Washington how far it would be agreeable to him & his wife to make this place a permanent residence, (for before it was only considered as their temporary abode, until some plan could be settled for them) & finding it to comport with their inclinations, I now inform you that it will be in my power to comply with your wishes with less inconvenience than appeared when you first proposed to leave my employment.\nThe business of the Mill is what both of us, will be most at a loss about at first; & as the people wanting flour are in the habit of applying to you for it, it would be rendering me a service to give your attention to this matter, until he can become a little acquainted with the mode of managing it; & your advice to him afterwards in this & other affairs may be useful.\nThe mode of paying the taxes, the times of collection, & in what kind of property it is most advantageous to discharge them, & the amount of them, is another business in which he will be to seek; & I have not sufficient knowledge of the practice to instruct him.\nNothing else occurs to me at this time in which it is essential to give you any trouble after the present year; for if I should not be able to visit the plantations as often as I could wish, (owing to company or other engagements) I am resolved that an account of the stock, & every occurrence that happens in the course of the week shall be minutely detailed to me every Saturday. Matters cannot go much out of sorts in that time without a seasonable remedy. For both our interests, the wheat remaing in the straw should be an object of your care. I am your sincere friend &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0407", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 24 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Stuart, David\nDr Sir,\nMount Vernon 24th Decr 1785.\nI have received your favor of the 18th, & am exceedingly obliged to you for the Contract you have entered into on my behalf, with Mr Savage, for 800 bushels of Oats. If you can extend the quantity to be had from him, to 1200 bushels in the whole, upon the same terms, it would add greatly to the favor\u2014as my crop of Corn is much worse than I had conceived it to be when I wrote to you last (not having received the tallies) which together do not amount to one third of what I made last year; which is insufficient to feed my Negroes, much more to afford support for my Horses. This evinces the necessity also of my knowing speedily & precisely, if I may depend upon any from the Estate below\u2014& the quantity.\nThe Eastern shore oats generally speaking, are light & indifferent; & what is worse, are often mixed with the wild onions: as I mean to sow oats next Spring to help me along, it would be\nobliging in Mr Savage, if he could send me such as are free from this troublesome, & injurious plant to our fields.\nI thank you too for the information respecting the interest of the loans to the Continent in this State: I send what Certificates I possess, to you; but fear that those who live at a distance from the Theatre, have little chance of being benefited by the Act of the Legislature; although they may get their Certificates to the Treasury on or before the time limitted. but if I should be mistaken in this, you would serve me essentially by bringing Cash in exchange for those which are enclosed, agreeably to the list which accompanies them. With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.\nG: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0409", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Joseph-Armand Duch\u00e9, 25 December 1785\nFrom: Duch\u00e9, Gaspard-Joseph-Armand\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nNew-york december 25th 1785\nthe politeness and hospitality wich I expereienced when I had the honor of paying you my respects at your Seat and the goodeness you manifested towards me in the letter wich you gave me to the Marquis de la fayette emboldens me to communicate to you an event very interesting to me, and for what I place your excellency among the number of those to whom I am indebted.\nI have just received a Letter from the Marquis de Castries notifying to me my appointement as vice-consul to reside at Portsmouth in new-hampshire, and wich he is so obliging as to declare it only introductory to Something of greater importance.\nI shall Shortly Set out for that station, but previous to doing it I could not refuse myself the pleasure of making you my acknowledgements for the interest you were So obliging as to take in my affairs.\nif my new situation Should furnish me with any opportunities\nof giving your excellency proofs of my attachement, gratitude and veneration I could not be made happier than by Being honored with your commands. I have the honor to be with the highest respect and esteem your excellency\u2019s Sir the most obedeint and obliged humble Servant\nDuche", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0410", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 25 December 1785\nFrom: Lee, Henry Jr.\nTo: Washington, George\nMy dear General\n[25 December 1785]\nThe shallop I ordered your nuts and trees by, has arrived here and brought up one package\u2014there will be another by another vessel. The apple is the Medley russitan, the pear is known among us by the Name of the Chantilly pear, and the cherry is coronation\u2014all excellent in quality and merit good ground and proper exposure to the south.\nI hope Mrs Lee will be able to set out on thursday. We trust you will certainly favor us with your Commands, should any occur while we are in Newyork. With united wishes for the health and happiness of Mount Vernon I remain your devoted friend and ob. sert\nHenry Lee Jun.\nP.S. I should have received your box from the shallop but he promised me certainly to deliver it at your landing on his return.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0411", "content": "Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 27 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Powel, Samuel\nDear Sir,\nMount Vernon Decr 27th 1785.\nIn looking over the list of premiums proposed by the Agricultural Society of Philadelphia I perceive that those which are offered for the 2d 3d & 4th articles were to have been produced (according to the requisitions) by the 20th instt. Each of these\nbeing interesting to a farmer you would oblige me much by giving me the result of the communications, on these heads to the Society if any discoveries worth notice have been handed to it.\nMrs Washington joins me in presenting the Compliments of the Season to Mrs Powell & yourself, and in best wishes that you may see many returns of it\u2014With great esteem\u2014I am Dr Sir yr Most Obedt Servt\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0412", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 30 December 1785\nFrom: Tilghman, Tench\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nBaltimore 30th Decembr 1785\nSince I last had the honor of writing to you, I have had several interviews with Mr Gough, who seems of opinion that Mr Rawlins charge of \u00a3160 for finishing your Room is full as reasonable if not more so than what he charged him for Work of the same kind\u2014Upon this I have come to the following heads of agreement with him, which will be committed to firm after I have heard from you.\nThe Work to be began at Mount Vernon by the 1st or middle of April next\u2014at farthest.\nMr Rawlins to have \u00a313.10/ Maryland Curry for all his travelling Expences.\nMr Rawlins as well as his Workmen to be maintained while at Mt Vernon.\nThe Charge of transporting the Workmen & their Tools to and from Mt Vernon to be at the Expence of Genl Washington\u2014who is to do it in any manner most convenient & agreeable to himself\u2014The transportation of the moulded Work done at Baltimore (which must be by Water to prevent Breakage) to be also at the Expence of Genl Washington.\nThe materials to be furnished by you\u2014but it is understood that if you will send round an equal weight of Plaister of Paris with what Rawlins works up here, he is to take it, and set one against the other\u2014N.B. I enquired particularly of Mr Gough in respect to the finding the Materials.\nMr Rawlins to have \u00a3168 Maryland Currency, exclusive of the\npregoing, for finishing the room agreeable to the plan he communicated.\nThere is one more Article to which I could not agree without consulting you\u2014Mr Rawlins will want an advance of about \u00a350 in the course of the Winter. If it be agreeable to you I will make it, as he wants it.\nYou will be pleased to signify your approbation or disapprobation of the foregoing as soon as you conveniently can. If you approve, the Work, so far as it can be done here, will be immediately put in hand. I am with true Respect & Esteem Dear Sir yr most obt & hble Servt\nTench Tilghman", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0413", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Charles Washington, 30 December 1785\nFrom: Washington, Charles\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Brother\nHappy Retreat Decr 30th 1785\nI receiv\u2019d yours by Mr B. Muse and am happy to hear that our Nephews are fix\u2019d in Alexandria being more convenient to you, as they are under your direction, when I mentioned their coming to Berkeley in order to be under the direction of Mr Stubbs, it was with a view of lessening the Expence, however as the continuence of Mr Stubbs is uncertain, hope the matter is better Plan\u2019d\u2014think the Charges you Mention for the board & c. of our Nephews are extravagant\u2014you Mention the Sum recd in consiquence of discharging the above Charges is \u00a385.12\u2014which is \u00a355.12\u2014by Mr Robt Carter & \u00a330, by my Brother John tho\u2019 I sent by Mr Robt McCray \u00a324.6\u2014at the time of writing you by Mr McCray\u2014Mr Carter who Manages the Estate of George & Lawrence had sold, a part of the produce to a Certain Merchant for Cash in order to add to the assistance of defraying the above Mention\u2019d Expences, but this Merchant failing in paying Cash we were oblige to take a part in goods which is intended for the purpose of Cloathing for our Nephews George & Lawrence which will be Sent to Alexandria by the first\nopportunity & Conclude with Mrs Washington joing in Compliments to you & my Sister and am Dr Brother Yours affectionately\nChas Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0414", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Francisco Rendon, 31 December 1785\nFrom: Rendon, Francisco\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\n[New York, c.31 Dec. 1785]\nWith particular pleasure I have received by Mr Telles the Letter your did me the honour to write by him date the 19th Inst.\nHappy I am to hear the safe arrival at mount vernon the Jackass on which you set such highest value, convinced of the great general good it will arise to this Country, and I wish most sincerely that your expectation shall be Compleately answer\u2019d.\nI regret very much that Mr Telles for want of Language was not able of making himself understood to you, and I fear that he neither has giving to your people the proper direction which I think necessary to the menagement of the animal, in order that he may become useful to the design purpose. As Mr Telles Commision being at End when deliver\u2019d the animal to you I realy think just his demand to return to his Country, as perfectly proper in you to gave him leave, and is forwarded him to this City, according to his wish. the Minister will with pleasure send him at home by the first good opportunity, and I doubt not, but he will be rewarded there with some thing or other to make his poverty situasion more agreable than it was before.\nI did myself the honour of presenting to Mr de Gardoqui your Kind Compliments, adding your sincere wish to see him at your seat of retirement. this Gentleman in return desires me to assure you that your flater assurances of friendly disposeition toward him has impressed in his heart the most deepest sentiments of gratitud, and wish for an opportunity of shewing you his reciprocal Correspondence.\nAs to your kind expression of assuring me the Continuation\nof that friendship with which you was pleased to grant me as a General, I only have to request Mr Washington to accept my most humble acknowledgement for such remarcable favour, & to permit me to love him as a Citizen as I have revered as the father of his Country and the Insurer of domestic happiness to a millions. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect & Esteem, Sir your most obedt & most humble servt\nFrancisco Rendon\nP.S. Inclose is a Letter from the Minister to you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0415", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 1785\nFrom: Ridout, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nI have already had the honor to inform you by my first letter from Havre, that I had sent to Bourdeaux the letter with which you charged me for the Chevalier Secondat Montesquieu, and that I had particularly recommended it to the constituted authority.\nI found my father very well. He lives in the country, & there leads the very busy life of a husbandman. He received with gratitude the honorable testimonies of your remembrance of him and of the services which he rendered to the U. States, the expression of which you confided to me, and he charges me to tell you how much he will always be interested for the success of his companion in arms. I am &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0416", "content": "Title: To George Washington from St. John\u2019s Masonic Lodge, Newport, R.I., 1785\nFrom: St. John\u2019s Masonic Lodge, Newport, Rhode Island\nTo: Washington, George\nThe Petition and Request of the master wardens and members of Lodge St Johns in the City of Newport Sheweth that said Lodge was Constituted in the year 1753 by Francis Axnard Esqr.\nthen Presideing Grand master of north america and that sd Lodge flourished from that time to the breaking out of the late warr, haveing Increas\u2019d to a very Respectable number of the first Characters and Stood equal in reputation to any Lodge upon the Continent when the beauty & harmony of their happy Connnection was Disturbed & finally entirely broken up by the Enemy takeing possession of this Port, which Occasiond such a Distribution of the Officers and members as to render it impractacable for them to Call a Sufficient number together to form a lodge and that the Said lodge from its Respectability had Sufficient Influence to Obtain a Charter from the General Assembly of this State by which they were Incorporated a Body Politick. So Special and uncommon an Indulgence being worthy our Serious attention we Cannot but feel the most anxious desire that the sd lodge of St Johns may be reinstated to its former Powers & Consequence as some woud Suppose the Charter to be Obsolete from its laying So long dormant. his Excellency is hereby informd that the Lodge has lately been revived by the late master Samel Brenton and his former Wardens &c.\u2014but that a doubt shoud not remain on their minds in respect to the Validity of their proceedings in their endeavours to Increase the lodge & for the promotion of love and harmony among its members it is therefore most Sincerely wishd that your Excellency woud Interfere in our behalfs and from your well known Goodness render that assistance to your petitioners as their Case requires. it is wish\u2019d that your Excellency woud Confirm the present master\u2014with Power of Constitutg Lodges within the State\u27e8s\u27e9 as was the Power of the former master Robert Jenkins and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray &c.\n                  Jeremiah Clark S.\n                  Samel Brenton master\n                  John Handy Secretary", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0417", "content": "Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 7 February 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Humphreys, David\nEditorial Note\nA letter written by George Washington on 7 Feb. 1785, and printed in John C. Fitzpatrick\u2019s standard edition of Washington\u2019s writings, was overlooked by the editor of the second volume in the Confederation Series of this edition of Washington\u2019s Papers. It is printed here, at the end of 1785.\nMy dear Humphreys:\nMount Vernon, February 7, 1785.\nIn my last, by the Marquis de la Fayette, I gave you reason to believe that when I was more at leizure, you should receive a long letter from me; however agreeable this might be to my wishes, the period it is to be feared, will never arrive. I can with truth assure you, that at no period of the war have I been obliged to write half as much as I now do, from necessity. I have been enquiring for sometime past, for a person in the character of Secretary or clerk to live with me; but hitherto unsuccessfully. What with letters (often of an unmeaning nature) from foreigners. Enquiries after Dick, Tom, and Harry who may have been in some part, or at sometime, in the Continental service. Letters, or certificates of service for those who want to go out of their own State. Introductions; applications for copies of Papers; references of a thousand old matters with which I ought not to be\ntroubled, more than the Great Mogul, but which must receive an answer of some kind, deprive me of my usual exercise; and without relief, may be injurious to me as I already begin to feel the weight, and oppression of it in my head, and am assured by the faculty, if I do not change my course, I shall certainly sink under it.\nAfter this preamble, which is not founded in fiction, you cannot expect much from me; nor indeed have I ought to relate that should claim much attention. All our assemblies have had long sessions, but I have not heard of any very important acts; none indeed more pregnant of political consequences, or commercial advantages, than two which have passed the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, for improving and extending the navigations of Potomack and James River as far as is practicable; and communicating them by short and easy roads with the Navigable waters to the Westward. I have sent Mr. Jefferson a copy of the act respecting the river Potomack, but can neither inform him, nor you, of the issue, as it depends wholly upon the subscription of what we have very little of, money.\nIf we are to credit newspaper accounts, the flames of war in Europe are again kindling: how far they may spread, neither the Statesman or soldier can determine; as the great governor of the Universe causes contingencies which baffle the wisdom of the first, and the foresight and valor of the Second.\nAll I pray for, is, that you may keep them among yourselves. If a single spark should light among the inflameable matter in these States, it may set them in a combustion, altho\u2019 they may not be able to assign a good reason for it.\nI have received but two short letters from you since your arrival in France. The first at your place of debarkation. The second from Paris. Your third, altho\u2019 (in the beginning of this letter I assured you, and endeavoured to give reasons for it, which in the conclusion you see are invalidated) I am not able to write long ones to you, will not be altogether so laconic. a short transcript of your diary (for I have no doubt of your keeping one) would be amusing to me, although I can give you nothing in return for it. but your own feelings, I am sure, have told you long ere this that there is more pleasure in confering, than receiving obligations.\nMrs. Washington enjoys but indifferent health. My nephew\nGeo. A. Washington has been buffetting the seas from clime to clime, in pursuit of health, but, poor fellow! I believe in vain. At present, if alive, I expect he is at Charleston. All the rest of my family are perfectly well, and join me in best wishes for you, with My dear Humphreys yr. etc.\nP.S. Whilst I was in the act of enclosing this, yr. letters of the 30th. of Sept. and 11th. of Nov. were put into my hands; judge ye then, if I have leizure to write commentaries.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-03-02-0481", "content": "Title: From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 21 February 1785 [letter not found]\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Hartshorne, William\nLetter not found: to William Hartshorne, 21 Feb. 1785. On 25 Mar. Hartshorne wrote GW: \u201cYour favor of the 21st inst. came.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-18-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Washington/04-06-02-0475", "content": "Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 18 April 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nnew york, April 18, 1785\nI should before this have thanked you for your favour of March 15th, if I had not been in daily expectation that the arrival of the packets would bring us some intelligence from Europe worth communicating to you; the February packet has but just come in after a passage of eight weeks, and neither she or other vessels in short passages, bring us any thing interesting. War or peace in Europe, hangs yet in doubtful balance; both parties arming with assiduity, and nothing determined upon. Mr. John Adams, is sent plenipotentiary to the court of London, and Mr. Jefferson is the minister at Versailles, Dr. Franklin having\nleave, at his own request, to retire. Returning appearances of good humour, and a proposition first made by the British court, to treat of our differences in London, has induced hopes of an amicable adjustment of disputes. Mr. Gardoque is not arrived, but expected about the last of this month from the Havana, to which place he went from Spain previous to his coming here. If the commenced bickering between Madrid and London on the Musquito shore should go on, we may probably have easier work with both courts in our business with them. I have the honour to enclose you the report of a respectable committee on the subject of selling the western lands, which has not yet been acted upon, though it speedily will. What changes may be made in this plan before it finally passes, cannot yet be told, but probably there will be some. Your idea of settling a state at a time, would most certainly be the wisest and the best, if the excessive rage for taking lands there could be possibly restrained. But really it seems that either Congress must sell quickly, or possession will be so taken as to render doubtful this fine fund for extinguishing the public debt. It has been impossible to get a vote for more than seven hundred men to garrison all the posts to be fixed in the trans-Alleghanian country, from north to south; a number very inadequate, I fear, to the purpose of even suppressing illegal trespasses upon the western lands. Our friend the Marquis La Fayette, arrived after a short passage, but I believe it was a very boisterous one. Your letter for Mr. Lee I sent after him to Virginia, whither he was returning before I received it. My best respects attend your lady.\nI have the honour to be, with the truest esteem and regard, dear Sir, your most obedient and very humble servt.\nRICHARD HENRY LEE.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0114", "content": "Title: Resolution Authorizing Payment to Certain French Creditors, 1 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nIn The House of Delegates January the 1st 1784 [1785]\nResolved that so much of the Petition of Savary De Valcoulon agent for Messrs Coulougnac and Company merchants of France, as sets forth, that in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, Mr. Peter Pennet as agent for this State in France, was furnished with goods by the said Messrs Coulougnac & Co at a very low advance to a considerable amount, for which their accounts have been liquidated and a Warrant granted the Petitioner for the Balance adjudged to be due thereon, amounting to four thousand seven hundred and eighty five pounds fourteen shillings: That when the said goods were furnished the said Pennet he drew Bills of exchange in favor of the said Coulougnac & Co for the amount of their Claim, which were returned protested, and no allowance has been made them in the said settlement by way of damages in consequence of the said Protests, and praying relief is reasonable: And for ascertaining the damages which have accrued to the said Coulougnac & Co by reason of the said protests, that two persons be appointed one to be chosen by the Petitioner and the other by the Governor on the Part of this Commonwealth, to inquire into and settle the same upon commercial principles and that their report or the report of a third person, to be chosen by them, in case of disagreement Be binding between the Petitioner and the Commonwealth, which reports shall be made to the Executive for a Warrant to issue for such further to Congress to collect the Impost within this State [Virginia] as soon sum as shall be stated to be due to the said Messrs Coulougnac & Co.\nResolved that such other part of the said Petition as prays that funds may be provided for the immediate Payment of the said claim of Messrs Coulougnac & Co is reasonable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0115", "content": "Title: Resolutions Authorizing Surveys for a Western Road and Canal, 1 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nEditorial Note\nDuring the last days of the October 1784 session of the General Assembly there was a concerned drive to answer the complaints of isolated citizens in the western counties and the Kentucky district for better roads. Some of the interest undoubtedly stemmed from the attention focused on canal building by Washington\u2019s lobbying activities on behalf of the Potomac and James canals, but JM knew too that Virginians beyond the mountains were handicapped by uncertainties over their navigational rights on the Mississippi\u2014a moot point that was not to be settled soon. Washington argued that roads and canals running from the tidewater region into the Piedmont passes would make Alexandria, Norfolk, and other cities into great depots for western produce provided there existed a cheap means of hauling goods to and from the areas drained by tributaries of the Ohio. The delegates must have known, moreover, that a separatist movement was taking shape across the mountains. At almost the moment JM was introducing this series of resolutions on western roads a group of Kentucky district citizens were meeting to discuss ways of achieving statehood (Abernethy, Western Lands and the American Revolution, p. 304). Among their complaints was \u201ca greevance\u201d because \u201cMerchandize brought into this District by way of Pitsburg\u201d was doubly taxed (Thomas P. Abernethy, ed., \u201cJournal of the First Kentucky Convention, Dec. 27, 1784\u2013Jan. 5, 1785,\u201d Journal of Southern History, I [1935], 75). This meant that most of the goods brought to Kentucky were even higher than usual because of transportation costs and dual taxation\u2014a situation that would be somewhat relieved if roads to Virginia ports were opened. One result of these resolutions and the Kentucky complaints was that the October 1785 session of the legislature voted to build a public highway \u201cat least thirty feet wide\u201d from Greenbrier County \u201cto the lower falls of the Great Kanawa\u201d (Hening, StatutesWilliam Waller Hening, ed., The Statutes at\n          Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the\n          Legislature, in the Year 1619 (13 vols.; Richmond and Philadelphia, 1819\u201323)., XII, 73).\nIn The House Of Delegates 1 Jany. 1785\nResolved that the Executive be authorized to appoint three persons who or any two of whom shall make an accurate examination and Survey of James river from Lynch\u2019s Ferry in Campbell County upwards of the most convenient course for a road from the highest navigable part of the said river to the nearest navigable part of the Waters running into the Ohio, and of the said Waters running into the Ohio: that they report to the next General Assembly a full account of such examination & survey with an Estimate of the expence necessary for improving the navigation of the said Waters of James river & of the Western Waters, & of clearing the said road; that they be authorized to call on the Lieutenant of the County of Green Brier for a Guard of Militia, not exceeding fifty Men, in case they shall Judge such Guard to be necessary which the sd. Lieutenant is hereby ordered to furnish, and which shall be paid by the Treasurer on Order of the Executive out of the Revenue for the year 1784 subject to be appropriated by Votes of the General Assembly; that the person so appointed shall be furnished out of the said Fund with such sum, not exceeding \u00a3200, as the Executive may Judge necessary, and shall each of them be allowed for his Services the Sum of 20/. for each day he shall be employed therein.\nResolved that the Executive be further authorized to appoint three other Commissioners, who or any two of whom shall carefully examine & fix on the most convenient course for a Canal from the Waters of Eliza. River in this State, to those passing thro the State of North Carolina & report their proceedings herein with an Estimate of the expence necessary for opening such Canal to the next General Assembly. And in case they shall find that the best course of such Canal will require the concurrence of the State of North Carolina in the opening thereof, they are further authorized & instructed to signify the same to the said State and to concert with any Person or persons who may be appointed on the part thereof, the most convenient & equitable plan for the execution of such Work, & to report the result to the next General Assembly. The said Commissioners shall be entitled to the same allowance, and be paid in the same manner as those to be appointed under the preceding resolution.\nResolved that the same allowance to be paid in the same manner be made to Thomas Massey for the Service which he is appointed to perform in conjunction with a Commissioner appointed or to be appointed by the State of Maryland.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0116", "content": "Title: Act for Clearing and Improving the Navigation of James River, 3 January 1785 (Abstract)\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nAbstract\n3 January 1785. JM prepared and introduced a James River canal bill on 18 Dec. 1784, but for reasons explained in the editorial note preceding that measure the bill was withdrawn after a copy of a Maryland canal law reached Richmond. \u201cGood judges\u201d decided JM\u2019s earlier bill provided \u201can inadequate bait for subscriptions,\u201d so that more liberal terms were offered to prospective investors in the revised plan (JM to Jefferson, 9 Jan. 1785). Clearly this new version was mainly the work of Washington\u2019s friends in the Maryland legislature (chiefly Thomas Johnson) and had few if any of JM\u2019s ideas in its final draft. No Ms of the bill has been found. As passed, the act provided for initial capitalization of $100,000, to be raised through the sale of 500 public shares. A toll schedule was included in the act, and the charter was to be revoked if the canal was not in operation within ten years. As JM acknowledged to Jefferson, the two canal bills were probably too detailed and \u201cabound I fear with inaccuracies\u201d\u2014hence he took pains to make the circumstances clear.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0118", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 6 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nRichmond Jany. 6th. 1785 Thursday\nThis day has put an end to our tedious Session. The principal Acts which have passed since my last, are 1. An Act remitting 1/2 of the Tax for the year 1785 within which was to have been collected that tax, and the tax of 1784 postponed into it. 2. An Act amending the tax on law proceedings &c. 3. An Act for clearing the navigation of Potowmac River. 4 An Act for clearing the navigation of James River. The former has passed in concurrence with a like Act of Maryland and establishes a Company for the purpose. The latter establishes a like Compy. for the like purpose. 5. An Act vesting in Genl. Washington a very handsome share in each of the Undertakings, in a form which was thought most likely to make the compliment admissible by his delicacy. The Genl. Assesst. has been put off till the next Session & is to be published in the mean time. Mr. Porter has a number of printed copies for our County. The inclosed Act for incorporating the Episcopal Church is the result of much altercation on the subject. In its original form it was wholly inadmissible. In its present form into which it has been trimmed, I assented to it with reluctance at the time, and with disatisfaction on a review of it. There has been some error in the case too, for it was unquestionably voted in the House that two laymen should be deputed from each Parish to the Convention spoken of. I had taken it for granted also that the Clergy were hereafter to be elected by the Vestries, and was much surprised on examining the Act since it was printed to find that the mode in which vacant parishes are to be filled, is left to be provided for by the Convention. I consider the passage of this Act however as having been so far useful as to have parried for the present the Genl. Assesst. which would otherwise have certainly been saddled upon us: & If it be unpopular among the laity it will be soon repealed, and will be a standing lesson to them of the danger of referring religious matters to the legislature. I have some business to regulate here which I have put off till the end of the Session, and have some thoughts of spending a week or two in the library of my friend the Attorney Genl. I do not wish my horses therefore to be here till Wednesday Sevennight. I do not know also but I may enter into a bargain here which will require the aid of the Money in the hands of my brother A. and of the payment to be made by Mr. Cowherd at Christmas. Apprize him of this that he may be ready to answer a call upon him. The inclosed letter from Judge Dandridge founded on a mistake will inform you that your bond has passed into his hands. With my regards to the family I am Yr. Dutiful son\nJ. Madison Jr\nWhoever brings down my horses must bring a Portmanteau.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0119", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Muter, 6 January 1785\nFrom: Muter, George\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nJanuary 6th. 1785.\nI have taken the liberty of inclosing some questions, proposed by your friend Mr. Wallace: and I must request the favour of you, to put answers to them, as soon as your attention to business of more consequence, will permitt. I am with respect Sir Your Most hle Servt.\nGeorge Muter\n[Enclosure]\nThe following questions \u27e8by Mr. Caleb Wallace\u27e9 are of importance & will probably be debated, when a form of Government is to be adopted.\n1st Whether is a representation according to numbers, or property, or in joint prop[o]r[tio]n to both, the most safe and equitable?\n2d. Is a representation by Counties to be preferred; or a more equitable mode, \u2019though more difficult to adjust?\n3d Which is to be preferred? An Annual, Triennial or Septennial rotation or succession to Executive offices? Or frequent elections without limitations in choice\u2014or that the officers when chosen should continue during good behaviour?\n4th How far may the same person be employed in the different departments of government, in an infant country, where the Council of every individual will be needed?\n5th. Should there be a periodical review of the constitution of Government?\n6th. Will it not be better, unalterably to fix some leading principles in the form of government, and make it consistent for the legislature to introduce such changes in lesser matters as may become expedient?\n7th. Can a Census be provided, that will impartially point out the deficiencies of the constitution, and the violations that may happen?\n8th. Is the belief of a God indispensable to civil Society?\n9th. As Christianity is generally confessed to be highly conducive to the interests of Civil Society; may it be established by Laws, or unbelievers be subjected to Civil Incapacities?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0120", "content": "Title: Pay Voucher as Delegate to General Assembly, 7 January 1785\nFrom: Virginia House of Delegates\nTo: Madison, James\n7th Jany. 1785\nThe CommonWealth of Virginia\nOctober session\nTo James Madison Dr.\nTo 68 days Attendance on Genl. Assembly as Delegate from Orange\u2014a 10/.\n150 Miles traveling\u20142 [lb?]. Tobo.\nEntered\nJohn Beckley. C h. D", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0124", "content": "Title: Election to the American Philosophical Society, 21 January 1785 (Abstract)\nFrom: American Philosophical Society\nTo: Madison, James\nAbstract\n21 January 1785. JM was nominated twice by Jefferson in 1784 for membership in this society (Boyd, Papers of JeffersonJulian P. Boyd et al., eds., The Papers of\n          Thomas Jefferson (18 vols. to date; Princeton, N. J., 1950\u2014\u2014)., VI, 542, 556). He was elected to membership on this day along with Manasseh Cutler, Thomas Paine, Richard Price, Joseph Priestly, and twenty-four others (Pa. Gazette, 9 Feb. 1785). Correspondence concerning the honor has not been found.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0126", "content": "Title: From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 24 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Mercer, John Francis\n24 January 1785. Mercer acknowledged on 8 February 1785 receipt of \u201cyour favor of the 24. which pursuing me by a circuitous route, did not reach this untill within a few days.\u201d In all likelihood JM reported to the Virginia congressman the legislative situation following adjournment of the October 1784 session of the General Assembly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0128", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 February 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nN. York Feby. 1. 1785\nI have lately heard nothing from you nor indeed from Richmond. I shod. suspect it arose from the adjournment of the Assembly, if I did not presume, had that event taken place, I shd. been instructed to whose care I might address my letters for you in Fredericksburg or Richmond. My letters to Mr Jones have advised you of the principles upon wh. our delegation actd in the questions respecting the places of temporary & permanent residence for Congress; more explicitly perhaps than our communications to the Executive have done, altho\u2019 indeed we have been sufficiently explicit to the Executive. The comrs. for the F\u0153deral town are not yet elected, arising from the urgency of more important business. I am sorry I have it not in my power to inform you we had already taken measures with the Courts of Spain & Great Britain upon the subjects wh. have arose between us. The reports respecting each, have been frequently acted on, without making any decisive arrangement. That upon a letter of Mr. Laurens desiring permission for Dr. Franklin to retire hath also been before us. It contain\u2019d a provision that a successor be appointed in his room. A division was calld for, upon wh. an amendment to the same effect was mov\u2019d & six States agnst three were for it. Thus it is upon all questions of a similar nature. Some gentn. wish to commit all our affrs. to be transacted at these several Courts to the two gentn. now in office, while we hold that at each Court a minister is necessary. That at the Court of France we shod. always be represented, & at that of the U. Netherlands untill we had pd. the publick debt or establish\u2019d funds for it. That the nature of the business & the manner in wh. it shod. be conducted considering our situation, requires a particular minister at the Courts of Great Britain & Spain at their leasure & who might assume a tone suited to circumstances. That two ministers are incompetent to this business if they are to do it, at the respective Courts & that to attempt it elsewhere will certainly fail of success, since we have information to be depended on that the Courts of Great Britain & Spain dislike to treat with us elsewhere. Upon all these points we have six States & hope upon the arrival of Maryld. or Delaware, both of wh. are expected daily, to have the 7th. The comrs. of the treasury are elected, Gervais, Osgood & walter Livinston are the men. Some import communications being recd. lately from our ministers abroad, it was mov\u2019d that they be referr\u2019d to a committee to determine what part shod. be communicated to the States. A committee was appointed & a report made. A few days afterwards we recd. a letter from Mr. Jay containing the following paragraph \u201cI have some reason to apprehend that I have come into the office of foreign affrs., with ideas of its duties & rights somewhat differt. from those wh. seem to be entertain\u2019d by Congress; if that shod. prove to be the case I shall certainly think it my duty, either to execute it on the plan most agreeable to them or retire from it with as much acquiescense & respect as I accepted it with confidence in their delicacy & gratitude for the honor they did me.\u201d This was also referr\u2019d to a committee to whom Mr Jay gave (to be ingrafted in the report) in writing the following proposition, \u201cand that all foreign letters & papers wh. may be laid before Congress shod. in the first instance be restor\u2019d to him.\u201d Whether it will be the sense of the committee to make it a matter of right in the minister of foreign affrs. to advise Congress in the first instance upon the various subjects of his department & preclude themselves from a previous consideration, or will consider the offices in a different point of view, consulting him when necessary & refering or declining to refer to him, at pleasure, any of the subjects before them, is yet to be determin\u2019d. I am very respectfully yours\nJas. Monroe\nP. S. Mr. Mercer was in the nomination for the treasury but we withdrew him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0129", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 8 February 1785\nFrom: Mercer, John Francis\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nAnnapolis Feby. 8. 1785.\nI have your favor of the 24. which pursuing me by a circuitous route, did not reach this untill within a few days. I place value on every mark of your friendship & to convince you that public business alone was not what induc\u2019d me to revive impressions which were strongly imprinted on my breast. I now write you from a recess, where news of private happiness can be the only subject of a[t]te[n]tion. I feel that you will participate in my pleasure when I communicate to you the accomplishment of an object, which for a long time has engross\u2019d my attention & engag\u2019d my wishes. I was married on the 3d. instant, to a young Lady of this place\u2014The eldest daughter of Mr. Sprigg. In a change of situation which has produc\u2019d a revolution in many opinions my sentiments towards my friends remain unaltered. I wish & hope, to retain & improve \u2019em, & in whatever place I may ultimately settle, be assur\u2019d it is much my desire to cultivate your esteem. It is more than probable I shall continue in Virginia, if I can make it tolerably agreable to my new connexion. I woud certainly prefer a Country of which I am a native, & which has been partial to the little merit I possess. You have my best wishes & be assur\u2019d that I am most sincerely yr friend & hbl Set.\nJohn F. Mercer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0130", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nDear sir\nRichmond Feby. 12. 1785.\nThe inclosed letters were forwarded by the president to my care. Learning from him, that a package, in which they were covered, contained some fresh literary information, I took the liberty of opening it; especially as it was suggested, and the event shewed, that it contained two other letters, one for Mr. Page, the other for Mr. Madison himself.\nThe executive are at last persuaded of their power to make the Beccarian experiment on the condemned; altho\u2019 the public should undergo some expense. They found their opinion on the law concerning the buildings for the use of the state. An overseer, trusty and diligent, will be therefore appointed, with instructions, fitted to the views of government.\nDr. Price has published a little pamphlet, full of fervor towards America. He congratulates himself on having seen the establishment of independence; and marks out some important measures to be pursued, and some ruinous errors to be avoided. Among the former he enumerates the discharge of public debts, especially to the army: to the commander however of which he recommends, that America should always remain indebted\u2014in gratitude. He presses the necessity of extending the powers of congress, perhaps too far even for those among us, who entertain sentiments the most f\u0153deral and of attending to education. Among the latter, he classes ecclesiastical establishments, luxury, the multiplication and unsolemn form of oaths and a mixture with foreign politics, especially for the sake of commerce. Upon the whole the composition displays friendship for mankind, a pen not confined to rigid rules or led by the dicta of others, and indeed shews Price at his political length. I borrowed it for a moment only, and cannot procure a copy for you. I am my dear friend Yrs mo: Sincerely\nE. R.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0131", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 March 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nN. York. March 6. 1785.\nThe arrangment in our foreign affairs begins at length to assume some form. Upon whatever ground they were taken up for a considerable time, either with respect to France, Spn. or G. B., the same difficulties arose. If it was mov\u2019d that Dr. Franklin be permitted agreeable to his request to retire home it was firmly oppos\u2019d by R. Island [&] Massachussetts. If that a minister be appointed to Great Britain it was mov\u2019d that those instructed to form commercl. treaties be instructed &c. It was argued on the other hand that our affairs with these courts stood on their own ground respectively and that negotiations with each seperately & at their respective capitals wod. be more eligible & likely to produce success. It was at length mov\u2019d by Mr. Howell that a minister be appointed to represent [the] U. States at the Court of Great Britain and carried. Adams, R. R. Livings[ton] & Rutledge were put in nomination. It had been previously, with the ill-founded expectation of facilitating this measure, mov\u2019d, by Mr. Pinckney \u201cthat the commns to foreign ministers unless renew\u2019d by Congress shod. continue in force only for three years.\u201d This was negativ\u2019d; but being agn. renew\u2019d by the mover & press\u2019d upon Congress from other quarters was at length carried. Upon several ballots Adams had 5. votes, Livingston 4. & Rutledge 2., Jersey at length voted for Adams, having previously nominated & voted for Livingston, upon wh. Virga. & Maryld. joined in favr. of Adams & gave him his appointmt. Mr. Smith lately an aid to the general hath been since appointed secry. to the legation. A Mr. Trunbull of Connecticut was his only competitor. Had this affr. come on upon the first meeting of Congress at Trenton the event must have been the same. 5. States, the 4. Eastern & Pena. were decidedly in favr. of Adams in preference to any other person, Jersey was at first dispos\u2019d to commit our for: business to Adams & Jefferson only, and wod. therefore have voted Adams to the above Court. He wod. of course had the majority in Congress & the expedience of the measure wod. have superseded any difficulties with respect to the man. I suppose Mr. Jefferson will shortly be appointed in the room of Dr. Franklin to the Court of France. Carmichael writes that some person in the character of Charge\u2019 des affrs. will shortly be sent from Spn. instructed &c. so that the affrs. with Spn. will sleep till we hear further on the subject. I have recd. letters from Mr. Jefferson of the 10th of Novr. & 11. of Decr. last. In the former he considers war betwn. the Emperor & the Netherlands with their respective associates the Empress with the Emp: & France Prussia & the Porte with the Nether: as unavoidable. He considers the intermediate negotiation as an act only of the Imperial Courts to enable them to commence the campaign on better conditions; in the last he says the genl. opinion is there will be no war but that he sees no reason for it, except the indisposition of the Empress upon whose health the projects of the Emperor must depend. He believes that if it takes place Engld. will keep herself out of the scrape for the following reasons, 1. because she cannot borrow money to take part in it. 2. Ireland is likely to give her disturbance & 3. because her disputes with us are not settled by a full execution of the articles of the treaty and the hatred of her people towards us has arisen to such a height as to prepare their minds for a recommenc\u2019ment of hostilities shod. their govt. find this desirable. \u201cIf the war takes place & the States have the direction of their commerce upon f\u0153deral principles I shod. suppose, provided we settle our affrs. with Great Britain, it will be advantageous to us. Every divertion wh. it creates to the vessels of other power[s] from the business of commerce must form an additional demand for ours and admit us gradually into the carrying trade.[\u201d] By his last letter I find that a correspondence had taken place between our ministers & the Duke of Dorset the B. minister at Paris upon the subject of a commercial treaty. His Grace makes a previous stipulation on the part of his court \u201cthat a minister instructed &ca. by Congress repair to London.\u201d They say they are jointly authoriz\u2019d to treat, that they have no objection that it shall be in London, from wh. I suspect they may be there at this time. The commn to Adams will perhaps find him there, but this will not give him powers singly to form a commercl. treaty.\nThe States of Mass: & N. York having previously agreed upon the members to constitute the Court enter\u2019d also into a stipulation that the place of session shod. be determin\u2019d by a majority of the States present in Congress. When brought before Congress, the Delegation of Mass: propos\u2019d Wms.burg & that of N. Yk. Wilmington. The former had 5. votes & the latter 4. Of course the decision agreeably to the covenant enter\u2019d into by the two States was in favr. of the former. N. York was dissatisfied with the decision. Mass: mov\u2019d that the Presdt. forward the letters to the gentn. appointed, upon wh. the displeasure of N. York was discover\u2019d. Mr. Williamson movd \u201cthat the decision of Congress by 5. States under the agreemt. of N. Y. & Mass: under the consideration wh. requires 7. in all cases except &c was void.\u201d Whether the States of Mass: and N. Y: had independently of Congress the right of fixing the place & might chuse any intermediate plan, wh. shod. be obligatory on themselves & the Union, or whether Congress had the power of controul became the question. Whenever it came before them a decision of the main question was always evaded by those of order so that it was never taken. The two States at length agreed that whatever had been committed to the journals shod. be eras\u2019d wh. was adm[it]ted. In this condition it remains. It is expected they will agree to some more northern position. I am dear Sir very respectfully yr. frnd. & ser.\nJas. Monroe\nP. S. Since the appointmt. of Adams it seems generally agreed that some person shod. be sent to the Hague, but no one is yet thought of.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0132", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nMy dear Sir\nOrange March 10. 1785.\nYour favour of the 12 Ulto. came safe to hand through the conveyance of Capt. Barber together with the several articles inclosed. The letter from Mr. Jefferson speaks of the state of things on the 11th. of Novr. on the other side of the Atlantic as follows. \u201cThe lamp of war is kindled here not to be extinguished but by torrents of blood. The firing of the Dutch on an Imperial vessel going down the Scheld, has been followed by the departure of the Imperial Minister from the Hague without taking leave. Troops are in motion on both sides towards the Scheld, but probably nothing will be done till the Spring. This Court has been very silent as to the part they will act. Yet their late treaty with Holland, as well as a certainty that Holland would not have proceeded so far without assurance of aid, furnish sufficient ground to conclude they will side actively with the Republic. The King of Prussia it is believed will do the same. He has patched up his little disputes with Holland & Dantzic. The prospect is that Holland, France, Russia & the Por[te] will be engaged against the two Imperial Courts. England I think will remain neu[tral]. Their hostility towards us has attained an incredible height. Notwithstanding this they expect to keep our trade & cabotage to themselves by the virtue of their proclamation. They have no idea that we can so far act in concert as to establish retaliating measures. Their Irish Affairs will puzzle them extremely. Should things get into confusion there perhaps they will be more disposed to wish a friendly connection with us. The Congress which met on the 25 of Ocr. consisted of deputies from 8 Counties only. They came to resolutions on the reform of Parliamt. & adjd. to the 20 of Jany. recommending to the other Counties to send deputies then.\u201d\nI learn from an intelligent person lately from Kentucky that the Convention there produced nothing but a statement of grievances & a claim of redress. The topic of independence was not regularly brought forward at all, and scarcely agitated without doors. It is supposed that the late extension of the tax on patents which as it stood before is on the list of grievances, will turn the scale, in favor of that measure.\nMr. Norton called on me about a week ago on his way to Fredg. If you sd. have recd no later information from Albemarle, it may be a satisfaction to Mrs. Randolph to know that her friends in that quarter were then well\u2014present my best respects to her & beleive me to be with the sincerest affection your friend & servt.\nJ. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0133", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Lafayette, 16 March 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir\nParis March the 16th 1785\nWas I to found my Hopes Upon the Letters I have from Congress, I would please my fancy with the Expectation of Wellcoming You to the European Shore\u2014and Yet, when I Remember Your obstinate plans of life, I am affraid least my Warm Wishes Should be disappointed\u2014in the Mean While, I will Continue writing, and By the Way Will advise You to send Your Answers By the packets Rather than By a private Vessel. Those letters I sent from Richmond are not Yet Arrived, and I do not think Any letters of the Executive, nor any Private dispatches from Virginia Have as Yet Got to Europe. The politics of this Country are not Yet perfectly Cleared Up. But I am firm in the opinion we shall Have no War at this time. The Emperor\u2019s plans Have Been Opposed by France\u2014it Has on one side saved the dutch, whose Sacrifices, in Comparison of What threatened them Will probably Be Small. It Has on the other Kept Up the Suite in the Empire of Germany, As By its dependance Upon the protection of France and Prussia, the duke of deux ponts Has Been Emboldened to oppose Arrangements Between the Emperor and the Elector of Baviera Where By this Would Have, it is Said, given up His Electorate for the low Countries of the Austrian House. The Conditions Betwe[e]n the dutch and the Emperor are not Yet published. But I Send You a declaration of the king of France to the Emperor, Which took place When He Entered the political Field a few months Ago. Count de Vergennes Has acted, in My opinion, with a Moderation and firmness which does Him Great Honour.\nI am Every day pestering Governement with My prophetics Respecting the Mississipy. My favourite plan, they think, Cannot Be Accepted By Spain, who Know not How to Give up what they once Have. On My Arrival, I strongly Advised, at least, to tell the Spaniards to make for themselves New orleans a free port. I am to Have a Conference on that interesting Subject with duke de la Vauguim Who is Going Next Week to Spain as an Ambassader. I Have writen letters By post to Madrid and Cadiz, to Be intercepted and Read. I wish theyr Ministry Were as Sensible and as well disposed as Ours is. I am told Congress Want to Send You there. Could\u2019nt You Accept of it, only for a time, and in the Mean While make Your journey through france and italy? Kentucky, its growth, Its principles, and its inHabitants are, I find, Very little Understood in Europe, and not much so perhaps By many Europeans in America.\nThere is a Book of Mr. Necker Upon Finances which Has Made Great deal of Noise. It Has Raised a Party Spirit, where By Both Have to an Excess Hated or Adored Him. But I only Speak of the Book, which is a Very Sensible One, and Worth Your Reading. Untill You get it, I inclose a Miniature portrait of France, Made By the Man Who of Course Knows its Ressources. Its publication may Afford Entertainement.\nCher de Caraman\u2019s Best Compliments wait Upon You, My dear Sir, and I Beg You Will Remember me to all Friends in Virginia\u2014Mr. jefferson\u2019s Health is Recovering\u2014But He Keeps Himself too Closely Confined. By My last letters from the General, He was in full enjoyment of a plan for the Navigation of the Pottowmack. God Bless You, My dear friend, Remember me often, and for ever depend Upon the Warm Affection, and Most High Regard of Your devoted friend\nLafayette\nThe Mercantile interest is Warmer than Ever Against the New Regulations in favour of the West india trade. They are Encouraged By the Narrow Conduct of England, and the total interruption of Commerce Betwe[e]n french and Americans, who are all flocking to Great Britain.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0136", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\n20 March 1785. Concerns Virginia and Confederation affairs mentioned in Lee\u2019s letter of 30 May 1785.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0137", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 March 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nOrange March 21. 1785.\nYour favor of the 1st day of Feby. did not come to hand till a day or two ago, having travelled on to Richmond, remained there during the absence of Mr. Jones, & on his return, been sent to me by the way of Fredg. Before I left Richmond I wrote you that the assembly had adjourned and requested that your subsequent letters might be addressed to Orange, and if I do not forget to care of Mr. Maury at Fredericksbg. This letter ought to have reached you before the date of yours. I hope it has since got to hand. I also forwarded from Richmond to your care a letter for Mr. Jefferson which I hope has not miscarried. It contained a rehearsal of our last legislative politics & proceedings, which I find by his letters to me, are a material object of his curiosity. I shall be glad to know by your next, whether you have ever recd. it, that in case of miscarriage I may endeavour to supply the loss.\nI do not wonder at the paragraph which you have copied from Mr. Jays letter to Congress. His feelings are such as every man must possess who is worthy of the Station which he holds. If the Office of foreign affairs be a proper one & properly filled, a reference of all foreign despatches to it in the first instance, is so obvious a course, that any other disposition of them by Congress seems to condemn their own establishment, to affront the Minister in office, and to put on him a label of caution agst. that respect & confidence of the Ministers of foreign powers, which are essential to his usefulness. I have always conceived the several ministerial departments of Congress to be provisions for aiding their Counsels as well as executing their resolutions, & that consequently whilst they retain the right of rejecting the advice which may come from either of them, they ought not to renounce the opportunity of makg use of it. The foreign department is I am sensible, in several respects the most difficult to be regulated, but I cannot think the question arising on Mr. Jay\u2019s letter is to be numbered among the difficulties. The practice of Congress during the administration of his predecessor was never fixed, & frequently improper, and I always suspected that his indifference to the plan resulted in part at least from the mortifications to which this unsteadiness subjected him.\nYou will not be disappointed at the barrenness which is hence to mark the correspondence on my part. In the recess of the Legislature, few occurrences happen which can be interesting, and in my retired situation, few even of these fall within my knowledge. The situation of Mr. Jones will probably make his correspondence a more productive one. He has probably already mentioned to you the advances which Kentucky was said to be making towards an independent Govt. It is certain that a Convention has been held, which might have been set on foot with an eye to such an event: but I learn from an intelligent person lately from that district, that its deliberations turned altogether on the pressure of certain acts of the General Assembly, & terminated in a vote of application for redress. He supposes however that the late extension of the tax on Patents will give a successful handle to those who wish to accelerate a separation. This tax as it stood before was in the first class of their grievances.\nYou will I expect receive this from the hand of Mr. Burnley, a young gentleman of my neighbourhood, who has passed with reputation through Mr. Wythes School & has since taken out his forensic diploma. Your civilities to him will be well placed & will confer an obligation on me. If Col. Grayson has recovered from the Gout which I hear arrested him on the moment of his intended departure, and is with you, be so kind as to make my best respects to him. I am Dear Sir with sincere regard & esteem Your obedt. friend & Servant\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0138", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Patrick Henry, 25 March 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nOrange March 25th. 1785\nIn compliance with your Excellency\u2019s letter of the 22 of Jany. the Gentlemen to whom it was addressed excepting Mr. Grimes had a meeting yesterday for the first time, when they took the subject of it into consideration and have directed me to inform you that they recommend for County Lieutenant of Orange John Spotswood Esqr for Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, John Lee Esqr. for first Major William White Esqr. and for the other major Francis Cowherd Esqr. these being all the field offices required for the Militia of this County.\nI have the honor to be with the greatest res[pec]t. & esteem Yr. Excelly\u2019s most obt. & hble servt.\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0141", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nOrange April 12. 1785.\nI wrote you not long since, by a young gentleman who proposed to go as far [as] N. Y. acknowledging the rect. of your favor of Feby. 1st. I have since recd. that of March 6 which I meant to have acknowledged through the same hands. But finding that the delays which have hitherto kept back the bearer above referred to, are of uncertain continuance, & having no certain conveyance to Fredg. I embrace an opportunity of sending this to Richmond, whence it will be forwarded by Mr. Jones in the mail.\nThe appointment of Mr. A. to the Court of G. B. is a circumstance which does not contradict my expectations: nor can I say that it displeases me. Upon geographical considerations N. E. will always have one of the principal appointmts. and I know of no individual from that quarter, who possesses more of their confidence or would possess more of that of the other States: nor do I think him so well fitted for any Court of equal rank, as that of London. I hope it has removed all obstacles to the establishment of Mr. Jefferson at the Court of France. Will not Congress soon take up the subject of Consular arrangements? I should suppose them at least of equal moment at present with some of the higher appointmts. which are likely to occupy them. Our friend Mr. Maury is waiting with a very inconvenient suspension of his other plans, the event of the offer he has made of his Services. I find he considers Ireland as the Station next to be desired after that of England. He conceives & I believe very justly that the commercial intercourse between that Country & this will be very considerable, and merits our particular cultivation. I suppose from your silence on the subject that the Western Posts are still in the hands of G. B. Has the subject of the vacant lands to be disposed of, been revived? What other measures are [on] foot or in contemplation for paying off the public debts? What paymts. have been made of late into the public Treasury? It is said here that Massts. is taking measures for urging R. I. into the Impost, or rendering the scheme practicable without her concurrence. Is it so? How many of the States have agreed to change the 8th. Art. of the Confederation? The Legislature of this State passd a law for complying with the provisional act of Congs. for executing that article as it now stands; the operation of which confirms the necessity of changing the article. The law requires as the Act of Congs. does among other things a list of the Houses. If the list does not discriminate the several kinds of Houses, how can Congs. collect from it the value of the improvements, how do justice to all their constituents? And how can a discrimination be made in this Country, where the variety is so infinite & so unsusceptible of description. If Congs. govern themselves by number alone, this Country will certainly appeal to a more accurate mode of carrying the present rule of the Confederation into practice. The average value of the improvements in Virga. is not 1/4 perhaps not 1/10 of that of the improvements in Pena. or N. Engd. Compare this difference with the proportion between the value of Improvemts. & that of the Soil, & what an immense loss shall we be taxed with? The number of buildings will not be a less unjust rule than the number of acres, for estimating the respective abilities of the States.\nThe only proceeding of the late Session of Assembly which makes a noise thro\u2019 the Country is that which relates to a Genl. Assessmt. The Episcopal people are generally for it, tho\u2019 I think the zeal of some of them has cooled. The laity of the other Sects are equally unanimous on the other side. So are all the Clergy except the Presbyterian who seem as ready to set up an establishmt. which is to take them in as they were to pull down that which shut them out. I do not know a more shameful contrast than might be formed between their Memorials on the latter & former occasion.\nIn one of your letters recd. before I left Richmond you expressed a wish for a better Cypher. Since my return to Orange I have been able to get one made out which will answer every purpose. I will either enclose it herewith or send it by the Gentleman who is already charged with a letter for you. I wish much to throw our correspondence into a more regular course. I would write regularly every week if I had a regular conveyance to Fredg. As it is I will write as often as I can find such conveyances. The business of this neighbourhood which used to go to Fredg. is in a great measure turned towards Richmd. which is too circuitous a channel. Opportunities in every direction however will be henceforward multiplied by the advance of the Season. If you are not afraid of too much loading the mail I could wish you to inclose in your letters the last N. Y. or Phila. paper. I am Dr. Sir Yrs most sincerely\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0142", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, [14 April] 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nBy an opportunity to Richd. I wrote to you 2 days ago. Havg. now one to Frebg. I inclose the Cypher then promised. It will probably get to hand at the same with letter via Richd. Adieu.\nJ. M. Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0143", "content": "Title: From James Madison to George Wythe, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Wythe, George\nSir\nOrange April 15th. 1785\nI have been honoured with yours of February accompanying the Testimony which the University of William & Mary have been pleased to bestow on me. A distinction which is rendered so flattering both by the characters of those from whom it is received, and of those with whom it associates me calls for acknowledgments, which I should feel greater satisfaction in expressing if I had less reason to distrust my title to it. Regarding it however as a proof that those who so worthily minister in the Temple of Science, are disposed not only to reward the merits of her illustrious Votaries, but to patronize in the humblest of them a zeal for her service I find in the sincerity of mine, an offering which they will not refuse, and which I beg you, Sir, in the most respectful manner to present to them. With great esteem and attachment I am &c\nJ. M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0144", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Martha Jefferson Carr, 18 April 1785\nFrom: Carr, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nI received by your Brother your polite favour and am Sorry it is not in my power to give a more Satisfactory account of my Sons being placed at School agreeable to your Appointments. My Eldest Son was taken last fall with a fever which with repeated relapses kept him Extreemly weak & low till about the first of Janry from that time till the first of April he was detained at home by the disappointments we met with in collecting the money Necessary to be advanced for his Education, he then set out for Willmsburgh with promises to Endeavour to make up his lost time. My Youngest Son has also been detained at home by Ill health till very lately, when it was my Intention to have sent him to Prince Edward but hearing that A Vacation was shortly to take place there, thought it best to postpone it till the Expiration of that, which will be some time in June; then Sir I Shall most assuredly send him. His time however has not been intirely lost as his Brother was capable of Instructing him whenever his health would admit of it. I am Extreemly Oblige to you Sir for Your kind offer of forwarding my letters to my Brother but must defer writing to him till an other Oppertunity as I am fearfull of detaining Mr Madison who is So Obligeing as to wait at goochland Court for this. With much esteem I am Sir Your very Humble Servant\nM Carr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0145", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Nicholas, 22 April 1785\nFrom: Nicholas, George\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nCharlottesville April 22d. 1785.\nMy brother informs me that he conversed with you on the propriety of remonstrating against certain measures of the last session of Assembly and that you seemed to think it would be best that the counties opposed to the measures should be silent. I fear this would be construed into an assent especially to the law for establishing a certain provision for the clergy: for as the Assembly only postponed the passing of it that they might know whether it was disagreeable to the people, I think they may justly conclude that all are for it who do not say to the contrary. A majority of the counties are in favor of the measure but I believe a great majority of the people against it; but if this majority should not appear by petition the fact will be denied. Another reason why all should petition is that some will certainly do it and those who support the bills will insist that those who petition are all the opposition. Would it not add greatly to the weight of the petitions if they all hold the same language? by discovering an exact uniformity of sentiment in a majority of the country it would certainly deter the majority of the Assembly from proceeding. All my expectations are from their fears and not their justice. I have been through a considerable part of the country and am well assured that it would be impossible to carry such laws into execution and that the attempt would bring about a revolution. If you think with me that it will be proper to say something to the Assembly will you commit it to paper. I wish this because, I know you are most capable of doing it properly and because it will be most likely to be generally adopted. I can get it sent to Amherst Buckingham, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Augusta, Botetourt, Rock Bridge and Rockingham and I have no doubt that Bedford and the counties southward of it will readily join in the measure. I will also send it [to] Frederick and Berkeley and if it goes from your county to Fauquier, Culpeper and Loudoun it will be adopted by the most populous part of the country. I shall be glad to hear from you on this subject and am With esteem and respect Dr: Sir, Yr. obdt. servt.\nG: Nicholas\nThe bill for supporting the clergy, the act for incorporating the Episcopal church and the faithful adherency to the treaty are the subjects on which the people have wish to demonstrate. It being supposed that Mr. Carter was against the latter lost him his election in this county.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0146", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nOrange April 27. 1785.\nI have recd. your two favors of Novr. 11 & Decr. 8. Along with the former I recd. the two pamphlets on animal magnetism & the last aeronautic expedition together with the phosphoretic matches. These articles were a great treat to my curiosity. As I had left Richmd. before they were brought thither by Col. le Maire, I had no opportunity of attending myself to your wishes with regard to him; but I wrote immediately to Mr. Jones & desired him to watch over the necessities of le Maire. He wrote me for answer that the Executive tho\u2019 without regular proof of his claims were so well satisfied from circumstances of the justice of them, that they had voted him \u00a3150 for his relief till the assembly could take the whole into consideration. This information has made me easy on the subject though I have not withdrawn from the hands of Mr. Jones the provisional resource. I thank you much for your attention to my literary wants. All the purchases you have made for me, are such as I should have made for myself with the same opportunities. You will oblige me by adding to them the Dictionary in 13 vol. 4\u00b0. by Felice & others, also de Thou in French. If the utility of Moreri be not superseded by some better work I should be glad to have him too. I am afraid if I were to attempt a catalogue of my wants I should not only trouble you beyond measure, but exceed the limits which other considerations ought to prescribe to me. I cannot however abridge the commission you were so kind as to take on yourself in a former letter, of procuring me from time to time such books as may be \u201ceither old & curious or new & useful.\u201d Under this description will fall those particularised in my former letters; to wit treatises on the antient or modern f\u0153deral republics\u2014on the law of Nations\u2014and the history natural & political of the New World; to which I will add such of the Greek & Roman authors where they can be got very cheap, as are worth having and are not on the Common list of School classics. Other books which particularly occur, are the translation [French] of the Historians of the Roman Empire during its decline by\u2014\u2014Paschals provincial letters\u2014Don Ulloa in the Original\u2014Lynn\u00e6us best edition Ordinances Marines\u2014Collection of Tracts in french on the \u0152conomies of different nations. I forget the full title. It is much referred to by Smith on the wealth of nations. I am told a Monsr. Amelot has lately published his travels into China, which if they have any merit must be very entertaining. Of Buffon I have his original work of 31 vol. 10 vol. of Supplemt. and 16 vol. on birds. I shall be glad of the continuation as it may from time to time b[e] published. I am so pleased with the new invented lamp that I shall not grudge two guineas for one of Them. I have seen a pocket compass of somewhat larger diameter than a watch & which may be carried in the same way. It has a spring for stopping the vibration of the needle when not in use. One of these would be very convenient in case of a ramble into the Western Country. In my walks for exercise or amusements, objects frequently present themselves, which it might be matter of curiosity to inspect, but which it is difficult or impossible to approach. A portable Glass would consequently be a source of many little gratifications. I have fancied that such an one might be fitted into a Cane without making it too heavy. On the outside of the tube might be engraved a scale of inches &c. If such a project could be executed for a few Guineas, I should be willing to submit to the price, if not, the best substitute I suppose will be a pocket telescope composed of several tubes so constructed as to slide the lesser into the greater. I should feel great remorse at troubling you with so many requests, if your kind & repeated offers did not stifle it in some measure. Your proposal for my replacing here advances for me without regard to the exchange is liable to no objection except that it will probably be too unequal in my favour. I beg that you will enable me as much as you can to keep those little matters balanced. The papers from le Grand were sent as soon as I got them to Mr. Jones with a request that he wd. make the use of them which you wished me to do.\nYour remarks on the tax transfers of land in a general view appear to me to be just but there were two circumstances which gave a peculiarity to the case in which our law adopted it. One was that the tax will fall much on those who are evading their quotas of other taxes by removing to Georgia & Kentucky: the other that as such transfers are more frequent among those who do not remove, in the Western than the Eastern part of the Country, it will fall heaviest where direct taxes are least collected. With regard to the tax in general on law proceedings, it cannot perhaps be justified if tried by the strict rule which proportions the quota of every man to his ability, time however will gradually in some measure equalize it, & if it be applied to the support of the Judiciary establishment, as was the ultimate view of the friends of the tax, it seems to square very well with the Theory of taxation.\nThe people of Kentucky had lately a convention which it was expected would be the mother of a separation. I am informed they proceeded no farther than to concert an address for the Legislature on some points in which they think the laws bear unequally upon them. They will be ripe for that event at least as soon as their interest calls for it. There is no danger of a concert between them & the Counties West of the Alleghany which we mean to retain. If the latter embark in a scheme for independence it will be on their own bottom. They are more disunited in every respect from Kentucky than from Virginia.\nI have not learnt with certainty whether Genl. Washington will accept or decline the shares voted him by the Assembly in the Companies for opening our rivers. If he does not chuse to take to himself any benefit from the donation, he has I think a fine opportunity at once of testifying his disinterested purposes, of shewing his respect for the Assembly, and of rendering a service to his Country. He may accept the gift so far as to apply it to the scheme of opening the rivers, & may then appropriate the revenue which it is hereafter to produce, to some patriotic establishment. I lately dropped a hint of this sort to one of his friends & was told that such an idea had been suggested to him. The private subscriptions for Potowmac I hear amount to \u00a310,000 Sterling. I can not discover that those for James River deserve mention, or that the undertaking is pushed with any spirit. If those who are most interested in it let slip the present opportunity, their folly will probably be severely punished by the want of such another. It is said the undertaking on the Susquehannah by Maryland goes on with great spirit & expectations. I have heard nothing of Rumsey or his boats since he went into the Northern States. If his machinery for stemming the current operates on the water alone as is given out, may it not supply the great desi[de]ratum for perfecting the Balloons?\nI understand that Chase & Jennifer on the part of Maryland, Mason & Henderson on the part of Virginia have had a meeting on the proposition of Virga. for settling the navigation & jurisdiction of Potowmac below the falls, & have agreed to report to the two Assemblies, the establishment of a concurrent jurisdiction on that river & Chesapeak. The most amicable spirit is said to have governed the negociation.\nThe Bill for a Genl. Assesst. has produced some fermentation below the Mountains & a violent one beyond them. The contest at the next Session on this question will be a warm & precarious one. The port bill will also undergo a fiery trial. I wish the Assize Courts may not partake of the danger. The elections as far as they have come to my knowledge are likely to produce a great proportion of new members. In Albemarle young Mr. Fry has turned out Mr. Carter. The late Governor Harrison I hear has been baffled in his own County; but meant to be a candidate in Surry & in case of a rebuff there to throw another die for the borough of Norfolk. I do not know how he construes the doctrine of residence. It is surmised that the machination[s] of Tyler who fears a rivailship for the chair are at the bot[t]om of his difficulty. Ar. Le[e] is elected in Prince William. He is said to have paved the way by promise[s] to over set the port bil[l] which is obnoxious to Dumfries and to prevent the removal [of] the assise court from this town to Alexandria.\nI recd. a letter from the Marquis Fayette dated on the eve of his embarcation which has the folowing paragraph. [\u201c]I have much confered with the General upon the potowmac system. Many people [think] the navigation of the Mississippi is not an advantage but it may be the excess of a very good thing viz., the opening of your river. I fancy it has not changed your opinion but beg you will write me on the subject. In the meanwhile I hope Congress will act cooly and prudently by Spain who is such a fool that allowance must be made.[\u201d] It is unlucky that he should have left America with such an idea as to the Mississippi. It may be of the worse consequence as it is not wholey imaginary, the prospect of extending the commerce of the Atlantic State[s] to the Western water having given birth to it. I can not believe that many mind[s] are tainted with so illiberal and short sited a policy. I have thought it not amiss to [write] the marquis according to the request of his letter and have stated to him the motive[s] and obligation which must render [the] United States inflexible on the subject of the Mississippi, the folly of Spain in contesting it and our expectation from the known influence of France over Spain and her friendly disposetion toward United States. It is but justice to the marquis to [observe] that in all our conversation on the Mississippi he expressd with every mark of sincerity a zeal for our claim and a pointed dislike to the national character and policy of Spain and that if his zeal should be found to abate I should construe it to be the effect of a supposed revolution in the sentiment of America.\nThis would have been of somewhat earlier date but I postponed it that I might be able to include some information relative to your Nephews. My last informed you that your eldest was then with Mr. Maury. I was so assured by Mr. Underwood from his neighbourhood, who I supposed could not be mistaken. I afterwards discovered that he was so, but could get no precise information till within a few days. One of my brothers being called into that part of the Country by business, I wrote to Mrs. Carr and got him to wait on her. The answer with which I have been favored imparts that \u201cher eldest son was taken last fall with a fever which with repeated relapses kept him extremely weak & low till about the first of Jany. from which time till he was detained at home by delays in equipping him for Williamsbg. till the 1st of April, when he set out with promises to make up his lost time\u2014that her youngest son had also been detained at him by ill health till very lately, but that he would certainly go on to the academy as soon as a vacation on hand was over, that his time had not been entirely lost as his brother was capable of instructing him whenever his health would admit.\u201d Mr. Maury\u2019s School is said to be very flourishing. Mr. Wythe & the other gentlemen of the University have examined it from time to time & published their approbation of its management. I can not speak with the same authority as to the Academy in Prince Edward. The information which I have recd. has been favorable to it. In the recommendation of these Seminaries I was much governed by the probable permanency of them, nothing being more ruinous to education than the frequent interruptions & change of Masters & methods incident to the private schools of this country.\nOur winter has been full of vicisitudes, but on the whole far from being a severe one. The Spring has been uncommonly cold & wet, and vegetation of course very backward; till within a few days during which it has been accelerated by very uncommon heat. A pocket Thermometer which stands on the second floor & the N. W. side of the House, was on the 24 inst. at 4 oClock, at 77\u00b0., on the 25. 78., on the 26. 81\u00bd., to day 27. at 82. The weather during this period has been fair & the wind S. the atmosphere thick N W.\u2014our Wheat in the ground is very unpromising throughout the Country. The price of this article on tide water is about 6/. Corn sells in this part of the Country at 10/. & under, below at 15/. and where the insect prevailed as high as 20/. It is said to have been raised by a demand for exportation. Tobo. is selling on Rappahannock at 32/. & Richmd. at 37/6. It is generally expected that it will at least get up to 40/. Some of our peaches are killed & most of our Cherries. Our Apples are as yet safe. I can not say how it is with the fruit in other parts of the Country. The mischief to the Cherries &c was done on the night of the 20. when we had a severe black frost.\nI can not take my leave of you without making my acknowledgmts. for the very friendly invitation contained in your last. If I should ever visit Europe I should wish to do it less stinted in time than your plan proposes. This crisis too would be particularly inconvenient as it wd. break in upon a course of reading which if I neglect now I shall probably never resume. I have some reason also to suspect that crossing the Sea would be unfriendly to a singular disease of my constitution. The other part of your invitation has the strongest biass of my mind on its side, but my situation is as yet too dependent on circumstances to permit my embracing it absolutely. It gives me great satisfaction to find that you are looking forward to the moment which is to restore you to your native Country, though considerations of a public nature check my wishes that such an event may be expedited. Present my best respects to Mr. Short, & Miss Patsy, & accept of the affectionate regards of Dear Sir, Your sincere friend.\nJ. Madison Jr.\nWhat has become of the subterraneous City discovered in Siberia? \nDeaths.\nThomson Mason\nBartholemew Dandridge\nRyland Randolph\nPeyton Randolph\nJoseph Reed of Philada.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0147", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 April 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nOrange Apl. 28. 1785\nI have written several letters within a little time past which were Sent to you partly by the post, partly by Mr. Burnley, a young Gentleman of this County. In one of the latter I inclosed a Cypher wch. will serve all the purposes of our future Correspondence. This covers a letter for Mr. Jefferson which you will be so good as to forwd. by the first packet or other equally eligible conveyance. Our Elections as far as I hear are likely to produce a great proportion of new members. In some Counties they are influenced by the Bill for a Genl. Assesst. In Culpeper Mr. Pendleton a worthy man & acceptable in his general character to the people was laid aside in consequence of his vote for the Bill, in favour of an Adversary to it. The Delegates for Albemarle are your friend Mr. W. C. Nicholas & Mr. Fry. Mr. Carter stood a poll but fell into the rear. The late Govr. Harrison I am told has been baffled in his own County, meant to be a candidate for Surry & in case of a rebuff there to throw another die for the Borough of Norfolk. I do not know how he proposes to satisfy the doctrine of residence.\nI hear frequent complaints of the disorders of our Coin & the wan[to]f uniformity in the denomination of the States. Do not Congress think of a remedy for these evils? The regulation of weights & measure seem also to call for their attention. Every day will add to the difficulty of executing these works. If a mint be not established & a recoinage effected while the f\u0153deral debts carry the money thro\u2019 the hands of Congress I question much whether their limited powers will ever be able to render this branch of their prerogative effectual. With regard to the regulation of weights & measures, wd. it not be highly expedient as well as honorable to the f\u0153deral administration, to pursue the hint which has been suggested by ingenious & philosophical men, to wit, that the standard of measure sd. be first fixed by the length of a pendulum vibrating seconds at the Equator or any given latitude\u2014& that the Standard of weight sd. be a Cubical piece of Gold or other homogeneous body of dimensions fixed by the standard of measure. Such a scheme appears to be easily reducible to practice; & as it is founded on the division of time which is the same at all times & in all places & proceeds on other data which are equally so, it would not only secure a perpetual uniformity throughout the U. S. but might lead to Universal standards in these matters among nations. Next to the inconveniency of speaking different languages, is that of using different & arbitrary weights & measures. I am Dr. Sir Yr. affece. friend\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0148", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 1 May 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir.\nN. York May 1st. 1785.\nI am afraid my silence since I came to this place has giv\u2019n you some reason to suspect me to be impregnated with that vis inerti\u00e6, which has been so often attributed to me. The only apology I have to make, is that I wish\u2019d to have some thing to write to you worth your acceptance. However as there would be some danger in risquing a farther delay, I shall give you what I have in the manner. The New England delegates wish to sell the Continental land, rough as it runs; what I miss in quality I will make up in quantity.\nAll our attentions here have been for some time turned towards the hostile preparations between the Emperor & the Dutch; as it was thought the event might have a considerable influence on the affairs of the United States. The Packet which arrived yesterday has brought different accounts of what is doing respecting this business; however I take the following to be nearly the truth of the case: That the Emperor has only made the opening the Schelde a pretext for marching his troops into the low Countries while he has been underhandedly treating with the Elector of Bavaria for an exchange of his territories in the low Countries for Bavaria: That France has not only been privy to the negotiations but has actually countenanc\u2019d them; While no other power has entertain\u2019d the most distant suspicions of what was going forward: That the prince de Deux Ponts presumptive heir to Bavaria, on recieving the first notice of it, made application to the King of Prussia, supposing that old Statesman would exert himself to the utmost, to prevent Bavaria from becoming part of the domains of the House of Austria. It therefore seems to be probable that all those who wish to preserve the proper ballance of power in the Germanic body will unite with the Prussian Monarch against that accession of weight to the Austrian scale. Should this confederacy take place in its fullest extent, it will be very formidable, & in all likelyhood produce a bloody contest before the matter is finally decided. War therefore seems to be as probable as ever although the ground of the contest may be altered. For my own part I cannot clearly find out from any informations wch. I have had, what have been the views of the Court of France; they seem to have departed from their antient principles in assisting the Austrian family to increase their power; \u2019tis true they adopted this system in the last reign, but then the French Statesmen say, that nothing done during that period ought to be quoted from their history. If the Queen of France has drawn in the Ministry to countenance the measures of her brother it is an evidence of her great influence in the Governmt. but from what appears at present, it is no proof of the criden[ce] of the public-councils as it is obvious if France keeps up large standing armies, she must neglect her marine by which she will risque her foreign possessions wheneve[r] she happens to be engaged in a war with G. B.\nThe Parliament has so lately sit, that little has yet transpired; the Minister is to bring forwd. a plan for a Parliamentary reform, which it is thought will require all his interest & ability to support.\nThe Wallachians who were so oppress\u2019d as to be drove into a state of open resistance are on the point of being subjugated; they are in numbers about seven hundred thousand; & I heartily wish they were all here.\nCongress are engaged in ascertaining a mode for the disposal of the Western territory; I send you the first draught as reported by the Grand Comme. also a second edition with amendments in Congress. The matter is still under consideration, and other alterations will no doubt take effect. An amendment is now before the house for making the Townships 6 Ms. Sqe. & for dividing those townships by actual surveys into quarters of townships, marking at every interval of a mile (in running the external lines of the quarters,) corners for the sections of 640 acres; Then to sell every other township by sections: The reservation (instead of the four corner sections,) to be the central section of every quarter; that is to say the inside lot, whose corner is not ascertained: Whether this will be carried or not I cannot tell, the Eastern people being amazingly attached to their own customs, and unreasonably anxious to have every thing regulated according to their own pleasure.\nThe construction of the deed of cession from Virga. has taken up four days, & at length it is agreed not to sell any land between the little Miami & Scioto untill the conditions respecting the Offs. & soldiers are complied with. Some Members of Congress think they have a right to have the land laid off for the Offs. & soldiers in such manner as they please & by their own surveyors, provided they give good land & square figures: others are willing it shall be laid off in the same manner as the rest, & the Offs. & soldiers to chuse by sections. If the State insists on the right of surveying agreable to their own laws I shd. suppose that Congress could have no objection to appointing Commrs. for deciding that question as well as all others that might arise respecting the Compact.\nMr. King of Massachusetz has a resolution ready drawn which he reserves till the Ordinance is passed for preventing slavery in the new State. I expect Seven States may be found liberal enough to adopt it.\nSeven hundred men are voted for protecting the settlers on the frontiers, for guarding the public stores & for preventing unwarrantable intrusions on the lands of the U. S.\nI inclose you a plan for altering the 9th. article of the confederation, also a newspaper informing what the people of Boston are about. The requisition for the present year is before Congress; one article to wit 30,000 dollars for f\u0153deral buildings at Trenton, I objected to, & was supported by the delegates of Maryland Delawar & New Hamshire, N. Carolina was divided. Unfortunately for me the rest of the delegates for our State do not think as I do; [(]This is entre nouz). I shall notwithstanding do every thing in my power to frustrate the measure. We shall in all probability get it struck out of the requisition, because nine States will not vote for it; I understand however that it is intended to get seven States to vote for the sum out of the loans in Holland supposing that as a hundred thousand doll[ars] were voted at Trenton by nine States, generally, that seven can direct the particular appropriation. This matter I have not yet considered, neither do I know how it will turn out on investigation however I hope I shall find means to avoid it for the present year, & I hope by the next the Southern States will understand their interests better.\nCongress have refused to let the State discount any part of the monies paid for the Western territory, out of the requisitions for the prest. year. & I believe if they don\u2019t help themselves, they will never find Congress willing to discount. In the mean time they will sell the lands. A treaty is directed to be held with the Barbary States to purchase their friendship. Treaties are also to be held with the Cherokees Chickesaws &c. also with the Western Indians shortly. I am sure you are surfeited\u2014therefore conclude with great sincerity Yr. Affect. friend & Mo. Obed. Serv.\nWillm. Grayson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0149", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, [8 May] 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York May [8]. 1785.\nYour favor of the 12th. of April accompanied with the cypher I receiv\u2019d yesterday. The appointment of Mr. Adams to the ct. of G. B. was soon afterwards succeeded by that of Mr. Jefferson to that of France. Their commns have been some time since forwarded & before this they are no doubt station\u2019d at their respective courts. The removal of the former gave uneasiness to Mr. V[a]n. Berkell but as it was immediately resolv\u2019d to appoint a successor, it hath probably abated. Govr. Livingston, Rutledge, & R. H. Harrison C. J. of Maryld. are in nomination. G. B. is still possess\u2019d of the posts [on] the lakes nor have we reason to suppose she means to evacuate. Of this however Mr. Adams will inform us. Our affair with Spain is suspended untill the arrival of Mr. Gardoqui. He is expected. The affs. of Langchamp hath not been acted on; for particular reasons it hath hitherto been deferr\u2019d. A recommendation hath been made to the States of Connecticut, N Yk., Jersey & Pena. to raise 700. men for the protection of the frontier settlements. It was question\u2019d whether it were not better by requisition & upon the Union, since it might be the commencment of an establishmt. wh. might last for ages, & if the right of requisition existed, the effecting by other means might tend to weaken & ultimately destroy it. The delegation of Mass: at Annapolis protested agnst. this right & their state approv\u2019d their conduct. But as the right of requisition existed only when exerted on the Union & it seem\u2019d generally preferr\u2019d to raise them from 3. or 4. of the States most conveniently situated, it was ultimately agreed to adopt the mode of recommendation. An ordinance regulating the mode of survey & sale of the lands ceded by Virga. hath lately engag\u2019d the attention of Congress\u2014it hath not yet pass\u2019d but as all the points of variance seem at length accomodated, it will perhaps in the course of the succeeding week. The original report admited of the sale only of tracts containing 30,000 acres call\u2019d townships; this was adher\u2019d to with great obstinacy by the E. men & as firmly oppos\u2019d by the southern. At length however the Eastern partly gave up the point at least so far as to meet on middle ground. As it now stands it is to be survey\u2019d in township containing abt. 26,000 acres each, each town-ship mark\u2019d on the plat into lots of one mile square, and 1/2. the country sold only in townships & the other in lots. 13. surveyors are to be appoin[t]ed for the purpose to act under the controul of the Geographer, begining with the first range of townships upon the Ohio & running north to the lakes, from the termination of the line which forms the southern boundary of the State of Pena., & so on westwd. with each range. As soon as five ranges shall be survey\u2019d the return will be made to the Bd. of Treasury, who are instructed to draw for them in the name of each State in the proportion of the requisition on each, & transmit its portion to the loan officer in each, for sale at publick vendue, provided it is, nor any part, sold for less than one dolr. specie or certificates the acre. Thus stands the ordinance at present.\nSometime since a treaty was order\u2019d to be held with the Indians in the southern department, to wh. commn Mr. Hawkins of No. Carolina, Joseph Martin of Virga. & some others were appointed. A treaty is also to be held with the Indians westward at post St. Vincents or somewhere on the Wabash or Missisippi for the purpose of extinguishing the claims to soil of the tribes who inhabit in that direction. The late comrs. are continued in the appointment.\nThe interest on the loans in Holland for the last year we understand is paid but not on those of France by the completion of a loan order\u2019d to be effected before the peace. No new loan is orderd nor will there be as I conceive. A requisition is before Congress for money for the payment of the interest on the domestic debt to the 31. of Decr. 1784 & on the foreign to the 31. of 85. amounting to 3,000,000 of dolrs., inclusive of the current expences of Government; the monies to be applied to the payment of the interest on the foreign debt & the expences of govt. amounting to abt. 1,000,000 of dolrs. to be recd. in specie only & the application to the interest on the domestic debt in certificates under the modification of the late requisition being abt. 2 thirds. I am strongly inclin\u2019d to believe the wester[n] lands will absorb all the domestic debt Eastwd.; the gentn. from that quarter think so. I am also fully persuaded that when the accts. of Virga. & No. Carolina shall be liquidated the amount will be greater than is expected here. The delay in this business from the negligence of Mr. L. Wood prevents the operation of these requisitions having relation to us, & when these accts. shall be liquidated most probably ours will comprehend the greatest part of the domestic debt. No doubt we shall be paid but we had better go on pari passu with our neighbours to expedite the business we lately obtain\u2019d the addition of a 2d comr. to the State for the purpose. They are, each to act in a district. We have had returns from but few of the States changing the 8th. article of the confideration; several have already adopted it. The requisition is on the principle, in that respect, of the late one. A report sometime since pass\u2019d Congress for appointing a committee to wait on the legislatures of R. I. New Yk. & Georgia to advise the immediate passage of the impost, but hath never been taken up. R. I. hath adopted it, with a seperate credit, for sums beyond her quota, & the appointment of her own officers. N. York hath had it before her legislature this winter & negativ\u2019d it. I believe a bill hath been publish\u2019d for inspection of the people in Massachussetts wh. had the objects you mention in view but that it hath not pass\u2019d as yet into a law. Of this however in my next I will inform you. Yr. friend & servant\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0150", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis May 11. 1785.\nYour favor of Jan. 9. came to my hands on the 13th. of April. The very full and satisfactory detail of the proceedings of assembly which it contained, gave me the highest pleasure. The value of these communications cannot be calculated at a shorter distance than the breadth of the Atlantic. Having lately made a cypher on a more convenient plan than the one we have used, I now transmit it to you by a Monsr. Dora-dour who goes to settle in Virginia. His family will follow him next year. Should he have occasion of your patronage I beg leave to solicit it for him. They yesterday finished printing my notes. I had 200 copies printed, but do not put them out of my own hands, except two or three copies here, & two which I shall send to America, to yourself & Colo. Monroe, if they can be ready this evening, as promised. In this case you will receive one by Monsr. Doradour. I beg you to peruse it carefully because I ask your advice on it & ask nobody\u2019s else. I wish to put it into the hands of the young men at the college, as well on account of the political as physical parts. But there are sentiments on some subjects which I apprehend might be displeasing to the country perhaps to the assembly or to some who lead it. I do not wish to be exposed to their censure, nor do I know how far their influence, if exerted, might effect a misapplication of law to such a publication were it made. Communicate it then in confidence to those whose judgments & information you would pay respect to: & if you think it will give no offence I will send a copy to each of the students of W. M. C. and some others to my friends & to your disposal. Otherwise I shall only send over a very few copies to particular friends in confidence & burn the rest. Answer me soon & without reserve. Do not view me as an author, & attached to what he has written. I am neither. They were at first intended only for Marbois. When I had enlarged them, I thought first of giving copies to three or four friends. I have since supposed they might set our young students into a useful train of thought, and in no event do I propose to admit them to go to the public at large. A variety of accidents have postponed my writing to you till I have no further time to continue my letter. The next packet will sail from Havre. I will then send your books & write more fully, but answer me immediately on the preceding subject. I am with much affection Dr. Sir Your friend & servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0151", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Blair Smith, [ca. 16 May] 1785\nFrom: Smith, John Blair\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sir:\nI am sorry to interrupt your attention to more important objects by an appeal to you in a dispute between Carter H. Harrison Esqr. of Cumberland & myself, but as you were present at its origination, & as my character for veracity is interested in your decision, I have no doubt of your inclination to do me the justice which is in your power. All that I have to request of you at present is, to know whether you do not recollect to hear him say that \u201cThe greatest curse which heaven sent at any time into this Country, was sending Dissenters into it.\u201d I am, Sir, yr. respectful hble sert.\nJno. B. Smith.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0153", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Gabriel Royez, 24 May 1785\nFrom: Royez, Gabriel\nTo: Madison, James\na Paris ce 24 May 1785\nJe m\u2019engage a fournir chez moi aussitot l\u2019announce toutes les Livraison futures de l\u2019Encyclopedie par ordre de matieres in 4\u00b0. Dont j\u2019ai re\u00e7u le montant des livraisons y compris la 13\u00b0. montant a la Somme de troit cent quatrevingt Livre en deduisant sur ce prix fixe par la souscription et Suivant la notte y joint un primer quarante huit livres Suivant nos convention.\nRoyez.\nLibraire quai et pr\u00e8s les augustins.\nA Monsieur James Madison of Orange Virginia.\nou a son ordre.Re\u00e7u la Somme De trois Cent quarante huit livres pour les 13 livraisons a pari[s] ce 24 Mai\nGabriel Royez.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0155", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 28 May 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York May 28th. 1785.\nI did myself the pleasure some time since of writing to you; and I expect by this time you have recieved my letter; since which nothing has happened of any consequence except the passage of the Land Ordinance & the arrival of Don Diego de Gardoqui at Philadelphia. I inclose you a copy of the Ordinance: & if it is not the best in the world, it is I am confident the best that could be procured for the present. There was such a variety of interests most of them imaginary, that I am only surprised it is not more defective.\nThe Eastern people who before the revolution never had an idea of any quantity of Earth above a hundred acres, were for selling in large tracts of 30,000 acres while the Southern people who formerly could scarce bring their imaginations down so low as to comprehended the meaning of a hundred Acres of ground were for selling the whole territory in lots of a mile square.\nIn this situation we remained for eight days, with great obstinacy on both sides, untill a kind of compromise took effect.\nAs to foreign news we are entirely uninformed: neither can [any] body here say with certainty what will be the event of the present hostile preparations in Europe.\nI imagine you have heard of the arrival of an American vessel at this place in four months from Canton in China laden with the commodities of that country.\nIt seems our Countrymen were treated with as much respect as the Subjects of any other nation: i.e. the whole are looked upon by the Chinese as Barberians: & they have too much Asiactic hauteur to descend to any discrimination. Most of the mercantile people here are of opinion, this commerce can be carried on, on betters from America than Europe: & that we may be able not only to supply our own wants, but to smuggle a very considerable quantity to the West Indies. I could heartily wish to see the merchts. of our State engaged in this business.\nDon\u2019t you think an exemption from duty on all goods imported immediately from India in Virga. bottoms to our State might have a good affect?\nWillm. Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0156", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 May 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nOrange May 29. 1785\nYour favor of May [8] came to hand a few days ago. It is fortunate that the variant ideas have been so easily accomodated touching the mode of surveying & selling the territorial fund. It will be equally so I think if you can dispossess the British of the Western posts, before the land office is opened. On this event and the navigation of the Mississippi will much depend the fiscal importance of the back Country to the U: States. The amount of the proposed requisition will I fear startle those to whom it will be addressed. The use of certificates as a medium for discharging the interest of the home debt, is a great evil, tho\u2019 I suppose a necessary one. The advantage it gives to Sharpers & Collectors, can scarcely be described, and what is more noxious, it provokes violations of public faith, more than the weight of the Burden itself. The 1,000,000 Drs. to be paid in Specie, and the greatest part of it to be sent abroad, will equally try the virtue of the States. If they do not flinch however they will have the satisfaction of coming out of the trial with more honour, though with less money.\nI have lately heard that the Kentucky Delegates will be instructed to propose to the next Session, the separation of that Country from this, and its being handed over to Congress for admission into the Confederacy. If they pursue their object through this channel, they will not only accomplish it without difficulty, but set a useful example to other Western Settlemts. which may chuse to be lopped off from other States. My information as to this matter is not authentic, but such as I am inclined to believe true. I hear also that a State is actually set up in the back Country of N. C. that it is organized, named, and has deputed representatives to Congress.\nIt gives me much pleasure to observe by 2 printed reports sent me by Col. Grayson that in the latter Congs. had expunged a clause contained in the first for setting apart a district of land in each Township, for supporting the Religion of the Majority of inhabitants. How a regulation, so unjust in itself, so foreign to the Authority of Congs. so hurtful to the sale of the public land, and smelling so strongly of an antiquated Bigotry, could have received the countenance of a Commtee is truly matter of astonishment. In one view it might have been no disadvantage to this State in case the Genl. Assesst. should take place, as it would have given a repellent quality to the new Country, in the estimation of those whom our own encroachments on Religious Liberty would be calculated to banish to it. But the adversaries to the Assesst. begin to think the prospect here flattering to their wishes. The printed Bill has excited great discussion and is likely to prove the sense of the Community to be in favor of the liberty now enjoyed. I have heard of several Counties where the late representatives have been laid aside for voting for the Bill, and not of a single one where the reverse has happened. The Presbyterian Clergy too who were in general friends to the scheme, are already in another tone, either compelled by the laity of that sect, or alarmed at the probability of further interferences of the Legislature, if they once begin to dictate in matters of Religion. I am Dr. Sir Yrs. affecly.\nJ. Madison Jr.\nThe letter herewith inclosed is from Mrs. Carr, sister of Mr. Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0157", "content": "Title: From James Madison to William Grayson, 29 May 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Grayson, William\n29 May 1785. Mentioned by Grayson in his letter to JM, 27 June 1785. JM to James Monroe, 7 August 1785, notes that he had answered Grayson\u2019s letter of 1 May 1785 with suggestions concerning the revision of Article IX of the Articles of Confederation.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0158", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Richard Henry Lee, 30 May 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nNew York May the 30th 1785\nTwo days ago, and not sooner, your favor of March the 20th was deliverd to me, so that you find it has been more than two months travelling thus far. It seems to me that our Assembly were influenced more by the letter than the spirit of the Confederation. The consequence will certainly be, if our meetings are slow as usual, that Virginia will be unrepresented for some time after the federal year commences. Tho no great mischief arises from this, the appearance is not so handsome as it should be; besides that it partakes too much of that too common inattention to the great Council of the U. S. upon the wise conduct of which so much depends.\nI am very happy to see by the Newspapers that the business of opening Potomac goes on so well. Tis certainly an object of great consequence to extend our internal navigation. Concerning James river I have heard nothing. When I was in our Assembly it appeard to me rather to be the wish, than otherwise, that Kentucky should apply for separation. And I should suppose that if, when they found themselves compitent to the business of Self Government, they properly applied to our Assembly, no good objection could be made to a separation. For they have, & will remain for a long time, if not always, more expence than profit to the rest of the country. Washington County seems to be stimulated by a troublesome person who for self aggrandisement appears willg: to dismember that part also, & join with the Revolters from N. Carolina. This last seems to merit the wise & firm attention of Government & the Legislature. We have, after much debate indeed, & great waste of time, at last pass\u2019d an Ordinance for disposing of such part of the Lands N. W of the Ohio as belongs to the U. S. & have been purchased of the Indians. If this proves agreeable to the public, it will extinguish about 10 Millions of the pub debt. And the remaining lands, going southward to the Mississippi, will nearly discharge all the domestic debt. Besides the probable prospect that we have of considerable cessions from N & S. Carolina & Georgia. This Source does indeed deserve our warmest cultivation as it seems to be almost the only one that we have for discharging our oppressive debt. Dr. Franklin has leave to retire. Mr. Jefferson remains in France. And Mr. J. Adams is sent to London. If the Court of this last country is sincere, we may expect an amicable & easy settlement of existing differences between us. The Minister (Mr. Pitt) does appear willing to be liberal in Commercial regulations, but the avaricious spirit of Commerce that is so great every where, but which in England has ever been excessive, opposes his views. And so we find it is in France, for the Marquis de La Fayette writes that the advantages already granted us are most violently exclaimed against by the Trading people of the Kingdom. Mr. Gardoque (who calls himself Plenepotentiary Charged with Affairs is arrived at Phila. and we expect him soon here. So that we shall quickly know whether he can or will do any thing conclusive concerning the Navigation of Mississippi. He reports a great scarcity of provisions at the Havannah, but yet we dont hear of the ports of that Island being opened to us for supply. It is reported that the frigate which brought him is taking in flower. The American enterprise has been well markt by a short and successful Voyage made from hence to Canton in China. The Chinese were kind to our people and glad to see a new source of Commerce opened to them from a New People, as they called us. The Europeans there were civil but astonished at the rapidity of our movements, especially the English. I fear that our Countrymen will overdo this business. For now there appears every where a Rage for East India Voyages. So that the variety of means may defeat the Attainment of the concurrent end\u2014A regulated & useful commerce with that part of the World. It seems very questionable now whether Congress will adjourn or not this Year\u2014if they do, it will not be until late in August. Inattention, Sickness, and a variety of causes occasion business to go on very slowly. I \u2026", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0161", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 12 June 1785\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nD. Sir.\nRichmond 12th. June 1785\nBeing from Town when your order for the Trunk arrived was the reason it was not then sent. If an opportunity offers it shall be forwarded as you desire. In the mean time the precaution of preserving the cloaths from the moth by exposing them to the sun has been attended to and shall be repeated. I know not whether any Copy of the resolution you allude to has been officially communicated to Mr. Mason. Such as Beckley copied for the Executive have been so wh[ethe]r that shod have been of the number I cannot tell as we are not yet favoured with the Journals by the Printer and I cannot inform myself at the Clerks office Mr. Beckley being out of Town\u2014he will I am told return Tomorrow. If the Attorney has not sent I will contrive you the Copies you desire. I heard but have only heard that Mason and Henderson proceeded to execute the other branch of the business committed to the Comrs. withot. the attendance or call for attendence of the other Commrs. What they have done has not come to my knowledge. I have determined to leave Richmond the first week of the next month for King George where I shall only stay a few days and then proceed towards the Berkeley Springs to return the begining of October. I think I shall pass through Orange going or returning. At one time I had a notion of going to Rhode Island being much pressed to it by Mrs. Lightfoot near Pt. Royal whose Husband is in bad health and is advised to make a water trip to that place and his wife is determined to attend him but had I gone we were to have taken our rout by land and met him there. After some reflection I declined the northern for the western trip whr. prudently I cannot tell but my little boy must accompany me and I thought the springs on that account most proper. If I pass through Orange and you are in the County I shall certainly do myself the pleasure of seeing you. H\u2014r\u2014n succeded in surrey where he offered after being disappointed in Chs. City. It is thought there will be a struggle for the Chair. What do you think of an alteration in the article of Confed: to vest the Congress with power to regalate Trade and collect imposts to be credited the respective States. The States having Staples will not I expect relish it, and yet the necessity of Congress possessing the power is at present apparent. Perhaps a Convention of Deputies from the several States for the purpose of forming Commercial regulations similar to the British Nav: act to be carryed into execution by Congress wod. be the most likely mode to obtain success to the measure as well as collecting the Wisdom of the States on the subject, which is unquestionably of the first importance. Yr. friend & Servt\nJos: Jones.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0162", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Mazzei, Philip\nTo: Madison, James\nCarissimo Amico,\nNew-York, 15. Giugno 1785\nIl nostro comune e degno Amico Monroe vi mander\u00e0 un mio scritto sulla necessit\u00e0 di stabilire 2. soli Porti nel nostro Stato. Il Col. Innes estorse da me la promessa di scrivere sul detto soggetto prima d\u2019 imbarcarmi, e di mandargli ci\u00f2 che la Botte avrebbe prodotto. Ma siccome ei non intende questa lingua, il Col. Monroe glie ne mander\u00e0 la traduzione, subito che le altre pi\u00f9 pressanti occupazioni gli permetteranno di farla. Voi vedrete un\u2019introduzione insulsa per i Dotti, ma che io credo utilissima per il Popolo. Son di parere che qualunque publicazione della Societ\u00e0 dovrebbe sempre cominciare da stabilire certi dati, e poi condurre il popolo a poco a poco per la mano, come i ciechi. Vi avverto che il Col. Mason fa un\u2019obiezione, la quale bisogna che vi prepariate a confutare. Ei dice che le citt\u00e0 grandi tendono a corrompere la buona morale, e che conseguentemente dobbiamo evitare piuttosto che procurare di avere Emporj. Addio, son per partire. Spero che mi scriverete sotto coperta a Mr. Jefferson. Credetemi sinceramente e invariabilmente Tutto Vostro\nFilippo Mazzei.\nCondensed Translation\nMonroe will forward to JM a paper written by Mazzei, at the insistence of Colonel Innes, on the necessity of establishing only two harbors in the state. Colonel Mason objects even to this limited proposal, on the grounds that large cities corrupt morals, but his arguments must be refuted (so that the Port bill can become operative).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0163", "content": "Title: Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments, [ca. 20 June] 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nEditorial Note\nThe most striking element in JM\u2019s authorship of the Memorial and Remonstrance was the pains he took to keep the public ignorant of his heavy involvement in this battle over state-subsidized religion. So successful was he in maintaining anonymity that a few libraries still have a printed version with speculative attributions of the work to other public men. Although in 1786 printer Isaiah Thomas used JM\u2019s name in the title when he issued A Memorial and Remonstrance \u2026 by his Excellency James Madison (SabinJoseph Sabin et al., eds., Bibliotheca\n          Americana \u2026 (29 vols.; New York and Portland, Me., 1868\u20131936). 43719), JM himself waited until 1826 to make an explicit acknowledgment of his authorship. In reply to a query from George Mason\u2019s grandson, JM recalled that Mason and George Nicholas \u201cand some others, thought it adviseable, that a Remonstrance against the Bill should be prepared for general circulation & signature, and imposed on me the task of drawing up such a paper\u201d (JM to George Mason [of Green Spring], 14 July 1826 [ViHi]). After forty years, the legislative undercurrents moving the General Assessment bill toward passage in 1785 had been forgotten, and the surviving documents standing alone did not tell the whole story.\nThe importance of formal religion in the 1780s is a concept difficult for a secularistic society to grasp. JM had a decent respect for the opinions of his peers and must have been aware of the intensity with which his Baptist and Presbyterian neighbors approached religious worship. He was also conscious of loyalties held by such patriots as Edmund Pendleton and Patrick Henry for the former established church, and of their conviction that taxes should be offered to all churches through a general assessment lest public morality languish.\nNonetheless, disestablishment was an accomplished fact, a social symptom of declining interest in organized Christianity. Church-going in Virginia had long been on the decline as communicants found more reasons for attending Sunday horse races or cock fights than for being in pews. In 1784 a foreign traveler in Richmond noted that the village had only \u201cone small church, but [it was] spacious enough for all the pious souls of the place and the region. If the Virginians themselves did not freely and openly admit that zeal for religion, and religion generally, is now very faint among them, the fact might easily be divined from other circumstances\u201d (Schoepf, Travels in the Confederation, II, 62). In the face of such realities there were still many members of the General Assembly disposed to aid the Protestant Episcopal church, and they seemed determined to carry the General Assessment bill despite widespread but inarticulate opposition from their constituents. In this confused situation the Presbyterians occupied an ambiguous position. Convinced that a religious subsidy would pass, the Hanover Presbytery first declared that \u201cReligion as a spiritual System is not to be considered an object of human Legislation,\u201d and in the next breath made a bid to share in the proceeds of a general assessment for teachers of Christianity (ViHi: Records of the Proceedings of Hanover Presbytery from the year 1755 to the year 1786 [typed copy by George S. Wallace, 1930], pp. 326\u201327).\nSuch a compromise was anathema to JM, who had no intention of retreating from the high ground he occupied when helping fashion Article XVI of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. He had seen conservative forces in the General Assembly come within an eyelash of passing the \u201cBill establishing a provision for the teachers of the Christian religion\u201d at the October 1784 session\u2014with some sly maneuvering needed by its opponents to postpone final action on the bill and publicize its provisions in the interim. George Nicholas in neighboring Albemarle County had entreated JM to bestir himself so that apathy would not allow the bill to become law (letter to JM, 22 Apr. 1785). Surely JM discussed the matter with his neighbors, including the obstreperous Elder John Leland, a Baptist minister who loathed all forms of church-state alliances. A host of Episcopalians as well as dissenters were eager to cut all church-state ties. However, a focal point for the opposition was needed, and the usual way to protest pending legislation in the 1780s was by a petition.\nPartly from pressure then, and partly from personal conviction, JM took pen in hand and wrote a cogently reasoned attack on the measure, which was popularly called a General Assessment bill. By the end of June it was ready for distribution, most likely through Nicholas and other young men in the Piedmont whom Madison could trust to keep his secret\u2014Archibald Stuart, John Breckinridge\u2014and the tidelands patriarch at Gunston Hall who was eager to knock the tax-subsidy props from beneath the church he attended and loved, George Mason. The Library of Congress copy of the protest is in JM\u2019s hand. No doubt he sent a copy to Mason, who was eager to see it in print. From an Alexandria press Mason broadcast copies of the Memorial and Remonstrance to friends and neighbors. Mason sent with it a covering letter which honored JM\u2019s request for anonymity. The petition, Mason explained, was \u201cconfided to me by a particular Freind, whose Name I am not at Liberty to mention\u201d (Mason to Washington, 2 Oct. 1785, Rutland, Papers of George Mason, II, 830). So active was Mason in supporting JM\u2019s remonstrance that there was speculation that he was its real author (Rowland, Life of George Mason, II, 87).\nJM\u2019s motive in seeking a cloud of anonymity over his attack on the General Assessment bill is uncertain. JM told Jefferson copies had been dispatched \u201cthro\u2019 the medium of confidential persons\u201d (italicized words in code, JM to Jefferson, 20 Aug. 1785). Eckenrode speculated that most Virginians were inclined to support the bill until the protest movement began to swell (Eckenrode, Separation of Church and State in Virginia, p. 95). The phalanx committed to its passage was imposing. A fortuitous circumstance was the fact that Patrick Henry was still governor and thus unable to use his oratory in the House of Delegates to overwhelm the opposition. Carter Henry Harrison, Charles Mynn Thruston, Wilson Miles Cary, John Page, and lesser lights also were convinced that religion needed bolstering. Richard Henry Lee and Edmund Pendleton were not legislators, but in Richmond their support of the General Assessment bill was certainly no secret (Mays, Papers of Edmund Pendleton, II, 474).\nIn these circumstances JM may have thought it prudent to eschew the role of rabble-rouser. There was much to be done at the October 1785 session of the legislature and JM was too good a politician to go out of his way to alienate those men whose votes or support he would need if the reforms of the court system and the whole legal code were to pass a House of Delegates fairly balanced in terms of conservative-progressive members. So it may have been prudence and expediency that caused JM to mantle his authorship of what has been called \u201cone of the truly epoch-making documents in the history of American Church-State separation\u201d (Anson Phelps Stokes, Church and State in the United States [3 vols.; New York, 1950], I, 391).\nA comparison between the Memorial and Remonstrance and John Locke\u2019s \u201cLetter on Toleration\u201d (1685) leads to the speculation that JM had occasion to use Locke\u2019s treatise in preparing his own. Assertions of intellectual dependence are often based on slender textual coincidences, but there are a number of similarities between the views of JM and Locke toward religious ties between church and state. For example, JM speaks of the \u201cmetes and bounds\u201d between the temporal and spiritual establishments while Locke marked \u201cthe true bounds between the church and the commonwealth\u201d (John Locke, Epistolia de Tolerantia: A Letter on Toleration, Raymond Klibansky and J. W. Gough, eds. [Oxford, 1968], p. 65). JM denies to \u201cthe Civil Magistrate\u201d any power over religion because \u201cReligious truth\u201d and \u201cthe means of salvation\u201d are beyond the concerns of the state. With Locke, the whole jurisdiction of the magistrate is concerned only with \u201ccivil goods\u201d such as life, liberty, and property and ought not \u201cin any way to be extended to the salvation of souls\u201d (ibid., p. 67). Indeed, Locke held that \u201cthe magistrate ought not to forbid the holding or teaching of any speculative opinions in any church, because they have no bearing on the civil rights of his subjects\u201d (ibid., p. 121).\nIf this comparison of Locke and JM is strained, there is one indisputable similarity between the \u201cLetter on Toleration\u201d and the Memorial and Remonstrance. Neither Locke nor JM wanted their authorship revealed. A modern scholar has noted that \u201cLocke\u2019s timid anxiety to conceal his identity was excessive\u201d; JM sent his petition to a close circle of friends who were enjoined to secrecy (Locke, Letter on Toleration, p. 45; Rutland, Papers of George Mason, II, 830, 832). \u201cMy choice is that my name may not be associated with it,\u201d JM wrote Randolph (26 July 1785).\nWhether JM gleaned his arguments from a growing number of volumes in his personal library or drew upon experience and practical politics as his guides, the result is beyond doubt. Because of his labors the campaign against the General Assessment bill had all the aspects of a well-organized endeavor. What is not generally known is that JM was not only seeking anonymity but was so circumspect that another opponent of the General Assessment bill actually had a more active following. While at least thirteen of JM\u2019s petitions were circulated (and in time bore 1,552 signatures), another (and still anonymous) petition writer found that his attack on the \u201cTeachers of Christian Religion\u201d measure gained more widespread support. Twenty-nine petitions, signed by 4,899 Virginians, came from the pen of this unknown opponent of a church-state tie. These petitions were based on an argument that carries beyond JM\u2019s\u2014the General Assessment bill was not only contrary to the Virginia Declaration of Rights and to the enlightened republicanism pronounced there, but the proposed act was in conflict with \u201cthe Spirit of the Gospel.\u201d Whoever wrote this petition, which was easily the most popular of the several circulating protests, was clearly an active Christian who believed the General Assessment bill would do nothing to check \u201cthat Deism with its banefull Influence [which] is spreading itself over the state\u201d (Vi: Westmoreland County petition).\nObviously, more Virginians were made aware of this zealous protest than JM\u2019s calmer one, and it is also notable that in Westmoreland County at least eleven women signed the remonstrance based on \u201cthe Spirit of the Gospel.\u201d Thus, while JM\u2019s role in shaping opposition to the bill is noteworthy, his protest was signed by less than one-fifth of all the protesting Virginians who were recorded as opponents of the General Assessment bill (since some 10,929 signed some kind of anti-assessment petition). About eighty petitions opposed to the General Assessment bill flowed into the legislative hopper after 27 October 1785. Some were printed, and some came in longhand, but less than one-fifth of them were based entirely on JM\u2019s work. Only eleven counties mustered enough support for the bill to send favorable petitions to Richmond. Faced with such odds, the conservatives retreated. The bill which seemed so certain of passage in November 1784 was, just a year later, allowed to die in the pigeonhole.\nWith the passing of time, history tended to forget the other protests of 1785\u20131786 and focused upon Madison\u2019s. JM himself was no longer shy about his role, and in his seventy-fifth year he remembered that chiefly because of the Memorial and Remonstrance the churchmen in the General Assembly were \u201centirely frustrated, and under the influence of the public sentiment thus manifested the celebrated Bill \u2018Establishing Religious freedom\u2019 [was] enacted into a permanent Barrier agst. future attempts on the Rights of Conscience as declared in the great Charter affixed to the Constitution of the State\u201d (JM to George Mason [of Green Spring], 14 July 1826 [ViHi]). His latter allusion was to the benchmark Article XVI of the Virginia Declaration of Rights which had opened the door for the winds of change, toppled the established church, and left men \u201cequally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience.\u201d JM remembered that entering wedge with some satisfaction for (with Mason\u2019s help) he had written that, too.\nTo the Honorable the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia A Memorial and Remonstrance\nWe the subscribers, citizens of the said Commonwealth, having taken into serious consideration, a Bill printed by order of the last Session of General Assembly, entitled \u201cA Bill establishing a provision for Teachers of the Christian Religion,\u201d and conceiving that the same if finally armed with the sanctions of a law, will be a dangerous abuse of power, are bound as faithful members of a free State to remonstrate against it, and to declare the reasons by which we are determined. We remonstrate against the said Bill,\n1. \u2002 Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, \u201cthat Religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence.\u201d The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men: It is unalienable also, because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governour of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, who enters into any subordinate Association, must always do it with a reservation of his duty to the General Authority; much more must every man who becomes a member of any particular Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no mans right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society, can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority.\n2. \u2002 Because if Religion be exempt from the authority of the Society at large, still less can it be subject to that of the Legislative Body. The latter are but the creatures and vicegerents of the former. Their jurisdiction is both derivative and limited: it is limited with regard to the co-ordinate departments, more necessarily is it limited with regard to the constituents. The preservation of a free Government requires not merely, that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power be invariably maintained; but more especially that neither of them be suffered to overleap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people. The Rulers who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are Tyrants. The People who submit to it are governed by laws made neither by themselves nor by an authority derived from them, and are slaves.\n3. \u2002 Because it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of Citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The free men of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and entangled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much soon to forget it. Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects? that the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?\n4. \u2002 Because the Bill violates that equality which ought to be the basis of every law, and which is more indispensible, in proportion as the validity or expediency of any law is more liable to be impeached. If \u201call men are by nature equally free and independent,\u201d all men are to be considered as entering into Society on equal conditions; as relinquishing no more, and therefore retaining no less, one than another, of their natural rights. Above all are they to be considered as retaining an \u201cequal title to the free exercise of Religion according to the dictates of Conscience.\u201d Whilst we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess and to observe the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to those whose minds have not yet yielded to the evidence which has convinced us. If this freedom be abused, it is an offence against God, not against man: To God, therefore, not to man, must an account of it be rendered. As the Bill violates equality by subjecting some to peculiar burdens, so it violates the same principle, by granting to others peculiar exemptions. Are the Quakers and Menonists the only sects who think a compulsive support of their Religions unnecessary and unwarrantable? Can their piety alone be entrusted with the care of public worship? Ought their Religions to be endowed above all others with extraordinary privileges by which proselytes may be enticed from all others? We think too favorably of the justice and good sense of these denominations to believe that they either covet pre-eminences over their fellow citizens or that they will be seduced by them from the common opposition to the measure.\n5. \u2002 Because the Bill implies either that the Civil Magistrate is a competent Judge of Religious Truth; or that he may employ Religion as an engine of Civil policy. The first is an arrogant pretension falsified by the contradictory opinions of Rulers in all ages, and throughout the world: the second an unhallowed perversion of the means of salvation.\n6. \u2002 Because the establishment proposed by the Bill is not requisite for the support of the Christian Religion. To say that it is, is a contradiction to the Christian Religion itself, for every page of it disavows a dependence on the powers of this world: it is a contradiction to fact; for it is known that this Religion both existed and flourished, not only without the support of human laws, but in spite of every opposition from them, and not only during the period of miraculous aid, but long after it had been left to its own evidence and the ordinary care of Providence. Nay, it is a contradiction in terms; for a Religion not invented by human policy, must have pre-existed and been supported, before it was established by human policy. It is moreover to weaken in those who profess this Religion a pious confidence in its innate excellence and the patronage of its Author; and to foster in those who still reject it, a suspicion that its friends are too conscious of its fallacies to trust it to its own merits.\n7. \u2002 Because experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation. During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre; those of every sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with Civil policy. Propose a restoration of this primitive State in which its Teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their flocks, many of them predict its downfall. On which Side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when for or when against their interest?\n8. \u2002 Because the establishment in question is not necessary for the support of Civil Government. If it be urged as necessary for the support of Civil Government only as it is a means of supporting Religion, and it be not necessary for the latter purpose, it cannot be necessary for the former. If Religion be not within the cognizance of Civil Government how can its legal establishment be necessary to Civil Government? What influence in fact have ecclesiastical establishments had on Civil Society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the Civil authority; in many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny: in no instance have they been seen the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just Government instituted to secure & perpetuate it needs them not. Such a Government will be best supported by protecting every Citizen in the enjoyment of his Religion with the same equal hand which protects his person and his property; by neither invading the equal rights of any Sect, nor suffering any Sect to invade those of another.\n9. \u2002 Because the proposed establishment is a departure from that generous policy, which, offering an Asylum to the persecuted and oppressed of every Nation and Religion, promised a lustre to our country, and an accession to the number of its citizens. What a melancholy mark is the Bill of sudden degeneracy? Instead of holding forth an Asylum to the persecuted, it is itself a signal of persecution. It degrades from the equal rank of Citizens all those whose opinions in Religion do not bend to those of the Legislative authority. Distant as it may be in its present form from the Inquisition, it differs from it only in degree. The one is the first step, the other the last in the career of intolerance. The magnanimous sufferer under this cruel scourge in foreign Regions, must view the Bill as a Beacon on our Coast, warning him to seek some other haven, where liberty and philanthrophy in their due extent, may offer a more certain repose from his Troubles.\n10. \u2002 Because it will have a like tendency to banish our Citizens. The allurements presented by other situations are every day thinning their number. To superadd a fresh motive to emigration by revoking the liberty which they now enjoy, would be the same species of folly which has dishonoured and depopulated flourishing kingdoms.\n11. \u2002 Because it will destroy that moderation and harmony which the forbearance of our laws to intermeddle with Religion has produced among its several sects. Torrents of blood have been spilt in the old world, by vain attempts of the secular arm, to extinguish Religious discord, by proscribing all difference in Religious opinion. Time has at length revealed the true remedy. Every relaxation of narrow and rigorous policy, wherever it has been tried, has been found to assuage the disease. The American Theatre has exhibited proofs that equal and compleat liberty, if it does not wholly eradicate it, sufficiently destroys its malignant influence on the health and prosperity of the State. If with the salutary effects of this system under our own eyes, we begin to contract the bounds of Religious freedom, we know no name that will too severely reproach our folly. At least let warning be taken at the first fruits of the threatened innovation. The very appearance of the Bill has transformed \u201cthat Christian forbearance, love and charity,\u201d which of late mutually prevailed, into animosities and jealousies, which may not soon be appeased. What mischiefs may not be dreaded, should this enemy to the public quiet be armed with the force of a law?\n12. \u2002 Because the policy of the Bill is adverse to the diffusion of the light of Christianity. The first wish of those who enjoy this precious gift ought to be that it may be imparted to the whole race of mankind. Compare the number of those who have as yet received it with the number still remaining under the dominion of false Religions; and how small is the former! Does the policy of the Bill tend to lessen the disproportion? No; it at once discourages those who are strangers to the light of revelation from coming into the Region of it; and countenances by example the nations who continue in darkness, in shutting out those who might convey it to them. Instead of Levelling as far as possible, every obstacle to the victorious progress of Truth, the Bill with an ignoble and unchristian timidity would circumscribe it with a wall of defence against the encroachments of error.\n13. \u2002 Because attempts to enforce by legal sanctions, acts obnoxious to so great a proportion of Citizens, tend to enervate the laws in general, and to slacken the bands of Society. If it be difficult to execute any law which is not generally deemed necessary or salutary, what must be the case, where it is deemed invalid and dangerous? And what may be the effect of so striking an example of impotency in the Government, on its general authority?\n14. \u2002 Because a measure of such singular magnitude and delicacy ought not to be imposed, without the clearest evidence that it is called for by a majority of citizens, and no satisfactory method is yet proposed by which the voice of the majority in this case may be determined, or its influence secured. \u201cThe people of the respective counties are indeed requested to signify their opinion respecting the adoption of the Bill to the next Session of Assembly.\u201d But the representation must be made equal, before the voice either of the Representatives or of the Counties will be that of the people. Our hope is that neither of the former will, after due consideration, espouse the dangerous principle of the Bill. Should the event disappoint us, it will still leave us in full confidence, that a fair appeal to the latter will reverse the sentence against our liberties.\n15. \u2002 Because finally, \u201cthe equal right of every citizen to the free exercise of his Religion according to the dictates of conscience\u201d is held by the same tenure with all our other rights. If we recur to its origin, it is equally the gift of nature; if we weigh its importance, it cannot be less dear to us; if we consult the \u201cDeclaration of those rights which pertain to the good people of Virginia, as the basis and foundation of Government,\u201d it is enumerated with equal solemnity, or rather studied emphasis. Either then, we must say, that the Will of the Legislature is the only measure of their authority; and that in the plenitude of this authority, they may sweep away all our fundamental rights; or, that they are bound to leave this particular right untouched and sacred: Either we must say, that they may controul the freedom of the press, may abolish the Trial by Jury, may swallow up the Executive and Judiciary Powers of the State; nay that they may despoil us of our very right of suffrage, and erect themselves into an independent and hereditary Assembly or, we must say, that they have no authority to enact into law the Bill under consideration. We the Subscribers say, that the General Assembly of this Commonwealth have no such authority: And that no effort may be omitted on our part against so dangerous an usurpation, we oppose to it, this remonstrance; earnestly praying, as we are in duty bound, that the Supreme Lawgiver of the Universe, by illuminating those to whom it is addressed, may on the one hand, turn their Councils from every act which would affront his holy prerogative, or violate the trust committed to them: and on the other, guide them into every measure which may be worthy of his [blessing, may re]dound to their own praise, and may establish more firmly the liberties, the prosperity and the happiness of the Commonwealth.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0165", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 June 1785\nFrom: Jones, Joseph\nTo: Madison, James\nDr Sir.\nRichmond 23d. June 1785.\nMr. Beckley has at length furnished me with a copy of the resolution you lately requested might be sent to you. I confide it to the care of Mr. Maury of Fredericksburg in hopes it will get safe and soon to your hands. Mr. Blair tells me a Copy of this resolution has been transmitted to the State of Maryland but knows nothing further of the matter\u2014perhaps the Clerk or Speaker sent one to Mr. Mason. It wod. seem necessary something shod. be done in it previous to the meeting of the Assembly. My determination is to be in King George by the 8th. or 10th. next month where I shall stay a few days before I set out on my trip to Berkeley. I shod. be glad to hear from you and if you mean to leave orange wch. way you bend your course. Yr. friend & Servt\nJos: Jones.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0166", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 27 June 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir.\nNew York June 27th. 1785.\nI have recieved your favor of the 29. May acknowledging the receipt of my first letter, though making no mention of the last, which I presume has not yet come to hand. Since the date thereof the affair of the treaty with the Western Indians which was decided on the 18th. March last, has been opened again & very much canvassed; the result however is that the treaty is to be held; & for the double purpose of procuring peace and for extinguishing the rights of the Indians to the territory lying between the Great Miami & the Missisippi.\nAccounts from Col. Harmer Commandr. at fort Mcintosh, mention that the emigration to the Country already purchased from the Indians is very considerable; that at the mouth of the Scioto there are about 500 Settlers, & at the mouth of the Miami & other parts about 1500. That he has agreable to orders dispossess\u2019d all those who were convenient to him. Congress have directed him to move his garrison to such a point as shall be most convenient for removing all the intruders. Should his force be inadequate to the business, it is expected the troops which go down with the Commer. will be sufficient to make a general sweep.\nThe requisition for the current year is still before Congress, and there are considerable disagreemen[t]s respecting it; it is very certain public credit ought to be supported by every nation who wishes to exist; but it is also as certain that requisitions will not support credit unless there are payments consequential thereon.\nThe requisition for 1784 has been illy complied with. Some of the States have not done anything & the remittances of most of them to the Continental treasury (except Virginia) has been inconsiderable.\nIt is therefore no mystery why those who pay least should be most anxious for new requisitions. The delegation of our State are desirous of a requisition on terms not ruinous to [i]t and despairing for the present to accomplish an exaction of past delinquencies wish only to have it so modified as that the Interest on such portions of the \u00a3750,000 (as are Continental) which our Assembly has liquidated shall be considered among the facilities as fast as they are audited & past by the Continental Commes. They also wish the expenditures of Cash or certain parts thereof annually may be admitted in the hard money portion of Virginia as paymt. pro tento.\nCongress after several unsuccessful efforts have at length elected Governor Livingston for the Hague.\nMr. Gardoqui charg\u00e8 des affaires Plenipotentiary from the Court of Spain is at length arrived at this place; but I believe very few have seen him I understand he has been bred to the business of a Mercht. & is an agreable man; he has resided some short time in Philada. & the people from thence represent him in a favorable light.\nThe Commrs. appointed to make commercial treaties, have made no great progress therein; which is rather agreable to Congress than otherwise, as they begin to dislike the idea of granting the right of the most favored nation to powers whose commerce is of so little importance as not to promise any essential advantage to the U. S. The Pope without a treaty has opened Civita Vecchia, & Ancona for the commerce of America. In the same manner Leghorn & Messina are made free for us by the respective sovereigns. The treaties with the Barbary States are in train, & I hope will be completed in the course of the summer, though the expence will be considerable. The birth of the Duke of Normandy has been announced in due form. There is no certain intelligence respecting the Emperor & the Dutch. I remain with great sincerity Yr. Affect. frd. & Most Obed sert.\nWillm. Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0167", "content": "Title: Copy of a Protestant Episcopal Church Petition to the General Assembly of Virginia, [July?] 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \nEditorial Note\nWhether JM wrote the petition calling for repeal of the act incorporating the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia or merely copied the work of another for his own personal use is a matter of speculation, with the latter circumstance appearing the most likely one. Hunt and Brant assumed that JM wrote the petition, although the former assigned a 1786 date to the document despite the internal evidence that it was produced in the fall of 1785 (Madison, Writings [Hunt ed.]Gaillard Hunt, ed., The Writings of James\n          Madison (9 vols.; New York, 1900\u20131910)., II, 212\u201314). Brant attributed the petition to JM but commented upon the fact it was \u201ccouched in more violent language than he [JM] was accustomed to use\u201d (Madison, II, 349, 457 n. 14). The use of \u201cBecause\u201d as a heading for each grievance is in keeping with JM\u2019s style in his Memorial and Remonstrance, ca. 20 June 1785. However, no petition bearing the same wording is among the preserved petitions of the October 1785 session of the General Assembly (Vi), and JM\u2019s own notation of \u201c(Copy)\u201d makes it probable the petition was filed away, for possible use if needed. JM was not anxious to become notorious for his hostility toward subsidized religion, and in such circumstances he could have written the petition for the use of less articulate opponents of the act of incorporation which had passed at the October 1784 session\u2014a measure which JM had voted for in a tactical move that in no way represented his true feelings toward the bill (JM to Jefferson, 9 Jan. 1785). Petitions from the Presbyterian and Baptist assemblies and from Chesterfield County had sought repeal of the incorporation act, but an effort to amend the law was aborted at the October 1785 session (JHDVJournal of the House of Delegates of the\n          Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg.\n        Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon reads, Begun and\n          Held in the Town of Richmond. In the County of Henrico. The journal for each session\n        has its own title page and is individually paginated. The edition used is the one in which\n        the journals for 1777\u20131786 are brought together in two volumes, with each journal published\n        in Richmond in either 1827 or 1828 and often called the \u201cThomas W. White reprint.\u201d, Oct. 1785, pp. 18, 42, 81, 85, 118, 141, 143). However, repeal of the incorporating act was delayed until the next session of the General Assembly (Thom, Struggle for Religious Freedom in Virginia, p. 82; Hening, StatutesWilliam Waller Hening, ed., The Statutes at\n          Large; Being a Collection of All the Laws of Virginia, from the First Session of the\n          Legislature, in the Year 1619 (13 vols.; Richmond and Philadelphia, 1819\u201323)., XII, 266).\n(Copy) To the honble. the Speaker & gentlemen the General Assembly of Virginia\nWe the subscribers members of the protestant Episcopal Church claim the attention of your honourable Body to our objections to the law passed at the last Session of Assembly for incorporating the protestant Episcopal Church; and we remonstrate against the said law\u2014\nBecause the law admits the power of the Legislative Body to interfere in matters of Religion which we think is not included in their jurisdiction.\nBecause the law was passed on the petition of some of the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church without any application from the other members of that Church in whom the law is to operate, and we conceive it to be highly improper that the Legislature should regard as the sense of the whole Church the opinion of a few interested members who were in most instances originally imposed on the people without their consent & who were not authorised by even the smallest part of this community to make such a proposition.\nBecause the law constitutes the Clergy members of a Convention who are to legislate for the laity contrary to their fundamental right of Chusing their own Legislators.\nBecause by that law the most obnoxious & unworthy Clergyman cannot be removed from a parish except by the determination of a body, one half of whom the people have no confidence in & who will always have the same interest with the minister whose conduct they are to judge of.\nBecause by that law power is given to the Convention to regulate matters of faith, & the obsequious Vestries are to engage to change their opinions as often as the Convention shall alter theirs.\nBecause a System so absurd & servile, will drive the members of the Episcopal Church over to other Sects, where there will be more consistency & liberty.\nWe therefore hope that the wisdom & impartiality of the present Assembly will incline them to repeal a law so pregnant with mischief & injustice.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0168", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\nDear Sir\nOrange July 7th. 1785.\nYour favor of the 30th. of May came to hand yesterday only, having lain some time in Fredg. and finally reached Orange via Albemarle. I agree with you perfectly in thinking it the interest of this Country to embrace the first decent opportunity of parting with Kentucky, and to refuse firmly to part with any more of our Western settlements. It seems necessary however that this first instance of a voluntary dismemberment of a State should be conducted in such a manner as to form a salutary precedent. As it will indirectly affect the whole Confederacy, Congress ought clearly to be made a party to it, either immediately, or by a proviso that the Partition-act shall not be enforced untill the actual admission of the new State into the Union. No interval whatever should be suffered between the release of our hold on that Country, and its taking on itself the obligations of a member of the federal Body. Should it be made a separate State without this precaution, it might be tempted to remain so as well with respect to the U. S. as to Virginia, by two considerations; 1. the evasion of its share of the Common debt, 2 the allurement which an exemption from taxes would prove to Citizens of States groaning under them. It is very possible that such a Course might in the end be found disadvantageous, but the charms of ambition & present interest, too often prevail against the remonstrances of sound policy. May we not also with justice insist that a reasonable Portion of the particular debt of Virginia sd. be assumed by the district which is to set up for itself?\nThe arrival of Mr. Guardoque will turn out I hope an auspicious step towards conciliating explanations & overtures on the subject of the Mississippi. Besides the general motives for accelerating an adjustment of this affair, the prodigious effect it would have on the sale of the back lands, renders it of peculiar importance. The same consideration presses for such arrangements with Great Britain as will give us speedy possession of the Western posts. As to the commercial arrangements which we wish from her, I see no room for sanguine expectations. What could she get from us by yielding to our demands which she does not now enjoy? I can not speak with certainty as to other States, but it is apparent that the trade of this was never more compleatly monopolized when it was under the direction of her own laws than it is at this moment. Our present situation therefore verifies the doctrine held out in Deane\u2019s intercepted letters. We have lost by the Revolution our trade with the West Indies, the only one which yielded us a favorable balance, without having gained new channels to compensate it. What makes the British Monopoly too the more mortifying is the abuse they make of it. Not only the private planters who have resumed the practice of shipping their own Tobo. but many of our Merchants, particularly the natives of the Country who have no connections in Great Britain, have received accounts of sales which carry the most visible & shameful frauds in every article. In every point of view indeed the trade of this Country is in a deplorable Condition. A comparison of current prices here with those in the Northern States, either at this time or at any time since the peace, will shew that the loss direct on our produce & indirect on our imports, is not less than 50 Per Ct. Till very lately the price of our staple has been down at 32/ & 33/ on James River and 28/. on Rappahannock. During the same period the former was selling in Philada. and probably in other Northern ports at 44/. of our Currency & the latter in proportion; though it is clear that Tobo. in the Northern ports is intrinsically worth less than in ours; being burdened with the expence of freight from the latter to the former, & remaining at the same distance from its ultimate market. The price of Merchandize here is at least as much above as Tobo. is below the Northern Standard.\nWe have had from the beginning of June to the present time, very hot and very wet weather. The effect of it on upland Corn has been favorable, but much the reverse on that in the flats. It has given full opportunity to the planters to pitch their crops of Tobo. but tho\u2019 many of them have repeated this operation several times, the noxious insects still threaten to abridge the prospect. Should their depredations subside, the extraordinary efforts of the Country for a crop must produce a great one. Our Wheat in this part of the Country is very indifferent. How it may be in others I cannot say, but believe the complaints are pretty general. With the highest esteem & regard I remain Dear Sir, Your Obedient & very Hble. Servt.\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0169", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Nicholas, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Nicholas, George\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nJuly 7th. 1785.\nI expected to have done myself the pleasure of calling on you from the last Orange court but was disappointed in going there. I received the remonstrance and had it copied for I found that any change in it must be for the worse. One hundred and fifty of our most respectable freeholders signed it in a day. I have sent copies to the counties that I mentioned in my last. I am with regard and esteem Dr. Sir Yr. Obdt.\nG. Nicholas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0170", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 July 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York July 12, 1785.\nI enclose a copy of the journals so far as they are printed. They contain nothing you will find respecting the requisition nor the commercial interests of the Union. The former upon the report of a committee hath been frequently before Congress of late and as often recommitted, in which state it now lies. As the principal part of the debt which in other States forms a part of the present estimate, for the payment of whose interest the requisition is in that degree made, contracted by Qr. Masters, commissaries &c. with individuals in the liquidation whereof the commissrs. of the U S. with those of each State are now engag\u2019d was contracted in ours by State impressments and of course consider\u2019d and provided for as a State debt, we thought it our duty to propose \u201cthat in all cases wherein claims of individuals by payment of the principal or other satisfactory compensation have been transfer\u2019d to the States of which they are citizens, the sd. States shall be consider\u2019d as standing in the place of the individuals and entitled to all the benefits which wod. otherwise have belong\u2019d to them.\u201d Two thirds of the amt. requir\u2019d will be necessary to discharge the interest upon the domestic debt, & this may be so modified in the collection as to admit certificates of interest in discount upon the liquidated debt. Our object therefore was to extend this facility to the State to obtain for her a discount of so much as she paid to her citizens of those debts due them by the U States, and thereby prevent the payment of double her proportion, for the discharge of similar debts within other states while she was exhausted by making it to her own citizens. To complete the facility to the States whose accts. were unliquidated, we also propos\u2019d, \u201cthat for that reason and as each State suppos\u2019d she had advancd her f\u0153deral quota and requisitions upon a contrary principle, untill they shod. be liquidated, might be injurious to those with whom it shod. be the case, so far as they applied to the domestic debt that the requ[i]sitions might be so modified in their collection as that the States might pay in their quotas in either the principal or interest of such accts. as shod. be liquidated.\u201d We presum\u2019d the U States wod. be benefited by a State\u2019s availing itself of this facility, as it must always be the interest of the debtor to diminish the principal in preference to the interest of a debt where the engagment is not to pay interest upon interest. Lastly we propos\u2019d \u201cthat  dolrs. shod. be deducted out of the requisition in payment of that amt. of the advances of the State for the expedition to the Kaskaskias &ca.\u201d These propositions were not recd. in the most favorable manner. As to the first they said \u201cthat the assumption on the part of the State & payment to its own citizens of the debts due by the U S. were voluntary acts, that such advances therefore must be consider\u2019d as State-advances and to be taken into consideration upon the final liquidation of State accts. when the advances of all the States and their respective quotas were ascertain\u2019d and apportion\u2019d. That these advances also were in discharge of specific requisitions to which the State had given its assent in a motion by her delegates when the detachment of Wayne was marching southwds.\u201d We answer\u2019d that the failure in specific requisitions (and we would grant we had absolutely fail\u2019d which however was not the case) was like failures in all other requisitions, that if we paid less in that than other States we had exceeded in equal degree in other instances, that these payments or failures under requisitions stood on the same ground & were to be settled on the same principles: that the resolution respecting Wayne was confin\u2019d only to the troops under his command and untill he shod. reach the Marquis of Fayatte, or if extended to all the regular troops then in the State or during the campaign it had no connection with the Militia and State impressments for militia & regular troops; or if extended to the whole in either instance and untill the payment of the whole requisition, for the extra-advance there shod. be some consideration. In opposition to the 2d. proposition it was urg\u2019d \u201cthat here is the estimate of the publick debt for the payment of whose interest a requisition is to be made; how can the interest be paid upon the estimate when the money necessary for it is to be applied to the discharge of the principal in some of the States.\u201d Upon the 3d. proposition we had previously taken the sense of Congress but we thought proper to bring it again to their view that we might know what they intended doing in it. They were all three committed after several days debate & the opinion of the committee being agnst them after a few days obtaind a discharge. The report of the requisition will probably be brought in to day. All the States eastwd. of Pensyla. inclusive are interested in keeping up the present estimate and regulating the collection of the sums call\u2019d for so as to pay the interest of it and of it alone. In vain it is argued that it is not founded on the true state of the domestic debt and therefore improper & oppressive. That untill the liquidation takes place it shod. be accomodated as much as possible to the convenience of the States. That it cannot be expected whilst some of the States fail altogether & present at the same time an assylum to those who fly from the duties of govt. that others will continue to harrass their citizens in making payments. I intended saying something upon the commercl. subject but have not time. Don Diego de Gardoqui hath arriv\u2019d & been presented to Congress. He presented a letter of credence from the King & has full powers to treat upon the subject of the disputed boundary &ca yet he is stil\u2019d Encargado de negotios, in consequence of the character of our mnstr. at Madrid. We take his stile from his letter of credence & call him Encargado de negotios\u2014He is a polite & sensible man. I have inquir\u2019d into the report of the commissrs. of Georgia to treat with those of Spn. & find it hath arose from the application of a vain old man to the Georgia Legislature who recd. for answer \u201cthey wod. attend to it in good time\u201d returning home under an impression his affrs. were in a good way & gave those he conferr\u2019d with reason to believe he was authoriz\u2019d to treat. This the Delegates of that State suppose to be the case. Yr. several letters to Mr. Jefferson I have regularly fo[r]warded in the packets as I have recd them. I am dear Sir very respectfully yr. fnd. & servt.\nJas: Monroe\nP. S. What say you to a trip to the Indian Treaty to be held on the Ohio\u2014sometime in August or Sepr. I have thoughts of it & shod. be happy in your company. We might meet somewhere on the way\u2014or perhaps you have thoughts of a trip this way\u2014packets sail every week eastwd. to R. Islan[d] & Boston\u2014a stage is also establish\u2019d to lake George & the communication over lake Champlain to Montreal and Quebec easy & expeditious. Agreeable company may be found either way.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0172", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Randolph, Edmund\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear friend\nRichmond July 17. 1785\nBy some inexplicable mystery, the inclosed letter from Mr. Jones, and my intended answer to your last epistolary favor, have still remained in my possession. Being engaged when the gentleman, who brought your friendly attention to me, I doubt whether I gave him an intelligible reply to his question, if my answer was ready.\nOur apparent disobedience to the appointment of the assembly must be ascribed to the forgetfulness of our friend Henry. Genl. Washington having inquired from me the reason of our non-attendance at the time and place, marked for the conference by the government of Maryland, I immediately applied to the govr. for information, whether he had communicated the resolve of that state to the deputies. He could not recollect; but seemed anxious to avail himself of the probability of having inclosed it to you with several other public papers. Even Mason and Henderson knew nothing of the meeting; and would have been absent but for the activity and urgency of the general. But I am yet disposed to believe, that the communication with Pennsylvania has been forgotten: nor can I procure satisfaction on this head.\nI dedicate to you, as the patron of the protestant Episcopal church, the inclosed journal. Between friends my experience in the last convention does not make me anxious to step forward in another. We have squeezed out a little liberality from them; but at a future day they will be harder than adament, and perhaps credulous, that they possess authority. Smith of P. Edward has waged war with the assembly, from which the act of incorporation sprang. He talks judiciously, but with a temper well-roused.\nI have been preparing for my journey to Frederick for some time. But my aversion to leave home, where my choicest delights, one of which is at present incumbered, will remain, makes me doubt of the journey. Adieu my dear Madison and believe me to be yours mo. sincerely\nE. R.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0173", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 20 July 1785\nFrom: Dawson, John\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nSpringhill July 20. 1785\nYour goodness will excuse me, for addressing this letter to you, when you consider of what consequence it may be to me.\nThe General Assembly, at their Session in October last, I find, had it in contemplation to pass an Act respecting Naval Officers, by which Collectors are to be appointed to the several Districts; and altho it did not then pass for want of a sufficient number of members to make a house, I am informd that, in all probability, it will this fall.\nI wish to have my Name mention\u2019d for the Collectorship of this river, & therefore have wrote to you on the occasion, well knowing of what Assistance you can be to me on the occasion, if you think proper to advocate my interest; I scarce need add, that I shall ever retain a Grateful Sense of the favour. Receive the Compliments of Mr. Jones, and accept the same from, Dear Sir, Yr. Hm: Sert\nJ Dawson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0174", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Nicholas, 24 July 1785\nFrom: Nicholas, George\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nSweet Springs. July 24th. [1785]\nI am very unhappy to find by your letter which has just now come to hand that two of mine to you have miscarried. I found that no alterations could be made to the remonstrance* without injury and immediately had it copied and sent to the counties I mentioned in a former letter.\nOne of my letters must certainly have reached you before this but for fear of accident shall desire my brother to send this on. I am with respect and esteem Dr. Sir, Yr. obdt. Servt.\nG: Nicholas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0176", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 July 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York July 26. 1785.\nSince my last a report proposing a change in the first paragraph of the 9th. of the articles of confideration hath been taken up & acted on two days in a committee of the whole. It proposes to invest Congress with power to regulate trade externally & internally. Those in favor of it were of opinion that the exercise of this power in the hands of each State, wod. be less advantageous to its particular interests, than in those of the union, because if in the regulation of trade it was sought 1. to encourage domestic industry in any line, by a tax upon foreign, which however remote at present may hereafter be the case. 2. if to obtain reciprocity in its commercial intercourse with foreign nations, either with or without treaties. 3. if to establish a commercial interest within, in contradistinction to a foreign one, and thereby keep its councils independent of foreign influence. 4. or to raise a naval strength for the publick Safety, all these ends might be obtain\u2019d more effectually by the exercise of the power in the hands of the Union than of each State. For unless they act in concert in every instance instead of counteracting the regulations of other powers, they will become instrumental in their hands to impede & defeat those of each other: that there was but one alternative either to act together or against each other, that the latter plan establish\u2019d deep-rooted jealousies & enmities between them, at the same time that it wod. be unsuccessfull; greater under its operation for any length of time than they wod. have against other powers, since being more convenient & better able to frustrate each others measures, their restrictions must be more severe and pointed agnst each other than agnst other powers. That such a course tended to throw them apart & weaken the present rights of the confideracy. That their interests were nearly similar being all exporting & importing States\u2014that it was of little consequenc[e] whether they exported the same or different materials, since the restrictions which tended to restrain exportation, wod. injure the whole, & they were all equally interested in getting their admission upon the best terms into the ports of foreign powers. That they imported nearly the same materials & of course had the same interest in that line.\n   That if there were different interests in every instance the restriction of every measure to 11. States the number propos\u2019d, with the reven[ue] to each State wod. form a sufficient security.\n On the other side it was argued 1. That it was dangerous to concentrate power since it might be turn\u2019d to mischievous purposes; that independent of the immediate danger of intoxication in those entrusted with it, & their attempts on the govrnment, it put us more in the power of other Nations. 2. that the interests of the different parts of the Union were different from each other, & that the regulations which suited the one would not the other part. That 8. States were of a particular interest whose business it wod. be to combine to shackle & fetter the others. 3. that all attacks upon the confideration were dangerous & calculated even if they did not succeed to weaken it. These I think were the principal arguments on either side, tho\u2019 they were carried out into great extent. I think Colo. Grayson inform\u2019d me sometime since he had transmitted to you the report otherwise I shod. now do it. I wish very much your sentiments on the subject.\nBy the packet we are inform\u2019d that Mr. Adams had arriv\u2019d in London, been presented to the King & well receiv\u2019d. The ceremonial had only taken place when his dispatches were forwarded, so that he had not proceeded to business. Mr. Gardoqui is here; Congress have authoriz\u2019d the Secretary of foreign affrs. to treat with him upon the subject of his mission. I am your friend & servant\nJas. Monroe\nP S. I inclose you a treatise of Mr. Mazzai in favor of the port bill in Italian. I promis\u2019d him to attempt a translation of it but really I distrust my knowledge of the language too much to attempt it provided I had leasure, which is not the case; he undertook it upon the desire of Colo. Innes for whom principally the translation is intended. By committing it to you I trust I promote his views more than I shall otherwise have it in my power to do.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0177", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 July 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nOrange July 28th. 1785\nI received yesterday your favour of the 12th. inst. The date of the preceding one was early in May. From this interval and your not acknowledging some of my letters I suspect that our correspondence suffers from some fault in the post office. This has certainly been the case with letters between Col. Grayson and myself. The part of your letter which has engaged most of my attention is the postscript which invites me to a ramble this fall. I have long had it in contemplation, to seize occasions as they may arise, of traversing the Atlantic States as well as of taking a taste of the Western curiosities. A visit to the Eastern States which I have never seen formed the first article in my plan, and I had allotted to it the season which I otherwise employed last year. A trip in to Canada would also be agreeable. With these prepossessions, you may well suppose, I read your invitation with a sufficient disposition to accept it. There are several considerations however which oblige me to hesitate. My resources do not authorize me to disregard that of the expence, though this shall never be a decisive objection, but when it is an essential one: the possibility of my being called on to attend a public duty which has been imposed on me\u2014the inconveniency of sparing so much time. To these general objections particular ones occur. The time at which the Western treaty will actually be held must be extremely uncertain; great delays ought to be presupposed as happened in the last one at Fort Stanwix, and a return might be obstructed by the lowness of the waters, by the want of boats at our command, or by the necessity of travelling back thro\u2019 the Wilderness via Kentucky; these circumstances compared with the time at which my attendance will be due at Richmond, seem to forbid my acceding to your first proposition. The second, to wit, a ramble towards Montreal & Quebec, is objectionable also on account of the time it would require; not to mention that the present may not be the crisis at which a Citizen of the U. States would travel with most satisfaction through that country. The Eastern ramble which is the third you suggest, has also its difficulties, though they are the least insurmountable. In the first place, your expressions leave me in doubt whether it would be agreeable to yourself or not; in the next, I should consider it as indispensable to go by land, and not by water from New York. The latter mode would not answer the purpose of a traveller; and I am not sure that the former is attainable without carrying horses from Virginia: and in the last place, it is possible as observed above, that I may be called by matters of a public nature from such a project of pleasure. Notwithstanding these difficulties, I will make some eventual arrangements, suspending a positive determination till I hear again from you, which I hope will be as early as an answer can come by the post. At all events it is not unlikely that I may be obliged to ride as far as Philada. where I should be very happy if we could meet in case your final plans should make it convenient. Besides a public undertaking which may possibly require such a ride, I have in conjunction with a friend here a project on the anvil, which may furnish a motive of interest. I am Dear Sir Yr. affectionate friend\nJ. Madison Jr.\nI thank you particularly for the Journals of Congress.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0178", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 7 August 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nOrange Aug: 7th. 1785\nI received the day before yesterday your favour of the 26th July. I had previously recd. the Report on the proposed change of the 9th. art: of the Confederation, transmitted by Col: Grayson, and in my answer to him offered such ideas on the subject as then occurred. I still think the probability of success or failure ought to weigh much with Congress in every recommendation to the States; of which probability Congress, in whom information from every State centers, can alone properly judge. Viewing in the abstract the question whether the power of regulating trade, to a certain degree at least, ought to be vested in Congress, it appears to me not to admit of a doubt, but that it should be decided in the affirmative. If it be necessary to regulate trade at all, it surely is necessary to lodge the power, where trade can be regulated with effect, and experience has confirmed what reason foresaw, that it can never be so regulated by the States acting in their separate capacities. They can no more exercise this power separately, than they could separately carry on war, or separately form treaties of alliance or Commerce. The nature of the thing therefore proves the former power, no less than the latter, to be within the reason of the f\u0153deral Constitution. Much indeed is it to be wished, as I conceive, that no regulations of trade, that is to say, no restrictions or imposts whatever, were necessary. A perfect freedom is the System which would be my choice. But before such a system will be eligible perhaps for the U. S. they must be out of debt; before it will be attainable, all other nations must concur in it. Whilst any one of these imposes on our Vessels seamen &c in their ports, clogs from which they exempt their own, we must either retort the distinction, or renounce not merely a just profit, but our only defence against the danger which may most easily beset us. Are we not at this moment under this very alternative? The policy of G. B. (to say nothing of other nations) has shut against us the channels without which our trade with her must be a losing one; and she has consequently the triumph, as we have the chagrin, of seeing accomplished her prophetic threats, that our independence, should forfeit commercial advantages for which it would not recompence us with any new channels of trade. What is to be done? Must we remain passive victims to foreign politics; or shall we exert the lawful means which our independence has put into our hands, of extorting redress? The very question would be an affront to every Citizen who loves his Country. What then are those means? Retaliating regulations of trade only. How are these to be effectuated? only by harmony in the measures of the States. How is this harmony to be obtained? only by an acquiescence of all the States in the opinion of a reasonable majority. If Congress as they are now constituted, can not be trusted with the power of digesting and enforcing this opinion, let them be otherwise constituted: let their numbers be encreased, let them be chosen oftener, and let their period of service be short[e]ned; or if any better medium than Congress can be proposed, by which the wills of the States may be concentered, let it be substituted; or lastly let no regulation of trade adopted by Congress be in force untill it shall have been ratified by a certain proportion of the States. But let us not sacrifice the end to the means: let us not rush on certain ruin in order to avoid a possible danger. I conceive it to be of great importance that the defects of the f\u0153deral system should be amended, not only because such amendments will make it better answer the purpose for which it was instituted, but because I apprehend danger to its very existence from a continuance of defects which expose a part if not the whole of the empire to severe distress. The suffering part, even when the minor part, can not long respect a Government which is too feeble to protect their interest; But when the suffering part come to be the major part, and they despair of seeing a protecting energy given to the General Government, from what motives is their allegiance to be any longer expected. Should G. B. persist in the machinations which distress us; and seven or eight of the States be hindered by the others from obtaining relief by f\u0153deral means, I own, I tremble at the anti-f\u0153deral expedients into which the former may be tempted. As to the objection against intrusting Congress with a power over trade, drawn from the diversity of interests in the States, it may be answered. 1. that if this objection had been listened to, no confederation could have ever taken place among the States, 2. that if it ought now to be listened to, the power held by Congress of forming Commercial treaties by which 9 States may indirectly dispose of the Commerce of the residue, ought to be immediately revoked. 3 that the fact is that a case can scarcely be imagined in which it would be the interest of any 2/3ds of the States to oppress the remaining 1/3d. 4. that the true question is whether the commercial interests of the States do not meet in more points than they differ. To me it is clear that they do: and if they do there are so many more reasons for, than against, submitting the commercial interest of each State to the direction and care of the Majority. Put the West India trade alone, in which the interest of every State is involved, into the scale against all the inequalities which may result from any probable regulation by nine States, and who will say that the latter ought to preponderate? I have heard the different interest which the Eastern States have as Carriers pointed out as a ground of caution to the Southern States who have no bottoms of their own agst their concurring hastily in retaliations on G. B. But will the present system of G. B. ever give the Southern States bottoms: and if they are not their own Carriers I shod. suppose it no mark either of folly or incivility to give our custom to our brethren rather than to those who have not yet entitled themselves to the name of friends.\nIn detailing these sentiments I have nothing more in view than to prov[e] the readiness with which I obey your requests. As far as they are just they must have been often suggested in the discussions of Congress on the subject. I can not even give them weight by saying that I have reason to believe they would be relished in the public Councils of this State. From the trials of which I have been a witness I augur that great difficulties will be encountered in every attempt to prevail on the Legislature to part with power. The thing itself is not only unpalatable, but the arguments which plead for it have not their full force on minds unaccustomed to consider the interests of the State as they are interwoven with those of the Confederacy much less as they may be affected by foreign politics whilst those wch. plead agst. it, are not only specious, but in their nature popular: and for that reason, sure of finding patrons. Add to all this that the mercantile interest which has taken the lead in rousing the public attention of other States, is in this so exclusively occupied in British Commerce that what little weight they have will be most likely to fall into the opposite scale. The only circumstance which promises a favorable hearing to the meditated proposition of Congs. is that the power which it asks is to be exerted agst. G. B, and the proposition will consequently be seconded by the animosities which still prevail in a strong degree agst. her. I am My dear Sir very sincerely Yr friend & servt.\nJ. Madison Jr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0180", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Richard Henry Lee, 11 August 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nYour favor of July the 7th was long coming to hand as I find my letter of the 20th May was in getting to you. This joined to the uncertainty of letters ever arriving safe is a very discouraging circumstance to full & free correspondence. I have the honor of according most perfectly and entirely with your ideas for regulating our severance from Kentucky. It is unquestionably just that this district should assume her fair & full proportion of the debt created by the War because the benefit being Common so should be the expence procuring it and that this country shall be a fundamental article in the Act of parting; as well as that they shall be a component part of the Federal Union. The Contract should be Tripartite; the parties, our State, Congress, & Kentucky. Mr. Jay is commissioned to treat with Mr. Gardoque, but as yet nothing has been done. The exclusive navn. of Miss\u2019ipi will be earnestly contended for by Spain, who to quiet us on that head will probably grant large commercial benefits. But if we remain firm, I incline to think that the Navign. will be consented to. As yet we only know Officially that Mr. Adams has arrived in London, received his Audience & delivered his Credentials. The next packet will probably inform us of his feeling the B[ritish]. pulse & how it beats, at the subjects that he is to try them upon. I think with you that there is not great room for hope of Commercial advantages from a Nation whose appetite for Commerce has ever been ravenous, and its wishes always for Monopoly. And the more especially as we have no compensation to make. I believe that we may dispose them to be reasonable, by a very careful, and considerate restraining of their Trade, in all cases where we shall not injure ourselves more than them by the restraint. But it seems to me clearly beyond doubt, that the giving Congress a power to Legislate over the Trade of the Union would be dangerous in the extreme to the 5 Southern or Staple States, whose want of ships & Seamen would expose their freightage & their produce to a most pernicious and destructive Monopoly. With such a power 8 states in the Union would be stimulated by extensive interest to shut close the door of Monopoly, that by the exclusion of all Rivals whether for the purchasing our produce or freighting it, both these might be at the Mercy of our East & North. The Spirit of Commerce thro\u2019out the world is a Spirit of Avarice and could not fail to act as above stated. What little difficulty there would be in drawing over one of the 5 to join the 8 interested States must be very discernable to those who have marked the progress of intrigues in Congres[s]. In truth it demands most careful circumspection that the Remedy be not worse than the disease, bad as the last may be. I could say much on this subject, but it is not necessary, for I am sure that your good sense reflecting calmly on the subject will sufficiently discern the danger of such an experiment. Nor do I believe it necessary, being perfectly satisfied that a well digested system of restraint being properly laid before the States by Congress would be universa[l]ly adopted by the different Assemblies. I think so, because it will be most evidently the interest of all to do so. It is true that the price of our Staple has been for some time greater at Phila. & here than in Virga. But it is as true the European price did not warrant the price at these two places as the great losses & bankruptcies of the Adventurers plainly prove. Indeed this excess of price at P. & N. Y. was occasioned by sinking Speculators, who to swim a while longer, would go any lengths to keep up appearances by making some remittance to their Creditors abroad. But this business is now chiefly over & here at present there is neither money nor inclination to purchase Tobo. The crowd of Bankrupts at P. has, I believe, nearly produced the same effect.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0182", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir,\nOrange Aug: 20th. 1785.\nYours of the 18th. of March never reached me till the 4 inst. It came by post from N. York, which it did not leave till the 21. of July. My last was dated in April, & went by Mr. Mazzei who picked it up at N. York and promised to deliver it with his own hand.\nThe machinations of G. B. with regard to Commerce have produced much distress and noise in the Northern States, particularly in Boston, from whence the alarm has spread to New York & Philada. Your correspondence with Congs. will no doubt have furnished you with full information on this head. I only know the General fact, and that the sufferers are every where calling for such augmentation of the power of Congress as may effect relief. How far the Southern States & Virginia in particular will join in this proposition cannot be foreseen. It is easy to foresee that the circumstances which in a confined view distinguish our situation from that of our brethren, will be laid hold of by the partizans of G. B. by those who are or affect to be jealous of Congress, and those who are interested in the present course of business, to give a wrong bias to our Councils. If any thing should reconcile Virga. to the idea of giving Congress a power over her trade, it will be that this power is likely to annoy G. B. against whom the animosities of our Citizens are still strong. They seem to have less sensibility to their commercial interests; which they very little understand, and which the mercantile class here have not the same motives if they had the same capacity to lay open to the public, as that class have in the States North of us. The price of our Staple since the peace is another cause of inattention in the planters to the dark side of our commercial affairs. Should these or any other causes prevail in frustrating the scheme of the Eastern & Middle States of a general retaliation on G. B. I tremble for the [event]. A majority of the states deprived of a regular remidy for their distresses by the want of a f\u0153deral spirit in the minority must feel the strongest motives to some irregular experiments. The dan[ger] of such a crisis makes me surmise that the policy of Great Britain results as much from the hope of effecting a breach in our confederacy as of monopolising our trade.\nOur internal trade is taking an arrangement from which I hope good consequences. Retail stores are spreadg all over the Country, many of them carried on by native adventurers, some of them branched out from the principal Stores at the heads of navigation. The distribution of the business however into the importing & the retail departments has not yet taken place. Should the port bill be established it will I think quickly add this amendment which indeed must in a little time follow of itself. It is the more to be wished for as it is the only radical cure for credit to the consumer which continues to be given to a degree which if not checked will turn the diffusive retail of merchandize into a nusance. When the Shop keeper buys his goods of the wholesale Merchant, he must buy at so short a credit, that he can venture to give none at all.\nYou ask me to unriddle the dissolution of the committee of the states at Annapolis. I am not sure that I am myself possessed fully of the causes, different members of Congress having differed in their accounts of the matter. My conception of it is that the abrupt departure of some of the Eastern delegates which destroyed the quorum & which Dana is said to have been at the bottom of proceeded partly from irritations among the committee partly from dislike to the place of their session and partly from an impatience to get home which prevailed over their regard for their private characters as well as for their public duty.\nSubsequent to the date of mine in which I gave my idea of Fayette I had further opportunities of penetrating his character. Though his foibles did not disappear all the favorable traits presented themselves in a stronger light. On closer inspection he certainly possesses talents which might figure in any line. If he is ambitious it is rather of the praise which virtue dedicates to merit than of the homeage which fear renders to power. His disposetion is naturally warm and affectionate and his attachment to the United States unquestionable. Unless I am grossly deceived you will find his zeal sincere & useful whenever it can be employed in behalf of the United States without opposetion [to] the essential interests of France.\nThe opposition to the general assessment gains ground. At the instance of some of its adversaries I drew up the remonstrance herewith inclosed. It has been sent thro\u2019 the medium of confidential persons in a number of the upper county[s] and I am told will be pretty extensively signed. The presbyterian clergy have at length espoused the side of the opposition, being moved either by a fear of their laity or a jealousy of the episcopalians. The mutual hatred of these sects has been much inflamed by the late act incorporating the latter. I am far from being sorry for it as a coalition between them could alone endanger our religious rights and a tendency to such an event had been suspected. The fate of the Circuit Courts is uncertain. They are threatened with no small danger from the diversity of opinions entertained among the friends of some reform in that department. But the greatest danger is to be feared from those who mask a secret aversion to any reform under a zeal for such a one as they know will be rejected. The Potowmack Company are going on with very flattering prospects. Their subscriptions sometime ago amounted to upwards of four fifths of the whole sum. I have the pleasure also to find by an advertisement from the managers for James River that more than half of the sum is subscribed for that undertaking, and that the subscribers are to meet shortly for the purpose of organizing themselves & going to work. I despair of seeing the Revisal taken up at the ensuing Session. The number of copies struck are so deficient (there being not above three for each County) and there has been such delay in distributing them (none of the Counties having recd. them till very lately & some probably not yet, tho\u2019 they were ready long ago) that the principal end of their being printed has been frustrated. Our fields promise very short crops both of Corn & Tobo. The latter was much injured by the Grass hopper & other insects; the former somewhat by the bug in the Southern parts of the State, but both have suffered most from dry weather which prevails at present in this part of the Country, and has generally prevailed I understand in most other parts. It seems certain that no future weather can make a great crop of either, particularly of Tobo. so great a proportion of the hills being without plants in them, & so many more with plants which must come to nothing. Notwithstandg this prospect, its price has fallen from 36/. to 32 & 30/ on James River & 28/ on Rappahannock. The scarcity of cash is one cause. Harrison the late governor was elected in Surry whither he previously removed with his family. A contest for the chair will no doubt ensue. Should he fail it he will be for Congress.\nI have not yet recd. any of the books which you have been so kind as to pick up for me; but expect their arrival daily, as you were probably soon after the date of your last apprized that I was withdrawn from the nomination which led you to suspend the forwarding them. I am invited by Col: Monroe to an option of rambles this fall, one of which is into the Eastern States. I wish much to accept so favorable an opportunity of executing the plan from which I was diverted last fall; but can not decide with certainty whether it will be practicable or not. I have in conjunction with a friend here a project of interest on the anvil which will carry me at least as far as Philada. or New York where I shall be able to take my final resolution. Adieu. Yrs. sincerely\nJ M Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0183", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 21 August 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York Augt. 21st. 1785.\nYour favor of  has come to hand; I am sorry to hear the doctrine of paper money begins to rear up it\u2019s head in our State. This subject has been so well investigated at different periods that I can hardly think any reasonable man can advocate it, unless for the purpose of advancing some object of interest; I remember in the old Government that our exchange rose to 65 P Ct. This alarmed the merchants so much that the King determined to give his assent to no more paper money bills. Agreable to your request I have made inquiry respecting the paper money of Pensylvany; I understand from Colo. Biddle that it is in a state of depreciation. It will however buy goods, under the inconvenience of an additional advance; almost every body says it is mighty good, yet nobody will part with ready money for it at an equal exchange. As I go through Philada. on my return to Virginia I will make the most minute investigation into the matters and furnish you with the result of my inquiries in time for the meeting of our Assembly.\nWe have done very little since I wrote you last; the States have been so irregularly represented, that it has been impracticable to act upon any matter of consequence; the requisition is still before Congress, and I expect will pass as soon as a sufficient number of States are upon the floor. It rests however at present on principles which are not intirely advantageous to our State; although from a disposition which has lately appeared I think the State will be able to get better terms. I agree with you intirely as to the necessity of a requisition at any rate. Otherwise the public Creditors might be so clamorous, as to render the Govermnt. in some degree odious.\nThe Mint is still before Congress, and it is uncertain whether anything will be done in it this year. The Post Office is also under consideration, and I am apt to believe the following alteration will take effect:\nTo transfer the transportation of the Mail to the Stages; & to oblige all Sea Captains to deliver in their letters to the Post Office before they are admitted to an entry. The first alteration will furnish three mails a week through our State, & with much more expedition.\nA Post to Canada from New York is talk\u2019d of, also one from Alexandria to fort Pitt. The change of the 9th. article of the confederation hath been the subject of debate for two days, & I expect will be taken up shortly again; there appears to be a variety of objections to the change, & I imagine the Members will not even consent to a recommendation witht. previous instructions from the legislatures.\nA commission has pass\u2019d Congress to negotiate with Mr. Gardoqui, under the direction of Congress; nothing has as yet transpired, neither can I find any idea of what will be the result. There has been no other information from Mr. Adams, except that he hath been received according to the established forms. Mr. Marbois has withdrawn the application for Lonchamp.\nA nephew of mine has been here & giv\u2019n me an account of the Convention at Kentucki: from which I conclude an application will be made to our legislature to grant them independance. This matter has been the subject of conversation here, & an opinion begins to prevail that a State has no right to dismember itself witht. the previous consent of the U. S. Indeed this doctrine appears to me to be founded on the nature of things, & to require no comment to support it. Should our legislature take up this opinion I presume the negotiation will be carried on through Congress, when an admission into the confederation may be stipulated at the same time the actual dismembrement takes effect. I do not know that it will be for the interest of our State to withhold independance from them although asked at an unreasonable time for themselves, yet it surely is a matter of consequence to her, that at the time they cease to be a part of Virginia, they become a part of the f\u0153deral Union. The different States can have no other interest in this event than that of dismembering the State of Virga. of whose magnitude they are jealous. They are then gratified with a simple dismembrement witht. admitting the new State into the Confederation. Will it not therefore be proper to make the dismembrement & admission into the Union Co-existent acts & mutually dependant on each other. There seems to be another reason why this mode should be preferred; the conditions for the security of property & other matters will be more likely to be observed, if the pacta conventa are tripartite, & the U. S. as one of the dramatis person\u00e6 can be induced to guaranty them; indeed if the new State is to take upon itself the payment of any part of the public debt I should think it proper the U. S. should admit it to become debtor pro tanto & the old one exonerated in the same proportion. These are thoughts at first new, and I do not doubt but ideas on this subject much more proper have suggested themselves to your mind.\nThe f\u0153deral buildings at Trenton seems rather to lose than to gain ground. A third Commissioner is wanting without whom the other two are useless & a sufficient number of States has not yet been found to appoint him. I believe the 30,000 dollars in the requisition for the construction of these buildings will not stand. Some of the Eastern States have kick\u2019d up about the money. If it was not for fear of the imputation of instability I would as soon as No. Carolina is represented move to adjourn to Philada; perhaps this is at present the properest place at least till we can see our way clearer to the Westward.\nMr. Jay is directed to report the number of Consuls necessary & the places of destination. Some gentlemen are of opinion we may have Consuls witht. treaties. Our friend Colo. Monroe sets out in a day or two for the Indian Treaty at the mouth of the Great Miami: from thence he proceeds to Kentucki on some private business & so through the Wilderness to Virga. From yr. Affect. fd. & Most Obed. Servt:\nWillm. Grayson\nN B. I imagine you have heard the Consular Convention with France is arrived, but not yet confirmed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0184", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Caleb Wallace, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Wallace, Caleb\nDr. Sir\nOrange Augt. 23d. 1785\nYour favour of the 12th. of July was safely deliverd to me by Mr. Craig. I accept with pleasure your propos\u2019d exchange of Western for Eastern intelligence and though I am a stranger to parental ties can sufficiently con[c]ieve the happiness of which they are a source to congratulate you on Your possession of two fine sons & a Daughter. I do not smile at the Idea of transplanting myself into your wilderness. Such a change of my abode is not indeed probable. Yet I have no local partialities which can keep me from any place which promises the greatest real advantages but If such a removal was not even possible I should nevertheless be ready to communicate, as you desire my Ideas towards a constitution of Government for the State in embryo. I pass over the general policy of the measure which calls for such a provision. It has been unanimously embraced by those who being most interested in it must have but consider\u2019d it, & will I dare say be with equal unanimity acceded to by the other party which is to be consulted. I will first offer some general remarks on the Subject, & then answer your several queries.\n1. The Legislative department ought by all means, as I think to include a Senate constituted on such principles as will give wisdom and steadiness to legislation. The want of these qualities is the grievance complained of in all our republics. The want of fidelity in the administration of power having been the grievance felt under most Governments, and by the American States themselves under the British Government. It was natural for them to give too exclusive an attention to this primary attribute. The Senate of Maryland with a few amendments is a good model. Trial has I am told verified the expectations from it. A Similar one made a part of our constitution as it was originally proposed but the inexperience & jealousy of our then Councils, rejected it in favour of our present Senate a worse could hardly have been substituted & yet bad as it is, it is often a useful bitt in the mouth of the house of Delegates. Not a single Session passes without instances of sudden resolutions by the latter of which they repent in time to intercede privately with the Senate for their Negative. For the other branch models enough may be found. Care ought however to be taken against its becoming to numerous, by fixing the number which it is never to exceed. The quorum, wages, and privileges of both branches ought also to be fixed. A majority seems to be the natural quorum. The wages of the members may be made payable for  years to come in the medium value of wheat, for  years preceeding as the same shall from period to period be rated by a respectable Jury appointed for that purpose by the Supreme Court. The privileges of the members ought not in my opinion to extend beyond an exemption of their persons and equipage from arrests during the time of their actual Service. If it were possible it would be well to define the extent of the Legislative power but the nature of it seems in many respects to be indefinite. It is very practicable however to enumerate the essential exceptions. The Constitution may expresly restrain them from medling with religion\u2014from abolishing Juries from taking away the Habeus corpus\u2014from forcing a citizen to give evidence against himself, from controuling the press, from enacting retrospective laws at least in criminal cases, from abridging the right of suffrage, from seizing private property for public use without paying its full Valu[e] from licensing the importation of Slaves, from infringing the Confederation &c &c.\nAs a further security against fluctuating & indegested laws the Constitution of New York has provided a Council of Revision. I approve much of such an institution & believe it is considerd by the most intelligent citizens of that state as a valuable safeguard both to public interests & to private rights. Another provision has been suggested for preserving System in Legislative proceedings which to some may appear still better. It is that a standing commtee composed of a few select & skilful individuals should be appointed to prepare bills on all subjects which they may judge proper to be submitted to the Legislature at their meetings & to draw bills for them during their Sessions. As an antido[te] both to the jealousy & danger of their acquiring an improper influence they might be made incapable of holding any other Office Legislative, Executive, or Judiciary. I like this Suggestion so much, that I have had thoughts of proposing it to our Assembly, who give almost as many proofs as they pass laws of their need of some such Assistance.\n2 The Executive Department Though it claims the 2d place is not in my estimation entitled to it by its importance all the great powers which are properly executive being transferd to the F\u0153deral Government. I have made up no final opinion whether the first Magistrate should be chosen by the Legislature or the people at large or whether the power should be vested in one man assisted by a council or in a council of which the President shall be only primus inter pares. There are examples of each in the U. States and probably advantages & disadvantages attending each. It is material I think that the number of members should be small & that their Salaries should be either unalterable by the Legislature or alterable only in such manner as will not affect any individual in place. Our Executive is the worst part of a ba[d] Constitution. The Members of it are dependant on the Legislature not only for their wages but for their reputation and therefore are not likely to withstand usurpations of that branch; they are besides too numerous and expensive, their organization vaugue & perplexed & to crown the absurdi[ty] some of the members may without any new appointment continue in Office for life contrary to one of Articles of the Declaration of Right[s.]\n3d The Judiciary Department merits every care. Its efficacy is Demonstrated in G. Brittain where it maintains private Right against all the corruptions of the two other departments & gives a reputation to the whole Government which it is not in itself entitled to. The main points to be attended to are 1. that the Judges should hold their places during good behavior. 2. that their Salaries should be either fixed like the wages of the Representatives or not be alterable so as to affect the Individuals in Office. 3 that their Salaries be liberal. The first point is obvious: without the second the independance aimed at by the first will be Ideal only: without the 3d. the bar will be superior to the bench which destroys all security for a Systematick administration of Justice. After securing these essential points I should think it unadvisable to descend so far into detail as to bar any future Modification of this department which experience may recommend. An enumeration of the principal courts with power to the Legislature to Institute inferior Courts may suffice. The Admiralty business can never be extensive in your situation and may be refer\u2019d to one of the other Courts. With regard to a Court of Chancery as distinct from a Court of Law, the reasons of Lord Bacon on the affirmative side outweigh in my Judgment those of Lord Kaims on the other side. Yet I should think it best to leave this important question to be decided by future lights without tying the hands of the Legislature one way or the other. I consider our county courts as on a bad footing and would never myself consent to copy them into another constitution.\nAll the States seem to have seen the necessity of providing for Impeachments but none of them to have hit on an unexceptionable Tribunal. In some the trial is referd to the Senate in others to the Executive, in others to the Judiciary department. It has been suggested that a tribunal composed of members from each Department would be better than either and I entirely concur in their opinion. I proceed next to your queries.\n1 \u201cWhether is a representation according to number, or property, or in a joint proportion to both the most Safe? or is a representation by counties preferable to a more equitable mode that will be difficult to adjust?\u201d Under this question may be consider\u2019d 1. the right of Suffrage. 2 the mode of suffrage. 3 the plan of representation. As to the 1. I think the extent which ought to be given to this right a matter of great delicacy and of critical Importance. To restrain it to the landholders will in time exclude too great a proportion of citizens; to extend it to all citizens without regard to property, or even to all who possess a pittance may throw too much power into hands which will either abuse it themselves or sell it to the rich who will abuse it. I have thought it might be a good middle course to narrow this right in the choice of the least popular, & to enlarge it in that of the more popular branch of the Legislature. There is an example of this Distinction in N. Carolina if in none of the States. How it operates or is relished by the people I cannot say. It would not be surprising if in the outset at least it should offend the sense of equallity which re[i]gns in a free Country. In a general vein I see no reason why the rights of property which chiefly bears the burden of Government & is so much an object of Legislation should not be respected as well as personal rights in the choice of Rulers. It must be owned indeed that property will give influence to the holder though it should give him no legal priviledges and will in generall be safe on that as well as other Accounts, expecially if the business of Legislation be guarded with the provisions hinted at. 2 as to the mode of suffrage I lean strongly to that of the ballott, notwithstanding the objections which be against it. It appears to me to be the only radical cure for those arts of Electioneering which poison the very fountain of Liberty. The States in which the Ballott has been the Standing mode are the only instances in which elections are tolerably chaste and those arts in disgrace. If it should be thought improper to fix this mode by the constitution I should think it at least necessary to avoid any constitutional bar to a future adoption of it.\n   The Constitutn of N York directs an experiment on this Subject.\n 3 By the plan of representation I mean 1. the classing of the Electors 2 the proportioning of the representatives to each class. The first cannot be otherwise done than by geographical description as by Counties. The second may esily be done in the first instance either by comprizing within each county an equal number of electors; or by proportioning the number of representatives of each county to its number of electors. The dificulty arises from the disproportionate increase of electors in different Counties. There seem to be two methods only by which the representation can be equalized from time to time. The 1 is to change the bounds of the counties. The 2d to change the number of representatives allotted to them respectavely, as the former would not only be most troublesome & expensive, but would involve a variety of other adjustments. The latter method is evidently the best. Examples of a Constitutional provision for it exists in several of the States. In some it is to be executed periodically in others pro re nata. The latter seems most accurate and very practicable. I have already intimated the propriety of fixing the number of representatives which ought never to be exceeded. I should suppose 150 or even 100 might safely be made the ne plus ultra for Kentuckey.\n2 \u201cWhich is to be preferd an Anual, Trienniel, or Septennial Succession to Offices or frequent elections without limitations in choice or that the Officers when chosen should continue quamdiu se bene gesserint?\u201d The rule ought no doubt to be different in the different Departments of power. For one part of the Legislature Annual Elections will I suppose be held indispensably though some of the ablest Statesmen & soundest Republicans in the U States are in favour of triennial. The great danger in departing from Annual elextions in this case lies in the want of some other natural term to limit the departure. For the other branch 4 or 5 Years may be the period. For neither branch does it seem necessary or proper to prohibit an indefinite reeligibility. With regard to the Executive if the elections be frequent & particularly, if made as to any member of it by the people at large a reeligibility cannot I think be objected to. If they be unfrequent, a temporary or perpetual incapacitation according to the degree of unfrequency at least in the case of the first Magistrate may not be amiss. As to the Judiciary department enough has been said & as to the Subordinate officers civil & Military, nothing need be said more than that a regulation of their appointments may under a few restrictions be safely trusted to the Legislature.\n3. \u201cHow far may the same person with propriety be employed in the different departments of Government in an infant Country where the counsel of every individual may be needed?[\u201d] Temporary deviations from fundamental principles are always more or less dangerous. When the first pretext fails, those who become interested in prolonging the evil will rarely be at a loss for other pretexts. The first precedent too familiarizes the people to the irregularity, lessens their veneration for those fundamental principles, & makes them a more easy prey to Ambition & self Interest. Hence it is that abuses of every kind when once established have been so often found to perpetuate themselves. In this caution I refer cheifly to an improper mixture of the three great departments within the State. A Delegation to Congress is I conceive compatible with either.\n4 \u201cShould there be a periodical review of the Constitution? Nothing appears more eligible in theory nor has sufficient trial perhaps been yet made to condemn it in practise. Pensylvania has alone adopted the expedient. Her citizens are much divided on the subject of their constitution in general & probably on this part of it in particular I am inclind to think though am far from being certain, that it is not a favourite part even with those who are fondest of their Constitution. Another plan has been thought of which might perhaps Succeed better and would at the same time be a safeguard to the equilibrium of the constituent Departments of Government. This is that a Majority of any two of the three departments should have authority to call a plenipotentiary convention whenever they may think their constitutional powers have been Violated by the other Department or that any material part of the Constitution needs amendment. In your situation I should think [it] both imprudent & indecent not to leave a door open for at least one revision of your first Establishment; imprudent because you have neither the same resources for supporting nor the same lights for framing a good establishment now as you will have 15 or 20 Years hence; indecent because an handfull of early sett[l]ers ought not to preclude a populous Country from a choice of the Government under which they & their Posterity are to live. Should your first Constitution be made thus temporary the objections against an intermediate union of officers will be proportionably lessen\u2019d. Should a revision of it not be made thus necessary & certain there will be little probability of its being ever revised. Faulty as our Constitution is as well with regard to the Authority which formed it as the manner in which it is formed the Issue of an experiment has taught us the difficulty of amending it; & Although the issue might have proceeded from the unseasonableness of the time yet it may be questioned whether at any future time the greater depth to which it will have stricken its roots will not counterballance any more auspicious circumstances for overturning it.\n5 & 6 \u201cOr will it be better unalterably to fix some leading Principles in Government and make it consistant for the Legislature to introduce such changes in lessor matters as may become expedient? can censors be provided that will impartially point out differences in the Constitutions & the Violations that may happen.[\u201d] Answers on these points may be gatherd from what has been already said.\nI have been led to offer my sentiments in this loose forms rather than to attempt a delineation of such a plan of Government as would please myself not only by my Ignorance of many local circumstances & opinions which must be consulted in such a work but also by the want of sufficient time for it. At the recei[p]t of your letter I had other employment and what I now write is in the midst of preparations for a Journey of business which will carry me as far as Philadelphia at least & on which I shall set out in a day or two.\nI am sorry that it is not in my power to give you some satisfactory information concerning the Mississippi. A Minister from Spain has been with Congress for some time & is authorised as I understand to treat on what ever subjects may concern the two nations. If any explanations or propositions have passed between him & the Minister of Congress, they are as yet on the list of Cabinett Secrets. As soon as any such shall be made public & come to my knowledge I shall take the first opportunity of transmitting them. Wishing you & your family all happiness I am Dr Sir Yours friend & Servant\nJ Madison Jr\nThe Constitutions of the several States were printed in a small Volume a year or two ago by order of Congs. A perusal of them need not be recommended to you. Having but a single copy I cannot supply you. It is not improbable that you may be already possessed of one. The Revisall of our laws by Jefferson, Withe & Pendleton beside their Value in improving the legal code may suggest some things worthy of being attended to in framing a Constitution.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0185", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Jean August Marie Chevalli\u00e9, 27 August 1785\nFrom: Chevalli\u00e9, Jean August Marie\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nNew york the 27. Augustus 1785\nMe. Chevalli\u00e9 merchant of Rockefort, my father embarked in 1778 in the Caracter of supercargo upon the Ship le fier Roderigue belonging to Me. Caron de Beaumarchais, and treated of the Cargo with the State of Virginia. Some Contestations having been raised after wards among them, my father having manifested to Me. Caron de Beaumarchais the d\u00e9sire to discontinue all Connection, the latter gave him in payment of his Commission, a bill of fourty six thousand Pounds of tobacco, and a d\u00e9l\u00e9gation of \u00a3420. Pounds hard moneys, Payable by the thr\u00e9saury of the State upon the sums that are due to him, with the int\u00e9rest of these two sums from the first of July 1778 to the day of Payment.\nRepeated disasters having dissipated all the hopes of tranquility wich a consid\u00e9rable fortune gained with infinite pain had given to my father, he resolved to send me to this continent, in order to obtain what is due to him as well by congress and the State of Virginia, as by different individuals of Philadelphia and of yorktown. Many men of Great consid\u00e9ration esp\u00e9cially the Minister of the Marine, his first Secretary, the Mis. de la fayette and the Count delatoushe, knowing how little he had merited the misfortunes that oppress him, d\u00e9sirous to Give him a testimoney of their esteem and of their wishes, for the final arrangement of his affairs, in order to Conserve his reputation unimpaired to this day, these noblemen gave me their lettres of recommandation written with the greatest force to the french Consuls and to many members of Congress and to some men of distinction in the State of Virginia. The most flattering of them is addressed to you, Sir, by the Mis. de la fayette. I reserve to myself the honour to deliver it into your hands in about \u00e1 mounth, when I intend to set out to Richmond. I shall do all that is in my power to deserve the support of your protection. It is impossible, Sir, to express the Sentiments of Gratitude, with wich I shall be penetrated, if you put it in the power of an only Son to be useful to a father he cherishes and to justify the good opinion wich has been conceived of a young man of twenty years. With the highest respect and esteem I have the honour to be Sir Very ob\u00e9dient and most humble Servant\nChevalli\u00e9 fils", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0187", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 1 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 1. 1785.\nMy last to you was dated May 11. by Monsr. de Doradour. Since that I have received yours of Jan. 22. with 6. copies of the revisal, and that of Apr. 27. by mr Mazzei.\nAll is quiet here. The Emperor & Dutch are certainly agreed tho\u2019 they have not published their agreement. Most of his schemes in Germany must be postponed, if they are not prevented, by the confederacy of many of the Germanic body at the head of which is the K. of Prussia, & to which the Elector of Hanover is supposed to have acceded. The object of the league is to preserve the members of the empire in their present state. I doubt whether the jealousy entertained of this prince, & which is so fully evidenced by this league, may not defeat the election of his nephew to be king of the Romans, & thus produce an instance of breaking the lineal succession. Nothing is as yet done between him & the Turks. If any thing is produced in that quarter it will not be for this year. The court of Madrid has obtained the delivery of the crew of the brig Betsy taken by the Emperor of Marocco. The Emperor had treated them kindly, new-cloathed them, & delivered them to the Spanish minister who sent them to Cadiz. This is the only American vessel ever taken by the Barbary States. The Emperor continues to give proofs of his desire to be in friendship with us, or in other words, of receiving us into the number of his tributaries. Nothing further need be feared from him. I wish the Algerines may be as easily dealt with. I fancy the peace expected between them & Spain is not likely to take place. I am well informed that the late proceedings in America have produced a wonderful sensation in England in our favour. I mean the disposition which seems to be becoming general to invest Congress with the regulation of our commerce, and in the mean time the measures taken to defeat the avidity of the British government, grasping at our carrying business. I can add with truth that it was not till these symptoms appeared in America that I have been able to discover the smallest token of respect towards the United states in any part of Europe. There was an enthusiasm towards us all over Europe at the moment of the peace. The torrent of lies published unremittingly in every day\u2019s London paper first made an impression and produced a coolness. The republication of these lies in most of the papers of Europe (done probably by authority of the governments to discourage emigrations) carried them home to the belief of every mind, they supposed every thing in America was anarchy, tumult, and civil war. The reception of the M. Fayette gave a check to these ideas. The late proceedings seem to be producing a decisive vibration in our favour. I think it possible that England may ply before them. It is a nation which nothing but views of interest can govern. If it produces us good there, it will here also. The defeat of the Irish propositions is also in our favor.\nI have at length made up the purchase of books for you, as far as it can be done for the present. The objects which I have not yet been able to get, I shall continue to seek for. Those purchased, are packed this morning in two trunks, and you have the catalogue & prices herein inclosed. The future charges of transportation shall be carried into the next bill. The amount of the present is 1154 livres 13 sous which reckoning the French crown of 6. livres at 6/8 Virginia money is \u00a364-3. which sum you will be so good as to keep in your hands to be used occasionally in the education of my nephews when the regular resources disappoint you. To the same use I would pray you to apply twenty five guineas which I have lent the two mr Fitzhughs of Marmion, & which I have desired them to repay into your hands. You will of course deduct the price of the revisals & any other articles you may have been so kind as to pay for me. Greek & Roman authors are dearer here than I believe any where in the world. No body here reads them, wherefore they are not reprinted. Don Ulloa in the original not to be found. The collection of tracts on the \u0153conomics of different nations we cannot find; nor Amelot\u2019s travels into China. I shall send these two trunks of books to Havre there to wait a conveiance to America; for as to the fixing the packets there it is as incertain as ever. The other articles you mention shall be procured as far as they can be. Knowing that some of them would be better got in London, I commissioned mr. Short, who was going there, to get them. He is not yet returned. They will be of such a nature as that I can get some gentleman who may be going to America to take them in his portmanteau. Le Maire being now able to stand on his own legs there will be no necessity for your advancing him the money I desired if it is not already done. I am anxious to hear from you on the subject of my Notes on Virginia. I have been obliged to give so many of them here that I fear their getting published. I have received an application from the Directors of the public buildings to procure them a plan for their Capitol. I shall send them one taken from the best morsel of antient architecture now remaining. It has obtained the approbation of fifteen or sixteen centuries, & is therefore preferable to any design which might be newly contrived. It will give more room, be more convenient & cost less than the plan they sent me. Pray encourage them to wait for it, & to execute it. It will be superior in beauty to any thing in America, & not inferior to any thing in the world. It is very simple. Have you a copying press? If you have not, you should get one. Mine (exclusive of paper which costs a guinea a ream) has cost me about 14. guineas. I would give ten times that sum that I had had it from the date of the stamp act. I hope you will be so good as to continue your communications both of the great & small kind which are equally useful to me. Be assured of the sincerity with which I am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.\nTh. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0189", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 16 September 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York 16th. Sepr. 1785.\nI opened your letter directed to Colo. Monroe in the first instance, & forwarded the inclosed letters to France, in the public Mail, as I could not hear of any private gentlemen going to whom I could with propriety intrust them.\nI have recieved your letter from Philada. & I heartily wish it may suit your Convenience to visit this place, as it will give me particular satisfaction to have the pleasure of seeing you. Exclusive of this I could wish to consult you on some particular matters respecting the State. The requisition is now in the last stage: it is formed on principles to suit only the Eastern & some of the middle States. There seems also to be a radical unwillingless to allow us for our assumptions, although the debt was created for Continental uses; and a proposition (where in the interest was dropped for the present) has been negatived by a considerable majority. The Delegation is strongly impressed with the necessity of supporting public credit; they notwithstanding as well as the Delegates of some other States, hesitate to pass the requisition in its present form. They could wish it was made conformable to the different interests of the Union, & that certain principles might be adopted to facilitate the settlement of the general account. With respect to myself I never admired the idea of facilities. The word implies a payment less than the thing itself. An inundation of a kind of paper money is also to be feared; but for the sake of peace I have been willing to consent as far as one third which is more than the Southern States can ever derive any advantage from.\nWe have lately recieved a letter from the Governor inclosing one from Soliciter Wood furnishing a melancholy picture of the situation of the public accounts. The Continental Comm. objects to every thing; says he can\u2019t proceed witht. fresh instructions & I fear it is not in our power to obtain such principles as will enable us to bring forward our Accounts. There is also a heavy party here for obliging the States to settle by a particular day, or to pay interest to those who do.\nI every day discover more & more the impropriety of remaining longer at this place. It is clear to me that it has an undue influence on our proceedings. Some of the Southern States begin at length to percieve this, & I hope it will not be long before the whole will view it in the same light. My best complimts. to Mrs. House and Mrs. Trist: her arrival among her friends has given me the most sincere satisfaction. In full expectation of seeing you I remain yr. Affect. frd. & Most Obed Sert.\nWillm. Grayson.\n5 Copies sent of the tryal.\nNothing from Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0190", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nPhilada. Sepr. 20, 1785\nI recd. yesterday yours of the 9 inst. You will do well in hastening the exaction of a Deed from Jones, as you have now actually paid part of the purchase money. His death or a refusal of his wife to concur in a conveyance will produce much perplexity, and possibly Loss. The result of further enquiry here is more favorable than the information contained in my last. I find that Tobo. of the best quality will command 55/. Pa. Curry. that the quality alone is the object of choice, without regard to the river from which it comes\u2014that freight may probably be had at any time, tho\u2019 it is very high as yet, not less than 25/ Pa. Cy. per Hhd. and that storage may be had at 4 or 5/. per Hhd per Month now, but it is supposed it will become cheaper. Notwithstanding these circumstances I shall be very shy of making engagements with persons here; such has been the frequency of unexpected failures. I am inclined to think the safest beginning will be by way of consignment which will leave us at full liberty to continue enterd or drop the plan as we may like, and will not place us in any connection with the fate of people here. A partnership will make our property in these hands liable. A consignment only leaves the property entirely ours. Wheat I am told may be sold for 8/4 per Bushel. Hemp has sold as high as 7d. per H. and the Legislature here has laid some duties which must raise it still higher, or at least favor its price. I believe I shall set off for N. Y. tomorrow or next day. On my return I shall write again unless it sd. be so near my setting out for Va as to be unnecessary. I recd. a letter yesterday from Mr. Jefferson by which I find that a packet is gone on to my father\u2019s for me under seal. Let it not be opened before my return. Adieu", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0191", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 20. 1785.\nBy mr Fitzhugh you will receive my letter of the 1\u2019st inst. He is still here, & gives me an opportunity of again addressing you much sooner than I should have done but for the discovery of a great peice of inattention. In that letter I send you a detail of the cost of your books, and desire you to keep the amount in your hands, as if I had forgot, that a part of it was in fact your own, as being a balance of what I had remained in your debt. I really did not attend to it in the moment of writing, & when it occurred to me, I revised my memorandum book from the time of our being in Philadelphia together, & stated our account from the beginning lest I should forget or mistake any part of it. I inclose you this state. You will always be so good as to let me know from time to time your advances for me. Correct with freedom all my proceedings for you, as in what I do I have no other desire than that of doing exactly what will be most pleasing to you.\nI received this summer a letter from Messrs. Buchanan & Hay as directors of the public buildings desiring I would have drawn for them plans of sundry buildings, & in the first place of a Capitol. They fixed for their receiving this plan a day which was within one month of that on which their letter came to my hand. I engaged an Architect of capital abilities in this business. Much time was requisite, after the external form was agreed on, to make the internal distribution convenient for the three branches of government. This time was much lengthened by my avocations to other objects which I had no right to neglect. The plan however was settled. The gentlemen had sent me one which they had thought of. The one agreed on here is more convenient, more beautiful, gives more room & will not cost more than two thirds of what that would. We took for our model what is called the Maisonquarr\u00e9e of Nismes, one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful & precious morcel of architecture left us by antiquity. It was built by Caius & Lucius Caesar & repaired by Louis XIV. and has the suffrage of all the judges of architecture who have seen it as yeilding to no one of the beautiful monuments of Greece, Rome, Palmyra & Balbec which late travellers have communicated to us. It is very simple, but it is noble beyond expression, and would have done honour to our country as presenting to travellers a morsel of taste in our infancy promising much for our maturer age. I have been much mortified with information which I received two days ago from Virginia that the first brick of the Capitol would be laid within a few days. But surely the delay of this peice of a summer would have been repaid by the savings in the plan preparing here, were we to value it\u2019s other superiorities as nothing. But how is a taste in this beautiful art to be formed in our countrymen unless we avail ourselves of every occasion when public buildings are to be erected, of presenting to them models for their study & imitation? Pray try if you can effect the stopping of this work. I have written also to E. R. on the subject. The loss will be only of the laying the bricks already laid, or a part of them. The bricks themselves will do again for the interior walls, & one side wall & one end wall may remain as they will answer equally well for our plan. This loss is not to be weighed against the saving of money which will arise, against the comfort of laying out the public money for something honourable, the satisfaction of seeing an object & proof of national good taste, & the regret and mortification of erecting a monument of our barbarism which shall be loaded with execrations as long as it shall endure. The plans are in good forwardness & I hope will be ready within three or four weeks. They could not be stopped now but on paying their whole price which will be considerable. If the Undertakers are afraid to undo what they have done, encourage them to it by a recommendation from the assembly. You see I am an enthusiast on the subject of the arts. But it is an enthusiasm of which I am not ashamed, as it\u2019s object is to improve the taste of my countrymen, to increase their reputation, to reconcile to them the respect of the world & procure them it\u2019s praise.\nI shall send off your books, in two trunks, to Havre within two or three days to the care of mr Limozin, American agent there. I will advise you as soon as I know by what vessel he forwards them. Adieu Your\u2019s affectionately\nTh: Jefferson\n[Enclosure]\nJ. Madison to Th: J Dr.\nDollars\n1783.Nov. 5.To paid Stockdon at Princeton9.133\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Dr. Wiggins\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Laurence\nto cash\nCr.\nDollars\nNov. 2.By cash98.\u2007\u2007\u2007\nDr.\nDollars\nApr. 6.\nTo paid Dudley (by mr Maury) for a pr.\n\u2002\u2003spectacles\nTo my assumpsit to do. for a 2d. pr. spectacles.\nTo my bill on the Treasurer of Virginia for\nBalance in your favour\nCr.\nBy cash at Philadelphia\nBy bill on the Treasurer of Virginia (given me at Annapolis)\nDr.\nMay 25.\nTo pd. Aitken for Blair\u2019s lectures for you\nBalance in your favor\nCr.\nBy balance as above\nBy my omission to pay Dudley for the 2d\n\u2002\u2003pr of spectacles\nJ. Madison to Th: J. Dr.\nSep. 1.\nTo amount of advances for books &c. as by acct. rendered this\nlt\u2007s\u2007\n\u2003\u2002day\nTestament politique d\u2019Angleterre 12mo\nMemoires de Voltaire 12mo\nFrederic le grand. 8vo", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0192", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Caleb Wallace, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Wallace, Caleb\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nLincoln County. Sep. 25th. 1785\nTwo Days ago I received your favour of the 23. of August. Having only an Evening\u2019s leisure after attending a very Strong Session of our Court for three Weeks to answer several of my Eastern Correspondents I only intend a short Line at present. In my Letter by Mr. Elijah Craig I believe I omitted particularly to inform you that last December a Deputy from the Several Militia Companies in this District assembled to take under Consideration the State of the District. A Number of Grievances were then stated which cannot be redressed whilst in Connexion with Virginia; and therefore it was recommended to the People to elect another Convention to take into Consideration the propriety and Expediency of a Seperation. This Convention met in May, and unanimously resolved that a Seperation was indispensable but at the same Time it was thought expedient to recommend the election of a third finally to decide upon the Question. At this an Address to the Assembly praying for an Act of Seperation, and several Resolves expressing the Reasons on which the Prayer is founded and the Terms on which the Seperation is requested were agreed on. I must confess I am not pleased with the Splendid Dress in which they are cloathed, and wish the Substance of the Resolves had composed the Body of the Address, but hope that impropriety in form will not injure a Cause which I am anxious should be determined on the most friendly and liberal principles.\nGeorge Muter and Harry Innes esquires are appointed to wait on the Assembly with our Petition, who will explain our Views more to your Satisfaction than I can do by Letter. It would be presuming in me to Name these Gentlemen by Way of Recommendation; And I am perswaded you will take Pleasure in patronizing the District by which they are sent so far as our Wishes accord with your Judgment, and further would be unreasonable for me to request. I am Dr Sir, Your friend & Servant\nCaleb Wallace", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0194", "content": "Title: To James Madison from John Hatley Norton, 2 October 1785\nFrom: Norton, John Hatley\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nWinchester Octr. 2d. 1785.\nWith this you will receive a Letter from me dated Yesterday which contains such Sentiments as wou\u2019d naturally arise from the peculiarity of my Situation & my Brothers, in which I shou\u2019d hope you will find nothing dictatorial or offensive. I have wrote to many of my friends on the Assembly in the same Style, who will no doubt concur in such Measures as may be conducive to the Interest of particular Individuals without injury to their own; My principle wish at pres[e]n[t is that] some favorable Clause may pass the House of Assembly preventing the Laws from operating against us in Matters of Accts., & as to Requisitions for Recovery of british Debts, good policy & prudential Motives will no doubt dictate to the Legislature when, & in what manner Individuals under the Class of british Subjects, & Natives, Partners with them, shou\u2019d receive Payment of Debts due to them from Citizens of this State. An allowance of Interest, & Security for these Debts you will probably think but reasonable, as suppose one half the Interest.\nThere is a Case at present which bears hard on some Individuals; a Transaction happens in the West Indies between two Merchts of this State. The plaintiff by accident finds an Agent for one of the Houses in this State as he came over to do some business, & takes an opporty. before he moves away of geting his Deposition. The defendt. also finds an Agent in Pennsylvania or Maryland whose deposition is absolutely necessary to confront the other, but it cannot be had because the Laws of this Country deny it to him as this Agent is out of the State. This surely is a manifest injury to the defendant, & you will think some provision shou\u2019d be made for his Relief & all others in the same situation. I have taken the Liberty of submitting these matters to your Consideration & dont doubt your perceiving at once the glaring Hardships which must attend persons under similar Circumstances.\nMrs. Norton & family are well & join me in Terms of the highest Respect for you, Your father & family in Orangeburg. Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt\nJ. H. Norton", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0196", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Caleb Wallace, 8 October 1785\nFrom: Wallace, Caleb\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nOctober 8. 1785.\nBy Colo. Muter I troubled you with a short Line; and now have only Leisure to thank you for the Strictures on Government you were so kind as to favour me with. I have yet some other Qu[e]r[i]es on the Subject which I shall reserve for another Opportunity. At present I only beg leave to observe that the Constitution of Virginia provides for the Seperation we have in View in a Way that is unprecedented. An Act of Seperation, I concieve, may direct the whole with but a little more difficulty than a Corporation is established; and so as to prevent a dangerous interval of Anarcy which must otherwise happen. The District has chosen a Convention that is to continue till next April. The Elections though voluntary were made with propriety. This Convention I concieve may be recognized and empowered to direct the Choice of another for the purpose of adopting a Form of Government and organizing it: and in the mean Time it may be provided, that all Officers civil & Military shall continue to enforce the Laws of the present Government with such exceptions as the Case may require. This, or something in this Way may certainly be done with propriety. But I must confess, I find myself perplexed with real Difficulties of another Kind. Our Remote Situation and other local peculiarities excludes us from the Advantages of equal Government whilst connected with Virginia. And the Want of an Export Trade will render us incapable of defraying the Expences of a Seperate Government. The Question then is, Whether our poverty should deprive us of the Rights of Free Men, or not? If it were left to my own Decission, I believe I should advise being contented with a lesser Portion of political Advantages at present, did I not conceive that a Legislature of our own, might do much to regulate Trade or supply the Deficiency, As well as to secure our Inhabitants against the Indians who are daily despoiling us of our property and committing the most horid Murders! Or in a Word, to facilitate the Approach of more happy Days. If the Legislature should accede to the Seperation, I expect the Gentlemen from this Quarter will Solicit your Attention in preparing the Act, and I hope much from your Favour.\nThis will be handed to you by Capt. Christopher Greenup who I take the Liberty of recommending to you as a Friend I highly esteem for his Integrity and liberality of Sentiment. I have also requested him to shew you a Letter from Colo. M\u2019Dowell and myself addressed to the Speaker of the House of Delegates on behalf of ourselves and the other Officers of this District Court. From the Contents you will easily apprehend the Inconveniencies occasioned by the Inattention or Reluctance of the Assembly to provide for the Support of the Court. I shall only further observe, that after foregoing other Advantages that presented themselves to keep the Court in Existence we have great Reason to complain of the Oversight, and yet to expect a Reimbursement if the Independence of the Judges is thought to be of any Consequence to the public. True it is, that the Court has lingered in a Way greatly to the Injury of the District, but not through the Default of the Judges, but the Want of Houses and Records that could not be procured without Funds. For my own part, upon recieving my Appointment I immediately removed to the Country, and except one Trip to Botetourt to settle my Affairs, I have ever since avoided any Business that would divert my Attention from the Duties of the Office or be otherwise inconsistent, and should now avoid troubling the Legislature on the disagreeable Subject, did not Justice to the Office as well as my Family require it. If it is not too irksome to you to interest yourself in the Application, the Favour will be than[k]fully acknowledged by Dr Sir, Your most ob. Servt.\nCaleb Wallace", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0197", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 14 October 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir.\nNew York Octob. 14th. 1785.\nI have recieved your letter dated at Philada. & shall forward the in-closure to France in the manner you direct. Since your departure, we have been under great anxiety for the fate of Mr. Hardy. On a party to Haerlem heights about ten days ago, he unfortunately bursted a blood vessel, and from frequent hemorrhages, has been in extreme danger till about three days ago, when matters have taken rather a more favorable turn. He has requested me to inform you of his desire to get a seat in the executive Council if practicable, as he thinks the climate of his own country will be more suitable to the situation of his health. He is the more anxious to have this done, as it is not only his own opinion but that of his Physicians, that he will never from the nature of the complaint, be proper for the bar; or indeed for any kind of violent public speaking. He desires you will do him the favor of shewing this to the Speaker & taking such measures as you may deem adviseable.\nNothing new has taken effect since you left this, except that Congress have had information of war being declared by the regency of Algiers agt. these U. S. I am afraid the information is too true: however I will write you again on this subject, the moment the news is confirmed in such a manner as to admit of no doubt.\nThe suspicion here is that our friends the Brittish have done us this favor in order to make it indispensably necessary for us to imploy their vessels. Perhaps the Spaniards on making peace with the Algerines might wish that their arms might be turned agt. us. The Secy. for foreign affairs is for war with these pirates; but I cannot see the policy of this, & think we had better follow the scandalous example of the European powers, & make peace with them as soon as we can.\nNothing has transpired from Adams, respecting the subject we were talking of, since you left this.\nThe Report of the Secy. for foreign affairs, respecting Consuls has been recommitted, & he has made another report, principall[y] recommending the vesting the American Ministers with Consular Powers\u2014& giving them extensive limits, where they will have deputies. I shall be obliged to you to let me know as soon as you can conveniently what are your sentiments respecting the price of the Western lands: is a dollar too high all circumstances considered?\nBy a letter from Colo. Monroe we are informed there are not above 80 families settled on the lands of the U. S.\u2014& these have agreed to go off when Colo. Harmer shall direct them & that the Geographer & Surveyors have left Pittsburgh to execute the Ordinance. From yr. Affect. friend & Most Obed Servt.\nWillm. Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0199", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Washington, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nMount Vernon Oct 22nd 1785\nI thank you for the perusal of the enclosed reports\u2014Mr Jay seems to have laboured the point respecting the Convention.\nIf any thing should occur that is interesting, & your leizure will permit it, I should be glad to hear from you on the subject.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0200", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Gerard Banks, 28 October 1785\nFrom: Banks, Gerard\nTo: Madison, James\nHonble Sir\nGreen Bank. Stafford Cy. Oct 28. 1785.\nPrompted by the good of my Country, I hope will sufficiently apologize for my addressing you on some matters of very great importance to our Country. Government at present is certainly in a very confused and unhinged situation, and no doubt calls for the deliberate efforts of a wise Legislature, which I hope is the case at this day. Yet Sir Your knowledge of mankind and things in general must point out to you that experience ever carries the most just and powerful weight; therefore the Virtuous and sensible Gentleman is ever open to conviction and well knows that he may be greatly assisted by the juditious observations of those who may be far inferior to him in point of abilities, I expect to be in Richmond the 4th. of Nov. when I shall be happy to have a conference with you on 2 or 3 Subjects, in which I am flattered you will be well pleased. I am, Honble Sir Yr. mo. obt. hble Servt\nGer. Banks\nP. S. The heads or out lines of one of the cases, I have lodged wth. the Honble Joseph Jones esquire.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0201", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Arthur Campbell, 28 October 1785\nFrom: Campbell, Arthur\nTo: Madison, James\nSir\nWashington Octo. 28th. 1785\nAn early acquaintance, a similarity of sentiment, and the deserved estimation you have attained to, in America, encourage me to address you on a subject, that is believed to be highly interesting to the Western Inhabitants, and perhaps not less so, to the eastern parts of the State.\nAfter various essays of the People for a separation, and the subject being agitated, both in Congress, and before the legislature, the period seems to be arrived when a last discussion and final decision are to take place; in performing this weighty task aright, it will not only call for the best exertions of the able politician, but the temper of the good man.\nThe fixing of proper boundaries may be the most intricate part of the business. Men may be too apt to argue, and perhaps to vote, from their own feelings, and the lights they have at the present day, without taking into consideration, either the interests or approbation of posterity. The decisions now made, ought to invite an affectionate and grateful attachment, which will be more efficacious in promoting public security, than stone walls, or military engines.\nOn a careful perusal of that signal Act of Congress of April 23. 1784, it must be acknowleged, there is in it, striking marks of wisdom and foresight; yet we may be permitted to doubt, whether it will beneficially apply in all cases. Natural boundaries, where they nearly coincide with artificial ones, surely should have been prefered; and why might not that amendment be made by Congress yet.\nFrom what I have learnt, no doubt it will be expected by most of the States, that Virginia will follow the example of North Carolina, and fix her limits on the highths of the Allegany; a small departure from those limits, may be found the most convenient, and in time satisfactory to all. For instance, a line extended West: from the South West corner of Maryland, to the top of great Laurel-Mountain, thence Southwardly along the top of sd. Mountain, to where it is intersected by the great Kanhawa; up said River to the confluence of little River (near Ingles Ferry), thence South to the top of the Allegany or Apalachian Mountain; thence along the highest part of the same to the North-Carolina boundary. That part of the Western Country, over the Laurel Mountain and above the Kanhawa should be added to what is expected to be the State of Washington. That below the Kanhawa, and north of the 37\u00b0. degree, until that parallel touch the top of the Laurel Mountain, and east along that Mountain to the Kanhawa, to be the State of Kentuckey. The remaining half degree to be added to the State of Frankland. This will accord with the plan of Congress. By this scheme, it is judged that three New States might have existance immediately, which would vastly increase the strength, riches, and population of the United States. Washington, with a necessary cession from Pensylvania, would soon become a firm barrier against any attempts from the Western parts of Canada. Kentuckey, and Frankland, would circulate eastwardly some of the riches of Mexico, and keep the Spaniards, the Southern and Western Indians in awe. There may be local and individual interests, that will combat this scheme; but Virginia ought to see, that it will secure her Peace, and promote her lasting prosperity. The actual traveller may form the best judgment, or Commissioners sent to the spot to judge what are the most suitable boundarys; however, Mr. Hutchins Map gives a tolerable correct view of the Country.\nI cannot agree with the politicians, who urge, that we must ere long, have a consolidated Empire under one head, and abolish the different legislatures. Equally extravagant it appears, for one, or a few States, to erect a separate government, and dissolve the present Confederacy. Is not there much less difficulty, and far less danger, to limit the large States to a convenient, and suitable bounds; and then parcel out the Western territory, into proper divisions for free Communities, reform such of the Constitutions of the original States, as may be essentially defective and then make an effort, in good earnest, to give purity of manners, and morals, of course public virtue, a prevalence. Then may not twice thirteen States, if so many there be, unite in the closes[t] bands of amity, and reciprocal good offices, as to all national purposes, leaving to each of the Members of the Union, sovereignty and independence, as to internal legislation, and judiciary decisions.\nDoctor Price, Abbe Mably, and Monsieur Turgot, hath lately said a number of good things, that ought to be attended to. I suppose we must agree with the latter, that it will take years, yet to come, to perfect our governments. When you, and I, sat in Convention in 1776, I thought the Virginia Constitution, was a specimen of consummate wisdom. I see many defects now; and it would perhaps surprize the World, if Frankland, those wild half civilized People, would produce a Form, as much superior to it, as Massachusetts is to Georgia. Divers essays ought therefore to be made, to improve the form of our government. The time may not be far distant, when we may feel the effects of external force, as well as secret intrigue to destroy it. If my intelligence from a distant Correspondent, is right; Great Britain from the moment she acknowleged our independence, set about devising means to render it of little avail. What she has already done, by introducing luxury, draining our money, impairing public credit, and destroying public spirit, may discover, that she will be systematical, in aiming at our destruction.\nThe foregoing hints, I have taken the liberty to transmit to you, not doubting but you will improve and make the best use of them; nor would I have used the freedom, had they not been approved, by a respectable Society in the Western Country, who aspires at the character of being real Commonwealths-Men.\nI enclose a copy of some Resolves of the Frankland Assembly, that may shew the necessity of the Virginia Legislature, giving some attention to the present state of this Country, and the more especially, as the County of Washington, has no legal Representatives this year. Also a copy of a Petition of the Inhabitants, the original was sent to Mr. Stuart, one of the Members from Botetourt, some time ago; who it is expected, will present it to the Assembly, that our business may go hand, in hand, with that of Kentuckey. I am Sir, with much Esteem & Respect your most obedient Hlb. Servt.\nArthur Campbell", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0202", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nFontainebleau Oct. 28. 1785.\nSeven o\u2019clock, and retired to my fireside, I have determined to enter into conversation with you; this is a village of about 5000 inhabitants, when the court is not here and 20,000 when they are, occupying a valley thro\u2019 which runs a brook, and on each side of it a ridge of small mountains most of which are naked rock. The king comes here, in the fall always, to hunt. His court attend him, as do also the foreign diplomatic corps. But as this is not indispensably required, & my finances do not admit the expence of a continued residence here, I propose to come occasionally to attend the king\u2019s levees, returning again to Paris, distant 40 miles. This being the first trip, I set out yesterday morning to take a view of the place. For this purpose I shaped my course towards the highest of the mountains in sight, to the top of which was about a league. As soon as I had got clear of the town I fell in with a poor woman walking at the same rate with myself & going the same course.\nWishing to know the condition of the labouring poor I entered into conversation with her, which I began by enquiries for the path which would lead me into the mountain; & thence proceeded to enquiries into her vocation, condition & circumstance. She told me she was a day labourer, at 8. sous or 4 d. sterling the day; that she had two children to maintain, & to pay a rent of 30 livres for her house (which would consume the hire of 75 days) that often she could get no emploiment, and of course was without bread. As we had walked together near a mile & she had so far served me as a guide, I gave her, on parting, 24 sous. She burst into tears of a gratitude which I could perceive was unfeigned, because she was unable to utter a word. She had probably never before received so great an aid. This little attendrissement, with the solitude of my walk led me into a train of reflections on that unequal division of property which occasions the numberless instances of wretchedness which I had observed in this country & is to be observed all over Europe. The property of this country is absolutely concentered in a very few hands, having revenues of from half a million of guineas a year downwards. These employ the flower of the country as servants, some of them having as many as 200 domestics, not labouring. They employ also a great number of manufacturers, & tradesmen, & lastly the class of labouring husbandmen. But after all these comes the most numerous of all the classes, that is, the poor who cannot find work. I asked myself what could be the reason that so many should be permitted to beg who are willing to work, in a country where there is a very considerable proportion of uncultivated lands? These lands are kept idle mostly for the sake of game. It should seem then that it must be because of the enormous wealth of the proprietors which places them above attention to the increase of their revenues by permitting these lands to be laboured. I am conscious that an equal division of property is impracticable. But the consequences of this enormous inequality producing so much misery to the bulk of mankind, legislators cannot invent too many devices for subdividing property, only taking care to let their subdivisions go hand in hand with the natural affections of the human mind. The descent of property of every kind therefore to all the children, or to all the brothers & sisters, or other relations in equal degree is a politic measure, and a practicable one. Another means of silently lessening the inequality of property is to exempt all from taxation below a certain point, & to tax the higher portions of property in geometrical progression as they rise. Whenever there is in any country, uncultivated lands and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right. The earth is given as a common stock for man to labour & live on. If, for the encouragement of industry we allow it to be appropriated, we must take care that other employment be furnished to those excluded from the appropriation. If we do not the fundamental right to labour the earth returns to the unemployed. It is too soon yet in our country to say that every man who can not find employment but who can find uncultivated land, shall be at liberty to cultivate it, paying a moderate rent. But it is not too soon to provide by every possible means that as few as possible shall be without a little portion of land. The small landholders are the most precious part of a state.\nThe next object which struck my attention in my walk was the deer with which the wood abounded. They were of the kind called Cerfs and are certainly of the same species with ours. They are blackish indeed under the belly, & not white as ours, & they are more of the chesnut red. But these are such small differences as would be sure to happen in two races from the same stock, breeding separately a number of ages. Their hares are totally different from the animal we call by that name: but their rabbet is almost exactly like him. The only difference is in their manners; the land on which I walked for sometime being absolutely reduced to a honeycomb by their burrowing. I think there is no instance of ours burrowing. After descending the hill again I saw a man cutting fern. I went to him under pretence of asking the shortest road to the town, & afterwards asked for what use he was cutting fern. He told me that this part of the country furnished a great deal of fruit to Paris. That when packed in straw it acquired an ill taste, but that dry fern preserved it perfectly without communicating any taste at all. I treasured this observation for the preservation of my apples on my return to my own country. They have no apple here to compare with our Newtown pipping. They have nothing which deserves the name of a peach; there being not sun enough to ripen the plumbpeach & the best of their soft peaches being like our autumn peaches. Their cherries & strawberries are fair, but I think less flavoured. Their plumbs I think are better; so also the gooseberries, and the pears infinitely beyond any thing we possess. They have no grape better than our sweet-water. But they have a succession of as good from very early in the summer till frost. I am tomorrow to go to mr Malsherbes (an uncle of the Chevalr. Luzerne\u2019s) about 7. leagues from hence, who is the most curious man in France as to his trees. He is making for me a collection of the vines from which the Burgundy, Champagne, Bourdeaux, Frontignac, and other the most valuable wines of this country are made. Another gentleman is collecting for me the best eating grapes, including what we call the raisin. I propose also to endeavor to colonise their hare, rabbet, red & grey partridge, pheasants of different kinds, & some other birds. But I find that I am wandering beyond the limits of my walk & will therefore bid you Adieu. Yours affectionately\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0203", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Washington, 29 October 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nMy Dr Sir,\nMount Vernon 29th. Octor. 1785\nReceive my thanks for your obliging favor of the 20th.\u2014with its enclosure\u2014of the latter I now avail myself in a letter to the Governor, for the General Assembly. Your delicate sensibility deserves my particular acknowledgements: both your requests are complied with\u2014the first, by congeniality of sentiment; the second because I would fulfil your desire.\nConceiving it would be better to suggest a wish, than to propose an absolute condition of acceptance, I have so expressed myself to the Assembly and shall be obliged to you, not only for information of the result but (if there is an acquiesence on the part of the Country) for your sentiments respecting the appropriations\u2014from what may be said upon the occasion, you will learn what would be most pleasing, & of the greatest utility to the Public.\nBy Colo. Henry Lee I sent you the Reports of the Secretary for Foreign affairs on the Consular Department. I hope you have received them. With every sentiment of esteem & regard I am Dr. Sir &c. &c.\nGeo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0206", "content": "Title: Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, [31 October] 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[31 October 1785]\nI. Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavouring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor, whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is withdrawing from the ministry those temporary rewards, which proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting labours for the instruction of mankind; that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right; that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of wor[l]dly honours and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles on supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency will make his opinions the rule of judgment; and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them:\nII. Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.\nIII. And though we well know that this assembly elected by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only, have no power to restrain the acts of succeeding assemblies, constituted with powers equal to our own, and that therefore to declare this act to be irrevocable would be of no effect in law; yet we are free to declare, and do declare, that the rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights of mankind, and that if any act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the present, or to narrow its operation such act will be an infringement of natural right.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0207", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York Nov. 8th. 1785.\nThe President being this moment about to set out for Virginia obliges me to be very short at present. We have no authentic advices from Europe respecting the Algerine War, although the Papers speak of several captures of american vessels. Nothing new from Mr. Adams respecting the debts. I will again look at his letters, & give you the necessary information in confidence. You will then judge for yourself as to the expediency or inexpediency of a certain measure.\nI shall at all events stay here till next Munday in order to collect some documents which are necessary for the State, & will write you again before I leave this. Mr. Hancock is talked of by the Southern States for President, though I suppose if Governor Nash or Paca were to come forward, they would change their tone.\nSince you left this We have had a considerable flurry respecting a motion brought forward by Massachusetz & Virginia respecting the dismemberment of States: The motion is on the journals.\nContracts for the transportation of the Mail are made: two mails a week throughout America, for six months & three mails a week for the six other months\u2014to begin in Jany. next. From yr. Affect. frd. & Most Obed Sert\nWillm. Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0208", "content": "Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond Novr. 11. 1785\nI recd. your favor of the 29th. ulto. on thursday. That by Col. Lee had been previously delivered. Your letter for the Assembly was laid before them yesterday. I have reason to believe that it was received with every sentiment which could correspond with yours. Nothing passed from which any conjecture could be formed as to the objects which would be most pleasing for the appropriation of the fund. The disposition is I am persuaded much stronger to acquiesce in your choice whatever it may be, than to lead or anticipate it: and I see no inconveniency in your taking time for a choice that will please yourself. The letter was referred to a Committee which will no doubt make such report as will give effect to your wishes.\nOur Session commenced very inauspiciously with a contest for the Chair which was followed by a rigid scrutiny into Mr. Harrison\u2019s election in his County. He gained the Chair by a majority of 6 votes and retained his seat by a majority of still fewer. His residence was the point on which the latter question turned. Doctr. Lee\u2019s election was questioned on a similar point and was also established; but it was held to be vitiated by his acceptance of a lucrative post under the United States. The House have engaged with some alacrity in the consideration of the Revised Code prepared by Mr. Jefferson Mr. Pendleton and Mr. Wythe. The present temper promises an adoption of it in substance. The greatest danger arises from its length compared with the patience of the members. If it is persisted in it must exclude several matters which are of moment, but I hope only for the present Assembly. The pulse of the H. of D. was felt on thursday with regard to a general manumission by a petition presented on that subject. It was rejected without dissent but not without an avowed patronage of its principle by sundry respectable members. A motion was made to throw it under the table, which was treated with as much indignation on one side, as the petition itself was on the other. There are several petitions before the House against any step towards freeing the slaves, and even praying for a repeal of the law which licences particular manumissions. The Merchants of several of our Towns have made representations on the distresses of our commerce, which have raised the question whether relief shall be attempted by a reference to Congs. or by measures within our own Compass. On a pretty full discussion it was determined by a Large majority that the power over trade ought to be vested in Congress, under certain qualifications. If the qualifications suggested & no others should be annexed, I think they will not be subversive of the principle tho\u2019 they will no doubt lessen its utility. The Speaker Mr. M. Smith & Mr. Braxton are the champions against Congress. Mr. Thruston & Mr. White have since come in, and I fancy I may set down both as auxiliaries. They are however not a little puzzled by the difficulty of substituting any practicable regulations within ourselves. Mr. Braxton proposed two that did not much aid his side of the question; the 1. was that all British vessels from the W. Indies should be excluded from our ports\u2014the 2. that no Merchant should carry on trade here untill he sd. have been a resident years. Unless some plan freer from objection can be devised for this State, its patrons will be reduced clearly to the dilemma of acceding to a general one, or leaving our trade under all its present embarrassments. There has been some little skirmishing on the ground of public faith, which leads me to hope that its friends have less to fear than was surmised. The Assize & Port Bills have not yet been awakened. The Senate will make a House today for the first time. With the greatest respect & regard I have the honor to be Dr. Sir, Yr. Obedt. & very Hble Servt.\nJ. Madison Jr.\nP. S. Inclosed herewith are two reports from the Commssrs for examining the head of James River &c. and the ground between the waters of Elizabeth River & N. Carolina\u2014also a sensible pamphlet said to be written by St. George Tucker of this State.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0209", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., ca. 12\u201314 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\nca. 12\u201314 November 1785. Mentioned by JM in his 18 November answer to his father, and carried from Orange by Captain Barbour. The elder Madison had inquired about \u201cTurpin in the land office,\u201d and requested copies of some journals. Tobacco prices also were discussed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0213", "content": "Title: Resolution Calling for the Regulation of Commerce by Congress, 14 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[14 November 1785]\nWhereas, the relative situation of the United States has been found on trial, to require uniformity in their commercial regulations, as the only effectual policy for obtaining in the ports of foreign nations, a stipulation of privileges, reciprocal to those enjoyed by the subjects of such nations in the ports of the United States; for preventing animosities, which cannot fail to arise among the several States from the interference of partial and separate regulations; \u27e8and for deriving from commerce, such aids to the public revenue as it ought to contribute;\u27e9 and whereas, such uniformity can be best concerted and carried into effect by the federal councils, which, having been instituted for the purpose of managing the interests of the States, in cases which cannot so well be provided for, by measures individually pursued, ought to be invested with authority in this case, as being within the reason and policy of their institution;\nResolved, That the delegates representing this Commonwealth in Congress, be instructed to propose in Congress, a recommendation to the States in Union, to authorise that assembly to regulate their trade, and to collect a revenue therefrom, on the following principles, and under the following qualifications:\n1st. That the United States in Congress assembled, be authorised to prohibit vessels belonging to any nation, which has no commercial treaty with the United States, from entering any of the ports thereof, or to impose any duties on such vessels and their cargoes which may be judged necessary: all such prohibitions and duties to be uniform throughout the United States, and the proceeds of the latter to be carried into the treasury of the State within which they shall accrue.\n\u27e8 2d. That over and above any duties which may be so laid, the United States in Congress assembled, be authorised to collect in manner prescribed by an act \u201cto provide certain and adequate funds for the payment of this State\u2019s quota of the debts contracted by the United States,\u201d an impost not exceeding five per centum ad valorem on all goods, wares and merchandizes whatsoever, imported into the United States from any foreign ports; such impost to be uniform as aforesaid, and to be carried to the treasury of the United States.\u27e9\n3d. That no State be at liberty to impose duties on any goods, wares or merchandizes, imported by land or by water from any other State, but may altogether prohibit the importation from any other State of any particular species or description of goods, wares or merchandize, of which the importation is at the same time prohibited from all other places whatsoever.\n4th. That no act of Congress that may be authorised, as hereby proposed, shall be entered into by less than two thirds of the confederated States, nor be in force longer than [twenty-five] years, \u27e8unless continued by a like proportion of votes within one year immediately preceding the expiration of the said period, or be revived in like manner after the expiration thereof; nor shall any impost whatsoever, be collected by virtue of the authority proposed in the second article, after the year 17 .\u27e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0214", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond Novr. 15. 1785:\nI acknowledged from Philada. your favor of the 11 of May. On my return to Orange I found the copy of your Notes brought along with it by Mr. Doradour. I have looked them over carefully myself & consulted several judicious friends in confidence. We are all sensible that the fre[e]dom of your strictures on some particular measures and opinions will displease their respective abettors. But we equally concur in thinking that this consideration ought not to be weighed against the utility of your plan. We think both the facts and remarks which you have assembled too valuable not to be made known, at least to those for whom you destine them, and speak of them to one another in terms which I must not repeat to you. Mr. Wythe suggested that it might be better to put the number you may allot to the University into the library, rather than to distribute them among the Students. In the latter case the Stock will be immediately exhausted. In the former the discretion of the professors will make it serve the Students as they successively come in. Perhaps too an indiscriminate gift might offend some narrow minded parents. Mr. Wythe desired me to present you with his most friendly regards. He mentioned the difficulty he experiences in using his pen as an apology for not giving these assurances himself. I postpone my acct. of the Assembly till I can make it more satisfactory, observing only that we are at work on the Revisal, and I am not without hopes of seeing it pass this Session with as few alterations as could be expected. Some are made unavoidable by a change of circumstances. The greatest danger is to be apprehended from the impatience which a certain lapse of time always produces. Mr. W. Maury informs me that Master P. Carr has read at Williamsbg. Horace\u2014Some of Tully\u2019s select orations\u2014Greek Testament, Aesops fables in Greek\u2014ten books of Homer\u2014and is now beginning Xenophon, Juvenal & Livy. He has been also employed in the French. Your other Nephew is at Hampden Sidney. I have no particular acct. of him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0215", "content": "Title: To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 15 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James (Reverend)\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Col.\nWilliamg. Novr. 15. 1785.\nAs several Matters will probably be agitated this Session in wh. the Interests of our University may be deeply concerned, I have wish\u2019d to give you some Information respecting them, & then as a Friend to Science I am sure we shall have a powerful Advocate in our Favour.\nThe 1st. is involved in the Dismemberment of the State. The Seperation of Kentucky may take Place, without an express Reserve of the Fees due to the College from that Country. If this Matter be pass\u2019d over in Silence, it is possible, the Surveyors might find some Plea to refuse Payment. The Debt is of Importance to the College. Would it not then be prudent to give us a securing Clause in the Act of Seperation wh. may probably be pass\u2019d? The 2d. is of much less Importance, because it is scarce possible that the House will attend to it. The Tenants upon our Lands have grown restive. They intend to petition the Assembly, I am told, for a Destruction of the Coll. Rights, & to vest in them a Fee simple Estate. However unreasonable the Demand may be, yet it will be well for us to have a Friend at Court, & therefore I have mentioned their Intentions to you. Besides that General Petition of the College Tenants, the Holders of the Lands near James Town, lately given to the College, mean also to present a Petition, in Order to have their former Leases, which we consider as illegal, confirmed to them. The Atty. gave it as his opinion that they were illegal. The Object of this Petition then must be, supposing his Opinion to be well founded, to obtain from the Assembly, the Confirmation of what was originally illegal. This last Petition however, will probably attract a general Attention. But I thought it adviseable to mention particularly the first Matter, as an entire Silence of the Act for a Seperation, might be construed by the opposite Party even as a Ground for a Refusal of Payment, or might be considered as a sufft. Plea of Justification in the new Govt. to appropriate those Fees to their own interior purposes, especially as in some of their Resolves respecting their Greivances, the Payment of such Fees to this Coll. is enumerated as one. If we can get no more after the Seperation, wh. is reasonable eno\u2019 perhaps, yet let us have what is due prior to the Seperation. But wd. it not be possible to secure all the Fees due for surveying officers Lands even after the Seperation, the Survey having already commenced? I leave this however to your own better Judgt.\nWhen shall we have the Happiness to see you here. I had hopes the f\u0153deral Court might be some Inducement to bring you down. If it shd still sit, & at a Time your Absence can be spared, perhaps you may be induced to visit us. Whatever may be the Cause of transferring you to this Place, we shall esteem it a fortunate one. My Wife desires to be particularly remembered as well as Dr Cole. Yr. Friend\nJ Madison", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0216", "content": "Title: Act Securing the Copyright for Authors, 16 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[16 November 1785]\nI. BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That the author of any book or pamphlet already printed, being a citizen of any one of the United States, who has not transferred to any other person or persons the copy or copies of such book, or pamphlet, share, or shares thereof, his heirs and assigns, or the person or persons who have purchased or acquired such copy or copies, share or shares, in order to print or reprint the same, his heirs and assigns shall have the exclusive right of printing and re-printing such book or pamphlet, within this commonwealth, for the term of twenty-one years, to be computed from the first publication thereof; and that the author of any book or pamphlet already composed and not printed or published, or that shall hereafter be composed, being a citizen, as aforesaid, his heirs and assigns shall have the exclusive right of printing and re-printing such book or pamphlet, within this commonwealth, for the like term of twenty-one years, to be computed from the first publication thereof. And if any person or persons whatsoever, shall print, re-print, or cause to be printed or reprinted, within this commonwealth, any such book or pamphlet; or shall import into this commonwealth, from any foreign kingdom or state, any printed or re-printed copies of such book or pamphlet, without the consent of the author or proprietor thereof first obtained in writing, signed in presence of two credible witnesses at least; or who, knowing the same to be so printed, re-printed, or imported, without such consent first had and obtained, shall publish, sell, or expose to sale, or cause to be published, sold, or exposed to sale, any copy or copies of any such book or pamphlet; the person or persons offending herein, shall forfeit to the party injured, double the value of all the copies so printed, re-printed, or imported; or so published, sold, or exposed to sale; to be recovered at the suit of such party, in any court of record within this commonwealth.\nII. Provided nevertheless, That no person shall be entitled to the benefit of this act, until he shall have registered the title of such book or pamphlet with the clerk of the council, and procured a certificate of such registry from the said clerk; which certificate the clerk is hereby required to give, taking only three shillings for his trouble.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0217", "content": "Title: Amendments to the Act Conveying Canal Shares to George Washington, [16 November] 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[16 November 1785]\nI. Whereas by an act, intituled \u201cAn act for vesting in George Washington, esq. a certain interest in the companies established for opening and extending the navigation of James and Potowmack rivers,\u201d and reciting, \u201cthat whereas it is the desire of the representatives of this commonwealth to embrace every suitable occasion of testifying their sense of the unexampled merits of George Washington, esq. towards his country; and it is their wish in particular, that those great works for its improvement, which, both as springing from the liberty which he has been so instrumental in establishing, and as encouraged by his patronage, will be durable monuments of his glory, may be made monuments also of the gratitude of his country:\u201d It is enacted, \u201cthat the treasurer be directed in addition to the subscriptions he is already authorized to make to the respective undertakings for opening the navigations of Potowmack and James rivers, to subscribe to the amount of fifty shares to the former and one hundred shares to the latter, to be paid in like manner with the subscriptions above mentioned; and that the shares so subscribed be and the same are hereby vested in George Washington, esq. his heirs and assigns forever, in as effectual a manner as if the subscriptions had been made by himself or by his attorney.\u201d And whereas, the said George Washington, esq. in his letter addressed to the governor, which has been laid before the general assembly, hath expressed his sentiments thereupon, in the words following, to wit:\u2014\u201dYour excellency having been pleased to transmit me a copy of the act appropriating to my benefit certain shares in the companies for opening the navigation of James and Potowmack rivers, I take the liberty of returning to the general assembly, through your hands, the profound and grateful acknowledgments, inspired by so signal a mark of their beneficient intentions towards me. I beg you, sir, to assure them, that I am filled on this occasion with every sentiment which can flow from a heart warm with love for my country\u2014sensible to every token of its approbation and affection; and solicitous to testify, in every instance, a respectful submission to its wishes: With these sentiments in my bosom, I need not dwell on the anxiety I feel, in being obliged, in this instance, to decline a favour, which is rendered no less flattering by the manner in which it is conveyed, than it is affectionate in itself. In explaining this obligation, I pass over a comparison of my endeavours in the public service with the many honourable testimonies of approbation which have already so far over-rated and over-paid them; reciting one consideration only, which supersedes the necessity of recurring to every other. When I was first called to the station with which I was honoured during the late conflict for our liberties\u2014to the diffidence which I had so many reasons to feel in accepting it, I thought it my duty to join to a firm resolution to shut my hand against every pecuniary recompence; to this resolution I have invariably adhered\u2014from this resolution (if I had the inclination) I do not consider myself at liberty to depart. Whilst I repeat, therefore, my fervent acknowledgments to the legislature for their very kind sentiments and intentions in my favour, and at the same time beg them to be persuaded, that a remembrance of this singular proof of their goodness towards me, will never cease to cherish returns of the warmest affection and gratitude, I must pray, that their act, so far as it has for its object my personal emolument, may not have its effect: But if it should please the general assembly to permit me to turn the destination of the fund vested in me, from my private emoluments, to objects of a public nature, it will be my study in selecting these, to prove the sincerity of my gratitude for the honour conferred on me, by preferring such as may appear most subservient to the enlightened and patriotic views of the legislature.\u201d And whereas the desire of the general assembly to mark by the provision above mentioned, their sense of the illustrious merits of the said George Washington, esq. at the same time that it is strengthened by this fresh and endearing proof of his title to the gratitude of his country, is superseded by their respect for his disinterested wishes and patriotic views:\nII. Be it enacted, That the said recited act, so far as it vests in George Washington, esq. and his heirs, the shares therein directed to be subscribed in his name, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed.\nIII. And be it further enacted, That the said shares with the tolls and profits hereafter accruing therefrom, shall stand appropriated to such objects of a public nature, in such manner, and under such distributions, as the said George Washington, esq. by deed during his life, or by his last will and testament, shall direct and appoint.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0218", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 18 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond Sir\nRichd. Novr. 18: 1785\nI rcd. yrs. by Capt. Barbour who I hope will enquire as to Turpin in the land office. I wish you rather to confide such business to friends coming here who can be relied on than to refer it to me. I am so little Master of my time, and the Office is removed so far out of the way that I cannot be relied on. I will endeavor to get the Journals for you soon. The price of Tobo. forbids the sale of your Hhd. The Assembly have made some progress in the Revisal, and I hope will go thro\u2019 it. Public Credt. seems to have more friends and paper Money more Adversaries than I had expected. Delegates to Congs. for 1786. R. H. Lee, Wm. Grayson Js. Monroe, H. Lee Jr. Edwd. Carrington. Councilor Carter Braxton. Yr. affe. Son\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0219", "content": "Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 22 November 1785\nFrom: Grayson, William\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir,\nNew York. Nov. 22nd. 1785.\nI wrote you by the last Post, since which other letters have arrived from the gentleman therein mentioned. They came by the last packett; and one is dated as late as the 15th. of September last. In it however there is no mention of the Algerine War. Mr. Jefferson has also wrote by the french packett, but his letter is of an old date. There has been a conference with Mr. Pitt.\nThat gentleman thinks the war could make no change in the nature of the debts due by or to the citizens or subjects of either country; that the interest is as much due as principal; that the Brittish lawyers hold this opinion. In answer Mr. A. observes the lawyers in America hold a very different opinion respecting the War, and that no jury from New Hamshire to Georgia would allow interest during the war. That the war put an end to all laws and government, consequently to all contracts made under those laws. That it is a maxim of law that a personal right or obligation once destroyed is lost forever: that the treaty & new laws were necessary for the restoration of the contracts or obligations; that the contracts could not be said to have had any existence during the War. Mr. Pitt replied, that if these were the ideas in America, it was necessary there should be some new stipulation respecting the subject.\nWith respect to the negroes he acknowledged that this was so clear a case, as that satisfaction ought to be made therefor, as soon as the number carried off could be made appear. To this Mr. A. replied, that Colo. Smith who had transacted the business with Sir Guy Carleton could evince it by documents then ready to be produced. He acknowledged also with respect to Mr. A\u2019s. construction of the Armistice there could be no great difficulty: that with reguard to the Posts it was so connected with other matters as not to be decided on singly. As to the commercial treaty there seems to have been a great difference of sentiment; Mr. A. is of opinion that nothing will be done shortly. Mr. Pitt however has promised that during the recess of parliament he will turn his thoughts to those subjects. Mr. A. thinks that the reason why the Elector of Hanover came into the Confederation agt. the Emperor was to preserve peace, in Europe, on our accounts. I need not observe he is a strong advocate for restrictions on their commerce. I have been detained here longer than I expected, waiting to forward some documents which I concieved might be of advantage to our State; & which I have had more difficulty in procuring than I at first expected.\nI have by this post sent the aggregate amounts in specie value of the advances to each State; by which it will appear that our State has had but little comparatively. The Union in fact owe her a million of dollars & upwards on this account provided she has made equal exertions in other respects; that is to say she has recieved a million less than her f\u0153deral proportion. It is said however that no advantage can be immediately derived from this circumstance, as it is contended that the interest on all these sums is suspended till the final settlement of accounts by the resolution of the 3rd. of June 1784. This same resolution then holds out an additional temptation for prolongating the settlement. Rhode Island has had a million of dollars; is it likely then to suppose the wishes for the arrival of a period when she is to account? The same observation will apply to those who are similarly circumstanced. It will be difficult then when Virginia meets with embarrassments to get them removed by Congress.\nVirginia has a demand (in opposing Lord Dunmore) of \u00a3400,000 Virga. money incurred from Sepr. 1775 to December 1776: which I do not know is supported by any resolution of Congress. It is true she has the same reason to have it allowed as Massachuzetz. Besides there are resolutions of Congress which direct assistance which assistance Congress says shall be paid: however it is said here that all this goes for nothing. This subject of our public accounts deserves great consideration. I hope you will [con]sider this letter as confidential & remain Yr. Affect. friend & Most Obedt. Servt.\nWillm. Grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0221", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Benjamin Waller, 28 November 1785\nFrom: Waller, Benjamin\nTo: Madison, James\nSir;\nWilliamsburg Novr. 28th. 1785\nColo. Richard Cary, on his return from Richmond delivered me a friendly Hint from Mr. Matthews; but whether from the Councillor or Delegate, of that name, he did not say, nor indeed did I ask; so that I am at a Loss which of them to thank. The Purport was, that Umbrage was taken at my not attending the Court of Appeals at Richmond. Presuming on a former half-Year\u2019s acquaintance, I venture to address you on the Subject, instead of writing, at Random, to either of the above Gentlemen. True it is, Sir, that I have not attended that Court; and sorry I am that the Default of so insignificant a Member should give Offence. It is a fact; that my appointment to the two Offices I have been honoured with by the General Assembly, were conferred merely through their own Grace and Favor, without Solicitation: that then, and at all other times, I expressed a Compliance to serve in any Station they thought proper; provided it might be performed down here; but that I could not travel any Distance from home in my old Age. During my Seat in Council, the two Sessions of the Court of Appeals held here, and at every Court of Admiralty, I never absented myself from Duty a Day, not even an hour. Until lately the Court of Appeals hath dispatched little business, but not for Want of Members. I own it is my Duty to attend, however useless; but now advanced in my 70th: Year, subject to the natural Infirmities incident thereto, and thereby chiefly confined at home; can I, my good Sir, with any Pretence to Prudence, quit Quiet & Retirement (almost the only remaining Comforts) to launch into Noise, a Crowd, and a new World, (for few of my Co-temporaries are left) and possibly be exposed to Ridicule and Contempt? Whether the World be tired of us, or We of the World, or both possibly mutually weary of each other, Tempus abire est, We must either decently yield to Succession, or be shouldered out.\nWhen by an Act, in 1779, the Courts were removed to Richmond, I should have resigned; had not the next Session of Assembly fixed the Admiralty Court here. When, after fleeing from Leslie & Arnold twice, I found I must fall under the Power of Lord Cornwallis, and expected to be paroled, or carried into Captivity, that this Disability might not be detrimental, I wrote a Letter of Resignation to the Governor, and sent it to Major Day for a Conveyance; but he, scarcely escaping himself, left the Letter behind him. After the Enemy had quitted the Town, and I had, by a lucky accident, escaped a Parole, hearing of the Letter, I sent for and destroyed it. For, having been severely pillaged by the Enemy; a little by others; and grievously by the Paper Money, and the advantages taken under the Laws relating to it, I was obliged to take this Step to pay taxes and subsist.\nDuring the War, the Admiralty Court did much Business, and decided more Property than any Court in the State; the Commonwealth\u2019s Share of the Condemnations, I am persuaded, did then fully defray the Judges Salaries. Since the Peace Matters are changed. As soon as the Assise Courts were established, I resolved to resign, if alive, at the Commencement of the Act: accordingly the inclosed have been written, but kept back \u2019til a proper Season. A Quarter\u2019s Salary will be due to me at their Date; but if, contrary to the modern Custom, a Month\u2019s Wages extraordinary should be thought too much, at dismissing a greyheaded Servant, be pleased to alter the Date. The good natured manner of merry Charles, his discharging Lord Chancellor Shaftsbury, hath never been impeached. Ignorant to whom the Resignation should be directed; out of Session I know to the Governor; but whether to one or both of the Speakers, during the Session, is to me doubtful. Be so kind, Sr. when the time is arrived, to seal and deliver one or both of them on my behalf; and pardon all this Trouble. I trust your Humanity will do this, and oblige, Sr., Yr. mo: obt. Servt.\nBen Waller", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0222", "content": "Title: To James Madison from George Washington, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Washington, George\nTo: Madison, James\nMy dear Sir,\nMount Vernon Novr. 30th. 1785.\nReceive my thanks for your obliging communications of the 11th. I hear with much pleasure that the assembly are engaged, seriously, in the consideration of the Revised Laws. A short & simple code, in my opinion, tho\u2019 I have the sentiments of some of the Gentlemen of the long Robe against me, would be productive of happy consequences, and redound to the honor of this or any Country which shall adopt such.\nI hope the resolutions which were published for the consideration of the House, respecting the reference to Congress for the regulation of a Commercial system will have passed. The proposition in my opinion is so self evident that I confess I am at a loss to discover wherein lyes the weight of the objection to the measure. We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it. For whilst we are playing a dble game, or playing a game between the two we never shall be consistent or respectable\u2014but may be the dupes of some powers and, most assuredly, the contempt of all. In any case it behoves us to provide good Militia Laws, and look well to the execution of them\u2014but, if we mean by our conduct that the States shall act independently of each other it becomes indispensably necessary\u2014for therein will consist our strength and respectab[il]ity in the Union.\nIt is much to be wished that public faith may be held inviolate. Painful is it even in thought that attempts should be made to weaken the bands of it. It is a dangerous experiment\u2014once slacken the reins and the power is lost\u2014and it is questionable with me whether the advocates of the measure foresee all the consequences of it. It is an old adage that honesty is the best policy\u2014this applies to public as well as private life\u2014to States as well as individuals. I hope the Port and Assize Bills no longer sleep but are awakened to a happy establishment. The first with some alterations, would in my judgment be productive of great good to this Country\u2014without it, the Trade thereof I conceive will ever labor & languish. With respect to the Second if it institutes a speedier Administration of Justice it is equally desirable.\nIt gives me great pleasure to hear that our assembly were in a way of adopting a mode for establishing the Cut betwn. Elizabeth River & Pasquotank which was likely to meet the approbation of the State of No. Carolina. It appears to me that no Country in the Universe is better calculated to derive benefits from inland Navigation than this is\u2014and certain I am, that the conveniences to the Citizens individually, and the sources of wealth to the Country generally, which will be opened thereby will be found to exceed the most sanguine imagination. The Mind can scarcely take in at one view all the benefits which will result therefrom. The saving in draught Cattle, preservation of Roads &ca. &ca. will be felt most interestingly. This business only wants a beginning. Rappahanock, Shannondoah, Roanoke, and the branches of York River will soon perceive the advantages which water transportation (in ways hardly thought of at first) have over that of Land and will extend Navigation to almost every Mans door.\nFrom the complexion of the debates in the Pensylvania it should seem as if that Legislature intended their assent to the proposition from the States of Virginia & Maryland (respecting a Road to the Yohiogany[)] should be conditional of permission given to open a Communication between the Chesapeak & Delaware by way of the Rivers Elk & Christeen\u2014which I am sure will never be obtained if the Baltimore interest can give it effectual opposition.\nThe Directors of the Potomack Company have sent to the Delegates of this County to be laid before the Assembly a Petition (which sets forth the Reasons) for relief in the depth of the Canals which it may be found necessary to open at the great & little Falls of the River. As public \u0153conomy and private interest equally prompt the measure and no possible disadvantage that we can see will attend granting the prayer of it, we flatter ourselves no opposition will be given to it.\nTo save trouble to expedite the business, and to secure uniformity without delay, or an intercourse between the Assemblies on so trivial a matter we have taken the liberty of sending the draught of a Bill to Members of both Assemblies, which if approved will be found exactly similar. With the highest esteem and regard, I am Dr. Sir yr. Obed. & Affecte Hbl Ser\nGo: Washington", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0223", "content": "Title: Notes for Debate on Commercial Regulations by Congress, 30 November\u20131 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[30 November\u20131 December 1785]\n\u27e81784\u20135 Notes of Speech\u27e9\nGenl. Regns. necessary \u27e8thro: the States\u27e9\n1. Counteract foreign plans\n2. encourage Ships & Seamen\n3.  manufactures\n4. revenue\n5. frugality \u2014 articles of luxury easily smuggled\n6. embargoes in war. Delaware\nnecessary to prevent animosity.\ncontention:\nFrance\n& smuggling\nMass: & Cnt.\nPenna.\nIrish propositions\nnecessary to Justice \u2014\nN. Carola.\n& Policy \u2014\nW. Country\nnecessary, as within reason of Constiton.\npower of\nWar\nPeace\nAlliance\nAmbassrs.\nTreaties of Commerce especially\nwhich already (1) comprise\n2. or require it (3) State [illegible] treaty\nSafe. 1. with regd. to liberties of States\n(1) control over Congs. (2) Greece Swiss (3) Dutch. (4) peculia[r] situation of U. S.\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u20032. with regd. to Virga.\n(1) Tobo. (2.) Ships (3.) coast trade lo[c]al\n(4) 5. S. States \u2014 Cont. & N. J\nNecessary to preserve a Confederation.\n(1) decline of Congs. (2) inadequacy to end\n(3) G. B. aims to break the Union, as to monopoly of Trad[e]\nConsequences of breaking or dissolving Union.\n1. appeal to Sword2. Standg. armies3. perpetual Debts4. Sport of foreign politic[s]5. glorious prospect of Revolution if blasted\npower May be qualified\n1. duties on Ships & cargoes confined to Nations not in treaty.\n2. limited to 5 per Ct. on all for union treasy.\n3. enumerated luxuries taxed for State treasy. or prohibited\n4. restrain States from regulating so as to oppress each other but may prohibit\n5. 2/3 of Congs. regd. & no act\n\u2003\u2002to be in force more than 15 years\nMr. Braxton ideas\nSpeakers do. French sd.\nH. Lees \u2014 do.\nRum Ronald \u2014 manufacturers\nFedl. Town.\nNavigation Act\nJealousy of Eastern States", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0225", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 1 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nca. 1 December 1785. Mentioned in JM\u2019s 1 December 1785 letter to his brother Ambrose. Contained news about the activities of the Assembly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0227", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nRichmd. Decr. 9. 1785\nSupposing that you will be at New York by the time this reaches it I drop a few lines for the post of today. Mr. Jones tells me he informed You that a substitute had been brought forward to the commercial propositions which you left on the carpet. The subject has not since been called up. If any change has taken place, in the mind of the House, it has not been unfavorable to the idea of confiding to Congress a power over trade. I am far from thinking however that a perpetual power can be made palatable at this time. It is more probable that the other idea of a Convention of Commissrs\n   to Annapolis.\n from the States for deliberating on the state of commerce and the degree of power which ought to be lodged in Congress, will be attempted. Should it fail in the House, it is possible that a revival of the printed propositions with an extension of their term to twenty five years, will be thought on by those who contend that something of a general nature ought to be done. My own opinion is unaltered. The propositions for a State effort have passed and a bill is orderd in, but the passage of the bill will be a work of difficulty & uncertainty; many having acquiesced in the preliminary stages who will strenuously oppose the measure in its last stages. No decisive vote has been yet taken on the Assize bill. I conceive it to be in some danger, but that the chance is in its favour. The case of the British debts will be introduced in a day or two. We have got through more than half of the Revisal. The Criminal bill has been assaile[d] on all sides. Mr. Mercer has proclaim\u2019d unceasing hostility against it. Some alterations have been made, & others probably will be made, but I think the main principle of it will finally triumph over all opposition. I had hoped that this Session wd. have finished the code, but a vote agst. postponing the further consideration of it till the next, was carried by so small a Majority that I perceive it will be necessary to contend for nothing more than a few of the more important bills, leaving the residue of them for another year. My proposed amendment to the report on the Memorial of Kentucky, was agreed to in a Committee of the whole without alteration, and with very few dissents. It lies on the table for the ratification of the House. The members from that district have become extremely cold on the subject of an immediate separation. The half tax is postponed till March & the Sepr. tax bill Novr. next. Not a word has passed in the House as to a paper emission. I wish to hear from you on your arrival at N. Y. and to receive in particular whatever you may be at liberty to disclose with regard to the Treaty of peace, &c. with G. B. Mr. Jones wishes you to accept this as on his acct. as well as mine. He sent C. Griffins order on the bank by the last post and hopes you red. it at Fredg. Col. Grayson will no doubt have left you. I have omitted for some time writing to him on a supposition that I should be too late. I am Dr. Sir Yrs. Affecly.\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0228", "content": "Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 9 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nRichmond Decr. 9. 1785\nYour favour of the 30. Novr. was received a few days ago. This would have followed much earlier the one which yours acknowledges had I not wished it to contain some final information relative to the commercial propositions. The discussion of them has consumed much time, and though the absolute necessity of some such general system prevailed over all the efforts of its adversaries in the first instance, the stratagem of limiting its duration to a short term has ultimately disappointed our hopes. I think it better to trust to further experience and even distress, for an adequate remedy, than to try a temporary measure which may stand in the way of a permanent one, and must confirm that transatlantic policy which is founded on our supposed distrust of Congress and of one another. Those whose opposition in this case did not spring from illiberal animosities towards the Northern States, seem to have been frightened on one side at the idea of a perpetual & irrevocable grant of power, and on the other flattered with a hope, that a temporary grant might be renewed from time to time, if its utility should be confirmed by the experiment. But we have already granted perpetual & irrevocable powers of a much more extensive nature than those now proposed and for reasons not stronger than the reasons which urge the latter. And as to the hope of renewal, it is the most visionary one that perhaps ever deluded men of sense. Nothing but the peculiarity of our circumstances could ever have produced those sacrifices of sovereignty on which the f\u0153deral Government now rests. If they had been temporary, and the expiration of the term required a renewal at this crisis, pressing as the crisis is, and recent as is our experience of the value of the confederacy, sure I am that it would be impossible to revive it. What room have we then to hope that the expiration of temporary grants of commercial powers would always find a unanimous disposition in the States, to follow their own example. It ought to be remembered too that besides the caprice, jealousy, and diversity of opinions, which will be certain obstacles in our way, the policy of foreign nations may hereafter imitate that of the Macedonian Prince who effected his purposes against the Grecian confederacy by gaining over a few of the leading men in the smaller members of it. Add to the whole, that the difficulty now found in obtaining a unanimous concurrence of the States in any measure whatever, must continually increase with every increase of their number and perhaps in a greater ratio, as the Ultramontane States may either have or suppose they have a less similitude of interests to the Atlantic States than these have to one another. The propositions however have not yet received the final vote of the House, having lain on the table for sometime as a report from the Commee. of the whole. The question was suspended in order to consider a proposition which had for its object a Meeting of Politico-Commercial Commissrs from all the States for the purpose of digesting and reporting the requisite augmentation of the power of Congress over trade. What the event will be cannot be foreseen. The friends to the original propositions are I am told rather increasing, but I despair of a majority in any event for a longer term than 25 years for their duration. The other scheme will have fewer enemies and may perhaps be carried. It seems naturally to grow out of the proposed appointment of Commssrs for Virga. & Maryd, concerted at Mount Vernon for keeping up harmony in the commercial regulations of the two States. Maryd has ratified the Report, but has invited into the plan Delaware and Penna. who will naturally pay the same compliment to their neighbours &c. &c. Besides these general propositions on the subject of trade, it has been proposed that some intermediate measures should be taken by ourselves, and a sort of navigation act will I am apprehensive be attempted. It is backed by the mercantile interest of most of our towns except Alexandria which alone seems to have liberality or light on the subject. It was refused even to suspend the measure on the concurrence of Maryland or N. Carolina. This folly however can not one would think, brave the ruin which it threatens to our Merchts. as well as people at large, when a final vote comes to be given.\nWe have got thro\u2019 a great part of the Revisal, and might by this time have been at the end of it had the time wasted in disputing whether it could be finished at this Session been spent in forwarding the work. As it is, we must content ourselves with passing a few more of the important bills, leaving the residue for our successors of the next year. As none of the bills passed are to be in force till Jan. 1787, and the residue unpassed will probably be least disputable in their nature, this expedient tho\u2019 little eligible, is not inadmissible. Our public credit has had a severe attack and a narrow escape. As a compromise it has been necessary to set forward the half tax till March, and the whole tax of Sepr. next till Novr. ensuing. The latter postponement was meant to give the planters more time to deal with the Mercht[s] in the sale of their Tobo., and is made a permanent regulation. The Assize bill is now depending. It has many enemies and its fate is precarious. My hopes how[ever] prevail over my apprehensions. The fate of the Port bill is more precarious. The failure of an interview between our Commssrs and Commssrs on the part of N. Carolina has embarrassed the projected Canal between the Waters of the two States. If N. C. were entirely well disposed the passing an Act suspended on & referred to her legislature would be sufficient, and this course must, I suppose be tried, tho\u2019 previous negociation would have promised more certain success. Kentucky has made a formal application for independen[ce.] Her memorial has been considered, and the terms of separation fixed by a Come. of the whole. The substance of them is that all private rights & interests derived from the laws of Virginia shall be secured that the unlocated lands shall be applied to the objects to which the laws of Va. have appropriated them\u2014that nonresidents shall be subjected to no higher taxes than residents\u2014that the Ohio shall be a common high way for Citizens of the U. S. and the jurisdiction of Kentucky & Virga. as far as the remaing. territory of the latter will lie thereon, be concurrent only with the new States on the opposite Shore\u2014that the proposed State shall take its due share of our State debts\u2014and that the separation shall not take place unless these terms shall be approved by a Convention to be held to decide the question, nor untill Congs. shall assent thereto, and fix the terms of their admission into the Union. The limits of the proposed State are to be the same with the present limits of the district. The apparent coolness of the Representatives of Kentucky as to a separation since these terms have been defined indicates that they had some views which will not be favored by them. They disliked much to be hung up on the will of Congs. I am Dr. Sir with highest esteem and unfeigned regard. Yr. obedt. & hble Servt.\nJ. Madison, Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0230", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 13 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nca. 13 December 1785. Mentioned in JM\u2019s letter to his brother, Ambrose, 15 December 1785. In the letter to his father, 24 December 1785, JM wrote that the previous letter had concerned the miscarriage of the Assize Court bill.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0231", "content": "Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 15 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, Ambrose\nDr. Bror.\nRichmond Decr. 15 \u2014 1785\nI wrote to my father a day or two ago by Col: Burnley to which I refer. The principal step since taken by the H. of Delegates has been the rejection of a bill on which the Assize scheme depended. The majority consisted of 63 agst, 49. Yesterday the vote of the Speaker decided in the affirmative a resolution to repeal the Act which permits Masters to free their slaves. I hope the bill which must follow on the subject may be less successful. Many who concurred in the Resolution will probably be content finally with some amendment of the law in favor of Creditors. Should it prove otherwise this retrograde step with regard to an emancipation will not only dishonor us extremely but hasten the event which is dreaded by stimulating the efforts of the friends to it. The residue of the Revisal from No. 65 will be put off, except the Religious Bill and a few others. Leave was given yesterday for a bill in favor of British Creditors, but not without proofs that it will be opposed in every stage of its progress thro\u2019 the House. The price of Tobo. is not much if at all changed. I have nothing to add to my last on that subject which signified my wishes for your going on with your purpose. The low price is the effect of the dearth of money more than of the price in Europe. I inclose a letter from Mr. Smith which you will communicate to brother F. & Capt: Walker, and let them know that I will apply according to its request any remittances to my hands. I have recd. from Capt. W. \u00a34. 10 which will lessen so much his balance. Adieu\nJ. M. Jr.\nInform Col: F. Taylor that I have got from Dunscomb a written memorandum of the reasons which hinder him from taking cognizance of Col. Ts. acct. and that I found it would be in vain to present his Memorial to the House.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0232", "content": "Title: Act Giving Executive the Power to Deal with Aliens, 15 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[15 December 1785]\nBE it enacted by the General Assembly, That it shall and may be lawful for the governor, with the advice of the council of state, to apprehend and secure, or cause to be apprehended and secured, or compelled to depart this commonwealth, all suspicious persons, being the subjects of any foreign power or state, who shall have made a declaration of war, or actually commenced hostilities against the said states, or from whom the United States in congress, shall apprehend hostile designs against the said states; provided information thereof shall have been previously received by the executive from congress: And that in all such cases, the governor, with the advice of the council of state, shall, and he is hereby empowered, to send for the person and papers of any foreigner within this state, in order to obtain such information as he may judge necessary. All sheriffs and jailers shall receive such suspicious persons whom, by warrant from the governor they shall be commanded to receive, and them in their prisons or custody detain, or transport out of the commonwealth, as by such warrant they may be commanded. And all others the good citizens of this commonwealth, shall be aiding and assisting in apprehending, securing or transporting any such suspicious person, when commanded by warrant or proclamation of the governor, or required by the sheriff or jailer to whose custody such suspicious persons may have been committed. Every person acting under the authority aforesaid, shall be indemnified from all suits to be commenced or prosecuted for any action or thing done by virtue thereof, and may plead the general issue, and give this act in evidence: Saving always to the merchants of any foreign state, betwixt whom the United States of America war shall have arisen, and to their families, agents, and servants, found in this commonwealth at the beginning of the war, the privileges allowed by law.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0233", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nRichmond Decr. 17\u20131785\nSince my last by the preceding post the fate of the Assize laws has been determined by a negative in the H. of Delegates on the Bill on which its execution depended. The majority consisted of 63 agst. 49. A reform of the County Courts is the substitute proposed by the adversaries of the Assize, and if it can be put into any rational shape, will be received by the other side as auxiliary to the Assize plan which may be resumed at another Session. It is surmised that the Senate will not part with this plan in any event, and as the law passed at the last Session, unless repealed or suspended, stops the proceedings of the Genl. Court after the 1st. day of Jany. a bill must be sent to the Senate which will give them an opportunity of proposing some amendment which may revive the question at the present Session. Our progress in the Revisal has been stopped by the waste of time produced by the inveterate and prolix opposition of its adversaries & the approach of Christmas. The Bill proportioning crimes & punishments was the one at which we stuck after wading thro\u2019 the most difficult parts of it. A few subsequent bills however were excepted from the postponement. Among these was the Bill for establishing Religious freedom, which has got thro\u2019 the H. of Delegates without alteration, though not without warm opposition. Mr. Mercer & Mr. Corbin were the principal combatants against it. Mr. Jones is well. With sincerity I am Yr. affe. friend\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0235", "content": "Title: Bill Providing for Installment Payments on British Debts, 19 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[19 December 1785]\nWhereas by the 4th art: of the Definitive Treaty of peace between the U. S. of America & G. B. it was stipulated among other things by the contracting parties, \u201cthat Creditors on either side shall meet with no lawful impediment to the recovery of the full value in sterling money of all bona fide debts heretofore contracted\u201d. Be it therefore enacted by the Genl. Assembly that so much of all Acts of Assembly and ordinances of Convention made since the 19th. day of April 1775, as disable British subjects from prosecuting for the recovery of debts due from the Citizens of this Commonwlth, shall be and the same are hereby repealed: and that from and after the passing of this act, the said British subjects may sue and implead the Citizens of this Commonwlth in like manner as if such disabling acts or ordinances had never passed. Provided always, that in consideration of the almost total suspension of Commerce and the depredations of the Enemy during the late war, which render an immediate discharge of the whole of the said debts impracticable, the same so far as they become due before the day of the date of the provisional articles of peace, may be discharged by  equal payments; the first of which shall be demandable on the day of  in the year  and the remaining payments successively on the same day in the  years next following: But no interest on any debt due to any British subject from any Citizen of this Comonwlth shall be allowed for any intermediate time between the 19th. day of April 1775 and the 3d. day of March 1783, which intermediate time shall be considered in law as one day only in all matters depending between the said British Creditors and Citizens of this Commonwealth.\nAnd whereas in many instances the Agents or Factors for British Merchants who remained here during the late war may have settled the Accounts of such Merchants with their debtors since the 19th day of April 1775, and taken bonds or [ot]her specialties therefor in specie in their own or such Merchants names, for the principal sum [d]ue, or for the Principal and interest together, whereby it may appear that such bonds or specialties were due to Citizens of this Commonwealth. Be it enacted that all Bonds, or other Specialties given to Citizens or others for any debt or debts due to British subjects since the said 19th day of April 1775 and prior to the  day of  shall be considered as British Debts [and] shall be recoverable as such only, and shall carry no interest during the period between the 19th day of April 1775 and the 3d. day of March 1783.\nAnd be it further enacted that any of the said British debts which have been adjusted since the said 3d. day of March 1783, and bonds and other specialties given therefor, shall be discharged by way of the instalments aforesaid, notwithstanding their subsequent date to the said 3d. day of March 1783 and if any part of the specialty so given shall be for interest allowed between the 19th. day of April 1775, and the 3d. day of March 1783, the same so far as it shall be for such interest shall be and is hereby declared null and void.\nAnd be it further enacted that if the Creditor is put to his Action at law for any balance due to him, execution on the Jdgt. when obtained shall issue for such proportion only of the same as shall have accrued at the time of rendering the Jdgt. according to the periods of payment heretofore established; and execution for the residue may issue annually until the whole shall be discharged, without any further proceedings on the said Jdgt.: provided always that the person agst. whom such Jdgt. shall be obtained shall in open Court with one or more sufficient sureties enter into recognizance for payment of such Jdgt. in the proportions and at the times prescribed by this Act: and in default thereof execution may issue for the full amount of such Jdgt. against the person or Estate of such debtor.\nAnd be it further enacted that no Citizen of this Commonwlth who has been a resident within the same since the  day of  and who was a partner with any British Merchant or Merchts. shall be compelled to pay the debts due by such Copartnership otherwise than by instalments as is by this act directed in case of debts due to British subjects from Citizens of this Comonwlth. except for such part or share of such copartnership as may be held by such Citizen, for which he shall remain liable as other Citizens are, and shall also be entitled to recoveries in all respects equally with his fellow Citizens so far as the share held by him shall extend in debts due to such copartnerships.\nProvided always and be it further enacted that in case the U S. in Congress shall at any time judge that the execution of this Act, ought for national purposes to be suspended, and shall signify the same it shall and may be lawful for the Governor with advice of the Council of State, by proclamation to suspend the operation of this Act until the next ensuing General Assembly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0236", "content": "Title: Act Concerning Statehood for the Kentucky District, 22 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[22 December 1785]\nI. Whereas it is represented to be the desire of the good people inhabiting the district known by the name of the Kentucky district, that the same should be separated from this commonwealth whereof it is a part, and be formed into an independent member of the American confederacy, and it is judged by the general assembly that such a partition of the commonwealth is rendered expedient by the remoteness of the more fertile, which must be the more populous part of the said district, and by the interjacent natural impediments to a convenient and regular communication therewith.\nII. Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That in the month of August next, on the respective court days of the counties within the said district; and at the respective places of holding courts therein, representatives to continue in appointment for one year, and to compose a convention with the powers, and for the purposes hereinafter mentioned, shall be elected by the free male inhabitants of each county in like manner as delegates to the general assembly have been elected within the said district, in the proportions following: In the county of Jefferson shall be elected five representatives, in the county of Nelson five representatives, in the county of Fayette five representatives, in the. county of Bourbon five representatives, in the county of Lincoln five representatives, in the county of Madison five representatives, and in the county of Mercer five representatives. That full opportunity may be given to the good people, of exercising their right of suffrage on an occasion so interesting to them, each of the officers holding such elections, shall continue the same from day to day, passing over Sunday, for five days, including the first day, shall cause this act to be read on each day, immediately preceding the opening of the election, at the door of the court-house, or other convenient place, and shall fix up two copies at least of this act in the most public situations at the place of election, twenty days before the commencement thereof. Each of the said officers shall deliver to each person duly elected a representative a certificate of his election, and shall moreover transmit a general return to the clerk of the supreme court of the district, to be by him laid before the convention: For every neglect of any of the duties hereby enjoined on such officer, he shall forfeit one hundred pounds, to be recovered by action of debt, by any person suing for the same. The said convention shall be held at Danville, on the fourth Monday of September, and as soon as two-thirds of the representatives shall be convened, they shall and may proceed, after choosing a president and other proper officers, and settling the proper rules of proceeding, to consider, and by a majority of voices, to determine, whether it be expedient for, and be the will of the good people of the said district, that the same be erected into an independent state, on the terms and conditions following:\nFirst. That the boundary between the proposed state and Virginia, shall remain the same as at present separates the district from the residue of the commonwealth.\nSecond. That the proposed state shall take upon itself a just proportion of the public debt of this commonwealth.\nThird. That all private rights and interests in lands within the said district, derived from the laws of Virginia, prior to such separation, shall remain valid and secure under the laws of the proposed state, and shall be determined by the laws now existing in this state.\nFourth. That the lands within the proposed state of non-resident proprietors, shall not in any case be taxed higher than the lands of residents at any time prior to the admission of the proposed state to a vote by its delegates in congress, where such non-residents reside out of the United States; nor at any time either before or after such admission, where such non-residents reside within this commonwealth, within which this stipulation shall be reciprocal; or where such non-residents reside within any other of the United States, which shall declare the same to be reciprocal within its limits; nor shall a neglect of cultivation or improvement of any land within either the proposed state, or this commonwealth, belonging to non-residents, citizens of the other, subject such non-residents to forfeiture or other penalty, within the term of six years after the admission of the said state into the f\u0153deral union.\nFifth. That no grant of land, nor land warrant to be issued by the proposed state, shall interfere with any warrant heretofore issued from the land-office of Virginia, which shall be located on land within the said district now liable thereto, on or before the first day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight.\nSixth. That the unlocated lands within the said district, which stand appropriated by the laws of this commonwealth to individuals or descriptions of individuals, for military or other services, shall be exempt from the disposition of the proposed state, and shall remain subject to be disposed of by the commonwealth of Virginia, according to such appropriation, until the first day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, and no longer; and thereafter the residue of all lands remaining within the limits of the said district, shall be subject to the disposition of the proposed state.\nSeventh. That the use and navigation of the river Ohio, so far as the territory of the proposed state, or the territory which shall remain within the limits of this commonwealth lies thereon, shall be free and common to citizens of the United States; and the respective jurisdictions of this commonwealth, and of the proposed state, on the river as aforesaid, shall be concurrent only with the states which may possess the opposite shores of the said river.\nEighth. That in case any complaint or dispute shall at any time arise between the commonwealth of Virginia and the said district, after it shall be an independent state, concerning the meaning or execution of the foregoing articles, the same shall be determined by six commissioners, of whom two shall be chosen by each of the parties, and the remainder by the commissioners so first appointed.\nIII. And be it further enacted, That if the said convention shall approve of an erection of the said district into an independent state, on the foregoing terms and conditions, they shall and may proceed to fix a day posterior to the first day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, on which the authority of this commonwealth, and of its laws, under the exceptions aforesaid, shall cease and determine for ever, over the proposed state, and the said articles become a solemn compact, mutually binding on the parties, and unalterable by either without the consent of the other.\nProvided however, That prior to the first day of June, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, the United States in congress shall assent to the erection of the said district into an independant state, shall release this commonwealth from all its f\u0153deral obligations arising from the said district, as being part thereof; and shall agree that the proposed state shall immediately after the day to be fixed as aforesaid, posterior to the first day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, or at some convenient time future thereto, be admitted into the f\u0153deral union. And to the end that no period of anarchy may happen to the good people of the proposed state, it is to be understood that the said convention shall have authority to take the necessary provisional measures for the election and meeting of a convention at some time prior to the day fixed for the determination of the authority of this commonwealth, and of its laws over the said district, and posterior to the first day of June, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, aforesaid, with full power and authority to frame and establish a fundamental constitution of government for the proposed state, and to declare what laws shall be in force therein, until the same shall be abrogated or altered by the legislative authority acting under the constitution, so to be framed and established.\nIV. This act shall be transmitted by the executive to the delegates representing this commonwealth in congress, who are hereby instructed to use their endeavors to obtain from congress a speedy act, to the effect above specified.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0237", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nRichmond Decr. 24. 1785.\nMy last informed you of the miscarriage of the Assize scheme. It has been followed with an attempt to reform the County Courts, which will probably end in the appointment of four months in which the Courts shall be confined to Docket business & compelled to dispatch it. A Bill is depending for the payment of British debts, nearly on the model of that which fell thro\u2019 last year. It is extremely grating and will be rejected unless the prospect of an accomodation with G. B. on the subject of the Posts & the Negroes, or the apprehensions of being saddled with worse terms by delay, should overcome the disinclination. The port bill has not been yet taken up. It will be severely attacked. We have a variety of orders of the day which will consume time, and other bills are to be brought in. Of course the end of the Session is remote, unless impatience should produce the same effect as a conclusion of the business. The petition of the little fork has been just rejected, by a general vote. I have not yet disposed of your Tobo. The price has not latterly exceeded I believe four dollars, and I am told to day that 20/. is talked of. I have never yet had it in my power to make the enquiries at the land office, or to get out your patents. Capt Barbour tells me he has been there and could not get the information relative to Turpin without a knowledge of some dates which you have not mentioned to him or to me. If you have any unliquidated claims agst. the U. S. that can be settled by the Commissrs. before the 1st. day of Jany., or loan office certificates issued from the Cont. Office here, the interest up to Decr. 1782 will be paid at the Treasy. in specie. Let this circumstance be known if you please, tho\u2019 I suppose it will be too late. It may be of the less consequence, as such warrants for interest will in future be receivable in Taxes. The Quitrents for the Northern Neck are abolished by a bill which is gone up to the Senate. The Bill for establishing Religious freedom passed the H. of Delegates as it stands in the Revised Code. The Senate have disagreed to the preamble and substituted the last article of the Declaration of Rights. Which house is to recede, is uncertain. Both are much attached to their respective ideas. Capt: Barbour tells me Payne has engaged his brother Js. B. to pay the money due to you. I wish you could let Majr. Moore have about \u00a318 of it, the amount of his interest on the certificate obtained from Dunscomb by Mr. Hubbard Taylor & left with me. Let me know whether such an arrangement will be practicable. Be kind eno\u2019 also to let Capt Walker & my brother F. know that I am called on for their balances to the Steward of Hampden Sidney by a man here who has an order on me for them. Present my regards to the family, and believe me to be your Affece. Son\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0238", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nRichmond Decr. 24. 1785\nThe proceedings of the Assembly since my last dated this day week have related 1. to the Bill for establishing Religious freedom in the Revisal. 2. a Bill concerning British debts 3. a Bill concerning the Proprietary interest in the Northern Neck. 4. for reforming the County Courts. The first employed the H. of Delegates several days; The preamble being the principal subject of contention. It at length passed without alteration. The Senate I am told have exchanged after equal altercation. The preamble of the revisal for the last clause in the Declaration of Rights; an exchange wch. was proposed in the H. of D. and negatived by a Considerable Majority. I do not learn that they have made or will make any other alteration. The Bill for the payment of British debts is nearly a transcript of that which went thro\u2019 the two Houses last year, except that it leaves the periods of instalment blank and gives the Creditor an opportunity of taking immediate execution for the whole debt if the debtor refuses to give security for complying with the instalments. The Bill was near being put off to the next Session on the second reading. A majority were for it, but having got inadvertently into a hobble, from the manner in which the question was put, the result was that Monday next should be appointed for its consideration. The arrival & sentiments of Col: Grayson will be favorable to some provision on the subject. A clause is annexed to the Bill authorizing the Executive to suspend its operation in case Congs. shall signify the policy of so doing. The general cry is that the Treaty ought not to be executed here until the posts are surrendered, and an attempt will be made to suspend the operation of the Bill on that event or at least on the event of a positive declaration from Congs. that it ought to be put in force. The last mode will probably be fixed on, notwithstanding its departure from the regular course of proceedings, and the embarrassment in which it may place Congress. The bill for reforming the County Courts proposes to select five Justices, who are to sit quarterly, be paid scantily, and to possess the Civil Jurisdiction of the County Courts, and the Criminal jurisdiction of the Genl. Court under certain restrictions. It is meant as a substitute for the Assize system, to all the objections against which it is liable, without possessing its advantages. It is uncertain whether it will pass at all, or what form it will finally take. I am inclined to think it will be thrown out. The Bill relating to the N. Neck passed the H. of D. yesterday. It removes the records into the Land Office, here, assimilates locations of surplus land to the general plan, and abolishes the Quitrent. It was suggested that the latter point was of a judiciary nature, that it involved questions of fact, of law, and of the Treaty of peace, and that the Representatives of the late proprietor ought at least to be previously heard according to the request of their agent. Very little attention was paid to these considerations, and the bill passed almost unanimously. With sincere affection I am Your friend & Servt.\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0239", "content": "Title: Act Ratifying the Chesapeake Compact with Maryland, [ca. 24\u201326 December] 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: \n[ca. 24\u201326 December 1785]\nI. Whereas, at a meeting of the commissioners appointed by the general assembly of the state of Maryland and Virginia, to wit: Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Thomas Stone, and Samuel Chase, esquires, on the part of the state of Maryland, and George Mason and Alexander Henderson, esquires, on the part of the state of Virginia, at Mount-Vernon, in Virginia, on the 28th day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, the following compact was mutually agreed to by the said commissioners:\nFirst. The commonwealth of Virginia disclaims all right to impose any toll, duty, or charge, prohibition or restraint, on any vessel whatever sailing through the capes of Chesapeake bay to the state of Maryland, or from the said state through the said capes outward bound; and agrees that the waters of Chesapeake bay, and the river Pocomoke, within the limits of Virginia, be forever considered as a common highway, free for the use and navigation of any vessel belonging to the said state of Maryland, or any of its citizens, or carrying on any commerce to or from the said state, or with any of its citizens; and that every such vessel inward or outward bound, may freely enter any of the rivers within the commonwealth of Virginia as a harbour, or for safety against an enemy, without the payment of port duties, or any other charge; and also, that the before mentioned parts of Chesapeake bay, and Pocomoke river, be free for the navigation of vessels from one part of the state of Maryland to another.\nSecond. The state of Maryland agrees that any vessel belonging to the commonwealth of Virginia, or any of its citizens, or carrying on commerce to or from the said commonwealth, or with any of its citizens, may freely enter any of the rivers of the said state of Maryland as a harbour, or for safety against an enemy, without the payment of any port duty, or other charge.\nThird. Vessels of war, the property of either state, shall not be subject to the payment of any port duty or other charge.\nFourth. Vessels not exceeding forty feet keel, nor fifty tons burthen, the property of any citizen of Virginia or Maryland, or of citizens of both states, trading from one state to the other only, and having on board only the produce of the said states, may enter and trade in any part of either state, with a permit from the naval-officer of the district from which such vessel departs with her cargo, and shall be subject to no port charges.\nFifth. All merchant vessels (except such as are described in the fourth article) navigating the river Potowmack, shall enter and clear at some naval office on the said river, in one or both states, according to the laws of the state in which the entry shall be made. And where any vessel shall make an entry in both states, such vessel shall be subject to tonnage in each state only in proportion to the commodities carried to, or taken from, such state.\nSixth. The river Potowmack shall be considered as a common highway, for the purpose of navigation and commerce to the citizens of Virginia, and Maryland, and of the United States, and to all other persons in amity with the said states, trading to or from Virginia or Maryland.\nSeventh. The citizens of each state respectively shall have full property in the shores of Potowmack river adjoining their lands, with all emoluments and advantages thereunto belonging, and the privilege of making and carrying out wharves and other improvements, so as not to obstruct or injure the navigation of the river; but the right of fishing in the river shall be common to, and equally enjoyed by the citizens of both states. Provided, That such common right be not exercised by the citizens of the one state, to the hindrance or disturbance of the fisheries on the shores of the other state; and that the citizens of neither state shall have a right to fish with nets or seines on the shores of the other.\nEighth. All laws and regulations which may be necessary for the preservation of fish, or for the performance of quarantine, in the river Potowmack, or for preserving and keeping open the channel and navigation thereof, or of the river Pocomoke, within the limits of Virginia, by preventing the throwing out ballast, or giving any other obstruction thereto, shall be made with the mutual consent and approbation of both states.\nNinth. Light houses, beacons, buoys, or other necessary signals, shall be erected, fixed, and maintained upon Chesapeake bay, between the sea and the mouths of the rivers Potowmack and Pocomoke, and upon the river Potowmack, at the expence of both states. If upon Potowmack river, at the joint and equal charge of both states; and if upon the before mentioned part of Chesapeake bay, Virginia shall defray five parts, and Maryland three parts of such expence; and if this proportion shall in future times be found unequal, the same shall be corrected. And for ascertaining the proper places, mode, and plans for erecting and fixing light houses, buoys, beacons and other signals, as aforesaid, both states shall upon the application of either to the other, appoint an equal number of commissioners, not less than three nor more than five from each state, to meet at such times and places as the said commissioners or a major part of them, shall judge fit, to fix upon the proper places, mode, and plans for erecting and fixing such light houses, beacons, or other signals, and report the same, with an estimate of the expence, to the legislatures of both states, for their approbation.\nTenth. All piracies, crimes or offences committed on that part of Chesapeake bay which lies within the limits of Virginia, or that part of the said bay where the line of division from the south point of Potowmack river (now called Smith\u2019s Point) to Watkins\u2019s Point, near the mouth of Pocomoke river, may be doubtful; and on that part of Pocomoke river, within the limits of Virginia, or where the line of division between the two states upon the said river, is doubtful, by any persons not citizens of the commonwealth of Virginia, against the citizens of Maryland, shall be tried in the court of the state of Maryland which hath legal cognizance of such offence. And all piracies, crimes, and offences committed on the before mentioned parts of Chesapeake bay and Pocomoke river, by any persons not citizens of Maryland, against any citizen of Virginia, shall be tried in the court of the commonwealth of Virginia which hath legal cognizance of such offence. All piracies, crimes, and offences committed on the said parts of Chesapeake bay and Pocomoke river, by persons not citizens of either state, against persons not citizens of either state, shall be tried in the court of the commonwealth of Virginia having legal cognizance of such offences: And all piracies, crimes, and offences committed on the said parts of Chesapeake bay and Pocomoke river, by any citizen of the commonwealth of Virginia, or of the state of Maryland, either against the other, shall be tried in the court of that state of which the offender is a citizen. The jurisdiction of each state over the river Potowmack, shall be exercised in the same manner as is prescribed for the before mentioned parts of Chesapeake bay and Pocomoke river, in every respect, except in the case of piracies, crimes, and offences committed by persons not citizens of either state, upon persons not citizens of either state, in which case the offenders shall be tried by the court of the state to which they shall first be brought. And if the inhabitants of either state shall commit any violence, injury, or tresspass, to or upon the property or lands of the other, adjacent to the said bay or rivers, or to any person upon such lands, upon proof of due notice to the offender to appear and answer, any court of record, or civil magistrate of the state where the offence shall have been committed, having jurisdiction thereof, may enter the appearance of such person, and proceed to trial and judgment, in the same manner, as if legal process had been served on such offender; and such judgment shall be valid and effectual against the person and property of such offender, both in the state where the offence shall have been committed, and also in the state where the said offender may reside, and execution may be issued by the court, or magistrate, giving such judgment, in the same manner as upon judgments given in other cases; or upon a transcript of such judgment, properly authenticated, being produced to any court; or magistrate, of the state where such offender may reside, having jurisdiction within the state, or county where the offender may reside, in cases of a similar nature, such court, or magistrate, shall order execution to issue upon such authenticated judgment in the same manner, and to the same extent, as if the judgment had been given by the court, or magistrate, to which such transcript shall be exhibited.\nEleventh. Any vessel entering into any port on the river Potowmack, may be libelled, or attached for debt, by process from the state in which such vessel entered. And if the commercial regulations of either state shall be violated by any person carrying on commerce in Potowmack or Pocomoke rivers, the vessel owned or commanded by the person so offending, and the property on board, may be seized, by process from the state whose laws are offended, in order for trial. And if any person shall fly from justice, in a civil or criminal case, or shall attempt to defraud creditors by removing his property, such person, or any property so removed, may be taken on any part of Chesapeake bay, or the rivers aforesaid, by process of the state from which such person shall fly, or property be removed; and process from the state of Virginia may be served on any part of the said rivers, upon any person, or property of any person not a citizen of Maryland, indebted to any citizen of Virginia, or charged with injury having been by him committed; and process from the state of Maryland may be served on any part of the said rivers, upon any person, or property of any person, not a citizen of Virginia, indebted to a citizen of Maryland, or charged with injury by him committed. And in all cases of trial in pursuance of the jurisdiction settled by this compact, citizens of either state shall attend as witnesses in the other, upon a summons from any court, or magistrate, having jurisdiction, being served by a proper officer of the county where such citizen shall reside.\nTwelfth. The citizens of either state having lands in the other, shall have full liberty to transport to their own state, the produce of such lands, or to remove their effects, free from any duty, tax, or charge whatsoever, for the liberty to remove such produce or effects.\nThirteenth. These articles shall be laid before the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland, and their approbation being obtained, shall be confirmed and ratified by a law of each state, never to be repealed, or altered, by either, without the consent of the other.\nII. And whereas this general assembly are of opinion that the said compact is made on just and mutual principles for the true interest of both governments, and the same having been confirmed by the general assembly of the state of Maryland: Be it therefore enacted, That the said compact is hereby approved, confirmed, and ratified by the general assembly of Virginia, and that every article, clause, matter and thing therein contained, shall be obligatory on this state and the citizens thereof, and shall be forever faithfully and inviolably observed and kept by this government and all its citizens, according to the true intent and meaning of the said compact; and the faith and honour of this state is hereby solemnly pledged and engaged to the general assembly of the state of Maryland, and the government and citizens thereof, that this law shall never be repealed, or altered, by the legislature of this commonwealth, without the consent of the state of Maryland.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0240", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 24 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James, Sr.\nTo: Madison, James\n24 December 1785. Mentioned by JM in his answer of 27 December. His father apparently raised a question about the petition for a final settlement of the Harry Beverley estate.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0241", "content": "Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 December 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nNew York Decr. 26 \u2014 1785.\nYour favor of the 9th. reach\u2019d me a few days since. Mine by the last post advis\u2019d you of my arrival here; still I am with out a colleague and the representation of the States, the same. I am perfectly satisfied that the more fully the subject is investigated, and the better the interests of the States severally are understood, the more obvious will appear the necessity of commiting to the U S. permanently the power of regulating their trade. Whether it will be expedient to accept it for a limited time only it is difficult to determine. If it is expedient for a day, while the States bear the relation they now do to each other & to other powers, or rather while they adjoin each other & are bounded by the ocean, it will still be so. Whether then will it be expedient to avail ourselves of the present disposition so far only as to try an experiment, the success of wh., as such, must depend upon a variety of circumstances, or to delay any remedy untill under the pressure of the present difficulties it may be made complete? As an experiment in what light will it be conceiv\u2019d & how treated by foreign powers. Will they not all wish to defeat it and of course avoid those stipulations in our favor wh. may hereafter furnish arguments for its renewal. We may with propriety also take into the consideration the diversity of interest wh. will arise in the admission of western States into the confideracy. In a govt. also so fluctuating there will never be energy, or calculation on it either at home or abroad, everything will be in a state of incertainty. The states severally will be at a loss how to act under it (in thier respective delegations); they will fear to take those decisive measures with respect to other powers, wh. might be necessary, least their vigorous operation, may prevent its renewal \u2014 but whether these or any other considerations, may be of sufficient weight to induce us to seek only a permanent change, is what I have not absolutely determin\u2019d on. I beg of you to give me your sentiments thereon as well as of the course you think I may with propriety take here, provided the State shod. confide it only for a limited time.\nSome dispatches have lately been recd. from Adams. They are as we expected they wd. be. Pit[t] admits that the removal of the negroes is a violation of the [treaty.] Th[at] when the number is ascertaind they must pay for them. That they will take up the subject of the posts with that of the debts. Yet he says that the whol[e] nation are host[ile] to us \u2014 that they will give us no commercial treaty, that they have sent out Sir J Johnson for Canada with entrentching to[o]ls &ca. This is the amt. of what we have, nor can I well determine how you shod. act under it. If it be practicable to carry into effect, a complete co[m]plyance on our part, let their conduct be as it may, I shod. not hesit[ate] to adopt it. But if this is not the case, I cannot well conceive the [ad]vantage of a partial complyance, or the paymt. by instalment, [as] hath been heretofore propos\u2019d. If they mean to quarrell, their grou[nd] for it will be equally justifiable, in that instance, as in an absolu[te] failure. And if the end we seek, is to be obtain\u2019d by further neg[o]tiation, or by bargain of one for the other, by this measure we lose the consideration we shod. have to give for it. In all the measures of this country toward us we perceive not only the utmost vigilance & attention to their own interest in opposition to ours, but a disposition to seek opportunities to injure us. They restrict us most severely in commerce, give land, & provision to our fishermen to settle within their bounds, and we have too much reason to suspect that they encourage the Algerines to attack us. In this situation to whom may we look for assistance even agnst these pirates. The monopoly of the trade of the medeteranean is in the hands of France, Britain & the Netherlands; will they or either of them, give up this advantage, for our convenience for nothing. Is it not strange in this situation that we shod. be disputing whether we shall act together or cement & strengthen the Union.\nThere hath been a newspaper controversy here between Mr. Jay & Mr. Littlepage of our State, upon some subject of a private nature between them. As I have not read their publications I am unacquainted with the merit of either party. It is however to be lamented that Mr. Jay enter\u2019d into a controversy of this kind, since his character is too well establish\u2019d to be call\u2019d in question upon any unimportant or trivial occasion. Be so kind as [to] give no intimation to anyone except, Mr. Jones, of the contents of what I have wrote you in cypher. I am Dear Sir your friend & servant\nJas. Monroe.\nP S. Is the revenue law in any respect chang\u2019d \u2014 are the facilities of other States admissible in payment of taxes \u2014 or rather is it accomodated to all the purposes of the requisition? Our ministers are taking measures with the regencies of Algiers &ca. It is sd. that Mr. Consul Barclay, a Mr. Lambe & Majr. Franks are sent to these different powers for this purpose, but the latter I think is not confirm\u2019d by an official communication.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-08-02-0242", "content": "Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 December 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Madison, James, Sr.\nHond Sir\nRichmond Decr. 27. 1785\nMr. Js. Davis has just handed your favor of the 24. inst. It is too late to revise the proceedings relative to the Trustees of Beverley. The Act authorises the Commssrs who are to settle your accounts to make a reasonable allowance for your trouble. I cannot get a copy of the Act without paying the \u00a310. Capt. P. Barbour will inform you of Dean\u2019s answer to his application. He carried a letter from me giving you an acct. of the latest proceedings of the Assembly. Nothing of consequence has been done since. It is uncertain when we shall rise. If an opportunity should offer, I shall be glad of the fresh butter at all events. I am with best regards to the family Yr: affe. Son.\nJ. Madison Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/01-17-02-0344", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Lafayette, [8 February 1785]\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Madison, James\n[Versailles, 8 February 1785]\n\u2026 [France has ordered] two large Armies to get in readiness \u2026 in Flanders and \u2026 in Alsace.\u2026 I hope matters will be compromised and a War avoided\u2026. Your Ministers will write you more than I can respecting their negotiations\u2026. Our friend Mr. jefferson has been unwell but now feels better\u2026. Remember me to the Governor and all friends in Virginia.\u2026", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Madison/03-08-02-0530", "content": "Title: To James Madison from Lafayette, 1 June 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Madison, James\n          My dear Sir\n          Paris june the 1st 1785\n        This letter will Be delivered By mr. Chevalier, a Son to the Gentleman I Recommended to You last Summer, who is Going to Settle His Accounts with Your State. I am the More inclined to Give Him my letter as a denial would Seem to Harbour a doubt upon the punctuality of the payment while I know You Have taken proper measures to insure it. Give me leave therefore to Recommend the affair to Your patronage and Have the Honour to Be most Affectionately Your Sincere friend\n          Lafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0151-0008", "content": "Title: VII. Propositions Respecting the Coinage of Gold, Silver, and Copper, [13 May 1785]\nFrom: Committee of the Continental Congress\nTo: \nFirst. The value of silver compared with gold. Second. The weight or size of the several pieces of money that are to be made. Third. The money arithmetic, or the mode in which it is to be counted; and fourth, The charges of coinage are to be considered.\n1. In France, 1 grain of pure gold is counted worth 15 grains of silver. In Spain, 16 grains of silver are exchanged for 1 of gold, and in England 15\u2155 In both of the kingdoms last mentioned, gold is the prevailing money; because silver is undervalued. In France silver prevails. Sundry advantages would arise to us from a system by which silver might become the prevailing money. This would operate as a bounty to draw it from our neighbours, by whom it is  not sufficiently esteemed. Silver is not exported so easily as gold, and it is a more useful metal.\nCertainly our exchange should not be more than 15 grains of silver for one of gold. It has been alledged by the late financier, that we should not give more than 14 \u00bd; perhaps 14 \u00be would be a better medium, considering the quantity of gold that may be expected from Portugal.\n2. The weight, size or value of the several pieces of money that shall be made, or rather the most convenient value of the money unit, is a question not easily determined, considering that most of the citizens of the United States, are accustomed to count in pounds, shillings and pence; and that those sums are of different values in the different states: hence they convey no distinct ideas. The money of the United States should be equally fitted to all. The late financier has proposed to make gold and silver pieces of particular weight; and there is a very simple process, by which the imaginary money of the several states may be translated into such pieces, or vice versa. He proposes that the money unit be one quarter of a grain of pure silver. That the smallest coin be of copper, which shall be worth 5 of those units. The smallest silver coin to be worth 100 units; another to be worth 500; another of 1000; and thus increasing decimally.\nThe objections to this plan are, that it introduces a coin unlike in value to any thing now in use. It departs from the national mode of keeping accounts, and tends to preserve inconvenient prejudices. Whence it must prevent national uniformity in accounts; a thing greatly to be desired.\nAnother plan has been offered, which proposes, that the money unit be one dollar; and the smallest coin is to be of copper, of which 200 shall pass for one dollar. This plan also proposes, that the several pieces shall increase in a decimal ratio; and that all accounts be kept in decimals, which is certainly by much the most short and simple mode.\nIn favour of this plan it is urged, that a dollar, the proposed unit, has long been in general use. Its value is familiar. This accords with the national mode of keeping accounts, and may in time produce the happy effect of uniformity in counting money throughout the union.\n3. The money arithmetic, though an important question, is one that can admit of little dispute. All accomptants must prefer decimals.\n4. What is the best mode of defraying the expence of coinage?  Different nations have adopted different systems. The British value their silver when coined, no higher than bullion. Hence it follows, that the expence of the mint, increasing the civil list, must be paid by a general tax; and tradesmen are disposed to work up the current coin, by which the tax is increased and continued. In some other countries silver or gold when coined, are valued above the price of bullion; whence tradesmen are discouraged from melting or working up the current coin, and the mint is rather profitable than burdensome. Certainly there are good and conclusive reasons, why we should value the national coin above the price of bullion; but there is a certain point beyond which we may not proceed, lest we encourage counterfeits, or private imitations of our coin. It has been proposed to make a difference of 2 \u00bd per cent. nearly, as an allowance for the coinage of gold, and of 3.013 per cent. for the coinage of silver. It is probable that 3 per cent. would more than defray the expence of coining silver, in which case it would be a temptation to private imitation, and would operate against the free circulation of the money, as being valued too high. It is to be remembered that silver coin ought to be encouraged, and probably 2 per cent. or 2 \u00bc per cent. would be a proper difference between silver coined and bullion. The same difference to be made in the price of gold. If this does not fully pay the expences of the mint, there will be a much larger gain on the coinage of copper; and if there should remain a small balance against the mint, its operation will not be unfavourable.\nThe coinage of copper is a subject that claims our immediate attention. From the small value of the several pieces of copper coin, this medium of exchange has been too much neglected. The more valuable metals are daily giving place to base British half-pence, and no means are used to prevent the fraud. This disease, which is neglected in the beginning, because it appears trifling, may finally prove very destructive to commerce. It is admitted that copper may at this instant be purchased in America at \u215b of a dollar the pound. British halfpence made at the tower are 48 to the pound. Those manufactured at Birmingham, and shipped in thousands for our use, are much lighter, and they are of base metal. It can hardly be said that 72 of them are worth a pound of copper. Hence it will follow, that we give for British halfpence, about six times their value. There are no materials from which we can estimate the weight of halfpence that have been imported from Britain since the late war. But we have heard of sundry shipments being ordered, to the nominal amount of 1000 guineas; and we are  told, that no packet arrives from England, without some hundred weight of base halfpence. It is a very moderate computation which states our loss on the last twelve months, at 30,000 dollars, by the commerce of vile coin. The whole expence of a mint would not have amounted to half of that sum, and the whole expence of domestic coinage would remain in the country.\nThe following forms of money are submitted.\nDollars.\n1 piece of gold of\n1 piece of silver of\ncontaining 362 grains pure silver. This is the unit or money of account.\ndol.\n1 ditto,\n1 ditto,\n1 ditto,\n1 ditto,\n1 piece of copper of\n1 ditto,\nThe quantity of pure silver being fixed that is to be in the unit or dollar, and the relation between silver and gold being fixed, all the other weights must follow.\nWhen it is considered, that the Spaniards have been reducing the weight of their dollars, and that instead of 385.5 the grains of pure silver in the old Mexican dollar, the new dollars have not more than 365 grains, it will hardly be thought that 362 grains of pure silver is too little for the federal coin, which is to be current in all payments for one dollar. Some of the old dollars will admit of a second coinage; but the new ones will not. If the value of gold compared to that of silver, be fixed at 15 to one, and the alloy in each be 1/12, the weight of the several denominations will be readily determined.\nThe price of bullion is immediately determined by the percentage that is charged towards the expences of the mint.\nIf the United States determine to adhere to the dollar as their money of account, and to simplify accounts by the use of decimals, there is nothing to prevent the immediate commencement of a coinage of copper.\nLet the copper pieces, of which 100 are to pass for a dollar, contain each 131 grains of pure copper, or 44 of them weigh one pound. In this case our copper coin, when compared with the money  of account, will be 6 per cent. better than that of Great-Britain. There will remain a sufficient profit on the coinage.\nCopper of the best quality in plates, may be purchased in Europe at 10d. \u00bd sterling. In cutting blanks there will be a waste of 22 per cent. Those clippings are worth 7d. \u00bd per pound. Thence the blanks will cost 11d. \u00bd nearly; it may be stated at 1s.9d. New-York money per pound, exclusive of the expence of cutting them, which is not great, as one man can readily cut 100 weight in a day.\nThe operation, improperly called milling, by which the sharp edges are worn off from the coppers, is not more expensive than cutting the blanks.\nIn the process of coining copper, eight artists or labourers may be required.\nOne engraver, 1 labourer for the blank press.\nOne smith, 5 labourers for the coining press.\nBy those people 100 weight of copper may readily be coined every day, or the value of 44 dollars. Deducting the necessary expences, there may be saved 30 per cent\u2025\u2025\nIf one member of Congress from Georgia, another from Massachusetts, a third from Pennsylvania, and a fourth from North-Carolina, were a committee to decide on the general currency of America, each would prefer that of his own particular state. If a fifth member were added from South-Carolina, he (not being particularly attached to the new adopted sterling of that country) might wish for an expedient to reconcile the litigants. He would therefore seek a currency which though different from either, would coincide with all. The present currencies are in the following proportions to each other.\nAs 1/60 to 1/72 to 1/90 to 1/96 of a dollar; that is as 24 to 20 to 16 to 15.\nSuppose then we take the following currency\nC.\n\u2007\u20071 crown, or 10 dollars,\n\u2007\u20071 dollar, or 10 bits,\n\u2007\u20071 bit, or 10 pence,\n\u2007\u20071 penny, or 10 grs.\n\u2007\u20071 gr. (i.e.) a quarter of a grain of fine silver\nThis currency may (by means of a small profit taken to defray the expence of coining) be so adjusted, as to be in the proportions above mentioned: and then\nThe penny of Georgia will be\n24 grs.\n\u2007\u2007of Virginia and the four eastern states,\n\u2007\u2007of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007New-Jersey,\n\u2007\u2007of North-Carolina and New-York,\nTo accomplish this matter,\nLet the crown be made of gold, 22 carrats fine, and weight 188 grains.\nLet the dollar be made of silver, and contain 250 grains pure, and 10 of alloy, 260 grains.\nLet the mint give\nfor every pound of standard gold, brought in for sale 29.9000.\nfor every pound of pure silver, 2.2340\nOn this state of things let it be asked, 1st. What is the coinage or profit on coining? and 2dly, What is the proportion resulting from thence between the precious metals? To answer the first, say, As 188 grains of standard gold, the proposed weight of a crown, to 1.0000 the proposed value; so is 5760 grains, the quantity in a pound, to 30.6383, the value when coined\u2014And as 29.9000 the mint price, to 30.6383; so is 100, to 102.47, nearly. The coinage of gold therefore will be about 2 47/100 per cent. Say again, as 2.2340 the mint price of fine silver, to 2.3040, the value of 5760 grains, at 4 grs. each; so is 100 to 103.13, nearly. The coinage of silver therefore will be about 3 13/100 per cent. These per centages will about defray the expences of the mint. And note here, that since the expence must be paid, no tax for the purpose can be more equitable than one which is raised on the money itself.\nTo answer the second question, since a pound of gold at 22 carrats, contains 5280 grains of pure metal, and this is worth as above, 30.6383 quarters of a grain of fine silver, say, as 21120 grs. of fine gold, to 30.6383 grs. of fine silver; so is one of fine gold, to 14 10703/21120 of fine silver, being somewhat more than 14 \u00bd of silver for 1 of gold.\nIt remains next to see what are the values of this money, but a previous observation must be made, viz. That by the currency of clipt gold, the value of American money has been considerably depreciated. Thus the par between sterling and Pennsylvania currency was 166 \u215b currency for 100 sterling. But 3 dwt. of gold are current for 20s. A pound of gold is therefore equal to L.80 currency; and two pounds or 89 guineas, to L.160. Therefore L.93: 9:0 sterling, equals L.160 Pennsylvania currency. And as L.93: 9:0 is to L.160; so is L.100 to L.171:4:3 \u00bd the present par, instead of L.166:13:4, the former par.\nTo return then to the value of the money proposed. A guinea  ought to contain 129\u00bd grains; therefore say, as 5760 grains, or 1 lb. of gold, to 29.9000 the mint price; so is 129\u00bd to 6722, which divided by 16 to reduce it to Pennsylvania currency, gives 420\u2153. or 35s. The French crown ought to contain 412\u00bd grains pure silver; therefore say, as 5760 grains, to 2.2340 the mint price; so is 412\u00bd grains, to 1600, or 8s. 4d. Pennsylvania currency. Lastly, the dollar contains about 372 grains of fine silver; but there is much difference between the old and new dollars: say then, as 5760 is to 2.2340; so is 372 to 1442, or 7s. 6d.\u215b Pennsylvania currency. The value of the dollar, therefore, may be stated at 1440; and this divided by the proportional numbers before mentioned, gives the different values. Thus\nDivided\nby 24, it gives the value in Georgia,\n60 pence.\nby 20, that of Virginia and the four eastern\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007states,\nby 16, that of Pennsylvania, Maryland,\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007Delaware and New-Jersey,\nby 15, that of North-Carolina and New-York,\nAnd the same thing will appear from a similar operation upon the value of a guinea or French crown as above specified. Hence results a corollary of some importance towards simplifying the complex subject of money, viz. That in the proposed currency, a quarter of a grain of pure silver (the smallest fractional part) would serve as a common expression or denominator, to all the different currencies now in use; and any sum on a merchant\u2019s books might be reduced to that expression with ease and exactness. Suppose for instance L.151:13:4.\nC.\ngrs.\nThis sum would\nin Georgia be expressed by\nin Virginia and the four eastern states\nin Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007\u2007and New-Jersey,\nin North-Carolina and New-York,\nSo far we have rather had in contemplation the money of account. Let us now proceed to the coins. These may be as follows.\nC.\nPenns. cur.\nVirg. cur.\nOf gold\nweighing\ngrs.\nExpression\nvalue\nOf silver\nOf copper\nHence it appears that these coins would agree with the currency of nine states out of the thirteen, with like precision as the money of account represented, would agree with them all.\nLet us next examine the state of exchanges which would result from the adoption of such a plan. And here we should confine our view to those three countries with whom we have exchange-dealings, viz. England, France and Holland. As to Spain and Portugal, we barter our produce for theirs, among the articles of which are silver and gold. It has already been noted, that 2 lb. of standard gold, are 89 guineas, or 1,869 shillings; and that 1 lb, of the coined gold is 30.6383, consequently 2 lb. are 61.2766: Therefore say, as 1869, is to 6 1.2766; so is 20 to 6556, the value of a pound sterling. It has also been mentioned, that the French crown or 6 livres, contains 412\u00bd\u2019s grains of pure silver, that is 1650 grs. Therefore say, as 6 is to 1650; so is 1 to 276, the value of a livre. The exchanges with Holland are taken upon the bank florin, which is merely a money of account, and the current money varies from it at the rate of from 2 to 5 per cent. advance. The bank guilder or florin, must therefore be taken at a medium value, and will be found worth 600. On these values we shall find the following par-exchanges among those countries, viz.\nF. st. g.\nLiv. s. d.\nL.\nsterling,\nor\nequal\nto about\nand\nabout\nF.\nsterling\nL.\nLiv.\nThe advantages of coining money in this country are, first, those which arise from the same operation in all other countries; and secondly, that of reducing all our currencies to one. The advantages from the coin here proposed are, first, that none other will effect the object already mentioned of banishing other currencies, because that alone applies without fractions to them all. Secondly, that the minuteness of its lowest denomination would render it an accurate measure of the smallest variations of quantity or quality in any commodity. Thirdly, that the decimal proportion of its parts would render all calculations in it easy, as appears in the calculations and consequent rates of exchange above mentioned: And lastly, that few figures would be used for the largest sum, while at the same time the smallest sums would be comprehended. For if the lowest denomination be of considerable value, recourse must be had to fractions, as in England, where the penny is divided into fourths, eights, and sometimes sixteenths, and even then without sufficient  accuracy; whereas the lowest denomination of the coin here proposed will be about \u00bd7 of a penny sterling.\nLastly, as to the names above chosen, they, like all other names, are arbitrary, and better may perhaps be substituted. The word crown occurred from the following idea of an impression for the gold coin\u2014An Indian, his right foot on a crown, a bow in his left-hand, in his right-hand thirteen arrows; and the inscription Manus inimica Tyrannis\u2025\u2025", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0431", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David S. Franks, 1 January 1785\nFrom: Franks, David Salisbury\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBordeaux, 1 Jan. 1785. He has been delayed in reaching Marseilles, where he had intended to write to TJ; sends his good wishes. Letters from America on the state of her commerce and from London and Paris dampen the prospects for his business in Marseilles; \u201cas no Salary is allowed to Vice Con[suls] I shall really be in a very disagreeable situation at that place.\u201d\nExpects that war will break out in Europe and would consider serving in the French army, though he would prefer to be employed in the service of the U.S. He takes the liberty \u201cin opening myself to you in this manner, as I know no one in whose indulgence I can so fully confide and you will confer an additional obligation by informing me what prospect I may have of succeeding in an application. The Marquis de Chatelux, we hear is appointed one of the Generals. He knows me\u2014would perhaps interest himself in my favor; if his military family is not compleat I should be happy to Serve under him. Mr. Barclay is here and intends soon going to Paris; I waited at Nantes nigh two Months for him, to come to this Place and to take my final instructions from him. I pray my Compliments to Miss Jefferson and Col. Humphries.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0433", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond Jany. 9th. 1785\nMy last was dated in Philada. Octr. 17. I reached this place the 14th. day after that fixed for the meeting of the Assembly and was in time for the commencement of business. Yesterday put an end to the tedious Session. According to my promise I subjoin a brief review of its most material proceedings.\nAn act for the establishment of Courts of Assize. This act was carried through the House of Delegates against much secret repugnance, but without any direct and open opposition. It luckily happened that the latent opposition wanted both a mouth and a head. Mr. Henry had been previously elected governor and was gone for his family. From his conversation since I surmise that his presence might have been fatal. The act is formed precisely on the English pattern, and is nearly a transcript from the bill originally penned in 1776 by Mr. Pendleton except that writs sent blank from the clerk of general court are to issue in the district but returned to General Court. In the Senate it became a consideration whether the Assize Courts ought not to be turned into so many Courts of independent and complete jurisdiction, and admitting an appeal only to the Courts of Appeals. If the fear of endangering the bill had not checked the experiment, such a proposition would probably have been sent down to the House of Delegates, where it would have been better relished by many than the assize plan. The objections made to the latter were that as it required the issues to be made up and the judgments to be awarded in the General Court it was but a partial relief to suitors, and might render the service of double setts of Lawyers necessary. The friends of the plan thought these inconveniences, as far as they were real, outweighed by the superior wisdom and uniformity of decisions incident to the plan; not to mention the difference in the frequency of appeals incident to the different plans. In order to leave as few handles as possible for cavil the bill omitted all the little regulations which would follow of course, and will therefore need a supplement. To give time for this provision as well as by way of collecting the mind of the public, the commencement of the law is made posterior to the next Session of Assembly. The places fixed for the Assize Courts are Northumberland Court House, Williamsbg., Accomack Ct. House, Suffolk, Richmond, Petersburg, Brunswick Ct. House, King and Queen Ct. House,  Prince Edwd. Ct. H., Bedford Ct. H., Montgomery and Washington Ct. Hs. alternately, Staunton, Charlottesville, Fredericksbg., Dumfries, Winchester and Monongalia Ct. H. Besides the juridical advantages hoped from this innovation, we consider it as a means of reconciling to our Government the discontented extremities of the State.\nAn act for opening and extending the navigation of Potowmac river. An act for do. do. of James river. The subject of clearing these great rivers was brought forward early in the Session under the auspices of General Washington, who had written an interesting private letter on it to Govr. Harrison which the latter communicated to the General Assembly. The conversation of the General during a visit paid to Richmond in the course of the Session, still further impressed the magnitude of the object on sundry members. Shortly after his departure, a joint memorial from a number of Citizens of Va. and Maryland, interested in the Potowmac, was presented to the Assembly, stating the practicability and importance of the work, and praying for an act of incorporation, and grant of perpetual toll to the undertakers of it. A bill had been prepared at the same meeting which produced the memorial, and was transmitted to Richmond at the same time. A like memorial and bill went to Annapolis where the legislature of Maryland were sitting. The Assembly here lent a ready ear to the project, but a difficulty arose from the height of the tolls proposed, the danger of destroying the uniformity essential in the proceedings of the two States, by altering them, and the scarcity of time for negociating with Maryland a bill satisfactory to both States. Short as the time was however, the attempt was decided on, and the negociation committed to Genl. Washington himself. Genl. Gates who happened to be in the way and Col: Blackband were associated with him. The latter did not act, the two former pushed immediately to Annapolis, where the sickness of Genl. Gates threw the whole agency on Genl. Washington. By his exertions in concert with Committees of the two branches of the Legislature, an amendment of the plan was digested in a few days, passed thro\u2019 both houses in one day with nine dissenting voices only, and despatched for Richmond, where it arrived just in time for the Session. A corresponding act was immediately introduced and passed without opposition. The scheme declares that the subscribers shall be an incorporated body, that there shall be 500 Shares amounting to about 220,000 dollars, of which the States of Va. and Maryd. are each to take 50 shares, that the tolls shall be collected in three  portions at the three principal falls, and with the works rest as real estate in the members of the Company, and that the works shall be begun within one year, and finished within ten years under the penalty of entire forfieture.\nPrevious to the receipt of the act from Annapolis a bill on a different plan had been brought in and proceeded on for clearing James River. It proposed that subscriptions should be taken by Trustees and under their management solemnly appropriated to the object in view, that they should be regarded as a loan to the State, should bear an interest of 10 per ct. and should entitle the subscriber to the double of the principal remaining undischarged at the end of a moderate period; and that the tolls to be collected should stand inviolably pledged for both principal and interest. It was thought better for the public to present this exuberant harvest to the subscribers than to grant them a perpetuity in the tolls. In the case of the Potowmac which depended on another authority as well as our own, we were less at liberty to consider what would be best in itself. Exuberant however as the harvest appeared, it was pronounced by good judges an inadequate bait for subscriptions even from those otherwise interested in the work, and on the arrival and acceptance of the Potowmac plan, it was found advisable to pass a similar one in favor of James River. The circumstancial variations in the latter are 1. the sum to be aimed at in the first instance is 100,000 Dollars only. 2. The shares which are the same in number with those of Potowmac, are reduced to 200 dollrs. each and the number of public shares raised to 100. 3. The tolls are reduced to \u00bd of the aggregate of the Potowmac tolls. 4. In the case the falls at this place where alone tolls are to be paid, shall be first opened, the Company are permitted to receive the tolls immediately, and continue to do so till the lapse of ten years, within which the whole river is to be made navigable. 5. A right of pre-emption is reserved to the public on all transfers of shares. These acts are very lengthy, and having passed in all the precipitancy which marks the concluding stages of a Session, abound I fear with inaccuracies.\nIn addition to these acts joint resolutions have passed the Legislatures of Maryd. and Va. for clearing a road from the head of the Potowmac navigation to Cheat-river or if necessary to Monongalia and 3333\u2153 Dollars are voted for the work by each State. Pennsylva. is also to be applied to by the Governors of the two States for leave to clear a road thro\u2019 her jurisdiction if it should be found necessary, from Potowmac to Yohogania; to which the Assembly  here have added a proposition to unite with Maryland in representing to Pena. the advantages which will accrue to a part of her citizens from opening the proposed communication with the sea, and the reasonableness of her securing to those who are to be at the expence, the use of her waters, as a thorough fare to and from the Country beyond her limits, free from all imposts and restrictions whatever, and as a channel of trade with her citizens free from greater imposts than may be levied on any other channel of importation. This Resolution did not pass till it was too late to refer it to Genl. Washington\u2019s negociations with Maryland. It now makes a part of the task allotted to the Commissioners who are to settle with Maryd. the jurisdiction and navigation of Potowmac below tide water. By another Resolution of this State, persons are to be forthwith appointed by the Executive to survey the upper parts of Jas. river, the country thro\u2019 which a road must pass to the navigable waters of New River, and these waters down to the Ohio. I am told by a member of the Assembly who seems to be well acquainted both with the intermediate ground and with the Western waters in question, that a road of 25 or 30 miles in length will link these waters with Js. river and will strike a branch of the former which yields a fine navigation, and falls into the main stream of the Kenhawha below the only obstructions lying in this river down to the Ohio. If these be facts James River will have a great superiority over Potowmac, the road from which to Cheat river is indeed computed by Genl. Washington at 20 miles only: but he thinks the expence of making the latter navigable will require a continuation of the road to Monongalia, which will lengthen it to 40 miles. The road to Yohogania is computed by the General at 30 miles.\nBy another resolution Commissioners are to be appointed to survey the ground for a canal between the waters of Elizabeth river and those of N. Carolina, and in case the best course for such a canal shall require the concurrence of that State, to concert a joint plan and report the same to the next Session of Assembly. Besides the trade which will flow thro\u2019 this channel from N. Carolina to Norfolk, the large district of Virginia watered by the Roanoak will be doubled in its value by it.\nAn act vesting in G. Washington a certain interest in the Companies for opening James and Potowmac rivers. The Treasurer is by this act directed to subscribe 50 Shares in the Potowmac and 100 shares in the James river Companies which shall vest in Genl. Washington and his heirs. This mode of adding some substantial  to the many honorary rewards bestowed on him was termed least injurious to his delicacy, as well as least dangerous as a precedent. It was substituted in place of a direct pension urged on the House by the indiscreet zeal of some of his friends. Though it will not be an equivalent succour in all respects it will save the General from subscriptions which would have oppressed his finances; and if the schemes be executed within the period fixed, may yield a revenue for some years before the term of his. At all events it will demonstrate the grateful wishes of his Country and will promote the object which he has so much at heart. The earnestness with which he espouses the undertaking is hardly to be described, and shows that a mind like his, capable of great views and which has long been occupied with them, cannot bear a vacancy, and surely he could not have chosen an occupation more worthy of succeeding to that of establishing the political rights of his Country, than the patronage of works for the extensive and lasting improvement of its natural advantages; works which will double the value of half the lands within the Commonwealth, will extend its commerce, link with its interests those of the Western States, and lessen the emigration of its Citizens, by enhancing the profitableness of situations which they now desert in search of better.\nAn act to discharge the people of this commonwealth from one half of the tax for the year 1775 [i.e., 1785]. Our successive postponements had thrown the whole tax of 1784 on the year 1785. The remission therefore still leaves three halves to be collected. The plentiful crops on hand both of corn and tobacco and the price of the latter which is vibrating on this river between 36/ and 40/. seem to enable the Country to bear the burden. A few more plentiful years with steadiness in our Councils will put our credit on a decent footing. The payments from this State to the Continental treasury between Apl. 83 and Novr. 84 amount to \u00a3123,202.11.1\u00bd Va. Curry. The printed report herewith inclosed will give you a rude idea of our finances.\nAn act giving James Rumsey the exclusive privilege of constructing and navigating certain boats for a limited time. J. Rumsey by a memorial to the last Session represented that he had invented a mechanism, by which a boat might be worked with little labour at the rate of from 25 to 40 miles a day, against a stream running at the rate of 10 miles an hour, and prayed that the disclosure of his invention might be purchased by the public. The apparent extravagance of his pretensions brought a ridicule upon  them, and nothing was done. In the recess of the Assembly, he exemplified his machinery to General Washington and a few other gentlemen, who gave a certificate of the reality and importance of the invention, which opened the ears of the Assembly to a second memorial. The act gives a monopoly for ten years, reserving a right to abolish it at any time on paying \u00a310,000. The inventor is soliciting similar acts from other States, and will not I suppose publish the secret till he either obtains or despairs of them.\nAn act for punishing certain offences injurious to the tranquility of this commonwealth. This act authorizes the surrender of a citizen to a foreign sovereign within whose acknowledged jurisdiction the citizen shall commit a crime, of which satisfactory proof shall be exhibited to Congress, and for which in the judgment of Congress the law of nations exacts such surrender. This measure was suggested by the danger of our being speedily embroiled with the nations contiguous to the U. States, particularly the Spaniards, by the licentious and predatory spirit of some of our Western people. In several instances gross outrages are said to have been already practised. The measure was warmly patronized by Mr. Henry, and most of the forensic members, and no less warmly opposed by the Speaker and some others. The opponents contended that such surrenders were unknown to the law of nations, and were interdicted by our declaration of Rights. Vattel however is express as to the case of Robbers, murderers and incendiaries. Grotius quotes various instances in which great offenders have been given up by their proper sovereigns to be punished by the offended Sovereigns. Puffendorf only refers to Grotius. I have had no opportunity of consulting other authorities. With regard to the bill of rights, it was alledged to be no more or rather less violated by considering crimes committed against other laws as not falling under the notice of our own, and sending our Citizens to be tried where the cause of trial arose, than to try them under our own laws without a jury of the vicinage and without being confronted with their accusers or witnesses; as must be the case if they be tried at all for such offences under our own laws. And to say that such offenders could neither be given up for punishment, nor be punished within their own Country, would amount to a licence for every aggression, and would sacrifice the peace of the whole community, to the impunity of the worst members of it. The necessity of a qualified interpretation of the bill of rights was also inferred from the law of the Confederacy which requires the surrender of our Citizens to the laws of other States in cases of treason, felony or other high  misdemeanors. The act provides however for a domestic trial in cases where a surrender may not be justified or insisted upon, and in cases of aggressions on the Indians.\nAn act for incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church. This act declares the ministers and vestries who are to be triennially chosen in each period a body corporate, enables them to hold property not exceeding the value of \u00a3800 per annum, and gives sanction to a Convention which is to be composed of the Clergy and a lay deputy from each parish, and is to regulate the affairs of the Church. It was understood by the House of Delegates that the Convention was to consist of two laymen for each clergyman, and an amendment was received for that express purpose. It so happened that the insertion of the amendment did not produce that effect, and the mistake was never discovered till the bill had passed and was in print. Another circumstance still more singular is that the act is so constructed as to deprive the vestries of the uncontrouled right of electing clergymen, unless it be referred to them by the canons of the Convention, and that this usurpation actually escaped the eye both of the friends and adversaries of the measure, both parties taking the contrary for granted throughout the whole progress of it. The former as well as the latter appear now to be dissatisfied with what has been done, and will probably concur in a revision if not a repeal of the law. Independently of these oversights the law is in various points of view exceptionable. But the necessity of some sort of incorporation for the purpose of holding and managing the property of the Church could not well be denied, nor a more harmless modification of it now obtained. A negative of the bill too would have doubled the eagerness and the pretexts for a much greater evil, a general assessment, which there is good ground to believe was parried by this partial gratification of its warmest votaries. A Resolution for a legal provision for the \u201cteachers of Christian Religion\u201d had early in the Session been proposed by Mr. Henry, and in spite of all the opposition that could be mustered, carried by 47 against 32 votes. Many Petitions from below the blue ridge had prayed for such a law; and though several from the presbyterian laity beyond it were in a contrary Stile, the Clergy of that Sect favoured it. The other sects seemed to be passive. The Resolution lay some weeks before a bill was brought in, and the bill some weeks before it was called for; after the passage of the incorporating act it was taken up, and on the third reading, ordered by a small majority to be printed for consideration. The bill in its present dress proposes a tax of blank per Ct. on all taxable property for  support of Teachers of the Christian Religion. Each person when he pays his tax is to name the society to which he dedicates it, and in case of refusal to do so, the tax is to be applied to the maintenance of a school in the county. As the bill stood for some time, the application in such cases was to be made by the Legislature to pious uses. In a committee of the whole it was determined by a majority of 7 or 8 that the word \u201cChristian\u201d should be exchanged for the word \u201cReligious.\u201d On the report to the House the pathetic zeal of the late Governor Harrison gained a like majority for reinstating discrimination. Should the bill ever pass into a law in its present form it may and will be easily eluded. It is chiefly obnoxious on account of its dishonorable principle and dangerous tendency.\nThe subject of the British debts underwent a reconsideration on the motion of Mr. Jones. Though no answer had been received from Congress to the Resolutions passed at the last Session, a material change had evidently taken place in the mind of the Assembly, proceeding in part from a more dispassionate view of the question, in part from the intervening exchange of the ratifications of the Treaty. Mr. Henry was out of the way. His previous conversation, I have been told, favored the reconsideration. The speaker, the other champion at the last Session against the treaty was at least half a proselyte. The proposition rejected interest during the period of blank, and left the periods of payment blank. In this form it was received with little opposition and by a very great majority. After much discussion and several nice divisions the first blank was filled up with the period between the 19 of Apl. 1775, and the 3 of March 1783, the commencement and cessation of hostilities; and the second with seven annual payments. Whilst the bill was depending, some proceedings of the Glascow merchants were submitted to the House of Delegates in which they signified their readiness to receive their debts in four annual payments, with immediate security, and summary recoveries at the successive periods, and were silent as to the point of interest. Shortly after were presented memorials from the merchants of this Town and Petersburg representing the advantage which a compliance with the Glascow overtures would give the foreign over the domestic creditors. Very little attention seemed to be paid by the House to the overtures, tho\u2019 as the treaty was not to be litterally pursued, the shadow of assent from the other party was worthy of being attended to. In the Senate the bill met with a diversity of opinions. By a majority of one voice only an attempt to put all our domestic debts on the same footing with British debts was lost. Whether this was sincere or a side blow  at the bill I am unable to say. An attempt was next made to put on the same footing all those who left this Country and joined the other side, or who remained within the British territories for one year at any time since the 19 Apl. 1775, or who refused a tender of paper money before Jany. 1779. These discriminations were almost unanimously disagreed to by the House of Delegates. The Senate insisted. The former proposed a conference. The Senate concurred. The Conference produced a proposition from the House of Delegates to which the Senate assented; but before their assent was notified an incident happened which has left the bill in a very singular situation. The delay attending this measure had spun it out to the day preceding the one prefixed for a final adjournment. Several of the members went over to Manchester in the evening, with an intention it is to be presumed of returning the next morning. The severity of the night rendered their passage back the next morning impossible. Without them there was no house. The impatience of the members was such as might be supposed. Some were for stigmatizing the absentees and adjourning. The rest were some for one thing, some for another. At length it was agreed to wait till the next day. The next day presented the same obstructions in the river. A canoe was sent over for enquiry by the Manchester party, but they did not chuse to venture themselves. The impatience increased, warm resolutions were agitated. They ended however in an agreement to wait one day more. On the morning of the third day the prospect remained the same. Patience could hold out no longer and an adjournment to the last day of March ensued. The question to be decided is whether a bill which had passed the House of Delegates, and been assented to by the Senate; but not sent down to the House of Delegates nor enrolled, nor examined, nor signed by the two Speakers and consequently not of record, is or is not a law? A bill for the better regulation of the Customs is in the same situation.\nAfter the passage of the Bill for British debts through the House of Delegates a bill was introduced for liquidating the depreciated payments into the Treasury, and making the debtors liable for the deficiency. A foresight of this consequential step had shewn itself in every stage of the first bill. It was opposed by Governor Harrison principally and laid asleep by the refusal of the interested members to vote in the question, and the want of a quorum without them.\nAmong the abortive measures may be mentioned also a proposition to authorize the collection of the impost by Congress as soon as the concurrence of twelve States should be obtained. Connecticut  had set the example in this project. The proposition was made by the Speaker and supported by the late Governour. It was disagreed to by a very large majority on the following grounds. 1. The appearance of a schism in the confederacy which it would present to foreign eyes. 2. Its tendency to combinations of smaller majorities of the States. 3. The channel it would open for smuggling; goods imported into Rhode Island in such case might not only be spread by land through the adjacent States, but if slipped into any neighbouring port might thence be carried duty\u2014free to any part of the associated States. 4. The greater improbability of a union of twelve States on such new ground, than of the conversion of Rhode Island to the old one. 5. The want of harmony among the other States which would be betrayed by the miscarriage of such an experiment, and the fresh triumph and obstinacy which R.I. would derive from it.\nThe French vice Consul in this State has complained to the Assembly that the want of legal power over our Sheriffs, Goalers and prisons both renders his decrees nugatory, and exposes his person to insults from dissatisfied litigants. The Assembly have taken no step whatever on the subject being at a loss to know what ought to be done, in compliance either with general usage, or that of France in particular. I have often wondered that the proposed convention between France and the U.S. for regulating the consular functions, has never been executed. The delay may prove unfriendly both to their mutual harmony and their commerce.\nMr. Henry was elected successor to Mr. Harrison without competition or opposition. The victims to the article requiring a triennial removal of two Counsellors were Merryweather Smith and General Christian. Young Mr. Roane and Mr. Miles Selden take their places. Mr. Shorts place is filled by Mr. Joseph Jones.\nNothing has passed during the Session concerning an amendment of the State Constitution. The friends of the undertaking seem to be multiplying rather than decreasing. Several Petitions from the Western side of the Blue Ridge appeared in favor of it; as did some from the Western side of the Allegheny praying for a separate Government. The latter may be considered all of them as the children of A[rthur] C[ampbell]\u2019s ambition. The assize Courts and the opening of our Rivers are the best answers to them.\nThe Revisal has but just issued from the press. It consists of near 100 folio pages in a small type. I shall send you six copies by the first opportunity. \u00a3500 was voted at the Spring Session to each of the acting members of the Committee, but no fund having been  provided for payment, no use could be made of the warrants. I drew yours however and carried them up to Orange where they now lye. A vote of this Session has provided a fund which gives them immediate value. As soon as I get home I shall send the dead warrants to Mr. Nichs. Lewis who may exchange them for others and draw the money from the Treasury. Mr. Peter Carr is I hear now in Williamsburg. He did not get there so soon as I expected, but I have not heard the circumstances which delayed him. On the best enquiries I could make for a stand for his younger brother I could hear of none preferable to the Academy in Prince Edward and accordingly recommended that in a letter to Mrs. Carr. I have received no answer, but am told by Mr. Underwood her neighbour that he is at school with a very proper man who has lately opened a school very convenient to Mrs. Carr. If this be the case it will be improper to remove him.\nI have not yet had the pleasure of a line from you since you left Boston, nor do I know when I shall next find a subject for another to you. As soon as I do you may be assured that you shall hear from me and that I am in the mean time with the sincerest friendship Yrs.,\nJ. Madison Jr.\nPresent my respects to Miss Patsy and Mr. Short.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0435", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to James Buchanan, 13 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Buchanan, James\n[Paris, 13 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJas. Buchanan. To send me Hayes\u2019s papers from Nov. 1. by post if frank to care of N. J[amieson] New Y. or by other conveiances if not franked\u2014demand the money of Key or I will remit.\u2014war doubtful\u2014Blanchd. and Jefferies.\u2014pray him to try to save my lot bought of Turpin, to settle price with him and draw on me for the money at 2. months sight.\u201d Not found. For a discussion of a lot designated as \u201cJeffersons Lott\u201d on a Richmond plat by Thomas Prosser dated 20 Dec. 1782, see Dumbauld, Jefferson: American Tourist, p. 225\u20136.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0436", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 13 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\n[Paris, 13 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cF. Eppes. Doubt of war \u2013a gross of claret ordered to him.\u2014keep the 500\u00a3 undisposed of till  I write. Patsy well. Inclosed her 8th. lesson for Polly\u2014ill health till lately\u2014better\u2014wishes to have Polly brought were not my return not very distant.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0437", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 13 January 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hopkinson, Francis\nDear Sir\nParis Jan. 13. 1785\nI wrote you the 11th. of November. Since that I have received no proposition on the subject of the quill of the harpsichord. The artisans here will not readily beleive that any thing good can be invented but in London or Paris: and to shew them the invention would be to give it up. However I shall still endeavor to find some one who will do justice to it.\nWar and peace hang in doubtful balance. The people here in general beleive there will be no war; while not a circumstance can be produced, not a symptom mentioned in the conduct of the emperor which does not breathe a determination for war. The season for arms alone will ultimately inform us. Mr. Blanchard of this country and Dr. Jefferies of Massachusets arrived here the day before yesterday from Dover, having crossed the channel on the 7th. in a Balloon. They were two hours from land to land. It was filled with inflammable air. We are told here of a method of extricating this from pit coal, cheaply and speedily, but it is not yet reduced to experience. M. Pigott, who had discovered the periodical variations of light in the star Algol, has discovered the like in the \u03b7 (Eta) of Antinous. The period of variation is 7D\u20144H\u201430\u2019. The increase of light continues 63 hours, and it\u2019s decrease 36 hours. The number of double stars discovered by Herschel amounts now to upwards of 900, being twice the number which he gave in the Philosophical Transactions. Be so good as to communicate these articles to Mr. Rittenhouse. The madness of animal magnetism is absolutely ceased. It is who now can clear their hands of it. It has been brought on the stage, ridiculed in the public papers, and is an imputation of so grave a nature as would bear an action at law in America.\nNothing can equal the dearth of American intelligence in which we live here. I had formed no conception of it. We might as well be in the moon. Congress were to meet the 3d. of November. We are now at the 13th. of Jan. and no American, public or private, here, is informed whether they have met, where they are sitting, who presides, nor any thing else about them. Our friends think that facts known to every body there, cannot be unknown here.  And all thinking so, no one writes them. To remedy this I have by this packet written to the different states to have newspapers sent to me monthly by the French packet. I take the liberty of imposing this office on you in Philadelphia, and of praying you by every French packet to send me the papers intervening between that and the preceding packet. The first parcel may have retrospect to Nov. 1. if to be had. As you have two parties there, I would wish a paper from a press of each, and that which is best for American intelligence, as the European articles will be of little value here. The expence of this I will take care to remit you in any form you please. Direct the papers to the care of Mr. Neill Jamieson in New York, who is my postmaster general there. My daughter is well and joins me in affectionate respects to Mrs. Hopkinson the elder and younger. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your [\u2025\u2025\nTh: Jefferson]\nP.S. Can you inform me from Mr. Wright whether I am yet at liberty to permit a copy to be taken of Gl. Washington\u2019s picture?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0440", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to St. John de Cr\u00e8vecoeur, 14 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Cr\u00e8vecoeur, Michel Guillaume St. John de\n[Paris, 14 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cH. St. John. Gl. W.\u2019s statue\u2014my ill health has prevented visits\u2014I have ordered seeds to him\u2014if come in one parcel he must divide them, or instruct me how to distribute. Should he have forwarded them I will keep half for his orders\u2014Blanch. and Jefferies\u2014his book takes\u2014apology for corrections.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0441", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, [14 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\nVarious conversations with Mr. Short on the situation of things in Richmd. seem to render it very evident that the improvement of ground in that place is of certain and great profit. I have been induced to reflect on the subject as it furnishes a resource for subsistence independent of the usual one which spreads our couch  with thorns. A particular building lately erected here which has greatly enriched the owner of the ground, has added one of the principal ornaments to the city and increased the convenience of it\u2019s inhabitants [and] has suggested to us that a whole square in Richmd. improved on some such plan, but accommodated to the circumstances of the place, would be very highly advantageous to the proprietors, convenient to the town and ornamental. A detail of this is beyond the limits of a letter. The principal circumstances in it are the giving to all the tenants of the building a common in the whole ground of the square uncovered, the establishing in and about that such improvements as will make it the resort of everyone for either business or pleasure, thus rendering it the best stand for persons of every object and of course entitling it to the highest rents. Our plan would be of 8. or 10 years\u2019 execution, completing certain parts annually so that the rents of the parts completed might after 2. or 3. years relieve us from the subsequent expense of the work. For the 1st. 2. or 3. year the annual expense would be of about 800\u00a3 to be furnished in money labor or necessaries. The 1st. object is to procure a complete square level, and well situated. We have cast our eyes on one of Mr. Ross\u2019s, on the N. side of the main street on Sh[ockoe] hill where that street terminates on the brow of the hill. We have concluded to ask your intervention in this business and should be glad to have yourself or Mr. R. or both associated in the business, each holding an undivided 3d. or 4th. and indivisible also as to the common grounds. Should you be willing to join us in this, make the purchase of him on such terms as you think reasonable. Should you not chuse to join us, we must then give you the trouble of explaining the matter to Mr. R. and of knowing from him the lowest sum he will take in ready money for the square giving us time to send our definitive answer which may be from 6. to 10. weeks from the time we receive a notification of his terms. He will at the same time be so good as to say who he chuses to be concerned for a 3d. or 4th. part. Should the purchase be made I propose to bring proper master workmen when I return from Eur. to Amer. These need not exceed 4. in number and every other person employed may be of the common slaves of the country to be furnished by the partners. I have directed 500\u00a3 of mine in the treasury to be left for this purpose and in case of your making the purchase Mr. E[ppes]. (on sight of this letter) will be so good as to give an order for my part of the money. Mr. S.\u2019s money is in the hands of Mr. Han. and he writes you on the subject. Should you be unable to purchase Mr. R.\u2019s  square we are willing you should proceed as to a square of Turpin\u2019s as we have desired in the case of Mr. R.\u2019s, only that we should confine the partnership to you and ourselves or to ourselves alone if you decline it. The square of T.\u2019s we have in view is on the same side of the same street with Mr. R.\u2019s, but higher up the town by 2. or 3. squares. We wish this matter to be committed to no person whose agency is not necessary to fulfill it, and to hear from you as soon as possible on the subject.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0442", "content": "Title: John Jay to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: American Commissioners\nGentlemen\nOffice for Foreign Affairs New York 14th. January 1785\nOn the 21st. Ultimo I accepted the Place of Secretary for foreign Affairs. All the foreign letters which had been received during the recess of Congress were then and are still in the hands of a Committee to whom they had been referred\u2014none have since arrived.\nThe adjournment from Trenton to this Place necessarily occasioned delay in business. Congress yesterday made a House, and I expect that some of these more important measures will soon be matured. By the next opportunity I flatter myself with having the pleasure of writing to you more particularly. Judges are nominated and will doubtless be appointed to decide the interfering claims of Massachusetts and New York. Advices just received give reason to apprehend an attack of the Cheroquees on Kentucky, a settlement which encreases with a degree of rapidity scarcely credible. It is rumored but not ascertained that the Spaniards encourage them. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obt. & hum: Servt.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0443", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 14 January 178[5]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nMy letters of Nov. 11. and Dec. 10. will have reached you before your receipt of this. They acknowleged the receipt of your former letters, as this does of the one of Nov. 1. but what was my mortification when I came to apply the cypher to it to find that I could not make out one syllable of it: and the more so as it is the only letter I have received from America by this packet. Whether you have taken up a cypher established with some other person, or whether it is from my own stupidity that I am thus disappointed, I cannot tell. That you may judge whether I do not understand the application of your cypher, and set me right I will quote the first cyphered paragraph of your letter with the translation\n  \u2018The council  na   from   pa     fel  appear   ea    *\n    op    tax   enemy  cer   sea   the council  some  Penslva.  *\nAt the same time to shew you in what manner I use it, and so enable you to overcome any difficulties you may have found in the cyphered parts of my former letters, I will now cypher a sentence, putting the words under the cypher. \nI shall be anxious to hear whether you have been able to decypher my letters. We are as yet quite uninformed whether Congress has met, where they are sitting, who is their president, what they are doing, how long they expect to sit, and every thing else relative to them. Our public letter by the December packet gave them an exact state of our proceedings to that date, since which we have not received one single communication, written or verbal, which is the reason we do not write a public letter by this packet. It seems as if all the powers had become torpid with the winter. There is still the same appearance of war as before, yet the general opinion of this country is that it will not take place. I apprehend this is founded on too great an undervaluation of the emperor\u2019s resources. The English papers seem to exhibit some symptoms of a milder spirit returning towards us. They are small and equivocal however. It is not easy at present to get these papers, as their unbounded slanders and falsehoods, having touched a high character here, they are at present interdicted entrance into the kingdom.  Whether this will be taken off, and when, we cannot say. We rather wish it\u2019s continuance, as our country was the object of a great proportion of their lies and obloquy. There being no public news stirring I will close my letter with an incident of a smaller nature. Mr. Blanchard of this country, and Dr. Jefferies of Massachusetts arrived here three days ago from Dover, having crossed the channel in a balloon. They were two hours from land to land. It was filled with inflammable air. Pray send me the journals of Congress from time to time when you write to me. I write by this packet to no other member, because I do not know who are the present members, and there is really nothing interesting to write. Present me affectionately to your collegues & beleive me to be Yours sincerely,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. To prevent future difficulties I will send you a cypher by the first private hand which shall come.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0444", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Commissioners of the Treasury, 15 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Commissioners of the Treasury\n[Paris, 15 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cCommrs. of Treasury of U.S. informing of Mr. Adams\u2019s draught in my favor viz. 6000 flor. Currt. = 5769.5 bo. exch. 53\u00bd = 12940 livres\u20147 sous\u20146 den.\u201d Not found. On 7 May 1785 John Adams wrote to John Jay as follows: \u201cMy friend and colleague, Mr. Jefferson, brought with him an order to receive of M. Grand a sum of money in advance to furnish his house; but M. Grand having no money in his hands, but, on the contrary, being much in advance, made some difficulties, which induced Mr. Jefferson to apply to me. I accordingly drew upon your bankers in Amsterdam a bill in his favor for six thousand guilders, which he has received. As M. Grand could only have advanced the money by drawing on the same fund, one commission has been saved by this means, and I hope for the approbation of Congress\u201d (Dipl. Corr., 1783\u201389, i, 489\u201390; see also TJ to Monroe, 11 Nov. 1784).]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0445", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Crew, 15 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Crew, Robert\n[Paris, 15 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cRobt. Crew. Answer to his ante Jan. 12.\u201d Not found. Crew\u2019s letter of 5 Oct. 1784 was received on 12 Jan. 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0446", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to David S. Franks, 15 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Franks, David Salisbury\n[Paris, 15 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cDav. S. Franks. Answer to his received 7th. ante.\u2014advising to settle at Havre.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0447", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from G. K. van Hogendorp, 20 January 1785\nFrom: Hogendorp, G. K. van\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nThe Hague Jan. 20. 1785.\nVarious circumstances made me receive your kind favour of the 20 Nov. 84. only the next month, and the Same are the cause of this late answer of mine, which if I had followed the impulsion of my heart would have been long ago in your hands.\nNo my dear Sir, I am not in the Austrian Service, and a native of Holland I serve my own country and did so when I was happy enough to form an acquaintance with You in Annapolis. But I have served the King of Prussia in the war of 1778 and that circumstance, which I probably told you, may have induced You to fancy that I still was in a foreign Service.\nThe Information You send me, though not instantly after Your arrival in France, is such as I could wish it, and the want of promptitude in sending it is more than compensated by the accuracy of Your descriptions and the judiciousness of your observations.\nIt is true, my dear Sir, I write from an interesting Scene, but why should not you have anything to offer me in exchange? It is from the Country where You now reside that whole Europe expects a decision respecting the Emperor\u2019s claims on the Netherlands. If France wage war, Prussia will undoubtedly espouse our cause, and the petty Princes of Germany expect only a nod from Frederick in order to give us their troops and to enter into a confederacy. I am of opinion that You may give me as interesting political views, as I am able to communicate to you, and with respect to literature to be sure the advantage is entirely on your side.\nOur apparent war, our alliances our danger and our fortitude, are in this moment objects of a smaller importance for the philosopher\u2019s contemplation, than the more dangerous struggle of parties  in our Government. One party has assumed the name of Patriots, another that of moderate, but I don\u2019t believe that it would be easy for an impartial eye to discern either patriotism or moderation in the behaviour of the most warm amongst them. In my country, as in England, the unequality of fortunes has confined the greatest share of power to a few hands. It is become necessary with us to place at the head of the executive an illustrious family which excludes for ever any other one, and prevents a kind of civil war at every vacancy. The first Stadholders held from the king the same power and in the same way as Your Governors do from the people at large. They by and by got more influence and were kept longer in office. The revolution made them Stadholders of the State, instead of the King\u2019s and lately they have been declared hereditary. The nation at that epocha has heaped on her new Stadholder\u2019s head every honour and advantage almost that she was able to bestow. She now has been repenting of her former profusion. But alas! instead of resting satisfyed with her success in reassuming such rights as must be her\u2019s alone in order to entertain an equipoise to the Stadholder\u2019s influence, the nation is imposed upon by some daring men who should wish to lay the foundation of their own greatness on the ruin of the Stadholder\u2019s constitutional authority.\nI shall deem myself very happy, dear Sir to satisfy Your curiosity by entering into more details, if this subject proves interesting to you.\nYour description of the State of Virginia I expect with a warm impatience. Having the honour to be Dear Sir Your most obt. servant,\nHogendorp", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0448", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jacques Le Maire, 20 January 1785\nFrom: Le Maire, Jacques\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nVotre Exellence\nNoyork le 20. janvier 1785.\nJe croirois Menquer au Sentimens de la plus vive reconnoissance Si je ne vous faisoit part de mon arriv\u00e9 En cette ville a pres. 36. jours de traverc\u00e9 des plus rude. Je suis ass\u00e9 heureux d\u2019avoir trouv\u00e9 un passage par mere qui va directement a Richemont demain. Si tot que je serai rendu En virginie, je naurai rien de plus press\u00e9 que de vous faire part de mon arriv\u00e9, Et de remettre Exactement au personnes les differentes objets que vous mav\u00e9s charg\u00e9. C\u2019est Mr. Ennery qui Est gouverneur de virginie. Le Congr\u00e9 Est actuellement En cette ville, ce qui fait la plus grande sensasion, Et  qui va la rendre tres fleurisante. Rien de plus interesant a vous aprendre pour le Moment, nayant pas eu le tems de minstruire par le depart de paquet qui met a la voille a linstems [l\u2019instant]. Et ne voulent point menquer cette occasion, Etant persuad\u00e9 du vive interet que vous pron\u00e9 au sort d\u2019un infortun\u00e9 Militaire qui nobmettera au cune circonstance de vous En prouver Sa reconnoissance qui ne finira qu\u2019avec ses jours. Penetr\u00e9 de Ses Sentimens, je Suis avec le plus profond respect, Votre Exellence, Votre tres humble Et tres obeissant Serviteur,\nLe Maire", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0449", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to De Thulemeier, 21 January 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nSir\nPassy Janry. 21st. 1785\nWe have received the letter you did us the honour to write us on the 10th. day of December last.\nWe supposed that the principles contained in the project of a Treaty, which we had the honour to transmit you, were a virtual answer to the requisition in the last lines of your letter of the eighteenth of October. By the second and third Articles, the citizens and subjects of each power may frequent all the coasts and countries of the other and reside and trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures or merchandises paying no greater duties than the most favoured nation. By the fourth Article each party shall have a right to carry their own produce, manufactures and merchandise in their own vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all the subjects or citizens of that other party to purchase them; and thence to take the produce, manufactures and merchandise of that other, which all the said citizens or subjects shall in like manner be free to sell them, paying in both cases such duties, charges and fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation.\nBut if by a city for the commerce of exchange between the merchants of the two nations, be meant a port more free than any intended in the said second third or fourth Articles, that is to say a port absolutely free from all duties and charges, or a port, where merchandize may be landed and stored and afterwards reembarked and exported without paying any imposts or duties, we submit to your consideration whether it will not be for the interests of Prussia that both Emden and Stetten at least should be made such: however  should it be thought otherwise and we be still desired to elect one of the two ports, we should ask for time to communicate the proposition to Congress and to receive their instructions thereon. We have the honour to be With great consideration And esteem Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and Most humble Servants,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0450", "content": "Title: De Pio to the American Commissioners, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Pio, Chevalier de\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\nA Paris ce 22 janvier 1785.\nAyant eu l\u2019honneur de mettre sous les yeux du Roi mon ma\u00eetre Votre lettre du 27 7bre. 1784 et Sa Majest\u00e9 ayant fait m\u00fbrement \u00e9xaminer les propositions et les offres qu\u2019elle contient, \u00e0 l\u2019effet de l\u2019engager \u00e0 conclure avec les Etats unis un trait\u00e9 d\u2019amiti\u00e9 et de commerce, m\u2019a charg\u00e9 de Vous assurer que rien ne peut lui faire un plus grand plaisir, puisqu\u2019elle donne tous ses soins \u00e0 l\u2019agrandissement du commerce de son Royaume, tant int\u00e9rieur qu\u2019ext\u00e9rieur. C\u2019est m\u00eame dans cette vue que Sa Majest\u00e9 a derni\u00e8rement ouvert et \u00e9tabli \u00e0 Messine en Sicile un port franc, dont toutes les nations sont invit\u00e9es \u00e0 profiter, avec d\u2019autant plus d\u2019assurance qu\u2019elles y seront re\u00e7ues et accueillies tr\u00e8s favorablement, et certaines d\u2019y jouir de toute sorte de privil\u00e9ges et imm\u00fbnit\u00e9s, comme l\u2019\u00e9dit ci joint Vous le prouvera. Je Vous prie, Messieurs, De Vouloir bien  \u00e9xaminer les avantages qui peuvent r\u00e9sulter pour Vos compatriotes en fr\u00e9quentant ce nouveau port.\nJe suis en outre charg\u00e9, Messieurs, de Vous faire au nom de Sa Majest\u00e9, une d\u00e9claration formelle que tous les b\u00e2timens marchands, avec pavillon des \u00e9tats unis, seront re\u00e7us \u00e0 Messine avec les marques de la plus sinc\u00e8re amiti\u00e9, et qu\u2019ils y \u00e9prouveront les effets de la plus grande hospitalit\u00e9; Que pareillement dans tous les autres ports de sa domination, ils seront trait\u00e9s avec tous les \u00e9gards possibles; qu\u2019on viendra toujours \u00e0 leur secours, en leur fournissant tout ce dont ils auront besoin, et qu\u2019ils auront la libert\u00e9 d\u2019y commercer, tant sur les productions de leur pays que sur les marchandises provenantes de leurs manufactures et de celles des autres nations.\nLe Tabac \u00e9tant la partie la plus essentielle du commerce de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, comme Vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait l\u2019honneur de me l\u2019observer dans un de nos entretiens particuliers, je dois Vous pr\u00e9venir, Messieurs, que cette plante est devenue maintenant dans les \u00e9tats du Roi mon ma\u00eetre un genre de commerce libre, par l\u2019abolition de tous les droits auxquels elle \u00e9tait ci devant sujette. A l\u2019\u00e9gard des autres productions, Vous Aur\u00e9s non seulement toute la libert\u00e9 de les introduire dans ses \u00e9tats, et en aussi grande quantit\u00e9 que le porteront les demandes des Napolitains mais encore celle d\u2019y faire venir pour le reste de l\u2019Italie, du Levant et de toute autre contr\u00e9e, la quantit\u00e9 de marchandises que selon Vos sp\u00e9culations Vous juger\u00e9s n\u00e9cessaire; que Vous jouir\u00e9s des m\u00eames libert\u00e9s et facilit\u00e9s pour exporter du Royaume de Sicile de l\u2019huile, du vin, des soieries et toute autre production que les Siciles pourront vous fournir et qui seront pour Vous des objets d\u2019utilit\u00e9 et d\u2019agr\u00e9ment.\nLe Roi mon ma\u00eetre n\u2019a pas voulu diff\u00e9rer davantage \u00e0 Vous donner, Messieurs, les marques le plus convaincantes du desir qu\u2019il a d\u2019avoir des liaisons avec les Etats unis, et \u00e0 leur prouver Sa bonne volont\u00e9 a entrer le plut\u00f4t possible en relation de commerce avantageux pour les deux nations; Se r\u00e9servant Sa Majest\u00e9 de prendre telles delib\u00e9rations et r\u00e9solutions qu\u2019il conviendra pour conclure dans toutes les formes un trait\u00e9 de commerce, selon que Vous av\u00e9s paru le desirer par Votre lettre.\nEn attendant que ma cour puisse \u00e9xaminer et peser m\u00fbrement tous les objets qui sont \u00e0 r\u00e9gler dans un trait\u00e9 de cette nature, je crois, Messieurs, qu\u2019il serait tr\u00e8s avantageux aux Am\u00e9ricains de commencer d\u00e8s \u00e0 pr\u00e9sent \u00e0 fr\u00e9quenter les ports des Siciles, et particuli\u00e8rement celui de Messine, Pour y \u00e9tablir toujours des  relations de commerce, sur lesquelles on pourra ensuite stipuler plus pr\u00e9cis\u00e9ment dans le trait\u00e9 \u00e0 faire.\nPermettez, Messieurs, que je Vous observe encore que pour \u00e9tablir et \u00e9xercer un commerce de telle \u00e9tendue qu\u2019il soit, et dans tel pays que ce puisse \u00eatre, il n\u2019est pas n\u00e9cessaire d\u2019\u00eatre primitivement autoris\u00e9 par un trait\u00e9: il suffit que les \u00e9trangers y soient accueillis avec amiti\u00e9 et prot\u00e9g\u00e9s par les loix et par le gouvernement. La preuve en est que toutes les nations qui font maintenant le commerce le plus \u00e9tendu dans les Siciles, tels que les Anglais, les Francais, les G\u00e9nois, les V\u00e9nitiens, les Ragusiens, les Hambourgeois, n\u2019ont avec ma cour aucun trait\u00e9 de commerce; et quoiqu\u2019il n\u2019y ait entr\u2019elle et la France qu\u2019un commencement de trait\u00e9, les Fran\u00e7ais n\u2019en attendent point la conclusion, pour y faire un commerce des plus \u00e9tendus et des plus avantageux.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, Messieurs, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur,\nDE PIO charg\u00e9 des Affaires du Roy de Naples", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0451", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 January 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond Jany. 22 1785.\nI have remained here since the adjournment of the Assembly chiefly with a view of gaining from the Office of the Attorney some insight into the juridical course of practice. This has given me an opportunity of forwarding you 6 copies of the revisal with a few of the late newspapers under the cover which incloses this. They will go in a vessel belonging to Mr. Alexander. The gentleman also resides in this State as Tobacco-agent for the Farmers General. He assures me that due care shall be taken of them.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0452", "content": "Title: De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, with Translation of Treaty and Observations Thereon, 24 January 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\n\u00e0 la Haye le 24. Janvier 1785.\nLe Roi mon Ma\u00eetre ayant trouv\u00e9 bon de m\u2019autoriser \u00e0 faire passer en Vos mains, Messieurs, quelques Observations sur le Contre-Projet du Trait\u00e9 de Commerce \u00e0 conclure pour l\u2019avantage r\u00e9ciproque de Ses Sujets, et celui des Citoyens de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, tel que Vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de me l\u2019adresser en date du 10. de Novembre dernier, et entr\u00e9 \u00e0 la Haye par un Courier Hollandois le 26. du m\u00eame mois, je ne diff\u00e8re point de m\u2019acquitter des ordres de Sa Majest\u00e9. Un Expr\u00e8s charg\u00e9 de D\u00e9p\u00eaches pour Messieurs les Ambassadeurs de Hollande \u00e0 Paris me fournit aujourd\u2019hui une  occasion s\u00fbre et prompte. La langue Angloise n\u2019\u00e9tant pas famili\u00e8re \u00e0 la Chancelerie Prussienne, aussi peu qu\u2019au Roi et \u00e0 Son Minist\u00e8re, j\u2019ai d\u00fb m\u2019occuper d\u2019une traduction fran\u00e7oise, et pour constater son exactitude, je l\u2019ai fait placer \u00e0 c\u00f4t\u00e9 des Observations ci-jointes. J\u2019ose me flatter que ces derni\u00e8res Vous paro\u00eetront, Messieurs, dict\u00e9es par cet esprit de justice, d\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 et d\u2019humanit\u00e9 qui caract\u00e9rise toutes les d\u00e9marches du Monarque que j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de servir. Ce sera avec le z\u00e8le le plus vif que je m\u2019employerai \u00e0 consolider une n\u00e9gociation dont l\u2019issue ne peut qu\u2019\u00eatre infiniment avantageuse aux deux Nations, et je ne doute aucunement que le contenu de la premi\u00e8re lettre dont Vous m\u2019honorerez, ne me facilite les moyens de mettre de concert avec Vous, Messieurs, la derni\u00e8re main \u00e0 ce Trait\u00e9.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, Messieurs, V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe Thulemeier\nEnclosure\nPROJET\nd\u2019un Trait\u00e9 d\u2019Amiti\u00e9 et de Commerce\nentre Sa Majest\u00e9 le Roi de Prusse et les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique.\nLes deux Parties d\u00e9sirant de fixer d\u2019une mani\u00e8re permanente et \u00e9quitable les r\u00e8gles qui doivent \u00eatre observ\u00e9es relativement au Commerce \u00e0 \u00e9tablir entre leurs Etats respectifs, ont cru ne pouvoir mieux remplir ce but, qu\u2019en prenant pour base de leurs arrangemens la plus parfaite \u00e9galit\u00e9 et r\u00e9ciprocit\u00e9. Sur ces principes, et apr\u00e8s une mure d\u00e9lib\u00e9ration, Elles sont convenues des articles suivans:\nArticle I\nIl y aura une paix ferme, inviolable et universelle, et une amiti\u00e9 sinc\u00e8re entre S.M. le Roi de Prusse, ses h\u00e9ritiers, Successeurs et Sujets, d\u2019une part, et les Etats-Unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique et leurs Citoyens, d\u2019autre part, sans exception de personnes ou de lieux.\nArticle II\nLes Sujets de S.M. le Roi de Prusse pourront fr\u00e9quenter toutes les c\u00f4tes et tous les pays des Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, y r\u00e9sider et trafiquer en toutes sortes de productions, manufactures et marchandises, et ne payeront d\u2019autres ni de plus forts imp\u00f4ts, charges ou droits dans lesdits Etats-Unis, que ceux que les Nations les plus favoris\u00e9es sont ou seront oblig\u00e9es de payer, et ils jouiront de tous les droits, privil\u00e8ges et exemptions dans la navigation et le commerce dont jouit ou jouira la nation la plus favoris\u00e9e.\nArticle III\nPareillement les Citoyens des Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique pourront fr\u00e9quenter toutes les c\u00f4tes et tous les pays de S. M. le Roi de Prusse, y r\u00e9sider et trafiquer en toutes sortes de productions, manufactures et  marchandises, et ne payeront d\u2019autres ni de plus forts imp\u00f4ts, charges ou droits dans les Domaines de Sa dite Majest\u00e9, que ceux que la nation la plus favoris\u00e9e est ou sera oblig\u00e9e de payer, et ils jouiront de tous les droits, privil\u00e8ges et exemptions dans la navigation et le commerce dont jouit ou jouira la nation la plus favoris\u00e9e.\nArticle iv\nEn particulier chacune des deux Nations aura le droit d\u2019importer ses propres productions, manufactures et marchandises, \u00e0 bord de ses propres b\u00e2timens, dans telle partie des Domaines de l\u2019autre, o\u00f9 il sera permis \u00e0 tous les Sujets et Citoyens de l\u2019autre Nation de les acheter librement, comme aussi d\u2019y charger les productions, manufactures et marchandises de l\u2019autre, que lesdits Citoyens ou Sujets auront la libert\u00e9 de leur vendre, en payant dans l\u2019un et l\u2019autre cas tels imp\u00f4ts, droits et charges seulement, que ceux qui sont ou seront pay\u00e9s par la Nation la plus favoris\u00e9e.\nArticle V\nTous les marchands, Commandans de vaisseaux, et autres Sujets ou Citoyens de chacune des deux Nations, auront pleine libert\u00e9, dans toutes les places situ\u00e9es sous la domination ou la jurisdiction de l\u2019autre, de g\u00e9rer eux-m\u00eames leurs affaires, ou d\u2019y employer quiconque il leur plaira de choisir pour les g\u00e9rer en tout ou en partie en leur nom. Ils ne seront pas oblig\u00e9s non plus de se servir d\u2019Interpr\u00eates, de Courtiers, ou de telle autre personne quelconque, ni de leur payer des Salaires, ou droits, \u00e0 moins qu\u2019ils ne les ayent employ\u00e9 de leur propre chef. En outre, ils ne seront point oblig\u00e9s, en chargeant ou en d\u00e9chargeant leurs vaisseaux, de se servir des Ouvriers qui pourroient \u00eatre \u00e9tablis pour cet effet par autorit\u00e9 publique, mais il leur sera enti\u00e8rement libre de charger et de d\u00e9charger leurs b\u00e2timens eux-m\u00eames, ou d\u2019y employer telles personnes qu\u2019ils jugeront \u00e0 propos, sans payer ni salaire ni droits \u00e0 qui que ce soit. Enfin, ils ne seront pas forc\u00e9s de d\u00e9charger aucune sorte de marchandises dans d\u2019autres vaisseaux, ni de les recevoir \u00e0 bord de leurs propres navires, ni d\u2019attendre leurs chargemens plus longtemps qu\u2019il ne leur plaira.\nArticle VI\nPour \u00e9viter que les vaisseaux de l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes ne soyent point inutilement molest\u00e9s ou d\u00e9tenus dans les ports ou sous la jurisdiction de l\u2019autre, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 convenu que la visite des marchandises ordonn\u00e9e par les loix se fera avant qu\u2019elles ne soyent charg\u00e9es sur le navire, et qu\u2019ensuite elles ne seront plus assujetties \u00e0 aucune visite. Et en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral il ne se fera jamais de recherche \u00e0 bord du vaisseau, \u00e0 moins qu\u2019on n\u2019y ait charg\u00e9 clandestinement des marchandises prohib\u00e9es. Dans ce cas, celui par l\u2019ordre duquel elles ont \u00e9t\u00e9 port\u00e9es \u00e0 bord, ou celui qui les y a port\u00e9 sans ordre, sera soumis aux loix du pays o\u00f9 il se trouve; sans que le reste de l\u2019\u00e9quipage soit molest\u00e9, ni les marchandises ou le vaisseau saisis ou d\u00e9tenus par cette raison.\nArticle VII\nChacune des deux Parties Contractantes t\u00e2chera, par tous les moyens qui seront en son pouvoir, de prot\u00e9ger et de d\u00e9fendre tous les vaisseaux et autres effets appartenants aux Citoyens ou Sujets de l\u2019autre, et se  trouvant dans l\u2019\u00e9tendue de sa jurisdiction, par mer ou par terre; et elle employera tous ses efforts pour recouvrer et faire restituer aux Propri\u00e9taires l\u00e9gitimes les vaisseaux et effets qui leur auront \u00e9t\u00e9 enlev\u00e9s dans l\u2019\u00e9tendue de sa dite Jurisdiction.\nArticle VIII\nLes vaisseaux des Sujets ou Citoyens d\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes, venant d\u2019une c\u00f4te appartenante \u00e0 l\u2019autre, mais n\u2019ayant pas dessein d\u2019entrer au port, ou y \u00e9tant entr\u00e9s ne d\u00e9sirant pas de d\u00e9charger leurs cargaisons ou de rompre leur charge, auront la libert\u00e9 de repartir et de poursuivre leur route, sans emp\u00eachement, et sans \u00eatre oblig\u00e9s de payer aucuns imp\u00f4ts, charges ou droits quelconques, ni de rendre compte de leur Cargaison.\nArticle ix\nAu cas que quelque vaisseau appartenant \u00e0 l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes auroit fait naufrage, \u00e9chou\u00e9, ou souffert quelque autre dommage sur les c\u00f4tes ou sous la domination de l\u2019autre, les Sujets ou Citoyens respectifs recevront tant pour eux que pour leurs vaisseaux et effets la m\u00eame assistance qui auroit \u00e9t\u00e9 fournie aux habitans du pays o\u00f9 l\u2019accident arrive, et ils payeront seulement les m\u00eames charges et droits auxquels lesdits habitans auroient \u00e9t\u00e9 assujettis en pareil cas; et si la r\u00e9paration du vaisseau exigeoit que la cargaison f\u00fbt d\u00e9charg\u00e9e en tout ou en partie, ils ne payeront aucun imp\u00f4t, charge ou droit de ce qui sera rembarqu\u00e9 et emport\u00e9.\nArticle x\nLes Citoyens ou Sujets de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes auront dans les Etats de l\u2019autre la libert\u00e9 de disposer de leurs propri\u00e9t\u00e9s personnelles, soit par testament, donation, ou autrement; et leurs h\u00e9ritiers \u00e9tant Sujets ou Citoyens de l\u2019autre Partie Contractante, succ\u00e9deront \u00e0 leurs biens, soit en vertu d\u2019un testament, ou ab intestat, et ils pourront en prendre possession, soit en personne, soit par d\u2019autres agissant en leur place, et en disposeront \u00e0 leur volont\u00e9, en ne payant d\u2019autres droits que ceux auxquels les habitans du pays o\u00f9 la succession est devenue vacante sont assujettis en pareille occurence. Et en cas d\u2019absence des h\u00e9ritiers on prendra pendant ce temps le m\u00eame soin des biens qui leur sont \u00e9chus, qu\u2019on auroit pris en pareille occurence des biens des Natifs du pays, \u00e0 moins que le Propri\u00e9taire l\u00e9gitime n\u2019ait pris des arrangemens pour recueillir l\u2019h\u00e9ritage. S\u2019il s\u2019\u00e9l\u00e8ve des contestations entre diff\u00e9rens Pr\u00e9tendans ayant droit \u00e0 la Succession, elles seront d\u00e9cid\u00e9es selon les loix et par les Juges du Pays o\u00f9 la Succession est vacante. Et si par la mort de quelque personne poss\u00e9dant des biens-fonds sur le territoire de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes, les biens-fonds venoient \u00e0 passer selon les loix du pays \u00e0 un Citoyen ou Sujet de l\u2019autre Partie, celui-ci, s\u2019il est qualifi\u00e9 \u00e0 ali\u00e9ner les dits biens, obtiendra un d\u00e9lai convenable pour les vendre et pour en retirer le provenu.\nArticle xi\nIl sera accord\u00e9 la plus parfaite libert\u00e9 de conscience et de culte aux Citoyens et Sujets de chaque Partie Contractante dans les Etats de l\u2019autre, et personne ne sera molest\u00e9 \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard, si ce n\u2019est pour insulte   faite \u00e0 la religion de l\u2019autre. De plus, si des Sujets et Citoyens de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes venoient \u00e0 mourir dans la jurisdiction de l\u2019autre, leurs corps seront enterr\u00e9s dans les endroits o\u00f9 l\u2019on a coutume de faire les enterremens, ou dans tel autre lieu d\u00e9cent et convenable, et ils seront prot\u00e9g\u00e9s contre toute violence et trouble.\nArticle xii\nSi l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes \u00e9toit en guerre avec une autre Puissance, la libre correspondance et le commerce des Sujets ou Citoyens de la partie qui demeure neutre envers les Puissances bellig\u00e9rantes ne seront point interrompus. Au contraire et dans ce cas comme en pleine paix, les vaisseaux de la partie neutre pourront naviguer en toute suret\u00e9 dans les ports et sur les c\u00f4tes des Puissances bellig\u00e9rantes, les vaisseaux libres rendant les marchandises libres, en tant qu\u2019on regardera comme libre tout ce qui sera \u00e0 bord d\u2019un navire appartenant \u00e0 la partie neutre, quand m\u00eame ces effets appartiendroient \u00e0 l\u2019ennemi de l\u2019autre. La m\u00eame libert\u00e9 s\u2019\u00e9tendra aux personnes qui se trouveront \u00e0 bord d\u2019un vaisseau libre, quand m\u00eame elles seroient ennemis de l\u2019autre Partie, except\u00e9 que ce fussent des gens de guerre actuellement au service des ennemis. D\u2019un autre c\u00f4t\u00e9 les vaisseaux ennemis rendront les marchandises ennemies, de mani\u00e8re que tout ce qui sera trouv\u00e9 \u00e0 bord des vaisseaux de l\u2019Ennemi sera confisqu\u00e9 sans distinction, except\u00e9 les effets et marchandises qui ont \u00e9t\u00e9 mis \u00e0 bord avant la d\u00e9claration de guerre, ou six mois apr\u00e8s; dans quel cas ils seront libres.\nArticle xiii\nDans le cas o\u00f9 l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes se trouveroit en guerre avec une autre Puissance, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 convenu que pour pr\u00e9venir les difficult\u00e9s et les discussions qui surviennent ordinairement par rapport aux marchandises ci-devant appell\u00e9es de contrebande, telles que armes, munitions, et autres provisions de guerre, de toute esp\u00e8ce, aucun de ces articles charg\u00e9s \u00e0 bord des vaisseaux des Citoyens ou Sujets de l\u2019une des Parties et destin\u00e9s pour l\u2019ennemi de l\u2019autre, ne sera cens\u00e9 de contrebande, au point d\u2019impliquer confiscation ou condamnation et d\u2019entra\u00eener la perte de la propri\u00e9t\u00e9 des individus. N\u00e9anmoins il sera permis d\u2019arr\u00eater ces sortes de vaisseaux et effets, et de les retenir pendant tout le temps que le Preneur croira n\u00e9cessaire pour pr\u00e9venir les inconv\u00e9niens et le dommage qui pourroient en r\u00e9sulter autrement; mais dans ce cas on accordera une compensation raisonnable pour les pertes qui auront \u00e9t\u00e9 occasionn\u00e9es par la saisie. Et il sera permis en outre aux Preneurs d\u2019employer \u00e0 leur service, en tout ou en partie, les munitions militaires d\u00e9tenues, en en payant aux Propri\u00e9taires la pleine valeur, \u00e0 d\u00e9terminer sur le prix qui aura cours \u00e0 l\u2019endroit de leur destination.\nArticle xiv\nDans le cas o\u00f9 l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes se trouveroit engag\u00e9e dans une guerre avec une autre Puissance, et afin que les vaisseaux de la Partie Neutre soyent promptement et s\u00fbrement reconnus, on est convenu qu\u2019ils devront \u00eatre munis de lettres de mer ou passeports, exprimant le nom, le Propri\u00e9taire et le port du navire, ainsi que le nom et la demeure du Ma\u00eetre. Ces passeports, qui seront exp\u00e9di\u00e9s   en bonne et du\u00eb forme (\u00e0 d\u00e9terminer par des Conventions entre les Parties, lorsque l\u2019occasion le requerra) devront \u00eatre renouvel\u00e9s toutes les fois que le vaisseau retournera dans son port, et seront exhib\u00e9s \u00e0 chaque r\u00e9quisition, tant en pleine mer que dans le port. Mais si le navire se trouve sous le convoi d\u2019un ou de plusieurs vaisseaux de guerre appartenants \u00e0 la Partie Neutre, il suffira que l\u2019Officier Commandant du Convoi d\u00e9clare que le navire est de son parti; moyennant quoi cette simple d\u00e9claration sera cens\u00e9e \u00e9tablir le fait, et dispensera les deux parties de toute visite ult\u00e9rieure.\nArticle xv\nPour pr\u00e9venir enti\u00e8rement tout d\u00e9sordre et toute violence en pareil cas, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 stipul\u00e9 que lorsque des navires de la Partie Neutre, naviguant sans convoi, rencontreront quelque vaisseau de guerre, public ou particulier, de l\u2019autre Partie, le vaisseau de guerre n\u2019approchera le navire neutre qu\u2019au del\u00e0 de la port\u00e9e du canon, et n\u2019enverra pas plus de deux ou trois hommes dans sa ch\u00e2loupe \u00e0 bord, pour examiner les lettres de mer ou passeports. Et toutes les personnes appartenantes \u00e0 quelque vaisseau de guerre public ou particulier, qui causeront des dommages ou insultes en quelque mani\u00e8re que ce soit, \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9quipage, aux vaisseaux ou effets de l\u2019autre Partie, seront responsables en leurs personnes et en leurs biens de tous dommages et int\u00e9r\u00eats; pour lesquels il sera donn\u00e9 caution suffisante par tous les Commandans de vaisseaux arm\u00e9s en course, avant qu\u2019ils re\u00e7oivent leurs commissions.\nArticle xvi\nIl a \u00e9t\u00e9 convenu que les Sujets ou Citoyens de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes, leurs vaisseaux, ni effets ne pourront \u00eatre assujettis \u00e0 aucun embargo, ni retenus de la part de l\u2019Autre pour quelque exp\u00e9dition militaire, usage public ou particulier de qui que ce soit. Et, dans tous les cas de saisie, de d\u00e9tention ou d\u2019arr\u00eat, soit pour dettes contract\u00e9es, ou offenses commises par quelque Citoyen ou Sujet de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes, dans la jurisdiction de l\u2019autre, on proc\u00e9dera uniquement par ordre et autorit\u00e9 de la justice, et suivant les voyes ordinaires en pareil cas usit\u00e9es.\nArticle xvii\nS\u2019il arrivoit que les b\u00e2timens ou effets de la Puissance Neutre fussent pris par l\u2019ennemi de l\u2019autre, ou par un Armateur, et ensuite repris par la Puissance en guerre, ils seront conduits dans un port de l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes, et remis \u00e0 la garde des Officiers du port, afin d\u2019\u00eatre restitu\u00e9s en entier au propri\u00e9taire l\u00e9gitime, d\u00e8s qu\u2019il aura du\u00ebment constat\u00e9 son droit de propri\u00e9t\u00e9.\nArticle xviii\nLorsque les Citoyens ou Sujets de l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes seront forc\u00e9s par des temp\u00eates, par la poursuite des Corsaires ou vaisseaux ennemis, ou par quelque autre accident, \u00e0 se r\u00e9fugier avec leurs vaisseaux ou effets dans les havres ou dans la jurisdiction de l\u2019autre, ils seront re\u00e7us, prot\u00e9g\u00e9s et trait\u00e9s avec humanit\u00e9 et honn\u00eatet\u00e9. Il leur sera permis de se pourvoir \u00e0 un prix raisonnable, de rafraichissemens, de provisions et de toutes choses n\u00e9cessaires pour leur  subsistance, sant\u00e9 et commodit\u00e9, et pour la r\u00e9paration de leurs vaisseaux.\nArticle xix\nLes vaisseaux de guerre publics et particuliers des deux Parties Contractantes pourront conduire en toute libert\u00e9, partout o\u00f9 il leur plaira, les vaisseaux et effets qu\u2019ils auront pris sur leurs ennemis, sans \u00eatre oblig\u00e9s de payer aucuns imp\u00f4ts, charges ou droits aux Officiers de l\u2019Amiraut\u00e9, des Douanes ou autres. Ces prises ne pourront \u00eatre non plus ni arr\u00eat\u00e9es, ni saisies, ni soumises \u00e0 des proc\u00e9dures l\u00e9gales, en entrant dans le port de l\u2019autre Partie; mais elles pourront en sortir librement et \u00eatre conduites en tout temps par le Vaisseau-preneur aux endroits port\u00e9s par les commissions, dont l\u2019Officier Commandant ledit vaisseau sera oblig\u00e9 de faire montre. Mais tout vaisseau qui aura fait des prises sur les sujets de S.M.T.C. le Roi de France ne sauroit obtenir un droit d\u2019asile dans les ports ou havres des Etats-Unis, et s\u2019il \u00e9oit forc\u00e9 d\u2019y entrer par des temp\u00eates, ou dangers de mer, il sera oblig\u00e9 d\u2019en repartir le plut\u00f4t possible, conform\u00e9ment \u00e0 la teneur des Trait\u00e9s subsistans entre Sa Majest\u00e9 Tr\u00e8s-Chr\u00e9tienne et les Etats-Unis.\nArticle xx\nAucun Citoyen ou Sujet de l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes n\u2019acceptera d\u2019une Puissance avec laquelle l\u2019autre pourroit \u00eatre en guerre ni commission, ni lettre de marque, pour armer en course contre cette derni\u00e8re, sous peine d\u2019\u00eatre puni comme Pirate. Et ni l\u2019un ni l\u2019autre des deux Etats ne louera, pr\u00eatera ou donnera une partie de sa force navale ou militaire \u00e0 l\u2019ennemi de l\u2019autre, pour l\u2019aider \u00e0 agir offensivement ou d\u00e9fensivement contre l\u2019Etat qui est en guerre.\nArticle xxi\nS\u2019il arrivoit que les deux Parties Contractantes fussent en m\u00eame temps en guerre contre un ennemi commun, on observera de part et d\u2019autre les points suivans:\n1. Si les b\u00e2timens de l\u2019une des deux Nations, repris par les Armateurs de l\u2019autre, n\u2019ont pas \u00e9t\u00e9 au pouvoir de l\u2019ennemi au-del\u00e0 de 24. heures, ils seront restitu\u00e9s au premier Propri\u00e9taire, moyennant le payement du tiers de la valeur du b\u00e2timent et de la cargaison. Si au contraire le vaisseau repris a \u00e9t\u00e9 plus de 24. heures au pouvoir de l\u2019ennemi, il appartiendra en entier \u00e0 celui qui l\u2019a repris.\n2. Dans le cas qu\u2019un navire est repris par un vaisseau de guerre de l\u2019une des Puissances Contractantes, il sera rendu au Propri\u00e9taire, moyennant qu\u2019il paye un trenti\u00e8me du navire et de la cargaison, si le b\u00e2timent n\u2019a pas \u00e9t\u00e9 plus de 24. heures au pouvoir de l\u2019ennemi, et le dixi\u00e8me de cette valeur, s\u2019il y a \u00e9t\u00e9 plus longtemps: lesquelles sommes seront distribu\u00e9es en guise de gratification \u00e0 ceux qui l\u2019auront repris.\n3. Dans ce cas la restitution n\u2019aura lieu qu\u2019apr\u00e8s les preuves faites de la propri\u00e9t\u00e9, sous caution de la qu\u00f4te-part qui en revient \u00e0 celui qui a repris le navire.\n4. Les vaisseaux de guerre publics et particuliers des deux Parties Contractantes seront admis r\u00e9ciproquement avec leurs prises dans les ports respectifs; mais ces prises ne pourront y \u00eatre d\u00e9charg\u00e9es, ni  vendues, qu\u2019apr\u00e8s que la l\u00e9gitimit\u00e9 de la prise aura \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u00e9cid\u00e9e, suivant les loix et r\u00e9glemens de l\u2019Etat dont le Preneur est Sujet.\n5. Il sera libre \u00e0 chacune des Parties Contractantes de faire tels r\u00e8glemens qu\u2019elles jugeront n\u00e9cessaires, relativement \u00e0 la conduite que devront tenir respectivement leurs vaisseaux de guerre publics et particuliers, \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard des b\u00e2timens qu\u2019ils auront pris et amen\u00e9s dans les ports des deux Puissances.\nArticle xxii\nLorsque les Parties Contractantes seront engag\u00e9es en guerre contre un ennemi commun, ou qu\u2019elles seront neutres toutes deux, les vaisseaux de guerre de l\u2019une prendront en toute occasion sous leur protection les navires de l\u2019autre qui font avec eux la m\u00eame route, et ils les d\u00e9fendront aussi longtemps qu\u2019ils feront voile ensemble, contre toute force et violence, et de la m\u00eame mani\u00e8re qu\u2019ils prot\u00e9geroient et d\u00e9fendroient les navires de leur propre nation.\nArticle xxiii\nS\u2019il survient une guerre entre les Parties Contractantes, les marchands de l\u2019un des deux Etats qui r\u00e9sideront dans l\u2019autre auront la permission d\u2019y rester encore neuf mois, pour recueillir leurs dettes actives et arranger leurs affaires, apr\u00e8s quoi ils pourront partir en toute libert\u00e9, et emporter tous leurs biens, sans \u00eatre emp\u00each\u00e9s ni molest\u00e9s. Les femmes et les enfans, les Gens de lettres de toutes les Facult\u00e9s, les Cultivateurs, Artisans, Manufacturiers et P\u00eacheurs, qui ne sont point arm\u00e9s, et qui habitent des villes, villages ou places qui ne sont pas fortifi\u00e9s, et en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral tous ceux dont la vocation tend \u00e0 la subsistance et \u00e0 l\u2019avantage commun du genre humain, auront la libert\u00e9 de continuer leurs professions respectives, et ne seront point molest\u00e9s en leurs personnes, ni leurs maisons ou leurs biens incendi\u00e9s ou autrement d\u00e9truits, ni leurs champs ravages par les Arm\u00e9es de l\u2019Ennemi au pouvoir duquel ils pourroient tomber par les \u00e9v\u00e8nemens de la guerre. Mais si l\u2019on se trouve dans la n\u00e9cessit\u00e9 de prendre quelque chose de leurs propri\u00e9t\u00e9s pour l\u2019usage de l\u2019Arm\u00e9e ennemie, la valeur en sera pay\u00e9e \u00e0 un prix raisonnable. Tous les vaisseaux marchands et commer\u00e7ans, employ\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9change des productions de diff\u00e9rens endroits, et par cons\u00e9quent destin\u00e9s \u00e0 faciliter et \u00e0 r\u00e9pandre les n\u00e9cessit\u00e9s, les commodit\u00e9s et les douceurs de la vie, passeront librement et sans \u00eatre molest\u00e9s. Et les deux Puissances Contractantes s\u2019engagent \u00e0 n\u2019accorder aucune commission \u00e0 des Armateurs, qui les autoris\u00e2t \u00e0 prendre ou \u00e0 d\u00e9truire ces sortes de vaisseaux marchands, ou \u00e0 interrompre le Commerce.\nArticle xxiv\nAfin d\u2019adoucir le sort des prisonniers de guerre, et ne les point exposer \u00e0 \u00eatre envoy\u00e9s dans des climats \u00e9loign\u00e9s et rigoureux, ou resserr\u00e9s dans des habitations \u00e9troites et mal-saines, les deux Parties Contractantes s\u2019engagent solemnellement, l\u2019une envers l\u2019autre, et \u00e0 la face de l\u2019Univers, qu\u2019Elles n\u2019adopteront aucun de ces usages; que les prisonniers qu\u2019Elles pourroient faire l\u2019une sur l\u2019autre ne seront transport\u00e9s ni aux Indes Orientales, ni dans aucune contr\u00e9e de l\u2019Asie, ou de l\u2019Afrique, mais qu\u2019on leur assignera en Europe ou en Am\u00e9rique un s\u00e9jour situ\u00e9   dans un air sain, qu\u2019ils ne seront point confin\u00e9s dans des cachots, ni dans des prisons, ni dans des vaisseaux de prison; qu\u2019ils ne seront pas mis aux fers, ni garott\u00e9s, ni autrement priv\u00e9s de l\u2019usage de leurs membres; que les Officiers seront rel\u00e2ch\u00e9s, sur leur parole d\u2019honneur, dans l\u2019enceinte de certains districts qui leur seront fix\u00e9s, et qu\u2019on leur accordera des logemens commodes; que les simples soldats seront distribu\u00e9s dans des cantonnemens ouverts, assez vastes pour prendre l\u2019air et l\u2019exercice, et qu\u2019ils seront log\u00e9s dans des barraques aussi spacieuses et aussi commodes que le sont celles des troupes de la Puissance au pouvoir de laquelle se trouvent les prisonniers. Que cette Puissance fera pourvoir journellement les Officiers d\u2019autant de rations, compos\u00e9es des m\u00eames articles et de la m\u00eame qualit\u00e9, dont jouissent en nature ou en \u00e9quivalent les Officiers du m\u00eame rang qui sont \u00e0 son propre service; qu\u2019elle fournira \u00e9galement aux simples soldats une ration pareille \u00e0 celle qui est accord\u00e9e au Soldat de sa propre Arm\u00e9e. Le montant de ces d\u00e9penses sera pay\u00e9 par l\u2019autre Puissance, d\u2019apr\u00e8s une liquidation de compte \u00e0 arr\u00eater r\u00e9ciproquement pour l\u2019entretien des prisonniers, \u00e0 la fin de la guerre; et ces comptes ne seront point confondus ou balanc\u00e9s avec d\u2019autres comptes, ni la solde qui en est du\u00eb, retenue comme compensation ou repr\u00e9sailles pour tel autre article ou telle autre pr\u00e9tention r\u00e9elle ou suppos\u00e9e. Il sera permis \u00e0 chacune des deux Puissances d\u2019entretenir un Commissaire de leur choix dans chaque cantonnement des prisonniers qui sont au pouvoir de l\u2019autre: ces Commissaires auront la libert\u00e9 de visiter les prisonniers aussi souvent qu\u2019ils le d\u00e9sireront; ils pourront \u00e9galement recevoir et distribuer les douceurs que les parents ou amis des prisonniers leur font parvenir; enfin il leur sera libre encore de faire leurs rapports par lettres ouvertes \u00e0 ceux qui les employent. Mais si un Officier manquoit \u00e0 sa parole d\u2019honneur, ou qu\u2019un autre prisonnier sortoit des limites qui ont \u00e9t\u00e9 fix\u00e9es \u00e0 son cantonnement, un tel Officier ou autre prisonnier sera frustr\u00e9 individuellement des avantages stipul\u00e9s dans cet Article pour sa r\u00e9laxation sur parole d\u2019honneur, ou pour son cantonnement. Les deux Puissances Contractantes ont d\u00e9clar\u00e9 en outre, que ni le pr\u00e9texte que la guerre rompt les Trait\u00e9s, ni tel autre motif quelconque ne seront cens\u00e9s annuller ou suspendre cet Article et le pr\u00e9c\u00e9dent; mais qu\u2019au contraire le temps de la guerre est pr\u00e9cis\u00e9ment celui pour lequel ils ont \u00e9t\u00e9 stipul\u00e9s, et durant lequel ils seront observ\u00e9s aussi saintement que les articles les plus universellement reconnus par le Droit de la Nature et des Gens.\nArticle xxv\nLes deux Parties Contractantes se sont accord\u00e9 mutuellement la facult\u00e9 de tenir dans leurs ports respectifs des Consuls, Vice-Consuls, Agens et Commissaires de leur choix, et dont les fonctions seront d\u00e9termin\u00e9es par un arrangement particulier, lorsques l\u2019une des deux Puissances aura nomm\u00e9 \u00e0 ces postes.\nArticle xxvi\nLorsque l\u2019une des deux Parties Contractantes accordera dans la suite quelque faveur particuli\u00e8re en fait de navigation ou de commerce \u00e0 d\u2019autres Nations, elle deviendra aussit\u00f4t commune \u00e0 l\u2019autre Partie  Contractante; et celle-ci jouira de cette faveur gratuitement si la concession est gratuite, ou en accordant la m\u00eame compensation qui aura \u00e9t\u00e9 agr\u00e9e pour d\u2019autres Nations.\nArticle xxvii\nSa Majest\u00e9 le Roi de Prusse et les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique sont convenus que le pr\u00e9sent Trait\u00e9 aura son plein effet pendant l\u2019espace deans, \u00e0 compter du jour de l\u2019\u00e9change des Ratifications, et que si l\u2019expiration de ce terme arrivoit dans le cours d\u2019une guerre entr\u2019eux, les Articles ci-dessus stipul\u00e9s pour r\u00e9gler leur conduite en temps de guerre conserveront toute leur force jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la conclusion du Trait\u00e9 qui r\u00e9tablira la paix.\nLe pr\u00e9sent Trait\u00e9 sera ratifi\u00e9 de part et d\u2019autre, et les ratifications seront \u00e9chang\u00e9es dans l\u2019espace d\u2019une ann\u00e9e \u00e0 compter du jour de la signature.\nOBSERVATIONS\nsur le Projet du Trait\u00e9, trac\u00e9 par les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires Am\u00e9ricains, et adress\u00e9 \u00e0 l\u2019Envoy\u00e9 Extraordinaire du Roi \u00e0 la Haye.\nArticles II et III\nEn adoptant en entier ces deux Articles, il est essentiel d\u2019ajouter \u00e0 la fin de l\u2019un et de l\u2019autre: \u201cSe soumettant n\u00e9anmoins dans les lieux o\u00f9 ils voudront faire le commerce, aux loix et usages y \u00e9tablis, et auxquels sont soumis les Citoyens des Etats-Unis (les Sujets de S.M. le Roi de Prusse), et les Nations \u00e9trang\u00e8res les plus favoris\u00e9es.\u201d\nIl est d\u2019autant plus indispensable d\u2019insister sur cette clause, que les Etats de S.M. Prussienne sont compos\u00e9s de Provinces, dont la pl\u00fbpart ont des loix propres et des usages particuliers. On ne sauroit abolir des loix de police communes \u00e0 toutes les Nations de l\u2019Europe, ni \u00f4ter sans injustice des anciens droits des Soci\u00e9t\u00e9s, Communaut\u00e9s ou Corps. La Ville de K\u00f6nigsberg a un droit d\u2019Etape, suivant lequel un Marchand \u00e9tranger ne peut vendre directement \u00e0 un autre Etranger sur la place; nous avons dans diff\u00e9rens ports des Soci\u00e9t\u00e9s qui entretiennent des all\u00e8ges pour d\u00e9charger \u00e0 la rade une partie des marchandises et les conduire dans les ports, o\u00f9 les gros vaisseaux ne peuvent entrer tout charg\u00e9s; nous avons en quelques endroits un Corps de porte-faix, lesquels \u00e0 des prix fixes aident \u00e0 d\u00e9charger les vaisseaux, &c. Tout ceci ne doit ni ne peut effrayer l\u2019autre partie Contractante. La pl\u00fbpart de ces r\u00e9glemens sont \u00e9tablis pour l\u2019avantage et la commodit\u00e9 m\u00eame des Etrangers, lesquels \u00e0 l\u2019arriv\u00e9e dans nos ports ne sauroient se passer de l\u2019assistance des pilotes et autres personnes habiles, et sans nos r\u00e9glemens de police se trouveroient expos\u00e9s \u00e0 leur avidit\u00e9 et chicanes. Toutes les Nations de l\u2019Europe ont de pareils usages, et aucune ne se plaint des n\u00f4tres.\nArticle iv\nCet Article exige des changemens et \u00e9claircissemens tr\u00e8s consid\u00e9rables:\n1). Il faut biffer n\u00e9cessairement la clause, \u00e0 bord de ses propres b\u00e1timens, qui est dans l\u2019esprit de l\u2019Acte de Navigation de l\u2019Angleterre, mais point du tout dans le n\u00f4tre. Le but principal de ce Trait\u00e9 est un commerce r\u00e9ciproque entre les deux nations, et un d\u00e9bit s\u00fbr et facile  de leurs marchandises. L\u2019intention du Roi est moins de donner une plus grande \u00e9tendue \u00e0 la navigation de ses sujets dans des parages \u00e9loign\u00e9s, que d\u2019animer l\u2019industrie nationale, et de faciliter l\u2019exportation des productions des fabriques Prussiennes; de sorte que la clause de n\u2019accorder les avantages stipul\u00e9s m\u00eame aux marchandises qu\u2019autant qu\u2019elles seront import\u00e9es par nos vaisseaux, choque directement nos principes, et rendroit presque nuls pour nous les avantages que ce Trait\u00e9 doit procurer r\u00e9ciproquement.\n2). La libert\u00e9 de vendre et d\u2019acheter, stipul\u00e9e par cet article, est si g\u00e9n\u00e9rale, qu\u2019elle ne laisse pas m\u00eame l\u2019id\u00e9e de quelque denr\u00e9e ou marchandise, dont l\u2019importation ou l\u2019exportation pourroit \u00eatre d\u00e9fendue, d\u2019autant plus que l\u2019Article IIe. de notre Projet trac\u00e9 au mois de Mars de cette ann\u00e9e est enti\u00e8rement omis dans le Contre-Projet.\nLe Roi ne peut donc se dispenser d\u2019insister que l\u2019Article iv soit minut\u00e9 de la mani\u00e8re suivante:\n\u201cEn particulier chacune des deux nations aura le droit d\u2019importer ses propres productions, manufactures et marchandises dans toutes les parties des Domaines de l\u2019autre, de les y vendre librement, et d\u2019acheter et charger en \u00e9change les productions, manufactures et marchandises de l\u2019autre nation. Toutes ces productions, manufactures et marchandises, soit qu\u2019elles soyent import\u00e9es ou export\u00e9es par les propres vaisseaux de l\u2019une des deux nations, ou sur les b\u00e2timens de toute autre nation quelconque, ne payeront \u00e0 l\u2019entr\u00e9e et \u00e0 la sortie d\u2019autres ni de plus forts imp\u00f4ts que payent les produits, manufactures et marchandises de la Nation la plus favoris\u00e9e. Cependant le Roi de Prusse et les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique se r\u00e9servent la libert\u00e9  de prohiber dans leurs pays respectifs l\u2019importation ou l\u2019exportation de toute marchandise quelconque, d\u00e8s que la raison d\u2019Etat l\u2019exige. En ce cas les Sujets et Citoyens d\u2019une des Parties Contractantes du pr\u00e9sent Trait\u00e9 ne pourront importer ni exporter les marchandises prohib\u00e9es par l\u2019autre. Mais, si l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes permet \u00e0 quelqu\u2019autre Nation d\u2019importer ou d\u2019exporter ces m\u00eames marchandises, les Sujets de l\u2019autre Partie Contractante jouiront tout aussit\u00f4t d\u2019une libert\u00e9  pareille.\u201d\nL\u2019Article xi. de notre Projet, portant que tous les avantages accord\u00e9s dans la suite en fait de commerce et de navigation \u00e0 d\u2019autres nations deviendront aussit\u00f4t communs aux Parties Contractantes, trouveroit encore ici sa place convenable; mais comme le Contre-Projet en fait un Article s\u00e9par\u00e9, xxvi, il est assez indiff\u00e9rent que cet article soit plac\u00e9 ici, ou plus bas.\nArticle V\nLe raisonnement qui a motiv\u00e9 la clause \u00e0 ajouter aux Articles II. et III. rend enti\u00e8rement superflu l\u2019Article V du Projet, dont cependant on peut sans difficult\u00e9 conserver le dernier passage, portant que \u201cles marchands &c. des deux nations ne seront pas forc\u00e9s de d\u00e9charger aucune sorte de marchandises dans d\u2019autres vaisseaux, ni de les recevoir \u00e0 bord de leurs propres navires, ni d\u2019attendre leur chargement plus longtemps qu\u2019il ne leur plaira.\u201d\nArticle VIII\nCet Article pourroit \u00eatre adopt\u00e9 en entier, sans l\u2019expression \u201cque les vaisseaux qui quitteront le port sans avoir d\u00e9charg\u00e9, ne payeront aucun   imp\u00f4t &c.\u201d Cela ne peut souffrir aucune difficult\u00e9 d\u00e8s qu\u2019il est question des marchandises, ou d\u00e8s que le vaisseau reste \u00e0 la rade. Mais d\u00e8s que le vaisseau est entr\u00e9 dans le port, il paro\u00eet qu\u2019il doit \u00eatre assujetti aux droits \u00e9tablis pour l\u2019entretien m\u00eame du port et de diff\u00e9rens arrangemens n\u00e9cessaires pour rendre l\u2019entr\u00e9e et la sortie des vaisseaux d\u2019autant plus s\u00fbre. (Par exemple, droits de port, de pilote-c\u00f4tier, et de fanal). Il conviendra donc de minuter la fin de cet Article ainsi qu\u2019il suit: \u201cet sans \u00eatre oblig\u00e9s de rendre compte de leur cargaison, ou de payer aucuns imp\u00f4ts, charges et droits quelconques, except\u00e9 les droits \u00e9tablis sur les vaisseaux une fois entr\u00e9s dans le port, et destin\u00e9s \u00e0 l\u2019entretien du port m\u00eame, ou d\u2019autres \u00e9tablissemens qui ont pour but la s\u00fbret\u00e9 et la commodit\u00e9 des Navigateurs, lesquels droits cependant ne se payeront que sur le m\u00eame pied qu\u2019ils sont acquitt\u00e9s par les Sujets et Citoyens m\u00eame de l\u2019Etat o\u00f9 ils sont \u00e9tablis.\u201d\nArticle ix\nIl sera tr\u00e8s analogue aux principes humains qui font la base de plusieurs Articles de ce Projet, d\u2019ajouter \u00e0 la fin de celui-ci: \u201cl\u2019ancien et barbare droit de naufrage sera enti\u00e8rement aboli \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard des Sujets des deux Parties Contractantes.\u201d\nArticle x\nCet Article revient \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s \u00e0 l\u2019Article VIII. de notre Projet. Mais comme dans celui-ci on exempte r\u00e9ciproquement les droits de d\u00e9traction, et qu\u2019on r\u00e9serve la vigueur aux Ordonnances pass\u00e9es ou futures du Roi contre les \u00e9migrations, il faudra r\u00e9tablir en entier notre Article VIII. et le mettre \u00e0 la place de l\u2019Article x. du Contre-Projet.\nArticle xii\nCet Article ne sauroit \u00eatre adopt\u00e9 en entier, le dernier point surtout, portant: \u201cque les vaisseaux ennemis rendent les marchandises neutres confiscables sans distinction.\u201d\nLes principes que la Cour de Berlin a adopt\u00e9s dans plusieurs Ecrits publics, et en particulier dans la D\u00e9claration Circulaire du 30 Avril 1781. se trouveroient en contradiction directe avec les stipulations indiqu\u00e9es. Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires Am\u00e9ricains, anim\u00e9s de cet esprit philosophique d\u2019humanit\u00e9 et d\u2019\u00e9quit\u00e9 qui a dict\u00e9 plusieurs Articles du Contre-Projet, se d\u00e9partiront vraisemblablement volontiers d\u2019une pareille clause, et consentiront \u00e0 y substituer la suivante: \u201cQue les effets et marchandises appartenant aux sujets de la Partie Contractante neutre, except\u00e9 les munitions de guerre, qui se trouveroient \u00e0 bord d\u2019un vaisseau ennemi, seront rendus aux Propri\u00e9taires, ou du moins pay\u00e9s suivant des prix justes et raisonnables.\u201d\nEn tout cas, on pourroit omettre tout ceci, et ins\u00e9rer simplement le dernier passage \u00e0 commencer des mots: D\u2019un autre c\u00f4t\u00e9 jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la fin, et laisser cette question ind\u00e9cise, ainsi que cela s\u2019est pratiqu\u00e9 dans la Convention pour la Neutralit\u00e9 Arm\u00e9e, pass\u00e9e par le Roi et par d\u2019autres Puissances.\nArticle xiii\nIl n\u2019y a pas de difficult\u00e9 d\u2019adopter en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral cet Article. Cependant comme l\u2019expression de compensation raisonnable pour les pertes qui  auront \u00e9t\u00e9 occasionn\u00e9es par une saisie, est un peu ind\u00e9termin\u00e9e, il seroit \u00e0 souhaiter qu\u2019on p\u00fbt s\u2019expliquer plus pr\u00e9cis\u00e9ment sur cette compensation. Et comme il y a des cas o\u00f9 un navire neutre, dont toute la cargaison seroit compos\u00e9e de marchandises non suspectes, auroit \u00e0 son bord une pacotille de munitions de guerre destin\u00e9es pour l\u2019ennemi de l\u2019autre Partie Contractante, cas dont parle l\u2019Article xv. de notre Projet, il seroit tr\u00e8s convenable d\u2019ins\u00e9rer \u00e0 l\u2019Article xiii. du Contre-Projet la clause: \u201cQue dans les cas \u00e9nonc\u00e9s, si le Patron du navire pr\u00e9f\u00e9roit de livrer la pacotille suspecte au vaisseau qui en auroit fait la d\u00e9couverte, le navire marchand ne pourroit plus \u00eatre arr\u00eat\u00e9, mais auroit toute libert\u00e9  de poursuivre sa route.\u201d\nArticle xix\nDe m\u00eame que les Etats-Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, par la teneur d\u2019un Trait\u00e9 de plus ancienne date, se trouvent dans l\u2019obligation d\u2019excepter les prises faites sur les Sujets du Roi de France de l\u2019entr\u00e9e dans leurs ports, il peut y avoir des cas o\u00f9 ce seroit compromettre le Roi, que de recevoir dans ses ports des prises faites sur d\u2019autres nations. Par cette consid\u00e9ration, il vaudra mieux r\u00e9tablir cet article tel qu\u2019il a \u00e9t\u00e9 minut\u00e9 dans nos r\u00e9ponses aux observations de Mr. Adams, envoy\u00e9es au Ministre du Roi en Hollande au mois de Mai de cette ann\u00e9e, savoir: \u201cQue les vaisseaux arm\u00e9s de l\u2019une des Parties Contractantes ne pourront conduire les prises qu\u2019ils auront faites sur leurs ennemis dans les ports de l\u2019autre, \u00e0 moins qu\u2019ils n\u2019y soient forc\u00e9s par temp\u00eate ou p\u00e9ril de la mer: en ce dernier cas elles ne pourront \u00eatre arr\u00eat\u00e9es ni saisies, mais on les fera ressortir le plut\u00f4t possible.\u201d Ce qui rend l\u2019exception des vaisseaux pris sur la France enti\u00e8rement superflue.\nArticle xi\nad 4. Apr\u00e8s les mots: dont le Preneur est sujet, on pourroit ajouter pour plus de clart\u00e9: \u201cmais par la Justice du lieu o\u00f9 la prise aura \u00e9t\u00e9 conduite.\u201d\nArticle xxv\nA la fin de cet Article, et pour le rendre analogue aux Articles II. et III. avec leurs additions propos\u00e9es, il sera indispensable d\u2019ajouter la clause: \u201cque lorsque les Consuls voudront faire le Commerce, ils seront soumis aux loix et usages des lieux, o\u00f9 ils voudront le faire.\u201d\nTous les autres Articles du Contre-Projet, dont il n\u2019est pas fait mention en termes expr\u00e8s dans ces Observations, pourront \u00eatre adopt\u00e9s sans addition ni changement.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0455", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to David Hartley, 29 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hartley, David\n[Paris, 29 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cDavid Hartley esq. State of American affairs.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0457", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Shore, 29 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Shore, Thomas\n[Paris, 29 Jan. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cThos. Shore. Information that powers are given to treat with pyratical states but not ultimate orders.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0460", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from De Walterstorff, 1 February 1785\nFrom: Walterstorff, Ernst Frederick, Baron von\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u00e0 Paris ce lr. fevrier 1785.\nMonsieur\nM. le Comte de Bernstorff en me communiquant la permission du Roi de faire un tour \u00e0 Copenhague, o\u00f9 mes affaires particuli\u00e8res exigent ma pr\u00e9sence dans ce moment ci, m\u2019ayant recommend\u00e9 de  prier Messieurs les Ministres americains de vouloir bien me munir de toutes les notions qu\u2019lls jugeront utiles \u00e0 h\u00e2ter le But qui nous est commun; je n\u2019ai eu rien de si press\u00e9, Monsieur, que de Vous faire part du petit voyage que je vais faire; j\u2019ai de m\u00eame eu l\u2019honneur de voir M. Adams et M. Franklin. J\u2019ai \u00e0 present celui de Vous pr\u00e9venir, que j\u2019ai fix\u00e9 mon depart pour Vendredi prochain: si toute fois Vous pouvez faire le paquet dont Vous voulez me charger, pour ce tems l\u00e0. Permettez moi, Monsieur, de Vous assurer en m\u00eame tems, que je regarderai toujours comme un des plus grands avantages de mon s\u00e9jour \u00e0 Paris celui d\u2019avoir fait Votre connoissance. J\u2019esp\u00e8re que les \u00e9v\u00e9nements seront assez favorables \u00e0 mes voeux pour que je retrouve bient\u00f4t l\u2019occasion de la cultiver et de Vous r\u00e9iterer les assurances de mon parfait attachement et de la consideration distingu\u00e9e avec laquelle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre Monsieur Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nde Walterstorff", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0462", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to De Walterstorff, 3 February 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Walterstorff, Ernst Frederick, Baron von\nSir\nParis Febry. 3d. 1785\nI had the honour of receiving yesterday the letter you were pleased to address to me, wherein you mention (as you had before done to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin) that the Count de Bernstorff in communicating to you the permission of your Sovereign to pay a visit to Copenhagen, had desired you to ask of the American Ministers their propositions for forwarding the objects respecting the two nations. I immediately communicated your letter to Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin, and in consequence thereof have now the honour of enclosing to you the draught of a treaty of Amity and Commerce in such form as we would wish to see established between our two Sovereigns. To emancipate commerce from the shackles which oppress it, to encrease the general happiness, and lessen the miseries of mankind are the objects of these propositions, and we flatter ourselves that the means proposed are founded in the most perfect equality and reciprocity of right. We shall attend with great respect to such improvements as your court may wish to make for the furtherance of the same good objects.\nI wish you a much pleasanter journey than the season and weather seem to promise, and shall at all times be happy to hear of your welfare, and to take every occasion of assuring you of the esteem with which I have the honour to be Sir Your Most obedient & Most hume. Servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0463", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Martin, 4 February 1785\nFrom: Martin, Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon New Street, Bishopsgate Street. 4th. February 1785\nI have been in anxious expectation of the honour of a reply to the letters I have presumed to trouble your Excellency with but reflecting that circumstances may be such as to make it improper for you (were you inclined so to do) to write me thereon I shall content myself with giving you such information from time to time as I think may be necessary for your Excellency to be acquainted with. My suspicions respecting the insurance upon Merchandize in American bottoms going from hence to any part of that continent I find to be well grounded. The underwriters will not do insurance upon American Vessels for less than five guineas which I expect will be still increased. British bottoms are underwrote at 2 and 2\u00bd \u214c Ct. which gives that decided preference to British Vessels I was apprehensive about. The reason of this difference is said to be on account of the Algerines. This leads me to state circumstances and to give your Excellency my opinion thereon; three instances only can be resorted to with any degree of certainty as reasons for making this difference in insurance: the one which I mentioned to you in my last which was a brig called the Betsey taken in her passage from Cadiz to Philadelphia; the Thomas Capt. Lundridge a British Vessel from Newfoundland to Leghorn was obliged to perform quarantine on account of her being boarded off the Western Islands by the Algerines; and two days ago an authentic account was received that the Morning Star Capt. Irwin an American Brig from Cadiz to Philadelphia was taken by an Algerine Saleteen and carried to Tangiers. This is certainly a distressing and alarming calamity but upon examining minutely into the account I find these Vessels were taken much to the Southward of the Western Islands and totally out of tract for Ships going from hence to America. I should however been inclined to have ascribed the difference in insurance to this cause had I not discovered other evident reasons for it. Most of the underwriters at Lloyds are owners of Ships many of which are employed in the American trade and from them I do imagine originated a report which prevails throughout this City that ten or twelve American Vessels have been taken by the Algerines, that Vessels are fitting out by them purposely to cruise for American Ships and the language of the Town is who would send goods to America in her own Ships when  they can freight them in British bottoms? This language together with the unnatural exaltation of many at these disasters convinces me of what I informed your Excellency in my last of indirect means being adopted to monopolize the carrying trade and which in my opinion makes a great part of the reasons for the difference in insurance. Being much engaged in writing to and sending goods to Virginia, I beg leave to conclude by observing to you that Mr. McClanachan cleared out his Ship from this place to Lisbon as British property. I have the honour to be most respectfully Your Excellency\u2019s Obed: Humble Servant,\nHenry Martin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0464", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 5 February 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Currie, James\n[Paris, 5 Feb. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cDr. Currie. Acknolege receipt his of Nov. 20.\u2014drop the scheme as to ground in Richmd. for a while\u2014war and peace doubtful\u2014animal magnetism dead, ridiculed\u2014if he should come here, invitation to bed and board\u2014write by Fr. packet ut supra\u201d [entry follows that for TJ to Eppes, this date]. Not found. TJ\u2019s decision to drop the Richmond scheme was evidently due to the arrival, on 26 Jan. 1785, of Eppes\u2019 letter of 16 Sep. 1784 setting forth the necessity of settling \u201call very urging claims\u201d and obliging TJ to think of contracting rather than expanding his Richmond holdings; see TJ to Eppes, this date.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0465", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 5 February 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nParis, Feb. 5. 1785\nBy the Marquis Fayette, who arrived here the 26th of Jan., I received yours of Sept. 16th, informing me of the illness of our children, and at the same time one from Dr. Currie, of Nov. 20th, mentioning its fatal termination. It is in vain to endeavor to describe the situation of my mind; it would pour balm neither into your wounds nor mine; I will therefore pass on from the subject. I wrote you by the last packet, of Jan. 13th, on the subject of the money which had been voted me by the Assembly. I find now, by your letter, that it cannot be reserved for the purpose I had in contemplation, and therefore wish you to call for and apply it as shall be most  requisite, should Mr. Madison not have used it as I offered to him. When I look over the list of my debts as they stood at my departure from Virginia, and consider that Key has had the crop of 1783, and by this time that of 1784, I cannot but hope that with the aid abovementioned from the treasury, all very urging claims may be satisfied. I have a lot in Richmond, by the waterside, bought of Col. Byrd, to the sale of which I should have no objection; the purchaser undertaking to obtain the title from Mr. Carter, which has never yet been completely done. Europe presents nothing new. We are still hanging between peace and war, as heretofore, unable to conjecture which will take place. The depredations of the piratical States on our commerce is the most interesting circumstance to us. This can only be prevented by war or tribute. If the latter, it will not be light. Mr. Short is here, and well. Patsy enjoys perfect health; but I cannot recover mine. I am, however, so much better than I have been that I hope soon to be well. Perhaps this gloomy and damp climate may disappoint my hopes. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Eppes, who will kiss my dear, dear Polly for me. Oh! could I do it myself! Give our love, also, to the children, and be assured of the sincerity with which I am, dear sir, Your affectionate friend and servant,\nTh. Jefferson\nP.S. I must beg the favor of you never to send a letter by any conveyance but the French packet. If your letters leave Richmond by the first of the month, addressed to the care of Neill Jamieson, in New York, they will reach that in time to come by the packet of that month; and we are sure of receiving them, submitting only to their being privately read by the postmaster, as is the case in every country in Europe; should there at any time be anything which ought not to be read by any other, it will be necessary to desire Mr. Jamieson to confide it to some passenger who will put it into my own hand. By the French packet I shall receive your letters in seven weeks from their date.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0467", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, [6 February 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nYou were informed by my letters of Nov. 11 and Jan. 14. that the cypher established between us would not explain a syllable of your letters. Those of Nov. 1. and Dec. 14. having rendered me extremely desirous of decyphering them, I sat to work with a resolution to effect it if possible. I soon found that they were written by your first cypher. To this therefore I applied myself and after several days spent on it I was able to set to rights the many errors of your copyist, whose inattention alone had induced those difficulties. I found the numbers in my copy and yours to correspond as follows.\nfrom\n1\u2026.153. was right.\n154. in yours corresponded to 185 in mine\n from\n  in yours corresponded to from\n186 to 235 in mine\n  corresponded to\n  to\nThe remaining numbers of the cypher either did not enter into your letters at all, or not often enough to detect the errors. I have now therefore completely decyphered your letters of June 1. June 25. Nov. 1. and Dec. 14. At present my only uneasiness is about my letters which have gone to you in cypher. That of Nov. 11. must have been in the 1st. cypher. For this reason I have noted to you the differences in our copies as above, that you may translate my numbers into yours. As I received the 2d. cypher the 29th. of Nov. I think it probable that my letters of Dec. 10. and Jan. 14. were written by that. If they were, I am in hopes you will have understood them. If they were written by the 1st. you will now be able by translating the numbers to understand them also; and thus this comedy of errors will be cleared up. Since writing so far I have made out a table adjusting the numbers in my copy to those in yours, which will enable you to translate with ease.\nOur business goes on very slowly. No answers from Spain or Britain. The backwardness of the latter is not new. Perhaps Mr. Jay or Mr. Lawrence [Laurens] who have been at that court since the present ministry have been in place may have been able to account for this on better grounds than we can. The English parliament Irish parliament and Irish convention sitting together will surely bring their disputes to a crisis. Scotland too seems to be stepping in as a third party with her difficulties. And their affairs in the East Indies are in a wretched situation. The opposition have opened their campain on the East India regulations, the proceedings with Ireland, and the late taxes. The minister having declared he will propose a plan of parliamentary reform, they have taken the contrary side of course on that question. I am anxious to see whether the parliament will take any and what steps as to our commerce. The effecting treaties with the powers holding possessions in the West Indies I consider as the important part of our business. It is not of great consequence whether the others treat or not. Perhaps trade may go on with them well enough without. But Britain, Spain, Portugal [and] France are consequent, and Holland, Denmark [and] Sweden may be of service too. We have hitherto waited for favorable circumstances to press matters with France. We are now about to do it tho I cannot say the prospect is good. The merchants of this country are very clamorous against our admission into the West Indies and ministers are afraid for their places. The pamphlet which I send you is approved by the sensible people here, and I am in hopes has been of some service. There are warm ones writ against it. Our affairs with the  pyratical states are distressing. It is impossible I fear to find out what is given by other countries. Either shame or jealousy makes them wish to keep it secret. Several of their ministers to whom we have applied have promised to procure information. These pyrates are contemptibly weak. Morocco who has first dared to commit an outrage on us owns only four or five frigates, of 18 or 20 guns. There is not a port in their country which has more than 13. feet water. Tunis is not quite so strong (having 3. or 4. frigates only, small and worthless), is more mercantile than predatory, and would easily be led to treat, either by money or fear. Tripoli has one frigate only. Algiers alone possesses any power, and they are brave. As far as I have been able to discover she possesses about 16. vessels from 22 up to 52 guns. But the vessels of all these powers are wretched in the last degree, being mostly built of the discordant peices of other vessels which they take and pull asunder. Their cordage and sails are of the same kind, taken from vessels of different sizes and forms, seldom any two guns of the same bore, and all of them light. These states too are divided, and jealous of each other, and especially of Algiers the most powerful. The others would willingly see her reduced. We have two plans to pursue. The one to carry nothing for ourselves, and thereby render ourselves invulnerable to the European states; the other (which our country will be for) is to carry as much as possible. But this will require a protecting force on the sea. Otherwise the smallest powers in Europe, every one which possesses a single ship of the line may dictate to us, and enforce their demands by captures on our commerce. Some naval force then is necessary if we mean to be commercial. Can we have a better occasion of beginning one? Or find a foe more certainly within our dimensions? The motives pleading for war rather than tribute are numerous and honourable, those opposing them are mean and shortsighted: however if it be decided that their peace shall be bought it shall engage my most earnest endeavours. It is as incertain as ever whether we are to have war or peace.\u2014The ministers of this country intimate peace and Monsr. de Maillebois who is to command the Dutch army is not set out. I should consider his departure as an indication of war.\nI must pray you to send your letters by the French packet. They come by that conveyance with certainty, having first undergone the ceremony of being opened and read in the post office which I am told is done in every country in Europe. Letters by the way of England are sometimes months getting from London here. Give  me fully always the Congressional news, and by every letter if you please the journals of Congress.\nI would make an additional observation or two as to the pyratical states. If we enter into treaty there, a consul must be kept with each to recover our vessels taken in breach of their treaty. For these violations they practise constantly against the strongest nations, and the vessels so taken are recovered with trouble and always some loss and considerable delay. The attempts heretofore made to suppress these powers have been to exterminate them at one blow. They are too numerous and powerful by land for that. A small effort, but long continued, seems to be the only method. By suppressing their marine and trade totally and continuing this till the present race of seamen should be pretty well out of the way and the younger people betaken to husbandry for which their soil and climate is well fitted, these nests of banditti might be reformed. I am not well enough acquainted with the present dispositions of the European courts to say whether a general confederacy might be formed for suppressing these pyracies. Such as should refuse would give us a just right to turn pyrates also on their West India trade, and to require an annual tribute which might reimburse what we may be obliged to pay to obtain a safe navigation in their seas. Were we possessed even of a small naval force what a bridle would it be in the mouths of the West India powers and how respectfully would they demean themselves toward us. Be assured that the present disrespect of the nations of Europe for us will inevitably bring on insults which must involve us in war. A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit.\nBe so good as to present one of the pamphlets with my esteem to Mr. Gherry and let him know he is a letter in my debt. I am Dr. Sir Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0468", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Williamson, 6 February 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Williamson, Hugh\nDear Sir\nParis Feb. 6. 1785.\nYour favor of Dec. 11. has been duly received. It was the first notification of your being returned. I had been informed you were gone to Carolina, and I thence conjectured you might not return so soon, or I should have written to you. The scales of war and peace have hitherto appeared to hang nearly in equal poise. The movements of the parties have indicated war: yet there has been a general presumption that the emperor would accomodate. All of a sudden, the dispute about opening the Scheld seems to lose it\u2019s importance in the magnitude of another object which is just presented to the public; and whose existence at all is not yet confirmed. It is said that the Emperor and Elector of Bavaria have made an exchange of the dominions of the latter for the Austrian Netherlands. The objects which are supposed to lead the emperor to this are the consolidating his possessions, the acquiring a greater ascendency in the diet of Germany, and the securing by actual possession his pretensions to Bavaria on the death of the present elector, in opposition to the rights of the Prince of Deuxponts supported by France. Such a barter would give great uneasiness to the K. of Prussia. As yet however it has no right to command belief. I must beg your permission to refer you to Colo. Monroe for some circumstances written in cypher. The labour of that kind of writing makes me willing to abbreviate by a reference. I am in hopes the genial approach of spring will awake the torpid powers with whom we have opened communications. If we could get once fairly under way it would relieve the languor of our present situation and put it in our powers to press towards some conclusion. But as yet we have no one brought into the feild on whom we may press, and to repeat our overtures before we receive any answer would not be the way to effectuate them. I send you a pamphlet written by a Mr. Du Buc here on the subject of the West India commerce.\nI am glad to find you think of me in the affair of the Dismal. It is the only speculation in my life I have decidedly wished to be engaged in. The uniting the navigation of Chesapeak and the Sound renders the enterprize so interesting to the public as well as the adventurers that the embarking in it can never admit a reproach. Whenever it shall be concluded I will pointedly answer your draught for the price, in which of course you will insert the usual days of sight. I have no doubt we can get the two companies to harmonize in their operations, and trusting to the uprightness and understanding of the two legislatures I trust that neither will hesitate to give just privileges to the adventurers.\nThe claim of Spain to the Western country is diverting enough, because in it\u2019s deductions it more effectually establishes the right of Great Britain to Spain itself wherein she has taken the post of Gibraltar and continued to hold it. The trifling expedition of the Spaniards against Fort St. Josephs was no more than an inroad. The doctrine of animal magnetism after which you enquire is pretty well laid to rest. Reasonable men, if they ever paid any attention to such a hocus pocus theory, were thoroughly satisfied by the Report of the commissioners. But as the unreasonable is the largest part of mankind, and these were the most likely to be affected by this madness, ridicule has been let loose for their cure: Mesmer and Deslon have been introduced on the stage, and the contest now is who can best prove that they never were of their school.\nThere is lately a simple invention in mechanics here which may be of some use. It is nothing more than the application of the screw to the air, water or any other fluid. The screw pulling itself through a solid, will evidently do the same through a fluid, only allowing a loss in it\u2019s effort proportioned to the want of tenaciousness or resistance in the fluid. If it draws itself along, it will draw also bodies tacked to, or connected with it. I saw the screw. It is about 8. feet long, it\u2019s axis is of about 9. Inches diameter and the spiral vane of about two feet radius. Being fixed on a couple of light boats and turned rapidly on it\u2019s axis (by means of a wheel, band, and pulley) it carried them across the Seine very quickly. The screw lies horizontal. If it\u2019s axis coincides with that of the boat, it moves it directly forward. But turning it on a pivot so as that it shall intersect the axis of the boat, it changes her direction. If made to work in water it\u2019s effect will still be greater as the fluid yeilds more resistance. It is thought applicable to a vessel becalmed, to submarine navigation so as to give motion in any direction horizontally or vertically, to aerial  navigation for raising or lowering a balloon, moving it in a calm, and influencing it\u2019s direction even in a current of air by the combination of it\u2019s effect with that of the wind. I suspect the Connecticut turtle must have been navigated in this way. If so, I wish we knew it, the precise construction of the Connecticut turtle and it\u2019s actual performance. I am Dr. Sir with great regard Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0469", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 7 February 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\nSir\nParis Feb. 7. 1785.\nBy the Marquis Fayette we received information of your appointment to the chair of Congress, on which testimony of their esteem permit me to offer you my congratulations. We are on the point here of the great decision of war or peace, yet very few indeed are those who can say which it is to be. The most impenetrable secresy is observed. Were we to judge from the movements of the parties (and we have nothing else to judge by with certainty) we should expect war. Hitherto the subject of dispute has appeared simple enough, but just now they are throwing out another barrel for the political whales to play with. This is a supposed exchange of the Bavarian dominions for the Austrian Netherlands; founded on no other authority but that of the public papers. The circumstances too which are tacked to this barter of men and kingdoms contribute to lessen it\u2019s credibility.\u2014The British ministry seem absorbed in preparations for their parliamentary campaign, and in them to have forgotten us. We have long and daily expected to  hear from them. If this does not happen soon it will be necessary on our part to press on them the subjects of discussion which were distinct from the propositions of amity and commerce. We are in hopes to hear from Congress by the next packet in answer to our letter of November. The Pyratical states require something to be immediately done. We are not however to believe all the lying paragraphs of the English papers as to their supposed hostilities against us. These are framed in London to justify their demands of high insurance on our vessels. I know of no sufficient cause to beleive the capture of more than one of our vessels. However we may reasonably enough expect other captures and that they will considerably extend their cruising grounds. Our objects go on slowly. However important it is to urge them with the West India powers, it is impossible to do this till we can meet in negotiation. We have hitherto made it a point to keep the next move resting with them, except in a very few instances where particular circumstances rendered delay eligible. I hope we shall ere long get things more under way. I send you a pamphlet on the foreign commerce of the W. Indies. Many of the most able characters in this country agree in opinion with this author, but the mercantile interest is so obstinately and clamourously opposed to it that the minister will see hazard in the innovations proposed. I hope we shall not be long before we enter on business with Denmark. We have had intimations that Sweden awaits more particular information as to the island of St. Bartholomew before she will be ready to meet us on the subject.\u2014I shall be happy to hear from you when convenient. What Congress does, and what they do not do is interesting to us. The proceedings of the assemblies, dispositions of the people, likelihood of additional strength to the federal head and other public events are very desireable to us, cut off as we are from a general view of American transactions. Letters come most safely and much most speedily by the French packet. They are read indeed if not confided to the care of a passenger; but that is an evil they incur in whatever way they come.\nI have the honour to be with the highest respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0472", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 8 February 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thomson, Charles\n[Paris, 8 Feb. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cChas. Thomson. Receipt his of Oct. 26.\u2014send letters by Fr. packet. If secret, and not cyphered desire N. J[amieson] to confide to passenger. Span. incroachment not probable\u2014peace and war doubtful\u2014Bav. & Austr. neth.\u2014consequence of repeated lies of Eng. papers towards lowering respect to us. Important to recover their respect\u2014paiment of debts, strengthening federal head, begining navy necessary for this\u2014others\u2019 disrespect will produce insult and that war.\u2014polychrest machine\u2014copying paintings in Engld.\u2014send Du Buc.\u201d Not found; for pamphlet sent, see TJ to Monroe, 6 Feb. 1785, note.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0473", "content": "Title: Extract from Proceedings of the American Commissioners, 8 February 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: \nParis Febry. 8th. 1785\nAbout this time came to hand through the French Post Office thirteen large Packets all of them addressed, \u201cA Messieurs Messrs. Les Deput\u00e9s des Etats Unis de l\u2019Amerique a Paris\u201d: containing the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Court of Admiralty at the Cape, and the adjudications as legal prizes of an equal number of British Vessels captured by armed Vessels belonging to the United States of America during the late war; which said prizes were ordered to be disposed of for the benifit of the Captors, until it should be otherwise determined by the American Ministers at the Court of Versailles. Whereupon the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United  States have thought proper that the aforesaid Papers should be deposited in the office of the Minister actually resident at that Court; which was done accordingly.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0474", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 9 February 1785\nFrom: Banister, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n9 Feb. 1785. Wrote the preceding day recommending his son, who, after a long illness, has been advised by Dr. McClurg to take a sea voyage and \u201cterminate his Journey in the South of France\u201d for his health. Banister hopes he will there learn the language and that TJ will introduce him to \u201cthe best Person \u2026 with whom to associate and study.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0475", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to President of Congress, [9] February 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Continental Congress\nSir\nParis [9] Febry. 1785\nIn our last of Decr. 15 we had the honour of communicating to Congress our letter to the Ambassador of Portugal which accompanied the draught of the treaty of Amity and Commerce proposed on our part. Since that date he addressed to us the letter No. 1. acknowledging the receipt of ours and informing us that he had forwarded it to his court.\nThe Baron de Thulemeier also, the Prussian Minister at the Hague has given us similar information in his letter No. 2. herewith enclosed: he therein also desires as he had done in his letter of Octr. 8 that we would make choice of some port within the dominions of His Sovereign at which the commerce between the two countries might be carried on. We supposed that we had answered this by proposing in our draught of the treaty that all places in the dominions of either party should be open to the Subjects or citizens of the other for the purposes of commerce. As he thought proper however to repeat the desire of the King that we would make choice of some place, we wrote him an answer of which No. 3. is a copy, and have now to ask of Congress their instructions as to the choice of a place for the purposes proposed.\nThe Baron de Walterstorff who had been formerly appointed by the court of Denmark to negotiate a treaty with the United  States of America, and to whom we had notified our full powers for that purpose, called on us separately a few days ago and informed us that he had obtained permission from his court to make a visit to Copenhagen where his private affairs required his presence, and that the Minister had at the same time instructed him to ask from us our propositions that they might be considered during his stay at Copenhagen, and the sentiments of his court thereon be fully made known to him. This he afterwards communicated more particularly in the letter No. 4. to which an answer was returned of which No. 5. is a copy, inclosing a draught of a treaty similar to the one we had the honour to communicate to you in our letter of Decr. 15.\nWe have also since our last received an answer from the court of Naples through their charg\u00e9 des Affaires and from that of Turin through their Ambassador at this court: (the answer of Naples is accompanied by a printed ordinance establishing the privileges of Messina as a free port) which we now enclose, distinguished by the Nos. 6 and 7. To these we do not propose to make any reply unless future overtures from them or other circumstances should render it necessary or proper.\nWith great respect We have the honour to be Your Excellencys Most obedient & Most humble Servants,\nJohn Adams\nB. Franklin\nT. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0476", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 9 February 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis Feb. 9. 1785.\nI have now the honour of acknowleging the receipt of your Excellency\u2019s letter of Nov. 12. inclosing a bill of exchange of W. Alexander & co. on Mess. Laval and Wilfelsheim for 8957\u20b6-11  Tournois, as also a duplicate of the same letter with the second of Exchange. These came to hand the 26th. of January. I called on Mr. Laval the 28th. presenting the bill. He said he had no advice of it. I observed to him that it was expressed to be paiable \u2018with or without advice.\u2019 He desired me to leave it with him till the next day and he would return it to me. I did so. He not returning it the next day I called on him the day following. It will be needless to repeat to you the many excuses with which they shuffled me off eleven days, when I found myself obliged to put it into the hands of a proper person to receive their acceptance or to protest it, and it was accordingly protested for non-acceptance. Having an opportunity of seeing Mr. Williams, who is connected with Mr. Alexander I mentioned to him the consequences it might produce as to Mr. Alexander\u2019s credit. He called on the drawees, returned to me, and told me they would now accept it. I have sent it to them; and as yet received no answer, but I suppose it will be accepted. Having waited to the last moment of the gentleman\u2019s departure who carries this, I am obliged to send it off, lest I should miss the opportunity of acquainting you of the receipt of the letter and bill. The enquiries I made in the course of this transaction, have made it my duty to suggest to your Excellency the expediency of seeing actually the powers which Mr. Alexander is supposed to have from the Farmers general, that you may know whether they make themselves answerable for his draughts or contracts: and if they do not, to advise you that you are to count little or nothing on any supposed resource against him.\nNothing has been done on the subject of the statue since my last. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0477", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 9 February 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\n[Paris, 9 Feb. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJohn Jay. The Marq. Fay. gives us hopes he will accept Sec. F. A.\u2014war and peace doubtful\u2014Bav. and Austr. neth.\u2014Prussia and Dantzic settled\u2014distractions of Holld. continue. Hastings and E.I. affairs difficult for Brit. parliament\u2014have forgot us\u2014we must urge them as to separate articles\u2014expect by packet which sails in Feb. to receive orders about pyratical states\u2014motives for war with them\u2014their force\u2014if peace be resolved, will be better to send some person from America\u2014if left to us personally, we must invite them here\u2014they disregard treaties when made\u2014inclose Du Buc.\u201d Not found. Enclosure: Same as that described in TJ to Monroe, 6 Feb. 1785, note.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0478", "content": "Title: Favi to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1785\nFrom: Favi, Francesco\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\nParis ce 10 Fevrier 1785\nJ\u2019ai fait passer en son tems \u00e0 ma Cour le projet du Trait\u00e9, que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait L\u2019honneur de m\u2019adresser.\n:Les principes, sur Les quels il est fond\u00e9 sont trop conformes \u00e0 ceux du Gouvernement Toscan pourqu\u2019ils ne soyent pas adopt\u00e9s, et vous ne dev\u00e9s pas douter, Messieurs, que Les Sujets des Etats unis del\u2019Amerique n\u2019obtiennent dans Les Etats, et dans Les ports dela Toscane sur Le pied d\u2019une parfaite reciprocit\u00e9 Les facilitf\u00e8s et Les avantages qui sont accord\u00e8s aux Nations Les plus favoris\u00e9es.\nD\u00e9s que je recevrai une reponce j\u2019aurai L\u2019honneur de vous en faire part.\nJ\u2019ai celui d\u2019etre avec Le plus grand respect, Messieurs Votre tr\u00e8s humble, et tr\u00e8s Obeissant Serviteur,\nfavi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0480", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 14 February 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis ce 14 fe 1785.\nLe Mis. De la Fayette a l\u2019honneur de faire ses compliments \u00e0 Monsieur Jefferson et lui envoye la lettre de Mr. Le Cte. De Florida Blanca. Il verra que dans ce tems l\u2019article des Limites avoit \u00e9t\u00e9 diff\u00e9remment regl\u00e9 que les pr\u00e9tensions Espagnoles ne semblent l\u2019annoncer.\nL\u2019original de cette lettre fut envoye dans le tems au Congres. Une Copie remise \u00e0 Mr. Jay mais il n\u2019y eut rien de plus de fait \u00e0 cet egard: et le Mis de la Fayette qui n\u2019avoit aucune mission ne Se permit, comme de raison, de prendre aucun engagement.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-07-02-0481", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Martin, 20 February 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Martin, Henry\n[Paris, 20 Feb. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cHenry Martin\u2014Acknolege receipt of Nov. 15. Dec. 7. and Feb. 4. Subjects such as could not hazard explanation thro the post office, particularly as to Medit. passes\u2014remedy in unfair insurance must be in American and other insurance offices. Expect instructions from Congr.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0002", "content": "Title: Jefferson\u2019s Advertisement of Hopkinson\u2019s Invention, [ca. February? 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas,Hopkinson, Francis\nTo: \nAn improvement in the manner of preparing musical instruments which are keyed and quilled.\nThe present mode of quilling a harpsichord is subject to this  great inconvenience that some of the quills will after a little use, crack and lose their elastic spring, whilst others retain their full vigour, thereby rendering the touch unequal and some tones full and loud whilst others are so faint and weak as scarcely to be heard. The different gradations of strength from a quill absolutely broken to one in full strength are so various and imperceptible that the most nice attention cannot restore the perfect equality which the instrument had when it first came from the hands of the maker: and even to keep the instrument in tolerable order in this respect requires constant examination and frequent repairs. To remedy this many substances have been tried as substitutes for the raven quill; but all without success. They have all been found liable to the same inconvenience, with this additional disadvantage that none of them could draw so pleasing a tone from the string as the crow or raven quill.\nAfter many unsuccessful attempts either to remedy the inconvenience of the quill or to find a substitute, a method perfectly satisfactory has at length been contrived by a person in America which he engages shall have the following properties.\n1st. That The instrument shall not want Repair in that Respect, for any reasonable Length of Time\u2014say 4. 5. 6 or more Years: but shall always preserve an equality of Touch, subject only to such Variations as the different States of the Air may occasion, to which all known Substances, are more or less liable.\n2d. It shall improve the Touch, rendering it more pleasant, lively and sure.\n3d. It shall produce a more sweet and free Tone from the String.\n4th. It shall be easily executed and at a small Expence not encreasing the Price of a Harpsichord more than two or three Guineas; if generally practis\u2019d; but if monopolized by Patent, will produce a much greater Price to the Patentee on Account of its demonstrable Advantages.\nAs the several experiments he has tried have brought on him some expence, not great indeed, yet such as he would be willing to recover, his method shall be communicated to any workman or other person for the small sum he has actually expended in making the trials.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "02-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Garvey, [ca. February? 1785]\nFrom: Garvey, Anthony\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nI received the letter your Excellency honored me with of 29th. December; the China ware is arrived here Some time. The Cases being Plumbed stopped their Expedition, as there was no Cocketts. I wrote some time ago to Mr. Barclay for them. As soon as I receive some, shall load the Ware on the first boat to your Excellency\u2019s address and advise you of the departure; I was afraid if delaying longer that you might be uneasy for the fate of the Vessel it was loaded on.\nI have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your Excellencys most humble & very obedient Servant,\nAnthony Garvey\nThe thing cant be sent untill Mr. Barclay sends the Cocket; I wish you would drop him a line about it and urge his forwarding it soonest possible.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0004", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 1 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John,Franklin, Benjamin\nMr. Jefferson\u2019s compliments to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin and sends them his notes on the treaty with Prussia. He prays Mr. Adams, when he shall have perused them to send them to Dr. Franklin and proposes to meet them on the subject at Passy on Thursday at 12. o\u2019clock. He sends the Prussian propositions, Mr. Adams\u2019s and Dr. Franklin\u2019s notes, and the former project and observations which were in the hands of Colo. Humphreys.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0005", "content": "Title: Proposed Changes in Translation of the Treaty with Prussia, [ca. 1 March? 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nWe submit the following passages to the consideration of the Baron De Thulemeyer, collating the English expressions, the French translation and the changes which we think should be made to yeild the true sense.\nEnglish expression\nPassages in the translationwhere the sense seems changed\nCorrections hazarded\nArt. X. shall succeed to their said personal goods\nsuccederont \u00e0 leurs biens\nsuccederont \u00e0 leur dits biens personelles\nsuch care shall be taken of the said goods and for so long a time as would be taken of the goods of a native in like case until the lawful owner may take measures for receiving them.\non prendra pendant ce temps les memes soins des biens qui leur sont echus, qu\u2019on auroit pris en pareille occurrence des biens des natifs du pays: \u00e0 moins que le proprietaire legitime n\u2019ait pris des arrangemens pour recueiller l\u2019heritage.\non prendra des biens qui leur sont echus les memes soins et pour le meme temps qu\u2019on auroit pris en pareille occurrence des biens des natifs du pays, jusques \u00e0 ce que le proprietaire legitime aura pris des arrangemens pour recueillir l\u2019heritage.\nand where on the death of any person holding real estate within the territories of the one party, such real estate would by the laws of the land descend on a citizen or subject of the other, were he not disqualified by alienage, such subject shall be allowed &c.\net si par la mort de quelque personne possedant des biens-fonds sur le territoire de l\u2019une des parties contractantes, les biens- fonds venoient \u00e0 passer selon les loix du pays \u00e0 un citoyen ou sujet de l\u2019autre partie, celuici, s\u2019il est gualifi\u00e9 \u00e0 aliener les dits biens, obtiendra &c.\net si par la mort de quelque personne possedant des bien-fonds sur le territoire de l\u2019une des parties contractantes, les biensfonds viendroient \u00e0 passer selon les loix du pais \u00e0 un citoyen ou sujet de l\u2019autre partie s\u2019il n\u2019etoit pas inhabilit\u00e9 comme etranger, celui-ci obtiendra &c.\n17. or by a pyrate\nou par un Armateur\nou par un pirate\n19. arrested, searched\nni arret\u00e9es ni saisies\nni arret\u00e9es, ni visit\u00e9es\net en general tous ceux\nwe concur in adopting this expression as being more extensive than the original and for a good purpose.\nprivate armed vessels\narmateurs\nvaisseaux arm\u00e9s en course\n24. in some part of their dominions\nomitted\nassignera \u2018dans leurs territoires\u2019\nand all others\naux simples soldats\n\u00e0 touts les autres\nnecessaries\ndouceurs\nwe like the word \u2018douceurs\u2019 better than the word \u2018necessaries\u2019 which we had proposed and for which we had therefore rather substitute \u2018comforts\u2019\n26. yeilding the compensation where such nation does the same\naccordant la meme compensation qu\u2019aura et\u00e9 agr\u00e9\u00e9e pour d\u2019autres nations.\nen accordant la m\u00eame compensation si la concession est conditionelle.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0006", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Geismar, 3 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Geismar, Baron von\n               An unfortunate change in my domestic situation by the loss of a tender connection who joined me in esteeming you, occasioned me to wish a change of scene and to accept an appointment which brought me to this place and will keep me here some time. Since your departure from America I have been altogether uninformed of your subsequent history. I am sure I need not tell you that the regard I entertain for you has rendered that interesting to me. A vague report of your death which was never so authenticated as to command belief, but which has not been authentically contradicted has particularly occasioned me to wish the pleasure of a line from yourself. Till this or some other assurance of your being still on this side the Styx, I shall indulge no further the feelings of friendship which would only render my pen more diffuse, but conclude with an assurance of the esteem and regard with which I have the honr. to be Dr: Sir Your affectte. hble servt.\n                  P.S. Address to me as Min. plen. des E. U. d\u2019Am. \u00e0 Paris Cul-de-sac Tetebout, and send your letters to the care of Ch. W. Dumas Agent des Etat Unis d\u2019Am. \u00e0 la Haye.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0007", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Henley, with a List of Books, 3 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henley, Samuel\nDear Sir\nParis Mar. 3. 1785.\nAn expectation of having the pleasure of seeing you myself in England has for a considerable time since my arrival in Europe prevented my writing to you. This expectation having rather lessened, I take the opportunity of sending you this by a gentleman who promises to enquire your residence, and to have it safely delivered.\nAfter your departure from Virginia, Mr. Madison, being authorised by you either to dispose of your books generally, or to let me in particular have such as I wished to possess, submitted them to my examination. I selected those mentioned in the catalogue annexed and he set the price on them. A British man of war being then in Hampton road, I wrote you information of this transaction and sent the letter on board this vessel by a flag which happened to be going. Having never received any answer from you, I have doubted whether my letter got to your hands. I have not with me any voucher of his valuation, because when I left my own house to attend Congress, I had no expectation of visiting Europe. Upon receiving their orders, I came directly on from Annapolis, without returning home: and my being able to furnish you with the list inclosed arises from the circumstance of my having with me the catalogue of my library. I am unable to say with certainty at what sum he valued them; but in undertaking to answer your draught for twenty seven guineas, I am sure, from memory alone, that I am near the mark. If this should not be exact, the difference will be small, and may be settled on my return to America. I would have wished at the same time to advertize you that if the valuation should not be satisfactory and you would prefer the books to the money, they should be delivered to your order. But the incertainty of the time of my return  to America, the impossibility of having them searched out of my library by any other person, and the injury which some of them sustained in their transportation from Williamsburg to my house, give me to suppose you would not prefer this alternative. However as you know best how far these circumstances might weigh with you, you will be pleased to decide either for the money or books. If you should prefer the latter, I would wish to know it soon, that I may supply myself with the same while here. In either case it gives me pleasure that this circumstance was the means of saving you so much from that general destruction which involved the residue of your books when Mr. Madison\u2019s house was burnt. From Miss Digges I purchased Pelloutiere\u2019s history of the Celts. 2. vols. 12mo. belonging to Mr. Gwatkin. I shall be obliged to you to add their worth to your draught on me, and to permit me to make you the channel of it\u2019s communication to Mr. Gwatkin, together with assurances of my esteem for him, and to accept of the same very cordially yourself. The events which separated us depending on public and national opinion and conduct only, were not of a nature to insinuate themselves between individual connections, or to dissolve the bands of private friendship. I shall be happy to hear that your course of life has been succesful, and that you enjoy health and felicity. I have the honour to be with great regard Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson\nMilton\u2019s paradise lost. edn. in 10. books. small 4to.\nPierce Plowman 8vo.\nObservns. on modern gardening 8vo. patent binding.\nGibson\u2019s Saxon chronicle 4to.\nJunius. 2. v. 12mo. patent binding.\nConnection between price of provisions & size of farms pamphlet.\nHistory of duelling. 12mo. unbound.\nAedes Walpolianae. 4to.\nHoole\u2019s Tasso. 12mo.\nDante. 3. v. 12mo.\nThe Hermit of Warkworth. pamphlet.\nOeuvres de theatre de Diderot. 12mo.\nIl Petrarca. 16s. red marocco.\nPhilips\u2019s poems. 12mo.\nGarth\u2019s Dispensary.\n12mo. Hurd\u2019s Cowley. 2. v. 12mo.\nBourne poemata. 12mo.\nClarke\u2019s Vegetius 8vo.\nCalson\u2019s specimens of printing types. pamphlet.\nPortroyal Gr. gramm. 8vo.\nPortroyal Lat. gram. 2. v. 8vo.\nDict. du vieux language de Lacombe. 2. v. 8vo.\nDictionnaire des monogrammes. 8vo.\nWebb on poetry and music\nin 1. vol. 12mo.\nMoor\u2019s essay on Tragedy\nAn essay on design in gardening.\nJennings on medals.\nHarris\u2019s Hermes 8vo.\n\u2014\u2014\u2014 three treatises 8vo.\nWarton\u2019s observns. on Spenser. 2. v. 8vo.\nEssay on Shakespeare. 8vo.\nJones poeseos Asiaticae comment. 8vo. unbound.\nLondon catalogue of books. pamphlet\nSuidae lexicon. 3. v. fol. injured.\nSallust. Foulis. 12mo.\nWotton\u2019s view of Hickes\u2019s Thesaurus. 4to.\nHistory of Barbadoes. 12mo.\nTaylor\u2019s elements of the civil law. 4to.\nDictionnaire de Chymie. 2. v. 12mo.\nTournefort institutiones. 2. v. 4to.\nDacosta\u2019s mineralogy.\nLinnaei Flora Lapponica. 8vo.\nCritica Botanica. 8vo.\nPhilosophia Botanica. 8vo.\nFauna Suecica. 8vo.\nGenera plantarum. 8vo.\nSpecies plantarum. 2. v. 8vo.\nEmantissa altera. 8vo.\nSystema naturae. 2. v. 8vo.\nClayton\u2019s flora Virginica. 4to.\nClarke on Saxon coins. 4to.\nfolios.\n4tos.\n8vos.\n12mos.\npamphlets.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0008", "content": "Title: De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\n\u00e0 la Haye le 4. Mars 1785.\nLes Ordres du Roi dont je me trouve actuellement muni, me mettent \u00e0 m\u00eame de r\u00e9pondre plus amplement \u00e0 la lettre dont Vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9, Messieurs, en dernier lieu, et dont je Vous ai accus\u00e9 l\u2019entr\u00e9e par la mienne du 11. F\u00e9vrier. Sa Majest\u00e9 Se persuade que l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019un ou de deux ports francs seroit absolument inutile, d\u2019apr\u00e8s la r\u00e9flexion tr\u00e8s juste que Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiares Am\u00e9ricains ont faite, que les Articles 2. et 3. du Contre-Projet accordent r\u00e9ciproquement aux deux Nations, dans tous les ports o\u00f9 ils voudront faire le commerce, les avantages dont jouissent les nations les plus favoris\u00e9es. Cette observation \u00e9puise la question, d\u2019autant plus que les intentions du Roi ne sont aucunement de borner le commerce des Citoyens de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique Conf\u00e9d\u00e9r\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019un ou l\u2019autre de Ses ports. Dans le cas o\u00f9 l\u2019\u00e9tablissement d\u2019un port franc paro\u00eetroit cependant de quelque utilit\u00e9, on s\u2019y pr\u00eateroit sans beaucoup de difficult\u00e9 quant \u00e0 Emden, mais plusieurs raisons s\u2019opposeroient \u00e0 une pareille concession \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard du port de Stettin. La lettre de Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires ayant \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e9crite avant l\u2019entr\u00e9e des Observations sur le dernier Contre-Projet dont la  mienne du 24. Janvier de l\u2019ann\u00e9e courante \u00e9toit accompagn\u00e9e, il est \u00e0 pr\u00e9sumer que des \u00e9claircissemens ult\u00e9rieurs paro\u00eetroient plus ou moins inutiles. Je me flatte que la premi\u00e8re lettre que j\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur, Messieurs, de recevoir de Votre part, me facilitera les moyens de donner de concert avec Vous \u00e0 la n\u00e9gociation qui a fait l\u2019objet de nos soins communs, la consistance d\u00e9sir\u00e9e. Le succ\u00e9s de cette transaction r\u00e9pondra, tant \u00e0 mes voeux, qu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019int\u00e9r\u00eat commun de nos deux nations.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, Messieurs, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe T hulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0009", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 6 March 1785\nFrom: Thomson, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York March 6. 1785\nI have received your favour of Novr. 11, with the pamphlets, for which I return you my hearty thanks.\nThe report on animal magnetism gave me great satisfaction. Before I had heard of these experiments and of this report, I was greatly at a loss what to think of the matter. The Marqs. de la Fayette had come over quite an enthusiast in favour of it. He had got a special meeting called of the philosophical Society at Philadelphia and entertained them on the subject for the greater part of an evening. He informed them that he was initiated and let into the secret but was not at liberty to reveal it. He spoke of it as an important discovery which would be of great and wonderful advantage and that he himself had by means of it performed a surprizing cure on his passage. I was not present at the meeting for which I was sorry. Still however it appeared to me surprizing, that there should be a fluid pervading all nature capable of being collected and when collected of producing such wonderous effects as were mentioned and that no trace of it should ever before have been observed or noted in any of the various experiments that had heretofore been made on matter or motion. Having heard of the Shakers in this state, the agitations with which they were affected and with which they affected some who visited them from curiosity, I began  to admit the opinion that they had by some means become acquainted with this fluid and that what they ascribed to the influences of the divine spirit was the effect of this unknown agent. The report you sent me has removed this doubt and though it has sufficiently demonstrated that Mr. Mesmer and his disciples have discovered no new property in nature yet it has itself made a very wonderful and very important discovery, namely to what degree the imagination can operate on the human frame.\nI am much pleased with your description of the Cylinder lamp and wish for an opportunity of procuring one. The phosphoretic matches I have seen. They are sold in our toy shops. I think them a pretty invention, but am not much disposed to make use of them in the way you hint. I am in general obliged to be so much awake in the day that I sleep sound at night: or if I chance to awake in the night which is but seldom, I find that solemn stillness a good opportunity to revolve some subject which I want to trace through its various relations and probable effects and consequences.\nI would willingly subscribe for the Encyclop\u00e9die Methodique. But it appears to me as if I must bid adieu to the Sciences. My time and thoughts are so entirely engrossed with the duties and business of my office that I have no leisure to prosecute those philosophical researches I once was fond of. And from what I can see Congress seem disposed rather to encrease than to diminish those duties.\nI am made very happy by Mr. Jay\u2019s acceptance of the office for the department of foreign affairs. By him you will be supplied with the journals of Congress and regularly informed of their proceedings as well as of the state of our affairs in general, so that I need not trouble you on that head.\nI long to see your answer to Mr. M[arbois]\u2019s queries. I hope by this time you have found leisure to revise and compleat that work and have committed it to the press or at least struck off some copies for the satisfaction of your friends, among whom I hope to be ranked. I submit it to your consideration whether you do not owe it to your reputation to publish your work under a more dignified title. In the state in which I saw it I consider it a most excellent Natural history not merely of Virginia but of No. America and possibly equal if not superior to that of any Country yet published.\nI thank you for your notice of Mr. Norris and shall be happy in every opportunity of testifying with what sincerity and respect I am Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & humble Servt.,\nChas. Thomson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0011", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Clouet, [11 March 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Clouet, Jean Charles\n               J\u2019ai re\u00e7u Monsr. la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019\u00e9crire et je differois d\u2019y repondre en attendant toujours l\u2019arriv\u00e9e de la caisse renfermant le portrait du Genl. W. afin que je puisse en meme tems vous en annoncer la reception. Je commen\u00e7ois de craindre que quelque malheur l\u2019avoit rencontr\u00e9 chemin faisant, lorsque y reflechissant hier au soir il m\u2019a venu dans l\u2019esprit qu\u2019il pourroit \u00eatre arriv\u00e9 a Paris et qu\u2019on en attendoit la demande. J\u2019ai tout de suite ordonn\u00e9 les recherches necessaires, et je suis heureux de vous en annoncer le succ\u00e8s; on l\u2019a trouv\u00e9 qui etoit arriv\u00e9 il y avoit plusieures semaines. Je le crois de mon devoir de vous en faire part au plutot et de vous addresser mes remercimens pour toutes les soins que vous avez eu la bont\u00e9 d\u2019y donner. J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec consideration Monsr. votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0012", "content": "Title: John Jay to the American Commissioners, [11] March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: American Commissioners\nGentlemen\nOffice for foreign affairs[11] March 1785\nOn the 7 May 1784 Congress was pleased to Resolve \u201cThat Treaties of amity and Commerce be entered into with Morocco, and the Regencies of Algiers Tunis and Tripoly, to continue for the Term of ten Years or for a Term as much longer as can be procured.\u201d\nThey also resolved \u201cThat their Ministers to be commissioned for treating with foreign nations, make known to the Emperor of Morrocco the great Satisfaction which Congress feel from the amicable Disposition he has shewn for these States, and his Readiness to enter into Alliance with them: That the occupations of the War and Distance of our Situation have prevented their meeting his Friendship so early as they wished. But that powers are now delegated to them for entering into Treaty with him; in the execution of which they are ready to proceed. That as to the Expences of his minister they do therein what is for the Honor of the United States.\u201d\nThey further Resolved that a Commission be issued to \u201cMr. J. Adams, Mr. B. Franklin and Mr. T. Jefferson giving Powers to them or the greater Part of them to make and recieve Propositions for such Treaties of amity and Commerce, and to negociate and sign the same, transmitting them to Congress for their final Ratification and that such Commission be in force for a Term not exceeding two years.\u201d\nI presume Gentlemen that you have received copies of the above Resolutions as well as of a number of others respecting your Department before my coming into this office; and that you have taken such measures in Pursuance of them as were best calculated to promote the Design and objects of them.\nOn the 14 of Feby. Instant Congress \u201cResolved that the Ministers of the United States who are directed to form Treaties with the Emperor of Morocco, and the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoly, be empowered to apply so much of the money borrowed in Holland, or any other money in Europe belonging to the United States, to that use as they may deem necessary, not exceeding Eighty Thousand Dollars.\n\u201cThat they be further empowered, if the Situation of affairs should render it inexpedient for either of them to procede to the  above Court, to appoint such Persons as they may deem qualified to execute this Trust.\nThat the Secretary for foreign affairs be directed to write to the above Ministers, pressing upon them the necessity of prosecuting this important Business, and forwarding to them Commissions and Letters of Credence, with a blank for the name of such Person as may be directed to conclude the said Treaties.\u201d\nThe Secretary of Congress informs me that you have already been furnished with Commissions to treat with these African Powers, so that nothing now remains to be done to enable you to commence your negotiations with them, for Letters of Credence and a commission to enable you to appoint an Agent or Substitute in the Business are herewith transmitted to you.\nIt also appears to me expedient to send you copies of such Papers in this office on this Subject as may be necessary to give you accurate Information of what has heretofore been done respecting it\u2014a List of which will be subjoined to this Letter.\nYou will probably meet with Difficulties and Embarrasments of various kinds in the Prosecution of this Business, but Difficulties and Embarrasments are not new to you, and Experience has taught us that there are very few which Talents assiduity and perseverance cannot overcome.\nIt is the Desire and Expectation of Congress and of the People at large that this Business be immediately earnestly and vigourously undertaken and pursued, and considering to whom the Execution of it is committed the most sanguine Expectations of its being speedily and properly accomplished are entertained. Peace with those States is a most desireable Object, as well on account of its Importance to our Commerce, as because the Continuance of their Hostilities must constantly expose our free Citizens to Captivity and Slavery. The interests therefore of Humanity as well as Commerce urge Congress and the public to provide and to desire that no Time or Pains may be spared to bring this Matter to an advantageous and happy conclusion.\nThe Readiness which the Court of France has expressed to aid our Negotiations in this affair, will render it proper that these Transactions be communicated to them, and, if Circumstances should render it necessary, that their assistance be requested, for altho the Trouble they have already had with our affairs should render us delicate and modest in our applications, yet Reserve  should not be carried so far as to be imputable either to Pride or want of Confidence.\nOn the 4 Instant Congress received a Letter dated at Cadiz the 16th. Day of Novr. 1784 from Giacomo Francisco Crocco, whom the Emperor of Morrocco had sent to Spain to treat on the Subject of Propositions which Mr. Robert Montgomery had it seems taken the unwarrantable Liberty of making to his Majesty on the part of the United States. This Letter enclosed Copies of two others which he had written on the 15th. day of July and the 25th. Day of Novemr. last to the Honble Doctr. Franklin. A copy of this Letter and of the answer I am directed to return to it are herewith enclosed for your Information.\nAt Courts where Favoritism as well as Corruption prevails, it is necessary that attention be paid even to Men who may have no other recommendation than their Influence with their Superiors; what the real Characters of Mr. Crocco or Mr. Caille may be, I am not informed; but I think you will find it expedient to purchase the Influence of those whom you may find so circumstanced, as to be able to impede or forward your Views; perhaps Gratuities before the work is done, might tempt them to delay it, in Hopes of exacting Dispatch Money. Would it not therefore be prudent to promise payment on the Completion of the Treaties? These are delicate Subjects which your greater Experience well enables you to manage, and on which I should not venture any Hints, if this Letter was not to be delivered to you by a private and I believe a careful and confidential Hand\u2014vizt. by Capt. Lamb of Connecticut. This Gentleman was recommended by the Governor of Connecticut as a proper Person to be employed in this Business. The Testimonials he has from that State contain the only Information I possess respecting his Character. They are certainly greatly in his favor. In this matter Congress have not thought proper to interfere, and Capt. Lamb has no Encouragement either from them or from me to expect that he will be employed, it being intended to leave you in the full and uninfluenced Exercise of your Discretion in appointing the Agent in Question. But as Capt. Lamb informs me that he means to go to Paris, I have concluded to commit this Letter to his care, because I am persuaded that he will be as faithful a Bearer of it as any other Person. I have the Honor to be with great Respect and Esteem Gent. your most obt. & very hble. Servt.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0013", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 12 March 1785\nFrom: Holker, Jean\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRouen 12 Mars 1785\nYoul be surprised their is no doubt not having heard from me Since my last, the Reason was that the Vessel on Board your Box, was only arrived at this port this Morning, and having a favourable occasion to forward it you, I appleyd to Our directure of the farms, to deliver it me which he has don, and send it by my friend Mr. Guilboud who will deliver it, and a letter he has got under my Sons Cover, from the Congres, as I fancy, for you and my friend Mr. Barcley; but as he is not in paris I fancey, If it is necessary, that my Good friend Doctor Franklin will do the needfull for him.  Although I must confes, the affaire is a very disagreeable one indeed.\nI shant need to Enter into any detail, as your letter and my Sons will acquaint you of the whole affair, and the leters Mr. Guilboud will present you of the transaction, must convince every honest man that my old friend Samuel Wharton is a bad man indeed.\nI am Really sorry for it, as I had the greatest opinion of him, but so it is, and I humble beg youl render Mr. Guilboud every servis in your Power on that head and youl oblige Dear Sir your very humble & Respectful Servant,\nJ Holker\nI am sorry to Inform you, that It is not in the Power of the Directure of the farms to deliver me the Caise, as all preses or objects of that Nature is visited by the first President here and obliged to be forwarded by water to Paris under an acque so the caise will part this day in a bote and when it arrives in Paris will be sent to his Excelence Doctor Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0014", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza House Trist, 12 March 1785\nFrom: Trist, Eliza House\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMississippi Acadian CoastMarch 12th. 1785\nIn a very few days, I expect to leave this country having nearly compleated my business, tho not so advantageously as I had reason to expect. Owing to the paper currency, I shall be obliged to give seventy five pr. Cent to get it exchanged into silver, but this loss I must submit to. There is not the most distant prospect that the situation of affairs will be better in the course of another year, and were they to turn out agreeable to my most sanguine wishes, it wou\u2019d be too great a sacrifice for me to make. I have experienced too much pain and anxiety allready in this country and every hour presents something that reminds me of my misfortune.\nI have no other expectation of happiness but the company and conversation of my friends. Here I am shut out from all intercourse with them. I was so long deprived of the pleasure of hearing from them that I began to think my self the most miserable of all human  beings, forgot by them all at a time when my wounded mind required the aid of friendship to sooth and allay its painfull perturbations. As gloomy Ideas are ever attendant on the wretched my real troubles were constantly augmenting by antisipating other Calamities. I condemn as well as you the harbouring of such thoughts, and have done all in my power to suppress them, but in spite of all my exertions they are too often my superior and allmost over power me. On the 4th. of January I received a letter from my Brother dated 16th. of October 84 enclosing two from Mr. Madison and one from Colonel Wadsworth. They were the first I received since I have been in the country. They gave me the pleasing information of your having wrote to me before you sailed and likewise of your being safe arrived in France. I experienced joy in the extreeme in perusing my letters to find my friends had not been neglectfull of me and their kind sympathy for my unfortunate situation convinces me I had no just cause for suspecting they no longer rememberd me.\nYour very friendly letter of the 27th. [sic] of May I did not receive until the 22d. of last month. Shall I ever have it in my power to return your many kindnesses? Was I to repeat what I feel it wou\u2019d pain a mind like yours to hear. I can only say I have a heart susceptable of gratitude and a memory faithfull to its trust.\nI found Mr. Trist\u2019s property unincumberd tho greatly lessen\u2019d since he came to this country owing to the change of Goverment. I shall be able to take with me as many Dollars as he brought Guineas in to it, but it will be sufficient to prevent my being too great a tax upon the generosity of my friends. But my obligation to you is the same as if necessitated to accept your friendly offer.\nAs there is no Vessel to sail from this to any of the United States I am obliged to go to Jamaica which will be the mean of prolonging my absence from my friends but am in hopes we shall reach Philad. about the 1st. of June. What sort of a sailor I shall make is uncertain never having been at sea. If our voyage shou\u2019d prove more boistrous than coming down the River I flatter my self it will be less tedious and if I have the good fortune to get safe home my desire for traviling will be fully satisfied. When will your embasy be at an end? Shall I ever have the pleasure of seeing you again I mean to give you an account of my peregranation. I fancy your travils will afford much greater entertainment than mine. Miss Patsy will have a fine oppertunity of perfecting her self in the french language and I expect to see her return the accomplish\u2019d lady. Please to present her my best affections and tell her  not to let a change of Place customs and manners eradicate from her Remembrance her old friends. Tho they may be less polish\u2019d they may be equally sincere with any new ones she may create. I will write her from Philad. when I expect among other felicitys to hear from you and her. I did my self the pleasure of writing to you some time ago. I sent it to Orleans to take its chance. If it reaches you, it will serve to convince you that I thought of my friends when I doubted of their solicitude for me. I can not give you a very flattering discription of this country. It has been a bubble from the beginning. The poor can live in it, but there are few rich and I fancy tis the policy of the spanish goverment to keep people poor. The climate is not disagreeable. I have seen full as good land in my own country as any on this river but I must conclude for I have not time to enter into a regular detail. You can easily find out that I am not partial to It, but no country wou\u2019d be agreeable to me under the same circumstances that I have labourd under. Wishing you the enjoyment of every erthly happiness I remain your much obliged friend and Humble Servt.,\nEliza Trist", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0015", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to De Thulemeier, 14 March 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nSir\nPassy March 14th. 1785\nWe had the honor of receiving your letter of Janry. 24. covering a translation into French of the Draught of a treaty proposed between his majesty the King of Prussia and the United States of America, together with answers to the several articles. We have considered them with attention, and with all those dispositions to accomodate them to the wishes of his majesty which a respect for his character, and a desire of connecting the two nations in amity and commerce would naturally produce. We will now take the liberty of troubling you with the result of our deliberations article by article.\nArt. 2. We agree to add the restriction proposed to the end of this clause, to wit, \u201csubmitting themselves nevertheless to the laws and usages there established, and to which are submitted the citizens of the United states, and the citizens and subjects of the most favoured nations.\u201d\nArt. 3. Agreed to add a like clause, to wit, \u201csubmitting themselves nevertheless to the laws and usages there established, and to which are submitted the subjects of his majesty the K. of Prussia, and the subjects and citizens of the most favored nations.\u201d\nArt. 4. Three effects of this article are objected to.\n1. the permission to export and import all the merchandize of either country without exception.\n2. the permission to all persons to be buyers and sellers.\n3. the not extending in express terms the right of transportation beyond the vessels of the two contracting parties.\nAs to the first we agree to make to the clause the addition proposed, to wit, \u201cNevertheless the King of Prussia and the United states, and each of them, reserve to themselves the right to prohibit in their respective countries the importation and exportation of all merchandize whatsoever, when reasons of state shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. But if one of the contracting parties permits any other nation to import or export the same merchandize, the subjects or citizens of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.\u201d\nWith respect to the second object, a permission to all persons to become buyers and sellers in this intercourse, it does indeed interfere with the practice of some nations of Europe, wherein the right of buying and selling particular articles of merchandize is frequently given to particular persons or descriptions of persons exclusively. The origin of this practice is to be found in a very remote and unenlightened period, when religion, physics, and every other branch of science was sophisticated and abused. The progress of information and of liberal sentiment has led to reformations in those, and in this also seems to have matured principles which should produce a reformation equally wanted. Commerce performs the important office of procuring vent for superfluities, of supplying wants, and of adjusting prices on a reasonable scale. This it does best where it is freest. Casting an eye over the states of Europe, we find them wealthy and populous nearly in proportion to the freedom of their commerce; and we may conclude from thence that were it perfectly free, they would probably attain the highest points of wealth and population of which their other circumstances would admit. A free competition between buyers and sellers, is the most certain means of fixing the true worth of merchandize: on the other hand the restraint of this right to particular persons, which  constitutes a monopoly, has been found in experience the most powerful engine ever employed for the suffocation of commerce. It is interesting to both parties therefore to guard against this in their stipulations. The law of Konigsberg which prohibits a foreigner from selling his merchandize to any but native subjects is a monopoly in a certain degree. It would rather seem desireable that foreigners should come into our ports and there transact together all their business of exchange. It is not for us to judge whether under actual circumstances this law of Konigsberg is a proper object of reformation. His Prussian majesty will decide this, who has already so much extended the limits of happiness for his subjects by the removal of other bars to which time and habit had given their sanction. Should it be indispensable to save the force of this law, we would propose to retain the expressions in this article which give freedom to all buyers and sellers, but that at the end of the addition before agreed to a further one should be made in this form. \u201cNor shall this article derogate from the force of the laws of the city of Konigsberg, which forbid traffic between foreigners within the limits of their jurisdiction.\u201d This will guard against monopoly so much of the feild of commerce as is not already occupied by it. We wish however that in this article the word \u201cpersons\u201d should be substituted instead of \u201cthe subjects or citizens of that other\u201d and again instead of \u201cthe said subjects or citizens.\u201d\n3. The third objection to this article is that it does not extend the right of transportation beyond the vessels of the two countries. It was thought that the securing this right so far was making a valuable step towards the freedom of intercourse. A right would remain to each party of refusing that privilege to vessels foreign to both; a right which probably would never be exercised but in retaliation on any particular nation adopting that narrow principle. We abandon freely the reservation in its general form in pursuit of an object so valuable to mankind as the total emancipation of commerce and the bringing together all nations for a free inter-communication of happiness, and agree after the words \u201cin their own\u201d to insert \u201cor any other.\u201d But we still propose it for consideration whether it will be expedient to either party to disarm itself entirely of the power of retaliating on any particular nation which may restrain the loading of vessels to articles of the growth or manufacture of the country to which they belong? Circumstances may be produced which would render the retaliation essential to  the honour and interests of the parties. We therefore propose after the words \u201creserve to themselves the right\u201d in the amendment before agreed to, to insert these, \u201cwhere any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture, to establish against such nation retaliating regulations; and also the right.\u201d\nThis fourth article with the several amendments which we have proposed or agreed to will stand thus \u201cMore especially each party shall have a right to carry their own produce, manufactures and merchandize in their own or any other vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them, and thence to take the produce manufactures and merchandize of the other, which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them, paying in both cases such duties, charges and fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation. Nevertheless the King of Prussia and the United States and each of them reserve to themselves the right where any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture to establish against such nation retaliating regulations; and also the right to prohibit in their respective countries the importation and exportation of all merchandize whatsoever, when reasons of state shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. But if one of the contracting parties permits any other nation to import or export the same merchandize the citizens or subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty. Nor shall this article derogate from the laws of the city of Konigsberg which forbid traffic between foreigners within the limits of their jurisdiction.\u201d\nArt. 5. We agree that the fifth Article shall stand in the form proposed, to wit, \u201cthe merchants, commanders of vessels, or other subjects or citizens of either party shall not within the ports or jurisdiction of the other be forced to unload any sort of merchandize into any other vessels, nor to receive them into their own, nor to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.\u201d\nArt. 8. Agreed to omit the words \u201cand without being obliged to pay any duties charges or fees whatsoever, or to render any account of their cargo\u201d and to substitute those proposed, to wit, \u201cand without being obliged to render account of their cargo, or to pay any duties charges or fees whatsoever except those established for  vessels entered into port and appropriated to the maintenance of the port itself, or of other establishments for the safety and convenience of navigators, which duties, charges and fees shall be the same, and shall be paid on the same footing as in the case of subjects or citizens of the country where they are established.\u201d\nArt. 9. We agree to the amendment proposed by adding to this article these words \u201cthe ancient and barbarous right to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished with respect to the subjects or citizens of the two contracting parties.\u201d\nArt. 10. By the laws of the United States copied in this instance from those of England, aliens are incapable of holding real estate. When an estate of that nature descends to an alien, it passes on by escheat to the State. The policy of the United States does not permit the giving to the subjects of any other power a capacity to hold lands within their limits, which was proposed by the project formerly delivered to Mr. Adams. But they are perfectly willing to relieve such persons from all loss on this account by permitting them to sell the inheritance and withdraw the proceeds without any detraction. Again, tho\u2019 with them it is a fundamental principle that every man has a natural right to quit the country in which either chance or choice has placed him, and to become a member of any other where he thinks he can be happier, and the laws of some of them direct the particular form in which it is to be done, and therefore these States can pass no laws to prevent the emigration of their fellow-citizens, yet they will respect the principles of other governments where the practice is different. We consent therefore to add to the end of this clause, from the 8th. of the project these words \u201cand exempt from all rights of detraction on the part of the government of the respective states. But this article shall not derogate in any manner from the force of the laws already published or hereafter to be published by his Majesty the King of Prussia to prevent the emigrations of his subjects.\u201d\nArt. 12. Agreed to omit the clause \u201con the other hand enemy vessels shall make enemy goods\u201d &c. to the end of the article and to leave that question undecided.\nArt. 13. The stipulation \u201cto pay a reasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors\u201d is not so determinate as to save the necessity of a future arrangement. It was thought questionable whether any mode which might now be thought of, might not, by a change of circumstances, before the case should arise, become inapplicable: and that arrangements  would then be easily and amicably taken for doing justice to the individuals interested. We are ready however to receive a proposition for defining the mode at this time. We agree also to the addition proposed to this clause, to wit \u201cbut in the case supposed of a vessel stopped for articles heretofore deemed contraband, if the master of the vessel stopped will deliver out the goods supposed to be of contraband nature he shall be admitted to do it, and the vessel shall not in that case be carried into any port, nor further detained, but shall be allowed to proceed on her voyage.\u201d\nArt. 19. A clause in the treaty with France, the first the United States ever entered into, renders necessary the exception subjoined to this Article. It has not been repeated, nor is proposed to be repeated in any subsequent treaty. If any antecedent treaties would require a like exception on the part of his Prussian majesty we shall chearfully concur in its insertion, the case being either particularly specified or generally described. The practice of carrying prizes into neutral ports and there selling them, is admitted by the usage of nations, and can give offence to none where they have not guarded against it by particular contract. Were the clause now under consideration to be so changed as to exclude the prizes made on the enemies of either from being sold in the ports of the other, and that kind of stipulation to take place generally, it would operate very injuriously against the United States in cases wherein it is not presumed his Majesty would wish it. For suppose them to be hereafter in war with any power in Europe, their enemy, tho\u2019 excluded from the ports of every other State, will yet have their own ports at hand, into which they may carry and sell the prizes they shall make on the United States. But the United States under a like general exclusion, having no ports of their own in Europe, their prizes in these seas must be hazarded across the ocean to seek a market at home: an incumbrance which would cripple all their efforts on that element, and give to their enemies great advantage over them.\nArt. 21. Agreed to add as proposed \u201cbut by the judicatures of the place into which the prize shall be conducted.\u201d\nArt. 25. Agreed to add as proposed \u201cbut if any such Consuls shall exercise commerce, they shall be submitted to the same laws and usages to which the private individuals of their nation are submitted in the same place.\u201d\nUpon the whole it will be seen that we accomodate ourselves to the amendments proposed to the 2d. 3d. 5th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 12th.  13th. 21st. and 25th. articles, that we agree to the amendments proposed to the 4th. article with certain qualifications, and we cannot but hope that the 4th. and the 19th. articles so amended and qualified may be permitted to stand.\nWe have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect Sir Your most obedt. & most hble. Servts.\njohn adams\nb. franklin\nt. jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0017", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 15 March 1785\nFrom: Page, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nRosewell, March. 15th. 1785\nI return you many Thanks for your Letter and much valued Packet by Col. Le Maire. I am the more obliged to you as I am conscious I so little deserved your Attention, but I hope when I shall have more Leisure I shall be able to apologise for a long seeming Neglect, give you some Satisfaction respecting several Matters you may wish to be informed of, and demonstrate to you that I can never forget our old Friendship. The Public Business I have been engaged in, added to my own Affairs which have been much involved and deranged by the War, needed not the Additional Load of my Father\u2019s and Mr. Burwell\u2019s to perplex a Head so easily confused as mine, and to prevent such an one as I am from attending sufficiently to his absent Friends. I have not yet seen Col. Le Maire. I write this in Haste to send by an Opportunity which I am told offers in Wmsburg. that I may not lose one, and that the first to declare to you that I mean to write to you by every good Conveyance which I may hear of. I propose to write by Mazzei more fully. In the mean Time I remain, wishing you and your Daughter every Happiness, most sincerely & affectionately yrs.,\nJohn Page", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0018", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Chevalli\u00e9, 17 March 1785\nFrom: Chevalli\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nRochefort le 17. Mars 1785.\nJ\u2019ai v\u00fb avec reconnoissance dans les deux lettres que vous avez Ecrit \u00e0 Mr. Bn. Franklin les 25. 9bre. et 1er. Xbre. dernier, Et que ce Ministre Pl\u00e9nipotentiaire des Treize Etats unis a e\u00fb la bont\u00e9 de me transmettre, \u00e0 la suite de la D\u00e9p\u00eache dont il m\u2019a honnor\u00e9 le 26 fevrier dernier, tous les renseignements Sur l\u2019obj\u00eat de mes demandes aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019Etat de Virginie Et que vous paroissez tenir de Mr. Schort, l\u2019un des membres actuels du Conseil de cet Etat, arriv\u00e9 en dernier lieu \u00e0 Paris. Apr\u00e8s avoir \u00e9t\u00e9 aussi bien instruit sur les dispositions o\u00f9 on Etoit de me satisfaire, lorsque Mr. Schort a laiss\u00e9 la Virginie, Je dois avoir l\u2019honneur de vous faire part directement de quelques observations que J\u2019ai \u00e0 faire sur le contenu de Votre Lettre du 1er. Xbre.\nMes r\u00e9clamations ne sont du tout point li\u00e9es avec celles de Mr. de Beaumarchais, Puisqu\u2019elles tiennent \u00e0 une Comission de 3.P.% que J\u2019ai acquise, \u00e0 la v\u00e9rit\u00e9 sur le montant de la Vente des Marchandises qui formoient la Cargaison du Fier Roderigue, Et que je fis moi-m\u00eame le 8 Juin 1778 \u00e0 Mr. Peter Henry alors Gouverneur de Virginie (Et non Pas le Sr. Francy, Comme vous l\u2019avez cr\u00fb), Et pour laquelle Comission il m\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 donn\u00e9 d\u00e8s le 9. 7bre. 1780. Par ledit Sr. de Francy, comme agent de Mr. de Beaumarchais, deux tra\u00eetes \u00e0 mon ordre Sur Mr. Armstead, ou tout autre agent de Virginie, Payable \u00e0 dix jours de Vu\u00eb, l\u2019une de 5420. Pounds 1 schelin 6 sols avec les int\u00e9r\u00eats \u00e0 Compter du 1er. Juillet 1778., tels qu\u2019ils ont \u00e9t\u00e9s convenus Etre Pay\u00e9s dans mon Contract de Vente pass\u00e9 avec Mr. Henry, dont Mr. de Franklin a e\u00fb une copie que je luy ai envoy\u00e9, de L\u2019Exp\u00e9dition que J\u2019ai par devers moi r\u00e9v\u00eatu des Sceaux de la Province Et qu\u2019il est \u00e0 lieu de vous Communiquer. L\u2019autre Traite est de 46. miliers de Tabac. Il va vous \u00eatre ais\u00e9, Monsieur, de Pr\u00e9sumer que ces deux \u00eaffets, qui sont en originaux aux mains du Sr. Dominique Cabarrus neveu, N\u00e9gociant r\u00e9sidant \u00e0 yorkTown, qui a ma Procuration pour en Solliciter le Payement, portent naturellement sur les fonds qui restent d\u00fbs par l\u2019Etat de Virginie \u00e0 Mr. de Beaumarchais.\nIl eut \u00e9t\u00e9 bien simple, en ordonnant un acompte proportionn\u00e9 au montant de ces deux Eff\u00eats, le principal et Int\u00e9r\u00eats, Et de les donner ensuite Pour comptant \u00e0 celuy qui repr\u00e9sente M. de Beaumarchais aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019Etat de Virginie. J\u2019aurois \u00e9t\u00e9 rempli de mon d\u00fb Et tout seroit dans l\u2019ordre aujourd\u2019huy, Aulieu que je me trouve r\u00e9duit, par le deffaut de Jouissance de mes fonds, \u00e0 la plus grande d\u00e9tresse. C\u2019est donc sous ce point de Vu\u00eb que vous devrez dor\u00e9navant envisager mes Justes r\u00e9clamations, Et que je vous supplie de les appuyer de votre bienveillance en m\u2019envoyant des lettres de recommendation pour mon fils que je vais faire partir tout expr\u00e8s pour aller solliciter luim\u00eame le Payement de ce qui m\u2019est d\u00fb, aupr\u00e8s des Puissances de L\u2019Etat de Virginie Et du Congr\u00e8s. Il s\u2019embarquera d\u00e8s aussit\u00f4t leur r\u00e9\u00e7eption. Je d\u00e9sirerois beaucoup d\u2019en obtenir par votre moyen de Mr. Schort.\nJe dois encore avoir l\u2019honneur de vous observer, qu\u2019au lieu de d\u00e9p\u00f4 de la solde qui restoit du\u00eb \u00e0 Mr. de Beaumarchais quand je Partis de Williamsburg au mois d\u2019Ao\u00fbt 1778 dans le Fier Roderigue pour m\u2019en retourner en France, que Je n\u2019avois point trait\u00e9 d\u2019une mani\u00e8re \u00e0 re\u00e7evoir le montant du Produit de ma Vente en monnoye Courante d\u2019Alors, puisqu\u2019il fut expliqu\u00e9 dans mon Contract de Vente qu\u2019on m\u2019allouoit Six pour un du montant de ma  facture de France, Et qu\u2019il me seroit pay\u00e9en acompte 2000. Boucauds de Tabac fix\u00e9s \u00e0 4. Pounds le Cent, le Surplus Portant Int\u00e9r\u00eat sur le Pied de 6.p.% l\u2019an. Faites-vous remettre la Copie de ce Contract Et du Compte Courant arr\u00eat\u00e9 avec Messrs. Armstead et Henry qui en est d\u00e9pendant, Et qu\u2019a Mr. de Franklin, vous aurez la preuve de ce que j\u2019avance, Et de la bonne foi de mon Trait\u00e9 avec Mr. Henry. Sur ce Principe Je me crois tr\u00e8s fond\u00e9 \u00e0 obtenir le Payement de ce qui m\u2019est d\u00fb en Dollars, sans quoi je pr\u00e9f\u00e9rerai de tout Perdre et de rester Ruin\u00e9 \u00e0 Jamais. Je le serois en eff\u00eat si on me faisoit Eprouver une Pareille injustice.\nJe me conformerai au Surplus, Monsieur, \u00e0 Tout ce que vous avez e\u00fb la bont\u00e9 de dire relativement \u00e0 mes autres Cr\u00e9an\u00e7es, sur le Congr\u00e8s, Mr. Walnay et le Sr. Sans; celuy-cy me doit L\u2019Equivalent de 230. Boucauds de Tabac qu\u2019il est hors d\u2019Etat de me Payer, \u00e0 ce que m\u2019a mand\u00e9 Mr. de Marbois.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019Etre avec des sentiments aussi distingu\u00e9s que Respectueux, Monsieur Votre Tr\u00e8s humble & tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nChevalli\u00e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0019", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to John Jay, 18 March 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis March 18th. 1785.\nWe received by the last Packet the favor of your letter of Janry. 14. in which we have the agreeable information of your having accepted the appointment of Secretary for foreign Affairs. Besides the general interest we feel in this event as members of the Union which is to [be] availed of your services, we are particularly happy that a channel of communication is opened for us with Congress in whose justice and abilities we so perfectly confide.\nIn our letter by the Febry. Packet which we addressed to His Excellency the President of Congress, we had the honor of transmitting a state of our transactions intervening between the date of that and of our preceding letter. We now beg leave through you to inform them of our progress since the last period.\nNo. 1. is a letter from the Popes Nuncio at this court, which tho\u2019 dated at this place as the 15th. of December 1784 was not delivered to us till late in February. We consider it as definitive of our commission to the Holy See unless new instructions or circumstances should render a further proceeding under it proper.\nNo. 2. from the Charg\u00e9 des Affaires of Tuscany here came also to hand after the closing of our letter by the last Packet.\nFrom Baron de Thulemeier Prussian Minister at the Hague we have received the enclosed letter No. 3. covering a French translation of the Draught of a treaty which we had proposed through him to the court of Berlin as formerly reported to Congress, with observations on the several parts of it. This paper is numbered 4. and has been answered by our letter of which No. 5. is a copy.\nWe have also received from the Baron de Thulemeier the letters No. 6. and 7. in answer to ours (formerly communicated to Congress) on the subjects of free ports within the territories of his Sovereign.\nIn consequence of a letter written by Mr. Adams to Mr. Dumas praying his enquiries and information as to the presents, whether periodical or occasional, made by the United Netherlands to the several pyratical States, he has favored us with the enclosed authentic information marked No. 8. We learn from public papers that the Republic of Venice pays annually to Tripoli a tribute of 3500 Sequins. From a comparison of the strength of this with that of the other pyratical States some grounds are furnished for conjecturing what is paid by them to the others when in Peace with them. We have promises of some further information on the subject of these tributes, which the envy or pride of nations endeavours to cover under mystery, the sum of them will serve to form a judgment of the contributions which will be required from us. With great respect We have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & Most humble Servants,\njohn adams\nb. franklin\nt. jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0020", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis Mar. 18. 1785.\nMy last to you was dated Dec. 8. Since that yours of Feb. 1. has come to hand; and I am in hopes I shall shortly receive from you the history of the last session of our assembly. I will pray you always to send your letters by the French packet which sails from N. York the 15th. of every month. I had made Neill Jamieson my  postmaster general there, who will always take care of my letters and confide them to passengers when there are any worthy of confidence: since the removal of Congress to that place, you can chuse between N. Jamieson and our delegates there, to which you would rather address my letters. The worst conveyances you can possibly find are private hands, or merchant ships coming from Virginia directly to France. These letters either come not at all, or like the histories of antient times they detail to us events after their influence is spent.\nYour character of the M. Fayette is precisely agreeable to the idea I had formed of him. I take him to be of unmeasured ambition but that the means he uses are virtuous. He is returned fraught with affection to America and disposed to render every possible service. Of the cause which separated the committee of the states we never have had an explicit account. Hints and dark sentences from newspapers and private letters have excited without satisfying our curiosity. As your cipher is safe pray give me a detail of it. The navigation of the Scheld had for a great while agitated the politics of Europe and seemed to threaten the involving it in a general war. All of a sudden another subject, infinitely more interesting is brought on the carpet. There is reason to beleive that the Emperor has made an exchange of territories with the Elector of Bavaria, and that while the Scheld has been the ostensible, Bavaria has been the real object of his military preparations. When the proposition was communicated to the King of Prussia it is said he declared qu\u2019il mourroit le cul sur la selle rather than see it take effect. The Dutch it is thought would be secretly pleased with it. And some think that certain places said to be reserved by the Emperor on the borders of France are meant to be given to the latter for her acquiescence. I am attending with anxiety to the part she will act on this occasion. I shall change my opinion of her system of policy if it be not honorable. If the Dutch escape a war, they seem still to be in danger of internal revolution. The Stadholder and Aristocracy can carry their differences no further without an appeal to the sword. The people are on the side of the Stadtholder. The conduct of the aristocracy in pushing their measures to such extremity is inexplicable but on the supposition that France has promised to support them which it is thought she was obliged to do before they would enter into the late treaty. We hear nothing from England. This circumstance, with the passage of their N.F.land bill thro\u2019 the house of commons, and the sending a Consul to America (which we hear they have done) sufficiently prove a  perseverance in the system of managing for us as well as for themselves in their connection with us. The administration of that country are governed by the people, and the people by their own interested wishes without calculating whether they are just or capable of being effected. Nothing will bring them to reason but physical obstruction, applied to their bodily senses. We must shew that we are capable of foregoing commerce with them, before they will be capable of consenting to an equal commerce. We have all the world besides open to supply us with gew-gaws, and all the world to buy our tobacco, for in such an event England must buy it from Amsterdam, l\u2019Orient or any other place at which we should think proper to deposit it for them. They allow our commodities to be taken from our own ports to the W. Indies in their vessels only. Let us allow their vessels to take them to no port. The transportation of our own produce is worth 750,000\u00a3 sterl. annually, will employ 200,000 tonnage of ships, and 12,000 seamen constantly. It will be no misfortune that Gr. Br. obliges us to exclude her from a participation in this business. Our own shipping will grow fast under the exclusion, and till it is equal to the object the Dutch will supply us. The commerce with the Eng. W. I. is valuable and would be worth a sacrifice to us. But the commerce with the British dominions in Europe is a losing one and deserves no sacrifice. Our tobacco they must have from whatever place we make it\u2019s deposit, because they can get no other whose quality so well suits the habits of their people. It is not a commodity like wheat, which will not bear a double voyage. Were it so, the privilege of carrying it directly to England might be worth something. I know nothing which would act more powerfully as a sumptuary law with our people than an inhibition of commerce with England. They are habituated to the luxuries of that country and will have them while they can get them. They are unacquainted with those of other countries, and therefore will not very soon bring them so far into fashion as that it shall be thought disreputable not to have them in one\u2019s house or on their table.\u2014It is to be considered how far an exemption of Ireland from this inhibition would embarrass the councils of Engld. on the one hand, and defeat the regulation itself on the other. I rather beleive it would do more harm in the latter way than good in the former. In fact a heavy aristocracy and corruption are two bridles in the mouths of the Irish which will prevent them from making any effectual efforts against their masters. We shall now very soon call for decisive answers to certain points interesting to the United States and unconnected with the general  treaty which they have a right to decline. I mentioned to you in a former letter a very good dictionary of universal law called the Code d\u2019humanit\u00e9 in 13. vols. 4to. Meeting by chance an opportunity of buying a copy, new, and well bound for 104 livres I purchased it for you. It comes to 8 livres a volume which is a fraction over a dollar and a half, and in England costs 15/ sterl. a volume. I shall have an opportunity of sending this and what other books I have bought for you in May. But new information throws me all into doubt what to do with them. Late letters tell us you are nominated for the court of Spain. I must depend on further intelligence therefore to decide whether to send them or to await your orders. I need not tell you how much I shall be pleased with such an event. Yet it has it\u2019s displeasing sides also. I want you in the Virginia Assembly and also in Congress yet we cannot have you everywhere. We must therefore be contented to have you where you chuse. Adieu, Yours affectionately &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0021", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis Mar. 18. 1785.\nI wrote you by the packet which sailed from hence in Feb. and then acknoleged the receipt of yours of Dec. 14. which came by the packet arriving here in Jan. That which sailed from N.Y. in Jan. and arrived here in Feb. brings me no letter from any body except from Mr. Jay to Mr. Adams Dr. F. and myself jointly. Since my last the rumour of an exchange proposed between the Emperor and El. of Bavaria has proved to have foundation. What issue it will be permitted to have is doubtful. The K. of Prussia will risk his own annihilation to prevent it. The Dutch would rather be pleased with it; and it is thought by some that it will not be disagreeable to France. It has even been said that certain places are reserved by the Emperor on the borders of France to give to this court by way of hush money. I am watching with anxiety the part which this court will act. If the sordid one suspected by some, I shall renounce all faith in the national rectitude, and beleive that in public conduct we are not yet emerged from the rascality of the 16th. century. There are great numbers of well enlightened men in this nation. The ministry is such. The King has an honest heart. The line of policy hitherto pursued by them has been such as virtue would dictate and wisdom approve. Relying on their wisdom only I think they will not accept the bribe supposed. It would be to relinquish that honorable character of disinterestedness and new faith which they have acquired by many sacrifices and which has put into their hands the government as it were of Europe. A wise man, if nature has not formed him honest, will yet act as if he were honest: because he will find it the most advantageous and wise part in the long run. I have believed that this court possesses this high species of wisdom even if it\u2019s new faith be ostensible only. If they trip on any occasion it will be warning to us. I do not expect they will, but it is our business to be on the watch. The Dutch seem to be on the brink of some internal revolution, even if they escape being engaged in war, as appearances at present seem to indicate. The division between the Stadholder and the aristocracy cannot be greater, and the people are on the side of the former. The fury with which the aristocracy drive their measures is inexplicable but on the supposition that France has promised to support them and this I believe she did to induce them to the late treaty. We hear nothing from England. This circumstance, with  the passage of their N.F.land bill through the H. of Commons and the sending a Consul to America (which we hear they have done) sufficiently prove a perseverance in the system of managing for both sides in their connection with us. Our people and merchants must consider their business as not yet settled with England. After exercising the self-denial which was requisite to carry us thro\u2019 the war, they must push it a little further to obtain proper peace arrangements with them. They can do it the better as all the world is open to them; and it is very extraordinary if the whole world besides cannot supply them with what they may want. I think it essential to exclude them from the carriage of American produce. We wait the arrival of the packet which left you in Feb. in expectation of some instructions on the subject of England. Should none come, we shall immediately press them for an answer on those subjects which were unconnected with a treaty of commerce. It is to be considered how far an exception in favor of Ireland in our commercial regulations might embarrass the councils of England on the one hand, and on the other how far it might give room to an evasion of the regulations. Mr. Carmichael has obtained the interference of the court of Madrid for the vessel and crew taken by the Emperor of Marocco: and I understand there is a prospect of their being restored. A letter on this subject is come to Doctr. Franklin. I have not yet seen it and I doubt whether it will be in time to be copied and communicated by this packet, the post being near it\u2019s departure. On the arrival of the packet now expected here, whether she brings us new instructions or not as to those states, we shall proceed to act for the best on the ground before marked out for us. The Marquis Fayette has arrived here in good health, and in the best dispositions towards us. I have had a very bad winter, having been confined the greatest part of it. A seasoning as they call it is the lot of most strangers: and none I beleive have experienced a more severe one than myself. The air is extremely damp, and the waters very unwholesome. We have had for three weeks past a warm visit from the sun (my almighty physician) and I find myself almost reestablished. I begin now to be able to walk 4. or 5. miles a day, and find myself much the better for it. If the state of our business will permit I wish much to take a tour through the South of France for three or four weeks. The climate and exercise would, I think, restore my health. I have used the second cypher in this letter. Either by a gentleman who will go to America in the April packet, or by young Mr. Adams, who will go in May,  I will send you a new cypher which I have prepared on a large and commodious plan. This young gentleman is I think very promising. To a vast thirst after useful knowlege he adds a facility in acquiring it. What his judgment may be I am not well enough acquainted with him to decide: but I expect it is good, and much hope it, as he may become a valuable and useful citizen. I sent you by the former packet the Pour et Contre for the emancipation of the French W. I. trade. I now send you the answer to it. The mass of the nation is with the latter. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0025", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Buchanan and William Hay, 20 March 1785\nFrom: Buchanan, James,Hay, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond March 20th. 1785\nThe active part which you took before your departure from Virginia, as a director of the public buildings, leads us to believe, that it will not be now unacceptable to you, to cooperate with us as far as your engagements will permit.\nWe foresee, that in the execution of our commission, the Commonwealth must sustain a heavy expence, and that we can provide no shield so effectual against the censures which await large disbursements of public money, as the propriety of making them. For this purpose we must intreat you to Consult an able Architect on a plan fit for a Capitol, and to assist him with the information of which you are possessed.\nYou will recollect, Sir, that the first act directed seperate houses for the accommodation of the different departments of government. But fearing that the Assembly would not countenance us in giving sufficient magnificence to distinct buildings, we obtained leave to consolidate the whole under one roof, if it should seem adviseable. The inclosed draught will show that we wish to avail ourselves of this licence. But, altho it contains many particulars it is not intended to confine the architect except as to the number and area of the rooms.\nWe have not laid down the ground, it being fully in your power to describe it, when we inform You that the Hill on which Gunns yellow house stands and which you favoured as the best situation, continues to be preferd by us and that we have allocated 29 half acre lots, including Marsdon\u2019s tenement, and Minzies\u2019 lots in front of Gunns. The Legislature have not limited us to any sum; nor can we, as yet at least, resolve to limit ourselves to a precise amount. But we wish to unite \u0153conomy with elegance and dignity. At present the only funds submitted to our order are nearly about \u00a310,000 Virga. Currency.\nWe have already contract\u2019d with Edward Voss of Culpepper, for the laying of 1500 thousand Bricks. He is a workman of the first reputation here, but skilful in plain and rubbed work alone. We suppose he may commence his undertaking by the beginning of August, and have therefore stipulated with him to be in readiness by that time. This circumstance renders us anxious for expedition in fixing the plans, especially too as the foundation of the Capitol will silence the enimies of Richmond in the next October Session.\nShould an assistant be thought necessary whose employment will be either independant of Voss or subordinate to him, we will pay him.\nWe shall send to Europe for any Stone which may be wanted.\nThe roof will be covered with lead, as we conceive that to be better than Copper or tiles.\nIn the remarks, which accompany the plan, we have requested a draught for the Governor\u2019s house and prison. But we hope that the Capitol will be first drawn and forwarded to us, as there is no hurry for the other buildings.\nWe trust Sir, you will excuse the trouble which we now impose on you, and will ascribe it to our belief of your alacrity to serve your Country on this occasion. We have the honour to be very respectfully Sir Your most obt. hble. Servts.,\nJames Bbuchanan\nWm. Hay on Behalf of the Directors", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Price, 21 March 1785\nFrom: Price, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNewington Green, Mch. 21st. 1785\nI received with peculiar pleasure the favour of your letter by Dr. Bancroft, and I return you my best thanks for it. Your favourable reception of the pamphlet which I desired Dr. Franklin to present to you cannot but make me happy; and I am willing to  infer from it that this effusion of my zeal will not be ill received in America. The eyes of the friends of liberty and humanity are now fixed on that country. The united States have an open field before them, and advantages for establishing a plan favourable to the improvement of the world which no people ever had in an equal degree. Amidst the accounts of distress and confusion among them which we are often receiving in London, the information which you and Dr. Franklin have communicated to me comforts and encourages me, and determines me to maintain my hopes with respect to them.\nSuch an enlargement of the powers of Congress as shall, without hazarding too much public liberty, make it capable of preserving peace and of properly conducting and maintaining the union, is an essential point; and the right Settlement of it requires the greatest Wisdom. You have gratify\u2019d me much by acquainting me that a Sense of this is becoming general in America, and by pointing out to me that character of the confederated governments which is likely to preserve and improve them. The character, however, of popular governments depending on the character of the people; if the people deviate from Simplicity of manners into luxury, the love of Shew, and extravagance, the governments must become corrupt and tyrannical. Such a deviation has, I am afraid, taken place along the Sea coast of America and in Some of the principal towns, and nothing can be more threatening. It is promoted by a rage for foreign trade; and there is danger, if some calamity does not give a Salutary check, that it will Spread among the body of the people till the infection becomes general and the new governments are render\u2019d images of our European governments.\nThere is, I fancy, no probability that Britain can be brought to consent to that reciprocity in trade which the united States expect. This is Sad policy in Britain; but it may turn out to be best for America; and Should the issue be our exclusion from the American ports, we may be ruined, but I do not See that America would Suffer in its true interest. The fixed conviction, however, among us is that such an exclusion cannot take place, and that we are able to Supply America on so much better terms than any other country that, do what we will, we must have its trade. But, Dear Sir, I ask your pardon for detaining you by entering on a Subject of which probably I am not a competent judge. I meant by these lines, when I begun them, only to make my grateful acknowledgments to you for the kind notice you have taken of me by your letter; a notice  the agreeableness of which is much increased by the high opinion I have been led to entertain of your character and merit. With great respect and every good wish, I am, Sir, your most obedt. and humble Servt.,\nRichd. Price\nI have desired Dr. Franklin to convey to you a copy of an edition of my Observations &c. which has been just published here. You will find that I have made considerable additions by inserting a translation of Mr. Turgot\u2019s letter and also a translation of a French tract convey\u2019d to me by Dr. Franklin. The Observations are the very Same except two or three corrections of no particular consequence, and an additional note in the Section on the dangers to which the American states are exposed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0028", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 22 March 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nOffice for foreign Affairs 22d. March 1785\nThe Packet being still here, I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed your Commission and Letter of Credence. Mr. Randall who goes as a Passenger in the Packet has my other Letters, and will be the Bearer of this. Permit me to recommend him to your Attention.\nI have the Honor to be &ca.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0029", "content": "Title: Jefferson\u2019s Attestation of Depositions, 22 March 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nPassy in the Kingdom of France to Wit.\nIn obedience to the Commission hereto annexed (in the absence of Thomas Barclay esq. therein also named), I have diligently examined his Excellency Benjamin Franklin, LeRay de Chaumont  and Bouchault on their respective oaths first taken before me on the interrogatories to the said commission annexed, and reduced the said examinations to writing in the preceding depositions; and I do hereby certify that the French copy of the letter shewn to the said Benjamin Franklin and LeRay de Chaumont and declared in their depositions to be a true translated copy of the original letter, is the translated copy to the commission annexed: I do further certify that a letter was produced to me, said to be the original of the translated copy before mentioned, which original letter is that which was exhibited to the several deponents, was declared by them to be of the writing and signature of the said Samuel Wharton, and is the one referred to in their depositions: of which same original letter I have made a copy and hereto annexed the same with the said depositions. Done at Passy aforesaid in the Kingdom of France this 22d. day of March in the y. of our 1. 1785. as Witness my hand and seal.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0030", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 24 March 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Holker, Jean\n[Paris, 24 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJohn Holker. Rouen. Answer to his letter of Mar. 12. accompanied by letter to Prothonotary of Pennsylva. and depositions.\u201d Neither letter nor\u2014with the exception of document preceding\u2014accompanying papers found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0031", "content": "Title: Dorset to the American Commissioners, 26 March 1785\nFrom: Dorset, John Frederick Sackville, third Duke of\nTo: American Commissioners\nGentlemen\nParis 26th. March 1785\nHaving communicated to my Court the readiness you express\u2019d in your Letter to me of the 9th. of December to remove to London for the purpose of treating upon such points as may materially concern the Interests both political and commercial of Great Britain and America, and having at the same time represented that you declared yourselves to be fully authorized and empowered to negotiate, I have been, in answer thereto, instructed to learn from you, Gentlemen, what is the real nature of the Powers with which you are invested; whether you are merely commission\u2019d by Congress, or whether you have receiv\u2019d seperate Powers from the  respective States. A Committee of North American Merchants have waited upon His Majesty\u2019s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to express how anxiously they wish to be inform\u2019d upon this subject, repeated experience having taught them in particular, as well as the Public in general, how little the authority of Congress could avail in any respect, where the Interests of any one individual State was even concern\u2019d, and particularly so, where the concerns of that particular State might be suppos\u2019d to militate against such resolutions as Congress might think proper to adopt.\nThe apparent determination of the respective States to regulate their own seperate Interests renders it absolutely necessary, towards forming a permanent system of commerce, that my Court should be inform\u2019d how far the Commissioners can be duly authorized to enter into any engagements with Great Britain which it may not be in the power of any one of the States to render totally fruitless and ineffectual.\nI have the honor to be, Gentlemen, with great truth Your most obedient humble Servant,\nDorset", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0033", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Garvey, 26 March 1785\nFrom: Garvey, Anthony\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRouen the 26 March 1785\nHaving received from Mr. Barclay the necessary Cockets for the expedition of your China, I retired same out of the King\u2019s Stores, and loaded your three Cases to your Excellency\u2019s address on board the Dilligence boat Capt. Edme, conducted by Thiebault who parted from this the 24 Inst. I hope you\u2019ll receive same in good order; Mr. Barclay has desired I would pass the expences to his account. I shall at all times be very happy to receive your and Friends Commands here, and to be able to convince you of the great respect and true attachement with which I am Sir Your Excellency\u2019s most humble & very obedient Servant,\nAnthony Garvey", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0034", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Siot de St. Pol, 26 March 1785\nFrom: St. Pol, Siot de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nParis ce 26 mars 1785\nVoici L\u2019expedition Du proces verbal de prestation de serment pour L\u2019affaire De M. Guillebaud et Compagnie. Je suis tres flatte que cette circonstance me procure Lhonneur de vous presenter Les  sentimens respectueux avec lesquels jai celui D\u2019etre De Votre excellence Votre tres humble et tres obeisst. Serviteur,\nG Siot de St Pol avocat aux Conseils du Roy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0035", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to Vergennes, 28 March 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nSir\nPassy March 28th. 1785\nWe have the honour to enclose an extract of a letter from the Commissioners of the United States of America to your Excellency dated Augst. 28. 1778, Copy of Your Excellency\u2019s answer dated 27 Septr. 1778. and copy of M. de Sartine\u2019s letter to your Excellency of the 21st. of Sept. 1778 all relative to a proposed negotiation with the States of Barbary. Not having any particular authority or instructions from Congress at that time to treat with those States, the Commissioners desisted from any further pursuit of the negotiation until Congress should have opportunity to deliberate and decide upon it. We are now able to inform your Excellency that we have received from the United States in Congress assembled special full Powers to treat with each of the Powers of Barbary, Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli and the rest, and we have lately received authentic information that one of those Powers at least, the Emperor of Morocco, has commenced hostilities against the United States by the capture of a vessel belonging to Philadelphia by one of his Frigates, which has spread an alarm among the American Merchants and Mariners, raised the premiums of Insurance, and made it necessary for us to do all in our power to prevent the further progress of the war, as well as to procure the liberation of our Countrymen who are made Prisoners. As it is impossible for us to go to Morocco and we have no power of substitution, we can do no more than write a letter to the Emperor and either invite him to send a Minister or authorize his consul in France to treat with us here, or to carry on the negotiation in writing at this distance through the French Consul at Morocco, or propose to him to wait until we can write to America and Congress can send a consul to the Emperor.\nWe therefore request the honour of your Excellency\u2019s advice  which of these measures is the most eligible, and whether your Excellency or the Minister in whose department it is would do us the favour to transmit a letter from us to the Emperor through the French consul.\nLooking over several treaties between Christian powers and the Barbary States, we find that the treaty between the crown of France and Algiers of April 1684 is upon the point of expiring; and we are desirous of knowing (if it is not improper that we should enquire) whether this treaty is, or is likely to be renewed; because if there is a probability of a war Congress would probably prefer joining in the war, rather than to treat with Nations who so barbarously and inhumanly commence hostilities against others who have done them no injury.\nIn order to lay before Congress all the information necessary to enable them to judge what is best for them to do, we have obtained from Holland a certain account of the presents given annually and occasionally by the States General to the Barbary Powers, and have taken measures which promise success for procuring similar intelligence from other Christian States. And if there is no impropriety in the request we should desire to be informed what is the annual amount of the presents given by France to each of those States and in what articles they usually consist.\nWe have the further honour to propose to your Excellency that His Majesty\u2019s good offices and interposition may be employed with the Emperor, in order to provide as fully as possible for the convenience and safety of those inhabitants of the United States, their vessels and effects, who are now or may hereafter be in captivity in Morocco, according to the tenor of the eighth article of the treaty of commerce. With the highest respect We have the honor to be Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and Most humble servants,\njohn adams\nb. franklin\nt. jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0037", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 29 March 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 29th. March 1785\nI had the honor to receive your Letter of the 30th. Jany. the 14th. of Feby. As it was sent me from the Secretary of States Office I presume it came by a Courier from the Ct. D\u2019Aranda. I am happy it passed thro that channel, as the information it contained must have had a good Effect on the Ministry. I easily saw that it had been read from a conversation which I had with the Ct. de Florida Blanca some time after the receipt of it. That Minister having heretofore entertained some doubts of the permanency of the Union of the Confederation, In the conversation alluded to, gave me the Strongest assurances of his entire disbelief of the reports to the Contrary circulated in the Public Prints; as Similar assertions had  been [made] here to People of Distinction and Foreign Ministers I took the Liberty of making Translations in French and Spanish of the material part of your Information as intelligence received from America and showed them in Confidence to those who I knew would make in the same manner a communication to Others. The Ct. de Campomanes whose reputation must have reached you, read publicly at his nightly Assemblies, these Translations. As he is Governor of the Council of Castille, his house is frequented by People of all Ranks. He is and has ever been our zealous Partisan and much my Friend.\nI have delayed writing because I wished to give you the information you requested with respect to the naval Strength, resources and cruising grounds of the Barbary States respectively, as also of the presents and Tribute They require to keep the Peace. I had obtained and forwarded to Congress the Letter and paper of which I now send you Copies, and am in daily expectation of receiving similar accounts of the Forces of Morrocco, Tunis, Tripoly and Sallee. I have applied to the Secretaries of Different Embassies here for Copies of the accounts of the presents made by their respective courts to these Pirates and they are examining their archives to Satisfy me. As it is sometimes in my power to give their Ministers information a post or two sooner than they would have it, I put them also under contribution on their part. Those Confidences on subjects not connected immediately with the Interests of one\u2019s own Country procure good will and sometimes returns proper to be known. The papers I now have the honor to inclose you, were communicated by a Sea Officer of Distinction in this Service and therefore I could not send them by the Post. They were written by a Spy employed by the Spanish Court, a Holy Father of the Order of redemption of Captives &c. &c.\nThe 27th Ulto. I wrote to Dr. Franklin who no doubt will have communicated to you the Contents of my Letter. I have since received the inclosed copy of a Note from the Ct. de Florida Blanca which you will be pleased to shew to your Colleagues. By a Letter from Gibraltar dated the 11th. Inst., I am advised that orders had been received at Tanger to give up the Vessel to the Captn. and crew and to furnish him with everything he might Stand in need of. I wish this Intelligence may prove true. At all Events some Steps must be taken immediately to pacify the Emperor and the Other States which seem disposed to fall upon our Commerce. The preparations making in Spain for another Expedition against Algiers,  lead me to suppose that their negotiations for Peace are not like to be attended with Success.\nThe intermarriages take up the Attention of the Court at present. The 27th. The Portuguese Ambassador had his public entry and demanded the Infanta. The Evening of the Same Day She was married by Proxy. I have not leisure at present to give you a description of the Ceremony, of which I was a Spectator, if even I knew that you would think it worth your Attention and therefore I shall wait, until I have the honor to hear from you. The Royal Family goes to Aranjuez tomorrow and I shall follow the 10th. of the Month. This Change of Residence is exceedingly Expensive and Troublesome.\nBefore I execute the Commission you have given me to purchase you a collection of Spanish Voyages &c. I must previously inform you that Most of the Books you mention are very scarce here and consequently very Dear. I have given a list to Sanchez, a famous Bookseller here, with a request that he would note the prices at which they may be procured. I have engaged Bayer, a great Antiquarian, to write to Valentia and Valladolid to know whether they may not be procured on more reasonable terms in these Cities. He also has promised to Add to the List Such others as may be worth your Attention. I have several of the Most curious in my possession, which are at your service. I shall be happy in the continuance of a Correspondence, which has contributed so much to my information and Pleasure and Shall be proud to be employed in any manner that can give you Satisfaction. With respectfull compliments to Messrs. Franklin and Adams I have the honor to be Sir With great Regard & Esteem Your Obliged & Humble Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "03-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0038", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 29 March 1785\nFrom: Holker, Jean\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRouen 29 March 1785\nI Received the pleaseur of yours of the 24 past which I only got yesterday, am most Sencibly obliged for the affaire you have don for Mr. Guilboud, and shall think my Self happy If ever I may have it in my power to Render you any servis in theise parts, and beg youl most freely command me.\nThe Caise must be arrived, and youl soon see If your affects air in it. If not you must let me know by what vessel they was sent by, and I shall then be able to find out the Reason they air not come to hand.\nIf it can be obtaind to have the french Paquits to saill out of Haver, they must be of more use than they ever can be sailing out of Loreant, and If Our Ministers could persaive the advantage it woud bee to tread, they certinly would not heseit[ate] a Moment.\nWe have seven vessels that saill from London Regularly to this port, on to haver, and they Never was known to be so long on the Rode as they have been this winter. And when you have anething coming from London let your Corrospondont let you Know, by whom they part, and then Il be answerable youl be satisfyed.\nI am Sir with Consideration your Most Obed & very humble St.,\nJ. Holker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0040", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 2 April 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nTh: J to W. S.\nI inclose you a letter from l\u2019Orient. When are we to see you? Your letters leave us in doubt whether you mean to protract this odious term of the 4th. of April, or to return to your quarters then and be content to go on with your French at leisure. I am in hopes this will be your choice. You lost much by not attending the Te-deum at Notre dame yesterday. It bids defiance to description. I will only observe to you in general that there were more judges, ecclesiastics and Grands seigneurs present, than Genl. Washington had of simple souldiers in his army, when he took the Hessians at Trenton, beat the British at Princeton, and hemmed up the British army at Brunswick a whole winter. Come home like a good boy and you will always be in the way of these wonders. Adieu", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0041", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 4 April 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 4th. April 1785\nOn the 29th. Ulto. I had the honor to address you by an expeditious conveyance. Since which I have received the Inclosed paper which may throw some light on the Nature of the presents made to the cheifs of the Piratical States. You will please to observe that as these People are not delicate in their choice the Articles mentioned in the List are generally remnants of unsaleable effects. I expect to receive shortly lists of the Last presents made by Denmark and Sweden to the different Barbary States, which I shall not fail to send to you. By a Letter which I received the 1st. inst. from Doctr. Franklin I find that the Affair of Morrocco had ingaged the Attention of the Commissioners. I shall be happy to know their Sentiments and to follow their Instructions in the correspondence which I entertain with the People About the Emperor. I expect daily answers to Letters which I wrote some time Ago. Not having received any Instruction on this point or indeed on almost any other from Congress since I have had the honor to serve the State here, I have acted to the best of my Judgement for their Interests. In the case of Morrocco I have written nothing that can compromise their Dignity. At the Same time I flatter Myself that I have contributed to a cessation of Hostilities on the part of that Prince. The Expedition proceeded by Spain against the Algereens and the Armaments of the Venetians against Tunis may in some Measure put a Stop to the Depredations of these Pirates during the course of this year and afford an opportunity to Congress to take such measures as they may find Convenient. I know that the Algeriens meant to fall upon our comm[erce] Because some time ago, They captured two English Vessels on a supposition That they were American. These have been released. I have reason to beleive that they have been excited to commit hostilities. I was informed and informed Congress that Curtis the English Agent at Morocco did all in his power to render us bad offices there. The Consuls from Other Nations are instructed not to meddle in the Disputes which may happen between these Pirates and another Country without particular orders from their Respective Courts. This I know to be the case with respect to those of two Nations and am told that the Others are in the same predicament. The intermarriages seem to ingross the Attention of the Public at Present. The Ct. de Campomanes told the King in an harangue which he made his Majesty as  Governor Iterino of the Council of Castille, that he had been destined by Providence to shut for ever the Gates of the Temple of Janus on the Peninsula. Where will England find a port so convenient as Lisbon, or even France, should no regard be paid hereafter to the Family Compact, find a shelter for its fleet on this extended Coast? With respectfull compliments to Mr. Adams I have the honor to be with great Respect & Regard Sir Your Most Obedt. Hble. Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0042", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 6 April 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew York, 6 Apr. 1785. Introducing John Cooper of North Carolina, who intends establishing himself in commerce in London or at the Hague. He was introduced to Monroe by \u201cthe gentleman of the No. Carolina delegation and Mr. Hardy as a person of note and probity in his line.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0043", "content": "Title: Lafayette to the American Commissioners, 8 April 1785\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: American Commissioners\nGentlemen\nParis April the 8th. 1785\nIn Consequence of Your desire, I Have Endeavoured to Collect informations Relative to the presents which the African powers Usually Receive from European Nations.\nBy the inclosed Summary, You will get Every intelligences I Could obtain of what Has been done by Holland, Sweden, danemark, Venise, Spain, Portugal, and England. The Returns Nos. 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, are Minuted Accounts of the presents which at Several Periods Have been delivered By those Powers.\nAs to france, it Has Been More difficult for me to know their Exact Situation. Their Way of transacting Business with the Africans is peculiar to them, and it is a principle with Governement Not to divulge it. I know we are not like the other powers obliged to pay Certain tributes. Our presents are Volontary, with Respect to the time, as well as to the Value, and france is upon a much more decent footing with those pirats than Any other Nation.  It Has Been Avoided to give presents upon fixed Occasions, Like a change of princes. The King of Morocco\u2019s Envoys Have not Been Considered as Ambassadors, one excepted who Came to present a Number of french men taken in foreign Vessels Whom that King Had purchased from the Captors. Upon the King\u2019s Coronation, He was Complimented By tunis and tripoly. But the permission, I am told, was not Granted Upon the dolphin\u2019s Birth.\nIt is However Costumary that Every french Consul, when first introduced, Makes a present in His own Name. The Last one at Alger, in the Return No. 1 costs 20,000 French livres. Those to tunis and tripoly are much inferior.\nIn the last treaty of peace with tunis, the present No. 3 was Sent By the late king of france. It did Cost about 50,000 livres, Besides which the french Merchants made a present of about 12,000 livres. The tunisian Ambassador who Came for the king\u2019s Coronation Received the present No. 4 which Costs 68,840 livres.\nUpon the occasion of the last peace with Morocco, the present to the Emperor was worth 163,708 livres, and to His officers 74,250 livres as appears By the Return No. 6. The Ambassador from that Country, in the Circumstance I Have Mentionned, in the Year 1778, was Complimented with the Articles of the Return No. 8, to the Amount of 129,063 livres.\nThe Return No. 14th. Contains the present to the Pach\u00e0 of tripoly, By the Envoy He was permitted to Send for the king\u2019s Coronation. It is Worth 34,341 livres.\nIt is also Costumary to pay the Expenses of those Envoys on the Road, and to Send them Back to their Country in a ship of War.\nSuch are, Gentlemen, the Intelligences I Could Collect. I am to Apologize for the delay. But Considering the Variety of Articles, and the Reserve of Governement Upon this point, My Exertions Required some time Before I Could gather all the interesting particulars.\nWith the Highest Respect I Have the Honour to be Your Excellencies\u2019s Most obedient Humble Servant,\nLafayette", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0046", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the Rev. James Madison, 10 April 1785\nFrom: Madison, Rev. James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nWilliamsburg April 10th 1785.\nMr. Mazzei affords me an opportunity of expressing the real obligation I feel myself under for the Letter and Packet you were so kind as to favour me with by Col. Le Maire. Nothing can be more desireable to us here than such literary Communications. It is certainly of great Importance to us to know what is done in the Philosophical World; but our Means of Information are confined almost entirely to you. This Circumstance not only increases our Gratitude for every Communication you have been so kind as to make but it will also, I hope, operate as an additional Inducement to continue the good Work you have so generously begun.\nThe Marq. Le Fayette in his Journey thro\u2019 this Town had raised amongst us the highest Anxiety to know the real discoveries made in Animal Magnetism. But the Pamphlet you favoured us with, has effectually quieted our Concern upon that Score. The Matches were the first seen here, and are indeed extremely curious. As soon as I received your Letter I exhibited the Experiment of raising Water by a Rope. The Simplicity of the Method is certainly a great Recommendation. You have probably seen also the new Method of raising Water by Steam of which we have had a very imperfect Account. If that Account however be true, it is probable the Method by Steam will receive a general Use.\nThe Discovery of the Abb\u00e8 Rochon in Optics affords altogether a new Feild for Speculation in that Science. It is an Effect which I beleive no Optician before, conceived could be produced by one Lens. If he can apply it to the Purpose you mention it will be a happy Means of solving a Problem which puzzled Euler himself.\nSorry am I that we have no Discoveries to boast of in the American World. The celebrated Boat which received the fullest  Approbation of Gen. W[ashington] and other Gentlemen who saw the Experiment, is not yet exposed to the public Eye. I confess I am still among the No. of the Infidels. The Means by which it is to oppose the Force of the Current downwards depend upon a Support which goes from the Bottom of the Boat and rests upon that of the River. This is all that I have yet heard of it. You will judge better than I can of its Efficacy.\nWe were engaged last Year in determining the 5 Degrees of Longitude claimed by Pennsa. And I believe few Points on the Globe are better ascertained. Our Instruments were good, the Time peice I carried from this Place exceeded even Mr. Rittenhouses. Our Observations were continued for more than three months. I had some Thoughts at first of sending you the Observations, as they tend not only to establish the Point in Dispute between the two States, but also the Measurement of a greater, or longer Line upon the Globe than has ever yet been effected, and thus shew with more Certainty the real Length of a Degree of Long. in that Lat. It appears to be less than has been hitherto supposed. The Termination of the 5\u00b0s falls short of the Ohio about 15 or 16 Miles.\nWe had entrusted a Merchant here to import for us the new Edition of the Encyclopa.; but, since your kind offer, shall endeavour to transfer the Sum paid Viz. \u00a350 stg. to your Hands; and when it shall arrive there, will then beg the Assistance you have offered.\nWe have received a Present of some valuable Books from the King of France. Among others Buffon in Quo. complete. But unfortunately many of them were ruined before they came to us. We did not however beg for more. But There is one Thing for which I will beg, and that is a Continuance of your Favours whenever sufficient Leisure from more important Concerns will permit. In this I am a sincere Beggar, as well as your other Friends here, whom you mentioned, and by whom I am desired to return their most affectionate wishes for your Happiness.\nI am Dr. Sir with the most sincere Respect & Esteem, Yr. Servt. & Friend,\nJ. Madison\nPlease to present my best Compliments to Mr. Short.\nSince writing what precedes, your Nephew Mr. Peter Carr arrived here. He has entered with Mr. Maury who proposes to give him every Instruction in his Power untill he has arrived at his 16th. Year, agreably to Col. Madison\u2019s Advice. Should he then enter the University, my assistance as far as it can extend, shall  not be wanting; on the contrary, I will be happy in rendering him every possible Service in the Prosecution of his Studies. He has been unfortunate hitherto in the Loss of too much Time by Sickness, but he is now perfectly recovered and appears resolved to avail himself of the present Opportunity. His object is at present Latin, Greek, French, Italian.\nAs I doubt not but you meet with many new and valuable Publications, Should esteem it a particular Favour to be informed of such as you think most worthy of Importation, either in the Philosophical, Historical or Critical Line.\nPermit me to add one P.S. more. Has the Abb\u00e9 Rochon published any Thing upon his new Discovery in optics? How is the Effect produced? What is the specific Gravity of the Chrystal? In what way does it differ from other Rock Chrystals?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0047", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 12 April 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York April 12th 1785\nSince my last I have received yours of the 11th. of Novr. and 10th. of Decr., the former by Col. LeMaire, from whom however I did not receive it altho\u2019 I saw him, nor untill after his arrival nearly a month and then I believe by post from Phila. I have had the same difficulty with the cypher but from a different cause. The copy of that I sent by Mr. Short I left in Virga. when I sate out for the westward and have not since been able to command it, but shall most probably by the next post, so that whether you send me one or not our embarrassment will in future be at an end. That you may read my first letter I send you the cypher by which it was wrote. Fully impress\u2019d with the disadvantages which must always arise to the States from a free intercourse with Canada I propos\u2019d an instruction founded on the principles which my letter contains, to the ministers authoriz\u2019d to form the treaty with GB: the committee have reported in favor of it, but the delicacy of our situation with that court, upon that of the posts and other subjects, is a consideration  which inclines me to decline for the present bringing it to the view of Congress. The restrictions on this intercourse can only be carried into effect by possession of the posts and the more disadvantageous to them their surrender will be, the longer they may delay it.\nI enclose you the report of a committee in favor of a change of the first paragraph of the 9th. of the articles of confederation for the purpose of investing Congress with almost the entire regulation of the commerce of the Union, in exclusion of the particular States. I am inclin\u2019d to think it will be best also to postpone this for the present. Its adoption must depend on the several Legislatures and to carry it with them the preferable way perhaps may be to let it stand as it now is. It hath been brought so far without a prejudice against it. If carried farther here prejudices will take place, at least I fear so, and those who oppose it here will in their States. The way then will be to present it to them in its present state, which may be effected by obtaining the permission of Congress for each delegation to take copies for that purpose. If this should be its course I shall have time for your answer and opinion on it. A committee is appointed to revise and report what alterations if any are necessary in the instructions to the commissioners authoriz\u2019d to form commercial treaties. What will be the result I know not, but the object of the appointment was, to change the principle upon which those existing were form\u2019d. To instruct them to make the best bargain they can with each power, such an one as the advantages which they respectively derive from a commercial intercourse with us, intitle us to expect. If the convenience and advantage of the trade of either of these powers with us is equal, the condition upon which it is conducted for commercial and other national purposes, should be equal also. The object is to connect us [with] each power independently of other powers, and to extricate us from the complicated system with which their connections with each other is involv\u2019d\u2014a system which they well understand, have been long accustom\u2019d to the exercise of, and to turn to their particular advantages by every possible means of fraud and chicane. I doubt much the advantage of forming treaties for the present with any of the powers with whom you are authoriz\u2019d to treat (the piratical States excepted) for what advantages can we give here in consideration of advantages there, or rather in consideration that they remove some of the restraints which now exist, which they do not at present possess, or possessing that we can deprive  them of. The more I investigate this subject the more I am confirm\u2019d in this opinion. But all these embarrassments in the restrictions laid upon us by other powers, will I am persuaded have a good effect. They will operate more powerfully than the utmost force of argument could do for the strength\u2019ning our government.\nFrom Spain we expect a Mr. Gardoqui in quality of charg\u00e9 des affaires. All our measures with that court have of course ceasd untill his arrival which is weekly expected. Whatever we have to transact with the Court of G. B. is committed to Mr. Adams, the formation of a commercial treaty only excepted. Upon his removal from the Hague it was resolv\u2019d to appoint a minister in his room: Mr. Rutledge and Mr. R. H. Harrison, C. Justice of Maryld. are in nomination as is likewise Govr. Livingston of Jersey. It is not known whether either will serve. My first letter will advise you of our embarrassment respecting a particular affair upon which you wrote me as you left Phila., an attention to which falls now within your province. It is unfortunate upon this account your cypher would not expose it to you. You will please write me as soon as possible upon this subject. You will receive instructions respecting the piratical states of Barbary. I fear from the information you give me they will not obtain fully the objects which they have in view. From what I have been able to collect here a treaty commencd on our own ground independent of any European power, will be most successful, since I am told they disregard the most powerful among them as much as they do us, and in that instance we might plead ignorance of the presents or amount which would be acceptable to them. It is agreed to raise 700. men for the purposes of guarding the publick stores and giving security to the frontier settlements of the States. At Annapolis Mr. Gerry protested against the right of Congress to require men in time of peace; his conduct was approv\u2019d by his State and the delegation instructed to oppose and protest upon all occasions against the exercise of the power. It is agreed that by requisition men cannot be rais\u2019d upon a few States or less than the whole but under particular circumstances of some, and then under a particular modification. It was thought in this instance necessary to have them in the feild, in a short time, to protect the surveyors of the land and as this consideration superseded the propriety of a requisition on the whole it was agreed to recommend it to the States, most contiguous, to raise them.\nThe land office is not yet open\u2019d. A report drawn principally by Colo. Grayson will be deliver\u2019d in in a few days. It deviates I  believe essentially from the one at Annapolis, but in what points I cannot say as I have not compar\u2019d them together. The object of this is to have the lands survey\u2019d previous to the sale, and after the survey to have the lots drawn for in the right of the States and sold in each by the Loan officer at publick vendue for specie or certificates. I shall transmit you the journals of Congress as far as they are printed. They will give you at least the resolutions which determine the erection of buildings at the falls of the Delaware and our intermediate residence here. Our dependence for their erection at Georgetown had been on the southern States and as soon as Congress conven\u2019d we found they had given it up. All further opposition we therefore considerd as useless. One hundred thousand dolrs. are appropriated to it. Between Phila. and this place we were indifferent as a temporary residence; we consider\u2019d our State as no otherwise interested than as it might respect the delegates attending in Congress; upon f\u0153deral principles that this should have the preference. It must have a good appearance for the f\u0153deral government to pay attention to the part which hath suffer\u2019d most, from the depredations of the war; add to this the province of Canada in possession at present of the fur-trade. The first exertion of the States must be to draw it thence and afterwards it may take its direction thro\u2019 the Potowmk. or whatever channel is open\u2019d to it. But the 100,000 dolrs are upon no fund. Whether they are to be requir\u2019d from the States or not will become the question. It would be fortunate if a delay could take place. The conduct of our delegation at Trenton was founded upon an acquiessence with the voice of the majority of the Union. We acted together and voted unanimously upon every point respecting these measures. Grayson only was absent. Be the event of this town as it may I think the proportion which will fall to our State will be well dispos\u2019d of if [it] annexes the Idea of stability to our councils and measures. I could wish no more movments untill we take our final position.\nI send you this by Colo. Smith, Secry. to the legation for London. Mr. Trumbull only was his competitor. He was formerly an aid de camp to Genl. Washington. He is desirous of being known to you and as I hear from every person who knows him a fair and respectable character, I take the liberty to present these circumstances in his favor to your knowledge.\nBe assurd I shall pay particular attention to that circumstance which is more personally interesting to yourself mention\u2019d in your first letter. What can or will be done is incertain but satisfied of the  justice of the measure, I shall with the utmost pleasure seek the attainment of it in a manner which will be most delicate and honorable to you. Indeed I think that our ministers should have at least 5. or 600. \u00a3 stirl. more annually. I thank you for subscribing for me for the Encyclopedia. I have not at present the money but will send it as soon as possible. I sincerly wish it were in my power to join you this summer but it is impossible. The next I have it in contemplation and shall then be under no necessity to hurry myself so quickly back, and I could wish to remain in Europe if I ever visit at least 12. months. Colo. Smith hath my instructions not to send this by post but some safe hand provided he doth not deliver it himself. Whether Congress will or not adjourn during the summer is incertain. I think they should not, but the fact is our application to business hath been so close during the winter that we wish a relaxation. I think Congress should sit untill our affairs with every foreign power were finally and most amicably settld, and untill the commerce of the Union was properly regulated. The Confedracy might then stand secure and not be expos\u2019d to injury or danger. Mr. Butler, Walcot and A. Lee were on the Indian treaty at fort Stanwix; the State of N. York also held a treaty. They quarrell\u2019d with the commissioners of N. York and disgusted the State. This is attributed to one of those gentlemen only. Mr. Mercer hath been absent since we left Trenton and hath married Miss Sprigg. Mr. Read hath been less active than at Annapolis. He is said to be engag\u2019d to K. Vanhorne of this place. He left this for So. Carolina 2. months since, it is said to prepare matters for this event. A Mr. Carbonneau from the Kaskaskias petition\u2019d Congress to take the people under their protection; a committee hath reported which is so far adopted that a commissioner be appointed to repair thither instructed &c. Mr. A. Lee is in nomination. The three commissioners of the treasury elected at Annapolis declin\u2019d serving, in consequence of which Gervais Osgood and a Walter Livingston were elected. Gervais hath declin\u2019d and Mr. A. Lee who hath upon every occasion been a candidate is again in nomination. Mercer and himself were in nomination at Trenton and we gave the former the preference. The fact is we can get none better than Mr. A. L. and shall upon this occasion vote for him.\nYour letters still contain doubts of the event of the interfering claims between the Emperor and the Netherlands. Mr. V. Berkel hath presented a full and able statment of those of the U. Nets. and of the progress of either party to the commenc\u2019ment of the winter  in support of their pretensions. A war between them cannot be injurious to us; provided our merchants have enterprise. As we stand on neutral ground, they may turn it to theirs and the general advantage. Believe me to be dear Sir your affectionate friend & servant,\nJas. Monroe\nP.S. The alteration which this report proposes in the whole system of our government will be great. It is in fact a radical change of it. [I] beg of you to write your sentiments fully on it. If it is carried it can only be by thorough investigation and a conviction carried to the minds of every citizen that it is right. The slower it moves on therefore in my opinion the better.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0048", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to John Jay, 13 April 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis April 13. 1785.\nOur letter to you the 18th. day of March with those preceding that period which had been addressed to the President of Congress have conveyed exact details of our transactions till that time. Since the making out of that dispatch the following proceedings have taken place.\nThe letter No. 1 from Mr. Carmichael to Dr. Franklin dated Feby. 27. 1784 (instead of 1785) will apprize you that there is a prospect of Mr. Hartwell\u2019s regaining his liberty and property tho\u2019 not without some delay, and probably some loss.\nThe same letter will inform you of Mr. Carmichael\u2019s proceedings in the case of the brig Betsey taken by the Emperor of Morocco, and the papers which accompanied that letter and which we have marked No. 1. a., b., c., d., e., f., g., will shew the progress in that business to the 15th. of Janry. last; and a subsequent communication from Mr. Carmichael marked No. 2. being a letter from the Ct. de Florida Blanca to him dated March 16th. 1785 will shew its situation at that time.\nWith this last Mr. Carmichael also sent us the papers No. 3. a. and b. the first being a letter from a spy employed by the Spanish court, a holy father of the order of the redemption of captives; and the second a state made out by the same person of the naval force of the Algerines from Feby. 1. 1777 to Septr. 8. 1783., the revolutions it underwent during that period, the number of cruizes they made, prizes they took, and the nations from whom taken. While these give a smaller idea than had been entertained of this the most formidable of the Pyratical states, the following papers marked No. 4. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. will shew that the price of their peace is higher than the information heretofore communicated, had given us reason to expect. The paper No. 4. a. is a letter from the M. de la Fayette to whose means of access to the depositories of this species of information, and his zeal for the service of the United States we are indebted for the intelligence it contained, as well as for the report No. 4. b. and the details No. 4. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. k. l. m. n. o. p. q. From these it will appear that Powers which, like France and England, can combine the terror of a great naval force with the persuasive of pecuniary tribute, yet give as far as 15,000 guineas to Morocco which holds but the second rank amongst these states. This information is still very incomplete, giving only a view of detached parts of the transactions between the European and African Powers: it will contribute however with what we have formerly laid before Congress, to enable them to form some estimate of what will be required of a people possessing so weak a navy and so rich a commerce as we do. These rovers will calculate the worth of the prizes they may expect to take from us in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic; and making some allowance for the expence and losses they will incur in these enterprizes, they will adjust their demand by the result regarding little the representations which we may make of our poverty. They count highly too among the motives which will induce us to give a good price the horrors we feel on the idea of our countrymen being reduced to slavery by them. Some of the European merchants and perhaps consuls resident with them will probably not be backward in supplying their want of knowledge as to the extent and nature of our commerce and the degree of protection we are able to afford it.\nWe have been many days in expectation of the arrival of the French Packet which should have sailed from New York the middle of Feby. Having been informed that as early as Decr. Congress  had referred sundry foreign affairs to the consideration of a Committee, and that the Packet arrived at N. York Jany. 17 which conveyed our letter of Novr. with a detail of the situation in which their business was on this side the Atlantic, we hope that the Packet sailing a month afterwards and now expected here will bring us further instructions. In the mean time the situation of our trade rendered it necessary to admit as little delay as possible with the Barbary Powers. We therefore thought it best to put that business in train. For this purpose we resumed a correspondence which had formerly taken place between the American Commissioners and this court, copies of which are herewith given in the papers marked No. 5. a. b. and c. The want of money and the want of powers had discontinued this correspondence. We thought it a proper ground however whereon to found applications to this court for their aid in the treaties which may now be proposed. Mr. Adams accordingly waited on the Count de Vergennes with copies of that correspondence (his colleagues being prevented by indisposition from accompanying him on that occasion). No. 5. d. is his report of what passed, and No. 5. e. a copy of the letter we addressed to the Count de Vergennes according to his desire. To this we have received no answer. We propose to make no actual overtures to the Barbary states till the arrival of the packet now expected, which we suppose will convey us the ultimate will of Congress on this subject.\nA similar expectation of new information and instructions from Congress as to our affairs with the British court suspends till the arrival of this packet our taking any measures in consequence of the inclosed letter No. 6. from the Duke of Dorset, the British Ambassador at this court. That their definitive answer must be required to the Articles in our instructions distinct from the treaty of commerce admits of no question: but as to the doubts they pretend and the information they ask with respect to the powers of Congress we do not decide what we shall say or do till we see whether we receive by this conveyance any new instructions. With the highest esteem & regard We have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & Most humble Servants,\njohn adams\nb. franklin\nth: jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0049", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Moore, 14 April 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Moore, Alexander\n[Paris, 14 Apr. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cAlexr. Moore. Answer to his letter of Mar. 10.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0050", "content": "Title: William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nDear Sir\nMadrid 15th. April 1785\nSince I had the honor to write you on the 4th. Instant I have received from the Ct. de Rechteren the inclosed copy of a letter from the Dutch consul in Marocco which I forward for the information of the commissioners. I am also advised by Mr. Harrison that the Spanish Consul to the Emperor, but now at Cadiz preparing Presents for that Prince, informed him that he was instructed by the Ct. de Florida Blanca to make on his Return to Barbary, the most pressing efforts for the Release of the vessel and People, and that he flattered himself he shoud succeed.\nThe Court of Spain is about to send an ambassador to the Emperor of Morrocco, to conclude as it is Said a Treaty with that Prince, by which he engages to join this Country against the algerines. A Nephew of the Ct. de F. B. is destined to this Employment. A Letter which I received from Malaga this day contains information on this Subject for which Reason I send you a Copy of it.\nIt is Said that Lerena Minister of Finance and War department, declares that he is not able for the Latter and that it Will consequently be given to the Ct. de Fernand Nunez, ambassador at  present in Portugal. It appears that this court had no Thoughts of Sending one to England.\nIn Consequence of your advice I have drawn on M. Grand for 5193 Ls. 17s. in favor of Messrs. Drouilhet on account of Salary and for 2075 Ls. 17s. to discharge a ballance due them on the Public account. I inclose the account of these Gentlemen. I have been addressed by Mr. Harrison for money to relieve the distress of the americans in Marrocco, But I cannot take upon me to make any advance on this account without having the approbation of the Commissioners. I think it hard that Mr. Harrison should be constrained to make these disbursements from his private fortune. The Infanta or rather the Princess of Brasils sets out for Portugal the 27th. of this month. The portuguese ambassador has already expended 550000 Ls. Ts. to celebrate this marriage. The actions of the national Bank of St. Charles Sell at 25 pr. Ct. profit. This rapid augmentation arises from manoeuvres, which will make many dupes in france, where the Establishment is puffed by persons interested, in this kind of agiotage. The cedula for the Philippine Company is in the Press. When Public, I will forward a copy by the first courier extraordinary from hence. Should you have in your Possession Colonel Humphreys\u2019 Poem or any other american Publications not too Bulky you would oblige me very much by Sending them under cover to the chevalier de otamende, under secretary in the Department for Foreign affairs.\nThe Ct. D\u2019aranda will readily Send them by one of Mr. del Campas Couriers which pass thro Paris regularly once a Month. With proper compliments to Messrs. Adams and Jefferson and my name Sake I have the honor to be with great Respect & affection, Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient, & most humble Servt.,\nW. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0051", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Hartley, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Hartley, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon April 15 1785\nI am infinitely obliged to you for the favour of your letter which contains most interesting information to me who wish to maintain such friendly and candid correspondencies upon American matters for prospects of future times. At present by the public appearance of things the considerations of American matters do not seem to proceed. At least for my part I am not informed or instructed by administration upon any such points. I presume that they will be revived in time, and therefore in the interim I wish to encourage quiescent and conciliatory sentiments between our two Countries. And particularly in my own line of employment, I wish to keep up the chain of information and friendly correspondence as I presume that the consideration of American intercourse must certainly be resumed at some future period. I beg of you to receive my sincerest thanks for all your candid and intelligent communications to me when at Paris, as likewise by letter and I hope you will do me the favour to continue them.\nI beg leave to state to you a case of a young gentleman, the Son of a very worthy friend of mine who died a few weeks ago viz. the case of Mr. Francis Upton son of Clotworthy Upton Esqr. (afterwards and at his Death Lord Templeton). I would beg the favour of your advice and assistance if in your power. The case is this. In the year 1764 Clotworthy Upton Esqr. (afterward created Lord Templeton) with the Earl of Ilchester and Lord Holland obtained the King\u2019s order in council for a grant of 20,000 acres of land each in the province of New York. About the year 1769 Mr. Upton for the better location of his 20,000 acres joined Colonel Staats Morris, John Butler Esqr. and others in the purchase of a grant from the proprietors of the Country of Aquago Indians of 80,000 acres upon the Sesquehanna and Tiendersah rivers for which a consideration of 2000 Dollars was paid on the 9th. of febry. 1769. Mr. Upton had 20,000 acres of this land located to him accordingly on the Tiendersah river near its confluence with the Sesquehanna as may be seen by the Record of the grants of the Province, upon which Land he expended several sums of money and by Deed of the 3d. of April 1769 conveyed the same in trust for the use of Francis Upton, Clotworthy Upton the younger and Sophia Upton and their heirs for ever. Mr. Francis Upton therefore being just arrived at age is desirous of claiming the said 20000  acres of land in behalf of himself, his Brother and Sister; and hopes that as two of them are still minors and he came of age himself but on the 25 of Febry. 1785 (which prevented their applying to the legislature of New York before) the same may be restored to them, it being their principal dependence. I should be much obliged to you for your opinion and advice upon this case. I hope this will find you in good health and Miss Jefferson the same. Pray Remember me to all friends at Passy and Auteuil and to Mr. Humphries. Pray favour me with any American information, particularly any that may respect Great Britain. I have stated all my Sentiments to the British Ministry previous to the meeting of Parliament in January. You may be assured that every Sentiment of mine ever has and ever will be directed towards the cultivation of amity between Great Britain and the United States of America. I am Dear Sir with great & sincere esteem Ever yours,\nD Hartley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0052", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nOffice for foreign Affairs 15th. April 1785\nMr. Randall who sailed in the last french Packet was charged with Dispatches for you, and our other Ministers. Among them were your Commission &ca. to succeed Doctr. Franklin at the Court of Versailles.\nThe probability of your now being in England renders it less necessary and perhaps expedient, that I should not go into minute Details especially as this Letter would in that Case doubtless pass to you through the british Post Office.\nI enclose a \u201cState of the Duties payable by Vessels of the United States in the Ports of Marseilles, Bayonne, L\u2019Orient and Dunkirk.\u201d You may find it useful on several Occasions.\nTwo of the Commissioners lately appointed for the Treasury, Vizt. Mr. Osgood, and Mr. Walter Livingston, have accepted and proceeded to Business. The third Vizt. Mr. Gervais of South Carolina, having declined, another will soon be elected to supply his Place, so that we may hope soon to see the Affairs of that Department again arranged and regulated. \nThe making adequate Provision for our Debts, and other Exigencies of Government, has been too long delayed and still meets with Obstacles. An Opinion of the Necessity of it however gains ground, and I flatter myself will eventually become general and operative. I have the Honor to be &ca.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0053", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Milligan, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Milligan, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nTreasury of the United States\nComptroller\u2019s Office April 15th. 1785\nBy a Certificate dated at Passy the 8th. of August 1784 and signed by Doctor Franklin, copy of which I do myself the honor of enclosing, it appears that the Treasury Certificates therein mentioned, of monies due by the United States to General du Portail, General Laumoy and Colo. Gouvion, were at their request lodged in the office of His Excellency, in order to remain there or in the office of the Consul, until Certificates of another form for the whole Sum due to each of the Gentlemen should be transmitted to France for them. In compliance with their request, a new Settlement of their claims has been effected. And as I am uncertain whether Doctor Franklin may be in France when this reaches it, I take the liberty of enclosing to your Excellency the New Certificates for their respective balances, which after adding the Interest that had become due up to the first of January 1784, and deducting the Monies paid here to Colo. Ternant on their respective Accounts, the Certificates are as follows. No. 92 in favor of Major General du Portail for Fifteen thousand Nine hundred and sixty seven 15/90 Dollars. No. 93 in favor of Brigadier General Laumoy for Ten thousand two hundred and eighty three 33/90 ths. Dollars. And No. 94 in favor of Colo. Gouvion for Seven thousand Nine hundred and Ninety four 84/90 Dollars, all bearing Interest from the first day of January 1784. I have to request Sir, that you will be pleased to deliver them to the Gentlemen in whose favor they are, And that you will as soon as may be, procure and transmit the old ones that were lodged with Doctor Franklin, to the Treasury here, in order  that they may be by me Cancelled. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of great respect Sir Your Most Obt. Hume. Servant,\nJas. Milligan\nComptr. of the Treasy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0055", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 15 April 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis, April 15th 1785.\nI had the honor of informing your excellency in my letter of Feb. 3 that I had received and presented Mr. Alexander\u2019s bill on Laval & Wilfelsheim; that they had refused to pay it; that I had had it protested, but on their saying they would then accept, I had  sent it to them again, but received no answer, when I was obliged to send off my letter. They returned it to me accepted, paiable in London, a trick by which you would have lost about eight per cent., the exchange between this place and London being now, and having been a long time, that much to the disadvantage of this country. They had written this so illegibly, and so hid the words \u201c\u00e0 Londres\u201d in a corner of the note that it escaped me, as it did even Mr. Grand, through whom the note was returned to me; and this was never discovered till the day came when they should have paid it. They then insisted the demand should be made in London. After a course of chicanery, the detail of which would be tedious and only shew their rascality, they have agreed to pay in Paris the 19th instant. I sent to them yesterday to inform them I was to write this day on the subject of the bill, and to know whether I might rely that there would be no further difficulties. They said I might; yet, have they so totally destroyed my confidence in them that I am far from being satisfied on this subject. I had not meant to have required actual payment till Mons. Houdon should be setting out to America; but as I find them to be men who might fail me in the instant when it should be wanted, I shall draw the money out of their hands as soon as I can and lodge it with Mr. Grand. I must at the same time inform you that nothing more is settled yet with Mons. Houdon. He was taken ill immediately after the writing my letter to your Excellency, and has been a considerable part of the time in a situation quite despaired of. He is now out of danger, but not well enough to think of business. The picture of Genl. Washington is come safely to hand. I have the honour to be with due respect, Your Excellency\u2019s most obt. and most humble servt.,\nThos. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0056", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Carmichael, 16 April 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nHavre 16 April 1785\nYour much Esteem\u2019d favour of 10th. Curt. came duly to hand; an Absence of 2 days at Honfleur occasionned my delay in replying by Return of Poste.\nWe have at present no Ship bound to Virginia in the Port, but most likely in next month, there may be; two are allready Sail\u2019d in last Month. As soon as one offers I shall take pleasure in informing you thereof, and be happy to be usefull to you, or any friend you may recommend. There\u2019s little doubt, but what between this and the End of May an occasion will offer here for your friend to proceed to Virginia.\nAs You have not given me your Directions I adress the present to You at the incomparable Doctor Franklin\u2019s in order to ensure it\u2019s coming to hand.\nI remain very respectfully Your most humble & obedt. Servt.,\nJs. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0058", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 17 April 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\n[Paris, 17 Apr. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cMr. Carmichael. Acknolege receipt of his of Mar. 29. and Apr. 4. Papers relative to Algrs. sent to Congress\u2014books. Send me note of what will cost, except those which are at common prices and which may be bought\u2014account of Virga. act for surrendering citizens committing offences in other countries. Made principally to restrain our people as to Span. settlements. Interest of both parties to keep peace, and is the wish of our government. Spn. no object in war, because we have nothing but territory which they cannot take. Their trade and their territory tempting to our people but not to our government. Wish they would authorize Ct. D\u2019Aranda to enter into conferences so as to settle arrangement. We should then find no difficulty in going to Madr. to put last hand to it. [Sent this letter thro\u2019 Mr. Grand].\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0061", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 19 April 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nAranjuez 19th. April 1785\nSince I had the honor to address you, I received further Intelligence with respect to the Disposition of the Emperor of Marrocco. I inclosed a copy of the Letter communicated to me, the 15th. Inst. in one to his Excy. Benjamin Franklin which in case of his Absence, I directed to be opened by yourself or Mr. Adams. I have also received an accurate account of the Maritime Force of the Above mentioned Prince which I have not time to copy to send by this opportunity. In consequence of what Dr. Franklin wrote me the 22d. Ulto. I was in hopes to have received \u2019ere this the Joint Sentiments of the Commissioners on the Subject of our Difference with the Barbary States. I repeat now what I mentioned in my Letter of the 15th. Inst., my reliance in the good Offices of this Court; at the Same time I beg leave to recommend the Speedy adoption of measures, that at least may prevent Hostilities, until Congress may take such, as they may judge proper. My Situation here has become so very disagreable from the total Silence of my Constituents and other circumstances which for many years have been detrimental to my Little affairs, that unless things take a different turn, I shall be uneasy until I leave Europe forever. The Infant Dn. Gabriel espoused on the 12 Inst. by Proxy the Infanta of Portugal. This Court has ordered a Gala of three days with Illuminations to celebrate these Nuptials. I have not yet been able to procure an account of the Price of the Books you wished me to procure you. They are in general scarce, and you will be surprized  at the price demanded for such as I have been able to discover. With the Proper Compliments to Messrs. Franklin & Adams I have the Honor to be with great Regard Your Most Obedt. Humble Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0062", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Carr, 20 April 1785\nFrom: Carr, Peter\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHonour\u2019d Sir\nWilliamsburg. April. 20th., 1785\nI am very sorry to tell you I have lost a great deal of time since you left Virginia. It has been sometimes for the want of horses and sometimes for the want of money, so that I have made but little progress. I am at this time reading Horace and Homer, and Mr. Maury, with whom I have been about a week, thinks I may go to the University about this time, twelvemonth, if I will exert myself, and be assured Dr Sir, that I shall not loose a moment more than I can help, and shall try if I cant by the closest application make up the time I have lost. I have just began french and arithmetic with a Frenchman, whom I attend two or three times a week, and who is esteemed very clever. The good advice contained in the letter I received from you at Burling[ton] [I] still continue to observe [with the] greatest strictness. Polly [was we]ll when I heard from her last, and reads very prettily. Mama and the family were very well when I heard from them last. Mr. Madison has put Dabney with Mr. Smith at the Academy in Prince Edward. My love to Patsy. Adieu Dr Uncle and believe me to be your affectionate Nephew,\nPeter Carr", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0063", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, 20 April [1785]\nFrom: Doradour, Madame de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nce mercredie; 20 avril [1785]\nMde. Doradour a l\u2019honneur de souhaitter le bonjour \u00e0 Monsieur jeffersson, de lui envoyer quelques refflections, quelles le suplie  de garder dans sa poche et pour lui seul. Elle aurra l\u2019honneur d\u2019aller demain Matin lui demander son avis sur les questions quelle faits. Celles que Monsieur jeffersson trouverras d\u2019absurdes Mde. Doradour le suplie de se ressouvenir quelles sont d\u2019une femme et d\u2019une femme fran\u00e7oise qui desire acquerir des qualites au dessue de celles que l\u2019on accorde \u00e0 sa nation, mais qui n\u2019a pour elle jusqu\u00e0 present que le desir, et qui sens vivement l\u2019interet dont Monsieur jeffersson l\u2019honnore. Elle le suplie d\u2019en agreer l\u2019hommage de sa reconnoissance.\nL\u2019avantage que Mr. et Mde. trouveront \u00e0 vivre aupr\u00e8s de Mr. jeffersson, de profiter de sa compagnie, et [d]e suivrent ses conseilles les dessideront absollument pour la virginie, et surtout pour le cantons o\u00f9 habitent Mr. jeffersson, \u00e0 moins que le Climat ne sy opposas. Mde. desireres une habitation sur une c\u00f4te; [el]le est accoutum\u00e9e ainsi que ses enfants \u00e0 un air tr\u00eas pur et elle ne se pardonneres pas de leurs faire changer de demeure [si] elle croyes que cela pus nuire \u00e0 leurs santees.\n[El]le est fort de l\u2019avis de Mr. jefferson que Mr. Doradour [fa]sse pour son premier etablissement une acquisition tres [me]diocre o\u00f9 il y eut cependant de toute les choses necessair [\u00e0] la vie, et \u00e0 portee de cette ettablissment, de quoi en faire [un] considerable. En cas que le local convint et que Mr. se decidat \u00e0 vendre en france pour placer en amerique, [il] emporte avec lui 15000\u20b6 milles franc de france. Mde. pourra lui en envoyer encore 15000\u20b6 pourveu quelle soit avertie [s]ix mois d\u2019avance, parce qu\u2019il faut quelle aye le tems de faire [r]entrer ses fonts. Elle pourra m\u00eame aller jusqua 20000\u20b6 sans [ri]en vendre, mais elle sen rapportera absollument sur cela [au]x conseils que Mr. jeffersson lui donnera, parceque Mr. ne connoissant pas le pays pourres sy tromper. [Ma]is Md. espere que Mr. jeffersson voudra bien mettre [au]ppr\u00e8s de son ami en virginie asses d\u2019interest pour qu\u2019il [re]garde le nouveaux emigran comme un membre de la famille [de] Mr. jeffersson; Mr. et Md. en ont les sentiments.\nMr. s\u2019en rapporteras absollument \u00e0 Mr. Lewis et ne ferras rien sans son avis. Il prononceras avec plaisir le serment de fidelitee \u00e0 l\u2019Etat et jure d\u2019avance de le tenir.\nMde. suplie Mr. jeffersson de voulloir bien aussi prier son ami de veiller \u00e0 l\u2019acquisition des neigres que Mr. cera obblig\u00e9e de faire, tant pour la force que pour la fidelitee.\nSy Mr. Lewis juge que Mr. doit faire une acquisition et qu\u2019il n\u2019aye pas asses d\u2019argeant, parcequ\u2019il faudras qu\u2019il en garde pour  vivre, pour achetter des neigres, et faire travailler, [et] comme il est etrangers, lui vendra t\u2019on une partie a credit? Quelle interest payera t\u2019il? De quelle maniere lui ferra t\u2019on passer de l\u2019argeant de france?\nIl partira avec un domestique. Il voudres se mettre en pention jusqua l\u2019arriv\u00e9e de Md., pour ne pas tenir de maison, n\u2019emportant avec lui que les choses necessair pour son usage personnelle. Il est inutille sy il ne sy accoutumee pas de faire une trop grande depence. L\u2019on a dit \u00e0 Mde. qu\u2019il y av\u00e9s une tres grandes diference dans les fortunes et que cela en faises pour l\u2019agr\u00e9ment de la vie. Elle demande avec confiance \u00e0 Mr. jeffersson sy cela pourres occasionner du desagrement \u00e0 Mre. qui, accoutum\u00e9e \u00e0 vivre avec tout le monde, ne veut pas de distinction, mais qui seres fach\u00e9e d\u2019\u00eatre humilli\u00e9.\nMde. desire que Mr. parte par le pacbogue [paquebot], parce quelle espere que ces Messieurs qui s\u2019embarque avec lui voudrons bien lui accorder leurs amitie et quelle sera bien plus tranq[uille]. L\u2019id\u00e9e de la mer l\u2019effraye pour son mari, quelle voie partir sans elle avec regret. C\u2019est une peur de femme, mais il faut passer quelques choses \u00e0 la foiblesse de leurs sexes. Mr. debarqueres \u00e0 New yorck et della [de l\u00e0] ires par terre \u00e0 la Virginie.\nQuoique Mde. soit effray\u00e9e de la mer pour Mr., elle ne pence pas de m\u00eame sur tout. Elle connois la necessitee d\u2019une bonne education, et se ferra gloir que son fils soit ellev\u00e9e par des hommes sages. Elle n\u2019a d\u2019autres desirs que de le voir dignne des bontes de ces Messieurs, et que l\u2019on veuille bien l\u2019admettre au nombre des habitants de la nouvelle angleterre quelle respecte. C\u2019est un sentiment quelle inspirera \u00e0 ses enfants.\nDans l\u2019habitation que Mr. achetteras, trouvera t\u2019il une petite maison et les autres batiments necessair pour l\u2019agriculture? Parce que M[de.] desireres qu\u2019il ne fit pas batir avant son arriv\u00e9e.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0064", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 20 April 1785\nFrom: Hopkinson, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. 20th. April 1785\nYour Favour of the 13. Jany. last did not get to hand before the 16. Instt. I am much obliged to you for the philosophical Intelligence you gave me which I have communicated to Mr. Rittenhouse.  He is determined to watch carefully the appearances of the Star Eta of Antinous. I have written two or three Letters to you which I hope will get to hand. In one of them I enclosed a model of my further Improvement in the Manner of quilling a Harpsichord which I believe effectually completes that Business. It answers to Admiration in my Harpsichord which has been freely used since last Fall and not one Quill has failed, the Instrument remaining in perfect Touch, which is certainly a very great Acquisition.\nI observe well what you say respecting your great Deficiency of American Intelligence and will chearfully supply you with two of our best Papers. I went however this Morning to Mr. Marbois and mentioned the Matter to him, and he tells me you are not aware of the monstrous Expence of Postage which he thinks you cannot get rid of for a Constancy and to such an Amount. I must think further on this Subject, or perhaps wait till I hear from you again, before I fully comply with your Orders. In the mean Time however I shall order two weekly Papers to be sent to me and shall keep them for you. We know little more of Congress here than you do in France\u2014perhaps not so much. They are seldom or ever mentioned in the Papers and are less talked of than if they were in the West Indies Islands. They are settled at New York and according to Report are as little satisfied with their Situation there as they were in this City. They have resolved to build a f\u0153deral City for themselves on the Banks of the Delaware either near or opposite to Trenton. Mr. Rt. Morris, Genl. Dickinson and a Mr. Brown of Rhode Island are appointed commissioners to carry this Resolution into Effect. Mr. Morris sets off for New York Tomorrow on that Business. What is called the Constitutional Party in this State are uppermost and playing the Mischief. They have published a Bill for Consideration which will probably pass next Session to demolish the Bank. The ostensible Reason is that it is incompatable with a free Government, but the real Reason is that Mr. Morris and the Directors of the Bank are not of the present ruling Party. They have also past a most iniquitous ex post facto Law to favour Mr. Holker in his Demands against Mr. Morris. It would be too long a Detail to give you a competent Idea of this Matter. Mr. Marbois has formed a kind of Coalition with Mr. Holker, and Mr. Morris and he are at Odds. This together with the Affair of Lonchamps, which Mr. Marbois has pursued with great Inveteracy have render\u2019d Mr. Marbois very unpopular in this City. The Affair of Longchamps yet remains in Suspence before Congress.\nI am very sorry Animal Magnetism is at End. I want much to  magnetise our Philosophical Society which still lies in a deep Trance. It will probably come to Life one of these Days and repay the Expectation of the World by giving a full and true Account of the wonderful Visions and prophecies it experienced during its State of Torpitude.\nMr. Rittenhouse has promised me that he will write to you and give his Letter to me to be forwarded, but not by this opportunity.\nMy Girls desire to be remember\u2019d to their friend, Miss Patty. I am, dear Sir, with great Esteem Your truly affectionate & very humble Servt.,\nFras Hopkinson\nThe old Apology for a bad Scrawl\u2014Excuse Haste.\nI have not had an Opportunity of seeing Mr. Wright.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0065", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Walker Maury, 20 April 1785\nFrom: Maury, Walker\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nWilliamsbg. April 20th. 85\nYour nephew Peter Carr, after a chasm of about 18 months, in the course of his education, arrived here a few days ago. Several circumstances, he tells me, have involuntarily detained him. I find him nearly in statu quo, as to his classics, but, full of regret at his lost time, and of mortification, that his former class-fellows shou\u2019d have outstripped him so far as to have fallen into the University with some degree of eclat. Actuated by a regard for your anxiety for his advancement, as well as by his own apparent disposition to aid my exertions, I have taken him in the number of my private pupils\u2014a situation somewhat more expensive, but much more advantageous for the studious youth, as they go thro many exercises with me, exclusive of those of the school in general. However, I wait Mr. Lewis\u2019s concurrence for his continuance in this situation. I have an excellent teacher of the French, and Spanish languages, in my school\u2014a native of France, and a gentleman of science. You will therefore, be so obliging as to express your wish in respect to your nephew\u2019s learning the latter\u2014perhaps it may be, to take it in, in the stead of the anglo-saxon.\nAs he has lost so much time, I fear, that no exertions, either on his, or my part, will enable him to enter the University with those advantages and acquirements, I am sure you wou\u2019d wish, by the expiration of his 16th. year; But hope it may be accomplished by Octr. 12 month. Of this tho\u2019, the Professors, who are visitors and examiners of the school, will be the proper judges.\nAs I wish to establish a book shop, on an extensive plan for the supply of the Grammar School and university, I wou\u2019d esteem it a particular favor in you, to furnish me, if you have the time to spare from more important affairs, a list of the french authors of most merit, with the prices affixed. With every good wish for the success of your embassy, and for data to give you more flattering accounts of the progress of your nephew, I am Dr. Sir, yours with much esteem,\nWalker Maury", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0066", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from P. Guillibaud & Cie., 22 April 1785\nFrom: P. Guillibaud & Cie.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nRouen le 22 avril 1785.\nNous venons de recevoir le duplicata du paquet que M. Holker actuellement a philadelphie nous a adress\u00e9 et qui renfermait celui que notre Sr. Guillibaud a eu l\u2019honneur de remettre \u00e0 Votre excellence dans le vo\u00ffage qu\u2019il vient de faire \u00e0 Paris pour cette affaire. Ce duplicata nous a apport\u00e9 celui qui doit renfermer un double de la commission que la cour Supr\u00eame de Pensilvanie a eu la bont\u00e9 de vous adresser pour reconna\u00eetre la verit\u00e9 et la legitimit\u00e9 de notre cr\u00e9dite sur Samuel Wharton. Nous adressons ce paquet \u00e0 Messrs. Detruissard Boisgent & compe. Ils auront l\u2019honneur de vous le presenter, nous vous prions de leur accorder quelques moments d\u2019audience pour avoir celui de conf\u00e9rer avec vous et pour nous faire passer vos ordres si vous en aviez quelques uns \u00e0 nous donner.\nNous prions Votre Excellence d\u2019avoir la bont\u00e9 de lire et de prendre s\u00e9rieusement en consid\u00e9ration la copie de la lettre de M. Holker du 14. qui vous sera remise par nos dits amis. Il para\u00eet que nous aurions tout \u00e0 craindre de la mauvaise foi de notre d\u00e9biteur qui ne cherche qu\u2019\u00e0 consommer le projet qu\u2019il a eu d\u2019abuser de notre confiance, si nous n\u2019etions rassur\u00e9s par vos lumi\u00e8res, par votre justice et par le travail que vous avez eu la bont\u00e9 de faire pour eclairer les juges saisis de cette affaire. Il est clair qu\u2019il n\u2019a d\u2019autres vues que d\u2019en diff\u00e9rer la d\u00e9cision, afin, s\u2019il est possible qu\u2019elle ne soit pas jug\u00e9e avant le retour que M Holker se dispose \u00e0 faire en france, ce qu\u2019il est bien int\u00e9ressant pour nous d\u2019eviter.\nNous mettons notre unique confiance dans le raport que vous avez bien voulu vous charger de faire et Sommes bien persuad\u00e9s que lui seul nous fera obtenir la condamnation sur Wharton: cependant, comme ce qui abonde ne Saurait nuire, nous cro\u00ffons devoir prendre l\u2019exp\u00e9dition que M. Holker nous demande d\u2019apr\u00e8s son conseil et qu\u2019il nous charge de prendre de notre Jurisdiction consulaire. Nous chargeons d\u2019ailleurs nos amis de vous faire quelques observations et de vous prier d\u2019ajouter \u00e0 votre second raport, si vous le cro\u00ffez convenable, l\u2019autorit\u00e9 du t\u00e9moignage de M. le marquis de lafa\u00ffette et celui de M. Lera\u00ff de chaumont pere. Enfin nous vous prions de prendre en s\u00e9rieuse consid\u00e9ration combien nous devons nous mettre en garde contre la mauvaise foi de notre debiteur et combien il est int\u00e9ressant pour nous que cette affaire soit termin\u00e9e pendant le sejour de M. Holker \u00e0 l\u2019am\u00e9rique qui  pourrait ne pas \u00eatre encore long. Nous vous prions de nous aider de vos conseils dans la marche que nous avons \u00e0 suivre et de nous donner vos ordres par l\u2019entremise de Messrs. Detruissard Boisgent & compe.\nNous sommes avec respect Monsieur Vos tr\u00e8s humbles & Tr\u00e8s obe\u00efssants serviteurs,\nP Guillibaud Et Comp.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0067", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 25 April 1785\nFrom: Holker, Jean\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRouen 25 Avril 1785\nI Received your favor of the 17, had just been confind to my Bed. I should not have waited till this to Informe you, that I have had the satisfaction to find your objects, but it has not been without truble, as it had laine in the Depoe, amongst som hunderds of other objects since September last, and they was obliged to oppen amany Caisseis to find yours, as their was no directions on it; had you advised me at the time of its parting from London youd have Received it in Octobr., but as no one here claimed it, it was put amongst other goods, some of which has laine their as they say for amany years, and will Remaine than claimed. I wanted to have it sent under your Directions, but was Refused althoug the Directure of the farms is my friend, as he tells me nothing can part from this, unless a speshal order from the farmer Generals, or the Controulor General, unles it is for them or som Minister. So he proposed me sending it under the Direction of his Excelence Docter Franklin, with an acquie of Caution, which is don as youl see by the Conducteur of the Boat, which aquie youl be so good as to send me back, or they will force me to pay a fine of foure times the Vallue of the Duty.\nThey say the Batto will arrive in ten days, which youl be able to find out, by sending to the Buro, and young Mr. Franklin will attend your Servent and claime it as he has don the one I forwarded his Grandfather.\nI have been obliged to pay 12 livers for the Mens truble to find it out and 4\u20b6. 1s. for Dutys, so youl be owing me on this 16\u20b6. 1s. which wee can Settle If ever I have the happeness of seeing you in Paris, and in the Mainetime beg you wont spaire me If I can be of any use, and am with Consideration your most Obediant & very humble Servant,\nJ Holker\nP.S. I am quit doune with the Gout Rencountre and cant fix it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0068", "content": "Title: Favi to the American Commissioners, 26 April 1785\nFrom: Favi, Francesco\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\nParis ce 26 Avril 1785\nLe projet du Trait\u00e9, que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019adresser dans le mois de Decembre dernier, et que vous av\u00e9s propos\u00e9 \u00e0 Son Altesse Royale Msgr. L\u2019Archiduc Grand Duc de Toscane mon Maitre etoit trop conforme \u00e0 Ses principes pourqu\u2019il ne f\u00fbt pas agr\u00e9e.\nCe Prince, apr\u00e8s L\u2019avoir pris en consideration est venu dans la determination d\u2019y adherer, et c\u2019est par son ordre, que j\u2019ai L\u2019honneur de vous comuniquer la traduction cy-jointe. Il y a quelques additions, qui ne changent rien \u00e0 la Substance de la convention, mais que Les circonstances locales, et les reglements du pays, aux quels toutes Les nations sont soumises, rendent indispensables. Vous verr\u00e9s, Messieurs, que Les Sujets des Etats unis de l\u2019Amerique seront trait\u00e9s dans tous Les cas \u00e0 Livourne comme la nation la plus favoris\u00e9e, et qu\u2019ils jouiront par consequent de tous Les avantages, qui sont accord\u00e9s aux autres. Nous demandons Les m\u00eames conditions, et la m\u00eame reciprocit\u00e9 pour Les Toscans. Ainsi la base de ce Trait\u00e9 ne sauroit etre fond\u00e9e sur une egalit\u00e9 plus parfaite.\nJ\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec Le plus grand respect Messieurs Votre tr\u00e9s humble, et tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur,\nFavi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0073", "content": "Title: Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1785\nFrom: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nTo: American Commissioners\nVersailles, 28 Apr. 1785. Has forwarded to De Castries all the papers sent to him by the Commissioners on the subject of the Barbary powers and now encloses a copy of the reply he has just received from that minister.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0074", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jacques Le Maire, 30 April 1785\nFrom: Le Maire, Jacques\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nVotre Exellence\nRichemont le 30. avril 1785\nApres m\u00eatre aquitt\u00e9 de vos commissions, Et avoir mis quelques ordres a mes affaires, je n\u2019ai eu rien de plus press\u00e9 que de vous En  rendre compte, En vous temoignant ma tres juste Reconnoissance pour tous les Services Essentiels que vous m\u2019avez rendus. Je noublirai jamais que c\u2019est a votre puissante recommendation que je dois toutes les graces dont m\u2019a combl\u00e9 le Gouvernement de Virginie represent\u00e9 par le tres Digne Respectable Sir Patrick Hennery. Cette honn\u00eate Magistra ma combl\u00e9 de sa bienveillance, il m\u2019a fait compter cent cinquante ponds Sitot mon arriv\u00e9 pour me soutenir jusqu\u2019a ce que mes affaires Soit totalement fini, il sinteresse vivement \u00e0 moi, il a eu la bont\u00e9 de donner les ordres les plus pressantes \u00e0 fin de me faire avoir la patente des deux mille arpens de terres qui m\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 accord\u00e9 En gratification, ce qui aura lieu dapres la decouverte que lon trouv\u00e9ra, car jusqu\u2019a ce moment on ne Sait point dans quel compt\u00e9 o\u00fb elle sont. J\u2019ai d\u00e9couvert que c\u2019est le Col. chelby [Shelby] o\u00f9 le Col. Martin qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 charg\u00e9 par v\u00f4tre Exellence de plasser mon voirant [warrant] avec recommandation de me donner ce qu\u2019il y avoit de mieux; Et certainement sous de pareilles ospices je ne puis qu\u2019Esperer que d\u00eatre favorablement bien trait\u00e9. Aussitot que je Serai nanti de ce titre jen ferai la vente pour les remplasser dans une petite habitation dans les Environs de Richemont, o\u00f9 allieur dans la province de la virginie, Etant d\u00e9cid\u00e9 a me fixer le reste de mes jours sous larbre de la libert\u00e9.\nVous trouvairai-cy inclus un m\u00e9moire qui Est fait dapr\u00e8s de tres juste observations, Et jose vous assurer qui c\u2019est vrait. J\u2019en Envoy une copie, \u00e0 Monsieur Beudet homme tres riche et en credy au pres des Ministres. Il a de tres grands projets d\u2019etablissement sur le Kentock\u00e9e ou sur L\u2019ohio; je lui Envoy un Echantillion de Soye blange fabriqu\u00e9 dans ces lieux occidentaux. Je prend la libert\u00e9 de laddresser \u00e0 v\u00f4tre Exellence, je ne doute point que vous ne Lengagi\u00e9s au parti que je lui propose, et je ne le fait que dapres ce qu\u2019il m\u2019a pri\u00e9 de lui Envoyer Les d\u00e9tails les plus circonstenci\u00e9s.\nLon m\u2019a aussi promy que je serois admis dans la Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de l\u2019ordre de Sincinnatus, au quatre juillet prochin; je rend compte de tout ces bien faits au Ministres de france particulierement \u00e0 Monsieur le Comte de Vergenne ne voulant point laisser l\u2019equit\u00e9 du votre.\nIl me semble que je me suis deja trop Etendu sur mon chapitre, et qu\u2019il Est tems de parler de ce qui vous conserne.\nJ\u2019ai eu L\u2019honneur de visitaire v\u00f4tre Respectable famille Et vos amis, qui sont En grand Nombre. J\u2019en ai recu L\u2019accueil le plus Satisfaisant. Le Colonel Cayry, auroit \u00e9t\u00e9 tres charm\u00e9 que vous lui Eussie Ecrit. Monsieur Et Madame Eppes ainsi que Monsieur  Hylton me charge de vous dire mille chose honn\u00eate de leur part, de m\u00eame que, Monsieur le Gouverneur; j\u2019ai remy les deux paquets Et les deux barilles deau de vie que lon a trouv\u00e9 Exellente.\nLa charmante Demoiselle Geffersonn, Enbrasse son bon papa, du mielleur de son coeur sans oublier sa chere soeur. Elle Se porte \u00e0 merveille, elle Est grace comme un petit mouton. Ses cheres Cousines, qui ce porte Egalement, on ne peut mieux ce joigne au voeux de Mademoiselle Geffersonn. Tous vos lettres et autres paquets ont \u00e9t\u00e9 Egalement remis a leur destinations. Monsieur Madiconn, Est le Seul qui ne mait point repondu. Il n\u2019avoit pas Sans doute re\u00e7u v\u00f4tre lettre que j\u2019ai remy \u00e0 Monsieur le president de lacademie de Welliamburg. Il Est Sur lhabitation de Monsieur son pere.\nJe suis charg\u00e9 de la part de Monsieur, Et Madame Eppes de vous prier de leur Envoyer des graines de toutes Especes, pour du Jardinages, Et pour des fleures a fin dorner leur jardin.\nJe dois retourner incessament chez Ses aimables gens, Et chez le Colonel Skipworth je compte y faire un long s\u00e9jour si mes affaires me le permettent. Je vous assure que tout a prodigieusement Enchery dans v\u00f4tre patrie, de puis que vous lavez quitt\u00e9. Main deuvre, vie annimalle, tout coute au moins le double que dans la capitalle de la france, qui Est la ville la plus chere; vous ne croiri\u00e9 pas que lon ma demand\u00e9 vingt a vingt Six ponds pour Etablir une grille semblable a celle que j\u2019ai fait faire pour vous a paris. Ce prix Exsorbitant a d\u00e9gout\u00e9 les personnes qui En vouloit faire faire.\nJose vous prier de me rappelle au Souvenir de Messieurs Colonel Huntsfrieds [et] Short. Je les prie dagreer les assurances du plus parfait attachement.\nIl ne me reste plus que de reiterer \u00e0 Votre Exellence, les Sentimens de la plus parfaite reconnoissance, Et de vous prier de maccorder la continuation de vos bont\u00e9s Et de votre bienveillance que je sollicite toujours avec confiance. Je ferai toujours tout ce qui dependera de moi pour la meriter, veuille le ciel vous faire jouir de la Sant\u00e9 la plus parfaite. Ce sont la les voeux les plus chere \u00e0 mon coeur; pen\u00e9tr\u00e9 de ses Sentimens Je suis avec le plus profond Respect Votre Exellence, Votre tres humble Et tres obeissant Serviteur,\nLe Maire\nP.S. Monsieur Beudet demeure au paloit Royal, No. 18.\nEnclosure\nM\u00e9moire de M. le Maire\nSans entrer dans le d\u00e9tail des causes morales qui ont influ\u00e9 sur l\u2019accroissement prodigieux de la population, du commerce et de l\u2019aisence des etats unis de L\u2019Am\u00e9rique, L\u2019on parcourra rapidement les causes phisiques, qui secondant sa constitution religieuse et civile ont tant contribu\u00e9 \u00e0 ses progr\u00e8s. L\u2019on doit convenir que si L\u2019\u00e9tend\u00fce de ces terres, la multitude de ces port et bayes et rivieres favorisent le Commerce et les communications, la proffondeur de ces terres, leur Situation salubre et leur fertilit\u00e9 extraordinaire en facilitant les subsistances, les acquisition et les propriet\u00e9s rendent raison de cette progression si interessante; L\u2019on peut m\u00eame assurer que ce sont ces m\u00eames terres commun\u00e9ment appeller pays de derriere qui feront la base solide de la puissance future de l\u2019Amerique Septentrionalle.\nUne chene de Montagnes conn\u00fce sous le nom d\u2019Apalaches et alleghany qui, courant nord est, traverce tout le continant depuis le golfe St. Laurent jusqu\u2019au Cap des florides, est la limitte naturelle qui S\u00e9pare ces pays de derriere de la Basse Virginie. Les costes de l\u2019Amerique courent dans une direction presque pararelle [parrall\u00e8le] \u00e0 cette chaine et \u00e0 une distance d\u2019environ 200. miles. Les terres de cette lisiere comprise entre la mer et ces Montagnes sont en g\u00e9n\u00e9ral d\u2019une qualit\u00e9 m\u00e9diocre, et quoique dans ce moment cy elles soient infiniment plus peuplees que celles de derriere elles n\u2019augmentent presque point en population, sur tout dans le Sud; touttes les emigrations, tant de l\u2019Europe que de L\u2019Amerique meme se portant dans ces Contr\u00e9es plus occidentales dont on va parler.\nCes contr\u00e9es sont born\u00e9es \u00e0 L\u2019est par Les Montagnes Alleghany et Apalaches comme Je l\u2019ai dit, au Nord par Les grands Lacs qui les separent du Canada, \u00e2 l\u2019ouest par le Missisipy, et au sud par les florides, Comprenant une Espace d\u2019environ 300 Lie\u00fces de L\u2019Est \u00e0 L\u2019O\u00fcest et un peu plus du Nord au Sud. Ce pays est traverc\u00e9 dans toutte sa largeur par une grande riviere dont les deux branches principalles, la Monongalsela et L\u2019Alleghany, partant de deux endroits de ces Montagnes fort \u00e9loign\u00e9s l\u2019un de l\u2019autre, viennent ce r\u00e9unir sous les murs de fort pitt, y prenant le nom d\u2019Ohyo, et apr\u00e8s avoir re\u00e7u un nombre prodigieux de Rivieres vont tomber dans le Missisipy, 400. lie\u00fces au dessous de ce m\u00eame fort pitt, autrefois fort duquesne. A l\u2019exeption de quelques foibles Etablissements form\u00e9s depuis longtems par les fran\u00e7ois au detroit, aux Illinois et sur la riviere Wabash, toute la partie qui est au Nord de la riviere Ohio est encore la propri\u00e9t\u00e9 des indiens qui en sont les Seuls habitants. Les differents Etats de la Conf\u00e9d\u00e9ration Americaine ont abandonn\u00e9 au Congr\u00e8s qui represente les Etats Unis les droits particuliers qu\u2019ils pouvoient avoir sur cette portion. Lorsque le Congr\u00e8s en aura achett\u00e9 quelques districts de ces m\u00eames indiens, L\u2019on croit qu\u2019il les vendra afin de pouvoir payer une portion des dettes Continantales. Mais Jusques \u00e0 L\u2019\u00e9poque d\u2019un tel achat il est impossible et d\u00e9fendu m\u00eame par le Congr\u00e8s d\u2019y faire aucun Etablissement, et quoyque les Indiens soient dans les meilleures dispositions pour les Americains et que le trait\u00e9 avec l\u2019Angleterre les ait Laiss\u00e9s \u00e0 la mercy de ces derniers,  il sera difficille de Longtems de faire des cessions pour commencer des Etablissements solides. C\u2019est donc sur la partie Meridional seule de L\u2019ohyo que se portent touttes les Emigrations et la seule sur Laquelle on puisse faire quelques Sp\u00e9culations solides et dont on peut attendre un Succ\u00e8s prochain.\nCette partie de terres appartient \u00e0 cinq Etats seulement, la pensilvanie, la Virginie, les deux Carolines et la Georgie. Ces trois derniers, n\u2019ayant rien sur La riviere Ohio m\u00eame (qu\u2019on peut consid\u00e9rer pour L\u2019avenir plus ou moins eloign\u00e9 comme un d\u00e9bouch\u00e9 \u00e0 la mer) et \u00e9tant s\u00e9par\u00e9s du Missisipy par les Cherokes et Les Chicasaws, les plus turbulants des Sauvages, n\u2019offrent par les m\u00eames avantages que ceux qu\u2019on peut trouver sur les bords de L\u2019Ohyo. Les possessions de la pensilvanie sur cette rivi\u00e8re ne s\u2019\u00e9tendant qu\u2019environ 80. miles au dessous du fort pitt et sont deja touttes peupl\u00e9es et etablies. Tout L\u2019Espace compris entre la Pensilvanie, la rivi\u00e8re Ohio, le Missisipy et la limitte de la Caroline Septentrional se trouve appartenir \u00e0 la Virginie. Cet Etat pour acquitter une partie de ces dettes dont il etoit plus ober\u00e9 qu\u2019aucun autre a vendu indifferament touttes ces terres \u00e0 ceux qui ont voulu les achetter. Les Speculateurs, attir\u00e9s par le bas prix auquel on les offroit et par leur bonnes qualit\u00e9 en gen\u00e9ral, en ont achett\u00e9 sans aucun choix, et la plus part d\u2019entreux se trouvent avec des terres d\u2019une qualit\u00e9 inf\u00e9rieure, et qui, par les fraix d\u2019arpentage et les mesures posterieures de L\u2019Etat, leur coutent bien plus cher qu\u2019on ne s\u2019y attendoit.\nLes derrieres de la Virginie peuvent se diviser naturellement en trois portions. La plus orientale qui joint la pensilvanie s\u2019\u00e9tant [s\u2019\u00e9tend] jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la riviere conn\u00fce sous le nom de tottery, ou bid Sandy qui tombe dans L\u2019Ohyo environ 400. miles en dessous du fort pitt. L\u2019Espace compris entre le tottery et la riviere verte (Green River), qui va aussi se reunir \u00e0 L\u2019Ohyo 4. \u00e0 500. miles plus bas, forme la Seconde. La plus occidental est born\u00e9e par le Missisipy. Cet derniere est un pays absolument plat asses fertile, mais entre les mains des Cherokes qui ne l\u2019ont pas encore vendu aux Virginiens et qui se sont jusqu\u2019\u00e0 pr\u00e9sent oppos\u00e9 \u00e0 son Etablissement. D\u2019ailleur il a \u00e9t\u00e9 reserv\u00e9 entier pour les officiers et Soldats de L\u2019Arm\u00e9e et, se trouvant par l\u00e0 tr\u00e8s divis\u00e9, il a \u00e9t\u00e9 impossible d\u2019y faire des acquisitions \u00e0 bon march\u00e9, ou en un seul corps. Le climat chaud et humide ne paroissoit pas devoir convenir \u00e0 des Europeens, et l\u2019\u00e9loignement de tous Etablissements rendoit plus difficiles les commencements de ceux que L\u2019on desiroit former.\nLa Seconde division, conn\u00fce sous le nom de Kentuckey que luy a donn\u00e9 une rivi\u00e8re qui la traverce, est le pays le plus fertile de toutte L\u2019Am\u00e9rique. Sans \u00eatre aussy plat que ce pre[mier] dont je viens de parler, les colines y sont si peu elev\u00e9s et leur pentes cy douce qu\u2019il n\u2019y a presque pas un seul acre qui ne soit labourable. Les Virginiens et les Caroliniens, attir\u00e9s par de tels avantages, s\u2019y sont jett\u00e9s en foule et, quoyque les premiers habitants y soient arriv\u00e9 seulement en 1776., quoyque depuis cette Epoque ils ayent eu une guerre perpetuelle contre les Sauvages et les Anglais, et que les incursions des premiers n\u2019ayent cess\u00e9 que depuis Six mois, quoyqu\u2019ils soient separ\u00e9s par des deserts au  moins de 300. miles de tout autre etablissement, on y compte actuellement 50000. \u00e2mes, population d\u2019autant plus \u00e9tonnante que L\u2019\u00e9loignement des Ports de mer et la crainte des Sauvages a empech\u00e9 les Europeens de s\u2019y porter et que c\u2019est la Virginie, qui ne contient pas 400 000. Blancs qui a fourny presque seul tous ces Emigrants.\nL\u2019Empressement que Chacun avoit pour faire des acquisitions dans cette partie, la concurrence qui en r\u00e9sultoit et qui faisoit hausser les prix des terres d\u00e9j\u00e0 occup\u00e9es et augmentoit beaucoup la difficult\u00e9 d\u2019en trouver de bonnes vacantes, n\u2019emp\u00eacherent pas plusieurs habitants d\u2019en acquerir sur le champ plusieurs partie ass\u00e9s considerable, et comme il n\u2019y avoit point de temps \u00e0 perdre, ils en firent prendre possessions avant m\u00eame d\u2019\u00eatre sur les lieux. La haute attente qu\u2019ils avoient conn\u00fce de la fertilit\u00e9 des pays ne fut point tromp\u00e9e \u00e0 leur arriv\u00e9e. Mais en Examinant attentivement ce pays, Je vit que le climat etoit le m\u00eame que celuy de la basse Virginie, qu\u2019il y avoit beaucoup d\u2019eaux stagnantes dont L\u2019\u00e9coulement etoit difficile, que m\u00eame dans les endroits plus elev\u00e9s et plus sain les habitants \u00e9toient incommod\u00e9s par des fievres annuelles que les defrichements actuels avoient plut\u00f4t augment\u00e9es que de diminu\u00e9es, que les sources d\u2019eau courante etoient si rares que dans plusieurs endroit on etoit oblig\u00e9 de porter ses grains \u00e0 20. lie\u00fces pour trouver un moulin, et qu\u2019il n\u2019y avoit presque point qui fut bonne \u00e0 boire, que les terres, quoyque tr\u00e8s riches, \u00e9toient peu propre \u00e0 la culture du froment, et ne pouvoient convenir qu\u2019\u00e0 celle du mays et surtout du tabac, plante qui exige beaucoup de bras et qui ne peut \u00eatre cultiv\u00e9e icy avec avantage que par des negres. Enfin que dans la situation actuelle du pays, il n\u2019y avoit point de d\u00e9bouch\u00e9 pour exporter le Superflu des denr\u00e9es.\nCette partie est actuellement divis\u00e9 en cinq Comt\u00e9s: ohyo, Monongalia, harrisson, Green briar, et Montgomery. Ces deux derniers n\u2019ont form\u00e9 d\u2019\u00e9tablissement que dans les Vall\u00e9es de ces Montagnes; la population actuelle des trois premi\u00e9res ne passe pas trois mille Ames, on en compte le double dans les possessions de la pensilvanie qui les joignent et qui sont divis\u00e9es en trois comt\u00e9s: Westmoreland, fayette et Washington, l\u2019on [dont] J\u2019ai deja dit qu\u2019elles s\u2019\u00e9tendoient 80. miles sur L\u2019ohyo. Les derniers Etablissements qu\u2019on trouve en Virginie sur la riviere Ohio etoient dans L \u2019ann\u00e9e 1784. dans le Comt\u00e9 du m\u00eame nom sur la riviere de la peche (fishing Creek), \u00e0 130. miles au dessous du fort pitt et \u00e0 60. au dessus de la riviere petit Kanhawa. Il s\u2019en forme actuellement deux nouveaux, L\u2019un compos\u00e9 D\u2019anabaptistes venus des nouvelles Jerseys et qui se placent au dessous de fishing Creek, l\u2019autre d\u2019Irlandais et de Pensilvaniens qui se fixent 30 miles plus bas un peu au dessous de L\u2019Embouchure du petit Canhawa.\nComme touttes les terres au del\u00e0 des monts alleghany sont plus riches et plus fortes que les sables qui couvrent la plus part de celles entre ces monts et la mer, les arbres y sont tous plus gros, plus compacts et plus durables. Les plus communs de ceux que L\u2019on trouve dans  le pays que Je dEcrit sont le Sicomore remarcable par sa grosseur, Le peuplier presqu\u2019aussy gros que le Sicomore mais beaucoup plus haut et plus droit; L\u2019on en fait des Canots d\u2019une seul pi\u00e8ce qui ont quelque fois jusqu\u2019\u00e0 50. et communement 35. pieds de long; L\u2019erable ordinaire et L\u2019erable \u00e0 Sucre, substance qui se tire de l\u2019arbre par incision dans le printems et remplace par le gout et L\u2019usage le Sucre dont on luy a donn\u00e9 le nom; maronier d\u2019inde; L\u2019ormeau, le fr\u00eane, le h\u00eatre, celuy-cy tr\u00e8s commun; le papayer, arbre qui croit aussy dans les Isles et qui produit un fruit de la grosseur du point [poing] ass\u00e9s nourrissant et sain quoyqu\u2019un peu fade au gout; le cerisier, et le noyer de divers qualit\u00e9s; L\u2019acacia ordinaire et L\u2019acacia \u00e0 \u00e9pine. Tous ces Arbres se plaisent surtout dans les terres basses. L\u2019on trouve quelquefois des Erables, des h\u00eatres, des Noyers et des Cerisiers dans les Coteaux, mais seulement dans le Sol le plus riches. Presque touttes les autres terres ne sont couvertes que de Ch\u00eanes de plusieurs Esp\u00e8ces, le ch\u00eane blanc qui est le plus Estim\u00e9 pour faire les Enclos \u00e0 cause de sa facilit\u00e9 \u00e0 se fendre et qui ne le Sede qu\u2019au Cedre et au chene rouge pour la Charpente, est le plus commun. Dans les terres de la Seconde qualit\u00e9 il est m\u00eal\u00e9 avec le ch\u00eane noir et rouge, le cedre et quelques especes de noyers. Dans celle de la 3me. il cro\u00eet presque seul, exept\u00e9 dans les Espaces les plus mauvais o\u00f9 il est m\u00eal\u00e9 de pins et de chatagnier, ces derniers exigent un sol tr\u00e8s sec et aride, se trouvent en abondance dans les Montagnes, mais tr\u00e8s rarement dans les terres pr\u00e8s de L\u2019Ohyo. Outre ces arbres il y en a deux fort abondant qui, par les avantages qu\u2019on peut en retirer, meritent d\u2019etre nomm\u00e9s separ\u00e9ment; ce sont le Meurie et la Vigne. L\u2019on a deja fait de foibles essays sur les vers \u00e0 soyes qui ont parfaitement reussy. La Soye qu\u2019on en a recuillie a \u00e9t\u00e9 manufactur\u00e9e par les habitants m\u00eame et, quoyqu\u2019ils n\u2019eussent que des tisserans irlandais, ils en ont fait une espece de florence dont je me suis procur\u00e9 des \u00e9chantillons. A L\u2019Egard de la Vigne, il y en a deux Especes g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement r\u00e9pend\u00fces dans toutte L\u2019Amerique, L\u2019une (fox Grape) donne un raisin blanc tr\u00e8s gros, tr\u00e8s desagreable au gout et dont il ne paroit pas probable qu\u2019on puisse jamais faire aucun usage. L\u2019autre (fall Grape) produit des raisins rouges de la grosseur d\u2019un pois mangable, mais aigres. L\u2019on trouve sur les isles de L\u2019ohyo entre le fort pitt et la riviere tottery (jamais au dessous) une 3me. Espece qui n\u2019existe nulle autre part en Amerique, qui est de la m\u00eame grausseur que la 2me. et qui n\u2019en diff\u00e8re que parce que son fruit est d\u2019un gout sucr\u00e9 et tr\u00e8s agr\u00e9able. Soit comme quelques personnes le pretendent, que ces raisins proviennent de vignes plant\u00e9s autres fois par les fran\u00e7ois pr\u00e8s du fort Duquesne (\u00e0 present fort pitt, ou pitsburg) lorsqu\u2019ils en etoient les Matres [Ma\u00eetres] et qu\u2019ils jett\u00e8rent dans L\u2019Ohyo lorsqu\u2019ils evacuerent le pays en 1759; soit que le Climat, le Sol et surtout L\u2019exposition ayent Seules amelior\u00e9s les raisins de la 2me. Espece, il n\u2019en r\u00e9sulte pas moins de ce fait existant que la culture de la vigne ne peut manquer de reussir dans cette partie.\nLes animaux Sauvages qui peuplent ces forets sont le Bison ou Beuf bossu, improprement appell\u00e9 bufle par les habitants. Son gout est absolument le m\u00eame que le boeuf domestique, ils marchent en troupe, on est parvenu \u00e0 en apprivoiser quelques uns, mais on n\u2019a pas encore essay\u00e9 de les employer au travail.\nL\u2019elan de Virginie, ayant le Corps, Le cou, la teste de celuy d\u2019Europe et de L\u2019orignal du Canada, mais le bois du Cerf. On ne le trouve que dans ces Climats temper\u00e9es d\u2019Amerique et nulle part en Europe. Son gout est Exquis. Le Chevreuil tr\u00e8s abondant et parfaitement semblable \u00e0 celuy d\u2019Europe. L\u2019ours et le Loup, diminutif de celuy d\u2019europe, les derniers n\u2019attaquent que les moutons, L\u2019autre attaque quelquefois le chasseur Lorsqu\u2019il est bless\u00e9. Il en est de m\u00eame de la panthere conn\u00fce, je crois, sous le nom de Janquart de pensilvanie qui est grisse, haute de deux pieds et Longue de quatre, non compris la que\u00fce. Le Renard noir et rouge, le Blaireau et le Castor. L\u2019on y trouve aussi des pigeons, des canards, des oyes, et surtout des poulles d\u2019inde, fort grosses et d\u2019un go\u00fbt Exquis.\nLes Reptiles dangereux sont, comme dans le reste de la Virginie, les Serpent \u00e0 Sonnettes et le Serpent cuivr\u00e9; ils sont ass\u00e9s commun dans les Montagnes, plus rare dans [la] basse Virginie, et dans le Kentuckey, mais nulle part en aussy grand nombre que dans la partie dont je parle. Les remedes sont ais\u00e9s et actuellement conn\u00fce de tout le monde, les accident n\u2019ont presque jamais de Suittes facheuses. Dans un S\u00e9jour de cinq mois dans les bois, J\u2019ai \u00e9t\u00e9 bless\u00e9 par un de ces Serpens et je continuay mon chemin apr\u00e8s le pensement sans autres inconvenient depuis. Les seuls insectes incomodes sont une grosse mouche qui s\u2019attache aux quadrupedes, et une sorte de tique qui ne se trouve que dans les buissons et qui disparoit d\u00e8s qu\u2019on d\u00e9friche. Mais il n\u2019y a ni cousins, n\u2019y Maringoins, n\u2019y aucun de ces insectent [insectes] qui incomodent presque tous les habitants de l\u2019Amerique dans les endroits bas et situ\u00e9es pr\u00e8s des Eaux.\nA L\u2019\u00e9gard des productions et des animaux domestiques qu\u2019on a transport\u00e9 d\u2019Europe, ils ont tous r\u00e9ussy. Le pommier et le p\u00eacher sont les arbres fruitiers que les habitants cultivent le plus, ils font du cidre et de L\u2019eau de vie de p\u00eache. Le Boeuf et le cochon surtout y sont multipli\u00e9 en plus grande porportion que le Mouton, parce que les habitants ne font pas autant de cas de ce dernier que des autres. Le lait, le beure, les vollailles y sont exellentes. Le froment y rend 30. \u00e0 35. boisseaux l\u2019acre, le Mays de 45 \u00e0 50., les autres plantes en proportions; \u00e0 mesure que les d\u00e9frichements augmentent et que le b\u00e9tail se multiplie, on suppl\u00e9e par les engrais \u00e0 la richesse des terres vierges. Mais ce n\u2019est qu\u2019apr\u00e8s 20. \u00e0 30. ans qu\u2019on est oblig\u00e9 d\u2019avoir recours \u00e0 cette ressource, et si les habitants mieux dirig\u00e9s faisoient succ\u00e9der une culture \u00e0 l\u2019autre, laissoient subsister un plus grand nombre d\u2019arbres dans leur defrichements et connoissoient en un mot les premiers principes de l\u2019agriculture, L\u2019on ne s\u2019appercevroient jamais du moindre appauvrissement. C\u2019est ce qui est arriv\u00e9 dans les Cantons de la pensilvanie et du Mariland habit\u00e9s par les Allemands et qui, quoyque defrich\u00e9s depuis 80. ans, rendent toujours la m\u00eame quantit\u00e9 de froment.\nTout ce pays compos\u00e9 des cinq Comt\u00e9s, Ohio, Monongalia, harisson, Green Bryar et Montgomery est \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s de la m\u00eame Nature. Il est compos\u00e9e par une infinit\u00e9 de ruisseaux qui vont se r\u00e9unir dans differentes  rivieres lesquelles tombent dans L\u2019Ohyo. Les terres qui joignent ces ruisseaux et rivieres sont de petites pleines [plaines] surmont\u00e9es par des Colines dont la rapidit\u00e9s depend de la largeur des bas-fonds qui les dominent. Pr\u00e8s des embouchures des ruisseaux o\u00f9 les plaines sont plus larges, les hauteurs sont presque \u00e0 pic et leurs Sommets est tr\u00e8s \u00e9troit. A mesure que L\u2019on remonte les ruisseaux, les pleines se retroissent [r\u00e9tr\u00e9cissent], la pente des Colines devient plus douce et L\u2019on retrouve \u00e0 leur Sommet de nouvelles plaines. Les terres basses sont comme partout les plus riches et on les garde pour faire des prairies et pour planter le Mays n\u00e9cessaire \u00e0 La nouriture du betail et de la Vollaille. Les coteaux dont la pente est la plus douce sont consacr\u00e9s \u00e0 la culture du froment et des autres grains, les plus rapides dont quelques uns seroient \u00e0 peine labourables sont r\u00e9serv\u00e9s pour les bois qu\u2019il est n\u00e9cessaire de laisser subsister, tant pour le feu, les enclos et la charpente que pour L\u2019Exportation, et ils fournissent du paturage au b\u00e9tail pendant toutte la belle Saison qui commence \u00e0 la my mars et fini \u00e0 la my desembre. L\u2019on compte que dans les bonnes terres il y a un quart ou un cinquieme de ces terres basses ou de premi\u00e8re qualit\u00e9; environ un tiers des terres de la 3me. qualit\u00e9 qu\u2019on ne d\u00e9friche point, et le reste des terres dans la 2me. qualit\u00e9 egalement propres \u00e0 la culture des grains, du chamvre, des arbres fruitiers et de touttes les plantes qui n\u2019exigent pas la terre la plus riche comme le Mays et le tabac.\nL\u2019Ohyo qui arrose tout ce pays est une riviere qui a environ 400. verges de larges, depuis le fort pitt jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019embouchure du petit Kanhawa; elle s\u2019\u00e9largit ensuite et a un mile de largeur, bien au dessus de sa jonction avec le Missisipy, depuis le fort pitt jusqu\u2019au fort Weeling qui est \u00e0 cent miles au dessous. La navigation est difficile dans les grandes secheresses de l\u2019Et\u00e9. L\u2019on peut compter environ deux mois chaque ann\u00e9es pendant Lequel on ne peut se servir dans cet Espace que de Canots ou petits bateaux depuis Weeling jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la Nouvelle Orleans. La navigation n\u2019est interompue que par une chute, ou plus tot des rapides, qui sont environ \u00e0 Sept cent miles au dessous du fort pitt. On est oblig\u00e9 en Et\u00e9 de decharger les bateaux \u00e0 cette chute o\u00f9 est batie une petitte Ville conn\u00fce sous le nom de Camwhell\u2019s town, ou Louisville. Dans le printems et L\u2019automne, L\u2019ohyo et touttes les autres rivieres grossissent prodigieusement, surtout dans la premiere Saison o\u00f9 elle S\u2019elevent de 20. \u00e0 25. pieds, en Sorte qu\u2019un batiment de 500 tonneaux pourroit alors desendent [descendre] du fort pitt jusqu\u2019\u00e0 la Mer. Mais pendant presque toutte L\u2019ann\u00e9e des bateaux plats portant de 10. \u00e0 20. tonneaux desendent L\u2019Ohyo. Ils peuvent m\u00eame partir de jies ferry sur la riviere cheat, huit miles au dessous de sa junction avec la Monongahela et plus de 100 miles par eau au dessus du fort pitt.\nL\u2019Alleghany est navigable par des bateaux de la m\u00eame grandeur pendant une distance encore plus Considerable, le Kanwha environ 30. miles et 50. miles plus haut avec des canots, Le grand Kanhawa beaucoup plus. Touttes ces rivieres sont remplies de poissons. Les plus communs sont la perche, le Brochet, le Barbot (ou Cat fish) qui p\u00e8se jusqu\u00e0 80. livres, ainsy nomm\u00e9 \u00e0 cause de ces moustaches, et le poisson bufle, le meilleur de tous, dont le poid n\u2019exede pas vienq livres et qui tire son nom d\u2019une bosse qu\u2019il a sur le dos.\nLe Commerce de ce pays consiste en farine que L\u2019on envoye \u00e0 Kentuckey et quelques fois \u00e0 la Nouvelle Orleans, en b\u00e9tail, pelleterie et Ginzang. Ces trois derniers Articles sont Export\u00e9s \u00e0 philadelphie, \u00e0 Baltimore, A Lexandrie et dans les autres Ports de la Virginie. Le Commerce de pelleteries \u00e9toit d\u00e9chu pendant la guerre, mais on espere que le trait\u00e9 avec les Sauvages va lui faire reprendre vigeur; celuy du betail et du gainzang est celui qui a le plus soutenu les habitants depuis trois ans; ce dernier paroit devenir plus Considerable, si les Marchands plus eclair\u00e9s refusoient de prendre tout le gainzang qui est ceuilly avant L\u2019autonne. Faute d\u2019avoir pris cette precation [pr\u00e9caution] le prix de cette racine a baiss\u00e9 dans les March\u00e9s Europeens o\u00f9 on L\u2019exportoit, mais malgr\u00e9 cela Son Abondance, et consequament le bas prix auquel on pouvoit l\u2019acquerir, ont empech\u00e9 qu\u2019on ne fit aucune perte sur cet article. Les habitants et les premiers Acheteurs en ont fait des proffits tr\u00e8s honnestes. La plante qui ne coute \u00e0 l\u2019habitant d\u2019autre peine que de L\u2019arracher S\u2019achetoit sur les lieux de 20. \u00e0 30. Sols Argent de france la livres et se vendoit dans les ports de mer de 45 \u00e0 70. En Angleterre, son prix a \u00e9t\u00e9 de 4. \u00e0 12. Shellings Sterlins. Cependant il ne faut consid\u00e9rer cet objet ainsy que celuy de la pelleterie que comme Secondaire, le premier parce que il n\u2019y a qu\u2019un seul march\u00e9 de Consommation dans tout L\u2019univers, le Second parce que, Exept\u00e9 ce que les habitants tuent eux-m\u00eames et qui n\u2019est pas la 10\u00e8me partie de ce que les Sauvages fournissent, il faut le payer avec des Marchandises qui ne sont point le produit du pays, pas m\u00eame de L\u2019Amerique. Ainsy s\u2019est purement un objet de sp\u00e9culation de commerce qui n\u2019a nul rapport avec l\u2019agriculture du pays, dont les habitants s\u2019occupent principalement \u00e0 present, et non des objets de secondaire qui ne sont que des ressources addisionelles et precaire. Ce sont dans les produits de L\u2019industrie du cultivateur que l\u2019on doit regarder comme la basse [base] la plus solide du Commerce de ce pays, la faciliter d\u2019elever et transporter le betail rendant actuellement cet objet preferables aux grains. Cependant les habitants ont jusques \u00e0 present toujours trouv\u00e9 \u00e0 se defaire avantageusement de leur superflu de cette denr\u00e9e. Le froment s\u2019y vend de 60. \u00e0 70. sous le boisseau pesent [pesant] 60. livres, la meilleur farine 7. \u00e0 8. livres le quintal. La grande quantit\u00e9 de ruisseaux a fait multiplier le nombre des moulins. Pendant la guerre ils envoyoient leur farine \u00e0 la Nouvelle Orleans o\u00f9 ils etoient receus \u00e0 bras ouverts. Depuis la paix les emigrations prodigieuses \u00e0 Kentuckey ont oblig\u00e9 les habitants de cette derniere partie avoir recours \u00e0 ceux dont je cite pour leur Subsistance, mais la fertilit\u00e9 des terres de Kentuckey et le gout que les Virginiens ont pour le Mays ne permettent pas de douter qu\u2019ils ne soient dans peu d\u2019ann\u00e9es en etat de se passer de ces secours. Cependant on pourra toujours leur envoyer un peu de farine de promiere qualit\u00e9 et quelques bois de charpente et construction dont ils ont en bien moindre quantit\u00e9 que plus haut sur L\u2019Ohyo.\nSi la nouvelle Orleans appartenoit \u00e0 une Nation moins Jalouse que L\u2019Espagne, ou que cette puissance altera un peu ses principes rigides de Commerce, L\u2019on verroit cette place devenir bient\u00f4t L\u2019entrepot de touttes les farines, de tous les mats et bois de construction qu\u2019il seroit si facile d\u2019y envoyer et ses habitants y gagneroit autant que ceux de  L\u2019Ohyo. Mais il est \u00e0 craindre que les Espagnols, ne s\u2019attachant \u00e0 la Lettre du Trait\u00e9, ne mettent tous les obstacles en leur pouvoir \u00e0 la navigation des Americains sur le Missisipy. L\u2019on sait qu\u2019en 1763, par le trait\u00e9 entre la France et L\u2019Angleterre, le Missisipy fut pris comme la limite entre les deux Puissances \u00e0 Lexption [l\u2019exception] de La Nouvelle Orleans elle-m\u00eame qui, quoyque baty sur le rivage oriental du fleuve, fut laiss\u00e9 avec son distric aux fran\u00e7ois, mais il fut stipul\u00e9 en m\u00eame temps que la Navigation du Missisipy dans toutte son \u00e9tendue seroit libre aux deux Nations, les Ameriquains autant qu\u2019anglais jouissent de ce privilege, et il leur fut confirm\u00e9 par le trait\u00e9 de 1783. avec l\u2019Angleterre. Par les preliminaires de ce trait\u00e9 sign\u00e9 en Xbre. 1782. les limites des Etats Unis et de la floride, alors appartenant aux Anglais, furent fix\u00e9s au 31eme degr\u00e9 de latitude, ce qui laissoit aux Americains le poste nomm\u00e9 le baton rouge, L\u2019endroit le plus haut o\u00f9 Les Vaisseaux puissent remonter le Missisipy. Mais l\u2019Espagne, voulant absolument mettre une barriere suffisante entre le Mexique et les Etats Unis, ne se contenta pas de la cession que L\u2019Angleterre lui faisoit de la floride suivant les limites regl\u00e9es avec les Americains, mais elle obligea les uns et les autres \u00e0 reculer ces limites jusqu\u2019au 32eme. degr\u00e9, ce qui fut enfin agre\u00e9 par le trait\u00e9 diffinitif; par l\u00e0, sans rien oter aux Americains de leurs droits \u00e0 la Navigation du Missisipy, on leur enleva presque tous les avantages qu\u2019ils pouvoient en retirer, puisqu\u2019ils ne peuvent plus recevoir par ce fleuve aucun Vaisseaux un peu considerables. Il est vrai qu\u2019ils pourroit batir des petits Navires sur L\u2019Ohyo et sur le Missisipy et du moins exporter par eux leurs productions. C\u2019est bien l\u00e0 leur projets et il ne tardera pas \u00e0 s\u2019executer, mais en attendant on emp\u00eache leurs bateaux plats (qui ne peuvent aller en Mer) de ren [rien] debarquer sur les terres Espagnolles, et on a comme de coutume Confisqu\u00e9 la farine, emprisonn\u00e9, et m\u00eame dernierement fait disparaitre quelques uns des contrevenants. L\u2019on sent aisement combien cette Jalousie, ces proced\u00e9s et la Conduitte plus que reserv\u00e9 que L\u2019Espagne a toujours tenn\u00fce avec les Americains ont du aigrir ces derniers. Ils disent, et c\u2019est un cri general, qu\u2019il est contre l\u2019ordre naturel des choses qu\u2019un pays immence dont touttes les eaux et par consequent tous les d\u00e9bouch\u00e9s vont aboutir \u00e0 un seul point soit, non seulement priv\u00e9 de la possession de ce port unique, mais qu\u2019on refuse encore \u00e0 ses habitants la permission d\u2019y aller faire les echanges qui leur sont necessaires. Ils disent que le meilleur moyen que peut prendre L\u2019Espagne pour retarder les revolutions qu\u2019elle craint dans ces Colonies n\u2019est pas de ce faire des ennemis de ceux qui peuvent si aisement les secourir. Ils pretendent au contraire que ce n\u2019est qu\u2019en leur donnant presque tous les avantages que pourroit leur procurer la possession de la Nouvelle Orleans qu\u2019on les emp\u00eachera de faire des voeux, ou des efforts \u00e0 la premiere occasion pour h\u00e2ter cette revolution. Ils disent hautement que si les Espagnolles continuent \u00e0 les regarder comme des voisins dangereux et m\u00eame comme des ennemis, ils ne doivent pas \u00eatre surpris si les Americains s\u2019accoutument \u00e0 les voir du m\u00eame oeil, et qu\u2019aussit\u00f4t que la population des pays de derriere le permetera on tachera de s\u2019assurer par la force de ces avantages, que la Seine [sc\u00e8ne] politique devroit engager l\u2019Espagne \u00e0 accorder de bonne grace. On ne  s\u2019\u00e9tonnera pas de ces discours malgr\u00e9 leur foiblesse actuelle, quand on considerera combien L\u2019Espagne doit apprehender tout mouvement dans cette partie, qui aura lieu un peut plust\u00f4t ou un peut plustart et dont on parle comme d\u2019un evenement naturel. Le seul obstacle qui pourroit encore retarder cette revolution est L\u2019opposition que Leur nouvel Alli\u00e9 pourroit y mettre, et ils font des voeux bien sinceres pour que la desunion se mettent entre les deux branches de la Maison de Bourbon, ou que du moins, et cecy ne leur paroit pas improbable, la France vit avec indifference ces changements inevitables, du moins dans la Suitte des temps.\nCependant, comme L\u2019on ignore si ces raisons feront quelqu\u2019impressions sur L\u2019Espagne, que L\u2019Epoque o\u00f9 l\u2019on seroit ass\u00e9s fort pour ce passer de son approbation paroit eloign\u00e9e, au moins de 15 \u00e0 20. ans, et qu\u2019en attendant on sera \u00e0 Sa mercy dans touttes Les tentatives que L\u2019on fera pour S\u2019ouvrir un d\u00e9bouch\u00e9 de ce Cot\u00e9-l\u00e0. L\u2019on a cherch\u00e9 \u00e0 S\u2019en procurer quelqu\u2019autre.\nLe General Wasington, toujours anim\u00e9 par des vues patriotiques, et que d\u2019ailleur ses possessions dans les derrieres de la Virginie doivent exiter plus qu\u2019un autre \u00e0 L\u2019encouragement d\u2019un projet aussy utile, s\u2019est rendu sur les lieux en 7bre. 1784., a examin\u00e9 avec des gens de l\u2019Art jusqu\u2019\u00e0 quel poient [point] les divers rivieres etoient navigables, qu\u2019els etoient les endroits o\u00f9 il seroit le plus convenable d\u2019ouvrir ou de perfectioner les routes \u00e0 travers les Montagnes, qu\u2019elles etoient les branches navigables des rivieres qui tombent dans L\u2019Atlantique qui s\u2019approchassent le plus des branches Navigables de L\u2019Ohyo. Et comme ce projet a \u00e9t\u00e9 examin\u00e9 avec attention, et d\u2019apr\u00e8s ces resultats et L\u2019opinion des Commissaires nomm\u00e9s par les Etats de Virginie et de Mariland pour examiner murement ce projet, on a \u00e9t\u00e9 convaincu que de touttes les rivieres de L\u2019Atlantique celle qui s\u2019approche le plus des branches Navigables de L\u2019Ohyo etoit le poutoumack, n\u2019y ayant que 30 \u00e0 40. miles au plus depuis L\u2019og\u2019stown o\u00f9 [c]ette riviere cesse d\u2019etre navigable jusqu\u2019\u00e0 Jeesferry sur la riviere Cheat dont j\u2019ai parl\u00e9 cy dessus. Il est vray que la navigation du poutoumack est interomp\u00fce par quelques ch\u00fbtes ou endroits rapides, dont la plus considerables est \u00e0 12. miles au dessus d\u2019Alexandrie et \u00e0 cinq au dessus de Gearge town o\u00f9 les Vaisseaux peuvent remonter. Les ch\u00fbtes ont \u00e9t\u00e9 Examin\u00e9es avec le plus grand Soin et l\u2019on a vu qu\u2019il etoit non seulement praticable, mais m\u00eame peu difficile \u00e0 les rendre Navigables. En consequence une Compagnie par Action s\u2019est form\u00e9e sous la protection des gouvernements de Virginie et du Mariland et on luy a accord\u00e9 le privilege de lever de certains droits (qu\u2019on a irrevocablement fix\u00e9s d\u2019avance) sur les bateaux qui passeroient dans la Suitte sur le poutoumack \u00e0 condition qu\u2019ils enleveroient les obstacles qui en obstruent la navigation. Cette Compagnie consiste en  600. Actions de 433. piastres fortes chacune. L\u2019Etat de Mariland a souscrit luy m\u00eame pour 50. Actions, celuy de Virginie pour 100. Actions dont il a donn\u00e9 50. au General Wasington. Le reste de la Souscription s\u2019est remplie avec la rapidit\u00e9 qu\u2019y donnent L\u2019interet personnel, L\u2019exemple et L\u2019enthousiasme.\nCe projet va \u00eatre entrepris et ne demande qu\u2019une Couple d\u2019ann\u00e9es pour \u00eatre Achev\u00e9. On concoit combien cela va donner de valeur \u00e0 touttes les terres qui avoisineront ou qui pourront se servir de ce debouch\u00e9 pour le transport de leurs denr\u00e9es. On ne peut calculer \u00e0 quel point le prix peut monter, mais seulement la connoissance du projet a fait doubler le teaux de tout ce qui pouvoit [\u00eatre] \u00e0 port\u00e9e d\u2019en proffiter.\n   La Limitte Nord de ce dernier Etat n\u2019est pas encore d\u00e9termin\u00e9e mais elle frapera le Missisipy dix \u00e0 vingt lieues au dessous de l\u2019Embouchure de L\u2019Ohyo.\n   C\u2019est surtout ce qui a empech\u00e9 les Europ\u00e9ens et les pensilvaniens \u00e0 s\u2019y port\u00e9s. Un grand nombre de ces derniers, apr\u00e8s avoir visit\u00e9 le pays, sont revenus dans le leur, et les Virginiens seuls, d\u00e9j\u00e0 accoutum\u00e9s \u00e0 ces desavantages dans la Basse Californie [sic] s\u2019y sont plus est [et] fix\u00e9s.\n   L\u2019acre contient 4900. yard qui fait 14700. pieds Anglais, le yard N\u2019est que de trois pieds.\n   Si l\u2019on jette un coup d\u2019oeil sur la Carte, on verra qu\u2019il n\u2019y a point de pays dont la Situation locale soit aussy singuliere \u00e0 cet egard que celle des derrieres de L\u2019Amerique. La chaine des alleghany qui est si pr\u00e8s de la Mer empeche touttes les eaux qui preinnent leur sources au del\u00e0 de s\u2019y jetter, il ne tombe presque [que] des ruisseaux dans les lacs du Canada qui s\u2019\u00e9coulent \u00e0 Quebec, et dans cette partie du Golfe du Mexique situ\u00e9 entre le Cap des florides et le Missisipy, touttes les grandes Rivieres vont se jetter dans L\u2019Ohyo, dans le Missisipy, tout ce [se] reunit \u00e0 L\u2019Embouchure de ce dernier.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0075", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 April 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nAnother packet is arrived which sailed from N. York the 22d. of March. As yet we have only a few letters which come through the post office. We have reason to expect there is a passenger from New York and that he may have letters for us. We know that Mr.  Adams is appointed minister to the court of London, and a Colo. Smith his Secretary of legation. The newspapers tell us that Rhode island has passed the Impost, and the resolutions for investing Congress 25 years with a power to regulate commerce, and that N. York has laid 10 per cent on all British goods, and double duties on British vessels and portage.-The Marqs. and Marqse. Fayette, Mr. Adams\u2019s family, a Ct. and Countess Doradour who are going to settle in America, are to dine with me on Thursday. This is the day after that on which you have flattered us with your return. We therefore hope you will be of the company. Colo. Humphries is ill. He was taken two days ago with symptoms which threatened a plurisy. These are now removed, and he remains only with a fever which however does not remit. Ct. de Doradour and young Mr. Adams go in the next packet. W[illiamos] probably will not go. Adieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0080", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza House Trist, 4 May 1785\nFrom: Trist, Eliza House\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nOn board the Ship Matilda, Balize Mississippi\nMay the 4th. 1785\nI embark\u2019d on board a Spanish Ship bound for the Havanah, sixteen days ago and have been detained at this place by contrary  winds thirteen days. There are several Vessels by us likwise waiting for a fair wind. I have just heard that one of them is bound for france. So favorable an oppertunity induces me to take up my pen to address a few lines to you, notwithstanding my situation is not the most agreeable for such an undertaking. I am envelop\u2019d with noise and confusion. Above they are preparing to weigh anchor and my fellow Passengers being in number four, 2 Spaniards and 2 french gentlemen, and but one that can speak any english. Their loquacity and mirth are incessant, but they are very polite and attentive to us and our accomodations are good or else it wou\u2019d be intolarable. I have undertaken this voyage without any certainty that I shall get a Passage from the Havanah to Philad. but if no immediate oppertunity shou\u2019d offer I must go via the cape. I had taken my passage in a vessel which was to have saild the later end of March for Jamaica. I exerted my self to settle my affairs by that time and came down to Orleans in expectation of embarking directly, when to my great mortification I found the vessel wou\u2019d not be ready in four or five weeks. I staid at the House of an english or rather an American lady who was very polite and kind to me as indeed are every one that I have had any acquaintance with since I have been in the country. But my encumberence\u2019s of stock for my voyage, baggage &c. made my situation irksome to me because I was certain I put the family to inconvenience. Hearing of this vessel I eagerly imbraced it. How I shall succeed in the undertaking God only knows. My trust in him is my support. There being no trade between the United States and this Country it seems allmost impossible to get from here. I found so many difficulties attending it that I some times was allmost ready to relinquish the attempt. I have no fault to find with the country or climate or inhabitants under any other government, tho it has been the source of much sorrow to me. But a Paradise wou\u2019d not tempt me to be seperated any longer from My Dear Mother and child, since I am deprived of what cou\u2019d only make me amends for the loss of their society.\nI did my self the pleasure to write you some time ago acknowledging the receipt of a letter from you dated at Philad. and returning you my sincere acknowledgements for your goodness towards me, the remembrance of which will never be eras\u2019d from my heart. May you my worthy friend ever experience that felicity which your benevolent mind is intitled to. May health and prosperity attend you, and your children live to call you blessed. Poly joines me in  affectionate love to Patsy who I suppose by this time is quite a french woman.\nHow long ere you expect to finish your Embasy? Shall I ever rank among my other pleasures on my return to my native country that of seeing you again? I am afeard that they mean to keep you there in the room of Doct. Franklin\u2014and I am not so great a patriot as formerly for I wou\u2019d prefer seeing you among your friends in domestick life than serving an ungrateful Publick. Believe me to be with unfeign\u2019d Respect your much obliged friend,\nE Trist", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0081", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 5 [May] 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nAranjuez, 5th. April [i.e., May] 1785\nI received on the 30th. Ulto. the Letter which you did me the honor to address me the 17th. ditto. I have purchased such books contained in your catalogue as I judged not too dear. The Moment I am furnished with an account of the price of others which are rarely to be met with I will immediately forward it to you. I Shall make the proper use of the Intelligence you are pleased to give me and only wait an opportunity to do it without affectation. I have heard nothing from Barbary since My last by a Cabinet courier from hence. The Infanta set out for Portugal the 27th. The Princess married to the Infant Dn. Gabriel is expected the 22d. of this month. Mr. Gardoqui charged with Instructions from this Court to treat with Congress was still at the Havanna the Last of Feby. I Informed His Excy. B. Franklin of the Nature of that Gentleman\u2019s Mission. But I do not recollect that I sent him a copy of a Letter which I received from the Ct. de Florida Blanca on this Subject. I therefore inclose it for your satisfaction. You will see, that this Court finding that after Mr. Jay left this Country no measures had been taken by Congress to accelerate the Treaty determined to send Mr. Gardoqui for this purpose. His appointment was fixed early in the month of Septr. Had Congress thought proper to communicate to me Their resolution of appointing Commissioners to treat with Spain in Europe I might perhaps easily have decided the Ministry to have sent the abovementioned Gentleman merely as Charg\u00e9 D\u2019Affaires; But not knowing until too late their intentions and these by a private Letter, I could only mention, which I did, the purpose of the new Commission. On the 12th. of October I  forwarded to Congress a copy of the Letter I now send you. Mr. Gardoqui\u2019s delay in arriving in America, has given great pain to the Ct. de Florida Blanca who I am persuaded is sincerely disposed to terminate a treaty which may remove the causes of present Jealousies. The Ct. de Galvez, Governor of the Havanna and Luisiana will be consulted, I beleive with respect to the Limits: This and other Circumstances which I cannot mention here may have contributed to decide this Court to treat on the Spot. The Maritime Force of the Emperor of Morocco is every way Contemptible. I have sent to Congress the relation I received of it. Should the United States be disposed to treat with these Pirates in a respectable manner, that is by accompanying their envoys with an Armed Force, It will be necessary to take previous measures to Assure places of retreat for their Vessels. This Country and the States of Italy I presume would not be displeased to see an armed Force of the States in the Mediterannean. But as that armed Force by its activity would become a Protection in some measure to their Commerce, I should think that measures might be taken to engage them to contribute to its permanency in that Sea. I know not what may be the powers you are invested with for treating with the Nations in question, but permit me to Observe that it will not be difficult to sound their Intentions or rather dispositions eventually. With respectful Compliments to Their Excellencies B. F. & J. A. I have the honor to be Your Most Obedt. Humble Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael\nP.S. Motives of Delicacy induce me to request you not to show to the Ct. de Aranda the inclosed paper, unless you should find that he has received a copy of it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0082", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Carr, 6 May 1785]\nFrom: Carr, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[6 May 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 22 July 1785 \u201cby Mr. Mazzei.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0083", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, [8 May 1785]\nFrom: Doradour, Madame de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nce Dimanche a cinq heure du soir\nMd. Doradour envoi savoir des nouvelles de Monsieur jeffersson. Elle aurra celui de le voir Demain matin chez lui; elle a etee deux jours de suite a hauteuille; le depart de Mr. Doradour est fix\u00e9 a jeudi prochain; elle a le coeur gros de se separer de son mari; sa seule consollation est l\u2019interest que Monsieur jeffersson lui a promis de mettre a ses recomandations en amerique; sy Md. Doradour n\u2019av\u00e9s pas craint de le deranger elle aurres \u00e9t\u00e9 ches lui ce soir, car elle se promene sur le boullevar Du temple; elle a l\u2019honneur d\u2019assurer Monsieur jeffersson de son attachement.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0084", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 10 May 1785\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 10 May 1785. Mr. Koopman, a young man of Utrecht, has consulted him about settling as a planter in Georgia or South Carolina; Dumas has promised in turn to consult TJ on the matter and requests TJ\u2019s advice and an early reply to the questions enclosed. Sends compliments on TJ\u2019s appointment to succeed Franklin and asks TJ\u2019s address.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0085", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to John Jay, 11 May 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis May 11th. 1785\nOur last letter to you was dated April 13. 1785. and went by the packet of that month from l\u2019Orient. Since that date the letter No. 1.a. directed to Dr. Franklin enclosing those marked No. 1.b and c. and also the paper No. 2. have come to hand. These relate to supplies furnished by Mr. Harrison to the crew of the ship Betsy taken by the Emperor of Morocco, on which subject Congress will be pleased to make known their pleasure to Mr. Harrison or Mr. Carmichael; they relate further to the general affairs of the Barbary States. A letter from the Marshal de Castries forwarded to us by the Count de Vergennes, marked No. 3.a.b. will shew the opinion of that Minister on the best method of conducting a treaty with those States. As we are as yet uninstructed from what sources to call for the monies necessary for conducting and concluding treaties with them, and no step can be taken but with cash in hand, we await orders on this subject, and in the mean time wish to keep matters with the Emperor of Morocco suspended in their present state. The attention of Congress will have been called to this circumstance by our letter of Novr. 11 and several letters subsequent to that date.\nAs it is always well to know the dispositions of our neighbours, we enclose the letter No. 4. from a refugee of Louisiana to Doctr. Franklin. It contains moreover a proposition for the consideration of Congress.\nNo. 5.a. and b. are a counterproject, with a letter covering it, from the Charg\u00e9 des Affaires for Tuscany at this court. As some of the alterations of our draught which the counterproject proposes  required explanations these have been desired and obtained in verbal conferences with Mr. Favi. In consequence of these we shall immediately communicate to him in writing our dispositions on the several parts of it.\nThe letter No. 6. from the Baron de Thulemeier received the 9th. instant contains the decisions of the King of Prussia on our last propositions. We shall close with him on the ground established in the several papers which have passed between us, and take immediate measures for putting the last hand to this treaty.\nWe have the honor to be With great respect Sir Your most obedient & Most humble Servants,\njohn adams\nb. franklin\nth: jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0088", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gerry, Elbridge\nDear Sir\nParis, May 11, 1785.\nYour favour of February 25th came to hand on the 26th of April. I am not a little at a loss to devise how it has happened that mine of November 11th, which I sent by colonel Le Mair, and who I know arrived at New-York the 15th of January, should have been so long kept from your hands as till the 25th February. I am much afraid that many letters sent by the same hand have experienced the same delay, and among these a public letter from the commissioners to congress, which we do not yet know that they have ever received, any more than the subsequent ones sent regularly by every packet since. We are told that this government will in the course of the ensuing months remove their packets to Havre, which will facilitate the conveyance through the posts to the packets, but most of all will enable us to forward packages too heavy for the post. That port is more convenient too for our trade while at peace with England. The marquis de Lafayette, whose zeal for America is great, expressed to me a desire of endeavouring to obtain it as a free port, and asked my opinion. I knew that it would be disagreeable to the government that free ports, round which is drawn a wall of separation from the country in which they are, from which commodities are not permitted to be sold to the interior country, and which in fact are restrained to the sole office of an entrepot, were of little value to us, because our merchants will never find it answer their account to unship their produce merely to ship it again for another market. They must always know beforehand where they can sell, and carry directly thither. I therefore recommended to the marquis not to attempt it, that by asking small favours we should weaken our pretensions to great ones, and that I wished him to reserve his efforts and influence for the great objects of our mission. I think he will do it, as nothing seems to be nearer his heart than the serving America. As yet nothing has been opened here; the times did not admit it. The arr\u00eat on the West India commerce last winter raised a furious tempest against the minister. It has been with difficulty that he could keep the ground which that had gained. The storm is not yet over, but its force is  so far spent that I think there is little danger of the merchants forcing him to retract: but whether more can be got is a desperate question; it shall be tried when circumstances are ripe for it. The marquis has showed his attention to us in another instance, as you will see by a contract for the supply of whale oil, which Mr. Adams carries over. There were circumstances in this which were not as precise as could have been wished, but as it will rest with our merchants to accept or to refuse the contract, I thought it worth concluding; on which question the marquis was so good as to consult Mr. Adams, sen. and myself. I have great reason to be grateful to my friends in congress for the partialities so often shown me in their European appointments. I will endeavour honestly to deserve them, and shall be supremely rewarded if I can give them content. Mr. Adams sets out in a few days for London: on him we shall rest the desperate task of negotiation with that court. Perhaps the just resentment lately excited in America by their conduct and the probability of our acting as a nation by retaliating measures may induce them to lend a listening ear to equal propositions. I have much feared that their measures and their temper would lead towards hostilities. As yet we ought not to think of war with a powerful nation: there are, to be sure, measures which would force it on us. Under the possibility of this event, we were anxious to obtain a right of selling prizes in war in the Prussian ports, and the cession of this point by the king may in that case have the most important consequences. Great Britain has but two resources for naval stores, America and Russia. The first of these ceases to be open to her in case of a war with us, and we can in a great measure intercept her supplies from Russia, possessing protection and a free sale in the Prussian ports. It will employ a respectable part of her naval force to protect her supplies from that quarter. Much could have been done against her in this way in the last war, had we possessed this privilege. We are glad also to close this treaty on account of the respect paid to whatever the king of Prussia does. Of all the powers not holding American territory, a connexion with him will give us the most credit.\nI think it probable that the peace will be kept in Europe, at least between the emperour and Dutch. This country has just lost a great statesman in the duke de Choiseul. Though out of the administration, he was universally esteemed, and always supposed to be in the way of entering into it again. He died two days ago.\nI pray you to write to me as often as you can find time. I will  be punctual in returning it. Besides the public transactions of America, the objects of the different parts of congress, their workings and counterworkings, what you refuse to do as well as what you do will be most interesting to me. A dry reading of the journals does not give that intimate knowledge of their dispositions, which may enable one to act to their wishes in cases unprovided for. This will be delivered you by young Mr. Adams. His being the son of your particular friend renders unnecessary from me those commendations of him which I could with truth enter into. I congratulate your country on their prospect in this young man. I pray you to believe me with much sincerity, Your affectionate friend and servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0090", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Hardy, 11 May 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hardy, Samuel\n[Paris, 11 May 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cSaml. Hardy esq. Recommend Adams, Doradour. What become of Monroe? Mercer married and you? Peace. Emperor inquiet. No propositions to this court occupied with Dutch quarrel and great ferment about arr\u00eat as to W.I. trade. Perhaps American measures may produce change in dispositions of Engld. Write me history proceedings of Congress. Send letters by passengers. Barbary affair puzzling. Lamb. Well to be at peace with Spain. My appointment. Thanks for it.\u201d Opposite entry in SJL is the notation: \u201cby Mr. Adams. May packet.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0091", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis May 11. 1785.\nI was honoured on the 2d. instant with the receipt of your favor of Mar. 15. inclosing the resolution of Congress of the 10th. of the same month appointing me their Minister plenipotentiary at  this court; and also of your second letter of Mar. 22. covering the commission and letter of credence for that appointment. I beg permission through you, Sir, to testify to Congress my gratitude for this new mark of their favor, and my assurances of endeavoring to merit it by a faithful attention to the discharge of the duties annexed to it. Fervent zeal is all which I can be sure of carrying into their service, and where I fail thro a want of those powers which nature and circumstances deny me, I shall rely on their indulgence, and much also on the candour with which your goodness will present my proceedings to their eye. The kind terms in which you are pleased to notify this honor to me require my sincere thanks. I beg you to accept them, and to be assured of the perfect esteem with which I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0092", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis May 11. 1785.\nAs it frequently happens that we cannot meet with passengers going hence to the packet to whom we may commit our letters, and it may be often necessary to write to you on subjects improper for the inspection of this government to which the letters by post are subject, I have made out a cypher which I now inclose and deliver to young Mr. Adams who will have the honor of delivering you this. The plate and impression have been made under my own eye, with circumstances of such caution as may give you the most perfect confidence in it. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0093", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis, 11 May \u2013 3 June 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lewis, Nicholas\n[Paris, 11 May-3 June 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cN. Lewis. Recommending Doradour. My appointment. Not keep long. Have porticos covered with shed roof. Take care of stuff sawed. Key to send me annually his cash account-send two cones of Cedar of Lebanon. Anthony to plant them in a nursery. Anthony to write me a full state of his proceedings since I left home. Send some trifles to Mrs. L. Peace. Plough to go without horses &c. P.S. Doradour cannot take in the clock, silk &c. Will send them in June packet to N.Y. by Williamos who will forward to Richmd. to J. Buch[anan].\u201d Opposite entry is the notation: \u201cdelivered Monsr. Doradour. May 11.\u201d A later entry in SJL under 3 June 1785 reads: \u201cAdded a P.S. to my letter of May 11. to N. Lewis. That Doradour would hire place at first till Madame comes over which will not be [until?] next summer. That instead of carrying cash I advise him to lodge it with Grand. Williamos will carry the things in Aug. packet.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0094", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis May 11. 1785.\nYour favor of Jan. 9. came to my hands on the 13th. of April. The very full and satisfactory detail of the proceedings of assembly which it contained, gave me the highest pleasure. The value of these communications cannot be calculated at a shorter distance than the breadth of the Atlantic. Having lately made a cypher on a more convenient plan than the one we have used, I now transmit it to you by a Monsr. Doradour who goes to settle in Virginia. His family will follow him next year. Should he have occasion of your patronage I beg leave to solicit it for him. They yesterday finished printing my notes. I had 200 copies printed, but do not put them out of my own hands, except two or three copies here, and two which I shall send to America, to yourself and Colo. Monroe, if they can be ready this evening as promised. In this case you will receive one by Monsr. Doradour. I beg you to peruse it carefully because I ask your advice on it and ask nobody\u2019s else. I wish to put it into the hands of the young men at the college, as well on account of the political as physical parts. But there are sentiments on some subjects which I apprehend might be displeasing to the country perhaps to the assembly or to some who lead it. I do not wish to be exposed to their censure, nor do I know how far their influence, if exerted, might effect a misapplication of law to such a publication were it made. Communicate it then in confidence to those whose  judgments and information you would pay respect to: and if you think it will give no offence I will send a copy to each of the students of W.M.C. and some others to my friends and to your disposal. Otherwise I shall only send over a very few copies to particular friends in confidence and burn the rest. Answer me soon and without reserve. Do not view me as an author, and attached to what he has written. I am neither. They were at first intended only for Marbois. When I had enlarged them, I thought first of giving copies to three or four friends. I have since supposed they might set our young students into a useful train of thought and in no event do I propose to admit them to go to the public at large. A variety of accidents have postponed my writing to you till I have no further time to continue my letter. The next packet will sail from Havre. I will then send your books and write more fully. But answer me immediately on the preceding subject. I am with much affection Dr. Sir Your friend and servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0095", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 11 May 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maury, James\n[Paris, 11 May 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJames Maury. Recommending Doradour.\u201d Opposite entry is the notation: \u201cdelivered Monsr. Doradour. May 11.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0096", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis May 11. 1785.\nThis will be delivered you by young Mr. Adams whom I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance and recommend as worthy of your friendship. He possesses abilities, learning, application, and the best of dispositions. Considering his age too you will find him  more improved by travel than could have been expected. A Monsr. Doradour also goes in the packet to New York, and from thence proceeds to Virginia, and particularly to that neighborhood which is mine, and I hope will be yours, where he proposes to settle. He will at first purchase a small settlement only, to receive and lodge Madme. de Doradour and their family till they can have time to look about them, and decide on their principal acquisition. She will follow him, probably, the next year, if by that time she can complete the business of selling their property and remitting it to America. They were introduced to me, a few days ago only, by a friend of mine here, and he departing immediately for America and she returning to Auvergne, their residence, 300 miles from Paris, give me little opportunity of knowing them personally. However the commendations of them from the gentleman who is their and my friend, are sufficient to interest me in their success, and to pray of you whatever counsels and civilities his situation may require.\nI have not received a line from you since that of Dec. 14. since which I have written to you by every packet. My letters have been dated Nov. 11. Dec. 10. Jan. 14. Feb. 6. Mar. 18. and Apr. 15. all of which are yet unanswered. I continue however to pester you, being thoroughly satisfied there is some substantial cause of my not hearing from you. I shall endeavor to complete a cypher to accompany this letter by young Mr. Adams.\nMatters in Europe are subsiding into quiet. The Emperor and Dutch will probably make friends. Yet it does not seem as if the fevered head of that prince would long leave his neighbors in quiet. Under pretence of running a line between him and the Turks he wants to take off a large district of territory. The Bavarian exchange seems to be hushed. He found too determined an opposition to that. The establishment of a ninth electorate and election of his nephew as king of the Romans will furnish him something to be busy about. No change of disposition begins yet to shew itself in England. The probability of the impost, the concurrence of all the states in the resolutions of Apr. 1784., the measures for making Congress the head of our Confederacy in commerce as well as in war, will probably begin to make them see a possibility of our acting as a nation. The spirit which has appeared in our legislatures and newspapers lately will, I think, dispose them to lend a more favorable ear, and form a favourable groundwork for Mr. Adams to take his stand on. His going to London will at any rate produce  a decision of some sort.\u2014We hear nothing from Spain but that they do us friendly turns with other nations.\u2014The Marocco business distresses us extremely. Tho\u2019 none of us are disposed to join in encouraging their depredations by laying the other hemisphere also at their feet, yet if we had the money at our command we should proceed on that tract, because it seems to have been the intention of Congress in their last resolutions as to these people which are in our hands. A Mr. Jarvis who is here gave us reason to hope Congress were sending a Mr. Lamb as Consul to treat with these states. It is the only practicable method as it is equally impossible for us to go to them, and ineligible to invite them to come to us. You will find that the M. de Castries is also of this sentiment, who seems to have taken pains to misunderstand a passage in our letter to [the Ct. de Vergennes] in order to shew a misplaced peice of pride. Almost every mediterranean power (except France) is now at war with the Barbary states. She cannot take the dishonourable part of joining them, and there seems lately to be a misunderstanding between the English and Algerines. Indeed I know not what to do, nor can I say what it would be wise in Congress to do, unless I better knew whether the good will of our citizens would concur to support a war with those Barbarians.\nSince writing so far I have received the appointment of Congress to succeed Dr. Franklin here. I give them my sincere thanks for this mark of their favour. I wish I were as able to render services which would justify their choice as I am zealous to do it. I am sure I shall often do wrong, and tho it will be a good excuse for me that my intentions were good, it will be but a barren consolation to my country.\nWhat measures have you taken for establishing yourself near Monticello? Nothing in this world will keep me long from that spot of ultimate repose for me. I keep my eye on yourself and Short for society and do not despair of Madison. I am with much sincerity Dr. Sir your affectionate friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0099", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, [12 May 1785]\nFrom: Doradour, Madame de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nce jeudi a dix heure\nVous ser\u00e9s bien etonn\u00e9 Monsieur de ce que Mr. Doradour ne part pas avec Mr. Adams, mais la vo\u00ebture ne peut porter qu\u2019une malle, et mon mari ne peut pas s\u2019en aller sans effets. II est dezollee de ce contre tems, mais il est impossible dy parer; il partira par le paquebot de juin; j\u2019ai renvoy\u00e9e le cabriollet \u00e0 Mr. Adams.\nMr. De la fayette ne m\u2019a pas envoy\u00e9e de lettre; av\u00e9s vous eu la bont\u00e9 de lui en parler hier au soir? Donnes-moi, Monsieur De vos nouvelles et recev\u00e9s l\u2019assurance de mon attachement.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0100", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 12 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis May 12. 1785.\nI have the honor to inform you that at length Messrs. Laval & Wilfelsheim have paid the bill of exchange remitted. It will enable me to furnish Monsr. Houdon for his voiage to Virginia when he  shall be sufficiently reestablished in his health to undertake it. Dr Franklin proposing to return either the next month or the month following, I think it probable that Houdon will accompany him.\nI have the honour to be with due respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0101", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 12 May 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Mazzei, Philip\n[Paris, 12 May 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cP. Mazzei. Receipt of his of Dec. 1. Peace. Likely to form rational connection with Tuscany, but barren unless Tuscans carry on in own bottoms. Barbary states. Query if ask peace with sword or money. Ill health. Begin now to go out. My appointment. Send for Polly next spring. Patsy well. Mr. Short also, and at St. Germ.\u2019s. Mr. Ad. goes to Lond. His son to America. Doradour. Mably dead. Favi and myself intimate. Write me political news.\u201d Opposite entry is the notation: \u201cby Mr. Adams.\u201d Not found. For Mazzei\u2019s letter of \u201cDec. 1.\u201d see Mazzei to TJ, 6 Dec. 1784.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0102", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Polson, 13 May 1785\nFrom: Polson, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis 13th. May 1785\nI have the honor to inclose you two Copies of my Case with relation to my Lands in the State of Virginia, and as I am a Native of Great Britain, and not been on any part of the Continent of America during the last war, Excepting for about Seven months on the Mosquito Shore and Spanish main, I flatter myself that through your good offices in representing my Case that my Property will be restored to me.\nSuch was my Reliance on the Justice and Equity of your State, and on the Justice of my own Claim, that I would not give in an Account of these Lands as a loss Sustained by the War with America, to the British Commissarys Appointed by Parliament to take an Account of the losses sustained by British Subjects.\nI have the honor to be with great respect Sir your most Hum Servt.,\nJno. Polson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0103", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to Dorset, 16 May 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Dorset, John Frederick Sackville, third Duke of\nMy Lord Duke\nPassy near Paris May 16th. 1785\nWe received in due time the letter which your Grace did us the honour to write us on the 26th. day of March last, and have delayed the acknowledgment of it in expectation of the arrival of the packets, by which we hoped for further Instructions from Congress.\nWe have now the honor to inform your Grace that Congress on the 24th. day of Feby. last, appointed a Minister Plenipotentiary to reside at the court of His Britannic Majesty, who proposes to proceed to London in the course of two or three weeks, which makes a more particular answer to your letter unnecessary. With great respect We have the honor to be Your Grace\u2019s Most obedient and Most humble Servants,\njohn adams\nb. franklin\nt. jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0105", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from St. John de Cr\u00e8vecoeur, 18 May 1785\nFrom: Cr\u00e8vecoeur, Michel Guillaume St. John de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York 18th. May 1785\nI am much obliged to you for your Good and Kind Letter. I never knew before of your having been Sick. Happy am I to hear from Yourself, that you are a Great deal better. Your idea of having the Statuary to come over himself, was the only Infallible one. I am waiting for the arrival of the April Packet with Impatience. It will be une Epoque dans les Arts that so renowned a Statuary Shou\u2019d Cross the Seas himself to take the Bust of so renowned a Man. I am much obliged to you for the directions you sent to Virginia. They have Proved of no avail. I have Received nothing. I wrote myself to richmond Last Fall. I have had no answer; that is both a loss and a disappointment. Luckily my Good Friend the vice consul of Carolina sent me an assortment Wherein I found the Magnolia Grandyflora and Do. umbrella. I have obtained a Cong\u00e9 of 6 Months and so Expect to have the Pleasure of seeing you in Novre. I am much obliged to you for your Care in correcting errors in the Cultivator\u2019s Letters. I lost so Many Manuscripts whilst I was confined, that \u2019tis no Wonder Errors in Fact shou\u2019d have made their way in my Poor composition\u2014for I am no author. I lost My Sketches of Maryland and so on Southerly  and Perhaps it is for the best. Cou\u2019d not you help me to Them in case of a Second Edition. Pardon the thought. It is not Vanity that Inspires it, but a desire that the Second Edition might be more usefull and more correct than the first. As I was saying I am no author mais Seulement un Ecriveur, which my Singular destiny has Led from the actual Cultivation of my Fields to be a Consul, and from sketching what I saw and Felt, for a Friend, to be an author. I am but a scrib[bler] after all, but if the Europeans Can form a better Idea of the united States than before I am satisfyed; for altho\u2019 a French Consul I am a Citizen of one of these States and a considerable Freeholder. If you had Some Anecdotes to communicate me I\u2019d willingly Inrich with them the Second reappearence of these 2 Vol: and shou\u2019d Put your name To them. I have Collected materials Enough for a 3d. Vol: which Wou\u2019d be really Instructif if it was thought Proper by the conoisseurs. God Preserve Your health you are now in a fine Climat. Receive I beg the Tokens of the Esteem and the Respect with which I have the Honor to be Sir Your Very Humble Sert.,\nSt. John", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0106", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, [18 May 1785]\nFrom: Doradour, Madame de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nce Mercredie a huit heure\nMde. Doradour a l\u2019honneur de souhaitter le bonjour \u00e0 Monsieur jeffersson; elle est oblig\u00e9e de sortir ce matin et ce soir elle iras a hauteuil; elle suplie Monsieur jeffersson de voulloir bien se ressouvenir qu\u2019il a eu la bont\u00e9 de promettre qu\u2019il parleres a Mr. grand. Sy il men\u00e9s aujourd\u2019hui Mademoiselle sa fille faire ses adieux \u00e0 Md. adams, elle seres enchantee d\u2019y trouver Monsieur jeffersson et de le convaincre de son attachement.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0108", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to De Blome, 19 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Blome, Otto, Baron von\n\u00e0 Paris ce 19. Mai 1785.\nCul de sac Tetebout\nMonsr. Jefferson a l\u2019honneur de vous faire part qu\u2019il a eu le 17me. de ce mois ses premieres audiences du Roi, de la reine, et de la famille royale en qualit\u00e9 de Ministre plenipotentiaire des etats unis d\u2019Amerique pr\u00e8s sa Majest\u00e9.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0110", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to John Bondfield, 20 May 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bondfield, John\n[Paris, 20 May 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJno. Bonfield. Receipt of his of Apr. 19. and 25. and of wine in good order. Will answer his bill. Wine good.\u201d TJ must have erred either in the present entry or in that of 5 May in which he recorded the receipt of \u201cBondfeild\u2019s Bordeaux Apr. 28. 1785,\u201d for if there had been two letters he doubtless would have acknowledged them in the present; at any rate, neither a letter dated the 25th or 28th nor the present acknowledgement has been found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0112", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 20 May 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Holker, Jean\n[Paris, 20 May 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJ. Holker. Receipt of his of Apr. 25. and of the copying press. Will send the 16\u20b6\u20141 by Williamos or answer his order. Inclose the Acquit \u00e0 caution (which la Motte had delivered me). Dr. F\u2019s caisse not come. He writes to Mr. Holker. I sent by young Mr. Adams duplicates in Guillebaut v. Wharton.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0113", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 22 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nMontreuil sur mer May 22. 1785\nWe left Auteuil the 20th. afternoon and have made easy Journeys. Indeed We could not have done otherwise, because the Post-horses  were engaged, by the unusual Number of Travellers, in such Numbers that We have been sometimes obliged to wait. The Country is an heap of Ashes. Grass is scarcely to be seen and all sorts of Grain is short, thin, pale and feeble while the Flax is quite dead. You see indeed more green Things than in some of our sharp Drouths in America, but as the Heat of this Clymate is not sufficient to destroy vegetation so effectually as with us, it is not enough neither to produce so rapid a Revivication of the Universe, upon the Return of Rains, so that their Prospects are more melancholly than ours upon such Occasions. I pity this People from my soul. There is at this Moment as little appearance of a change of Weather as ever.\nTomorrow we shall reach Calais, but I cannot calculate how long it will take us to cross the Channel. I allow two days from Dover to London as I am determined to be in a hurry about nothing from the Beginning to the End of this Adventure. It is best to give myself as well as others time to think.\nThe Ladies join in respects to you and Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Williamos, the Marquis and his Lady and all other Friends. Be so good as to inform me, if you learn any Thing of the sailing of the Packet, and of the Health of my Boy. I thank you kindly for your Book. It is our Meditation all the Day long. I cannot now say much about it, but I think it will do its Author and his Country great Honour. The Passages upon Slavery, are worth Diamonds. They will have more effect than Volumes written by mere Philosophers. The Ladies say you should have mentioned West and Copeley at least among your American Genius\u2019s, because they think them the greatest Painters of the Age. Madam[e says] I have not expressed her sentiments politely enough. It should run thus: The Ladies desire that in the next Edition you would insert West and Copeley &c.\nThe melancholly Face of Nature, added to the dull political Prospect before us, on the other side of the Channell, coming upon the Back of our natural Regretts at parting with our Son and our fine Summer Situation at Auteuil, and all our Friends in and about Paris, make the Journey rather triste, but we have passed through scenes bien plus triste encore. Adieu.\nJ. Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0114", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nDessin\u2019s Calais May 23. 1785. Monday.\nWe are just arrived, covered with Dust, and we have hired our Boat, to go over tomorrow at ten. No green Peas, no Sallad, no Vegetables to be had upon the Road, and the Sky is still as clear dry and cold as ever. The Flocks of Sheep and herds of Cattle, through the Country, stalk about the Fields like Droves of Walking Skeletons. The Sheep are pastured chiefly I think in the plowed grounds, upon the Fibres as I suppose of the Roots of Grass turn\u2019d up by the Plow.\nFrom a motive of Humanity I wish that our Country may have plentifull Rains, and our Husbandmen Industry, that they may supply the Wants of their Suffering Fellow Creatures in Europe. You see I have nothing so mean as a selfish or even a patriotic wish in all this. But from the same regard to Europe and her worthy Colonists in the West Indies, I hope that these rainless, heatless Heavens will convince them that it is abundantly for their good that we should bring and carry freely, our Flour, Wheat, Corn, Rice, Flesh, and Fish for their Soulagement. Yours affectionately,\nJ. Adams\nThe Ladies Compliments of course.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0115", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Giovanni Fabbroni, 23 May 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fabbroni, Giovanni\n[Paris, 23 May 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cFebroni. Accompanying a copy of Notes on Virginia.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0119", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Guillaume Otto, 24 May 1785\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nVersailles May 24th. 1785.\nI have had the honor to wait upon your Excellency on Sunday last, but your indisposition did not permit me to see you. Col. Humphreys has probably acquainted you that I have received Orders to sail next month to America and that I should be extreemely happy to carry Your Excellency\u2019s Dispatches to Congress or to execute any private Orders You will be pleased to honor me with. I shall be at Paris in the Beginning of next month and probably leave the City towards the tenth. Permit me to assure you that I shall look upon it as a particular favour to receive your Commands during my residence at Newyorck and to have it in my power to convince you of the respectful attachments, with which I have the honor to be Sir, your Excellency\u2019s Most humble and very obedient Servant,\nOtto", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0120", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 25 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis May 25. 1785.\nYour letter of the 22d. from Montreuil sur mer is put into my hands this moment, and having received information of your son, and two American gentlemen being to set out for London tomorrow morning, I seize a moment to inform you that he had arrived well at l\u2019Orient and was well on the 20th. when the packet was still detained by contrary winds. Mr. Barclay, who is arrived, had also seen him. Be so good as to inform the ladies that Mrs. Hayes is arrived. I have not yet seen her, but am this moment going to perform that duty. I fear the ladies have had a more triste journey than we had calculated on. The poverty of the country and distress of the drought would of course produce this effect. I am the more convinced of this as you say they have found amusement in my  notes. They presented themselves to their notice under fortunate circumstances. I am happy if you find any thing in them worthy your approbation. But my country will probably estimate them differently. A foreknowlege of this has retarded my communicating them to my friends two years. But enough of them. The departure of your family has left me in the dumps. My afternoons hang heavily on me. I go sometimes to Passy and Mont Parnasse. When they are gone too I shall be ready for the dark and narrow house of Ossian. We attended the Queen\u2019s entrance yesterday, but lost the sight of her. You can calculate, and without many figures, the extent of this mortification to me. To render it more complete I had placed myself and my daughter in my carriage very finely before the Palais Bourbon to see the illuminations of the Garde meubles which are to cost the king of Spain two or three thousand guineas. But they sent a parcel of souldiers to drive us all away. We submitted without making battle; I carried my daughter to the Abbaye and came home to bed myself. I have now given you all the news of Paris as far as I know it and after recommending myself to the friendly recollection of the ladies I conclude with assurances of the esteem with which I have the honour to be dear Sir Your affectionate friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Send me your address au plutot.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0121", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Vergennes, 25 May 1785\nFrom: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nVersailles le 25 May 1785.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, une Ordonnance que le Roi a rendue en dernier lieu, pour rappeller et renouveller les d\u00e9fenses du Port d\u2019armes, des \u00e9paulettes et cocardes, aux chasseurs, heiduques, N\u00e9gres et \u00e0 tous autres domestiques, gens de livr\u00e9e et personnes sans \u00e9tat; Sa Majest\u00e9 m\u2019a ordonn\u00e9, Monsieur, de vous faire part de cette nouvelle ordonnance, qui ne fait que confirmer les dispositions des pr\u00e9c\u00e9dentes sur cette matiere, et de vous engager \u00e0 tenir la main \u00e0 ce qu\u2019elle soit observ\u00e9e par les domestiques et gens de livr\u00e9e de votre Maison. Je vous prie aussi, Monsieur, de vouloir bien la participer aux personnes de votre Nation qui sont actuellement \u00e0 Paris o\u00f9 qui pourront y venir, afin qu\u2019elles  soient averties de l\u2019Obligation de se conformer aux dispositions du nouveau R\u00e9glement.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre tr\u00e9s parfaitement, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s Ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe Vergennes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0125", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 27 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBath Hotel London May 27. 1785\nI found that either the Duke of Dorsetts Letter to the Premier had produced an order at Dover or that his Graces Letter to the Custom House Office had as good an effect, for I was allowed to pass without Molestation, and indeed received Marks of particular Respect.\nWe arrived yesterday 26. in the afternoon, and as Fortune would have it Coll. Smith arrived the Night before 25. We soon met. I wrote a Card to the Marquis of Carmarthen, at Nine at Night, acquainting his Lordship of my Arrival and desiring an Hour to wait on him. This Morning I had an Answer, that his Lordship would be glad to see me at one at his House, or at four at his office, as I chose. I replyed that I would have the Honour to wait on him at one.\nColl. Smith went with me, we were admitted in an Instant, and politely received. I laid before him my Commission, and left him a Copy. Coll. Smith did the same with his. I consulted his Lordship about the Ettiquette of my Letter of Credence, and he gave me the same Answers as the Comte de Vergennes gave you. His Lordship then said that on Wednesday next after the Levee, I should be presented to his Majesty in his Closett, and there deliver my Letter of Credence, and that on the next Levee Day Coll. Smith would be presented. This he said was according to the usage.\nI have since seen the Dutch Minister, who enquired of every particular step by step, and then said that I was received precisely upon the same Footing with all the other Ministers. I learned from the Dutch Minister too another Particular which gave me Pleasure, vizt that the usage here is directly contrary to that in Holland and France. Here the new Minister receives the first Visit, from all the foreign Ministers, whereas in France and Holland the new Minister makes the first Visit to all the foreign Ministers and notifies formally to them his Reception. This saves me from an Embarrassment, and we shall now see who will and who will not. We shall see what will be done by Imperial Ministers, &c. With the most cordial Esteem I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0127", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Barr\u00e9, 28 May 1785\nFrom: Barr\u00e9, Jean Baptiste Henri\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nExcellence\n[L\u2019Orient] Ce 28 may 1785.\nMonsieur Thevenard Chef d\u2019Escadre et Commandant de la Marine en ce port, D\u00e9sirant avoir une copie du portrait du G\u00e9n\u00e9ral Waginston, dont vous poss\u00e9dez L\u2019original, Je me suis charg\u00e9 de vous prier de vouloir bien lui envoyer, persuad\u00e9 que Votre Excellence, se ferait un plaisir de satisfaire mon G\u00e9n\u00e9ral \u00e0 ce Sujet. Comme il possede d\u00e9ja celui de Monsieur Franklin, cela perp\u00e9tuera la m\u00e9moire des Grands Hommes sortis de L\u2019Am\u00e9rique, en attendant que vous vouli\u00e9s lui Donner Le v\u00f4tre pour Couronner L\u2019oeuvre et finir La Collection.\nJe suis avec Respect De votre Excellence Le tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nBarr\u00e9\nP.S. Monsieur Th\u00e9venard D\u00e9sireroit que le Tableau fut de Deux pieds cinq Pouces et demi de hauteur, sur dix huit de Largeur, et Remets \u00e0 votre choix celui du peintre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0129", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Guillaume Otto, 28 May 1785\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nVersailles May 28th. 1785.\nI received only this moment the Notes on the State of Virginia together with the congratulation and invitation Your Excellency have honoured me with the 23d. of this month. This delay will I hope sufficiently apologise for my having not sooner acknowledged the favor you have done me.\nAccording to your desire I shall be very careful not to trust your work to any person, who might make an improper use of it,  and tho\u2019 I conceive that the public would be very much gratified with the interesting particulars contained in it, Your Excellency\u2019s determination on this point is a Law, which I shall never attempt to infringe.\nA part of these learned Notes I had already perused in America; but I see that they have been considerably enlarged and I expect a great deal of instruction from them. I wish most sincerely that the present situation of every State in the Union would be illustrated in the same manner and I am confident that our notions about America would be highly improved by it.\nTho I have the honor to be particularly acquainted with many respectable Characters of your Country I am persuaded that a few Words of recommendation from your Excellency to some of your Friends in Congress would be highly favourable to the success of the business I am to be entrusted with.\nI hope to be at Paris next Week and to take your Excellency\u2019s Orders before my Departure to L\u2019Orient. It is needless to assure you that you can not trust your Commands to any person more anxious than I am, to convince you of the respectful and inviolable attachment with which I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and very humble Servant,\nOtto\nP.S. Permit me to add my best compliments to Col. Humphreys.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0130", "content": "Title: John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 29 May 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nGentlemen\nBath Hotel May 29. 1785. Westminster\nOur Secretary of State for foreign affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties we are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers.\nInclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. February 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary\u2019s Letter. I know nothing of Capt. Lambs Arrival or of the Dispatches by him.\nOn the 26. I communicated to Lord Carmarthen my Credentials, and left him Copies, as we have done upon former occasions in France, and am to have my Audience of the King in his Closet as  the Secretary of State informs me, next Wednesday. I have the Honour to be, very respectfully, Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0133", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Guillaume Otto, 1 June 1785\nFrom: Otto, Louis Guillaume\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis June 1st. 1785.\nI was honoured yesterday with Your Excellency\u2019s Letter of the 26th. of last month and I am extreemely flattered by the Confidence you seem to place in my zeal for your Country. I can assure you that after my own Nation there is none in the World to whom I am more Sincerely attached than to the American, and the small influence my Correspondance may have upon the determination of Government will be entirely directed towards the Benefit of both nations. There has indeed never been an alliance more natural and better calculated for mutual advantages than that which so happily subsists between France and America. As to me in particular, it will be extreemely favorable to my transactions in America to be honoured with the esteem and confidence of a Minister who represents amongst us the United States with so much dignity and ability. The proposal of a Correspondence with Your Excellency I therefore most heartily embrace and I hope that experience will convince you that your conjectures on my personal dispositions have been well founded.\nI have not been so happy as to see M. le Comte de Doradour, but the small services I shall be able to render him, he may entirely dispose of. I am glad to have his Company on my passage to  America and I beg your Excellency to assure him of all the good offices I shall have in my power.\nMr. de Couteulx informs me just now that the packet is to sail from L\u2019Orient on the first of July. I intend to set off from Paris towards the 15th. and flatter myself to be favoured with your orders before my Departure.\nWith great respect and gratitude I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and very humble Servant,\nOtto", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0134", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 2 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis June 2. 1785.\nYour favours of May 23. and the two of May 27. came safely to hand, the first being open. That of the 22d. from Montreuil sur mer had been received and answered on the 25th.\nThe day before the receipt of the letters of the 27th. we had had your cases brought to the barrier of Paris in order to get the proper officer to go that far to plumb them. From there they were put on board the boat for Rouen and their portage paid. In the instant of receiving your letter I sent Petit off to try to stop them if not gone. The boat was just departing and they declared it impossible to reland them: and that could it be done, a new passport from the C. de Vergennes would be necessary for the part not landed. I now forward your letter to Mr. Garvey, countermanding your order of the wine from him, and praying him to retain all the cases of wine now sent except that which has the Madeira and Frontignac, till he shall receive your orders. These therefore you will be so good as to send him as soon as convenient. I was very sorry we could not stop the wine. It would have suited me perfectly to have taken it either at the prices it cost you, if known to Petit, or if not known, then at such prices as he and Marc should have estimated it at: and this would have saved you trouble. I inclose you Petit\u2019s note of disbursements which I immediately repaid him. You will know the exchange between London and Paris, which is considerably in favor of the former. Make the allowance for that and either retain the money in your own hands or put it into Stockdale\u2019s as most convenient. Can you take the trouble of ordering me the two best of the London papers (that is to say one of each party) and by any channel which will save me postage and the search of government?\nThe inclosed letter to Miss Adams is from a young gentleman of her acquaintance who has a very sincere and high affection for her. When you transferred to her the commission of Secretary, I well hoped the pleasure of her being the intermediate of our communications: but I did not flatter myself with the further one of becoming the confident between herself and persons of the foregoing description. The following paragraphs are for her eye only. Be so good therefore as to deliver over the letter to her. The cypher I suppose to be in her custody.\nBy a dutch Courier which went yesterday we sent an answer to Baron Thulemyer. It contained what we had agreed on when you were here. That is to say we closed and expressing our doubts that it might not suit him to come here, we propose[d] that every one should sign separately puting the date and place of his Signature. We mean to sign here, send it by some confidential Person to you and that he shall carry it on to the Baron, deliver it to him and receive in exchange the copy signd by him.\nOur answer to Tuscany is copying. It is precisly what we had agreed when you were with us.\nBe so good as to present my highest esteem to the ladies and to be assured of the sincerity with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. My visits have been all returned save by the Portuguese [ambassador] who I imagine has [neglect]ed [others?].", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0135", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Chastellux, 2 June 1785\nFrom: Chastellux, Fran\u00e7ois Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u00e0 Marly le 2 juin 1785\nJ\u2019ai recu, Monsieur, avec la plus vive reconnoissance le precieux present que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s envoy\u00e9, et malgr\u00e9 la cruelle situation o\u00f9 je me suis trouv\u00e9 alors, gardant une de mes amies les plus intimes, qui etoit attaqu\u00e9e d\u2019une fievre continue avec redoublemens, j\u2019ai eu la satisfaction de lire la plus grande partie de votre ouvrage. Tous les motifs se trouvent r\u00e9unis pour rendre cette lecture bien interressante pour moi. Mon attachement pour l\u2019auteur, celui que je conserverai toujours pour le pais qu\u2019il a d\u00e9crit et la quantit\u00e9 de connoissances piquantes et utiles qui r\u00e9sultent de ses observations; j\u2019ajouterai encore la plaisir que j\u2019ai eu \u00e0 me rappeller nos entretiens de Monticello. Tout concourt, Monsieur, \u00e0 donner le plus grand prix \u00e0 mes yeux, \u00e0 un ouvrage qui en aura pour tous ceux qui le liront. Je regrette seulement que vous en ayes limit\u00e9 le nombre, en ne voulant pas rendre vos observations publiques. J\u2019espere du moins que vous ne trouver\u00e9s pas mauvais que j\u2019en donne quelques extraits au journal de physique. Je me propose pendant que je ferai mes inspections d\u2019employer mes heures de loisir \u00e0 faire ces extraits, et je vous prie, instament, Monsieur, de me donner votre agr\u00e9ment pour cela.\nDeux jours apr\u00e8s avoir recu l\u2019exemplaire que vous av\u00e9s eu la bont\u00e9 de m\u2019adresser, on m\u2019a apport\u00e9 de Paris un paquet \u00e0 l\u2019adresse de M. de Buffon qui avoit et\u00e9 remis ch\u00e9s moi. Comme j\u2019ai cr\u00fb reconnoitre la forme du paquet et l\u2019\u00e9criture de l\u2019adresse, j\u2019ai imagin\u00e9, Monsieur, que c\u2019etoit un exemplaire de votre ouvrage que vous me chargi\u00e9s de lui faire passer. Comme il est parti pour Montbar, je me propose d\u2019envoyer ce paquet \u00e0 Mr. d\u2019Aubenton pour qu\u2019il le lui fasse parvenir par la premi\u00e8re occasion. J\u2019ai l\u00fb l\u2019article o\u00f9 vous av\u00e9s combattu notre grand naturaliste: certainement, il ne pourra s\u2019\u00e9ttonner que votre opinion soit differente de la sienne et il aprouvera egalement et les raisons dont vous vous appuy\u00e9s et la maniere honnete et philosophique dont vous les avanc\u00e9s. J\u2019avois lu dans les noticias americanas l\u2019article dont vous av\u00e9s fait mention et je ne vous dissimule pas qu\u2019il m\u2019avoit frapp\u00e9. L\u2019auteur ajoute une chose qui m\u2019avoit fait encore plus d\u2019impression, c\u2019est que les m\u00e9tiss  venant d\u2019une n\u00e9gresse et d\u2019un espagnol, ont plus de force et d\u2019industrie que ceux qui naissent d\u2019une indienne et d\u2019un espagnol. Mr. Robertson dans son histoire de l\u2019amerique paroit avoir suivi l\u2019opinion de M. de Buffon et de M. d\u2019Ulloa. Quant \u00e0 moi, sans pr\u00e9tendre decider la question, je me contenterois d\u2019affirmer que dans l\u2019\u00e9tat de civilisation et de societ\u00e9, les differences que le climat ou le sol peuvent apporter dans les esp\u00e8ces sont si legeres r\u00e9lativement aux causes morales qu\u2019on peut les regarder comme des infiniments petits et les negliger absolument. Le c\u0153teris paribus ne se trouve que parmi les brutes. Tandis que les nuances donn\u00e9es par la nature restent les m\u00eames, les causes morales vont toujours croissant de sorte qu\u2019il y a un terme et les premieres sont presque r\u00e9duites \u00e0 zero. Je ne doute pas que l\u2019amerique n\u2019ait dej\u00e0 produit et ne produise en tout genre plus de grands hommes, proportion gard\u00e9e, que les autres parties du monde et cependant les observations physiques pourront encore etre justes. Mais c\u2019est un objet dont il me sera bien plus agr\u00e9able de m\u2019entretenir avec vous de vive voix que par \u00e9crit. J\u2019ai bien peu joui, Monsieur, de votre sejour \u00e0 Paris sur lequel j\u2019avois fond\u00e9 de grandes esperances, mais j\u2019ai et\u00e9 bien malheureux depuis huit mois, malheureux par un sentiment plus connu dans le pais que vous av\u00e9s quitt\u00e9 que dans celui que vous habit\u00e9s maintenant. L\u2019amiti\u00e9 et les allarmes qu\u2019elle cause ne sont pas la maladie regnante des monarchies, des cours et des capitales, mais vous aves dej\u00e0 dit que tout [subit] des exceptions. Il n\u2019en est point cependant aux sentimens d\u2019estime, de consid\u00e9ration et d\u2019attachement que je vous ai vou\u00e9s.\nle Mis de Chastellux", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0137", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBath Hotel Westminster June 3. 1785\nI have now the Honour to inform you, that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage, I had the Honour on the first of this Month to be introduced by his Lordship to his Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies and Formalities, practised on such occasions, with other foreign Ministers, where I delivered to his Majesty, my Letter of Credence from the United States of America, as their Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Great Britain. The Mission was treated by his Majesty with all the Respect, and the Person with all the Kindness, which could have been expected or reasonably desired, and with much more, I confess, than was in fact expected by me.\nColl. Smith, has also shewn his Commission as Secretary of Legation, to the Secretary of State and left an authenticated Copy, and is to be presented to the King on the next Levee Day. The Time is not yet fixed for my Introduction to the Queen, but having received an Invitation to dine with the Secretary of State, on Saturday the fourth of this Month, being the Anniversary of his Majestys Birth, I must go to Court again on that Day.\nWith great Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0138", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Barr\u00e9, 3 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barr\u00e9, Jean Baptiste Henri\nSir\nParis June 3. 1785.\nI am this moment favored with your letter of the 28th. of May. I have two pictures of Genl. Washington: the one a whole length by Peale taken at the beginning of the war; the other a half length taken by Wright the last year. The first is better coloured, more softly painted, more flattering, but less like. The last is dryer,  however, but more like. The painter has seised the gravest lineaments of the General\u2019s face, so that tho\u2019 it is a faithful likeness at certain times, it is an unfavourable one. It shews him as he was in the moments of his gravest difficulties. Monsr. de Thevenard is very welcome to have either of them copied. If he chuses the former it may be done immediately; if the latter it may be two months before it can be permitted, because Wright, before he would draw it for me, exacted a promise that it should not be copied till his mother in London should have time to procure and sell the first prints to be taken from it. Any order which Monsr. de Thevenard shall think proper to give on this subject shall be complied with as far as rests on me. I am with much esteem Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0140", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from James Jarvis, 5 June 1785]\nFrom: Jarvis, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Amsterdam, 5 June 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 10 June 1785. Not found, but see TJ to Carmichael, 22 June 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0141", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, with Enclosure, 6 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon Bath Hotel Westminster\nMr. Adams has already written you that we arrived in London upon the 27 of May. We journey\u2019d slowly and sometimes silently. I think I have somewhere met with the observation that nobody ever leaves paris but with a degree of tristeness. I own I was loth to leave my garden because I did not expect to find its place supplied. I was still more loth on account of the increasing pleasure, and intimacy which a longer acquaintance with a respected Friend promised, to leave behind me the only person with whom my Companion could associate with perfect freedom, and unreserve: and whose place he had no reason to expect supplied in the Land to which he is destinied.\nAt leaving Auteuil our domesticks surrounded our Carriage and in tears took leave of us, which gave us that painfull kind of pleasure, which arises from a consciousness, that the good will of our dependants is not misplaced.\nMy little Bird I was obliged, after taking it into the Carriage to resign to my parisian chamber maid, or the poor thing would have fluttered itself to Death. I mourned its loss, but its place was happily supplied by a present of two others which were given me on board the Dover pacquet, by a young Gentleman whom we had received on Board with us, and who being excessively sick I admitted into the cabin, in gratitude for which he insisted upon my accepting a pair of his Birds. As they had been used to travelling I brought them here in safety, for which they hourly repay me by their melodious notes. When we arrived we went to our old Lodgings at the Adelphia, but could not be received as it was full, and almost every other hotel in the city. From thence we came to the Bath Hotel where we at present are, and where Mr. Storer had partly engaged Lodgings for us, tho he thought we should have objections upon account of the Noise, and the constant assemblage of carriages round it, but it was no time for choice, as the sitting  of parliament, the Birth Day of the King, and the celebration of Handles Musick had drawn together such a Number of people as allready to increase the price of Lodgings near double. We did not however hesitate at keeping them, tho the four rooms which we occupy costs a third more than our House and Garden Stables &c. did at Auteuil. I had lived so quietly in that calm retreat, that the Noise and bustle of this proud city almost turnd my Brain for the first two or three Days. The figure which this city makes in respect to Equipages is vastly superiour to Paris, and gives one the Idea of superiour wealth and grandeur. I have seen few carriages in paris and no horses superiour to what are used here for Hackneys. My time has been much taken up since my arrival in looking out for a House. I could find many which would suit in all respects but the price, but none realy fit to occupy under 240 \u00a3. 250. besides the taxes, which are serious matters here. At last I found one in Grovenor Square which we have engaged.\nMr. Adams has written you an account of his reception at Court, which has been as gracious and as agreeable as the reception given to the Ministers of any other foreign powers. Tomorrow he is to be presented to the Queen.\nMr. Smith appears to be a modest worthy man, if I may judge from so short an acquaintance. I think we shall have much pleasure in our connection with him. All the Foreign Ministers and the Secretaries of Embassies have made their visits here, as well as some English Earls and Lords. Nothing as yet has discovered any acrimony. Whilst the Coals are cover\u2019d the blaize will not burst, but the first wind which blows them into action will I expect envelop all in flames. If the actors pass the ordeal without being burnt they may be considerd in future of the Asbestos kind. Whilst I am writing the papers of this day are handed me. From the publick Advertiser I extract the following. \u201cYesterday morning a messenger was sent from Mr. Pitt to Mr. Adams the American plenipotentiary with notice to suspend for the present their intended interview\u201d (absolutely false). From the same paper:\n\u201cAn Ambassador from America! Good heavens what a sound! The Gazette surely never announced any thing so extraordinary before, nor once on a day so little expected. This will be such a ph\u0153nomenon in the Corps Diplomatique that tis hard to say which can excite indignation most, the insolence of those who appoint the Character, or the meanness of those who receive it. Such a thing could never have happened in any former Administration, not even  that of Lord North. It was reserved like some other Humiliating circumstances to take place\nSub Jove, sed Jove nondum\nBarbato \u2007\u2007\u2007.\u201d\nFrom the morning post and daily advertiser it is said that \u201cMr. Adams the Minister plenipotentiary from America is extremly desirious of visiting Lord North whom he Regards as one of the best Friends the Americans ever had.\u201d Thus you see sir the begining squibs.\nI went last week to hear the musick in Westminster Abbey. The Messiah was performd. It was sublime beyond description. I most sincerely wisht for your presence as your favorite passion would have received the highest gratification. I should have sometimes fancied myself amongst a higher order of Beings; if it had not been for a very troublesome female, who was unfortunately seated behind me; and whose volubility not all the powers of Musick could still.\nI thank you sir for the information respecting my son from whom we received Letters. He desires to be remembered to you, to Col. Humphries and to Mr. Williamos. My Daughter also joins in the same request. We present our Love to Miss Jefferson and compliments to Mr. Short. I suppose Madam de la Fayette is gone from paris. If she is not, be so good sir as to present my respects to her. I design writing her very soon. I have to apoligize for thus freely scribling to you. I will not deny that there may be a little vanity in the hope of being honourd with a line from you. Having heard you upon some occasions express a desire to hear from your Friends, even the Minutia respecting their Situation, I have ventured to class myself in that number and to subscribe myself, Sir, your Friend and Humble Servant,\nA. Adams\nEnclosure\nThe publick Advertiser\u2014\n\u201cYesterday lord george gordon had the honour of a long conference with his excellency john adams (honest john adams), the Ambassador of America, at the hotel of Mons. de Lynden Envoye extrordinaire de Leur Hautes puissances.\u201d\nThis is true, and I suppose inserted by his Lordship who is as wild and as enthusiastic as when he headed the mob. His Lordship came here but not finding Mr. Adams at home was determind to see him, and accordingly followed him to the Dutch Ministers. The conversation was curious, and pretty much in the Stile of Mrs. Wright with whom his Lordship has frequent conferences.\nAn other paragraph from the same paper\u2014\u201cAmongst the various personages who drew the attention of the drawing-room on Saturday last, Mr. Adams, minister plenipotentiary from the States of America was not the least noticed. From this gentleman the Eye of Majesty and the Court glanced on Lord \u2007\u2007\u2007; to whose united Labours this Country stands indebted for the loss of a large territory and a divided and interrupted Commerce.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0142", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Fran\u00e7ois Briet, 6 June 1785\nFrom: Briet, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonseigneur\nL\u2019Orient le 6 Juin 1785.\nJe prends la Libert\u00e9 de r\u00e9commander \u00e0 Son Excellen\u00e7e, une affaire qui Regarde sa Nation. J\u2019ai achett\u00e9 pour Compte de Mr. Peter Dischong \u00e0 philadelphie, une partie de 854. pi\u00e8ces Nankins qui f\u00fbrent saisis dans les magazins du Sr. LeChene en cette ville, par les Emplo\u00ef\u00e9s de la Ferme g\u00e9n\u00e9rale, parcequ\u2019ils supposaient qu\u2019on voulait les faire Entrer par fraude dans le Royaume. Son Excellence verra par la Lettre que J\u2019adresse aujourdhui au Mr.  Le Contr\u00f4leur G\u00e9n\u00e9ral, dont Copie cy-Jointe, L\u2019Injustice et L\u2019horreur de cette Saisie dans une ville franche. Comme Je ne rembourserai pas \u00e0 mon ami de philadelphie sa Remise qu\u2019il m\u2019a faite \u00e0 Compte des dits Nankins, avant de les avoir et d\u2019\u00eatre Indemnis\u00e9 de la perte que Mr. Dischong \u00e9prouve dans cette occasion, vu le Retard affreux et la Diminution sur cet article \u00e0 l\u2019arriv\u00e9e des Vaisseaux de Chine, non seulement en Am\u00e9rique mais encore en Europe, Je Supplie Son Excellence, de faire ensorte que la demande que Je fais \u00e0 Mgr. DeCalonne me soit accord\u00e9e le plus promptement possible. Car chaque Jour de Retard porte un plus grand pr\u00e9judice. Pour cet Effet elle voudra bien Exposer \u00e0 Mgr. DeCalonne le Ridicule de cette Saisie et le Risque qu\u2019il y aurait si les Am\u00e9ricains ne se trouvaient plus en Suret\u00e9 avec leurs Marchandises dans leurs Magazins de cette ville, o\u00f9 la ferme n\u2019\u00e0 aucun droit de Saisie et aucune raison vallable \u00e0 all\u00e9guer pour garder cette Marchandise qu\u2019elle \u00e0 Enlev\u00e9 de force des dits Mag[azins quoique] Les C[omm]is du Sr. LeChene, propri\u00e9taire de la Maison o\u00f9 elle \u00e9tait et o\u00f9 La ferme n\u2019\u00e0 nul droit d\u2019Inquisition, lui eussent declare en son absence ne savoir \u00e0 qui ces Nankins pouvaient appartenir, et L\u2019Expos\u00e9 des Emplo\u00ef\u00e9s de la ferme qu\u2019ils sont plomb\u00e9s avec de vieux Plombs est des plus absurdes, en ce que l\u2019on se soucie peu ici dans L\u2019Orient que les plombs soient neufs ou vieux, et que la Marchandise soit plomb\u00e9e ou non. D\u2019ailleurs ces Nankins sont peut-\u00eatre venus tels d\u2019Ostende, et Je ne devais pas consid\u00e9rer les plombs, mais la bont\u00e9 de la Marchandise que mon Commettant me recommandait.\nJ\u2019ose Esp\u00e9rer que Son Excellence daignera prendre serieusement \u00e0 Coeur cette affaire pour la terminer le plus promptement possible. Toute la Nation am\u00e9ricaine souffrirait d\u2019une pareille Vexation, et elle est de la plus grande Importance. D\u2019ans l\u2019attente d\u2019une r\u00e9ponse favorable, Je suis avec un profond respect, Monseigneur, De Son Excellence, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s Ob\u00e9\u00efssant Serviteur,\nJn. Fois. Briet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0143", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Anthony Garvey, 6 June 1785]\nFrom: Garvey, Anthony\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Paris, 6 June 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cReceived Mr. Garvey\u2019s June 5. and answered it same day. 8 caisses of wine.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0144", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBath Hotel Westminster June 7. 1785.\nI have received yours of 25. May, and thank you for the News of my Son, and for the News of Paris. I wished to have seen the Queens Entrance into Paris, but I saw the Queen of England on Saturday, the Kings Birth day, in all her Glory. It is paying very dear to be a King or Queen to pass One such a day in a year. To be obliged to enter into Conversation with four or five hundred, or four or five Thousand People of both Sexes, in one day and to find Small Talk enough for the Purpose, adapted to the Taste and Character of every one, is a Task which would be out of all Proportion to my Forces of Mind or Body. The K and Q. speak to every Body. I stood next to the Spanish Minister, with whom his Majesty conversed in good French, for half or Quarter of an Hour, and I did not loose any Part of the discourse, and he said several, clever Things enough. One was Je suis convaincu que le plus grand Ennemy du Bien, est le mieux. You would have applied it as I did, to the Croud of Gentlemen present who had advised his Majesty, to renounce the Bien for the Mieux in America, and I believe he too had that Instance in his mind. Thursday I must be presented to the Queen, who I hope will say as many pretty Things to me, as the K. did.\nYou would die of ennui here, for these Ceremonies are more numerous and continue much longer here than at Versailles.\nI find I shall be accabl\u00e9 with Business and Ceremony together, and I miss my fine walks and pure Air at Auteuil. The Smoke and Damp of this City is ominous to me. London boasts of its Trottoir, but there is a space between it and the Houses through which all the Air from Kitchens, Cellars, Stables and Servants Appartements ascends into the Street and pours directly on the Passenger on Foot. Such Whiffs and puffs assault you every few Steps as are enough to breed the Plague if they do not Suffocate you on the Spot.\nFor Mercy Sake stop all my Wine but the Bourdeaux and Madeira, and Frontenac. And stop my order to Rouen for 500  Additional Bottles. I shall be ruined, for each Minister is not permitted to import more than 5 or 600 Bottles which will not more than cover what I have at the Hague which is very rich wine and my Madeira Frontenac and Bourdeaux at Auteuil. Petit will do the Business.\nRegards to Coll. Humphreys and Mr. Williamos. Adieu.\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0145", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Chastellux, 7 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Chastellux, Fran\u00e7ois Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de\nDear Sir\nParis June 7, 1785\nI have been honoured with the receipt of your letter of the 2d. instant, and am to thank you, as I do sincerely for the partiality with which you receive the copy of the Notes on my country. As I can answer for the facts therein reported on my own observation, and have admitted none on the report of others which were not supported by evidence sufficient to command my own assent, I am not afraid that you should make any extracts you please for the Journal de physique which come within their plan of publication. The strictures on slavery and on the constitution of Virginia are not of that kind, and they are the parts which I do not wish to have made public, at least till I know whether their publication would do most harm or good. It is possible that in my own country these strictures might produce an irritation which would indispose the people towards the two great objects I have in view, that is the emancipation of their slaves, and the settlement of their constitution on a firmer and more permanent basis. If I learn from thence, that they will not produce that effect, I have printed and reserved just copies enough to be able to give one to every young man at the College. It is to them I look, to the rising generation, and not to the one now in power for these great reformations. The other copy delivered at your hotel was for Monsr. de Buffon. I meant to ask the favour of you to have it sent to him, as I was ignorant how to do it. I have one also for Monsr. Daubenton: but being utterly unknown to him I cannot take the liberty of presenting it till I can do it through some common acquaintance.\nI will beg leave to say here a few words on the general question of the degeneracy of animals in America. 1. As to the degeneracy of the man of Europe transplanted to America, it is no part of  Monsr. de Buffon\u2019s system. He goes indeed within one step of it, but he stops there. The Abb\u00e9 Raynal alone has taken that step. Your knowlege of America enables you to judge this question, to say whether the lower class of people in America, are less informed and less susceptible of information than the lower class in Europe: and whether those in America who have received such an education as that country can give, are less improved by it than Europeans of the same degree of education. 2. As to the Aboriginal man of America, I know of no respectable evidence on which the opinion of his inferiority of genius has been founded but that of Don Ulloa. As to Robertson, he never was in America, he relates nothing on his own knowlege, he is a compiler only of the relations of others, and a mere translator of the opinions of Monsr. de Buffon. I should as soon therefore add the translators of Robertson to the witnesses of this fact, as himself. Paw, the beginner of this charge, was a compiler from the works of others; and of the most unlucky description; for he seems to have read the writings of travellers only to collect and republish their lies. It is really remarkeable that in three volumes 12mo. of small print it is scarcely possible to find one truth, and yet that the author should be able to produce authority for every fact he states, as he says he can. Don Ulloa\u2019s testimony is of the most respectable. He wrote of what he saw. But he saw the Indian of South America only, and that after he had passed through ten generations of slavery. It is very unfair, from this sample, to judge of the natural genius of this race of men: and after supposing that Don Ulloa had not sufficiently calculated the allowance which should be made for this circumstance, we do him no injury in considering the picture he draws of the present Indians of S. America as no picture of what their ancestors were 300 years ago. It is in N. America we are to seek their original character: and I am safe in affirming that the proofs of genius given by the Indians of N. America, place them on a level with Whites in the same uncultivated state. The North of Europe furnishes subjects enough for comparison with them, and for a proof of their equality. I have seen some thousands myself, and conversed much with them, and have found in them a male, sound understanding. I have had much information from men who had lived among them, and whose veracity and good sense were so far known to me as to establish a reliance on their information. They have all agreed in bearing witness in favour of the genius of this people. As to their bodily strength, their manners rendering it disgraceful  to labour, those muscles employed in labour will be weaker with them than with the European labourer: but those which are exerted in the chase and those faculties which are employed in the tracing an enemy or a wild beast, in contriving ambuscades for him, and in carrying them through their execution, are much stronger than with us, because they are more exercised. I beleive the Indian then to be in body and mind equal to the whiteman. I have supposed the blackman, in his present state, might not be so. But it would be hazardous to affirm that, equally cultivated for a few generations, he would not become so. 3. As to the inferiority of the other animals of America, without more facts I can add nothing to what I have said in my Notes. As to the theory of Monsr. de Buffon that heat is friendly and moisture adverse to the production of large animals, I am lately furnished with a fact by Doctr. Franklin which proves the air of London and of Paris to be more humid than that of Philadelphia, and so creates a suspicion that the opinion of the superior humidity of America may perhaps have been too hastily adopted. And supposing that fact admitted, I think the physical reasonings urged to shew that in a moist country animals must be small, and that in a hot one they must be large, are not built on the basis of experiment. These questions however cannot be decided ultimately at this day. More facts must be collected, and more time flow off, before the world will be ripe for decision. In the mean time doubt is wisdom.\nI have been fully sensible of the anxieties of your situation, and that your attentions were wholly consecrated, where alone they were wholly due, to the succour of friendship and worth. However much I prize your society I wait with patience the moment when I can have it without taking what is due to another. In the mean time I am solaced with the hope of possessing your friendship, and that it is not ungrateful to you to receive assurances of that with which I have the honour to be Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0147", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to Favi, with Observations on Treaty Project, 8 June 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Favi, Francesco\nSir\nPassy June 8th. 1785\nWe have the honour of transmitting herewith our sentiments on the counter-draught of the treaty proposed to be established between His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the United States of America; you will therein perceive that we accede to most of the changes proposed by the counter-draught. Some of them we wish to modify, and on others we offer reasons which we hope will be satisfactory to your court. It is with great pleasure that we meet their dispositions to promote by this establishment the friendship and happiness of the two nations. We have the  honour to be With very high respect & esteem Sir Your most obt. & Most humble Servts.,\nB. Franklin\nT. Jefferson\nEnclosure\nObservations on the alterations proposed on the part of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany in the articles of treaty offered by the Commissioners of the United States of America.\nWe agree that the 2nd. and 3d. articles shall stand with the changes proposed as follows.\nArt. 2. The subjects of His Royal Highness may frequent all the coasts and countries of the United States of America and reside and trade therein in all sorts of produce, manufactures and merchandize, without exception of any, and shall pay within the said U.S. no other or greater duties, charges, or fees whatsoever, and shall be obliged to observe no other or stricter formalities, regulations, or cautions than the most favoured European nations are or shall be obliged to pay and observe: and they shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and exemptions for their persons and property and in navigation and commerce which the most favoured European nation does or shall enjoy.\nArt. 3. In like manner the Citizens of the U.S. of America may frequent the coasts and countries of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany and reside and trade therein in all sorts of produce, manufactures and merchandize, without exception of any, and shall pay in the dominions of His said Royal Highness no other or greater duties, charges and fees whatsoever, and shall be obliged to observe no other or stricter formalities, regulations, or cautions than the most favoured European nations are or shall be obliged to pay and observe: and they shall enjoy all the rights, privileges, and exemptions for their persons and property and in navigation and commerce which the most favoured European nation does or shall enjoy.\nArt. 4. We accede to the alterations proposed for the 4th. article. But we wish then to add two modifications to that article which seem equally necessary and proper for both parties. 1. That each party reserve a power to prohibit absolutely within their own territories the exportation or importation of any particular commodity when necessity or reasons of state require it. As for instance the exportation of grain when a famine prevails or is apprehended: or the importation of any particular manufacture which either party wishes to encourage at home by excluding what would come from abroad. It is only necessary in these cases to provide that the moment such exportation or importation is allowed to any persons at all, it shall be permitted to the other party also. The 2. modification is that where any nation restrains the transportation of commodities to the vessels of the state of which they are the produce, each party shall have a right to establish against that nation retaliating restraints. We therefore propose that the 4th. article  with the alterations offered on the other part, and the modifications abovementioned shall stand in this form.\nArt. 4. More especially each party shall have a right to carry any kinds of produce, manufactures and merchandize of whatever place they be the growth or manufacture in their own or any other vessels to any parts of the dominions of the other, where it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them, and thence to take produce, manufactures and merchandize of whatever place or growth which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them, paying in both cases such duties, charges and fees, and observing such formalities, regulations and cautions only as are or shall be paid or observed by the most favoured European nation. Nevertheless His Royal Highness and the United States and each of them reserve to themselves the right, where any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth produce or manufacture to establish against such nation retaliating regulations. And also the right to prohibit in their respective countries the importation and exportation of all merchandize whatsoever when reasons of state shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. But whenever one of the contracting parties permits any other nation or its own citizens or subjects to import or export the same merchandize, the citizens or subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.\nArt. 5. This article had in view to authorize the merchants on each side to employ 1. what persons they please, and 2. what vessels they please, in the transaction of their business, lading and unlading their ships. The Tuscan regulations of commerce having rendered it necessary as to the first object to add a proviso \u201cthat the person so employed be thereunto authorized\u201d and again \u201cthat they should use the public porters in places where they are or shall be established\u201d it is apprehended that these restrictions of the first branch of the article are so broad as to leave very little for it to operate on, while at the same time it might in some cases produce embarrassment and contradictory constructions. It is therefore proposed to omit altogether what relates to the persons to be employed, and retain only what relates to the vessels: so that this article may stand thus.\nArt. 5. The merchants commanders of vessels or other subjects or citizens of either party shall not, within the ports or jurisdiction of the other be forced to unload any sort of merchandize into any other vessels, or to receive them into their own, or to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.\nArt. 6. The additions proposed to this article are 1. that the laws as to prohibited merchandize shall be observed by the vessels of each party: 2. that they shall receive on board the usual custom house guards: and 3. that vessels in harbour shall not be asylums for delinquents. It is supposed that these effects flow from the laws of every state; and as there is no stipulation proposed in this treaty which would  suspend the force of these laws, it is submitted whether it be necessary to stipulate their observance; and whether the referring the obligation of these laws to a false basis, that of national convention, when the true basis of their obligation is the authority of the legislature within its own territories, might not weaken the energy of the laws in some other possible cases, and in the end produce more doubt than these stipulations would remove. Nevertheless the American Commissioners not objecting to the effect of the additions, but only supposing they will take place without express stipulation, are ready to acquiesce in them if it will be more satisfactory to the other party. But if thought indifferent by them, we propose that the 6th. Art. shall remain as originally formed.\nArt. 8. We agree to the 8th. Art. in the following form, which it is apprehended will include the additions proposed.\nArt. 8. The vessels of the subjects or citizens of either party coming on any coast belonging to the other, but not willing to enter into port or being entered into port, and not willing to unload their cargoes or break bulk, shall put out and send their boat to the proper place, and shall give due account of themselves: but they shall then have liberty to depart and to pursue their voyage without molestation, and without being obliged to pay any duties, charges or fees whatsoever, except those established for vessels entered into port and appropriated to the maintenance of the port itself, or of other establishments for the safety and convenience of navigators and excepting also the charges of the visits of the health officer, which duties, charges and fees shall be the same and shall be paid on the same footing as in the case of subjects or citizens of the country where they are established:\nArt. 9. We agree to the alterations proposed in this article, the latter clause of which will stand, with the alterations, in these words: \u201cAnd if the operations of repair shall require that the whole or any part of their cargo be unladed, the same rules shall be observed as to the paiment of dues which are observed in like cases with the inhabitants of the country, and with the other the most favoured nations of Europe.\u201d\nArt. 10. One of the alterations proposes that a subject or citizen of either party dying in the country of the other, and leaving no person on the spot to take care of his goods, the courts of the country shall take them into their custody and keep them &c. but by the laws of our states the courts do not take into their own custody the goods of persons dying, but appoint trusty persons to do it, and make those persons accountable to the owners. Therefore we proposed that in such cases, the goods should be taken care of in the same way as those of natives are in the like case, leaving the particular mode to the laws of the country. We still suppose this will be best for both parties and therefore propose the tenth article, with the alterations to which we accede, in the following form.\nArt. 10. The citizens or subjects of each party shall have power to  dispose of their personal goods within the jurisdiction of the other by testament, donation or otherwise: and their representatives, whosoever they be, shall succeed to their said personal goods whether by testament or ab intestato; and may take possession thereof either by themselves or by others acting for them and dispose of the same at their will, paying such dues only as the inhabitants of the country and of the nations of Europe the most favoured shall be subject to pay in like cases. And in case of the absence of the executor, attorney and other representatives, such care shall be taken of the said goods and for so long a time as would by the laws of the Country be taken of the goods of a native in like case until the lawful owner may take measures for receiving them. And if question shall arise among several claimants to which of them the said goods belong, the same shall be decided finally by the laws and judges of the land wherein the said goods are. And where on the death of any person holding real estate within the territories of the one party, such real estate would by the laws of the land descend on a subject or citizen of the other were he not disqualified by alienage, such subject shall be allowed a reasonable time to sell the same and to withdraw the proceeds without molestation.\nArt. 13. We agree to the alterations proposed in the 13th. article, and that it shall stand thus:\nArt. 13. And in the same case of one of the contracting parties being engaged in war with any other power, to prevent all the difficulties and misunderstandings that usually arise respecting the merchandize heretofore called contraband, such as arms ammunition and military stores of every kind, no such articles carried in the vessels or by the subjects or citizens of one of the parties to the enemies of the other shall be deemed contraband so as to induce confiscation or condemnation and a loss of property to individuals. Nevertheless it shall be lawful to stop such vessels and to make them unlade such articles in the nearest port putting them under safekeeping, and to detain them for such length of time as the captors may think necessary to prevent the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceeding, paying however a reasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors: and it shall further be allowed to use in the service of the captors the whole or any part of the military stores so detained, paying the owners the full value of the same, to be ascertained by the current price at the place of its destination. And to remove all doubt respecting the merchandize and effects which shall be subject to the arrangements in this article, it is declared that they are the following, Canons, mortars &c. but these articles shall not be subject to be stayed, provided they be not in greater quantity than may be necessary for the use of the ship, or of the persons in it.\nArt. 14. We agree to the alteration proposed in the 14th. article, and that the clause \u201cshall be provided\u201d &c. shall stand thus \u201cshall be provided with sea-letters or passports which shall express the name the property and burthen of the vessel, as also the name and dwelling of the master, which passports shall be made out in good and due  forms, and in the manner and for the time which is usual with the respective nation in time of peace, on which subject such further explanations shall be entered into as occasion may render necessary; and shall be exhibited whensoever required &c.\u201d to the end of the clause as proposed in the original draught.\nArt. 16. The 16th. Article, among other things, proposes that no other than the ordinary legal procedure shall be used against subjects or citizens of the one party committing offences within the jurisdiction of the other: it has been proposed to add \u201cand with the subjects, citizens or inhabitants of the other.\u201d If the effect of this addition is rightly understood, it would be contrary to our wish in such cases as these. A Tuscan commits an offence against an Englishman, both of them being transiently in a port of America. This article would not prohibit an extraordinary procedure contrary to the common course of law against the Tuscan. It is submitted therefore whether it is not better to extend to our people the benefits of the ordinary course of procedure in every case of offence committed by one of them within the jurisdiction of the other, whether the party offended be an inhabitant or not. This is what was proposed by the article as it stands in the original draught.\nArt. 17. We agree to the alterations proposed to the 17th. article, and that it shall stand thus.\nArt. 17. If any vessel or effects of the neutral power be taken by an enemy of the other, and retaken by that other, they shall be brought into some port of one of the parties and delivered into the custody of the officers of that port in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor as soon as due proof shall be made concerning the property thereof, without any pretensions whatever to salvage. But if a vessel of the one party be taken by pirates or sea rovers and retaken by a vessel of the other, one third part of the value of the vessel and cargo retaken shall be given to the recaptors.\nArt. 18. Two additions are proposed in the 18th. article. 1. to insert among the causes of refuge in each others ports, that for the ordinary affairs of their commerce and navigation. But as the 2d. and 3d. articles relate solely to cases of commerce, and give every privilege and still more in all such cases, it is submitted whether the insertion here proposed is necessary or can give any additional advantage to our merchants and sailors; and if it cannot, then whether it is not better omitted, as two articles relating to the subject but differently expressed may sometimes produce confusion. The 2. addition is of these words: \u201cnevertheless in every case the vessels which shall come into the respective ports, scales, or roads shall exactly observe the laws &c.\u201d We beg leave to refer to our observations on the 6th. article as containing our sentiments on this addition also. We propose therefore that this 18th. article shall retain its original form.\nArt. 19. The 19th. Article had provided that the armed vessels of either party might carry their prizes freely wheresoever they please:  the words \u201cwithin the jurisdiction of the other\u201d are proposed to be added, to which there could be no objection but that they produce an implication that they may not be carried out of their jurisdiction when once they shall have entered into it.\nWe agree to all the other alterations of this article, only proposing that the last shall be in these words \u201cand the same shall take place in all those cases in which the most serene Grand Duke of Tuscany has made like conventions with other powers.\u201d It is just that preceding obligations should prevail against the present treaty, but that the present should prevail against those which shall be subsequent. The Article with its alterations will stand thus.\nArt. 19. The vessels of war public and private of both parties shall carry freely wheresoever they please the vessels and effects taken from their enemies without being obliged to pay to officers of admiralty, of the customs or any others, any duties charges or fees, other than those established for other vessels and merchandize, and which are paid by other the most favoured nations of Europe: nor shall such prizes be arrested, searched or put under legal process when they come to and enter the ports of the other party, except the case where the prize is charged to have been made against the laws of neutrality existing in the country: but may freely be carried out again at any time by the captors to the places expressed in their commissions, or wheresoever they please, the commanding officer of the vessel making the capture being obliged to shew his commission and instructions, or to give other sufficient proofs whenever it shall be alledged that he was not authorized to hoist the flag of the nation under which he made the prize. But no vessel which shall have made prizes on the subjects of his most Christian Majesty the King of France shall have a right of asylum in the ports or havens of the U.S. and if any such be forced therein by tempest or dangers of the sea they shall be obliged to depart as soon as possible, according to the tenor of the treaties existing between his said most Christian Majesty and the United States. And the same shall take place in all those cases in which the most serene Grand Duke of Tuscany has made like conventions with other powers.\nArt. 20. Our laws do not assume cognisance of acts done neither within their jurisdiction, nor by their citizens. Therefore a subject of Tuscany, committing hostilities on us, at sea, under the flag of another power, would not be liable to their sentence. But a stipulation by his Sovereign that he should be liable, would give that authority. It would be necessary however to say in what predicament he should stand liable. That of a pirate seems most analogous to his proceedings. We propose therefore to retain that word in order to adapt the article to our laws, while those proposed on the other part may be also retained to adapt it to the laws of Tuscany: and that the article shall stand thus:\nArt. 20. No citizen or subject of either of the contracting parties shall take from any power with which the other may be at war any commission or letter of marque for arming any vessel to act as a privateer against the other, on pain of being punished as a pirate or otherwise severely according to the rigor of the laws.\nArt. 21. \u00a74. We agree that the 4th. section of the 21st. article shall stand as proposed, thus. 4thly. The vessels of war public and private of the two parties shall be reciprocally admitted with their prizes into the respective ports of each: and shall be freely at the disposal of the captor, according to the laws, usages, and regulations of the state to which the captor belongs.\nArt. 24. The 24th. Article proposed that officers breaking their parole, and privates escaping from their cantonment should lose so much of the benefit of the article as provides for their enlargement on parole or in cantonment. It is proposed on the other part that they shall lose the benefit of this article; that is to say the whole benefit of it. But it would seem to be a rigour neither laudable nor useful, to deprive them of their wholesome and plentiful ration, and all other the benefits of this article, for a breach of the limits of their confinement. We would therefore repeat our wish that they should thereupon be subject only to close confinement, as originally proposed, and of course that this article should remain in its first form.\nArt. 25. We agree that the 25. article shall be as proposed, thus Art. 25. The two contracting parties grant to each other the liberty of having each in the ports of the other, consuls, vice consuls, agents and commissaries of their own appointment, observing the usual forms of notification and admission and on the same footing as is or shall be allowed to any other the most favoured European nation.\nWe agree also that the first part of the 26th. Art. shall stand thus.\nArt. 26. If either party shall hereafter grant to any other European nation &c.\nThe articles on which no observations have been made, that is to say the 1st. 7th. 11th. 12th. 15th. 22nd. 23d. and 27th. to remain in the form originally proposed.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0148", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ralph Izard, with Reports on the Trade of South Carolina, 10 June 1785\nFrom: Izard, Ralph\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nThe Elms 10th. June 1785.\nI have lately received your favour of 29th. Jany. and at the same time 4 Volumes of the Bibliotheque Physico \u0152conomique for which I am much obliged to you. As soon as I received your Letter of 22d. May 1784, I laid the contents of it before our Chamber of Commerce, and desired their sentiments on the points you mentioned. Enclosed is a copy of their Report, which has already been transmitted to you. I send you likewise enclosed a Copy of a paper which contains the sentiments of Mr. Hall, the Collector of the Customs, a very well informed Merchant in Charleston on the same subject. Another Copy of this paper I enclosed you in my Letter of last January, which I hope got safe to your hands. It will give me great pleasure to learn that those papers were received time enough to be of service to you in your negociations. The backwardness which you mention of Great Britain toward America is very astonishing. It seems to be a continuation of the same bad Policy which has already brought them into so much trouble, and which I think will bring them into more. If they were simply to check the extensive credit hitherto given, and limit their exports to this Country within moderate bounds, they would act wisely. But she is grasping at too much when she aims at the entire monopoly of the carrying Trade. This has occasioned much ill will  toward her in several parts of this Continent particularly in New England. It is said that Great Britain has encouraged the piratical States to attack our Vessels. If this could be proved, I should prefer a War against her, rather than against Algiers. But it is a melancholy fact that we are not in a condition to go to War, with anybody. You are of opinion that we should go to War with the Barbarians rather than become Tributary to them. The latter is certainly disgraceful; but how shall we avoid it without falling into greater evils? The Revenues of America, under the present management do not appear to be adequate to the discharge of the public Debt. Where then shall we find resourses to carry on War? A War too without a prospect of Prizes to encourage Adventurers. The injury that was done to the commerce of Great Britain during the late War, was not effected by the Continental Frigates, but by Privateers and very few of those would be fitted out against Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers.\u2014The Emperor\u2019s proceedings must before this time be manifested respecting Holland. The navigation of the Scheldt is certainly an important object. But if there should be a War, I think there must be deeper designs than the Scheldt. That matter is of no consequence to Russia. Holland may be deserted by some of her Allies who wish to see the Stadt Holder Sovereign of that Country. The dismemberment of Poland has happened in our day, and I think it probable that there may be an entire partition of that Country on the death of Poniatowski. There are many other arrangements which Ambition, and Policy may dictate, and the War with Holland may be the Mask under which the execution of them may be effected. For a valuable consideration the Czarina, and the King of Prussia may even consent to make the Empire hereditary in the House of Austria. These things are at a distance from us, and we can think of them, and hear of their being executed without much emotion. But our own affairs trouble me a good deal. We owe a large sum of money, and we are not taking proper measures to pay it. This is neither consistent with our Intent, nor our Honour. Our Governments tend too much to Democracy. A Handicraftsman thinks an Apprenticeship necessary to make him acquainted with his business. But our Back Countrymen are of opinion that a Politician may be born such as well as a Poet. I live as much as possible in the Country, and shall continue a Member of the Legislature as long as my Constituents think that I can render them service. In no other situation will I ever be engaged in public business. My Farm is getting into tolerable order. I find  the cultivation of Lucerne very troublesome; but I am determined to persist though on a smaller scale than I at first intended. I have two Acres transplanted in excellent order. The plants stand in squares, at thirty Inches from each other, which leaves just room enough in the intervals for the Hoe Plough to pass in both directions. Green food in Winter is what we want; in Summer we have plenty of it. Lucerne does not afford this; but I am told by some Books of Husbandry that Burnet will, and therefore I shall make some experiments with that Plant, as well as with Tares, and Rape. If you can give me any new information on this subject, I shall be obliged to you for it. I shall send you one of our News Papers as you desire, and likewise the Acts after every Session; the Journals are never printed. My eldest Daughter was married last month to Mr. Manigault, a very worthy young Gentleman in my neighbourhood. I have had a Son born since my arrival in this State, and he is just recovered from inoculation. Mrs. Izard and my Daughters desire their Compliments to you and Miss Jefferson. From what I have heard of the Abbey of Panthemont, I think her improvement will be to your satisfaction.\nI am with great regard Dear Sir Your most obt. hble Servt.,\nRa. Izard", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0151", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Fran\u00e7ois Briet, 11 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Briet, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nSir\nParis June 11. 1785.\nI received yesterday your favour of the 6th. instant with the papers inclosed. I shall with pleasure use such endeavors as might be proper from me to procure redress of the injury which is said to have been done to Mr. Peter Dischong: but before I take any measure I must beg the favor of you to inform me whether Mr. Dischong is a subject of France, a citizen of Holland or of the United States of America, and to furnish me with the best proof you can as to the state to which he belongs, this being necessary to shew the ground on which I am to make application.\nI am Sir Your very humble Servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0152", "content": "Title: Favi to the American Commissioners, 11 June 1785\nFrom: Favi, Francesco\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\nParis ce 11. Juin 1785.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u avec la lettre, que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait L\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire Le 8 de ce mois Les observations qu\u2019elle renfermoit sur Les changements, que la Cour de Toscane a fait \u00e0 quelques articles du Trait\u00e9, que vous Lui av\u00e9s propos\u00e9.\nJe Les Lui ferai passer incessamment, et aurai L\u2019honneur de vous informer en son tems de la reponse que j\u2019en recevrai, presumant qu\u2019elle sera pour La Conclusion de cette Convention, qui ne peut etre qu\u2019utile aux deux pays.\nJe suis avec Le plus grand respect, Messieurs Votre tr\u00e8s humble, et tr\u00e8s obeissant Serviteur,\nFavi", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0154", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, 14 June [1785]\nFrom: Doradour, Madame de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\na clermont en auvergnne ce 14 juin [1785]\nJe suis arriv\u00e9e, Monsieur, depuis deux jours, ecras\u00e9e de fatigue, et fort incomod\u00e9e par la challeur. Le regret d\u2019avoir quitee paris contribue, dit ont, beaucoup \u00e0 me faire souffrir. Nous autres femmes de france aimont la capital, j\u2019y etee attach\u00e9e, Monsieur, par l\u2019avantage que j\u2019avois de cultiver vos bont\u00e9s. J\u2019espere que vous daignneres les continuer \u00e0 mon mari en le recomandant de nouveaux aux personnes de votre connoissance lorsque vous ecrires en am\u00e9rique. J\u2019irai vous en solliciter cet otonne [automne], contant aller passer \u00e0 cet epoque quelques tems \u00e0 paris.\nPermettes, Monsieur, que je vous suplie d\u2019embrasser pour moi Melle. votre fille; je desirerois qu\u2019elle ne m\u2019oublia pas et qu\u2019elle voullue bien avoir un peu d\u2019amiti\u00e9 pour moi.\nMilles compliments, je vous prie, \u00e0 tous vos Messieurs. Recev\u00e9s, Monsieur, l\u2019assurance de l\u2019attachement sincere avec lequel j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre Votre tres humble et tres obeissante servante,\nDubourg Doradour\nJe vous prie, Monsieur, de voulloir bien metre l\u2019adresse de la lettre ci jointe pour mon mari.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0155", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 14 June 1785\nFrom: Jamieson, Neil\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew york 14th. June 1785.\nA parcle of Philad. News Papers came to hand some days ago to forward for you. I have sent those of this City till todays date.  I hope they will get safe to hand. I wrote you and Colo. Humphreys, which I presume you receved. If I can render any acceptable services here you will be pleased to Command Sir your obd. Hbe. Serv.,\nNiel Jamieson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0157", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Fran\u00e7ois Briet, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Briet, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonseigneur\nL\u2019Orient le 15 Juin 1785.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7\u00fb la Lettre que Son Excellen\u00e7e, m\u2019\u00e0 fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019adresser le 11 Courant par laquelle Je vois avec beaucoup de plaisir qu\u2019elle daigne s\u2019int\u00e9resser \u00e0 la saisie des 3 Ballots Nankins appartenant \u00e0 Mr. Peter Dischong \u00e0 philadelphie, et que pr\u00e9alablement avant de s\u2019expliquer avec Mgr. Le Contr\u00f4leur g\u00e9n\u00e9ral, il fallait que Son Excellence sache de quel pays Mr. Peter Dischong est natif. Je ne peux sur ce point l\u2019assurer positivement. J\u2019ai fait sa Connaissence sur la Recommandation d\u2019un de ses amis aujourdhui \u00e0 Nantes et qui est de Neuwied en allemagne, et Je suppose que mon dit Sr. Dischong qui est allemand et Etabli depuis fort longtems \u00e0 philadelphie, est du m\u00eame pays. J\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur d\u2019instruire plus positivement, Son Excellence, \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard par ma prochaine.\nJe suis avec Respect, De Son Excellence, Son tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s Obeissant Serviteur,\nJn. Fois. Briet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0158", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to James Buchanan and William Hay, 15 June 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Buchanan, James,Hay, William\n[Paris, 15 June 1785. Recorded in SJL with notation \u201csee copy.\u201d Not found. A notation in SJL opposite entries for letters of 17 June reads: \u201cletters of 14. 16. 17. and 19. went by Mr. Otto\u201d; since, however, TJ records under 14 June 1785 only letters received, \u201c14.\u201d must apply to those listed as written 15 June. On the matter dealt with in the present letter, see TJ to Buchanan and Hay, 13 Aug. 1785, and Buchanan and Hay to TJ, 18 Oct. 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0159", "content": "Title: Franklin and Jefferson to John Adams, 15 June 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPassy June 15, 1785.\nAmong the instructions given to the Ministers of the United States for treating with foreign powers, was one of the 11th. of May 1784. relative to an individual of the name of John Baptist Pecquet. It contains an acknowlegement on the part of Congress of his merits and sufferings by friendly services rendered to great numbers of American seamen carried prisoners into Lisbon, and refers to us the delivering him these acknowlegements in honourable terms and the making him such gratification as may indemnify his losses and properly reward his zeal. This person is now in Paris and asks whatever return is intended for him. Being in immediate want of money he has been furnished with ten guineas. He expressed desires of some appointment either for himself or son at Lisbon, but has been told that none such are in our gift, and that nothing more could be done for him in that line than to mention to Congress that his services will merit their recollection, if they should make any appointment there analogous to his talents. He sais his expences in the relief of our prisoners have been upwards of fifty Moidores. Supposing that, as he is poor, a pecuniary gratification will be most useful to him, we propose, in addition to what he has received, to give him a hundred and fifty guineas or perhaps 4000. livres, and to write a joint letter to him expressing the sense Congress entertain of his services. We pray you to give us your sentiments on this subject by return of the first post, as he is waiting here, and we wish the aid of your [coun]sels therein. We are to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of June 3. 1785 informing us of your reception at the court of London.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0162", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 16 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Banister, John\nDear Sir\nParis June 16. 1785.\nI received your favors of Feb. 8. and 9. by your son, and am happy to be able to assure you that his health is perfectly reestablished.  On this subject however I suppose his own letter which accompanies this will give you more particular details. We were not able to decide what would be the best place for him to go to. He left this four days ago proposing to go to Lisle 4 leagues from Avignon and make some stay during which he could inform himself what would be his best position. Of this, as soon as known, you shall be informed. I gave him a plan of reading as well adapted to his views as I was able, and have endeavored to convince him he cannot oblige me more than by putting it in my power to be useful to him. I think the sum you propose is as much as he can spend usefully, if the purchase of books be made an additional article: but should any unexpected circumstances call for more I will take the liberty of advising him and informing you. His dispositions seem so perfectly good and regular that I think there is no danger of his even wishing to go beyond what is proper. I shall be happy on his account if I can be of service to him: I am very much so on your account as it enables me to repair the insult I was guilty of to you in supposing an impostor to be your son. I shall endeavor to convince you that that error flowed from a warm desire to oblige you. But after pardoning me this, I have a right to insist that you never propose again the reimbursing that money. The admitting this would place me too nearly on a level with the principal plunderer himself. It would be saddling you with my follies. Be so good as to present me affectionately to Mrs. Bannister. During the little time I was at Portsmouth I went to Titchfeild to see my old acquaintance [Mrs.] Thomson, but she was too much indisposed to be seen, and was not informed who it was asked to see her till I was gone. I was to cross the channel that evening. Everything seems quiet here at present, so that I have nothing interesting to communicate. I am with very great esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0163", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, with Enclosure, 16 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis June 16. 1785\nI had the honor of receiving the day before yesterday the resolution of council of Mar. 10. and your letter of Mar. 30. and shall with great pleasure unite my endeavours with those of the M. de la  Fayette and Mr. Barclay for the purpose of procuring the arms desired. Nothing can be more wise than this determination to arm our people as it is impossible to say when our neighbors may think proper to give them exercise. I suppose that the establishing a manufacture of arms to go hand in hand with the purchase of them from hence is at present opposed by good reasons. This alone would make us independant for an article essential to our preservation; and workmen could probably be either got here, or drawn from England to be embarked hence.\nIn a letter of Jan. 12. to Govr. Harrison I informed him of the necessity that the statuary should see Genl. Washington, that we should accordingly send him over unless the Executive disapproved of it, in which case I prayed to receive their pleasure. Mr. Houdon being now re-established in his health, and no countermand received, I hope this measure met the approbation of the Executive: Mr. Houdon will therefore go over with Dr. Franklin some time in the next month.\nI have the honour of inclosing you the substance of propositions which have been made from London to the Farmers general of this country to furnish them with the tobaccoes of Virginia and Maryland, which propositions were procured for me by the M. de la Fayette. I take the liberty of troubling you with them on a supposition that it may be possible to have this article furnished from those two states to this country immediately without it\u2019s passing through the entrepot of London, and the returns for it being made of course in London merchandize. 20,000 hhds. of tobo. a year delivered here in exchange for the produce and manufactures of this country, many of which are as good, some better, and most of them cheaper than in England, would establish a rivalship for our commerce which would have happy effects in all the three countries. Whether this end will be best effected by giving out these propositions to our merchants, and exciting them to become candidates with the farmers general for this contract or by any other means, your Excellency will best judge on the spot.\nI have the honor to be with sentiments of due respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedt. and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I have written on the last subject to the Governor of Maryland also.\nEnclosure\nSir Robert Herries of London proposes to the Farmers general of France to furnish them with 40000 hhds. of tobo. on the following terms.\nOne half shall be delivered in the present year, and the remaining half the next year, in such ports of France as shall be required.\nThe qualities shall be, one half Virginia ordinary, one eighth Virginia superior, and three eighths Maryland ordinary.\nThe price of the first 20,000 hhds. shall be 10. pr. Ct. less than the current prices at the three principal markets of Europe, viz. London, Amsterdam, and Hamburgh. These current prices shall be certified monthly by sworn brokers of each place, they shall be reduced to the money of France according to the exchange of the day, and an average formed which shall be the price for all the tobacco delivered in that month. But freight, insurance and commission are not to be deemed included in this price.\nThere shall be a deduction of 15. pr. C. for tare, allowance and es[comptes.]\nFor the remaining 20,000 hhds., delivered in such ports of France as shall be required, the prices shall be 40. livres for the Virginia superior, 38. livres for the Virginia ordinary, and 35. livres for the Maryland, for every quintal, poids de Marc, deducting 15. pr. C. for tare, allowances and escomptes and all charges included except Commission.\nOn accepting these propositions the Farmers general shall permit Sr. R. H. to draw on them for the amount of 10,000 hhds., which 10,000 hhds. shall be delivered by him one third in 2. months, another in 4. months, and another in 6. months. And every subsequent parcel of 10,000 hhds. shall be drawn for and delivered in the same way.\nIf the agents of the farmers general should have already engaged so much that the above quantity may not be wanting, the Farmers general may decline so much of what should be last delivered, giving 6. months notice.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0164", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 16 June 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nCouncil Chamber Richmond June 16. 1785\nThe inclosed resolution will inform you of the change which has taken place respecting the Bust formerly voted to the Marquis de la Fayette. I have to entreat that you will take the trouble to   settle with Mr. Barclay the several Matters necessary to give Effect to the views of the Assembly in that particular.\nWith the highest regard I am Dr. Sir Your most obed. Servt.,\nP. H.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0165", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 16 June 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York June 16[th.] 1785.\nBy Colo. Smith secretary to the London Legation I wrote you in April last very fully upon our transactions previous to that date. I also inclos\u2019d you the Journals that were then printed with the copy of a report upon the first paragraph of the 9th. of the articles of Confideration proposing a change in it and the absolute investment of the U.S. with the controul of commerce. I now inclose you a copy of the journals as well those sent by Colo. Smith as those since printed, likewise an ordinance for surveying and disposing of the lands beyond the Ohio. Unfortunately I have not been able to command my cypher from Virga. so that your communications in the last and preceding letters, have been hid from my view. I left it with Mr. Jones who hath placd it among his papers but where he knows not. He promises to search again on his return home which will be shortly. I hope to receive the one by young Mr. Adams which will terminate the difficulty. The report upon the 9th. article hath not been taken up. The importance of the subject and the deep and radical change it will create in the bond of the union, together with the conviction that something must be done, seems to create an aversion or rather a fear of acting on it. If the report should ultimately be adopted it will certainly form the most permanent and powerful principle in the confideration. At present the alliance is little more than an offensive and defensive one, and if the right to raise troops at pleasure is denied, merely a defensive one. The political ceconomy of each State is intirely within its own direction and to carry into effect its regulations with other powers to attain any substantial ends to the State they must apply as well to the States of the union as other powers, and such a course as this will produce very mischievous effects. On the other hand the effect of this report would be to put the commercial \u0153conomy of every state intirely under the hands of the Union. The measures  necessary to obtain the carrying trade, to incourage domestic by a tax on foreign industry, or any other ends which in the changes of things become necessary will depend intirely on the union. In short you will perceive that this will give the union an authority upon the States respectively which will last with it and hold it together in its present form longer than any principle it now contains will effect. I think the expedience in a great degree of the measure turns on one point (especially to the southern States) whether the obtainment of the carrying trade and the extention of our national resources is an object. And this depends entirely upon the prospect of our connection with other powers; if like the empire of China we were seperated and perfectly independent of them it might perhaps be unnecessary: but even in that event a question arises which may be of consequence, \u201cwhether the giving our own citizens a share in the carrying trade will not otherwise be advantageous to them than as it obtains the particular object which the regulations necessary to effect it have in view; whether it will not in effect increase the value of land, the number of inhabitants, the proportion of circulating medium, and be the foundation upon which all those regulations which are necessary to turn what is call\u2019d \u2018the balance of trade\u2019 in our favor, must be form\u2019d.\u201d A preference to our own citizens is the foundation of the carrying trade and upon it I suspect will depend all these consequences. Yet an opinion seems to be entertain\u2019d by the late commercial writers and particularly a Mr. Smith on the wealth of nations that the doctrine of the balance of trade is a chimera in pursuit of which G. B. hath expos\u2019d herself to great injury. If it should be found that the carrying trade was only useful as it added to the national strength, and it of no great consequence, I should suspect that the apprehensitions already entertain\u2019d and which will no doubt form great embarrassment to the passage of this or any such measure, should have great weight\u2014\u201cthat the pursuit of this object will put it in the power of those States more immediately interested in it, to carry the regulations further than the attainment of it may make necessary, so as to give them advantages that will be almost exclusive and operate essentially to our prejudice: so as to lessen the price of our produce, discourage its cultivation and throw the monopoly in the purchase principally in their favor.\u201d Whether this under the report will probably be the case or possibly is doubtful: the regulation of the fishery is as much under our controul, even without the bounds of the State, as the tobo. of Virga., and all the states have produce,  so that I am inclin\u2019d to hope that the productions of the south, though disproportionate to that of the East, would not induce, more especially as the revenue accrues to the States and not the Union, any unequal restrictions. The subject [is] of great magnitude and I very earnestly wish to hear from you on it before it obtains its fate and this I am persuaded may be the case especially if the letter by Colo. Smith obtain\u2019d a ready conveyance. I inform\u2019d you in my letter by Mr. Smith that a Committee was appointed to revise the instructions subsisting to our Commissioners authoriz\u2019d to form commercial treaties and report what alterations if any were necessary. This Committee hath reported and repeal\u2019d the two first articles. I think it will be adopted. As I have no cypher I cannot risque anything upon this head further than to observe that the letter I allude to will serve to give you some idea of the alteration. It is prefac\u2019d with reasoning upon the propriety of the alteration, upon which it is form\u2019d and of course if the reasoning is illy founded the superstructure falls to the ground. I hope the whole will either be adopted or negativ\u2019d for it will, if adopted, enable our ministers to investigate the truth of the positions and represent them to us, which their situation enables them to effect. There seems in Congress an earnest disposition to wind up our affairs as they respect foreign nations, exclude their interests totally from our councils, and preserving our faith with the utmost punctuality with those to whom it is plighted make such regulations as will effectually promote our interests. Information and a knowledge in what it consists are the only points in which they are defective. I have never seen a body of men collected in which there was less party for there is not the shadow of it here; I think there will be no adjournment and I sincerely wish there may not be for I fear it will not be easy to collect men from the States with more upright intentions. That you may have in view whatever is in agitation respecting the western country, to judge of the system if there is one, I enclose you the copy of a report now before Congress which comprehends whatever is propos\u2019d to be done respecting it for the present. Upon the report of the Indian Commissioners the matter will again be taken up and then it will be determin\u2019d what authority Congress will exercise over the people who may settle within the bounds of either of the new Sta[tes] previous to the establishment of a temporary government, whether they will leave them to themselves or appoint majistrates over them. I think the enclos\u2019d report will be adopted: it hath been several times before Congress and  each time there were 8. states; tomorrow it is believ\u2019d there will be 9. The plan of a requisition is before Congress. The States have fail\u2019d essentially during the last year in making their payments. Virga. hath paid I believe more than all the rest. The present plan is the pressure of the requisition of 8,000,000 as was that of the last year. The amount necessary for the current year about 3,000,000\u20141. for the interest upon the foreign debt and expences of government and 2. the domestic debt. For the latter purpose facilities are propos\u2019d to be admitted. I must confess I doubt the propriety of pressing old requisitions and think it would be better to ascertain what had been paid by the several States upon that requisition, and upon the apportionment under it, what claims those paying most had on the others, and then begin anew making also a new apportionment; this would be more simple and better understood. I am also rather doubtful of the propriety of doing anything whatever in the domestic debt. Several of the States, Pena. in particular hath appropriated her money to her own citizens only. From her and the other States, taking the same course, we shall have no support. It appears then better to recommend it to the States to take on themselves the debts of the U.S. to their citizens respectively, let them be paid by State operations and then after liquidating the whole, and the quota of each is ascertain\u2019d, of the proportion of expences of the late war, let the balance which either shall have advanc\u2019d beyond its proportion be paid it by the union. This is a new idea nor do I know that I shall suggest it further, but perhaps may hereafter more especially if it shall appear founded in justice and expedience. During the recess of Congress last year No. Carolina made a cession of territory to the U.S. authorizing her Delegates to make the deed. Before Congress conven\u2019d she repeal\u2019d it. Lately a motion was made and a report upon it accepting the cession supposing the acceptance conclusive on the State. I was surpris\u2019d to find it had so many advocates there being six States in favor of it. I suspected it would have again been taken up but was agreeably disappointed. The act gave Congress a year to accept it in and uses the term \u201cat the end of it provided it shall not be accepted within that term it shall revert to the State.\u201d Yet I would not conceive it obligatory on the State untill accepted by the U.S. and of course untill that event within the controul of the State. The people within the said territory had seperated themselves from the State and declar\u2019d themselves an independent state under the name of Franklin; their agent was also here at the time  upon that subject. He received no countenance whatever, and all that was done relative to it was to renew the recommendation to the State to make a 2d. cession. It is in contemplation to send a committee to No. Carolina and Georgia upon the subject of western land and of finance to press their attention to those subjects. But of this as well as of the other objects to which their attention may be turnd I will write you more fully in my next. The great points which will be before the Union as well in those lines as that of commerce will perhaps have taken their ultimate direction here in a few months or in the course of the year and then the several legislatures will be the theatre of investigation. Committees of Congress may perhaps expedite their passage. I should not have wrote thus freely without the cover of a cypher but from the confidence I repose in Mr. Mazzai. He will deliver it to you personally. He hath been here about a fortnight and sails today in the packet. I have been much concern\u2019d for an accident which happen\u2019d to him here. While with us one evening his room was forc\u2019d open and his trunk with papers and money taken out. He recover\u2019d every thing except about 40. guineas. As my colleagues write Mr. Short I must beg his excuse for the present. I hope he is well. I am with great respect & esteem yr. affec: friend & servt.,\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0166", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 16 June 1785\nFrom: Rush, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPhiladelphia, 16 June 1785. Introduces Samuel Fox, a descendant of \u201cone of the most respectable Quaker families in Pennsylvania.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0168", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Alexandre, with Enclosure, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Alexandre, Louis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nBayonne ce 17: Juin 1785\nLe motif d\u2019Etre utile \u00e0 ma Patrie, et \u00e0 la V\u00f4tre, guid\u00e9 encore par une honn\u00eate ambition d\u2019augmenter ma fortune, qui me suffit d\u00e9ja pour paroitre avec agr\u00e9ment dans le monde, m\u2019engage \u00e0 prendre la libert\u00e9 de vous \u00e9crire, heureux si vous voulez bien m\u2019\u00e9couter, et m\u2019honnorer de votre R\u00e9ponse.\nLe nombre des Connoissances que j\u2019ai dans tout le Continent de l\u2019am\u00e9rique, et les avantages qu\u2019offroient la franchise du Port entre le commerce des Etats unis, et le n\u00f4tre, m\u2019a engag\u00e9, Monsieur, de solliciter l\u2019adresse des navires de mes amis. J\u2019ai d\u00e9ja joui des offres que je leur ai faites, puis qu\u2019ils m\u2019en ont Consign\u00e9 trois, charg\u00e9s de tabac Virginie, et mariland, Ris, et autres d\u2019enr\u00e9es de leur productions, pour en recevoir des n\u00f4tres; J\u2019ai fait proposer suivant l\u2019usage, quelques Jours aprez leur arriv\u00e9e, ces cargaisons \u00e0 Messrs. les fermiers G\u00e9n\u00e9raux \u00e0 un prix, que j\u2019ai cru convenable relativement \u00e0 leur qualit\u00e9; ils m\u2019ont fait r\u00e9pondre, qu\u2019ils ne pouvoient entrer en prix, sans qu\u2019au pr\u00e9alable je ne me rapprochasse des leurs. J\u2019ai du depuis mod\u00e9r\u00e9 mes demandes, en fixant le virgie., a 48\u20b6. le: [premier?] et 45\u20b6. le beau Mariland. Jugez, Monsieur, si j\u2019avois lieu d\u2019attendre qu\u2019ils eussent donn\u00e9 des ordres \u00e0 leur Receveur, soit pour les prendre \u00e0 ces derniers prix, ou du moins \u00e0  une petite refaction? Point du tout, ils ont gard\u00e9 pendant quelques courriers un profond silence, et enfin, ils ont r\u00e9pondu les m\u00eames m\u00f4ts qu\u2019ils avoient d\u00e9j\u00e0 fait; je vous proteste, Monsieur, que cette conduite n\u2019engagera pas mes amis, \u00e0 r\u00e9p\u00e9ter leurs envoys, et jugez du d\u00e9plaisir qu\u2019ils auront de jouir si peu de la franchise de n\u00f4tre Port, o\u00f9 ils peuvent d\u00e9biter infiniment mieux leur marchandize qu\u2019\u00e0 L\u2019orient ou ailleurs, tant en tabac, morue, huille de Poisson, Ris, P\u00e9letrie &ca. et r\u00e0pporter avec eux de l\u2019eau de vie, des vins, du lainage, et soyries, de la premi\u00e8re main.\nPardon, Monsieur, si j\u2019abuse trop de votre Complaisance par un narr\u00e9 mercantil. L\u2019agrandissement de notre Commerce reciproque m\u2019a engag\u00e9 d\u2019y entrer, non Seulement avec vous, qui cherchez sans doute \u00e0 favoriser votre Patrie mais encore avec Monsr. DeVergennes, \u00e0 qui j\u2019ai d\u00e9ja eu l\u2019honneur de faire mes repr\u00e9sentations, et m\u2019ayant fait celui de me r\u00e9pondre, que Monsr. le Controleur G\u00e9n\u00e9ral pouvoit Seul faire le choix, et l\u2019application des moyens \u00e0 encourager les exp\u00e9ditions de tabacs, en donnant \u00e0 la ferme les ordres n\u00e9cessaires \u00e0 ce Sujet. Je prends ce Jour la libert\u00e9 de lui \u00e9crire, et d\u2019ont je vous deman[de] l\u2019agr\u00e9ment de vous remettre la Copie pour \u00e9viter des r\u00e9p\u00e9titions peu n\u00e9cessaires.\nVotre intercession \u00e0 mes justes demandes, Monsieur, ne peuvent qu\u2019en augmenter le poids; je vous serai infinim[ent] oblig\u00e9 de vouloir [bien] en solliciter vivement le Succ\u00e8ce, et soyez assur\u00e9 sur ma reconnoissance particuli\u00e8re, et Sur le profond Respect avec lequel J\u2019ai lhonneur d\u2019Etre Monsieur Votre trez humble et trez ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nPar Procuration de mon Pere D\u2019Alexandre,Louis Alexandre\nEnclosure\nAlexandre to Calonne\nMonseigneur\nLa franchise de notre Port que n\u00f4tre bon Roy \u00e0 bien voulu nous accorder, pour l\u2019acroisement de la ville de Bayonne, pr\u00e9sente des grands avantages \u00e0 son Commerce Maritime, avec la Confiance que Votre Grandeur voudra bien le favoriser de votre Protection, lorsqu\u2019il se pr\u00e9sentera des inconvenients susceptibles de votre attention, et qu\u2019on ne scauroit vaincre Monseigr. Sans ce pr\u00e9alable, je suis dans ce moment forc\u00e9 de vous demander respectueusemt: la permition de mettre sous vos Yeux ceux que j\u2019\u00e9prouve moi m\u00eame.\nJ\u2019ai depuis deux mois recu successivement trois navires des Etats unis charg\u00e9s de tabac, Ris, et autres objets; mes amis du Continent me font esp\u00e9rer une Continuation d\u2019affaires, si le Succ\u00e8s de la premiere r\u00e9pond a leur Souhaits; vous n\u2019ignorez pas Monseigr. que l\u2019objet le plus  cons\u00e9quent de l\u2019amerique anglaise est en tabac feuille virginie et mariland, et dont la Consomation la plus consid\u00e9rable est subordon\u00e9e aux achapts que fait la ferme G\u00e9n\u00e9rale; cette compagnie n\u2019ayant point encore un prix fixe \u00e0 Bayonne, je lui ai fait offrir mes tabacs a un prix raisonable et relativement \u00e0 leur qualit\u00e9; ne devois-je pas me flater qu\u2019elle auroit donn\u00e9 des ordres pour les prendre aux pris proportionn\u00e9s \u00e0 leur valeur, et m\u00eame pr\u00e9f\u00e9rablemt. \u00e0 tout autre Port de France, afin d\u2019encourager les Am\u00e9ricains a cimenter cette branche et par ce moyen les attirer dans notre Port y traffiquer, et rapporter avec eux des denr\u00e9es de nos productions.\nLe profond silence qu\u2019a gard\u00e8 la ferme sur mes offres et les sollicitations r\u00e9p\u00e9t\u00e9es de mes amis du continent, pour la C\u00e9l\u00e9rit\u00e9 de leurs retours, m\u2019ont forc\u00e9 malgr\u00e9 moi de faire les avances que j\u2019aurois \u00e9vit\u00e9 Monseig. si messrs. les fermiers G\u00e9n\u00e9rx. avoient voulu fixer leur prix, comme dans les Ports de L\u2019Orient et Bordx., o\u00f9 l\u2019instant de l\u2019arriv\u00e9e de tabacs s\u2019ils sont propos\u00e9s a la Compage. sont accept\u00e9s par leur Commisre. [Commissaire] suivant lappreciation que m\u00e9ritent leur qualit\u00e9s; pourquoi celui de Bayonne aura-t-il des pouvoirs plus resserr\u00e9s, lorsqu\u2019au contraire ils devroient l\u2019Etre moins qu\u2019ailleurs,\nJe dois encore vous observer Monseig; qu\u2019il est probable d\u2019aprez les nouvelles que je recois chaque jour du Continent que je recois d\u2019autres navres [navires] a mon adresse, et si le defaut de vente Existe je ne scaurai continuer de faire les retours crainte de me trouver surcharg\u00e9 par trop d\u2019avances qui ne scauroit convenir ni \u00e0 mon honneur dont je suis jaloux de conserver, ni a mes Int\u00e9r\u00eats de sorte que se voyant rebut\u00e9s ainsi ils s\u2019eloigneront de notre Port et Yront porter leur produits chez l\u2019Etranger, en voici une preuve incontestable.\nUn des trois navres. qui me sont consign\u00e9s, et d\u2019ont le proprietaire est a Bord, ennuy\u00e9 de rester sans d\u00e9biter sa marchze. [marchandise], projete d\u2019aller la vendre \u00e0 Londres, ou dans tout autre Port ou la ferme achepte le tabac, ce qui Seroit non seulement bien f\u00e2cheux pour moi Monseigr., mais encore pour notre Port, qui d\u00e9truiroit totalement les esp\u00e9rances d\u2019un avenir heureux, qu\u2019on avoit lieu d\u2019attendre par un Commerce Suivi entre les am\u00e9ricains et nous; il seroit f\u00e2cheux dis-je de voir passer chez les Etrangers, un bien qui se pr\u00e9sente dans notre Port, un bien que nous avons si fort d\u00e9sir\u00e9, et que nous avons sans pouvoir en Jouir.\nL\u2019Espoir que j\u2019ai sur la bienveillance que vous accord\u00e8s aux sujets de notre Auguste Monarque, et le bien G\u00e9n\u00e9ral que vous desirez \u00e0 l\u2019Etat, en faisant fleurir la ville de Bayonne dans sa franchise, me rassurent qu\u2019il vous plaira ordonner Monseigr., que la ferme g\u00e9n\u00e9rale forme un Etablissement dans cette ville comme elle a \u00e0 Toneins, et prendre les tabacs qui nous viendront des Etats unis, c\u2019est-a-dire, a des prix proportion\u00e9s toujours \u00e0 leur valeur, pour \u00e9viter par ce moyen de rebuter langlo americain a r\u00e9p\u00e9ter leurs envoyes, priver nos francais d\u2019employer les d\u2019enr\u00e9es de nos Crus, et soustraire l\u2019exposant dune Commission ligitimement due.\nVoules vous me permettre encore Monseigr: une derni\u00e8re repr\u00e9sentation n\u00e9cessaire, pour rendre le succ\u00e8s de la nouvelle Angleterre moins douteux; il arrive souvent que les circonstances exigent des ventes  publiques avec un simple huissier, et nous ne scaurions prendre ce parti, quoique par fois plus convenable aux Int\u00e9r\u00eats de mes amis, par le droit de 4 d. par livre que le Controleur des actes du Domaine exige; j\u2019ai lieu d\u2019Esp\u00e9rer que le Roy, ayant accord\u00e9 la franchise G\u00e9n\u00e9rale, a la ville de Baye. [Bayonne] ne voudroit pas gr\u00e9ver les produits des marchzes. americaines par un droit bien plus haut, que celui qu\u2019ils auroient pay\u00e9 dans les Douanes avant la franchise du Port; comptant sur vos bont\u00e9s il vous plaira ordonner, que ce droit de 4 d. par \u20b6. ne sera point percu sur les ventes publiques, qu\u2019on pourroient faire sur les marchzes. venant des Etats unis, qui en seront exemptes ainsi que sur tout autre usage, et Coutume de la ville de Bayonne.\nL\u2019amour pour ma Patrie, et pour le Commerce que je fais depuis 50 ans dans cette ville, m\u2019encourage dans les Remontrances que j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous faire, heureux si elles sont accueillies favorablement, et si je puis en esp\u00e9rer le Succ\u00e8ce; Soyez assur\u00e9 d\u2019avance Monseigneur, que je ne Cesserai jamais de faire des voeux, pour la prosperit\u00e9 et la Conservation de votre Grandeur. Monseigneur, le plus Soumis et le plus Respecteux Serv,\nSign\u00e9 D\u2019Alexandre", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0169", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, Jr., 17 June 1785\nFrom: Banister, John, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLyons June 17th. 1785\nI take a pleasure which I cannot well express in embraceing the opportunity which, by your desire, is afforded me of writing you and shall think myself extreemly happy if my letters compensate for the trouble you will have in reading them. Yesterday evening I arrived here after a Journey which for want of sleep has proved a very fatigueing one and tomorrow I shall depart for Avignion, as I find myself very unwell and wish as soon as possible to fix myself. The inclosed letter to my Father I take the liberty to trouble you with and shall take it as a favor if you will send it by the first opportunity which offers as its arrival is of some consequence to me. Should there be any thing of instruction or advice which may occur to you as necessary or useful to me it will be the greatest favor you can possibly confer on me to communicate it, as instruction is at present my principal object. Immediately on my arrival at Avignion I shall do myself the pleasure to write you again. My head is so disordered at present that I scarcely know what I am about. I am Sir respectfully your Humble Servt.,\nJno. Banister Junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0170", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David S. Franks, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Franks, David Salisbury\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nParis 17th. June 1785\nA disappointment in my expectations of remittances from America has brought me into great distress; My time I find will be lost in waiting untill affairs are settled with the Algiereens &c. I wish therefore to return as soon as possible. This cannot be effected untill my debts are paid. If you will kindly assist me in doing it, I will immediately on my arrival at Philadelphia transmit you the Money you may advance for me or pay it to any one there you may order. It is in confidence of your goodness that I am induced to apply to you, fully conscious that on, or shortly after my arrival at Philadelphia, I shall be able to repay you and shall allways acknowledge the obligation with gratitude. I am Dear Sir with much respect, Your very humble Servt.,\nDavd. S. Franks", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0171", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David S. Franks, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Franks, David Salisbury\nDear Sir\nParis June 17. 1785.\nYour letter of this day distresses me not a little as it finds me utterly unable to give you the assistance needed. My outfit here, for the articles of furniture, clothes and carriage only has cost me fifteen hundred guineas. No allowance of this kind being made I have been obliged to run in debt for it. The uneasiness which this has given me for some time past has preyed on my spirits night and day. And indeed my situation is not a little delicate. The laws not giving remedy against me, the first creditor whom I can neither pay nor prevail to wait, carries his complaint to the king immediately, and exposes me of necessity to censure and recall. These circumstances have not only reduced me to a rigid \u0153conomy, but render it impossible for me either to advance money or further hazard my credit. I am fully sensible that this information may be distressing to you, and this increases the pain with which I communicate it. I am unhappily in a condition to feel much for your difficulties without a power to lessen them. Nothing would have been more pleasing to me than the exercise of such a power, as I am with real esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0172", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\n               I had the honour of addressing you on the 11th. of the last month by young Mr. Adams who sailed in the packet of that month. That of the present is likely to be retarded to the first of July if not longer.\n               On the 14th. of May I communicated to the Count de Vergennes my appointment as minister plenipotentiary to this court and on the 17th. delivered my letter of credence to the king at a private audience and went through the other ceremonies usual on such occasions.\n               We have reason to expect that Europe will enjoy peace another year. The negociations between the Emperor and United Netherlands have been spun out to an unexpected length, but there seems little doubt but they will end in peace. Whether the exchange projected between the Emperor and Elector of Bavaria, or the pretensions of the former in his line of demarcation with the Ottoman porte will produce war is yet incertain. If either of them does, this country will probably take part in it, to prevent a dangerous accession of power to the house of Austria. The zeal with which they have appeared to negotiate a peace between Holland and the empire seems to prove that they do not apprehend being engaged in war against the emperor for any other power; because if they had such an apprehension they would not wish to deprive themselves of the assistance of the Dutch: and their opinion on this subject is better evidence than the details we get from the newspapers, and must weigh against the affected delays of the Porte as to the line of demarcation, the change in their ministry, their preparations for war, and other symptoms of like aspect. This question is not altogether uninteresting to us. Should this country be involved in a continental war while diffrences are existing between us and Great Britain, the latter might carry less moderation into the negociations for settling them.\n               I send you herewith the gazettes of Leyden and that of France for the last two months. The latter because it is the best in this country, the former as being the best in Europe. The Courier de l\u2019Europe you will get genuine from London. As reprinted here it is of less worth. Should your knowlege of the newspapers of this country lead you to wish for any other I shall take the greatest pleasure in adding it to the regular transmissions of the two others which I shall make you in future.\n               I have the honour to be with the highest esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. and most humble servt.,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0173", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Milligan, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Milligan, James\nSir\nParis June 17. 1785\nI have been honored with your letter of Apr. 15. inclosing certificates for Genls. Duportail, and Laumoy and Col. Gouvion. I have delivered the 1st., and shall deliver the two last as soon as the gentlemen return to town from which they are absent at this time. I inclose you the original certificates which had been lodged with Dr. Franklin, according to your desire & have the honor to be &c.,\nTh: J.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0174", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis, June 17. 1785.\nI received three days ago your favor of Apr. 12. You therein speak of a former letter to me, but it has not come to hand, nor any other of later date than the 14th. of December. My last to you was of the 11th. of May by Mr. Adams who went in the packet of that month. These conveiances are now becoming deranged. We have had expectations of their coming to Havre which would infinitely facilitate the communication between Paris and Congress: but their deliberations on the subject seem to be taking another turn. They complain of the expence, and that their commerce with us is too small to justify it. They therefore talk of sending a packet every six weeks only. The present one therefore, which should have sailed about this time, will not sail till the 1st. of July. However the whole matter is as yet undecided. I have hopes that when Mr. St. John arrives from N. York he will get them replaced on their monthly system. By the bye what is the meaning of a very angry resolution of Congress on his subject? I have it not by me and therefore cannot cite it by date, but you will remember it, and will  oblige me by explaining it\u2019s foundation. This will be handed you by Mr. Otto who comes to America as Charg\u00e9 des affaires in the room of Mr. Marbois promoted to the Intendancy of Hispaniola, which office is next to that of Governor. He becomes the head of the civil as the Governor is of the military department. I am much pleased with Otto\u2019s appointment. He is good humoured, affectionate to America, will see things in a friendly light when they admit of it, in a rational one always, and will not pique himself on writing every trifling circumstance of irritation to his court. I wish you to be acquainted with him, as a friendly intercourse between individuals who do business together produces a mutual spirit of accomodation useful to both parties. It is very much our interest to keep up the affection of this country for us, which is considerable. A court has no affections. But those of the people whom they govern influence their decisions even in the most arbitrary governments.\u2014The negociations between the Emperor and Dutch are spun out to an amazing length. At present there is no apprehension but that they will terminate in peace. This court seems to press it with ardour, and the Dutch are averse, considering the terms cruel and unjust, as they evidently are. The present delays therefore are imputed to their coldness and to their forms. In the mean time the Turk is delaying the demarcation of limits between him and the emperor, is making the most vigourous preparations for war, and has composed his ministry of warlike characters deemed personally hostile to the emperor. Thus time seems to be spinning out both by the Dutch and Turks, and time is wanting for France. Every year\u2019s delay is a great thing to her. It is not impossible therefore but that she may secretly encourage the delays of the Dutch, and hasten the preparations of the Porte, while she is recovering vigour herself also, in order to be able to present such a combination to the emperor as may dictate to him to be quiet. But the designs of these courts are unsearcheable. It is our interest to pray that this country may have no continental war till our peace with England is perfectly settled. The merchants of this country continue as loud and furious as ever against the Arret of August 1784, permitting our commerce with their islands to a certain degree. Many of them have actually abandoned their trade. The ministry are disposed to be firm, but there is a point at which they will give way. That is if the clamours should become such as to endanger their places. It is evident that nothing can be done by us, at this time, if we may hope it hereafter. I like your removal to N. York, and hope Congress  will continue there and never execute the idea of building their federal town. Before it could be finished a change of members in Congress, or the admission of new states would remove them somewhere else. It is evident that when a sufficient number of the Western states come in, they will remove it to George town. In the mean time it is our interest that it should remain where it is, and give no new pretensions to any other place. I am also much pleased with the proposition to the states to invest Congress with the regulation of their trade, reserving it\u2019s revenue to the states. I think it a happy idea, removing the only objection which could have been justly made to the proposition. The time too is the present, before the admission of the Western states. I am very differently affected towards the new plan of opening our land office by dividing the lands among the states and selling them at vendue. It separates still more the interest of the states which ought to be made joint in every possible instance in order to cultivate the idea of our being one nation, and to multiply the instances in which the people shall look up to Congress as their head. And when the states get their portions they will either fool them away, or make a job of it to serve individuals. Proofs of both of these practices have been furnished, and by either of them that invaluable fund is lost which ought to pay our public debt. To sell them at vendue, is to give them to the bidders of the day, be they many or few. It is ripping up the hen which lays golden eggs. If sold in lots at a fixed price as first proposed, the best lots will be sold first. As these become occupied it gives a value to the interjacent ones, and raises them, tho\u2019 of inferior quality, to the price of the first. I send you by Mr. Otto a copy of my book. Be so good as to apologize to Mr. Thomson for my not sending him one by this conveiance. I could not burthen Mr. Otto with more on so long a road as that from here to l\u2019Orient. I will send him one by a Mr. Williamos who will go ere long. I have taken measures to prevent it\u2019s publication. My reason is that I fear the terms in which I speak of slavery and of our constitution may produce an irritation which will revolt the minds of our countrymen against reformation in these two articles, and thus do more harm than good. I have asked of Mr. Madison to sound this matter as far as he can, and if he thinks it will not produce that effect, I have then copies enough printed to give one to each of the young men at the college, and to my friends in the country. I am sorry to see a possibility of Arthur Lee\u2019s being put into the Treasury. He has no talents for the office and what he has  will be employed in rummaging old accounts to involve you in eternal war with Morris and he will in a short time introduce such dissentions into the Commission as to break it up. If he goes on the other appointment to Kaskaskia he will produce a revolt of that settlement from the United States. I thank you for your attention to my outfit for the articles of household furniture, clothes and a carriage. I have already paid twenty eight thousand livres and have still more to pay. For the greatest part of this I have been obliged to anticipate my salary from which however I shall never be able to repay it. I find that by a rigid economy bordering however on meanness I can save perhaps five hundred livres a month in the summer at least. The residue goes for expences so much of course and of necessity that I cannot avoid them without abandoning all respect to my public character. Yet I will pray you to touch this string which I know to be a tender one with Congress with the utmost delicacy. I had rather be ruined in my fortune than in their esteem. If they allow me half a year\u2019s salary as an outfit I can get thro my debts in time. If they raise the salary to what it was or even pay our house rent and taxes I can live with more decency. I trust that Mr. Adams\u2019s house at the Hague and Doctor Franklin\u2019s at Passy the rent of which has been always paid will give just expectations of the same allowance to me. Mr. Jay however did not charge it but he lived economically and laid up money. I will take the liberty of hazarding to you some thoughts on the policy of entering into treaties with the European nations, and the nature of them. I am not wedded to these ideas, and therefore shall relinquish them chearfully when Congress shall adopt others, and zealously endeavor to carry theirs into effect. First as to the policy of making treaties. Congress, by the Confederation have no original and inherent power over the commerce of the states. But by the 9th. article they are authorised to enter into treaties of commerce. The moment these treaties are concluded the jurisdiction of Congress over the commerce of the states springs into existence, and that of the particular states is superseded so far as the articles of the treaty may have taken up the subject. There are two restrictions only on the exercise of the powers of treaty by Congress. 1st. That they shall not by such treaty restrain the legislatures of the state from imposing such duties on foreigners as their own people are subjected to: 2dly. nor from prohibiting the exportation or importation of any particular species of goods. Leaving these two points free, Congress may by treaty establish  any system of commerce they please. But, as I before observed, it is by treaty alone they can do it. Tho\u2019 they may exercise their other powers by resolution or ordinance, those over commerce can only be exercised by forming a treaty and this probably by an accidental wording of our confederation. If therefore it is better for the states that Congress should regulate their commerce, it is proper that they should form treaties with all nations with whom we may possibly trade. You see that my primary object in the formation of treaties is to take the commerce of the states out of the hands of the states, and to place it under the superintendance of Congress, so far as the imperfect provisions of our constitution will admit, and until the states shall by new compact make them more perfect. I would say then to every nation on earth, by treaty, your people shall trade freely with us, and ours with you, paying no more than the most favoured nation, in order to put an end to the right of individual states acting by fits and starts to interrupt our commerce or to embroil us with any nation. As to the terms of these treaties, the question becomes more difficult. I will mention three different plans. 1. That no duties shall be laid by either party on the productions of the other. 2. That each may be permitted to equalize their duties to those laid by the other. 3. That each shall pay in the ports of the other such duties only as the most favoured nations pay. 1. Were the nations of Europe as free and unembarrassed of established system as we are, I do verily beleive they would concur with us in the first plan. But it is impossible. These establishments are fixed upon them, they are interwoven with the body of their laws and the organisation of their government, and they make a great part of their revenue; they cannot then get rid of them. 2. The plan of equal imposts presents difficulties insurmountable. For how are the equal imposts to be effected? Is it by laying in the ports of A an equal percent on the goods of B. with that which B has laid in his ports on the goods of A? But how are we to find what is that percent? For this is not the usual form of imposts. They generally pay by the ton, by the measure, by the weight, and not by the value. Besides if A. sends a million\u2019s worth of goods to B. and takes back but the half of that, and each pays the same percent, it is evident that A. pays the double of what he recovers in the same way with B. This would be our case with Spain. Shall we endeavour to effect equality then by saying A may levy so much on the sum of B\u2019s importations into his ports, as B does on the sum of A\u2019s importations into the ports  of B? But how find out that sum? Will either party lay open their customhouse books candidly to evince this sum? Does either keep their books so exactly as to trouble to do it? This proposition was started in Congress when our instructions were formed, as you may remember, and the impossibility of executing it occasioned it to be disapproved. Besides who should have a right of deciding when the imposts were equal. A. would say to B. my imposts do not raise so much as yours; I raise them therefore. B. would then say you have made them greater than mine, I will raise mine, and thus a kind of auction would be carried on between them, and a mutual irritation, which would end in any thing sooner than equality, and right. 3. I confess then to you that I see no alternative left but that which Congress adopted, of each party placing the other on the footing of the most favoured nation. If the nations of Europe from their actual establishments are not at liberty to say to America that she shall trade in their ports duty free, they may say she may trade there paying no higher duties than the most favoured nation and this is valuable in many of these countries where a very great difference is made between different nations. There is no difficulty in the execution of this contract, because there is not a merchant who does not know, or may not know, the duty paid by every nation on every article. This stipulation leaves each party at liberty to regulate their own commerce by general rules; while it secures the other from partial and oppressive discriminations. The difficulty which arises in our case is, with the nations having American territory. Access to the West Indies is indispensably necessary to us. Yet how to gain it when it is the established system of these nations to exclude all foreigners from their colonies. The only chance seems to be this. Our commerce to the mother countries is valuable to them. We must endeavor then to make this the price of an admission into their West Indies, and to those who refuse the admission we must refuse our commerce or load theirs by odious discriminations in our ports. We have this circumstance in our favor too that what one grants us in their islands the others will not find it worth their while to refuse. The misfortune is that with this country we gave this price for their aid in the war, and we have now nothing more to offer. She being withdrawn from the competition leaves Gr. Britain much more at liberty to hold out against us. This is the difficult part of the business of treaty, and I own it does not hold out the most flattering prospect.\u2014I wish you would consider this subject and write me  your thoughts on it. Mr. Gherry wrote me on the same subject. Will you give me leave to impose on you the trouble of communicating this to him? It is long, and will save me much labour in copying. I hope he will be so indulgent as to consider it as an answer to that part of his letter, and will give me his further thoughts on it.\nShall I send you so much of the Encyclopedie as is already published or reserve it here till you come? It is about 40. vols., which probably is about half the work. Give yourself no uneasiness about the money. Perhaps I may find it convenient to ask you to pay trifles occasionally for me in America. I sincerely wish you may find it convenient to come here. The pleasure of the trip will be less than you expect but the utility greater. It will make you adore your own country, it\u2019s soil, it\u2019s climate, it\u2019s equality, liberty, laws, people and manners. My god! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy. I confess I had no idea of it myself. While we shall see multiplied instances of Europeans going to live in America, I will venture to say no man now living will ever see an instance of an American removing to settle in Europe and continuing there. Come then and see the proofs of this, and on your return add your testimony to that of every thinking American, in order to satisfy our countrymen how much it is their interest to preserve uninfected by contagion those peculiarities in their government and manners to which they are indebted for these blessings. Adieu my dear friend. Present me affectionately to your collegues. If any of them think me worth writing to, they may be assured that in the epistolary account I will keep the debit side against them. Once more Adieu.\nJune 19.\nSince writing the above we receive the following account. Monsr. Pilatre de Rosieres, who has been waiting some months at Boulogne for a fair wind to cross the channel, at length took his ascent with a companion. The wind changed after a while and brought him back on the French coast. Being at a height of about 6000 feet, some accident happened to his baloon of inflammable air, it burst, they fell from that height, and were crushed to atoms. There was a Montgolfier combined with the balloon of inflammable air. It is suspected the heat of the Montgolfier rarified too much the inflammable air of the other and occasioned it to burst. The Montgolfier came down in good order.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0176", "content": "Title: De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 17 June 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: American Commissioners\nMessieurs\n\u00e0 la Haye le 17. Juin 1785.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u la lettre dont Vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9, Messieurs, en date du 26 de Mai, le 4 du mois courrant. Mes premiers soins ont \u00e9t\u00e9 consacr\u00e9s \u00e0 faire soigner la traduction fran\u00e7oise du Trait\u00e9 annexe en langue angloise, et de la faire passer \u00e0 ma Cour. Le Roi apprendra certainement avec beaucoup de satisfaction que la n\u00e9gociation qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 confi\u00e9e \u00e0 nos soins communs, est avanc\u00e9e au point qu\u2019il n\u2019est plus question que de faire transcrire le Trait\u00e9 m\u00eame dans la forme requise. Si Vous l\u2019agr\u00e9ez, Messieurs, l\u2019\u00e9change que Vous me proposez de faire par une personne de confiance, vu l\u2019\u00e9loignement de Votre domicile actuel, de celui de Monsieur Adams, et du mien, pourroit avoir lieu \u00e0 la Haye par Monsieur Dumas, Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires des Etats-Unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique. C\u2019est dans ce sens que je me suis expliqu\u00e9 aujourd\u2019hui envers le Roi, et j\u2019ai de plus inform\u00e9 Sa Majest\u00e9, que Vous projettiez, Messieurs, de fixer la dur\u00e9e du Trait\u00e9 pr\u00e9alablement au terme de dix ann\u00e9es. Je me promets pour Votre Patrie et pour la mienne des avantages solides de ces nouvelles liaisons de commerce \u00e9tablies sur la base de r\u00e9ciprocit\u00e9 et d\u2019une parfaite \u00e9galit\u00e9. J\u2019aurois desir\u00e9 que les circonstances dans lesquelles je me trouve, m\u2019eussent permis de me rapprocher de Vous, et de Vous assurer de bouche des sentimens de la haute consid\u00e9ration avec laquelle je ne cesserai jamais d\u2019\u00eatre, Messieurs, V\u00f4tre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe Thulemeier", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0177", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to John Jay, 18 June 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nPassy June 18th. 1785\nIn our last to you of May 11. we had the honour of inclosing among other papers a letter from Baron Thulemeier, drawing to a close our negociation with the court of Berlin. We have now that of forwarding our answer marked No. 1.\nNo. 2.a. contains our observations on the counterdraught from the court of Tuscany, No. 2.b. the letter inclosing them, and No. 2.c. Mr. Favi\u2019s answer acknowledging their receipt.\nMr. Adams\u2019s appointment to the court of London rendering it more convenient, more speedy and probably more effectual that that negociation should be conducted on the spot, we wrote to the Duke of Dorset a letter of which No. 3. is a copy in answer to one received from him and transmitted to you in April.\nSince Mr. Adams\u2019s departure we have been favoured by him with information which he received from you that a Mr. Lambe had been charged with letters and instructions for us on the subject of the treaties with the States of Barbary. He sent us at the same time the copy of a resolution of Congress on the subject. As yet we have heard nothing more of Mr. Lambe, but hope his arrival hourly that we may take decisive measures for establishing an amity with those powers.\nMr. John Baptist Pecquet, who was the subject of an instruction to us of May. 11. 1784. is now in Paris, and has applied for such acknowledgements of his services as may be thought proper. He seemed to desire most some appointment at Lisbon either for himself or his son. We informed him none such were in our gift and that all we could do in that line would be to mention him to Congress as worthy of their recollection, if they should make any appointment there analogous to his talents. We have written to Mr. Adams proposing to give to Mr. Pecquet, in addition to ten guineas which he has received for present supply, 150 guineas or perhaps 4000 livres as a compensation for his expences and good dispositions. His expences on our prisoners had been about 50 Moidores.\nOur first letter to Congress was of the 11 of Novr. and was sent by a Colonel Lemaire. Having lately received proofs that he omitted to deliver private letters with which he was charged, tho\u2019 he saw in New York the persons to whom they were addressed, we begin to fear he was capable of omitting to deliver also that to the President  of Congress. We are equally incertain whether our subsequent letters may have got to hand. To relieve our anxieties on this subject we will pray you to be so good as to inform us which of them may have been received. Their dates have been Novr. 11. 1784. Decr. 15. 1784. and [9] Febry. 1785 addressed to the President of Congress, and March 18. April 13. and May 11. addressed to yourself.\nWe have the honour to be With the highest esteem & regard Sir Your Most obedient & Most humble Servants,\nB. Franklin\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0178", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Jones, 19 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jones, Joseph\nDear Sir\nParis June 19. 1785.\nI take the liberty of inclosing to you a state of the case of one Polson, and of begging your enquiries and information whether the lands therein mentioned have been escheated and sold, and if they have what would be the proper method of application to obtain a compensation for them.\nThe negociations between Holland and the emperor are slow, but will probably end in peace. It is believed the emperor will not at present push the Bavarian exchange. The Porte delays the demarcation of limits with him, and is making vigorous preparations for war. But neither will this latter be permitted to produce a war if France can prevent it, because wherever the emperor is seeking to enlarge his dominions France will present to him the point of a bayonet. But she wishes extremely for repose and has need of it. She is the wealthiest but worst governed country on earth; and her finances utterly unprepared for war. We have need to pray for her repose, and that she may not be engaged in a continental war while our matters with Gr. Britain are so unsettled and so little like being settled.\nAn accident has happened here which will probably damp the ardour with which aerial navigation has been pursued. Monsr. Pilatre de Rosiere had been attending many months at Boulogne a fair wind to cross the channel in a baloon which was compounded of one of inflammable air and another called a Montgolfier with rarefied air only. He at length thought the wind fair and with a companion ascended. After proceeding in a proper direction about two leagues the wind changed and brought them again over the French coast. Being at the height of about 6000 feet some accident, unknown, burst the balloon of inflammable air and the Montgolfier being unequal alone to sustain their weight they precipitated from that height to the earth and were crushed to atoms. Though navigation by water is attended with frequent accidents, and in it\u2019s infancy must have been attended with more, yet these are now so familiar that we think little of them, while that which has signalised the two first martyrs to the aeronautical art will probably deter very many from the experiments they would have been disposed to make. Will you give me leave to hope the pleasure of hearing from you sometimes. The details from my own country of the proceedings of the legislative, executive and judiciary bodies, and even those which respect individuals only are the most pleasing treat we can receive at this distance, and the most useful also. I will promise in return whatever may be interesting to you here. I am with very perfect esteem Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0180", "content": "Title: John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nGentlemen\nBath Hotel Westminster June 20. 1785.\nLet me request of you, to turn your Attention as soon as possible to the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce between the United States of America and Great Britain, and transmit to me, a Project that you would advise me to propose in the first Instance. For my own Part I like the Plan agreed on with Prussia so well, that I must request you to send me a Copy of it, and with such Changes as you may advise me to adopt I should be for proposing that. With great Respect &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0181", "content": "Title: John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nWestminster, London, 20 June 1785. Acknowledges their letter of 15 June; agrees \u201centirely \u2026 in sentiment respecting Gratification to be given to Mr. John Baptist Pecquet and the Letter to be written to him.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0182", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Fran\u00e7ois Briet, 20 June 1785\nFrom: Briet, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nL\u2019Orient le 20 Juin 1785.\nJ\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00e9crire \u00e0 Son Excellen\u00e7e le 15 Court. relativement \u00e0 Mr. Peter Dischong, et elle apprendra directement de Nantes par mon ami \u00e0 qui j\u2019ai \u00e9cris le m\u00eame jour, de quel pa\u00efs il est  natif. Mais comme j\u2019apprends aujourd\u2019hui que Mgr. de Calonne vient d\u2019ordonner la restitution de la Marchandise suivant et Conform\u00e9ment \u00e0 l\u2019ordonnan\u00e7e qu\u2019avait rendu Mr. L\u2019Intendant de la provin\u00e7e, mais sans D\u00e9domagement, Je Supplie Son Excellence, Si elle daigne me Continuer Sa bienveillan\u00e7e, de vouloir bien faire quelques repr\u00e9sentations \u00e0 Mgr. Le Contr\u00f4leur gen\u00e9ral, afin de me faire obtenir pour Mr. Dischong une indemnit\u00e9 Justement acquise pour la perte qu\u2019il \u00e9prouve, non Seulement par le retard de trois mois, mais encore par la diminution de la Marchdise. qui a Cout\u00e9. 6\u20b6. 10s., tandis qu\u2019on ne trouverait aujourdhuy d\u2019acheteurs au dessus de 4\u20b6. 10s. \u00e0 4\u20b6. 15s. Dans cette attente, Je suis avec Respect, de Son Ex\u00e7ellen\u00e7e, Son tr\u00e8s humble et Tr\u00e8s Ob\u00e9\u00efssant Serviteur,\nJn. fois. Briet", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0185", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Katherine Sprowle Douglas, 21 June 1785\nFrom: Douglas, Katherine Sprowle\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLondon, 21 June 1785. She had sent to TJ by Dr. John Witherspoon, when he was there, a memorial and copies of the correspondence between the Committee of Safety and Andrew Sprowle of Gosport, Virginia, \u201cyour once worthyly Esteemd freind \u2026, who you well know fell a martyar to Tyranny and oppression.\u201d Not having heard from TJ and, learning he is in Paris, she encloses other copies. Asks if he advises that she and her son go to Virginia to claim their property, which is still undisposed of by the state; she and her six fatherless children will turn to the \u201cJustice and Clemency, of the Assembly of Virginia.\u201d She hopes for a reply through John Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0186", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from P. & V. French & Nephew, 21 June 1785\nFrom: P. & V. French & Nephew\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 21. June 1785.\nThough we have not as yet the honor of being known to you, and before we Could write to our most particular friend Wm. Carmichael Esqr. at Madrid, with whom we are in Constant Correspondence, the Connexions of our houses both in this City and at Ba\u00ffonne transacting the principal part of the Trade with the different States of America, hurry and oblige us to address freely to your Excellency without any reccommendation, having at this Juncture Several American vessels Consigned to us, and to Sollicit your immediate application to Monsieur de Calonne, the Controlleur General, to oblige the Farmers General to put the Tobacco Trade on a proper Footing in Every respect at Bayonne. The whole matter is fully Explained to your Excellency in the inclosed Petitions addressed to you by Mr. D\u2019Alexandre the manager of our house at Ba\u00ffonne.\nWe Entreat your reply soon and address your answers to us in this City, which will very much oblige Sir, Your respectfull and Devoted H\u2019ble Sts.,\nP. & V. French and Nephew\nMr. Thoms. Barclay the Consul General can give you Every Information respecting our house as he is now at Paris.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0187", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 21 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thomson, Charles\nDear Sir\nParis June 21. 1785\nYour favour of Mar. 6. is come duly to hand. You therein acknowlege the receipt of mine of Nov. 11. At that time you could not have received my last of Feb. 8. At present there is so little new in politicks, literature, or the arts that I write rather to prove to you my desire of nourishing your correspondence, than of being able to give you any thing interesting at this time. The political world is almost lulled to sleep by the lethargic state of the Dutch negociation, which will probably end in peace. Nor does this court profess to apprehend that the emperor will involve this hemisphere in war by his schemes on Bavaria and Turkey. The arts instead of advancing have lately received a check, which will probably render stationary for a while that branch of them which had promised to elevate us to the skies. Pilatre de Roziere, who had first ventured into that region has fallen a sacrifice to it. In an attempt to pass from Boulogne over to England, a change in the wind having brought him back on the coast of France, some accident happened to his baloon of inflammable air which occasioned it to burst, and that of rarefied air combined with it being then unequal to the weight, they fell to the earth from a height which the first reports made 6000 f. but later ones have reduced to 1600 feet. Pilatre de Roziere was dead when a peasant, distant 100 yards only run to him. But Romain his companion lived about 10. minutes, but speechless and without his senses. In literature nothing new: for I do not consider as having added any thing to that feild my own Notes of which I have had a few copies printed. I will send you a copy by the first safe conveyance. Having troubled Mr. Otto with one for Colo. Monro, I could not charge him with one for you. Pray ask the favor of Colo. Monroe in page 5. line 17. to strike out the words \u2018above the mouth of Appamattox,\u2019 which makes nonsense of the passage, and I forgot to correct it before I had inclosed and sent off the copy to him. I am desirous of preventing the reprinting this, should any book merchant think it worth it, till I hear from my friends whether the terms in which I have spoken of slavery and of the constitution of our state will not, by producing an irritation, retard that reformation which I wish instead of promoting it. Dr. Franklin proposes to sail for America about the 1st. or 2d. week of July. He does not yet know however by what conveiance he can go. Unable to travel by land  he must descend the Seine in a boat to Havre. He has sent to England to get some vessel bound for Philadelphia to touch at Havre for him, but he receives information that this cannot be done. He has been on the lookout ever since he received his permission to return, but as yet no possible means of getting a passage has offered, and I fear it is very incertain when any will offer.\nI am with very great esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I send you another peice of Mesmerism which I suspect will not make so great a sensation as the first.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0188", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis June 22. 1785.\nMy last to you was of the 2d. inst. since which I have received yours of the 3d. and 7th. I informed you in mine of the substance of our letter to Baron Thulemeyer. Last night came to hand his acknolegement of the receipt of it. He accedes to the method proposed for signing, and has forwarded our dispatch to the king. I inclose you a copy of our letter to Mr. Jay to go by the packet of this month. It contains a state of our proceedings since the preceding letter which you had signed with us. This contains nothing but what you had concurred with us in, and as Dr. Franklin expects to go early in July for America, it is probable that the future letters must be written by you and myself. I shall therefore take care that you be furnished with copies of every thing which comes to hand on the joint business.\nWhat is become of this Mr. Lambe? I am uneasy at the delay of that business, since we know the ultimate decision of Congress. Dr. Franklin having a copy of the Corps Diplomatique has promised to prepare a draught of a treaty to be offered to the Barbary states; as soon as he has done so we will send it to you for your corrections. We think it will be best to have it in readiness against   the arrival of Mr. Lambe on the supposition that he may be addressed to the joint ministers for instructions.\nI asked the favour of you in my last to chuse two of the best London papers for me, one for each party. The D. of Dorset has given me leave to have them put under his address, and sent to the office from which his despatches come. (I think he called it Cleveland office, or Cleveland row or by some such name: however I suppose it can easily be known there.) Will Mr. Stockdale undertake to have these papers sent regularly, or is this out of the line of his business? Pray order me also any really good pamphlets which come out from time to time, which he will charge to me. I have the honour to be with sentiments of real respect and affection Dr. Sir Your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0189", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nParis June 22d. 1785.\nYour letter of April 4. came to my hands on the 16th. of that month and was acknowleged by mine of May 3. That which you did me the honour to write me on the 5th. of April never came to hand till the 19th. of May, upwards of a month after the one of the day before. I have hopes of sending the present by a Mr. Jarvis who went from hence to Holland some time ago. About this date I suppose him to be at Brussels and that from thence he will inform me whether in his way to Madrid he will pass by this place. If he does, this shall be accompanied by a cypher for our future use, if he does not I must still await a safe opportunity. Mr. Jarvis is a citizen of the United states from New York, a gentleman of intelligence, in the mercantile line, from whom you will be able to get considerable information of American affairs. I think he left America in January. He informed us that Congress were about to appoint a Mr. Lambe of Connecticut their Consul to Marocco and to send him to their ministers commissioned to treat with the Barbary powers for instructions. Since that Mr. Jay inclosed to Mr. Adams in London, a resolution of Congress deciding  definitively on amicable treaties with the Barbary states in the usual way, and informing him that he had sent a letter and instructions to us by a Mr. Lambe. Tho\u2019 it is near three weeks since we received a communication of this from Mr. Adams, yet we hear nothing further of Mr. Lambe. Our powers of treating with the Barbary states are full, but in the amount of the expence we are limited. I believe you may safely assure them that they will soon receive propositions from us, if you find such an assurance necessary to keep them quiet. Turning at this instant to your letter dated Apr. 5. and considering it attentively I am persuaded it must have been written on the 5th. of May: of this little mistake I ought to have been sooner sensible. Our latest letters from America are of the middle of April and are extremely barren of news. Congress had not yet proposed a time for their recess, tho\u2019 it was thought a recess would take place. Mr. Morris had retired and the treasury was actually administered by Commissioners. Their land office was not yet opened. The settlements at Kaskaskia within the territory ceded to them by Virginia had prayed the establishment of a regular government and they were about sending a Commissioner to them. General Knox was appointed their Secretary of the War office. These I think are the only facts we have learnt which are worth communicating to you. The inhabitants of Canada have sent a sensible petition to their king praying the establishment of an assembly, the benefits of the habeas corpus laws and other privileges of British subjects. The establishment of an assembly is denied, but most of their other desires granted. We are now in hourly expectation of the arrival of the packet which should have sailed from New York in May. Perhaps that may bring us matter which may furnish the subject of a more interesting letter. In the mean time I have the honour to be with the highest respect Sir Your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nJuly 14. 1785. I have thus long waited day after day hoping to hear from Mr. Jarvis that I might send a cypher with this: but now give up the hope. No news yet of Mr. Lambe. The packet is arrived but brings no intelligence, except that it is doubtful whether Congress will adjourn this summer. The assembly of Pennsylvania propose to suppress their bank on principles of policy.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0190", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 22 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Smith, William Stephens\nSir\nParis June 22. 1785.\nI have been honoured with your letter of May 28. inclosing those you had been so kind as to bring for me from America, as I had before been with a note informing me that such letters were in your possession. We had hoped you might have taken your passage in the French packet which might have given us the pleasure of seeing you here. Your arrival however in London was so well timed with respect to that of Mr. Adams that our regrets must give place to the general object of your mission which appears in event to have been better consulted by you than by our wishes. I congratulate you sincerely on your appointment and safe arrival. I wish you may find your situation agreeable. You will have one disagreeable circumstance the less than we have here, that of speaking the language of the country you are in. No one can know the value of this advantage till he has experienced the want of it. The external manners of the people too are more like those of your own countrymen, tho\u2019 I doubt whether in benignity of disposition we do not find a greater resemblance here. The public papers tell us of a conference between Mr. Adams and Mr. Pitt. I am anxious to hear what passes on our business, tho\u2019 I have little doubt what it will be. During the late war I had an infallible rule for deciding what that nation would do on every occasion. It was, to consider what they ought to do, and to take the reverse of that as what they would assuredly do, and I can say with truth that I was never deceived. It remains to see whether the present administration is under the influence of the same fatality. I shall with great pleasure receive your letters from time to time if you will be so good as to honour me with them, and will make you such returns as our information here will enable us, and am with great respect Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0192", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, with Enclosures, 27 June 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas,Carmichael, William\nSir\nMadrid 27th. June 1785\nI received on the 15th. May the Letter you did me the honor to address me the third of that month and should sooner have replied to it, had I not expected to avail myself of a private conveyance from hence, by which I might write with greater security, than I can do by the Post. It is with the greatest satisfaction that I find you are disposed to cultivate an intercourse, which for the reasons you mention, cannot but contribute to the advantage of the public Service, while it will afford the highest pleasure to myself. It has been long my surprise that Congress hath not instructed those they employ abroad on this head: For this purpose a common cypher should be sent to each of their Ministers and Charg\u00e9 Des Affaires. The actual situation of affairs is such, that I am persuaded Mr. Adams might profit where he is by a knowledge of what passes here and I vice versa. Mr. Jays Letter gives me no general Intelligence. It contains instructions only in what manner to represent to his Christian Majesty the sentiments of Congress on receiving information from me of the nature of Mr. Gardoqui\u2019s mission. That Gentleman was still at the Havanna the 3d. of May. I inclose you the answer I received to a Letter I wrote the Minister of State on this occasion. No. 1 is the copy of that answer. The Sentiments of this Court to cultivate a good understanding between the two Countries seem to continue. No. 2 furnishes a new proof of his Christian Majesty\u2019s good will. Since receiving that communication a Letter of which No. 3 is a copy has reached me. It perhaps may not be improper to give a copy of it to Mr. Barclay. I have sent one to Mr. Harrison at Cadiz. No. 4 is a copy of another Letter to me from Barbary. It appears not to  have been written by the emperors order, Because it doth not bear the Mark which he generally affixes to his Secretaries Letters. The Author is probably one of those who wish to come in for a share of the presents which they suppose must be made whenever a treaty is concluded. I answer these Correspondents in General terms but not officially.\nThe new Establishments of the Bank and Philippine Company in part occupy the Attention of this Cabinet. Projects for Canals and improvements of all kinds in all parts of the Spanish part of the Peninsula are the favorite Objects of the Minister, Projects which do honor to his Patriotism, even should circumstances prevent their being compleatly Executed. A war would put an end at once to these Patriotic Plans, and however successful its issue might be, it cannot be supposed, that the advantages derived from it, would compensate for the irreparable loss that for a long series of years, this Country would feel from the check given to its manufactures, commerce and agriculture, which severally may make rapid advances should the same Spirit of improvement continue. As you are in the center of Politics, it may appear presumption in me to dwell in the Slightest manner on the Subject of the present intrigues Jealousies and Alarms which appear to agitate Europe; I cannot however forbear informing you that a few days ago the Charg\u00e9 Des Affaires of the Emperor presented by order of his Court to the Ct. de Florida Blanca a memorial containing, as I am told, severe Strictures on the conduct of the King of Prussia, who is accused in this peice of endeavours to excite jealousies among the Princes of the Empire and other Powers to the disadvantage of the Emperor. My Information comes from a quarter intimately connected with the Court of Vienna and since from others. As it appears from the nature of this peice that it must have been sent to the other Courts of Europe, I shall for particular reasons be glad to be Advised of the time it was received at Versailles. A Small Armament is preparing at Cadiz supposed for Carthagena in America. It consists of one vessel of the Line one frigate and 3 transports on Board of which one regiment and 4 or 500 recruits are to be embarked. It is imagined that the Disputes between this court and that of G.B on the Mosquito shore is the cause of it. Other causes might be assigned. The two nations may bully, but not fight in their present circumstances for such an object. At Least the British Minister here holds a pacific Language and I am further told that Del Campo at London advances  somewhat in his negotiations for a commercial Treaty. This to me is doubtful for I know not how a treaty on this point can coincide with the pretentions of G.B and the apparent System of this Court. An article in this System is levelled against the N. foundland Fisheries. Altho the Squadron destined to cruize on the Algerine Coast is ready for Sea as is confidently reported here, there are some who maintain that a peace or Truce is likely to be concluded between this Country and those Pirates. I am of this opinion. It is the interest of this Country and the Ct. de F. B. is too good a Patriot not to pursue steadily what he beleives to be its Interests. He may be sometimes mistaken and who is not? In case the abovementioned Peace or Truce should take place, These Pirates will have the more Leisure to Infest our Commerce which I think will inevitably be the case and therefore Speedy measures ought to be taken to prevent hostilities on their part. As I expect to send off shortly as many of the Books as I have been able to procure agreable to your directions, it will be proper for you to Obtain orders to the officers of the Custom house on the Frontier to let them pass without inspection. The trunk containing them will be addressed to you in your Ministerial Capacity and forwarded to Paris by a Correspondent of mine at Bayonne who will advise you of the Time of its being sent to the Capital. It will be a great satisfaction to me to have the means of giving you without reserve my sentiments on every Subject that may be in the Slightest measure productive of public utility or of personal Satisfaction to you. You will please to inform Mr. Barclay that I have received his Letter with an enclosure of an Ancient Date and that as soon as the hurry of visits and attendance at Court and of feasts and entertainments given on occasion of the Double Marriages will permit me, I shall answer the one and the other in a manner that will be as satisfactory as the nature of the contents will permit me. The heats of Summer here have already burdened me with bile which lowers my Spirits and almost incapacitates me from Business. With compliments to all who do me the honor to remember me I beg you to beleive me with great Respect Your Excellencys Obliged & Obedt. Hble. Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael\nEnclosure i\nLouis Goublot to Carmichael\nMonseigneur\nA Sal\u00e9 le 20 may 1785\nJ\u2019esp\u00e8re qu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9poque pr\u00e9sente votre Excellence aura re\u00e7u la lettre que j\u2019eus l\u2019honneur de lui adresser en datte du 8 avril pass\u00e9, et je me r\u00e9fere \u00e0 son contenu.\nJe me flatte, Monseigneur que vous ne d\u00e9saprouverez point la Libert\u00e9 que je prends de vous \u00e9crire nouvellement pour vous participer que parmi les Fr\u00e9gates Corsaires de Sa Majest\u00e9 l\u2019Empereur de Maroc, l\u2019une se trouve actuellement \u00e0 Lisbonne, deux \u00e0 Gibraltar et cinq ou Six \u00e0 Larache.\nDu nombre de ces derni\u00e9res, deux viennent d\u2019\u00eatre destin\u00e9es pour l\u2019Ambassade que le Monarque Africain envoie \u00e0 Constantinople, l\u2019une desquelles est Command\u00e9e par le m\u00eame Arraez Capitaine nomm\u00e9 Akhmet Turki qui prit l\u2019infortun\u00e9 Capitaine James Ervin. Le Surplus des fr\u00e9gates qui resteront \u00e0 Larache sortiront cet \u00e9t\u00e9 pour croiser.\nDe ce que je viens d\u2019exposer, je ne veux point inf\u00e9rer que l\u2019Empereur de Maroc donne de nouveaux ordres de commettre des hostilit\u00e9s contre les batimens Am\u00e9ricains, mais ce que je puis dire avec assurance, c\u2019est que, soit que ce Souverain ne prescrive pas \u00e0 Ses Marins une ordonnance exacte, ou soit que ceux ci, lorsqu\u2019ils sont en mer, s\u2019\u00e9mancipent \u00e0 faire des prises sans y \u00eatre ordonn\u00e9s, il y a toujours \u00e0 craindre pour les batimens Am\u00e9ricains jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce que le Congres fasse parler directement \u00e0 l\u2019Empereur de Maroc.\nComme je suppose, Monseigneur, que vous aurez fait passer \u00e0 son tems des Avis, tant \u00e0 Marseille que dans d\u2019autres ports de la M\u00e9diterran\u00e9e, o\u00f9 il peut se trouver des Batimens Am\u00e9ricains, pour que Leurs Capitaines naviguent avec pr\u00e9caution, je crois devoir vous repr\u00e9senter que si un Capitaine Marchand Am\u00e9ricain \u00e9toit instruit de la Manoeuvre que les Corsaires Maroccains observent dans un Combat, de la confusion qui regne dans leur commandement sans subordination, de l\u2019\u00e9pouvante qui les saisit lorsqu\u2019ils voient couler le Sang d\u2019un des leurs, du manque de munitions et de vivres o\u00f9 ils se trouvent fort souvent, de la disproportion de leurs boulets r\u00e9lativement au Calibre des Canons &c. &c. le dit Capitaine Am\u00e9ricain, avec six canons seulement, des munitions, et tout au plus vingt hommes d\u2019\u00e9quipage, non seulement, ne se laissera pas prendre par un Corsaire Marroccain, mais il l\u2019obligera encore \u00e0 fuir. Un Corsaire de ce pays-ci ne prendra jamais qu\u2019un batiment marchand non arm\u00e9, et l\u2019on ne doit point croire en Europe que la Marine de Maroc soit comparable \u00e0 celle d\u2019Alger, ni en discipline, ni en bravoure: voila ce que j\u2019ose avancer avec certitude.\nJe ne sais si votre Excellence recevra avec plaisir ces avis, qui seront plus ou moins importans selon les instructions que l\u2019on jugera \u00e0 propos de donner aux Capitaines Am\u00e9ricains concernant leur navigation dans ces mers-ci, ou selon le retard qu\u2019il peut encore y avoir avant que l\u2019empereur de Maroc recoive des lettres du Congres. Quoiqu\u2019il en soit, je desire tres fort que ma lettre puisse sortir heureusement de Barbarie et parvenir en toute suret\u00e9 \u00e0 votre Excellence, qui n\u2019ignorera pas \u00e0 quoi je m\u2019expose en lui faisant passer de tels avis, qui demandent tout le secret possible; mais l\u2019affection dont je me sens port\u00e9 pour la nouvelle R\u00e9publique, et le Respectueux amour dont je suis p\u00e9n\u00e9tr\u00e9 pour les Augustes Membres qui la composent me font m\u00e9priser tous les dangers et les p\u00e9rils pour lui t\u00e9moigner combien je desire de lui \u00eatre utile et d\u2019\u00eatre employ\u00e9 \u00e0 son Service.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec le plus profond Respect, Monseigneur, De votre Excellence Le tres humble et tres ob\u00e9issant Serviteur\nLouis Goublot\nEnclosure ii\nAlcaid Driss to Carmichael\nSon Excellence\nMaroc le 24 avril 1785.\nVotre honorable en date 6 fevrier dernier me fut remise le 20 de ce mois d\u2019Avril: j\u2019eus l\u2019honneur de la communiquer et interpreter le lendemain \u00e0 S. M. I. mon maitre qui se montroit fort content, disant que ce n\u2019\u00e9toit que l\u2019amour de la paix qui l\u2019avoit fait agir, et qu\u2019il seroit charm\u00e9 de contracter de telle fa\u00e7on avec la nouvelle illustre Republique qu\u2019elle n\u2019aura qu\u2019\u00e0 s\u2019applaudir de tout ce que sa ditte Mt\u00e9. veut faire en sa faveur; de fa\u00e7on C\u00e9pendant qu\u2019il vient une personne qualifi\u00e9e express\u00e9ment de la part du Congr\u00e8s pour traiter des interets mutuels pour le Bonheur reciproque, et qu\u2019un Consul reside dans les Etats de Sa Mt\u00e9. I. suivant la Coutume de toutes les Puissances Europ\u00e9ennes.\nS. M. I. mon Maitre n\u2019est pas moins que l\u2019illustre Congr\u00e8s, p\u00e9n\u00e9tr\u00e9 de sentiments dignes de la nouvelle R\u00e9publique, il prend tout en consideration, ce fut en Consequence d\u2019icelle et de mes instances que S. M. fit rentrer les cinq fr\u00e9gates en croisi\u00e8re contre les batimens Am\u00e9ricains, immediatement apres la prise du Capitaine Ervin, qu\u2019en outre il avoit publiquement d\u00e9clar\u00e9 qu\u2019il n\u2019avoit point la guerre avec la nouvelle R\u00e9publique et que le dit Capitaine avec son Equipage n\u2019etoient point esclaves, mais des \u00eatres Libres dans ses Etats et ils se trouvent fort bien a Mogador. Je n\u2019attende qu\u2019un moment favorable pour demander a S. M. I. mon maitre la permission de les renvoyer a Cadiz\nJoignez a ce pr\u00e9liminaire amical les dispositions favorables de S. M. I. mon maitre, et votre Excellence verra que j\u2019ai fait tout ce que j\u2019ai pu en faveur de l\u2019illustre Congr\u00e8s vis \u00e0 vis un Monarque aussi despotique que l\u2019est l\u2019Empereur de Maroc, et cela dans un temps ou il n\u2019y avoit absolument personne qui osoit s\u2019entremettre en faveur de cette respectable Republique de L\u2019Am\u00e9rique du Nord.\nJe desire vivement que le tres illustre Congr\u00e8s ne tarde pas a terminer une affaire, dont je me ferai un honneur eternel d\u2019y avoir contribu\u00e9, et si les circonstances demandoient un delai pour l\u2019ann\u00e9e prochaine, il faudroit au moins une lettre du Congres, munie de son Seaux par laquelle il annonceroit la ditte Ambassade, et qu\u2019il chargeroit quelqu\u2019un ad interim aupres de Sa Majt\u00e9. imple. mon maitre: munie de tels pouvoire j\u2019oserois me flatter d\u2019arreter le ressentiment que S. M. imperiale mon maitre pourroit concevoir par un delai au quel il ne s\u2019attende point, ainsique les feux soudaines que les Capitaines de Corsaires marocquins ne cessent de fomenter, afin d\u2019obtenir la permission de reprendre leur croisiere pour L\u2019ann\u00e9e Lunaire prochaine, c\u2019est a dire dans cinq mois d\u2019ici.\nVotre Excellence n\u2019ignore pas, qu\u2019a la cour de maroc, comme a tout autre cour, il s\u2019y trouvent des Personnes qui cherchent \u00e0 traverser les Bonnes offices, qu\u2019un \u00eatre qui pense bien y emploit, souvent il faut les d\u00e9tourner par une g\u00e9n\u00e9rosit\u00e9 qui ne convient pas \u00e0 chaqun, Graces au Destin, j\u2019ai Su mannier les affaires de fa\u00e7on que j\u2019en ai \u00e9t\u00e9 quitte pour quelques petits presents. Je vous prie enfin d\u2019\u00eatre persuad\u00e9 que je n\u2019omettrai rien pour entretenir la bienveillance de S. M. I. mon maitre a l\u2019\u00e9gard des circonstances actuelles. Assurez en le tres illustre Congr\u00e8s  et croyez moi en particulier avec respectueuse estime, De votre Excellence, Le tres humble et tres obeisst. Serviteur\nAlcaid Driss Secr. de S. M. I. de Maroc.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0193", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut, 28 June [1785]\nFrom: Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis mardi 28. juin [1785]\nLes abb\u00e9s de Chalut et Arnoux ont l\u2019honneur de faire leurs compliments \u00e0 Monsieur jefferson et de Le prier de la part de M. de Chalut de Lui faire L\u2019honneur d\u2019aller diner chez lui \u00e0 St. Cloud jeudi prochain 30 juin. M. de Chalut fait la meme priere \u00e0 M. Le Colonel humphries et \u00e0 M. Williasmos il espere qu\u2019ils voudront bien \u00eatre de la partie.\nLes deux abb\u00e9s iront diner \u00e0 St. Cloud ce jour l\u00e0, ils attendront les trois Messieurs \u00e0 la place vendome jusqu\u2019\u00e0 midi, pour partir de l\u00e0 avec eux. On dine \u00e0 deux heures \u00e0 St. Cloud.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0194", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Barr\u00e9, 28 [June] 1785\nFrom: Barr\u00e9, Jean Baptiste Henri\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nExcellence\nL\u2019orient ce 28 Juillet [i.e., Juin] 1785.\nMr. Th\u00e9venard me charge de vous remercier de votre bont\u00e9 et vous prie de vouloir bien Lui faire copier celui des portraits que vous juger\u00e9s le plus ressemblant: il pr\u00e9fere celui qui \u00e0 \u00e9t\u00e9 fait depuis la Guerre; \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9gard de l\u2019attente il se r\u00e9glera \u00e0 ce sujet sur votre volont\u00e9, persuad\u00e9 que vous voudr\u00e9s bien ne pas l\u2019oublier, lors que vous en aur\u00e9s le loisir. Il d\u00e9sire aussi que vous vouli\u00e9s Le faire copier par un bon maitre. Il y mettra le prix que vous  jugeres \u00e0 propos se r\u00e9posant \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard absolument sur tout ce que vous fer\u00e9s pour Lui. Permett\u00e9s, Excellence, que j\u2019ay l\u2019honneur de vous assurer de mon profond Respect et de celui dans lequel je serai toute ma vie. Les bont\u00e9s dont vous m\u2019av\u00e9s honnor\u00e9s pendant mon S\u00e9jour \u00e0 Paris, me feront Ressouvenir de celles dont tous les am\u00e9ricains honnorent ceux de ma nation, trop heureux si je puis conserver les votres dans tous les tems.\nJ\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u00eatre avec Resp\u00e9ct Excellence Votre tres humble et tres Obeissant Serviteur,\nBarr\u00e9\nP.S.R. Je prend la Libert\u00e9 d\u2019assurer MM. Humphreis et Schort, de mes Respects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0195", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 28 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nParis June 28. 1785.\nI must beg a thousand pardons for not having sooner answered your kind enquiries after Patsy\u2019s health. I was yesterday out the whole day, therefore scribble a line just as I am setting out to Versailles this morning. Her indisposition was slight, occasioned by a cold. The cold still remains, but the headach, and slight fever have left her. If we make an appointment to meet you at all it will be for Sunday, because on Monday I expect some friends to dine with me, and it may be convenient for you to come with us the day before. I have received orders from Virginia to furnish plans for the public buildings, and am now occupied on that. Should we not write to you to meet us on Sunday, you may as well come on that day as it is only one day sooner than you had intended. I am with much esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & Servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0196", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Polson, 1 July 1785\nFrom: Polson, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 1 July 1785. Expects to pass a few months at Pont Sur Seine, but will return to Paris before going to England. If TJ should have any thing to communicate on subject of his lands in Virginia, write \u201cto the Care of Monsr. Cuming Chevalier de Saint Louis Pont Sur Seine.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0197", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Price, 2 July 1785\nFrom: Price, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNewington: Green July 2d. 1785\nThis letter will probably be deliver\u2019d to you by Dr. D\u2019Ivernois, lately a citizen of Geneva, and the author of an interesting work lately publish\u2019d and entitled An Historical and Political view of the constitution and Revolutions of Geneva in the 18th. century. He wishes to be introduced to you; and I doubt not but the respectableness of his character and abilities and the active part he has taken in defending the liberties of a republic once happy but now ruined, will recommend him to your notice and esteem. His habits and principles carry his views to America; and should he remove thither he will make a very valuable addition to the number of virtuous and enlighten\u2019d citizens in the united States.\nAccept my best thanks for the account of Virginia which you were so good as to Send me by Mr. Adams. This has been, indeed, a most acceptable present to me, and you may depend on my performing the condition upon which you have honoured me with it. I have read it with Singular pleasure and a warm admiration of your Sentiments and character. How happy would the united States be were all of them under the direction of Such wisdom and liberality as yours?\u2014But this is not the case. I have lately been discouraged by an account which I have received from Mr. Laurens in South-Carolina. Mr. Grimkey the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mr. Izard have agree\u2019d in reprobating my pamphlet on the American Revolution because it recommends measures for preventing too great an inequality of property and for gradually abolishing the Negro trade and Slavery; these being measures which (as the former says in a letter to Mr. Laurens) will never find encouragement in that State: and it appears that Mr. Grimkey thought himself almost affronted by having the pamphlet presented to him by Mr. Laurens. Should Such a disposition prevail in the other United States, I shall have reason to fear  that I have made myself ridiculous by Speaking of the American Revolution in the manner I have done; it will appear that the people who have been Struggling so earnestly to save themselves from Slavery are very ready to enslave others; the friends of liberty and humanity in Europe will be mortify\u2019d, and an event which had raised their hopes will prove only an introduction to a new Scene of aristocratic tyranny and human debasement.\nI am very happy in the acquaintance of Mr. Adams and Coll. Smith. I wish them Success in their mission, but I have reason to fear that this country is still under a cloud with respect to America which threatens it with farther calamities. With the greatest respect I am, Sir, Your very obedt: and humble Servt.,\nRich: Price\nShould Dr. Franklin be still at Paris deliver to him my best remembrances.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0198", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Hardy, James Madison, and James Monroe, 4 July 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hardy, Samuel,Madison, James,Monroe, James\n[Paris, 4 July 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cMadison, Monroe & Hardy. Letters of recommendation for W. T. Franklin.\u201d None of these letters has been found; but see TJ to Monroe, 5 July 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0199", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Katherine Sprowle Douglas, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Douglas, Katherine Sprowle\nMadam\nParis July 5. 1785.\nYour letter of the 21st. of June has come safely to hand. That which you had done me the honour of writing before has not yet been received. Having gone by Dr. Witherspoon to America, which I had left before his return to it, the delay is easily accounted for.\nI wish you may be rightly informed that the property of Mr. Sprowle is yet unsold. It was advertized for sale so long ago as to found a presumption that the sale has taken place. In any event you may go safely to Virginia. It is in the London newspapers only that exist those mobs and riots which are fabricated to deter  strangers from going to America. Your person will be sacredly safe, and free from insult. You can best judge from the character and qualities of your son whether he may be an useful coadjutor to you there. I suppose him to have taken side with the British before our declaration of independance; and if this was the case, I respect the candour of the measure, tho I do not it\u2019s wisdom. A right to take the side which every man\u2019s conscience approves in a civil contest is too precious a right and too favourable to the preservation of liberty not to be protected by all it\u2019s well informed friends. The assembly of Virginia have given sanction to this right in several of their laws, discriminating honourably those who took side against us before the declaration of independance, from those who remained among us and strove to injure us by their treacheries. I sincerely wish that you and every other to whom this distinction applies favourably, may find in the assembly of Virginia the good effects of that justice and generosity which have dictated to them this discrimination. It is a sentiment which will gain strength in their breasts in proportion as they can forget the savage cruelties committed on them, and will I hope in the end induce them to restore the property itself wherever it is unsold, and the price received for it where it has been actually sold. I am Madam Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0200", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Giovanni Fabbroni, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Fabbroni, Giovanni\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nFlorence, 5 July 1785. Fabbroni was no less pleased than surprised by the receipt of TJ\u2019s most courteous letter from Paris [of 23 May]. \u201cYou are, then, in Europe, O Sir, and, in the midst of the weighty duties of your splendid office, you deign still to remember me. I am infinitely flattered by this circumstance. \u2026 Your new Republic could not have found a better person than you to handle its affairs in one of the most enlightened courts in Europe; I can say this without fear of being suspected of flattery, because I have heard from too many quarters how great your talents, how great your heart. Thus I am convinced in advance that America could not have a better historian than it has found in you. The modest apology which you make for your work only increases the value of the same, and I earnestly desire its arrival in order to enjoy the reading of it and then to present it to my Sovereign.\u201d He is certain that TJ\u2019s Notes on Virginia must fall into Bacon\u2019s class of books that are to be chewed and digested, \u201cbecause it was dictated by experience, by a perfect knowledge of the place and of the causes no less than by philosophy and humanity.\u201d His friend Favi is the dearest  person in the world to him, next to his wife and brother, and TJ must have found him worthy of friendship. TJ reopens \u201can old wound never healed by reawakening in me the idea of your fair country. The thought I once cherished, of settling in that happy clime where man still breathes a true and perfect liberty, has never been abandoned by me.\u201d He would like to make some return for TJ\u2019s valued gift, but as aid to the Director of the Royal Museum and as Secretary of the Royal Academy of Agriculture, he has not been able to bring to completion any work worthy of publication. While in London and Paris he published a \u201cfew youthful things one of which is a little volume containing some R\u00e9flections sur l\u2019Agriculture, the other a dissertation on arsenic, and a few comments on Cronstedt\u2019s Mineralogy. These are by now out-of-date and worthless affairs of which I no longer have any copies. If literature concerning the explanation of ancient things attracts you, I can have the honor of sending you two little works by my brother, if you will be good enough to inform me how to address them to you.\u201d Wishes to know how TJ sent the Notes on Virginia, in order that he might make inquiry about it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0201", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis July 5. 1785.\nI wrote you by Mr. Adams May. 11. and by Mr. Otto June 17. The latter acknoleged the receipt of yours of Apr. 12. which is the only one come to hand of later date than Dec. 14. Little new has occurred since my last. Peace seems to shew herself under a more decided form. The emperor is now on a journey to Italy, and the two Dutch plenipotentiaries are set out for Vienna there to make an apology for their state having dared to fire a gun in defence of their invaded rights. This is insisted on as a preliminary condition. The emperor seems to prefer the glory of terror to that of justice, and to satisfy this tinsel passion plants a dagger in the heart of every Dutchman which no time will extract. I enquired lately of a gentleman who lived long at Constantinople in a public character and enjoyed the confidence of that government insomuch as to become well acquainted with it\u2019s spirit and it\u2019s powers, what he thought might be the issue of the present affairs between the emperor and porte. He thinks the latter will not push matters to a war, and that if they do they must fail under it. They have lost their warlike spirit, and their troops cannot be induced to adopt the European arms.\u2014We have no news yet of Mr. Lambe. Of course our Barbary proceedings are still at a stand. This will be  handed you by Mr. Franklin. He has a separate letter of introduction to you. I have never been with him enough to unravel his character with certainty. It seems to be good in the main. I see sometimes an attempt to keep himself unpenetrated which perhaps is the effect of the cause\u2014lessons of his grandfather. His understanding is good enough for common uses but not great enough for uncommon ones. However you will have better opportunities of knowing him. The doctor is extremely wounded by the inattention of congress to his applications for him. He expected something to be done as a reward for his own services. He will preserve a determind silence on this subject in future. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately.\nP.S. Europe fixes an attentive eye on your reception of Doctr. Franklin. He is infinitely esteemed. Do not neglect any marks of your approbation which you think just or proper. It will honour you here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0202", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 6 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hopkinson, Francis\nDear Sir\nParis July 6. 1785.\nMy last to you was of the 13. of January. About ten days after that date I received yours of Nov. 18. and about three weeks ago that of Mar. 28. came to hand. Soon after the receipt of the first I published your proposition for improving the quilling of the harpsichord. I inclose you a copy of the advertisement. One application  only was made, and that was unsuccessful. I do not despair yet of availing you of it as soon as I can get acquainted with some of the principal musicians. But that probably will not be till the beginning of winter as all the beau monde leave Paris in the summer, during which the musical entertainments of a private nature are suspended. I communicated to Doctr. Franklin your idea of Mesmerising the harpsichord. He has not tried it, probably because his affairs have been long packed and packing. As I do not play on that instrument I cannot try it myself. The Doctor carries with him a pretty little instrument. It is the sticcado, with glass bars instead of wooden ones, and with keys applied to it. It\u2019s principal defect is the want of extent, having but three octaves. I wish you would exercise your ingenuity to give it an upper and a lower octave, by finding out other substances which will yeild tones in those parts of the scale, bearing a proper affinity to those of glass bars. The middle octave of this is very sweet. Have you any person on Dr. Franklin\u2019s departure to attend to the receiving and forwarding your volumes of Encyclopedie as they come out? If you have not, be pleased to lay your commands on me. Do not be anxious about remitting the prices as it would be a convenience to me to have some little fund in Philadelphia to answer little purposes. I wrote you for newspapers from thence, and shall hope to begin soon to receive them. The dearth of American information places us as to our own country in the silence of the grave. I also petitioned you to know whether I am yet at liberty to permit a copy to be taken of Genl. Washington\u2019s picture. Because till I am I cannot trust it in the hands of a painter to be finished. Another petition was for a copy of your battle of the kegs.\u2014Having slipped the opportunity of sending copies of my Notes for yourself, and Mr. Rittenhouse when Dr. Franklin\u2019s baggage went, I am doubtful whether he can take them with him. If he can you shall receive them by him; if not, then by the first good opportunity. I am obliged to pray that they may not be permitted to get into the hands of the public till I know whether they will promote or retard certain reformations in my own country. I have written to Mr. Madison to inform me on that head. No news. A tolerable certainty of peace leaves us without that unfortunate species of intelligence which war furnishes. My daughter is well. I inclose a letter to Mrs. Hopkinson, which she wrote four months ago, and has lain by me till I should write to you. Justice to her obliges me to take this censure on myself. I take the liberty of using your cover also  for her letter to Miss Hetty Rittenhouse. Present my most friendly respects to Mrs. Hopkinson (both of that name) to Mr. Ritten-house and family, and accept assurances of the esteem with which I am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nJuly 8.\nP.S. Since writing the above, yours of Apr. 20. is put into my hands. I will pray you to send the newspapers (trimming off the margins) as the postage is not an object of so much value with me as the knowing something of what is passing in my own country. Whenever I find an opportunity of sending you a copy of my Notes I shall send also the Bibliotheque physique to you. It is a collection of all the improvements in the arts which have been made for some time past. Let me add another commission to those above given you, that is to present mine and my daughter\u2019s affectionate remembrance to Mrs. House and to Mrs. Trist if she be returned. From the latter I shall hope for letters as soon as she returns. I would write to her but for the incertainty where she is.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0203", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis July 7. 1785.\nI had the honour of writing you on the 21st. of June, but the letter being full of treason has waited a private conveiance. Since that date there has been received for you at Auteuil a cask of about 60. gallons of wine. I would have examined it\u2019s quality and have ventured to decide on it\u2019s disposal, but it is in a cask within a cask, and therefore cannot be got at but by operations which would muddy it and disguise it\u2019s quality. As you probably know what it is, what it cost, &c. be so good as to give me your orders on the subject and they shall be complied with.\nSince my last I can add another chapter to the history of the redacteur of the Journal de Paris. After the paper had been discontinued about three weeks, it appeared again, but announcing  in the first sentence a changement de domicile of the redacteur, the English of which is that the redaction of the paper had been taken from the imprisoned culprit, and given to another. Whether the imprisonment of the former has been made to cease, or what will be the last chapter of his history I cannot tell. I love energy in government dearly. It is evident it was become necessary on this occasion, and that a very daring spirit has lately appeared in this country. For notwithstanding the several examples lately made of suppressing the London papers, suppressing the Leyden gazette, imprisoning Beaumarchais, and imprisoning the redacteur of the journal, the author of the Mercure of the last week has had the presumption, speaking of the German newspapers, to say \u2018car les journaux de ce pays-la ne sont pas forc\u00e9s de s\u2019en tenir \u00e0 juger des hemistiches, ou \u00e0 annoncer des programes academiques.\u2019 Probably he is now suffering in a jail the just punishments of his insolent sneer on this mild government, tho\u2019 as yet we do not know the fact.\nThe settlement of the affairs of the Abb\u00e9 Mably is likely to detain his friends Arnoud and Chalut in Paris the greatest part of the summer. It is a fortunate circumstance for me, as I have much society with them. What mischeif is this which is brewing anew between Faneuil hall and the nation of God-dem-mees? Will that focus of sedition be never extinguished? I apprehend the fire will take thro\u2019 all the states and involve us again in the displeasure of our mother country.\nI have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem Madam Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0204", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis July 7. 1785.\nThis will accompany a joint letter inclosing the draught of a treaty, and my private letter of June 22, which has waited so long for a private conveiance. We daily expect from the Baron Thulemeyer the French column for our treaty with his sovereign. In the mean while two copies are preparing with the English column  which Doctr. Franklin wishes to sign before his departure, which will be within four or five days. The French, when received, will be inserted in the blank column of each copy. As the measure of signing at separate times and places is new, we think it necessary to omit no other circumstance of ceremony which can be observed. That of sending it by a person of confidence and invested with a character relative to the object, who shall attest our signature here, yours in London and Baron Thulemeyer\u2019s at the Hague, and who shall make the actual exchanges, we think will contribute to supply the departure from the usual form in other instances. For this reason we have agreed to send Mr. Short on this business, to make him a Secretary pro hac vice, and to join Mr. Dumas for the operations of exchange &c. As Dr. Franklin will have left us before Mr. Short\u2019s mission will commence, and I have never been concerned in the ceremonials of a treaty, I will thank you for your immediate information as to the papers he should be furnished with from hence. He will repair first to you in London, thence to the Hague, and so return to Paris.\u2014What is become of Mr. Lambe? Supposing he was to call on the Commissioners for instructions, and thinking it best these should be in readiness, Dr. Franklin undertook to consult well the Barbary treaties with other nations, and to prepare a sketch which we should have sent for your correction. He tells me he has consulted those treaties, and made references to the articles proper for us, which however he shall not have time to put into form, but will leave them with me to reduce. As soon as I see them you shall hear from me.\u2014A late conversation with an English gentleman here makes me beleive, what I did not believe before, that his nation think seriously that Congress have no power to form a treaty of commerce. As the explanations of this matter which you and I may separately give may be handed to their minister, it would be well that they should agree. For this reason, as well as for the hope of your shewing me wherein I am wrong, and confirming me where I am right, I will give you my creed on the subject. It is contained in these few principles. By the Confederation Congress have no power given them in the first instance over the commerce of the states. But they have a power given them of entering into treaties of commerce, and these treaties may cover the whole feild of commerce, with two restrictions only. 1. That the states may impose equal duties on foreigners as natives, and 2. that they may prohibit the exportation or importation of any species of goods whatsoever. When they  shall have entered into such treaty the superintendance of it results to them, all the operations of commerce which are protected by it\u2019s stipulations, come under their jurisdiction, and the power of the states to thwart them by their separate acts ceases. If Great Britain asks then why she should enter into treaty with us, why not carry on her commerce without treaty? I answer, because till a treaty is made no Consul of hers can be received (his functions being called into existence by a convention only, and the states having abandoned the right of separate agreements and treaties) no protection to her commerce can be given by Congress, no cover to it from those checks and discouragements with which the states will oppress it, acting separately and by fits and starts. That they will act so till a treaty is made, Great Britain has had several proofs, and I am convinced those proofs will become general. It is then to put her commerce with us on systematical ground, and under safe cover, that it behoves Great Britain to enter into treaty. And I own to you that my wish to enter into treaties with the other powers of Europe arises more from a desire of bringing all our commerce under the jurisdiction of Congress, than from any other views. Because, according to my idea, the commerce of the United states with those countries not under treaty with us, is under the jurisdiction of each state separately, but that of the countries which have treated with us is under the jurisdiction of Congress, with the two fundamental restraints only, which I have before noted.\u2014I shall be happy to receive your corrections of these ideas as I have found in the course of our joint services that I think right when I think with you. I am with sincere affection Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Monsr. Houdon has agreed to go to America to take the figure of General Washington. In case of his death between his departure from Paris and his return to it we may lose 20,000 livres. I ask the favour of you to enquire what it will cost to ensure that sum, on his life, in London, and to give me as early an answer as possible that I may order the insurance if I think the terms easy enough. He is I beleive between 30 and 35 years of age, healthy enough, and will be absent about 6 months.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0205", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Laumoy, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Laumoy, Jean Baptiste Joseph, Chevalier de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\npithiviers le 7 juillet 1785.\nJe viens de recevoir une lettre de Mr. de Gouvion, qui me mande que les nouveaux Certificats, que nous attendions, des Sommes qui nous sont dues par les Etats unis, sont actuellement entre vos mains. Comme Je ne puis pas aller \u00e0 Paris dans ce moment-ci, oserois-je vous prier de vouloir bien m\u2019envoyer celui qui me concerne, par la poste, \u00e0 pithiviers en Gatinois, o\u00f9 je demeure.\nComme Mr. de Gouvion me mande aussi, qu\u2019il y a encor quelqu\u2019erreur dans les derniers comptes d\u2019apr\u00e8s lesquels ces nouveaux certificats ont \u00e9t\u00e9 faits, je vous serois infiniment oblig\u00e9 de vouloir bien, me mander le nom d\u2019un des Messieurs, of the treasury Board at Newyork, afin que je puisse m\u2019adresser \u00e0 eux, leur faire observer l\u2019erreur, et la faire corriger s\u2019il est possible.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec Respect Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9\u00eessant Serviteur,\nLaumoy\nLt. Colel. d\u2019Infanterie.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0206", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Williamos, 7 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Williamos, Charles\nSir\nParis July 7. 1785.\nThe inclosed letter will inform you how much reason I have to be dissatisfied with the liberty you have taken with my name. Did the humiliating light in which you have represented me concern me as an individual only, I should be disposed to neglect it, and to spare myself the pain of the present letter. But in my present situation my conduct and character is interesting to the nation whose servant I am. I have no right therefore to neglect this transaction. The man upon whom the pecuniary injury falls has applied to me for a certificate that you were not authorized by me in what you did, of which he means to avail himself with the Police. I have desired him to apply to you, with an assurance that if he did not obtain immediate satisfaction, I would give him the certificate desired. To remove the foundation of such an abuse hereafter I must pray a discontinuance of all further intercourse between us. I find this the more necessary as an opinion has got abroad, I know not how, that you are invested with some public character from the United States. It is not proper that their reputation should be staked on the conduct of any person with whom they have not really entrusted it. I have, as was my duty, contradicted this opinion, on every proper occasion, by assuring those who had entertained it that you had not received this mark of confidence from our new republic, and that you could not as yet be a citizen of it, as you had visited it only for two or three months since the peace, and were still as I had understood an officer on half pay in the British service, a condition inconsistent with the abjuration of allegiance to any foreign power which is necessary on becoming an American citizen. I rely on your concurrence in setting the public opinion to rights on this subject; and if I have been misinformed as to the circumstance of your being still on British pay I shall be glad to be set to rights myself. I am Sir Your humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0207", "content": "Title: Franklin and Jefferson to Adams, with Proposed Treaty with Great Britain, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin,Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nSir\nPassy July 8. 1785.\nWe duly received your letter of the 20th. of June and now in consequence thereof send you a draught of a treaty which we should be willing to have proposed to the court of London. We have taken for our ground work the original draught proposed to Denmark, making such alterations and additions only as had occurred in the course of our negociations with Prussia and Tuscany and which we thought were for the better. These you will find in the 4th. 9th. 13th. and 25th. articles, and are such as met your approbation when we were considering those treaties. Nevertheless we shall be happy to concur with you in any thing better which you may wish to propose either in the original draught or the amendments. Particularly we wish it were possible to convince the British court that it might be for their interest to continue their former bounties on the productions of our country on account of their quality, and of the nature of the returns, which have always been in manufactures and not in money.\nWe have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servts.\nEnclosure\nDraught of a treaty of Amity and Commerce between\n his Britannic majesty and the United states of America\nThe parties being willing &c. [as in the draught proposed to Denmark in every part, except in the following passages.]\nArt. 4. More especially each party shall have a right to carry any kinds of produce manufactures and merchandize of whatever place they be the growth or manufacture in their own or any other vessels to any parts of the Dominions of the other where it shall be lawful for all persons freely to purchase them, and thence to take the produce manufactures and merchandize of whatever place or growth, which all persons shall in like manner be free to sell them, paying in both cases such duties charges and fees only as are or shall be paid by the most favoured nation. Nevertheless each party reserves to itself the right where any nation restrains the transportation of merchandize to the vessels of the country of which it is the growth or manufacture to establish against such nation retaliating regulations: and also the right to prohibit in their respective countries the exportation or importation of any species of goods or commodities whatsoever, when reasons of state shall require it. In this case the subjects or citizens of either of the contracting parties shall not import nor export the merchandize prohibited by the other. But if one of the contracting parties permits any person of their own or any other nation to import or export the same merchandize the citizens or subjects of the other shall immediately enjoy the same liberty.\nArt. 9. Add to the end of the article \u2018the antient and barbarous right to wrecks of the sea shall be entirely abolished, with respect to the subjects or citizens of the two contracting parties.\u2019\nArt. 13. The passage \u2018Nevertheless &c.\u2019 to run as follows. \u2018Nevertheless it shall be lawful to stop such vessels, and to make them unlade such articles in the nearest port, putting them under safekeeping; or to detain them for such length of time as the Captors may think necessary to prevent the inconvenience or damage that might ensue from their proceeding; paying however a reasonable compensation for the loss such arrest shall occasion to the proprietors: or it shall be allowed to use in the service of the captors the whole or any part of the military stores so detained, paying the owners the full value of the same to be ascertained by the current price at the place of it\u2019s destination. But in the case of a vessel so stopped for articles heretofore deemed contraband, if the master will deliver out the goods supposed to be of contraband nature, he shall be admitted to do it, and the vessel shall not in that case be carried into any port, nor further detained, but shall be allowed to proceed on her voiage. Nor shall any such articles be subject to be taken or delayed in any case if they be not in greater quantity than may be necessary for the use of the ship, or of the persons in it.\u2019\nArt. 22. Between \u2018places\u2019 and \u2018whose\u2019 insert \u2018and in general all others.\u2019\nArt. 24. For \u2018necessaries\u2019 substitute \u2018comforts.\u2019\nArt. 25. Add to the clause \u2018but if any such Consuls shall exercise  commerce, they shall be submitted to the same laws and usages to which the private individuals of their nation are submitted in the same place.\u2019", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0208", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Williamos, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Williamos, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis 8th. July 1785\nAstonished and Surprised as I must be at the contents of your Excellencies unexpected letter, my indignation at the atrocious falshoods which have too Successfully been attempted by the lowest and most infernal Malice, is the Juster from the weight of so unexpected a stroke\u2014good God Sir is it possible? That convinced by your own experiences of the constant blunders and misaprehensions to say no worse, of the people of this country, you should so readily admitt as truth, things destitute of every proof or even appearance of probability. For such give me leave to assure you, is the whole of that as ridiculous as infamous tale invented by the Taylor, had he only produced what I may have written to him on the subject, you would have found my positive expressions that you had not, never had, any Conection in my affairs, and by one moment\u2019s recollection it would Strike you as a plain truth, that not having had a draught from you it was impossible to shew it.\u2014I am not by any means \u201cthe first honest man of property\u201d who has been a little in arrear by unexpected disappointments, but untill I can realise some of that property, how can any threats, persecutions, or certificates enable me to furnish money at a moment\u2019s warning especially when every unjust and unfair Method is put in use to cut me off from every resource.\u2014Yet if Longpry or others never meet with more pecuniary Injuries than at my hands they may rest very secure, for I defy him, and all mankind, to say that any one ever lost one single farthing by me, or is likely to do it, for I have means thank God and principles which do not make it even a Chance.\nDetermined to bear every thing, however unjust and Cruel with equal patience, I shall not expatiate on the other matter, any further  than to beg leave to assure you that No State, or Individual in them, has ever been in danger of suffering, much less of having their reputation at Stake by My Conduct. No Sir I defy the utmost malice to point out the smallest Injury willfully done by me, directly or Indirectly, to bodies at large or Individually. Far very far from it, and what ever may have got a broad will prove on fair investigation to have as little foundation from me, as other ridiculous tales. Why then I beseech? admit of such cruel prejudices on so vague a ground. I must either be guilty or not. In the first case Comon humanity as well as strict Justice require full, very full proof. Let it then be brought forwards. I defy the dark base assassins. Let them if they dare, come forwards. I shall meet them with that consciousness which is ever the surest defence of a true honest heart, who ever made doing every good in his power, the basis of his Conduct. Think then Sir how deeply I must feel the base attempts which have too well succeeded, and towards whom, yes towards whom, let my whole conduct, every action, every word, every look of mine since I had the honor of some Intimacy with you, be brought forth. They can only evince the highest respect, esteem, and veneration, as well as the warmest wishes to merit your good opinion and friendship by every endeavour in my power. Could I then, even suspect what I so unjustly experience now, because of my having your Interest so warmly at heart, run counter other people\u2019s.\nI do not know how far I may be right or wrong in point of half pay. The best authorities in England, as well as the received practice of other European Powers, have determined it to be only a reward or indemnification to reduced officers for past services, which lays them under no kind of restraint whatever, Nor Supposes the least obligation to render any further Service or to hold allegiance. General Lee and Several others with whom I have Served kept it during the last war. I have not understood besides that it was made an objection to any American Citizen. Mine was hard very hard earned, and at the breaking out of this war, I had youth, activity, interest and money enough to have got any Comission I pleased, but it did not suit my principles which my whole conduct have proved. Yet I did not think it incumbent on me to give up what I looked upon to be my undefeasable right, any more than the lands I hold on the same ground. However Sir should it ever become a determined question I shall not hesitate to abide by it, let it be what it will.\nIt is peculiarly hard on me to meet at this critical moment with the affront I do but conscious of my Innocence, let the consequences be what they will, I shall bear them with fortitude and as truth ever comes to light sooner or later the day is not far off perhaps, which will confound the utmost efforts of baseness and convince you, that you never had or can know any one more truly and disinteressedly attached to you than Sir Your Excellency\u2019s Most humble Servant,\nC: Williamos", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0211", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Castries, 10 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nSir\nParis July 10. 1785.\nI am honoured with your Excellency\u2019s letter on the prize money for which Mr. Jones applies. The papers intended to have been therein inclosed, not having been actually inclosed, I am unable to say any thing on their subject. But I find that Congress on the first day of November 1783. recommended Capt. Jones to their Minister here, as Agent, to sollicit, under his direction, paiment to the officers and crews for the prizes taken in Europe under his command; requiring him previously to give to their Superintendant of finance good security for paying to him whatever he should receive, to be by him distributed to those entitled. In consequence of this Capt. Jones gave the security required as is certified by the Superintendant of finance on the 6th. of November 1783. and received from Doctor Franklin on the 17th. of December 1783. due authority, as Agent, to sollicit the said paiments.\nFrom these documents I consider Capt. Jones as Agent for the citizens of the United States interested in the prizes taken in Europe under his command, and that he is properly authorized to receive the money due to them, having given good security to transmit it to the Treasury office of the United States, whence it will be distributed under the care of Congress to the officers and crews originally intitled, or to their representatives.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0213", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 10 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nDear Sir\nParis July 10. 1785.\nMr. Houdon would much sooner have had the honour of attending you but for a spell of sickness which long gave us to despair of his recovery and from which he is but recently recovered. He comes now for the purpose of lending the aid of his art to transmit you to posterity. He is without rivalship in it, being employed from all parts of Europe in whatever is capital. He has had a difficulty to withdraw himself from an order of the Empress of Russia, a difficulty however which arose from a desire to shew her respect, but which never gave him a moment\u2019s hesitation about his present voyage which he considers as promising the brightest chapter of his history. I have spoke of him as an Artist only; but I can assure you also that, as a man, he is disinterested, generous, candid, and panting after glory: in every circumstance meriting your good opinion. He will have need to see you much while he shall have the honour of being with you, which you can the more freely admit as his eminence and merit gives him admission into genteel societies here. He will need an interpreter. I supposed you could procure some person from Alexandria who might be agreeable  to yourself to perform this office. He brings with him a subordinate workman or two, who of course will associate with their own class only.\nOn receiving the favour of your letter of Feb. 25. I communicated the plan for clearing the Patowmac, with the act of assembly, and an explanation of it\u2019s probable advantages, to Mr. Grand, whose acquaintance and connection with the monied men here enabled him best to try it\u2019s success. He has done so, but to no end. I inclose you his letter. I am pleased to hear in the mean time that the subscriptions were likely to be filled up at home. This is infinitely better, and will render the proceedings of the companies much more harmonious. I place an immense importance to my own country on this channel of connection with the new Western states. I shall continue uneasy till I know that Virginia has assumed her ultimate boundary to the Westward. The late example of the state of Franklin separated from N. Carolina increases my anxieties for Virginia.\nThe confidence you are so good as to place in me on the subject of the interest lately given you by Virginia in the Patowmac company is very flattering to me. But it is distressing also, inasmuch as, to deserve it, it obliges me to give my whole opinion. My wishes to see you made perfectly easy by receiving those just returns of gratitude from our country, to which you are entitled, would induce me to be contented with saying, what is a certain truth, that the world would be pleased with seeing them heaped on you, and would consider your receiving them as no derogation from your reputation. But I must own that the declining them will add to that reputation, as it will shew that your motives have been pure and without any alloy. This testimony however is not wanting either to those who know you or who do not. I must therefore repeat that I think the receiving them will not in the least lessen the respect of the world if from any circumstances they would be convenient to you. The candour of my communication will find it\u2019s justification I know with you.\nA tolerable certainty of peace leaves little interesting in the way of intelligence. Holland and the emperor will be quiet. If any thing is brewing it is between the latter and the Porte. Nothing in prospect as yet from England. We shall bring them however to decision now that Mr. Adams is received there.\u2014I wish much to hear that the canal thro the Dismal is resumed. I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Dr. Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0214", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis July 11. 1785.\nDoctr. Franklin sets out this morning for Havre from whence he is to cross over to Cowes there to be taken on board Capt. Truxen\u2019s ship bound from London to Philadelphia. The Doctor\u2019s baggage will be contained in 150. or 200 boxes &c. We doubt that the laws of England will not permit these things to be removed from one vessel into another; and it must be attended with great difficulty, delay and expence should he be obliged to enter them regularly merely to pass them from one vessel to another. Will you be so good as to interest yourself (if it be necessary) to obtain a passport for these things or other letters which may protect them in the transfer from one vessel to another. The Doctor being extremely engaged in the moment of departure I informed him that Mr. Harrison was setting out for London today and that I would by him sollicit your interference in this matter. You will judge best whether the orders had better be delivered to capt. Truxent or sent to Cowes. I rather think the last best, as they would put it in his power to land and store them and to discharge the vessel which carries them. Whatever is done should be speedily done. I am with sincere esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0215", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Barr\u00e9, 11 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Barr\u00e9, Jean Baptiste Henri\nSir\nParis July 11. 1785.\nI have this moment received your letter of the 28th. of June and will have the copy of Genl. Washington\u2019s picture taken for Mr. Thevenot as soon as I receive an answer to my letter from  America. I have reason to expect it by the first or second packet. I have no hesitation in pronouncing Wright\u2019s drawing to be a better likeness of the General than Peale\u2019s. I thank you for your friendly dispositions as well to myself as my country. I think it of great importance to both nations that the present cordial harmony should be cultivated. Late occurrences in America prove it to be strong there, and I have no reason to doubt it here.\nI am with great respect Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0216", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 11 July 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPassy July 11. 85.\nMr. Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Mr. Jefferson, and requests he would be so good as to ask either of the Imperial and Sardinian Ambassadors the Favour of forwarding the enclos\u2019d Letters, of which they will make no Difficulty. Mr. F. also recommends Dr. Ingenhauss to Mr. Jefferson, as a proper Correspondent in case he should have any thing to insinuate to that Court. Dr. F\u2019s best Wishes attend Mr. Jefferson.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0217", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 11 July 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPassy 11 July 1785.\nDr. Franklin requests Mr. Jefferson to do what he thinks is proper on the subject of the Letter inclosed, and afterwards to make answer to the writer.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0218", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 11 July [1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis July 11. [1785]\nMr. Houdon\u2019s long and desperate illness has retarded till now his departure for Virginia. We had hoped from our first conversations  with him that it would be easy to make our terms, and that the cost of the statue and expence of sending him would be but about a thousand guineas. But when we came to settle this precisely, he thought himself obliged to ask vastly more. Insomuch that at one moment we thought our treaty at an end, but unwilling to commit such a work to an inferior hand, we made him an ultimate proposition on our part. He was as much mortified at the prospect of not being the executor of such a work, as we were not to have it done by such a hand. He therefore acceded to our terms, tho\u2019 we are satisfied he will be a considerable loser. We were led to insist on them because in a former letter to the Governor I had given the hope we entertained of bringing the whole within 1000 guineas. The terms are 25,000 livres or 1000 English guineas (the English guinea being worth 25. livres) for the statue and pedestal. Besides this we pay his expences going and returning, which we expect will be between four and five thousand livres: and if he dies in the voiage we pay his family 10,000 livres. This latter proposition was disagreeable to us. But he has a father, mother and sisters who have no resource but in his labour: and he is himself one of the best men in the world. He therefore made it a sine quo non, without which all would have been off. We have reconciled it to ourselves by determining to get insurance on his life made in London, which we expect can be done for 5. per cent, so that it becomes an additional sum of 500 livres. I have written to Mr. Adams to know for what per cent the insurance can be had. I inclose you, for a more particular detail, a copy of the agreement. Dr. Franklin being on his departure did not become a party to the instrument, tho it has been concluded with his approbation. He was disposed to give 250 guineas more, which would have split the difference between the actual terms and Mr. Houdon\u2019s demand. I wish the state, at the conclusion of the work may agree to give him this much more, because I am persuaded he will be a loser, which I am sure their generosity would not wish. But I have not given him the smallest expectation of it, chusing the proposition should come from the state which will be more honourable. You will perceive by the agreement that I pay him immediately 8333 \u2153 livres, which is to be employed in getting the marble in Italy, it\u2019s transportation &c. The package and transportation of his stucco to make the moulds will be about 500 livres. I shall furnish him with money for his expences in France and I have authorised Dr. Franklin when he arrives in Philadelphia to draw  on me for money for his other expences going, staying and returning. These draughts will have been made probably and will be on their way to me before you receive this, and with the paiments made here will amount to about 5000 livres more than the amount of the bill remitted me. Another third, of 8333 \u2153 livres will become due at the end of the ensuing year. Dr. Franklin leaves Passy this morning. As he travels in a litter, Mr. Houdon will follow him some days hence and will embark with him for Philadelphia. I am in hopes he need not stay in America more than a month.\nI have the honour to be with due respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0219", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 12 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis July 12. 1785.\nMy last letter to you was dated the 17th. of June. The present serves to cover some papers put into my hands by Capt. Paul Jones. They respect an antient matter which is shortly this. While Capt. Jones was hovering on the coast of England in the year 1779. a British pilot, John Jackson by name, came on board him supposing him to be British. Capt. Jones found it convenient to detain him as a pilot and in the action with the Serapis, which ensued, this man lost his arm. It is thought that this gives him a just claim to the same allowance with others who have met with the like misfortune in the service of the United states. Congress alone being competent to this application, it is my duty to present the case to their consideration, which I beg leave to do through you.\nDr. Franklin will be able to give you so perfect a state of all transactions relative to his particular office in France, as well as to the subjects included in our general commission, that it is unnecessary for me to enter on them. His departure, with the separate situation of Mr. Adams and myself will render it difficult to communicate to you the future proceedings of the commission, as regularly as they have been heretofore. We shall do it however with all the punctuality practicable, either separately or jointly as circumstances may require and admit.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0220", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee, 12 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lee, Richard Henry\nDr. Sir\nParis July 12. 1785.\nI was honoured two days ago with yours of May 16. and thank you for the intelligence it contained, much of which was new to me. It was the only letter I received by this packet except one from Mr. Hopkinson on philosophical subjects. I generally write about a dozen by every packet, and receive sometimes one, sometimes two, and sometimes ne\u2019er a one. You are right in supposing all letters opened which come either thro\u2019 the French or English channel, unless trusted to a passenger. Yours had been evidently opened, and I think I never received one through the post office which had not been. It is generally discoverable by the smoakiness of the wax and faintness of the re-impression. Once they sent me a letter open, having forgotten to re-seal it. I should be happy to hear that Congress thought of establishing packets of their own between N. York and Havre. To send a packet from each port once in two months, the business might possibly be done by two packets, as will be seen by the following scheme, wherein we will call the two packets A. and B.\nJan. A sails from\nNew York.\nB. from Havre\nFeb.\nMar. B.\nNew York\nA. Havre\nApr.\nMay A.\nNew York\nB. Havre\nJune\nJuly B.\nNew York\nA. Havre\nAug.\nSep. A.\nNew York\nB. Havre\nOct.\nNov. B.\nNew York\nA. Havre\nDec.\nI am persuaded this government would gladly arrange this matter with us, and send their packets in the intermediate months, as they are tired of expence. We should then have a safe conveiance every two months, and one for common matters every two months. A courier would pass between this and Havre in twenty four hours. Could not the surplus of the Post office revenue be applied to this? This establishment would look like the commencement of a little navy, the only kind of force we ought to possess. You mention that Congress is on the subject of requisition. No subject is more interesting to  the honour of the states. It is an opinion which prevails much in Europe that our government wants authority to draw money from the states, and that the states want faith to pay their debts. I shall wish much to hear how far the requisitions on the states are productive of actual cash. Mr. Grand informed me the other day that the Commissioners were dissatisfied with his having paid to this country but 200,000 livres of the 400,000 for which Mr. Adams drew on Holland, reserving the residue to replace his advances and furnish current expences. They observed that these last objects might have been effected by the residue of the money in Holland which was lying dead. Mr. Grand\u2019s observation to me was that Mr. Adams did not like to draw for these purposes, that he himself had no authority, and that the Commissioners had not accompanied their complaints with any draught on that fund, so that the debt still remains unpaid while the money is lying dead in Holland. He did not desire me to mention this circumstance, but should you see the Commissioners it might not be amiss to communicate it to them, that they may take any measures they please, if they think it proper to do any thing in it. I am anxious to hear what is done with the states of Vermont and Franklin. I think that the former is the only innovation on the system of Apr. 23. 1784. which ought ever possibly to be admitted. If Congress are not firm on that head, our several states will crumble to atoms by the spirit of establishing every little canton into a separate state. I hope Virginia will concur in that plan as to her territory South of the Ohio and not leave to the Western country to withdraw themselves by force and become our worst enemies instead of our best friends. Europe is likely to be quiet. The departure of the Dutch deputies for Vienna, is a proof that matters are arranged between the Emperor and Dutch. The Turks shew a disposition to rally against the pursuits of the Emperor: but if this country can preserve the peace she will do it. She is not ready for war, and yet could not see peaceably any new accession of power to him. A lover of humanity would wish to see that charming country from which the Turks exclude science and freedom, in any hands rather than theirs, and in those of the native Greeks rather than any others. The recovery of their antient language would not be desperate, could they recover their antient liberty. But those who wish to remove the Turks, wish to put themselves in their places. This would be exchanging one set of Barbarians for another only. I am sorry to hear your health is not yet established. I was in hopes a  change of climate would have effected it. Perhaps the summer of N. York may have produced that good effect.\nThis will be handed you by Monsr. Houdon. The letter which I give him to our delegation will apprise you of his character and mission, as well as of the object he would propose with Congress. I will here only add my request to you personally to render him such civilities as may be convenient, and to avail him of those opportunities which are in your power of making him acquainted with the members of Congress and of disposing them in his favour. He will well merit their notice. I am with great esteem Dear Sir your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0222", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 12 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Virginia Delegates in Congress\nGentlemen\nParis July 12. 1785.\nIn consequence of the orders of the Legislative and Executive bodies of Virginia, I have engaged Monsr. Houdon to make the Statue of Genl. Washington. For this purpose it is necessary for him to see the General. He therefore goes with Doctr. Franklin, and will have the honor of delivering you this himself. As his journey is at the expence of the state according to our contract, I will pray you to favor him with your patronage and counsels, and to protect him as much as possible from those impositions to which strangers are but too much exposed. I have advised him to proceed in the stages to the General\u2019s. I have also agreed, if he can see Generals Greene and Gates, whose busts he has a desire to make, that he may make a moderate deviation for this purpose, after he is done with General Washington.\nBut the most important object with him is to be employed to make General Washington\u2019s equestrian statue for Congress. Nothing but the expectation of this could have engaged him to have undertaken this voiage, as the pedestrian statue for Virginia will not make it worth the business he loses by absenting himself. I was therefore obliged to assure him of my recommendations for this greater work. Having acted in this for the state, you will I hope think yourselves in some measure bound to patronize and urge his being employed by Congress. I would not have done this myself, nor asked you to do it, did I not see that it would be better for Congress to put this business into his hands, than into those of any other person living, for these reasons: 1. He is without rivalship the first statuary of this age; as a proof of which he receives orders from every other country for things intended to be capital. 2. He will have seen General Washington, have taken his measures in every part, and of course whatever he does of him will have the merit of being original, from which other workmen can only furnish copies. 3. He is in possession of the house, the furnaces, and all the apparatus provided for making the statue of Louis XV. If any other workman is employed, this will all be to be provided anew and of course to be added to the price of the statue, for no man can ever expect to make two equestrian statues. The addition which this would be to the price will much exceed the expectation of any person who has not seen that apparatus. In truth it is immense. As to the price of the work it will be much  greater than Congress is aware of, probably. I have enquired somewhat into this circumstance, and find the prices of those made for two centuries past have been from 120,000 guineas down to 16,000 guineas, according to the size. And as far as I have seen, the smaller they are, the more agreeable. The smallest yet made is infinitely above the size of the life, and they all appear outr\u00e9e and monstrous. That of Louis XV is probably the best in the world, and it is the smallest here. Yet it is impossible to find a point of view from which it does not appear a monster, unless you go so far as to lose sight of the features and finer lineaments of the face and body. A statue is not made, like a mountain, to be seen at a great distance. To perceive those minuter circumstances which constitute it\u2019s beauty you must be near it, and, in that case, it should be so little above the size of the life, as to appear actually of that size from your point of view. I should not therefore fear to propose that the one intended by Congress should be considerably smaller than any of those to be seen here; as I think it will be more beautiful, and also cheaper. I have troubled you with these observations as they have been suggested to me from an actual sight of works in this kind, and supposed they might assist you in making up your minds on this subject. In making a contract with Monsr. Houdon it would not be proper to advance money, but as his disbursements and labour advance. As it is a work of many years, this will render the expence insensible. The pedestrian statue of marble is to take three years, the equestrian of course much more. Therefore the sooner it is begun the better. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Gentlemen your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0224", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Fran\u00e7ois Briet, 13 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Briet, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nSir\nParis July 13. 1785.\nI am glad to hear that the council have ordered restitution of the merchandize seized in l\u2019Orient contrary to the freedom of the place. When a court of justice has taken cognisance of a complaint and have given restitution of the principal subject, if it refuses some of the accessories, we are to presume that some circumstances of evidence appeared to them, unknown to us, and which rendered it\u2019s refusal just and proper. As in the present case if any circumstances in the conduct of the owner, or relative to the merchandize itself gave probable grounds of suspicion that they were not entitled to the freedom of the port, damages for the detention might be properly denied. Respect for the integrity of courts of justice and especially of so high a one as that of the king\u2019s council obliges us to presume that circumstances arose which justified this part of their order. It is only in cases where justice is palpably denied that one nation, or it\u2019s ministers, are authorized to complain of the courts of another. I hope you will see therefore that an application from me as to the damages for detention would be improper.\nI have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0225", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to B. Cont\u00e9e, 13 July 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Cont\u00e9e, B.\n[Paris, 13 July 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cB. Cont\u00e9ee. Bayonne. See copy. By post (copy lost or mislaid).\u201d Neither the copy that TJ \u201clost or mislaid\u201d nor the RC has been found; see Cont\u00e9e\u2019s letter of 18 July 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0226", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to P. & V. French & Nephew, 13 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: P. & V. French & Nephew\nGentlemen\nParis July 13. 1785.\nI had the honour of your letter of June 21. inclosing one from Mr. Alexander of June 17. and a copy of his application to Monsr. de Calonnes. I am very sensible that no trade can be on a more desperate footing than that of tobacco in this country; and that our merchants must abandon the French markets if they are not  permitted to sell the productions they bring on such terms as will enable them to purchase reasonable returns in the manufactures of France. I know but one remedy to the evil; that of allowing a free vent: and I should be very happy in being instrumental to the obtaining this. But while the purchase of tobacco is monopolized by a company, and they pay for that monopoly a heavy price to the government, they doubtless are at liberty to fix such places and terms of purchase as may enable them to make good their engagements with government. I see no more reason for obliging them to give a greater price for tobacco than they think they can afford than to do the same between two individuals treating for a horse, a house, or any thing else. Could this be effected by applications to the minister, it would only be a palliative which would retard the ultimate cure which every friend to this country as well as to America should wish for and aim at.\nI have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0227", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 13 July 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nOffice for foreign Affairs 13th July 1785\nSince mine to you of the 15th. June last which mentioned the Receipt of such of your Letters as had then come to Hand, I have not been favored with any from you. Those Letters were immediately laid before Congress, and are still under their Consideration. Whether any and what further Resolutions or Instructions will result from their Deliberations is as yet uncertain and therefore lest their Sentiments and mine should clash I forbear saying anything officially on the Subject for the present.\nThe Convention respecting Consuls, or rather a Copy of it sent  by Doctr. Franklin has also been received and laid before Congress. They have taken it into Consideration but have as yet come to no Resolutions.\nWe have Intelligence (which though not entirely authentic is believed by many) that the British are enticing our People to settle Lands within our Lines under their Government and Protection by gratuitous Supplies of Provisions, Implements of Husbandry &ca. The truth of this Report will soon be ascertained. I wish it may prove groundless; if true, the Evacuation of the frontier Posts is not to be expected, and another War is to be looked and prepared for.\nWe suppose but have not heard that Mr. Adams is in London. We are anxious to receive Letters from him, and to learn with certainty the Intentions of that Court with Respect to those Posts and other interesting Subjects.\nMr. Gardoqui has at length arrived. He is charged with the Affairs of Spain, with plenipotentiary Powers.\nCongress appointed Governor Livingston to succeed Mr. Adams at the Hague, but he declining it they have since elected Governor Rutledge, whose Answer cannot be expected for some time yet.\nI have the Honor to be &ca.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0228", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Ramsay, 13 July 1785\nFrom: Ramsay, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York July 13th. 1785\nBy the French packet which sailed on the fifteenth of June I did my self the honour to inclose to your care 184 pages of the history of the revolution of South Carolina with propositions relative to a translation of it into the French language. I now do myself the honor to inclose to you all that is now printed, which is to page 328.\nM. De Marbois the Consul General of France has done me the honor to enclose a copy of it to Count Chatelleaux to interest him in the translation if it should be thought advisable. I therefore request that any thing which may be done in the matter may be done in concert with that Gentleman. From the infant state of literature in America I shall probably lose money by my publication in the United States. Unless nine hundred copies sell at four dollars a piece I shall not be reimbursed for the expences of the  impression. I therefore wish that whatsoever may be done in Europe may be done in such a manner as will interest me in the profits as well as the bookseller and the Translator and Printer. The second volume will be much more interesting than the first as it will contain the campaigns of 1780 and 1781 in the Southern States inclusive of Lord Cornwallis\u2019s surrender. If a translation should not be thought advisable I am contentd, if it should I hold myself entitled to a share of the profits. Whatsoever you do I beg may be done in concert with M. De Marbois\u2019 correspondent.\nI have shewn the whole manuscript to M. De Marbois who thinks it will bear a translation. I add that whatsoever you may do in the matter will be not only approved but received as a favor conferred on your most obedient most humble Servt.,\nDavid Ramsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0229", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, [after 14 July 1785]\nFrom: Bondfield, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Bordeaux, after 14 July 1785.] Sends TJ a copy of a letter received by the last post from Toulon, which indicates that the Algerines\u2019 activities are \u201cinfluenced by other than their private piratical passion\u201d; he will also advise Gov. Hancock.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0231", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Jan Ingenhousz, 14 July 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ingenhousz, Jan\n[Paris, 14 July 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cMonsr. Ingenhausz medecin de la cour & c. & c. \u00e0 Vienne. Inclosing Dr. Franklin\u2019s letter. Count Merci.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0232", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 14 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thomson, Charles\n               By Mr. Houdon I send you a copy of my notes. I also send 100 copies of the paper I left with you on our coinage. Printing is so cheap here (they cost me but a guinea) that I thought it worth while to print as many copies as would enable you to put one into the hands of every member of Congress when they should enter on the subject, and to do the same at any succeeding session when they should resume it, as I do not expect it will be taken up and finished at the same session, in which case there might be a great change of members. It will not be necessary for you to say they come from me. They may as well be supposed to be printed on the spot and of course in the ordinary way, which will be their presumption if nothing be said about it. Mr. Houdon comes to take the likeness in plaister of General Washington. He is the first statuary of the age. His eminence, his worth, and his errand will recommend him to your notice. I am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0234", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 16 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Westminster, the Corner of\n Duke and Brook Streets July 16th. 1785\nI have been so perplexed with Ceremonials, Visits, Removals and eternal applications from Beggars of one Species and another, besides the real Business of my Department, that I fear I have not answered your favour of the second of June, which I received in Season. I have received from Mr. Garvey all but my wine and have written him to day to forward that and will run the risque of it, as I believe I shall easily obtain an order to receive it without paying duties. Petits Note of Expences which you paid, you either omitted to send me or I have lost it in the Confusion of a Removal, so that I must trouble you to send it again.\nAs to News Papers, I should advise you to apply to the Comte de Vergennes or Mr. Rayneval or Mr. Gennet the Premier Commis of the Bureau des Interpretes, who, I presume will readily order your Gazettes to come with their own, through the same Channel, free of Expence for Postage. The father of the present Mr. Gennet was so good as to oblige me in this way in the year 1780.\nI wrote to you and Dr. Franklin on the 20th. of June, requesting you to send me a Project of a Treaty of Commerce with this Court, and proposed that agreed on with Prussia as the Model. Let me beg your answer to this as soon as possible.\nThe Doctor is to embark at Spithead or the Isle of White, on board of Captain Truckston as he tells me.\nThe proceedings at Boston make a Sensation here. Yours most affectionately,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0236", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ezra Stiles, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stiles, Ezra\nSir\nParis July 17. 1785.\nI have long deferred doing myself the honour of writing to you, wishing for an opportunity to accompany my letter with a copy of the Bibliotheque Physico-\u0153conomique, a book published here lately in four small volumes, and which gives an account of all the improvements in the arts which have been made for some years past. I flatter myself you will find in it many things agreeable and useful. I accompany it with the volumes of the Connoissance des tems for the years 1781. 1784. 1785. 1786. 1787. But why, you will ask, do I send you old almanachs, which are proverbially useless? Because in these publications have appeared from time to time some of the most precious things in astronomy. I have searched out those particular volumes which might be valuable to you on this account. That of 1781. contains de la Caille\u2019s catalogue of fixed stars reduced to the commencement of that year,  and a table of the Aberrations and Nutations of the principal stars. 1784 contains the same catalogue with the Nebuleuses of Messier. 1785 contains the famous catalogue of Flamsteed with the positions of the stars reduced to the beginning of the year 1784. and which supersedes the use of that immense book. 1786 gives you Euler\u2019s Lunar tables corrected; and 1787 the tables for the planet Herschel. The two last needed not an apology, as not being within the description of old almanachs. It is fixed on grounds which scarcely admit a doubt that the planet Herschel was seen by Mayer in the year 1756. and was considered by him as one of the Zodiacal stars, and as such arranged in his catalogue, being the 964th. which he describes. This 964th. of Mayer has been since missing, and the calculations for the planet Herschel shew that it should have been at the time of Mayer\u2019s observation where he places his 964th. star. The volume of 1787. gives you Mayer\u2019s Catalogue of the Zodiacal stars. The researches of the Natural philosophers of Europe seem mostly in the field of chemistry, and here principally on the subjects of air and fire. The analysis of these two subjects presents to us very new ideas. When speaking of the Bibliotheque physico-\u0153conomique, I should have observed that since it\u2019s publication a man in this city has invented a method of moving a vessel on the water by a machine worked within the vessel. I went to see it. He did not know himself the principle of his own invention. It is a screw with a very broad thin worm, or rather it is a thin plate with it\u2019s edge applied spirally round an axis. This being turned operates on the air as a screw does, and may be literally said to screw the vessel along: the thinness of the medium and it\u2019s want of resistance occasions a loss of much of the force. The screw I think would be more effectual if placed below the surface of the water. I very much suspect that a countryman of ours, Mr. Bushnel of Connecticut is entitled to the merit of a prior discovery of this use of the screw. I remember to have heard of his submarine navigation during the war, and from what Colo. Humphreys now tells me I conjecture that the screw was the power he used. He joined to this a machine for exploding under water at a given moment. If it were not too great a liberty for a stranger to take I would ask from him a narration of his actual experiments, with or without a communication of his principle as he should chuse. If he thought proper to communicate it I would engage never to disclose it unless I could find an opportunity of doing it for his benefit. I thank you for your information as to the great  bones found on the Hudson\u2019s river. I suspect that these must have been of the same animal with those found on the Ohio: and if so, they could not have belonged to any human figure, because they are accompanied with tusks of the size, form and substance of those of the elephant. I have seen of the ivory, which was very good. The animal itself must have been much larger than an elephant. Mrs. Adams gives me an account of a flower found in Connecticut which vegetates when suspended in the air. She brought one to Europe. What can be this flower? It would be a curious present to this continent.\nThe accomodation likely to take place between the Dutch and the Emperor leaves us without that unfortunate resource for news which wars give us. The Emperor has certainly had in view the Bavarian exchange of which you have heard: but so formidable an opposition presented itself, that he has thought proper to disavow it. The Turks shew a disposition to go to war with him. But if this country can prevail on them to remain in peace they will do so. It has been thought that the two Imperial courts have a plan of expelling the Turks from Europe. It is really a pity so charming a country should remain in the hands of a people whose religion forbids the admission of science and the arts among them. We should wish success to the object of the two empires if they meant to leave the country in possession of the Greek inhabitants. We might then expect once more to see the language of Homer and Demosthenes a living language. For I am persuaded the modern greek would easily get back to it\u2019s classical models. But this is not intended. They only propose to put the Greeks under other masters: to substitute one set of Barbarians for another.\nColo. Humphreys having satisfied you that all attempts would be fruitless here to obtain money or other advantages for your college I need add nothing on that head. It is a method of supporting colleges of which they have no idea, tho\u2019 they practise it for the support of their lazy monkish institutions.\nI have the honour to be with the highest respect and esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0237", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 17 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Washington, George\nSir\nParis July 17. 1785.\nPermit me to add, what I forgot in my former letter, a request to you to be so kind as to communicate to me what you can recollect of Bushnel\u2019s experiments in submarine navigation during the late war, and whether you think his method capable of being used succesfully for the destruction of vessels of war. It\u2019s not having been actually used for this purpose by us, who were so peculiarly in want of such an agent seems to prove it did not promise success. I am with the highest esteem Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0238", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square July 18th. 1785\nYour Favours of June 22d. and July 7 and 11th. are before me. The delay of Mr. Lamb\u2019s arrival is unfortunate, but I think with you that the sooner a project of Treaties is prepared the better, and I will give the earliest attention to it whenever you shall send it. I shall go this morning to Stockdale, to talk with him about sending you the News Papers, and Pamphlets through the Channell of Cleveland Row, i.e. Lord Carmarthens office.\nI agree with pleasure to the appointment made by the Doctor and you of Mr. Short, to carry the treaty through London to the Hague, and in joining Mr. Dumas with him in making the Exchange. A Letter to him and another to Mr. Dumas signed by you and me, as the Doctor is gone, would be sufficient Authority: But I shall have no objection of giving each of them a more formal Commission under our Hands and seals, to be our Secretaries  specially pro hac Vice. He must carry our original Commission to shew to the Baron De Thulemeyer and a Copy of it attested by Colo. Humphries to deliver him, and Mr. Dumas and he should see the Prussian Commission and receive an attested Copy of that. I do not think of any other Papers necessary.\nI have given to Lord Carmarthen long ago, an Explanation of the power of Congress to form Treaties of Commerce, exactly conformable to that which you gave the English Gentleman, but I did not extend it to the Case of Consuls. He asked me no questions concerning Consuls, and I did not think it proper for me to say any thing on that subject, not having any Instructions. But I am not easy on that head. Mr. Temple talks of going out in three or four weeks, but I am very apprehensive he will meet with the difficulties you foresee.\nI will enquire about insuring 20,000 Livres on the Life of Mr. Houdon. I have written to Mr. Frazier, the Under Secretary of State in Lord Carmarthens office, concerning Dr. Franklins Baggage, have stated the Circumstances as you State them to me, and have solicited the necessary Facilities. I hope for a favourable answer. Truxtun is to depart from hence on Thursday, and I will let him know the answer I may have.\nI don\u2019t like the symptoms. Galloway, Deane, Chalmers, Watson are too much in favor. The Lottery for the Tories, although perhaps in Part inevitable, has been introduced with such pompous demonstrations of affection and approbation as are neither wise, nor honest. There is too much attention to the Navy, and there is another step, which allarms my apprehensions. Hanover is joining Prussia against the Views of the two Imperial Courts at least in Bavaria. Keep this as secret as the grave, but search it to the botom where you are. Does this indicate a Doubt Whether our Business with De Thulemeyer may be delayed? Does it indicate a design in the British Cabinet, to be Neutral in order to be more at Leisure to deal with us? Can it be a Secret Understanding between St. James\u2019s and Versailles? The disigns of ruining, if they can our carrying Trade, and annihilating all our Navigation, and Seamen is too apparent. Yours sincerely,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0239", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from B. Cont\u00e9e, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Cont\u00e9e, B.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBayonne, 18 July 1785. He had written on 28 June, stating that he was offered by Moracin (receiver of the Farmers-General at Bayonne) only 35 livres per quintal for 450 hogsheads of tobacco landed there, though he had previously been led to expect a higher price than that of 44 livres already refused. Since such a breach of faith is detrimental to sound commercial relations, he had urged that the matter be taken up at Versailles, and now asks advice. Maryland tobacco sells there at 40 or 41 livres and has been purchased by Moracin, though it arrived after Cont\u00e9e\u2019s shipment and long after he had contracted to deliver it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0241", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Henley, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Henley, Samuel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nRendlesham, near Melton & Ipswich in Suffolk\nI was much mortified to find that you had been in England some time before I knew it, and was gone from hence at the instant I was projecting a journey to pay my respects to you.\nGive me leave to congratulate you on your being appointed Ambassador to the Court of France; a circumstance no less honourable to your Country than Yourself. I shall be happy to know that Mrs. Jefferson and your family are well, and should rejoice beyond measure to see you. The Gentleman who will deliver this letter is a friend of mine, and a fellow of Benet College in the University of Cambridge. You will find him an amiable man, and capable of gratifying your curiosity in a thousand particulars. If you could spare the time to inform me of any of our old friends across the Atlantic, the state of the College at Williamsburgh, the fate of my books, & c. he will take the charge of what you might be disposed to communicate. Should there be anything in England you could wish to know from me, I should be happy to satisfy your inquiries.\nDifferent as our situations are from what they on[ce] were, I shall ever look back with sincere pleasure on the friendship with which you honoured me and shall always be proud to subscribe myself, most sincerely Your\u2019s,\nS. Henley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0242", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 18 July 1785\nFrom: Holker, Jean\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nRouen ce 18. Juillet 1785.\nJai eu la satisfaction pendant deux jours de posseder ici notre V\u00e9n\u00e9rable ami Le Docteur franklin. Il a suport\u00e9 le voyage d\u2019une  maniere surprenante. Il est r\u00e9parti hier pour Le havre, je l\u2019ai accompagn\u00e9 pendant trois Lieues, j\u2019espere qu\u2019il arrivera dans ce port de mer en bonne Sant\u00e9.\nPendant son sejour ici on \u00e0 visit\u00e9 et parcouru avec son fils les divers Bureaux de la Douanne, mais inutilement, la Caisse de Livres que vous et le Docteur franklin reclam\u00e9s ne s\u2019y est pas trouv\u00e9e. J\u2019ai fait venir avec son Registre le Courtier anglois qui a fait faire La Decharge du Navire du Capt. Brooks et nous nous sommes convaincus qu\u2019il n\u2019est arriv\u00e9 par ce Navire que La seule Caisse qui contenoit Votre presse. M. franklin doit ecrire \u00e0 Londres pour \u00eatre inform\u00e9 de la raison de cette n\u00e9gligence, etant constant que Votre Caisse de Livres n\u2019a point et\u00e9 expedi\u00e9e.\nLe Courtier m\u2019a demand\u00e9 9. \u20b6 pour Les frais de votre Caisse qui a est\u00e9 retir\u00e9e de la Douanne, vous en av\u00e9s c\u2019y joint la quitance. Cest un malheur, que Votre correspondant \u00e0 Londres n\u2019ait donn\u00e9 avis \u00e0 personne ici, cela auroit \u00e9vit\u00e9 bien des frais et de l\u2019embarras.\nJe suis avec une respectueuse consideration Monsieur Votre tres humble & tres obeissant Serviteur,\nJ Holker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0243", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from De Thulemeier, 19 July 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\n\u00e0 la Haye le 19e Juillet 1785.\nLe Roi a parfaitement approuv\u00e9 le Projet du Trait\u00e9 de Commerce et d\u2019Amiti\u00e9 avec les Etats Unis de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, tel qu\u2019il a \u00e9t\u00e9 le r\u00e9sultat de nos soins communs, et tel qu\u2019il s\u2019est trouv\u00e9 consign\u00e9 \u00e0 la suite de la derni\u00e8re lettre dont Vous m\u2019avez honor\u00e9 en date du 26 Mai de l\u2019ann\u00e9e courrante. Sa Majest\u00e9 agr\u00e9e de plus que d\u2019apr\u00e8s Votre proposition, Monsieur, et celle de Messieurs Vos Coll\u00e9gues la dur\u00e9e pr\u00e9alable du dit Trait\u00e9 soit fix\u00e9e \u00e0 dix ann\u00e9es, et c\u2019est en cons\u00e9quence de mes instructions que dans l\u2019Article 27, le terme mentionn\u00e9 a \u00e9t\u00e9 exprim\u00e9. Elle m\u2019ordonne de proc\u00e9der actuellement \u00e0 la signature requise avec Messieurs les Ministres  des Etats de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique Unie, et de diriger sous Leur bon plaisir l\u2019introduction en conformit\u00e9 de celle qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 usit\u00e9e dans le Trait\u00e9 de Commerce conclu avec le Roi de Su\u00e8de. La copie cijointe du Trait\u00e9 que je me propose de munir de ma signature en conformit\u00e9 de mes pleinpouvoirs, remplit ces diff\u00e9rens objets et il ne me reste uniquement qu\u2019\u00e0 Vous rappeler, Monsieur, la proposition que j\u2019ai pris la libert\u00e9 de Vous faire par ma lettre dat\u00e9e du 17. de Juin pass\u00e9, d\u2019autoriser Mr. le Charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires Dumas \u00e0 la Haye de proc\u00e9der avec moi \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9change usit\u00e9. Le Roi n\u2019attend que l\u2019envoi de l\u2019exemplaire auquel Messieurs les Pl\u00e9nipotentiaires Am\u00e9ricains auront appos\u00e9 leur Signature, pour faire exp\u00e9dier Sa Ratification de la mani\u00e8re usit\u00e9e.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nde Thulemeier\nP.S. Oserois-je me flatter, Monsieur, que Vous Vous chargeriez de faire passer en Am\u00e9rique la lettre ci jointe pour Mr. le G\u00e9n\u00e9ral de Steuben; elle m\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 envoi\u00e9e par une de ses parentes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0244", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Temple Franklin, 20 July 1785\nFrom: Franklin, William Temple\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nHavre, 20th. July 1785.\nI know you will learn with Pleasure that my Grandfather has been able to effect his Journey hither without any addition to his usual Sufferings; and that he is in good Health and Spirits. He does not now forsee any Difficulty in getting to America. The Bargain with Capt. Truxton is terminated, and he is to be at Cowes by the 1st. August. We wait here only for the Arrival of part of our Baggage, which comes by Water from Rouen, and which we expect in a Day or two. We shall then probably freight a small Vessel to carry us to the Isle of Wight. But whether our Baggage arrives here or no, we shall certainly leave this by the  26th. Mr. Hudon therefore should not delay his Departure, if he means to accompany us.\nDuring our short Stay at Rouen, I made all possible Inquiry concerning the Box of Papers missing which contained your Books, and went myself to the Custom House and examined every Case lying there, and even open\u2019d some that I suspected might be it, but all to no purpose. I now begin to think that the Captain never deliver\u2019d it, as I could find no trace of it or the Books. I shall therefore write immediately to Mr. Woodmason, requesting him to recover the Case of the Captain, or the Value thereof, if the Delivery of the same at the Custom House at Rouen cannot be proved. In packing up my Papers at Passy, I found the Captains Receipt for the two Cases, and had it with me at Rouen, where I believe I left it with Mr. Holker, as I cannot find it at present. It is on a small Fragment of Paper, and by no means so particular as I could wish. I did not attend to this at the time, relying entirely on Mr. Woodmason\u2019s experience in Business of such a nature. If I remember right, the Ships Name was the Holham and the Captains Brookes. If Mr. Woodmason does not however replace your Books, I shall consider myself as bound to do it; and I hereby desire Mr. Grand to procure them for you on my Account.\nPermit me, my dear Sir, before I conclude to make you my most thankful Acknowledgements for the several Marks of Friendship you have been pleased to confer on me during our short Acquaintance; and particularly for the favorable Opinion you are pleased to entertain and give of me to your Friends, in the Introductory Letters you have honor\u2019d me with. Believe me I am extreamly sensible of all your Kindness, and that it will ever be my Ambition to merit your Esteem, which alone can entitle me to a continuation of the Favors you have already confer\u2019d on Dear Sir, Your most affectionate & grateful humble Servant,\nW. T. Franklin\nMy Grandfather desires me to present you his most affectionate Respects and joins me in best Wishes for your Health and Happiness.\nP.S. Mr. Hudon is just arrived.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0245", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 21 July 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nHavre, July 21. 1785.\nI have just received your Favour of the 18th. I thank you for the Steps you took with the Duke of Dorset, and with Mr. Adams; and hope they will prove effectual. I arrived here extreamly well, not at all hurt or fatigued by the Carriage I us\u2019d, which I found generally very gentle. I embark this Evening for Cowes with Mr. Houdon. I have seen that M. du Plessis twice. He appears a Man of some Intelligence, born and bred in the East Indies. I know not what his Manuscript is; but if on looking it over you should think it of sufficient Importance, I wish you would put it into the Hands of Mr: Lamotte my late Clerk, who will transcribe it for me. My best Wishes attend you, being with sincere Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nB. Franklin\nMessrs. Bache and Franklin are very sensible of Mr. Jefferson\u2019s kind Remembrances, and present him their most affectionate Respects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0246", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from De Pio, [21 July 1785]\nFrom: Pio, Chevalier de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nce Jeudy [21 July 1785]\nMr. de Pio, Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires du Roy de Naples, ayant oubli\u00e9 quelqu\u2019article de la conversation qu\u2019il a eu avec Monsieur Jefferson Mardy \u00e0 Versailles au sujet des denr\u00e9es de l\u2019Amerique Septentrionale, qu\u2019on pourraient importer en Europe, et particulierement dans les Ports des Siciles; il prie Mr. Jefferson de vouloir bien lui dire, si outre les Tabacs, et les Poissons sal\u00e9s il y en a d\u2019autres.\nMr. de Pio demande bien pardon de la libert\u00e9 qu\u2019il prend, n\u2019osant pas de venir l\u2019importuner personnellement, et il a l\u2019honneur de lui faire ses tr\u00e9s humbles complimens.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0247", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to De Pio, 21 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pio, Chevalier de\nMonsr. Jefferson a l\u2019honneur de souhaiter le bonjour \u00e0 Monsr. de Pio. Les denr\u00e9es que les Etats Unis d\u2019Amerique exportent en quantit\u00e9 sont le riz, l\u2019indigo, le goudron, le tabac, le bl\u00e9, le chanvre, la potasse, les poissons sal\u00e9s, et les bois de construction. Les marchandises que les habitants des Etats unis prendront en echange seront les vins, les eaux de vie, l\u2019huile, les fruits secs et confits, les soies, les manufactures de toute espece, et surtout les fabriques de laine, de coton, de lin, de fer et des autres metaux. On ne verra point, ou que tres peu, de batimens Americains dans la Mediterran\u00e9e jusques \u00e0 ce que nous aurons fait des arrangemens avec les barbaresques, mais, cela fait, nous y commercerons beaucoup, comme nous avons toujours fait avant la revolution sous pavillon Anglois.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0249", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 24 July 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square July 24th. 1785\nI have a Letter from the Baron De Thulemeier of the 19th. and a Copy of his Letter to you of the same date. I hope now in a few Day\u2019s to take Mr. Short by the hand in Grosvenor Square and to put my hand to the treaty. I think no time should be lost. We will join Mr. Dumas with Mr. Short in the Exchange if you please.\nI applyed as you desired, and obtained the interposition of the Lords Commissioners of the treasury, and the Commissioners of the Customs for the transhipping of Dr. Franklin\u2019s Baggage. We have heared of the Doctor\u2019s arrival at Rouen, but no further.\nThe Britons Alliens Duty is a very burthensome Thing, and they may carry it hereafter as far upon Tobacco, Rice Indigo and twenty other Things, as they do now upon oil. To obviate this, I think of substituting the words \u201cnatural born Citizens of the United States,\u201d and \u201cnatural born subjects of Great Britain,\u201d instead of \u201cthe most favoured Nation.\u201d You remember We first proposed to offer this to all Nations, but upon my objecting that the English would make their ships French or Sweedish or Dutch &c. to avail themselves of it, without agreeing to it, on their Part, we altered it to the footing of \u201cGentis Amicissimae.\u201d But if the English will now agree to it, we shall secure ourselves against many odious Duties, and no ill Consequence can arise. It is true the French Dutch Sweeds and Prussians will of Course claim the Advantage, but as they must in return allow Us the same Advantage, so much the better. Let me know if any Objection occurs to you.\nThere is a Bill before Parliament to prevent smuggling Tobacco, in which the restrictions are very rigorous, but cannot be effected. Two thirds of the Tobacco consumed in this Kingdom, I am told is Smuggled. How can it be otherwise, when the impost is five times the original Value of the Commodity. If one Pound in five escapes nothing is lost. If two in five, a great profit is made. \nThe Duty is 16d. pr. pound and tobacco sells for three pence. Yet all applications for lowering the Duty are rejected. Yours most affectionately,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0251", "content": "Title: American Commissioners to C. W. F. Dumas, [27 July 1785]\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nSir\nA treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United states of America and his majesty the king of Prussia having been  arranged by us with the baron de Thulemeier his majesty\u2019s envoy extraordinary at the Hague specially empowered for this purpose, and it being inconsistent with our other duties to repair to that place ourselves for the purpose of executing and exchanging the instruments of treaty, we have delivered the same duly executed on our part to the bearer hereof William Short esquire, to be by him carried with other necessary papers to the Hague. When arrived there, we ask and authorize you to manage in conjunction with him the execution and exchange of the instruments of treaty according to the instructions which he receives from us and will communicate to you. Your former attention to the interests of the United states, and readiness to promote them, give us an assurance that you will not withold them on the present occasion.\nWe have the honor to be with very great respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servants.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0253", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Vergennes, 27 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nSir\nParis July 27. 1785.\nI have the honor now to inclose to your Excellency a copy of the letter from Congress to the king which I delivered yesterday. This copy was sent to me by Mr. Jay the Secretary of Congress for Foreign affairs.\nI also accompany it with a copy of the letter of Credence which I had the honour of delivering to the King, not having furnished you with a copy on that occasion.\nI am with sentiments of the most profound respect Your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0255", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 28 July 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 28th. July 1785\nI received on the 26th. Inst. your Letter dated the 22d. June and 14th. July. On the 27th. and Ulto. I had the honor to write you. On the 25th. inst. I received a Letter from his Excellency the Ct. de Florida Blanca of which I inclose you a copy, as a thorough knowledge of the Situation of our Affairs in Barbary may be useful to you in the business you have to transact with these Powers. You will easily judge that I could return no other Answer to the Offer  of mediation made by his Catholic Majesty, than that I should transmit a copy of the Ministers Letter immediately to Congress. The Conduct of this court in the whole process of this business has been highly frank and Liberal and I should be happy to have an oppertunity of expressing to the Ct. de Florida Blanca the Sentiments of Mr. Adams and yourself thereon. I also inclose you a copy of a Letter which I received from Mr. Harrison and of another from a Correspondent in Barbary, to which I join a list of the Presents made to the Emperor of Morrocco by the Dutch in the year 1784. You will please to communicate to Mr. Adams these papers. In the 26th. Inst. I received a Letter from him Dated the 3d. of June, which I answer this night referring him to you for Information. About a fortnight ago the Russian Minister presented a memorial to this Court couched in much the Same terms as that from the Emperor mentioned in my Letter of the 27th. June. It appears that the Idea of the exchange proposed by the Latter to the Elector of Bavaria and by the former to the Duke of Deux Pons is relinquished for the moment. It is said the negotiation with the Algerines meets with Obstacles, and circumstances seem to confirm this report. My health has been and is so bad that it has not been in my power to go abroad for near a week. I have no letters from Congress, but have now before me American papers of the 21st. May sent me from the Secretary of States Office. They announce the arrival of Mr. Gardoqui at Philadelphia the 20th. and there are official Letters from him the 22d. of May. He is very much pleased with his reception. If you should find a proper occasion to send me a cypher, might it not be useful to give Mr. Adams a copy of the same? I inclose you a Letter for Dn. Gomez Friero de Andrade a portuguese nobleman of distinction which Letter contains one of Introduction for you and another for the Marquis de la Fayette. I intreat your Civilities to this young gentleman. He was one of those who accompanied the Infanta Donna Maria Victoria married to the Infant Dn. Gabriel. His Address will be discovered at the Portuguese Ambassadors. I recollect nothing at present that can excuse my troubling you with a longer Letter. If any thing occurs worth your Observation I shall not fail to advise you.\nI have the honor to be with the highest Respect Your Excys. Most Obedt. & Most Hble. Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0256", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Stockdale, 28 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stockdale, John\nSir\nParis July 28. 1785.\nI shall have occasion for books and pamphlets sometimes to be sent here and sometimes to America, which will render a correspondent in London in your way convenient. Mr. Adams has been kind enough to promise to direct such pamphlets and new publications to be sent me as he shall suppose will be agreeable. The  price of these or of any thing else which I may order for myself shall be remitted you from time to time or paid to your own draught on sight. For the present I will ask the favour of you to have the underwritten books packed in a very tight box directed to James Madison president of the college in Williamsburg Virginia, and to furnish me with the cost, noting whether you will draw on me for the money or prefer my remitting it to you. I must further desire you to find some opportunity of sending the box by some vessel bound from London to James or York river in Virginia. I am Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nHerodotus Gr. Lat. 9. vols. 12mo.\nThucydides Gr. Lat. 8 vols. 12mo.\nXenophontis Hellenica Gr. Lat 4. v. 12mo.\nXenophontis Cyri expeditio Gr. Lat. 4. 12mo.\nXenophontis Memorabilia Gr. 12mo.\nCiceronis opera 20. vols. 16s.\nThe above of the Glasgow editions by Foulis.\nMartin\u2019s philosophical grammar.\nMartin\u2019s philosophia Britannica. 3. v. 8vo.\n to be bound tolerably neat and lettered.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0258", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to G. K. van Hogendorp, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hogendorp, G. K. van\nDear Sir\nParis July 29. 1785.\nBy an American gentleman who went to the Hague about a month ago I sent you a copy of my Notes on Virginia. Having since that received some copies of the revisal of our laws, of which you had desired one, I now send it to you. I congratulate you sincerely on the prospect of your country\u2019s being freed from the prospect of war, which however just, is always expensive and calamitous and sometimes unsuccesful.\nCongress having made a very considerable purchase of lands from the Indians have established a land office and settled the mode of selling the lands. Their plan is judicious. I suspect some inconveniences in some parts of it, but if such should be found actually, they will amend them. They receive in paiment their own certificates at par with actual money. We have a proof the last year  that the failure of the states to bring money into the treasury has proceeded, not from any unwillingness, but from the distresses of their situation. Heretofore Massachusets and Pensylvania had brought in the most money and Virginia was among the least. The last year Virginia has paid in more than all the rest together. The reason is that she is at liberty to avail herself of her natural resources and has free markets for them. Whereas the others, which, while they were sure of a sale for their commodities, brought money into the treasury, now that that sale is by circumstances rendered more precarious, they bring in but little. The impost is not yet granted. Rhode island and New York hold off. Congress have it in contemplation to propose to the states that the direction of all their commerce shall be committed to Congress, reserving to the states respectively the revenue which shall be laid on it. The operations of our good friends the English are calculated as precisely to bring the states into this measure as if we directed them ourselves, and as they were thro the whole war to produce that union which was so necessary for us. I doubt whether Congress will adjourn this summer. Should you be at the Hague I will beg leave to make known to you the bearer hereof Mr. William Short. He is of Virginia, has come to stay some time with me at Paris, being among my most particular friends. Tho\u2019 young his talents and merit are such as to have placed him in the Council of state of Virginia, an office which he relinquished to make a visit to Europe. I have the honour to be with very high esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0259", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Holker, Jean\nSir\nParis July 29.\nI am to acknowledge the honour of your letter of the 18th. I had before that received Mr. Plowden Garvey\u2019s of the 16th. in which he informed me you had been so kind as to express your willingness to assist me in the purchase of a pair of horses such as I had described to him. He observed to me that the horses to be  bought at Rouen were considerably larger than what I desired (4 feet 8. or 9 inches high) and much dearer than I had expected. I find on further enquiry that the height I mentioned would be too little, and that they should be five feet high. I think from the enquiries I have made that such are sometimes to be bought here for 1000 or 1200 livres: but it is accidental and requires attendance at the sales apr\u00e8s dec\u00e9s. I shall be on the look out; but should any such be offered for sale within your knowlege at or about those prices I will thank you to purchase them. Should I purchase myself I will take the liberty of writing instantly to you to prevent a double supply. I am chagrined at not having replaced by Mr. Franklin the little sums you had advanced for me. This is rendering my commissions doubly burthensome to you. I will try to be more thoughtful when another occasion offers. I have not heard from Dr. Franklin since the day he was to embark at Havre. I am anxious to know how he bears every step he takes. I have the honour to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0260", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 29 July 1785\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nL\u2019Orient July 29th. 1785.\nI have been with Mr. Clouet, the ordonnateur here, to whom the Marechal de Castries sent Orders the 15th. of this Month to pay into my hands the Money arising to the subjects of the United States from the Prizes taken by the Squadron I commanded in Europe. I find that a French Merchant, Mr. Puchilberg of this place, who opposed Dr. Franklin and did all in his power to promote the Revolt that took place in the Alliance, has produced a Letter of Attorney, which he obtained from the officers and Men of that Frigate when their Minds were unsettled, authorizing him to Recieve their Share in the Prizes. And, notwithstanding the orders of the Marechal of the 15th., I find there is a disposition here to pay the Money to Mr. Puchilberg in preference to me.\nWhen I undertook the difficult and disagreeable Business of settling for the Prize-Money with the Marechal de Castries, I thought it necessary, to prevent any reflection on my conduct, to give security for two hundred thousand Dollars to remit the Money I recovered to the Treasury of the United States, to be  from thence divided among the persons concerned. Not to mention the great expence I have been at, and the loss of two Years of my time since the Peace to obtain a settlement, I may be permitted to say that Mr. Puchilberg was at no expence and never took any effectual steps to obtain a settlement of the Prize-Money; and it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for him to have obtained any satisfaction for the Concerned; because no other Man but myself (except Dr. Franklin who would not Act) could have explained at Versailles the nature and circumstances of my connection with that Court. And I may add, that Mr. Puchilberg will not, and cannot, if he had the best intentions, do justice to the Subjects of America. He has given no security to do them Justice. He has no authentic Roll of the Crew of the Alliance, which can only be had in America; and he is unacquainted with the manner of classing the Officers and Men in the division of Prize-Money by the Laws of the American Flag.\nWhat I request of you therefore is, to write to the Court to obtain an explicit Order from the Marechal de Castries to Mr. Clouet to pay into my hands the whole Mass of the Prize-Money that appears due to the Alliance, and also the Share of the Bon-Homme-Richard (after deducting the proportion due to the French Volunteers who were embarked on board that Ship as Marines).\nAs my situation here is exceedingly disagreeable; because, \u2019till this new difficulty is removed I cannot receive any Part of the Money that appears due; I shall hope to be relieved from my embarrassment as soon as possible by a Letter from you.\nThey have objected here, that the Captain of the Alliance was born in France. But he had abjured the Church of Rome and been naturalized in America (as his Officers reported to me) before he took command of the Alliance, and his Crew were all the Subjects of the United States.\nI am sorry to give you this trouble, but I am convinced that the Business would have continued in suspense for a long time if I had not come here myself.\nI am, with great esteem and respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nJ Paul Jones\nNB. Mr. Clouet has Written to Court by this Post, therefore it will be necessary to make your application immediately. Mr. Barcley can give you the Character of Mr. Puchilberg.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0263", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Katherine Sprowle Douglas, 30 July 1785\nFrom: Douglas, Katherine Sprowle\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLondon, July 30th. 1785\nI was Honor\u2019d with your obliging favor of the 5th. the Cont\u00e9ents of which truely Animates me! The enlivning Hopes of Restitution of that property I am Conscious we have not in your Just Discrimination forfeited. Mr. Sproule never took any active or Sinester Part against the American Interest. On the Contra He was their most sincere freind which the Copies of the Letters I troubled you with will evince, and the Sacrefice of His Life, a melancholy Confirmation! My poor Infatuated Son had neither merite, nor Demerite att His unthinking time of Life! Under Sixteen He had a Comission Cram\u2019d down His Throat by the Lawless Govr. Dunmore. The fatal Night before the Mad attempt of the great Bridge, Totaly unknown to Mr. Sproule or me, He was thank God taken prisoner, kept for two years upon Parole which I flatter myself he did no Discreditt to till He was Exchanged. When he came here He was offer\u2019d a Company of Foot by Lord George Germain which he Nobly Refus\u2019d, and said He had one fatal Night Carried arms against the Americans but never woud again. He was also Sollicited by Dunmore to go with him when He went in 1781 on His more than Quixot scheme of Retaking Possession of the govrment of Virginia, which he refus\u2019d and went to Scotland where he has since Lived frugaly and Peacably Longing for the Now Happy \u00e6ra of being again united with the American States to Rejoin them. As for myself, I shall leave to the Virginians to witness to the Resolute Part I acted, tho sorrounded by the Fleet and army Headed by the mad, Blood Thirsty Governor who att Last sent me Here as an Enemy to the British Goverment.  I never doubted being Honord with an appartment in the Tower as the reward of my Demerites. When an old freind of mine Procur\u2019d me a Pension of \u00a3150 \u214c annum for the support of my seven smal Children, he manfully struck me off the List as a Traitor to my Country. How they and I have struggled on since Heaven only knows as we have never yet been able to Touch a farthing of the scaterd Remains of Mr. Sproule\u2019s mangled fortune. But now I flatter myself the Justice and Clemency of the States will Restore the Price of the Lands sold which [by] the Inclosd Advertisment from the april Virginia News paper youll see your Conjectures were well founded. I therefore worthy Sir Intreat your Influence with the assembly you once so wisely Govern\u2019d for that urgently wishd for Retribution. If you think my Personal Presence in Virginia woud in any measure Facilatate that desirable End I am willing and ready to Enconter every Danger which past the meridian of Life may be Judg\u2019d Terribble By the weak Timid Deffenceless Sex: But where Justice to, and the Interest of my Dear Helpless Children is Concern\u2019d I will Brave all Difficulties By again Returning to a place ever Rever\u2019d as the Land of Promise to Sir your most obedt. Sert.,\nK. Sproule\nIf you honor me with answer throu the medium of Mr. Adams, I will esteem as a Particular favor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0264", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 30 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst\nGentlemen\nParis July 30. 1785.\nI received yesterday your favor of the 25th. Supposing that the funds which are the object of your enquiry are those which constitute  what we call our Domestic debt, it is my opinion that they are absolutely secure: I have no doubt at all but that they will be paid with their interest at six percent. But I cannot say that they are as secure and solid as the funds which constitute our foreign debt: because no man in America ever entertained a doubt but that our foreign debt is to be paid fully; but some people in America have seriously contended that the certificates and other evidences of our domestic debt ought to be redeemed only at what they have cost the holder; for I must observe to you that these certificates of Domestic debt having as yet no provision for the payment either of principal or interest, and the original holders being mostly needy, they have been sold at a very great discount. When I left America (July 1784) they sold in different states at from 15/ to 2/6 in the pound, and any amount of them might then have been purchased. Hence some thought that full justice would be done if the public paid the purchasers of them what they actually paid for them, and interest on that. But this is very far from being a general opinion; a very great majority being firmly decided that they shall be paid fully. Were I the holder of any of them, I should not have the least fear of their full paiment. There is also a difference between different species of certificates, some of them being receivable in taxes, others having the benefit of particular assurances &c. Again some of these certificates are for paper money debts. A deception here must be guarded against. Congress ordered all such to be resettled by the depreciation tables, and a new certificate to be given in exchange for them expressing their value in real money. Yet all have not yet been resettled. In short this is a science in which few in America are expert, and no person in a foreign country can be so. Foreigners should therefore be sure that they are well advised before they meddle with them, or they may suffer. If you will reflect with what degree of success persons actually in America could speculate in the European funds which rise and fall daily, you may judge how far those in Europe may do it in the American funds, which are more variable from a variety of causes.\nI am not at all acquainted with Mr. Daniel Parker, but as having once seen him in Philadelphia. He is of Massachusets (I beleive) and I am of Virginia. His circumstances are utterly unknown to me. I think there are few men in America, if there is a single one, who could command a hundred thousand pounds sterling\u2019s worth of these notes, at their real value. In their nominal amount this  might be done perhaps with 25,000\u00a3 sterling, if the market price of them be as low as when I left America. I am with very great respect Gentlemen Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0265", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 31 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis July 31. 1785.\nI was honoured yesterday with yours of the 24th. instant. When the 1st. article of our instructions of May 7. 1784. was under debate in Congress, it was proposed that neither party should make the other pay in their ports greater duties than they paid in the ports of the other. One objection to this was it\u2019s impracticability, another that it would put it out of our power to lay such duties on alien importation as might encourage importation by natives. Some members much attached to English policy thought such a distinction should actually be established. Some thought the power to do it should be reserved in case any peculiar circumstances should call for it, tho under the present or perhaps any probable circumstances they did not think it would be good policy ever to exercise it. The footing gentis amicissimi was therefore adopted as you see in the instruction. As far as my enquiries enable me to judge France and Holland make no distinction of duties between Aliens and natives. I also rather believe that the other states of Europe make none, England excepted, to whom this policy, as that of her navigation act, seems peculiar. The question then is, Should we disarm ourselves of the power to make this distinction against all nations in order to purchase an exemption from the Alien duties in England only; for if we put her importations on the footing of native, all other nations with whom we treat will have a right to claim the same. I think we should, because against other nations who make no distinction in their ports between us and their own subjects, we ought not to make a distinction in ours. And if the English will agree in like manner to make none, we should with equal reason abandon the right as against them. I think all the world would gain by setting commerce at perfect liberty. I remember that when we were digesting the general form of our treaty this proposition to put foreigners and natives on the same  footing was considered: and we were all three (Dr. F.) as well as you and myself in favor of it. We finally however did not admit it partly from the objection you mention, but more still on account of our instructions. But tho\u2019 the English proclamation had appeared in America at the time of framing these instructions I think it\u2019s effect as to alien duties had not yet been experienced and therefore was not attended to. If it had been noted in the debate I am sure that the annihilation of our whale trade would have been thought too great a price to pay for the reservation of a barren power which a majority of the members did not propose ever to exercise tho they were willing to retain it. Stipulating equal rights for foreigners and natives we obtain more in foreign ports than our instructions required, and we only part with, in our own ports, a power of which sound policy would probably for ever forbid the exercise. Add to this that our treaty will be for a very short term, and if any evil be experienced under it, a reformation will soon be in our power. I am therefore for putting this among our original propositions to the court of London. If it should prove an insuperable obstacle with them, or if it should stand in the way of a greater advantage, we can but abandon it in the course of the negociation.\nIn my copy of the cypher, on the Alphabetical side, numbers are wanting from \u2018Denmark\u2019 to \u2018disc\u2019 inclusive, and from \u2018gone\u2019 to \u2018governor\u2019 inclusive. I suppose them to have been omitted in copying. Will you be so good as to send them to me from yours by the first safe conveyance? Compliments to the ladies and to Colo. Smith from Dr. Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0267", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, Jr., 1 August 1785\nFrom: Banister, John, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Avignon] August 1st. 1785\nUpwards of a month has now elapsed since I had the pleasure to address you from Lyons during which time my residence has been chiefly at this place. The society in which I find myself here is so agreeable as to determine my stay during the winter. Through the means of the Marquis La Fayette I have become acquainted with several of the most agreeable families here and such as perfectly accord with my situation being by no means in the expensive line. Two days ago I received letters from my father. The latest dated the twenty second of May mentions that the New England States have interdicted all British ships and British goods from entering their ports hoping thereby to put them in a more liberal way of thinking with respect to the carrying trade, which from their present policy they seem inclined to engross. Wheather this will be productive of advantages to them time only can determine, and we are left only the liberty of conjecturing on the event. It appears to me however that one of the great ends of the late contest viz: an extention of commerce, will be sooner brought about by that than any other means. At present the merchandise of almost all Europe passes through the hands of British merchants before it finds its entrance into our ports, and as often as the person of its proprietor changes so often does it experience an accumulation of price, which load, heavy as it is necessarily finds a resting place on the sholders of the consumer. As soon as the commerce through the channel of Great Britain is impeeded it will necessarily find its way by some other means and we shall be supplied with the productions of the Southern as well as the northern parts of Europe from the sources from whence they spring; without incuring the expence of loading and unloading ships unnecessarily; and of paying a commission to British merchants to transact that business for us which with the same ease we might do ourselves. I have been led into these reflections by comparing the prices of the productions of this country here, and in America, and I am surprised that the infatuation prevails whereby we are supplyed with silks and various other articles of commerce from Great Britain which we might have as good and infinitely cheaper from here. Since my stay here I have made but one excurtion into the country, can consequently convey but a very imperfect idea of it. From its general appearance however I should suppose that about one half  of it might claim a right to fertility, the other with a great deal of labor is made to produce vines, olives, &c.\nThe consequence of this poverty of soil is that grain is dear here, bearing a price rather higher than at Paris. All the other necessaries of life abound. I find the climate much cooler than I could have expected owing to the North and north west winds which generally prevail and which some times are extreemly inconvenient. It is some time since I wrote Mr. Williamos and I fear the letter may not have been received as I was not certain with regard to the address. In giving my thanks and compliments for his great attentions to me, you will oblige me highly, also Colo. Humphrys and Mr. Short. If there is a possibility of my being in any degree serviceable to you here nothing would please me more than to receive your commands. I am sir yours most respectfuly,\nJno. Banister Junr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0268", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the Marquis and Marquise de Spinola, 1 August 1785\nFrom: Spinola, Marquis de,Spinola, Marquise de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 1 Aug. 1785. Dinner invitation to TJ for Wednesday, 10 Aug.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0270", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Cooper, 2 August 1785\nFrom: Cooper, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nBristol, Eng. 2 Aug. 1785. Encloses a letter from James Monroe; he would have delivered it in person, but will not be in Paris before October or November; hopes to see TJ at that time.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0272", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Castries, 3 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nSir\nParis Aug. 3. 1785\nThe inclosed copy of a letter from Capt. John Paul Jones on the subject on which your Excellency did me the honour to write me on theday of July will inform you that there is still occasion to be troublesome to you. A Mr. Puchelberg, a merchant of l\u2019Orient, who seems to have kept himself unknown till money was to be received, now presents powers to receive it, signed by the American officers and crews: and this produces a hesitation in the person to whom your order was directed. Congress however having substituted Capt. Jones as Agent to sollicit and receive this money, he having given them security to forward it, when received, to their treasury, to be thence distributed to the claimants, and having at a considerable expence of time, trouble and money attended it to a conclusion, are circumstances of weight, against which Mr. Puchelberg seems to have nothing to oppose but a nomination by individuals of the crew, under which he has declined to act, and permitted the business to be done by another, without contradiction from him. Against him too it is urged that he fomented the sedition which took place among them, that he  obtained this nomination from them while their minds were under ferment, and that he has given no security for the faithful paiment of the money to those entitled to it. I will add to these one other circumstance which appears to render it impossible that he should execute this trust. It is now several years since the right to this money arose. The persons in whom it originally vested were probably from different states in America. Many of them must be now dead, and their rights passed on to their representatives. But who are their representatives? The laws of some states prefer one degree of relations; those of others prefer others, there being no uniformity among the states on this point. Mr. Puchelberg therefore should know which of the parties are dead; in what order the laws of their respective states call their relations to the succession, and, in every case, which of those orders are actually in existence and entitled to the share of the deceased. With the Atlantic ocean between the principals and their substitute, your Excellency will perceive what an inexhaustible source of difficulties, of chicanery, and of delay, this might furnish to a person who should find an interest in keeping this money as long as possible in his own hands. Whereas if it be lodged in the treasury of Congress, they, by an easy reference to the tribunals of the different states, can have every one\u2019s portion immediately rendered, to himself if living, and, if dead, to such of his relations as the laws of his particular state prefer, and as shall be found actually living. I the rather urge this course, as I foresee that it will relieve your Excellency from numberless appeals which these people will be continually making from the decisions of Mr. Puchilberg, appeals likely to perpetuate that trouble of which you have already had too much, and to which I am sorry to be obliged to add by asking a peremptory order for the execution of what you were before pleased to decide on this subject.\nI have the honor to be &c.\nTh: J.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0274", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierrard, 3 August 1785\nFrom: Pierrard, M.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nF\u00e9n\u00e9trange, en Lorraine allemande, le 3e. ao\u00fbt 1785.\nIl y a d\u00e9ja plus d\u2019une an, que j\u2019ai e\u00fb l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00e9crire \u00e0 M. franklin, pr\u00e9d\u00e9cesseur de Votre Excellence, pour avoir des nouvelles de l\u2019existence des Nomm\u00e9s Jean philippe et Laurent Pierson; Anne Marie, Marguerite, et Sara Pierson, leurs Soeurs; originaires de ce pays-ci, et \u00e9tablis depuis longtemps dans la province de Pensylvanie. Les deux premiers s\u2019\u00e9toient fix\u00e9s \u00e0 Nockomixon dans le Comt\u00e9 de Bucks: Marguerite Pierson avoit \u00e9pous\u00e9 un Nomm\u00e9 Jean Schmitt; et Sara Pierson Dietrich Welcker; qui r\u00e9sidoient \u00e0 Schippach, et Parkyoeman [Perkiomen], dans le Comt\u00e9 de philadelphie. Il y a ici un proc\u00e8s, pour la decision duquel il seroit tr\u00e8s  int\u00e9ressant d\u2019\u00eatre l\u00e9galement inform\u00e9 Si ces personnes Sont encore actuellement en vie, ou S\u2019ils ont laiss\u00e9 des Enfants ou petits Enfants, qui les repr\u00e9sentent: ne sachant mieux m\u2019adresser qu\u2019\u00e0 Votre Excellence pour acqu\u00e9rir les Eclaircissements, dont on a besoin, je prens la libert\u00e9 Monsieur, de Vous Supplier de vouloir bien contribuer \u00e0 me les procurer, en \u00e9crivant \u00e0 ce Sujet dans le pays. Je prie aussi Votre Excellence de m\u2019honorer d\u2019une r\u00e9ponse, pour me faire Savoir si Elle aura la bont\u00e9 de S\u2019int\u00e9resser \u00e0 ce que je lui demande; et pour quel temps \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s je pourrai recevoir les instructions d\u00e9sir\u00e9es.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec la consid\u00e9ration la plus distingu\u00e9e, Monsieur, Votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e8ssant serviteur,\nPierrard avocat en parlement", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0276", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 5 August 1785\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nRichmond Augt. 5th. 1785\nYour favor of Novr. the 11th. 84. by Coll. Le Maire came safe to hand, with the 2 Pamphletts on the Animal Magnetism, and the one giving an account of the then last Aerial Voyage of Mssrs. Roberts, for both of which I thank you kindly, as an instance that I had the honor to be remembred by you, at so great a distance. I would have given a great deal to have seen their ascension, with the mingled emotions of the Spectators. With regard to the Encyclopedie my being rather a Novice in the French language, makes it a matter of more indifference to me than it would Otherwise be if I could read the language easily. If you think proper I should have it you may (if you please) subscribe for me. The Politicks of the Emperor and the Mynheers seem to have been very Ambiguous and after all, I fancy no blows. The Dutch must pay the piper. By the bye old Alberti died and was interrd last night here. He was one of a Band of musick to whom I have subscribed tho never heard them, at all; they surpass in execution, hardly the Jews Harp and Banjer performers. I tendered your friendly respects and remembrances to the families of Ampthill and Tuckahoe. The Partridges &c. &c. mentioned in your letter by Le Maire have never arrived here, tho it would have been an agreeable task for Coll: Cary to have seen their multiplying, here. Joseph Mayo of Powtan [Powhatan] died on his passage from Lisbon to Boston, has enriched some of his relations by his Legacies and has astonished some of our acquaintances by his will giving liberty to  all his Slaves, their number from 150 to 170. I believe its report has caused 2 or 3 combats between Slaves and their Owners, now struggling for the liberty to which they conceive themselves entitled. The Legislature\u2019s attention I imagine will be taken up with it next Session. We have had a Meeting of the Episcopal Clergy and laymen from every county to modify their mode of Worship &c. &c. They have monopolised all the former Glebes and their appendages. The other Sectarists complain heavily of the preference given them, have wrote severe things against them in the publick papers and intend a petition to next assembly to abrogate the law of the last in their faver and all the Consequences it invoked. How it will End I don\u2019t know but there is to be a Convention in Philadelphia soon up[on] this business. Our Delegates both Laymen and clergy, I have forgot. Jno. Page [of] Rosesell is one I believe. E. R. Jr., Attorney General was no blank in their meetings here. I believe he has studied [the] true Gospel, for both this and the World of Spirits.\nThe Js. River Company of which I have the honor to be one, are to meet here the 20th. current to incorporate themselves, as more than one half the money necessary for the purpose is Subscribed, which entitles us to meet and Elect our President &c. &c. The Potomack members are before hand with us, however. I hope we\u2019ll do something now (if ever). The State has 100 shares, Genl. W. 100, D. Ross 50. I took 40. 200 Drs. is a share and every share till 10 has a Vote. When above 10, every 5 shares has only 1 Vote. The Capitol ground is now Marked out here and astonishing to me, indeed is the place fixed upon for it. \u0152conomy has made the directors (who are A. Cary, E. Randolph, Wm. Hay, Jaq. Ambler, Robt. Goode, Js. Buchn., Richd. Adams and Turner Southall Esqrs.) fix the publick buildings all under one roof. They have marked out the ground which is now digging. The first Brick to be laid on Wednesday next, with a Medal &c. &c.\u2014honors\u2014they have brought it to the point of the hill above my house with a deep Ravine or gulley on each side. By the time the Portico and Steps &c. &c. are finished, it leaves no room for a Street, unless it is to serpentine along the bottom beginning below my house and going up by the Spring called the governors. By receding 100 feet backward, they would have had a spacious field on each side, with room for Capitol Yard and Spacious Avenues on every hand for pleasure or use. I wish you had been here, and one of the directors. It has appeared to the Gentlemen in a different  light than to every other person without exception that has viewed the ground. In the 100 feet there is a rise of between 7 and 8 feet, and a great many Bricks and other Expences to the publick would have been saved. As they have consulted you about the plan of the building I wish to God you would offer your advice as to its site if you please. It may not come too late. Self Interest the prime mover of human actions has something I confess to say in my sollicitations to you, on this head. I have almost finished a Brick house on the main Street below my own house in expectation of its being continued and the hill cut down to allow an easy access to the Capitol up the face of the hill from my house there. But cutting down the hill here now will answer no purpose as there is no Street to pass by the Capitol leading up the Country except the serpentine along the bottom [\u2026] described.\u2014enough of this. I dare say I have tired you but as your Opinion has influence I thot proper to Mention it to you. Perhaps you may have time Enough to Animadvert before it is too late. The Opinion I think that every foreigner will form is Obvious, in regard to the Choice made of this ground, when there was enough left of publick property to admit of the easiest and pleasantest prospects and access to it on all hands by its being moved 100 feet back. What I have said on this head, I don\u2019t wish mentioned as coming from me. But I have related facts, you may depend. As I am much hurried at present I have room only to add your letter of Jany. inclosing Mr. Shorts I perused with attention and consulted Our friend Mr. Ross on that head, who with me intended to have executed your and Mr. Shorts orders in the best manner we could and have apprised you of it. But your favor by the Feby. packet put a stop to it Effectually and I have thought no more of it since. Mr. D. Ross had parted with his lotts to Mr. Greenhough. However we could have got others. Not the Square of Turpins as he had likewise Sold the Square you mention\u2019d. Lotts have rise[n] to an enormous price on Shocoe Hill and the number of its respectable inhabitants are not a few for such a plaice as Richmond; the Governor, the attorney General, the Treasurer, Register, Mr. Pendleton, Mr. Marshall town Recorder; Mr. Blair, Mr. Pennock, Mr. Alexr. Donald, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Matthews and a long list more, some of them very respectable, make up the number. Tobacco has bore a high price, 42/6 once, now fallen to 30/ \u214c C. It is supposed it will soon rise again. We have had a Bugg which has destroyed a great deal of the wheat and now preying upon the Corn. Some will hardly make  bread to eat, when the Effects of this Bugg and the dry weather we have lately had are taken into the account. I dont know whether I told you before, Peyton Randolph of Wilton, the Hble. Batt. Dandridge and Old Coll. Lewis Burwell are among the number of the dead. Coll. Brent who married Miss Ambler died in about 2 Months after consummation, it has been said, an imprudent use of cold Liquor after having taken an antimone. Vomit accelerated his flight. Dr. McLurg, Miles Selden and Genl. Wood are of the Council; Wm. Nelson Jr. Esqr. has retired from that board to practise law, having got Mr. Tazwell[\u2019s] business, who was appointed by the Executive in room of the H. B. Dandridge, one of the former judges of the General Court. I don\u2019t think of anything else at present you would wish to know. All the family at Eppinton are well and all your other friends and connexions here. Col. Randolph of Tuckahoe who has just left me desires his best respects to you, and hopes and wishes you soon to revisit your native Clime if agreeable to yourself. D. Ross and McLurg both told me they intended writing you soon. Since a dangerous illness about to attack me when I did myself the honor to write you by the Marquis Fayette and which had well nigh put an end to me, since my recovery from it have been tolerably well and in much bustle and confusion having engaged in Several buildings which are Exorbitantly expensive and slow in their progress owing to sundry causes, of which you may easily guess. Till they are Compleated I am rivetted here. Should I change this Climate for Europe, I shall surely Enquire you out. If there is any thing you think would be instructive and usefull to me circumstanced as I am here in the book way I\u2019ll thank you to send them to me. We have got a circulating Library here in its Infancy. Our first Importation has arri[ved] but I have not yet seen any of the books. I hope it will be usefull. It has cost me 6 Guineas already and they want more. We have likewise got an Organ in our Church, and Old Selden is dead and given way, for the Revd. John Buchanan, our present incumbent. This Vulgar miscellany I am afraid will disgust you, but I gave you the things here mentioned just as they Occurred. The Kentuckians are for separate goverment instantly. Next assembly are to hear their petition. George Muter is their present Chief Judge and Harry Innis their Attorney General, the Indians or their Associates having dispatched Walker Daniel, their former attorney general. I know nothing what Congress are doing.\nWould mention it, I most [sincerely?] sympathise with you in  your loss of your youngest daughter and am much pained at a paragraph in your last wherein you mention the Sun of your happiness having been clouded over, never again to brighten, and in one fatal moment all the Schemes of your life have been shifted from before you, and that afflictions and ill health have conspired to fix the depression of your mind. Forbid it Heaven. I hope the cloud is dispelled and that your Sun has again beamed upon you in its fullest lustre. Should my most Sanguine hopes and wishes be dissapointed in this, if there is any thing upon Earth in my power to alleviate or remove any difficulty or load from you, be assured you may Confide in me and always command me and my best Services. I now come to beg your pardon and hope youll have the lenity to forgive my not having answered your polite and very friendly letters of the different dates before mentioned. Your honors in future which, I hope will be regular, shall be punctually attended to and answered. No letter from any friend upon earth gives me so much pleasure as one from Mr. Jefferson, whose former politeness and friendship to me will never be Effac\u2019d from my mind. Please tender my most respectfull Regards to Miss Jefferson and Mr. Short (if with you). I intend to write him a few lines by this opportunity. In expectation of being often honored by a letter from you I subscribe myself with the greatest truth & the most profound Respect, Dr. Sir, Your Most Obedt. and H Servt.,\nJames Currie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0277", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, with Draft of Treaty Proposed for Barbary States, 6 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 6. 1785.\nI now inclose you a draught of a treaty for the Barbary states, together with the notes Dr. Franklin left me. I have retained a presscopy of this draught, so that by referring to any article, line and word in it you can propose amendments and send them by the post without any body\u2019s being able to make much of the main subject. I shall be glad to receive any alterations you may think necessary as soon as convenient, that this matter may be in readiness. I inclose also a letter containing intelligence from Algiers. I know not how far it is to be relied on. My anxiety is extreme indeed as to these treaties. What are we to do? We know that Congress have decided ultimately to treat. We know how far they will go. But unfortunately we know also that a particular person has been charged with instructions for us, these five months who neither comes nor writes to us. What are we to do? It is my opinion that if Mr. Lambe does not come in either of the packets (English or French) now expected, we ought to proceed. I therefore propose to you this term, as the end of our expectations of him, and that if he does not come we send some other person. Dr. Bancroft or Capt. Jones occur to me as the fittest. If we consider the present object only, I think the former would be most proper: but if we look forward to the very probable event of war with those pirates, an important object would be obtained by Capt. Jones\u2019s becoming acquainted with their ports, force, tactics &c. Let me know your opinion on this. I have never mentioned it to either, but I suppose either might be induced to go. Present me affectionately to the ladies & Colo. Smith & be assured of the sincerity with which I am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nEnclosure\nDraught of a Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United states of America and\nFor the purpose of establishing peace, friendship and commerce  between the United states of America and their citizens on the one part and and his subjects on the other, the parties have established the following articles.\n1. There\n shall be a firm, inviolable and universal peace and sincere friendship between the United states of America and their citizens on the one part and and his subjects on the other part, without exception of persons or places.\n2. His\n majesty agrees to release all citizens of the United states now in captivity within his dominions, and to restore all property which has been taken by any of his subjects from citizens of the United states.\n3. No\n vessel of his majesty shall make captures or cruize within sight\n of the coasts of the United states.\n4. No\n citizen or subject of either party shall take from any power with\n whom the other may be at war any commission or letter of marque\n for arming any vessel to act as a privateer against the other on pain of being punished as a pirate.\n5. If\n one of the parties should be engaged in war with any other power\n, the free intercourse and commerce of the subjects or citizens of\n the party remaining neuter with the belligerent powers shall not be interrupted. On the contrary in that case as in full peace the vessels of the neutral party may navigate freely to and from the ports and on the coasts of the belligerent parties, free vessels making free goods, insomuch that all things shall be adjudged free which shall be on board any vessel belonging to the neutral party although such things belong to an enemy of the other: and the same freedom shall be extended to persons who shall be on board a free vessel, although they should be enemies to the other party, unless they be souldiers in actual service of\n   Prussn. decln. of Apr. 30. 1781.\n such enemy. In like manner all persons subjects or citizens of either party, and all property belonging to subjects or citizens of either party found on board a vessel of the enemy of the other shall be free from capture and detention.\n6. In\n the same case where one of the parties is engaged in war with any\n other power that the vessels of the neutral party may be readily and\n certainly known it is agreed that they shall be provided with sea letters or passports which shall express the name, the property and burthen of the vessel, as also the name and dwelling of the master, which passports shall be made out in good and due forms (to be settled by conventions between the parties whenever occasion shall require) shall be renewed as often as the vessel shall return into port, and shall be exhibited whensoever required as well in the open sea as in port. But if the said vessel be under convoy of one or more vessels of war belonging to the neutral party, the simple declaration of the officer commanding the convoy that the said vessel belongs to the party of which he is shall be considered as establishing the fact and shall relieve both parties from the trouble of further examination.\n7. And\n to prevent entirely all disorder and violence in such cases it is stipulated\n that when the vessels of the neutral party, sailing without convoy\n, shall be met by any vessel of war public or private of the other  party, such vessel of war shall not approach within cannon shot of the said neutral vessel nor send more than two or three men in their boat on board the same to examine her sea letters or passports.\n8. All\n persons belonging to any vessel of war public or private who shall\n molest or injure in any manner whatever the people, vessels, or effects of the other party, shall be responsible in their persons and property for damages and interest, sufficient security for which shall be given by all commanders of private armed vessels before they are commissioned.\n9. All\n citizens of the United states taken by any of the powers of Barbary\n or their subjects and brought into any of the ports or dominions of the emperor of Marocco shall be immediately set at liberty by the emperor: and all vessels and merchandize belonging to citizens of the United states, and taken by any of the said powers or their subjects and brought into any of the ports or dominions of his Majesty shall in like manner be caused by his majesty to be delivered up by the captors without being carried out of port, and shall be faithfully restored to the said citizens owning them.\n the citizens or subjects of either party, in danger from tempests\n, pirates, enemies or other accident, or needing repairs, or supplies of\n water, food or other necessaries, shall take refuge with their vessels or\n effects within the harbours or jurisdiction of the other, or if the armed vessels public or private of either party, shall take such refuge for any the same causes, they shall be received, protected and treated with humanity and kindness, and shall be permitted to furnish themselves at reasonable prices with all refreshments, provisions and other things necessary for their sustenance, health and accomodation and for the repair of their vessels.\n11. When\n any vessel of either party shall be wrecked, foundered, or otherwise\n damaged on the coasts or within the dominions of the other, their\n respective subjects or citizens shall receive, as well for themselves as\n for their vessels and effects the same assistance which would be due to the inhabitants of the country where the damage happens, and shall pay the same charges and dues only as the said inhabitants would be subject to pay in a like case: and if the operations of repair shall require that the whole or any part of their cargo be unladed, they shall pay no duties, charges or fees on the part which they shall relade and carry away.\n12. The vessels\n of the subjects or citizens of either party coming on any coast belonging to the other but not willing to enter into port, or being entered into port and not willing to unload their cargoes or break bulk, shall have liberty to depart and to pursue their voiage without molestation and without being obliged to pay any duties charges or fees whatsoever or to render any account of their cargo.\n13. Each party\n shall endeavor by all the means in their power to protect and defend all vessels and other effects belonging to the citizens or subjects of the other, and the persons of the citizens and subjects of the other, which shall be within the extent of their jurisdiction by sea or land, and shall use all their efforts to liberate such persons and to recover and cause to be restored to the right owners their vessels and  effects which shall be taken within the extent of their said jurisdiction.\n14. Whenever the vessels\n of either party in any port of the other shall be about to depart, all hostile vessels in the same port or it\u2019s vicinities shall be detained by the party within whose jurisdiction they are until such vessel shall have had a reasonable time to escape.\n15. No vessels\n of war of the United states within the ports of his majesty\n shall be searched under pretence of their having on board fugitive slaves, or under any other pretence whatever, nor shall any person be required to pay for any such slaves, nor to redeliver them if any such should really have taken asylum therein.\n16. The vessels\n of war of either party coming to anchor in a port of the other shall be saluted by the forts or batteries with as many guns as a vessel of the same size of any other nation, which vessel shall return the salute, gun for gun.\n17. The subjects\n and citizens of either party may frequent the coasts and countries of the other, and reside and trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures and merchandize, the purchase and sale of which shall be free to all persons of every description [unembarrassed by monopoly], paying no greater duties than the [natives of the country or the] most favoured nation pay; and they shall enjoy all the rights privileges and exemptions in navigation and commerce which [native subjects or citizens, or] the subjects of the most favored nation enjoy\n. They shall also be free to pass and repass with their merchandize within the territories of the other without being obliged to obtain passports.\n18. All merchants\n, commanders of vessels and other subjects and citizens\n of each party shall have free liberty in all places within the dominion or jurisdiction of the other to manage their own business themselves, or to employ whomsoever they please to manage the whole or any part thereof for them: and shall not be obliged to make use of any interpreter broker or other person whatsoever, nor to pay them any salary or fees unless they chuse to make use of them. Moreover, they shall not be obliged in loading or unloading their vessels to make use of those workmen which may be appointed by public authority for that purpose, but it shall be entirely free for them to load or unload them by themselves, or to make use of such persons in loading or unloading them as they shall think fit, without paying any fees or salary to any other whomsoever: neither shall they be forced to unload any sort\n of merchandize into any other vessels, or to receive them into their own or to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.\n19. No merchant\n or other citizen or subject of either party within the territories of the other shall be obliged to buy or sell any merchandize or thing against his will, and shall be free to buy and sell whatever he may think proper.\n20. That the vessels\n of either party loading within the ports or jurisdiction of the other may not be uselessly harrassed or detained, it is agreed that all examinations of goods required by the laws shall be made before they are laden on board the vessel, and that there shall be no examination after, nor shall the vessel be searched at any time  unless articles shall have been laden therein clandestinely and illegally, in which case the person by whose order they were carried on board, or who carried them without order, shall be liable to the laws of the land in which he is. But no other person shall be molested, nor shall any other goods nor the vessel be seised or detained for that cause.\n21. The subjects\n or citizens of either party, their vessels and effects shall not be liable\n to any embargo seisure or detention on the part of the other for any military expedition or other public or private purpose whatsoever. And in all cases of seizure, detention or arrest for debts contracted by any citizen or subject of the one party within the jurisdiction of the other, the same shall be made and prosecuted by order and authority of law only and according to the regular course of proceeding usual in such cases.\n22. If any difference\n either civil or criminal arise between two citizens of the United States\n within the territories of his majesty neither shall be bound to answer or appear before the judiciary institutions of the country nor to obey any officer or process thereof, but it shall be decided by the Consul for the United states, who shall have full authority in every such case civil and criminal to proceed according to the instructions he shall have received from Congress. But if the power of the country shall be necessary to aid him in the arrest, detention or punishment of one of the parties, he shall receive such aid.\n23. If any citizen\n of the United states within the territories of his majesty, assault, strike, wound, or kill a subject of his majesty or any other person under his protection (other than a fellow-citizen which case is herein before provided for) he shall be punished in the same manner and not more rigorously than a subject who should have committed the same offence. Nor shall he be punished until the Consul\n of his nation shall have been called on to defend him. And if he make his escape, neither the said Consul nor any other citizen of the said United states shall be detained or molested on that account. A subject of his majesty committing a like offence within his territories on a citizen of the United states shall be punished in the same manner as if he had committed it on one of his majesty\u2019s subjects.\n24. The citizens\n or subjects of the United states shall have power to dispose\n of their personal goods within the jurisdiction of his majesty by testament, donation or otherwise: and their representatives shall succeed to their said personal goods within the same jurisdiction by testament, or ab intestato and may take possession thereof either by themselves or by others acting for them, and dispose of the same at their will, paying such dues only as the inhabitants of the country wherein the said goods are shall be subject to pay in like cases. And in case of the absence\n of the representative the Consul, vice consul or agent for the United states shall take care of the said goods according to his instructions,\n or if there be no such Consul, vice consul or agent, then certain good and principal people of the country shall be appointed\n to make an inventory of them and to take care of them for the representative, so that the officers of the said country may not meddle  with them on pretence of escheat, forfeiture or on any other pretence whatever.\n25. Each party\n shall be at liberty to keep within any the ports of the other Consuls\n, viceconsuls, agents, or commissaries of their own appointment\n who shall be free and secure in their persons, houses, and effects\n, and shall not in any case be bound to answer for the debts of any citizens of their nation or others unless they shall have obliged themselves thereto by writing. Each of them shall be at liberty to chuse his own interpreters, brokers and other agents and servants, to go as often as he pleases on board any vessels in the harbours, to pass and repass in the country, to practise his own religion in his own house openly and freely and receive any other persons there to do the same, without being subject to molestation or insult by word or deed. He\n shall enjoy an exemption from all duties for the provisions and necessaries\n of every kind for his house and family, shall be authorised to take\n depositions, authenticate contracts, deeds, wills, and other writings, give passports, and perform all other the functions of his office according to his instructions, without impediment from any, but on the contrary shall be aided therein by the power of the country when he shall ask such aid.\n26. If any contravention\n to this treaty shall happen, the peace shall continue\n nevertheless: but the party injured shall demand amicable reparation, and until this shall have been denied shall not appeal to arms.\n27. If war\n should arise between the two parties, the subjects and citizens\n of either country, then residing or being in the other, shall be allowed\n to remain nine months to collect their debts and settle their affairs, and may depart freely, carrying off all their effects without molestation or hinderance.\n28. If either party\n shall hereafter grant to any other nation any particular favour in navigation or commerce, it shall immediately become common to the other party, freely where it is freely granted to such other nation, or on yeilding the compensation where such other nation does the same.\n29. This treaty\n shall be in force fifty years from the exchange of ratifications which exchange shall be within eighteen months from the date hereof, and in the mean time the several articles thereof shall be observed on both sides as if they were already ratified.\nIn witness whereof &c.\nNote, in the marginal references G.D. stands for our General Draught, and the number following it for the article of that general draught. A. stands for Algerines. D. for Dutch. E. for English. F. for French. M. for Moors, the first number for the date and the second for the article of the treaty. Thus D.M.1683. 21. stands for the treaty between the Dutch and Moors, 1683. art. 21. All those here referred to will be found in the 5th. and 7th. vols. of the Corps Diplomatique.\n1. There shall be peace.\n2. Prisoners shall be released.\n3. No Moorish vessels shall cruise on our coasts.\n4. The citizens of neither to arm against the other under a foreign power.\n5. Free vessels\n   Vessels at Sea.\n shall make free goods and persons, and free goods and persons not to lose freedom tho\u2019 in enemy\u2019s vessels.\n6. Vessels to be provided with passports.\n7. Armed vessels not to approach trading vessels.\n      8. Masters of armed vessels to give security.\n9. Citizens of U.S. and their property brought by any Barbary vessel into Marocco, to be released.\n10. Vessels forced by enemy, tempest or other necessity, shall be received into harbour and protected.\n11. Vessels\n   Vessels in Port.\n wrecked or damaged shall be protected and aided.\n12. Vessels not breaking bulk to pay no duties.\n13. Vessels and effects mutually protected in the harbours of each other.\n14. On their departure, hostile vessels to be detained.\n15. Vessels of war not be searched, asylum for fugitive slaves.\n   16. Vessels of war to be saluted.\n17. Free intercourse and commerce between the parties. no monopolies.\n18. Individuals may transact their own business.\n19. Every one free to buy and sell, but shall not be compelled to buy or sell.\n20. Goods\n   Persons on Shore.\n shall be examined before laden on board the vessel.\n21. No embargo on vessels. persons and effects not to be seized. procedure for debts.\n22. Differences between citizens of U.S. to be decided by Consul.\n23. Assault between American and Moor to be punished as if both were Moors.\n24. The goods of persons dying shall go to their representatives.\n25. Consuls and their privileges.\n      26. Contravention.\n28. Future favors to other nations to become common to these parties.\n29. Duration of treaty. Ratification. In mean time, in force.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0280", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, 7 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Price, Richard\nSir\nParis Aug. 7. 1785.\nYour favor of July 2. came duly to hand. The concern you therein express as to the effect of your pamphlet in America, induces me to trouble you with some observations on that subject. From my acquaintance with that country I think I am able to judge with some degree of certainty of the manner in which it will have been received. Southward of the Chesapeak it will find but few readers concurring with it in sentiment on the subject of slavery. From the mouth to the head of the Chesapeak, the bulk of the people will approve it in theory, and it will find a respectable minority ready to adopt it in practice, a minority which for weight and worth of character preponderates against the greater number, who have not the courage to divest their families of a property which however keeps their consciences inquiet. Northward of the Chesapeak you may find here and there an opponent to your doctrine as you may find here and there a robber and a murderer, but in no greater number. In that part of America, there being but few slaves, they can easily disencumber themselves of them, and  emancipation is put into such a train that in a few years there will be no slaves Northward of Maryland. In Maryland I do not find such a disposition to begin the redress of this enormity as in Virginia. This is the next state to which we may turn our eyes for the interesting spectacle of justice in conflict with avarice and oppression: a conflict wherein the sacred side is gaining daily recruits from the influx into office of young men grown and growing up. These have sucked in the principles of liberty as it were with their mother\u2019s milk, and it is to them I look with anxiety to turn the fate of this question. Be not therefore discouraged. What you have written will do a great deal of good: and could you still trouble yourself with our welfare, no man is more able to give aid to the labouring side. The college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, since the remodelling of it\u2019s plan, is the place where are collected together all the young men of Virginia under preparation for public life. They are there under the direction (most of them) of a Mr. Wythe one of the most virtuous of characters, and whose sentiments on the subject of slavery are unequivocal. I am satisfied if you could resolve to address an exhortation to those young men, with all that eloquence of which you are master, that it\u2019s influence on the future decision of this important question would be great, perhaps decisive. Thus you see that, so far from thinking you have cause to repent of what you have done, I wish you to do more, and wish it on an assurance of it\u2019s effect. The information I have received from America of the reception of your pamphlet in the different states agrees with the expectations I had formed.\u2014Our country is getting into a ferment against yours, or rather have caught it from yours. God knows how this will end: but assuredly in one extreme or the other. There can be no medium between those who have loved so much. I think the decision is in your power as yet, but will not be so long. I pray you to be assured of the sincerity of the esteem & respect with which I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I thank you for making me acquainted with Monsr. D\u2019Ivernois.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0281", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 7 August 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon August 7th. 85\nMy last will have informed you of my Arrival at Boulogne. I was detained the next Day at Calais because no Packet sailed in the Evening. I by Accident heard of Comte Rochambeau being there and waited on him. He enquired in a most particular Manner after you, desired me to tell you what Pleasure he had recieved in reading your Notes, and related to a very large Company with general Marks of Approbation, the Manner in which you had treated the unphilosophical Opinion of human Degeneracy in America.\nOn Monday I embarked and after a tedious Passage of 12\u00bd hours arrived at Dover 9 o\u2019Clock in the Evening. London strikes me on Account of its fine streets and excellent Horses and Carriages. But the Buildings and such of the Equestrian Statues as I have seen impress on the Mind an Idea of Insignificance in Comparison with those of Paris. I except here St. Pauls Church, which is immensely great, and being surrounded with Houses of Brick appears to very great Advantage.\nI have been every Day to Mr. Adams\u2019s since my Arrival. I do not know whether he is writing to you as fully as you wished. I shall see to day.\nVessels are frequently arriving here from Virginia. The Price of Tobacco at this Market is frequently as low as 5 or 6 Pounds the Hhd. and yet they bring it. It is a Paradox in Trade which the Merchants themselves cannot or will not solve. You will be surprized when I tell you that Ross\u2019s Credit here is absolutely wrecked, his Debts selling at a considerable Discount and in the Hands of Trustees. This is another Paradox. I am told he could not be trusted for a Shilling and yet I think he must still be rich.\nI was surprized to find that F. Skipwith had left London a few Days only before I arrived. He has been here some Months to settle some Commercial Correspondence and I am told he has succeeded very well.\nThere is a very careful Woman hired lately to go to Virginia with Mr. W. Lee\u2019s Children. Colo. Forrest knows her and thinks it probable that she might be also hired to return with your Daughter, although it is her present Plan to stay with Mr. Lee. It is probable she will not like Virginia as much as she supposes and will be glad to return.\nI shall leave this Place in two or three Days. Accept my best Wishes Sir, and believe me as I ought to be Your\u2019s sincerely,\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0282", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to William Bingham, 8 August 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Bingham, William\n[Paris, 8 Aug. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cW. Bingham. Inclosing letter to Ct. d\u2019Andlau. By post.\u201d Neither letter nor enclosure has been found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0285", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 10. 1785.\nYour favor of the 4th. inst. came to hand yesterday. I now inclose you the two Arrets against the importation of foreign manufactures into this kingdom. The cause of the balance against this country in favor of England as well as it\u2019s amount is not agreed on. No doubt the rage for English manufactures must be a principal cause. The speculators in Exchange say also that those of the circumjacent countries who have a balance in their favor against France remit that balance to England from France. If so it is possible that the English may count this balance twice: that is, in summing their exports to one of those states, and their imports from it, they count the difference once in their favour: then a second time when they sum the remittances of cash they receive from France. There has been no arret relative to our commerce since that of Aug. 1784. and all the late advices from the French West Indies are that they have now in their ports always three times as many vessels as there ever were before, and that the increase is principally from our States. I have now no further fears of that arret\u2019s standing it\u2019s ground. When it shall become firm I do not think it\u2019s extension desperate. But whether the placing it on the firm basis of treaty be practicable is a very different question. As far as it is possible to judge from appearances I conjecture that Crawford will do nothing. I infer this from some things in his conversation, and from an expression of the Count de Vergennes in a conversation with me yesterday. I pressed upon him the importance  of opening their ports freely to us in the moment of the oppressions of the English regulations against us and perhaps of the suspension of their commerce. He admitted it but said we had free ingress with our productions. I enumerated them to him and shewed him on what footing they were and how they might be improved. We are to have further conversations on the subject. I am afraid the voiage to Fontainebleau will interrupt them. From the enquiries I have made I find I cannot get a very small and indifferent house there for the season (that is, for a month) for less than 100. or 150 guineas. This is nearly the whole salary for the time and would leave nothing to eat. I therefore cannot accompany the court there, but I will endeavor to go occasionally there from Paris. They tell me it is the most favourable scene for business with the Count de Vergennes, because he is then more abstracted from the domestic applications. Count D\u2019Aranda is not yet returned from the waters of Vichy. As soon as he returns I will apply to him in the case of Mr. Watson. I will pray you to insure Houdon\u2019s life from the 27th. of last month to his return to Paris. As he was to stay in America a month or two, he will probably be about 6 months absent: but the 3 per cent for the voiage being once paid I suppose they will ensure his life by the month whether his absence be longer or shorter. The sum to be insured is fifteen thousand livres tournois. If it be not necessary to pay the money immediately there is a prospect of exchange becoming more favourable. But whenever it is necessary be so good as to procure it by selling a draught on Mr. Grand which I will take care shall be honoured. Compliments to the ladies & am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0286", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to James Gordon, 10 August 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Gordon, James\n[Paris, 10 Aug. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cJas. Gordon. Referring him to Limousin. By post.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0287", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Pierrard, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pierrard, M.\nSir\nParis Aug. 10. 1785.\nI received your letter of the 3d. instant. I think I cannot better serve you than by advising you to the most certain channel through which you can possibly procure the information you ask as to certain persons named in your letter. That is, to write to Mr. Otto the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of your court with Congress. He will be at New-York, or Philadelphia. He is well acquainted in Pennsylvania where those persons are supposed to be, and being on the spot can renew his enquiries from time to time, send them to different quarters or to different correspondents as circumstances may require. Were I to undertake the same enquiries across the Atlantic I should be as many years in obtaining a final answer as he will be weeks, and should in fact prevent your getting information while I should be prosecuting so slow a method of obtaining it for you. I am with much respect Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0288", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Katherine Sprowle Douglas, 10 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Douglas, Katherine Sprowle\nMadam\nParis Aug. 10. 1785.\nIn your letter of June 21. you asked \u2018my opinion whether yourself or your son might venture to go to Virginia to claim your possessions there\u2019? I had the honour of writing you on the 5th. of July that you might safely go there, that your person would be sacredly safe and free from insult. I expressed my hopes too that they would in the end adopt the just and useful measure of restoring property unsold and the price of that actually sold. In yours of July 30. you \u2018intreat my influence with the assembly for retribution and that if I think your personal presence in Virginia would facilitate that end you were willing and ready to go.\u2019This seems to propose to me to take on myself the sollicitation of your cause, and that you will go if I think your personal presence will be auxiliary to my applications. I feel myself obliged to inform you frankly that it is improper for me to sollicit your case with the assembly of Virginia. The application can only go with propriety from yourself, or the minister of your court to America whenever there shall be one. If you think the sentiments expressed in my former letter will serve you, you are free to exhibit it to members individually, but I wish the letter not to be offered to the assembly as a body, or referred to in any petition or memorial to them as a body. I am with much respect Madam Your most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0290", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Castries, 12 August 1785\nFrom: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nVersailles le 12. Aoust 1785.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, avec la lettre que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 3 de ce mois, les observations de Mr. Jones sur  l\u2019insuffisance des pouvoirs dont le Sr. Puchilberg est rev\u00eatu pour toucher les parts des prises qui reviennent aux sujets des Etats unis. D\u2019apr\u00e9s votre assertion et vos propres r\u00e9flexions, je ne h\u00e9siterois point \u00e0 confirmer les ordres que j\u2019ai d\u00e9j\u00e0 donn\u00e9s de remettre \u00e0 Mr. Jones tout ce qui est d\u00fb aux americains; Mais il se pr\u00e9sente une autre difficult\u00e9: Le commissaire ordonnateur \u00e0 L\u2019Orient me marque que, quelque recherche que l\u2019on ait faite, il n\u2019a pas \u00eat\u00e9 possible de se procurer un r\u00f4lle exact des gens de l\u2019equipage de la fregate americaine L\u2019alliance, et que, dans la supposition, tr\u00e9s-probable, que des fran\u00e7ois ayent servi sur cette fregate, il r\u00e9sulteroit de la remise totale des fonds faite \u00e0 Mr. Jones, que les parts revenantes aux sujets du Roi seroient vers\u00e9es dans le tr\u00e9sor du congr\u00e9s.\nDans cette circonstance, je pr\u00e9sume qu\u2019il vous paro\u00eetra juste d\u2019exiger de Mr. Jones une caution pour assurer le pa\u00efement de ce qui pouroit revenir aux fran\u00e7ois, dans le cas o\u00f9 il en auroit \u00e9t\u00e9 embarqu\u00e9 sur la fregate L\u2019alliance.\nJe vous prie de me faire l\u2019honneur de me repondre \u00e0 ce sujet, et J\u2019ai celui d\u2019\u00eatre avec un tr\u00e9s sincere attachement, Monsieur, votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur,\nLe Mal. De Castries", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0291", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Stockdale, 12 August 1785\nFrom: Stockdale, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPiccadilly 12th. Augt. 1785.\nI received Yours dated the 28th. of July by the bearer of this Letter. All orders that I may have the honor to receive from You shall be punctually executed. As to payment I am in no hurry but will once or twice a Year transmit a Bill which may be paid in London when Convenient. The books orderd, I shall have to procure from Scotland before I can dispatch them to America, which will be done with all convenient speed. I shall take occasion to send You such publications as are valuable by every opportunity that may offer. The Bearer brings the first parcel. I am Sir Yr. much obligd. & very Hble Servant,\nJohn Stockdale", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0293", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Buchanan and William Hay, 13 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Buchanan, James,Hay, William\nGentlemen\nParis Aug. 13. 1785.\nYour favor of March 20. came to hand the 14th. of June, and the next day I wrote to you acknowleging the receipt, and apprising you that between that date and the 1st. of August it would be impossible to procure and get to your hands the draughts you desired. I did hope indeed to have had them prepared before this, but it will yet be some time before they will be in readiness. I flatter myself however they will give you satisfaction when you receive them and that you will think the object will not have lost by the delay. I was a considerable time before I could find an architect whose taste had been formed on a study of the antient models of this art: the style of architecture in this capital being far from chaste. I at length heard of one, to whom I immediatley addressed myself, and who perfectly fulfills my wishes. He has studied 20 years in Rome, and has given proofs of his skill and taste by a publication of some antiquities of this country. You intimate that you should be willing to have a workman sent to you to superintend the execution of this work. Were I to send one on this errand from hence, he would consider himself as the Superintendant of the Directors themselves and probably of the Government of the state also. I will give you my ideas on this subject. The columns of the building and the external architraves of the doors and windows should be of stone. Whether these are made  here, or there, you will need one good stone-cutter, and one will be enough because, under his direction, negroes who never saw a tool, will be able to prepare the work for him to finish. I will therefore send you such a one, in time to begin work in the spring. All the internal cornices and other ornaments not exposed to the weather will be much handsomer, cheaper and more durable in plaister than in wood. I will therefore employ a good workman in this way and send him to you. But he will have no employment till the house is covered, of course he need not be sent till next summer. I will take him on wages so long beforehand as that he may draw all the ornaments in detail, under the eye of the architect, which he will have to execute when he comes to you. It will be the cheapest way of getting them drawn and the most certain of putting him in possession of his precise duty. Plaister will not answer for your external cornice, and stone will be too dear. You will probably find yourselves obliged to be contented with wood. For this therefore, and for your windowsashes, doors, forms, wainscoating &c. you will need a capital housejoiner, and a capital one he ought to be, capable of directing all the circumstances in the construction of the walls which the execution of the plans will require. Such a workman cannot be got here. Nothing can be worse done than the house-joinery of Paris. Besides that his speaking the language perfectly would be essential. I think this character must be got from England. There are no workmen in wood in Europe comparable to those of England. I submit to you therefore the following proposition: to wit, I will get a correspondent in England to engage a workman of this kind. I will direct him to come here, which will cost five guineas. We will make proof of his execution. He shall also make himself, under the eye of the architect, all the drawings for the building which he is to execute himself: and if we find him sober and capable, he shall be forwarded to you. I expect that in the article of the drawings and the cheapness of passage from France you will save the expence of his coming here. But as to this workman I shall do nothing unless I receive your commands. With respect to your stone work, it may be got much cheaper here than in England. The stone of Paris is very white and beautiful, but it always remains soft, and suffers from the weather. The cliffs of the Seine from hence to Havre are all of stone. I am not yet informed whether it is all liable to the same objections. At Lyons and all along the Rhone is a stone as beautiful as that of Paris, soft when it comes out of the quarry, but very soon becoming  hard in the open air, and very durable. I doubt however whether the commerce between Virginia and Marseilles would afford opportunities of conveiance sufficient. It remains to be enquired what addition to the original cost would be made by the short land carriage from Lyons to the Loire and the water transportation down that to Bourdeaux, and also whether a stone of the same quality may not be found on the Loire. In this and all other matters relative to your charge you may command my services freely.\nHaving heard high commendations of a plan of a prison drawn by an architect at Lyons I sent there for it. The architect furnished me with it. It is certainly the best plan I ever saw. It unites in the most perfect manner the objects of security and health, and has moreover the advantage, valuable to us, of being capable of being adjusted to any number of prisoners, small or great and admitting an execution from time to time as it may be convenient. The plan is under preparation as for 40. prisoners. Will you have any occasion for slate? It may be got very good and ready prepared at Havre, and a workman or more might be sent on easy terms. Perhaps the quarry at Tuckahoe would leave you no other want than a workman.\nI shall be glad to receive your sentiments on the several matters herein mentioned, that I may know how far you approve of them, as I shall with pleasure pursue strictly whatever you desire. I have the honour to be with great respect and esteem, gentlemen, Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0294", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Plowden Garvey, 13 August 1785\nFrom: Garvey, Plowden W.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nRouen, 13 Aug. 1785. On request of John Adams, remaining seven cases of his wine have been shipped on board the Sophie, Captain Knight. Bill of lading and note of charges, 961. 16s. 6d., sent to Adams and sight draft payable to John Fred: Perregaux has been drawn on TJ.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0295", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 13 August 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nOffice for foreign Affairs 13th. August 1785\nSince the Date of my last to you which was the 13th. Ultimo I have been honored with your Joint Letter of the 11th. May and with two others from you of the same Date.\nAs yet Congress have not communicated to me any Resolutions on the Subjects of the several Letters from their Ministers which have been received and laid before them, and the Convention respecting consular Powers is still under their Consideration.\nThe Board of Commissioners for the Treasury is now complete, Congress having been pleased to appoint Mr. Arthur Lee to be one of them.\nThe Answer ot Governor Rutledge who has been elected for the Hague, has not yet come to Hand.\nA Requisition on the States for Supplies is preparing and it is thought will pass in the Course of the next Month. If punctually complied with, it will greatly reestablish our Credit with those, who entertain Doubts respecting it.\nOur Harvest is good, and though the Productions of the Country are plenty, yet they bear a high Cash Price, so that the Complaint of the want of Money in the Country, is less well founded than a Complaint of Distrust and want of Credit between Man and Man would be. For the apprehension of paper Money alarms those who have any Thing to lend, while they who have Debts to pay are zealous Advocates for the Measure. Until that Matter is decided there will be little Credit, and I sometimes think the less the better.\nThe Letters I have received from Mr. Adams were written immediately after his Presentation and contain nothing of Business, so that our Suspence on certain interesting Points still continues.\nI herewith enclose by Order of Congress some Papers on the Subject of our Trade with the French which it may be useful for you to know the Cont\u00e9ents of, and also some late newspapers which tho\u2019 not very interesting may not be altogether useless. I have the honor to be &c.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0296", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 13 August 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nOffice for foreign Affairs 13th. August 1785\nI have received a Letter from Mr. Morris in which he requests my Attention to the Case stated in the Papers herewith enclosed. There is reason to apprehend that Justice is at least unnecessarily delayed if intended. The Circumstances of the Persons interested have Claims on the Humanity and good Offices of those in whose Power it may be to promote their obtaining Justice. I therefore readily comply with their Request in laying these Papers before you. They entreat your Attention to them, and that you will direct such Enquiries to be made as may be necessary to ascertain the Reality, Nature and Extent of the Difficulties which it is said lay in their Way. With great Esteem and Regard &c.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0301", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 14 August 1785\nFrom: Holker, Jean\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRouen 14 of Aug. 1785\nI Received the Pleaseur of yours of the 29 past and being obliged to goe into the Cont\u00e9ery on the account of my health, I spoeke to a friend to see If he could not meet with a pear of horseis fitting for you, came here too days agoe and find he has not been able to doe the Commision, or have I any Expectations at present. One thing is certin all horse Marchands air Harpers and maks no Scrupel of cheating their father, all which I know to my Expenceis, so woud advise you to keep a Lookeout and see If you cant fit your Self in Paris, for Really I dont beleive you can be so well served here, unless one could meet with some one out of the Cont\u00e9ery, who has a pear of horseis to sell. This may happen, but the occasions air not Common. Our friend Docter Bancroft past to see me in the Cont\u00e9ery, on Friday last and tould me you was well. May you allways continue so, for life without health is little worth; it woud be agreeable to me could I in any Shape be of use, and as such beg on every occasion youl Imploy me, and believe me most Sincearly with Respect Sir you Most Obed. & very humble Servant,\nJ Holker", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0302", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 14 August 1785\nFrom: Jamieson, Neil\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew York, 14 Aug. 1785. Letter accompanies two packets from Charleston, S.C., a letter from James Currie at Richmond, and some New York newspapers; these probably will be forwarded to TJ by a passenger going in the August packet.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0303", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Patience Wright, 14 August 1785\nFrom: Wright, Patience\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHonoured Sir\nLondon, at the wax-work, Aug. 14, 1785.\nI had the pleasure to hear that my son Joseph Wright had painted the best likeness of our HERO Washington, of any painter in America; and my friends are anxious that I should make a likeness, a bust in wax, to be placed in the state-house, or some new public building that may be erected by congress. The flattering letters from gentlemen of distinguished virtues and rank, and one from that general himself, wherein he says, \u2018He shall think himself happy to have his bust done by Mrs. Wright, whose uncommon talents, &c. &c.\u2019make me happy in the prospect of seeing him in my own country.\nI most sincerely wish not only to make the likeness of Washington, but of those five gentlemen, who assisted at the signing the treaty of peace, that put an end to so bloody and dreadful a war. The more public the honours bestowed on such men by their country, the better. To shame the English king, I would go to any trouble and expense to add my mite in the stock of honour due to Adams, Jefferson, and others, to send to America; and I will, if it is thought proper to pay my expense of travelling to Paris, come myself and model the likeness of Mr. Jefferson; and at the same time see the picture, and if possible by this painting, which is said to be so like him, make a likeness of the General. I wish likewise to consult with you, how best we may honour our country, by holding up the likenesses of her eminent men, either in painting or wax-work. A statue in marble is already ordered, and an artist gone to Philadelphia to begin the work. This is as I wished and hoped.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0305", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 15 August 1785\nFrom: Monroe, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York August 15th. 1785\n   I have had the pleasure to receive yours by Mr. Adams with the cypher accompanying it and am happy to hear of the recovery of your health. I have only fail\u2019d writing you by two of the packets the first of which sail\u2019d before I had been advis\u2019d she would, and the 2d. while I was ill of a pleurisy which I caught by walking in the rain to Congress and had like to have given me my final repose. Colo. Smith, Mr. Mazzai and Mrs. Macaulay Graham have since carried my letters to you, or rather took charge of them for that purpose. In those letters I gave you full information of the previous transactions in Congress as well as of the important business still  before us. It therefore now remains to give you the progress since that time. The report proposing to invest Congress with the power to regulate commerce hath been twice before Congress in committee of the whole. It met with no opponant except the president. By this I do not mean that there were no others oppos\u2019d to it, for the contrary is the case. They however said but little or rather committed their side of the question to his care. In favor of it there were but few speakers also. The committee came to no [conclusion] but desired leave to sit again. A second plan hath been proposd, a navigation act digested here and recommended to the States. This hath not been presented but probably will be. One would expect in a particular quarter of the union perfect concert in this business, yet this is not altogether the case. The 2d. plan above attended to takes its origin with MacHenry. The Eastern people wish something more lasting and will of course in the first instance not agree to it. They must therefore come in with that propos\u2019d in the report. You will ask me why they hesitate? To be candid I believe it arises from the real magnitude of the subject, for I have the most confidential communications with them and am satisfied they act ingenuously. They fear the consequences may possibly result from it. The longer it is delayd the more certain is its passage thro the several states ultimately. Their minds will be better informd by evidences within their views of the necessity of committing the power to Congress for the commerce of the union is daily declining; the merchants of this town own I am told not more than two ships. I wish much to hear from you upon this subject. I expect it will be brought on again shortly, if for the purpose only of committing it to the journals. It may then be delay\u2019d for sometime untill we may obtain full information on it: the report changing the instructions for forming commercial treaties will I believe be adopted. It changes the principle and puts an end to that of the right of the most favored nation. The policy of forming a treaty with powers not having possessions in the West Indies is doubted since from them we can obtain as much without as with a treaty, and such treaties whether upon that or any other principle in effecting the main object we have in view, the opening the islands by treaty with those who have them, may embarrass us. This is conceiv\u2019d to be the only end which can be obtain\u2019d upon principles of expedience to us by treaty. Of course that with Sweden &c. is unfortunate. Mr. Adams seems to suppose the principal object in his mission to the court of London was the formation of a treaty; but  the contrary was certainly the case: it was merely to conciliate, and prevent a variance which seem\u2019d to threaten at that time. He might however readily make this mistake under the present instructions. A treaty is not expected and I am satisfied the majority here wish all propositions on that head to cease, at least for the present, and untill our restrictions on their commerce have effected a different disposition. Mr. Jay is authorised to treat with Mr. Gardoqui upon the subjects arising between the two parties. He is to lay every proposition before Congress before he enters into any engagement with him. As yet we have heard nothing from him. The consulate convention lately formed with France is universally disapproved. It was form\u2019d under instructions but in the opinion of the secretary of foreign affairs hath been deviated from. I have not had time to examine it attentively so cannot decide as to this fact. I shall sit out on the first of Sepr. for the Indian treaty on the Ohio and return thence thro Virga., and provided I shall be continued in Congress, to this place. I shall however attend the f\u0153deral court for the trial of the controversy between Massachusetts and New York in Novr. so that I doubt whether I shall reach this before Decr. or Jany. next. The requisition will pass I expect this week and most of the important business remaining in a train for decision or be postponed for the winter. I have however no expectation that Congress will adjourn for the present year. I intended to have given you something of domestic news but am inform\u2019d the mail is just closing. By this however, do not suppose that I have any thing worthy communication for the contrary is the case. I should be forc\u2019d to look about me to find out any thing you would have patience to read. A. Lee is elected in the Board of treasury. We were under the necessity of having someone from this State and advocated his appointment. How is Miss Patsy? How is Short? How are they pleas\u2019d with France. I must observe that Congress seem to expect the court of France will send a minister here. To visit you would give me infinite pleasure. Whether I shall be able or not depends on circumstances. If I do it will be in the spring after Congress adjourn or at least the most important business is finish\u2019d. I send you the journals and am dear Sir yr. affectionate friend & servt.,\nJas. Monroe", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0306", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Vergennes, 15 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nSir\nParis August 15. 1785.\nIn the conversation which I had the honor of having with your Excellency a few days ago, on the importance of placing, at this time the commerce between France and America on the best footing possible, among other objects of this commerce, that of tobacco was mentioned as susceptible of greater encouragement and advantage to the two nations. Always distrusting what I say in a language I speak so imperfectly, I will beg your permission to state in English the substance of what I had then the honour to observe, adding some more particular details for your consideration.\nI find the consumption of tobacco in France estimated at from 15. to 30. millions of pounds. The most probable estimate however places it at 24. millions. This costing 8. sous the pound, \ndelivered in a port of France amounts to\nlivres.   \nAllow 6 sous a pound, as the average cost of the different manufactures\n   The revenue which the king derives from this is something less than\n   Which would make the cost of the whole\n   But it is sold to the Consumers at an average of 3\u20b6 the pound\n   There remains then for the expences of collection\nlivres,\nwhich is within a sixth as much as the king receives, and so gives nearly one half for collecting the other.\nIt would be presumption in me, a stranger, to suppose my numbers perfectly accurate. I have taken them from the best and most distinterested authorities I could find. Your Excellency will know how far they are wrong: and should you find them considerably wrong, yet I am persuaded you will find, after strictly correcting them, that the collection of this branch of the revenue still absorbs too much.\nMy apology for making these remarks will I hope be found in my wishes to improve the commerce between the two nations, and the interest which my own country will derive from this improvement. The monopoly of the purchase of tobacco in France discourages  both the French and American merchant from bringing it here, and from taking in exchange the manufactures and productions of France. It is contrary to the spirit of trade, and to the dispositions of merchants to carry a commodity to any market where but one person is allowed to buy it, and where of course that person fixes it\u2019s price, which the seller must receive, or re-export his commodity, at the loss of his voyage hither. Experience accordingly shews that they carry it to other markets, and that they take in exchange the merchandize of the place where they deliver it. I am misinformed if France has not been furnished from a neighboring nation with considerable quantities of tobacco, since the peace, and been obliged to pay there in coin what might have been paid here in manufactures, had the French and American merchants brought the tobacco originally here. I suppose too that the purchases made by the Farmers general in America, are paid for chiefly in coin, which coin is also remitted directly hence to England, and makes an important part of the balance supposed to be in favor of that nation against this. To satisfy government on this head, should the farmers general, by themselves, or by the company to whom they may commit the procuring these tobaccoes from America, require the exportation of a proportion of merchandize in exchange for them, it is an unpromising expedient. It will only commit the exports, as well as imports, between France and America to a monopoly, which being secure against rivals in the sale of the merchandize of France, are not likely to sell at such moderate prices as may encourage it\u2019s consumption there, and enable it to bear a competition with similar articles from other countries. I am persuaded this exportation of coin may be prevented, and that of commodities effected, by leaving both operations to the French and American merchants, instead of the Farmers general. They will import a sufficient quantity of tobacco, if they are allowed a perfect freedom in the sale; and they will receive in paiment wines, oils, brandies, and manufactures instead of coin, forcing each other, by their competition, to bring tobaccoes of the best quality, to give to the French manufacturer the full worth of his merchandize, and to sell to the American consumer at the lowest price they can afford, thus encouraging him to use in preference the merchandize of this country.\nIt is not necessary that this exchange should be favoured by any loss of revenue to the king. I do not mean to urge any thing which shall injure either his majesty or his people. On the contrary  the measure I have the honour of proposing will increase his revenue, while it places both the seller and buyer on a better footing. It is not for me to say what system of collection may be best adapted to the organisation of this government; nor whether any useful hints may be taken from the practice of that country which has heretofore been the principal entrepot for this commodity. Their system is simple and little expensive. The importer there pays the whole duty to the king: and as this would be inconvenient for him to do before he has sold his tobacco, he is permitted on arrival to deposit it in the king\u2019s warehouse, under the locks of the king\u2019s officer. As soon as he has sold it, he goes with the purchaser to the warehouse, the money is there divided between the king and him, to each his proportion, and the purchaser takes out the tobacco. The paiment of the king\u2019s duty is thus ensured in ready money. What is the expence of it\u2019s collection I cannot say, but it certainly need not exceed 6. livres a hogshead of 1000\u2114. That government levies a higher duty on tobacco than is levied here. Yet so tempting, and so valuable is the perfect liberty of sale, that the merchant carries it there, and finds his account in carrying it there.\nIf by a simplification of the collection of the king\u2019s duty on tobacco, the cost of that collection can be reduced even to 5. per cent, or a million and a half, instead of 25. millions, the price to the Consumer will be reduced from 3. to 2.\u20b6 the pound. For thus I calculate. \nThe cost, manufacture and revenue on 24. million \u2114. of tobacco being (as before stated)\n5. per cent on 30. millions of livres, expences of collection\ngives what the Consumers would pay, being about 2.\u20b6 a pound\nBut they pay at present \u2025 3\u20b6 a pound\nThe difference is\nThe price being thus reduced one third, would be brought within the reach of a new and numerous circle of the people, who cannot at present afford themselves this luxury. The consumption then would probably increase, and perhaps in the same, if not a greater, proportion with the reduction of the price, that is to say, from 24. to 36. millions of pounds: and the king continuing to receive 25. sous on the pound, as at present, would receive 45. instead of 30.  millions of livres, while his subjects would pay but 2. livres for an object which has heretofore cost them 3.\u20b6 Or if, in event, the consumption were not to be increased, he would levy only 48. millions on his people where 72. millions are now levied, and would leave 24. millions in their pockets, either to remain there, or to be levied in some other form should the state of his revenues require it. He will enable his subjects also to dispose of between 9. and 10. millions worth of their produce and manufactures, instead of sending nearly that sum annually in coin to enrich a neighboring nation.\nI have heard two objections made to the suppression of this monopoly. 1. That it might increase the importation of tobacco in contraband. 2. That it would lessen the ability of the Farmers general to make occasional loans of money to the public treasury. These objections will surely be better answered by those who are better acquainted than I am, with the details and circumstances of the country. With respect to the 1st. however I may observe that contraband does not increase on lessening the temptations to it. It is now encouraged by being able to sell for 60. sous what costs but 14. leaving a gain of 46. sous. When the price shall be reduced from 60. to 40. sous, the gain will be but 26., that is to say a little more than one half of what it is at present. It does not seem a natural consequence then that contraband should be increased by reducing it\u2019s gain nearly one half. As to the 2d. objection, if we suppose (for elucidation and without presuming to fix) the proportion of the farm on tobacco at one eighth of the whole mass farmed, the abilities of the Farmers general to lend will be reduced one eighth, that is, they can hereafter lend only 7. millions where heretofore they have lent 8. It is to be considered then whether this eighth (or other proportion, whatever it be) is worth the annual sacrifice of 24 millions, or if a much smaller sacrifice to other monied men will not produce the same loans of money in the ordinary way.\nWhile the advantages of an increase of revenue to the crown, a diminution of impost on the people, and a paiment in merchandise instead of money are conjectured as likely to result to France from a suppression of the monopoly on tobacco, we have also reason to hope some advantages on our part; and this hope alone could justify my entering into the present details. I do not expect this advantage will be by an augmentation of price. The other markets of Europe have too much influence on this article to admit any  sensible augmentation of price to take place. But the advantage I principally expect is an increase of consumption. This will give us a vent for so much more, and of consequence find employment for so many more cultivators of the earth: and in whatever proportion it increases this production for us, in the same proportion will it procure additional vent for the merchandize of France, and emploiment for the hands which produce it. I expect too that by bringing our merchants here they would procure a number of commodities in exchange, better in kind, and cheaper in price. It is with sincerity I add, that warm feelings are indulged in my breast by the further hope that it would bind the two nations still closer in friendship, by binding them in interest. In truth no two countries are better calculated for the exchanges of commerce. France wants rice, tobacco, potash, furs, ship-timber. We want wines, brandies, oils and manufactures. There is an affection too between the two people which disposes them to favour one another. If they do not come together then to make the exchange in their own ports, it shews there is some substantial obstruction in the way. We have had the benefit of too many proofs of his majesty\u2019s friendly disposition towards the United states, and know too well his affectionate care of his own subjects, to doubt his willingness to remove these obstructions, if they can be unequivocally pointed out. It is for his wisdom to decide whether the monopoly which is the subject of this letter be deservedly classed with the principal of these. It is a great comfort to me too, that in presenting this to the mind of his Majesty, your Excellency will correct my ideas where an insufficient knowlege of facts may have led me into error; and that while the interests of the king and of his people are the first object of your attention, an additional one will be presented by those dispositions towards us which have heretofore so often befriended our nation. We fervently invoke heaven to make the king\u2019s life and happiness the objects of it\u2019s peculiar care, and that he may long be relieved in the burthen of government by your wise counsels. Permit me to add the assurance of that high respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be your Excellency\u2019s most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0308", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to B. Cont\u00e9e, 16 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Cont\u00e9e, B.\nSir\nParis Aug. 16. 1785.\nYour letter of July 18. to Dr. Franklin came to my hands the 1st. inst. As I knew mine of July 13. was then on the way to you no further answer to it was necessary. Your\u2019s of July 30. came to hand on the 6th. instant. I immediately communicated it to Mr. Barclay our Consul general who happened to be at Paris. He thought with me that if you had made no express contract with the agent of the farmers general previous to your bringing your tobacco to Bayonne, you could not oblige him to take it by the laws of this country, or probably of any country. Your first letters gave reason to believe there was no absolute contract. Your last seems to suppose one. On the whole we thought the best thing which could be done for you would be to apply to the discretion and justice of the Farmers general. Mr. Barclay drew a memorial, which he inclosed to one of that body of his acquaintance. It will yet be six days before he can get an answer. Lest you should be doubtful in the mean time whether any thing was doing for you, I thought it best to write you what is as yet done, with an assurance that I will communicate their final answer as soon as I receive it, which perhaps may be by the post of this day week. I am Sir Your very humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0310", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Castries, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nParis Aug. 17. 1785.\nI was honoured yesterday with the receipt of your Excellency\u2019s letter of the 12th. instant. I have ever understood that the whole crew off the Alliance was of American citizens. But should there have been among them any subjects of his majesty, it is but just that the repaiment of their portions of the prize money should be secured. But Capt. Jones being already bound to pay what he shall receive into the treasury of the United States, I submit to your Excellency, whether it will be right to require him to be answerable for monies after they shall be put out of his power? And whether, as Congress have secured the receipt at their treasury it will not be shorter for them to order repaiment to any subjects of his majesty who may shew themselves justly entitled? I will immediately ask their pleasure on this subject, and sollicit such orders as that every such claimant, proving his title here, in the usual way, may receive immediate paiment of their banker here. And that no individual may, in the mean time be delayed, should any such present their proofs before the orders are received, I will undertake to direct paiment by the banker of the United  States in Paris; being assured that in so doing I shall forward those views of perfect justice which Congress will carry into the distribution of this money. Should any instances arise of paiment to be demanded here, I think they will be few, and the sums will of course be small.\nI shall be happy if your Excellency shall think that the justice due to this part of the claimants is so sufficiently secured by these assurances as that it need not stand in the way of that which is due to the great mass of claimants who are already so much indebted for your attention to their interests. I will take the liberty of asking that I may be furnished by the proper officer with copies of Capt. Jones\u2019s receipts for the monies which shall be paid him, that, by transmitting them to the Treasury board of the United States, they may know the precise sums which they are to receive through his hands. I pray you to accept my acknolegements for your attention to this troublesome business, and assurances of the high respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be your Excellency\u2019s most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0311", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jones, John Paul\nSir\nParis Aug. 17. 1785.\nMine of the 13th. informed you that I had written to the M. de Castries on the subject of Puchelberg\u2019s interference. Yesterday I received his answer dated the 12th. In that he says that he is informed by the Ordonnateur that he has not been able to get an authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance, that, in the probable case of there having been some French subjects among them, it will be just that you should give security to repay their portions. I write to him this morning that as you have obliged yourself to transmit the money to the treasury of the U.S. it does not seem just to require you to be answerable for money which will be no longer within your power, that the repaiment of such portions will be incumbent on Congress, that I will immediately sollicit their orders to have all such claims paid by their banker here, and that should any be presented before I receive their orders I will undertake  to direct the banker of the U.S. to pay them that there may be no delay. I trust that this will remove the difficulty, and that it is the last which will be offered. The ultimate answer shall be communicated the moment I receive it. Having pledged myself for the claims which may be offered before I receive the orders of Congress, it is necessary to arm myself with the proper checks. Can you give me a roll of the crew, pointing out the French subjects? If not, can you recollect personally the French subjects and name them to me, and the sums they are entitled to? If there were none such yet the roll will be material, because I have no doubt that Puchelberg will excite claims upon me either true or false. I am with much respect Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0312", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nL\u2019Orient, August 17th, 1785.\nI am still waiting for a decision respecting the claim of M. Puchilberg. But I think it my duty to inform you that one or two of the common sailors that served on board the Alliance, when that frigate was under my orders, are now here in a merchant vessel, and, as I am this moment informed, they have been persuaded to write to M. Puchilberg, desiring that their share in the prizes may not be sent to America, but paid to them here. This I am told, has been urged as a reason to the Marechal to induce him to decide in favor of M. Puchilberg\u2019s claim. Those two men will, however, sail in a day or two for Boston, and perhaps may never return to France; besides, their objection is too trifling to be admitted, as it would greatly injure the other persons, both officers and men of that crew, who would, in all probability, never receive any part of their prize money unless they should come from America to L\u2019Orient on purpose; which would not pay their expenses.\nAs the post is just going, I must defer answering the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 3d, till another opportunity. I am with great esteem, &c.\nN.B. I beg you therefore to write again to the Marechal de Castries.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0313", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Thompson, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thompson, Thomas\nSir\nParis Aug. 17. 1785.\nI am much obliged by your favor of the 12th. The method you are so kind as to propose to me of being furnished with the English papers would be perfectly pleasing to me, if they come clear of French postage also, a circumstance which you do not particularly mention in your letter. I had written about a fortnight ago to Mr. Adams to order me the two best papers which the D. of Dorset was so kind as to permit to come always by his courier. But I do not consider this channel as so certain as the post. I cannot decide any thing however till I hear from Mr. Adams what he has done. In the mean time if you will be so good as to inform me as to the circumstance of French postage, I shall be obliged to you. I am Sir your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0314", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Tracy, 17 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tracy, Nathaniel\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 17. 1785.\nA conveyance offering by a gentleman going directly to Salem, I cannot omit the opportunity of congratulating you on your safe return to your family and country which I see announced in the public papers. I wish that the sentiments of pleasure excited by this event could have been unmixed with those of a contrary nature which the fate of poor Temple occasioned\u2014but let us turn to the living. What is become of Moore? Have you banished him from Boston with the rest of his countrymen? I thought I saw in the resolutions of Faneuil hall a hole made on purpose for him, and others as good as him, to creep through. But tell him from me he must alter, or he shall go the next time. He must become abstemious, chaste, ascetic, hard-hearted; in short he must mix all his good qualities with a little alloy from their opposite vices, to render them fit for common use. The proceedings in Boston on  the subject of British commerce have produced a sensation among the God-dem-mees, and will do us good in the other parts of Europe. It will do much more if the other states adopt them. I consider this measure like that of turning a strumpet out of doors. It is saying \u2018we have sinned, but we repent and amend: we begin by banishing the tempter.\u2019 But much remains to be done afterwards. Can you become rigorously frugal? Can you despise European modes, European follies and vices? &c. &c. For many such hacknied questions might be asked, all approved in theory, but neglected in practice. It is much to be wished that every discouragement should be thrown in the way of men who undertake to trade without capital; who therefore do not go to the market where commodities are to be had cheapest, but where they are to be had on the longest credit. The consumers pay for it in the end, and the debts contracted, and bankruptcies occasioned by such commercial adventurers, bring burthen and disgrace on our country. No man can have a natural right to enter on a calling by which it is at least ten to one he will ruin many better men than himself. Yet these are the actual links which hold us whether we will or no to Great Britain. There is a great reformation necessary in our manners and our commerce. This is for you to look to. Europe is likely to continue in peace. The affairs of the Emperor and Dutch are as good as made up. That of Bavaria is dropped. If any thing threatens it is the one between the Emperor and Porte. You will suppose from the papers that France and England are likely to quarrel. But they will not fight. One has but little money and the other none at all. I believe it may be true that the salute to the British flag in the channel has been refused by a French vessel. We shall soon see whether it was by order. If it was, it will not be resented, and I hope the other nations will seize the moment for throwing off this yoke of maritime bondage. The peace between Spain and Algiers was to have cost a million of dollars besides presents in kind. It is likely to be broke off, and that by the latter who think they cannot afford it.\u2014Will you be so good as to send me your best newspaper? I will pay the cost on demand here, or find means of ordering paiment in Boston. They will come most regularly if sent to Mr. Neill Jamieson merchant of New York. Present me respectfully to Mrs. Tracy, to Mr. Jackson, Mr. Russel, and Lowell and beleive me to be with sincerity Dr. Sir your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0315", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 18 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square August 18. 1785\nI have received your Favour of the 6. Aug. with the Notes and Project inclosed.\nHow can we send another Person? We have not in our Full Power authority to Substitute. Will not the Emperor and the Regencies feel their Dignity offended if a Person appears without a Commission from Congress? Do you mean that he should only agree upon the Terms and transmit them to Us to be signed? If you think this Method will do, I have no objection to either of the Persons you mention\u2014nor to Mr. Short. Dr. Bancroft is the greatest Master of the French Language. If We conclude to send either he should take an attested Copy at least of all our Commissions for Africa, and a Letter and Instructions from Us. If there is any Truth in any of the Reports of Captures by the Algerines, Lambes Vessell may be taken by them.\nWhoever is sent by us should be instructed to Correspond constantly with us, and to send, by whatever conveyance he may find, whether thro\u2019 Spain France England Holland or otherwise, Copies of his Letters to us to Congress. He should be instructed farther to make dilligent Inquiry concerning the Productions of those Countries which would answer in America, and those of the United States which might find a Market in Barbary, and to transmit all such Information to Congress as well as to Us.\nI have read over the Project with Care. The 17th. Article appears to be carried farther than our Countrymen will at present be willing to go. I presume the three last words of the third Line of this 17. Article must be left out; and in the fourth line, the 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. and 12. Words; and in the Sixth Line the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth words.\nYou have seen by this Time our Massachusetts Navigation Act, and the Reasonings and Dispositions of all the States tend the same Way at present, so that we must conform our Proceedings, as I suppose, to their Views. My Regards to Messrs. Humphreys, Mazzai, Williamos, &c. and believe me ever yours,\nJohn Adams\nMr. Short left us on Tuesday. Dr. Bancroft is just come in. This Letter will be delivered to you by Mr. James Smith, a Gentleman of South Carolina, a Relation of Mrs. Adams, whom I beg leave to introduce to you and recommend to your Civilities.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0316", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 18 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 18. 1785.\nMy last to you was of June 22. with a P. S. of July 14. Yours of June 27. came to hand the 23d. of July and that of July 28. came to hand the 10th. inst. The papers enclosed in the last shall be communicated to Mr. Adams. I see with extreme satisfaction and gratitude the friendly interposition of the court of Spain with the emperor of Marocco on the subject of the brig Betsey, and I am persuaded it will produce the happiest effects in America. Those who are entrusted with the public affairs there are sufficiently sensible how essentially it is of our interest to cultivate peace with Spain, and they will be pleased to see a corresponding disposition in that court. The late good office of emancipating a number of our countrymen from slavery is peculiarly calculated to produce a sensation among our people, and to dispose them to relish and adopt the pacific and friendly views of their leaders towards Spain. We hear nothing yet of Mr. Lambe. I have therefore lately proposed to Mr. Adams if he does not come in the French or English packet of this month, that we will wait no longer. If he accedes to the proposition, you will be sure of hearing of, and perhaps of seeing some agent proceeding on that business. The immense sum said to have been proposed on the part of Spain to Algiers leaves us little hope of satisfying their avarice. It may happen then that the interests of Spain and America may call for a concert of proceedings against that state. The dispositions of the Emperor of Marocco give us better hopes there. May not the affairs of the Musquito coast, and our Western posts, produce another instance of a common interest? Indeed, I meet this correspondence of interest in so many quarters, that I look with anxiety to the issue of Mr. Gardoqui\u2019s mission; hoping it will be a removal of the only difficulty at present subsisting between the two nations, or which is likely to arise.\nCongress are not likely to adjourn this summer. They have purchased the Indian right of soil to about fifty millions of acres of land, between the Ohio and lakes, and expected to make another purchase of an equal quantity. They have, in consequence, passed  an ordinance for disposing of their lands, and I think a very judicious one. They propose to sell them at auction, for not less than a dollar an acre, receiving their own certificates of debt as money. I am of opinion all the certificates of our domestic debt will immediately be exchanged for land. Our foreign debt, in that case, will soon be discharged. New York and Rhode Island still refuse the impost. A general disposition is taking place to commit the whole management of our commerce to Congress. This has been much promoted by the interested policy of England, which, it was apparent, could not be counter-worked by the States separately. In the mean time, the other great towns are acceding to the proceedings of Boston for annihilating, in a great measure, their commercial connections with Great Britain. I will send the cypher by a gentleman who goes from here to Madrid about a month hence. It shall be a copy of the one I gave Mr. Adams. The letter of Don Gomez, has been delivered at the hotel of the Portuguese ambassador, who is, however, in the country. I am with much respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0317", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel House, 18 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: House, Samuel\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 18. 1785.\nYour favour of May 28. came to hand the 22d. Ultimo. I have spoken with some merchants of this place and endeavoured to shew them that it would be worth their while to try some commercial adventures to America, the disposal of which I would have endeavoured to procure for you. But this place carries on no distant commerce, but in their modes and other trifles: and the tales of want of faith and of bankruptcies in America, which are disseminated by the English papers, deter them from thinking of adventures in that way. I very much fear that it will be difficult to introduce a commerce with this country even in articles where it would be for the interest of both to trade together. Their mercantile characters are too easily rebuffed by difficulties. I wish I could have given you a more comfortable answer. I inclose a  letter for Mrs. Trist. Should she not be returned be so good as to keep it till she does return. Present my most friendly respects to Mrs. House and be assured of the esteem with which I am Dr. Sir your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0318", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, 18 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Trist, Eliza House\nDear Madam\nParis Aug. 18. 1785.\nYour favor of Dec. 25. came to hand on the 22d. of July, and on the next day I had the pleasure of receiving that of May. 4. I was happy to find that you had taken the first step for a return to your own country, tho\u2019 I was sensible many difficult ones still remained. I hope however these are surmounted, and that this letter will find you in the bosom of your friends. Your last letter is an evidence of the excellence of your own dispositions which can be so much excited by so small a circumstance as the one noticed in it. Tho\u2019 I esteem you too much to wish you may ever need services from me or any other person, yet I wish you to be assured that in such an event no one would be more disposed to render them, nor more desirous of receiving such a proof of your good opinion as would be your applying for them. By this time I hope your mind has felt the good effects of time and occupation. They are slow physicians indeed, but they are the only ones. Their opiate influence lessens our sensibility tho their power does not extend to dry up the sources of sorrow. I thought there was a prospect the last winter of my taking a trip to England. Tho\u2019 I did not know who and where were Browse\u2019s relations in that country, yet I knew he had some so nearly connected as to claim their attention. I should have endeavored to have seen them, and disposed them to feel an interest both in you and him. Tho\u2019 the probability of my going there is very much lessened, yet it is not among impossible events. Will you be so good as to let me know what relations he has there and where they live, and if I should at any time go there I will certainly see them. Patsy is well, and is happily situated in the Convent of Panthemont the institutions of which leave me nothing to wish on that head. It is attended by the best masters. The most disagreeable circumstance is that I have too little of her company. I am endeavoring by some arrangements  to alter this. My present anxiety is to get my other daughter over to me: for tho\u2019 my return is placed at a period not very distant, yet I cannot determine to leave her so long without me. But indeed the circumstances of such a passage, to such an infant, under any other care than that of a parent, are very distressing. My wishes are fixed, but my resolution is wavering.\nI am much pleased with the people of this country. The roughnesses of the human mind are so thoroughly rubbed off with them that it seems as if one might glide thro\u2019 a whole life among them without a justle. Perhaps too their manners may be the best calculated for happiness to a people in their situation. But I am convinced they fall far short of effecting a happiness so temperate, so uniform and so lasting as is generally enjoyed with us. The domestic bonds here are absolutely done away. And where can their compensation be found? Perhaps they may catch some moments of transport above the level of the ordinary tranquil joy we experience, but they are separated by long intervals during which all the passions are at sea without rudder or compass. Yet fallacious as these pursuits of happiness are, they seem on the whole to furnish the most effectual abstraction from a contemplation of the hardness of their government. Indeed it is difficult to conceive how so good a people, with so good a king, so well disposed rulers in general, so genial a climate, so fertile a soil, should be rendered so ineffectual for producing human happiness by one single curse, that of a bad form of government. But it is a fact. In spite of the mildness of their governors the people are ground to powder by the vices of the form of government. Of twenty millions of people supposed to be in France I am of opinion there are nineteen millions more wretched, more accursed in every circumstance of human existence, than the most conspicuously wretched individual of the whole United states.\u2014I beg your pardon for getting into politics. I will add only one sentiment more of that character. That is, nourish peace with their persons, but war against their manners. Every step we take towards the adoption of their manners is a step towards perfect misery.\u2014I pray you to write to me often. Do not you turn politician too; but write me all the small news; the news about persons and not about states. Tell me who die, that I may meet these disagreeable events in detail, and not all at once when I return: who marry, who hang themselves because they cannot marry &c. &c. Present me in the most friendly terms  to Mrs. House, and Browse, and be assured of the sincerity with which I am Dear Madam your affectionate friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. In your letter of May 4. you speak of one between that and Dec. 25. but I have never received it. [It] is come to hand since writing the above. It is dated Mar. 12.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0319", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 19 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carr, Peter\nDear Peter\nParis Aug. 19. 1785.\nI received by Mr. Mazzei your letter of April 20. I am much mortified to hear that you have lost so much time, and that when you arrived in Williamsburgh you were not at all advanced from what you were when you left Monticello. Time now begins to be precious to you. Every day you lose, will retard a day your entrance on that public stage whereon you may begin to be useful to yourself. However the way to repair the loss is to improve the future time. I trust that with your dispositions even the acquisition of science is a pleasing employment. I can assure you that the possession of it is what (next to an honest heart) will above all things render you dear to your friends, and give you fame and promotion in your own country. When your mind shall be well improved with science, nothing will be necessary to place you in the highest points of view but to pursue the interests of your country, the interests of your friends, and your own interests also with the  purest integrity, the most chaste honour. The defect of these virtues can never be made up by all the other acquirements of body and mind. Make these then your first object. Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains rather than do an immoral act. And never suppose that in any possible situation or under any circumstances that it is best for you to do a dishonourable thing however slightly so it may appear to you. Whenever you are to do a thing tho\u2019 it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly. Encourage all your virtuous dispositions, and exercise them whenever an opportunity arises, being assured that they will gain strength by exercise as a limb of the body does, and that exercise will make them habitual. From the practice of the purest virtue you may be assured you will derive the most sublime comforts in every moment of life and in the moment of death. If ever you find yourself environed with difficulties and perplexing circumstances, out of which you are at a loss how to extricate yourself, do what is right, and be assured that that will extricate you the best out of the worst situations. Tho\u2019 you cannot see when you fetch one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain-dealing, and never fear their leading you out of the labyrinth in the easiest manner possible. The knot which you thought a Gordian one will untie itself before you. Nothing is so mistaken as the supposition that a person is to extricate himself from a difficulty, by intrigue, by chicanery, by dissimulation, by trimming, by an untruth, by an injustice. This increases the difficulties tenfold, and those who pursue these methods, get themselves so involved at length that they can turn no way but their infamy becomes more exposed. It is of great importance to set a resolution, not to be shaken, never to tell an untruth. There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual, he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world\u2019s beleiving him. This falshood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all it\u2019s good dispositions.\nAn honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second. It is time for you now to begin to be choice in your reading, to begin to pursue a regular course in it and not to suffer yourself to be turned to the right or left by reading any thing out of that  course. I have long ago digested a plan for you, suited to the circumstances in which you will be placed. This I will detail to you from time to time as you advance. For the present I advise you to begin a course of antient history, reading every thing in the original and not in translations. First read Goldsmith\u2019s history of Greece. This will give you a digested view of that feild. Then take up antient history in the detail, reading the following books in the following order. Herodotus. Thucydides. Xenophontis hellenica. Xenophontis Anabasis. Quintus Curtius. Justin. This shall form the first stage of your historical reading, and is all I need mention to you now. The next will be of Roman history. From that we will come down to Modern history. In Greek and Latin poetry, you have read or will read at school Virgil, Terence, Horace, Anacreon, Theocritus, Homer. Read also Milton\u2019s paradise lost, Ossian, Pope\u2019s works, Swift\u2019s works in order to form your style in your own language. In morality read Epictetus, Xenophontis memorabilia, Plato\u2019s Socratic dialogues, Cicero\u2019s philosophies. In order to assure a certain progress in this reading, consider what hours you have free from the school and the exercises of the school. Give about two of them every day to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independance to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks. Never think of taking a book with you. The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk. But divert your attention by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far. The Europeans value themselves on having subdued the horse to the uses of man. But I doubt whether we have not lost more than we have gained by the use of this animal. No one has occasioned so much the degeneracy of the human body. An Indian goes on foot nearly as far in a day, for a long journey, as an enfeebled white does on his horse, and he will tire the best horses. There is no habit you will value so much as that of walking far without fatigue. I would advise you to take your exercise in the afternoon. Not because it is the best time for exercise for certainly it is not: but because it is the best time to spare from your studies; and habit will soon  reconcile it to health, and render it nearly as useful as if you gave to that the more precious hours of the day. A little walk of half an hour in the morning when you first rise is adviseable also. It shakes off sleep, and produces other good effects in the animal \u0153conomy. Rise at a fixed and an early hour, and go to bed at a fixed and early hour also. Sitting up late at night is injurious to the health, and not useful to the mind.\u2014Having ascribed proper hours to exercise, divide what remain (I mean of your vacant hours) into three portions. Give the principal to history, the other two, which should be shorter, to Philosophy and Poetry. Write me once every month or two and let me know the progress you make. Tell me in what manner you employ every hour in the day. The plan I have proposed for you is adapted to your present situation only. When that is changed, I shall propose a corresponding change of plan. I have ordered the following books to be sent to you from London to the care of Mr. Madison. Herodotus. Thucydides. Xenophon\u2019s Hellenics, Anabasis, and Memorabilia. Cicero\u2019s works. Baretti\u2019s Spanish and English dictionary. Martin\u2019s philosophical grammar and Martin\u2019s philosophia Britannica. I will send you the following from hence. Bezout\u2019s mathematics. De la Lande\u2019s astronomy. Muschenbroek\u2019s physics. Quintus Curtius. Justin, a Spanish grammar, and some Spanish books. You will observe that Martin, Bezout, De la Lande and Muschenbroek are not in the preceding plan. They are not to be opened till you go to the University. You are now I expect learning French. You must push this: because the books which will be put into your hands when you advance into Mathematics, Natural philosophy, Natural history, &c. will be mostly French, these sciences being better treated by the French than the English writers. Our future connection with Spain renders that the most necessary of the modern languages, after the French. When you become a public man you may have occasion for it, and the circumstance of your possessing that language may give you a preference over other candidates. I have nothing further to add for the present, than to husband well your time, cherish your instructors, strive to make every body your friend, & be assured that nothing will be so pleasing, as your success, to Dear Peter yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0321", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Walker Maury, with a List of Books, 19 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Maury, Walker\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 19. 1785.\nI received your favor of April 20. by Mr. Mazzei on the 22d. of July. I am much obliged to you for your kind attention to my nephew. His education is one of the things about which I am most anxious. I think he posseses that kind of genius which will be solid and useful to himself and his country. When I came here I was not certain whether I might not find it better to send for him hither. But I am thoroughly cured of that Idea. Of all the errors which can possibly be committed in the education of youth, that of sending them to Europe is the most fatal. I see [clearly] that no American should come to Europe under 30 years of age: and [he who] does, will lose in science, in virtue, in health and in happiness, for which manners are a poor compensation, were we even to admit the hollow, unmeaning manners of Europe to be  preferable to the simplicity and sincerity of our own country. I am well pleased with your having taken my nephew among your private pupils. I would have him lose no advantage on account of any difference in expence. His time begins now to be precious, and every moment [may] be valued in money, as it will retard or hasten the period when he may enter on the stage whereon he may begin to reap the benefit of his talents and acquirements. My intention had been that he should learn French and Italian, of the modern languages. But the latter must be given up (for the present at least) and Spanish substituted in it\u2019s place. I have ordered some books to be [sent] him from London. Among these is a Spanish Dictionary. I shall send him [so]me others from hence, among which shall be a Spanish grammar and other b[ooks] for his reading in that language. I will point out to him from time to time [the] course of reading I would wish him to pursue and take care to send him the [nece]ssary books, so far as he happens not to possess them. According to yo[ur des]ire I note hereon such French writers as I suppose might possibly come within [the pla]n you mention. I have inserted several books of American travels th[inking] they will be a useful species of reading for an American youth. In ge[neral] you may estimate 12mos. at 2\u00bd. livres, 8vos. at 5. or 6 livres, 4tos. at [10? or] 15 livres, folios at 25 or 30 livres, remembering that what we call a [half] crown is 6. livres. Where these prices are departed from, I have note[d the actual?] cost as I have found in my own purchases. Books cost here bu[t about? t]wo thirds or three fourths of what they do in England. I must except [\u2026] Greek, Latin, and English books. The latter of course are much dearer here [because they] are first bought in England. If I can be useful to you in pr[ocuring any] thing in this way I shall do it with pleasure. After running [thro the stocks?] of many booksellers, and suffering numberless cheats, I have at length [found] one who serves me very honestly, and finds whatever I want at the [best?] prices. I need not repeat to you Sir how much you will oblige me [by your] friendly counsels to my nephew, for the preservation of his morals and improvement of his mind. I am with much esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nEnclosure\nTelemaque\nHistoire Romaine de Vertot. 3. v. 12mo.\nHistoire Romaine. 2. v. 12 mo.\nles traductions de Coussin. These are translations of all the good latter historians of the Roman empire, beginning with Xiphilinus, Zonaras, Zosimus  &c. They are a very valuable collection costing in the whole about\n\u2003de Constantinople. 10. v. 12.mo.\n   \u2003de l\u2019empire de l\u2019Occident. 2. v. 12mo.\n   \u2003de l\u2019eglise. 3. v. 12mo.\nHistoire des Celtes de Pelloutier. 2 v. 12mo.\nHistoire d\u2019Espagne de Vertot. 6. v. 8vo.\nHistoire de Portugal de Vertot. 12mo.\nHistoire de France de Millot. 3. v. 12mo.\nAbreg\u00e9 Chronologique de l\u2019histoire d\u2019Allemagne par Pfeffel.\nHistoire des troubles des Pays bas de Grotius. fol.\nHistoire de Suede de Vertot. 12mo.\nHistoire de Dannemarck de Mallet. 6. v. 12mo.\nVoltaire. Ses ouvrages historiques.\nElemens d\u2019histoire generale, ancienne et moderne de l\u2019Abb\u00e9 Millot.\nHistoire des deux Indes de Raynal. 10. v. 8 vo. 80 livres.\nMoliere. 7. v. in 16s. 21f. i.e. 21 livres.\nRacine. 3. v. 16s. 9f\nChef-d\u2019oeuvres de P. & T. Corneille 5. v. 16s. 18f\nBoileau\nMallet de l\u2019Egypte.\nVoiage literaire de la Grece. de Guys. 2. v. 12mo.\nVoiages d\u2019Adanson.\nVoiages d\u2019Hennepin. 4f\nVoiages de Lahontan. 2 v. 12mo. 5f4 i.e. 5. livres 4 sous.\nCharlevoix. histoire de la Nouvelle France.\nVoiage de Bougainville.\nVoiage de Condamine dans l\u2019Amerique. 2. v. 8vo. 6f.\nDecouvertes des Russes. de Muller. 2. v. in 1. 12mo. 4f4.\nHistoire Naturelle de Buffon. 66. v. 12mo. about 8. guineas. But an edn. is publishing in Holland at half price.\nVoiage autour du monde par Paget 3. v. in 1. 8vo. 9f.\nHistoire Universelle de Puffendorf. (de l\u2019Europe) 4. v. 12mo.\nHistoire Universelle de l\u2019Asie, l\u2019Afrique, et l\u2019Amerique de Martiniere. 2. v. 12mo.\nGrammaire Fran\u00e7oise de l\u2019Abb\u00e9 Girard. 2. v. 12mo.\nDictionnaire de l\u2019Academie Fran\u00e7oise. 2. v. in 1. 4to. 30f.\nTrait\u00e9 de morale et de bonheur. 2. v. in 1. 16s. 3f. (an excellent little thing)\nPuffendorf. Devoirs de l\u2019homme. 2. v. 12mo. 5f.\nBeaumart. Dictionnaire d\u2019hist. naturelle. 9. v. 12mo.\nThis forms a clever little encyclopedie and costs about 48f.\nDictionnaire de Mineralogie. 2. v. 12mo.\nDictionnaire de chimie. 2. v. 12mo.\nDictionnaire des arts et metiers. 2. v. [12mo.?]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0322", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Bondfield, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBordeaux 20 Aug 1785\nA Ship arrived yesterday from New Orleans. The Captain deliverd me the inclosed to you addrest.\nThe Spaniards appear intent to whatever may tend to encrease their population. The province of Louisiana yeilds very rich produce. The two Cargoes arrived here will amount to two Millions Livres in furrs and Indigo. Their population in Spaniards, french and English amounts to Twenty eight Thousand. Considerable Imports of Negros have been made this year. The Ideas of the Passengers, inhabitants at New Orleans, fix the boundaries of the United States at Point Coup\u00e9e or 31\u00b0 degres, that the entrance of the River belongs exclusively to Spain. We are without any interesting commercial intelligence from America. Our conections are very contracted. With due respect I have the honor to be Sir your most Obed Hum Serv,\nJohn Bondfield", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0323", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 20 August 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carr, Martha Jefferson\n[Paris, 20 Aug. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cMrs. Carr. See copy. By Mr. Fitzhugh.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0324", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nOrange Aug: 20th. 1785.\nYours of the 18th. of March never reached me till the 4 inst:. It came by post from N. York, which it did not leave till the 21. of July. My last was dated in April, and went by Mr. Mazzei who picked it up at N. York and promised to deliver it with his own hand.\nThe machinations of G.B. with regard to Commerce have produced much distress and noise in the Northern States, particularly in Boston, from whence the alarm has spread to New York and Philada. Your correspondence with Congress will no doubt have furnished you with full information on this head. I only know the general fact, and that the sufferers are every where calling for such augmentation of the power of Congress as may effect relief. How far the Southern States and Virginia in particular will join in this proposition cannot be foreseen. It is easy to foresee that the circumstances which in a confined view distinguish our situation from that of our brethren, will be laid hold of by the partizans of G.B., by those who are or affect to be jealous of Congress, and those who are interested in the present course of business, to give a wrong bias to our Councils. If any thing should reconcile Virga. to the idea of giving Congress a power over her trade, it will be that this power is likely to annoy G.B. against whom the animosities of our Citizens are still strong. They seem to have less sensibility to their commercial interests; which they very little understand, and which the mercantile class here have not the same motives if they had the same capacity to lay open to the public, as that class have in the States North of us. The price of our Staple since the peace is another cause of inattention in the planters to the dark side of our commercial affairs. Should these or any other causes prevail in frustrating the scheme of the Eastern and Middle  States of a general retaliation on G.B., I tremble for the event. A majority of the States deprived of a regular remedy for their distresses by the want of a f\u0153deral spirit in the minority must feel the strongest motives to some irregular experiments. The dan[ger] of such a crisis makes me surmise that the policy of Great Britain results as much from the hope of effecting a breach in our confederacy as of monopolising our trade.\nOur internal trade is taking an arrangement from which I hope good consequences. Retail stores are spreading all over the Country, many of them carried on by native adventurers, some of them branched out from the principal Stores at the heads of navigation. The distribution of the business however into the importing and the retail departments has not yet taken place. Should the port bill be established it will I think quickly add this amendment which indeed must in a little time follow of itself. It is the more to be wished for as it is the only radical cure for credit to the consumer which continues to be given to a degree which if not checked will turn the diffusive retail of merchandize into a nusance. When the Shopkeeper buys his goods of the wholesale merchant, he must buy at so short a credit, that he can venture to give none at all.\nYou ask me to unriddle the dissolution of the committee of the states at annapolis. I am not sure that I am myself possessed fully of the causes, different members of Congress having differed in their accounts of the matter. My conception of it is that the abrupt departure of some of the Eastern delegates, which destroyed the quorum and which Dana is said to have been at the bottom of proceeded partly from irritations among the committee, partly from dislike to the place of their session and partly from an impatience to get home, which prevailed over their regard for their private characters as well as for their public duty.\nSubsequent to the date of mine in which I gave my idea of Fayette I had further opportunities of penetrating his character. Though his foibles did not disappear all the favorable traits presented themselves in a stronger light. On closer inspection he certainly possesses talents which might figure in any line. If he is ambitious it is rather of the praise which virtue dedicates to merit than of the homage which fear renders to power. His disposition is naturally warm and affectionate and his attachment to the United States unquestionable. Unless I am grossly deceived you will find his zeal sincere and useful wherever it can be employed in behalf  of the United States without opposition [to] the essential interests of France.\nThe opposition to the general assessment gains ground. At the instance of some of its adversaries I drew up the remonstrance herewith inclosed. It has been sent thro\u2019 the medium of confidential persons in a number of the upper county[s] and I am told will be pretty extensively signed. The presbyterian clergy have at length espoused the idea of the opposition, being moved either by a fear of their laity or a jealousy of the episcopalians. The mutual hatred of these sects has been much inflamed by the late act incorporating the latter. I am far from being sorry for it as a coalition between them could alone endanger our religious rights and a tendency to such an event had been suspected. The fate of the Circuit Courts is uncertain. They are threatened with no small danger from the diversity of opinions entertained among the friends of some reform in that department. But the greatest danger is to be feared from those who mask a secret aversion to any reform under a zeal for such a one as they know will be rejected. The Potowmack Company are going on with very flattering prospects. Their subscriptions sometime ago amounted to upwards of four fifths of the whole sum. I have the pleasure also to find by an advertisement from the managers for James River that more than half the sum is subscribed for that undertaking, and that the subscribers are to meet shortly for the purpose of organizing themselves and going to work. I despair of seeing the Revisal taken up at the ensuing Session. The number of copies struck are so deficient (there being not above three for each County) and there has been such delay in distributing them (none of the Counties having received them till very lately and some probably not yet, tho\u2019 they were ready long ago) that the principal end of their being printed has been frustrated. Our fields promise very short crops both of Corn and Tobacco. The latter was much injured by the grass hopper and other insects; the former somewhat by the bug in the Southern parts of the State. But both have suffered most from dry weather which prevails at present in this part of the Country, and has generally prevailed I understand in most other parts. It seems certain that no future weather can make a great crop of either, particularly of Tobacco, so great a proportion of the hills being without plants in them, and so many more with plants which must come to nothing. Notwithstanding this prospect, its price has fallen from 36/ to 32 and 30/ on James River and 28/ on Rappahanock. The  scarcity of cash is one cause. Harrison the late governor was elected in Surry whither he previously removed with his family. A contest for the chair will no doubt ensue. Should he fail it he will be for Congress.\nI have not yet received any of the books which you have been so kind as to pick up for me, but expect their arrival daily, as you were probably soon after the date of your last apprised that I was withdrawn from the nomination which led you to suspend the forwarding them. I am invited by Col: Monroe to an option of rambles this fall, one of which is into the Eastern States. I wish much to accept so favorable an opportunity of executing the plan from which I was diverted last fall; but cannot decide with certainty whether it will be practicable or not. I have in conjunction with a friend here a project of interest on the anvil which will carry me at least as far as Philada. or New York where I shall be able to take my final resolution. Adieu. Yrs. sincerely,\nJ M Jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0325", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 20 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Page, John\nDear Page\nParis Aug. 20. 1785.\nI received your friendly letter of Apr. 28. by Mr. Mazzei on the 22d. of July. That of the month before by Monsr. Le Croix is not come to hand. This correspondence is grateful to some of my warmest feelings, as the friendships of my youth are those which stick closest to me, and in which I most confide. My principal happiness is now in the retrospect of life. I thank you for your notes of your operations on the Pennsylvania boundary. I am in hopes that from yourself, Madison, Rittenhouse or Hutchings I shall receive a chart of the line as actually run. It will be a great present to me. I think Hutchings promised to send it to me. I have been much pleased to hear you had it in contemplation to endeavor to establish Rittenhouse in our college. This would be an immense acquisition and would draw youth to it from every part of the continent. You will do much more honour to our society on reviving it, if you place him at it\u2019s head and not so useless a member as I should be. I have been so long diverted from this my favourite line, and that too without acquiring an attachment to my adopted one, that I am become a mongrel, of no decided order, unowned by any, and incapable of serving any. I should feel myself out of my true place too to stand before McLurg. But why withdraw yourself? You have more zeal, more application, and more constant attention  to the subjects proper to the society and can therefore serve them best.\nThe affair of the emperor and Dutch is settled tho\u2019 not signed. The particulars have not yet transpired. That of the Bavarian exchange is dropped, and his views on Venice defeated. The alliance of Russia with Venice to prevent his designs in that quarter, and that of the Hanoverian elector, with the K. of Prussia and other members of the Germanic body to prevent his acquisition of Bavaria leave him in a solitary situation. In truth he has lost much reputation by his late manoeuvres. He is a restless, ambitious character, aiming at every thing, persevering in nothing, taking up designs without calculating the force which will be opposed to him, and dropping them on the appearance of firm opposition. He has some just views, and much activity. The only quarter in which the peace of Europe seems at present capable of being disturbed is on that of the Porte. It is believed that the Emperor and Empress have schemes in contemplation for driving the Turks out of Europe. Were this with a view to re-establish the native Greeks in the sovereignty of their own country, I could wish them success and to see driven from that delightful country a set of Barbarians with whom an opposition to all science is an article of religion. The modern Greek is not yet so far departed from it\u2019s antient model but that we might still hope to see the language of Homer and Demosthenes flow with purity, from the lips of a free and ingenious people. But these powers have in object to divide the country between themselves. This is only to substitute one set of Barbarians for another breaking at the same time the balance among the European powers. You have been told with truth that the Emperor of Marocco has shewn a disposition to enter into treaty with us: but not truly that Congress has not attended to his advances and thereby disgusted him. It is long since they took measures to meet his advances. But some unlucky incidents have delayed their effect. His dispositions continue good. As a proof of this, he has lately released freely and cloathed well the crew of an American brig he took last winter; the only vessel ever taken from us by any of the states of Barbary. But what is the English of these good dispositions? Plainly this. He is ready to receive us into the number of his tributaries. What will be the amount of tribute remains yet to be known, but it probably will not be as small as you may have conjectured. It will surely be more than a free people ought to pay to a power owning only 4. or 5. frigates  under 22. guns. He has not a port into which a larger vessel can enter. The Algerines possess fifteen or 20. frigates from that size up to 50 guns. Disinclination on their part has lately broken off a treaty between Spain and them whereon they were to have received a million of dollars besides great presents in naval stores. What sum they intend we shall pay I cannot say. Then follow Tunis and Tripoli. You will probably find the tribute to all these powers make such a proportion of the federal taxes as that every man will feel them sensibly when he pays those taxes. The question is whether their peace or war will be cheapest? But it is a question which should be addressed to our Honour as well as our Avarice? Nor does it respect us as to these pyrates only, but as to the nations of Europe. If we wish our commerce to be free and uninsulted, we must let these nations see that we have an energy which at present they disbelieve. The low opinion they entertain of our powers cannot fail to involve us soon in a naval war. I shall send you with this, if I can, and if not, then by the first good conveiance the Connoissance de tems for the years 1786. and 1787. being all as yet published. You will find in these the tables for the planet Herschel as far as the observations hitherto made admit them to be calculated. You will see also that Herschel was only the first astronomer who discovered it to be a planet, and not the first who saw it. Mayer saw it in the year 1756. and placed it in the catalogue of his Zodiacal stars, supposing it to be such. A Prussian astronomer in 1781. observed that the 964th. star of Mayer\u2019s catalogue was missing. And the calculations now prove that at the time Mayer saw his 964th. star, the planet Herschel should have been precisely in the place where he noted that star. I shall send you also a little publication here called the Bibliotheque physico-\u0153conomique. It will communicate all the improvements and new discoveries in the arts and the sciences made in Europe for some years past. I shall be happy to hear from you often. Details political and literary and even of the small history of our country are the most pleasing presents possible. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Page, and to your family, in the members of which, tho\u2019 unknown to me I feel an interest on account of their parents. Believe me to be with warm esteem Dr. Page your sincere friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0326", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 21 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon Grosvenor Square August 21 1785\nThe Gentleman who is so kind as to convey this to you is from Carolina, his name is Smith. He is a distant relation of mine, tho I have not the pleasure of much acquaintance with him. He has resided in England some time, and bears a good Character here. Give me leave Sir to introduce him to your notice.\nMr. Short left us last Tuesday for the Hague. I did myself the honour of writing to you by him.\nI find by the last papers from New York that Mr. Rutledge is appointed minister at the Hague; in the room of Mr. Livingstone who declined the embassy. There is no mention made of a secretary.\nYou will probably see our Massachusetts Navigation act before this reaches you; it has Struck the hireling scriblers dumb. There has been less abuse against the Americans in the papers since the publication of it; than for a long time before.\nIreland has exerted herself, and Pharoah and his host are overthrown. The Courier of Europe will doubtless give you the debates. The July packet arrived last week, tho she left New York the seventh of July. She brought not a line of publick dispatch. A private Letter or two for Col. Smith, the contents of which we cannot know; as he is absent upon a Tour to Berlin.\nI was much disapointed to find that my son had not arrived when the packet saild. As the French packet sails sometime after the English, I am not without hopes that I may hear by that, and I will thank you sir to give me the earliest intelligence if she brings any account of the May packet.\nBe so good as to present my Regards to Col Humphries. Mr. Short gives us some encouragement to expect him here this Winter. My Love to Miss Jefferson, to whom also my daughter desires to be rememberd. Our good old Friends the Abbes, I would tender my Regards. If I could write French, I would have scribled a line to the Abbe Arnou.\nI think Madam Helvetius must be very melancholy now Franklin as she used to call him is gone. It is said here by a Gentleman lately from Philadelphia, that they determine to elect the Doctor president upon his arrival, as Mr. Dickinsons office expires in october.\nIn my Letter by Mr. Short I had taken the Liberty to request you to procure for me two or 3 articles, and to convey them by  Col. Smith who talks of returning by way of Paris. But if he should not visit you, Mr. Smith when he returns will be so good as to take charge of them for me. But this I shall know in the course of a few weeks, and will take measures accordingly. I am sir with Sentiments of Esteem Your Humble Servant,\nAbigail Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0327", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to St. John de Cr\u00e8vecoeur, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Cr\u00e8vecoeur, Michel Guillaume St. John de\nSir\nParis Aug. 22. 1785.\nI have duly received your favor of the 15th. instant as I had before done that of May 18. but had not answered it, supposing you would be on your passage. Mr. Mazzei delivered safely the packet you mention. I should have been happy to have seen you here, but we are not to expect that pleasure it seems till the fall. The derangement of the packet boats will need your aid: and there are doubtless other circumstances here which may be improved by your presence. The loss sustained by your friend the Countess D\u2019Hodetout in the death of her brother, has doubtless been participated by you as by all others of his and her acquaintance. I had become of that number just early enough to take a share in it which I did very sincerely. The confinement of the Cardinal de Rohan in the Bastile has doubtless reached you. The public is not yet possessed of the truth of his story, but from his character and all other circumstances I have little doubt that the final decision must be against him. My daughter is well and thanks you for your  kind enquiries. I hope you found all your family and friends well. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0328", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, with an Account of Expenses, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis Aug. 22. 1785.\nI was honoured yesterday with your Excellency\u2019s letter of June the 16th. inclosing the resolution of Assembly relative to the busts of the M. de la Fayette. I shall render chearfully any services I can in aid of Mr. Barclay for carrying this resolution into effect. The M. de la Fayette being to pass into Germany and Prussia it was thought proper to take the model of his bust in plaister before his departure. Monsr. Houdon was engaged to do it and did it accordingly. So far Mr. Barclay had thought himself authorized to go in consequence of orders formerly received. You will be so good as to instruct me as to the monies hereafter to be remitted to me whether I am to apply them solely to the Statue of General Washington, or to that and the Marquis\u2019s bust in common as shall be necessary. Supposing you wish to know the application of the monies remitted from time to time, I state hereon an account thereof so far as I am able at present. Before your receipt of the letter I am in hopes mine of July 11. by Monsr. Houdon will have come to your hands. In that I inclosed you a copy of the contract with him.\nI have the honour to be with due respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nEnclosure\nlivres \u2003 sous\nApr. 20. Receivd. of Laval & Wilfelsheim on Alexander\u2019s bill\n   Mar. 11. To pd. portage of Genl. Washington\u2019s picture from l\u2019Orient\n   Apr. 16. To pd. for a frame to do.\n   July 18. To pd. to Monsr. Houdon\n   Aug. 15. To pd. Houdon\u2019s bill on me for expences\nBesides the above sums paid\nI expect daily a bill from London for insuring 15,000 livres on Houdon\u2019s life (I thought it best to ensure  enough to cover the expences of his voiage as well as the sum to be given his family in case of his death. This, if at 5. pr. cent will be\n   On his arrival in Philadelphia he is to draw on me for money enough for his expences going, staying and returning. We conjectured these would be about 5000 livres in the whole. But 2724\u20b6\u20146\u20146 being paid, the residue would be\n   There is due to him for the model of the busts of M. Fayette in plaister I imagine about\n   The two first of these sums I expect I shall have paid by the time this letter gets to hand, and I shall pay the third if demanded. These added to 3831 livres 3 sous 6 den. already in advance as will be seen above, will amount to between seven and eight thousand livres. Houdon on his return will also expect an advance for the two busts of the M. de la Fayette.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0329", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Thompson, 22 August 1785\nFrom: Thompson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDover, 22 Aug. 1785. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letter of 17 Aug. in reply to Thompson\u2019s of 12 Aug. Benjamin Franklin\u2019s English newspapers came free of postage via M. Mouron and M. Perregaux of Paris; the former will continue to forward them if TJ wishes. If Adams sends them, they should be directed to \u201cRobert Preston Esq. M. P. at T. Thompson\u2019s Dover.\u201d Franklin received the Morning Chronicle and the London Chronicle. \u201cMrs. Williams and her sisters, the Miss Alexanders\u201d arrived yesterday; they have gone to London to live, while her husband, \u201cDocr. Franklins nephew who lived at Nantes during the War,\u201d sailed for America with Franklin.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0330", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Aug. 23. 1785\nLast night, I received your Favour of the 17. If both Governments are possessed of the Cont\u00e9ents of my letter of the 7th. by opening it in the Post Office, much good may those Cont\u00e9ents do them. They both know they have deserved it. I hope it will convince them of their Error, and induce them to adopt more liberal  Principles toward Us. I am for answering their Utmost Generosity with equal and indeed with greater Generosity. But I would not advise my Country to be the Bubble of her own Nobleness of Sentiment.\nThe Spirited Conduct of Ireland, I think will assist me, here. The News of the Reception in the Irish Parliament of the 20 Resolutions together with the Efforts in America towards a Navigation Act have raised my Hopes a good deal. But our States must mature their Plan and persevere in it, in order to effect the Work. In time, and with a Steady pursuit of our Purpose, I begin to think We shall prevail.\nIf Mr. Barclay will undertake the Voyage, I am for looking no farther. We cannot find a Steadier, or more prudent Man. He should look out for some Clerk or Companion who can write French and understands Italian.\nWhen Dr. Price returns from his August Excursion to some Watering Place, I will get him to make the Insurance upon Houdons Life, on the best Terms he can. Adieu. Yours sincerely,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0331", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nLahaie 23 Ao\u00fbt 1785.\nEn r\u00e9ponse aux ordres dont vous m\u2019aves honor\u00e9, conjoint\u00e9ment avec son Exce. Mr. Adams en date de Londres Aout 5, nous avons vaqu\u00e9 tout de suite \u00e0 la Commission en question. Mr. Short est occup\u00e9 \u00e0 rendre un compte \u00e0 Vos Excellences de ce qui a \u00e9te fait et de ce qui reste \u00e0 faire, auquel je suis persuad\u00e9 d\u2019avance que je n\u2019aurai rien \u00e0 ajouter, que l\u2019assurance de ma juste sensibilit\u00e9 \u00e0 la confiance dont vous honores ma personne, mes principes, et mon zele invariable pour les int\u00e9r\u00eats des Etats-Unis; et du respect personnel avec lequel je suis, De Votre Excellence le tr\u00e8s-humble, & tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur,\nC. W. F. Dumas\nP.S. Mr. Adams le fils m\u2019ayant fait parvenir il y a quelques mois une Lettre de Mr. D. Humphrys, accompagn\u00e9e d\u2019un Article \u00e0 ins\u00e9rer dans la Gazette fran\u00e7oise de Leide, l\u2019Insertion fut faite; je le mandai \u00e0 Mr. Adams le fils; et je n\u2019aurois pas manqu\u00e9, malgr\u00e9 une indisposition de plusieurs semaines, de r\u00e9pondre directement  \u00e0 Mr. Humphrys, \u00e0 qui Votre Excellence voudra bien me permettre de pr\u00e9senter ici mes complimens, si j\u2019avois eu son adresse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0332", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry and Others, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge,King, Rufus,Hardy, Samuel,Monroe, James,Grayson, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York 23d. August 1785\nWe have the honor of addressing this by our worthy friend, the honorable Mr. Sayre, who was formerly Sheriff of London.\nThe active part, which at the commencement of the revolution, he took in favor of America, is, we presume, too well known to you, to require a relation: and the loss he sustained, in consequence of his opposition to the british ministry, is not less a matter of general information.\nThese considerations have induced his friends, in this quarter to express a wish that he should be employed in some public office under Congress, wherein he can render service to the United States, in a manner that shall be consistent with his honor and their interest.\nIt so happens, at this time, that there is no appointment of that description, to which we can nominate him, but there is an office, which he will probably accept, and the right of filling it, is vested by Congress, in yourself and his Excellency Mr. Adams: we mean the department for conducting the treaty with the Emperor of Morocco, and the other Barbary Powers.\nShould you be disposed to employ Mr. Sayre in this business: we think his knowledge of mankind, his polite address, his commercial and political accomplishments, and above all, his sense of honor, and integrity, cannot fail of insuring you as great a degree of success, as the qualities of any other person you can employ in that department.\nWe have the honor to be Sir with perfect respect Your very humble Servants,\ne. gerry\nrufus king\ns: hardy\njas. monroe\nwm. grayson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0333", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 23, 1785.\nI shall sometimes ask your permission to write you letters, not official but private. The present is of this kind, and is occasioned by the question proposed in yours of June 14 \u2018Whether it would be useful to us to carry all our own productions, or none?\u2019 Were we perfectly free to decide this question, I should reason as follows. We have now lands enough to employ an infinite number of people in their cultivation. Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independant, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to it\u2019s liberty and interests by the most lasting bands. As long therefore as they can find emploiment in this line, I would not convert them into mariners, artisans, or any thing else. But our citizens will find emploiment in this line till their numbers, and of course their productions, become too great for the demand both internal and foreign. This is not the case as yet, and probably will not be for a considerable time. As soon as it is, the surplus of hands must be turned to something else. I should then perhaps wish to turn them to the sea in preference to manufactures, because comparing the characters of the two classes I find the former the most valuable citizens. I consider the class of artificers as the panders of vice and the instruments by which the liberties of a country are generally overturned. However we are not free to decide this question on principles of theory only. Our people are decided in the opinion that it is necessary for us to take a share in the occupation of the ocean, and their established habits induce them to require that the sea be kept open to them, and that that line of policy be pursued which will render the use of that element as great as possible to them. I think it a duty in those entrusted with the administration of their affairs to conform themselves to the decided choice of their constituents: and that therefore we should in every instance preserve an equality of right to them in the transportation of commodities, in the right of fishing, and in the other uses of the sea. But what will be the consequence? Frequent wars without a doubt.  Their property will be violated on the sea, and in foreign ports, their persons will be insulted, emprisoned &c. for pretended debts, contracts, crimes, contraband &c. &c. These insults must be resented, even if we had no feelings, yet to prevent their eternal repetition. Or in other words, our commerce on the ocean and in other countries must be paid for by frequent war. The justest dispositions possible in ourselves will not secure us against it. It would be necessary that all other nations were just also. Justice indeed on our part will save us from those wars which would have been produced by a contrary disposition. But how to prevent those produced by the wrongs of other nations? By putting ourselves in a condition to punish them. Weakness provokes insult and injury, while a condition to punish it often prevents it. This reasoning leads to the necessity of some naval force, that being the only weapo[n] with which we can reach an enemy. I think it to our interest to punis[h] the first insult: because an insult unpunished is the parent of many oth[ers]. We are not at this moment in a condition to do it, but we should put ourselv[es] into it as soon as possible. If a war with England should take place it see[ms] to me that the first thing necessary would be a resolution to abandon the carrying trade because we cannot protect it. Foreign nations must in that case be invited to bring us what we want and to take our productions in their own bottoms. This alone could prevent the loss of those productions to us and the acquisition of them to our enemy. Our seamen might be emploied in depredations on their trade. But how dreadfully we shall suffer on our coasts, if we have no force on the water, former experience has taught us. Indeed I look forward with horror to the very possible case of war with an European power, and think there is no protection against them but from the possession of some force on the sea. Our vicinity to their West India possessions and to the fisheries is a bridle which a small naval force on our part would hold in the mouths of the most powerful of these countries. I hope our land office will rid us of our debts, and that our first attention then will be to the beginning a naval force of some sort. This alone can countenance our people as carriers on the water, and I suppose them to be determined to continue such.\nI wrote you two public letters on the 14th. inst. since which I have received yours of July 13. I shall always be pleased to receive from you in a private way such communications as you might not  chuse to put into a public letter. I have the honor to be with very sincere esteem Dr. Sir your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0334", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Page, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nRosewell Augt. the 23d. 1785.\nI wrote a few Lines acknowledging the Receipt of yours by Col. Le Mair, and sent them by Monsr. Le Croix, a Merchant of Wmsburg. I then wrote more fully by Mazzei, and sent you some Account of our astronomical Observations on the Delaware with the Result of them respecting the 5\u00b0 of Long. run out to the S.W. corner of Pennsylva., together with our last Acts of Assembly. I mention this as possibly Mazzei being robbed of his Money may have lost my Packet also. I hope he is with you before now. Since writing by him I have not had one Moments Leisure to write to a Friend. My Businesses as Executor, Planter, Tutor, &c. &c. engross my whole Time. To add to my Employments I am a Deputy to the General Convention of the Members of the american episcopal Church which is to meet next Month at Philada. I have inclosed you a Copy of the Proceedings of the Convention at Richmond. You will find we were liberal, and I think we shall reform the episcopal Church so as to make it truely respectable. Indeed this Sect was always the most liberal I ever heard of, not only with respect to religious Opinions but I think with Respect to political Matters too; at least they have shewed themselves such in America, for they took an open and decided Part in support of our late glorious Revolution, though at the Risk of, say the certain Destruction of their Estab[lish]ment and Importance. Such Disinterestedness entitles them to Respect, and the Liberality of their religious Sentiments is such, as is sufficient to make any one of a Liberal Way of thinking lament that this Sect is declining daily; whilst some others the most bigotted and illiberal are gaining ground. Fontaine has been almost starved; Andrews has quitted his Gown, he says, to avoid starving. Nothing but a general Assessment can prevent the State from being divided between immorality, and Enthusiastic Bigottry. We have endeavored 8 years in vain to support the rational Sects by voluntary Contributions. I think I  begin to see a Mischief arising out of the Dependence of the Teachers of the Christian Religion on their individual Followers, which may not only be destructive to Morality but to Government itself. The needy dependent Preacher not only can not boldly reprove the vicious Practices of his Friends and Benefactors, his only Support; but he must, to keep well with them, fall into their Opinions, and support their Views and Interests: so that instead of being bound by the strongest Ties of Interest to discountenance Vice and support and strengthen the Hands of Government, they may be supporting the jarring Interests of the Enemies to all Government. Some may preach up the true Doctrine of Muncer [M\u00fcnzer] which may prove more fatal to some States in America than it did to some in Germany; whilst others furthering the Views of the rich, proud and aristocratical gentry, may amidst Tumult and Anarchy offer their Services to restore Order and Stability to Government; fixing it on the Basis of a pure Aristocracy. I have said the more on this Subject because I have just read an outrageous Piece against the Assessment, in which your Opinion is quoted and referred to, as authority against the Arguments for an Assessment, and because I have heard that you had altered your Opinion, having found that the most rational Sects bear up with Difficulty under the unequal Burthen of supporting their Teachers. As this Letter was to have gone in the farmers-general\u2019s Ship Captn. Carrol and that Ship has sprung a Leak, it reminds me to tell you that I think the french commercial Interest suffers greatly here for two Reasons. First because we have no Merchants who can load and send Ships directly to France; and 2d. because Merchants in France know not to whom they can with any Safety consign their Vessels in America, or they are too confused in their Instructions. Mr. Alexander the Agent employed in loading the Ship just mentioned, appears to have been in this Situation; for he constantly restricted his Deputy to 2/ below the current Market Price of Tobacco where it was worth purchasing. This occasioned a tedious expensive Delay and no Doubt was also attended by a purchase of a deal of bad Tobacco. The Deputy I know to be a Man of strict Honour, and a zelous Friend of the French, and he assured me that he could in one Month have loaded the Ship with good Tobacco at 28/, but that the worst Inspections were pointed out to him, and he was restricted to give 26/ when the Price was 28/, and 28/ when it was 30/, and so on till at length he found he could be of no Service. He gave up his Employment charging nothing for his  Services. I have heard him declare he would with Pleasure load one Ship for the Farmers-general without any Fee or Reward provided he could be left to his own Discretion, as he could then shew them what fine Tobacco might be bought and on what good Terms. The Gentleman I mean is Matthew Anderson of Gloucester of whom Mr. Mazzei can give an Account. I fear I have intruded too much upon you, but can not refrain from making one Remark which I am led into by seeing in the last Gazettes an Account of Mr. Adams\u2019s Reception at St. James\u2019s. It is this, that I think it not a proper Time to Court the proud and haughty English. I wish we had deferred a little longer condescending to send an Ambassador to their Court. Can we not make Acts of Congress and of Assemblies, regulating our own Commerce, so as to have the desired Effect on the british Parliament and King at any Time, I mean so far as relate to any commercial Intercourse between the two Nations? May we not be drawn into some Treaty, which may not be the best adapted to the general Interest of the united States? Or possibly into one which may be injurious to some of our Allies? I confess I think it a Nice Point, not to injure some of our States by a commercial Treaty, nor our Allies, nor excite their Jealousy. This Sentence like most I write is involved and confused, but I believe you know what I mean. I can not copy my Letter or erase and blot any more words without appearing to a french Man or an english spye to intend an Insult. Excuse all this. I assure you I had intended to have written more at my Leasure, and sent my Letter by Captn. Carrol, but I find that he can not possibly sail this Month. I was very suddenly called upon by Mr. Le Croix (who has still the first Letter I wrote to you) for my further Commands to France; when I sat down and scribbled away. Your Friends in this Part of the World are all well, and will be happy to hear that you, your Daughter and Mr. Short are so. Present my best Wishes to them and believe me sincerely yours.\nP.S. I believe no one in France except Mazzei and yourself can tell who it is makes so free with you. I have troubled you with a letter for Mazzei. Adieu.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0335", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, with Enclosure, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nThe Hague August 23d. 1785\nAfter waiting on Mr. Dumas we went two Days ago by Appointment to the Baron de Thulemeiers. A simple Matter of Etiquette as you will see prevented the Business on which we were, from being completed. On my producing the two Originals of the Treaty and explaining the Intention of them, the Baron de Thulemeier told us he was instructed only to receive the Copy which should be sent and to exchange for it a Copy in French which he should have prepared in his Office, adding that the established Order of the Chancelerie of the King made this in some Measure necessary, the French being the only Language which was there recieved. He observed that this was nothing more than a meer-Matter of Form, and he hoped would give us no Difficulty in accepting the Exchange. We thought ourselves by no Means at Liberty to deviate from our Instructions even in Matters apparently formal, and on mentioning our Scruples, it was proposed that each of us should consult those by whom we were employed, as the safest Mode of proceeding. The Baron de Thulemeier writes to Berlin to-day and should he recieve Permission to accept and exchange the Instruments of Treaty which you offer, he will do it without farther Delay. In the same Manner if our Answers come first we are to communicate to him what we are at Liberty to do.\nLest there should be any other Cause of Delay we thought it best to communicate at the same Time the additional Part of our Instructions respecting the Ratifications &c. He desired that they might be explained to him in writing in Order that he might ask Advice on them at Berlin, adding there would be not the smallest Doubt of our agreeing that Matter. At his Request therefore I wrote him a short Letter in Answer to one which he sent me respecting the Exchange of the Instruments, and of which I have the Honor to inclose you a Copy.\nThat nothing might be left undone which we could do before recieving our Answers we met Yesterday Evening and exchanged  the respective full-powers in the Form prescribed. We have at present therefore only to await farther Instructions from yourself or Mr. Adams, or the return of the Courier from Berlin. I hope the Determination we took of awaiting farther Orders from you before we ventured to accept an Instrument of the Treaty in French only will meet your Approbation, and I beg the Favor of you Sir to let me know as soon as shall be convenient what you wish should be done under the Circumstances I have just described.\nI shall write to Mr. Adams also by the Post of this Day on this Subject. As he has not a Copy of the Treaty in French it will not be necessary to trouble him with what I am about to add. After the Baron de Thulemeier had examined one of the Instruments of the Treaty he found a Number of little Deviations which appear evidently to be the Faults only of the Copyist, although some of them tend to make a manifest Alteration in the Sense. He has furnished me with a List of them which I inclose for your Examination Sir and to recieve your Instructions thereon. On examining the other Instrument of the Treaty, I find none of those Faults in the Baron de Thulemeiers List except three which you will observe noted below his. But on reading over that Instrument, having no other to compare it with, I thought I discovered some other Faults of the Copyist also. I have given it to be examined by the Baron de Thulemeier and have not yet recieved any Information respecting it. I have been thus prolix Sir because I wish to have the Line we are to pursue, marked out with the most particular Precision not thinking that we are at Liberty to deviate in the smallest Instance. I beg you to be assured of the Sentiments of Respect with which I have the Honor to be your most obedient Servant,\nW. Short\nEnclosure\n              Fautes \u00e0 corriger dans la Partie fran\u00e7oise \u00e0 la grosse du Trait\u00e9\n                au lieu de d\u00e8s que la raison de l\u2019Etat l\u2019exige, corrigez la raison d\u2019Etat.\n                Art: 7.ligne 4.au lieu, de prot\u00e9ger et d\u00e9fendre, corrigez de prot\u00e9ger & de d\u00e9fendre.\n                Art: 11.l: 9. 10. et 11.au lieu de si ce n\u2019est par insulte faite \u00e0 la religiond\u2019autres, corrigez pour insulte faite \u00e0 la religionde\n                Art: 13.\u00e0 la 2de. page l: 16.au lieu de qui auroient \u00e9t\u00e9, corrigez qui auront \u00e9t\u00e9.\n                  et l: 5 avant la fin de l\u2019article,au lieu de le navire ne sera plus arm\u00e9 dans le port, corrigez amen\u00e9 dans le port.\n                Art: 15.l: 4.au lieu de stipules, corrigez stipul\u00e9.\n                Art. 16.l: 3.au lieu de l\u2019une de parties, corrigez l\u2019une des parties.\n                Art. 21.\u00a73. l: 4.au lieu de, sans caution, corrigez sous caution.\n              \u00a75. l: 3.au lieu de faire de tels r\u00e8glemens, corrigez faire tels r\u00e8glemens.\n                Art. 23.l: 12. avant la fin,au lieu de \u00e0 facilities & r\u00e9pandre, corrigez \u00e0 faciliter et \u00e0 r\u00e9pandre.\n                Art. 24.\u00e0 la 3e. page, l: 4. d\u2019en bas,confondus au balanc\u00e9s, corrigez ou balanc\u00e9s.\n                 4e. page, l: 5 d\u2019en bas,qui auront \u00e9t\u00e9 fix\u00e9s, corrigez fix\u00e9es.\nNotes on the other Instrument of Treaty\n In the second Copy it is pour, but has d\u2019autres.\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003it is sans instead of sous.\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003it is \u00e0 faciliter & r\u00e9pandre.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0336", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, with Enclosure, 23 August 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nThe Hague August 23d. 1785\nThe inclosed Papers consisting of a Letter I have the Honor to write you, of a Copy of one the Baron de Thulemeier has sent me,  and of a List of Faults which he observes in the Copy of the Treaty I have been charged with, will fully explain the Situation of this Business. Being obliged to postpone doing any Thing farther in this Matter for eight Days at least, I shall make Use of that Interval to visit Amsterdam where it is necessary I should go, Mr. Adams Draughts being on the Banker there. I will thank you therefore to direct your Letters for me to the Care of Mr. Dumas at the Hague. He has promised me if by Chance I should not have returned to notify to me immediately their Arrival. I should have had Scrupules of writing to you on this Subject by Post, if these had not been done away, first by Mr. Adams inserting in his Letter to the Banker, the Cause of my coming, and secondly by the Baron de Thulemeier, who tells me he corresponded with you and Mr. Adams on these Subjects by Post.\nI am sorry this little Stoppage to the Business has arisen, although I suppose it will be easily remedied by the Concession of the one or the other Party. I beg you to direct me to do any Thing you think proper in this Matter but to recross from Helvoetsluys to Harwich. An hundred Miles sailing oppress me more than a Journey by Land over all Europe. I cannot describe to you what I suffered in a short Passage of twenty four Hours. It makes me recollect with new Horror what I am to experience in my Return to America.\nI attended to your Instructions respecting the Herald\u2019s office and canteens. You will not be at all satisfied with the former, and you will find the latter far beyond what you had expected.\nDr. Franklin\u2019s Idea of this Country, that it is a Machine, appears more and more just every Day. It seems to be really so much Territory absolutely formed by the Hands of Man. Every Place exhibits Monuments of the Power of human Industry. Make my Compliments if you please Sir to Colo. Humphries. I forgot to mention that you will not recieve a Letter from Mr. Adams by me. I was thirteen Days in London the last half of which I was detained by him. He did not write because he thought it unnecessary and communicated to me, as he said, what he wished you to know. Accept Sir Assurances of the sincerest Friendship & Affection with which I am yours,\nW Short\nP.S. The moment I am about sealing this Letter the Baron de Thulemeier has brought me a List of the Faults he finds in the second Instrument of Treaty and which I inclose.\nEnclosure\nFautes \u00e0 corriger dans le second Exemplaire\nArt. 11.l. 10.au lieu de insulte faite \u00e0 la religion d\u2019autres, lisez \u00e0 la religion de l\u2019autre.\nArt. 13.l. p\u00e9nulti\u00e8me.au lieu de toute la libert\u00e9, lisez toute libert\u00e9.\nArt. 21.\u00a7 1. ligne 6.au lieu de restu\u00e9s, lisez restitu\u00e9s.\n\u00a7 2. l. 2.au lieu de repris pour un vaisseau de guerre, lisez par un vaisseau de guerre.\nib. l. 11.au lieu de s\u2019il a \u00e9t\u00e9, lisez s\u2019il y a \u00e9t\u00e9.\n\u00a7 3. l. 4.au lieu de sans caution, lisez sous caution.\nArt. 24.p. 3, l. 5.au lieu de fera pouvoir, lisez fera pourvoir.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0337", "content": "Title: Martha Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, [after 24 August 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Martha (Martha Jefferson Randolph),Randolph, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Trist, Eliza House\nMy dearest friend\nde l\u2019abbey royale de Panthemont a Paris [after 24 Aug. 1785]\nYour letter put an end to the inquietude that your silence had caused us. Be assured that I will remember you as long as I live. I am very happy in the convent and it is with reason for there wants nothing but the presence of my friends of America to render my situation worthy to be envied by the happiest. I do not say kings, for far from it. They are often more unfortunate than the lowest of their subjects. I have seen the king and the queen but at too great a distance to judge if they are like their pictures in Philadelphia. We had a lovely passage in a beautiful new ship that had only made one voyage before. There were only six passengers, all of whom papa knew, and a fine sun shine all the way, with the sea which was as calm as a river. I should have no objection at making an other voyage if I could be sure it would be as agreable as the first. We landed in England where we made a very short stay. The day we left it we set off at six a clock the evening, and arived in France at 7 the next morning. I can not say that this voyage was as agreable as the first, tho it was much shorter. It rained violently and the sea was exceedingly rough all the time, and I was allmost as sick as the first time, when I was sick two days. The cabane was not more than three feet wide and about four long. There was no other furniture than an old bench which was fast to the wall. The door by which we came in at was so little that  one was obliged to enter on all four. There were two little doors at the side of the cabane was the way to our beds, which were composed of two boxxes and a couplle of blankets with out eather bed or matras, so that I was obliged to sleep in my cloathes. There being no winder in the cabane, we were obliged to stay in the dark for fear of the rains coming in if we opended the door. I fear we should have fared as badly at our arival for papa spoke very little french and me not a word, if an Irish gentleman, an entire stranger to us, who seeing our embarrassment, had not been so good as to conduct us to a house and was of great service to us. It is amazing to see how they cheat the strangers. It cost papa as much to have the bagadge brought from the shore to the house, which was about a half a square apart, as the bringing it from Philadelphia to Boston. From there we should have had a very agreable voyage to Paris, for havre de grace is built at the mouth of the seine, and we follow the river all the way thro the most beautiful country I ever saw in my life, it is a perfect garden if the singularity of our cariage had not atracted us the attention of all we met, and when ever we stopped we were surounded by the beggars. One day I counted no less than nine while we stopped to change horses. We saw a great number of chalk hills near Rouen, where we saw allso a church built by William the conqueror, and another at Ment which had as many steps to go to the top as there are days in the year. There are many pretty statues in it. The architectures is beautiful. All the winders are died glass of the most beautiful colours that form all kinds of figures. I wish you could have been with us when we arrived. I am sure you would have laughfed, for we were obliged to send imediately for the stay maker, the mantumaker, the milliner and even a shoe maker, before I could go out. I have never had the friseur but once, but I soon got rid of him and turned down my hair in spite of all they could say, and I differ it now as much as possible, for I think it allways too soon to suffer. I have seen two nuns take the veil. I\u2019ll tell you about that when I come to see you. I was placed in a convent at my arival and I leave you to judge of my situation. I did not speak a word of french, and no one here knew english but a little girl of 2 years old that could hardly speak french. There are about fifty or sixty pensioners in the house, so that speaking as much as I could with them I learnt the langauge very soon. At present I am charmed with my situation. I am afraid that you will be very much disapointed if you expect to see  me perfect, for I have made very little progres. Give my love to Mrs. House, Brouse and Polly and when you will see hetty Ritten-house scold her for me. She has never answerd any of my letters. Send my compliments to Mrs. Tamage and Mrs. Thomson, in short evry body that I know. I do not dout but that you were very much astonished at hearing that colonel floyed was maried. So was I, but as evry one has a different mind we must leave the world to itself and follow what we think wrighte. Tho you have a great deal of patience I am afraid that this scrawl will tire it. But if you knew the pleasure I take in writing to you and receiving letters from you, you would pardon me. Pray write me very long letters by evry occassion. I should be very glad to write for papa, but I am sure that he could not have an occupation which gives him more pleasure than that. How ever when he cant leave his business I will do it with pleasure. I do not know when we shall come. Pardon this letter, being so badly written for I have not the time at present. There comes in some new pensionars evry day. The classe is four rooms excedingly large for the pensionars to sleep in, and there is a fith and sixth one for them to stay in in the day and the other in which they take their lessens. We were the uniform which is crimson made like a frock laced behind with the tail like a robe de cour hoocked on muslin cufs and tuckers. The masters are all very good except that for the drawing. I end here for I am sure my letter must tire you. Papa sends his most affectionate compliments to you and Mrs. House and begs you not to forget that you are indebted a letter to him particularly on the subject of Brouses relations. Adieu my dear freind, be assured that I am and ever will be yours affectionately,\nMartha Jefferson\nBe so good as to let Mrs. Hopkinson know that I remember her with great gratitude and affection as well as Mrs. Rittenhouse.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0339", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O\u2019Bryen, 24 August 1785\nFrom: O\u2019Bryen, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nAlgier august the 24th. 1785\nWe the Subjects of the United States of America Having the Misfortune of Being Captured off The Coast of Portugal the 24th. and 30th. of July By the Algerines, and Brought into this port Where we have Become Slaves, and Sent To the workhouses, Oure Sufferings is Beyond Oure Expressing or your Conception. Hoping youre Honoure will be pleased to represent Oure Grievances to Congress. Hoping They will Take Such Measures as to tend to oure speedy Redemption. Hoping you will Consider oure Unfortunate Situation, and Make some provision for the Unfortunate Sufferers, Untill we are reedeemed, Being Stript of all oure Cloaths and nothing to Exist on But two small Cakes of Bread per day, without any other Necessary of Life. Charles Logie Esqr. British Counsil seeing oure distressed Situation has taken us Three Masters of Vessells out of the Work Houses and has Given Security for us to the Day of Algiers, King of Cruelties. My Crew Certainly will Starve if There is not Some Immediate Reliefe. It Being the Method of all Christian powers whose Subjects falls in the Hands of Those Savages to Make Some provision for them, untill they are reedeemed, I should Esteem it a particular favoure If you would be pleased to write to Mr. Logie, Consul here.\nShip Daupin, Richd. OBryen Master, Belonging to Messrs. Mathew and Thomas Irwin & Co. Merchants of the City of Philadelphia Bound to Philadelphia from St. Ubes. Taken the 30th. July, out two Days. Schoner Maria, Isiack Stevens Master, from Boston bound to Cadis, Belonging to Messrs. Wm. Foster & Co. Merchants in Boston. Taken the 24th. July, Out 26 days. The Cruisers in This port are fitting out With all possible Expedition and I Am of That Opinion They will Take Most of Oure Ships that will come for urope. They will Cruise to The Northward of the Western Islands and towards the British Channell.\nThe Sooner we Could put a stop to them the Better, they Valuing the Number of prizes they take, To the Summ for the Peace.  The Spaniards Coming on terms with them, all other Uropian Nations must. I hope we shall aply Before any more does, for they Must Be at war with Some.\nI am very respectfully your most obedt. and very Humble Servant & Petitioner,\nRichd. OBryen", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0340", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Robeson, 24 August 1785\nFrom: Robeson, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDunkirk, 24 Aug. 1785. Though he is unknown to TJ, he writes recommending the appointment of consuls in European ports, \u201cto whom we might Apply for Explanation or Redress.\u201d An American who served the state of S.C. during the war and has spent much time in Europe, he has had \u201cvery Recent Proofs in Holland with my Unfortunate Countrymen Who have Neither the Language, Marintime knowledge, or Custom of the Port, Who Inocently are Involved, and Who have Smartted for the little Errors \u2026 as well Suffering the Insolence of Office, Under Every Species of Agravation and Exspence\u2026 .\u201d Recommends John Moulston of Virginia, who was active during the Revolution and has acquired considerable property and reputation, for the post at Dunkirk, where he has lived since the war; he speaks French and is \u201cConversant in Commercial Matters and dayly is transacting of them.\u201d Robeson should be addressed at the \u201cHottel Chapeau Rou[ge] Rue du Sud.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0343", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Sayre, 25 August 1785\nFrom: Sayre, Stephen\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York 25 augt. 1785\nI do myself the honor of transmitting a Letter to your Excellency, which the Delegates of Virginia and Massachusetts, voluntarily  gave me, as soon as they understood that the appointment it mentions would be agreeable to me.\nIt is a duty I owe to their good will, to give you the earliest notice, that I am now ready to embark for Cadiz\u2014shall immediately proceed to Madrid, where my private affairs may detain me twenty, or thirty days; unless your Excellency should express a wish to see me immediately at Paris.\nIf I can render Service to the public my private interest will become a secondary object. May I request your Excellency, to favour me with your resolutions, as soon as possible, under [cover] to Mr. Carmichael.\nI am, with great respect & consideration your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nStephen Sayre", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0344", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Castries, 26 August 1785\nFrom: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nVersailles le 26. a\u00f4ut 1785.\nL\u2019offre que vous me faites, Monsieur, par la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 17 de ce mois, applanit toutes difficult\u00e9s. Puisque vous voulez bien vous engager \u00e0 faire payer, par le banquier des Etats-unis \u00e0 Paris, ce qui peut revenir aux fran\u00e7ois qui auroient servi sur la fregate americaine l\u2019Alliance, Je donne ordre au Commissaire de L\u2019Orient de remettre \u00e0 Mr. Jones la Somme totale qui revient aux batimens americains, et de m\u2019adresser copie des reconnoissances qu\u2019il exigera de cet officier.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec un parfait attachement, Monsieur, votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s obe\u00efssant serviteur,\nLe Mal. De Castries", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0345", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 28 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 28. 1785.\nI wrote you on the 5th. of July by Mr. Franklin and on the 12th. of the same month by Monsr. Houdon. Since that date yours of June 16. by Mr. Mazzei is received. Every thing looks like peace here. The settlement between the Emperor and Dutch is not yet published, but it is believed to be agreed. Nothing is done as yet between him and the Porte. He is much wounded by the Confederation of several of the Germanic body at the head of which is the king of Prussia, and to which the king of England as elector of Hanover is believed to accede. The object is to preserve the constitution of that empire. It shews that these princes entertain serious jealousies of the ambition of the emperor, and this will very much endanger the election of his nephew as king of the Romans. A late arret of this court against the admission of British manufactures produces a great sensation in England. I wish it may produce a disposition there to receive our commerce in all their dominions on advantageous terms. This is the only balm which can heal the wounds that has recieved. It is but too true that that country furnished markets for three fourths of the exports of the eight northernmost states, a truth not proper to be spoken of, but which should influence our proceedings with them. How that negociation advances you are probably better informed than I am. The infidelity of the post offices rendering the communication between Mr. Adams and myself difficult, the improvement of our commerce with France will be advanced more by negociations at Saint James\u2019s than at Versailles.\nThe July French packet being arrived without bringing any news of Mr. Lambe, if the English one of the same month be also arrived without news of him, I expect Mr. Adams will concur with me in sending some other person to treat with the Barbary states. Mr. Barclay is willing to go, and I have proposed him to Mr. Adams but have not yet received his answer. The peace expected between Spain and Algiers will probably not take place. It is said the former was to have given a million of dollars. Would it  not be prudent to send a minister to Portugal? Our commerce with that country is very important, perhaps more so than with any other country in Europe. It is possible too that they might permit our whaling vessels to refresh in Brazil or give some other indulgencies in America. The lethargic character of their ambassador here gives a very unhopeful aspect to a treaty on this ground. I lately spoke with him on the subject and he has promised to interest himself in obtaining an answer from his court.\nI have waited to see what was the pleasure of Congress as to the secretaryship of my office here; that is, to see whether they proposed to appoint a secretary of legation, or leave me to appoint a private secretary. Colo. Humphrey\u2019s occupation in the dispatches and records of the matters which relate to the general commissions does not afford him leisure to aid me in my office, were I entitled to ask that, and, in the mean time the lengthy papers which often accompany the communications between the ministers here and myself, and the other business of the office absolutely require a scribe. I shall therefore on Mr. Short\u2019s return from the Hague appoint him my private secretary till Congress shall think proper to signify their pleasure. The salary allowed Mr. Franklin in the same office was 1000 Dollars a year. I shall presume that Mr. Short may draw the same allowance from the funds of the U.S. here. As soon as I shall have made this appointment I shall give official notice of it to Mr. Jay, that Congress may, if they disapprove of it, say so.\nI am much pleased with your land ordinance, and think it improved from the first in the most material circumstances. I had mistaken the object of the division of the lands among the states. I am sanguine in my expectations of lessening our debts by this fund, and have expressed my expectations to the minister and others here. I see by the public papers you have adopted the dollar as your money unit. In the arrangement of coins I had proposed, I ought to have inserted a gold coin of 5. dollars, which being within 2/ of the value of a guinea will be very convenient. The English papers so incessantly repeating their lies about the tumults, the anarchy, the bankruptcies and distresses of America, these ideas prevail very generally in Europe. At a large table where I dined the other day, a gentleman from Switzerland expressed his apprehensions for the fate of Doctr. Franklin as he said he had been informed he would be received with stones by the people who were generally dissatisfied with the revolution and incensed against all those who had assisted in bringing it about. I told him his apprehensions  were just, and that the people of America would probably salute Dr. Franklin with the same stones they had thrown at the Marquis Fayette. The reception of the Doctor is an object of very general attention, and will weigh in Europe as an evidence of the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of America with their revolution. As you are to be in Williamsburgh early in November, this is the last letter I shall write you till about that time; I am with very sincere esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nBe so good as to direct the inclosed so that it may get to it\u2019s destination.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0346", "content": "Title: [From Thomas Jefferson to William Robeson, 28 August 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Robeson, William\n[Paris, 28 Aug. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: \u201cWm. Robeson. Informing him power of appointing Consuls was in Congress. That in mean time Mr. Barclay appointed. That he informs me a Mr. Coffin is agent there and serves the U.S. well.\u201d Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0347", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 28 August 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nAmsterdam Augst. 28th. 1785\nI wrote you last from the Hague. Since that I have passed through Leyden and Haarlem on my Way to this Place which I find as busy and commercial as I think it can be. And yet I am told it has declined and is declining. This gives me Concern because I find several attributing it to an Intercourse with America and to the Independence of the latter. How true this may be in Fact I cannot say, yet an Opinion of it prevailing, will injure in some Measure the American Character as Well as the American Commerce here I should suppose. The Truth of the Case seems to me to be that the great Wealth of this Country having raised the Price of Labor, their poorer Neighbours are by that Means enabled to undertake  their carrying Business at a cheaper Rate and by that means affect them in a vital Part. Yet it is so much the Fashion in the commercial World at present to attribute all Misfortunes to America that they do not look farther and draw all their Reasonings from thence.\nI received great Pleasure at Leyden from viewing the University, the Anatomical Apparatus, the Botanical Garden and the Cabinet of Natural History. In the Garden are several Aloes. Luckily this is the Year for one to bloom so that I had an Opportunity of seeing that which so rarely occurs. It is not yet in Perfection. Seven Years hence there are two More which are to bloom. Mr. Luzac the Editor of the Gazette is made Professor of the University. It was my Intention to have waited on him but was hurried from Leyden in Order to hear the famous Organ at Haarlem, which is only played three Times a week and at particular Hours. It is much admired by the Amateurs. The Information I had with Respect to the Hours was bad. It had ceased before I arrived. Yet the View of this exquisite Piece of Mechanism was very agreeable. I enter into no Description of it because I find Descriptions of these Things always difficult. I was still more curious to have seen the first Book that was ever printed by the famous Koster the Inventor of this valuable Art. It is kept in the Stadthouse to be shewn, but this also is only at particular Hours, so Strangers are frequently disappointed as I was, as they are so rigid there in the Observance of all their Customs that neither Civility or Hospitality can make them deviate from them. This Town values itself not a little on giving Birth [to] the Inventor of the Art of Printing, as well as the Success of the three Ships which it furnished in one of the holy Wars that broke the Chains laid across the Chanel at Damieta and let in all the Fleet. The Models of these Ships are hung up in the great Church in which stands the Organ.\nI think it probable I shall return to the Hague before your Answer to my former letter will get there. If not Mr. Dumas will send me Information the first Moment of its Arrival, after which nothing shall detain me an Instant. I am very anxious to know if you have had any late News from America. You have long ago no Doubt heard of Mr. Rutledge\u2019s Appointment. The Boston Navigation Act arrived in London and was published in their Papers the Day before I left it. It will certainly produce a serious Consideration there.\nI am curious to know if all my young Countrymen and Acquaintances  are gone from Paris. I rather suppose they will stay there longer than I had thought when I saw them last. Bingham and his Lady left this Place Yesterday Morning for the Hague, on their way to Brussels and Paris. I beg the Favor of you to send the inclosed Letter to the petite Poste. Make my Compliments to Colo. Humphries and believe me with the most sincere Friendship & Affection Yours,\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0350", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Miles King, 29 August 1785\nFrom: King, Miles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHampton, Va., 29 Aug. 1785. Introduces the bearer, the Chevalier de Laserre, a French officer who served in Virginia during the Revolution.  As he comes to France \u201cto do some business with the Prime Minister\u201d and \u201cit is the duty of every Virginian to tender every service in their power to their great and good Allies,\u201d King recommends him to TJ\u2019s favor.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0352", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from St. John de Cr\u00e8vecoeur, 30 August 1785\nFrom: Cr\u00e8vecoeur, Michel Guillaume St. John de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nCa\u00e8n 30th. Augt. 1785\nI have received with great Pleasure yours of the 22d. Instant. I am Very Glad to See the State of your health is Improved, and that Miss Jefferson Grows and Prospers. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you Some time in Octre. I shall go, I believe, with my two boys to spend some time at Sanoy with the Good Comtesse, who also has lost a dear and a beloved brother. I most Sincerely participate with her in the Severe Loss, which afflicts me Very Powerfully. Knowing all the Sensibility and Tenderness of her heart I feel the weight of her affliction. The derangement of the Packets has discourag\u2019d me quite. I never was so surprised as when I was informed of it at L\u2019orient. I cannot flatter myself with the hopes of seeing them reestablish\u2019d up to their former Number. Some Evil Genius has from the beginning secretly opposed and destroyed the simple and usefull Idea I had given on that subject, and I do give it up. We have heard of the Confinement of the Cardinal. It is to be hoped that he wont be released before he has paid his debts, tho\u2019 he is too great a Sinner to Receive his due Punishment. What Monsters in Society these hughe over Grown Priests are. Happy Americans, whose Priests are men and Citizens. I have had the Pleasure of receiving Several Letters from my Excellent Friend Chs. Williamos and to my Very Great Surprise, my Two Last are without Answers. Pray do you know what is become of him? Is he return\u2019d to New York? I am Very Anxious to know how and where he is. I am With great Respect & Esteem Sir Your Very Humble Servt.,\nSt. John", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0353", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, [30 August 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Francis, Eppes\nI must now repeat my wish to have Polly sent to me next summer. This, however, must depend on the circumstance of a good vessel sailing from Virginia in the months of April, May, June, or July. I would not have her set out sooner or later on account of the equinoxes. The vessel should have performed one voyage at least, but not be more than four or five years old. We do not attend to this circumstance till we have been to sea, but there the consequence of it is felt. I think it would be found that all the vessels which are lost are either on their first voyage or after they are five years old; at least there are few exceptions to this. With respect to the person to whose care she should be trusted, I must leave it to yourself and Mrs. Eppes altogether. Some good lady passing from America to France, or even England, would be most eligible; but a careful gentleman who would be so kind as to superintend her would do. In this case some woman who has had the small-pox must attend her. A careful negro woman, as Isabel, for instance, if she has had the smallpox, would suffice under the patronage of a gentleman. The woman need not come farther than Havre, l\u2019Orient, Nantes, or whatever port she should land at, because I could go there for the child myself, and the person could return to Virginia directly. My anxieties on this subject could induce me to endless details, but your discretion and that of Mrs. Eppes saves me the necessity. I will only add that I would rather live a year longer without her than have her trusted to any but a good ship and a summer passage. Patsy is well. She speaks French as easily as English; while Humphries, Short, and myself are scarcely better at it than when we landed\u2026 .\nI look with impatience to the moment when I may rejoin you. There is nothing to tempt me to stay here. Present me with the most cordial affection to Mrs. Eppes, the children, and the family at Hors-du-monde. I commit to Mrs. Eppes my kisses for dear Poll, who hangs on my mind night and day.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0354", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 30 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis Aug. 30. 1785.\nI had the honour of writing to you on the 14th. inst. by a Mr. Cannon of Connecticut who was to sail in the packet. Since that date yours of July 13. is come to hand. The times for the sailing of the packets being somewhat deranged, I avail myself of a conveiance of the present by the Mr. Fitzhughs of Virginia who expect to land at Philadelphia.\nI inclose you a correspondence which has taken place between the Marechal de Castries, minister of the Marine, and myself. It is on the subject of the prize money due to the officers and crew of the Alliance for prizes taken in Europe under the command of Capt. Jones. That officer has been here under the direction of Congress near two years solliciting the liquidation and paiment of that money. Infinite delays had retarded the liquidation till the month of June. It was expected, when the liquidation was announced to be completed, that the money was to be received. The M. de Castries doubted the authority of Capt. Jones to receive it and wrote to me for information. I wrote him the letter dated July 10. which seemed to clear away that difficulty. Another arose. A Mr. Puchilberg presented powers to receive the money. I wrote then the letter of Aug. 3. and received that of the M. de Castries of Aug. 12. acknoleging he was satisfied as to this difficulty, but announcing another, to wit, that possibly some French subjects might have been on board the Alliance, and therefore that Capt. Jones ought to give security for the repaiment of their portions. Capt. Jones had before told me there was not a Frenchman on board that vessel but the Captain. I enquired of Mr. Barclay. He told me he was satisfied there was not one. Here then was a mere possibility, a shadow of a right, opposed to a certain, to a substantial one which existed in the mass of the crew and which was likely to be delayed; for it could not be expected that Capt. Jones could, in a strange country, find the security required. These difficulties I suppose to have been conjured up, one after another by Mr. Puchilberg, who wanted to get hold of the money. I saw but one way to cut short these everlasting delays, which were ruining the officer solliciting the paiment of the money, and keeping our seamen out of what they had hardly fought for years ago. This was, to undertake to ask an order from Congress for the paiment of any  French claimants by their banker in Paris, and in the mean time to undertake to order such paiment should any such claimant prove his title before the pleasure of Congress should be made known to me. I consulted with Mr. Barclay who seemed satisfied I might venture this undertaking, because no such claim could be presented. I therefore wrote the letter of Aug. 17. and received that of Aug. 26. finally closing this tedious business. Should what I have done not meet the approbation of Congress, I would pray their immediate sense, because it is not probable that the whole of this money will be paid so hastily, but that their orders may arrive in time to stop a sufficiency for any French claimants who may possibly exist. The following paragraph of a letter from Capt. Jones dated l\u2019Orient Aug. 24. 1785. further satisfies me that my undertaking amounted to nothing in fact. He sais \u2018it is impossible that any legal demands should be made on you for French subjects in consequence of your engagements to the Marechal. The Alliance was manned in America, and I never heard of any person\u2019s having served on board that frigate who had been born in France, except the captain, who, as I was informed, had in America abjured the church of Rome, and been naturalized.\u2019 Should Congress approve of what I have done, I will then ask their resolution for the paiment, by their banker here, of any such claims as may be properly authenticated, and will moreover pray of you an authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance with the sums to be allowed to each person, on the subject of which roll Capt. Jones in the letter abovementioned says \u2018I carried a set of the rolls with me to America, and before I embarked in the French fleet at Boston, I put them into the hands of Mr. Secretary Livingston, and they were sealed up among the papers of his Office when I left America.\u2019 I think it possible that Mr. Puchilberg may excite claims. Should any name be offered which shall not be found on the roll, it will be a sufficient disproof of the pretention. Should it be found on the roll, it will remain to prove the identity of person, and to enquire if paiment may not have been made in America. I conjecture, from the journals of Congress of June 2. that Landais, who I believe was the captain, may be in America. As his portion of prize money may be considerable, I hope it will be settled in America, where only it can be known whether any advances may have been made him.\nThe person at the head of the post office here sais he proposed  to Dr. Franklin a Convention to facilitate the passage of letters through their office and ours, and that he delivered a draught of the Convention proposed, that it might be sent to Congress. I think it possible he may be mistaken in this, as, on my mentioning it to Dr. Franklin, he did not recollect any such draught having been put into his hands. An answer however is expected by them. I mention it that Congress may decide whether they will make any Convention on the subject, and on what principle. The one proposed here was that for letters passing hence into America, the French postage should be collected by our post officers and paid every 6. months, and for letters coming from America here, the American postage should be collected by the post officers here, and paid to us in like manner. A second plan however presents itself; that is, to suppose the sums to be thus collected on each side will be equal, or so nearly equal that the balance will not pay the trouble of keeping accounts and the little bickerings that the settlement of accounts and demands of the balances may occasion: and therefore to make an exchange of postage. This would better secure our harmony, but I do not know that it would be agreed to here. If not, the other might then be agreed to.\nI have waited hitherto, supposing that Congress might possibly appoint a Secretary to the legation here, or signify their pleasure that I should appoint a private Secretary to aid me in my office. The communications between the ministers and myself requiring often that many and long papers should be copied, and that in a shorter time than could be done by myself, were I otherwise unoccupied, other correspondencies and proceedings, of all which copies must be retained, and still more the necessity of having some confidential person, who in case of any accident to myself, might be authorised to take possession of the instructions, letters, and other papers of the office, have rendered it absolutely necessary for me to appoint a private Secretary. Colo. Humphries finds full occupation, and often more than he can do, in writing and recording the dispatches and proceedings of the General commissions. I shall therefore appoint Mr. Short, on his return from the Hague, with an express condition that the appointment shall cease whenever Congress shall think proper to make any other arrangement. He will of course expect the allowance heretofore made to the private secretaries of the ministers, which I believe has been a thousand dollars a year.\nAn improvement is made here in the construction of the musket which it may be interesting to Congress to know, should they at any time propose to procure any. It consists in the making every part of them so exactly alike that what belongs to any one, may be used for every other musket in the magazine. The government here has examined and approved the method, and is establishing a large manufactory for the purpose. As yet the inventor has only completed the lock of the musket on this plan. He will proceed immediately to have the barrel, stock, and their parts executed in the same way. Supposing it might be useful to the U.S., I went to the workman, he presented me the parts of 50. locks taken to peices, and arranged in compartments. I put several together myself taking peices at hazard as they came to hand, and they fitted in the most perfect manner. The advantages of this, when arms need repair, are evident. He effects it by tools of his own contrivance which at the same time abridge the work so that he thinks he shall be able to furnish the musket two livres cheaper than the common price. But it will be two or three years before he will be able to furnish any quantity. I mention it now, as it may have influence on the plan for furnishing our magazines with this arm.\nEvery thing in Europe remains as when I wrote you last. The peace between Spain and Algiers has the appearance of being broken off. The French packet being arrived without Mr. Lambe or any news of him, I await Mr. Adams\u2019s acceding to the proposition mentioned in my last. I send you the gazettes of Leyden and France to this date, and have the honour to be with the highest respect & esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0355", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 31 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Banister, John\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 31. 1785.\nMr. Fitzhugh being to leave this within two or three days and proposing to attend the next session of Assembly in Richmond, I am thereby furnished with an opportunity of writing you a line, and knowing myself the anxieties of a parent for an absent child I know I cannot better gratify you than by informing you of the welfare of your son. From this place he went to Avignon, and not to Lisle as I expected when I wrote to you June 16. He was so well pleased with that situation and with the society he met with there that he determined to continue there. I received from him a letter dated the 1st. instant, in which he does not say a word to me about his health. I have written him a scolding one in return, tho\u2019 I was satisfied of his health from his silence on the subject, from the length of his letter, and from it\u2019s masculine observations and reasonings on the country he was then in, which I was satisfied could not have flowed from a valetudinary head.\nAll is calm here, and calm like to be, at least for this year. I am curious to see the result of the refusal by a French vessel to salute the British flag in the channel which I do not believe to have been accidental. The Boston navigation act and the apparent disposition of the other states to act in the same line and to invest Congress with powers over our commerce works well in England, and well also throughout Europe. I hope the best effects from it. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Bannister and be assured of the esteem", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0356", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Ramsay, 31 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ramsay, David\nSir\nParis Aug. 31. 1785.\nI am honoured with your two letters of June 15. and July 13. and am to thank you for the sheets of your history sent therewith. I am much pleased to see a commencement of those special histories of the late revolution which must be written first before a good general one can be expected. I shall be more pleased to see the remaining parts as well executed as this which sets the example. Another published in the middle states and a third in the Eastern, will complete the materials for a general history which the U.S. should furnish. It will then remain for France to produce a history. That to be desired from Great Britain is probably as well done in the Annual register as any we may expect from them. On the receipt of your first letter I applied to a bookseller to see what could be done towards translating and printing it here. After various enquiries I found that the translation and the printing 1000. copies being deducted would leave about 40. guineas for the author to be received as the work sold. I was by no means satisfied with this price, but the book seller observed that as it would be only a translation, it would be impossible to hinder other translations from being made, which might come into competition on the sale. On the receipt of your second letter, I wrote immediately to the Marquis de Chastellux, supposing he might be at his seat at Marly. I have received no answer which makes me fear he is on his tour of inspection. I am therefore distressed what to do. For while I hope from his counsels that means of procuring a better translation and perhaps better terms too might be found, I fear on the other hand that a delay may permit some other translation to get the start and so defeat our prospects altogether. I will satisfy myself whether he is on his tour and when he will return and on that information will act for the best. It is thought that perhaps a couple of hundred English copies might be sold here. I shall take great pleasure in promoting your views here and am only mortified at the indifferent prospect which at present presents itself.\nEurope enjoys a calm at this moment, and there se[ems] no reason to apprehend it\u2019s being disturbed this summer. There is a speck in the horison between the Emperor and Turk which may produce something, but that, at soonest, is for another year. I look with some interest on the result of the refusal by a French vessel  to salute the British flag in the channel, which I am not yet satisfied was an accidental event.\nI pray you to be assured of the respect & esteem with which I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0357", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Vergennes, 31 August 1785\nFrom: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u00e0 Versles. le 31. Aoust 1785.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 15. de ce mois; Le d\u00e9veloppement quelle renferme des id\u00e9es que vous aviez bien voulu me communiquer de bouche, m\u2019a paru tr\u00e8s interressant, et je n\u2019ai pas diff\u00e9r\u00e9 \u00e0 la transmettre \u00e0 Mr. le Controleur G\u00e9n\u00e9ral, au d\u00e9partement de qui la matiere ressortit.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre tr\u00e8s sinc\u00e8rement, Monsieur, votre tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe Vergennes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0358", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bellini, [ca. August 1785]\nFrom: Bellini, Carlo (Charles)\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[ca. Aug. 1785.] Persuaded that whatever office TJ should hold, he would wish to be no \u201cother than Thomas Jefferson,\u201d Bellini does not use an honorific in addressing him, for \u201cto pay compliments to a philosopher of your dignity, would be equal to blasphemy.\u201d\nAcknowledges TJ\u2019s letter from Annapolis of 8 May 1784, which he found so comforting and encouraging at the time of his wife\u2019s illness: \u201cjust your name, written by your own hand now and then will sustain my waning philosophy.\u201d Encloses a packet of letters for Mazzei who instructed when he left America that his letters should be sent to TJ. Sends his compliments to Martha Jefferson, William Short, and the Marquis de Chastellux.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0360", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, with a List of Books, 1 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 1. 1785.\nMy last to you was dated May 11. by Monsr. de Doradour. Since that I have received yours of Jan. 22. with 6. copies of the revisal, and that of Apr. 27. by Mr. Mazzei.\nAll is quiet here. The Emperor and Dutch are certainly agreed tho\u2019 they have not published their agreement. Most of his schemes in Germany must be postponed, if they are not prevented, by the confederacy of many of the Germanic body at the head of which is the K. of Prussia, and to which the Elector of Hanover is supposed to have acceded. The object of the league is to preserve the members of the empire in their present state. I doubt whether the jealousy entertained of this prince, and which is so fully evidenced by this league, may not defeat the election of his nephew to be king of the Romans, and thus produce an instance of breaking the lineal succession. Nothing is as yet done between him and the Turks. If any thing is produced in that quarter it will not be for this year. The court of Madrid has obtained the delivery of the crew of the brig Betsy taken by the Emperor of Marocco. The Emperor had treated them kindly, new-cloathed them, and delivered them to the Spanish minister who sent them to Cadiz. This is the only American vessel ever taken by the Barbary states. The Emperor continues to give proofs of his desire to be in friendship with us, or in other words, of receiving us into the number of his tributaries. Nothing further need be feared from him. I wish the Algerines may be as easily dealt with. I fancy the peace expected between them and Spain is not likely to take place. I am well informed that the late proceedings in America have produced a wonderful sensation in England in our favour. I mean the disposition which seems to be becoming general to invest Congress with the regulation of our commerce, and in the mean time the measures taken to defeat the avidity of the British government, grasping at  our carrying business. I can add with truth that it was not till these symptoms appeared in America that I have been able to discover the smallest token of respect towards the United states in any part of Europe. There was an enthusiasm towards us all over Europe at the moment of the peace. The torrent of lies published unremittingly in every day\u2019s London paper first made an impression and produced a coolness. The republication of these lies in most of the papers of Europe (done probably by authority of the governments to discourage emigrations) carried them home to the belief of every mind. They supposed every thing in America was anarchy, tumult, and civil war. The reception of the M. Fayette gave a check to these ideas. The late proceedings seem to be producing a decisive vibration in our favour. I think it possible that England may ply before them. It is a nation which nothing but views of interest can govern. If it produces us good there, it will here also. The defeat of the Irish propositions is also in our favor.\nI have at length made up the purchase of books for you, as far as it can be done for the present. The objects which I have not yet been able to get, I shall continue to seek for. Those purchased, are packed this morning in two trunks, and you have the catalogue and prices herein inclosed. The future charges of transportation shall be carried into the next bill. The amount of the present is 1154 livres 13 sous which reckoning the French crown of 6. livres at 6/8 Virginia money is \u00a364\u20133. which sum you will be so good as to keep in your hands to be used occasionally in the education of my nephews when the regular resources disappoint you. To the same use I would pray you to apply twenty five guineas which I have lent the two Mr. Fitzhughs of Marmion, and which I have desired them to repay into your hands. You will of course deduct the price of the revisals and any other articles you may have been so kind as to pay for me. Greek and Roman authors are dearer here than I believe any where in the world. No body here reads them, wherefore they are not reprinted. Don Ulloa in the original not to be found. The collection of tracts on the \u0153conomics of different nations we cannot find; nor Amelot\u2019s travels into China. I shall send these two trunks of books to Havre there to wait a conveiance to America; for as to the fixing the packets there it is as incertain as ever. The other articles you mention shall be procured as far as they can be. Knowing that some of them would be better got in London, I commissioned Mr. Short, who was going  there, to get them. He is not yet returned. They will be of such a nature as that I can get some gentleman who may be going to America to take them in his portmanteau. Le Maire being now able to stand on his own legs there will be no necessity for your advancing him the money I desired if it is not already done. I am anxious to hear from you on the subject of my Notes on Virginia. I have been obliged to give so many of them here that I fear their getting published. I have received an application from the Directors of the public buildings to procure them a plan for their Capitol. I shall send them one taken from the best morsel of antient architecture now remaining. It has obtained the approbation of fifteen or sixteen centuries, and is therefore preferable to any design which might be newly contrived. It will give more room, be more convenient and cost less than the plan they sent me. Pray encourage them to wait for it, and to execute it. It will be superior in beauty to any thing in America, and not inferior to any thing in the world. It is very simple. Have you a copying press? If you have not, you should get one. Mine (exclusive of paper which costs a guinea a ream) has cost me about 14. guineas. I would give ten times that sum that I had had it from the date of the stamp act. I hope you will be so good as to continue your communications both of the great and small kind which are equally useful to me. Be assured of the sincerity with which I am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Tefferson\nEnclosure\nLa Conquista di Mexico. De Solis. fol. 7f10. relieure 7f              14\u201310\nTrait\u00e9 de morale et de bonheur. 12mo. 2. v. in 1                       2\u2013 8\nBurlamaqui. Principes du droit Politique 4to. 3f12 relieure \nConquista de la China por el Tartaro por Palafox. 12mo.                3   \n13. first livraisons of the Encyclopedie 47. vols. 4to. (being \nBibliotheque physico-\u0153conomique. 4. v. 12mo. 10f4. rel. 3f            13\u2013 4\nMirabeau sur l\u2019ordre des Cincinnati. 10f10. rel. 1f5 (prohibited)     11\u201315\nCoutumes Anglo-Normands de Houard. 4. v. 4to. 40f \nNeckar sur l\u2019Administration des Finances de France. 3. v.  \nMably. Principes de morale.  \nWanting to complete Mably\u2019s works which I have not been  \n  able to procure  \n    les principes de legislation  \n    sur les Grecs  \n    sur la Pologne.  \nChronologie des empires anciennes  \n     de l\u2019histoire universelle  \n     de l\u2019histoire universelle  \n     des empereurs Romains  \n     de l\u2019histoire universelle  \n     de l\u2019histoire du Nord.  \nLinnaei Philosophia Botanica.   1 v. 8vo. 7f rel. 1f5                  8\u2013 5\nD\u2019Albon sur l\u2019interet de plusieurs nations. 4. v. 12mo.  \nSysteme de la nature de Diderot. 3. v. 8vo. 21f (prohibited)          21\u2013 0\nCoussin [sic] histoire Romaine. \nDroit de la Nature. por Wolff. 6. v. 12mo. 15f rel. 4f10              19\u201310\n          Theorie de l\u2019impot 2. v. in 1. 12mo.} \nBuffon. Supplement 11. 12. Oiseaux 17. 18. \nLe sage \u00e0 la cour et le roi voiageur (prohibited)                     10\u201315\nPrincipes de legislation universelle 2. v. 8vo.                       12\u20130\nOrdonnances de la Marine par Valin. 2. v. 4to.                        22\nDiderot sur les sourds and muets 12mo.}  \naveugles 3f. sur la nature 3f. sur la }", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0361", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSt. Ildefonso 2d. Septr. 1785\nI received on the 30th. ulto. the Letter you did me the honor to address me the 18th. and I am happy to find that your Sentiments with respect to the generous interposition of this Court in our Affair with Morrocco correspond with mine. The reception of Mr. Gardoqui by Congress and the People of America at Large coincides with the opinions contained in your Letter. I am persuaded that the Ct. de F. Blanca is too clear sighted and possessed of a manner of thinking too enlarged and too Liberal not to perceive the importance of a solid and permanent connection between the respective Countries, a connection of importance to each while Advantages which Nature seems to indicate form its basis. United with the States These will be a wall of Brass against the enterprizes  of other Commercial Nations which at this Moment wish to arrogate the profits of a protected interlope Trade with the Spanish Colonies, and favoring ours as far as is consistent with the interests of the Mother Country. We can enable this Court to be Indifferent to the Politics of the Northern Nations, whose maritime force by that very Indifference will become every year less considerable. It would have been the highest pleasure to me to have had it in my power to offer to this Court the mite of our Country towards the humiliation and suppression of the Piratical Powers of Barbary. This offer would now I fear be too Late. In a day or two, the Algerien Deputies will Arrive here accompanied by a Ct. D\u2019Espilly a Frenchman who made the first Advances towards their pacification. It would have been much more glorious for us to have paid a subsidy to Spain or to have sent an armed Force to cooperate with its Fleets and armies than to be constrained for the Security of our Commerce to submit perhaps to a tribute. Algiers hath already commenced hostilities against us. By Letters from Cadiz and by others which I have seen from Algiers I am advised that five American vessels had been captured of which two had been carried into the Latter Port and immediately advertized for Sale, Vessels, cargoes, and Crew. You see Sir the ruinous consequences of an illtimed attention to Parsimony and a misguided Jealousy of granting funds to our National Council; an evil which might have been prevented must now be remedied. Perhaps I may have an opportunity by insinuation to pave the Way for a truce. I had no instructions with respect to the differences with the Emperor of Morrocco. I know not even if my conduct in that business has met approbation; in this as in the latter I shall make efforts without compromising Congress, acting upon the principle that the welfare of the Commonwealth is the Suprema Lex. It would have been a very great Satisfaction to me to have been employed in our African Business, because I should have relied in a great measure for my success on the good offices of his Excy. the Ct. De F. B. But as I cannot without an express order of Congress or the Sanction of Mr. Adams and yourself quit my post here, My next pleasure will be to procure such recommendations and to furnish such light as may contribute to the Success of the Agent employed by the Commissioners named by Congress to treat with these Pirates. If the Person you mean to send can wear a Uniform, He will be better received by the Emperor of Morrocco and it will save him unnecessary expence in Cloathing.\nI have Letters from New York dated the 16th. of July. Mr. Gardoqui is highly Pleased with his reception and this court I hope is not less satisfied. His Excy. the Ct. de Florida Blanca has authorized me to express his Majesty\u2019s satisfaction to Congress. In fact this is a critical Moment. The General Discontent Against G. B. will give a double value to the Liberality and Moderation of Spain and if Advantages which circumstances offer are seized by the Latter, Adieu to England for Ever. I would wish to be Able to explain personally many things which I dare not commit to paper without a cypher. Delicacy, supposed views of interest not personal but public, prevent me from even hinting what I know of the secret but determined views of the British Cabinet, not More hostile to us than to others. With their usual arrogance they eagerly embraced measures which their pride dictated and their folly pursued. They will open their Eyes too Late, unless the present moment is not laid hold of to seperate our commercial and consequently our Political Interests for ever. The Ministry here pursue indefatigably the great work of National Economy in their Finances and of improvements in Agriculture. But unless One Person has the Superintendance of all, the progress will not be rapid. The Death of the Infant Dn. Luis gave rise to conjectures with respect to the Manner in which his Children would be treated, as in Marrying he had renounced in some measure the Legitimate rights to which his Children might pretend hereafter. The King has Intrusted their Education to the Archbishop of Toledo primate of Spain. I have in my possession the Royal Decree to the Council of Castille and the Letter of the Ct. De F. B. to the Archbishop, but these are circumstances of so little moment to us, that Unless your Curiosity may induce you to wish to see these writings, I shall not trouble you nor my self by forwarding copies. This will be sent you by His Excy. the Ct. de Aranda and once a month by the Channel of that Ambassador you may have an opportunity of writing to me, Addressing your packetts under cover to Dn. Miguel Otamende who will have the goodness to put them into my hands. As I have few occasions of writing to Congress from hence and as these few become from the Algerine war more precarious I beg your Excellency to send copies of the papers which I have or may send you to America.\nI take the Liberty of inclosing you a Letter for the Genoese Minister from the one employed here. We Lodge together, have a Table to which also the Charge D\u2019Affaires of Saxony contributes.  The Latter also desires that I would follow a Letter for the Minister of Treves. The first I beg you to send to the Minister of Genoa, the Latter by the penny Post to the general Post office for Germany. When We can have an opportunity of Writing more freely, I shall endeavour to give you all the hints that I think, perhaps erroneously, which may contribute to the Public Service. In the mean time I have the honor to be with very great & Sincere Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt. & Hble. Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0362", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Chastellux, with Enclosure, 2 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Chastellux, Fran\u00e7ois Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 2. 1785.\nYou were so kind as to allow me a fortnight to read your journey through Virginia. But you should have thought of this indulgence while you were writing it, and have rendered it less interesting if you meant that your readers should have been longer engaged with it. In fact I devoured it at a single meal, and a second reading scarce allowed me sang froid enough to mark a few errors in the names of persons and places which I note on a paper herein inclosed, with an inconsiderable error or two in facts which I have also noted because I supposed you wished to state them correctly. From this general approbation however you must allow me to except about a dozen pages in the earlier part of the book which I read with a continued blush from beginning to end, as it presented me a lively picture of what I wish to be, but am not. No, my dear Sir, the thousand millionth part of what you there say, is more than I deserve. It might perhaps have passed in Europe at the time you wrote it, and the exaggeration might not have been detected. But consider that the animal is now brought there, and that every one will take his dimensions for himself. The friendly complexion of your mind has betrayed you into a partiality of which the European spectator will be divested. Respect to yourself therefore will require indispensably that you expunge the whole of those pages except your own judicious observations interspersed among them on Animal and physical subjects. With respect to my countrymen there is surely nothing which can render them uneasy,  in the observations made on them. They know that they are not perfect, and will be sensible that you have viewed them with a philanthropic eye. You say much good of them, and less ill than they are conscious may be said with truth. I have studied their character with attention. I have thought them, as you found them, aristocratical, pompous, clannish, indolent, hospitable, and I should have added, disinterested, but you say attached to their interest. This is the only trait in their character wherein our observations differ. I have always thought them so careless of their interests, so thoughtless in their expences and in all their transactions of business that I had placed it among the vices of their character, as indeed most virtues when carried beyond certain bounds degenerate into vices. I had even ascribed this to it\u2019s cause, to that warmth of their climate which unnerves and unmans both body and mind. While on this subject I will give you my idea of the characters of the several states.\nIn the North they are\nIn the South they are\ncool\nfiery\nsober\nVoluptuary\nlaborious\nindolent\npersevering\nunsteady\nindependant\nindependant\njealous of their own liberties, and just to those of others\nzealous for their own liberties, but trampling on those of others\ninterested\ngenerous\nchicaning\ncandid\nsuperstitious and hypocritical in their religion\nwithout attachment or pretentions to any religion but that of the heart.\nThese characteristics grow weaker and weaker by gradation from North to South and South to North, insomuch that an observing traveller, without the aid of the quadrant may always know his latitude by the character of the people among whom he finds himself. It is in Pennsylvania that the two characters seem to meet and blend and to form a people free from the extremes both of vice and virtue. Peculiar circumstances have given to New York the character which climate would have given had she been placed on the South instead of the North side of Pennsylvania. Perhaps too other circumstances may have occasioned in Virginia a transplantation of a particular vice foreign to it\u2019s climate. You could  judge of this with more impartiality than I could, and the probability is that your estimate of them is the most just. I think it for their good that the vices of their character should be pointed out to them that they may amend them; for a malady of either body or mind once known is half cured.\nI wish you would add to this peice your letter to Mr. Madison on the expediency of introducing the arts into America. I found in that a great deal of matter, very many observations, which would be useful to the legislators of America, and to the general mass of citizens. I read it with great pleasure and analysed it\u2019s contents that I might fix them in my own mind. I have the honor to be with very sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nEnclosure\nKent should be Newkent.\nButton\u2019s bridge should be Bottom\u2019s bridge.\nBothwellshould be Boswell.\nmontagnes de l\u2019Ouest, should be South-west mountains. They are so called from their direction which is from North-East to South-west. All our mountains run in the same course, but these being the first discovered appropriated the name to themselves.\nThe expression \u2018il avoit conquis tout le pais entre l\u2019Appamatoc et le bay de Chesapeak,\u2019 gives an idea of Powhatan, perhaps not exactly true, and certainly defective. He was the head of all the tribes of Indians below the falls of the rivers from Susquehanna to the midlands of James and Roanoke rivers. What was the nature of his power over them, is not known; probably it was like that of the chiefs among the modern tribes of Indians, which we now know to consist in persuasion and respectability of personal character. It would be more accurate also to say that \u2018Powhatan county takes it\u2019s name from the river on which it lies, now called James river, but formerly Powhatan from a tribe and chief of that name famous in the history of Virginia.\u2019 The truth is that the county of Powhatan was not occupied by the Powhatans, but was the chief habitation of the Monacans, the rivals and perpetual enemies of the Powhatans.\nThe town of Pocahuntas does not send delegates to the assembly. The county, in which it is, sends delegates as all the other counties do.\nRoss should be Rolfe.\nCarter should be Cary.\nMr. Beverley Randolph, should be Mr. Randolph.\nColchester, should be, Manchester.\nThe first Congress was at Philadelphia and not New York.\ndu Congr\u00e9s should be du Conseil du roi. He was a tory.\nMaryland was never purchased by the crown. It was always a proprietary government.\nThe government is divided into three departments, legislative, executive and judiciary. No person can hold an office in any two of them. Consequently all the members in any one department are excluded from both the other. Hence the judges and Attorney general cannot be of the legislature.\nThe clergy are excluded, because, if admitted into the legislature at all, the probability is that they would form it\u2019s majority. For they are dispersed through every county in the state, they have influence with the people, and great opportunities of persuading them to elect them into the legislature. This body, tho shattered, is still formidable, still forms a corps, and is still actuated by the esprit de corps. The nature of that spirit has been severely felt by mankind, and has filled the history of ten or twelve centuries with too many atrocities not to merit a proscription from meddling with government. Lawyers, holding no public office, may act in any of the departments. They accordingly constitute the ablest part both of the legislative and executive bodies.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0364", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Chastellux, 3 September 1785\nFrom: Chastellux, Fran\u00e7ois Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u00e0 Paris le 3 7bre. 1785\nVous m\u2019av\u00e9s charm\u00e9, monsieur, en me t\u00e9moignant d\u2019une maniere si aimable que la lecture de mon journal vous avoit interess\u00e9. Je vous avouerai que ce n\u2019\u00e9toit pas sans une sorte d\u2019inquietude que j\u2019attendois le jugement que vous en auri\u00e9s port\u00e9, car c\u2019est \u00e0 mon ouvrage qu\u2019il faudroit appliquer ce que vous dittes de votre personne. Permett\u00e9s moi de vous observer \u00e0 cette occasion qu\u2019il est \u00e0 desirer que dans les affaires politiques que vous av\u00e9s \u00e0 traitter, vous sachi\u00e9s mieux parvenir \u00e0 votre but que dans celles dont votre modestie seule est l\u2019objet. En effet on ne peut pas plus mal reussir que vous l\u2019av\u00e9s fait en voulant diminuer l\u2019opinion que j\u2019ai concue de vous en amerique; et vous meriteri\u00e9s que pour preuve justificative de mes assertions, je fisse imprimer la lettre pleine de graces et de sentiment que vous ven\u00e9s de m\u2019ecrire. Ne me disput\u00e9s donc plus, monsieur, une opinion sur laquelle je m\u2019obstine de plus en plus, et permett\u00e9s moi au contraire de me pr\u00e9valoir de ce que je peux prouver \u00e0 mes compatriotes pour concilier leur confiance sur les objets qu\u2019ils ne pourront pas approfondir. Mais est-il bien possible que vous ay\u00e9s trouv\u00e9 aussi peu de fautes \u00e0 corriger dans mon manuscript? Me voila tout \u00e0 fait encourag\u00e9 et certainement mes deux journaux parroitront dans le cours de l\u2019hiver, ainsi que ma lettre au docteur Madisson. Ce sera avec grand plaisir que j\u2019absoudrai les virginiens du pech\u00e9 que je leur ai reproch\u00e9, en les taxant d\u2019etre attach\u00e9s \u00e0 leurs interets. Voi\u00e9s ce qui m\u2019avoit induit en erreur: dans tous les march\u00e9s que nos commissaires ont eu \u00e0 faire avec les virginiens, ils ont trouv\u00e9 plus de cupidit\u00e9 et moins de bonne foi que dans les provinces de l\u2019est, mais ils n\u2019ont pas eu affaire \u00e0 des proprietaires, ou des gens qui puissent representer le caractere national. Sans doute ceux qui ont traitt\u00e9 avec eux etoient de ces hommes qui courent apr\u00e8s toutes les entreprises et qui regardent comme leur patrie tous les lieux ou il y a de l\u2019argent \u00e0 gagner.\nDepuis que j\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de vous voir, j\u2019ai recu le livre de  Mr. Ramsay, avec une lettre de lui et une autre de Mr. de Marbois, le tout dans un paquet contresign\u00e9 Vergennes. Je vais employer mes premiers momens de loisir \u00e0 lire cet ouvrage et j\u2019aurai l\u2019honneur d\u2019en causer avec vous d\u00e8s que vous ser\u00e9s debarrass\u00e9 de vos d\u00e9peches. Si votre matin\u00e9e etoit libre lundi prochain, voudri\u00e9s vous aller voir les tableaux du palais royal? Je serai absolument \u00e0 vos ordres et il suffira que vous me fassi\u00e9s dire dans la journ\u00e9e de demain \u00e0 quelle heure je devrois vous aller prendre ch\u00e9s vous.\nJe desire ardemment, monsieur, me dedommager de ce que des circonstances malheureuses m\u2019ont fait perdre depuis votre arriv\u00e9e icy et je n\u2019aurai jamais ass\u00e9s d\u2019occasions de vous entretenir du sinc\u00e8re et inviolable attachement avec lequel j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,\nLe Mis. de chastellux", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0365", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis Sep. 4. 1785.\nI was honoured with your letter of Aug. 21. by Mr. Smith who arrived here on the 29th. I am sorry you did not repeat the commission you had favoured me with by Mr. Short as the present would have been an excellent opportunity of sending the articles you wished for. As Mr. Short\u2019s return may yet be delayed, will you be so good as to write me by post what articles you desired, lest I should not otherwise know in time to send them by either of the Mr. Smiths. The French packet brought me letters from Mr. Jay and Dr. Ramsay only. They were dated July 13. They do not mention the arrival of your son. Dr. Ramsay\u2019s letter was on a particular subject, and Mr. Jay\u2019s letter was official. He may have arrived therefore, tho these letters do not mention it. However as he did not sail till June, and Westernly winds prevail in the summer I think the 13th. of July was too early to expect him to have arrived. I will certainly transmit you information of his arrival the moment I know it.\nWe have little new and interesting here. The Queen has determined to wear none but French gauzes hereafter. How many English looms will this put down? You will have seen the affair of the Cardinal de Rohan so well detailed in the Leyden gazette that I need add nothing on that head. The Cardinal is still in the  Bastille. It is certain that the Queen has been compromitted without the smallest authority from her: and the probability is that the Cardinal has been duped into it by his mistress Madme. de la Motte. There results from this two consequences not to his honour, that he is a debauchee, and a booby. The Abb\u00e9s are well. They have been kept in town this summer by the affairs of the Abb\u00e9 Mably. I have at length procured a house in a situation much more pleasing to me than my present. It is at the grille des champs Elysees, but within the city. It suits me in every circumstance but the price, being dearer than the one I am now in. It has a clever garden to it. I will pray you to present my best respects to Miss Adams and to be assured of the respect & esteem with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0366", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 4. 1785.\nOn receipt of your favors of Aug. 18. and 23. I conferred with Mr. Barclay on the measures necessary to be taken to set our treaty with the pyratical states into motion through his agency. Supposing that we should begin with the emperor of Marocco, a letter to the emperor and instructions to Mr. Barclay seemed necessary. I have therefore sketched such outlines for these as appear to me to be proper. You will be so good, as to detract, add to, or alter them as you please, to return such as you approve under your signature, to which I will add mine. A person understanding English, French and Italian, and at the same time meriting confidence, was not to be met with here. Colo. Franks understanding the two first languages perfectly, and a little Spanish instead of Italian, occurred to Mr. Barclay as the fittest person he could employ for a Secretary. We think his allowance (exclusive of his travelling expences and his board which will be paid by Mr. Barclay in common with his own) should be between 100 and 150 guineas a year. Fix it where you please between these limits. What is said in the instructions to Mr. Barclay as to his own allowance was proposed by himself. My idea as to the partition of the whole sum to which we are limited (80,000 D.) was that one half of it should be kept in reserve for the Algerines. They certainly possess more  than half of the whole power of the Pyratical states. I thought then that Marocco might claim the half of the remainder, that is to say one fourth of the whole. For this reason in the instructions I propose 20,000 D. as the limits of the expences of the Marocco treaty. Be so good as to think of it, and to make it what you please. I should be more disposed to enlarge than abridge it on account of their neighborhood to our Atlantic trade. I did not think that these papers should be trusted through the post office, and therefore, as Colo. Franks is engaged in the business, he comes with them. Passing by the diligence the whole expence will not exceed 12 or 14 guineas. I suppose we are bound to avail ourselves of the co-operation of France. I will join you therefore in any letter you think proper to write to the Count de Vergennes. Would you think it expedient to write to Mr. Carmichael to interest the interposition of the Spanish court? I will join you in any thing of this kind you will originate. In short be so good as to supply whatever you may think necessary. With respect to the money Mr. Jay\u2019s information to you was that it was to be drawn from Holland. It will rest therefore with you to avail Mr. Barclay of that fund either by your draughts, or by a letter of credit to the bankers in his favour to the necessary amount. I imagine the Dutch Consul at Marocco may be rendered an useful character in the remittances of money to Mr. Barclay while at Marocco.\nYou were apprised, by a letter from Mr. Short, of the delay which had arisen in the execution of the treaty with Prussia. I wrote a separate letter of which I inclose you a copy, hoping it would meet one from you and set them again into motion. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0367", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 4. 1785.\nMr. Mazzei, during the war was employed by the state of Virginia to procure them loans of money in Europe. He thinks that in allowing him for his expences they have allowed less than they actually were. You knew him in Paris, and knew of the journies which he made. I would thank you for the best guess you can make of what his expences may have been, according to the stile in which you observed him to live. My object is to have justice done him, if it has not been done, being assured that if the state has failed in this point, it has been from a want of evidence and that they will rectify their error if they find they have committed one. I am with the highest esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0368", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 4 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 4. 1785.\nSince writing my letter of this morning I have seen Mr. Grand and had a conversation with him on the subject of the interest due here. He is pressed on that subject. By a letter he received not long since from the Commissioners of the treasury it seems their intention that he should pay this interest out of the money in Holland, yet they omitted to give him any authority to ask for any of that money. I thought it possible they might have written to you on the subject and told him I would take the liberty of asking whether you had been desired to do any thing. It is a little unfortunate that our credit should be losing ground for default of paiment while money is understood to be lying dead, and sufficient for that purpose. The Commissioners themselves make this reflection in their letter. If you can give us any information on this subject I will thank you. I am with much esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTH: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0372", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Froull\u00e9, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Froull\u00e9, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\n5me. Septembre. 1785.\nJ\u2019ai vu le Marquis de Chastellux, Monsieur, et nous avons consult\u00e9 sur l\u2019affaire de l\u2019histoire de Monsr. Reed. Il a eu la bont\u00e9 de noter toutes les pi\u00e8ces justificatives qu\u2019il croit qu\u2019il seroit mieux de supprimer comme peu interessans aux etrangers. Mais comme on peut bien se tromper sur la nombre des feuilles, et que ce feroit tort ou \u00e0 l\u2019auteur ou \u00e0 l\u2019Imprimeur, nous croyons qu\u2019il seroit plus juste et pour l\u2019un et pour l\u2019autre que l\u2019auteur recevroit dans un an apr\u00e8s l\u2019impression trente six francs pour chaque feuille imprim\u00e9e comme vous avez propos\u00e9. C\u2019est sur le pied de 900\u20b6 pour 25 feuilles. J\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous faire cette proposition-la et en l\u2019acceptant de votre part, c\u2019est une affaire finie et vous prendrez tout aussitot qu\u2019il vous plaira vos arrangements pour la traduction et l\u2019imprimerie.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0374", "content": "Title: Lease for the H\u00f4tel de Langeac, [5 September 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas,Comte De Langeac\nTo: \nPar devant Les Conseillers du Roy, Notaires au Chatelet de Paris, Soussign\u00e9s\nFut Present\nHaut et Puissant Seigneur Auguste Louis Joseph fidele Amand de Lespinasse Langeac, Chevalier Comte de Langeac, Colonel d\u2019Infanterie, Chevalier de l\u2019ordre Royal et militaire de St. Louis, le Gouverneur pour le Roy des villes de Guerande, Le Croisic et St. Nazaire En Bretagne, de Celle de R\u00fce en Picardie, et en Survivance de Celle du Puy en Velay, et ancien Capitaine des gardes de la porte de Monsieur, fr\u00e8re du Roy, Seigneur du Comt\u00e9 d\u2019Arlet et autres Lieux, demeurant \u00e0 Paris en son hotel \u00e0 la grille de Chaillot, paroisse St. Philippe du Roule,\nLequel a fait Bail et donn\u00e9 \u00e0 loyer pour trois ann\u00e9es enti\u00e8res et consecutives qui commenceront \u00e0 compter du Jour auquel ledit Seigneur Comte de Langeac Rendra l\u2019hotel cy apr\u00e8s vuide et en \u00e9tat d\u2019etre occup\u00e9 et en Remettra les Clefs, et \u00e0 compter de l\u2019expiration desdites trois ann\u00e9es pour tout le tems qu\u2019il plaira au preneur cy apr\u00e8s nomm\u00e9, sans aucune augmentation au prix duloyer cy apr\u00e8s convenu, jusqu\u2019\u00e0 concurrence de Neuf ann\u00e9es, enavertissant Seulement le bailleur Six mois d\u2019avance, \u00e0 sa sortie de l\u2019hotel Cy apr\u00e8s; sans que la Facult\u00e9 de donner cong\u00e9 appartienne respectivement audit Sieur Bailleur qui y renonce De condition expresse et essentielle du pr\u00e9sent Bail et \u00e0 ledit Sieur Bailleur promis faire jouir\nA Son Excellence Thomas Jefferson, Ministre plenipotentiaire des etats unis d\u2019am\u00e9rique \u00e0 la Cour de France, demeurant \u00e0 Paris, Cul de sac Taitbout, paroisse St. Eustache, \u00e0 Ce pr\u00e9sent et acceptant preneur audit titre de loyer pour le dit tems et de la mani\u00e8re Cy devant Convenue\nUn Hotel, Jardin et dependances Situ\u00e9s \u00e0 la Grille de Chaillot et faisant l\u2019encoignure de la Rue Neuve de Berry, appartenant audit Sieur Bailleur qui l\u2019occupe actuellement, ainsi que le dit Hotel et d\u00e9pendances se poursuivent et comportent, et dont il n\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 fait plus ample description \u00e0 la Requisition dudit Sieur preneur qui a declar\u00e9 les connaitre parfaitement pour les avoir vus et Visit\u00e9s.\nPour par ledit Sieur Preneur jouir dudit Hotel et de ses dependances audit titre de loyer pendant ledit tems et de la maniere cydevant convenue.\nLe pr\u00e9sent Bail est fait \u00e0 la Charge par ledit Sieur preneur qui le promet et s\u2019y oblige, de garnir lesdits Hotel et d\u00e9pendances, etles tenir garnis pendant la dur\u00e9e du pr\u00e9sent Bail de Meubles et effets Suffisant pour sur\u00e9t\u00e9 des loyers, l\u2019entretenir et rendre en findu pr\u00e9sent Bail en bon etat de toutes reparations locatives et conformes \u00e0 l\u2019etat double qui sera incessamment fait \u00e0 frais communs desdits Hotel et dependances, de souffrir les grosses r\u00e9parations qui pourroient survenir pendant la dur\u00e9e du pr\u00e9sent Bail, de Payer la taxe des pauvres, et d\u2019acquitter toutes les charges de Ville et de police, de ne pouvoir ceder et transporter son droit au pr\u00e9sent Bail que du Consentement expr\u00e8s et par ecrit dudit Sieur Bailleur auquel la grosse des pr\u00e9sentes sera fournie aux frais dudit Sieur Preneur, toutes lesquelles charges, Clauses et Conditions seront execut\u00e9es,  sans aucune diminution du prix Cy apr\u00e8s Stipul\u00e9 et sans aucuns dommages et Inter\u00eats ni recours quelconques.\nEt En outre moyennant la Somme de Trois Mille Cinq Cents livres de loyer annuel que ledit Sieur Preneur s\u2019oblige \u00e0 Payer audit Sieur Bailleur en sa demeure \u00e0 Paris ou au porteur, de la grosse des pr\u00e9sentes, aux quatre termes de l\u2019an ordinaires et accoutum\u00e9s, dont le premier echerra et se fera pour portion de tems au premier Janvier mil Sept cent quatre vingt six; Le Second Trois mois apr\u00e8s et ensuite continuer de terme en terme jusqu\u2019\u00e0 l\u2019expiration desdites trois ann\u00e9es, et ensuite tant qu\u2019il plaira audit Sieur preneur de conserver le dit Hotel et d\u00e9pendances jusqu\u2019\u00e0 concurrence desdites neuf ann\u00e9es.\nLedit Sieur Bailleur s\u2019oblige \u00e0 vuider ledit Hotel avant le premier octobre prochain et \u00e0 le livrer audit Sieur preneur en etat d\u2019etre occup\u00e9.\nIl s\u2019oblige \u00e0 tenir ledit Sieur Preneur Clos et couvert suivant l\u2019Usage, il s\u2019oblige aussi dans le cas o\u00f9 il viendrait \u00e0 vendre ledit Hotel et dependances \u00e0 charger l\u2019acquereur de l\u2019execution du pr\u00e9sent Bail.\nEnfin il renonce au droit des bourgeois de Paris, propri\u00e9taires de maisons en cette ville, lequel droit consiste \u00e0 ne pouvoir par le propri\u00e9taire expulser le locataire pour occuper en personne.\nLedit Sieur Preneur s\u2019oblige \u00e0 payer audit Sieur Bailleur, aussit\u00f4t qu\u2019il sera en jouissance dudit Hotel et dependances, la Somme de Mil Sept cent cinquante livres pour six mois d\u2019avance du loyer, \u00e0 imputer sur les six derniers mois de jouissance, et ce payement ne derangera pas l\u2019ordre de ceux cy devant fix\u00e9s.\nEt Pour l\u2019execution des pr\u00e9sentes les parties ont elu domicile en leurs demeures susdites aux quels lieux Nonobstant, Promettant obligeant Renon\u00e7ant\nFait et Pass\u00e9 \u00e0 Paris en la demeure susdite des Chacune des parties l\u2019an mil Sept cent quatre vingt cinq le Cinquieme jour de Septembre, Et ont Sign\u00e9 ces pr\u00e9sentes o\u00f9 Dix mots sont ray\u00e9s comme nuls.\nle cte. de lespinasse langeac\nth: jefferson\nPerier\ndulion\nEt le trente mars mil sept cent quatre vingt neuf sont comparus par devant les conseillers du Roy notaires au Chatelet de Paris  Soussign\u00e9s, Ledit Seigneur Comte de Langeac, nomm\u00e9 qualiffi\u00e9 au Bail dont La minutte est cy contre, demeurant actuellement \u00e0 Paris rue Cassette, paroisse St. Sulpice, et Ladite Excellence Thomas Jefferson, nomm\u00e9 qualiffi\u00e9 audit Bail, demeurant \u00e0 Paris rue Neuve de Berry, paroisse St. Phillippe du Roule.\nLequel Sieur Jefferson a dit que ne pouvant continuer \u00e0 occuper sa maison \u00e0 luy lou\u00e9e par le Bail dont la Minutte est Cy contre,8 \u00e0 Raison de trois mille Cinq Cens Livres de loyer Par ann\u00e9e, il a Donn\u00e9 cong\u00e9 au Seigneur Comte de Langeac pour le premier avril prochain, conformement au droit qu\u2019il avoit aux termes dudit Bail; que Cependant il a propos\u00e9 audit Seigneur Comte de Langeac de Continuer Le Bail aux memes Conditions, sauf toutes fois La reduction du prix \u00e0 la Somme de trois mille Livres.\nEt par ledit Seigneur Comte de Langeac a \u00e9t\u00e9 dit que desirant conserver Ledit Sieur Jefferson pour locataire dudit Hotel, il acceptoit La proposition faitte par ce dernier et consentoit que le prix dudit Bail fut fix\u00e9 \u00e0 la somme de trois Mille Livres par ann\u00e9e au lieu de trois mille Cinq cent livres, somme port\u00e9e audit Bail.\nEn consequence Lesdites Parties ont par Ces presentes Prorog\u00e9 pour trois ann\u00e9es entieres et consecutives qui commenceront Le premier avril prochain, la dur\u00e9e du Bail Cy Contre aux memes charges et conditions que celles y port\u00e9es, et \u00e0 raison seulement de la Somme de trois mille Livres de Loyer par chaque ann\u00e9e au lieu de celle de trois mille Cinq Cent Livres, \u00e0 laquelle etoit fix\u00e9 parledit Bail le loyer dudit Hotel.\nEn consequence Son Excellence Monsieur Jefferson promet et s\u2019oblige de nouveau Executer et accomplir les Charges, clauses et conditions port\u00e9es audit Bail, et payer La dite somme de trois mille Livres de loyer audit Seigneur Comte de Langeac en sa demeure ou au porteur aux quatre termes de l\u2019an ordinaires et accoutum\u00e9s dont le premier echeoira et se fera le premier juillet prochain et le second le premier octobre suivant et ainsy continuer de terme enterme jusqu\u2019en fin desdites trois ann\u00e9es.\nAu moyen des pr\u00e9sentes lesdites Parties consentent respectivement la nullit\u00e9 du Cong\u00e9 qui avoit ete donn\u00e9 par ledit Sieur Jefferson audit Seigneur Comte de Langeac, lequel Cong\u00e9 sera regard\u00e9 comme non avenu.\nEt pour L\u2019execution des presentes Les Parties Elisant domicile \u00e0 Paris En leur demeure susdite auxquels Lieux nonobstant promettant, obligeant, Renon\u00e7ant. Fait et Pass\u00e9 \u00e0 Paris En La  demeure desdites Parties Lesdits jour et an que dessus et ont Sign\u00e9 ces presentes o\u00f9 deux mots sont Rayes comme nuls.\nth: Jefferson\nle cte. de lespinasse langeac\nlefebure", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0375", "content": "Title: Private Agreement for Lease of the H\u00f4tel de Langeac, [5 September 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas,Comte De Langeac\nTo: \nEntre les soussign\u00e9s\nHaut et Puissant Seigneur Auguste-Louis-Joseph-Fidel-Amand De Lespinasse Langeac, Chevalier Comte de Langeac, Colonel  d\u2019Infanterie, Chevalier de l\u2019Ordre royal et Militaire de St. Louis, Gouverneur pour le Roi des Villes de Guerande, Le Croisic et St. Nazaire en Bretagne, de celle de Ru\u00eb en Picardie, et en Survivance de celle du Puy en V\u00e9lay, et ancien Capitaine des Gardes de la porte de Monsieur, fr\u00e8re du Roi, Seigneur du Comt\u00e9 d\u2019Arlet de d\u2019autres Lieux, d\u2019une part\nEt Son Excellence Thomas Jefferson, Ministre pl\u00e9nipotentiaire des Etats Unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique \u00e0 la Cour de France, d\u2019autre part\nA \u00e9t\u00e9 dit, convenu et arr\u00eat\u00e9 ce qui suit\nIls declarent que si, par le bail fait \u00e0 sa dite Excellence, devant Me. P\u00e9rier et son confr\u00e8re, Notaires \u00e0 Paris, ce jourd\u2019hui, des Hotel, Jardin et d\u00e9pendances appartenant audit Seigneur, Comte de Langeac, \u00e0 la grille de Chaillot, le prix annuel du loyer n\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 port\u00e9 qu\u2019\u00e0 Trois mille cinq cents Livres, cette Fixation n\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u00e9termin\u00e9e que par des motifs particuliers qui ne doivent aucunement nuire aux conventions primitives arr\u00eat\u00e9es entr\u2019eux, et qui subsistent Toujours, et que le prix r\u00e9el dudit Loyer a \u00e9t\u00e9 convenu entr\u2019eux et demeur\u00e9 Irr\u00e9vocablement fix\u00e9 par ces pr\u00e9sentes \u00e0\nSept mille cinq cents livres,\nau lieu des Trois mille cinq cents Livres stipul\u00e9es au Bail auquel ils d\u00e9rogent express\u00e9ment \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard seulement, et qu\u2019ils Confirment pour le surplus des Clauses et Conditions y ins\u00e9r\u00e9es.\nEn cons\u00e9quence sadite Excellence s\u2019oblige de payer \u00e0 M. le Comte de Langeac par forme de Suppl\u00e9ment et addition au prix dudit bail Quatre Mille livres aux m\u00eames \u00e9poques et de la m\u00eame maniere que doivent \u00eatre pay\u00e9es les Trois Mille cinq Cents livres stipul\u00e9es audit bail; Ce qui composera Un loyer total de Sept Mille cinq cents livres par ann\u00e9e; [desquelles Quatre mille livres elle s\u2019oblige de payer aussit\u00f4t son entr\u00e9e en Jouissance \u00e0 M. Le Comte de Langeac, Deux mille livres pour raison des six mois qu\u2019elle doit payer d\u2019avance aux termes du bail susdatt\u00e9, \u00e0 imputer sur les six derniers mois de sa Jouissance; en sorte que lesdites deux mille livres r\u00e9unies aux Dix Sept cent cinquante livres qu\u2019elle payera Conform\u00e9ment audit bail, formeront une Somme totale de trois mille Sept cent cinquante livres.]\nDe sa part, Monsieur le Comte de Langeac consent que sadite Excellence, m\u00eame apr\u00e8s l\u2019Expiration des Neuf ann\u00e9es, pendant lesquelles Il lui est loisible de Jouir desdits h\u00f4tel et d\u00e9pendances, aux Termes du bail susdat\u00e9, continu\u00eb d\u2019en Jouir \u00e0 titre de tacite reconduction, tant qu\u2019Elle le Jugera \u00e0 propos, sur le pied de Sept mille Cinq cents livres par ann\u00e9e, qui seront pay\u00e9es aux Epoques  et de la mani\u00e8re que les Loyers pr\u00e9c\u00e9dents l\u2019auront \u00e9t\u00e9, et en accomplissant au surplus par elle toutes les autres Charges, Clauses et Conditions stipul\u00e9es audit bail qui demeurera dans toute sa force Et Vertu comme s\u2019il n\u2019\u00e9tait pas expir\u00e9, et que M. le Comte de Langeac s\u2019oblige m\u00eame de renouveller \u00e0 toutes requisitions.\nFait double \u00e0 Paris le Cinq Septembre, Mil sept cent quatre vingt cinq\napprouv\u00e9 l\u2019ecriture cy dessus et des autres parts Le Ct. de Lespinasse Langeac\napprouv\u00e9 l\u2019ecriture cy-dessus et des autres parts\nTh: Jefferson\nEntre les soussign\u00e9s\nMondit Seigneur Comte de Langeac\net Son Excellence Thomas Jefferson, tous deux nomm\u00e9s et qualiffi\u00e9s au Sous Seing priv\u00e9 cidessus et des autres parts,\na \u00e9t\u00e9 dit, Convenu et arret\u00e9 ce qui suit.\nSavoir, que par acte pass\u00e9 devant Me. Lefebure de St. Maur et son Confrere, notaires \u00e0 Paris, ce Jourdhuy, dont la minutte est en Suitte du bail enonc\u00e9 au Sous seing priv\u00e9 ci dessus et des autres parts, ils ont prorog\u00e9 volontairement la dur\u00e9e Dudit bail pour trois ann\u00e9es qui Commenceront le premier avril prochain aux memes Conditions, mais que le prix dudit bail a \u00e9t\u00e9 moder\u00e9 \u00e0 la somme de Trois mille Livres de Loyer par ann\u00e9e au lieu de celle de trois mille Cinq Cent Livres, \u00e0 quoi le loyer etait fix\u00e9 par ledit premier bail.\nMais ils declarent que cette fixation \u00e0 la somme de Trois Mille Livres n\u2019a \u00e9t\u00e9 determin\u00e9e que par des motifs particuliers, et que le prix r\u00e9el dudit loyer a \u00e9t\u00e9 Convenu entr\u2019eux et demeure irrevocablement fix\u00e9 par ces pr\u00e9sentes \u00e0 la somme de Six Mille Livres, au lieu de trois mille livres Stipul\u00e9es \u00e0 ladite prorogation dudit bail \u00e0 laquelle ils derogent expressement \u00e0 cet egard seulement, et qu\u2019ils confirment pour le surplus des clauses et Conditions y ins\u00e9r\u00e9es, Se reportant pour le Surplus aux clauses et Conditions port\u00e9es au Sous Seing priv\u00e9 des autres parts, et renouvelant par ces pr\u00e9sentes Les obligations qu\u2019ils ont Contract\u00e9es l\u2019un envers l\u2019autre, tant par cedit sous seing priv\u00e9 que par ledit bail.\nFait double \u00e0 Paris, Le trente mars mil sept Cent quatre vingt neuf.\nApprouv\u00e9 l\u2019ecriture cy dessus et des autres parts\nLe Cte. de Lespinasse Langeac", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0376", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 5 September 1785\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nL\u2019Orient, September 5th, 1785.\nI am just returned here from Brest, where I have passed several days. I have received your letter of the 29th. ult. with the copy of that written to you by the Marechal de Castries, the 26th, and I have reason to expect in consequence, that my affairs here will be finished as soon as the formalities of the bureau will permit. I shall obtain a roll of the Alliance, conformable to the pretensions of Puchilberg; which though perhaps not quite exact, may however answer all your purposes. I really do not believe that ever any claims will be made on you; for I never heard that any French subject had served on board that frigate except the captain, and I commanded the Alliance in person seven months. I am, Sir, &c.\nN.B. I take the liberty to enclose a letter for M. Ledyard. It contains a small bill. If he is not at Paris, I request you to keep the letter till I come.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0378", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 6 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon Septr. 6 1785\nI cannot omit by this opportunity acquainting you that on Sunday the August packet arrived in which came Mr. Church and brought us Letters from our son to our no small joy. He arrived the 17 of july after a very tedious passage. He was however in good Health and Spirits. Mr. Adams has at Length received some Letters from the president, from Mr. Jay and a private Letter from  Mr. Gerry, together with some newspapers and journals of Congress. The papers contain nothing very material. Mr. Osgood, Mr. Walter Livingston and Mr. Arthur Lee are the commissioners of the Treasury. Mr. Lee was chosen a few days before the sailing of the packet and was just gone from New York. It is said that the commissioners will have a difficult task to bring order out of the confusion in which the late financier left the office. Mr. Rutledge had not accepted his appointment when the gentlemen wrote. Mr. Jay writes that about the 29 of May Lambe sent for the papers from Congress, that they were sent, and that he saild soon after.\nThey are very anxious in America with respect to the posts, especially since a reinforcement of troops have been sent out. The merchants say that the trade is worth annually 50.000 pounds sterling.\nFrom the present movements here, there is no great prospect of obtaining them by fair means. The prospect here, is not the pleasentest in the World. But I must recollect this is to go by the post. Mr. A. is very buisy writing to New York as Mr. Storer is going out in a few days. He desires me to inform you that he would take any dispatches you may have provided you could trust them here. Mr. Storer was formerly private Secretary to Mr. Adams. I will tuck this in one corner of Mr. A\u2019s Letter. Yours &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0381", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 8 September 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pol de L\u00e9on, 8 Sep. 1785. He wrote TJ the day before, with the news of their sentence by the farmers-general, and writes again in less agitation at the advice of Father John Mehegan. He begs TJ to intervene, for they have been in close confinement three weeks, are short of provisions, and are exceedingly anxious for their families. Encloses a petition of Father John \u201cin our Favor as he sees our distress and the Injustice of their Sentence.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0382", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from G. K. van Hogendorp, 8 September 1785\nFrom: Hogendorp, G. K. van\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nBreda. Sept. 8. 1785.\nIt is but three days ago, that I received Your letter of the 29 July, which You committed to the care of Mr. William Short. Only by chance I met with Your friend at my mother\u2019s house in  the Hague, where I was come from her country seat for a single day. Mr. Short, who visited me a moment before my departure, promised however, that if he should pass through Breda on his returning to Paris, he would inquire after me. I am, therefore, not quite destituted of the hope of thus cultivating his acquaintance; and whether I may see him again, or not, I am much obliged to You, my dear Sir, for having adressed to me a Gentleman of merit and talents and Your particular friend.\nThe Notes on Virginia, with a few lines on the first leave of the volume, I received three weeks ago, and intended to express my gratitude to You, and at the same time to communicate You some reflexions, as soon as I would have read them. This I have not done yet entirely, and therefore I beg leave to entertain You an other time more extensively on that subject. Now I\u2019ll restrain myself to the article of natural history only, which from its accuracy, and good reasoning, will please every reader. You perhaps recollect, dear Sir, that I told You once in Annapolis, I never read Paaw\u2019s philosophical researches respecting the Americans. I have got that book soon after my returning home, but impossible it was to me to peruse more than one third of it, so absurd did it appear to me. I conceive that on the borders of the Ocean, perhaps recently freed from the overflowing sea, the low lands of North America, on their first detection by european navigators, may have been more favorable to the breeding of Insects and serpents than of Quadrupeds, as all swampy lands are; but why is nature smaller, or rather less great, in the forming of one animal than of another? And now, after the metamorphosis of Your country, which settlements, as they always do, have rendered wholesome to men, and even dangerous to wild and offensive beasts, now, I say, is there any vestige remaining of Nature\u2019s unkindness towards man? Did not I see as great and good cattle in New-England, though less fatt, than in Holland? Don\u2019t You have among Your nation as strong, as hearty men, as they are in Europe? Do not Your horses grow better, when taken care of, and is not every natural production, in similar circumstances, generally speaking, the same with You as with us? Systems of that kind, however, though You oppose it with irresistible arms, are sometimes not to be eradicated by arguments, and time only is able to perform a change. Did You Sir, ever talk on that subject with Count Buffon, or any one of his Disciples? I should be very happy if You would inform me of the  success of Your reasonings, and whether You expect a palinodia in a future edition of the great natural Historians immortal works.\nThe Code of laws Your friend will send me As I am now studying more particularly the civil law; that of a people understanding its rights, that which is built on common sense, rather than on authorities of former times, that which takes its origin from an enligthened nation (which You Surely allow the English to be), must be perculiarly interesting and worthy of my whole attention.\nYou are not ignorant, my dear Sir, of the accounts respecting Your country which we read in the english papers. There You are supposed ready to throw Yourself for protection into any European Prince\u2019s hands, or at least weary of a faint confederation, and resolved to bankrupcy. You may safely believe that from better information of Your circumstances a year ago, I don\u2019t give any faith to those reports; but, however, as they are so frequently repeated, and as my correspondents in America don\u2019t take a general survey of their situation I beg You to give me a short account of the remarkable events that have taken place in America since June 1784, and a sketch of Your present situation, particularly with respect to the confederacy and the national debt.\nYou tell me, for instance, that continental certificates are taken at the new land-office, which certificates I suppose to be valued according to the tables of depreciation. But then it is probable that however enormous Your debt may be, in proportion to Your revenue, and the annual surplus of the produce of America, it will be extinguished within some years. Do You have got already any information concerning the business of the land office, whether many lands are bought, and by whom? This selling of unsettled countries is so very important a business, and will influence so much the future state of their inhabitants, that no details however minute would appear tedious to me on that subject.\nDid You read Dr. Prices advice to the Americans? I should think that he has sent it to you. I only perused it in a translation by Count Mirabeau, who added his reflexions to the Doctor\u2019s. It appears to me that both these gentlemen are enthousiasts, little informed of local circumstances, and forming a judgement on America rather from what they wish mankind to be, than from what it is. The reflexions however on the matter of foreign commerce have struck me, and though it is not the first time that the celebrated doctrine of power arising from foreign trade appeared to me to be contrary to the principles of good pilosophy,  yet I fancy that in Your case it would be in a peculiar manner to misunderstand Your true interest, if You were to neglect agriculture and inland commerce for the sake of supporting an extensive navigation. If I might be so happy as to learn from You, my wise friend, which is the opinion of the best citizens among You, and to which system Yourself adhere; I should venture to communicate You my doubts, and some reflections, made on and since my voyage through a part of North America.\nI am glad to learn that Virginia now avails herself of the peculiar advantages of her soil and situation; because as liberty promotes the availing one\u2019s self of every natural advantage, so this availing is a symptom of liberty, and may give us nearly the measure of its extension. My correspondant in London told me in the fall of the last year that almost the whole crop of virginian tobacco had passed through England and English hands before it came into France. This I can hardly think agreeable with the prosperity of Your state, which You mention, because in that case the profits of the English surely were considerable, and could not be so but to Your detriment.\nAs to the conduct of the English, whom You surely by derision call Your good friends, and who now, as You inform me, by their operations produce that union among the States, which was necessary in the course of the whole war to oppose them; I beg leave to know of what a nature these operations are, whether measures of private men or of government, why they are destructive of your wellfare, and in which way You will oppose their influence?\nDon\u2019t be angry at my questioning You so much; it arises partly from my curiosity to know what will be the good or bad effects of so remarkable an event as Your resolution, and partly from a persuasion that few of those who brought about Your independency look deeper into the first causes, and foresee better the probable consequences of it, than You do.\nWe are more removed from the prospect of peace than You did suppose the 29 July when You wrote to me. We are now much stronger, Sir, as to good troops and a powerfull barreer of all the elements combined, than the Austrian forces in the Netherlands. The Emperor, because of the German League, dares not to Send a single man from his hereditary lands against our country. These are facts that I think nobody will doubt of who trusts his eyes. Therefore (a priori) it is to be Supposed, and I can\u2019t chuse but to expect, that the Emperor\u2019s extravagant claims will be entirely rejected.\nI wish You, my dear Sir, a good health, which is all You want to be perfectly happy.\nI have the honour to be with the highest esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient Servant,\nG. K. van Hogendorp", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0383", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 9 September 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nThe Hague, Friday Septr. 9th. 1785\nOn my Return from Amsterdam on Saturday last I met with a Letter here which arrived the same Day from Mr. Adams. The Baron de Thulemeier had also received his Answer from Berlin. His letter and that from Mr. Adams removed all the Difficulties except that of the Errata. As I had not inclosed a List of them at first to Mr. Adams he could say nothing on that Subject to me. Notwithstanding the Baron urged the unimportance of the Errata and seemed impatient to have them corrected and signed, I chose rather to await the Tuesday\u2019s Post, adding it was only two Days and that I should certainly at that Time have a Letter from you. As no Letter arrived and the Baron seemed to desire very much that the Affair should be completed, and above all as the English Part of the Treaty will correct the Errata of the French, I promised him that if he would await the Post of this Day I would undertake, in Case no Letter arrived from you, to correct the Errata and exchange the Treaties. To this I was the rather induced because he had agreed to accept the Originals which I had brought and to recieve and exchange them, notwithstanding this is the first Instance that has ever happened in the Prussian Cabinet. As this Concession on the Part of his Majesty seemed to have a Right to something on the other Side I did not think I could do less than accede to his Desire of despatching this Business; particularly as I knew it was your Desire it should be finished as soon as possible. No Letter therefore having arrived by this Day\u2019s Post I shall tomorrow agreeable to Engagement, meet with Mr. Dumas at the Baron de Thulemeier\u2019s to put the final Hand to it and on Sunday shall set out on my Route to Paris. Should you do me the Favor Sir to write to me, direct to Bruxelles, poste restante. I shall probably be there the Day Week that I set out from hence. It will give me great Pleasure to receive a Letter from you at that  Place, and I hope I shall hear that you approve my acceding to the Baron de Thulemeiers Sollicitations to finish this Business without waiting longer; as I assure you Sir, it is not without some Reluctance that [I] undertake it after having communicated to you a List of the Errata.\nMy Compliments for Colo. Humphries and I beg you to be persuaded of the sincere Affection & Regard with which I am yours, &c.,\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0384", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 10 September 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmd. Sept. 10th. 1785\nI was honor\u2019d with yours in the Spring, by which you inform me Mr. Heudon intended to come over to see Genl. Washington in person, by Means of which he would be better enabled to take the Likeness desired. I should have written you on the Receipt of yours, but as Mr. Heudons Arrival here was to be expected about the Time I received the Letter, I thought it needless to write on the Subject. I communicated the Affair to the Council, and they thought with me, that, as you and your much esteemed Colleague, on conferring with the Artist, could best determine on the Means for executing the Intentions of the Assembly, as to the Statue, your Arrangements with Mr. Heudon ought to be confirmed, if indeed any Confirmation from me be necessary.\nI am very much obliged to you for the Hints respecting Mr. Alexander. They came very seasonably; and some important Transactions with him have been managed conformably to your Ideas.\nA few Days past I got your Letter on the subject of the Arms, together with one from the Marquiss. The Bills have been procured and are sent away according to my promise to Mr. Barclay. I make no Doubt of their Arrival in Time, and of their being duly paid, as Mr. Robt. Morris the Drawer is acquainted with the purpose which this Money is drawn for by the State.\nSir Robt. Herries\u2019s proposals for supplying Tobacco to the French I have made known to our Merchants, in Hopes, as you wish, to stimulate them to something similar. But am not very sanguine in my Expectations from them, as they generally want that successfull Enterprize which is derived from sufficient Capital.\nI am bound in Duty Sir to make you my best Acknowledgements, for the repeated Instances your Letters afford, of your Attention to the Interests of this State. And I am happy to find, that your Efforts to procure good Arms for our Militia are like to have Success.\nWere it possible to establish Manufactures of Arms here in a short Time, something of that Kind would have been done. But from the high price of Labor, the Scarcity of Money, and other Difficultys it was thought best to purchase Arms from abroad for the present. I hope your Idea will be adopted eer very long.\nWith high Regard & Esteem I am dear sir your most obedient Servant,\nP. Henry", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0385", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 10 September 1785\nFrom: Henry, Patrick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond Sept. 10th. 1785\nWhile I was writing to you about Matters of a public Nature I supposed you would be glad to know of such Incidents as cannot properly make a part of our official Communications. Indeed our present Tranquility scarcely affords an Anecdote interesting enough to relate; but I am happy in reflecting, that it is in such scarcity of News and Materials for Narration, that political Growth and Increase in Strength are experienced. There is however a certain Collision of Parts in our Body-politic which is no Doubt conducive to Prosperity. Of this we have some, but whether it be of the right Kind, or degree, I am not skilfull enough to say. I think however that we are as free from Faction, or party as any in the Union. A Matter which from its Importance and the Variety of Interests concerned, I always thought would endanger our Quiet, seems like to be accomplished in a good Humour: I mean the Separation of Kentuckie into a distinct Government. It has been in Agitation for some time, and within a few Days I\u2019ve Seen a Copy of a Resolution unanimously passed at a Convention of Delegates there, for petitioning our next assembly for a Separation \u201cinjurious to neither and honorable to both parts of the State.\u201d\nVery different is the Condition of No. Carolina. Her people settled on the western Waters, have assumed sovereign Power, and organized their Society into a Goverment similar to that prevalent in the neighbouring States. There are severe Bickerings between them and their Brethren eastward of the great Mountains. The new Society sent Wm. Cocke (perhaps you saw him when formerly a Delegate from Washington) to Congress to sollicit Admission into the Union. His Mission was fruitless, tho\u2019 he said the contrary as I am told. Where this affair will end, is hard to say. Perhaps it may turn out to be very interesting. They have about 5000 men able to bear Arms. Very few of their people are of Character apt to inspire public Confidence. The present poverty of the Inhabitants, and their future prospects will deter people generally from settling there especially if the threatned Confusions take place.\nWe have lately made a large payment to the foreign Creditors of Virga., and I please my self to think it will be an Evidence of our upright Intentions.\nWe have had a very dry summer. The Crops of Corn are in  general the most scanty of any for 20 years past, I think. If the Frosts are late, the Crop of Tobaco will be good. Our Wheat suffered much from an Insect called the black Bugg. Their Increase is prodigious, and their ravages from being confined to the Southern Countys last year, are become general, this.\nWe are much disappointed in our Expectations of French and Dutch Traders rivalling the British here. The latter engross the greatest share of our Trade, and was it not, that the Irish bid up for our Produce, the Scotch would soon be on their former Footing. I see no Way to place our Commerce in a better State, but discriminating by Taxes between our own and foreign Vessels and Goods. The Interuption of our west India Trade is severely felt by some. The numberless Difficultys attending our Voyages to Europe, are complained of by all. One would think this ought to make us manufacturers. And really I should not regret the Embarrassments at present on our Trade, if they had that Effect. But how could we pay Taxes? This puzzles me, and forces our people into that Kind of agriculture which if long persisted in seems to present a disagreable prospect. The State of Learning is much as you left it. A Desire of acquiring it prevails generally. The Means too difficult, and discouraging to many. The Necessity of it is universally admitted, and in several Instances have happen\u2019d in which the Assembly have shewn a Desire to disseminate it.\nThe Foundations of our Capitol are laid and the Wall advancing so as to be above the Surface of the Ground a few Feet this Winter. The Building I believe will be the most magnificent in the 13 States by far, unless the Design is alter\u2019d, or ill timed Frugality curtails the Execution. The Length is 148 feet\u2014Breadth 118\u2014with four elegant (not to say magnificent) Fronts. To one who has seen Paris this is nothing; but I give you the Description and I know your predilections will place it in a point equally pleasing with the Structures upon which Architecture hath lavished every thing beautifull and grand.\nThe annual Meeting of our Assembly is fixed to the 3d. Monday of October. Two principal points for Discussion are expected to be a general assessment for supporting Religion, and striking paper Money for paying our military Claimants. Both are delicate points. Much too will be said as to the State of our Commerce. But I suppose it will be refer\u2019d to Congress to fix upon the general plan. I guess I\u2019ve tired you because you see continually Matters more interesting than the dry Detail of little Things I give you.  If you will be so good as drop me in some leisure Hour the News with you it will be highly acceptable to Dear Sir Your affte. hble. Servant.,\nP. Henry\nPray give my Respects to Mr. Short.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0387", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 11 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Westminster Septr. 11. 1785.\nIn Answer to your Favour of September 4. I am sorry to inform you that I have not received one line from the Commissioners of the Treasury, nor from Congress, nor any of their Ministers, respecting the Interest due in France. It is possible Messieurs  Willinks and Van Staphorsts may, or possibly the orders may have been suspended to be sent by the Minister to the Hague, when they can find one who will venture to Europe under the present Regulations.\nThe System of having no Ministers in Europe has involved our Country in so many Inconveniences that I fancy it will go out of Fashion. It would be well to send Consuls, I think, who, upon Permission to trade, would serve without Salaries, if We cannot afford the salaries of Ministers. I am with great Respect, sir, your Friend and Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0388", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Gilles de Lavall\u00e9e, 11 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Lavall\u00e9e, Gilles de\nSir\nParis Sep. 11. 1785.\nI received duly your favour of Aug. 14. It is not in my power to take on the account of Congress any part of the expences of your passage, having received no authority of that kind from them: nor indeed is the encouragement of emigrations among the objects with which they are charged. I fear that when you get to Portsmouth you will find difficulties in the winter season to go by water to any more Southern state. Your objects being the manufacture of wool and cotton, you will of course chuse to fix yourself where you can get both or one of these articles in plenty. The most and best wool is to be had in the middle states. They begin to make a little cotton in Maryland: they make a great deal in Virginia and all the states South of that. The price of clean cotton in Virginia is from 21 to 26 sols a pound, that is to say from a fifth to a fourth of a dollar. Genl. Washington being at the head of the great works carrying on towards clearing the Patowmac, I have no doubt but that that work will be completed. It will furnish great opportunities of using machines of all kinds. Perhaps you may find emploiment there for your skill in that way. Alexandria on the Patowmac will undoubtedly become a very great place. But Norfolk would be the best for Cotton manufactories. As you are a stranger, I mention such facts as I suppose may be useful to you. I wish you success & am Sir your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0391", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to De Pon\u00e7ins, 11 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Pon\u00e7ins, Marquis de\nSir\nParis Sep. 11. 1785.\nI received three days ago the letter you did me the honour to write to me on the 2d of August. Congress have purchased a very considerable extent of country from the Indians, and have passed an Ordinance laying down rules for disposing of it. These admit only two considerations for granting lands: first, military service rendered during the late war: and secondly, money to be paid at the time of granting, for the purpose of discharging their national debt. They direct these lands to be sold at auction to him who will give most for them, but that, at any rate, they shall not be sold for less than a dollar an acre. However as they receive as money the certificates of public debt, and these can be bought for the half or fourth of their nominal value, the price of the lands is reduced in proportion. As Congress exercise their government by general rules only, I do not beleive they will grant lands to any individual for any other considerations than those mentioned in their ordinance. They have ordered the lands to be surveyed, and this work is now actually going on under the directions of their own geographer. They do not require information of the quality of the soil, because they will sell the lands faster than this could be obtained, and after they are sold it is the interest of the purchaser to examine for what the soil is proper. As ours is a country of husbandmen I make no doubt they will receive the book of which you write to me with pleasure and advantage. I have stated to you such facts as might enable you to decide for yourself how far that country presents advantages which might answer your views. It is proper for me to add that every thing relative to the sale and survey of these lands is out of the province of my duty. Supposing you might be desirous of receiving again the letters of Doctr. Franklin, I inclose them and have the honour to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0392", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 11 September 1785\nFrom: Short, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nThe Hague Septr. 11th. 1785\nYou will be surprized by my Letter written on Friday Evening which mentioned that yours had not arrived. I waited until as late in the Evening as I could on Account of the Departure of the Post before I wrote. Some Time after that Mr. Dumas called to let me know he had just received the Letter which he presented me. I was exceedingly happy to find that it allowed us to pursue the Measures agreed on with the Baron, and yesterday Evening we put the finishing Hand to the Business. He has signed both of the Treaties which I brought, retained one and delivered me the other, which I shall have the Pleasure of putting into your Hands very soon, as I set out this Morning for Paris. The Post travelling faster than I can I have thought it best to give you the earliest Information I could of the Completion of this Affair, and of the Arrival of your Letter. Still it is to be observed that it could not have been given to the Post so early as you expected, since it was nine Days from its Date to its Arrival. Accept Sir my sincerest Wishes for your Happiness, and believe me yours, with the greatest Sincerity,\nW Short", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0393", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Elbridge Gerry, 12 September 1785\nFrom: Gerry, Elbridge\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy dear Sir\nNew York 12th. Sepr. 1785\nI intended by the last packet to have answered your Letter of the 11th. of May, for which I am much indebted to you: but was accidentally prevented by her having sailed the Day before I expected it. I cannot account for the Detention of your Letter by Colo. Le Mair: And will give you notice, if the Commissioners\u2019 Letter by him to Congress, has not been received. Your Reasoning, respecting Entrepots corresponds with my own Ideas of the Subject: I cannot see any great Advantages from multiplying them in Times of peace: in War they may be more useful. With Respect to the commercial arrangements of the Court of France, in the West Indies, however favorably they may be veiwed by some, they affect our Fishery and have a direct Tendency to discourage it. A Duty on our Exports of Fish, applied as a Bounty to encourage  theirs, is a Rule that has a two fold operation and has been very alarming. This I suppose was the Cause why an Act of Massachusetts which originated before I left the State, to retaliate british restrictions, has since my arrival here been extended to other Nations. With respect to the oyl Contract, it does not raise the Expectations of those who were to be at the Head of it, in this Quarter, so far as to engage them in an Adventure. At least Mr. Wadsworth &c. appear to be cool about it, whether to secure the oyl at a cheaper Rate or from Motives of Dislike, I am unable to determine. Be this as it may We are not the less obliged to our good Friend the Marquis, to whom pray present my affectionate Regards. The provision obtained in the Treaty with prussia, appears to me of great Importance. The advantages You mention and I think many others will result therefrom.\nWe have done very little in the present Congress. The Want of a full Representation has retarded all and prevented an adoption of the most important f\u0153deral Measures. The Requisition labours exceedingly and I am apprehensive of an adjournment without compleating it. Congress appear to be in earnest respecting a Mint, which the Board of Treasury have under Consideration. They are to digest the several plans and reduce them to System. Mr. Jay is conducting the Negotiation with Mr. Gardoqui, the Spanish Encargado de negotios. Western posts in statu quo. General Howe is added to the Indian Commissioners and the Treaty is soon to be held: Colo. Monroe left us, to attend it on private Considerations. In short both Congress and the States seem to lie on their Oars, and this political Calm will soon produce I hope an Exertion that will be worthy of both. Congress have adopted the plan of conveying by the Stages, the Mail from N. Hampshire to Georgia and from this City to Albany. Inclosed is a paper containing the Correspondence between Governor Bowdoin and Capt. Stanhope, who commanded a british Frigate. It is not correct, but substantially the same. Congress have taken the Matter up and directed Mr. Adams to lay it before the King of G. Britain. Adeiu my dear Sir & be assured I am on every Occasion your affectionate Friend,\nE. Gerry\n   I am informed at Mr. Jays office the Letter was received.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0395", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson, [ca. 13 September 1785?]\nFrom: Jefferson, Mary\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Papa\nI want to see you and sister Patsy, but you must come to Uncle Eppes\u2019s house.\nPolly Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0396", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Lister Asquith, 14 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Asquith, Lister\nSir\nParis Sep. 14. 1785.\nSeveral of your letters have been received, and we have been occupied in endeavours to have you discharged: but these have been ineffectual. If our information be right, you are mistaken in supposing you are already condemned. The Farmers general tell us you are to be tried at Brest, and this trial may perhaps be a month hence. From that court you may appeal to the parliament of Rennes, and from that to the king in Council. They say that from the depositions sent to them there can be no doubt but that you came to smuggle, and that in that case the judgment of the law is a forfeiture of the vessel and cargo, a fine of a thousand livres on each of you and six year\u2019s condemnation to the gallies. These several appeals will be attended with considerable expence. They offer to discharge your persons and vessel (but not the cargo) on  your paying two thousand livres and the costs already incurred, which are 3 or 400 more. You will therefore chuse whether to go through the trial or to compromise, and you are the best judge what may be the evidence for or against you. In either case I shall render you all the service I can. I will add that if you are disposed to have the matter tried, I am of opinion that, if found against you, there will be no danger of their sending you to the gallies: so that you may decide what course you will take without any bias from that fear. If you chuse to compromise, I will endeavor to have it done for you on the best terms we can. I fear they will abate little from the 2000 livres because the Capt. Deville whom you sent here fixed the matter by offering that sum, and has done you more harm than good. I shall be glad if you will desire your lawyer to make out a state of your case (which he may do in French) and send it to me. Write [me] also yourself a plain and full narration of your voiage, and the circumstances which have brought so small a vessel, with so small a cargo, from America into France. As far as we as yet know them, they are not in your favor. Inform me who you are and what papers you have on board. But do not state to me a single fact which is not true: for if I am led by your information to advance any thing which they shall prove to be untrue I will abandon your case from that moment: whereas, sending me a true state, I will make the best of it I can. Mr. Barclay the American consul will be here some few days yet. He will be, as he has already been, of much service to you if the information I ask both from yourself and your lawyer can come before his departure. I repeat my assurances of doing whatever I can for you, and am Sir Your very humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0397", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 14 September 1785]\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Eppington, Va., 14 Sep. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 19 Jan. 1786, \u201cby Mr. Littlepage.\u201d Not found, but see T.J.\u2019s reply, 24 Jan. 1786.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0398", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 14 September 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nNew York 14th. September 1785\nYour joint Letters of 11th. November andDecember 1784 were received by Congress. I have had the Honor of receiving  other joint ones of 9th. February, 13th April, 11th. May and 18th. June last, and also three from you Vizt. two of the 11th. May and one of the 17th. June last.\nBy the last Packet I had the Pleasure of writing two Letters to you of the 13th. August 1785, which I hope have come safe to your Hands.\nAs yet I have heard nothing of or from Captain Lamb, who was the Bearer of several important Papers relative to our Affairs with the Barbary States.\nYour Correspondence with Mr. Adams doubtless furnishes you with ample Information relative to the Objects of his Legation. His Letters to me were dated at a Time when he had not yet entered on Business. His Reception is satisfactory, and I wish the Result of his Negociations may be equally so. In my Opinion we have little to expect from the liberal Policy of that Court. If we obtain Justice from them my Expectations will be fulfilled, but even of that I am not without my Doubts.\nI wish it was in my Power to enter minutely into the Subjects of your Letters but it is not. They still remain with my Reports on some of them under the Consideration of Congress, so that at present I am not enabled to convey to you their Sentiments respecting those Matters.\nAt present they are employed in forming a Requisition for Supplies. When compleated you shall have a Copy of it.\nThe Affair of Longchamps is agreeably terminated. His most Christian Majesty will not persist in that Demand, and the Paper containing it has been returned to Mr. De Marbois in Consequence of a Conference I had with him on that Subject. I admire the Wisdom of the french Minister in forbearing to press this Point. It would have produced Discontent without answering any useful Purpose. I am sure he has gained more with us by this temperate and prudent Conduct than could possibly have been done by harsh and irritating Measures.\nGovernor Rutledge declines going to Holland, so that it is yet uncertain who will succeed Mr. Adams there.\nThe vacant seat at the Treasury Board has been given to Mr. A. Lee. That Board is now full and consists of Mr. Osgood, Mr. Walter Livingston and Mr. A. Lee.\nA Court to decide the Controversy between Massachusetts and New York is to meet this Fall at Williamsburgh. It is much to be wished that all our Boundaries were adjusted; and that the Vigour  of Government may abate the Rage for making new States out of Parcels of the old which prevails in some of them. North Carolina and this State suffer by such unauthorized Proceedings, and Massachusetts has her Fears. Our f\u0153deral Government wants Power and is [in] many Respects inadequate to its Objects. Much is expected from the ensuing Sessions of the Legislatures; but for my Part I fear the Love of Popularity restrains many from promoting Measures which, though essential to the public Welfare, may not be pleasant to the many whose Views and Wishes are chiefly personal.\nThe Papers herewith enclosed are a Copy of a Letter to me from Mr. Shaw, and a Letter from me to His Excellency the President respecting it. Congress adopted the Opinion I expressed in the latter and referred it to me to take Order. As both Letters are particular and in Detail, it would be useless to repeat in this what you will find in them.\nI have the Honor to be &c.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0401", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Bancroft, 15 September 1785\nFrom: Bancroft, Edward\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon 15th. Septr. 1785.\nThe bearer Mr. Barbauld, is just setting out for Paris, with his Lady, whose distinguished reputation and beautiful Poetical Publications (whilst Miss Aikin) cannot have been unknown to you, and I beg Leave to recommend him to your acquaintance and Civilities, persuaded that his great merits and Litterary Talent cannot fail of rendering this Introduction acceptable to you.\n   Mr. Barbauld will be so obliging as to deliver you a Packet which I have received from Mr. Adams, and I must beg leave to refer you to him for the little News here. Permit me to give you the trouble of making my best Compliments to Col. Humphreys and to assure you of the great Respect with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most faithful & Devoted Humble Servant,\nEdwd. Bancroft", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0403", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 15 September 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nNew York 15th. September 1785\nI herewith enclose a Letter for Count de Vergennes, and also a Copy of it for your Perusal and Information. Although certain Circumstances have left to Mr. De Marbois a less Share in the Confidence and Attachment of our People, than it was in his Power to have acquired, yet his Conduct as Charg\u00e9 des Affaires having been unexceptionable, he merited and has received Commendation for it. He is still here, and until his Departure Mr. Otto will probably postpone entering on the Business of his Place. The Idea  of Chevr. de la Luzerne\u2019s Return still prevails, and I think it would be useful that he should, because it is generally thought that his private Sentiments and Wishes are friendly to this Country. It is much in the Power of Ministers to cherish or diminish Harmony; and it is much to be wished that France may send none here who may be more disposed to blame than to approve. The Chevalier already possesses Rank and Character, and therefore is not exposed to Temptations to endeavour to raise himself by means of the first Step he may meet with whether clean or otherwise.\nI am Dr. Sir &c.,\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0404", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 16 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear [Sir]\nGrosvenor Square Septr. 16. 1785\nAt the desire of the Baron De Poellnitz, I do myself the Honour to introduce him to you. This Nobleman you know married a Daughter of the Earl of Bute once the Wife of Earl Piercy. They have lived some time in New York. He goes to France to meet his Lady who arrived there sometime since.\nColl. Franks will leave Us tomorrow. There are abroad so many infamous Fictions concerning the Captures made by the Algeriens, that I still hope the Report of their Advertizing American Vessells and Cargoes for sale, is without a better foundation. With great Esteem Your Friend and Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0405", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Wilkie, 16 September 1785\nFrom: Wilkie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMarseilles, 16 Sep. 1785. Forwards enclosure received from \u201cConsul Logie of Algiers\u201d; since vessels are constantly going from Marseilles to Algiers, he offers TJ his services.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0406", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 18 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square 18 Sepr. 1785\nInclosed, you have in Confidence some Compliments. Give me in confidence your Opinion of them. Is there any thing said by me which I ought not to have said? Is there any expression exceptionable? Have I compromised myself or the public in any thing? more than ought to be\u2014\nThe Custom of making a Speech is so settled, that not only, the Secretary of State and the Master of the Ceremonies, but some of the Foreign Ministers, took the pains to inform me it was indispensable; otherwise being sensible of the difficulty of being complaisant enough without being too much, I intended to have delivered my Credentials, without saying more, than that they were Credentials to his Majesty from the United States. Your Friend.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0407", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 18 September 1785\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 18 Sep. 1785. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letter of 11 Sep. by Capt. Yeaton and regrets that Yeaton did not succeed. Limozin will be happy to be of any service to TJ and to inform him of all ships passing between France and Virginia and the ports for which they are bound; he will also take care of the trunks as TJ requested.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0408", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nLambe is arrived. He brings new full powers to us from Congress to appoint persons to negotiate with the Barbary states, but we are to sign the treaties. Lambe has not even a recommendation from them to us, but it seems clear that he would be approved by them. I told him of Mr. Barclay\u2019s appointment to Marocco and proposed Algiers to him. He agrees. A small alteration in the form of our dispatches will be necessary, and of course another courier shall be dispatched to you on the return of Colo. Franks, for your pleasure herein.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0409", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPlease your Excellency\nSt Pauls Prison Sept. 19th. 1785\nI received your kind and exceptionable Letter which has relieved my mind of a great deal of trouble. I left Baltimore on the 20th. of June and got down to Hampton Roads and, finding that all Tobacco would answer better than Flour, discharged 50 Barrels of Flour and one Hdd. of Tobacco, it not being very good. But before our Cargo came on board we were drove out to sea by a heavy Gale of Wind and drove of the Coast without any clearance but that we had from Baltimore, and have sent you my Log Book which [gives] a true account of our Circumstances. Sir the reason of my coming in so small a Vessel was that having a law suit in England going on that was to be tryed very soon and no Vessels that were ready to sail that I thought could make so quick a Passage as myself, was determined to venture to England directly, as all my Estate almost in the World depended on that Suit as some of my relations had got Possession of it before Peace was proclaimed and are now trying to deprive me of it, because I was born in England and had been in the American service all the war and married to an American Lady and taken up arms against the Brittish. My wife was to sail in a short time after me for England and since my departure I never have had the least account. I am affraid that the Suit will be given against me by my Absence. As for my Expences it has cost me almost all the money I brought with me as they impose on me on the most barefaced manner charging us the most exorbitant prices for every thing. So that if I lose the Vessel and Cargo I am perhaps with my unhappy Family ruined, which thoughts are worse to me than Death because I have lost a Handsome fortune the last War. I believe the Judge of the High Court of Admiralty and a Lawyer Mr. Koch has begun a Suit at Brest in my Favor, for every person that saw our Vessel, even the Officer that drew out the Protest against me, owns that we were not fit to proceed farther for Want of Necessarys to save our lives  and property, tho\u2019 he was obliged to do it to save his Bread tho\u2019 it was against his inclinations.\nThe register was taken out by Capt. Charls. Harrison (a Gentleman that I was taken with about four months before the peace was proclaimed in the Ship Jolly Tar belonging to Mr. Messieruer & Co. French Merchants Baltimore) for 21 Tons before I knew any thing of it, to save the Expences and port Charges in England as we pay double to what they do themselves on Account that we are Foreigners. But I can give my Affidavit that I bought her according to the Bill of Sale the Coppy of which was sent to you by Capt. De Ville. The guager did not measure only her Hold from inside to inside and not \u00bd Her steerage. He allowed nothing for the Cocpit Cabin Forecastle and one half her steerage by what I saw him measure. I implore your utmost protection as I am so distressed and all my property I am affraid is lost in England. I hope you will do your utmost to forward the tryal on as soon as possible as we shall have nothing in a few days to live on, only their 3 Sols \u214c Day as our Cash is near out. I have wrote to our Lawyer at Brest and to the judge of the Admiralty to let you know what they think of it and to prosecute the suit with great dispatch, and beg you will help on the Suit as fast as possible as we have no other Friend to apply to but you and bring it to tryal as soon as possible, as I know we are innocent, and for us to be present as we can give the clearest reasons against all their false suppositions. As I am so distressed about my unhappy family who I suppose are in a Strange Country I beg you to get it brought to tryal as soon as you can. I suppose they will put the tryal off as long as they can and then turn it through several Courts of Justice, as Mr. Picrel L\u2019Aine informs us, to keep us in Confinement and out of our property as Long as they can, as they are rich and able to keep puting it off by their influence. The Trial I wish it was to morrow as I know we are innocent and not the least evidence against us, as they only form bare suppositions. And I am determined to prosecute for all Costs damages and false imprisonment, for I believe it is, and am almost certain it is all I am worth in the World if I have lost the suit in England. And I have no friend but you in this Part to help me or advise and they have cost me all that I brought with me within a Trifle. And now I must make the Best I can of this Unfortunate Affair and your Protection in it we shall never be able to express our Gratitude to you for it. From your most obedient & humble Servt.,\nLister Asquith\nP.S. I cleared out from Baltimore and sailed the 11th. of June but run on shore at Smith\u2019s Point and sprung a leak. I returned to Baltimore and hove her down and stopd the Leak and Ship\u2019d Capt. McNeel, as I was in a poor state of Health, and sailed again on the 20th. My register and original Bill of Sail I sent to Brest and have sent you the Log Book and Clearance, also 2 Letters from Mr. Hamer, Broker in Liverpool, for your inspection and my Coppy to him to insure the Vessel and Cargo I have lost. If it Lyes in your power to get our Vessel for us, we should be happy as we could one of us go to sea and settle our Business as we could and make some trifle and the other would be content to stay here.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0410", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, Jr., 19 September 1785\nFrom: Banister, John, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAvignon, 19 Sep. 1785. Acknowledges receipt two days before of TJ\u2019s letter of 16 Aug.; advises that letters be directed to the care of \u201cMr. Teste banquier expeditionaire en cour de Rome Avignon.\u201d Since his last letter to TJ, he has suffered a very severe attack of \u201cthe ague and fever which together with the disorder in my bowels reduced me as low as it was possible\u201d; he has no illusions concerning the rapidity or permanence of his recovery. He expects to remain at Avignon for the winter \u201cmore from a dislike \u2026 to changing place at present than from the satisfaction I enjoy in my situation.\u201d Asks TJ\u2019s advice regarding \u201cthe best seminary of Education at this time in Europe for the elevation of Youth\u201d; his father hopes to send over his other son in the spring; from what he has heard, \u201cGeneva is the most eligible.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0411", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Barr\u00e9, 19 September [1785]\nFrom: Barr\u00e9, Jean Baptiste Henri\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nExcellence\nLorient ce 19 Septembre [1785]\nJ\u2019ose toujour esperer que vous voudr\u00e9s bien ne pas oublier ce que vous m\u2019av\u00e9s fait L\u2019honneur de me promettre. Le G\u00e9n\u00e9ral M\u2019a demand\u00e9 hier si vous m\u2019avi\u00e9s honnor\u00e9 d\u2019une Lettre depuis quelques  mois. Je lui ai R\u00e9pondu que oui. Mais comme vos Lettres sont en anglois et qu\u2019il ne Le S\u00e7ait pas, il pourroit Soup\u00e7onner que je Cherche \u00e0 me pr\u00e9valoir de vos Bont\u00e9s aupr\u00e8s de Lui pour Capter les Siennes. Et Rien au monde n\u2019est peut \u00eatre aussi dangereux que d\u2019avoir tord vis avis de son chef. Je ne L\u2019ai pas il est vray! Mais l\u2019on ne peut empecher des Soup\u00e7ons; la crainte d\u2019\u00eatre tromp\u00e9e est souvent La pr\u00e9miere Id\u00e9e qui vient Contre un jeune homme. J\u2019attend donc des Bont\u00e9s de votre excellence L\u2019\u00e9xecution des promesses qu\u2019elle \u00e0 bien voulu me faire au Sujet du portrait du G\u00e9n\u00e9ral Waginston. Ma Reconnaissance \u00e9gallera la dur\u00e9e de celle de L\u2019am\u00e9rique pour La Grandeur de vos Entreprises.\nJ\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u00eatre avec Respect Excellence Votre tr\u00e8s Humble Et tr\u00e8s Obeissant Serviteur,\nBarr\u00e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0413", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 19 September 1785\nFrom: Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAmsterdam 19 September 1785\nWe are honored with Your Excellency\u2019s esteemed Favor of 31 July and are much Obligated by the very particular and satisfactory Manner in which you have furnished your Opinion of the Value of the different species of Public Funds in America. The Settlement of the Concerns of Mess. De la Lande and Fynje in any other possible Way than by Acceding to Mr. Daniel Parker\u2019s Proposal presenting numberless difficulties, great delay and very considerable Losses, The Trustees have judged it to be for the General Advantage to enter into a Treaty with Mr. Parker, of which we forwarded Intelligence to the Honorable The Commissioners of the Board of Treasury of the United States of America \u214c inclosed Copy of Mess. W. & J. Willink and Our joint Letter on the Subject, Whereto we beg your Reference, entreating Your Excellency\u2019s Sentiments relative to our Proceedings in this Business.\nWe have now the Pleasure to communicate that the Trustees of the Estate of De la Lande and Fynje have agreed with Mr. Parker upon the principal Conditions on which that Gentleman is to take over all the remaining Goods and debts in America due to the society of Geyer, De la Lande and Fynje &c. so that there is not any thing of Consequence to be further argued except some Points of Regulation, Which are not of a Nature to endanger the Plan.\nIt is with sincere satisfaction We can assure you Mr. Parker\u2019s Conduct throughout has been manly, candid, and explicit, Which joined to the Idea we entertain of his Character And the Informations we have had of his past Situation and Circumstances, tranquilize us about his Intention and Ability to fulfill his Engagement And thereby terminate satisfactorily a Transaction attended with this very singular Circumstance: That at same time the Concerned in the Estate of de la Lande and Fynje will benefit in a very extensive degree By the Transfer to Mr. Parker, That Gentleman will reap considerable Advantages by being able to raise a large Sum of Money upon a deposit, so peculiarly situated that at present it would not admit of a Conversion into specie but thro\u2019 an enormous sacrifice.\nShould your Excellency please to favor us with your Advice or any Hints you may judge necessary, They will be received and attended to with the greatest Attention. Having the Honor to be with  Sincere Respect and Regard Your Excellency\u2019s Most obdt. & very hble. Servs.,\nNics. & Jacob van Staphorst", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0414", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Mary\nMy dear Polly\nParis Sep. 20. 1785.\nI have not received a letter from you since I came to France. If you knew how much I love you and what pleasure the receipt of your letters gave me at Philadelphia, you would have written to me, or at least have told your aunt what to write, and her goodness would have induced her to take the trouble of writing it. I wish so much to see you that I have desired your uncle and aunt to send you to me. I know, my dear Polly, how sorry you will be, and ought to be, to leave them and your cousins but your [sister and m]yself cannot live without you, and after a while we will carry you back again to see your friends in Virginia. In the meantime you shall be taught here to play on the harpsichord, to draw, to dance, to read and talk French and such other things as will make you more worthy of the love of your friends. But above all things,  by our care and love of you, we will teach you to love us more than you will do if you stay so far from us. I have had no opportunity since Colo. LeMaire went, to send you any thing: but when you come here you shall have as many dolls and playthings as you want for yourself, or to send to your cousins whenever you shall have opportunities. I hope you are a very good girl, that you love your uncle and aunt very much, and are very thankful to them for all their goodness to you; that you never suffer yourself to be angry with any body, that you give your playthings to those who want them, that you do whatever any body desires of you that is right, that you never tell stories, never beg for any thing, mind your book and your work when your aunt tells you, never play but when she permits you, nor go where she forbids you. Remember too as a constant charge not to go out without your bonnet because it will make you very ugly and then we should not love you so much. If you will always practise these lessons we shall continue to love you as we do now, and it is impossible to love you more. We shall hope to have you with us next summer, to find you a very good girl, and to [assure you of the truth] of our affection to you. Adieu my dear child! Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0415", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nSir\nParis Sep. 20. 1785.\nI have lately received a letter from the Secretary for Foreign affairs in America, on the case of a Mr. Fortin, an American to whom an inheritance in the town of Havre has fallen some time ago. The party complains of delays in the recovery of his inheritance, and the Minister desires my enquiries into the cause of them, and that I will endeavor to obtain that dispatch which is an essential part of the justice due to every man. As I perceive by the papers sent me that Mr. Fortin is already much indebted to your friendly information and assistance, I will take the liberty of asking you to send me a state of his rights, of the particular circumstances on which he founds them, and those also on which his adversaries rest their defence, together with the cause of the delay which he experiences. My apology for the trouble I give you, will, I hope,  be found, in the friendly dispositions you have already shewn to Mr. Fortin, and in the instructions which I have received on this subject. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir Your most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0416", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, with Account Enclosed, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 20. 1785.\nBy Mr. Fitzhugh you will receive my letter of the 1\u2019st inst. He is still here, and gives me an opportunity of again addressing you much sooner than I should have done but for the discovery of a great peice of inattention. In that letter I send you a detail of the cost of your books, and desire you to keep the amount in your hands, as if I had forgot that a part of it was in fact your own, as being a balance of what I had remained in your debt. I really did not attend to it in the moment of writing, and when it occurred to me, I revised my memorandum book from the time of our being in Philadelphia together, and stated our account from the beginning lest I should forget or mistake any part of it: I inclose you this state. You will always be so good as to let me know from time to time your advances for me. Correct with freedom all my proceedings for you, as in what I do I have no other desire than that of doing exactly what will be most pleasing to you.\nI received this summer a letter from Messrs. Buchanan and Hay as directors of the public buildings desiring I would have drawn for them plans of sundry buildings, and in the first place of a Capitol. They fixed for their receiving this plan a day which was within one month of that on which their letter came to my hand. I engaged an Architect of capital abilities in this business. Much time was requisite, after the external form was agreed on, to make the internal distribution convenient for the three branches of government. This time was much lengthened by my avocations to other objects which I had no right to neglect. The plan however was settled. The gentlemen had sent me one which they had thought of. The one agreed on here is more convenient, more beautiful, gives more room and will not cost more than two thirds of what that would. We took for our model what is called the Maisonquarr\u00e8e of Nismes, one of the most beautiful, if not the  most beautiful and precious morsel of architecture left us by antiquity. It was built by Caius and Lucius Caesar and repaired by Louis XIV. and has the suffrage of all the judges of architecture who have seen it, as yeilding to no one of the beautiful monuments of Greece, Rome, Palmyra and Balbec which late travellers have communicated to us. It is very simple, but it is noble beyond expression, and would have done honour to our country as presenting to travellers a morsel of taste in our infancy promising much for our maturer age. I have been much mortified with information which I received two days ago from Virginia that the first brick of the Capitol would be laid within a few days. But surely the delay of this peice of a summer would have been repaid by the savings in the plan preparing here, were we to value it\u2019s other superiorities as nothing. But how is a taste in this beautiful art to be formed in our countrymen, unless we avail ourselves of every occasion when public buildings are to be erected, of presenting to them models for their study and imitation? Pray try if you can effect the stopping of this work. I have written also to E. R. on the subject. The loss will be only of the laying the bricks already laid, or a part of them. The bricks themselves will do again for the interior walls, and one side wall and one end wall may remain as they will answer equally well for our plan. This loss is not to be weighed against the saving of money which will arise, against the comfort of laying out the public money for something honourable, the satisfaction of seeing an object and proof of national good taste, and the regret and mortification of erecting a monument of our barbarism which will be loaded with execrations as long as it shall endure. The plans are in good forwardness and I hope will be ready within three or four weeks. They could not be stopped now but on paying their whole price which will be considerable. If the Undertakers are afraid to undo what they have done, encourage them to it by a recommendation from the assembly. You see I am an enthusiast on the subject of the arts. But it is an enthusiasm of which I am not ashamed, as it\u2019s object is to improve the taste of my countrymen, to increase their reputation, to reconcile to them the respect of the world and procure them it\u2019s praise.\nI shall send off your books, in two trunks, to Havre within two or three days to the care of Mr. Limozin, American agent there. I will advise you as soon as I know by what vessel he forwards them. Adieu. Your\u2019s affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson\nEnclosure\nJ. Madison to Th: J Dr.\nDollars\n1783.Nov. 5.To paid Stockdon at Princeton9.133\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Dr. Wiggins\n\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003\u2003Laurence\nto cash\nCr.\nDollars\nNov. 2.By cash98.\u2007\u2007\u2007\nDr.\nDollars\nApr. 6.\nTo paid Dudley (by mr Maury) for a pr. spectacles\nTo my assumpsit to do. for a 2d. pr. spectacles.\nTo my bill on the Treasurer of Virginia for\nBalance in your favour\nCr.\nBy cash at Philadelphia\nBy bill on the Treasurer of Virginia (given me at Annapolis)\nDr.\nMay 25.\nTo pd. Aitken for Blair\u2019s lectures for you\nBalance in your favor\nCr.\nBy balance as above\nBy my omission to pay Dudley for the 2d pr of spectacles\nJ. Madison to Th: J. Dr.\nSep. 1.\nTo amount of advances for books &c. as by acct. rendered this day\nTestament politique d\u2019Angleterre 12mo\nMemoires de Voltaire 12mo\nFrederic le grand. 8vo\n    livres\n    sous\n    By balance brought forward 77\u2154 Doll. @ 5\u20b6\u20145\n   By advance to le Maire 10 Guineas\n    By do. for 6 Revisals at 2\u00bd drs\n    By \u00a325 Va. Currency remitted to Mrs. Carr for use of Peter & Dabney equal to the Balance", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0417", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Edmund\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 20. 1785.\nBeing in your debt for ten volumes of Buffon, I have endeavored to find something that would be agreeable to you to receive in return. I therefore send you by way of Havre a dictionary of law Natural and municipal in 13. vols. 4to. called le Code de l\u2019humanite. It is published by Felice, but written by him and several other authors of established reputation. It is an excellent work. I do not mean to say that it answers fully to it\u2019s title. That would have required fifty times the volume. It wants many articles which the title would induce us to seek in it. But the articles of which it does treat are well written. It is better than the voluminous dictionnaire diplomatique, and better also than the same branch of the Encyclopedie methodique. There has been nothing published here since I came of extraordinary merit. The Encyclopedie methodique which is coming out from time to time must be excepted from this. It is to be had at two guineas less than the subscription price. I shall be happy to send you any thing in this way which you may desire. French books are to be bought here for two thirds of what they can in England. English and Greek and Latin authors cost from 25. to 50. pr. cent more here than in England.\nI received some time ago a letter from Messrs. Hay and Buchanan as directors of the publick buildings desiring I would have plans drawn for our public buildings and in the first place for the Capitol. I did not receive their letter till within a month of the time they had fixed on for receiving the drawings. Nevertheless I engaged an excellent architect to comply with their desire. It has taken much time to accomodate the External adopted, to the internal arrangement necessary for the three branches of government. However it is effected, on a plan which with a great deal of beauty and convenience within, unites an external form on the most perfect model of antiquity now existing. This is the Maison quarr\u00e9e of Nismes built by Caius and Lucius Caesar and repaired  by Louis XIV. which in the opinion of all who have seen it yeilds in beauty to no peice of architecture on earth. The gentlemen inclosed me a plan of which they had thought. The one preparing here will be more convenient, give more room, and cost but two thirds of that: and as a peice of architecture, doing honour to our country, will leave nothing to be desired. The plans will be ready soon. But two days ago I received a letter from Virginia informing me the first brick of the Capitol would be laid within a few days. This mortifies me extremely. The delay of this summer would have been amply repaid by the superiority and \u0153conomy of the plan preparing here. Is it impossible to stop the work where it is? You will gain money by losing what is done, and general approbation instead of occasioning a regret which will endure as long as your building does. How is a taste for a chaste and good style of building to be formed in our countrymen unless we seize all occasions which the erection of public buildings offers, of presenting to them models for their imitation? Do, my dear Sir, exert your influence to stay the further progress of the work till you can receive these plans. You will only lose the price of laying what bricks are already laid, and of taking part of them asunder. They will do again for the inner walls. A plan for a prison will be sent at the same time.\nMazzei is here and in pressing distress for money. I have helped him as far as I have been able, but particular circumstances put it out of my power to do more. He is looking with anxiety to the arrival of every vessel in hopes of relief through your means. If he does not receive it soon it is difficult to foresee his fate.\nThe quiet which Europe enjoys at present leaves nothing to communicate to you in the political way. The Emperor and Dutch still differ about the quantum of money to be paid by the latter, they know not for what. Perhaps their internal convulsion will hasten them to a decision. France is improving her navy as if she was already in a naval war: yet I see no immediate prospect of her having occasion for it. England is not likely to offer war to any nation, unless perhaps to ours. This would cost us our whole shipping: but in every other respect we might flatter ourselves with success. But the most succesful war seldom pays for its losses. I shall be glad to hear from you when convenient & am with much esteem Dr. Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Mazzei having desired me to write to Mr. Adams on the subject of the inclosed letter, has further desired me to transmit the letter to you.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0419", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Elizabeth Wayles\nDear Madam\nParis, Sept. 22d, 1785.\nThe Mr. Fitzhughs having staid here longer than they expected, I have (since writing my letter of Aug. 30, to Mr. Eppes) received one from Dr. Currie, of August 5, by which I have the happiness to learn you are all well, and my Poll also. Every information of this kind is like gaining another step, and seems to say we \u201chave got so far safe.\u201d Would to God the great step was taken and taken safely; I mean that which is to place her on this side of the Atlantic. No event of your life has put it into your power to conceive how I feel when I reflect that such a child, and so dear to me, is to cross  the ocean, is to be exposed to all the sufferings and risks, great and small, to which a situation on board a ship exposes every one. I drop my pen at the thought\u2014but she must come. My affections would leave me balanced between the desire to have her with me, and the fear of exposing her; but my reason tells me the dangers are not great, and the advantages to her will be considerable.\nI send by Mr. Fitzhugh some garden and flower seed and bulbs; the latter, I know, will fall in your department. I wish the opportunity had admitted the sending more, as well as some things for the children; but Mr. Fitzhugh being to pass a long road both here and in America, I could not ask it of him. Pray write to me, and write me long letters. Currie has sent me one worth a great deal for the details of small news it contains. I mention this as an example for you. You always know facts enough which would be interesting to me to fill sheets of paper. I pray you, then, to give yourself up to that kind of inspiration, and to scribble on as long as you recollect any thing unmentioned, without regarding whether your lines are straight or your letters even. Remember me affectionately to Mr. Skipwith, and to the little ones of both houses; kiss dear Polly for me, and encourage her for the journey. Accept assurances of unchangeable affection from, dear Madame, your sincere friend and servant,\nTh. Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0420", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Neil Jamieson, 22 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jamieson, Neil\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 22. 1785.\nBy a letter of Jan. 13. I took the liberty of requesting you to send me such of the New York newspapers as you thought best, by the French packet always. Since Mr. Jay\u2019s coming into office he is so kind as to do this regularly, so that I am able to save you that trouble as soon as the subscription expires which you entered into for me. A more important article is to pray you, whenever packets of newspapers for me from other parts of the continent come to your hands (as I had taken the liberty to direct), to be so good as to send them to Mr. Jay\u2019s office. I have desired him to pack newspapers for me all together in a box and to send them as merchandize directed to the Consul at l\u2019Orient, instead of paying 8. or 10. guineas a packet as I do now for newspapers. They will  then come for so many livres. Your favors of June 14, and Aug. 14. came safely to hand. There is nothing interesting here at present. Europe enjoys quiet. The English news you get as speedily almost as we do here. Accept assurances of the respect and esteem with which I am Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0421", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, [ca. 22 September 1785]\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Le Havre, ca. 22 Sep. 1785.] Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letter of 20 Sep. Though he is busy and has not been well, he will have his old letters to his friend, Robert Morris, looked through and will send TJ copies of what he wrote on the question of Fortin\u2019s claim to an inheritance. Since the given name in the papers sent by Morris to support the claim is not the same as that in church records in France, Limozin thinks the claim will not be upheld.\nHis ship Eolus, Capt. Paon, will sail on 15 Oct. for Portsmouth \u201con her Ballast to take thither a Cargoe of Lumber for the Island of Tobago\u201d; Limozin offers to send anything TJ wishes.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0422", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Grand, 23 September 1785\nFrom: Grand, Ferdinand\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 23 Sep. 1785. Thanks TJ for communicating the contents of Adams\u2019 letter on the payment of interest on the Dutch loan. Grand forwarded to Messrs. Willink & van Staphorst a letter from the Commissioners of the Treasury and asked them to notify him if it contained \u201can order to remit me against the Payment to be made in 9bre. to the Treasury \u2026 as I had been several times apply\u2019d to, on this affair\u201d; he will inform TJ. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s favor of this date; \u201cI \u2026 shall conform myself to the contents.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0423", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 23 September 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPotsdam 23d. Septr. 1785\nI was so exceedingly hurried the few Days that I remained in London after the receipt of your polite Letter (preparing for this  excurtion, to the Prussian Camp) that it was not in my power to assure you how much I thought myself honoured by your attention, and of my determination to avail myself of the opertunity of establishing a Corespondence where the returns would be so evidently in my favour. I shall leave this in the morning for Leipsic, Dresd\u00e9 and Vienna, where after spending a few Days, I propose paying my respects to you at Paris, and will with pleasure take your commands to London, to which as the reviews are now finished, I shall hasten with all convenient expedition. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency\u2019s most obedt. Humble Servt.,\nW. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0425", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\n               I have received your favor of the 18th. inclosing your compliments on your presentation. The sentiments you therein expressed were such as were entertained in America till the Commercial proclamation, and such as would again return were a rational conduct to be adopted by Gr. Britain. I think therefore you by no means compromitted yourself or our country, nor expressed more than it would be our interest to encourage, if they were disposed to meet us. I am pleased however to see the answer of the king. It bears the marks of suddenness and surprize, and as he seems not to have had time for reflection we may suppose he was obliged to find his answer in the real sentiments of his heart, if that heart has any sentiment. I have no doubt however that it contains the real creed of an Englishman, and that the word which he has let escape is the true word of the \u00e6nigma, \u201cThe moment I see such sentiments as yours prevail and a disposition to give this country the preference, I will &c.\u201d All this I stedfastly beleive. But the condition is impossible. Our interest calls for a perfect equality in our conduct towards these two nations; but no preferences any where. If however circumstances should ever oblige us to shew a preference, a respect for our character, if we had no better motive, would decide to which it should be given. My letters from members of Congress render it doubtful whether they would not rather that full time should be given for the present disposition of America to mature itself and to produce a permanent improvement in the federal constitution, rather than, by removing the incentive, to prevent the improvement. It is certain that our commerce is in agonies at present, and that these would be relieved by opening the British ports in the W. Indies. It remains to consider whether a temporary continuance under these sufferings would be paid for by the amendment it is likely to produce. However I beleive there  is no fear that Great Britain will puzzle us by leaving it in our choice to hasten or delay a treaty.\n               Is insurance made on Houdon\u2019s life? I am uneasy about it, lest we should hear of any accident. As yet there is no reason to doubt their safe passage. If the insurance is not made I will pray you to have it done immediately.\n               As I have not received any London newspapers as yet I am obliged to ask you what is done as to them, lest the delay should proceed from some obstacle to be removed. There is a Mr. Thompson at Dover who has proposed to me a method of getting them post free: but I have declined resorting to it till I should know in what train the matter is actually.\n               I have the honour to be with the most perfect esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0426", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ferdinand Grand, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Grand, Ferdinand\nSir\nParis Sep. 24. 1785.\nI have appointed the bearer hereof, Mr. William Short, my Secretary. His salary as such will be the same which young Mr. Franklin received. I am therefore to ask the favor of you to pay it to him from time to time as it shall become due, and to debit the United States therewith. I have the honor to be with very great respect, Sir your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0427", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Short, William\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 24. 1785.\nFinding the assistance of a private Secretary necessary in my office I would wish you to accept of the appointment. In this case it will be necessary for you to abandon your plan of continuing at St. Germain\u2019s. I need not detail to you the ordinary business in which you will be engaged. That will open itself on you of course. But it is necessary for me particularly to authorize and instruct you, in case of any accident happening to myself, to take possession of whatever papers may be in my hands as Minister plenipotentiary for the United States at the court of Versailles, and to deliver them to the order of the Secretary for foreign affairs. I am not able to say with certainty what is the salary allowed: but Mr. Grand who paid young Mr. Franklin\u2019s, and who will pay yours also, will inform you. I think it was a thousand dollars a year. I must add that you are to expect this appointment to cease whenever Congress shall be pleased to countermand or supersede it by any other arrangement. I am with much esteem Dr. Sir your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0428", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis Sep. 25. 1785.\nMr. Short\u2019s return the night before last availed me of your favour of Aug. 12. I immediately ordered the shoes you desired which will be ready tomorrow. I am not certain whether this will be in time for the departure of Mr. Barclay or of Colo. Franks, for it is not yet decided which of them goes to London. I have also procured for you three plateaux de dessert with a silvered ballustrade round them, and four figures of Biscuit. The former cost  192\u20b6, the latter 12\u20b6 each, making together 240 livres or 10. Louis. The merchant undertakes to send them by the way of Rouen through the hands of Mr. Garvey and to have them delivered in London. There will be some additional expences of packing, transportation and duties here. Those in England I imagine you can save. When I know the amount I will inform you of it, but there will be no occasion to remit it here. With respect to the figures I could only find three of those you named, matched in size. These were Minerva, Diana, and Apollo. I was obliged to add a fourth, unguided by your choice. They offered me a fine Venus; but I thought it out of taste to have two at table at the same time. Paris and Helen were presented. I conceived it would be cruel to remove them from their peculiar shrine. When they shall pass the Atlantic, it will be to sing a requiem over our freedom and happiness. At length a fine Mars was offered, calm, bold, his faulchion not drawn, but ready to be drawn. This will do, thinks I, for the table of the American Minister in London, where those whom it may concern may look and learn that though Wisdom is our guide, and the Song and Chase our supreme delight, yet we offer adoration to that tutelar god also who rocked the cradle of our birth, who has accepted our infant offerings, and has shewn himself the patron of our rights and avenger of our wrongs. The groupe then was closed, and your party formed. Envy and malice will never be quiet. I hear it already whispered to you that in admitting Minerva to your table I have departed from the principle which made me reject Venus: in plain English that I have paid a just respect to the daughter but failed to the mother. No Madam, my respect to both is sincere. Wisdom, I know, is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival\u2014but, Allons, let us turn over another leaf, and begin the next chapter. I receive by Mr. Short a budget of London papers. They teem with every horror of which human nature is capable. Assassinations, suicides, thefts, robberies, and, what is worse than assassination, theft, suicide or robbery, the blackest slanders! Indeed the man must be of rock, who can stand all this; to Mr. Adams it will be but one victory the more. It would have illy suited me. I do not love difficulties. I am fond of quiet, willing to do my duty, but irritable by slander and apt to be forced by it to abandon my post. These are weaknesses from which reason and your counsels will preserve Mr. Adams. I fancy it must be the quantity of animal food eaten by the English which renders their  character insusceptible of civilisation. I suspect it is in their kitchens and not in their churches that their reformation must be worked, and that Missionaries of that description from hence would avail more than those who should endeavor to tame them by precepts of religion or philosophy. But what do the foolish printers of America mean by retailing all this stuff in our papers? As if it was not enough to be slandered by one\u2019s enemies without circulating the slanders among his friends also.\nTo shew you how willingly I shall ever receive and execute your commissions, I venture to impose one on you. From what I recollect of the diaper and damask we used to import from England I think they were better and cheaper than here. You are well acquainted with those of both countries. If you are of the same opinion I would trouble you to send me two sets of table cloths and napkins for 20 covers each, by Colo. Franks or Mr. Barclay who will bring them to me. But if you think they can be better got here I would rather avoid the trouble this commission will give. I inclose you a specimen of what is offered me at 100. livres for the table cloth and 12 napkins. I suppose that, of the same quality, a table cloth 2. aunes wide and 4. aunes long, and 20 napkins of 1. aune each, would cost 7. guineas.\u2014I shall certainly charge the publick my house rent and court taxes. I shall do more. I shall charge my outfit. Without this I can never get out of debt. I think it will be allowed. Congress is too reasonable to expect, where no imprudent expences are incurred, none but those which are required by a decent respect to the mantle with which they cover the public servants, that such expences should be left as a burthen on our private fortunes. But when writing to you, I fancy myself at Auteuil, and chatter on till the last page of my paper awakes me from my reverie, and tells me it is time to assure you of the sincere respect and esteem with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. The cask of wine at Auteuil, I take chearfully. I suppose the seller will apply to me for the price. Otherwise, as I do not know who he is, I shall not be able to find him out.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0429", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 25 September 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\n   Grosvenor Square Sept. 25. 1785.\nThe Bearer of this Letter Mr. Thomas Boylston, is one of the clearest and most solid Capitalists, that ever raised himself by private Commerce in North America. He seems to be desirous of assisting us, in introducing the knowledge and use of our white Sperma C\u0153ti Oil, into France. His Judgment and Abilities to carry through whatever he undertakes may be depended on. Let me beg your Attention to him.\nWith great Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0433", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ralph Izard, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Izard, Ralph\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 26. 1785.\nI received a few days ago your favor of the 10th. of June and am to thank you for the trouble you have given yourself to procure me information on the subject of the commerce of your state. I pray you also to take the trouble of expressing my acknolegements to the Governor and Chamber of Commerce as well as to Mr. Hall for the very precise details on this subject with which they have been pleased to honour me. Your letter of last January, of which you make mention, never came to my hands. Of course the papers now received are the first and only ones which have come safe. The infidelities of the post-offices both of England and France are not unknown to you. The former is the most rascally because they retain one\u2019s letters, not chusing to take the trouble of copying  them. The latter when they have taken copies, are so civil as to send the originals, re-sealed clumsily with a composition on which they have previously taken the impression of the seal. England shews no dispositions to enter into friendly connections with us. On the contrary their detention of our posts seems to be the speck which is to produce a storm. I judge that a war with America would be a popular war in England. Perhaps the situation of Ireland may deter the ministry from hastening it on. Peace is at length made between the emperor and Dutch. The terms are not published, but it is said he gets 10. millions of florins and the navigation of the Scheld not quite to Antwerp, and two forts. However this is not to be absolutely relied on. The league formed by the K. of Prussia against the Emperor is a most formidable obstacle to his ambitious designs. It has certainly defeated his views on Bavaria, and will render doubtful the election of his nephew to be king of the Romans. Matters are not yet settled between him and the Turk. In truth he undertakes too much. At home he has made some good regulations.\nYour present pursuit being (the wisest of all) agriculture, I am not in a situation to be useful to it. You know that France is not the country most celebrated for this art. I went the other day to see a plough which was to be worked by a windlass, without horses or oxen. It was a poor affair. With a very troublesome apparatus, applicable only to a dead level, four men could do the work of two horses. There seems a possibility that the great desideratum in the use of the baloon may be obtained. There are two persons at Javel (opposite to Auteuil) who are pushing this matter. They are able to rise and fall at will without expending their gaz, and they can deflect 45\u00b0. from the course of the wind. This and better will do. I took the liberty of asking you to order me a Charlestown newspaper. The expence of French postage is so enormous that I have been obliged to desire that my newspapers from the different states may be sent to the office for foreign affairs at New York; and I have requested of Mr. Jay to have them always packed in a box and sent by the French packets as merchandize to the care of the American Consul at l\u2019Orient, who will send them on by the periodical waggons. In this way they will cost me livres only where they now cost guineas. Will you permit me to add this to the trouble I had before given you of ordering the printer to send them under cover to Mr. Jay by such opportunities by water as occur from time to time. This request must go to the acts of  your assembly also. I shall be on the watch to send you any thing which may appear here on the subjects of agriculture or the arts, which [may] be worth your perusal. I since[rely] congratulate Mrs. [Izar]d and yourself on the double accession to your family by marriage and a new birth. My daughter values much your remembrance of her and prays to have her respects presented to the ladies and yourself. In this I join her, and shall embrace with pleasure every opportunity of assuring you of the sincere esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0434", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Stockdale, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Stockdale, John\nParis Sep. 26. 1785.\nTh: Jefferson will be obliged to Mr. Stockdale to send him by the bearer, Colo. Franks, the following plates of Cook\u2019s last voiage.\nPlate.\n\u20071. The general map.\n36. Map of the N.W. coast of America and of the coast of Asia.\n53. Map of the entry of Norton and the streight of Bhering.\nHe means to put these maps into his American Atlas. Mr. Short is just arrived and brings the Parliamentary debates, Andrews\u2019s American war, Irish pamphlets &c. for which Mr. Jefferson thanks Mr. Stockdale. He will be obliged to him to continue sending him the Numbers of Andrews\u2019s book, and the Parliamentary debates in the same form hereafter. As to pamphlets he only wishes for those which relate to America, and which have also some degree of merit. He will be also obliged to him to add Baretti\u2019s Eng. and Span. dictionary to the books he desired him to send to Virginia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0435", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Tracy, 26 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tracy, Nathaniel\nDear Sir\nParis Sep. 26.\nI wrote you on the 17th. Ult. by Mr. Derby. I then took the liberty of asking you to order me your best newspaper, to the care  of Mr. Jamieson New York. Subsequent experience of the enormous expence of French postage on newspapers obliges me to a change of plan. I have desired my newspapers from the different states to be directed to me but sent to the office for foreign affairs under cover to Mr. Jay, of whom I have asked the favour to pack them altogether in a box, and to send them from time to time by the French packets as merchandize to the care of the American consul at l\u2019Orient who will forward them by the periodical waggons, and thus I shall get them for livres where I now pay guineas. Will you be so kind as to direct the printer to whom you may have already given orders, to send them to Mr. Jay in this manner? The Emperor and Dutch have at length signed articles but they are not yet published. It is beleived the Emperor gets 10. million of florins, the navigation of the Scheld not quite to Antwerp, and two forts. Great Britain still holds off. We have hopes of quieting immediately the Barbary states; at least if we do not it will not be our fault. They had taken from us on the last of July three vessels in all, to wit the Emperor of Marocco one, which he has given up with the crew and cargo, and the Algerines two. One of these is the Maria from Boston. Nothing further new: for it", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0438", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Dolomieu, 27 September 1785]\nFrom: Dolomieu, Dieudonn\u00e9 Sylvain Guy Tacr\u00e8de, Chevalier\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Saintes, 27 Sep. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 4 Oct. 1785. Not found; but see TJ to Adams and to Dolomieu, 5 Oct. 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0440", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 September 1785\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nLahaie 28 7br. 1785\nQuoiqu\u2019il me f\u00fbt plus commode de tirer imm\u00e9diatement sur Messrs. Wm. & Jn. Willink, Nic. & Jb. van Staphorst, le modique salaire provisionnel, de 225 Louis d\u2019or annuels, qui m\u2019est allou\u00e9 en attendant que le Congr\u00e8s, selon des promesses souvent r\u00e9it\u00e9r\u00e9es, veuille enfin me faire un meilleur sort; cependant, comme je l\u2019ai toujours tir\u00e9 sur la L\u00e9gation Am\u00e9ricaine \u00e0 Paris, j\u2019ai cru, de peur de confusion dans les comptes des Etats-Unis, devoir, sans rien innover de mon chef, continuer sur le m\u00eame pied, en tirant sur Votre Excellence les \u00a32700 tournois du second semestre de mon salaire de cette annee 1785, esp\u00e9rant que Votre Excellence voudra bien, comme ci-devant Mr. Franklin, ordonner que tout honneur y soit fait.\nUn Mr. Moses Tandy, Virginien, disant \u00eatre connu de Votre Excellence et produisant quelques documens passables, a paru chez moi dans un triste \u00e9tat. Je lui ai donn\u00e9 selon mon pouvoir, que je lui ait dit tr\u00e8s born\u00e9, le secours et passeport qu\u2019il me demandoit. Je viens d\u2019apprendre qu\u2019il mene \u00e0 Amsterdam une vie crapuleuse et libertine; et je lui ai fait parvenir le conseil amical de craindre la police, et de se rembarquer promptement pour l\u2019Am\u00e9rique. Il paroit d\u2019une famille honn\u00eate, et est associ\u00e9 de Mr. Watson, qui l\u2019a muni d\u2019un pouvoir ou procure, dont il paroit se montrer indigne.\nJ\u2019espere que Mr. Short est de retour en bonne sant\u00e9, et que la besogne que nous avons faite ici a eu votre approbation, et celle de Mr. Adams.\nMaintenant, que la derniere main va \u00eatre mise \u00e0 la paix, j\u2019espere de pouvoir bient\u00f4t recommencer \u00e0 faire passer mes Lettres pour le Congr\u00e8s par la route d\u2019ici \u00e0 Paris, et sous les yeux de Votre Excellence. Car, instruit \u00e0 fond du secret de la r\u00e9publique, j\u2019ai d\u00fb promettre de ne point l\u2019exposer jusque l\u00e0 sur cette route.\nJe suis avec grand respect, De Votre Excellence, le tr\u00e8s-humble et tr\u00e8s-obeissant serviteur,\nC. W. F. Dumas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0441", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 28 September 1785\nFrom: Hopkinson, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. 28th. Sepr. 1785\nYour Favour of the 6th. July was handed to me by our mutual friend Dr. Franklin, as also were four Volumes of the Biblioth\u00e8que \u0152conomique, and your Notes on Virginia for which I heartily thank you. I shall be careful to observe your Instruction in the blank Leaf of your Notes. I hope you will continue to send me the Biblioth\u00e8que \u0152conomique, as I have found much valuable Entertainment in them. You will oblige me greatly by taking up my Encyclopedie as they come out, Dr. Franklin having made no Provision for that purpose as I understand. He has many Volumes for me but I know not when I shall have the Pleasure of seeing them, as all his Library was left behind. I send herewith another Package of news papers which is the third I have forwarded. You will see by them that party Politics run high and the Fever heightens as the general Election approaches. We are divided distinctly into two Parties under the Names of the Constitutionalists and the Republicans. The Republicans are those who wish to have two Branches of Legislation. The Constitutionalists wish to have but one, especially since they are in Power and have the Management of it. They have endeavour\u2019d to support their Influence by removing out of the Way with a high hand all Institutions that are thought not to be in their Interests. They some Time ago took the Colledge out of the hands of the Legal Trustees and have lately most arbitrarily retracted and annull\u2019d the Charter of the national Bank, because they hated Mr. Morris personally and because the Directors were not under their Influence. There will probably be a tight Struggle next Month for Power. The Contest will be for a Ride in the One-horse Chaise. It is agreed by all that Dr. Franklin is to be President of the State, and he seems willing to accept the Charge. But, in our Constitution, two or three leading Members of the House drive the political Coach. The President is the Footman and the Chief Justice rides in the Body of the Carriage, and the People run whooping and hallowing along side, choak\u2019d with Dust and bespatter\u2019d with Mire.\nMr. Rittenhouse is just returned from the Western Country.  He has been over the Ohio and made many philosophical observations which he will commit to writing. I shall inform him of this opportunity and he will probably write to you.\nI am sorry my Improvement in Quilling a Harpsichord has cost you so much Trouble. I resign any Expectations from that Source. I have since made a further and more important Improvement. I have long suspected that the Quill did not draw the full Power of Tone from Strings so long and so advantageously stretchd and on Experiment find my Conjecture was right. My Harpsichord has not now got a single Quill in it, and for Richness of Tone and the Body or Quantity of Sound it yields, exceeds any Instrument of the kind I ever heard. The enclosed Model will give you a full Idea of this Contrivance and save the Trouble of Descriptions. My Harpsichord is at present furnished thus. The first Unison with sole-Leather, well rubb\u2019d with black-Lead, the Second Unison, a kind of soft Morocco Leather, for the Piano of the Instrument, and the Octave with wooden Tongues polish\u2019d with black Lead, for giving Vivacity to the whole. All mounted on Springs, according to the Model. I say nothing as to the admirable Result. Let Experiment determine. I have also discovered a simple Contrivance for assisting a Vessel in sailing, or a Waggon in the Draught, but as I have not yet exhibited it to our Philosophical Society, I must defer sending you an Account of it till another opportunity. Once more, I have made an Ointment for greasing the wheels of Carriages and the moving Parts of mills or other machines. It is Gum Elastic dissolved in Oil and made pretty thick with powder\u2019d black-Lead. I have not Time to give you the Reasons why this is an advantageous Ointment. Let the Experiment be tried. The only Disadvantage I fear is the Expence.\nYou will oblige me much by sending me Two or three sets of best Crayons or Pastels and charge me with the Cost. They are to be had good \u00e0 L\u2019Iris Rue de G\u00e9vres par le bout du Pont Notre-Dame, la Boutique en face du Passage du Quai de G\u00e9vres, \u00e0 Cot\u00e9 du caf\u00e9. If you can add a few Pieces of good black and white Chalk, so much the better. I do not mean sized Chalk as in the Case of Stradling versus Stiles.\nMy Mother is much obliged by Miss Jeffersons kind Letter. She would probably answer it by this Conveyance, but she is at present at Baltimore.\nI cannot say I have nothing to add; but I am rather in Haste. Your truly affectionate & obliged Friend,\nFras. Hopkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0442", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Governor of Virginia, 28 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henry, Patrick\nSir\nParis Sep. 28. 1785.\nThe house of LaVal & Wilfelsheim have lately protested Mr. Morris\u2019s bills. I should not venture to say they have stopped paiment altogether; but it is something so like that that those who have bills on them may count on their being protested. They stopped their paiments on Saturday last. Their creditors are endeavoring to boulster up LaVal, but I doubt whether American demands will receive the benefit of this. As I find by a letter from the honourable Mr. Beverley Randolph that you rely for the arms ordered here on bills of Mr. Morris and these may probably be drawn on this house, and as it may also have happened that you have taken bills of Alexander on them, I thought it my duty to give you the earliest notice possible of this, by sending copies of this letter to the several seaports to be forwarded to you. The arms will be got so much better for ready money, and can be prepared in so short a time that we think it best not to call for them but with the money in hand.\nI have the honour to be with due respect your Excellency\u2019s most obedt. humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Mr. Barclay leaves France in a few days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0443", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 28 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nSir\nParis Sep. 28. 1785.\nI have taken the liberty to send this day to your address 3 trunks and a box, all of them containing books and nothing else. They are all marked L.S. They are directed as follows.\nThe box. Edmund Randolph. Richmond. Virginia.\nThe two largest trunks. James Madison. Orange. To the care of James Buchanan. Richmond.\nThe smallest trunk. James Madison. Williamsburgh. Virginia. By which you will perceive the three first parcels are destined for Richmond on James River in Virginia, and the last for Williamsburgh. If your vessel goes to Portsmouth, there will be daily opportunities of sending them from thence to their respective destinations. There are two gentlemen, Virginians, here who think of taking the opportunity of your ship Eolus to return to their own country. If so, they will be able to attend to my packages. I happened to be out today when my servant sent off these packages; and instead of his paying the charges he has left them unpaid, by which means they will be demanded of you. When I came in, the waggon was set out. You will therefore be so good as to pay the charges, which are 39\u20b6-18 to the Douaine and 27\u20b6\u201312 for carrying them, which I will repay you together with the freight to Virginia, on your draught if you will be pleased to draw on me, or otherwise I will send it to you by the gentlemen abovementioned. I have the honour to be,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0444", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Rittenhouse, 28 September 1785\nFrom: Rittenhouse, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhiladelphia Sepr. 28th. 1785\nThat I have so long delayed acknowledging your favours has been owing to my absence from home. Two Summers past I have been employed in determining the Boundary of Pennsylvania. In 1784. Observations were continued for near 3 months on the Eclipses of Jupiters Satellites, on the Banks of the Delaware and near the Ohio. The result gave 53,225 Miles to a degree of Longitude in Latitude 39.\u00b0 43.\u2019 18.\u201d, something less than we had reason to Expect from former measurements of Degrees of Latitude.\nThe Autumn of 84 and Summer of 85 I have spent in assisting to carry on the remainder of the Southern and the Western Boundary of this State. This last being one Straight Meridian Line is certainly the most grand and beautiful Vista in the World. In these Excursions I have not been inattentive, so far as my Situation wou\u2019d permit, to the natural Curiosities of that Country, and I wish to give you some account of them when I can find leisure for the purpose.\nYou have greatly obliged me by the Books you have sent. Each of the Connoissance Des Temps contains many things Curious and useful. \u2019Tis a pity they are not more correctly printed. But the Notes on Virginia are an inestimable Treasure. I have just received the Book and have not yet read it with that attention I mean to bestow on it. Nothing has hitherto occurred to me in it contrary to my own Philosophical notions, except that of Stones growing in imitation of Shells without real animal Shells to give them that form. The Petrifications I have collected on the Allegany Mountains and beyond them seem to me sufficient to induce you to give up that opinion. But I may be mistaken. What has with me the greatest weight is that abundance of the Shells and Bones thus found lodged in Solid Stone are still real Shells and Bones, as not only their appearance but their taste and smell when heated sufficiently evince. I must beg a continuance of your favours and that you will inform me how I may reimburse the Expence you have been at on my account. Mrs. Rittenhouse\u2019s Compliments and mine to Miss Jefferson. I hope she is very happy, nay I am sure she must be so under the care of such a parent. Dear Sir, your most sincere friend and Humbl Servt.,\nDavd. Rittenhouse", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0445", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 29 September 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 29th. September 1785\nHaving been in daily expectation to have the honor to hear from your Excellency, agreable to the contents of your last Letter, I have perhaps been led to a longer silence, than I wished or may be consonant to your Ideas of our respective Situations. A Letter from Mr. Barclay perhaps has contributed to my Error. Since Writing to you Mr. Harrison of Cadiz has transmitted me the Inclosed Letters from Algiers. Intreat your Excellency to lay them   before Mr. Adams and to send copies to Congress. Not having instructions from Congress, indeed not having any direct Intelligence from that Body for several Months, I could take no part officially in our actual situation with Algiers. I have therefore confined myself to general expressions with this Ministry and have found in his Excellency the Ct. de Florida Blanca the same Liberality of thinking and the same desire to serve us as he evinced in the Affaires of Morrocco. I have endeavoured to conciliate the good will of Persons who may be useful to us in that part of the world, without compromising in any manner the Dignity of the United States. Without having the honor to be personally known to you, I cannot refrain from avowing to your Excellency that the neglect which I experience not only is prejudicial to our general Interests, but Affects me to a degree that at times renders me incapable of making any other reflections than those which My personal Situation impresses upon me; and to the sensations to which these reflections give rise I impute the bilious disorders to which I am Subject. I beg you to excuse this digression.\nI cannot enter into details. The peace with Algiers will be concluded. Naples will as I am informed be included, and possibly Portugal. The Minister of Prussia has notified to this Court the Treaty concluded between the German Princes of which the King of Prussia is the cheif: The answer, which I have seen, from this Court, I think expresses an approbation of the principles on which the Treaty is founded. I regret that I have not proper means of conveying to you many incidents, which confirmed by your own Observation might at least be amusing, if not usefull. Until I can have that satisfaction, I must finish with assurances of the great regard and respect With Which I have the honor to be Your Excys. Most Obedt. & Most Humble Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0446", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Richard O\u2019Bryen, 29 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: O\u2019Bryen, Richard\nSir\nParis Sep. 29. 1785.\nI have received your letter and shall exert myself for you. Be assured of hearing from me soon: but say nothing to any body except what may be necessary to comfort your companions. I add  no more, because the fate of this letter is incertain. I am Sir Your very humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0450", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, [ca. 30 September 1785]\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMost Honored Sir\nI shall take a particular Care in forwarding by my Ship Eolus Captn. Paon your Box and three trunks according to the direction you give me: my ship is to sail on the 5th. Instant if wind and weather permitt it. I wish therefore that the two Virginia\u2019s Gentlemen you mentionn may have left Paris before this reach you.\nI have the Honor to acquaint you that the French Ship La Diligence de Cadix Cap. J. Bte. La Rocque is put up to sail for Philadelphia the 15th. instant. If you have any Commands for her I beg you would not Spare me. She is consignd to me.\nI have the Honor to be with the highest regard your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient & very Humble Servant,\nAndre. Limozin\nI shall do my self the Honor to apply again to your Excellency in a few days.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0451", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 1 October 1785\nFrom: Franklin, Benjamin\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nPhilada. Octr. 1. 1785.\nI wrote to you by a former Opportunity, to acquaint you with our safe Arrival. Mr. Houdon, who had been much perplex\u2019d by the Accident of leaving his Things behind him, has found here the Tools and Materials he wanted, and set out last Wednesday for General Washington\u2019s. My Grandson went the Day after to New York, where the Congress are still sitting, and likely to sit the Year out, having as I am told much Business, and finding it very difficult to agree upon the Mode of the Requisition. In general the Affairs of our Country seem to be in good Train: the last Harvest good, our own Produce high, foreign Supplies, both European and West Indian low: We have indeed some Party Wranglings; but no free Country was ever without them; and I do not think they are likely to produce any considerable bad Consequences. Mr. Houdon has been furnish\u2019d here with the Value of Twenty-four Hundred Livres, for his Occasions, for which he has drawn on you in my favour. I find myself the better for my Voyage, and I hope you continue well; being, with sincere Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient & most Humble Servant,\nB. Franklin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0456", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 3 October 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pol de L\u00e9on, 3 Oct. 1785. Asquith has received from Picrel a copy of a letter from \u201cMr. Maisoneiuve Floch Procureiur of Brest,\u201d the lawyer engaged earlier by Picrel, who agrees now to take the case if Asquith advances him ten guineas, though he has already received three. Asquith is doubtful whether his last three guineas will satisfy. He had instructed Floch to write TJ a state of their case and now asks TJ to write to him to learn whether he will proceed. Picrel thinks they will have little success in Brest; \u201cwe must depend on your strong solicitations with the Ministers and the Crown, who will no doubt they think assist us. But I believe this is only a Story raised by Mr. Picrel to get us to drop it.\u201d Expected \u201chumain treatment and assistance\u201d when he landed in France. \u201cIf you are the Gentleman who was Governor of Virginia perhaps you may have [heard] of me as I used part of the War to sail in Col. Parker\u2019s & Co. and Col. Godwins & Co. Smithfield Pagan Creek but was drove from there by Arnold and lost almost all I had by that Villian.\u201d Asquith recounts to TJ two reports of the farmers\u2019-general false imprisonment and coercion of strangers to France, one of which \u201chappend \u2026 in the very same circumstances we are in.\u201d The farmers-general finally lost the case after confining the accused for eleven months and after it was tried five times \u201cbecause the Merchants were able to stand them,\u201d though generally \u201cthey are so Strong that few are able to stand a Law suit with them.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0457", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 3 October 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPhilada. Octr. 3. 1785\nIn pursuance of the plan intimated in my last I came to this City about three weeks ago, from which I continued my trip to New York. I returned last night and in a day or two shall start for Virginia. Col. Monroe had left Philada. a few days before I reached it, on his way to a treaty to be held with the Indians about the end of this month on the Wabash. If a visit to the Eastern States had been his choice, short as the time would have proved, I should have made an effort to attend him. As it is I must postpone that gratification, with a purpose however of embracing it on the first convenient opportunity. Your favour of the 11 May by Monsr. Doradour inclosing your Cypher arrived in Virga. after I left it, and was sent after me to this place. Your notes which accompanied it, remained behind, and consequently I can only now say on that subject, that I shall obey your request on my return, which my call to Richmond will give me an early opportunity of doing. During my stay at New York I had several conversations with the Virga. Delegates, but with few others, on the affairs of the Confederacy. I find with much regret that these are as yet little redeemed from the confusion which has so long mortified the friends to our national honor and prosperity. Congress have kept the Vessel from sinking, but it has been by standing constantly at the pump, not by stopping the leaks which have endangered her. All their efforts for the latter purpose have been frustrated by the selfishness or perverseness of some part or other of their constituents. The desiderata most strongly urged by our past experience and our present situation are 1. a final discrimination between such of the unauthorised expences of the States, as ought to be added to the common debt, and such as ought not; 2. a constitutional apportionment of the common debt, either by a valuation of the land, or a change of the article which requires it; 3. a recognition by the States of the authority of Congress to enforce payment of their respective quotas; 4. a grant to Congress of an adequate power over trade. It is evident to me that the first object will never be effected in Congress, because it requires in those who are to decide it the spirit of impartial judges, whilst the spirit of those who compose Congress is rather that of advocates for the respective interests of their constituents. If this business were referred to a Commission filled by a member chosen by Congress out of each  State, and sworn to impartiality, I should have hopes of seeing an end of it. The 2d. object affords less ground of hope. The execution of the 8th. art. of Confederation is generally held impracticable, and R. Island, if no other State, has put its veto on the proposed alteration of it. Until the 3d. object can be obtained the Requisitions of Congress will continue to be mere calls for voluntary contributions, which every State will be tempted to evade, by the uniform experience that those States have come off best which have done so most. The present plan of federal Government reverses the first principle of all Government. It punishes not the evildoers, but those that do well. It may be considered I think as a fortunate circumstance for the U.S. that the use of coercion, or such provision as would render the use of it unnecessary, might be made at little expence and perfect safety. A single frigate under the orders of Congress could make it the interest of any one of the Atlantic States to pay its just Quota. With regard to such of the Ultramontane States, as depend on the trade of the Mississippi, as small a force would have the same effect; whilst the residue trading thro\u2019 the Atlantic States might be wrought upon by means more indirect indeed, but perhaps sufficiently effectual. The fate of the 4th. object is still suspended. The Recommendations of Congress on this subject past before your departure, have been positively complied with by few of the States I believe; but I do not learn that they have been rejected by any. A proposition has been agitated in Congress, and will I am told be revived, asking from the States a general and permanent authority to regulate trade, with a proviso that it shall in no case be exercised without the assent of eleven States in Congress. The Middle States favor the measure, the Eastern are Zealous for it, the Southern are divided. Of the Virginia delegation the president is an inflexible adversary, Grayson unfriendly and Monroe and Hardy warm on the opposite side. If the proposition should pass Congress its fate will depend much on the reception it may find in Virga. and this will depend much on the part which may be taken by a few members of the Legislature. The prospect of its being levelled against G. Britain will be most likely to give it popularity. In this suspence of a general provision for our commercial interests, the more suffering States are seeking relief from partial efforts which are less likely to obtain it than to drive their trade into other channels, and to kindle heartburnings on all sides. Massachussetts made the beginning. Penna. has followed with a catalogue of duties on foreign goods and  tonnage, which could scarcely be enforced against the smuggler, if N. Jersey, Delaware and Maryland were to cooperate with her. The avowed object of these duties is to encourage domestic manufactures, and prevent the exportation of coin to pay for foreign. The Legislature had previously repealed the incorporation of the bank, as the cause of the latter and a great many other evils. S. Carolina I am told is deliberating on the distresses of her commerce and will probably concur in some general plan, with a proviso, no doubt against any restraint from importing slaves, of which they have received from Africa since the peace about twelve thousand. She is also deliberating on the emission of paper money, and it is expected she will legalize a suspension of Judicial proceedings which has been already effected by popular combinations. The pretext for these measures is the want of specie occasioned by the unfavorable balance of trade.\u2014Your introduction of Mr. T. Franklin has been presented to me. The arrival of his grandfather has produced an emulation among the different parties here in doing homage to his character. He will be unanimously chosen president of the State, and will either restore to it an unexpected quiet or lose his own. It appears from his answer to some applications that he will not decline the appointment.\u2014On my journey I called at Mount Vernon and had the pleasure of finding the General in perfect health. He had just returned from a trip up the Potowmac. He grows more and more sanguine, as he examines further into the practicability of opening its navigation. The subscriptions are compleated within a few shares, and the work is already begun at some of the lesser obstructions. It is overlooked by Rhumsey the inventor of the boats which I have in former letters mentioned to you. He has not yet disclosed his secret. He had of late nearly finished a boat of proper size which he meant to have exhibited, but the house which contained it and materials for others was consumed by fire. He assured the General that the enlargement of his machinery did not lessen the prospect of utility afforded by the miniature experiments. The General declines the shares voted him by the assembly, but does not mean to withdraw the money from the object which it is to aid, and will even appropriate the future tolls I believe to some useful public establishment if any such can be devised that will both please himself and be likely to please the State. This is accompanied by a letter from our amiable friend Mrs. Trist to Miss Patsy. She got back safe to her friends in Augst. and is as well as she has generally been, but  her chearfulness seems to be rendered less uniform than it once was by the scenes of adversity through which fortune has led her. Mrs. House is well and charges me not to omit her respectful and affectionate compliments to you.\nI remain Dr. Sir Yrs\nJ. M.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0459", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 4 October 1785\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLahaie 4e. Oct. 1785\nEn confirmant \u00e0 Votre Excellence ma Lettre du 28 7bre. que Messrs. Nic. & Jb. van Staphorst vous auront achemin\u00e9e, et sur laquelle j\u2019espere que Votre Excellence voudra bien me faire prompte et favorable r\u00e9ponse, celle-ci est pour prendre la Libert\u00e9 de vous adresser, Monsieur, l\u2019incluse pour notre Ami le Colonel Senf, avec pri\u00e8re de vouloir bien la lui remettre. Elle en contient une pour S. E. Mr. Rutledge, notre nouveau Ministre, \u00e0 qui le Colonel m\u2019a promis de la remettre, et \u00e0 qui il est naturel et convenable que je m\u2019empresse de pr\u00e9senter mon Zele constant pour le service des Etats-Unis, et celui pour lui \u00eatre personnellement utile et agreable. Je repete que je n\u2019attends que la Signature finale de la paix avec l\u2019Empereur et de l\u2019Alliance avec la France, auxquelles j\u2019ai la satisfaction d\u2019avoir pu grandement et intimement coop\u00e9rer, pour recommencer \u00e0 faire passer mes D\u00e9peches par la voie de France, et par cons\u00e9quent sous les yeux de Votre Excellence de qui je suis &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0460", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 4 October 1785\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 4 Oct. 1785. Encloses copy of his letter to Joseph Fortin concerning his inheritance rights to the \u201cEstate to which he would be entitled had his Father not alterd his Christen name when he landed in America\u201d; also copies of the church register and notice of property sale. It will be evident to TJ that Fortin\u2019s claim cannot be pressed \u201cas long as he will call him self son of Joseph Fortin as he does by the Vouchers he sent me, because none of the Family of the deceasd Fortin who left that Estate was calld Joseph.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0461", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 4 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nSir\nParis Oct. 4. 1785.\nI received yesterday your favour informing me that your Ship Eolus would sail on the 5th. inst. As you had expected she would not sail till the 15th. when you wrote me before, I had so informed the two Mr. Fitzhughs, two gentlemen of Virginia who wished to go in her. When I received your letter yesterday therefore, the warning to them was too short to get ready. Of consequence they have concluded to go in the ship bound for Philadelphia which you say will sail the 15th. They will leave Paris the 10th. for Havre. Still I wish that my trunks and box should go in the vessel bound for Portsmouth. But it will be necessary to give to the Captain those instructions that I had intended for Mr. Fitzhugh, that is to say, to send the smallest trunk to Williamsburgh and the other two and the box to Richmond. As the Captain is probably unacquainted with the communications of that country, it will be necessary to caution him particularly not to send all the packages together to Williamsburgh under any expectation of their being forwarded from thence to Richmond. There is no conveyance between Williamsburgh and Richmond, and there are almost daily conveyances from Portsmouth to both those places. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir Your most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0463", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 5 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Franklin, Benjamin\nSir\nParis Oct. 5. 1785.\nA Vessel sailing from Havre to Philadelphia furnishes the Mr. Fitzhughs with a passage to that place. To them therefore I confide a number of letters and packets which I have received for you from sundry quarters and which, I doubt not, they will deliver safe. Among these is one from Mr. Du Plessis. On receipt of your letter, in answer to the one I had written you on the subject of his memorial, I sent to Mr. La Motte, Mr. Chaumont and wherever else I thought there was a probability of finding out Du Plessis\u2019s address. But all in vain. I meant to have examined his memoir, as you desired, and to have had it copied. Lately he came and brought it with him, copied by himself. He desired me to read it and inclose it to you, which I have done.\nWe have no public news worth communicating to you but the signing of preliminaries between the emperor and Dutch. The question is then with whom the emperor will pick the next quarrel. Our treaty with Prussia goes by this conveyance. But it is not to be spoken of till a convenient time is allowed for exchanging ratifications. Science offers nothing new since your departure, nor no new publication worth your notice. All your friends here are well. Those in England have carried you captive to Algiers. They have published a letter as if written by Truxen the 20th of Aug.  from Algiers, stating the circumstances of the capture, and that you bore your slavery to admiration. I happened to receive a letter from Algiers dated Aug. 24. informing me that two vessels were then there taken from us, and naming the vessels and captains. This was a satisfactory proof to us that you were not there. The fact being so, we would have gladly dispenced with the proof, as the situation of our countrymen there was described as very distressing.\u2014Were I to mention all those who make enquiries after you there would be no end to my letter. I cannot however pass over those of the good old Countess d\u2019Hoditot, with whom I dined on Saturday at Sanois. They were very affectionate. I hope you have had a good passage. Your essay in crossing the channel gave us great hopes you would experience little inconvenience in the rest of the voiage. My wishes place you in the bosom of your friends, in good health, and with a wellgrounded prospect of preserving it long for your own sake, for theirs, and that of the world. I am with the sincerest attachment & respect Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: J[efferson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0464", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Hartley, 5 October 1785\nFrom: Hartley, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nLondon October 5 1785\nI return you many thanks for the favours of yours which I received by Col. Franks. You will make me very happy by the continuance of your correspondences and the longer your letters are the better, more especially if you will not expect long letters from me in return. In my situation I must hear and be silent. My lesson is from Hamlet: You never shall\u2014with arms encumbred thus, or thus, head shake, or by pronouncing of some doubtfull Phrase; as well, we know, or we could an if we would &c. But I can most sincerely sum up all that I have or ever can have to say; viz. That I ever have and ever will, to the utmost of my power, endeavour to promote political and commercial amity between our two Countries. I do not think myself so unreasonable, as the proposition in itself might give out in desiring to be the recipient of all informations and sentiments respecting the state of our two Countries, without making return in kind. I am very covetous to fill my budget with all possible information, for chances of being enabled  at any time hereafter to promote some substantial good between your country and mine, an occasion which I should at any time most ardently seize, if ever such a lot should fall to my share. I must keep my thoughts to myself, unless I were to be called upon. This discretion constitutes all the difference of acting in season or out of season, which in cases of importance is most important.\u2014Verbum sapienti.\nI have always understood the law of Consuls to be as you express it, and I take for granted when Mr. Temple declares his Commission in America, that Congress will give him the reasons of their proceedings, whatever they may be. That would contribute to a conciliatory understanding between us. As to the English newspapers you must not lay much stress upon them. Every one writes and prints what he thinks proper, and whatever may suit either his passion or his interest. There are many persons who are now tacitly reproached, with their former dispositions towards America, during the war. Some allowance of temper should be made. An English proverb says Losers have a right to complain. After a storm the waves will continue to roll for some time. I do not doubt but time will abate regrets, and restore Amity between our Countries.\u2014I have received a letter from Mr. Jay and have put Mr. Upton\u2019s affair into a good train. Pray remember me whenever you write to Mr. Adams or have any safe opportunity. My best wishes for health and happiness attend yourself and family. Pray give my best compliments to Mr. Humphreys. I am Dr. Sir with very sincere respect Yours &c.,\nD Hartley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0465", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 5 October 1785\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis Oct. 5th. 1785\nThe following is the best Information I am able to give you in Compliance with the Letter dated at Paris the 3d. of August 1785 which you did me the Honor to address to me at L\u2019orient.\nThe Boussole and the Astrolabe, two Gaberts [gabares] of 600 Tons each, sheathed with Copper, and equipped in the best Manner, sailed from Brest the 1st. of August 1785, under the Command of Messrs. de la Perouse and the Viscount de Langle, Captains in the royal Navy. They had on Board a great Variety of Trees, Plants and Seeds that suit the Climate of France; Manufactures  in Linen, Woolen, and Cotton and in Iron and Copper &c.; Mechanical Tools of all Sorts; A great Quantity of Trinkets and Toys; Ploughs and all Sorts of Utensils and Implements for Agriculture; And a Quantity of unwrought Iron. Each Ship had on board a large Shallop in Frames and a Million of French Livres in the Coins of different Nations. Each Ship had also on board twenty one Soldiers, draughted from the two Regiments at Brest; all of whom were either Mechanics or Farmers. They had on board no Women; nor any Animals except such as appeared to be destined for the Refreshment of the Crews. The Crew of each Ship is one hundred Men, including Officers and Men of Genius.\nThe King himself planned the Expedition, and made out all the Detail with his own Hand, before he spoke a Word of it to any Person. His Majesty defrays the Expence out of his private Coffer, and is his own Minister in every Thing that regards the Operations of his Plan. There is no Doubt but the perfectioning the Geography of the Southern Hemisphere is one of his Majesty\u2019s Objects in View: and it is not difficult to percieve that he has others equally worthy the Attention of a great Prince; one of which may be to extend the Commerce of his Subjects by Establishing Factories at a future Day, for the Fur Trade on the North West Coast of America; and another to establish Colonies in New Holland, after having well explored the Coast, and made Experiments on the Soil of that vast Island, which is situated in so happy a Climate, and so contiguous to the Establishments of France in the East Indies.\nI am Sir, with great Respect your most obedient & most humble Servant,\nJ. P. Jones", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0467", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 6 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis Oct. 6. 1785.\nMy letter of Aug. 30. acknowleged the receipt of yours of July 13. Since that I have received your letter of Aug. 13. inclosing a correspondence between the M. de la Fayette and Monsr. de Calonne, and another of the same date inclosing the papers in Fortin\u2019s case. I immediately wrote to Mr. Limozin at Havre desiring he would send me a state of the case, and inform me what were the difficulties which suspended it\u2019s decision. He has promised me by letter to do this as soon as possible, and I shall not fail in attention to it.\nThe emperor and Dutch have signed preliminaries, which are now made public. You will see them in the papers which accompany this. They still leave a good deal to discussion. However it is probable they will end in peace. The party in Holland possessed actually of the sovereignty wish for peace that they may push their designs on the Stadthoulderate. This country wishes for peace because their finances need arrangement. The Bavarian exchange has produced to public view that jealousy and rancour between the courts of Vienna and Berlin which existed before, tho\u2019 it was smothered. This will appear by the declarations of the two courts. The demarcation between the Emperor and Turk does not advance. Still however I suppose neither of those two germs of war likely to open soon. I consider the conduct of France as the best evidence of this. If she had apprehended a war from either of those quarters she would not have been so anxious to leave the emperor one enemy the less by placing him at peace with the Dutch. While she is exerting all her powers to preserve peace by land, and making no preparation which indicates a fear of it\u2019s being disturbed in that quarter, she is pushing her naval preparations with a spirit unexampled in time of peace. By the opening of the next spring she will have eighty ships of 74 guns and upwards ready for sea at a moment\u2019s warning, and the further constructions proposed will probably within two years raise the number to an hundred. New regulations have been made too for perfecting the classification of their seamen, an institution which dividing all the seamen of the nation into classes, subjects them to tours of duty by rotation, and enables them at all times to man their ships. Their works for rendering Cherburg a harbour for their vessels of war, and Dunkirk for frigates and privateers leave  now little doubt of success. It is impossible that these preparations can have in view any other nation but the English. Of course they shew a greater diffidence of their peace with them than with any other power.\nI mentioned to you in my letter of Aug. 14. that I had desired Capt. J. P. Jones to enquire into the circumstances of Peyrouse\u2019s expedition. I have now the honour of inclosing you copies of my letter to him, and of his answer. He refuses to accept of any indemnification for his expences, which is an additional proof of his disinterested spirit and of his devotion to the service of America. The circumstances are obvious which indicate an intention to settle factories, and not colonies at least for the present. However nothing shews for what place they are destined. The conjectures are divided between New Holland and the North-west coast of America.\nAccording to what I mentioned in my letter of Aug. 30. I have appointed Mr. Short my secretary here. I inclose to you copies of my letters to him and Mr. Grand which will shew to Congress that he stands altogether at their pleasure. I mention this circumstance that if it meets with their disapprobation they may have the goodness to signify it immediately: as I should otherwise conclude that they do not disapprove it. I shall be ready to conform myself to what would be most agreeable to them.\nThis will be accompanied by the gazettes of France and Leyden to the present date.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest esteem & respect, Sir your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0469", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 7 October 17[85]\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon October 7th. 17[85]\n   Your very polite favour was handed me by Colo. Franks. I am much obliged to you for the execution of the several commissions I troubled you with. Be assured sir that I felt myself Honourd by your commands, tho I have only in part executed them. For I could not find at any store table Cloths of the dimensions you directed. The width is as you wisht, but they assure me that four yds. and three quarters are the largest size ever used here which will cover a table for 18 persons. To these Cloths there are only 18 Napkins, and to the smaller size only twelve. I was the more ready to credit what they said, knowing that I had been obliged to have a set of tables made on purpose for me in order to dine 16 or 18 persons. These rooms in general are not calculated to hold more and it is only upon extraordinary occasions that you meet with that number at the tables here. The Marquis of Carmarthan who occasionally dines the Foreign ministers, and has a House furn[ishe]d him by his Majesty, cannot entertain more than 15 at once, and upon their Majesties Birth days, he is obliged to dine his company at his Fathers the Duke of Leeds\u2019s. The person where I bought the Cloth offerd to have any size made, that I wisht for, and agreed to take eight pounds ten shillings for 20 Napkins and a cloth 5yds. long. I gave Seven for this which I send, and shall wait your further directions. I took the precaution of having them made and marked to Secure them against the custom House, and hope they will meet your approbation. I think them finer than the pattern, but it is difficult judging by so small a Scrap. I have also bought you two pairs of Nut crackers for which I gave four Shillings. We [find them so?] convenient that I thought they would be equally so to you. The]re is the article of Irish linen which is much Superiour here to any that is to be had in France, and cheeper I think. If you have occasion for any you will be so good as to let me know. It cannot easily pass without being made. But that could be easily done. Only by sending a measure, at the rate of 3 Shilling and six pence per yd. by the peice, the best is to be had. As we are still in your debt, the remainder of the money shall be remitted you or expended here as you direct. Mr. Adams supposed there might be something of a balance due to him in the settlement of a private account with Mr. Barclay, which he has orderd paid to you. He will also pay the money here for the insurence of Mr. Hudons  Life, by which means what ever remains due to you can be easily settled.\nHaveing finishd the article of Business, I am totally foild at that of Compliment. Sure the air of France, conspired with the Native politeness and Complasance of the writer to usher into the World Such an assemblage of fine things. I shall value the warrior Deity the more for having been your choise, and he cannot fail being in taste in a Nation which has given us such proofs of their Hostility; forgiveness of injuries is no part of their Character, and scarcly a day passes without a Boxing match; even in this Square which is calld the polite and Court end of the city, my feelings have been repeatedly shock\u2019d to see Lads not more than ten years old striped and fighting untill the Blood flow\u2019d from every part, enclosed by a circle who were claping and applauding the conquerer, stimulating them to continue the fight, and forceing every person from the circle who attempted to prevent it. Bred up with such tempers and principals, who can wonder at the licentiousness of their Manners, and the abuse of their pens. Their arrows do not wound, they rebound and fall harmless [\u2026] but amidst their boasted freedom of the press, one must bribe [\u2026] to get a paragraph inserted in favour of America, or her Friends. Our Country has no money to spair for such purposes; and must rest upon her own virtue and Magnimimity. So we may too late convince this Nation that the Treasure which they knew not how to value, has irrecoverably past into the possession of those who were possesst of more policy and wisdom.\nI wish I might flatter myself with the hope of seeing you here this winter. You would find a most cordial welcome from your American Friends, as well as from some very distinguishd literary Characters of this Nation.\nMy best regards to Miss Jefferson, to Col. Humphries, to Mr. Short, or any other Friends or acquaintance who may inquire after Your Friend and humble Servant,\nA Adams\nMy daughter presents her respectfull regards to you and compliments to the rest of the Gentlemen.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0470", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Froull\u00e9, 7 October 1785\nFrom: Froull\u00e9, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMONSIEUR Paris le: 7: 8bre. 1785.\nJai reflechi sur L\u2019honneur de v\u00f4tre proposition, et calcul\u00e9 \u00e0 combien me reviendroit L\u2019ouvrage de Monsieur v\u00f4tre ami. En suposant qu\u2019il produise 36 feuille D\u2019impression \u00e0 36.\u20b6 par feuille\ncela formeroit une somme de\nPour la traduction \u00e0 24\u20b6. la feuille\n   Pour papier et Impression tir\u00e9 \u00e0 \u2003trois mil Exemplaires; au moins \u00e0 raison \u2003de 84\u20b6 La feuille forme une somme De\nfaux frais de Manutention\nTotal de depence\nLes trois mil exemplaires vendu \u00e0 raison de 3.\u20b6 10s. c\u2019est L\u2019Evaluation que je puis en faire, \u00e0 raison qu\u2019il faut en soustraire la remise qui est d\u2019usage au Libraire de Province et autres. Je dis donc que 3000 Exemplaires vendu \u00e0 raison de 3.\u20b6 10s. ne peuvent produire que 10500\u20b6 Sur ce, j\u2019ai touts les Risques \u00e0 courir: 1\u00b0. L\u2019incertitude du d\u00e9bit; 2\u00b0. La crainte d\u2019une autre traduction; 3\u00b0. L\u2019inconvenient de La perte enver le Libraire de Province; 4to Celui de la contrefaction, aussitot que je l\u2019aurez mis au jour. Sur ce Monsieur je ne vous fait aucune exageration, je ne parle qu\u2019\u00e0pres Les experiences que j\u2019ai eprouves dans le commerce.\nVous voyez donc Monsieur que L\u2019offre de Payer 900\u20b6 \u00e0 L\u2019auteur, un an apres que L\u2019ouvrage aura paru, est une offre raisonnable: ou Si mieux aim\u00e9 je le ferez \u00e0 moitier frais, et moitier benefice. Sur ce Monsieur, je ne vous demande que la pr\u00e9ference, vous priant de me croire avec le plus profond respect Monsieur V\u00f4tre tres umble et tres obeissant serviteur,\nFroull\u00e9\nMon epouse etant absente, m\u2019enpeche de pouvoir vous porter ma reponse, et je ne pourai avoir L\u2019honneur de Passer ches vous que Dimanche le matin.\nJ\u2019ai ecrit \u00e0 Londre pour Les deffets du Catesby.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0471", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Mehegan, 7 October 1785\nFrom: Mehegan, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pol de L\u00e9on, 7 Oct. 1785. Asks TJ to intervene in behalf of Lister Asquith and the other prisoners. They are suffering from insufficient food, the cold of the prison, and have almost no funds with which to pay for their defense, \u201cthe people in whom they confided, having got all the money they had, three poor guineas excepted.\u201d Officers and everyone who saw their condition upon landing at Roscoff acknowledges that they were in desperate circumstances and that \u201cthey must either perish at sea \u2026 or come into this place.\u201d Without \u201cthe least circumstantial proof against them,\u201d they are confined \u201cthe same as criminals\u201d and are now deserted by those \u201cwho came to get what they could from them.\u201d Sends his regards to John Paul Jones.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0472", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 8 October 1785\nFrom: Jones, John Paul\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nParis, October 8th, 1785.\nAs The Baron de Waltersdorff does not return here, as was expected, and I wish to apply, without farther loss of time to the Court of Denmark, for a compensation for the prizes taken by the squadron I commanded in Europe, and given up to the British, by the people in authority at Bergen in Norway; if you approve it, I will assign the powers I received, for that business from Congress, to my friend Dr. Bancroft in London. You will oblige me therefore, if you will write to Mr. Adams, requesting him to support Dr. Bancroft\u2019s application through the Danish minister in London. I am, with great respect and esteem, &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0477", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 10 October 1785]\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[London, 10 Oct. 1785. Entry in SJL for 15 Oct. 1785 reads: \u201cMr. Adams. Oct. 10. Inclosing letter to Mr. Grand.\u201d Not found. Enclosure: Evidently a copy of Willem & Jan Willink and Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst to Ferdinand Grand, 6 Oct. 1785; another copy was sent to TJ by Grand as enclosure to his letter of 10 Oct. 1785 (see note there and TJ to Adams, 18 Oct. 1785).", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0478", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 10 October 1785\nFrom: Bowdoin, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBoston October 10th. 1785\nI have lately understood that Congress have under consideration a report of their Minister for foreign affairs, relative to the appointment of Consuls in several parts of Europe; and that the appointment is to be made by the Ministers Plenipotentiary from the United States: the power of each Minister in this respect to be exercised within a certain district; and that your Excellency\u2019s district includes Lisbon.\nA friend of yours in this neighbourhood, and a distinguished one in the American Cause, General Warren of Milton, has a Son at Lisbon, Mr. Winslow Warren, whom I take the liberty of recommending to your friendship.\nHe is settled at Lisbon in the mercantile line, for which he has been qualifying himself by visiting several parts of Europe to gain a knowledge of its trade and manufactures; and which, with such a knowledge your Excellency will probably think, is no disrecommendation of him to the Office of Consul.\nHe would esteem himself honoured by your Commission; and I doubt not, would execute the business of it to your acceptance, and to the acceptance of the United States.\nI have the honour to be, With the most perfect Esteem, Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient Humble Servant,\nJames Bowdoin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0479", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Grand, 10 October [1785]\nFrom: Grand, Ferdinand\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n10 Oct. [1785]. Encloses a letter received this date from Amsterdam, \u201cd\u2019apr\u00e8s laquelle il ne paroit pas qu\u2019il y ait des ordres des Commissaires.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0480", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis Oct. 11. 1785.\nYour favor of the 7th. was put into my hands the last night and as I received at the same time dispatches from Mr. Adams which occasion a great deal to be done for Congress to be sent by the Mr. Fitzhughs who set out tomorrow morning for Philadelphia as Mr. Preston the bearer of this does for London, I have only time to thank you for your kind attention to my commission and your offer of new service. Your information as to the shirt linen draws a new scene of trouble on you. You had better have held your tongue about it: but as it is, you must submit to what cannot now be prevented and take better care hereafter. You will think it some apology for my asking you to order me a dozen shirts of the quality of the one sent, when I assure you they made me pay for it here 10 livres and a half the aune, which is at the rate of 6/6 sterl. the yard. I will pray you to chuse me linen as nearly as possible of the same quality because it will enable me to judge of the comparative prices of the two countries. There will probably be Americans coming over from London here in the course of the winter who will be so kind as to bring the shirts to me, which being ready made will escape the custom houses. I will not add to your trouble that of a long apology. You shall find it in the readiness and zeal with which I shall always serve you. But I find that with your friends you are a very bad accountant, for after purchasing the table linen, and mentioning the insurance money on Houdon\u2019s life, you talk of what will still remain due to me. The truth is that without this new commission I should have been enormously in your debt. My present hurry does not permit me to state the particulars, but I will prove it to you by the first opportunity. And as to the balance which will be due from me to Mr. Adams should he have no occasion of laying it out here immediately I will transmit it by some safe hand. I have not yet seen the table linen you were so kind as to buy for me, but I am sure it is good. The merchant here promises to shew me some of a new supply he has, which will enable me to judge somewhat of the two manufactures and prices. The difference must be considerable tho\u2019 to induce me to trouble you. Be so good as to present my respects to Miss Adams and to accept assurances of the esteem and respect with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0481", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Oct. 11. 1785.\nColo. Franks and Mr. Randolph [Randall] arrived last night. This enables me to send copies of all the Barbary papers to Congress by the Mr. Fitzhughs, together with the Prussian treaty. They wait till tomorrow for this purpose.\nConsidering the treaty with Portugal as among the most important to the U.S. I some time ago took occasion at Versailles to ask the Portuguese Ambassador if he had yet received an answer from his court on the subject of our treaty. He said not, but that he would write again. His Secretaire d\u2019Ambassade called on me two days ago and translated into French as follows a paragraph of a letter from his minister to the Ambassador. \u2018Relativement \u00e0 ce que V. E. nous a fait part de ce qu\u2019elle avoit parl\u00e9 avec le ministre de l\u2019Amerique, cette puissance doit etre dej\u00e0 persuad\u00e9e par d\u2019effets la maniere dont ses vaisseaux ont et\u00e9 accueillis i\u00e7i: et par consequence sa majest\u00e9 auroit beaucoup de satisfaction \u00e0 entretenir une parfaite harmonie et bonne correspondence entre les memes etats unis. Mais il seroit \u00e0 propos de commencer par la nomination reciproque des deux parties des personnes qui, au moins avec la caractere d\u2019Agens, informeroient reciproquement leurs constituents de ce qui pourroit conduire \u00e0 la connoissance des interets des deux nations sans prejudice de l\u2019un ou de l\u2019autre. C\u2019est le premier pas qu\u2019il paroit convenable de donner pour conduire \u00e0 la fin propos\u00e9e.\u2019 By this I suppose they will prefer proceeding as Spain has done, and that we may consider it as definitive of our commission to them. I communicate it to Congress that they may take such other measures for leading on a negotiation as they may think proper.\nYou know that the 3d. article of instructions of Oct. 29. 1783. to the Ministers for negotiating peace, directed them to negociate the claim for the prizes taken by the Alliance and sent in to Bergen, but delivered up by the court of Denmark: you recollect also that this has been deferred in order to be taken up with the general negotiation for an alliance. Capt. Jones desiring to go to America proposed to me that he should leave the sollicitation of this matter in the hands of Doctor Bancroft, and to ask you to negotiate it  through the minister of Denmark at London. The delay of Baron Waltersdorf is one reason for this. Your better acquaintance with the subject is a second. The Danish minister here being absent is a third: and a fourth and more conclusive one is that, having never acted as one of the commissioners for negotiating the peace I feel an impropriety in meddling with it at all, and much more to become the principal agent. I therefore told Capt. Jones I would sollicit your care of this business. I beleive he writes to you on the subject. Mr. Barclay sets out in two or three days. Lamb will follow as soon as the papers can be got from this ministry. Having no news, I shall only add assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0484", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis Oct. 11. 1785.\nIn my letter of Aug. 14. I had the honor of expressing to you the uneasiness I felt at the delay of the instructions on the subject of the Barbary treaties of which Mr. Lamb was the bearer, and of informing you that I had proposed to Mr. Adams that if he did not arrive either in the French or English packets then expected,  we should send some person to negotiate these treaties. As he did not arrive in those packets, and I found Mr. Barclay was willing to undertake the negotiations I wrote to Mr. Adams (who had concurred in the proposition made him) informing him that Mr. Barclay would go, and proposing papers for our immediate signature. The day before the return of the Courier Mr. Lamb arrived, with our instructions, the letters of credence, &c. inclosed in yours of March 11. 1785. Just about the same time came to hand the letter No. 1. informing me that two American vessels were actually taken and carried in to Algiers, and leaving no further doubt that that power was exercising hostilities against us in the Atlantic. The conduct of the Emperor of Marocco had been such as forbade us to postpone his treaty to that with Algiers. But the commencement of hostilities by the latter and their known activity, pressed the necessity of immediate propositions to them. It was therefore thought best, while Mr. Barclay should be proceeding with the Emperor of Marocco, that some other agent should go to Algiers. We had few subjects to chuse out of. Mr. Lambe\u2019s knowlege of the country, of it\u2019s inhabitants, of their manner of transacting business, the recommendations from his state to Congress of his fitness for this emploiment, and other information founding a presumption that he would be approved, occasioned our concluding to send him to Algiers. The giving him proper authorities, and new ones to Mr. Barclay conformable to our own new powers, was the subject of a new courier between Mr. Adams and myself. He returned last night, and I have the honour of inclosing you copies of all the papers we furnish those gentlemen with, which will possess Congress fully of our proceedings herein. They are numbered from 2. to 10. inclusive. The supplementory instruction to Mr. Lamb No. 5. must rest for justification on the emergency of the case. The motives which lead to it must be found in the feelings of the human heart, in a partiality for those sufferers who are of our own country, and in the obligations of every government to yeild protection to their citizens as the consideration for their obedience. It will be a comfort to know that Congress does not disapprove of this step.\nConsidering the treaty with Portugal among the most interesting to the United states, I some time ago took occasion at Versailles to ask of the Portuguese Ambassador if he had yet received from his court an answer to our letter. He told me he had not, but that he would make it the subject of another letter. Two days ago his  Secretaire d\u2019Ambassade called on me with a letter from his minister to the Ambassador, in which was the following paragraph as he translated it to me and I committed it to writing from his mouth. \u2018Relativement \u00e0 ce que votre Excellence nous a fait part de ce qu\u2019elle avoit parl\u00e9 avec le ministre de l\u2019Amerique, cette puissance doit etre dej\u00e0 persuad\u00e9e par d\u2019effets [de] la maniere dont ses vaisseaux ont et\u00e9 accueillis ici: et par consequence sa majeste auroit beaucoup de satisfaction \u00e0 entretenir une parfaite harmonie et bonne correspondence entre les memes etats unis. Mais il seroit \u00e0 propos de commencer par la nomination reciproque des deux parties des personnes qui, au moins avec la caractere d\u2019Agens, informeroient reciproquement leurs constituents de ce qui pourroit conduire \u00e0 la connoissance des interets des deux nations, sans prejudice de l\u2019un ou de l\u2019autre. C\u2019est le premier pas qu\u2019il paroit convenable de donner pour conduire \u00e0 la fin propos\u00e9e.\u2019 By this it would seem that this power is more disposed to pursue a tract of negociation similar to that which Spain has done. I consider this answer as definitive of all further measures under our commission to Portugal. That to Spain was superseded by proceedings in another line. That to Prussia is concluded by actual treaty; to Tuscany will probably be so; and perhaps to Denmark. And these I believe will be the sum of the effects of our commissions for making treaties of alliance. England shews no disposition to treat. France, should her ministers be able to keep the ground of the arret of August 1784. against the clamours of her merchants, and should they be disposed hereafter to give us more, it is not probable she will bind herself to it by treaty, but keep her regulations dependant on her own will. Sweden will establish a free port at St. Bartholomew\u2019s, which perhaps will render any new engagements on our part unnecessary. Holland is so immoveable in her system of colony administration, that as propositions to her on that subject would be desperate, they had better not be made. You will perceive by the letter No. 11. from the M. de la fayette that there is a possibility of an overture from the Emperor. A hint from the Charg\u00e9 des affaires of Naples lately, has induced me to suppose something of the same kind from thence. But the advanced period of our commissions now offers good cause for avoiding to begin what probably cannot be terminated during their continuance; and with respect to these two and all other powers not before mentioned, I doubt whether the advantages to be derived from treaties with them may countervail the additional embarrasments  they may impose on the states when they shall proceed to make those commercial arrangements necessary to counteract the designs of the British cabinet. I repeat it therefore that the conclusion of the treaty with Prussia and the probability of others with Denmark, Tuscany and the Barbary states may be expected to wind up the proceedings of the general commissions. I think that in possible events it may be advantageous to us, by treaties with Prussia, Denmark and Tuscany to have secured ports in the Northern and Mediterranean seas. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0485-0003", "content": "Title: II. Instructions, 11 October 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\nCongress having been pleased to invest us with full powers for entering into treaty of Amity and Alliance with the Emperor of Morocco, and it being impracticable for us to attend his court in person and equally impracticable on account of our seperate stations to receive a Minister from him, we have concluded to effect our object by the intervention of a confidential person. We concur in wishing to avail the United States of your talents in the execution of this business, and therefore furnish you with a letter to the Emperor of Morocco to give a due credit to your transactions with him.\nWe advise you to proceed by the way of Madrid, where you will have opportunities of deriving many lights from Mr. Carmichael, through whom many communications with the court of Morocco have already passed. From thence you will proceed by such rout as you shall think best to the court of the Emperor.\nYou will present to him our letter with the copy of our full powers, with which you are furnished, at such time or times, and in such manner as you shall think best.\nAs the negociation and conclusion of a treaty may be a work of time you will endeavour in the first place to procure an immediate suspension of hostilities. You will proceed to negotiate with his Minister the terms of a treaty of Amity and Commerce as nearly as possible conformed to the draught we give you: Where alterations which in your opinion shall not be of great importance shall be urged by the other party, you are at liberty to agree to them: where they shall be of great importance, and such as you think should be rejected, you will reject them: but where they are  of great importance, and you think they may be accepted, you will ask time to take our advice, and you will advise with us accordingly by letter or by courier as you shall think best. When the articles shall all be agreed you will [sign them in a preliminary form and send them to us] by some proper person for [definitive execution.]\nThe whole expences of this treaty, including as well the expences of all persons employed about it as the presents to the Emperor and his servants, must not exceed 20,000 Dollars and we urge you to use your best endeavours to bring them as much below that sum as you possibly can. And to this end, we leave it to your discretion to represent to His Majesty or to his Ministers, if it may be done with safety, the particular circumstances of the United States just emerging from a long and distressing war with one of the most powerful nations of Europe, which we hope may be an apology if our Presents should not be so splendid as those of older and abler nations. As custom may have rendered some presents necessary in the beginning or progress of this business, and before it is concluded or even in a way to be concluded, we authorize you to conform to the custom; confiding in your discretion to hazard as little as possible before a certainty of the event, and to provide that your engagements shall become binding only on the definitive execution of the treaty. We trust to you also to procure the best information in what form and to what persons these presents should be made, and to make them accordingly.\nThe difference between the customs of that and other Courts, the difficulty of obtaining a knowledge of those Customs but on the spot and our great confidence in your discretion, induce Us to leave to that all other Circumstances relative to the object of your Mission. It will be necessary for you to take a Secretary well skilled in the French language to aid you in your business, and to take charge of your papers in case of any accident to yourself. We think you may allow him 150 Guineas a year, besides his expences for travelling and subsistence. We engage to furnish your own expences according to the respectability of the character with which you are invested; but, as to the allowance for your trouble, we wish to leave it to Congress.\nWe annex hereto sundry heads of enquiry which We wish you to make, and to give us thereon the best information you shall be able to obtain. We desire you to correspond with us by every opportunity which you think should be trusted; giving us from time to time an account of your proceedings and prospects by the  way of Holland under cover to Mr. Dumas at the Hague or Messrs. Willincks of Amsterdam; by the way of England, to Uriah Forrest Esqr.; by way of France to Mr. Grand Paris; and to Mr. Carmichael by way of Spain. We wish you a pleasant Journey and happy Success, being with great Esteem your Friends and Servants.\n[London, 2? Oct. 1785\nJohn Adams]\n[Paris Octr. 11. 1785.\nTh: Jefferson]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0485-0006", "content": "Title: V. American Commissioners to the Emperor of Morocco, September \u2013 October 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners\nTo: Emperor of Morocco\nThe Congress of the United States of America after the conclusion of that war which established their freedom and independance, and after the cares which were first necessary for the restoration of order and regular government, turned their attention in the first moment possible to the connections which it would be proper to form with the nations on this side the Atlantic for the maintenance of friendship and improvement of commerce with them. They therefore on the twelfth day of May in the last year thought proper to appoint us with Doctr. Benjn. Franklin their Ministers Plenipotentiary to negotiate and to conclude such treaties of Amity and Commerce as should be agreed on with those nations. The variety of the commissions of this nature with which we were charged rendered impracticable our attending in person at the several courts to which they were addressed, and required that we should execute them by the intervention of confidential persons to be sent to those courts. Congress sensible of this have been pleased by other full powers bearing date the 11th. day of March last to give to the same Ministers or a majority of them authority to appoint such Agents for the purpose of negotiating these treaties under our instruction,  of bringing them to maturity and of signing them in a preliminary form, referring them to us for definitive execution, as by the full powers, a copy of which we have the honour of transmitting herewith to your Majesty, will more particularly appear. Doctr. Franklin our collegue having found it necessary to return to America, the execution of these full powers has devolved on us alone. As the circumstances before explained put it out of our power to have the honour of presenting ourselves in person at the court of your Majesty, so others supervened which rendered impracticable our meeting at any other place such minister as your Majesty might condescend to authorize to treat with us on the subjects with which we were charged: one of us being placed as Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States at the court of Great Britain and the other in the same character at the court of France. We have therefore adopted the only remaining method that of sending a confidential Agent according to the authority given us, [to testify to your Majesty our high respect and gratitude for the friendly disposition you have manifested to the U.S. to assure you of the desire of our country to form a connection with a Sovereign so renowned for his power, his wisdom and his justice, and] to concert with such Minister as your Majesty shall think proper to appoint those conditions which will be most advantageous for both nations to adopt for the regulation of their commerce and of their mutual conduct towards each other. The person whom we charge with this high mission is Thomas Barclay Esqr., possessing in the highest degree the confidence of the U.S. and as such having been several years and still being their Consul General with our great and good Friend and Ally the King of France. Although our full powers reserve to us the ultimate signature of the Treaty to be established yet such is our reliance on the wisdom and integrity of Mr. Barclay that we assure your Majesty you may have full faith in whatever he shall agree to, and that the same when sent to us will be returned with our signature in order to receive that of the person whom your Majesty shall commission for the same purpose.\nWith the most profound respect and our best wishes for the health, happiness, prosperity and glory of your Imperial Majesty We have the honor to subscribe ourselves Your Majesty\u2019s Most Obedient Most hble. Servants.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0485-0007", "content": "Title: VI. Heads of Inquiry, 11 October 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John\nTo: Lamb, John\n1. Commerce. What are the articles of their export and import? What articles of American produce might find a market in Algiers and at what prices? Whether rice, flour, tobacco, furs, ready built ships, fish, oil, tar, turpintine, ship timber &c. and whether any of these articles would hereafter be acceptable as presents? What duties are levied by them on exports and imports? Do all nations pay the same, or what nations are favoured and how far? Are they their own carriers or who carries for them? Do they trade themselves to other countries, or are they merely passive? What manufactures or productions of this Country would be convenient in America, and at what prices?\n2. Ports. What are their principal ports, what depth of water into them, what works of defence protect these ports?\n3. Naval force. How many armed vessels have they, of what kind and force? What is the constitution of their naval force? What resources for encreasing their navy? What number of seamen, their cruizing grounds, and season of cruizing?\n4. Prisoners. What is their condition and treatment, at what price are they ordinarily redeemed and how? Do they pay respect to the treaties they make? Land forces, their numbers, constitution and respectability? Revenues, their amount?\n5. Language. What language is spoken and what European language is most understood?\n6. Government. What is their connection with the Ottoman Porte? Is there any dependance or subordination to it acknowledged, and what degree of power or influence has it?\n7. Religion. By what principle of their religion is it that they consider all Christian Powers as their enemies, until they become friends by Treaties?\n8. Captures. What captures have been made of ships or citizens of the United States, and any other nation? What nation are they now at war with?\nLondon Octr. 1. 1785\nJohn Adams\nParis Octr. 11. 1785.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0485-0008", "content": "Title: VII. Letter of Credit, 6 October 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John\nTo: Barclay, Thomas\nGrovenor Square Westminster Octr. 6. 1785.\nThe United States of America in Congress Assembled on the 14th. day of Febry. last resolved, that the Ministers of the United States who are directed to form Treaties with the Emperor of Morocco and the Regencies of Algiers Tunis and Tripoli be empowered to apply any Money in Europe belonging to the United States to that use: As you are appointed to proceed to Morocco as Agent for forming such Treaty with the Emperor you are hereby authorized and empowered to draw Bills of Exchange to the amount of a sum not exceeding twenty thousand Dollars, at one or two usances, upon \u201cJohn Adams Esqr. Minister Plenipotentiary  of the United States of America at the court of Great Britain, residing in Grosvenor Square, at the corner between Duke Street and Brook Street,\u201d who will regularly accept and pay the same either at the house of R. & C. Pullen in London or of Wilhem & Jan Willink & Nicholas & Jacob Staphorsts at Amsterdam. Your Bills are however to be always accompanied with a letter of Advice in your own hand writing to Mr. Adams, a duplicate of which you will also send by some other conveyance. With great respect We have the honour to be Sir Your affectionate friends & humble Servants,\nGrosvenor Square London Octr. 6. 1785.\nJohn Adams\nParis Octr. 11. 1785\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0485-0009", "content": "Title: VIII. American Commissioners to William Carmichael, 12 September 1785\nFrom: American Commissioners,Jefferson, Thomas,Adams, John\nTo: Carmichael, William\nSir\nMr. Barclay will deliver you this letter in his way to Morocco.\nWe have appointed him to this negotiation in hopes of obtaining the friendship of that State to our country, and of opening by that means the commerce of the Mediterranean, an object of sufficient importance to induce him to accept of the trust.\nWe recommend him and Colo. Franks who goes with him to your attention and assistance, and we particularly desire you to  interest the court of Spain in his favour if you think it practicable. Your success upon many occasions with the Spanish Ministers, gives us hopes that you may obtain for him, Instructions or Letters to Spanish Consuls or other Gentlemen which may contribute both to the comfort of his travels and the success of his Mission.\nAny Dispatches, for us, which he may convey to you, your own just sense of the importance of them will induce you to transmit to us with all possible care.\nWe are informed of the friendly attention of the court of Madrid to the case of our fellow citizens late in captivity as well as on many other occasions, and if you think it will not be taken amiss, you will oblige us by expressing our grateful sense of it wherever you think proper.\nWith great esteem We have the honour to be Sir Your Most obedt. & Most humble Servts.,\nLondon Septr. 12 1785\nJohn Adams\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0486", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 11 Oct. 1785. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letters of the 8th. He had never begun legal action on Fortin\u2019s claim; use of the vouchers furnished under the name of Joseph would surely have defeated it and prevented him thereafter from any right to the estate, since \u201cnone of the deceasd Fortin\u2019s family who left the Estate were calld Joseph, but \u2026 there is one missing calld Jean Baptiste.\u201d Fortin\u2019s only recourse is to provide new vouchers under that name.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0487", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 11 October 1785]\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Le Havre, 11 Oct. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 13 Oct. 1785 with Limozin\u2019s other letter of this date. Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0488", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from De Thulemeier, 11 October 1785\nFrom: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nThe Hague, 11 Oct. 1785. Informs TJ of his receipt of the Ratification of the treaty by his government; as soon as Congress\u2019 ratification shall come to TJ, he will arrange with him for the proper exchange. Asks to be remembered to Short and is conscious of his obligation to TJ for their acquaintance. \u201cMr. Schort me paro\u00eet aussi distingu\u00e9 par ses connoissances et ses lumi\u00e8res que par sa dext\u00e9rit\u00e9 \u00e0 manier les affaires.\u201d Encloses a letter to be forwarded to Baltimore from a merchant of Silesia.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0491", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res, 12 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Borgnis Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res\n               There are in the prison of St. Pol de leon six or seven citizens of the United states of America, charged with having attempted a contraband of tobacco, but, as they say themselves, forced into that port by stress of weather. I beleive that they are innocent. Their situation is described to me as deplorable as should be that of men proved guilty of the worst of crimes. They are in close jail, allowed three sous a day only, and unable to speak a word of the  language of the country. I hope their distress, which it is my duty to relieve, and the recommendation of Mr. Barclay to address myself to you will apologize for the liberty I take of asking you to advise them what to do for their defence, to engage some good lawyer for them, and to pass to them the pecuniary reliefs necessary. I write to Mr. Lister Asquith the owner of the vessel, that he may draw bills on me from time to time for a livre a day for every person of them, and for what may be necessary to engage a lawyer for him. I will pray the favor of you to furnish him money for his bills drawn on me for these purposes which I will pay on sight. You will judge if he should go beyond this allowance and be so good as to reject the surplus. I must desire his lawyer in the first moment to send me a state of their case, in what court their process is, and when it is likely to be decided. I hope the circumstances of the case will excuse the freedom I take, and I have the honor to be.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0492", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Froull\u00e9, 12 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Froull\u00e9, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\n12me. Octobre 1785.\n[J\u2019accepte] Monsieur, de votre proposition [de donner] \u00e0 Monsieur Ramsay pour [son] histoire de la revolution de la Caroline [du Sud] neuf cents livres paiables un [an] apr\u00e8s l\u2019impression. Je vous envoye [328] pages de l\u2019ouvrage, et j\u2019enverrai [le] reste aussitot que je la recevrai.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec beaucoup de respect, Monsr. votre tres obeissant serviteur,\nTh Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0493", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Froull\u00e9, 12 October 1785\nFrom: Froull\u00e9, Jean Fran\u00e7ois\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\na Paris le 12. 8bre. 1785\nJe sousign\u00e9, Reconnois avoir re\u00e7u de Monsieur de Chefersone, trois cent vingt huite pages d\u2019impression histoire de la Revolution de la Caroline du Sud, par Monsieur Ramsay, en anglois, pour lequel je suis convenu de Payer une somme de neuf cent  Livres un an apres que L\u2019ouvrage aura \u00e9t\u00e9 mis au jour en francois, la suite du dit ouvrage me devant etre fournie par Monsieur de Chefersone.\nFroull\u00e9\nJe remet \u00e0 votre domestique de L\u2019esprit par Helvetius. J\u2019ignore si touts ces oeuvres sont de ce format: Je [sais?] qu\u2019elle Existe En in 8to. 5 vol. Si je puis les trouver je vous les enverez avec les autres demand\u00e9 demain ou vendredy au plus tard.\nII ny a point de Dictionnaire de Beaumard in 12 mais bien en grand in 8to. et petit 8to., 9 vs. chacun. Il n\u2019a point donn\u00e9 celui de chymie, c\u2019est Mr. Macquer qui a fait cet ouvrage. Il y a 4 vol. petit 8to.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-12-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0494", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Ramsay, 12 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ramsay, David\nSir\nParis Oct. 12. 1785.\nThe Mr. Fitzhughs the bearers of this letter being on the point of setting out, I have only time to inform you that after trying many booksellers and receiving a variety of propositions the best offer is of 900 livres for your book, paiable 12 months after the printing of it here shall be completed. The M. de Chastellux thinks it best to accept of this, I shall therefore do it this day. I should have been pleased to have obtained terms somewhat more like reason, but it could not be done. Being only a translation, others have a right to translate also and to sell in competition with the first. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0497", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to G. K. van Hogendorp, 13 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hogendorp, G. K. van\nDear Sir\nParis Oct. 13. 1785.\nHaving been much engaged lately, I have been unable sooner to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Sep. 8. What you are pleased to say on the subject of my Notes is more than they deserve. The condition in which you first saw them would prove to you how hastily they had been originally written; as you may remember  the numerous insertions I had made in them from time to time, when I could find a moment for turning to them from other occupations. I have never yet seen Monsr. de Buffon. He has been in the country all the summer. I sent him a copy of the book, and I have only heard his sentiments on one particular of it, that of the identity of the Mammoth and Elephant. As to this he retains his opinion that they are the same.\u2014If you had formed any considerable expectations from our Revised code of laws you will be much disappointed. It contains not more than three or four laws which could strike the attention of a foreigner. Had it been a digest of all our laws, it would not have been comprehensible or instructive but to a native. But it is still less so, as it digests only the British statutes and our own acts of assembly, which are but a supplementory part of our law. The great basis of it is anterior to the date of the Magna charta, which is the oldest statute extant. The only merit of this work is that it may remove from our book shelves about twenty folio volumes of statutes, retaining all the parts of them which either their own merit or the established system of laws required.\nYou ask me what are those operations of the British nation which are likely to befriend us, and how they will produce this effect? The British government, as you may naturally suppose, have it much at heart to reconcile their nation to the loss of America. This is essential to the repose, perhaps even to the safety of the king and his ministers. The most effectual engines for this purpose are the public papers. You know well that that government always kept a kind of standing army of newswriters who without any regard to truth, or to what should be like truth, invented and put into the papers whatever might serve the minister. This suffices with the mass of the people who have no means of distinguishing the false from the true paragraphs of a newspaper. When forced to acknolege our independance they were forced to redouble their efforts to keep the nation quiet. Instead of a few of the papers formerly engaged, they now engaged every one. No paper therefore comes out without a dose of paragraphs against America. These are calculated for a secondary purpose also, that of preventing the emigrations of their people to America. They dwell very much on American bankruptcies. To explain these would require a long detail, but would shew you that nine tenths of these bankruptcies are truly English bankruptcies in no wise chargeable on America. However they have produced effects the most desireable  of all others for us. They have destroyed our credit, and thus checked our disposition to luxury; and forcing our merchants to buy no more than they have ready money to pay for, they force them to go to those markets where that ready money will buy most. Thus you see they check our luxury, they force us to connect ourselves with all the world, and they prevent foreign emigrations to our country all of which I consider as advantageous to us. They are doing us another good turn. They attempt without disguise to possess themselves of the carriage of our produce, and to prohibit our own vessels from participating of it. This has raised a general indignation in America. The states see however that their constitutions have provided no means of counteracting it. They are therefore beginning to vest Congress with the absolute power of regulating their commerce, only reserving all revenue arising from it to the state in which it is levied. This will consolidate our federal building very much, and for this we shall be indebted to the British.\nYou ask what I think on the expediency of encouraging our states to be commercial? Were I to indulge my own theory, I should wish them to practice neither commerce nor navigation, but to stand with respect to Europe precisely on the footing of China. We should thus avoid wars, and all our citizens would be husbandmen. Whenever indeed our numbers should so increase as that our produce would overstock the markets of those nations who should come to seek it, the farmers must either employ the surplus of their time in manufactures, or the surplus of our hands must be employed in manufactures, or in navigation. But that day would, I think be distant, and we should long keep our workmen in Europe, while Europe should be drawing rough materials and even subsistence from America. But this is theory only, and a theory which the servants of America are not at liberty to follow. Our people have a decided taste for navigation and commerce. They take this from their mother country: and their servants are in duty bound to calculate all their measures on this datum: we wish to do it by throwing open all the doors of commerce and knocking off it\u2019s shackles. But as this cannot be done for others, unless they will do it to us, and there is no great probability that Europe will do this, I suppose we shall be obliged to adopt a system which may shackle them in our ports as they do us in theirs.\nWith respect to the sale of our lands, that cannot begin till a considerable portion shall have been surveyed. They cannot begin  to survey till the fall of the leaf of this year, nor to sell probably till the ensuing spring. So that it will be yet a twelvemonth before we shall be able to judge of the efficacy of our land office to sink our national debt. It is made a fundamental that the proceeds shall be solely and sacredly applied as a sinking fund to discharge the capital only of the debt.\nIt is true that the tobaccos of Virginia go almost entirely to England. The reason is that they owe a great debt there which they are paying as fast as they can. I think I have now answered your several queries, and shall be happy to receive your reflections on the same subjects, and at all times to hear of your welfare and to give you assurances of the esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0499", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, Jr., 15 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Banister, John, Jr.\nDear Sir\nParis Oct. 15. 1785.\nI should sooner have answered the paragraph in your favor of Sep. 19. respecting the best seminary for the education of youth in Europe, but that it was necessary for me to make enquiries on the subject. The result of these has been to consider the competition as resting between Geneva and Rome. They are equally cheap, and probably are equal in the course of education pursued. The advantage of Geneva is that students acquire there the habits of speaking French. The advantages of Rome are the acquiring a local knowlege of a spot so classical and so celebrated; the acquiring the true pronuntiation of the Latin language; the acquiring a just taste in the fine arts, more particularly those of painting, sculpture, Architecture, and Music; a familiarity with those objects and processes of agriculture which experience has shewn best adapted to a climate like ours; and lastly the advantage of a fine  climate for health. It is probable too that by being boarded in a French family the habit of speaking that language may be obtained. I do not count on any advantage to be derived in Geneva from a familiar acquaintance with the principles of it\u2019s government. The late revolution has rendered it a tyrannical aristocracy more likely to give ill than good ideas to an American. I think the balance in favor of Rome. Pisa is sometimes spoken of as a place of education. But it does not offer the 1st. and 3d. of the advantages of Rome. But why send an American youth to Europe for education? What are the objects of an useful American education? Classical knowlege, modern languages and chiefly French, Spanish, and Italian; Mathematics; Natural philosophy; Natural History; Civil History; Ethics. In Natural philosophy I mean to include Chemistry and Agriculture, and in Natural history to include Botany as well as the other branches of those departments. It is true that the habit of speaking the modern languages cannot be so well acquired in America, but every other article can be as well acquired at William and Mary College as at any place in Europe. When College education is done with and a young man is to prepare himself for public life, he must cast his eyes (for America) either on Law or Physic. For the former where can he apply so advantageously as to Mr. Wythe? For the latter he must come to Europe; the medical class of students therefore is the only one which need come to Europe. Let us view the disadvantages of sending a youth to Europe. To enumerate them all would require a volume. I will select a few. If he goes to England he learns drinking, horse-racing and boxing. These are the peculiarities of English education. The following circumstances are common to education in that and the other countries of Europe. He acquires a fondness for European luxury and dissipation and a contempt for the simplicity of his own country; he is fascinated with the privileges of the European aristocrats, and sees with abhorrence the lovely equality which the poor enjoys with the rich in his own country: he contracts a partiality for aristocracy or monarchy; he forms foreign friendships which will never be useful to him, and loses the season of life for forming in his own country those friendships which of all others are the most faithful and permanent: he is led by the strongest of all the human passions into a spirit for female intrigue destructive of his own and others happiness, or a passion for whores destructive of his health, and in both cases learns to consider fidelity to the marriage bed as an ungentlemanly practice and inconsistent with happiness: he recollects the voluptuary dress and arts of the European women  and pities and despises the chaste affections and simplicity of those of his own country; he retains thro\u2019 life a fond recollection and a hankering after those places which were the scenes of his first pleasures and of his first connections; he returns to his own country, a foreigner, unacquainted with the practices of domestic \u0153conomy necessary to preserve him from ruin; speaking and writing his native tongue as a foreigner, and therefore unqualified to obtain those distinctions which eloquence of the pen and tongue ensures in a free country; for I would observe to you that what is called style in writing or speaking is formed very early in life while the imagination is warm, and impressions are permanent. I am of opinion that there never was an instance of a man\u2019s writing or speaking his native tongue with elegance who passed from 15. to 20. years of age out of the country where it was spoken. Thus no instance exists of a person writing two languages perfectly. That will always appear to be his native language which was most familiar to him in his youth. It appears to me then that an American coming to Europe for education loses in his knowlege, in his morals, in his health, in his habits, and in his happiness. I had entertained only doubts on this head before I came to Europe: what I see and hear since I come here proves more than I had even suspected. Cast your eye over America: who are the men of most learning, of most eloquence, most beloved by their country and most trusted and promoted by them? They are those who have been educated among them, and whose manners, morals and habits are perfectly homogeneous with those of the country.\u2014Did you expect by so short a question to draw such a sermon on yourself? I dare say you did not. But the consequences of foreign education are alarming to me as an American. I sin therefore through zeal whenever I enter on the subject. You are sufficiently American to pardon me for it. Let me hear of your health and be assured of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0500", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 16 October 1785\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMost Honored Sir\nHavre de Grace 16th. october 1785\nYou will find here annexed three Bills of Lading for the Box and three Trunks of Books you have sent me for Virginia, and  which I have shipp\u2019d on board the Eolus Le Paon Master. That Ship is saild this Morning and as she is consignd in Portsmouth to Mr. Thoms. Brown, I have desird him to forward these Books as directed by the bills of Lading. I have the Honor to be with the highest regard your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient & very Humble Servant,\nAndre Limozin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0501", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to De Thulemeier, 16 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Thulemeier, Friederich Wilhelm, Baron von\nSir\nParis Octob. 16. 1785.\nI am to acknolege the receipt of the letter of the 11th. inst. with which you have honored me, and wherein you are pleased to inform me of the ratification by his Prussian majesty of the treaty of Amity and Commerce between him and the United States of America. On our part the earliest opportunity was embraced of forwarding it to Congress. It goes by a vessel sailing about this time from Havre. I shall with great pleasure communicate to you it\u2019s ratification by Congress in the first moment in which it shall become known to me, and concur in the measures necessary for exchanging the ratifications.\nI shall take the greatest care to forward the letter you are pleased to enclose for Baltimore according to it\u2019s address.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect & esteem Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0503", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 17 October 1785\nFrom: Currie, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond. Octr. 17th. 1785.\nTho I have nothing to write which can either amuse or instruct, yet I cannot let slip this Opportunity of doing myself the honor to trouble your Excellency with a few lines by my friend Captn. Lewis Little Page with whom I had the pleasure to become lately acquainted and who I confess has both pleased and instructed me. His na\u2019al [natural] Genius, and Career hitherto both Political and military you very probably may have become acquainted with. If I am not exceedingly mistaken the Impressions he must make wherever he goes must be in his favor and from sundry European letters, wrote by very Elevated and Respectable Characters from thence in his favor to the Sovereigns, the Congress of this his native Country, in the strongest terms of praise and the highest recommendation of him to their particular attention, I am fully convinced he is amply deserving of them, and has Genius and talents which when fully matured, and properly applied cannot fail one day or other to render him an Ornament to Society, and a most valuable Accquisition to this or any other Country where his Starrs may lead him. Well knowing your respect for merit wherever (or in whomever) found and Patronage for Genius; as a young gentleman possessed of both in a very considerable degree I take the liberty to recommend him to your Excellencys particular attention, which I am conscious you will (from my knowledge of you) have particular pleasure in rendring; after becoming accquainted with the qualities of his head and heart. Here I\u2019ll stop this Subject.\nMy Last letter which was confided to the care of Mr. Neil Jameison of New York, was to be sent by the June Packet, which I hope you have received. I wrote Mr. Short by same Opportunity. I therein mentioned my having received the Phosphoretick Matches, the Balloon treatise and the Animal Magnetism &c. &c. by Coll. Le Maire who by the by I have seldom seen. Mr. Eppes has shown  him many Civilities to my knowledge. I desired, as my particular friend you Would send me the Encyclopedia, if you thought proper, tho Came in the French language. It might divert my mind from play which has hitherto been my Bane and which I have altogether left off except Chess, wishing to accquire some knowledge in that in Expectation of having the pleasure of one day or other seeing you here and being further instructed by you in it. Short, I suppose by this time is become such an adept as not to make one false move in this Science. I mentioned in my last our having had a religious convention of which a Lawyer and Layman, I believe, was the prime Mover. The Other Religionists are damned ma[d?] at the Establishment and Anathematise the Assembly, and their Elect which they attempt to prove are not those of God. I don\u2019t care who preach or pray. Blairs Sermons I have read with pleasure and profit I hope [\u2026] as to [\u2026]. I am once more, warned to be on my guard.\nThe Situation of our Capitol is a contracted one as I before mentioned.\nThe Congress seldom reaches our Ears. The General Court is now sitting here and the Gentlemen of the law increase very fast at its Barr. John Mercer Esqr.\u2014this is his 2d. Court there. I expect Munroe and Hardy soon &c. &c. The Votaries are numerous, but I believe 3 or 4 of them receive and have appetites sufficient to devour all the Loaves and Fishes. I cant help thinking we have too much Litigation and Law Suits here, to become a flourishing people till some Change in that and many other respects, takes place. We are fast Verging to Individual and Universal Bankruptcy. As a Commercial people, our Exports bear no proportion to our imports. Our Taxes are heavy, our Extravagance Unequalled in so young a Country. E.G. at Fredericksburg t\u2019other day 40 new (and Elegant) Chariots appeard on the Turf in addition to what served them last year, on the same or similar Occasion. Every thing is in proportion. We astonish strangers and all Our Own natives who have been absent some time and just returned from Europe. Some Intelligence communicated by you in a letter to Our Executive, regarding Sir R. Herries\u2019s contract with the Farmers General of France made its appearance in Our publick papers t\u2019other day with what degree of policy, delicacy or Prudence I leave you to judge. The General Assembly have met to day. Not enough to make a house. The late Governor Harrison was nonelect in Chas. City last Election of Delegates there, but went over to Surry,  where he found Means to be Elected. It is expected his election will be Canvassed, and disputed by Mr. Tyler (the present Speaker of the house) as Illegal. Each have their Partizans and are Candidates for the Chair and have already had a good deal of Bickering which has impressed me with the Idea, Emolument is as much their Object as Patriotism or the honor of the place. Perhaps I am mistaken. McClurg is a Councillor here. Indolent as a Physician, Often in at the Death on account of his being so often called when the last offices of humanity are only wanting to close the Scene, his talents are great, and in that line have met with too little patronage from his Countrymen hitherto. I hope the Scales will fall from their Eyes before old age unfitts him for business\u2014for his family\u2019s sake I sincerely wish it.\nYour friend Mr. Maddison has been spoke of by some for the Chair of the House of Delegates.\nWe have had a very dry Summer, short Crops both of Corn and Tobacco, Wheat tolerably good, no demand hardly for this last; Tobacco fallen and falling\u20141 guinea here to day. At Petersburg 26/ sh. \u214c Ct. The Corn is not more than sufficient for our own consumption. Heavy taxes, Extravagance, and dissipation; direfull prospects. The Assembly speak of Striking paper money. Whether sound policy directs the measure (if it takes place) or Sympathy for peculiar situations and circumstances directs the measure I know not nor pretend to say, but One thing is certain, it will certainly continue the delusion we are under in regard to our own Finances, and procrastinate the period when we ought and from dire necessity must live in every respect more conformable to our Situation as an infant Republick.\nHave you seen or read Lord Sheffield\u2019s Pamphlett upon the Commerce of Great B. and America before, during and since the war; their Connexion and relation to one another as Commercial Countries, and with others in Europe. He seems to have been well informed upon the Subjects of which he writes and accounts to me very plainly what are the Efficient causes of Sir. R. Herries\u2019s Tobacco Contract with the Farmers General of France &c. &c. and as we manage matters here, has it more in his power perhaps to fullfill it than any man we can oppose him with as a Candidate or a competitor with him, on equal terms, in that business. Pardon (if you please Sir) this crude congestion of Ideas and Expressions as here wrote down; my entire Confidence in your lenity to my Ignorance in political matters and the politeness and friendship  I have invariably experienced at your hand, have led me on to be thus prolix tho desultory. Here I\u2019ll drop the matter.\nIn regard to myself the less I say perhaps the better. Having recovered from a dangerous illness last year I began the Old Routine of medical drudgery, only contracting my distant rides to shorter spaces. I have fallen into the rage for building houses, which has prevailed here. Among other houses of wood, I have built one of Brick, with 26 apartments, including Kitchen and Cellar under one roof, from which I expect to reap some profit. It is intended for a large Inn or Tavern; your friend Mr. D. Ross and myself have lately purchased \u2154ds. of the late Mr. DuVals Coal Pitts, North and South of Jas. River, and intend to begin to Work them the ensuing Xmas; if found to answer Our Expectations upon trial will continue to work them to some Extent. I now begin to wish, we Would burn our Own Coal in preference to that Imported and use our Own Iron Work, and manufactures of every kind, that our Situation allows us to make, in preference to that for which we are obliged to pay foreigners for, who send the Circulating medium to other Countries. Interest and Policy go hand and hand in this, with I must Confess\u2014enough of this.\nYour friends at Eppington and elsewhere in this country are all well as far as I know. I hope and very sincerely wish your Own health and Spirits have returned to you and that ere long, unless your interest and inclination forbid it, to have the pleasure to see you in this Country. Be that as it will or may I beg to have the honor of a letter from you as often as agreeable to yourself. It will always give me much pleasure to hear from you and of your wellfare. I hope [the t]erms of seeming freedom which runs thro this letter from a man in so obscure life as I am to a Character in so a deservedly elevated situation as your Excellency now stands, will be taken in good part and as it is really meant, being wrote in the openess and unreservedness of my heart as from one friend to another, forgetting the Dissimilarity of our stations &c. &c. in life altogether. Buchanan or Hay will write you by this Opportunity. D. Ross spoke of it, but is now up the Country. I beg leave to conclude this epistle with tenders of my best Respects to Miss Jefferson, and friendly regards to Mr. Short (to whom I intend writing a few lines) and with assurances to you Sir that it will ever afford me real pleasure to render you any Service in my power or attend to the smallest of your commands here or elsewhere; and that  nothing which concerns you in any respect whatever is to me a matter of indifference.\nI have the honor to Subscribe myself Your Excellency\u2019s most devoted and Obdt. H. Serv.,\nJames Currie\nP.S. Since writing the within, I recollect the publication in our paper was extracted from that of Maryland and did not originate here; therefore it is not a child of ours (I mean communication of Sir R. Herries\u2019s Tobacco Contract) and was further informed yesterday at Petersburg that Mssrs. Morris and Alexander have obtained it and Sir R. H.\u2019s proposals were not accepted. Mr. Ross is now with me and intends doing himself the honor of writing your Excellency by this opportunity.\nJ Currie", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0506", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Borgnis Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res, [18? October 1785]\nFrom: Borgnis Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[18? Oct. 1785.] They acknowledge TJ\u2019s letter of 12 Oct. and will be happy to serve him. His letter has been forwarded to J. Diot & Cie. at Morlaix, who live not far from St. Pol de L\u00e9on. Desbordes have asked Diot & Cie. to inform themselves completely of the situation of Lister Asquith and the other prisoners \u201cpour les d\u00e9ffandre avec tout Le zele possible\u201d and to give Asquith TJ\u2019s letter and all the help he had prescribed. Diot & Cie. will keep TJ informed and advise him. Desbordes ask TJ to communicate the next time in French.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0507", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Buchanan and William Hay, 18 October 1785\nFrom: Buchanan, James,Hay, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond October 18th. 1785\nYour favour of the 15th. June came duely to hand, and we return you our warmest acknowledgements for undertaking in so obliging a manner to aid the Directors of the public buildings in procuring plans and estimates.\nYour ideas upon the subject are perfectly corresponding to those of the Directors, respecting the stile and Ornaments proper for such a work, and we trust the plans will be designed in conformity thereto. We are sorry we did not sollicit your aid in the business at an earlier day, for, from the anxiety of the Public to have the work begun, we have been obliged to carry it on so far, that we may be embarrassed when we are favoured with a more perfect plan from you. As we expect to hear from you, and perhaps receive the plans before this can reach you, we deem it proper to inform you what has been done, that you may judge how far we shall be able to adopt the plan you transmit us. The foundation of the Capitol is laid, of the following demensions, 148 by 118 feet, in which are about 400M bricks; the Center of the building of 75 by 35 to be lighted from above, is designed for the Delegates; the rest is divided in such a manner as to answer every purpose directed by the Assembly; the foundation of the four porticos are not laid, tho\u2019 the end and side walls are contrived to receive them. The present plan differs from the One transmitted you, only in the arrangement, and we hope we shall be able to avail ourselves of your assistance without incurring much expence. As we are fully satisfied no expence unnecessarily will be imposed through you, we will chearfully answer your draught for the amount. We have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your most Obedt. Servants,\nJames Buchanan\nWm. Hay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0509", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Madame d\u2019Houdetot, 18 October 1785\nFrom: d\u2019Houdetot, Madame\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSanoy [Sannois] 18th. Octre. 1785\nI am Greatly Indebted to you for Your Polite attention in Sending me so early the News of our Dear and Venerable Doctor\u2019s happy and safe arrival in his own country. He is become Respectable To all Nations and Peculiarly dear to his own, as well as To his Numerous Friends and acquaintances. You have Reliev\u2019d me from a Great Load of uneasiness, and afforded me at the Same Time a most heartfelt Joy. Your Elegant account of the Reception he has meet with at Phia. has Moved me unto Tears.\nAntiquity Itself do not afford a more pleasing Spectacle. This happy event seems to Justify a Super Intending Providence, which hath Crowned Virtue with a most Valuable Reward. As long as I live I shall unite the homage I owe this Great man, To that of the Two Continents. His Knowledge has been Immensely usefull To  both, and his Virtue Singularly so To his own. We are Now Waiting for another Spectacle, which will not be less Interesting. I Mean the Meeting of the Doctor with Your Great and Immortal Washington. May those Two Great Men, the admiration of Future Ages, the Pride of our own, contribute To Crown that Work, To the completion of which they have so much Contributed; may they have Wisdom and Influence Enough to Prop and Consolidate your New Legislations and Permanently Establish the Seeds of that union without which Your States can be neither happy nor Lasting.\nYou\u2019ll Easily Forgive me those Sentiments when You Reflect on the Peculiar Esteem and admiration I have for those Two Great Men, on my Particular and unfeign\u2019d Love for Doctor Franklin, on my Sincere attachement for the American Nation, become so Interesting in our days.\nAccept the Respect & Esteem where with I subscribe myself Sir Your Very Humble Servt.,\nSophie de Lalive Ctese d\u2019Houdetot\nWhen will you Come to Sanoy again. I shall Expect you the first fair day with Col. Humphreys.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0511", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 19 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nLondon October 19 1785\nMr. Fox a young gentleman from Philadelphia who came recommended by Dr. Rush to Mr. Adams, will have the Honour of delivering you this Letter. We requested him to call upon Mr. Stockdale for your papers &c.\nMr. Adams is unwell, and will not be able to write you by this opportunity. I am to acquaint you sir that Dr. Price has transacted the business respecting Mr. Hudon. The Money is paid, but the policy is not quite ready but the Doctor has promised that it shall be sent in a few days, when it will be forwarded to you.\nIn your English papers you will find an extract of a Letter from Nova Scotia, representing the abuse said to be received by a Captain Stanhope at Boston, the commander of the Mercury. The account is as false\u2014if it was not too rough a term for a Lady to use, I would say false as Hell, but I will substitute, one not less expresive and say, false as the English.\nThe real fact is this. One Jesse Dumbar, a native of Massachusetts, and an inhabitant of a Town near Boston and one Isaac Lorthrope were during the War taken prisoners and from one ship to an other were finally turnd over to this Captain Stanhope, commander of the Mercury, who abused him and the rest of the prisoners, frequently whiping them and calling them Rebels. The ship going to Antigua to refit, he put all the prisoners into Jail and orderd poor Jesse a dozen lashes for refusing duty on Board his ship. This Mr. Dumbar felt as an indignity and contrary to the Law of Nations. Peace soon taking place Jesse returnd Home, but when Stanhope came to Boston, it quickened Jesses remembrance and he with his fellow sufferer went to Boston and according to his deposition, hearing that Captain Stanhope was walking in the Mall, he went theither at noon day and going up to the Captain asked him if he knew him, and rememberd whiping him on Board his ship. Having no weapon in his hand, he struck at him with his fist, upon which Captain Stanhope stept back and drew his sword. The people immediately interposed and gaurded Stanhope to Mr.  Mortens door, Dumbar and his comrade following him, and at Mr. Mortens door he again attempted to seize him, but then the high sheriff interposed and prevented further mischief, after which they all went to their several homes. This Mr. Stanhope calls assassination and complains that the News papers abuse him. He wrote a Letter to the Govenour demanding protection. The Govenour replied by telling him that if he had been injured the Law was open to him and would redress him upon which he wrote a very impudent abusive Letter to Mr. Bowdoin, so much so that Mr. Bowdoin thought proper to lay the whole correspondence before Congress, and Congress past some resolves in consequence and have transmitted them with copies of the Letters to be laid before Mr. Stanhopes master.\nDumbars Deposition was comunicated in a private Letter by Mr. Bowdoin himself to Mr. Adams, so that no publick use can be made of it, but the Govenour was sensible that without it the Truth would not be known.\nIs Col. Smith in Paris? Or have we lost him? Or is he so mortified at the king of Prussias refusing him admittance to his Reviews, that he cannot shew himself here again? This is an other English Truth, which they are industriously Circulating. I have had, however, the pleasure of contradicting the story in the most positive terms, as Col. Smith had enclosed us the copy of his own Letter and the answer of his Majesty, which was written with his own hand. How mean and contemptable does this Nation render itself?\nCol. Franks I hope had the good fortune to carry your things safely to you, and that they will prove so agreeable as to induce you to honour again with your commands Your Friend & Humble Servant,\nAbigail Adams\nCompliments to the Gentlemen of your family and love to Miss Jefferson. Mr. Rutledge has refused going to Holland. I fancy foreign embassies upon the present terms are no very tempting objects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0512", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 20 October 1785\nFrom: Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAmsterdam 20 October 1785\nWe are honored by Your Excellency\u2019s ever respected Favor of 12 Instant, obliging us much by your useful Information and your Readiness to serve us. We request Your Excellency to be assured We entertain a high Sense of Your Condesendsion, And shall ever esteem ourselves happy to evince it all in our Power.\nHis Excellency John Adams Esqr. has already transmitted to Messrs. W. & J. Willink and ourselves, an attested Copy of the Resolve of Congress of 15 February last, appropriating a Sum not exceeding Eighty Thousand Dollars out of the Loans borrowed in Holland or from any other Monies belonging to the United States, to the Disposal of the Ministers of the United States in Europe, vested with Powers to form Treaties with the Barbary States; In consequence of which We hold said Amount subject to the Orders of His Excellency John Adams Esqr. Which we are pleased to find is conformable to Your Excellency\u2019s desire, And we beg leave to congratulate You sincerely on the Prospect of an Arrangement essentially necessary to the Prosperity of the Commerce of America, to which we are unalterably attached.\nThe Assignees of the Estate of Messrs. De la Lande and Fynje have closed with Mr. Daniel Parker, for his Assumption of the remaining Property in America of Geyer, De la Lande and Fynje, payable by a Security in Funds of the United States denominated the Liquidated Debt, The Nature of which may be learned by the Resolve of Congress of 27 April 1784 Upon Resumption of the Consideration of the Report of the Grand Committee appointed to prepare and report to Congress, the Arrears of Interest on the National Debt, together with the Expences of the Year 1784, from the First to the last day thereof inclusive, And a Requisition of Money on the States for discharging the same; We entreat Your Excellency\u2019s Reference to the above Resolve and Consequent Opinion upon that species of Debts of the United States denominated therein the Liquidated Debt, Which will be an additional Favor conferred on those, Who have the Honor to be with utmost Respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedient and very humble Servants,\nNic: & Jacob van Staphorst", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0513", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Vergennes, 21 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nSir\nParis Oct. 21. 1785.\nI have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency a report of the voiage of an American ship, the first which has gone to China. The circumstance which induces Congress to direct this communication is the very friendly conduct of the Consul of his Majesty at Macao, and of the Commanders and other officers of the French vessels in those seas. It has been with singular satisfaction that Congress have seen these added to the many other proofs of the cordiality of this nation towards our citizens. It is the more pleasing when it appears in the officers of government because it is then viewed as an emanation of the spirit of the government. It would be an additional gratification to Congress, in this particular instance, should any occasion arise of notifying those officers that their conduct has been justly represented to your Excellency on the part of the United States, and has met your approbation. Nothing will be wanting on our part to foster corresponding dispositions in our citizens, and we hope that proofs of their actual existence have appeared and will appear whenever occasion shall offer. A sincere affection between the two people is the broadest basis on which their peace can be built.\nIt will always be among the most pleasing functions of my office when I am made the channel of communicating the friendly sentiments of the two governments. It is additionally so as it gives me an opportunity of assuring your Excellency of the high respect and esteem with which I have the honour to be your Excellency\u2019s most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0514", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to D\u2019Aranda, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Aranda, Pedro Pablo Ab\u00e1rca y Bol\u00e9a, Count\nSir\nParis October 22. 1785.\nThe friendly dispositions which the court of Madrid have been pleased to shew towards us in our affairs relative to the Barbary powers induce me to trouble you with an application on that subject. We are about sending persons to Marocco and Algiers to form arrangements with those powers. They will go by the way of Madrid. I ask the favour of your Excellency\u2019s passports for them. It would increase their value much if they could protect those persons from having their baggage searched. The one going to Marocco takes with him about a thousand guineas worth of watches, rings, and other things of that nature: he who goes to Algiers takes about a fourth of that value. I pledge myself that these, with their necessary clothes will constitute the whole of their baggage, and that these are neither to be sold nor left in Spain. The duties to which these things would be subject are of no consideration with us. It is to avoid the delays, the difficulties and even the losses which may accrue from the examination of small and precious things on the road. Two separate passports will be acceptable; the one for Thomas Barclay and David S. Franks and their servants, the other for John Lamb andRandall and their servants. We propose to keep these transactions as much as we can from the eyes of the public. I have the honour to be with the highest respect and esteem Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0515", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from D\u2019Aranda, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Aranda, Pedro Pablo Ab\u00e1rca y Bol\u00e9a, Count\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nParis ce 22 Octre. 1785\nA la Lettre que vous m\u2019av\u00e8z fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire en datte d\u2019aujourd\u2019huy, j\u2019ai celui de vous dire en r\u00e9ponse; que quoique je puisse donner de Passeports pour l\u2019interieur de l\u2019Espagne aux personnes indiqu\u00e9es dans votre Lettre, je n\u2019ai cependant pas la facult\u00e9 de leur en donner pour empecher la visite des \u00e8ffets dont elles en seroient Charg\u00e9es, qu\u2019\u00e0 coup sur seroient visit\u00e9es malgre mon Passeport dans les frontieres d\u2019Espagne. Je suis d\u2019avis, que vous Monsieur \u00e9criviez en droiture au representant des Etats Unis \u00e0 Madrid \u00e0 fin qu\u2019il demande \u00e0 ma Cour les Passeports dont il est question; soy\u00e8z en bien assur\u00e9, que v\u00fb le motif elle ne les refusera pas, de m\u00eame que tout ce qui peut \u00e9tre agreable aux Etats Unies. Je suis re\u00e8llement pein\u00e9 de ne pas me trouver \u00e0 m\u00eame de vous etre utile en cette occasion. Je saisirai avec empressement toutes celles qui se presenteront pour vous temoigner la parfaite Consideration avec la qu\u2019elle j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019Etre Monsieur Votre tres hue. et tr\u00e8s obeist. serviteur,\nLe Comte d\u2019Aranda", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0516", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Ferdinand Grand, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Grand, Ferdinand\nSir\nParis Oct. 22. 1785.\nYou spoke to me some days ago on the subject of the bills which Mr. Barclay might have occasion to draw on Mr. Adams. I informed you they were good and would assuredly be paid. I ought to have added that a Mr. Lambe would have bills to negociate on Mr. Adams which would be drawn in the name of a Mr. Randall. These will be equally good, the whole being for the service of the United states in a matter referred to the direction of Mr. Adams and myself. I mention it at this moment because I beleive Mr. Lambe has occasion to-day to negotiate a bill of this kind of three or four hundred guineas, which I advised him to offer to you. I have the honour to be with much esteem Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0517", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 22 October 1785\nFrom: Ross, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRichmond 22 Octb. 1785\nI Expect this letter will be delivered to You by Capt. Lewis Littlepage who has been here for some time on a visit to his friends. As You are not a stranger to this Young Gentleman\u2019s character and extraordinary talents it would be superflous in me to say any thing in his favour. This Country at present furnishes nothing remarkable or very interesting to strangers but to you perhaps more trivial Circumstances may not be unacceptable. After the Peace the large importations of Merchandize and the advanced prices in ready Money for our produce Created a Considerable bustle and gave an appearance of business to our several Towns on Navigations. Rents rose exceedingly which encouraged building and this place as well as many others are exceedingly increased.\nAt present the price of our Staple is reduced to 25/. Money much scarce and a Considerable difficulty apprehended in paying Public and private debts this Year.\nOur Assembly are now met tho\u2019 not a sufficient number to make House. It is expected by some there will be a large Emission of paper money in order to pay off our Domestic Creditors and thereby stop the interest. This scheme will no doubt meet with considerable opposition. It seems to be the design of the Present members to repeal the Law passed last session for Circuit Courts. I suppose you have heard that the Kentuckey Country are about to seperate from us and form them selves into an independent State. Messrs. George Mutter and Harry Innes are just arrived from that Country as Commissioners to treat upon that business. Some parts of North Carolina have also formed themselves into a New State but they are not recognized by Congress nor have they obtain\u2019d the Permission of the Parent State. The Kentuckey people have hitherto Conducted their measures with great Moderation and respect. The long talkt of and much wisht for improvement of the Navigation of James River and Powtmk. is actually begun under the Auspices of Genl. Washington.\nCommissioners have viewd James River from Lynch\u2019s ferry upwards and in the dry weather this summer they went up with two large Canoes through the great mountain Falls to Fort Young about 120 Miles from Lynch\u2019s ferry. They say the Navigation through the Mountain will be at a small expence made as good as  the Seven Islands or Goolsby\u2019s falls, and from the mountain up to Fort Young the Navigation is good. They found the distance from Fort Young to the Navigable part of Green Briar 26 miles. Their intention was to explore that river to the Great Canaway and from thence to the Rapids but the Indians having done some mischief about that time they could not procure proper hands and Canoes and Can only report from the information of others that the navigation down to the Falls of the Canaway is pretty good. Commissioners are appointed to make a similar survey of Powtmk. River but they have not yet proceeded on the business. \u2019Tis also in Contemplation to make a navigable Cut from Nansamund river through the dismal swamp to a place Call\u2019d the plank bridge on a branch of Perquimans. These great improvements of such Public Utility must give You real satisfaction and I fondly hope we shall soon lay the foundation for establishing some usefull Manufactures. Whilst we continue to export the Raw produce of our soil and import almost every thing we use, we must be poor and dependent. I am sure you have many anxious thoughts for the prosperity of Your Country and I am also sure any hints you may be pleased to give to men of influence here would be attended with happy effects. A few days ago I was Consulted on Sir Robert Herries\u2019s offer of supplying the Farmers General with Tobacco. I have heard his offer was rejected and that Messrs. Morris of Philadelphia and Alexander of this place have either got the Contract or the Agency of their Purchases here. \u2019Tis thought probable they are fixt for the present and that the Agency of those Gentlemen may give satisfaction. Should they not, or should they divide or extend the Agency I have subscribed to some propositions that will Pass through Governor Henry to you. At the same time have little expectations that Men so little known can succede in such business.\nThis last season has been very unfavorable for Corn and Tobacco. There will be a real scarcity of the former. Of the latter, from the vast preparations that were made, there will after all the disasters that have happened to it be enough or too much made for the Consumption. A small black bug little known till the year 82 and 83 has entirely ruined the Crops of Wheat in the Counties south of James River untill You approach the Mountains, and flour for the use of Private families in the interior Counties is a Considerable article of Commerce at our sea Ports. I hope this troublesome insect  is on the decline. I shall only add that I am with great respect Your Mo ob Servt.,\nDavid Ross", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0518", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 23 October 178[5]\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pauls Prison Oct. 23rd. 1784 [i.e., 1785]\nPlease your Excellency Sir\nI received your kind and exceptionable Letter yesterday by Mr. Diot which gives me great Satisfaction to find he has Orders to assist us when in such great Distress for want of Provisions, which Favors we are not able to express our thanks for. The Circumstances that occurred since our arrival are: On our arrival in the Isle of Bas Roads the Officers came on board and I reported to them the Cargo we had in and immediately went on Shore with a sick man that I expected hourly would die. And hearing one Thos. Martin spoke English and did Business, applyed to him and he went with me to Mr. Picrels, but as he was not at home immediately went with me to the admiralty Office and we protested the real state of our Case and reported to him the Vessel by the Register. But he told me that if she was no more than What the Register was for she would be seized and I having the Bills of Sale of her by me, I told him the Case and reported her by the Bill of Sale and went to the Custom House and reported the Vessel and Cargo. There we received a Clearance and paid him 10 Liv. 7s. for it. The Captain General desired me to go with them on board where they instantly Tore off the Tarpaulins, got the Keys and opened the Hatchways and examined her, got up her anchor and Brought her into the harbor, and set Centinels over us not to let us walk over half the Pier. They sent for a Guager from Morlaix who measured her hold from inside to inside and about one half her Steerage but allowed nothing for her forecastle Cabin Cockpit and above one half her Steerage which contain near one half the Vessel. Took the tobacco out and weighed it 6487 lb. and the Loose Tobacco they put in Casks which they provided for it and put it in their own Stores and 5 Days after sent it with us to Landivisiau and weighed it there when it had lost 84 lb. Left it there and sent us back to St. Pauls Prison. During the time we were at Roscoff the Captain General came almost every night to us to desire us to sign his  Papers which he was writing but as we did not understand French we always refused. We got Mr. Picrel to employ a Lawyer for us at Brest and advanced him 10 Guineas but thinking Mr. Picrel would want more help was going to employ another besides which affronted him so much that he returned us 7 Guineas, discharged his lawyer and sent to him for all the Papers back unknown to us. Keept 3 Guineas he said to pay the Lawyer but Mr. Delsal of Brest informed me that he only paid the Lawyer 11 Liv. 10 and had keept the rest. I wrote to Mr. Floch and the Judge of the Admiralty and implored they would take the Cause in hand and sent the Judge the Register, Bill of Sale, and our protest at the Admiralty Office and to Mr. Floch the Custom House Clearance and am sorry to find Mr. Floch was so ungenerous as not to let you know the State of our Cause. But as I was not able to advance him money, he had not the Humanity to write to you, being obliged to use the 3 Guineas that I keept for him for provision by reason of the small allowance and the Coldness of the Prison we are confined in. Mr. Diot has been here and as his Brother lives at Roscoff he will advance us the Money you are pleased to allow us advance weekley. As the Accounts being so small it will be perhaps Troublesome to Mess. Desbordes so that I shall draw on them once a Month for the sum. The paple on board are 4 Beside the Master and myself, Wm. Thomson born in Salem, William Neely, Carpenter Philadelphia, Robt. Andersen Baltimore, Wm. Fowler passenger Ireland who are all on board. Hope as soon as you hear the State of the Process you will use your utmost exertion to help us as soon as possible and we shall ever remain, Your most obedient & humble Servts.,\nLister Asquith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0519", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 23 October 1785\nFrom: Bowdoin, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nBoston October 23d. 1785.\nProposals having been made by the Marquis de Lafayette for a Commercial Establishment between this Country and France; I beg Leave to recommend to your Excellency\u2019s Patronage and good Offices Mr. Nathl. Barrett, the Gentleman to whose Care the  Merchants here, Confiding in his Integrity and Judgment, have Committed the Negotiation.\nThe Object, the admission of American Oil into France, for their manufactures, is very important, and must if Obtained, prove extensively beneficial.\nMonsr. Sangrain has suggested the Expediency of a Company for this purpose, but the State of Trade, and the usual mode of conducting it here, do not admit of such a plan.\nIt is Mr. Barrett\u2019s design to procure, if practicable, an Extension of the same benefits to individuals, as are offered to a Company.\nIf he succeeds, I apprehend the advantages would, in that case, be as great to the People and Goverment of France, as in the Way proposed.\nAs your attention to this business, and Influence for effecting it, may be of substantial Service to this Commonwealth, and the United States in general, I make no doubt it will give you real pleasure to have an opportunity of Exerting them for so important a purpose.\nI have the honour to be, with Sentiments of the most perfect Esteem Sir, Your Excellency\u2019s Most Obedt. & very humbl. Servt.,\nJames Bowdoin", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0522", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 24 October 1785\nFrom: Pleasants, Thomas, Jr.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nRaleigh the 24th. Oct. 1785\nHaving been favoured with an extract from Your Letter to Governour Henry, in respect to supplying the Farmers-General of France with Tobacco, I have joined my friend Mr. David Ross, and Messrs. Nelson & Co. in an Answer thereto, which will be transmitted to you by the Governour, from which you will observe that in the present situation of the Trade and Circumstances of this Country, that we thought a Contract ineligible, and therefore proposed doing the business upon Commission.\nMessrs. William Alexander & Co. appear here at present as the Agents of the Farmers General. You are acquainted with Mr. Alexander, and perhaps no Stranger to the Circumstances, but who his Connections are, or whether they purchase on Commission, or not, is uncertain.\nYou are also acquainted with Mr. Ross and may perhaps think that his knowledge and Experience in the Commerce of this Country, and general acquaintance with almost every man in it, better qualifies him to Conduct this business to advantage, to introduce the products and Manufactures of France into this Country and to promote a Commercial Intercourse between them, than a Stranger. If so, you will on some Suitable occasion represent the Matters to the Farmers General, and take such Measures therein, as to you may appear proper.\nTobacco is a Most Valuable article of our Commerce, and if properly Managed will be a great Source of Material Wealth. But the advantage will be lost, if the Merchants of another Country engross the Trade. In our present Infant State, it would have been temerity in us to have entered into a Contract for Tobacco. If known the Merchants of G. Britain would have Counteracted it, and from their great Resources and abilities, would in all probability have effected our Ruin. They are endeavouring to secure this branch of our Commerce to themselves. All their measures are  directed to this end, and hitherto every thing has favoured their design. The proposal from Sir Robert Herries to the Farmers General, has I concieve originated with them, and the loss of One hundred thousand pounds would be of Little Consequence to them, when Compared with the great and permanent Advantages that would arise from getting the Tobacco trade into their own hands, which a Contract once obtained, would perhaps forever Secure. Every port of this Country is filled with British Goods and British Factors, which affords every excitement to Luxury and Extravagance, and unless some immediate measures are taken to check the present torrent of dissipation, and Regulate the Trade so as to place the Merchant Citizens, upon a better footing, there will not be in Virginia a Merchant unconnected with G. Britain, or a Single ship owned here, so that the whole advantages of the trade will be lost to this Country\u2014in which Case, as an Independent people, it would better that we had no Commerce at all. But the Legislature will see the Necessity of taking up this Subject, and I hope will prohibit the Importation of many articles, impose heavy duties upon some, and encourage the Manufacture of other articles, particularly all those Necessary for the Internal security, strength, and defence of the State, and give to her Merchants some exclusive rights. In which hope I shall at present drop this Subject, and with sentiments of real Regard Remain Your friend, and Mo Ob. Hble St.,\nThomas Pleasants jr.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0523", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Price, 24 October 1785\nFrom: Price, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNewington Green Oct. 24th. 1785\nDr. Rogers, the bearer of this, is the Son of Dr. Rogers of New York. He has been for some time in this country studying Physick; and he intends, I find, to spend this winter at Paris with a view to farther improvement. I cannot help taking the opportunity which he offers me to convey to you a few lines to acknowledge the receipt of the letter with which I was favoured in August last, and to return you my thanks for it. The account you give of the prevailing Sentiments in the United States with respect to the Negro Slavery, and of the probability of its abolition in all the States except the Carolinas and Georgia, has comforted me much. It  agrees with an account which I have had from Mr. Laurens, who at the same time tells me that in his own State he has the whole country against him. You do me much honour by the wish you express that I would address an exhortation on this Subject to the young persons under preparation for public life in the College of Willm. and Mary at Williamsburgh. But I cannot think of writing again on any political subject. What I have done in this way has been a deviation from the line of my profession to which I was drawn by the American war. Divinity and Morals will probably occupy me entirely during the remainder of a life now pretty far spent. My heart is impressed with a conviction of the importance of the Sentiments I have address\u2019d to the united States; but I must now leave these Sentiments to make their way for themselves, and to be approved or rejected just as events and the judgments of those who may consider them shall determine. It is a very happy circumstance for Virginia that its young men are under the tuition of so wise and virtuous a man as you say Mr. Wythe is. Young men are the hope of every state; and nothing can be of so much consequence to a state as the principles they imbibe and the direction they are under. Able and liberal and virtuous tutors in all the colleges of America would infallibly make it in time such a seat of liberty, peace and science as I wish to see it.\nI find myself very happy in the the conversation and friendship of Mr. Adams. I have lately managed for him the Assurance of Mr. Houdon\u2019s life, but of this he will himself give you an account.\nI see with pain the disagreeable turn which affairs are likely to take between this country and yours. I am grieved for the prejudices by which we are governed. From an opinion of the necessity of maintaining our Navigation laws against America, and that its interest together with the weakness of the federal government will always secure the admission of our exports, we are taking the way to lose the friendship and the trade of a world rapidly increasing and to throw its whole weight into the scale of France. Such is our policy. I have given my opinion of it; but without the hope of being regarded. The United States, however, may be gainers by this policy if it puts them upon strengthening their federal government; and if also it should check their rage for trade, detach them from their slavery to foreign tinsel, and render them more independent by causing them to seek all they want within themselves.\nWe are, at present, much encouraged here by the rapid rise of  our Stocks; and the influx of money occasioned by a turn of exchange in our favour which has hardly been ever known in an equal degree.\nAccept, Sir, of the repetition of my assurances that I am with all the best wishes and particular respect, your obliged and very obedt. and humble Servt.,\nRichd: Price\nDr. Rogers will be made happy by any notice you may take of him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0524", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 25 October 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLondon october 25 1785\nI should not so soon have ventured to interrupt your more important avocations by an other Scrible, having writen you a few Days since, if it was not to inform you of the loss of your Letters by Mr. Preston. He says that when he landed at Dover, he was very sick, and that he could not accompany his trunk to the custom House, into which for Security he had put his Letters. But upon his arrival here he found he had lost them; so that unless your Letter should contain any thing for the English newspapers I fear I shall never know its contents. The gentleman deliverd me a little bundle, by the contents of which I conjecture What you design, but must request you to repeat your orders by the first opportunity, that I may have the pleasure of punctually fulfilling them.\nA Dr. Rogers from America will convey this to you with the Newspapers in which you will see the Letters I mentiond in my last between Governour Bowdoin and Captain Stanhope. Lord George Gordon appears to interest himself in behalf of his American Friends, as he stiles them, but neither his Lordships Friendship or enmity are to be coveted.\nMr. Adams writes you by this opportunity. I have directed a Letter to Mr. Williamos to be left in your care. Am very sorry to hear of his ill state of Health.\nWe hear nothing yet of Col. Smith, know not where he is, as we find by the Gentlemen last arrived that he is not at Paris. I am sir with Sentiments of respect & esteem Your &c,\nAA", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0525", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 25 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nDear Sir\nParis Oct. 25. 1785.\nI did myself the honour of writing to you on the 18th. inst. Since that date it has become probable that Mr. Lamb and Mr. Randall will set out for Madrid before Mr. Barclay will be ready. You will probably see them between the middle and last of November. I took the liberty of solliciting Count d\u2019Aranda for passports for these gentlemen, which might protect their baggage from being searched. At that time I thought they would be necessary for Lamb as well as Mr. Barclay, supposing he would buy some trinkets here. But he does not. Mr. Barclay however will carry a thousand guineas worth to be given in presents at the place of his destination. Things small and precious are liable to loss on being searched on the road. Ct. d\u2019Aranda however could not give passports which would protect from search, but advised me to write to you to try to obtain them from the court. I am therefore to pray you to ask for a passport for Mr. Thomas Barclay and Colo. David S. Franks and their servants, which may prevent their being searched. You may safely assure the minister that these gentlemen take nothing but their necessary baggage and the objects abovementioned, and that none of these will be sold or left in the kingdom. Be pleased to lodge the passport in the post office at Bayonne, directed to Mr. Barclay at Bayonne poste restante. I am with the greatest esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0528", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Wenman Seward, 25 October 1785\nFrom: Seward, William Wenman\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSr.\nLondon 25th. Octr. 1785\nBy direction of an Associated company of Irish Merchants here, who have honour\u2019d me with the Office of their Secretary, I am to congratulate you in their Names, on your appointment to the honourable Station you now hold under the United-states of America, at the Court of France.\nIt is with much concern the Gentlemen, by whose Authority I write, observe a settled determination in Great-Britain to prevent as far as possible that unrestrain\u2019d commercial Intercourse, which they think should, (and would be beneficial to both Countries to have) subsist, between Ireland and America.\nUnited here (tho\u2019 in a private manner) for certain purposes of general advantage to their Native Country, they find by an attention to the proceedings of the Ministry, that notwithstanding the state of the commercial propositions, (so well known) in the Irish House of Commons; the Trade, Rights, and Liberty of that country have been again attack\u2019d, by the tenor of an Act of Parliament passed in the British Parliament, at the close of it\u2019s last Session,  commonly call\u2019d \u201cA Tobacco Bill,\u201d the nature of which they presume you are not wholy unacquainted with.\nDesirous of a correspondence with, and Trading connection between your Country and theirs, they have propos\u2019d establishing a Company on their behalf in Ireland, to receive from America such Comodities as her Merchants may choose to export to that Country, by way of Exchange for such Articles as Ireland affords, in return.\nOn this Head I took the liberty of writeing (by directions as I now do) to Congress about six weeks since: and as we conceive it must be proper to acquaint you also with what has been done, and with the intelligence we receive of what is intended; I am to mention further there is good grounds to assert, that England intends equipping a Fleet, to be station\u2019d along the Western Ocean, to intercept the Vessels (if any) which may be destin\u2019d to Trade from America to Ireland: I speak as to American bottoms only. What pretext may be adopted for this proceeding we can not so well now determine, but many Vessels have been actualy fitted out, for this busieness.\nAnxious how\u2019er, from Public principles, that Ireland and America, should be still connected; (their Interests appearing now to require that connection) We have thought it not improper to suggest to you, how far Ostend might not be made a convenient place of security for conveying the Commerce of the two Countrys to each. And therefore we submit that point to your consideration, should you be of the same opinion with the Gentlemen for whom I write as to the Importance of Trade between your Country and theirs.\nIf such may be the case, they should be happy in receiving your Advice and assistance upon the occasion, and they will communicate such further information as may from time to time be requisite upon the subject. With every Apology for the liberty thus taken permit me both on their account and my own to subscribe myself with great respect Sr. Yr. most obedt. very humble Servt.,\nWm: Wenman Seward Sec. Asso. Ir: Mer:\nP.S. We have been indebted to Mrs. Wright of Cockspur street for the present opportunity of forwarding this. Any Answer or observations you may please to make in return directed to me (74 Haymarket, London) will be received with pleasure.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0531", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 27 October 1785]\nFrom: Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Amsterdam, 27 Oct. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 1 Nov. 1785. Not found.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0534", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 October 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Madison, James\nDear Sir\nFontainebleau Oct. 28. 1785.\nSeven o\u2019clock, and retired to my fireside, I have determined to enter into conversation with you; this is a village of about 5,000 inhabitants when the court is not here and 20,000 when they are, occupying a valley thro\u2019 which runs a brook, and on each side of it a ridge of small mountains most of which are naked rock. The king comes here in the fall always, to hunt. His court attend him, as do also the foreign diplomatic corps. But as this is not indispensably required, and my finances do not admit the expence of a continued residence here, I propose to come occasionally to attend the king\u2019s levees, returning again to Paris, distant 40 miles. This being the first trip, I set out yesterday morning to take a view of the place. For this purpose I shaped my course towards the highest of the mountains in sight, to the top of which was about a league. As soon as I had got clear of the town I fell in with a poor woman walking at the same rate with myself and going the same course. Wishing to know the condition of the labouring poor I entered into conversation with her, which I began by enquiries for the path which would lead me into the mountain: and thence proceeded to enquiries into her vocation, condition and circumstance. She told me she was a day labourer, at 8. sous or 4 d. sterling the day; that she had two children to maintain, and to pay a rent of 30 livres for her house (which would consume the hire of 75 days), that often she could get no emploiment, and of course was without bread. As we had walked together near a mile and she had so far served me as a guide, I gave her, on parting 24 sous. She burst into tears of a gratitude which I could perceive was unfeigned, because she was unable to utter a word. She had probably never before received so great an aid. This little attendrissement, with the solitude of my walk led me into a train of reflections on that unequal division of property which occasions the numberless instances of wretchedness which I had observed in this country and is to be observed all over Europe. The property of this country is absolutely concentered in a very few hands, having revenues of from half a million of guineas a year downwards. These employ the flower of the country as servants, some of them having as many as 200 domestics, not labouring. They employ also a great number of manufacturers, and tradesmen, and lastly the class of labouring husbandmen. But after all these comes the most numerous of all the classes, that is, the  poor who cannot find work. I asked myself what could be the reason that so many should be permitted to beg who are willing to work, in a country where there is a very considerable proportion of uncultivated lands? These lands are kept idle mostly for the sake of game. It should seem then that it must be because of the enormous wealth of the proprietors which places them above attention to the increase of their revenues by permitting these lands to be laboured. I am conscious that an equal division of property is impracticable. But the consequences of this enormous inequality producing so much misery to the bulk of mankind, legislators cannot invent too many devices for subdividing property, only taking care to let their subdivisions go hand in hand with the natural affections of the human mind. The descent of property of every kind therefore to all the children, or to all the brothers and sisters, or other relations in equal degree is a politic measure, and a practicable one. Another means of silently lessening the inequality of property is to exempt all from taxation below a certain point, and to tax the higher portions of property in geometrical progression as they rise. Whenever there is in any country, uncultivated lands and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right. The earth is given as a common stock for man to labour and live on. If, for the encouragement of industry we allow it to be appropriated, we must take care that other employment be furnished to those excluded from the appropriation. If we do not the fundamental right to labour the earth returns to the unemployed. It is too soon yet in our country to say that every man who cannot find employment but who can find uncultivated land, shall be at liberty to cultivate it, paying a moderate rent. But it is not too soon to provide by every possible means that as few as possible shall be without a little portion of land. The small landholders are the most precious part of a state.\u2014The next object which struck my attention in my walk was the deer with which the wood abounded. They were of the kind called \u2018Cerfs\u2019 and are certainly of the same species with ours. They are blackish indeed under the belly, and not white as ours, and they are more of the chesnut red: but these are such small differences as would be sure to happen in two races from the same stock, breeding separately a number of ages.\u2014Their hares are totally different from the animal we call by that name: but their rabbet is almost exactly like him. The only difference is in their manners; the land on which I walked for some time being absolutely reduced to a  honeycomb by their burrowing. I think there is no instance of ours burrowing.\u2014After descending the hill again I saw a man cutting fern. I went to him under the pretence of asking the shortest road to the town, and afterwards asked for what use he was cutting fern. He told me that this part of the country furnished a great deal of fruit to Paris. That when packed in straw it acquired an ill taste, but that dry fern preserved it perfectly without communicating any taste at all. I treasured this observation for the preservation of my apples on my return to my own country. They have no apple here to compare with our Newtown pipping. They have nothing which deserves the name of a peach; there being not sun enough to ripen the plumbpeach and the best of their soft peaches being like our autumn peaches. Their cherries and strawberries are fair, but I think less flavoured. Their plumbs I think are better; so also the gooseberries, and the pears infinitely beyond any thing we possess. They have no grape better than our sweet-water. But they have a succession of as good from very early in the summer till frost. I am tomorrow to go to Mr. Malsherbes (an uncle of the Chevalr. Luzerne\u2019s) about 7. leagues from hence, who is the most curious man in France as to his trees. He is making for me a collection of the vines from which the Burgundy, Champagne, Bourdeaux, Frontignac, and other the most valuable wines of this country are made. Another gentleman is collecting for me the best eating grapes, including what we call the raisin. I propose also to endeavor to colonize their hare, rabbet, red and grey partridge, pheasants of different kinds, and some other birds. But I find that I am wandering beyond the limits of my walk and will therefore bid you Adieu. Yours affectionately,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0535", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Henry Lee, 29 October 1785\nFrom: Lee, Richard Henry\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York October the 29. 1785\nMy ill state of health having compelled me to look for benefit from the medical springs lately discovered in the vicinity of Philadelphia, I there received the letter that you did me the honor to  write me on the 12th. of July. But tho Mr. Houdon arrived there with Dr. Franklin when I was in the city, the former of these gentlemen did not deliver your letter to me but it found me thro the medium of the Post. I have not yet seen Mr. Houdon, nor has he been in any manner before Congress that I know of. He went immediately after his landing to General Washington, from whence I understand that he returned to this City a day or two ago, but I have not yet seen him. Your request, independent of his singular merit, will secure him every civility and service in my power. I think that you have cause, from your statement, to complain of the remissness of your Correspondents. Were I not prevented by the unhappy state of my health, most certainly I should be more attentive to gratify you in a way that certainly must be very agreeable to you, sequestered as you are from your own Country. I think that we have reason to suppose that the requisition of this year (which with the plan for surveying and selling part of the Western lands I have now the honor to enclose you) will produce at least a sufficiency to pay with credit the interest of our foreign debt and to support the expences of the federal government. The unliquidated state of the domestic debt, and the unequal business of the facilities may perhaps obstruct for the present, the payment of the domestic interest. I understand the displeasure of the Commissioners of the Treasury arose from Mr. Grand\u2019s failing to comply with orders given him to pay the interest due to the Crown of France which has created uneasiness and doubt of our punctuality where these would not have existed had Mr. Grand not undertaken to pay himself instead of the Government. However, I suppose that the Commissioners will take care to make good the payments omitted by Mr. Grand to have been made to Government. Vermont remains as it was, and we have heard nothing lately concerning Franklin. The Virginia Assembly are agreed, so far as I know, to indulge Kentucky provided it shall be agreeable to the U. States to receive them into the Confederacy so that they may for every purpose be a part of the general system. A proposition is depending before Congress to declare the sense of the Union against all future dismemberments without the consent of the State to be dismemberd and of the United States. Concerning your idea of packets I have spoken to some Members. The expence alarms, and they seem rather to approve of sending on occasion a Courier in the packets as they now are. But since a plan has lately been adopted for sending the Mails by Stages instead of Post Riders, which will not only quicken communication greatly, but very much increase the Post  Office Revenue, I hope that Packets as well as Cross Posts may e\u2019er long be supported. We have lost poor Hardy who dyed here after some weeks illness. The Surveyors are now at work (under the Ordinance) N. West of Ohio, and a Treaty with the Western Indians is holding at Great Miami. Our Assembly is now in Session, but we have not heard whether Harrison or Tyler has got the Chair, but certainly the contest will have been warm and pretty equal. My Presidential year ends in 9 days, after which I shall return to Virginia for some months at least; my return to Congress will depend on the state of my health which is better indeed, but far yet from being as I wish it. Let me be where I will I shall always be happy to hear from you and to give you the news of our Country such as it may be. My brother Arthur Lee being resident here as one of the Commissioners of the Treasury of the U. States, will receive your letters for me and forward them to Virginia. I shall esteem it a very particular favor if you will be so good as send me one of the newly invented Philosophical Lamps which I understand to be handsome, useful, and \u0153conomical employing a small quantity of oil to great advantage in giving light. I will either thankfully repay the cost to your order in Virginia, or remit it to you in France thro the medium of my Brother Arthur from this place. I suppose that you may contrive it by one of the french packets to my brothers care in this City. And it will add to the favor if you accompany the Machine with a description of its use.\nI am dear Sir, with sentiments of the sincerest esteem and regard, your most obedient and very humble servant,\nRichard Henry Lee\nP.S. Remember me if you please to Mr. Short and tell him that I answerd immediately the only letter that I have had the pleasure to receive from him.\n R. H. Lee", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "10-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-0536", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Vergennes, 30 October 1785\nFrom: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nA Fontainebleau le 30. 8bre. 1785.\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m\u2019avez fait l\u2019honneur de m\u2019ecrire le 21. de ce mois, ainsi que celle qui m\u2019\u00e9toit adress\u00e9e de la part du Sr. Samuel Shaw.\nJe me suis fait un devoir, Monsieur, de rendre compte au Roi des pr\u00e9venances que Ses Officiers ont faites \u00e0 ceux qui commandoient le navire am\u00e9ricain qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e0 la Chine; Sa Majest\u00e9 a apris avec une v\u00e9ritable satisfaction que les premiers aient conform\u00e9 leur conduite aux instructions qu\u2019Elle leur avoit fait adresser, et Elle vous charge d\u2019assurer le Congr\u00e8s que dans toutes les occasions qui se pr\u00e9senteront, Elle s\u2019empressera de manifester son affection et son amiti\u00e9 pour les Etats-unis, et l\u2019inter\u00eat bien sincere qu\u2019Elle prend \u00e0 leur prosp\u00e9rit\u00e9.\nMais le Roi m\u2019a ordonn\u00e9 en m\u00eame tems, Monsieur, de vous observer combien peu on a \u00e9gard en Am\u00e9rique \u00e0 la r\u00e8gle de la r\u00e9ciprocit\u00e9, et combien on y est dispos\u00e9 \u00e0 s\u2019\u00e9carter des principes qui ont servi de baze aux liens qui subsistent entr\u2019 Elle et les Etatsunis. Nous sommes inform\u00e9s en effet, Monsieur, que dans plusieurs Etats on a fait des r\u00e9glements de navigation et de commerce nuisibles au commerce fran\u00e7ois et contraires m\u00eame \u00e0 l\u2019essence du trait\u00e9 du 6. fevrier 1776. Le Congr\u00e8s est trop \u00e9clair\u00e9 pour ne pas sentir combien ces proc\u00e9d\u00e9s doivent nous affecter, et il est trop sage et trop pr\u00e9voyant pour n\u2019\u00eatre pas p\u00e9n\u00e9tr\u00e9 de la n\u00e9cessit\u00e9 de maintenir les choses dans l\u2019\u00e9tat de r\u00e9ciprocit\u00e9 o\u00f9 elles ont \u00e9t\u00e9 depuis que la France est l\u2019alli\u00e9e des Etats-unis; sans cette pr\u00e9caution il est impossible que le commerce mutuel des deux nations puisse prosp\u00e9rer et m\u00eame subsister, et le Roi se trouvera Forc\u00e9, malgr\u00e9 lui, de chercher des exp\u00e9dients propres \u00e0 mettre les choses dans une parfaite \u00e9galit\u00e9.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre tr\u00e8s-sinc\u00e8rement Monsieur, votre tr\u00e8s-humble et tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe Vergennes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-08-02-9002", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ruston, 16 April 1785 [document added in digital edition]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Ruston, Thomas\n      Mr. Jefferson\u2019s compliments to Mr. Rusten and begs the honor of his company to dinner on Tuesday next the 19th instant.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0001", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Nov. 1. 1785.\nYour Favour of the 18th. did not reach me, till last night. I am glad the Doctor has arrived safe and in so good health, and would fain hope he may contribute to compose the jarring Parties in Pensilvania, as well as assist in improving the Union of the States. Mrs. Rucker has a Letter from her Sister at New York, which mentions the Arrival of Mr. Otto, so that I think Madame la Comtess de Doradour may be satisfied that the Comte her Husband is arrived.\nI have been told that the Court of France has contracted with an House at Nantes for supplying their Navy, with American Masts. As this is an affair somewhat interesting, to Great Britain as well as to France and the United States, I should be obliged to you for the Particulars. I wish the Report may be true, and that it may be soon followed by Arrangements for illuminating their Cities with our fine White Sperma C\u0153ti Oil, and their Churches and Families with our beautifull Sperma C\u0153ti Candles. Pray what is the Reason that the Virginians dont learn to sort their Tobacco at home, that they may be able to furnish the French with such Parts of their Produce as are adapted to that Markett, without obliging the Farmers general to think of going to Holland, or coming to England to purchase them. There is a considerable Loss to our Country, in Freight, Insurance, Commissions and Profits, arising from this indirect Commerce and you know as We are poor We ought to be \u0152conomists: but if we were rich it would not be wise nor honourable to give away our Wealth without Consideration and Judgment.\nGeneral Arnold is gone out to Hallifax, with a Vessell and Cargo, of his own, upon what kind of Speculation I know not. Some say  that not associating with British Officers, not being able to bear a Life of Inactivity, and having a young Family to provide for, he is gone to seek his Fortune. Whether it is a political Maneuvre or not, I wish that Mr. Deane, Mr. Irvin, Mr. Chalmers and Mr. Smith, were gone with him. The Doctrine of these Gentlemen is that this Country and her Commerce are so essential to the U. States that they cannot exist without them, and that the States can never unite in any measures of Retaliation, nor in any Plan to encourage their own Navigation Acts, and they find Persons enough who have an ardent Passion to believe what is so conformable to their Wishes. If our Country is so situated that she must consent that G. Britain shall carry all our own Produce, to the West India Islands, to Canada, to Nova Scotia, to Newfoundland and to Europe too, We must be humble. When We are willing they should carry half our own Produce, it is not very modest for them to insist upon carrying all.\nIt is reported that the Ariel has been sent out, express, since the News of the Hurricane, to carry orders for admitting American Vessells to the English West India Islands: but for what time and under what restrictions I know not.\nCaptain Bell arrived at Philadelphia, on the 14. Sept. the same day with Dr. F. and is said to have made a good Voyage. This is the third Ship from India, and Insurance is making here upon four oth[er ships bo]und the same Way. The former could not be insured under tw[elve Per] Cent. These are done at Seven. My dear Sir Adieu,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0003", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Christian Senf, 1 November 1785\nFrom: Senf, John Christian\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nHavre Novr. 1st. 1785\nI take the Liberty to inform your Excellency, that after I have been about two and twenty Days at this Place, waiting in vain for  Captain Laroque\u2019s Vessel to depart (consigned to Mr. Limozin from a Merchant of Rouen) I shal set out to Day for l\u2019Orient, to go with the first Paquet to New York. Mr. Limozin hath advertised the Vessel to sail the 15th. of last Month, but the Captain assured me, He never intended to go before the 30th. Octr. The contrary Winds wil continue, as usual in this Country, for some time. And if the Winds should become good tomorrow, I may judge by Appearance the Ship is not ready yet for Sea. I am sorry the Fitzhughs are partly induced to wait for this Vessel. They may have a disagreable Passage in a Merchant Ship in the Winter Season and on the Coast of North America, much more as the Captain never has been there. The Vessel, which was intended for Virginia, is gone back in the Bason to be repaired. Three Days ago a Ship arrived here from Virginia, and shall depart again for Norfolk, as Captain Robeson says, in the Course of fourteen Days. Please remember me to Colo. Humphry and Mr. Madsy [Mazzei]. I have the Honor to be with perfect Respect and Estime, Your Excellency\u2019s most obedt. and most humble Servant,\nCh. Senf Colo.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0004", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 2 November 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nNew York 2nd. November 1785\nMy last to you was of the 15th. September, since which I have been honored with yours of the 12th. July by Doctr. Franklin. He arrived at Philadelphia in as good Health as when he left France; but travelling by Land being painful to him, we have not had the Pleasure of seeing him here.\nWe have been for some Time past looking in vain for a french Packet. Late Advices of the Algerines having commenced Hostilities against the United States, make us anxious to receive Letters from you, and to know whether Capt. Lamb is still absent. Duplicates of the Papers he was charged with will be sent Tomorrow to Mr. Adams by a Passenger in the English Packet.\nThe English give us some Trouble on our eastern Borders. The true River St. Croix is disputed, and they wish to extend their Jurisdiction to Lands actually held by Massachusetts. Mr. Adams has Instructions to represent this Matter to the british Court and endeavour to get the Dispute amicably terminated.\nOur frontier Posts still remain occupied by british Garrisons, nor are we informed when they will be evacuated.\nThe late Requisition of Congress has been sent you. Another Copy and the subsequent public Papers accompany this. The Measures of the Legislatures at their ensuing Sessions will be very interesting; and you shall be informed of them.\nThe Convention respecting Consuls still lays before Congress, and I have as yet no orders on that Subject.\nMr. Houdon is the Bearer of this. Congress think of employing him, but he is not prepared to make an Estimate of the Expence of the Statue they have voted, so that this Matter must rest for the present.\nA f\u0153deral Court to decide the Claims of Massachusetts on part of New York is forming; and there is Reason to hope that disagreeable Business will be finally concluded. I have the Honor to be &ca:\nJohn Jay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0005", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 2 November 1785\nFrom: Thomson, Charles\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNewyork Novr. 2. 1785\nI have received your several favours of Feby 8 June 21 and July 14 and also a copy of your Notes by Mr. Houdon, for which I am much obliged. It grieves me to the soul that there should be such just grounds for your apprehensions respecting the irritation that will be produced in the southern states by what you have said of slavery. However I would not have you discouraged. This is a cancer that we must get rid of. It is a blot in our character that must be wiped out. If it cannot be done by religion, reason and philosophy, confident I am that it will one day be by blood. I confess I am more afraid of this than of the Algerine piracies or the jealousy entertained of us by European powers of which we hear so much of late. However I have the satisfaction to find that philosophy is gaining ground of selfishness in this respect. If this can be rooted out, and our land filled with freemen, union preserved and the spirit of liberty maintained and cherished I think in 25 or 30 years we shall have nothing to fear from the rest of the world.\nMr. Houdon has been to Mount Vernon and taken the Bust of  our Amiable General. He exhibited it to the view of Congress. It appears to me to [be] executed in a masterly manner. I acknowledge my want of skill to judge of performances of this nature. But there is in the air and attitude of this something that pleases me. Most other pictures seem to have their attention turned on the objects around them; but in this the Artist by elevating the chin and countenance has given it the air of one looking forward into futurity. But I will not venture any criticisms for fear of betraying my ignorance. Our good old friend Dr. F. is arrived safe and well and honoured with the chair of President of Pensylvania. All parties concurred in the choice. I hope it will be comfortable as it is honorable. As to matters within my circle they jog on as usual. Though many occurrences have happened which would be subject of conversation, there are few worth troubling you with in a letter. As to public matters I take it for granted you are well informed through the proper channel. You see by the journal that the duties of my office are much enlarged.\nI am with great esteem & regard Dear Sir Your affectionate friend & Servt.,\nChas. Thomson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-03-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0007", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst, 3 November 1785\nFrom: Nicolas & Jacob van Staphorst\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAmsterdam, 3 Nov. 1785. Acknowledge receipt of TJ\u2019s letter of 25 Oct.; they are grateful for his advice and are anxious to be of service to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-04-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0010", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 4 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Carmichael, William\nDear Sir\nParis Nov. 4. 1785.\nI had the honor of writing you on the 18th. of October and again on the 25th. of the same month. Both letters, being to pass through the post offices, were confined to particular subjects. The first of them acknoleged the receipt of yours of Sep. 29.\nAt length a confidential opportunity arrives for conveying to you a cypher; it will be handed you by the bearer Mr. Lambe. Copies of it are in the hands of Mr. Adams at London, Mr. Barclay who is proceeding to Marocco and Mr. Lambe who is proceeding to Algiers. This enables us to keep up such correspondencies with each other as may be requisite.\u2014Congress in the Spring of 1784. gave powers to Mr. Adams, Dr. Franklin and myself to treat with the Barbary states. But they gave us no money for them, and the  other duties assigned us rendered it impossible for us to proceed thither in person. These things having been represented to them they assigned to us a certain sum of money, and gave us power to delegate agents to treat with those states and to form preliminary articles, but confining to us the signing of them in a definitive form. They did not restrain us in the appointment of the agents; but the orders of Congress were brought to us by Mr. Lamb. They had waited for him four months, and the recommendations he brought pointed him out, in our opinion, as a person who would meet the approbation of Congress. We therefore appointed him to negociate with the Algerines. His manner and appearance are not promising. But he is a sensible man and seems to possess some talents which may be proper in a matter of bargain. We have joined with him, as secretary, a Mr. Randall from N. York in whose prudence we hope he will find considerable aid. They now proceed to Madrid merely with the view of seeing you as we are assured they will receive from you lights which may be useful to them. I hear that d\u2019Expilly and the Algerine ministers are gone from Madrid. Letters from Algiers of Aug. 24. inform me we had two vessels and their crews in captivity there at that time. I have never had reason to beleive certainly that any others had been captured. Should Mr. Lambe have occasion to draw bills, while in Spain, on Mr. Adams, you may safe[ly] assure the purchasers that they will be paid.\u2014An important matter detains Mr. Barclay some days longer, and his journey to Madrid will be circuitous. Perhaps he may arrive there a month later than Lamb. It would be well if the emperor of Marocco could in the mean time know that such a person is on the road. Perhaps you may have an opportunity of notifying this to him officially by asking from him passports for Mr. Barclay and his suite. This would be effecting two good purposes at once if you can find an opportunity.\u2014Your letter of Sep. 2. did not get to my hands till these arrangements were all taken between Mr. Adams and myself and the persons appointed. That gave me the first hint that you would have acted in this business. I mean no flattery when I assure you that no person would have better answered my wishes. At the same time I doubt whether Mr. Adams and myself should have thought ourselves justifiable in withdrawing a servant of the United states from a post equally important with those which prevented our acting personally in the same business. I am sure that, remaining where you are, you will  be able to forward much the business, and that you will do it with the zeal you have hitherto manifested on every occasion.\nYour intercourse with America being less frequent than ours from this place, I will state to you generally such new occurrences there as may be interesting, some of which perhaps you will not have been informed of. It was doubtful, at the date of my last letters whether Congress would adjourn this summer. They were too thin however to undertake important business. They had begun arrangements for the establishment of a mint. The Dollar was decided on as the Money unit of America. I beleive they proposed to have gold, silver and copper coins descending and ascending decimally; viz. a gold coin of 10. dollars, a silver coin one tenth of a dollar (equal to a Spanish bit) and a copper of one hundredth of a dollar. These parts of the plan however were not ultimately decided on. They have adopted the late improvement in the British post office, of sending their mails by the stages. I am told this is done from N. Hampshire to Georgia and from N. York to Albany. Their treasury is administered by a board of which Mr. Walter Livingston, Mr. Osgood and Doctr. Arthur Lee are members. Governor Rutledge, who had been appointed minister to the Hague in the refusal of Governor Livingston, declines coming. We are incertain whether the states will generally come into the proposition of investing Congress with the regulation of their commerce. Massachusets has passed an act the first object of which seemed to be to retaliate on the British commercial measures, but in the close of it they impose double duties on all goods imported in bottoms not wholly owned by citizens of our states. N. Hampshire has followed the example. This is much complained of here, and will probably draw retaliating measures from the states of Europe, [if] generally adopted in America or not corrected by the states which have adopted it. It must be our endeavour to keep them quiet on this side the water under the hope that our countrymen will correct this step: as I trust they will do. It is no ways akin to their general system.\u2014I am trying here to get contracts for the supplying the cities of France with whale oil by the Boston merchants. It would be the greatest relief possible to that state whose commerce is in agonies in consequence of being subjected to alien duties on their oil in Great Britain which was heretofore their only market. Can any thing be done in this way in Spain? Or do they there light their streets in the night?\nA fracas which has lately happened in Boston becoming a serious  matter I will give you the details of it as transmitted to Mr. Adams in depositions. A captain Stanhope, commanding the frigate Mercury was sent with a convoy of vessels from Nova Scotia to Boston to get a supply of provisions for that colony. It had happened that two persons living near Boston, of the names of Dunbar and Lowthorp, had been taken prisoners during the war and transferred from one vessel to another till they were placed on board Stanhope\u2019s ship. He treated them most cruelly, whipping them frequently in order to make them do duty against their country as sailors on board his ship. The ship going to Antigua to refit, he put all his prisoners into jail, first giving Dunbar 24 lashes. Peace took place and the prisoners got home under the general liberation: these people were quietly pursuing their occupations at home when they heard that Stanhope was in Boston. Their indignation was kindled. They immediately went there, and, meeting Stanhope walking in the Mall, Dunbar stepped up to him and asked him if he recollected him, and the whipping him on board his ship. Having no weapon in his hand, he struck at Stanhope with his fist. Stanhope stept back and drew his sword. The people interposed and guarded him to the door of a Mr. Morton to which he retreated. There Dunbar again attempted to seize him, but the high sheriff was by this time arrived, who interposed and protected him. The assailants withdrew, and here ended all appearance of force. But Capt. Stanhope thought proper to write to the Governor, which brought on the correspondence published in the papers of Europe. Lest you should not have seen it, I inclose it as cut from a London paper, which tho\u2019 not per[fectly] exact, is substantially so. You will doubtless judge that Governor Bowdoin referred him properly to the laws for redress, as he was obliged to do, and as would have been done in England in a like case. Had he appl[ied] to the courts, the question would have been whether they would have punished Dunbar? This must be answered now by conjecture only; and to form that conjecture every man must ask himself whether he would not have done as Dunbar d[id] and whether the people should not have permitted him to return to Stanhope the 24 lashes? This affair has been stated in the London papers without mixing with it one circumstance of truth.\nIn your letter of the 27th. of June you were so good as to tell me you should shortly send off some of the books I had taken the liberty to ask you to get for me and that your correspondent at Bayonne wou[ld] give me notice of their arrival there. Not having  heard from him, I men[tion] it to you lest they should be stopped any where. I am with the g[reat]est respect Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt.\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0012", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 5 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square November 5th. 1785\nThe Chevalier de Pinto, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, from Portugal, after a long absence by leave of his Court is lately arrived here from Lisbon. Upon several occasions, when I met him at Court and upon visits, he told me that he had orders from his Court to confer with me upon the Project of a Treaty between the United States and Portugal, but he [nev]er descended to Particulars till yesterday, when he called upon me and s[aid] that before he left Lisbon his Court had learned that I was in England and had charged him to enter into conference with me, concerning that Project of a Treaty, which had been transmitted to his Court by the Comt de Lusi. That the Portuguese Ministry, notwithstanding their high Esteem for their Ambassador in France, knowing that he lived in the Country, and was in distress, did not choose that the Negotiation should be any longer conducted by him, but had committed the Project to their Envoy at the Court of England and had instructed him to assure me that the Court of Lisbon was sincerely desirous of entering into a Treaty of Commerce with the United States of America, a Power with which it was more convenient for Portugal to Trade than any other. But there were some things in the Plan proposed which were inadmissible, particularly the Americans could never be admitted into the Brazils. It was impossible, it was the invariable maxim of their Court to exclude all Nations from those Territories, and having himself served for some years as Governor General of one of the Brazils he knew it was a Policy from which his Court could never upon any Consideration depart, that it was a great compliment to him to be prefered to the Comt de Lusi for the Conduct of such a Negotiation, that he made no Pretentions to such merit, but readily acknowledged the superiority of the Ambassador; but it was the pleasure of his Court and he had no right to dispute it. I answered, that I had no authority to treat, but in conference with Mr. Jefferson, the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Versailles; that the full Powers to treat with Portugal, was to Mr. Jefferson and me jointly; that I could conclude nothing without his Concurrence, nor Carry on any Conferences without Communicating them to him; to this I supposed he could have no objection. He said none at all.\nHis first instruction was he said to confer with me concerning  the Mutual Wants and several Productions of our Countries which might be the objects of Commerce. His Countrymen wanted he said Grain.\u2014I asked if they did not want Flour? He said he was not precisely instructed concerning Flour, but they had Mills in Portugal which they wished to employ. I replied that in every Negotiation, I thought there ought to be a mutual Consideration of each others profits and Losses advantages and disadvantages, so that the result might be equitable and give sattisfaction on both sides; that a Commerce founded upon Compacts made upon this Principle would be carried on with more Pleasure, and to better effect; that we had Mills which we wished to employ, as well as Portugal, and Mills as Costly and as Good as those of any Nation. In this respect our pretentions were mutual and equal, but there were other Particulars in which without any benefit to Portugal the loss to the United States would be very great. The Commodity was more difficult to preserve in Grain than in Flour. It was more exposed to the Insect, and to heat both at home and upon the Passage, by which means the loss upon Wheat was much greater than that upon Flour; that it would not be equitable then, for Portugal to receive Wheat to the exclusion of Flour; that this was a point of so much Importance that it, would facilitate the Treaty and encourage the Commerce, if his Court should think fit to agree to receive our Flour. He said he had not precise instructions but he would write to his Court particularly upon this Point.\u2014The next article wanted by the Portuguese was Lumber of various sorts, particularly staves for Pipes in large Quantities. They wanted also Shiptimber, Pitch, Tar and turpentime, Pot Ash for their Manufactures of Glass, Iron, Masts Yards and Beausprits, Furrs, Ginseng and above all salt Fish. The Consumption of this article in Portugal he said was immense and he would avow to me that the American salt Fish was prefered to any other on account of its Quality. Here you see said the Chevalier de Pinto is a Catalogue of Articles, which the Portuguese will want in larger or smaller Quantities: now what are the Articles you can take in America in Exchange? It behoves my Nation to inquire what they can supply yours with, otherwise the ballance in your favour may be to ruinous to us. It happens unluckily for Portugal that the Americans have no Occasion for our Principal Commodities which are Tobacco, Rice, Indigo and the Produce of the Brazils.\nI replied, that the United States had been used to take Considerable Quantities of Maderia, Lisbon and Port Wines, Fruits, Olive  Oil, Salt &c. He asked why we could not take Tea, from Lisbon? They imported from the East large quantities, and very good. The English East India Company had purchased of them this year Teas to the amount of forty thousand Pounds, and he thought they could sell it to us cheaper than we bought it elsewhere. They could supply us likewise with all other East India Goods.\nPerhaps we intended to supply ourselves by a direct Trade to India: he was glad to hear that our first Enterprises had succeeded: but if we continued to take any Part of our Consumption from Europe, they could supply us as cheap as any other Nation. Sugar too, the Produce of the Brazils, they could furnish to us of as good quality as English or French and much cheaper. If we should think of Manufactures amongst ourselves they could supply us with Wool of the same quality with the Spanish, and Coton in any quantities we might want. If we made Chocolate, they could sell us Cocoa; indeed they had Woolen Manufactures and could afford us Cloth as good and as cheap as other Nations.\nThese were things I replied in which the Merchants on both sides should speculate. If the United States should proceed in the Plan already begun of encouraging their own Manufactures, the raw Materials of Wool and Coton would be in demand, and if they persevered in their Measures for encouraging their own Navigation they would want large quantities of Hemp, Sail Cloth &c. from the Baltic, and for what I knew they might find their account in taking sugars, Coton, Cocoa &c. at Lisbon to Carry as remittances to Petersbourg and Stockholm. They might even upon some occasions Purchase Tobacco, Rice and Indigo, for the same markett as well as the Mediterranean, if that scene should be open to our Ships. But all these things would depend upon the Facilities given to our Commodities by the Treaty. Nothing would contribute so much to promote the Trade as their receiving our Flour without Duties or Discouragements. Our ready built ships too, were an Article of Importance to us.\u2014He said he did not know that our ready built ships were prohibited. I asked if they could not take our White sperma Ceati oil, to burn in their Lamps or for any other uses. He said no, they had such an abundance of Oil made in the Country of Olives which grew there, that they had no occasion for their own sperma Ceati Oil which they sold to Spain; they had now a very pretty sperma Ceati Whale Fishery which they had learn\u2019d of the New Englanders and Carried on upon the Coast of the Brazils. I asked if they could not take our sperma Ceati Candeles  and burn them in their Churches. He said they made some Wax in Portugal and some in the Brazils but he would own to me it was not enough for their Consumption. The surplus they bought in Italy and Barbary at a dear rate.\nAt length I observed to the Chavelier that Portugal abounded in two articles which would be extremely agreeable and convenient to my Fellow Citizens in which she might allways Ballance Accounts with us to our intire sattisfaction, whether she would take more or less of their Comodities. These were Gold and Silver, than which no kind of Merchandise was in greater demand or had a higher reputation.\u2014The Chavel[ier] thought the taste of his Countrymen so much like ours that they had rather pay us in any thing else.\nI added if the Conduct of the Court of St. James should oblige the United States to make a navigation Act their Commerce with Portugal must increase. A Navigation Act? says he, why there is not a Nation in Europe that would suffer a Navigation Act to be made in any other, at this day. The English Navigation Act was made in times of Ignorance When few Nations Cultivated Commerce and no Court but this understood or cared any thing about it. But at present all Courts were attentive to it. For his part if he were Minister in Portugal he would not hesitate to exclude from her Ports the Ships of any Nation that should make such an a[ct].\nI replied that I did not mean a Navigation act against any Nation but this: but if the English persevered in inforcing their Act against us, We could do no other than make one against them. The Chavelier said we should be perfectly in the right: the Courts of Europe had a long time cried out against this Act of the English. If it were now to begin, it would not be submitted to. This observation is just, it may be carried further. I dont beleive the British Navigation Act can last long, at least I am persuaded if America has spirit enough, Umbone repellere Umbonem\u2014that all other Nations will soon follow her Example, and the apprehension of this would be alone sufficient, if thinking Beings Governed this Island to induce them to silence America by giving her sattisfaction. But they rely upon our Disunion and think it will be time enough when We shall have shewn them that we can agree.\nThe Chavelier Concluded the Conference by saying that he would write to his Court for further information and instructions, and as I understood him for full Powers. But before he went away, he said he had Orders from his Court to inquire of me what were  the sentiments of Congress upon the Head of Ministers and Consuls, whether they would send a Minister and Consul to Lisbon. His Court had a Mind to send some body to the United States, But Etiquette required that Congress should send in return to Portugal. I answered that in the Project of a Treaty which was in His Possession there was an Article that each Party should have a right to send Consuls, so that when the Treaty was concluded Portugal would be at Liberty to send when she would. As to Ministers I had no instructions, but there could be no doubt that if their Majesties of Portugal thought proper to send an Ambassador of any denomination he would be received by Congress with all the respect due to his Character and his sovereign. He said if there was a treaty there ought to be Ministers. I could not make answer to this particular for want of instructions, but Congress had as yet but few Ministers abroad and indeed they had not found many Gentlemen disposed to quit the delight of their own Families and Connections and the Esteem of their Fellow Citizens for the sake of serving in Europe, and here ended the Conversation.\nYour Friend,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0013", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Castries, 5 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nSir\nParis Nov. 5. 1785.\nI have had the honor of receiving your Excellency[\u2019s] letter of October the 28th. inclosing copies of Captain Jones receipts of an hundred and five thousand one hundred and eighty five livres, three sols, six deniers, and seventy five thousand eight hundred and fifty three livres eighteen sols four deniers prize money of the Bon homme Richard and the Pallas, which I shall take the first opportunity of conveying to Congress.\nI have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect and esteem Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0014", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 5 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jones, John Paul\nDr. Sir\nParis Nov. 5. 1785.\nThe resolution of Congress of Oct. 29. 1783. is the only one I have seen on the subject of the Danish business. That is directed expressly to \u2018the Ministers plenipotentiary of the U.S. at the court of Versailles empowered to negociate a peace.\u2019 It is true that I had the honour of being named in that commission and was preparing to come when we received news of the signature of the preliminary articles. I then desired to be excused and was excused on the 1st. of Apr. 1783. so that at the date of the instruction the 29th. of October following I was not of the description of those to whom it was addressed. This has made me consider my meddling with this business as improper even in conjunction with the other gentlemen, and would certainly prevent my undertaking it singly. This circumstance, with that of there being no Danish minister here nor expected here till next spring, added to the other that Mr. Adams is the only person in Europe really authorized to apply to the court of Denmark, and that he is better acquainted with the subject than myself, induced me to wish it could be negotiated at the court of London. I shall with the utmost chearfulness do any thing I can, if in the course of the business I can be of any service. I shall send to Mr. Adams by the first opportunity a copy of my letter to him supposed to be miscarried. I am with great esteem Dear Sir your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0015", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 6 November 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nSan Lorenzo, 6th. Novr. 1785\nI received on the 2d. Inst. from the Person to whom it was inclosed your favor of the 18th. Ulto. I have expected with impatience the arrival of the person or persons of whom you promised to write me fully and to furnish me the means of conveying safely my sentiments to your Excellency. Since my last I have received further Intelligence from Algiers. Our Affairs with that Regency demand instant attention. I am afraid their Cruisers now at Sea will add to the distress of our Commerce. These corsairs have appeared on  the coast of Portugal. A small Squadron of that nation put to sea in search of them as also some Maltese frigates who happened to be at Cadiz, when they passed the Streights of Gibraltar. I have no letters from Congress. Indeed I am totally neglected and feel too much for my health and tranquillity this neglect. I know Mr. Drayer by reputation and have the history of his political life. I shall not fail to show him every mark of civility on his arrival which your recommendation commands, in presenting him at the same time the proper compliments on your part. The same reason which prevented your Excellency from entering into details denies me the satisfaction of giving you some interesting occurrences which have transpired since I had the honor to address you. I am happy to hear of Dr. Franklin\u2019s Arrival and wish that he may end his days with that Otium cum dignitate which his past life hath merited. The only son of the Prince of Asturias has been dangerously ill now 16 days. It is feared that he will not recover. His Death will give rise to political Speculations, altho\u2019 the Father and Mother are of an age to promise still a male successor. I take the Liberty of mentioning to you the Vene[tian] Ambassador who you will see shortly at Paris, Capello. His manner of life is I presume entirely different from yours, but as you will see him at the Ct. de Vergennes Table and at Court, I wish you to mention to him that I had recommended you to cultivate his friendship. He is by no means deficient in Understanding, but [is] Extremely addicted to Women and play. In seeing him you will not easily give credence to my first assertion for he will remind you of the Lines of Pope\n\u201cHe crawls to his purch on tottering kne[es] and envies every sparrow that He sees.\u201d\nThe Latter he understands perfectly and that Talent at Paris is a passeport to What is called good Company. He has always treated me well. He neither speaks tolerably french or Spanish nor even Italian so that you will not have much conversation with him.\nI have the honor to be With great respect Your Excys. Most Obedt. & Hble. Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael\n7th. Novr.\nThe Infant has favorable Symptoms to day which give great pleasure to the Royal Family.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0016", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel and Theodorick Fitzhugh, 7 November 1785\nFrom: Fitzhugh, Daniel,Fitzhugh, Theodorick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLe Havre, 7 Nov. 1785. Though they were informed that Limozin\u2019s vessel would sail 15 Oct., her departure was scheduled from the beginning for 30 Oct. The delay has consumed all their funds, and they cannot pay their hotel bill. Barclay has already helped them to some extent, but they must again reluctantly apply to him and to TJ for additional loans.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0017", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 8 November 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSn. Lorenzo 8th. Novr. 1785\nI this day received the Letter your Excellency did me the honor to write me the 25th. Ulto. and in consequence I have made an application for the passports requested. Until I see the Gentlemen in question I cannot give my opinion of the probable success of their Business. I hope that in their instructions, proper Attention has been paid to the friendly offers of this Court. If not I foresee considerable inconveniences. I have nothing to add to what I wrote you last night, but that this comes by a courier dispatched by the Portuguese Ambassador.\nI have the honor to be With great respect Your Excellencys Obedt. & Most Humble Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0020", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut, 11 November [1785]\nFrom: Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n11 Nov. [1785]. Extend dinner invitation to TJ and David Humphreys for that day on the part of Chalut de Verin of the farmers-general; they are to be at the Place Vend\u00f4me at two o\u2019clock. D\u2019Estaing will also attend. The Abb\u00e9s are grateful to TJ for forwarding the letter from Adams.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0021", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Boylston, 11 November 1785]\nFrom: Boylston, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Rouen, 11 Nov. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 13 Nov. 1785. Not found. This letter possibly enclosed Boylston\u2019s proposals to TJ, which TJ in turn transmitted to Lafayette (see under 13 Nov. 1785); it was on 9 Nov. that Boylston wrote John Adams: \u201cI have stated some proposals and laid \u2019em before the Marquis De Fiat and Mr. Jefferson to be introduced to the minister\u201d (MHi: AMT). See TJ to Adams, 19 Nov. 1785.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0022", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel and Theodorick Fitzhugh, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fitzhugh, Daniel,Fitzhugh, Theodorick\nGentlemen\nParis Nov. 11. 1785.\nI received last night your favour of the 7th. and put this under cover to Monsr. Limouzin desiring him to furnish you with four hundred livres which I will pay to his order on sight. I trouble you with some other letters, and would be obliged to you to inform me when you think you shall probably sail as I would still wish to write to Mr. Jay. I really condole with you on your delay, which the season of the year renders so interesting. I wish you a safe voiage; a pleasant one I know you cannot have: and am with much esteem Gentlemen your most obedt. hble. servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0025", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from the Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut, 13 November 1785\nFrom: Abb\u00e9s Arnoux and Chalut\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 13 Nov. 1785. Extend dinner invitation to TJ and his party for that day on the part of Chalut de Verin of the Farmers General; they hope \u201cqu\u2019il ne lui restera aucune raison de refus.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0027", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 14 November 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pol de L\u00e9on, 14 Nov. 1785. Asquith has heard nothing from TJ since his letter of 12 Oct., but he encloses a letter from Picrel informing him that the case is to be settled at Paris. Diot says he has written TJ of this and thinks, since the arrangements were made in Brest, that Desbordes could give Asquith more information than he. At the advice of the judge of the admiralty, Asquith this day petitioned Castries and Calonne.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0028", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Vergennes, with State of the Case of the William & Catherine, 14 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nSir\nParis Nov. 14. 1785\nI take the Liberty of troubling your Excellency on Behalf of six Citizens of the United States who have been for some Time confined  in the Prisons of St. Pol de L\u00e9on, and of referring for particulars to the inclosed State of their Case. Some of the material Facts therein mentioned are founded on the Bill of Sale for the Vessel, her Clearance from Baltimore and her Logbook. The Originals of the two last and a Copy of the first are in my Hands. I have also Letters from a Merchant in Liverpool to Asquith which render it really probable that his Vessel was bound to Liverpool. The other Circumstances depend on their Affirmation, but I must say that in these Facts they have been uniform and steady. I have thus long avoided troubling your Excellency with this Case in Hopes it would recieve its Decision in the ordinary Course of Law; and I relied that that would indemnify the Sufferers if they had been used unjustly: but tho\u2019 they have been in close Confinement now near three Months it has yet no Appearance of approaching to Decision. In the mean Time the Cold of the Winter is coming on, and to Men in their Situation may produce Events which would render all Indemnification too late. I must therefore pray the Assistance of your Excellency for the Liberation of their Persons, if the established Order of Things may possibly admit of it. As to their Property and their personal Sufferings hitherto, I have full Confidence that the Laws have provided for their Discussion some Tribunal where Justice will be done them. I inclose the Opinion of an Advocate forwarded to me by a Gentleman whom I had desired to obtain from some judicious Person of that Faculty a State of their Case. This may perhaps give a better Idea than I can of the Situation of their Cause. His Enquiries have led him to believe they are innocent Men, but that they must lose their Vessel under the Edict which forbids those under 30 Tons to approach the Coast. Admitting their Innocence as he does, I should suppose them not the Objects on whom such an Edict was meant to operate. The essential Papers which he says they redemanded from him and did not return, were sent to me at my Desire.\nI have the honour to be with Sentiments of the most profound respect Your Excellency\u2019s Most obedient and most humble Servant,\nTh: Jefferson\nEnclosure\nThe Case of Lister Asquith Owner of the Schooner William & Catherine, Wm. McNeil Captain, Wm. Thompson, Wm. Neily, Robert Anderson Mariners and Wm. Fowler, Passenger.\nLister Asquith, a Citizen of the State of Maryland, having a Lawsuit depending in England which required his presence as involving in  its Issue nearly his whole Fortune, determined to go thither in a small Schooner of his own that he might at the same Time take with him an Adventure of Tobacco and Flour, to Liverpool, where he had commercial Connections. This Schooner he had purchased as of 59 \u00be Tons as appears by his Bill of Sale, but she had been registered by her Owner at 21 Tons, in Order to evade the double Duties in England to which American Vessels are now subject. He cleared out from Baltimore for Liverpool the 11th. of June 1785 with eight Hogsheads of Tobacco and sixty Barrels of Flour. But run aground at Smith\u2019s Point, sprung a leak and was obliged to return to Baltimore to refit. Having stopped his leak he took his Cargo on board again, and his Health being infirm he engaged Capt. Wm. McNeil to go with him and on the 20th. of June, sailed for Norfolk in Virginia, and on the 22d. came to in Hampton Road at the Mouth of the River on which Norfolk is. Learning here that Tobacco would be better than Flour for the English Market, he landed fifty Barrels of his Flour and one Hhd. of tobacco which he found to be bad, meaning to take instead thereof nine Hogsheads of Tobacco more. But the same Night it began to blow very hard, with much Rain. The 23d. the Storm became more heavy, they let go both their Anchors but were driven notwithstanding from their Anchorage, forced to put to Sea, and to go before the Wind. The Occurrencies of their Voiage will be best detailed by short Extracts from their Logbook.\nJune24.The Weather became worse; one of the foreshrouds and the foremast carried away.\n  25.Shifted their Ballast which threw them on their Beam-ends, and shipped a very heavy Sea. Held a Consultation, the Result of which was that Seeing they were now driven so far to sea, and the Weather continuing still very bad, it was better to steer for Liverpool, their Port of Destination tho\u2019 they had not their Cargo on Board, and no other Clearance but that which they took from Baltimore.\n  29.The first Observation they had been able to take. N. Lat. 38\u00b0 13\u2019.\n  30.Winds begin to be light, but the Sea still very heavy.\n  July5.Light Winds and a smooth Sea for the first time, in Lat.43\u00b0 52\u2019.\n  9.Spoke a French Brig, Comte d\u2019Artois, Capt. Pierre Monreaux from St. Maloes, in Distress for Provisions, relieved her with three Barrels of Flour.\n  Aug.6.Thick Weather and Strong Wind. Made the Land\u2019s End of England.\n  7.Unable to fetch the Land, therefore bore off for Scilly and came to with both Anchors. Drove notwithstanding,  obliged to get up the Anchors, and put to Sea, running Southwardly.\n  8.Made the Land of France but did not know what Part.\nHere the Logbook ends. At this time they had on board but ten Gallons of Water, five Pound of Bread, 2 or 3 \u2114 of Candles, no Firewood, their Sails unfit to be trusted to any longer, and all their materials for mending them exhausted by the constant Repairs which the Violence of the Weather had called for. They therefore took a Pilot aboard who carried them into Pont du Val, but being informed by the Captain of a Vessel there, that the Schooner was too sharp built (as the American Vessels mostly are) to lie in that Port, he put out immediately and the next Morning the Pilot brought him to Anchor in the Road of the Isle de Bas. He went immediately to Roscoff, protested at the Admiralty the true State of the Case, and reported his Vessel and Cargo at the Custom house. In making the Report of his Vessel he stated her as of 21 Tons according to his Register. The Officer informed him that if she was no larger, she would be confiscated by an Edict which forbids all Vessels under 30 Tons to approach the Coast. He told the Officer what was the real Truth as to his Register and his Bill of Sale, and was permitted to report her according to the latter. He paid the usual Fees of 10\u20b6 7s. and obtained a Clearance. Notwithstanding this he was soon visited by other Persons, whom he supposes to have been Commis of the Fermes, who seised his Vessel, carried her to the pier, and confined the Crew to their Vessel and half the pier, putting Centinels over them. They brought a Gauger who measured only her Hold and Part of her Steerage allowing nothing for the Cockpit, Cabbin, Forecastle, and above one half of the Steerage which is almost half of the Vessel, and thus made her Contents (if that had been of any Importance) much below the Truth. The Tobacco was weighed and found to be 6487 \u2114, which was sent on the 18th. to Landivisiau, and on the 19th. they were committed to close Prison at St. Pol de Leon, where they have been confined ever since. They had when they first landed some Money, of which they were soon disembarrassed by different Persons who in various Forms undertook to serve them. Unable to speak or understand a Word of the Language of the Country, friendless and left without Money, they have languished three Months in a loathsome Jail, without any other Sustenance, a great Part of the Time, than what could be procured for three Sols a Day which have been furnished them to prevent their perishing. They have been made to understand that a criminal Process is going on against them under two heads, 1. as having sold Tobacco in contraband, and,2. as having entered a Port of France in a Vessel of less than 30 Tons Burthen. In support of the first Charge they understand that the Circumstance is relied on of their having been seen off the Coast by the Employ\u00e9s des Fermes one or two  Days. They acknowlege they may have been so seen while beating off Pontduval till they could get a Pilot, while entering that Port, and again going round from thence to the Road of the Isle de Bas. The Reasons for this have been explained. They farther add that all the Time they were at Pontduval they had a King\u2019s Officer on board, from whom as well as from their Pilot and the Captain by whose Advice they left that Port for the Isle de Bas, Information can be obtained by their Accusers (who are not imprisoned) of the true Motives for that Measure. It is said to be urged also that there was found in their Vessel some loose Tobacco in a Blanket, which excites a Suspicion that they had been selling Tobacco. When they were Stowing their loading they broke a Hogshead as is always necessary and is always done to fill up the Stowage and to consolidate and keep the whole Mass firm and in Place. The loose tobacco which had come out of the broken Hogshead they repacked in Bags: but in the Course of the Distress of their disastrous Voiage they had imployed these Bags, as they had done every Thing else of the same Nature, in mending their Sails. The Condition of their Sails when they came into Port will prove this and they were seen by Witnesses enough to whom their Accusers, being at their Liberty, can have Access. Besides, the Sale of a Part of their Tobacco is a Fact which had it taken Place might have been proved. But they deny that it has been proved or ever can be proved, by true Men, because it never existed. And they hope the Justice of this Country does not permit Strangers, seeking in their Ports an Asylum from Death, to be thrown into Jail, and continued there indefinitely, on the Possibility of a Fact, without any Proof. More especially when, as in the present Case, a demonstration to the Contrary, is furnished by their Clearance, which shews they never had more than 8 hhds. of tobacco on board, of which one had been put ashore at Hampton in Virginia as has been before related, and the Seven others remained when they first entered Port. If they had been Smugglers of Tobacco, the opposite Coast offered a much fairer Field, because the Gain there is as great; because they understand the Language and Laws of the Country, they know its Harbours and Coasts, and have Connections in them. These Circumstances are so important to Smugglers that they do not expect an Instance has ever occurred of the contraband of Tobacco attempted on this Side the Channel by a Crew wholly American. Be this as it may, they are not of that Description of Men.\nAs to the second Charge that they have entered a Port of France in a Vessel of less than 30 Tons Burthen, they in the first Place observe that they saw the Guager measure the Vessel and affirm that his Method of measuring could render little more than half her true Contents: but they say further, that were she below the Size of 30 Tons, and, when entering the Port, had they known of the Alternative of either forfieting their Vessel and Cargo or of perishing at Sea, they must still have entered the Port: the Loss of their Vessel and Cargo being the lesser Evil. But the Character of the Lawgiver assures them that the Intention of his Laws are perverted when misapplied to Persons, who under their Circumstances, take Refuge in his Ports. They  have no Occasion to recur from his Clemency to his Justice by claiming the Benefit of that Article in the Treaty which binds the two Nations together, and which assures to the Fugitives of either from the Dangers of the Sea, a hospitable Reception and necessary Aids in the Ports of the other, and that without measuring the Size of their Vessel.\nUpon the whole they protest themselves to have been as innocent as they have been unfortunate. Instead of Relief in a friendly Port they have seen their Misfortunes aggravated by the Conduct of Officers who in their Greediness for Gain can see in no Circumstance any Thing but Proofs of Guilt. They have already long suffered, and are still suffering, whatever scanty sustenance, an inclement Season, and close Confinement can offer most distressing to Men who have been used to neither, and who have Wives and Children at Home participating of their Distresses: they are utterly ignorant of the Laws and Language of the Country where they are suffering; they are deprived of that Property which would have enabled them to procure Counsel to place their Injuries in a true Light; they are distant from the Stations of those who are appointed by their Country to patronize their Rights; they are not at Liberty to go to them nor able to have Communication thro\u2019 any other than the incertain Medium of the Posts; and they see themselves already ruined by the Losses and Delays they have been made to incur, and by the failure of the original Object of their Voiage. They throw themselves therefore on the Patronage of the Government and pray that its Energy may be interposed in Aid of their Poverty and Ignorance, to restore them to their Liberty and to extend to them that Retribution which the Laws of every Country mean to extend to those who Suffer injustly.\n   This was the officer who on the Evacuation of Fort Mifflin after the British had passed the Chevaux de Frise in the Delaware, was left with 15 Men to destroy the Works, which he did and brought off his Men successfully. He had before that been Commander of the Rattlesnake Sloop of War, and had much annoyed the British Trade. Being bred a Seaman, he has returned to that Vocation.\n   A hogshead of Tobacco weighs generally about 1000 \u2114 English equal to 917. \u2114 French. The seven Hogsheads he Sailed with would therefore weigh according to this Estimate 6423 \u2114 They actually weighed more on the first Essay. When afterwards weighed at Landivisiau they had lost 84 \u2114 on being carried into a drier Air. Perhaps too a Difference of Weights may have entered into this apparent Loss.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0029", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 November 1785\nFrom: Madison, James\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nRichmond Novr. 15. 1785.\nI acknowledged from Philada. your favor of the 11 of May. On my return to Orange I found the copy of your notes brought along with it by Mr. Doradour. I have looked them over carefully myself and consulted several judicious friends in confidence. We are all sensible that the freedom of your strictures on some particular measures and opinions will displease their respective abettors. But we equally concur in thinking that this consideration ought not to be weighed against the utility of your plan. We think both the facts and remarks which you have assembled too valuable not to be made known, at least to those for whom you destine them, and speak of them to one another in terms which I must not repeat to you. Mr. Wythe suggested that it might be better to put the number you may allot to the University into the library, rather than to distribute them among the Students. In the latter case the Stock will be immediately exhausted. In the former the discretion of the professors will make it serve the Students as they successively come in. Perhaps too an indiscriminate gift might offend some narrow minded parents. Mr. Wythe desired me to present you with his most friendly regards. He mentioned the difficulty he experiences in using his pen as an apology for not giving these assurances himself. I postpone my account of the assembly till I can make it more satisfactory, observing only that we are at work on the Revisal, and I am not without hopes of seeing it pass this Session with as few alterations as could be expected. Some are made unavoidable by a change of circumstances. The greatest danger is to be apprehended from the impatience which a certain lapse of time always produces. Mr. W. Maury informs me that Master P. Carr has read at Williamsbg. Horace, some of Tully\u2019s select orations, Greek Testament, \u00c6sops fables in Greek, ten books of Homer, and is now beginning Xenophon, Juvenal and Livy. He has been  also employed on the French. Your other Nephew is at Hampden Sidney. I have no particular account of him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0030", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Henley, 16 November 1785\nFrom: Henley, Samuel\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nRendlesham. Novr. 16. 1785\nI was favoured in the beginning of this month with your two obliging letters, and have to return you a thousand acknowledgments for the sentiments of regard they contain, which neither length of time, change of situation, nor the convulsions which have torn asunder the bands that once held our united countries, appear in the least to have altered.\nRemotely as I am situated from publick life, the notices you have so kindly given me of some of our friends concerning whom I have been unable to learn anything so long, were particularly grateful; but the brevity with which you mention your own family hath cast a shade over my imagination, and lead me to suspect what, I hope, after all, may not have happened. It was with infinite regret that I heard you had been in this kingdom. I trust it will not be the last time as well as the first of your visiting it. I should be inexpressibly happy to see you in this habitation, the precincts of which I think would be the more pleasant to you as bearing no inconsiderable resemblance to Virginia. Mrs. Henley would be happy to receive Your daughter, and pay her every instance of attention. Is it not possible that you may make an excursion to England thro\u2019 Flanders and Holland? If so, you will land near us, and shall find me at the water\u2019s edge to receive you.\nThe alterations made in the College at Williamsburg, I much approve, and am happy to hear of its flourishing state. It is with pleasure I reflect, notwithstanding the inconveniences I have experienced from my connexion with it, that I was the first person who endeavoured to place the mode of education in it upon its proper basis; nor (must I confess) would the only mark of favour  the College could confer, I mean the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, be unacceptable to me on this account. Sorry as I was to find that the books and prints which I had collected with such care and pleasure were devoted to the flames, it was no small diminution of my concern to find that some of them were in your hands. I am perfectly satisfied with the value set upon them and in conformity with your request have directed a friend to draw upon you on my account for the sum mentioned. His name is Johnson, his draft will be dated the 18th. or thereabout, payable at a month.\nHave you any commissions that I can execute in England? I shall be happy to obey you. Literary intelligence I will readily communicate to you or procure you books if you can point out a conveyance. Mr. Gwatkin I have not seen f[or] some years, his situation is not altogether so pleasant as I could wish; but hope it will one day be better. I had lately a letter from Mr. Bradford who is now at Cambridge. He mentions in the warmest terms your politeness, for which I sincerely thank you both on his account and my own. With the truest esteem I am, My dear Sir, Your most obliged & obedient servt.,\nS. Henley", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0031", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Bancroft, 18 November 1785\nFrom: Bancroft, Edward\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMy Dear Sir\nNo. 12 Villiers Street York BuildingsLondon 18th. Novr. 1785.\nMr. Paradise who married one of the Daughters of the late Col. Ludwell of Virginia, and who is a Gentleman very justly esteemed for his integrity and benevolence of heart has requested me to Sollicit the favour of your Countenance and Assistance, in accellerating the payment of about one thousand Pounds, due to him upon the Securities of the State of Virginia, now in the Hands of his Steward there. Mr. Paradise has been invariably and zealously attached, to the cause of the United States, and very early went over and took the Oaths of Allegiance to them, in Paris: but having until within these few months been deprived of all benefit from his Estates in Virginia since the year 1775, he has from time to time sold out his property in the Funds, for his subsistence and that of  his Family, and has not only exhausted this resource but incurred some Debts, which from the general discredit that in this Country, at this time, attends every thing and every body connected with America, are become very troublesome and more especially in his present ill Health. Could Mr. Paradise obtain what is due to him from the State of Virginia, it would releive him from this Embarrasment and enable him to remove thither, as he is desireous of doing. He therefore earnestly hopes that you will have the goodness to represent his situation either to the Government of Virginia, or to some of your friends there, in such way as may be most likely to procure him the desired relief.\nI[n] Conveying you this request I know not how far it may be practicable to obtain payment to any individual particularly from these or any other Considerations: I am however so Confident of Mr. Paradise\u2019s merit and so anxious for his releif from Embarrasments, the more distressing, because he has been so little used to them, that I cannot refuse joining my intreaty to his that you will favour him with your Countenance and interference as far as you can with propriety: I am indeed happy in thinking that your own benevolence will strongly incline to do it, since the Obligations I am already under to you, do not intitle me to incur an additional one by giving you this trouble and the more especially as I can do so little in return. I shall however hope for some future opportunities, of at least shewing my sense of your favours and manifesting the respectful Attachment & sincere devotion with which I have the honor to be My Dear Sir Your most faithful & Obedient Humble Servant,\nEdwd. Bancroft", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-19-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0032", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 19 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Nov. 19. 1785.\nI wrote to you on the 11th. of Octob. by Mr. Preston and again on the 18th. of the same month by post. Since that yours of Sep. 25. by Mr. Boylston, Oct. 24. Nov. 1. and Nov. 4. have come safe  to hand. I will take up their several subjects in order. Boylston\u2019s object was first to dispose of a cargo of sperma ceti oyl which he brought to Havre. A secondary one was to obtain a contract for future supplies. I carried him to the M. de la fayette. As to his first object we are in hopes of getting the duties taken off which will enable him to sell his cargo. This has led to discussions with the ministers which give us a hope that we may get the duties taken off in perpetuum. This done, a most abundant market for our oyl will be opened by this country, and one which will be absolutely dependant on us, for they have little expectation themselves of establishing a succesful whale fishery. Perhaps it is possible they may only take the duties off of those oils which shall be the produce of associated companies of French and American merchants. But as yet nothing certain can be said.\nI thank you for the trouble you have taken to obtain insurance on Houdon\u2019s life. I place the 32\u00a3\u201311s to your credit, and not being able as yet to determine precisely how our accounts stand, I send a sum by Colo. Smith which may draw the scales towards a balance.\nThe determination of the British cabinet to make no equal treaty with us, confirms me in the opinion expressed in your letter of Oct. 24. that the U.S. must pass a navigation act against Great Britain and load her manufactures with duties so as to give a preference to those of other countries: and I hope our assemblies will wait no longer, but transfer such a power to Congress at the sessions of this fall. I suppose however it will only be against Great Britain, and I think it will be right not to involve other nations in the consequences of her injustice. I take for granted the commercial system wished for by Congress was such an one as should leave commerce on the freest footing possible. This was the plan on which we prepared our general draught for treating with all nations. Of those with whom we were to treat, I ever considered England, France, Spain and Portugal as capitally important; the first two on account of their American possessions, the last for their European as well as American. Spain is treating in America, and probably will give us an advantageous treaty. Portugal shews dispositions to do the same. France does not treat. It is likely enough she will chuse to keep the staff in her own hands. But in the mean time she gave us an access to her W. Indies, which tho\u2019 not all we wished was yet extremely valuable to us: this access indeed is much wounded by the late arrets of the 18th. and 25th. of September, which I inclose to you. I consider these as a reprisal for  the navigation acts of Massachusets and New Hampshire. The minister has complained to me officially of these acts as a departure from the reciprocity stipulated by the treaty. I have assured him that his complaints shall be communicated to Congress, and in the mean time observed that the example of discriminating between foreigners and natives had been set by the Arret of Aug.1784. and still more remarkeably by those of Sep. 18. and 25. which in effect are a prohibition of our fish in their islands. However it is better for us that both sides should revise what they have done. I am in hopes this country did not mean these as permanent regulations. Mr. Bingham, lately from Holland, tells me the Dutch are much dissatisfied with those acts. In fact I expect the European nations in general will rise up against an attempt of this kind, and wage a general commercial war against us. They can do too well without all our commodities except tobacco, and we cannot find elsewhere markets for them. The selfishness of England alone will not justify our hazarding a contest of this kind against all Europe. Spain, Portugal, and France have not yet shut their doors against us: it will be time enough when they do to take up the commercial hatchet. I hope therefore those states will repeal their navigation clauses except as against Great Britain and other nations not treating with us.\nI have made the enquiries you desire as to American shiptimber for this country. You know they sent some person (whose name was not told us) to America to examine the quality of our masts, spars &c. I think this was young Chaumont\u2019s business. They have besides this instructed the officer who superintends their supplies of masts, spars &c. to procure good quantities from our Northern states, but I think they have made no contract: on the contrary that they await the trials projected, but with a determination to look to us for considerable supplies if they find our timber answer. They have on the carpet a contract for live oak from the Southern states.\nYou ask why the Virginia merchants do not learn to sort their own tobaccoes? They can sort them as well as any merchants whatever. Nothing is better known than the quality of every hogshead of tobacco from the place of it\u2019s growth. They know too the particular qualities required in every market. They do not send their tobaccoes therefore to London to be sorted, but to pay their debts: and tho they could send them to other markets and remit the money to London, yet they find it necessary to give their English merchant the benefit of the consignment of their tobacco to  him (which is enormously gainful) in order to induce him to continue his indulgence for the balance due.\nIs it impossible to persuade our countrymen to make peace with the Nova scotians? I am persuaded nothing is wanting but advances on our part; and that it is in our power to draw off the greatest proportion of that settlement, and thus to free ourselves from rivals who may become of consequence. We are at present co-operating with Gr. Br. whose policy it is to give aliment to that bitter enmity between her states and ours which may secure her against their ever joining us. But would not the existence of a cordial friendship between us and them be the best bridle we could possibly put into the mouth of England?\nWith respect to the Danish business you will observe that the instructions of Congress, article 3. of Octob. 29. 1783. put it entirely into the hands of the ministers plenipotentiary of the U.S. of A. at the court of Versailles empowered to negotiate a peace or to any one or more of them. At that time I did not exist under this description. I had received the permission of Congress to decline coming in the spring preceding that date. On the 1st. day of Nov. 1783. that is to say two days after the date of the instruction to the Commissioners Congress recommended J. P. Jones to the Minister Plenipotentiary of the U.S. at Versailles as agent to sollicit under his direction the paiment of all prizes taken in Europe under his command. But the object under their view at that time was assuredly the money due from the court of Versailles for the prizes taken in the expedition by the Bon homme Richard, the Alliance &c. In this business I have aided him effectually, having obtained a definitive order for paying the money to him, and a considerable proportion being actually paid him. But they could not mean by their resolution of Nov. 1. to take from the Commissioners powers which they had given them two days before. If there could remain a doubt that this whole power has resulted to you, it would be cleared up by the instruction of May. 7. 1784. article 9. which declares \u2018that these instructions be considered as supplementory to those of Octob. 29. 1783. and not as revoking except where they contradict them.\u2019 Which shews they considered the instructions of Octob. 29. 1783. as still in full force. I do not give you the trouble of this discussion to save myself the trouble of the negociation. I should have no objections to this part: but it is to avoid the impropriety of meddling in a matter wherein I am unauthorised to act, and where any thing I should pretend to conclude  with the court of Denmark might have the appearance of a deception on them. Should it be in my power to render any service in it, I shall do it with chearfulness, but I repeat it that I think you are the only person authorised.\nI received a few days ago the Nuova minuta of Tuscany which Colo. Humphrys will deliver you. I have been so engaged that I have not been able to go over it with any attention. I observe in general that the order of the articles is entirely deranged, and their diction almost totally changed. When you shall have examined it if you will be so good as to send me your observations by post, in cypher, I will communicate with you in the same way and try to mature this matter.\nThe deaths of the Dukes of Orleans and Praslin will probably reach you through the channel of the public papers before this letter does. Your friends the Abb\u00e9s are well and always speak of you with affection. Colo. Humphries comes to pass some time in London. My curiosity would render a short trip thither agreeable to me also, but I see no probability of taking it. I will trouble you with my respects to Doctr. Price. Those to Mrs. Adams I witness in a letter to herself. I am with very great esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0033", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 20 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis Nov. 20. 1785.\nI have been honoured with your two letters of Octob. 19. and 25. by Mr. Fox and Doctor Rodgers since the date of my last. I am to thank you for your state of Stanhope\u2019s case. It has enabled me to speak of that transaction with a confidence of which I should otherwise have been deprived by the different state of it in the public papers and the want of information from America. I have even endeavored to get it printed in a public paper to counteract the impressions of the London papers and Mercure de France. I do not yet know however whether it will be admitted.\u2014Your letter to Mr. Williamos I immediately sent to him. The illness which had long confined him, proved in the end to be mortal. He died about ten days ago.\nMr. Adams\u2019s letter of the 4th. instant informs me that Mr. Preston had at length found my letter to him. I hope he has also found, or that he will in time find that which I took the liberty of writing to you. It was to pray you to order me a dozen shirts, of exactly the quality of the one sent, to be made in London. I gave for that 10\u20b6\u201310s the aune, and wished to be able to judge of the comparative prices in the two countries. The several commissions you have been so good as to execute for me, with what Mr. Adams has paid for insuring Houdon\u2019s life leave me considerably in your debt. As I shall not get so good an opportunity of making a remittance, as by Colo. Smith, I trouble him with thirty two Louis for you. This I expect may place us in the neighborhood of a balance. What it is exactly I do not know. I will trouble you to give me notice when you receive your plateaux de dessert, because I told the marchand I would not pay him till you had received them; he  having undertaken to send them. I give you so much trouble that unless you find some means of employing me for yourself in return I shall retain an unpleasant load on my mind. Indeed I am sensible this balance will always be against me, as I want more from London than you will do from Paris. True generosity therefore will induce you to give me opportunities of returning your obligations.\nBusiness being now got through I congratulate you on the return of Colo. Smith. I congratulate you still more however on the extreme worth of his character, which was so interesting an object in a person connected in office so nearly with your family. I had never before had an opportunity of being acquainted with him. Your knowlege of him will enable you to judge of the advantageous impressions which his head, his heart, and his manners will have made on me.\nI begin to feel very sensibly the effect of the derangement of the French packets. My intelligence from America lately has become more defective than it formerly was. The proceedings of Congress and of the assemblies there this winter will be very interesting.\nThe death of the Duc d\u2019Orleans has darkened much the court and city. All is sable. No doubt this is a perfect representation of their feelings, and particularly of those of the Duc de Chartres to whom an additional revenue of four millions will be a paultry solace for his loss. News from Madrid give much to fear for the life of the only son of the Prince of Asturias.\nColo. Humphries comes to take a view of London. I should be gratified also with such a trip, of which the pleasure of seeing your family would make a great part. But I foresee no circumstances which could justify, much less call for, such an excursion. Be so good as to present my respects to Miss Adams and to be assured yourself of the sincerity of the esteem with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0034", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Huron, 20 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Huron, Jean Baptiste\nSir\nParis Nov. 20. 1785.\nI will endeavor to give you the best information I can on the subject of your enquiries about the 200,000 acres of land in the counties of Fayette, Montgomery and Ohio which Mr. Pentecost and his partner oblige themselves to have conveyed to you by patents or otherwise as a security for 8000\u00a3 Pennsylvania money, and which you are desired to sell.\n  By the term \u2018patent\u2019 I presume they had not in contemplation to satisfy this obligation by the purchase of lands already patented. If they had, there is good land enough in those counties to make up more than this quantity. But they are too dear to be bought on a speculation of selling them again in Europe. But I presume they meant to locate land warrants on 200,000 acres of the lands in those counties still remaining unappropriated. Of barren lands there are a sufficiency there to make up that quantity, which are yet unappropriated, and will for ever remain so; because they are worth nothing. But if they meant to engage that they would locate and convey to you 200,000 acres of good lands in those counties and which were unpatented at the date of their engagement, I am of opinion you will be disappointed. It is at least four years since a gentleman of my acquaintance, as well acquainted with that country as any man in it, and who had land warrants for 8000 acres only, informed me he was obliged to take it in small parcels of one, two, or three hundred acres in among the mountains wherever they could be found, all the bodies of good land having been already located. Later information has given me reason to conclude that the whole of the lands in those counties, fit for culture have been patented or covered by locations for a considerable time. My opinion is therefore that you will not be safe in entering into absolute engagements for the conveiance of such a quantity of lands, till you know that they are obtained: and that the instrument you possess gives no specific pledge for your money; and is no more in fact than an obligation for it\u2019s repaiment. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0036", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 21 November 1785\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n  Le Havre, 21 Nov. 1785 Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letter of 11 Nov. and promises to forward its enclosure to the Fitzhugh brothers by the  Andrew, which sails for Norfolk within the next two weeks. Before they sailed on 10 Nov., the brothers \u201cfound them selves in the most disagreable Circumstance possible for Gentlemen of Honor.\u201d On Barclay\u2019s recommendation they had applied to Limozin for 1,000 livres to pay their passage, though he gave no assurance of how Limozin would be reimbursed but later did provide them with a letter of credit for 120 livres, \u201cwhich sum was not sufficient to pay for their expense here altho\u2019 they have been very often at my house to dine with me.\u201d Having heard of the large sums which he had advanced other Americans and were never returned (\u201cfor that reason, I had resolved to not lend one farthing more\u201d), the Fitzhughs were reluctant to approach Limozin for further funds. One of the brothers finally revealed their circumstances and said that if Limozin did not advance them twenty guineas, they would lose their space on the ship and also their passage money. They promised that if Barclay did not repay him, TJ would. He now has their draft on Barclay dated 4 Nov.; according to Barclay\u2019s instructions, Limozin will make TJ the drawee instead. He appends his account of the expenses totalling 68\u20b6 17s 6d. for the three trunks and boxes shipped on the Eolus, for which he charges TJ\u2019s account.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0040", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 24 November 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nGrosvenor Square Novr. 24th. 1785.\nI hope if the Marquiss de la Fayette is returned to Paris he may be able to give us some account of Colln. Smith for whom we are  not a little anxious, having no intelligence from him since the begining of September when he wrote that he should tarry at Berlin till the reviews were over which would be by the 20th. of that month and then should make the utmost expedition to Paris where his stay would be six days or six Hours according to the intelligence he should meet with there from Mr. Adams. Ten weeks have since elapsed and not a Line or Syllable respecting him has come to hand. In all that time we have been daily and hourly expecting his return. We should have been still more anxious, if the Spanish Minister had not informed us that by a Letter which he received from Colln. Miranda early in Septemr. he wrote him that he had some thoughts of going to Vienna. Colln. Miranda\u2019s friends are allarmed about him and have been here to inquire if we could give any account of him. We are now daily more and more anxious because we cannot account for Coll. Smiths long absence but by sickness or some disaster, and even then we ought to have heard from him or of him. You will be so good Sir as to give us every information in your Power as soon as may be.\nWe suppose you have made an excursion to Fontainbleau by our not having heard from you for a long time. Mr. Preston found the Letters he supposed to have been taken out of his Trunk, amongst his Linnen ten days after his arrival. Your orders shall be executed to the best of my abilities.\nInclosed is a Letter which I found a few days ago respecting the Wine which you was so kind as to take. Mr. Adams is uncertain whether he requested you to Pay to Mr. Bonfeild on his order 319 Livres for a Cask of Wine which he procured for him and of which he never received any account untill his arrival here. If Mr. Barclay has not done it Mr. Adams would be obliged to you to pay it for him.\nA Vessell arrived this week from New York and brings papers to the 16 of Octr. They contain nothing material. A Letter from Mr. Jay informs us that no Minister was yet appointed to the Hague, but that Mr. Izard and Mr. Madison were in Nomination, that the rage for New States was very prevalent, which he apprehended would have no good effect. He wished the Ministers abroad to bear testimony against it in their Letters to Congress.\nIn this Country there is a great want of many French comodities, Good Sense, Good Nature, Political Wisdom and benevolence. His Christian Majesty would render essential service to His Britanick  Majesty if he would permit Cargoes of this kind to be exported into this Kingdom against the next meeting of Parliament.\nThe Treaty lately concluded between France and Holland and the Conduct of England with respect to America proves Her absolute deficiency in each Article.\nCompliments to the Gentlemen of your Family from Sir your Humble Servant,\nA Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0041", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Borgnis Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res, 24 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Borgnis Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res\nce 24me. Nov. 1785. \u00e0 Paris\nJ\u2019ai eu l\u2019honneur de recevoir, Messieurs, la lettre du 4me. Novembre que vous avez bien voulu m\u2019adresser, et j\u2019ai tard\u00e9 de vous faire mes remerciments des soins dont vous avez la bont\u00e9 de vous charger des prisonniers Americains, en esperant toujours de recevoir une ordre pour leur elargissement et de me profiter de votre adresse pour le faire passer avec certitude \u00e0 leurs mains. Mais n\u2019en ayant pas encore obtenu je ne puis pas plus longtems differer les justes remerciments que je vous dois, et que je vous prie de bien vouloir agreer, ainsi que de l\u2019hommage des sentimens respectueux avec lesquelles j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre Messieurs votre tres-humble et tres-obeissant serviteur,\nTH: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0042", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Diot & Cie., 24 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jean Diot & Cie.\nGentlemen\nParis Nov. 24. 1785.\nYour favor of Octob. 26. came safely to hand and should sooner have been acknowleged, but that I have wished at the same time to convey through your hands whatever indulgence the government would be pleased to grant to the American prisoners to whom you have been so kind as to extend your attention. Having as yet however been unable to procure any order in their favor I cannot longer delay returning my thanks for your goodness to them and assuring you of the sentiments of respect with which I have the honour to be gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I avail myself of your address to convey a letter to Mr. Asquith.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0048", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Andr\u00e9 Limozin, 25 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nSir\nParis Nov. 25. 1785.\nI received the day before yesterday your favor of the 21st. and thank you for your care of my letter to the Mr. Fitzhughs. In mine of Nov. 11. addressed to you I took the liberty of asking you to furnish them with four hundred livres and to draw on me for the money. Instead of this you will be pleased to consider the twenty guineas (mentioned in your letter) as advanced at my request and to draw on me for that sum, expressing in your bill that it is for so much advanced them. I think you will find that you have not misplaced your indulgences to these young gentlemen. They are very good youths, and their father is a very able man. I will beg the favor of you to draw on me in a separate draught for the 68\u20b6- 17s-6d which you have been so kind as to pay for me for the transportation of the packages I sent to Havre.\nI have the honour to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0049", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 25 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr.\nDear Sir\nParis Nov. 25. 1785.\nI am sorry to hear, by letter from Mr. Elder, that your health is infirm, and that it is likely to become necessary on that account  for yourself, your brother and cousin to remove to the continent of Europe. Edinburgh had the two advantages of possessing science in as high a degree as any place in the world, and of conveying it in your native tongue. Places may be found on the continent which may rival it in some branches of science, and perhaps in those most interesting to you: but you will lose from the imperfect comprehension of what is delivered in a language not familiar to you. The difficulties of the language will be added to those of the science. However health is the first object. I have ventured to suggest to Mr. Elder reasons for preferring Rome to any other place on the continent. I have been led to take this liberty by my sincere friendship to your parents and my wishes that the talents with which nature has endowed you may be properly developed and cultivated so as to render you useful to your country and an ornament to your family. The favourable accounts I receive of your genius and good dispositions have attached me to your success in life, and they will ensure that success if properly improved. Honesty, knowlege and industry are the qualities which will lead you to the highest emploiments of your country, and to it\u2019s highest esteem, and with these to that satisfaction which renders life pleasant, and death secure. You will perceive by my preaching that I am growing old: it is the privilege of years, and I am sure you will pardon it from the purity of it\u2019s motives. I shall be happy to hear from you sometimes, and will consider it as a proof that you are not deterred at the prospect of a sermonizing correspondent. I did not know till Mr. Elder\u2019s letter informed me that Mrs. Randolph was at Boston. I am pleased to hear that the change of climate is becoming serviceable to her. Be so good as to present me in affectionate terms to your brother and cousin and to be assured yourself of the sincere attachment with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-25-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0050", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Jean-Armand Tronchin, [ca. 25 November 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Tronchin-Labat, Jean Armand\nMonsieur Jefferson, ministre plenipotentiaire des etats-unis d\u2019Amerique, est venu pour avoir l\u2019honneur de voir Monsieur Tronchin et lui faire son compliment sur ce qu\u2019il a et\u00e9 present\u00e9 \u00e0  leur Majest\u00e9s et \u00e0 la famille royale en qualit\u00e9 de Ministre de la republique de Geneve.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0051", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 27 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Nov. 27. 1785.\nYour favor of the 5th. came to hand yesterday, and Colo. Smith and Colo. Humphries (by whom you will receive one of the 19th. from me) being to set out tomorrow, I hasten to answer it. I sincerely rejoice that Portugal is stepping forward in the business of treaty, and that there is a probability that we may at length do something under our commissions which may produce a solid benefit to our constituents. I as much rejoice that it is not to be negociated through the medium of the torpid uninformed machine at first made use of. I conjecture from your relation of the conference with the Chevalier de Pinto that he is well informed and sensible. So much the better. It is one of those cases (perhaps no others exist) where the better the interests of the two parties are understood, the broader will be the bottom on which they will connect them.\nTo the very judicious observations on the subjects of the conference which were made by you, I have little to add.\n1. Flour. It may be observed that we can sell them the flour ready manufactured for much less than the wheat of which it is made. In carrying to them wheat, we carry also the bran, which does not pay it\u2019s own freight. In attempting to save and transport wheat to them, much is lost by the weavil, and much spoiled by heat in the hold of the vessel. This loss must be laid on the wheat which gets safe to market, where it is paid by the consumer. Now this is much more than the cost of manufacturing it with us, which would prevent that loss. I suppose the cost of manufacturing does not exceed seven per cent on the value. But the loss by the weavil, and damage on ship board amount to much more. Let them buy of us as much wheat as will make a hundred weight of flour. They will find that they have paid more for the wheat than we should have asked for the flour, besides having lost the labour of their mills in grinding it. The obliging us therefore to carry it to them in the form of wheat, is a useless loss to both parties.\nIron. They will get none from us. We cannot make it in competition with Sweden or any other nation of Europe where labour is so much cheaper.\nWines. The strength of the wines of Portugal will give them always an almost exclusive possession of a country where the summers are so hot as in America. The present demand will be very great if they will enable us to pay for them; but if they consider the extent and rapid population of the United states they must see that the time is not distant when they will not be able to make enough for us, and that it is of great importance to avail themselves of the prejudices already established in favor of their wines and to continue them by facilitating the purchase. Do this and they need not care for the decline of their use in England. They will be independant of that country.\nSalt. I do not know where the Northern states supplied themselves with salt, but the Southern ones took great quantities from Portugal.\nCotton and wool. The Southern states will take manufactures of both: the Northern will take both the manufactures and raw materials.\nEast-India goods of every kind. Philadelphia and New York have begun a trade to the East Indies. Perhaps Boston may follow their example. But their importations will be sold only to the country adjacent to them. For a long time to come the states south of the Delaware will not engage in a direct commerce with the East Indies. They neither have nor will have ships or seamen for their other commerce. Nor will they buy East India goods of the Northern states. Experience shews that the states never bought foreign goods of one another. The reasons are that they would, in so doing, pay double freight and charges, and again that they would have to pay mostly in cash what they could obtain for commodities in Europe. I know that the American merchants have looked with some anxiety to the arrangements to be taken with Portugal in expectation that they could get their E. India articles on better and more convenient terms, and I am of opinion Portugal will come in for a good share of this traffic with the Southern states, if they facilitate our paiments.\nCoffee. Can they not furnish us of this article from Brazil?\nSugar. The Brazil sugars are esteemed with us more than any other.\nChocolate. This article when ready made, and also the Cacao  becomes so soon rancid, and the difficulties of getting it fresh have been so great in America that it\u2019s use has spread but little. The way to increase it\u2019s consumption would be to permit it to be brought to us immediately from the country of it\u2019s growth. By getting it good in quality, and cheap in price, the superiority of the article both for health and nourishment will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America, which it has in Spain where they can get it by a single voiage, and of course while it is sweet. The use of the sugars, coffee, and cotton of Brazil would also be much extended by a similar indulgence.\nGinger and spices from the Brazils, if they had the advantage of a direct transportation might take place of the same articles from the E. Indies.\nGinseng. We can furnish them with enough to supply their whole demand for the E. Indies.\nThey should be prepared to expect that in the beginning of this commerce more money will be taken by us, than after a while. The reasons are that our heavy debt to Gr. Britain must be paid before we shall be masters of our own returns, and again that habits of using particular things are produced only by time and practice.\nThat as little time as possible may be lost in this negociation I will communicate to you at once my sentiments as to the alterations in the draught sent them, which will probably be proposed by them, or which ought to be proposed by us, noting only those articles.\nArt. 3. They will probably restrain us to their dominions in Europe. We must expressly include the Azores, Madeiras, and Cape du verd islands some of which are deemed to be in Africa. We should also contend for an access to their possessions in America according to the gradation in the 2d. article of our instructions of May 7. 1784. But if we can obtain it in no one of these forms, I am of opinion we should give it up.\nArt. 4. This should be put into the form we gave it in the draught sent you by Doctr. Franklin and myself for Great Britain. I think we had not reformed this article when we sent our draught to Portugal. You know the Confederation renders the reformation absolutely necessary; a circumstance which had escaped us at first.\nArt. 9. Add from the British draught the clause about wrecks.\nArt. 13. The passage \u2018Nevertheless &c. to run as in the British draught.\nArt. 18. After the word \u2018accident\u2019 insert \u2018or wanting supplies of provisions or other refreshments,\u2019 and again instead of \u2018take refuge\u2019  insert \u2018come\u2019 and after \u2018of the other\u2019 insert \u2018in any part of the world.\u2019 The object of this is to obtain leave for our whaling vessels to refit and refresh on the coast of the Brazils, an object of immense importance to that class of our vessels. We must acquiesce under such modifications as they may think necessary for regulating this indulgence, in hopes to lessen them in time, and to get a pied-\u00e0-terre in that country.\nArt. 19. Can we get this extended to the Brazils? It would be precious in case of a war with Spain.\nArt. 23. Between \u2018places\u2019 and \u2018whose\u2019 insert \u2018and in general all others\u2019 as in the British draught.\nArt. 24. for \u2018necessaries\u2019 substitute \u2018comforts.\u2019\nArt. 25. add \u2018but if any such Consuls shall exercise commerce &c. as in the British draught.\nWe should give to Congress as early notice as possible of the reinstitution of this negociation, because in a letter by a gentleman who sailed from Havre the 10th. inst. I communicated to them the answer of the Portuguese minister through the Ambassador here, which I sent to you. They may in consequence be taking other arrangements which might do injury. The little time which now remains of the continuance of our commissions should also be used with the Chevalr. de Pinto to hasten the movements of his court.\nBut all these preparations for trade with Portugal will fail in their effect unless the depredations of the Algerines can be prevented. I am far from confiding in the measures taken for this purpose. Very possibly war must be recurred to. Portugal is in war with them. Suppose the Chevalier de Pinto was to be sounded on the subject of an union of force, and even a stipulation for contributing each a certain force to be kept in constant cruize. Such a league once begun, other nations would drop into it one by one. If he should seem to approve it, it might then be suggested to Congress, who, if they should be forced to try the measure of war, would doubtless be glad of such an ally. As the Portuguese negociation should be hastened, I suppose our communications must often be trusted to the post, availing ourselves of the cover of our cypher. I am with sincere esteem Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0052", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Henley, 27 November 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Henley, Samuel\nDear Sir\nParis Nov. 27. 1785.\nI receive this moment your kind letter of the 16th. and a private opportunity to London offering tomorrow morning, I avail myself of it to acknowledge the receipt. Mr. Johnson\u2019s draught of which you advise me shall be punctually honoured. The fears you are so kind as to express on the subject of my family, are but too well founded. The domestic loss I sustained was the only circumstance which could have brought me to Europe. Being here, my stay will perhaps be of some years. I should be very well pleased to visit England, and it is among possible events. In such a case I shall be particularly gratified should circumstances permit me to see you. I should surely endeavor to force them to do it. I mean to assume no merit when I assure you that I considered no man personally as an enemy during the late revolution. I should have little merited the esteem with which you were pleased to honour me had I been capable of that. Nor did I ever apprehend that narrow view of the contest in you. I enquired for you on every occasion, but Mr. Bradford was the first who could give me any certain account of you. I thank you for your kind offers of service. I find it better to get new English books thro\u2019 the booksellers here than to attempt to have them brought from London myself. Literary news however will always be acceptable, as well as news of your family and yourself. As you express a satisfaction at the information I gave you of some occurrences in Virginia I would willingly add to the detail but a bad memory and an incertainty how far you may have been already informed almost deter me. Among the dead, of your acquaintance, I recollect the following. R. C. Nicholas, Everard, Tazewell, Peyton Randolph, Colo. Byrd, Farley, Emanl. Jones, L. Burwell of Kingsmill, L. Burwell of Gloster, Colo. Warn. Lewis and the revd. T. Price of Gloster, Gawen Corbin, and Ryland Randolph. To enumerate marriages would be endless because, you know, every body marries there. The mention of two however will be pleasing to you, that of Miss Blair with Colo. Bannister, and of  a daughter of J. Page with a son of General Nelson. I will add a third, of a brother of Genl. Nelson with the Miss Taliaferro whom you knew a very small girl at Mr. Wythe\u2019s. These recollections prove my friend, that we are no longer young. Those whom we knew children have now their children and are pressing us towards a door out of which they must follow us. However you are wise; for while I am wasting life, you are enjoying it in the only state in which it admits of joy. No-body wishes you more sincerely a long continuance of it. I pray you to make my respects acceptable to Mrs. Henley. Tho I have not the happiness of an acquaintance with her, I claim thro\u2019 you the right of sincerely wishing her well. Accept yourself cordial assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0053", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 28 November 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pol de L\u00e9on, 28 Nov. 1785. They have now been in prison for fourteen weeks \u201cand yet have no appearance of our releasement without you have got it finished at Paris.\u201d Asquith heard from Desbordes, Fr\u00e8res that they had written to TJ advising him to try to have the case settled by the French ministry. \u201cAs they [the Farmers-General] could find no flaw against us for smugling they now pretend we were stopped on account of coming into port under tonnage on a law that was made many years before the Revolution and openly declares the Alliance is nothing to them.\u201d\nBut for TJ\u2019s assistance, the officers would have \u201cstarved us to their own Terms.\u201d TJ\u2019s letter of 14 Sep. mentioned a compromise settlement with the Farmers-General, but the prisoners have not been approached. Though their fate \u201ccannot exceed the Torments of Suspense \u2026 my greatest trouble is the thoughts of my unhappy Family,\u201d for he heard that the vessel in which they left America ran ashore and he knows nothing of their situation. He begs TJ\u2019s help against \u201ca set of the worst of Men who have no regard to the Faith of the Nation or the Laws of Humanity \u2026 and the English smuglers \u2026 they use far better than us.\u201d They are all suffering severe colds; unless relief comes soon, \u201ca few weeks more will put an end to all our troubles.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0058", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Vergennes, 30 November 1785\nFrom: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nA Versailles le 30. 9bre. 1785.\nVous \u00eates s\u00fbrement inform\u00e9, Monsieur, qu\u2019un n\u00e9gociant de Boston, ayant amen\u00e9 en france des huiles de baleine, n\u2019a pu trouver \u00e0 les vendre \u00e0 cause des droits impos\u00e9s sur cette esp\u00e8ce de marchandise, droits qui sont acquitt\u00e9s par toutes les nations, \u00e0 l\u2019exception des villes ans\u00e9atiques. M. le Controleur-g\u00e9n\u00e9ral, touch\u00e9 de la perte qu\u2019\u00e9prouveroit le n\u00e9gociant dont il s\u2019agit, si on l\u2019assujettissoit  \u00e0 la rigueur au payement du droit en question, s\u2019est d\u00e9termin\u00e9 \u00e0 en rendre compte au Roi. Et Sa Majest\u00e9 vient de d\u00e9cider que le n\u00e9gociant de Boston ne seroit assujetti qu\u2019au droit que payent les villes ans\u00e9atiques, c\u2019est-\u00e0-dire, 7\u20b6. 10s. au lieu de 12\u20b6. par barique, et que dor\u00e9navant jusqu\u2019au 1er. Janvier 1787. il ne sera pay\u00e9 que le premier droit pour les huiles de poisson de la p\u00eache des habitants des Provinces-unies, \u00e0 la charge que ces huiles seront apport\u00e9es en france par des navires fran\u00e7ois ou am\u00e9ricains, et que l\u2019origine en sera constat\u00e9e par un certifficat du Magistrat des lieux, l\u00e9galis\u00e9 par nos Consuls.\nJe m\u2019empresse, Monsieur, de vous faire part de cette disposition. Je ne doute pas que vous n\u2019y trouviez une nouvelle preuve de l\u2019affection du Roi pour les Provinces-unies, et de l\u2019inter\u00eat constant que Sa Majest\u00e9 prend \u00e0 leur prosp\u00e9rit\u00e9.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre tr\u00e8s-sinc\u00e8rement, Monsieur, votre tr\u00e8s-humble et tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant Serviteur,\nDe Vergennes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-02-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0059", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 2 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Dec. 2. 1785.\nMr. Nathaniel Barrett, a Gentleman of a respectable Family in Boston, of a fair Character and long Experience in Trade, will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter. He comes to France for the express Purpose of negotiating with proper Persons concerning the Proposals of Monsieur Tourtille de Sangrain, relative of Sperma C\u0153ti oil. I beg Leave to recommend him and his Business to your Attention. I mean this however as mere matter of Form, as I know very well, that your Zeal for the Support of our Whale Fishery, would have been Introduction enough for Mr. Barrett to you, without any Interference of mine. With great Respect and Esteem, I have the Honour to be Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0064", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 5 December 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSt. Pol de L\u00e9on, 5 Dec. 1785. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s \u201ckind and most exceptionable Letter.\u201d He is relieved to know TJ has received the necessary  papers and finds only two errors in TJ\u2019s statement of his case: \u201c1st. The Register which was taken out by Capt. Charles Harrison (when I was sick) unknown to me for 21 Tons (as he inform\u2019d me, to save port charges), but he did not own any part of her. 2nd. The 25th. [i.e., 24th] when we carried away our foremast fore Shroud, But did [not] carry away our foremast which are the only mistakes in it. We flatter ourselves and are well assured that as we now come to have a right hearing that the Laws of a civilized nation which have humanity for their Basis, will never permit the innocent and unfortunate to be ruined by self interested men who have not the least regards to the laws of nature or the Laws of humanity\u2026 . We are not able (or ever shall) to express our gratitude to you for your kind endeavors to serve us.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0065", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Antoine-F\u00e9lix Wuibert, 5 December 1785\nFrom: Wuibert, Antoine-F\u00e9lix\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nCape Fran\u00e7ais, Santo Domingo, 5 Dec. 1785. Though unknown to TJ, he appeals to him, as a loyal citizen of the United States, concerning his rights.\nBorn at \u201cM\u00e9zi\u00e8res-sur-Meuse en Champagne,\u201d he left his large family many years ago and lived some time in Santo Domingo with \u201cun parent fort-Respectable, M. Du Portal, Lieutenant g\u00e9n\u00e9ral des arm\u00e9es du Roy.\u201d After this relative\u2019s untimely death, Wuibert was left without resources and went to America, where he took part in the Revolution. While chief engineer with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, to which he was appointed in 1776 at Washington\u2019s request, he was captured. What he suffered at the hands of the enemy \u201cn\u2019est rien au prix de la gloire qu\u2019on acquierre en defendant les droits de L\u2019Humanit\u00e9.\u201d Such persons as Lafayette, John Adams, Du Portail (his commanding officer), and Wuibert\u2019s father would all attest and add to what he tells TJ. Though the enemy inflicted many hardships on him to induce him to abandon the American cause, \u201cJe le lui pardonne \u2026 en faveur des grands et g\u00e9n\u00e9reux proc\u00e9d\u00e9s qu\u2019il a eu pour moi par la Suite et Cela Seul doit me Suffire pour avouer que la Nation Anglaise est unique et Respectable.\u201d During his intervals of liberty in the war years, Wuibert served under John Paul Jones on the Bonhomme Richard as \u201cCommandant-en-chef des Volontaires.\u201d He submits the roll of the crew but refers TJ for details of their cruises to the Mercure de France of December 1779. Because of subsequent military service as governor-general of the British prisoners at Texel and later as chief engineer at Fort Pitt, two periods of captivity, an illness during the last year, and the \u201cn\u00e9gligence ou la fausse amiti\u00e9 de quelques fran\u00e7ais qui m\u2019avaient promis de faire Cette reclamation de mes parts-de-prises,\u201d he never has been able to obtain his share. In 1783 he had sent to M. Du Moussy in Paris a power of attorney, but has heard nothing since, with the result that his affairs are completely neglected. Wuibert is deeply wounded by the cruelty of those who would deprive him of every means to obtain \u201cune petite Retraite Sur Ses Vieux Jours\u201d from his numerous troubles and  afflictions; appeals to TJ, for he has nowhere else to turn. In the spring of 1785 Wuibert returned to Santo Domingo for his health and to escape complete financial wreckage. Thanks to the kindness of his friend Odelucq, who is highly esteemed in Santo Domingo, he expects that he will soon be well again. \u201cQuoi qu\u2019elle ne puisse pas me payer encore les Interets de mon Certificat Continental\u201d (which cannot be redeemed soon according to a recent letter from Gov. Dickinson of Pennsylvania), Wuibert loves America and would prefer to spend his last days there, for he was treated well and even admitted to the Society of the Cincinnati. But if misfortune continues to plague him and to deprive him of friends, he must stay here, because he has been totally abandoned by his mother country, \u201cqui devrait Cependant regarder tous ses enfants avec une Egale bont\u00e9.\u201d\nHe therefore asks TJ to dismiss all his agents now holding powers of attorney, to represent him in the distribution of the shares of the prizes, to speak and act for him, and to take charge of whatever sums shall be paid. Wuibert, asking only to be informed, will nullify all measures he has taken thus far and will support TJ in whatever he does. If the French court does not intend to pay him his share of the prizes, he hopes TJ can procure him some small recompense; there are many French persons less deserving than he who have been well compensated and often decorated. \u201cJe desire bien Sincerement meriter Votre Justice, Craignant, Repugnant meme de me reclamer de Celle d\u2019un pays, o\u00f9 tout ne Vat que par bons ou mauvais Caprices.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0066", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Dumas, Charles William Frederick\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nLa Haie 6e. Decembre 1785\nUn ami respectable m\u2019avoit promis de se charger de mes Lettres  et de vous les remettre: mais comme son d\u00e9part ne pourra avoir lieu que dans la huitaine, parce qu\u2019il sera porteur de la ratification du Trait\u00e9 d\u2019Alliance, qui ne peut \u00eatre pr\u00eate plut\u00f4t, je prends le parti de la poste, dans l\u2019esp\u00e9rance que les incluses pourront partir encore ce mois-ci par le paquebot de l\u2019Orient avec les D\u00e9peches de Votre Excellence, en vous priant de vouloir bien fermer celle pour le Congr\u00e8s apr\u00e8s l\u2019avoir lue. L\u2019autre pour Mr. Franklin est le juste et tendre retour d\u2019une d\u2019Adieu dont son amiti\u00e9 m\u2019honora quand il partit de Paris en Juillet dernier.\nVoil\u00e0, grace \u00e0 Dieu, la paix assur\u00e9e \u00e0 la Republique, malgr\u00e9 les men\u00e9es de ses ennemis internes et externes. J\u2019ai dans l\u2019id\u00e9e que celle d\u2019Allemagne ne sera pas troubl\u00e9e non plus quoiqu\u2019en disent les Nouvellistes; et que si l\u2019Europe doit craindre une nouvelle Guerre, ce sera dans les Indes orientales o\u00f9 les uns t\u00e2cheront qu\u2019elle commence, tandis que les autres, plus sages peut-\u00eatre, chercheront, sinon \u00e0 l\u2019y confiner, du moins \u00e0 l\u2019emp\u00eacher de devenir continentale en Europe.\nJe suis avec grand respect De Votre Excellence le tr\u00e8s-humble et tr\u00e8s-ob\u00e9issant serviteur,\nC W F Dumas", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0068", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Geismar, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Geismar, Baron von\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\n\u00e0 Hanau Ce 6 de Decembre 1785.\nApres avoir re\u00e7u il y a quelque tems un Billet du bureau de Poste \u00e0 Paris qui m\u2019apprennait qu\u2019il y avait une lettre pour moi de rest\u00e9e faute d\u2019affranchissement, je donnais mes ordres pour me la faire parvenir et je ne tiens celle de Votre Excellence du 6. de Sept. que depuis quelques Jours. Elle m\u2019a infiniment flatt\u00e9 me rassurant de ne pas etre absolument oubli\u00e9 malgres toutes les occupations que le Poste qu\u2019Elle tient ne peut laisser de Lui donner. J\u2019ai eu l\u2019avantage de rencontrer l\u2019\u00e9t\u00e9 pass\u00e9 le Marquis de La fayette \u00e0 Pyemont allant \u00e0 Berlin; je l\u2019ai beaucoup question\u00e9 sur l\u2019Etat de Votre Sent\u00e9 et il m\u2019avait promis qu\u2019\u00e0 son retour il me rapellerait \u00e0 Votre Souvenir. Croi\u00e9s moi, \u00e0 quelle distence que je sois de l\u2019amerique, le Sort de Votre Patrie m\u2019interessera toujours; le Voiage et les Campagnes que j\u2019ai fait dans ce pays fonts epoque dans ma vie. J\u2019y ai vu Souffrir des Compatriottes, j\u2019y ai Souffert moi meme, et quand on a eu cela de comun on ne peut que S\u2019int\u00e9resser l\u2019un pour l\u2019autre. [\u2026] les Gazettes ne m\u2019inquiettent pas si aisement, Car depuis que j\u2019ai fait la Connaisance de Mr. Rivington \u00e0 la Nouvelle York o\u00f9 je me Suis [\u2026] 6 Mois, j\u2019ai apris \u00e0 rabbatre toujours la moiti\u00e9 de ce que Lui et ses chers Confreres dise[nt]. Je crois que Votre Gouvernement est bien plus tranquil[le] que nous ne le sommes en Europe, on se sou\u00e7iera guere de l\u2019autre Cot\u00e9 de l\u2019attlantique de notre ligue, de l\u2019Election d\u2019un Roi des Romains, de l\u2019Elevation d\u2019un autre d\u2019Austrasie. Faites en, dira-t-on, autant que bon Vous semblera, pourvue qu\u2019on nous en tient quitte et qu\u2019on nous laisse notre libert\u00e9, et je dis, moi, heureux qui en peut jouir. Ma Situation me fait douter que dans cette Vie j\u2019aurois encore le plaisir de passer avec Vous \u00e0 Monticello des Jours aussi tranquils et agreables qu\u2019ettaient ceux que je me rapelle toujours av\u00e9c delice. Mais je Vous prie de m\u2019avertir un peu d\u2019avance quand Vous compt\u00e9s quitt\u00e9r l\u2019Europe et je m\u2019arangerai S\u2019il-est humainement possible, en Sorte de pouvoir passer quelques Jours avec Vous \u00e0 Paris. Nous avons Subis depuis peu, par la Mort du Landgrave de Hesse-Cassel, Pere de mon Maitre, de grands Changements dans notre petit Etat; cela nous a donn\u00e9 comme d\u2019ordinaire des reductions et des augmentations. Cette mort a fait de mon Maitre un des plus riches Princes de l\u2019Allemagne, Son Pere Lui aiant laiss\u00e9 tous les Coffres remplies, un Corps de Trouppes tres respectables dans  le meilleur ordres, et un pays qui Lui Rapporte pour le moins 6 \u00e0 7 Mil: de [livs.] de france.\nVous m\u2019obliger\u00e9s en m\u2019envoiant dans Votre premiere Votre Adresse imediatement \u00e0 Paris, mes Lettres n\u2019auronts pas tant de detour \u00e0 faire.\nJe Vous prie, Monsieur, de temoigner mes Respets \u00e0 Miss Jefferson, la quelle peut-etre ne Se Souviendra plus d\u2019un Prisonier qui l\u2019a eu Souvent Sur Les bras.\nGard\u00e9s moi la Continuation de Votre Amitie et bont\u00e9, et Soi\u00e9s persuad\u00e9 que je ne cesserai jamais de Vous apartenir par les liens de l\u2019amiti\u00e9 le plus Sincere et avec le quel j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de me dire Monsieur de Votre Excellence le tres humble et tres Obeissant Serviteur,\nLe Major de Geismar", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0069", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 6 December 1785\nFrom: Jamieson, Neil\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew York, 6 Dec. 1785. Encloses letter for TJ that came \u201csome time since, immediately after the sending of the former packet\u201d; also sends \u201ca parcel of our Newspapers.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0070", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Andr\u00e9 Limozin, ca. 6 December 1785]\nFrom: Limozin, Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Le Havre, ca. 6 Dec. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 8 Dec. 1785 \u201cWithout date. About Boylston\u2019s ship.\u201d Not found. TJ struck out \u201cHavre\u201d in the entry.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0072", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 7 December 1785\nFrom: Jamieson, Neil\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nNew York, 7 Dec. 1785. Sent yesterday the Daily Advertiser containing Lewis Littlepage\u2019s letter to John Jay; now encloses today\u2019s issue with Jay\u2019s reply.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-07-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0073", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 7 December 1785\nFrom: Jay, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr. Sir\nNew York 7th. Decemr. 1785\nThe last Letter I have had the Pleasure of receiving from you is dated the 14th. August last. My last to you is dated the 2d. Ult:  by Mr. Houdon who I hope has by this Time safely arrived. Nothing of importance has since occurred except the Arrival of Mr. Temple, respecting whom I enclose the Copy of an Act of Congress of 2d. Instant. With great Esteem & Regard I have the Honor to be &ca.,\nJohn Jay\nYou will herewith receive a Packet of Newspapers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0078", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Diodati, 9 December 1785\nFrom: Diodati-Tronchin, Jean, Count de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 9 Dec. 1785. Formal notice of presentation to the king as minister of the \u201cDuc de Mecklembourg-Schw\u00e9rin.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0080", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Janet Livingston Montgomery, 9 December 1785\nFrom: Montgomery, Janet Livingston\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nNew York Decr. 9 1785\nI would on the strength of an acquaintance take the liberty to commit to your care, the inclosed letter which I have long owed the Marquis. Yet should our acquaintance not admit of such a liberty and ask an apology, I fear I have not one sufficiently satisfactiory to either\u2014unless you will permit me, to make use of one which must be common to all who have had the honour to be known to your Excellency, that of wishing still to have a place in your remembrance.\nI take a particular pleasure in paying my respects to Miss Jefferson. I have no doubt her improvement will be equal to her oppertunities.\nI have the honour to be with respect your Excellencys most obedt. Sert.,\nJanet Montgomery", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-09-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0082", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste Pecquet, 9 December 1785\nFrom: Pecquet, Jean Baptiste\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nLisbon, 9 Dec. 1785. He was introduced to TJ by Benjamin Franklin and is grateful to them both for the recompense he received from the U.S. for his services to American citizens during the war. He would be even more indebted if they would recommend him to Congress for the post of United States agent in Lisbon, which post he would discharge with \u201cLe Z\u00e8le le plus ardent, la fidelit\u00e9 la plus inviolable et la r\u00e9union de tous mes efforts.\u201d", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0083", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Dec. 10. 1785.\nOn the arrival of Mr. Boylston I carried him to the Marquis de la Fayette, and received from him communications of his object. This was to get a remission of the duties on his cargo of oil, and he was willing to propose a future contract. I proposed however to the Marquis, when we were alone, that instead of wasting our efforts on individual applications, we had better take it up on general ground, and, whatever could be obtained, let it be common to all. He concurred with me. As the jealousy of office between ministers does not permit me to apply immediately to the one in whose department this was, the Marquis\u2019s agency was used. The result was to put us on the footing of the Hanseatic towns, as to whale oil, and to reduce the duties to 11\u20b6\u20135s for 520 \u2114 French, which is very nearly two livres on the English hundred weight, or about a guinea and a half the ton. But the oil must be brought in American or French ships, and the indulgence is limited to one year. However as to this I expressed to Ct. de Vergennes my hopes that it would be continued, and should a doubt arise, I should propose at the proper time to claim it under the treaty on the footing gentis  amicissimi. After all, I beleive Mr. Boylston has failed of selling to Sangrain, and, from what I learn, through a little too much hastiness of temper. Perhaps they may yet come together or he may sell to somebody else.\n  When the general matter was thus arranged, a Mr. Barrett arrived here from Boston with letters of recommendation from Govr. Bowdoin, Cushing and others. His errand was to get the whale business here put on a general bottom, instead of the particular one which had been settled you know the last year for a special company. We told him what was done. He thinks it will answer, and proposes to settle at L\u2019Orient for conducting the sales of the oil and the returns. I hope therefore that this matter is tolerably well fixed as far as the consumption of this country goes. I know not as yet to what amount that is; but shall endeavor to find out how much they consume, and how much they furnish themselves. I propose to Mr. Barrett that he should induce either his state or individuals to send us a sufficient number of boxes of the Spermaceti candle, to give one to every leading house in Paris, I mean to those who lead the ton: and at the same time to deposit a quantity for sale here and advertize them in the Petites affiches. I have written to Mr. Carmichael to know on what footing the use and introduction of the whale oil is there, or can be placed. I have the honour to be with very sincere esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient humb. servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-10-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0084", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from David Ramsay, 10 December 1785\nFrom: Ramsay, David\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nNew York Decr. 10th. 1785\nWhen I left this city last August I directed my printer to furnish Mr. Monroe with the sheets of my book from time to time that they might be sent to you by the packets. Mr. Monroe soon after left Congress and transferred the business to Mr. Hardy. His much lamented death prevented his execution of the business. On my return here in November I could not find satisfactory information of what had been sent to you; but the printer informed me that you must have received up to page 305 of Vol. 2d. I now send you the remainder. The work was finished on the 7th inst. but by an  unfortunate accident I have not by me the notes from page 440 to page 545. I shall send from this port 1600 copies to Mr. Charles Dilly of London by Capt. Cowper who sails on the 20th. instant. I shall direct him to deliver to your order two complete copies and I beg the favor of your acceptance of one and that you would do me the honor of presenting the other to the Marquis de La Fayette in my name. When you receive the books from Mr. Dilly please to deliver the inclosed letter to the Marquis with the copy of the book. I am sorry for the trouble I give you but hope for your indulgence. I have not hitherto been favored with the reception of any letter that informed me of your having received the sheets which I sent you by the monthly packets. I have the honor to be your most obedient servt.,\nDavid Ramsay", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0085", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis Dec. 11. 1785.\nExpecting Baron Polnitz to call every moment, I have only time to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Nov. 24. and to answer you on the subject of the bill for 319 livres drawn by Mr. Adams in favor of Mr. Bonfeild. I had never heard of it before, and Mr. Barclay calling on me this morning I asked of him if he knew any thing of it. He says that such a bill was presented to him, and he desired them not to send it back but to let it lie till he could write to Mr. Adams. He wrote. Not having Mr. Adams\u2019s answer in his pocket he can only say that from that he was discouraged from paying it by Mr. Adams\u2019s expressing a doubt whether he had not desired me to pay it. The bill therefore went back without my having ever heard a tittle of it. I told Mr. Barclay I would write immediately to Mr. Bondfeild to send it to me on an assurance that I would pay it on sight. But he desired I would not; that he would immediately see to the paiment of it, and that it would be a convenience to him to be permitted to do it, as he had a balance of Mr. Adams\u2019s in his hands. I could have urged the same reason, but he had the regular authority. Between us therefore you may count on the settlement of this matter, and always on me for that of any other with which you will please to entrust me, and which may give me an opportunity of proving to you the sincere esteem  with which I have the honor to be Dear Madam your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0086", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Dec. 11. 1785.\nBaron Polnitz not going off till today enables me to add some information which I receive from Mr. Barclay this morning. You know the immense amount of Beaumarchais\u2019 accounts with the U.S. and that Mr. Barclay was authorized to settle them. Beaumarchais had pertinaciously insisted on settling them with Congress. Probably he received from them a denial: for just as Mr. Barclay was about to set out on the journey we destined him Beaumarchais tendered him a settlement. It was thought best not to refuse this, and that it would produce a very short delay. However it becomes long, and Mr. Barclay thinks it will occupy him all this month. The importance of the account, and a belief that nobody can settle it so well as Mr. Barclay, who is intimately acquainted with most of the articles, induce me to think we must yeild to this delay. Be so good as to give me your opinion on this subject. I have the honour to be with very great esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Pray contrive the inclosed letter to Colo. Monroe. It must not pass through the hands of the English post officers.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0087", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nParis Dec. 11. 1785.\nI wrote you by the Mr. Fitzhughs Aug. 30. and to Mrs. Eppes by the same conveiance Sep. 22. In those as in my former letters I had troubled you on the subject of sending my daughter to me. To the cautions then suggested I am obliged to add another, which our situation with respect to the Barbary powers calls for. You  have doubtless heard loose stories as to their captures on us, without being able to know the certainty. The truth is that the Emperor of Marocco took one vessel from us last winter; but he did it merely to induce us to treat. He took care of the crew, vessel and cargo and delivered the whole up for us to the Spanish court, clothing the crew well. There is nothing further to be feared from him, as I think he will settle matters with us on tolerable terms. But the Algerines this fall took two vessels from us, and now have 22. of our citizens in slavery. Their dispositions are more hostile, and they very possibly will demand a higher tribute than America will pay. In this event they will commit depredations on our trade next summer. I do not think the insurance against them on vessels coming to France will be worth half per cent: but who can estimate the value of a half per cent on the fate of a child. My mind revolts at the possibility of a capture; so that unless you hear from myself (not trusting the information of any other person on earth) that peace is made with the Algerines, do not send her but in a vessel of French or English property: for these vessels alone are safe from prize by the barbarians. Mr. Barclay our consul here expects to go to Philadelphia in the spring and to return again here. He offers to take charge of her. She would be then in the best hands possible; and should the time of his return become well ascertained, I will write you on the subject. In the mean time it need not prevent your embracing any opportunity which occurs of a sound French or English ship, neither new nor old, sailing in the months of April, May, June or July under the care of a trusty person. You see how much trouble I give you till you get this little charge out of your hands.\nEurope is quiet. The treaty between the Emperor and Dutch signed, and one between France and the Dutch, very fatal to England. It is called a defensive treaty only, but it is such a one as cannot but give to France the aid of the Dutch in case of war with England. Patsy enjoys a perfect state of health. Mine is become more firm. If I continue thro\u2019 the winter as well as I am now I shall resume confidence in my constitution. Mr. Short is at present indisposed with the jaundice. We all pant for America, as will every American who comes to Europe. Present us affectionately to Mrs. Eppes and the little ones. I make her always the bearer of my kisses to dear Poll. Assure Mrs. and Mr. Skipwith also of our love & believe me to be with the highest esteem Dr. Sir your sincere friend & servant,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. I saw in a Virginia paper that some body gave me as the author of information that we had nothing to fear from the Algerines. No such information ever went from me. The writer probably had not distinguished between the pyrates of Algiers and Marocco. Of the peaceable dispositions of the latter I have written, but never of the former.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0088", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from George Gilmer, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Gilmer, George\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nPen-Park 11 Decr. 1785\nMonsr. Doradour presented me with your agreeable favor some time after his arrival at Charlottesville, although accident placed me in his way the day of his arrival at Colo. Lewis\u2019s, where I was obliged to stand interpreter. Both being under uneasy anxiety from not being able to convey an Idea to each other, myself much distressed from my inaccurate french, and not so easily comprehending Monsr. Doradour as his companion, he unfortunately seemd disgusted from his first arrival. After sojourning a month or two at Colle he was induced to Philadelphia by some friend there, recommending lands to him.\nThis has not been my first attempt to converse with you, but the precariousness of geting a line towards Paris has prevented. Nothing can afford me more serious anxiety, than your want of health. I pray it may be speedily restored, without the aid of Animal magnatism, or the quill of Oesculapius, till there is more stability in the medical tribe, and medecine less influenced by fashion. The former nostrum will be less injurious in general than the aid of the aggregate body of Physick, including every denomination of practitioners.\nThe health and agreeable situation of your sweet daughter affords me singular Joy. May they both command the graces, and lead the sciences, and ever console you with their native gentle, easy, free dispositions. We have to lament the want of proper seminaries for Instruction in this country, particularly in this quarter. Wish your noble plan could be reduced to practice. Mrs. Gilmer gave me a fine girl two months past, her tenth child. She enjoys better health than ever, makes nothing of walking home from Charlottesville after an Assembly through snow. She still makes her excurtions ambling. My gout has been ashamed to shew  itself. Haveing lived [at] my chunk the abstemious life of Lucullus, the debauche[ry of] Charlottesville may revive it. By Madison you\u2019l rece[ive ou]r present system of politics, if there is any at all; the [Doc]tor is out of the line, and Will be perfectly happy if h[e can on] your arrival (which heaven speed) delight your [eyes by hi]s hill with the gay green, which shall soon [be cover]ed with verdure, and if the wolves will permit [some? he]rds having still a great fondness for graces [grasses]. I shall by the next, probably send you a few seed of the Georgia bryar, the Vegetable that links the animal and vegetable system together. You\u2019l observe the Mychunkites now reside at Robin Adams old place, which at present may with propriety be said to be rudes indigestaque moles. M[r.] Harmer is giving it some form. Mrs. Gilmer begs her most affectionate compliments may be united with mine to you and your dear Girls. Adieu.\nGeorge Gilmer", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0089", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis Dec. 11. 1785\nI wrote you by the Mr. Fitzhughs on the 28th. of August, and since that have received yours of Aug. 15. and 25. This intermission on my part has been owing to your information that you would not return to Congress till about Christmas: to which must be added the want of opportunity since the derangement of the French packets. Be so good as to inform Mr. Jay that the last is  the cause he has not heard from me since the Mr. Fitzhughs went, as my dispatches are of a nature not to admit their passing thro\u2019 the post offices of this country and England. I write the present by a gentleman going to London, and who calls on me this instant, so that I must be short.\nThe treaty between the Emperor and Dutch is signed. Another between the latter and France is also settled. This is fatal to Engld. in case of a war with France. It is called indeed only a defensive treaty. Yet all the world sees that by the guarantee reciprocally made of all their possessions in every part of the world, and that if the force stipulated to be lent shall not suffice each will aid the other with their whole force, these two powers have it in contemplation to make common cause in every event. France and England agree to keep an equal naval force in the East Indies. But in case of a war, France can in the instant avail herself of the Dutch force in that quarter and demolish the English at once. We beleive here that the court of London made great offers to the Dutch to prevent this treaty; to wit, to pay the ten millions of florins, to give them Negapatnam, and to relax their navigation act in favor of the Dutch. The communication of the English minister to the States general would be stupid if we did not suppose something to have preceded it which has not been published. Perhaps that infatuated court may be awakened by this to a fear that we also may be led into a similar connection by an adequate price; and that a free admission into the French W. Indies would be an adequate price. How goes on the disposition to confer the regulation of our commerce on Congress? On this side the Atlantic we are viewed as objects of commerce only, and as little to be relied on even for this purpose while it\u2019s regulation is so disjointed. There being nothing of moment here to communicate, and the gentleman calling for my letter, I shall only add assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your sincere friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nPray send the inclosed letter in as safe a way as you can, as it is of a very interesting nature to me.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-13-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0092", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 13 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, John\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Decr. 13. 1785.\nI have received a Letter from my Friend General Warren of Milton Hill near Boston, acquainting me, that Congress have it in Contemplation to appoint their Ministers Consuls General, or rather to give them Authority to appoint Consuls, and that you are to have the nomination of that officer for Lisbon, that his son Winslow Warren, went sometime ago and settled at Lisbon, partly upon Some encouragement of some Members of Congress that he might have that Place, and requesting me to write you upon the Subject.\nI sincerely hope, as far as it concerns myself that Congress, instead of giving me the Appointment of any, may do the Business themselves. For there can be no Employment more disagreable than that of weighing Merit, by the Grain and Scruple, because the world very seldom form an opinion of a Man precisely the same with his own, and therefore the Scales will always be objected to, as not justly ballanced. It is worse than the Business of a Portrait Painter, as Men are generally better Satisfied with their own Talents and Virtues, than even with their Faces. I fancy you will not be delighted with this Amusement more than myself, but if we are ordered upon this service, I suppose we must do it. In which Case, I only pray you to remember that Mr. Warren now at Lisbon is a Candidate. I have known him from his Infancy, from his very Cradle. He is an ingenious and as far as I have observed a modest Man. His Education, Connections and Course of Life, having been bred to Trade, has been such that his Qualifications for the Place may be supposed to be as good as any who will probably apply for it, or accept of it. Coll. Otis his Grandfather, the famous James Otis his Unkle, his other Unkles, and his Father, have been to my knowledge, for these five and twenty Years, among the firmest and steadiest supporters of the American Cause. I declare, I dont believe there is one Family upon Earth to which the United States  are so much indebted for their Preservation from Thraldom. There was scarcely any Family in New England had such Prospects of Opulence and Power under the Royal Government. They have sacrificed them all. It is true, and I know you will act upon the Maxim, that the Public Good alone is the Criterion, but it is equally true that the public Good requires that such conspicuous and exemplary Services and Sacrifices, should not be neglected, and therefore Considerations of this Sort ever did, and ever will and ever ought in some degree to influence Mankind. I know of no other Candidate. Probably there will be several, and I know you will decide upon the purest Principles and with mature deliberation, and therefore I shall not only acquiesce in but defend your Decision, tho it may be against my young Friend the son of a very old and much beloved one. I am with usual Esteem, dear Sir, your Sincere Friend & very humble Servant,\nJohn Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0093", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 14 December 1785\nFrom: Asquith, Lister\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nSt. Pauls Prison Decr. 14th. 1785\nWe have just received our Sentence and Condemnation from Brest by the Hands of the Farmers Officers, which one of the Coppys I have sent inclosed and I cannot understand any thing of it. We are all now allmost distracted by their unjust Sentence and implore your protection, as we have your best assurances for it and intirely rely on you for your assistance as we are innocent of the Crime we suffer for and must now fall an innocent Sacrifice to barbarous self interested men. Beg you will write by return of post and direct it to Mr. Diot at Morlaix and perhaps you will be able to give us some Comfort as we are weighed down by our misfortunes and we shall ever be Your most hble. Servts.,\nLister Asquith\nWe have only 11 Days before we are to go to the Gallies and we hear Capt. De Ville has been swearing something against us that we know is false as he know nothing of us. We were 10 Days before we received your last letter.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0094", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Diot & Cie., [14 December 1785]\nFrom: Jean Diot & Cie.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nJ\u2019ai re\u00e7u en son tems la lettre de Votre Excellence du 4 Novre. dernier et j\u2019ai remis exactement au Sieur Lister Asquith celle qui y \u00e9toit jointe pour lui et qui l\u2019a un peu ranim\u00e9, lui et ses amis.\nNous en recevons dans le moment une nouvelle de sa part que nous transmettons \u00e0 Votre Excellence, et nous avons l\u2019honneur de l\u2019informer que le 7. du courant fut prononc\u00e9 \u00e0 Brest un jugement par lequel le Sieur Asquith perd son Navire et sa cargaison, et est de plus condamn\u00e9 \u00e0 payer aux fermiers-G\u00e9n\u00e9raux une amende de 1000.\u20b6 par homme, qui, faute d\u2019\u00eatre pa\u00ef\u00e9e dans onze jours, expose le Sieur Asquith \u00e0 \u00eatre conduit dans les prisons de Brest pour y attendre son jugement d\u00e9finitif.\nSi Votre Excellence veut emp\u00eacher ces malheureux d\u2019\u00eatre condamn\u00e9s aux Gall\u00e8res, il est n\u00e9cessaire qu\u2019elle obtienne le plus promptement possible de M. le Comte de Vergennes ou de M. de Calonne un Sursis au Jugement du Tribunal de Brest, jusqu\u2019\u00e0 ce que vous puissiez d\u00e9terminer ces deux Ministres ou l\u2019un d\u2019eux \u00e0 prendre cette affaire en consid\u00e9ration et dans son vrai jour. Il n\u2019y a donc pas de tems \u00e0 perdre, le d\u00e9lai de la Sentence expirant dans onze jours.\nNous esperons que Votre Excellence voudra bien employer tout son Cr\u00e9dit et faire tous ses efforts pour emp\u00eacher le malheur dont sont menac\u00e9s ces infortun\u00e9s et comptons qu\u2019elle voudra bien nous faire r\u00e9ponse par le prochain Courrier.\nNous avons l\u2019honneur &c.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0095", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre-Andr\u00e9 Gargaz, 15 December 1785\nFrom: Gargaz, Pierre-Andr\u00e9\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonseigneur\na Salon le 15 Xbre. 1785.\nAvec un profond respect, j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de vous rapeler la libert\u00e9 que je pris, il y a quelque tems de vous presenter une Brochure  intitul\u00e9e union souveraine, invent\u00e9e par Henri le Grand, en vous priant de la garder si vous adoptiez l\u2019union entre tous les souverains, ou de me la renv\u00f6ier si vous ne l\u2019adoptiez pas. Come vous la gardates j\u2019eus l\u2019agreable satisfaction de vous voir aprobateur du Projet de Paix de ce bon prince; ainsi que j\u2019avois os\u00e9 me prometre de votre integrit\u00e9. Peu de tems apr\u00e8s j\u2019adressai le double des memes Priere et Brochure, \u00e0 Monsieur, frere du Roi; aux neuf seigneurs qui composent le conseil d\u2019Etat du Roi; aux vingt neuf ambassadeurs des cours etrangeres residens \u00e0 Paris; et \u00e0 quatorze des principaux habitans de cete ville de Salon. Tous ont gard\u00e9 la Brochure except\u00e9 deux seigneurs du Conseil d\u2019Etat, et quatre ambassadeurs qui me l\u2019ont renvo\u00ef\u00e9e. Par ce mo\u00efen j\u2019ai l\u2019honeur de vous assurer Monseigneur, qu\u2019il n\u2019y a que six desaprobateurs, de la Paix perpetuele, contre quarante huit aprobateurs, du nombre desquels sont Monsieur, fr\u00e8re du Roi; Monseigneur le Marechal Prince de Soubise; Messeigneurs le Nonce du Pape, les ambassadeurs de l\u2019Empereur, d\u2019Espagne, d\u2019Angleterre, de Russie, de Holande, de Sardaigne, de Danemarck, &c. Si les Aprobateurs \u00e9toient du plus petit nombre, je ne parlerois plus d\u2019union ni de Paix; mais come ils sont du plus grand (et que d\u2019ailleurs il est \u00e0 presumer que les desaprobateurs travaillent incessament pour susciter quelque nouvele guerre, dans l\u2019intention de faire le bonheur de la societ\u00e9 civile) j\u2019envoie par le meme courrier le Double de cete Letre \u00e0 chacun d\u00e9s Messeigneurs les Aprobateurs en vous priant, Monseigneur, de vouloir bien agre\u00e9r que je vous suplie encore cete fois de faire tout ce que vous pourrez pour aider \u00e0 achever, le plutot possible, cet admirable chef d\u2019oeuvre de Politique, comenc\u00e9 par un des plus braves, des plus judicieux et des meilleurs souverains du monde.\nGargasurnom\u00e9 frans\u00e9", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-15-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0096", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Patience Wright, 15 December 1785\nFrom: Wright, Patience\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHondrd Sir\nLondon Decemb. 15th. 1785\nIn Mr. Smiths absence the politicall afairs of Irelands traid with America was transacted with great suckssess wonderfuly brott forward by gentlemen who from principl have acted with the same spirit which first brot forward the Independence of the America States and all other Revolutions in Church and States of all Nations. You will see by their letters to me and other Circumstances of prudence that they are perfectly well acquanted with mankind and the true and only way to accomplish so grand and extensive a plann of usefull traid for a new Empire\u2014and to take Miss Ireland under their Cear. She has now Court paid to her traid by her mother England but afraid of her being free and Independent to Run off with a frenchman. When we see them We believe Truths that at a Distance is incredeble to human Reason. Experenc maks men wise, practice maks perfect. As I been 8 years faithfully Employd in doing all the good I can, I have the pleasure to lay in your way to forward to where you best can serve your Contry and mankind. I have the honor to be with due Respect your old faithfull\nP. Wright", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-16-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0097", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Cosimo Mari, 16 December 1785\nFrom: Mari, Cosimo\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\n\u00e0 Pise le 16me. Xbre. 1785\nVous ser\u00e9s peut-etre surpris de vous voir paraitre la presente Lettre d\u2019un Incognito, qui n\u2019a pas L\u2019honneur d\u2019Etre connus de vous; mais qui a cependant celui de vous conno\u00eetre par La renomm\u00e9e que vous vous etes acquise dans l\u2019Europe par cet Esprit de Patriotisme, par La Sublimit\u00e9 de vos talens, et par cette noble fermet\u00e9 dont vous av\u00e9s triomph\u00e9 de tous Les obstacles de vos Ennemis.\nL\u2019etablissement de v\u00f4tre Auguste Areopage a donn\u00e9 au Monde entier un Spectacle digne de la plus grande admiration, puisque Les Membres qui La composent ont fait voir que La Libert\u00e9 est Le premier droit de tous Les hommes, que Le soin de La diriger vers Le bien comun doit \u00eatre Le but de toutte Societ\u00e9 raisonnablement ordonn\u00e9e, et que le crime de La force est d\u2019avoir priv\u00e9 la plus grande partie du Globe de cet avantage naturel. Votre Republique est fond\u00e9e par la voie douce de la persuasion; par L\u2019appat si s\u00e9duisant du bonnheur; par L\u2019attrait d\u2019une vie tranquille; par Les avantages d\u2019une sage police; par Les jouissences d\u2019une reguliere industrie; et par La Superiorit\u00e9 du g\u00e9nie. Touttes ces heureuses considerations ameneront Les Etats Unis \u00e0 un but egalement utile aux Nations des deux Hemispheres en etablissant un Commerce aussi florissant que Solide.\nJe dois L\u2019avantage, ass\u00e9s flateur pour moi, de v\u00f4tre connoissance \u00e0 Monsr. Mazzei, qui m\u2019a encourag\u00e9 de m\u2019addresser \u00e0 vous, Monsieur, en m\u2019assurant que c\u2019est par v\u00f4tre moyen que je dois recevoir de l\u2019argent de Virginie. Cela etant, j\u2019ose vous supplier de  vouloir bien remettre au dit Monsieur Mazzei la somme entiere que l\u2019on vous vous faira passer pour mon comte. Je n\u2019ignore point qu\u2019on lui a fait un protet d\u2019une Lettre de change; et dans La crainte qu\u2019il puisse manquer d\u2019argent, L\u2019etroite amiti\u00e9 que j\u2019ai contract\u00e9e avec lui depuis son Enfance m\u2019oblige \u00e0 tous les egards pour un homme le plus honnete pour les devoirs de la Societ\u00e9, complaisant et fidel \u00e0 ses amis, discret avec tout le Monde, et qui verse tout son superflu dans le sein de l\u2019indigence. D\u2019ailleur vous connoiss\u00e9s ass\u00e9s son merite essentiel, qui consiste dans La solidit\u00e9 de son esprit, dans La justesse de son discernement, dans l\u2019etendue de son erudition.\nRecev\u00e9s enfin avec bont\u00e9e l\u2019hommage de mes sentimens; il ne nuit pas \u00e0 celui de la respetueuse consideration, avec laquelle j\u2019ai L\u2019honneur d\u2019Etre Monsieur Votre Tres humble, et Tres obeissant serviteur,\nCosimo Mari\nOserois-je vous prier de remettre \u00e0 Mr. Mazzei La Lettre cy jointe? Je vous en serais tres redevable.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0098", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 17 December 1785\nFrom: Carmichael, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nMadrid 17. Decr. 1785\nI received by Mr. Lamb the Letter which your Excellency did me the honor to address me the 4th. Ulto. as also a joint Letter delivered me by the same Gentleman to which I hope to answer in a manner that will prove my earnest endeavours to correspond with the views of the writers in rendering every service in my power to the parties for whose Interests it was addressed me. Permit me to thank your Excellency for the American Intelligence you have been pleased to convey to me as well as for the Obliging expressions by which you mark your favorable opinion of my zeal for the Common Interests of the States.\nThe exertion of that Zeal has too often been impeded by Circumstances which I wish to forget and which I should think of no more, did I not experience every day other mortifications added to the many to which I have been subjected already. Perhaps I may have merited them; I shall think so myself, if I longer expose  myself to the disagreable sensations to which they give rise. Unwilling to trouble your Excellency to whom I have not the honor to be known except by the partiality of some or the ill will of Others, with chagrins that would require Pages to detail, I shall confine myself to one which is not only personally distressing to myself but might have been injurious to public credit here, so far as mine as a public Servant is interested, had I not obtained a consideration that this occasion constrains me to say is more due to my own Conduct than to the means afforded me of procuring that Consideration. It is painful to me to dwell longer on this Subject. I beg your Excellency to desire Mr. Grand to lay before you a letter which he wrote me the 29th. Ulto. and mine to him of the 12th. Inst. I have been and am the victim of my zeal for the Public service. The Accounts I settled last year at Paris will show How long it had been in arrears to me on former occasions and when I draw in consequence of Instructions from our Late minister at the Court of France for what would be justly due to me before my Bills are presented for payment and desire no advance to be made me, I submit to your Excellencys Consideration whether I have not reason to be hurt by a conduct, to which I have reason to think no other in the Public Line has been exposed but myself. I have now been more than 3 years and a half charg\u00e9 D\u2019Affaires at this Court, and in that time I have received 8 or nine Official Letters and frequently large packetts of news papers many months after their Date without a Line of Information. These packetts cost me from 6 to 18 dollars each. I have multiplied my Correspondence as far as I thought its extension might be useful to obtain information. Messrs. Adams, Franklin and Jay were all of opinion that the Public ought to be charged with these disbursements. Illuminations and Gala at the Court is a heavy article here. Of the Latter there are 34 in a year without mentioning those to which extraordinary occasions give rise and the intermarriages this year and the public Entertainments in consequence of these have greatly augmented them. The Etrennes each year do not cost me less than twenty Pistoles which are not expected as a favor but exacted as Debts. My Presentation cost me more than twenty five Pistoles in this way. Last year I was obliged to repair to Paris by order of Congress. I left my house at Madrid and Servants to take care of it, Servants that I could not dismiss because they were necessary on my return. I was near four months Absent. No Allowance has ever been made me for the Above-mentioned disbursements nor for the very heavy expence to  which this Voyage Subjected me. I know however that others have been paid all such Extraordinary Expences. The consequence of that voyage and extraordinary expences this year have cost me \u00a3258 8 sh. Sterling which Mr. Barclay will see in the settlement of my accounts. This money, part of a Legacy due to me at the Death of an Aunt in Scotland in 1777, had long been destined to other purposes, but pressing exigencies brought on by the voyage before mentioned and the accumulated expence of this year have forced me to appropriate it to my Immediate maintenance. This renders me unjust to others. Mr. Barclay\u2019s Long Expected arrival hath prevented me from forwarding my accounts to Paris. Indeed months ago he advised me that he should have a more convenient opportunity of settling them than in that City; But the Amount of My Salary is known, the drafts for that Salary are known and on the examination only, I am persuaded that it will be Obvious that I have not taken any step that I am not authorized to take. Hereafter it will appear whether my public conduct since the year 1776 to the present moment on the Continent of Europe or that of America has ever been Interested. I beg your Excellency to pardon any thing that may appear warm in the Expression of first sensations on this disagreable business. Whatever sum may be necessary in the Affair of those you recommend to me will be advanced to them notwithstanding, after the Assurances you have enabled me to make. I entreat your Excellency to excuse the Liberty which I take in requesting you to make the proper compliments for me to Colonel Humphreys whose poem strengthens me in the enthusiasm which my chagrins might have weakened. These Chagrins prevent me from thanking him as I ought to do for his valuable present. A Translation will probably be made of his work and In My answer to his obliging note I will point out such passages as it may be necessary to Elucidate by Notes. On the point of sending off the few books of your Catalogue which I had been able to procure, I was informed of an Auction of a Library of a Gentleman who had been curious in his collection of similar works. In fact I had in part agreed for the greater part of your desired collection, when a Person offered to purchase the whole Library. This Circumstance delayed my forwarding the few that I had been able to procure. I bought however, tho\u2019 Dear, a Map of a part of the Spanish Settlements in America, which was undertaken by order of the Court but of which the Sale was immediately prohibited. Mr. Randall appears an amiable and well informed young gentleman. In a few  days I Hope to have the honor to write your Excellency more fully on particular subjects. I feel the necessity of once more Apologizing for the Liberty I have taken in Troubling you with my Little Affairs. It is of little consequence by whom the public is served, provided it is well served and this consideration consoles for the part that I am constrained to take. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem, Your Excellencys Most Obedt. Hble. Sert.,\nWm. Carmichael", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-17-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0099", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Garreau, 17 December 1785\nFrom: Garreau, M.\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur le Baron\nParis ce 17. Decbre: 1785.\nL\u2019Humanit\u00e9 et la Bienfaisance, sont les principes les plus sacr\u00e9s des Gouvernements r\u00e9publicains, dont la Vertu est le pr\u00e9mier l\u00e9gislateur. L\u2019importante utilit\u00e9 de la Chirurgie et Celle dont pour l\u2019avancement de cet art, peut \u00eatre La Collection Anatomique figur\u00e9e que je poss\u00e8de, me donnent l\u2019assurance de m\u2019adr\u00e8sser \u00e0 v\u00f4tre Exc\u00e9llence, pour en offrir l\u2019acquisition, aux Respectables Etats unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique. Chirurgien des Domaines du Roy, j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre connu de Monsieur de Franklin et plus particuli\u00e8rement de M. l\u2019Abb\u00e9 Rochon son Ami; d\u2019ailleurs le nom seul de M. le Cat caract\u00e9rise l\u2019importance de cette Collection, faitte par ses soins, sous ses yeux, et en partie de sa main. C\u2019est donc avec confiance que j\u2019ai l\u2019honneur de Solliciter, de V\u00f4tre Exc\u00e9llence, son appuy, pour mettre sous les yeux des respectables Unis d\u2019Am\u00e9rique, l\u2019offre de ma Collection, et la faveur d\u2019une r\u00e9ponse qui m\u2019annonce vos intentions.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019\u00eatre avec Respect De V\u00f4tre Exc\u00e9llence Le tr\u00e8s humble et tr\u00e8s obe\u00efssant Serviteur,\nGarreauChirurgien des domaines du Roy", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-18-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0100", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Robeson, 18 December 1785\nFrom: Robeson, William\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nParis, 18 Dec. 1785. After he saw TJ, he consulted with Barclay concerning his business in Paris, but since there is little prospect of success, he will return to America. Payments to his creditors in Holland have left him with almost nothing, and he is forced to apply to TJ for a loan to enable him to reach L\u2019Orient. Besides the many important French persons whom he has helped, there were numerous Americans in France, among them \u201cMr. George Mason son of Coll. Mason Gunston Hall Virginia, a Mr. Brokes and Our unhappy friend Mr. Tandy to some amount,\u201d for which \u201cI Claim no Merit, I ask no thanks. I know their Caracters at home And I hope Ere long to se them in the Western Region.\u201d John Paul Jones has had proof of these instances and, if TJ wishes, it also will be available to him.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-20-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0102", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Abigail Adams, 20 December 1785\nFrom: Adams, Abigail\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Sir\nGrosvenor Square Decemr. 20th. 1785\nYour favours by Colln. Smith and by the Baron Polintz came safe to hand. As you have justly estimated the Worth and merit of the former, you will easily suppose we were very glad to see him, and equally so to wellcome Colln. Humphryes upon English Ground. I hope his reception here will be as agreeable to him as he expected. He will inform you I dare say that he has seen both the Lions, and His Majesty.\nYou will find by the publick Papers what favourites we are at Court. The Prince of Wales supping with us, Mr. Adams holding frequent conferences with his Majesty, and yesterday going to Windsor for the same purpose. It is said by some that these are Ministerial manoeuvres to keep up the stocks. A Paragraph of this kind has certainly been attended with that effect. Others say it is to seek out the minds of the People with respect to a Treaty with America, of which if I dared to give my opinion, I should say that some simptoms have lately appeard tending to that point. But this is said in confidence Sir, as I must not betray secrets.\nThe affair of Capt. Stanhope has been officially taken up and his Conduct much disapproved of by the Lords of the Admirality, as Congress are informed by an official reply to them. Mr. A. has also received an answer to his Demand of the Citizens of the United States sent to the East Indies, \u201cthat orders were immediately issued for their discharge.\u201d It is not probable that any thing very material will take place till the meeting of Parliament.\nThe Pacquet arrived last week from New York, in which came Passenger Monsieur Houdon. He returns to Paris the latter End of this week. There were no official Dispatches, and only a private Letter or two to the second of November. But as Mr. A. writes you  I will leave Politicks with which I really have no business, and talk of that which more properly belongs to me.\nThe Commission you honourd me with will be compleat to send by the return of Colln. Humphryes. I received my Plateau safe about ten days since. It is a very good one and I am much obliged by your kind attention to it. The Deities however shewed that they were subject to Humane frailty and got a few Limbs dislocated in their Tour.\nIf Mr. Barclay will be so good as to settle with Mr. Bonfeild Mr. Adams will be obliged to him. Coll. Smith delivered me the Louis\u2019s you sent by him, and when Colln. Humphryes returns I will forward you the account of my stewardship.\nCompliments to Mr. Short. We are sorry to hear of his indisposition. I once found great benefit in the Dissorder which he complains of by taking an oz. of Castile soap and a pint of Bristol Beer dividing it into three portions; and takeing it three Mornings, fasting.\nI wish you could make it convenient to let Miss Jefferson come and pass a few Months with us here. I do not yet dispair of seeing you in England and in that Case you will certainly bring her with you.\nI am Sir your most obedient servt.,\nA Adams", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0104", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to William Robeson, 21 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Robeson, William\nSir\nParis Dec. 21. 1785.\nYour letter was delivered to me in the moment when I was going out under an appointment the day before yesterday, and I did not return home till late at night, and yesterday morning early I was obliged to go to Versailles. This has occasioned the delay of my answer. The multiplicity of expences with which I am unavoidably surrounded, and the multiplicity of applications under circumstances similar to yours oblige me to make my own ability, and not your wants, the measure of the aid with which I can furnish you. I therefore send you by the bearer five guineas. As you may be unacquainted with the conveiances from hence to l\u2019Orient, I would observe to you that a Fourgon sets out for Rennes to-day at noon, the price of a place in which is 6. sous the league. A Carrosse sets out for the same place on Sunday at 5. o\u2019clock in the morning, the price 10. sous the league. Both go from a Bureau in the rue Notre-dame des Victoires. I am Sir Your most obedient humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-21-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0105", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens Smith, 21 December 1785\nFrom: Smith, William Stephens\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nLeicester Square Decr. 21st. 1785.\nYour goodness will doubtless attribute my silence to a necessary attention to the duties of office, which since my arrival, have been neither few nor small. I was at a loss when I took my leave for Expressions to convey to you a proper Idea of the impression which your politeness and Hospitality had made on my mind, and now I can only thank and assure you, that while gratitude is considered a Virtue it cannot be errased. There is at present a remarkable Stagnation in the Political Pool. Mr. Edens passage from the one side to the other, has lately disturbed the waters a little, as you will see by the papers which accompany this. If no evident advantage should soon appear from his negotiation with the Court of Versailles the people will suppose it to be a Stroke of the Ministers to detach  him from the Minority. Should this opinion be adopted, it will be made use of to his disadvantage. But this is to be proved. Both parties are remarkably silent and seem collecting themselves for the approaching meeting of Parliament, when they will shew their Colours and enable us to judge pretty decidedly, on what Staff the Stripes are to rise. The ratification of the treaty between France and Holland and the wise memorial which the british Minister presented on that subject has roused the Nation a little and I have some reason to suppose will induce the ministry to attend seriously to arrangements with us. The merchants begin to speak plain on the Subject and to give Strong Symptoms of returning reason. I hope soon to be able to venture more explicitly on the subject. Immediately on my arrival I attended to the business of procuring your mares. I have as yet had no report on the Subject, but in every instance you may rely on my disposition to serve and oblige you.\nI am with the most perfect respect, your Excellency\u2019s Most obliged Humble Servant,\nW. S. Smith", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0107", "content": "Title: [To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Cary, 22 December 1785]\nFrom: Cary, Richard\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n[Warwick co., Va., 22 Dec. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 4 Aug. 1786. Not found; but see TJ\u2019s reply, 12 Aug. 1786.]", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0109", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Garreau, 22 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Garreau, M.\nSir\nParis Dec. 22. 1785.\nI have received the letter of the 17th. inst. with which you were pleased to honour me, proposing to sell to the United states of America a set of Anatomical paintings. But as objects of this nature are not comprehended among those allotted to me, I am unauthorized to treat on the subject. I may even add that they are foreign to the office of Congress, whose powers as defined by the Articles of our Confederation, do not extend to the public education. This remains with the separate legislature of each state. It would therefore be fruitless for me to convey the proposition to Congress. Perhaps, were you to address it to the Consuls of France residing within the several states, some one of those states might be found disposed to make the purchase. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0110", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to the Georgia Delegates in Congress, 22 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Georgia Delegates\nGentlemen\nParis Dec. 22. 1785.\nBy my dispatch to Mr. Jay which accompanies this, you will perceive that the claims of the Chevalier de Mezi\u00e8res, nephew to the late General Oglethorpe, to his possessions within your state have attracted the attention of the ministry here; and that considering them as protected by their treaty with us, they have viewed as derogatory of that the doubts which have been expressed on the subject. I have thought it best to present to them those claims in the least favourable point of view, to lessen as much as possible  the ill effects of a disappointment: but I think it my duty to ask your notice and patronage of this case, as one whose decision will have an effect on the general interests of the Union. The Chevalier de Mezieres is nephew to General Oglethorpe, he is a person of great estimation, powerfully related and protected. His interests are espoused by those whom it is our interest to gratify. I will take the liberty therefore of solliciting your recommendations of him to the generosity of your legislature, and to the patronage and good offices of your friends, whose efforts, tho in a private case, will do a public good. The pecuniary advantages of confiscation in this instance cannot compensate it\u2019s ill effects. It is difficult to make foreigners understand those legal distinctions between the effects of forfeiture, of escheat, and of conveiance on which the professors of the law might build their opinions in this case. They can see only the outlines of the case, to wit, the death of a possessor of lands lying within the U.S. leaving an heir in France, and the state claiming those lands in opposition to the heir. An individual thinking himself injured makes more noise than a state. Perhaps too in every case, which either party to a treaty thinks to be within it\u2019s provisions, it is better not to weigh the syllables and letters of the treaty, but to shew that gratitude and affection render that appeal unnecessary. I take the freedom therefore of submitting to your wisdom the motives which present themselves in favor of a grant to the Chevalier de Mezieres, and the expediency of urging them on your state as far as you may think proper, and have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0111", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Barr\u00e9, 23 December 1785\nFrom: Barr\u00e9, Jean Baptiste Henri\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nL\u2019Orient, 23 Dec. 1785. Sends his good wishes for the coming year; he will make every effort to be worthy of TJ\u2019s consideration. Acknowledges TJ\u2019s letter of 2 Oct. 1785, of which he informed Thevenard. The latter replied on the subject of Washington\u2019s portrait but has heard nothing since from TJ: \u201cJe lui avois traduis votre Lettre mot \u00e0 mot pour Lui faciliter La corespondance.\u201d Desires to hear soon.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0112", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Cosimo Mari, 23 December 1785\nFrom: Mari, Cosimo\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nPisa, 23 Dec. 1785. Mazzei having written Mari recently that he was ready to leave for Holland, Mari encloses a letter containing one of credit to be forwarded to him. Hopes TJ received the letter Mari sent by the last mail as a result of Mazzei\u2019s commission to him. Offers his services to TJ.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0113", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 24 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jay, John\nSir\nParis December 24. 1785.\n  Since my last to you, which were dated the 6th. and 11th. of October, I have been honoured with yours of the 1st. 14th. and 15th. of September. Since the departure of the Mr. Fitzhughs, who carried my last, no confidential opportunity of writing has offered. The present I send by the way of London, and being to pass thro\u2019 the post offices of both countries, shall mention in it nothing but what both are welcome to see.\nI now transmit you Mr. Limozin\u2019s answer relative to Fortin\u2019s case. You will see by this that Fortin never had commenced a suit here at all, and of course was premature in his complaints of the delay of justice.\nI inclose also a copy of a receipt of Commodore Jones for monies paid him on account of the prizes taken by him. It will enable the Commissioners to enter due debits. The Marechal de Castries having been pleased to direct copies of the receipts to be furnished to me in proportion as paiments are made, I shall take care to forward them.\nThe prospectus of the mercantile establishment at Trieste for a commerce with the United states, which I have the honour of now inclosing, was communicated to me by the Imperial ambassador here by order of his sovereign who asks the patronage of Congress for this company. I assured his ambassador that they might rely on every just protection from Congress, should any circumstances ever call for their interference.\nI take the liberty of sending you copies of two letters I wrote to Messrs. Van Staphorsts in answer to some enquiries they made of me relative to some paper securities of the United states proposed to them by Mr. Daniel Parker. Being informed that they afterwards  received these securities as for the United states, perhaps these letters may throw light on that measure. At any rate they will shew that I considered it as out of my province, and meddled not in it further than by informing them of matters of fact.\nAn American gentleman, who will leave this place for New York about the 1st. of February, will enable me to write to you on subjects not proper for the present conveiance. In the mean time it may be expedient to mention that the duties here on American whale oil are reduced to 11 livres 5 sous the barrel of 500 \u2114 French, or about 2 livres on the English hundred. They were before 36 livres 15 sous the barrel of 500 \u2114 I have the honour to be with sentiments of the highest respect and esteem Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-26-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0115", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from La Rouerie, 26 December 1785\nFrom: La Rou\u00ebrie, Armand Charles Tuffin, Marquis de (Col. Armand)\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nHaving affected the interest of the sums due to me by Congress, to pay an Equal sum in paris, I wrote few days ago to Mr. Grant on that subject; as he payed the last year\u2019s interest and those contracts of Congress being drawn on him, I had no doubt but he would pay this year. But he answered me that he had received no order from the board of the treasury of north america. I request your Exellency in the name of the officers interested in that matter, to give to Mr. Grant your orders, accordingly to the engagements of Congress; were that honorable Body not to keap their engagements with us, we would for certain fall in ours, the effect of which would be as disagreable to america as to ourselves. The interest of those contracts is to be payed the first of next month and so on every 1st. day of each year. As for my part I have taken such positive engagement for 1 January next, that should Mr. Grant fail to pay us it would be extremely hurtfull to me.\nI have the honor to be with respect and attachement of your Exellency the Mst. hble. odt. st.,\nArmand Mqis. de la Rouerie\nAu chateau de la Rouerie, par fougeres en Bretagne.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0117", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 27 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, Abigail\nDear Madam\nParis Dec. 27. 1785.\nI am this day honoured with your favor of the 20th. and an opportunity offering to acknolege it immediately, I do not fail to embrace it. I thank you for the intelligence it contains. You refered me to Mr. Adams for news; but he gives me none; so that I hope you will be so good as to keep that office in your own hands. I get little from any other quarter since the derangement of the French packets.\nI condole with you sincerely on the dismemberment of the gods and goddesses, and take some blame to myself for not having detained them for Colo. Smith who would have carried them safely. Can I be instrumental in repairing the loss? I will promise not to trust to a workman another time.\nMr. Short is on the recovery. I will take care to communicate to him your prescription, as soon as he returns from St. Germain\u2019s. All your friends here are well. The Abb\u00e9s always desire me to remind you of them. What shall I do for news to tell you? I scratch my head in vain. Oh! true. The new opera of Penelope by Marmontel and Piccini succeeds. Mademoiselle Renaud, of 16. years of age sings as no body ever sung before. She is far beyond Madme. Mara in her own line of difficult execution. Her sister of 12 years of age will sing as well as she does. Having now emptied my budget I have the honour of presenting my respects to Miss Adams and of assuring you of the sincere esteem with which I have the honour to be Dear Madam Your most obedient & most humble servt.,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0118", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 27 December 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Adams, John\nDear Sir\nParis Dec. 27. 1785.\nYour favors of the 13th. and 20th. were put into my hands today. This will be delivered you by Mr. Dalrymple, secretary to the legation of Mr. Craufurd. I do not know whether you were acquainted with him here. He is a young man of learning and candor, and exhibits a phaenomenon I never before met with, that is, a republican born on the North side of the Tweed.\nYou have been consulted in the case of the Chevalr. de Mezieres nephew to Genl. Oglethorpe, and are understood to have given an opinion derogatory of our treaty with France. I was also consulted, and understood in the same way. I was of opinion the Chevalier had no right to the estate, and as he had determined the treaty gave him a right, I suppose he made the inference for me that the treaty was of no weight. The Count de Vergennes mentioned it to me in such a manner that I found it was necessary to explain the case to him, and shew him that the treaty had nothing to do with it. I inclose you a copy of the explanation I delivered him.\nMr. Boylston sold his cargo to an Agent of Monsieur Sangrain. He got for it 55. livres the hundred weight. I do not think that his being joined to a company here would contribute to it\u2019s success. His capital is not wanting. Le Couteux has agreed that the Merchants of Boston sending whale oil here, may draw on him for a certain proportion of money, only giving such a time in their draughts as will admit the actual arrival of the oil into a port of France for his security. Upon these draughts Mr. Barrett is satisfied they will be able to raise money to make their purchases in America.\u2014The duty is 7\u20b610 on the barrel of 520 \u2114 French, and 10. sous on every livre, which raises it to 11\u20b65, the sum I mentioned to you. France uses between 5. and 6. millions of pounds weight French, which is between 3. and 4000 tons English. Their own fisheries do not furnish one million and there is no probability of their improving. Sangrain purchases himself upwards of a million. He tells me our oil is better than the Dutch or English, because we make it fresh, whereas they cut up the whale and bring it home to be made, so that it is by that time entered into fermentation. Mr. Barrett says that 50. livres the hundred weight will pay the prime cost and duties and leave a profit of 16. per cent to the merchant. I hope that England will within a year or two be obliged to come here to buy whale oil for her lamps.\nI like as little as you do to have the gift of appointments. I hope Congress will not transfer the appointment of their Consuls to their ministers. But if they do, Portugal is more naturally under the superintendance of the minister at Madrid, and still more naturally under the minister at Lisbon, where it is clear they ought to have one. If all my hopes fail, the letters of Govr. Bowdoin and Cushing, in favor of young Mr. Warren, and your more detailed testimony in his favor, are not likely to be opposed by evidence of equal weight in favor of any other.\nI think with you too that it is for the public interest to encourage sacrifices and services by rewarding them, and that they should weigh to a certain point in the decision between candidates.\nI am sorry for the illness of the Chevalr. Pinto. I think that treaty important: and the moment to urge it is that of a treaty between France and England.\nLamb, who left this place the 6th. of Nov. was at Madrid the 10th. of this month. Since his departure Mr. Barclay has discovered that no copies of the full powers were furnished to himself, nor of course to Lamb. Colo. Franks has prepared copies which I will endeavor to get to send by this conveiance for your attestation: which you will be so good as to send back by the first safe conveiance and I will forward them. Mr. Barclay and Franks being at this moment at St. Germain\u2019s, I am not sure of getting the papers in time to go by Mr. Dalrymple. In that case I will send them by Mr. Bingham.\nBe so good as to present me affectionately to Mrs. and Miss Adams, to Colos. Smith and Humphries and accept assurances of the esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt.,\nTh: Jefferson\nP.S. Be pleased to forward the inclosed, sealing that to Congress after you have read it.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-27-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0119", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Anne Cleland Kinloch, 27 December 1785\nFrom: Kinloch, Anne Cleland\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSir\nDecemr. 27th. 1785.\nIt may perhaps be necessary to preface this address to you, by recalling to your recolection my Son, Mr. Kinloch, in whose company, I had the pleasure of seeing you at Mr. Walkers, of Belvoir, in Virginia.\nThe purport of this is to recomend to your notice, John McQueen Esqr. of Georgia, who is honor\u2019d with dispatches from that State to Count De Estaing, a Gentleman in whose welfare, I am most anxiously interested. Need I say more Sir, to apoligise for this liberty, as I promise myself the pleasure of seeing Mr. McQueen, before his return to America. It will be a great addition to that pleasure, to hear that yourself and Miss Jefferson injoy health and happiness. My Daughter unites with me in compliments, and with highest esteem I remain Sir Your Much Obliged & Most Obedt.\nAnne Kinloch", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-28-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0120", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Capello, 28 December 1785\nFrom: Capello (Capellano), Antonio\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nA Paris ce 28me. Decembre 1785.\nLe Chevr: Capello est venu pour avoir L\u2019honneur de voir Monsieur de Jestenon Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats Unis de L\u2019Amerique Septentrionale et lui faire part, qu\u2019il a eu hier Mardi 27 de ce mois se premieres audiences du Roi, de la Reine, et de la Famille Royale en qualit\u00e9 d\u2019Ambassadeur de La Republique de Venise.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0122", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Castries, 30 December 1785\nFrom: Castries, Charles Eug\u00e8ne de La Croix, Marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\n\u00e0 Versailles le 30 Xbre. 1785.\nLa nomm\u00e9e fran\u00e7oise Rippert, Monsieur, reclame une somme de six cent soixante quinze livres, qui lui est d\u00fce pour logement et nourriture fournis en 1779 aux S. Robinson garde marine et john francfort pilote \u00e0 bord de l\u2019Escadre americaine. M. Jones ayant touch\u00e9 les parts de prises des S. Robinson et francfort vous trouver\u00e9s juste sans doute, Monsieur, que cet officier soit tenu de payer ce qui est d\u00fb \u00e0 la nomm\u00e9e Rippert. Je vous prie en cons\u00e9quence de vouloir bien faire les d\u00e9marches que vous croir\u00e9s convenables.\nJ\u2019ai l\u2019honneur d\u2019etre avec un sincere attachement, Monsieur, votre tr\u00e9s humble et tr\u00e9s obeissant Serviteur,", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0124", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Buffon, 31 December 1785\nFrom: Buffon, Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nAu Jardin du Roi le 31. Xbre. 1785.\nM. de Buffon fait bien des remercimens \u00e0 Monsieur Jefferson de la peau de l\u2019animal qu\u2019il a eu la bont\u00e9 de lui envoyer. Si sa sant\u00e9 lui permettoit, M. de Buffon auroit l\u2019honneur d\u2019aller lui t\u00e9moigner sa reconnoissance, mais comme il ne peut sortir, il esp\u00e8re que Monsieur Jefferson voudra bien venir avec M. de Chastelux diner au Jardin Tel jour qu\u2019il leur conviendra.\nCe Cougar de Pensilvanie ne diff\u00e8re de celui qui a \u00e9t\u00e9 d\u00e9crit par M. Colinson que parcequ\u2019il a le corps moins long \u00e0 peu pr\u00e8s dans le rapport de 13 \u00e0 16. Il a aussi la queue moins longue, il paroit tenir  le milieu pour la grandeur entre le Cougar de M. Colinson et celui de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique m\u00e9ridionale. Mille complimens et respects.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-31-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0126", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 31 December 1785\nFrom: Hopkinson, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Friend\nPhilada. 31st. Decr. 1785\nI herewith forward another Portion of our News Papers. You will observe that I have dropt the Freeman\u2019s Journal, and substituted the Evening Herald in its place. The former grew intolerably stupid and uninteresting. The latter gives the Debates in our Assembly, which I doubt not will afford you amusement and knowledge of our affairs.\nThe Arrival of Dr. Franklin has given a Spur to our philosophical Society. Several curious Communications of his have been read at our Meetings. We have a second volume of Transactions in the Press. It will be compleated by the Spring. I shall not fail to send you a Copy as soon as possible after the Publication. A Mr. Magellan of London has offered us 200 Guineas, to be vested in some permanent Fund, so as to yield 10 GS. pr. annum to be awarded by the Society as an Annual Premium in a plate of Gold of 10 GS. value, with certain Inscriptions, to the Author of the best Discovery or most useful Improvement relating to Navigation or Natural Philosophy.\nWhen the Scheme shall be ripe and the Door open I intend to be a Candidate. I have contrived a Method of assisting a vessel in her sailing which promises great Success. It is simple, trifling in Point of Expence, and demonstrable in Theory. The Experiment has not yet been tried, but will be before long. Those to whom I have shewn it encourage me greatly, and seem satisfied that it must answer. I wrote you some Time ago an Account of my Discovery of a new Method of drawing the Tone from a Harpsichord. I believe I sent you a Model. I am much pleased with this Invention. It answers to admiration. I have instructed an ingenious workman  here, and he is engaged in altering the Harpsichords of this City according to my Plan. If you should ever have the Opportunity of hearing a Harpsichord so furnished you will be surprised at the Effect. All the Jingle, so much complained of in that Instrument, is removed. The Tone is full, round, and mellow, and, in the Bass, very like the Diaposon Stop of an Organ. I am confident that the Power of the Instrument was never before drawn forth. Crow Quils will hereafter be totally thrown aside. I sent this Discovery to a friend in England. He was to offer it for 50 Guineas but writes in answer that my Invention had been anticipated. I see I am to be defrauded both of the Money and Credit, but I will have the Matter investigated.\nI wrote to you some Time ago for two or three Sets of Crayons. I wish you would add also a dozen or two of Camel hair Pencils sorted, and a Dozen of good black lead Pencils. The whole Expence will be trifling, and I will fully account in any manner you shall direct. I am much pleased with the Biblioth\u00e8que \u0152conomique you sent me. I hope you will continue to supply me with them. I have lent your Notes on Virginia to some friends, under the Restrictions you prescribed. They have been instructed and improved by them, and speak highly in Commendation.\nIt is long, very long, since I have heard from you, but expect every week. I wish it was in my Power to render you any Service or express how much I value your Friendship. Excuse me. I hate any thing that looks like Compliment. But command me to the uttermost.\nMy good Mother is with me and desires to be kindly remembered to you and Miss Patty.\nMr. Rittenhouse is making a very curious and interesting Experiment, of which I will give you an Account in due Time.\nI detain you too long with my Chat. Adieu and believe me to be sincerely Your\u2019s,\nF: Hopkinson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0128", "content": "Title: Queries Concerning Trade with the French Colonies, [ca. December 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nEclaircissements \u00e0 Tirer Des Am\u00e9riquains\n1. Le commerce libre dans nos colonies est-il \u00e9galement n\u00e9cessaire aux 13 \u00e9tats unis, et s\u2019il existe \u00e0 cet \u00e9gard des diff\u00e9rences, en marquer le d\u00e9gr\u00e9 et la Cause.\n2. L\u2019Am\u00e9rique ind\u00e9pendante seroit-elle dispos\u00e9e \u00e0 reconnoitre par des concessions avantageuses dans son Commerce, la libert\u00e9 que la France lui acorderoit en lui ouvrant en totalit\u00e9 les march\u00e9s de ses colonies?\n3. L\u2019Am\u00e9rique est-elle ma\u00eetresse d\u2019accorder chez elle des faveurs \u00e0 une nation, qu\u2019elle refuseroit \u00e0 une autre?\n4. Si la France admettoit sans restriction les productions du cr\u00fb de l\u2019Am\u00e9rique, sous la condition d\u2019un impot majeur dont la remise seroit assur\u00e9e aux propri\u00e9taires, en raison du remploi qu\u2019ils auroient fait du produit de leur vente en objets du Cr\u00fb de France ou de ses manufactures, les Am\u00e9riquains y consentiroient-ils, et se croiroient-ils l\u00e9s\u00e9s ou favoris\u00e9s?\n5. Enfin, quels sont les avantages que pourroit nous accorder l\u2019Am\u00e9rique en r\u00e9ciprocit\u00e9 de ceux qu\u2019elle sollicite, soit dans les march\u00e9s des colonies, soit en Europe? Si la France consentoit \u00e0 ses demandes, pourroit-elle nous en accorder qui nous indemnisat du tort qu\u2019\u00e9prouvoit notre navigation par nos moindres importations dans nos colonies? Enfin, pourroit-elle nous accorder la libert\u00e9 de p\u00eacher sur les c\u00f4tes de ses \u00e9tats du nord, et assurer une compensation de pr\u00e9f\u00e9rence \u00e0 nos lainages, \u00e0 nos toiles, \u00e0 nos sels et \u00e0 nos vins?\n6. Le congr\u00e8s actuel est-il rev\u00eatu de pouvoirs sufisans pour former un trait\u00e9 sur les bases d\u2019une r\u00e9ciprocit\u00e9 d\u2019avantages tels que les deux nations qui l\u2019auroient contract\u00e9 se toucheroient pour ainsi dire par tous les points, et n\u2019auroient plus sous les raports du Commerce et de la politique qu\u2019une seule et m\u00eame existence?", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "12-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0132", "content": "Title: Enclosure: Jefferson\u2019s Report on Conversations with Vergennes, [December 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nEnclosure\nJefferson\u2019s Report on Conversations with Vergennes\nHearing frequent Complaints in this Country that little of our Commerce came to it, that while our Flag covered the Thames it was rarely to be seen in a Port of France, and that this proceeded from national Prejudices, and observing that this Complaint was often repeated and particularly relied on by those who had opposed our Admission into the French Islands, I thought it necessary on every possible Occasion to shew how much the Cause was mistaken, while the Fact was admitted to be true. In every Conversation therefore with the Count de Vergennes I had endeavoured to convince him that were national Prejudice alone listened to, our Trade would quit England and come to France, but that the Impossibility of making Paiments here prevented our making Purchases. On a particular Occasion in the Month of August, I enumerated to him our Exports and shewed him that for some of them there was no Demand here, and that others were recieved under such Circumstances as discouraged their being brought. When, in going through this Enumeration, I came to the Article of Tobacco, he observed that the King recieved such a Revenue on that as could not be renounced. I told him we did not wish it to be renounced or even lessened, but only that the Monopoly should be put down. That this might be effected in the simplest Manner by obliging the Importer to pay on Entrance a Duty, equal to what the King now recieved, or to deposit his Tobacco in the King\u2019s Warehouses till it was paid, and then permitting him a free Sale of it. \u2018Ma foi, (said the Count) c\u2019est une bonne Id\u00e9e: il faut y penser,\u2019 or, \u2018y travailler\u2019 I do not recollect which.  This Answer was encouraging, and another Circumstance rendered it necessary to press this Article at this particular Moment. Tho\u2019 the general Farm of the Revenues had still more than a twelvemonth to run, the Treaty for the Renewal of it was actually begun between the Controller general and the Farmers general, and it was expected to be concluded during the Voiage of Fontainbleau which was now approaching. Tobacco making an Article of that Farm, it seemed to be the Moment when it might be withdrawn from that Contract. I had therefore intended to make a Representation on the Subject which should bring under the View of the King\u2019s Council the ill Consequences of that Monopoly, and induce them to discontinue it. The Manner in which the Count de Vergennes appeared to be struck with the Idea suggested in the Conversation beforementioned, determined me to make this Representation immediately. As soon as I returned to Paris therefore, I wrote him the following Letter wherein I digested and added to, what I had said to him under the Head of Tobacco\u2025 \u2025\nTo this Letter I recieved no other Answer but that he had transmitted it to the Comptroller-general. The general Farm was not renewed at Fontainbleau.\nIn the Beginning of November a Mr. Boylston of Massachusets brought a Cargo of Whale oil to Havre, with Letters to the Marquis de la Fayette and myself, recommending him to our Assistance in the Disposal of it. He wished us to endeavour to obtain for his Cargo the Exemption from Duty which the Marquis had obtained the preceding Year for a particular Company. I observed to the Marquis that this was doing Business by Piece-meal and making many Favors of one. That it would be better to take up the Subject generally, to get it placed on equal Ground for all our Citizens, and to try what Government would do in a general Way to encourage the Importation of this Article. He came into these Ideas. As my Applications could only be to the Count de Vergennes, and the Delays which follow official Propositions which are to be handed from one Department to another, backwards and forwards, were likely to be too long to answer Boylston\u2019s Purpose, the Marquis with that Zeal and Activity with which he seizes every Opportunity of serving our Country, applied immediately to M. de Calonnes the Comptroller general, making Boylston\u2019s Case the Occasion of the Application, but proposing a general Regulation. He pressed the Proposition so efficaciously that he obtained in a few Days from Monsieur de Calonnes an Agreement to recieve our Oils on the footing on which they recieve those of the Hanseatic Towns, by which Means the Duties, which had been at 36. Livres 15. Sols the Barrel of 500. \u2114 French Weight, as may be seen by a statement given me by Monsr. Sangrain, were now reduced to 11. Livres 5. sols, being about 2. Livres on the English hundred, or a Guinea and a half the Ton, as the Ton is estimated in England. But this Indulgence was limited to one Year\u2019s Continuance. For the Particulars of this I refer to the Letter of M. de Calonnes to the Marquis de la Fayette dated Nov. 17. 1785, and to that of the Count de Vergennes to me dated Nov. 30. 1785.\nThe next Lev\u00e9e Day at Versailles I meant to bring again under the View of the Count de Vergennes the whole Subject of our Commerce with France; but the Number of Audiences of Ambassadors and other Ministers which take Place of Course before mine, and which seldom indeed leave me an Opportunity of Audience at all, prevented me that Day. I was only able to ask of the Count de Vergennes, as a particular Favor, that he would permit me to wait on him some Day that Week. He did so, and I went to Versailles the Friday following, 9th. of December. M. de Rayneval was with the Count. Our Conversation began with the usual Topic that the Trade of the U.S. had not yet learnt the Way to France, but continued to center in England tho no longer obliged by Law to go there. I observed that the real Cause of this was to be found in the Difference of the commercial Arrangements in the two Countries. That Merchants would not and could not trade but where there was to be some Gain; that the Commerce between two Countries could not be kept up but by an Exchange of Commodities; that if an American Merchant was forced to carry his Produce to London, it could not be expected he would make a Voiage from thence to France with the Money to lay it out here; and in like Manner that if he could bring his Commodities with Advantage to this Country, he would not make another Voiage to England with the Money to lay it out there, but would take in Exchange the Merchandize of this Country. The Count de Vergennes agreed to this, and particularly that where there was no Exchange of Merchandize, there could be no durable Commerce, and that it was natural for Merchants to take their Returns in the Port where they sold their Cargo. I desired his Permission then to take a summary View of the Productions of the U.S. that we might see which of them could be brought here to Advantage. 1. Rice. France gets from the Mediterranean a Rice not so good indeed, but cheaper than ours. He said that they bought of our Rice, but that they got from Egypt also Rice of a very fine Quality. I observed that such was the actual State of their Commerce in that Article that they take little from us. 2. Indico. They make a Plenty in their own Colonies. He observed that they did and that they thought it better than ours. 3. Flour, Fish, and Provisions of all Sorts they produce for themselves. That these Articles might therefore be considered as not existing for Commerce between the U.S. and the Kingdom of France. I proceeded to those capable of becoming Objects of Exchange between the two Nations. 1. Peltry and Furs. Our Posts being in the Hands of the English, we are cut off from that Article. I am not sure even whether we are not obliged to buy of them for our own Use. When these Posts are given up, if ever they are, we shall be able to furnish France with Skins and Furs to the Amount of 2. Millions of Livres in Exchange for her Merchandize: but at present these Articles are to be counted as nothing. 2. Pot-ash. An Experiment is making whether this can be brought here. We hope it may, but at present it stands for nothing. He observed that it was much wanted in France and he thought it would succeed. 3. Naval Stores. Trials are also making on these as Subjects of Commerce with France. They are heavy and the Voiage  long. The Result therefore is doubtful. At present they are as nothing in our Commerce with this Country. 4. Whale-oil. I told him I had great Hopes the late Diminution of Duty would enable us to bring this Article with Advantage to France: that a Merchant was just arrived (Mr. Barrett) who proposed to settle at L\u2019Orient for the Purpose of selling the Cargoes of this Article and chusing the Returns. That he had informed me that in the first Year, it would be necessary to take one third in Money, and the Remainder only in Merchandize; because the Fishermen require indispensably some Money. But he thought that after the first Year, the Merchandize of the preceding Year would always produce Money for the ensuing one, and that the whole Amount would continue to be taken annually afterwards in Merchandize. I added that tho\u2019 the Diminution of Duty was expressed to be but for one Year, yet I hoped they would find their Advantage in renewing and continuing it: for that if they intended really to admit it for one Year only, the Fishermen would not find it worth while to rebuild their Vessels and to prepare themselves for the Business. The Count expressed Satisfaction on the View of commercial Exchange held up by this Article. He made no Answer as to the Continuance of it. And I did not chuse to tell him at that Time that we should claim its Continuance under their Treaty with the Hanseatic Towns which fixes this Duty for them, and our own Treaty, which gives us the Rights of the most favored Nation. 5. Tobacco. I recalled to the Memory of the Count de Vergennes, the Letter I had written to him on this Article, and the Object of the present Conversation being how to facilitate the Exchange of commerciable Articles between the two Countries, I pressed that of Tobacco in this Point of View, observed that France at present paid us ten Millions of Livres for this Article, that for such Portions of it as were bought in London, they sent the Money directly there, and for what they bought in the United States, the Money was still remitted to London on Bills of Exchange. Whereas, if they would permit our Merchants to sell this Article freely they would bring it here and take the Returns on the Spot in Merchandize, not Money. The Count observed that my Proposition contained what was doubtless useful, but that the King recieved on this Article at present a Revenue of 28. millions, which was so considerable as to render them fearful of tampering with it; that the Collection of this Revenue by Way of Farm, was of very antient Date, and that it was always hazardous to alter Arrangements of long standing and of such infinite Combinations with the fiscal System. I answered that the Simplicity of the Mode of Collection proposed for this Article withdrew it from all Fear of deranging other Parts of their System, that I supposed they would confine the Importation to some of their principal Ports, probably not more than five or six, that a single Collector in each of these, was the only new Officer requisite, that he could get rich himself on six Livres a hogshead, and would recieve the whole Revenue and pay it into the Treasury, at short hand. M. de Rayneval entered particularly into this Part of the Conversation, and explained to the Count, more in Detail the Advantages and the Simplicity of it, and concluded by observing to me  that it sometimes happened that useful Propositions, tho\u2019 not practicable at one Time, might become so at another. I told him that that Consideration had induced me to press the Matter when I did, because I had understood the Renewal of the Farm was then on the Carpet, and that it was the precise Moment when I supposed that this Portion might be detached from the Mass of the Farms. I asked the Count de Vergennes whether, if the Renewal of the Farm was pressing, this Article might not be separated, merely in Suspence, till Government should have Time to satisfy themselves on the Expediency of renewing it. He said no Promises could be made.\nIn the Course of this Conversation he had mentioned the Liberty we enjoyed of carrying our Fish to the French Islands. I repeated to him what I had hinted in my Letter of Nov. 20. 1785. that I considered as a Prohibition the laying such Duties on our Fish and giving such Premiums on theirs as made a Difference between their and our Fishermen of fifteen Livres the Quintal in an Article which sold but for fifteen Livres. He said it would not have that Effect for two Reasons.\n1. That their Fishermen could not furnish Supplies sufficient for their Islands, and of Course the Inhabitants must of Necessity buy our Fish.\n2. That from the Constancy of our Fishery and the short Season during which theirs continued, also the \u0152conomy and Management of ours compared with the Expence of theirs, we had always been able to sell our Fish in the Islands at 25. Livres the Quintal, while they were obliged to ask 36. Livres. (I suppose he meant the Livre of the French Islands.) That thus the Duty and Premium had been a necessary Operation on their Side to place the Sale of their Fish on a Level with ours, and that without this, theirs could not bear the Competition.\nI have here brought together the Substance of what was said on the preceding Subjects, not pretending to give it verbatim, which my Memory does not enable me to do. I have probably omitted many Things which were spoken, but have mentioned nothing which was not. It was interrupted at Times with collateral Matters. One of these was important; the Count de Vergennes complained and with a good Deal of Stress, that they did not find a sufficient Dependence on Arrangements taken with us. This was the third Time too he had done it; first in a Conversation at Fontainbleau when he first complained to me of the Navigation acts of Massachusets and New-hampshire: secondly in his Letter of Oct. 30. 1785. on the same Subject; and now in the present Conversation, wherein he added as another Instance, the Case of the Chevalier de Mezieres, Heir of General Oglethorpe, who, notwithstanding that the 11th. Article of the Treaty provides that the Subjects or Citizens of either Party shall succeed ab intesta, to the Lands of their Ancestors within the Dominions of the other, had been informed from Mr. Adams, and by me also, that his Right of Succession to the General\u2019s Estate in Georgia was doubtful. He observed too that the Administration of Justice with us was tardy, insomuch that their Merchants, when they had Money due to them within our States, considered it as desperate; and that our commercial Regulations in general were disgusting to them. These Ideas were new, serious, and  delicate. I decided therefore not to enter into them in that Moment, and the rather as we were speaking in French, in which Language I did not chuse to hazard myself. I withdrew from the Objections of the Tardiness of Justice with us, and the Disagreeableness of our commercial Regulations, by a general Observation that I was not sensible they were well founded. With Respect to the Case of the Chevr. de Mezieres, I was obliged to enter into some Explanations. They related chiefly to the legal Operation of our Declaration of Independance, to the undecided Question whether our Citizens and British Subjects were thereby made Aliens to one another, to the general Laws as to Conveiances of Land to Aliens, and the Doubt whether an Act of the Assembly of Georgia might not have been passed to confiscate General Oglethorpe\u2019s Property, which would of Course prevent its Devolution on any Heir. Mr. Rayneval observed that in this Case it became a mere Question of Fact, whether a Confiscation of these Lands had taken Place before the Death of General Oglethorpe, which Fact might be easily known by Enquiries in Georgia where the Possessions lay. I thought it very material that the Opinion of this Court should be set to Rights on these Points. On my Return therefore I wrote the following Observations on them, which, the next Time I went to Versailles, (not having an Opportunity of speaking to the Count de Vergennes) I put into the Hands of M. Reyneval, praying him to read them and to ask the Favor of the Count to do the same. \u2026\nHaving put this Paper into the Hands of Monsr. Rayneval, we entered into Conversation again on the Subject of the Farms, which were now understood to be approaching to a Conclusion. He told me that himself was decidedly of Opinion that the Interest of the State required the Farm of Tobacco to be discontinued, that he had accordingly given every Aid to my Proposition which laid within his Sphere: that Count de Vergennes was very clearly of the same Opinion and had supported it strongly with Reasons of his own when he transmitted it to the Comptroller general; but that the Comptroller, in the Discussions of this Subject which had taken Place, besides the Objections which the Count de Vergennes had repeated to me, and which are before-mentioned, had added that the Contract with the Farmers general was now so far advanced that the Article of Tobacco could not be withdrawn from it without unravelling the whole Transaction. Having understood that in this Contract there was always reserved to the Crown a Right to discontinue it at any Moment, making just Re-imbursements to the Farmers, I asked Mr. Rayneval, if the Contract should be concluded in its present Form, whether it might still be practicable to have it discontinued as to the Article of Tobacco at some future Moment. He said it might be possible.\nUpon the whole, the true Obstacle to this Proposition has penetrated in various Ways through the Veil which covers it. The Influence of the Farmers general has heretofore been found sufficient to shake a Minister in his Office. Monsieur de Calonne\u2019s Continuance or Dismission has been thought for some Time to be on a Poise. Were he to shift this great Weight therefore out of his own Scale into that of his Adversaries,  it would decide their Preponderance. The joint Interests of France and America would be an insufficient Counterpoise in his Favor.\nIt will be observed that these Efforts to improve the Commerce of the U.S. have been confined to that Branch only which respects France itself, and that nothing passed on the Subject of our Commerce with the West Indies, except an incidental Conversation as to our fish. The Reason of this was no Want of a due Sense of its importance. Of that I am thoroughly sensible. But Efforts in Favour of this branch would at present be desperate. To Nations with which we have not yet treated, and who have Possessions in America, we may offer a free Vent of their Manufactures in the U.S. for a full or a modified Admittance into those Possessions. But to France we were obliged to give that Freedom for a different Compensation, to wit, for her Aid to effect our Independence. It is difficult therefore to say what we have now to offer her for an Admission into her West Indies. Doubtless it has its Price. But the Question is what this would be, and whether worth our while to give it. Were we to propose to give to each other\u2019s Citizens all the Rights of Natives, they would of Course count what they should gain by this Enlargement of Right, and examine whether it would be worth to them as much as their Monopoly of their West Indian Commerce. If not, that commercial Freedom which we wish to preserve, and which indeed is so valuable, leaves us little else to offer. An Expression in my Letter to the Count de Vergennes of Nov. 20. wherein I hinted that both Nations might perhaps come into the Opinion that the Condition of Natives might be a better Ground of Intercourse for their Citizens than that of the most favored Nation, was intended to furnish an Opportunity to the Minister of parleying on that Subject, if he was so disposed, and to myself of seeing whereabouts they would begin, that I might communicate it to Congress, and leave them to judge of the Expediency of pursuing the Subject. But no Overtures have followed; for I have no Right to consider as coming from the Minister, certain Questions which were very soon after proposed to me by an Individual. It sufficiently accounts for these Questions that that Individual had written a Memorial on the Subject for the Consideration of the Minister, and might wish to know what we would be willing to do. The Idea that I should answer such Questions to him, is equally unaccountable, whether we suppose them originating with himself, or coming from the Minister. In Fact I must suppose them to be his own; and I transmit them only that Congress may see what one Frenchman at least thinks on the Subject. If we can obtain from Gr. Britain reasonable Conditions of Commerce (which in my Idea must forever include an Admission into her Islands) the freest Ground between these two Nations would seem to be the best. But if we can obtain no equal Terms from her, perhaps Congress might think it prudent as Holland has done, to connect us unequivocally with France. Holland has purchased the Protection of France. The Price she pays is Aid in Time of War. It is interesting for us to purchase a free Commerce with the French Islands. But whether it is best to pay for it by Aids in War, or by Privileges in Commerce, or not to purchase it at all; is the Question.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0184", "content": "Title: Enclosure: In the House of Delegates, 14 November 1785\nFrom: Virginia Assembly\nTo: \nEnclosure\nIn the House of Delegates. November 14, 1785.\nWhereas, the relative situation of the United States, has been found on trial, to require uniformity in their commercial regulations, as the only effectual policy for obtaining in the ports of foreign nations a stipulation of privileges reciprocal to those enjoyed by the subjects of such nations in the ports of the United States, for preventing animosities, which cannot fail to arise among the several States from the interference of partial and separate regulations [, and for deriving from commerce, such aids to the public revenue as it ought to contribute]; and whereas such uniformity can be best concerted and carried into effect by the F\u00e6deral Councils, which, having been instituted for the purpose of managing the interests of the States in cases which cannot so well be provided for by measures individually pursued, ought to be invested with authority in this case as being within the reason and policy of their institution:\nResolved, That the delegates representing this Commonwealth in Congress, be instructed to propose in Congress a recommendation to the States in Union, to authorize that Assembly to regulate their trade[, and to collect a revenue therefrom,] on the following principles, and under the following qualifications:\n1st, That the United States in Congress assembled, be authorized to prohibit vessels belonging to any [nation, which has no commercial treaty with the United States,] from entering any of the ports thereof, or to impose any duties on such vessels and their cargoes, which may be judged necessary; all such prohibitions and duties to be uniform throughout the United States, and the proceeds of the latter to be carried into the Treasury of the State within which they shall accrue.\n[2d, That over and above any duties which may be so laid, the United States in Congress assembled, be authorized to collect, in manner prescribed by an Act \u201cTo provide certain and adequate funds for the payment of this State\u2019s quota of the debts contracted by the United States,\u201d an impost not exceeding five per centum ad valorem, on all goods, wares, and merchandizes whatsoever, imported into the United States from any foreign ports; such impost to be uniform as aforesaid, and to be carried to the Treasury of the United States.]\n3d, That no state be at liberty to impose duties on any goods, wares, or merchandizes, imported by land or by water from any other State; but may altogether prohibit the importation from any other state of any particular species or description of goods, wares, or merchandize, [of] which the importation is at the same time prohibited from all other places whatsoever.\n4th, That no Act of Congress that may be authorized, as hereby proposed, shall be entered into by less than two-thirds of the Condfederated States, nor be in force longer than\u2014\u2014\u2014years, [unless continued by a like proportion of votes within one year immediately preceding the expiration of the said period, or be revived in like manner after the expiration thereof; nor shall any impost whatsoever, be collected by virtue of the authority proposed in the second article, after the year 17]\u2026.\nJohn Beckley, C.H.D.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-09-02-0498", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, June 1785\u2013May 1786\nFrom: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSunday Morn.\nThis letter, My dear Sir, Will Be delivered By M. de la Tagnerette a Gentleman Well Acquainted with financeering Matters who is one of the farmers of the Postoffice. He has some ideas Regarding our tobaccoes which I Advised Him to Communicate You. Bonjour My dear friend. LAF.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-10-02-0234-0004", "content": "Title: III. Notes on Abb\u00e9 Rochon\u2019s Method, [1785 or 1786]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nTo prepare the plate of copper.\nIf it be new, sprinkle on it some blanc d\u2019Espagne, and water, and  rub it, holding it over a chaffing dish. This is to absorb any grease which might have remained on the plate and which would injure the subsequent process.\nIf it be an old plate it must be rubbed.\n    1. with a crooked file, till the old letters are well effaced.\n    2. with pounce and water.\n    3. with [\u2026] charcoal and water.\nTo varnish the plate. Hold it over a chaffing dish of coals and ashes. Rub on it the varnish bag. Then dab it all over with the cotton puff or bag till the varnish is equal every where. Then hold it over a bougie to smoke it all over.\nWrite with a point as with a pen. Take care of the order of the pages. Make a border of engravers wax all round the writing. Pour in pure aq. fort. Let it stay on from to 20\u2019 according to the strength of writing you desire. Pour off the aq. fort. and wipe the plate. Ink it with printer\u2019s ink and wipe it with a bit of linnen dipped in soap and water. Strike off a proof on thick paper properly moistened. Wipe your plate and ink it as before and strike off again, and so on till you have the number of proofs you desire. Then put a peice of fine paper properly moistened on the face of every proof, and pass the whole together thro\u2019 the press. The counterproofs will be written the direct way.\n   Pour a little oil on the plate, and with a bit of linen wipe off all the varnish, to facilitate which it must be held over the chaffing dish. Rub the letters with oil and crumb of stale bread.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-06-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-15-02-0594", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Carr, 6 May 1785\nFrom: Carr, Martha Jefferson\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDear Brother\nYour favour of the 11th. Novbr. I received some time in Febry. with much pleasure as it will ever add to my happyness to hear of yours and Dear Patsys wellfare. Nancys package came safe to hand for which she requests me to thank you and desires you will not trouble yourself to furnish her with any thing more as she Says she was Obliged to get A supply before she received those from France. I communicated to Mr. Bolling that paragraph of your letter relative to Colo. Le Maire but that Gentleman has not passt this way. By a letter from Mrs. Eppes lately, I find he has spent some time with them and that they are much pleased with him. Your Sweet Poll was well and as I hear reads prittyly.\u2014Peter is with Mr. Maury Agreeable to our freind Mr. Madisons Appointment, but he has lost time by some disappointments and several Months by a fever which rag\u2019d in my family last fall [\u2026] and my two Girls allmost to deaths door. Dabney has also been detained at home by Ill health, A Severe third day Ague and fever attended with Simtomes which we feard ware those of A Drapsy prevented my sending him to the Prince Edward Accadimy (the place Mr. Madison directed) till some time in April, when it was my Intention to have sent him but being Informed that A vacation was very Shortly to take place there thought it best to postpone it till the Expiration of that which will I beleive be about the first of June.\nMr. Bolling Removes to Chesterfeild this Month, his and my Sisters Situation at present Require the Consolation of their friends, they have Sustained great losses in their family and bear it badly. Poor Tom had a fall from his horse a little before Christmas which he did not survive two days, and their Daughter Nancy whose Marriage with H. Lewis you hardly heard of Died at fairfields on the tenth of March, her desorder was thought to be an Abcess in her Breast. You Say nothing in your letter of your return, when Shall we see you? I have been at a loss threw what channel to convey A letter to you till I received One from Mr. Madison with a polite offer of forwarding mine to you. Expect to have an Opportunity of contriving this to him from our next Court. I hope you will frequently gratify my desire of hearing from you and Patsy. I am with great sincerity Dear Brother Yours very Affectionately\nM Carr\nP S Nancy desires you will send her derections by which she may get the gown you carry\u2019d to be dyed for her. M C", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-08-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-15-02-0595", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Grand, 8 July 1785\nFrom: Grand, Ferdinand\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nMonsieur\nParis 8 Juilt. 1785\nJe me suis occup\u00e9 avec Empressement des moyens de trouver des fonds pour le projet dont vous mav\u00e9s fait part relativement \u00e0 La Potowmac, parceque jaurois \u00e9t\u00e9 Infiniment flat\u00e9 de pouvoir contribuer en quelque Chose au Succ\u00e9s dun Etablissement qui doit ajouter un nouveau rayon \u00e0 La Gloire de Mr. Wasington, mais malheureusement les Circonstances me favorisent si mal que je ne puis me permetre de Vous Laisser entrevoir quelque Esperance, nonSeulement par la repugnance qu\u2019ont toujours nos Capitalistes pour les placemens loingtains, mais aussy par une autre raison qui n\u2019est pas trop bonne \u00e0 dire mais il n\u2019en est pas moins vray qu\u2019il s\u2019est Introduit icy depuis quelques temps un Esprit de jeu qui s\u2019est Empar\u00e9 de toutes les Tetes aupoint que Chacun veut faire fortune dans autant dheures que nos Peres y mettoyent d\u2019annees. On se jette sur nos fonds publics qui pretent plus que tout autre Employ \u00e0 La Cupidit\u00e9. Voila pourquoy La moiti\u00e9 des Terres du Royaume Sont \u00e1 vendre. Linterret qu\u2019elles rendent ne Suffit plus au Luxe actuel. Lon quitte ainsy Le Sollide pour Courrir apres La fum\u00e9e. Cette Esquisse de nos Illusions ne doit pas passer en Amerique ou l\u2019on nous prendroit pour des Sots et n\u2019est que pour vous faire voir qu\u2019il faut tourner vos vues d\u2019un autre Cot\u00e9. Il seroit bien \u00e0 Souhaiter que L\u2019Amerique Seulle p\u00fbt se Suffire \u00e0 elle meme pour ce projet.\u2014S\u2019il me seroit doux davoir de meilleures raisons \u00e0 vous donner de Limpossibilit\u00e9 que je trouve \u00e0 faire des Emprunts icy \u00e0 present, Il me le seroit bien d\u2019avantage de pouvoir faire quelque Chose d\u2019agreable \u00e0 Monsr. Wasington, et \u00e0 vous Monsieur, \u00e0 qui Je suis avec un respectueux devo\u00fcement Votre tres Humble & tres obeissant Serviteur\nGrand", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "08-30-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-15-02-0597", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 30 August 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Francis\nDear Sir\nParis Aug. 30. 1785.\nI have received no letter from you of later date than Oct. 14. 1784. Since that date I have written to you Nov. 11. Jan. 13. Feb. 5. and May 11. and to Mrs. Eppes Nov. 11. and Feb. 5. The letters of November were carried by Colo. Lemaire. He has been so kind as to write to me from Richmond Apr. 30. and to inform me of Polly\u2019s welfare and that of your family at that date. He also said in his letter that you would be glad of some seeds both for the kitchen and flower garden. The Mr. Fitzhughs being to go from here to Virginia I shall endeavor to get them to take a small packet of seeds for you, which I am obliged to make very small to enable them to take it at all. Not knowing the French names, which distinguish the best species of every kind of plant, I could only desire a good seedsman to pack up a few of what are deemed the best kinds in this country: there is only enough of each to begin a stock with. You will soon see whether any of them are preferable to what you already have. I must observe only that the Peach Apricot is one of the most valuable fruits in this country and very lately known. It is therefore worth your utmost care. I will state a list of the seeds at the end of this letter. I must now remind you that I expect from you the seeds I desired in my letter of July 1. 1784. to wit, Cypress, cedar, magnolia and myrtle, and in great quantities each. I mentioned then the method of sending them. I take the liberty of inviting the elder Mr. Fitzhugh, who we understand is elected for his county, to pay his respects to Mrs. Eppes and yourself some Saturday afternoon from Richmond. I must now repeat my wish to have Polly sent to me next summer. This however must depend on the circumstance of a good vessel sailing from Virginia in the months of April, May, June, or July. I would not have her set out sooner or later on account of the  equinoxes. The vessel should have performed one voiage at least, but not be more than four or five years old. We do not attend to this circumstance till we have been to sea, but there the consequence of it is felt. I think it would be found that all the vessels which are lost are either in their first voiage, or after they are five years old. At least there are few exceptions to this. With respect to the person to whose care she should be trusted, I must leave it to yourself and Mrs. Eppes altogether. Some good lady passing from America to France, or even England would be most eligible. But a careful gentleman who would be so kind as to superintend her would do. In this case some woman who has had the small pox must attend her. A careful negro woman, as Isabel for instance if she has had the small pox, would suffice under the patronage of a gentleman. The woman need not come further than Havre, l\u2019Orient, Nantes or whatever other port she should and at, because I would go there for the child myself, and the person could return to Virginia directly. My anxieties on this subject would induce me to endless details. But your discretion and that of Mrs. Eppes saves me the necessity. I will only add that I would rather live a year longer without her than have her trusted to any but a good ship and a summer passage. Patsy is well. She speaks French as easily as English, whilst Humphries, Short and myself are scarcely better at it than when we landed. She writes to Mrs. Eppes.\nEurope is likely to enjoy quiet. The affair between the Emperor and Dutch is settled, tho the treaty is not yet published, and there is no other storm hovering over us as yet. Perhaps one may be brewing between him and the Turks: but not for this year.\nBesides anxieties on the more important branches of my affairs I feel others also for the preservation of my improvements at home. I have no doubt but proper charges are given on this subject. It would be grievous to me to have to begin them anew. I look with impatience to the moment when I may rejoin you. There is nothing to tempt me to stay here. Present me with the most cordial affection to Mrs. Eppes, the children, and the family at Hors dumonde. I commit to Mrs. Eppes my kisses for dear Poll who hangs on my mind night and day. Adieu my dear Sir and be assured of the affection with which I am Your sincere friend & servt.\nTh: Jefferson\nJames is well and salutes all his friends.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-14-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-15-02-0598", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 14 September 1785\nFrom: Eppes, Francis\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nDr Sir\nEppington Sept. 14. 1785\nYour letters of Jan. 13. Feb. 5 and May 11 have all come to hand those of Jan. and Feb. I received 15 of May a few days after I had written you a long letter which I hope reach\u2019d you without being open\u2019d as I gave you a particular account of your affairs here. I am more inclind to think it will go safer and quicker than any other as the person who had the care of it promis\u2019d to deliver it with his own hands. Your letter of may never reach\u2019d us until 20th. of last month. I hope as you say nothing of your health you have got perfectly well.\nThe money given you by the Assembly we were oblig\u2019d to make use of as soon as the warrents cou\u2019d be issued. We shou\u2019d not have taken this liberty but for a private conversation between you and myself before you left this in which you inform\u2019d me you shou\u2019d draw no money from Virginia. Indeed the great demand for some ready money at that time woud I am certain have justifyed the measure with you. This cash and the money now due for the last Winters sales together with your present crop (which at present promises to be a good one) will I think answer every purpos[e] British debts excep[t]ed. Mr. Lewis appears of a different opinion, however you may assure your self evry possible step shall be taken that will tend in the smallest degree to your advantage. Dont count too largely upon the crops of 1783 and 1784. They were not considerable. You must keep also in your mind our inormus taxes the clothing of your people and the Education of Mrs. Carrs Sons. Those its true are the only incumberences on your Estate at present but when they are paid it lessens your crop more than your aware of. In all your three last letters you express an a[n]xiety to have Polly with you. We expected as soon as we herd your stay was prolong\u2019d in France that you wou\u2019d insist on haveing her sent to you. I most sincearly wish if you are determi[n]ed to have her that she cou\u2019d be carry\u2019d to you in one night but I cant help feeling for her when I recollect the length of time it will take her from this to Paris and that altogether with strangers, her attachment to her Aunt is so great I am certain  it will be a very dificult matter to persuaid her to leave this place with any person except your self. You wish us to fix on some person to attend her (if your resolutions are fix\u2019d to have [her] sent to you). I know of no person so proper as Colo. Le Maire, if he wou\u2019d undertake it, which I am sure he wou\u2019d. If you request it, I think next to your self and our family he has more of her affection than any other person. If I had a child under similer circumstances I know of no one I shou\u2019d so soon trust her with. I will mention the affair to the Colonel and will let you know his determination in my next letter. In one of my letters I requested you wou\u2019d indevour to procure me a tutor for our children if such a one as I decribed can be got or any one who you think will answer the purpos I cou\u2019d wish to have him here as soon as possible. This will go by the rout you direct as well as all other letters we write. I am Dr Sir Your Friend,\nFrans. Eppes", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-22-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-15-02-0599", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 September 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Eppes, Elizabeth Wayles\nDear Madam\nParis Sep. 22. 1785.\nThe Mr. Fitzhughs having staid here longer than they expected, I have (since writing my letter of Aug. 30. to Mr. Eppes) received one from Dr. Currie of Aug. 5. by which I have the happiness to learn you are all well and my Poll also. Every information of this kind is like gaining another step, and seems to say \u2018We have got so far safe.\u2019 Would to god the great step was taken and taken safely; I mean that which is to place her on this side the Atlantic. No event of your life has put it in your power to conceive how I feel when I reflect that such a child, and so dear to me, is to cross the ocean, is to be exposed to all the sufferings and risks, great and small, to which a situation on board a ship exposes every one.\u2014I drop my pen at the thought.\u2014But she must come. My affections would leave me balanced between the desire to have her with me and the fear of exposing her. But my reason tells me the dangers are not great, and the advantages to her will be considerable.\u2014I send by Mr. Fitzhugh some garden and flower seeds and bulbs. The latter I know will fall into your department. I wish the opportunity had admitted the sending more, as well as some things for the children. But Mr. Fitzhugh being to pass a long  road both here and in America, I could not ask it of him.\u2014Pray write to me, and write me long letters. Currie has sent me one worth a great deal for the details of small news it contains. I mention this as an example for you. You always know facts enough, which would be interesting to me, to fill sheets of paper. I pray you then to give yourself up to that kind of inspiration and to scribble on as long as you recollect anything unmentioned without regarding whether your lines are streight or your letters even. Remember me affectionately to Mrs. and Mr. Skipwith, and to the little ones of both houses: kiss dear Polly for me and encourage her for her journey. Accept assurances of unchangeable affection from Dear Madam your sincere friend and servant,\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-19-02-0012-0007", "content": "Title: V. Estimate of American Imports, [1785\u20131786?]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: \nFrom Europe and Africa\n  Woollen cloths of every description.\n  Linens of every description.\n  Hosiery. Hats.\n  \u2007\u00a3. sterl.\n  Gloves, shoes, boots, sadlery, & other things of leather.\n  Massachusets\n  Silks, gold & silver lace, jewellery, millinery, toys.\n  New Hampshire\n  India goods.\n  Rhode island\n  Porcelain, Glass, Earthen ware.\n  Connecticut\n  Silver, copper, brass, tin, pewter, lead, steel, iron, in every form.\n  New York\n  Upholstery, Cabinet work, Painter\u2019s colours\n  New-Jersey\n  Cheese, Pickles, Confitures, Chocolate.\n  New-Jersey\n  Pennsylvania\n  Delaware\n  Medicinal drugs, Snuff, Bees wax.\n  Maryland\n  Books, Stationary.\n  Virginia\n  Mill stones. Grindstones. Marble.\n  N. Carolina\n  Sail-cloth. Cordage. Ship chandlery. Fishing tackle.\n  S. Carolina\n  Ivory. Ebony. Barwood. Dyewood.\n  Georgia\n  Slaves!\nFrom the West Indies\n  Salt.\n  Fruits\n  Cocoa.\n  Coffee.\n  Sugar.\n  Molasses.\n  Rum.\n  Ginger. Pimenta.\n  Cotton.\n  Hides.\n  Indigo\n  Ivory. Turtle-shell\n  Lignum vitae. Sarsaparilla. Fustic. Annattas.\n  Logwood.\n  Mahogany.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "01-29-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0680", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to David Hartley, [29 January 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hartley, David\nMr. Jefferson\u2019s compliments to Mr. Hartley and sends him a copy of the act of assembly of Massachusets giving Congress the powers asked by their resolutions of Apr. 30. 1784. which act is complete. The printed leaf from the journals of the Virginia assembly contains only the beginning of the resolutions. It was inclosed him by a friend just before he left America, with information that the legislature had passed the resolutions but that the last sheet actually printed happened to contain only part of the first. In the resolutions which precede this in the same page, Mr. Hartley will see proofs of the disposition which Mr. Jefferson mentioned to him as growing in America, that is, to strengthen the hands of Congress, and to arm them with coercions sufficient to force all the states to a union of effort.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "04-01-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0681", "content": "Title: Memorandum from Thomas Ruston, [April 1785?]\nFrom: Ruston, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nQuestion by Mr. Jefferson.\nIf the people of America double their numbers in twenty five years, Query,\nHow long will it take for the increase of the Duty upon Impost to extinguish the National Debt?\nIn order to be able to answer this question fully three things are requisite.\n1st: It is necessary to know the present state of population.\n2ly: It is necessary to know the amount of the impost\u2014and\n3ly It is also necessary to know the amount of the interest to be paid on the national debt.\nSuppose for instance that the number of the people is three millions.\nThat the amount of the impost is 6,000,000 Dol. and, that the interest to be paid on the National Debt is 6,000,000.\nIn this case it is to be supposed that each individual pays at the rate of two dollars a head per Annum, and\nThat the amount of the impost is just sufficient to discharge the interest of the National Debt. But,\nAccording to the probable increase of population, if they double their numbers every 25 years, the next year the numbers will be 3,120,000 which at two dollars a head will make 6,240,000 Dollars. This will occasion a surplus of 240,000 Dollars to be applied to the extinction of the National Debt.\n240,000 Dollars applied to the extinction of the principal of the National Debt, will at four per Cent (for the United States actually pay no more than about that sum on the aggregate of their Funds) I say an extinction of 240,000 Dollars at 4 per Ct. will also make a diminution of Interest to be paid of 9,600 Dollars.\nA Similar increase of population the second year may be supposed to make a proportional increase of surplus in the produce of the impost. Thus, If there is a surplus of 240,000 Dollars the first year, there may be supposed to be a surplus of 480,000 more 9600 Dollars of the interest less to be paid.\nIn this way of computing therefore there will be at the end of the second year a surplus of 489,600 Dollars to be applied to the extinction of the capital, which will also occasion a diminution of the interest of 19,200 Dollars less to be paid.\nThis calculation is made upon the supposition that 3,000,000 of people increase at the rate of 120,000 a year which is one 25th. part, but\n they will not increase quite so fast the first year, for if they do they will increase faster the second year. Thus, If 3,000,000 produce 120,000 the first year, 3,120,000 may be supposed to produce 124,800 the second year. It will therefore be necessary to set the first years increase of population some what lower than one 25th., or 120,000.\nSo much for the method of making this calculation till the actual state of population, of revenue and of interest to be paid is more accurately known.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "05-23-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0683", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Giovanni Fabbroni, 23 May 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Fabbroni, Giovanni\nSir\nParis May 23. 1785. Cul-de-sac Tetebout.\nMr. Mazzei having done me the favor of establishing a certain degree of acquaintance between us, I took the liberty during the late war of addressing you twice or thrice by letter. I received two letters from you during the same period. Among the agreeable circumstances which my appointment to come to Europe presented to me, one was the pleasure of being placed nearer to you, which gave a hope of hearing oftener from you. I am now fixed for some time at this court as the successor to Doctr. Franklin who has obtained leave to return into the bosom of his country to finish there a life which has been distinguished by services to mankind.\nI take the liberty of presenting you with some notes giving an account of the country which once hoped to count you among it\u2019s citizens. They were written at the sollicitation of Monsr. de Marbois secretary of the French legation in America, while our country was wasting under the ravages of a cruel enemy, and whilst the writer was confined to his room by an accidental decrepitude. Less than this added to his want of talents would account for their errors and defects. Sensible of this he does not make them public, having printed a few copies only to present to particular persons. The one presented herewith is meant as a testimonial of the esteem and regard with which he has the honor to be Sir your most obedient humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "06-24-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0685", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 24 June 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Jones, John Paul\nSir\nI had prepared a letter for you to the Count de Vergennes but I think it rather better before we resort to him that the Marechal de Castries should be again applied to and the resolution of Congress and certificate of Mr. Morris presented to his view. I therefore return you the papers left with me yesterday, and your draught of a letter inclosed this morning\n which is perfectly proper in all it\u2019s parts. Should this endeavor be unsuccesful I shall be ready to make an official application for you. I am with much esteem Sir your most obedt. humble servt\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "07-05-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0686", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Hardy, James Madison, and James Monroe, 5 July 1785\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Hardy, Samuel,Madison, James,Monroe, James\nDear Sir\nParis July 5. 1785.\nThe bearer hereof, Mr. Franklin, being about to return to America, I take the liberty of presenting him to your acquaintance. Your esteem for the character of his grandfather would have procured him a favourable reception with you: and it cannot but increase your desire to know him, when you shall be assured that his worth and qualifications give him a personal claim to it. I have taken the liberty of [\u2026] your friendship myself, and am persuaded you will both be obliged to me for bringing you together, when you shall have had time to become known to each other. I beg you to be assured of the sincerity of my esteem, and of the respect with which I have the honour to be Dr. Sir Your friend & servant\nTh: Jefferson", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "09-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0689", "content": "Title: From Thomas Jefferson to John Langdon, [11 September 1785]\nFrom: Jefferson, Thomas\nTo: Langdon, John\nP.S. Since writing this letter, I receive one from Mr. Carmichael at Madrid informing me that by letters from Cadiz and Algiers he is\n advised that five American vessels had been captured by the Algerines. Portugal is arming powerfully against them. It seems probable that Spain will buy their peace. I am in hopes we shall be able to stop their depredations on us.\nI beg leave to renew my acquaintance with Miss Langdon by sending her a Doll of the present mode, dressed in Muslin, a mode which prevailing here to an almost total exclusion of silk, has literally and truly starved a great number of people. I add to it a box in which she will find a small gentleman who will teach her a short-handed and graceful manner of going down stairs.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785},
{"created_timestamp": "11-11-1785", "downloaded_timestamp": "10-19-2021", "url": "https://founders.archives.gov/API/docdata/Jefferson/01-27-02-0690", "content": "Title: To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Boylston, 11 November 1785\nFrom: Boylston, Thomas\nTo: Jefferson, Thomas\nSr\nRouen Novr 11 1785\nI arrived here Tuesday Evening. I have not as yet informed my self what price, I shall be able to realize for my Oil, but as far as I have enquired, find it will not save me harmless at any rate, except the duties charged on it be remitted. Should the Marquis de Fiat and your assistance, for that purpose prove successfull it will answer. If the terms of receiving the Cash, without being Obliged to invest some part of the amount, in French Goods, prevent its being attainable, rather than not succeed in your endeavours to have the duties remitted, I will compromise, and take one half in Cash the other in Goods, provided the whole duties are remitted. If the Marquis and you are of Opinion that Monsieur Tourlille Saugram\u2019s weight and influence, would be of service in Obtaining the remitting of the duties, I think it should be proposed to him in Order to interest him in the success of it, that the Oil cannot be sold on his terms, burdend as they are with duties, but if the duties are remitted I shall be able to treat with him on terms more to his Advantage, than I can at present, and may be an introduction to further contract another Season with him. I\u2019m Sr wth great Regard your H S\nTho Boylston\nPS\nIf the Marquis de Fiat cannot bring the Minister to grant, what we wish and would press to Obtain Viz the whole duties please to try to Obtain part\u2014perhaps he may be prevailed upon to indulge or grant us either\n \u00be \u2154 or \u00bd of said Duties to be remittd. I shall be glad to be favored with a line from you, Adviseing of the progress and prospect of success if any.\nThe Ship was not two days ago arrived, and will be reported and not enterd on her Arrival, my Letters ordering her to report and not to be enterd has been received. This is a favorable circumstance, which may be represented to the Minister that Goverment looses nothing by granting the indulgence of the duties, as She now can depart and leave the port without paying any duties whatever, which She\u2019ll be necessitated to do, if a price or indulgence for the Cargo should not be Obtained. It may be also mentiond that this sort of Oil does not interfere and clash with the Common Oil, its not put to the same use, therefore will not counteract the ministers design to promote the Common Whale Fishery, which only can be executed from hence, with probable success, not having Men Skilful and capable for the other Spemacety Fishery.\nT Boylston\nMake my Compliments to the Marquis to whom I feel my self very Obliged.", "culture": "English", "source_dataset": "Pile_of_Law", "source_dataset_detailed": "Pile_of_Law_founding_docs", "source_dataset_detailed_explanation": "Letters from U.S. founders.", "creation_year": 1785}
]